Get a refurbished 16GB iPhone 3G for $149
Sure, you can get the 8GB model for $99, but an extra 50 bucks buys you twice as much storage space. Once you start filling up on apps and video, you'll be mighty glad to have it.
If you need proof that new iPhone models are just around the corner, check out the latest refurb deal from AT&T: you can now get a refurbished 16GB iPhone 3G for just $149. Shipped!
That's $50 less than the last time I wrote about iPhone refurbs (when, admittedly, I was more focused on the $99 8GB model, which is still available) and a big fat $150 less than the price of a new unit.
And, hey, if you're gonna get an iPhone, you might as well get as much storage as you can. (Trust me, 8GB doesn't go very far.)
Of course, as I've mentioned before, it's not the price of the phone itself that stalls most people, it's the monthly bill. AT&T's bare-minimum service and data plans will run you $70 per month, plus another few bucks in taxes and fees.
Plus, you have to sign up for a two-year contract, but there are always ways around that if you really need to get out.
My only complaint with this deal is the 90-day warranty, but I believe you can purchase one of Apple's extended warranties at the end of that period--probably a good idea.
So, should you hop on this or wait for whatever next-gen iPhone Apple has waiting in the wings? Given that you'll be able to upgrade this model to OS 3.0 in a couple months, I say hop. I'd be very, very surprised if the hardware price ever gets lower than this.
Once you've received your shiny, new (well, slightly used) precious, be sure to check out my six killer iPhone freebies. Because the last thing you want to do is spend more money, right?