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Common sense dictates that if you can't afford a $800 phone, you shouldn't buy one, doesn't it? Consumers have forgotten.

• bradleyland 13y ago
  No, it doesn't dictate that. Common sense dictates that: A) Your expenses shouldn't exceed your income. B) You should carefully evaluate the price you pay for financing. There is nothing wrong with amortizing an expense, provided it doesn't break your income/expense ratio and you aren't overpaying on the financing.
  • potatolicious 13y ago
    True, except the financing is shockingly expensive and comes with unknown but substantial opportunity costs (i.e., negotiating for a better price when you're not on a contract). Ultimately the best way to minimize your costs is retaining the ability to say "sod off, I'm going to [competitor]".
    • bradleyland 13y ago
      While a GSM unlocked phone sounds attractive, there are market problems. Not all wireless carriers are created equal. AT&T and Verizon have the largest networks, but they use incompatible wireless technologies, so an unlocked device grants you no mobility. Yes, you can move to providers like T-Mobile, but that's not a 100% equivalent comparison. Depending on your needs, you may still be locked in to AT&T or Verizon, at which point an unlocked GSM phone nets you zero savings. My point is that it's still not a "common sense" evaluation. It's a nuanced decision that must consider all variables.