Yes you're right there isn't a true retail price on a 3G iPhone. I've done this several times for friends so I know it works. Keep in mind if you do lose your 3G iPhone within your 30 days you get to purchase one at a non discounted price only ONCE. So the price at&t store will give you is 8GB/16GB will cost you $399.00/$499.00. So once you purchase the full retail price wait a few days and return it and keep the original one you bought at the discounted price.
Actually there is one way I've done here and there for friends. I sell them whatever size 8gb or 16gb memory for $199.00=8gb/$299.00=16gb with a two year contract of course. now here is the trick.
1. Buy a new 3g iphone and say someone stole your iphone 3G at full retail price. 2. Then cancel your service over the phone or in the store. 3. Return the 2nd iphone 3G you purchased at full retail price to avoid the ETF fees. Only loss you probably would have is the 10% restocking fee and the prorated charges from at&t.
Let the hive mind of Engadget get that for you.
"I'm in the market for a new phone and money isn't a limitation. I'm also not partial to any particular US carrier, but here are some of the features I'd like to have: WiFi, GPS, good coverage in lots of places, push Gmail (a must!), physical keyboard (a must!), a touchscreen, decent battery life and a relatively slim body. And please, nothing that has a fruit logo on it. No offense to the fruit fans, though. Thanks!"
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