Last week, those wanting to buy an iPhone 4 in the U.S. got good news when they heard that shipping times for the phone had been reduced. Now the UK gets to share in that good news, too.
The UK Apple Online Store is now selling iPhone 4s with a 2 week dispatch time, reduced from the previous 3 week wait. Both the 16 and 32 gigabyte models have a 2 week dispatch time, while the iPhone 3GS has a 1 – 2 week wait.
Mind you, most network providers and Apple’s own retail stores seem to have stock readily available if you’re willing to walk in and get it.
In related news, the UK Apple Online Store is now offering 6 months interest-free financing on minimum iPhone and accessory purchases of £450. This is an interesting option for those who can’t afford the cost of the phone upfront and who don’t want to be tied into a 12, 18, or 24 month contract with a network provider. Still, you’ll have to subscribe to one of the network providers for cellular service, which will naturally add to the cost. This option is probably best for pay-as-you-go-customers.
Financially speaking, and if you’ve got the time, I’d say you’re better off getting a contract with a network provider who will subsidize the cost of the phone, provided you don’t go for the most expensive price plans offered. Basically, if you want to be frugal about it, you need to balance the contract that suits your needs best with the overall cost of ownership that you will incur when the contract is over.
[Tip of the hat to macnn]
iPhone shipping times drop in the UK, 6 month 0% finance offered originally appeared on TUAW on Wed, 13 Oct 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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