Today morning I got a message from Vodafone announcing the release date and pricing details for Apple iPhone. I had enrolled for the communication as I was eagerly awaiting its release in India. But when I saw the prices, I was very much disappointed. 8 Gb model is priced at Rs 31000 ($720 approx) and 16 Gb model will cost Rs 36,100 ($840 approx)

Most of the people were expecting it to be priced around Rs 15k-20K but Rs 31k is way too much. If you search internet , you will find lot of articles which tell that iPhone lacks many of the basic CellPhone functionalities like forwarding sms , has only 2 MP camera,FM Radio. Anyways I have decided against buying iPhone. I think buying a decent Nokia Phone and iPod Touch will be a wise decision rather than investing in iPhone. Note that we still have not received details about data plans which Vodafone and Airtel will be releasing for accessing internet and other data services. But be assured that this will not be less. Both companies are expecting to sell 100,000 phones in next 1 year (by pre-registration) but after the price release, I do not see this happening (unless they cut prices drastically)

You can read more about it in below mentioned links

http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=331955

http://www.vodafone.in/iphone/Pages/iPhone_details.aspx?cid=kar

Look’s like that iPhone is finally coming to India. According to newspaper reports, iPhone is slated to release on Aug 22, 2008. Airtel has made this announcement which can be found on their website. Vodafone website does not mention anything about the release dates. But if Vodafone delays the launch, then definitely they will miss the trick. I enquired about the expected price from one of the mobile phone shop and the salesperson informed that 8 Gb model will cost around Rs 15,000. Though all these are speculations.Lets wait and watch!!

UPDATE!!

Vodafone has announced the prices for the iPhone in India. 8 Gb model is priced at Rs 31000 and 16 Gb model will cost Rs 36,100. It will be available from Aug 22, 2008

Recently Vodafone and Airtel have both announced that they will be bringing the Apple iPhone 3G to India. They have also launched the pre-booking for customers where the customers can book the phones. For Airtel , you need to click here and for Vodafone here.

iPhone is a product from Apple which seves as a Cell Phone, iPod and Camera (2.0 Mega Pixel)

Till now it is still not clear about the iPhone 3G pricing in India.It is priced at $199 i.e RS 8000 in US but according to analysts , it would be 20K+or more. In any case if it even touches 12-16 K , it would make a serious dent in sales of Sony Erricson and Nokia phones.

iPhone 3G is based on the 3G technology which gives fast access to the Internet and email over cellular networks around the world. It also allows you to surf the web, download email, get directions, and watch video — even while you’re on a call. It is not clear whether Airtel and Vodafone will provide 3G facility.

Vodafone has till now announced to provide following facilities

1)8 Gb and 16 GB models

iPhone 3G comes in two models with space of 8Gb and 16 Gb.

2) Assisted GPS

GPS (Global Positioning System) helps you to find your location, get directions, and see traffic — all from your phone. As of now few Nokia model provides these facilities in India.

3)New Applications

iPhone3G includes many applications like Youtube, Calendar, Scientific Calculator, Safari Browser.

4) Microsoft exchange

This feature will provide the users to check emails through the phone. We have to see if it can compete with Blackberry.

Along with this , Apple also introduced Mobile Me for your iPhone, iPod touch, Mac, and PC. It allows you to keep everything up to date.

One of the key application which I feel will be missed by most of the people is a Radio!! This does not have a FM Radio Facility in it.