Thread: Are you buying the N900? (Quick poll)
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theflew is offline theflew
2009-08-27 , 02:46
Posts: 237 | Thanked: 167 times | Joined on Feb 2007 @ Powell, OH
#104
Originally Posted by deeteroderdas View Post
That $700 is a very real number if, as indicated, the "N900" is only going to be available at the "subsidized" rate through T-Mobile. Since I am on AT&T, and have no pressing desire to jump, I would have to buy an unlocked phone at full price, and swap my SIM.

Don't be fooled, though. "subsidized" is in quotes for a reason. It really isn't subsidized, you're paying for it (and more) through the two years of your contract. So, it's more like leasing, with interest.

The cell phone status quo in the U.S. is outrageous. We are held hostage to these monopolies, and pay them for the privilege.
Technically you're not paying for it since the cost of your service does not change regardless of whether you sign a contract or not. Sure the cost of "subsidized" phones are part of the underlying service cost, but the phone companies could care less if you walk in with a unlocked phone since you'll still be paying the same monthly cost as someone on contract. They probably like you more since they would have made more of a profit.

I agree the status quo isn't good, but don't pretend the options with the N900 are any different than the Pre or iPhone. The only crime here is cell phone manufacture artificially price the unlocked devices high to force you into a carrier.
 

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