Hong Kong retailer offers unlocked iPhone 3G for any GSM network
By Will Park on Thursday, July 17th, 2008 at 2:13 PM PST In Announcements, Apple, Devices, iPhone, iPhone OS
What’s this? Brand-new and unlocked iPhone 3G handsets shipped to your door from China? Say it ain’t so!
We waited over 10 hours in line for the iPhone 3G last week, and all we got was a fully network-locked 16GB iPhone 3G that took several excruciating hours to activate. So, with Hong Kong’s Alibaba Wholesale pushing fully unlocked iPhone 3G handsets through parent company Union Camera Ltd., we’re feeling a bit of buyer’s remorse.
The mobile electronics retailer is offering brand-new, unlocked iPhone 3G handsets in 8GB and 16GB trim. But, with Alibaba requiring a $1,000 USD minimum purchase order, that tinge of buyer’s remorse we were feeling is starting to fade. Still, iPhone 3G hopefuls looking to pay a premium for an unlocked handset might find this deal attractive.
We’re not sure how these guys managed to get their brand-new iPhone 3G’s unlocked already, but anyone looking to find out just how legit this offer really is can put in an order through Alibaba’s online store-front.
Drop us a line if you decide to take the plunge.
[Via: PMP Today]
Just in case you weren’t aware, Alibaba is full of scammers. A Trustpass from their website means nothing as anybody can buy one. Sellers who claim to be in HK could easily be in mainland China. Don’t deal with anybody in Putian City! They’re all scammers. They will send you a $50 “iclone”, or, more likely, just disappear with your money.
Here in Shanghai, you can buy unlocked 3g iPhones at most electronics markets. But you’d better be here in person, or have a friend buy it for you, to see what you’re getting before you pay. Caveat emptor.
Hey FlyedLice,
whats the price for the 3G with 8GB at Shanghai?
Here at Xi`an they want 4500 Yuan +300 Yuan for the SIM-Adapter Card and 300 Yuan for the installation, after talkting to them maybe 5000 Yuan. Was a reasonable Shop with PSP, NDS and Apple Stuff.
Greetings
These suppliers get the phones from Hong Kong. Official, unlocked iphones are available in Hong Kong over the counter. This is because unlike the US, most people buy their phone then select a carrier, in Hong Kong. They are $4400HKD right now.