iPhone price drop blues

Late last month, I picked up an 8-gig iPhone from the Apple Store at Somerset Mall in Troy, Michigan. Though I can’t unlock it for use with Fido yet, it’s still a pretty great iPod and portable email/web device, and I’m anxiously awaiting a full software unlock.

Today, in addition to announcing a new family of iPods, Steve Jobs announced a price drop on the 8-gig iPhone. From $599 to $399 USD. That’s a pretty big drop, especially for a product that’s only been out for two months.

So-called “early adopters” are pretty peeved about this.

TUAW and CrunchGear both have some suggestions for upset iPhone owners.

Luckily, I bought my iPhone on August 25. And according to the back of my receipt:

Should Apple reduce its price on any Apple-branded product withing fourteen (14) calendar days of the date of purchase, you may request a refund of the difference between the price paid and the current selling price.

I plan to call the Apple Store tomorrow to request my refund. Not sure how it’ll work since I’m in Toronto. I’ll post the details here when I find out.

Update: I phoned the Somerset Apple Store this afternoon, and spoke to a very friendly man named Charlie. He told me that I could probably bring the iPhone into the Apple Store at the Eaton Centre. When I called the Eaton Centre store, they told me they “don’t do cross-border refunds.” So I called the Somerset store back. Charlie took down my name and phone numbers, and told me that someone would get back to me tonight or tomorrow. I’ll keep you posted.

In the meantime, Steve Jobs offered refund-ineligible iPhone customers at $100 credit.

Update 2: Nobody from the Apple Store got back to me, so I called again and talked to manager Ryan. Within two hours, he sent me an email with a PDF receipt (right) for the credit. Thanks Ryan!

Spark: Launch Day

Today is the day!

Spark, our brand-spanking-new radio show launches. On-air, the first broadcast happens at 11:30 local time. And online, the podcast is already available as an MP3.

And, through the magic of Creative Commons licensed music, the podcast version and the broadcast version are the exact same.

That alone has me excited. Please, have a listen and let us know what you think.

Spark is about to go to air

For the past few weeks, I’ve been working on a new radio show for the CBC. It’s called Spark, it’s about technology and trendwatching, and the first episode airs this Wednesday morning at 11:30. A repeat broadcast airs Saturday afternoon at 4:00, and the podcast (which, thrillingly, is exactly the same as the broadcast version) should be available starting early Wednesday morning.

I really hope you can listen.

The changing face of Queen and Parliament

The intersection of Queen and Parliament — a major intersection in my new neightbourhood — seems to be undergoing a bit of a facelift these day. Part of me wonders if its a bit of the Leslieville revamp creeping east. About two years ago, a Shoppers Drug Mart appeared on the southeast corner:

Right next door to the Shoppers, there’s a brand new TD Canada Trust. According to the sign on the door, it’s slated to open August 27.

And earlier this week, on the northwest corner, they installed signs for a new Subway franchise:

Oh the times, they are a changin’.

So long 43rd floor

This past Sunday, I finished moving in with Jenna. And at midnight last night, my lease at 210 Victoria expired. There are many things I won’t miss about the Pantages, like the long elevator rides and crusty staff at security.

But boy, I’ll miss the view: