The iPhone Swap

So an interesting development, I've come to be witness in the world of Apple iPhone. 2G iPhone owners are doing an cost-less "swap" into the 3G phone, selling their 2G devices overseas, making up the cost of their new phones. In a surprising trend, 3 of my work colleagues who were 2G owners sold their phones - 2 via eBay, 1 via Craigslist Europe, for about $300 USD + postage. That money more than makes up for the cost of upgrading to the 3G version. One of my colleagues actually got $400 USD for a second iPhone, which was kept in very good condition.

Surprisingly, the $300 USD sales were completed within a few hours, the $400 USD sale within 24 hours of posting, and the money was sent lightening fast from Germany, Miami and Texas. I suspect that the buyers were moving the 2G phone's abroad, where the 3G version is less used and the 2G versions can be overridden to work with other international cell phone providers. I also suspect that the $300 price is a bit low as it looks like whoever is gobbling up the phones so quickly is probably also making a bit of margin.

So for those who bought the 2G phone and are looking for way to get the new version - this looks like a cost-less swap for upgrade. Good Luck.