Source: Tom's Guide US | Keywords: iphone, china, wifi, apple, unicom | Themes: Smartphones, 3GSM
No Wi-Fi for Chinese iPhone.
The iPhone has been a mostly worldwide offering since the 3G model – except for in China. But now that's all changing today with the official launch of the iPhone 3GS on Unicom in China.
Unfortunately, the first batch of these phones are crippled as they come without any Wi-Fi capability. According to the AP, the proposed iPhone hardware with Wi-Fi was temporarily banned by Beijing (who was in favor of a rival Chinese system), but the ban was relaxed in May. By that time, however, manufacturing had already begun for the China-bound iPhones.
Unicom is now working with Apple to bring back Wi-Fi in future shipments and hopes to have things solved by the end of this year.
The issue of missing Wi-Fi isn't the only thing that could put off those interested in getting an iPhone 3GS with Unicom – those eager to get their hands on the device can buy it cheaper on the street than through the carrier.
The AP reported that Unicom's prices range from 4,999 yuan ($730) to 6,999 yuan ($1,025) for 32GB iPhone 3GS. Shockingly, those who shop in independent cell phone shops can pick up a 3GS with Wi-Fi for 5,700 yuan ($835).
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Damn, those are some inflated prices!
Or they could buy one of the iPhone knock offs for 200-400$ Not sure about the quality but they sure are cheaper.
http://www.dealextreme.com/products.dx/category.511
Wow, I can't imagine those will sell well. Will be more of a status symbol at those prices.
I have learned never sacrifice price over quality especially when it comes to chinese products. You will end up spending your valuable time with problems and even spend multiple times replacing or trying fixing a knock off when you could have just paid a little more for a quality original.
They can order from me for cheaper
300 for 32Gb 3gs
40 tax
160 cancellation fee
45 shipping
545 total price
will sell them for 750... best price...
And it will come with Wi-Fi...
how many do you need?
The cost for a cell phone is a lot higher in China due to the fact that they have no monthly service fee like we do here in the US. In China, you buy a phone and get unlimited network access for free. Here in the US we buy a highly subsidized phone and then pay a service fee to which ever carrier we subscribe to. (this is what I was told by a Chinese co-worker on my last business trip to China)
I'de hate to see what they charge for a monthly fee but if what graymen says is true then I guess there is no worry then.
But I would love to see their coverage on that, I mean AT&Ts network couldnt handle it what is their "free" network going to do?
I'de hate to see what they charge for a monthly fee but if what graymen says is true then I guess there is no worry then.But I would love to see their coverage on that, I mean AT&Ts network couldnt handle it what is their "free" network going to do?
Well considering it is backed by the Chinese govt. Probably more than at&t. You have to think about China as the biggest company ever. They make everything, for everyone. How much do we owe them now?
Or they could buy one of the iPhone knock offs for 200-400$ Not sure about the quality but they sure are cheaper.http://www.dealextreme.com/products.dx/category.511
priceless!
Chinese govt. "You capitalistic Iphone. I crush you!"
Uhm... The average wage of workers in China is about 60 cents an hour. What's Apple planning on shipping 5 iPhones over there?
For those that are confused on why the iPhone is dumb expensive in there.
It's because an unlimited data/call rate there is only $15 per month.
The US carriers should do the same thing, month to month terms and non-subsidized phones. This would do two things:
Prevent the lock down crap that Verizon and others do.
Make people pay more attention to what phone they are getting.
If you have to pay 300+ for a relatively simple phone, you will expect a better user experience and higher quality hardware. Manufacturers will be required to TEST the damn things and make sure all their "features" are actually good ones!
There would be a lot less waste as well, people would keep their phones longer just so they wouldn't have to burn more cash, and they'd treat them better as well.
GEE! I guess I incorrectly assumed the iPhones were made in China.
GEE! I guess I incorrectly assumed the iPhones were made in China.
dude it's not like China makes EVERYTHING WE SEE...
they didn't make YOU either did they?
dude it's not like China makes EVERYTHING WE SEE...they didn't make YOU either did they?
Actually, most of iPhone components are made in China. But that's different from selling it in China.
However, most iPhones sold on China street are unlocked and cheaper. So I don't think selling a crippled iPhone at those prices will get the company anywhere.
I would not spend that kind of money on any phone.. Crazy!!!
My gf just got a 3GS warranty replacement two weeks ago and it shipped from CN. So I call bs.
Man it's China! They'll hack the damn WiFi 10 sec after they get it, so who cares?
Is the hardware for the WiFi not included or is it just software disabled? If it's the latter there it should be an easy fix but if the chip and antenna is missing...
When I was in China back in March, I thought it was interesting that they had admittedly fake iPhones in the markets that could take 2 sim cards so you could have two phone numbers in one phone. I was unclear as to whether there was a fake iTunes and app store to go along with it.