A week back I wrote a commentary on iphone's going on sale in wal-mart's (still officially rumor) and wrote the following:
What if Apple supplied a specialist per store? Well, that could work, but is it worth it? Do you really think there are enough people who are looking to buy an iPhone to go to Wal-mart to make it worth staffing those stores?
What if Apple sells the iPhone as devices like they did with the first version? Ahh.. that might make more sense. So if we are to believe the rumors then we could see a reversal of Apple’s ‘buy turned on’ only policy. (full story here)
So what do I see in engadget today?
-- we've just confirmed that Apple and AT&T have quietly brought back in-home activation. Sure, it's been available in limited circumstances before, but now it's here and for real, just like with the first-gen unit. Would-be unlockers looking to score a phone for $199 flat can't start celebrating just yet, though -- you'll still have to provide your billing details and face an ETF if you don't activate within a set period of time.
Yup. Makes total sense.
Not a rumor
I can comment that in fact that Walmart is getting the iPhone. The only unconfirmed piece is what the price will be and if Walmart will be getting a special 4 GB unit for $99. I think the latter is highly unlikely for many reasons. For one, the 4GB 2G iPhone had very poor sales and was dropped by Apple completely and another reason is that it would be costly to manufacture another model line and have to support it. People really want MORE memory, not less so I doubt we'll see such a device.
I think its pretty clear
I think its pretty clear Walmart is getting the phone, but its not official, so I had to add the 'rumor' bit. However, I fully agree with you here, $99 just does not make sense. Thats a rumor that I think will stay rumor. :)