Apple iPhone Generation 2: No Thanks

There is no compelling reason to buy the new Apple iPhone. Earlier this year I wrote about Why I Haven’t Switched to the Apple iPhone. Most of my concerns are still valid. But AT&T and Apple have become extremely over-zealous in the rollout of the new model.

By April 2008, Apple had sold an estimated five million iPhones worldwide. But a ’significant’ number of consumers bought multiple iPhones at Apple stores, then unlocked and shipped the phones overseas or sold them. Bernstein Research estimated that one million iPhones were unlocked to run on non-official networks.

So, with the rollout of the new phone, AT&T and Apple are becoming much more aggressive. You can no longer purchase the phone and activate online at home through iTunes. Activation must be in store.

Per Apple.com:

To purchase and activate iPhone 3G, you need the following:*

• Credit card
• Social security number
• Valid government-issued photo ID
• Current wireless account number and password or PIN (if you’re new to AT&T)

Credit check required.

If you lust after an iPhone, you must provide AT&T with your Social Security Number (SSN). In my humble opinion, it’s absolutely ridiculous. That just increases the risk that yet another company can carelessly allow your personally identifiable information to get exposed. Once again, companies abuse the intent of SSN. SSN is for personal tax reporting. It was never intended to be a an identifier for industries like telecom, healthcare, etc. to carelessly collect and snoop into your financial well being.

Personally, I say no. Don’t give them your SSN. Pass on the iPhone. Besides, the Apple iPod Touch is a pretty cool alternative (sans phone).

Related Links:

• Why I Haven’t Switched to the Apple iPhone
• Other articles I’ve posted related to the Apple iPhone