[tvuongpham]

IMHO... there isn't anything free or really cheap.. especially if you buy a 3gs .. example.

If you buy the 3gs is maybe on the front end free or near free (immediate cost)
while the 4 series (4g or 4s) is 99 or 199 respectively.

Sure you have have an initial price that is low, BUT

what about monthly price?
Sure you may decide a smaller data plan or voice plan, but all the plan pricing is the same for all the phones.

Logic for me says.. bite the bullet and buy the newer technology.


I work in the technology field for almost 20 years.
...

Things get cheaper, faster and that makes it better, granted the older ones are still "viable" --i.e. you can do what the device initially was designed for BUT the newer stuff will be better.

One MAIN reason for getting the 4 series over the 3 is this:
Screen quality. Retina Display is a really big difference actually.
- You plan to read on the device.. try it out and see the difference.

2nd reason speed
- Faster processor, all devices will "feel" be perceived as slow as soon as you are familiar with the device.. it is a mental thing.. you will want it to go FASTER -- or is that just me.?? I start to demand more out of it..as it is more convenient to do things.. then I open more apps, multi-task etc, so.. it is perpetual to constantly want it to go faster as you do more with it.

- Operating system and Apps -- newer ones force you to have newer versions to support newer features.

--
While the 3gs is a affordable option, there is a caveat when it is associated with a contracted voice/data plan.

I don't like subsidized pricing, it makes you forget about the "hidden costs"

good luck.

p.s. I bought a 4g iphone used with warranty on ebay. The warranty has since expired. No worries. I take care of my electronics. But it is now officially unlocked by ATT/ Apple -- very flexible -necessity for international travel.

The used iphone cost was twice the price of a new subsidized.. but I am not locked into contract and now it is unlocked I have more resell value, when and if I want to upgrade to the new iphone 5.. I will be subsidizing myself. ;^)


i.e.
i am in Canada and noticed Fido is offering an iphone 4 for $0.00 but there is a 3 year contract! ouch