If you don't want to wait in line today to be among the first consumers to buy the new iPhone 4S, go online. And the best place on the Web to purchase the popular phone is, not surprisingly, Apple.com, according to an independent study by STELLAService.
STELLAService evaluated return and warranty policies and customer service at five retailers -- Apple.com, BestBuy.com, VerizonWireless.com, ATT.com and Sprint.com -- and found that Apple.com outperformed the others hands down, says STELLAService co-founder and CEO Jordy Leiser. Another reason to go straight to the source: You can be sure you're not getting scammed (fakes already are on sale on eBay UK, according to PCWorld.com). See the complete survey results.
Just be aware that when you buy online, you'll probably have to wait a few weeks to receive your phone. On the plus side, you're waiting in the comfort of your home, not a long line on a street corner with no guarantee you'll even get an iPhone 4S after giving up hours of your day.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Or if you can stand to own something that's not the newest, shiniest model, you can get a great deal on a new, but older-version, iPhone. You can buy an iPhone 4 now starting at $99 -- $100 less than the cheapest iPhone 4S. You can get an iPhone 3G (8GB) for FREE when you sign up for a two-year AT&T contract.
-
TJX Stock: Wall Street Stays Bullish After EarningsTJX stock is trading lower Wednesday despite the TJ Maxx owner's beat-and-raise quarter, but analysts aren't worried. Here's why.
-
Beware Three Medicare Open Enrollment ScamsCrooks are perfecting Medicare Open Enrollment scams to try to steal your money or personal information.
-
Five Ways to Save on Vacation Rental PropertiesTravel Use these strategies to pay less for an apartment, condo or house when you travel.
-
How to Avoid Annoying Hotel Fees: Per Person, Parking and MoreTravel Here's how to avoid extra charges and make sure you don't get stuck paying for amenities that you don't use.
-
The 27 Best Smart Home Devicesgadgets Innovations ranging from voice-activated faucets to robotic lawn mowers can easily boost your home’s IQ—and create more free time for you.
-
How to Appeal an Unexpected Medical Billhealth insurance You may receive a bill because your insurance company denied a claim—but that doesn’t mean you have to pay it.
-
Amazon Prime Fees Are Rising. Here’s How to Cancel Your Amazon Prime MembershipAmazon Prime Amazon Prime will soon cost $139 a year, $180 for those who pay monthly. If you’re a subscriber, maybe it’s time to rethink your relationship. Here’s a step-by-step guide to canceling Prime.
-
How to Choose the Right Payment Appbanking Using PayPal, Venmo, Zelle and other apps is convenient, but there are pros and cons to each.
-
Shop for a New Wireless Plan and Save BigSmart Buying Competition is fierce, and carriers are dangling free phones and streaming subscriptions.
-
Watch Out for Job Listing FraudScams If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to find new employment in 2022, be on guard against job-listing scams.
