iPhone Jr.

Bryancd · February 11, 2011, 06:08:21 AM

Interesting news item out last night:

Apple Inc. (AAPL). The iPhone maker is working on a smaller and less expensive version of the iPhone, Bloomberg reported on Thursday, citing sources. The prototype device is about one-third smaller than the iPhone 4, the report said, citing a person who had seen it. Apple has considered selling the new iPhone for $200 without a two-year wireless contract, Bloomberg reported.

More here:
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/02/10/apple_working_on_a_smaller_contract_free_iphone_to_combat_android_report.html

billybob476 · February 11, 2011, 06:13:34 AM

I'm pretty skeptical about this, there have been substantiated and unsubstantiated rumours of an "iPhone nano" since the iPhone first came on to the market.

Bryancd · February 11, 2011, 06:34:50 AM

Quote from: billybob476 on February 11, 2011, 06:13:34 AM
I'm pretty skeptical about this, there have been substantiated and unsubstantiated rumours of an "iPhone nano" since the iPhone first came on to the market.

Bloomberg news and AppleInsider are pretty reputable sources, I wouldn't be suprised to see this happen. when you consider the global market for mobile phones and the vast majority of that world requiring a lower price point, I can see this as part of their growth strategy.

Jobydrone · February 11, 2011, 06:42:58 AM

Considering how much and how often my kids beg to play with me and my wife's iPhones, this would probably be a good move for Apple, assuming the devices play movies and games as well as work as phones.

Rico · February 11, 2011, 07:01:41 AM

Geez - now little kids need cell phones too?!? We're doomed!

KingIsaacLinksr · February 11, 2011, 08:03:34 AM

Quote from: Rico on February 11, 2011, 07:01:41 AM
Geez - now little kids need cell phones too?!? We're doomed!

Is having a hard time telling if your being sarcastic or not. If not....haven't been too a Junior High school lately have you Rico. Heck, I think kids in the 5th grade get cell phones now. Dunno why....

King

Rico · February 11, 2011, 08:11:46 AM

Oh, I'm very aware of how many kids are getting phones these days. And expensive smart phones too. At about high school, especially when they start driving I can see the need. Beyond that I feel it's not needed. They are a huge problem and distraction in schools especially. Just ask my wife.

X · February 11, 2011, 08:21:26 AM

Quote from: Rico on February 11, 2011, 08:11:46 AM
Oh, I'm very aware of how many kids are getting phones these days. And expensive smart phones too. At about high school, especially when they start driving I can see the need. Beyond that I feel it's not needed. They are a huge problem and distraction in schools especially. Just ask my wife.

My son and nephew both have one and I'm getting one for my daughter next year. All are pretty active and do stuff outside the house. They know not to have their phones on in school.

Practically, it's a great investment for parents in that it can be used to track your kid if, god forbid, something happens.

I personally take my daughter and nephew to school every day, but I can see the benefit of having that GPS function. I'm not pressing the panic button and suggesting stranger danger, but now that my son is driving, it's nice that I can auto track him in the event of some sort of emergency.

I also think that it's a good tool for teaching my kids how to manage a cellphone years before they buy their own. When I got my first cell, I had huge overages because it was a cool toy instead me being responsible. I think I paid over 500 on my first bill in the early 90's.

However, when I was in high school, I had a pager and I never had issues with it because I used it as a responsible communications device.

Rico · February 11, 2011, 08:32:22 AM

Gee - how did people ever grow up and survive without cell phones?!? When they actually had to talk to their friends and not just 'text' them.

P.S. Tim - that's sarcasm. ;)

X · February 11, 2011, 08:45:28 AM

Quote from: Rico on February 11, 2011, 08:32:22 AM
Gee - how did people ever grow up and survive without cell phones?!? When they actually had to talk to their friends and not just 'text' them.

P.S. Tim - that's sarcasm. ;)

LOL!

KingIsaacLinksr · February 11, 2011, 08:51:13 AM

Quote from: X on February 11, 2011, 08:45:28 AM
Quote from: Rico on February 11, 2011, 08:32:22 AM
Gee - how did people ever grow up and survive without cell phones?!? When they actually had to talk to their friends and not just 'text' them.

P.S. Tim - that's sarcasm. ;)
LOL!

Thanks, I couldn't tell this time.... >_>

King

Jobydrone · February 11, 2011, 09:44:17 AM

My daughter, who is six, is starting to get really into the telephone and calling her school friends and such. She also loves the games, movies, and music I have downloaded and loaded on for her. My older son, who is three, couldn't care less about the phone and just wants to play Frogger on it or watch Netflix. My other son, who is two, wants to call mom mom and pop pop all the time and watch the Sesame Street podcasts we've downloaded for him. So you can see the iPhone has a variety of uses that all ages of kids can enjoy. Is it necessary? Absolutely not. But still fun.

Rico · February 11, 2011, 09:47:21 AM

I think I'd be more inclined to go the iPod touch route than a phone for the younger ages.

billybob476 · February 11, 2011, 09:50:16 AM

Quote from: Rico on February 11, 2011, 09:47:21 AM
I think I'd be more inclined to go the iPod touch route than a phone for the younger ages.

For now sure, once you can get a data/voice plan for 20 bucks a month I think smart phones will take off much more. It seems like smartphones are all we talk about and they are a growth segment, however the vast majority of the worlds cell phones are still "feature phones".

Rico · February 11, 2011, 10:04:46 AM

Yep, I agree. I can't see spending the kind of money a smart phone currently costs for a younger kid. Heck, I can't even justify it for myself right now and I've been nearly 400 miles from my wife for most of the past year!