EXCLUSIVE: PAYG iPhone 3G Getting Staggered Release Comments

What a waste of time. So they're basically just charging you the cost of what, a £25 a month contract for zero minutes all up front? I would have definitely respected them if they'd aimed for the original iPhone price. I'm not sure what AppleShafted is a pun OF but it's a colourful neologism that reflects my instant reaction.

wow, £500 PAYG and still it's locked. They're taking the Mickey. Anyone know if they unlock it after a time period has elapsed or are we in jailbreak territory again?

If you can't think of any reasons to buy an unsubsidised handset then you're just not thinking very hard. Example; my employer is a Vodafone corporate customer. They aren't going to switch over our entire account just because one or two staff would like an iPhone - however much O2 might like us to. So, an unsubsidised unlocked handset would be the way to go. Just like any other smartphone in the world!

Trick Dickie- I've got my thinking cap on...still can't figure it out. Remember the phone is Locked still...even after handing over 10 big ones. So it can only be used on the O2 network. You might as well get one on contract if you that desperate (or ebay) and throw the contract in the bin, pay your monthly bill and hack it. Just like the last iphone then. Shame.

500 quid isnt much more then the new htc diamond, and i bet the russian hackers will have you able to unlock this for free before the fall.

The Diamond can be got for under £440 from Expansys SIM free, unlocked, and without a contract... Seems like a better deal to me! (that and I hate the iPhone with it's limited feature set and over hyping)