OK, so you want an iPhone but are a bit concerned about the $500-600 price tag. Based on the facts as we know them, if you're not already an AT&T customer, it looks to me like you've got some nice options...
Basically, what you do is buy a different phone, which is subsidized. Then, buy an iPhone at full price (the only way you can get them). Then, sell your subsidized phone on eBay for a profit. You'll want to research in advance the various phones available and what their current eBay resale values are in order to maximize the value.
Alternatively, you can use this approach to buy a subsidized phone that you also like, then buy the iPhone, and keep both. You should be able to swap the SIM card as needed to use whichever one suits your fancy that day.
If anyone thinks I'm mistaken about this idea, please set me straight.
Basically, what you do is buy a different phone, which is subsidized. Then, buy an iPhone at full price (the only way you can get them). Then, sell your subsidized phone on eBay for a profit. You'll want to research in advance the various phones available and what their current eBay resale values are in order to maximize the value.
Alternatively, you can use this approach to buy a subsidized phone that you also like, then buy the iPhone, and keep both. You should be able to swap the SIM card as needed to use whichever one suits your fancy that day.
If anyone thinks I'm mistaken about this idea, please set me straight.