ATT or Apple Store for purchase? Any difference?

Joseph,

I never intended to discount your experience, nor did I intend to imply your experience did not happen. If I came off that way I apologize. I was simply trying to let people know that this is not the way it was supposed to work. I don't want people getting the impression that your bad experience is the norm.

As for calling the customer service rep, I put out that option to try to save people the drive to a far away Apple store. The Apple store will replace it same day. When you call the number, they send you a loaner iPhone for you to use during the time that your phone is being repaired. This way you have as little down time as possible.

I understand that you are angry with the service you recieved from both Apple and AT&T. I would be too. I was simply mentioning that neither Allan or I did that to you - we were just trying to help.

From the $100 debacle, I'd say it was a safer bet to buy from the Apple Store.

Additionally - after I bought my iPhone on launch day from my local AT&T store (line of 20, as opposed to 300+) it fried out 2 days ago.

I made an appointment at the Genius bar, went there after work, and they exchanged it for me - no issues.

So while in theory, you CAN buy it from either retail outlet - and the service arm of the device remains Apple, Inc., I'd still recommend buying from Apple.

To each his/her own but Apple sets the retail price for the iPhone so the sales price is identical at either location and Apple also determines the return for credit policy - if returned within 14 days of the purchase date with or without reason and if the packaging is opened there is a 10% restocking fee is also identical at either location and Apple handles all iPhone repairs or exchanges under warranty regardless where the iPhone was purchased.

The only contact I've had with the AT&T Store where I purchased my iPhone was when I made the purchase. This AT&T Store has not seen hide nor hair of me nor heard from me since my purchase on 6/29 and my original purchase had an occasional crackling earpiece problem within the first two weeks. I called AppleCare and it was decided that my iPhone should be picked up for inspection and testing for repair or replacement. A loaner iPhone was sent at no charge and AppleCare made the decision to send me an exchange. The entire process took less than 5 business days with shipping in both directions included and I wasn't asked once by AppleCare where my iPhone was purchased.

If purchased at an Apple or AT&T Store, an appointment with a "genius" at an Apple Store is still required when there is a problem if one prefers taking their iPhone to an Apple Store in person vs calling AppleCare and handling a repair or exchange under warranty over the phone.

I just don't see the benefit with one over the other because frankly there isn't one in regards to repairs or exchanges under warranty.

hi Ansuz:

Your wrong.Period.
Did you ever have to return a phone?

Apple store has way more acessories