Apple iOS Devices (iPhone, iPad, etc.)

[jonsie Level 59: Quartermaster]

Yesterday O2 announced a leasing scheme for the iphone for existing and new customers. This may be the way to go for some people to save on the initial outlay but at £55/month without actually owning the phone seems a little steep to me.
http://bit.ly/tuMILe
What do you get for your £55 a month?

• 750 minutes
• As many texts as needed
• Insurance for O2 Lease
• 500MB data
• Unlimited UK wifi with BT Openzone
• International Traveller Service, so calls are cheaper when you’re abroad
• A choice of Bolt Ons

There is also a deal for small businesses (up to 10 employees) with a range of tariffs. More info here :: http://bit.ly/vcJqZ4
Only available over the phone or in-store.
....so any takers?

[sheepdog Level 19: Quirky]

Interesting the bit at the bottom:

Notes to Editors:

* At the end of the lease, if the customer is upgrading over the phone, or they leaving O2, they simply post their phone back to O2 in the bag sent to them with five days from the date the customer gives notice of returning the handset.
* Customers will need to take good care of the device to avoid unnecessary charges at the end of the lease, so O2 recommends customers protect the device with a carry case.
* If a customer loses or damages it badly, they will need to claim on O2 insurance and replace it before the plan ends. If the phone remains unreturned, is damaged or it’s not working when received, O2 will raise a charge. The relevant charges are given to the customer before they decide to take O2 Lease so there should be no surprises.

So basically if you don't take care of the phone and give it back, we're going to charge you. Oh and you have insurance so claim on it so we get back a decent phone!
Price wise, I'm not sure but it seems to work out about the same as a 24 month PLUS insurance but it does solve the (farcical) early upgrade problem each time there's a new iphone out.
Is it a good idea? Probably not for the average consumer given the price of the device in relation to other lease markets but no doubt, it will be popular amongst the first time contracts. Business benefits I can see - one year to test o2 or you leave without any hassle.

[camperdown9]

Hi
I don't really get this. At £55 per month you might as well buy the phone on a contract and also it comes with minutes and text so its like a contract anyway.
Would it not be more useful for O2 to offer a leasing product thats just for the handset. That way O2 sim only and contract customers who want to try a new handset before they buy could pay rental on a handset for a month or so and use it with their current deal. It would also help out people who have managed to damage or break their current handset and haven't the money to replace it or are in contract.
Alex

[jonsie Level 59: Quartermaster]

I think it would appeal to small businesses, at £45 per month it's reasonable for what you get and you can change handset automatically after 12 months. Therefore no screaming and losing your sanity because a new model is released and you can't upgrade early.
I can't see much appeal for ordinary consumers, as I say £55 a month is very high with nothing to show for it after 12 months. Definitely not something I would go for whatever the circumstances. The only possible benefit I see is that there is no credit check but tbh, if you fail a credit check you should not be spending that amount of money on a mobile phone.