The Apple iPhone first took launch during the month of June in the year 2007. The iPhone is a remarkable device with many capabilities. The iPhone is a camera phone, a media player, and an internet device. There are currently two generations of iPhones. The original being the first generation, and the new version (iPhone 3G) is the second generation. The second generation adds 3G data capability that allows for faster 3G data speeds and also assisted gps. Yes, GPS is supported in the iPhone!

Each generation of iPhones comes in two models: 8GB and 16GB. The only difference between the two models is the amount of memory supported. The cost of the iPhone depends on the generation and also the model (either 8GB or 16GB). The newest iPhones are of course the 3G versions.

So now the main question is how much does an iphone cost? To answer that question one must consider if they are looking to purchase a locked or unlocked iPhone 3G. Locked iPhones are ones that are locked to cell phone carriers (e.g. Cingular) and can only be used with that specific carrier. For example, if you buy an iPhone that is locked to Cingular Wireless then you can only use that iPhone with Cingular and not with say another carrier such as AT&T.

Locked iPhone 3G 8GB and 16GB can cost around $600-$700 CAD. On the other hand, if you are looking to purchase an unlocked iPhone the prices are noticeably different. Unlocked iPhones can be used with any gsm carrier. You must be aware that there are three different versions of unlocked iPhone 3Gs. There are software unlocked, turbo sim and officially unlocked (never locked) versions direct from apple. Software unlocked iPhones are ones that are taken out of their packaging and are manually unlocked by use of some unlocking software.

Turbo sim unlocked iPhones are ones that are also removed out of their packaging but instead of software they are unlocked by a device called a turbo sim. The problem with iPhones that are software or turbo sim unlocked is that they have problems when it comes to upgrading the iPhones firmware. For instance, after upgrading these iPhones would go back to locked mode, meaning they would be locked back to a carrier.

Officially unlocked iPhone 3Gs or also known as the “never locked versions” are iPhones direct from apple that are unlocked (never locked). These legally unlocked versions do not experience any problems at all when it comes to upgrading firmware. The cost for an officially unlocked iPhone 3G 8GB is a little over $900 CAD and the 16GB is a little over $1000 CAD. The cost is higher because these versions are rare and are not easily obtained.

Sure, the cost is higher but it is worth it because these versions are directly unlocked by apple and will not experience any upgrade problems. In the end it all comes down to personal choice, which do you prefer?

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