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Apple releases unlocked iPhone 3G in Hong Kong
Breaking with its preferred business model, Apple has released an unlocked version of the iPhone 3G in Hong Kong, allowing users to pick their preferred carrier.
The phones will go on sale in Hong Kong at prices of $695 for the 8GB model and $798 for the 16GB version. If those numbers look strikingly high, it's only because Apple's business plan has been to pair the iPhone 3G with a carrier in a given market--for instance, AT&T Mobility in the United States--which subsidizes the cost of the phone because customers are required to sign a service contract and pay for data plans.
Previously, the iPhone was only available in Hong Kong paired with a two-year service contract from Hutchinson, and included a $25 (HK$188) monthly fee. Now customers will be able to put their old SIM card into the iPhone and activate it in iTunes. It's not clear whether this gamble will pay off, though it could put more pressure on Apple to unlock the phones in other markets.
For more:
- see this article
Related Articles:
iPhone 3G gets unlocked
T-Mobile Germany to sell unlocked iPhone--for 999 euros
Comments (10) | Post a comment
Comments
Posted by scott in apac | September 29, 2008 - 1:09pm
I think that's HK$188/month (about USD$25)
Posted by Phil Goldstein | September 29, 2008 - 2:09pm
The figures being discussed in the article are supposed to be in USD ($). The phones will cost about HK$5,400 for the 8GB model and HK$6,200 for the 16B model. This means the $188 fee translates to about HK$1,460.
Posted by Anonymous | September 29, 2008 - 2:54pm
well, its HKD188, not USD, so about (US$25)
ATT really jacked up the service prices
Posted by Phil Goldstein | September 29, 2008 - 4:31pm
Duly noted. The prices were correct in USD amounts, but the service fee was in HK$.
Posted by Langkasuka | September 29, 2008 - 4:59pm
What about my country Malaysia n my neighbour country - Thailand n Indonesia..... i like to know what's in Apple CEO,COO mind / Brain about three country ? When the devices available in open market? Why this Apple's COO make a regulation / Contract for two years? Who's trained this COO ( Mr Bean ?)in Pug Ugly modus operandy? Look at Nokia Tube n Motorola coming soon's marketing strategies all over the worlds........ Realize n realistic the era's nowaday....
Posted by Willie Lu | September 29, 2008 - 6:22pm
iPhone Kingdom will soon Crash.
There are over half million fake unlocked 3G iPhone already in China market with RMB2200 (US$250). If you buy ten sets and more, it is only about $170 each.
There is one company called M8, sold iPhone-like phone for only $140 (RMB1000).
So it is just a matter of time when iPhone will lose its ground.
Foxcomm will also deliver its iPhone-like smartphone soon, targetting price of $150 unlocked full version.
Posted by Anonymous | September 29, 2008 - 6:42pm
HK$5,400 is for geniun iPhone. It is only HK$3,100 for "Water" iPhone - meaning fake, but same quality and same materials.
Posted by Anonymous | October 8, 2008 - 11:46pm
"water" in HK language doesn't mean fake. It means parallel imports (ie not imported by Apple). You get the geniun product but without warranty. Some functionalities may not work properly.
Posted by Anonymous | October 8, 2008 - 11:48pm
"water" in HK language doesn't mean fake. It means parallel imports (ie not imported by Apple). You get the geniun product but without warranty. Some functionalities may not work properly.
Posted by Anonymous | November 25, 2008 - 4:51am
THIS ITEMS ARE FOR SALES AND THEY ARE BRAND NEW, UNLOCKED WITH ALL THE COMPLETE ACCESSORIES IN THE ORIGINAL BOX, INTERESTED BUYER SHOULD CONTACT US THROUGH EMAIL AT: stopover@live.com
3G iPhone for $300usd
HTC Touch Pro for $400usd
NOKIA N96 16GB for $450usd
HTC Touch Diamond for $350usd
Samsung i900 Omnia for $400usd
Samsung i8510 INNOV8 for $400usd
Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 for $330usd
iPhone 3G Specs:
UMTS/HSDPA (850, 1900, 2100 MHz)
GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
Wi-Fi (802.11b/g)
Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
Height: 4.5 inches (115.5 mm)
Width: 2.4 inches (62.1 mm)
Depth: 0.48 inch (12.3 mm)
Weight: 4.7 ounces (133 grams)
Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery3
Charging via USB to computer system or power adapter
Talk time:4
Up to 5 hours on 3G
Up to 10 hours on 2G
Standby time: Up to 300 hours5
Internet use:
Up to 5 hours on 3G6
Up to 6 hours on Wi-Fi7
Video playback: Up to 7 hours8
Audio playback: Up to 24 hours9
2.0 megapixels
Item in the box:
iPhone 3G
Stereo Headset with mic
Dock Connector to USB Cable
USB Power Adapter
Documentation
Cleaning/polishing cloth
SIM eject tool
EMAIL US IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BUYING.
CONTACT EMAIL: stopover@live.com
We offer prompt shipping from our Store, The product will arrive at your destination within 2 Days Via UPS Courier Services.
THANKS.
