Todd Allcock wrote:
> At 14 Jul 2007 13:44:20 -0700 Tinman wrote:
>
>> Really? The ads I watched sure as heck highlighted the iPod ("best
>> iPod ever") and Wi-Fi features (the speeds in the ads are not
>> possible with Edge).
>
> The ads also state "Two-year contract required." They don't
> specifically state WHY or what the phone can't do without one, but
> the requirement is stated.
>
>> A reasonable person might expect that if the device is not under
>> contract that no non-911 phone functions would work. But to not be
>> able to use it for music or WiFi Web browsing--especially when
>> paying $500-$600 for the device--doesn't seem fair in my book.
>
> Nor mine. However, it isn't our decision- the phone is what it is,
> and frankly it doesn't matter what "reasonable" people expect. The
> terms and conditions are spelled out at purchase and/or activation
> and if you don't like it, don't buy it (or return it.)
>
> As consumers we don't have the right to demand a product work the way
> WE want it to work- just to vote with our wallets. If Apple/AT&T
> wants to disable their phone if not activated, that's their business.
> Just because it has Wi-Fi doesn't mean it HAS to work as a web-tablet
> without a cellular subscription.
>
>> If I bought a combo receiver that did both OTA and sat I sure the
>> heck wouldn't expect the OTA functions to cease in the absence of a
>> sat subscription.
>
> But if it did, and you were warned ahead of time that that was the
> case, you'd have no recourse.

There is certainly precedent for this type of sale. Look at TIVO and
ReplayTV. Both have a monthly (or optional lifetime) activation fee
which, if not paid, turns the unit into a hefty doorstop. One might
think that only the channel guide info would go away but actually the
whole unit just goes to sleep till you pay up. However, unlike the
iPhone, these units were sold at subsidized prices.