Camera Phones Plaza

Although the gadget does not function properly and it costs twice as much as in the United States, the iPhone can be bought in China. Moreover, it appears that Apple Inc. does not even sell the phone there.

Still, people are willing to pay almost $1,170 for an iPhone, straight from the electronics markets in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou. And if that is not all, the Chinese version of the iPhone can make calls and send text messages, but it is unable to receive calls, and the voicemail function does not work as well.

While Apple is only selling the iPhone in the United States, where it is restricted to AT&T Inc.'s cellular network, hackers have been recently successful in unlocking the gadget so that it can be used on other carriers as well.

China has the world's largest number of mobile phone users and the market is expected to grow in the coming years as well. It is said that the number of Chinese mobile phone subscribers should reach 520 million this year, up from 460 million in 2006.

In a Beijing shop, there are almost 30 iPhone inquiries a day, from people who don't care about the phone's price or the fact that it is not fully functional. The phones come from the southern industrial boomtown of Shenzhen, but it is not known how the iPhones got to China in the first place.

If people consider the iPhone too expensive or not worth the price tag, there is an alternative for the handset users who won't pay the full price.

iPhone usually came USD 500 in the case of the 4 GB version and USD 600 for the 8 GB one. But a refurbished iPhone is USD 100 cheaper, thus the prices drop at USD 400 and USD 500.

The phones have the same features as the ones that can be found in stores, but these devices have encountered problems and brought back to Apple for replacing or maintenance issues. Nevertheless, some of the problems with the phone are only minor and make little difference between this product and the one bought off the shelf.

It sounds like a gamble to buy such devices,as people might have experienced software problems and scratches, but Apple has reconditioned the phones and fixed all issues that might have meddled with its full functionality.

Apple now offers a full one year warranty, the same that is given for the brand new device. Shipping is free and the iPhone costs less, so there is a chance that many people will take advantage of this offer.

ColorWare will make it possible for iPhones to have almost 30 different colors, apart from the stylish and elegant black. People will now have the chance of adding color to the touchscreen phone, making it stand out. Apart from the colors, the iPhone will keep its previous performances.

ColorWare is using X2 coating technology in adding colours to to the phone's case, therefore a scratch resistant liquid plastic coating is applied to the coating. This technology is exclusievely used by ColorWare and does not fade in time. It also blocks UV rays.

This customization process costs USD 150 applied on the iPhone the customer currently owns. new handset already customized can be purchased for USD 650 for the 4GB version and USD 750 for the 8 GB one.

Vaja, a luxury electronics accessory maker, has rolled out its first Apple iPhone case. The case is unofficially named Vaja Retro Pouch for iPhone. The horizontal model has a long flap, which folds over the iPhone’s side, while the vertical model provides a deep pouch and smaller flap that folds over the top of the Apple iPhone.

Ever thought of getting an iPhone but can't get out of your existing contract? Well, Consumerist points out 6 ways for you to get rid of your At&T contract so you can buy that nice upcoming iPhone.

1. Sell your current contract. For this you can use CellSwapper, CellTradeUSA or Resellular.

2. Start complaining to AT&T like a little girl about everything you can think of and force them to end the contract. Also, a mention about some government agency wouldn't hurt.

3. Wait for a change in rates, like text-messages rates, and then you have the right to cancel the contract.

4. Move somewhere outside the plan's coverage area. Ok, this could mean you must move to Cambodia but hey, it's the iPhone we're talking about.

5. Joined the armed forces. If you are called to "active duty" you can automatically cancel your contract. No comment.

6. Fax in your death certificate, or, to be more realistic, have someone fax it for you. This is extreme but, remember, you must get the iPhone, and nothing can stop you.


Via [gadgetell]