The prices of new phones is WAY outta line

It was bad at $500-$600 for a phone but really? I know, it’s not just a phone anymore.

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LOL ….

I no longer drink but I have to say that the Hamms is the better deal.

I tried to give financial advice to a nephew not too long ago. The needs versus wants discussion went no where. Next I tried to explain the perils of accumulating too many monthly payment obligations; again got no where. I tried to contextualize both discussions as hurting one’s ability to save and invest…

Your post reminded me of him. My guess is, he’ll be borrowing an iPhone X and making payments to Verizon soon.

I agree that is crazy for a phone. But to date, as they have increased price it seems like there is not a corresponding decline in units sold.

High end phones are not only phones or access to email, the internet, etc. They are status symbols. You to can be the center of attention if you have an iPhone X…

This is what happens when we gut import and export taxes. Sure, companies go overseas to make stuff, but the consumer doesn’t get the benefit. Only the profits go up.

Brazil threw on a 50% import tax on IPhones. They cost about $90 to make and they sold them for $600. They couldn’t really raise prices by much, so instead, they are building a plant in Brazil. Workers get jobs, the tax base grows and the price to the consumer stays the same. Only losers are the corporate big wigs that won’t get quite as bit a bonus.

Let’s raise the import tax here and build them here. The profit margins are stupidly huge so let’s put some of that money in our pockets instead. I’m still using an old Samsung and I’ll use it until the thing can’t go on another call.

ptc wrote:

They are status symbols.

…and 2,873 cans of Hamm’s isn’t?

Brian Klawitter wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>ptc wrote:</div>
They are status symbols.

…and 2,873 cans of Hamm’s isn’t?

I’m with BK on this one

Yep. Had to replace my wifes smart phone two weeks ago and was shocked. Her’s was only two years old and just broke. Just over $800. Crazy.

Brian Klawitter wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>ptc wrote:</div>
They are status symbols.

…and 2,873 cans of Hamm’s isn’t?

Status symbols have been over-priced for years. There are options for buying less expensive phones and hopefully it stays that way. $1000 for a phone is ridiculous, but so is $300 for a designer purse, or $500 for an “extreme” cooler, etc. People are free to choose where they spend their money and as long as there are options I’m good. If the $1000 iPhone was the only cell phone they sold – that would be a problem.

Sharon wrote:

If the $1000 iPhone was the only cell phone they sold – that would be a problem.

If Hamm’s would be the only beer, I would have a problem!

Brian Klawitter wrote:

They are status symbols.

…and 2,873 cans of Hamm’s isn’t?

Oh it is. Would you like me to tell you what that status is?

Shows true intelligence.

Brian Klawitter wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Sharon M wrote:</div>
If the $1000 iPhone was the only cell phone they sold – that would be a problem.

If Hamm’s would be the only beer, I would have a problem!

Oh yes, variety of beers is very important too!

mark-bruzek wrote:

Shows true intelligence.

Hitting the Hamm’s a little early?

I really prefer not to have a smartphone, however… I am kind of force to have one because of being in IT.

I have a love hate relationship with the smart phone. It’s awesome for being able to keep in touch with family. It’s nice that I always have a very good point and shoot camera on hand.

But I hate to think of the hours I wasted on it when I could have just set it down and enjoyed where I was.

mplspug wrote:

I have a love hate relationship with the smart phone. It’s awesome for being able to keep in touch with family. It’s nice that I always have a very good point and shoot camera on hand.

But I hate to think of the hours I wasted on it when I could have just set it down and enjoyed where I was.

I am right there with you. My wife and I at home (when I am home) just sit there at scroll through Facespace and lose what little valuable time that we have. I would rather sit on my patio and drink a cold beer then that, but she likes to know what her boss from 10 years ago dressed like for Halloween. As I get older, a phone is just a device that I need for work and not much else.

Having the newer type of phone does make emailing better bit wow this Note 8 I just purchase is big. It is like a TV.

Have flip phones gone up in price? Looking to upgrade to one that does not hang up on an incoming call when I open it.
I’m thinking about getting a smart phone but I would have find some good rugged reading glasses to be able to use it and carry them where ever the phone goes just like my tablet.

wait a year and buy a lightly used iPhone X for 1/2 the price as they upgrade again…

tucrs wrote:

I would rather sit on my patio and drink a cold beer then that, but she likes to know what her boss from 10 years ago dressed like for Halloween.

Well we sit on the patio and drink beer…and go on our phones. I am trying to ween myself some what and just enjoy being in the moment.

I have 2 iPhone4S I will sell cheap… always in an Otter box, not a scratch on them.

As he keeps hitting the submit reply button.

What’s a phone?

I no longer own a Laptop, Desktop computer, Digital Camera, Ipad or any sort of tablet. I see the $1,000 price tag as steep, but still cheaper and more convenient than owning a computer, regular cellphone and a digital camera with quality photo and video capabilities.

Hey as long as there are telephone booths all over the place, I’m in no hurry to buy a cellular phone.

OK I do have one, it’s a work phone and other than hearing the guy I’m talking to it doesn’t do anything. No texting or internet or any of that. And I’m not paying for it, so I’m good.

Being a dinosaur is getting tougher every day.

SR

I have a smart phone through work and its needed but yes the costs are getting crazy. I leave the work phone at home on the weekends. My wife gets very paranoid when I am duck hunting. So I walked into wally world and said I want the cheapest “tracfone” you have. $19.99

I’ve had good luck buying used phones on ebay. Usually almost a quarter of the price.
DT

My Samsung 6 was all dusty, I was standing in the shop so I pulled out the air hose. Blew out all the speakers, $750 later I now own a Samsung 8.
I’m thinking a have 6/7 years left before I can throw it in the lake and not have to worry anymore.

I’m on my 4th iPhone in a year. Cracked glass, battery exploded and misc issues. Insurance has helped but want to now downgrade to a sturdy, reliable phone that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. The problem with buying older phones is that the battery no longer holds a charge and batteries cost more than the phone.

I tried talking to my wife last night on the porch. I have come to the conclusion I love my phone.

One flip phone and 2800 cans of Hamm’s…. all a man needs!