Want iPhone Insurance? Go to Best Buy

Jun 12 2009, 12:40pm CDT | by Robert Evans

The worst part of owning a nice smartphone is living with the constant fear that you will break it. In the past, iPhone users have been the worst off of all smartphone users in this regard. Apple only offers a very limited 2 year AppleCare Warranty, while AT&T has told iPhone owners point blank that they're on their own if they break something.

That's all changing during next week's iPhone 3GS launch. We've just learned that Best Buy intends to offer their Black Tie Protection service to people who purchase an iPhone from their store. If you want an iPhone from Best Buy you will be able to get one on launch day, although you'll have to wait an extra three hours for the store to open at 10:00 A.M.

The Black Tie plan fully covers users in the event they drop, soak, crack, or otherwise break their iPhone. If you damage your phone so badly they can't fix it on the spot, Best Buy will even give you a loaner phone until they get yours fixed. It's a really fantastic plan, but it comes at a high price. Most smartphone owners pay $7-10/month for the service, and iPhone owners can look forward to shelling out $15/month for the plan. That's $180 a year, which pretty much means you'll be buying a new 16GB iPhone 3GS every 12 months.

where to buy

Buy from Amazon

What Others Say about This

Show HN: Our first iPhone app, built entirely in JavaScript

It's the fastest and easiest way to find and share the coolest events going on in your city. Check out our list of popular events each week or see whats going on near you in real time through our live photo stream! Get the App Available on the Apple App ...
Full article at: Hacker News More like this 36 minutes ago

Firm tries to block iPad on mainland

BEIJING -A Shenzhen-based enterprise claiming ownership of the iPad trademark in China is calling on customs authorities to bar the export and import of Apple's iPad 3. Proview Technology Shenzhen holds the trademark it registered in 2001, according to t ...
Full article at: China Daily More like this 38 minutes ago

The Ungovernables THE NEW CAPITAL: A CHEAT SHEET

Back in 1984, the pioneering curatorial team of Collins & Milazzo -- Tricia Collins and Richard Milazzo, who were also critics as well as dealers, consultants and, perhaps most importantly, friends and boosters of artists -- organized a group exhibition ...
Full article at: Artnet More like this 41 minutes ago

Don't miss ...

Apple

iPad 3 Announcement rumored for Early March

Robert Evans
The excitement about new smartphones, tablets and anything mobile drive Robert to unearth the latest rumors and developments in this fast moving space. He adopted 4G as soon as it become available and knows where the mobile market is going.
Robert can be contacted directly at robert@i4u.com.