I know I'd use it. I'm always on the web when I'm on the bus, train, or just waiting around for whatever reason. I wouldn't mind having the ipod and phone in one device as well.
Don't know for sure, but for my M-Bugdet Mobile prepaid service I had to show them my B permit. So I guess it depends on your permit (if you have such a thing).
The Apple stores were down for a while (I was looking for a NON-iphone item, imagine that!) and it looks like they have been updated with iphone3G info ( us store )... at least I don't remember this stuff, no doubt one of you will tell me I am wrong
Anyone heard from Orange about the procedure for buying?
Prepay restrictions have been discussed elsewhere on the forum, but you shouldn't have to show a permit to get a prepay phone. A passport is sufficient. They are routinely sold to tourists, and to people off the plane who are waiting for their permits to be processed and can't yet sign a contract.
While I'd use the iPhone (a lot - I already owned one and used that one more than any other device I've ever owned) I generally agree with you. It's more exciting waiting for one than having one.
Contracts and locks don't have much to do with each other. The offer is targeted at those customers who already have an Orange contract that isn't up for renewal yet.
Orange also sells other phones locked but without a contract (the Blackberry, for example)
peter
EDIT: Orange has confirmed to macprime.ch that all iPhone 3Gs, including the one sold without a contract, are indefinitely operator-locked to Orange.
Steve was right, and Orange have agreed to give me and the missus an iphone. It was quite hard work though, fair play to them for at least showing some degree of flexibilty.
Only problem is I have to go and pick it up from the store like a pleb, and apparently they only have 5000 for the whole of Switzerland, I guess this means waiting a few weeks.
There is something in the Orange price plan which doesn't make sense:
The cheapest price plan is 44CHF/month and if you sign up for 12 months, the 16GB Iphone would cost 399CHF, so a total of 927CHF for a year. Now they're selling the Iphone without a contract for 899CHF, just 28CHF cheaper. Who would go for that then?
Even if you already have a contract with Orange, wouldn't it make more sense to get a second one which you could give to your partner or kids, and use your current Orange SIM card with the new Iphone?
Maybe I missed something, so would be glad if someone could clarify.
Update: I will receive 2 iPhone 16gb versions in the post on Friday. The excitement of a victory has already subsided and I feel like a cheap, dirty fanboi whore.