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Now that I've had it for almost a year now, I don't think this Iphone is for everyone. For one, to use the phone to its full capabilities, you would have to jailbreak the phone. From what I understand from the Maxis contract, jailbreaking it would void the warranty. So it's back to square one, getting an unlocked phone without a warranty.
The only thing I want from maxis now is an unlimited data package. I recently subscribed to their RM99 package and reduced my plan to RM30(I hardly make any voice calls). I find that I surf the net a lot with the Iphone. If I can their RM80 ringgit I-plan with the free 500MB without the Iphone that would be great.
I wouldn't recommend the Iphone unless you really want one. Better with the Samsung Omnia. Almost the same features and don't have to jailbreak it. I use the Iphone because of work, I have occasionally have to show clients video on the phone. No other phone has a screen that large with that clarity.
Buying the app from App Store can be expensive, although some app are FOC.
Certain app simply not available in App Store and you need to get it from Cydia which required you to jailbreak you Iphone.
If you need a phone that does anything, Samsung Omnia is a better choice.
However, the touch in Omnia left much for desire. In certain screens it would be best if you can use a styles.
If you like touching with your fingers without styles, then Iphone multi-touch is still the best around.
Also a good idea to have unlimited data package, if you are using Iphone. This is because a lot of app need to access to internet. GPRS data is expensive with Maxis. Few seconds using GPS can cost you a few RM. I think, the rate is 100KB/RM1.
I usually turn off 3G, EDGE and RSS using app downloaded from Cydia (another reason you need to jailbreak your Iphone and void the warranty with Maxis) until I really need it. This can prevent accidentally touching the app and incur data charges. Also, if you don't use the app, RSS will push the data to you.
I am considering the unlimited data package.
Plus the Maxis plans just price most people out the market.
And if Maxis thinks people are going to jump on the bandwagon that quickly, they're mistaken. Its just too expensive, and an unlocked unit is probably a better deal, anyway.
I for one, won't be getting it at the moment, reasons being pretty much the same as what you listed above, the plans, the possibility of iPhone updates mid-year, and I've already spent a fortune on my current mobile, which can pretty much do what I need, but with MMS + video call + good camera (minus the iPod feature, don't care, got an iPod Touch).
I have a feeling that a Maxis warranty isn't much better. They can't do anything themselves. They'll have to send it elsewhere to get it fixed. And I doubt you'd get a 1-to-1 unit replacement either - Maxis is in this to make a lot of money from you, not excellent customer service (trust me, look at all the complaints about Maxis online...)
He is also learning fast, from his soulmate Tony F, on the ADVANCE PAYMENT biz model, used widely in the budget airline industry.
Ridicuolous. Before making a SINGLE call, u have to cough out thousand over ringgit, whereas with other makes, u can grab a phone with EZ Payment scheme!
Not smart for CONSUMER cashflow!
This is just IMHO!
Just wait for Garmin-Asus Nuvifone or Palm Pre! NO STRINGS ATTACHED!
http://malaysiacrunch.blogspot.com/2009/03/maxi...
My Nokia N70 is worth RM300 in trade in value. So basically, it's RM2,800.
Mine is not a factory un-locked Iphone. It was jailbroken and un-locked with yellowsnow.
With firmware version is 2.2 and it's quite stable and I have used it for two weeks with no problem.
The retailer has installed some applications which you can download from Cydia.
If you compare what I have paid (RM2,500 actually, coz my 3 year-old N70 is basically worthless) to the Maxis plan, the Maxis plan really suck big time.
There is a third party app called SwirlyMMS, but you need to pay US$8 for the license.
Can get a cracked version for free.
Iphone never known to have the most functionality.
If you need a phone to do MMS then don't buy Iphone as a cheap Nokia will do the trick really well.
Just why doesn't Maxis look into getting Palm Pre as soon as it get launched this year or at least an HTC Dream, Android phone?
Have been in the market for a phone since yonks and now I get what i want.
Anyone care to join me? it's only about RM
Have been in the market for a phone since yonks and now I get what i want.
Anyone care to join me? it's only about RM150 per month (inclusive of data charges)
Do you also know the service quality of Maxis 3G? Its pretty abysmal.
Anyway, as hip as the iphone is, the price is still turning me off... Looking at our neighbours, like Singapore and Thailand, Maxis deal is the most expensive...
1st i won't buy tis phone rite now cox it doesn't support Mms n bluetooth.
2nd the price really cost expensive compare it from singapore n australia.
3rd I will wait for the 3rd generation tat will be launch it soon on 17th Mar 2009. Why dun wait for tat since it more stable compare the 2nd generation.
For me i will buy it from cambodia rather buy from Maxis its much cheaper.
Here in japan, iPhone don’t make a hit at all. People won’t buy this phone because its not so high tech compared to Japan made phones. People just don't like it here.
So, what Apple do in japan to boost sales? They packed with very low price! Only around 300 yen/month for 12 months contract. Do the math. Its almost free.
Again, you all got fooled by Apple if you bought one.
About the 24 months contract and the i-value 2 plan, I've paid about the same amount with Celcom (RM50 + RM99(3G)) + etc) ~ RM155. And I've been using Celcom for almost 2 years now so for me its not really a negative factor in buying a phone. So for me I just subtract the monthly payment from the cost of buying the phone (now).
Though I wonder whether I would push the 1GB data limit, have to try that for a month a just see since psychology speaking we tend to use something more when its new. If not the RM99 unlimited plan is the way to go *shudders*
The RM1640+RM620 is a bit expensive to pay on day of purchase but you do get back the advance payment (after 6 months). And of course the ever looming question whether its really worth it to get an iphone. The easiness of Internet Browsing and the availability of free apps (or paid ones for that matter) for the phone are big plusses for me.
I also own a Touch and the music, movies, TV shows and podcasts is a must with me. How many phones have that and at that price point? Sony? Blackberry? Nokia?
For those who want to buy iphone 3g 8G/16G you can consider to buy from lelong. for 8G software unlock are selling RM2350 ++ 8G with apple official unlock (maybe from HK) are selling at RM24++, 16G software unlock are selling from RM2500++ - RM2600++ then 16G apple official unlock (maybe from HK) are selling between RM2700++ to RM2800++
i personally recommend pdagear at lelong, you can try to contact some other seller WHICH are VERIFIED by Lelong to get the set via COD (cash on delivery) or personally go to subang square and call this guy MR Fong 017 3440 339.
When I received a pingback from your site, I decided to just make a brief stop. Nice article you had there, and I stayed on longer than expected.
So, the name Colin Charles sounds familiar, and I did a check and your contact was actually in my phonebook. Ah ha...you are a happy iPhone 3G camper, since Jan this year. :)
PS : The Spring Sale pricing has already been revised recently (before the Maxis launch) to RM2,799 (UP RM2,999) for a factory unlocked 16GB. FYI.
Cheers,
Reno
As much as I want the iPhone.. this launch is a little 'late'. Here's my reason why I might not just yet get myself an iPhone:
1. According to my very trusted mac sources, Apple will be releasing a major revision for the iPhone software (iPhone 3.0) sometime in July this year 2009.
2. Theres also speculation of a possible major release of an updated iPhone (updated hardware with duo processor, better camera, higher wifi spec.. etc). This IS a major major hardware update.
oh BTW, the iPhone 3.0 software update does support MMS, copy paste, bluetooth, internet teethering etc. So if you're already booked your iPhone with Maxis, dont worry the current iPhone 3G is fully compatible with the upcoming 3.0 update!
Anyway, just to update everyone. Either way, whether you choose to buy now, wait or just ignore the iPhone.. its up to you.
http://www.macrumors.com/
Check out their buyer's guide
iPhone > Don't buy - Updates soon
Nice going Maxis. A little too late. But thanks anyway.. lol
the reason i got the iPhone is simply becoz i dun wan to carry 2 things around with me everytime... like a phone and ipod... iphone was the solution.
3.0 coming. <3
We have Macs and PC's in the house and find that the iphone does play well with Windows. The same can't be said for the palm, windows mobile and symbian OS =(
Anyway, back to the topic. I agree with sHin0bi. I love to get my hands on the iPhone, but seriously Maxis, the plan package is just too dang expensive, especially for something thats about to be updated in less than 4 months! I don't think I'll b ready too cough out that much money that soon (KA-CHING! KA-CHING!) =O lol
Never thought I live to see the day an apple ad on the local tv here...
Koool!!! But still maxis, too pricey!
Your words express my true feelings.
I do appreciate what you have wrote here.
I have been support MAXIS for so long tot of waiting for IPHONE such a long time. FYI, before MAXIS announce the package, I knows MAXIS going to launch IPHONE in past 8 months. Therefore I wait and wait ... MAXIS really makes me DOWN! I called and quarrel with those top management but no prevail.
Most MAXIS loyalty customers guarantee stick with MAXIS service no matter what plan it is, but the result out is IPHONE which MAXIS selling is far more expensive then we get from others.
you try ask yourself... if your IPHONE having problems. Do you think MAXIS personal will attend you 1st?
they sure ask you to get a number sit down.. wait for your turn. Once you're at the counter they will check this and tat. The worst let you wait couple of week until the problems solve. SO what you get was an "Idiotic"-PHONE
how did you buy the iphone from US? i m interested.
1. If the iphone is broken Apple will replace with new one on the spot, they not gonna repair it. My senior iphone always hang, he went to apple store and they give a him a new one without asking too much question. I myself own ipod touch. I went to apple store as my ipod cannot charge, they give me a new one also plus the warranty also extended 1 month.
The more I look at the iPhone packages, the more ridiculous I think the plans are. Not only one is paying almost 2 times more than the cost of an "illegal" iPhone, the basic features are not up to par compared to most phone's. It's more for the cool/wow factor when you use the iPhone, but iPhone is so common these days that it's not cool anymore.
Comparing plan with plan, I think Digi's phone bundle plans are more "reasonable". A simple survey on the street price for the phones available, you can see that Digi isn't trying that hard/obvious to rip you off. The phones are actually cheaper when you opt for the correct plan.
For my case, the SE W760i does go cheaper as my average monthly usage fee is between RM50 to RM600. I get almost RM150 off (comparing to its RPP) and just slightly above the street price (about RM10). Sounds fair to me. :)
Anyway, back to the point, should you buy Maxis iPhone? Nope, not now, but probably later when iPhone isn't that exclusive anymore.