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AT&T recently started selling refurbished iPhones at select stores for $250 for an 8Gb model. That's a jaw dropping price considering it sells for $400. Some of you may have heard the horror stories of how AT&T are making consumers jump through hoops in order to buy an refurbished iPhone. Background checks are often CIA grade, leaving consumer frustrated enough to forget about buying the iPhone.

Now, AT&T have extended selling refurbished iPhones on their website. I'm guessing it won't get any easier buying these things. There is also a rule that individuals buying the refurbished iPhone will need to activate their contract then and there (online), instead of the usual iTunes activation. AT&T and Apple are reeling after the number of unlocked iPhones have spiked since it was released last summer. They are not helping themselves by making consumers jump through hoops like this. Well done Steve, you really like shooting yourself in the foot.

If you are lucky enough to get your hands on a refurbished iPhone, what can I tell you? It's one hell of a deal. Stick to Steve and go unlock your iPhone :). Maybe then he'll realize that an unlocked iPhone is really a smarter way to go.

Apple iPhone 8Gb (refurbished)

AT&T Price $249.99, free shipping