How to acquire a non-working, "dummy," iPhone 4

Question

Level 1

8 points

How to acquire a non-working, "dummy," iPhone 4

Hello all,

I called Apple Small Business (I believe) to ask how I could acquire a dummy iPhone4. You know, a non-working, display-type prop.

The Apple rep said "I can't sell you one of those; contact any local retail store that has iPhone." Well, no one can help me (yet), saying the receive working iPhones for their displays!

Anyone have any ideas? Apple reps, feel free to contribute!

Thanks! 🙂

MACBook, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Jun 28, 2010 3:39 PM

Reply

Answer 1

shafnitz

Level 1

14 points

Jun 28, 2010 4:51 PM in response to my-amuh

No one thought to check eBay, huh?
http://shop.ebay.com/?from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m570.l1313&nkw=iphone4dummy

I bought an iPhone 3GS dummy for my 2 year old son a while back. It was a pretty impressive replica, down to working buttons and very close weight. The iPhone 4 dummies look a little pricey, but you asked, so there's your answer.

Reply

Answer 2

EBSkater

Level 2

496 points

Jun 28, 2010 3:54 PM in response to my-amuh

my-amuh wrote:
Hello all,

I called Apple Small Business (I believe) to ask how I could acquire a dummy iPhone4. You know, a non-working, display-type prop.

The Apple rep said "I can't sell you one of those; contact any local retail store that has iPhone." Well, no one can help me (yet), saying the receive working iPhones for their displays!

Anyone have any ideas? Apple reps, feel free to contribute!

Thanks! 🙂

Best way is to open up a new AT&T account, purchase an iP4 with that account, then gut it and fill it with cement. That'd work and be easier.

Reply

Answer 3

Mad Macs

Level 1

40 points

Jun 28, 2010 4:03 PM in response to my-amuh

I wonder if there might be some crafty way of using one of the after market cases to help you create your item? You would have the dimensions you need based on the interior of the case.

Just sayin'.

Reply

Answer 4

my-amuh Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 28, 2010 4:09 PM in response to mikebookpro1

Perhaps they don't exist.

Only Apple can say for sure. The rep on the phone told me, "I can't sell you one – contact a local store." He didn't say, "They don't exist." Maybe he doesn't know either!!

Reply

Answer 5

EBSkater

Level 2

496 points

Jun 28, 2010 6:27 PM in response to shafnitz

Did anyone notice anything on those auctions? If you view the description, it says "*This dummy is for display, it can be used to make a phone call*"

So the dummy phones CAN be used to make calls, without any internal parts! Jobs is taking us for fools! :-D

Reply

Answer 6

jmcaruso

Level 1

17 points

Jun 28, 2010 6:44 PM in response to my-amuh

I would create a mould using a Polysiloxane material . Or you can co to a makeup supply (for movie makeup) and get their silicone material. Follow the instructions and create a negative mould then pour that with plaster of paris or high density dental stone used for crown and bridge dies. This should give you a pretty exact replica that you don't have to worry about and the mould cab be re-used

Reply

Answer 7

Jun 28, 2010 3:39 PM in response to my-amuh

why?

Reply

Answer 8

my-amuh Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 28, 2010 3:56 PM in response to BigDaveS123

Well, I want to create my own case with a special feature. It will require applying a heated material around the phone.

I DON'T want to do that with a real, functioning phone!

Reply

Answer 9

D-28

Level 1

40 points

Jun 28, 2010 3:58 PM in response to my-amuh

If you're committed to something like that, why don't you just buy one with no commitment, gut it, and chalk it up to an expenditure required to fulfill your dream build.

Reply

Answer 10

Jun 28, 2010 4:07 PM in response to my-amuh

Ive never seen a dummy iphone.

Reply

Answer 11

my-amuh Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 28, 2010 4:08 PM in response to Mad Macs

D-28, that's too expensive for me!

Mad Macs, that's a good idea about using a case to make a case. I could fill it with some modeling clay or something ...

Reply