[Mobilepartners] New Pricing for the iPhone 8GB: $399 from $599

[Andrew Yu]

Greetings!

Apple made a number of announcements today primarily centered around the 
iPhone and the new iPods.

While the details are still rolling in, here are some notable highlights:

1. 8GB iPhone will now sell for $399.00 ($599 as of yesterday)
2. 4GB iPhone will be discontinued ($299 while supplies last)
3. iPod touch (iPhone minus the phone and cellular data capability) is now 
available in 8GB and 16GB flavors.
4. Music can be purchased directly from the iPhone and the new iPod Touch.

Full coverage is available from the following URL:
http://www.engadget.com/

There are some hints of new software update for the iPhone as well. So, I 
will keep you posted to see if Apple will release some key updates that we 
have been looking for.

We will be sending out our iPhone evaluation results in the next few days, 
but in the meanwhile, here are some caveats for those considering the 
iPhone:

1. It's the first generation product. It might be better to wait (confirmed 
with the new pricing).
2. AT&T: The voice and data network is less than ideal for many locations in 
and around the MIT campus. Those considering the iPhone should make sure 
that the AT&T coverage is adequate.
3. Email: Works great generally. Few known issues that include handling MIT 
voicemail as an attachment files, lack of search capability, etc.
4. Certificates: Personal certificates that are commonly used at MIT are not 
suppored by the iPhone at this time.
5. Lack of 3G network compatibility (data is slow when outside of a Wi-Fi 
area).
6. TechTime Calendar Synchronization: At this time, there is no reliable 
method for 2-way synchronization between the iPhone and the TechTime 
Calendar.
7. International Roaming: iPhone can get expensive if using the celluar data 
abroad. AT&T currently does not provide an "unlimited" data plan for 
international travelers.

More detailed information about the evaluation results will be made 
available soon via the Mobile Partners Mailing List.

Cheers,

Andrew

_______________________________
Andrew Yu
Mobile Devices Platform Coordinator
Information Services & Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Phone: 617-324-8985
Email: andrewyu at mit.edu
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