iPhone 2g

Hi folks,
This is a little off topic, but I would welcome your thoughts:
My son left his iPhone 2g in a taxi over a week ago and it hasn't been handed in by the driver.
He is devastated by the loss and would like to replace it, but hasn't any savings with which to do so.
I as a heartless father have suggested getting the SIM replaced (now ordered) and making do with his sister's old & basic Motorola until he saves up for a second hand iPhone on eBay. His suggestion is that he pays £25 a month for a 3G phone and contract (£10 more than his old contract).
My question is:
Is there another/cheaper way of going about things? For instance do any of the mobile companies provide iPhone 2g phones on contract?
MJ

I think the lowest you'll find is a 3G, however, with a new iPhone due in May/June, you might be able to pick up some offers on the 3GS or 4.

Matt

iPhone 2G is ancient, approaching 4 years old. Even if you could get one it simply wouldn't be worth paying for one on a contract.

You can get one for about £120 on ebay.

Most contracts will be for the iPhone 4 or iPhone 3GS.

A contract isn't the cheapest way to get one either, I bought my iPhone 4 outright and I'm on a PAYG operator called GiffGaff. I reckon I've saved quite a bit over a £35 iPhone contract. But obviously if you have no savings that's not an option.

Edited by deleted (Mon 21-Feb-11 21:54:27)

Practical question: did he have "Find My iPhone" enabled?

Was that even enabled on the 2G as the battery was pretty poor without push services being on.

Matt

Doesn't say so explicitly, but I read this site as indicating you need an iPhone 4.

FMI was possible on the 3GS too... but I believe it is free with the iPhone 4.

Matt

GiffGaff is a great service and the only way I can afford to run a 3G that I was gifted
mervt

In reply to a post by billford:

Doesn't say so explicitly, but I read this site as indicating you need an iPhone 4.

I had it on my old 3G. You need mobileme.

Edited by ian_c (Tue 22-Feb-11 11:32:58)

Works on the 3G as well. Don't think it was available on the 2G.