Taiwan iPhones sold unlocked
December 15th 2008
Our lucky, lucky friends (and in my case relatives) in Taiwan have joined the elite list of people able to legally buy the iPhone in its natural unlocked and unfettered state.
DigiTimes reports that Apple and local network partner Chunghwa Telecom (CHT) are selling unlocked 3G iPhones in Taiwan, which means users can use SIM cards from other carriers--a rather handy feature when traveling abroad.
According to reporter Ricky Morris, prior to the launch last weekend, representatives from CHT and its retailers had said that iPhones bought in Taiwan would only work on its own network. However, when early adopters actually tried switching SIM cards they discovered that the phones operated fine on the other carriers' networks.
Although unlocked iPhones are extremely valuable gray market products, the asking price for an 8GB model sans contract in Taiwan is NT$26,000 ($800), which is none-too-cheap. For those thinking of getting a "free" (ie subsidized) iPhone on contract and then simply defaulting, CHT requires a deposit of up to NT$24,000 ($738).
Shuffle to this beat...
In related news, DigiTimes also reports that third-party resellers in Taiwan are selling iPod shuffles without earbuds for just NT$900 ($27), 47.1% lower than the "official" price of NT$1,700 ($54).
That's a pretty nifty promotional idea given that most every house has a drawer loaded with electronic bits and bobs, including at least one pair of earbuds or headphones.
Hey, Apple unleash this idea on the rest of the world...
What's your take?
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