IPhone 8GB for $720 and 16GB for $840. Any takers?

Well, I have waited for long for the “revolutionary” iPhone from Apple. I even preregistered for the device with both Vodafone and Airtel after TOI speculated that it’ll cost close to 21,000 INR ($490). My plans changed today when I got the following neatly formatted email from iphone@vodafone.in

My responses inline in RED.
Hello Kapil,
Kapil: Hello Mr. iPhone Vendor,

I have been waiting for this email for quite some time. I was expecting Vodafone to launch the iPhone on 15th Aug.
Thank you for registering for your Apple iPhone 3GTM with us.
Kapil: Well, the pleasure is all mine.
We are delighted to announce that the iPhone 3G will be available in India from August 22, 2008
It will be available in 8GB & 16GB models, priced at Rs 31,000 and Rs 36,100 respectively.
Kapil: WHAT!!!! Are you serious? I read this somewhere some time ago, but I refused to believe this for obvious reasons. This is more than thrice what it costs in US and other countries. Are you trying to promote piracy? This is bull shit. This is it. I don’t want it. I’d rater buy another laptop at this price along with a decent cellphone. Or maybe go for the HTC touch Diamond.
Be the first to get the iPhone
We have received a large number of registrations. As there are limited stocks, make sure that you get yours first, by paying an advance of Rs 10,000 to confirm your booking.
Kapil: HA HA! You wish. Do publish the number of registrations vs the number of buyers of the phone at this revolutionary price!
Where can you make this advance payment?
The iPhone 3G will be available at select Vodafone Stores. All you need to do is drop in at any select Vodafone Store between August 20 and 21 and make the advance payment by cash or credit card. Don´t forget to show the iPhone booking SMS, which you would have received from us, when you visit the Vodafone Store to pay the advance. To find a Vodafone Store near you, click here
Get an appointment now. No queues for you.
Once you pay the advance, we will immediately give you an appointment date and time, starting
August 22 when you can come and experience a full demonstration and collect your iPhone, all ready to use with your contacts and settings, by paying the balance amount.
Kapil: Queues, is it? None for me??? Wow that’s great! I am so lucky.. no queues for me.
Hurry! Limited stocks.
Remember, the sooner you confirm your booking, the earlier you´ll get your iPhone. We have limited stocks and it will be on first come, first serve basis.
Kapil: Limited Stocks?? Don’t worry, you wont run out of the stock :)
Buy a Vodafone connection now!
As you are not a Vodafone customer, you will need a Vodafone connection for your iPhone 3G.
We recommend that when you come to confirm your booking, please do get yourself a Vodafone connection too. Remember to carry a passport sized picture, photo ID proof and address proof as these are required for activating your Vodafone SIM card.
Kapil: Thanks very much. Though I am an Airtel customer, I wont buy it from as well at this price.
Happy to help
If you have any queries, log on to www.vodafone.in/iphone or call us on 9886098860 and we´ll be happy to help.
Hurry and be one of the first to make the iPhone 3G your own.
Kapil: Pilot, start the engines of my private helicopter NOW. We gotta hurry. I’ll take a bath and go to the loo later.
Regards
C P Joshi
AVP – Customer Service
Kapil: No hard feelings against you, Mr. AVP.
Kapil Chhabra

Any takers for the iPhone at this price?

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Published:
8.20.08 / 11am
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