GURPS Basic Set 4E, Revised...?

[ericbsmith]

Originally Posted by vicky_molokh

The comparison seems totally off. Cell phones make money precisely because it is fashionable to buy the newest one every year or two. Follow-up stuff like accessories actually sell for very little.

Basic Model Cell Phones, at least in the US, are very often sold very cheaply or even given away by a Cell Company. The catch is that you have to sign an multi-year contract for Cell Service, usually with a big cancellation fee. Phone companies are always offering newer phones to people if they renew their contract.

So the phone itself becomes a loss leader, with the profit being made on the cell phone service itself. Sure you can buy the iPhone, or Galaxy, or whatever other expensive model it is that you want, but then you're not getting the "free" phone anymore.