Apple stores to offer 25 iPhone accessories near launch

[AppleInsider]

Apple Inc.'s retail stores plan to offer iPhone shoppers around two dozen accessories for the multi-function handset at or around the time the device goes on sale later this week, AppleInsider has been told.

The majority of those products will likely consist of third party cases and protective gear, which are amongst the simplest for outside firms to develop given their limited exposure to the Apple handset thus far.

In addition to those third party accessories, Apple will offer at least three of its own:

A stereo headset with mic, which will be included with each iPhone, will also sell separately for $29. Meanwhile, the company's little-mentioned Bluetooth headset will reportedly fetch a whopping $129, making it one of the most expensive on the market. Apple will also sell a white iPhone dock.

Over the past couple of weeks, AT&T retail stores have also turned up periodic shipments of third party iPhone accessories. Again, these products consist primarily of cases and protective gear.

In particular, two DLO cases -- one called Jam Jacket and another called HipCase -- where spotted and photographed over the weekend.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[BdeRWest]

Yeah if that thing costs $130 I'm going to be pi-issed.

I was sort of under the impression that buying the 8GB model would net you a BT headset (ala 80GB iPods used to net you a dock while smaller-capacity ones did not). I guess not.

I can easily see someone spending $1,000 for an 8GB phone, activation fees from AT&T, tax and a Bluetooth headset, a carrying case (if you're squeamish), etc. Which sucks. That's a MacBook right there

[nagromme]

By the time I buy (next spring?) that BT headset will be under $100

The MOST expensive bluetooth headset on Amazon has an MSRP of $330! Ouch! that's $169 less than a whole iPhone! But there are planet of cheaper ones around $30-$50, and iPhone users can use those too. (However, having tried one and last year and being forced to return it for unacceptable performance, it may be that you get what you pay for. Not all have the same features.)

[nagromme]

Originally Posted by BdeRWest

Yeah if that thing costs $130 I'm going to be pi-issed.

I was sort of under the impression that buying the 8GB model would net you a BT headset (ala 80GB iPods used to net you a dock while smaller-capacity ones did not). I guess not.

I can easily see someone spending $1,000 for an 8GB phone, activation fees from AT&T, tax and a Bluetooth headset, a carrying case (if you're squeamish), etc. Which sucks. That's a MacBook right there

But it's not a MacBook with a headset, case, tax, etc.

It's a shame that some people will buy an extravagant number of accessories, but it won't really hurt those of us that choose not to.

[nevenmrgan]

AppleInsider is high as a kite, calling a $129 BT headset "one of the most expensive on the market". What market, cheapo Korean headsets?

It's expensive, sure, but I really don't know what to say to a consumer who expects Apple to introduce any product in any category and shoot for the low-to-mid price range in that category.

You'll be able to use any other BT headset with iPhone. I don't see a gun to your head making you buy Apple's.

[desarc]

25 accessories, including 12 cases, 4 plastic screen protectors, every bluetooth headseat they already have, and an AT&T branded wiping cloth.

[Abster2core]

Originally Posted by nevenmrgan

AppleInsider is high as a kite, calling a $129 BT headset "one of the most expensive on the market". What market, cheapo Korean headsets?

It's expensive, sure, but I really don't know what to say to a consumer who expects Apple to introduce any product in any category and shoot for the low-to-mid price range in that category.

You'll be able to use any other BT headset with iPhone. I don't see a gun to your head making you buy Apple's.

Agree. If this headset lives up to its claims, I am first in line. Have tested a number and most proven inadequate.

Why it is necessary to crap or desparingly comment on something you have never heard or seen before is beyond me. Least of all, the author of this article.

Actually, I relish high end and expensive accessories. Makes Apples' prices look even better.

[Ireland]

$89 would sound about right. $129 is beyond a joke.

[willrob]

iLounge is listing 45 accessories for the iPhone.

This headphone looks great

http://www.jawbone.com/meet.html

and is only $80 from a dealmac sale.

[desarc]

after watching the 20 minute movie, i think that the included wired headphones are perfect. pause, skip songs, answer and hang up. perfect. the only thing i'll be looking to buy w/ the phone is a car charger. another $29 i'm sure, just like every single phone i've bought.

wasn't there some demand for standard charging/synching ports? my slvr uses mini usb - why doesn't everything...?

[fraklinc]

that the virtual keybord is almost impossible to use, lol yeah right i have seen a beta version, ad trust me if you dont press the keys dead center it wont type it, also edge to be to slow, another laugh, because although iphone does not have the new 3G, it does not really need it yet, because the operating system does much of the work, remember its not goin to be running windows mobile, i can't wait to launch day to see it these bulshit companies are still goin to keep blaiming networks for their poor work

[Marvin]

Originally Posted by desarc

25 accessories, including 12 cases, 4 plastic screen protectors, every bluetooth headseat they already have, and an AT&T branded wiping cloth.

Yeah but you'll get 4 million configurations of those 25 accessories.

It's a pity one of the accessories wasn't a decent developer kit.

I wonder if anyone will make a keyboard for it.

[suhail]

The iPhone will include a headset with the ability to answer calls, a cool one too. But will not offer screen-protection because they claim that the new glass-screen on the iPhone is scratch-resistant. However, I would feel much better with a shield because the glass screen is non-replacable and there is no way to fix a scratch on glass. I really like the screen protector from iQase.com it rocks it's silicon based Their skins are also cool.

[melgross]

Originally Posted by BdeRWest

Yeah if that thing costs $130 I'm going to be pi-issed.

I was sort of under the impression that buying the 8GB model would net you a BT headset (ala 80GB iPods used to net you a dock while smaller-capacity ones did not). I guess not.

I can easily see someone spending $1,000 for an 8GB phone, activation fees from AT&T, tax and a Bluetooth headset, a carrying case (if you're squeamish), etc. Which sucks. That's a MacBook right there

You're about the only one with that impression. What would make you think that Apple, or anyone, would bundle such an expensive accessory with a phone, without charging even more?

If Apple was going to do that, they would have mentioned it back in January, when the phone was introduced, and the prices stated.

[johnsharrington]

Anybody who is planning to sign up with AT&T for the first time must know this. The apple iphone is not discounted for new subscribers, so you can take advantage of a discounted or free phone with your new 2-year contract. (do it before you get your iphone) Then purchase the iPhone at the $499 or $599 price just like everybody else. If you sell it on ebay you can probably recover about 1/2 the cost of the iPhone.

I bought http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Ericsson-...2794471&sr=8-1

It was $.01 with a $100 rebate. I just got it in the mail, and I'm going to get the iPhone on Friday. (I'm switching from Verizon)

[melgross]

Originally Posted by Ireland

$89 would sound about right. $129 is beyond a joke.

That's just your random made-up pricing, without any knowledge of what it is actually worth.

Why don't you look up BT models and compare prices?

After you do that, look up some reviews. Few cheap ($89) models seem to be much good.

[wilco]

Gizmodo "has a tip from a "high up source" that the iPhone data plan is going to be around $34.99 to $44.99."

[Kasper]

Originally Posted by wilco

Gizmodo "has a tip from a "high up source" that the iPhone data plan is going to be around $34.99 to $44.99."

It's not Giz, it's Boy Genius, which has been know to have an AT&T retail managerial source.

Best,

K

[melgross]

Originally Posted by wilco

Gizmodo "has a tip from a "high up source" that the iPhone data plan is going to be around $34.99 to $44.99."

They should tell that person to get an apartment on a lower floor.

[BlackSummerNight]

How do you know what it's actually worth? Have you used it yet. I bought a motorola BT headset for a friend, for 79 bucks and it works great.

Originally Posted by melgross

That's just your random made-up pricing, without any knowledge of what it is actually worth.

Why don't you look up BT models and compare prices?

After you do that, look up some reviews. Few cheap ($89) models seem to be much good.

[BRussell]

Originally Posted by johnsharrington

Anybody who is planning to sign up with AT&T for the first time must know this. The apple iphone is not discounted for new subscribers, so you can take advantage of a discounted or free phone with your new 2-year contract. (do it before you get your iphone) Then purchase the iPhone at the $499 or $599 price just like everybody else. If you sell it on ebay you can probably recover about 1/2 the cost of the iPhone.

I bought http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Ericsson-...2794471&sr=8-1

It was $.01 with a $100 rebate. I just got it in the mail, and I'm going to get the iPhone on Friday. (I'm switching from Verizon)

I hope that works for you. I'd be reluctant until we heard for sure that kind of thing was possible with the iPhone. It's probably will, but you never know.

[BlackSummerNight]

That sounds like a good plan. I'm not a new customer, but my contract is up and they give the same discount for renewals.

Originally Posted by johnsharrington

Anybody who is planning to sign up with AT&T for the first time must know this. The apple iphone is not discounted for new subscribers, so you can take advantage of a discounted or free phone with your new 2-year contract. (do it before you get your iphone) Then purchase the iPhone at the $499 or $599 price just like everybody else. If you sell it on ebay you can probably recover about 1/2 the cost of the iPhone.

I bought http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Ericsson-...2794471&sr=8-1

It was $.01 with a $100 rebate. I just got it in the mail, and I'm going to get the iPhone on Friday. (I'm switching from Verizon)

[johnsharrington]

Originally Posted by BRussell

I hope that works for you. I'd be reluctant until we heard for sure that kind of thing was possible with the iPhone. It's probably will, but you never know.

We do know that the iPhone will be available to all AT&T customers at the same price. $499 or $599 regardless of whether or not you qualify for an upgrade. Why sign up for a 2-year commitment without taking advantage of their free phone offers or substantial discounts on other phones.

Apple confirmed that you must sign up for a 2 year contract, so there is no benefit to wasting your "upgrade" on the iPhone or signing up for new service with just the iPhone.

[Louzer]

Originally Posted by fraklinc

that the virtual keybord is almost impossible to use, lol yeah right i have seen a beta version, ad trust me if you dont press the keys dead center it wont type it

I'm sorry, does that make it 'good', that you actually have to hit the key dead-center?

[a_greer]

Originally Posted by desarc

and an AT&T branded wiping cloth.

THAT IS A FREEBE...or should be anyway, they have been free with every cell phone I ever bought.

[Louzer]

Originally Posted by nevenmrgan

You'll be able to use any other BT headset with iPhone. I don't see a gun to your head making you buy Apple's.

Not that I pay attention to things like Bluetooth headphones, but has this been confirmed or just standard speculation? And does it also work for the iPod portion?

[melgross]

Originally Posted by BlackSummerNight

How do you know what it's actually worth? Have you used it yet. I bought a motorola BT headset for a friend, for 79 bucks and it works great.

I didn't say that I did. Did I?

My post was in response to another person saying what it was worth.

I simply said to compare prices, and to look at reviews of similarly priced models, and note that the cheaper ones usually get worse reviews.

I'm happy for you.

But did you try others?

[BlackSummerNight]

No I didn't try others. I don't like using BT headsets, I just got it for my friend. I really don't see how one would differ from another,besides style, but I didn't research it at all.

Originally Posted by melgross

I didn't say that I did. Did I?

My post was in response to another person saying what it was worth.

I simply said to compare prices, and to look at reviews of similarly priced models, and note that the cheaper ones usually get worse reviews.

I'm happy for you.

But did you try others?

[wilco]

Originally Posted by fraklinc

that the virtual keybord is almost impossible to use, lol yeah right i have seen a beta version, ad trust me if you dont press the keys dead center it wont type it, also edge to be to slow, another laugh, because although iphone does not have the new 3G, it does not really need it yet, because the operating system does much of the work, remember its not goin to be running windows mobile, i can't wait to launch day to see it these bulshit companies are still goin to keep blaiming networks for their poor work

No offense, but are you retarded?

[GaspinRasputin]

Getting a plan and a phone, selling it on ebay... that's genius. I wasn't going to get an iphone but for $350 I can afford it! I just wonder if ATT hasn't already thought of a way to shut this down?

[BlackSummerNight]

Has anyone thought about the not so new law that passed that cell phone companies must unlock you phone if you ask them to, so that you can use them on any network you want? This would really help out a lot of people who don't have Cingular, but still want to use the iPhone on their carriers network, minus the feature that only Cingular can provide.

[SpinDrift]

I don't think $129 is that expensive for a quality BT headset. The last one I bought (Jabra X10) cost me £99 (About $190) and I ended up taking it back because it was uncomfortable in use. I didn't get a new one because the cheaper ones at the time had rubbish battery performance or looked stupid. As long as the performance matches the looks, Apple will sell shed loads of the new headset, probably even to none iPhone users too.

[mariofreak85]

try to get the unlock code from AT&T before you sell it. (tell them you're planning a trip to europe) An unlocked phone can usually be sold for more

[JeffDM]

Originally Posted by desarc

wasn't there some demand for standard charging/synching ports? my slvr uses mini usb - why doesn't everything...?

Do you have an iPod charger? My understanding is that a lot of iPod accessories will work because it uses the same jack. If you have a car charger for iPod, then you already have an iPhone charger. Normally, I don't like proprietary connectors, but the iPod dock connector is versatile enough, with provisions for charging, syncing, video output, audio output and other control & IO features.

[JeffDM]

Originally Posted by BlackSummerNight

Has anyone thought about the not so new law that passed that cell phone companies must unlock you phone if you ask them to, so that you can use them on any network you want? This would really help out a lot of people who don't have Cingular, but still want to use the iPhone on their carriers network, minus the feature that only Cingular can provide.

The explanation that I've seen of that law is not that they have to unlock the phone, it is that they cannot penalize anyone that unlocks a phone, or sue those that offer an unlocking service.

[GaspinRasputin]

I just talked to the people at ATT about the idea of getting a phone today for nothing and then getting the iphone on Friday. They told me I would be required to return the old phone... I didn't really understand their reasoning, but that was what they told me. I switched anyhow because my Sprint service sucks, my old phone just broke down, and Sprint was really expensive. They gave me a free Razor to use for the next few days, but said that I would have to return it on Friday. Maybe they knew what I was going to do and they were bullshitting me. Anyway I'm glad I switched now because they said on Friday that it would be too crazy... They have the media showing up and all kinds of craziness. I knew I wasn't alone in being Mac possessed I just had no idea of the scope. Anyway, I just wanted to update you on that experience.

[GaspinRasputin]

I guess I'm still stuck in that late nineties thinking about Apple. We've come a long way baby!

[mstone]

Originally Posted by GaspinRasputin

I switched anyhow because my Sprint service sucks, ... Anyway I'm glad I switched ...

I talked to Verizon today about my account. It turns out that I would have pay $150 to cancel my contract. Anyway I ended up reducing my plan down to emergency status ($20/month) for the rest of the contract. I guess it doesn't hurt too much to have a back up cell phone.

Now I need an iPhone and a new Expresscard data card for my new MacBook Pro. Any recommendations on the Cingular/AT&T data cards. Which do you think is best?

[wnurse]

Originally Posted by melgross

That's just your random made-up pricing, without any knowledge of what it is actually worth.

Why don't you look up BT models and compare prices?

After you do that, look up some reviews. Few cheap ($89) models seem to be much good.

I have a bluetooth headset for less than 89 bucks.. mine works fine, i have never had a problem and i've had it for a while so yeah, 129 is expensive. On the other hand, as someone said, apple never shoots for low end or midrange. You can make a case for apple headset without bashing the competition. It's very annoying when people who love apple products defend the price by bashing the competition. I have a BT bluetooth that cost less than $89 bucks and it works darn good. I'll bet u a year salary that apple bluetooth price is not all due to superior quality. Here is what you are getting.. a $89 bluetooth headset where you are paying 20 bucks for the apple name and another 20 bucks for style. It's still a $89 bluetooth headset. It probably matches the iphone and you look stylish.. so yeah, you wanna trash $89 bluetooth headset, you are probably trashing the apple bluetooth headset. There is nothing wrong with style.. For example, Northface jackets cost a lot of money, i can find equally well made clothes or even superior generic made clothes for less.. but they are not made by Northface. Doesn't mean the other gear is cheap or worthless.

[melgross]

Originally Posted by wnurse

I have a bluetooth headset for less than 89 bucks.. mine works fine, i have never had a problem and i've had it for a while so yeah, 129 is expensive. On the other hand, as someone said, apple never shoots for low end or midrange. You can make a case for apple headset without bashing the competition. It's very annoying when people who love apple products defend the price by bashing the competition. I have a BT bluetooth that cost less than $89 bucks and it works darn good. I'll bet u a year salary that apple bluetooth price is not all due to superior quality. Here is what you are getting.. a $89 bluetooth headset where you are paying 20 bucks for the apple name and another 20 bucks for style. It's still a $89 bluetooth headset. It probably matches the iphone and you look stylish.. so yeah, you wanna trash $89 bluetooth headset, you are probably trashing the apple bluetooth headset. There is nothing wrong with style.. For example, Northface jackets cost a lot of money, i can find equally well made clothes or even superior generic made clothes for less.. but they are not made by Northface. Doesn't mean the other gear is cheap or worthless.

Now you're making things up. While I didn't say that all cheaper headsets were bad, most seem to be.

But, you know nothing about Apple's.