14 DAY TRIAL // Apple might have passed the 10 million iPhone threshold already, data gathered by the Apple Finance Board (AFB) shows. Currently, Apple is into around 8 million iPhones sold (including the 3G model). This puts the device on track to hit the 10 million mark some three months ahead of Apple's self-imposed deadline.
AppleInsider reports that members of Mac Observer’s AFB have successfully tracked IMEI iPhone numbers, prompting technology analysts to analyze the results themselves. Their conclusion? “Apple has drastically surpassed analyst’ Q4 iPhone sales estimates, and reached its goal of selling 10 million iPhones in 2008 three months early,” reads the report.
Data, together with the IMEI Number Tracking by the AFB, only “suggests” that Apple sold some 8 million iPhones in Q4, and that it has surpassed “expectations” of selling 10 million handsets in 2008.
It may very well be that many of these devices are bought to be unlocked and sold afterwards, some believe. Currently, not-too-trusty sites are offering both the original model and the iPhone 3G as “unlocked” for prices ranging from US$300 to US$500. Offers for unlocked phones saying “buy one get the other a bit cheaper” are also available.
One source in particular says it is offering Apple's 8GB original iPhone for US$300. The device, of course, is advertised as unlocked. Also unlocked and attractively priced are the 16GB iPhone (US$450), as well as both 3G iPhone models currently on sale at Apple and AT&T for US$400 and US$500 respectively.
The same offer says that if you buy two units of the 16GB iPhone 3G, you get a $200 discount - just US$800 for both handsets. Similarly, you can buy two 8GB devices for just US$700.
Some facts about the two devices.
Although iPhone 3G is slightly thicker than its lower-specced predecessor, it sports a lighter body, which is a tremendous feat, given the new additions. Original iPhone owners will notice that screen size and resolution haven't changed, but the 3G model does add multiple language support, as well as support for inputting multiple characters simultaneously.
As far as the photographic capabilities are concerned, the same 2.0 megapixel camera was slapped on the 3G model. It boasts photo geotagging and third-party application integration. More features common to both devices include:
- Screen size: 8.9 cm (3.5 in); - Screen resolution: 480 x 320 pixels at 163 ppi; - Input method: Multi-touch screen interface plus a "Home" button; - Operating System: iPhone OS; - Storage: 8 or 16 GB flash memory; - Quad band GSM (GSM 850, GSM 900, GSM 1800, GSM 1900); - GPRS and EDGE data; - Samsung S5L8900 (ARM 1176 processor, PowerVR MBX 3D graphics co-processor).