Where to buy an iPhone 2g... and a question about using it

No, the 1st gen iPhone is no longer for sale. It is a discontinued product.

Anyone that is still selling the V1 iPhone is going to be a non-authorized reseller.

I have not heard of a company - besides Ebay auctions - offering the V1 phone for sale.

You would not be able to simply switch the SIM cards. You might be able to keep the same number though. You have to sign up for the special iPhone plan (with unlimited Internet).

mwischmann wrote:
You would not be able to simply switch the SIM cards. You might be able to keep the same number though. You have to sign up for the special iPhone plan (with unlimited Internet).

That is true. First, GoPhone plans are different from iPhone plans. You must cancel the GoPhone plan and upgrade to the iPhone plan. Right now, I am uncertain if AT&T or whatever your provider still offers plans for a refurbished 1G or 2G iPhone, only because Apple has discontinued them. When and if you get that far, you must (and i mean must) sign up for the Unlimited Data plan, only because Apple requires it. You will have to pay extra for that, basically the luxury taxes of having an iPhone. And, in response to your post mwischmann, you will be able to keep your phone number, because they transfer that with the SIM card.

I understand your concern about ebay, but its a good way to get the device you want. Just make sure you buy from a reputable buyer and always pay with paypal. It protects you. I buy and sell on ebay very often. I have done so for the past 2 years so while I know it's a lot of bad people out there, just do your research on the seller. Also, I got my original iphone from someone who listed on craigslist. So check that out too for listing in your local area.

I recommend ebay. I sold my 2G on ebay - you will pay through the nose thou! Just be sure the individual you are buying from has GREAT feedback. I wouldn't buy from anybody that has less than 98% positive feedback. Some of the ebayer specialize with selling iphones so I would look at one of them first and read their feedback! Be sure you buy it through paypal also. They do offer some protection for the sale. Not sure if your from US but would only buy from someone in US.

i truly recommend buying a NEW 3G.

It is a cheaper and better model and has more support now to come and in the future.

The iPhone is going to be your companion for years - so consider the new one as it will be much more worthwile As buying second hand.

I am not sure about this. I know the phone will do what you ask because if I take my sim card out the wifi works and you just don't have phone service. The problem might be when you activate it you might not be able to unlock it in the begining.

I am not sure about this either, but I think that as long as you do not update the phone while it is being used as an iPod Touch, it should be okay. I am not certain about it when you remove the SIM card or when you deactivate it either, because I THINK the phone requires that the SIM card is inserted during operation. Make sure that before you take the SIM out, put the phone in Airplane Mode. You can still enable Wi-Fi connection without using the cellular network, if you didn't already know of that.

Buy one on ebay from a person. You are safer with ebay than craigslist anyway because Paypal will refund you the money lost.

ATT will give you a contract if you bring the phone, you don't even need a contract, you can go month by month.
$40/month for voice
$20/month for unlimited data + 200 sms