Convincing my parents that the iPhone is a good idea

Question

Let's put it this way: my parents are cheap. I have an '85 as my first car cause it gets the job done. I'm not complaining, but it's a little frustrating at times when it needs repairs as often as it's had. Back to the subject at hand... It's kinda like my phone. It makes calls, it gets calls. I'm not allowed to text cause of the 10 cents every time (my mom was mad when she found out i had 9 texts during last billing period). My mp3 player *****. It has about 110 songs on it, and i "choose" songs by hitting previous/back buttons. I'm full up on it and it's just a hassle with it's AAA battery always running out of life.
So, I've considered an iPod or other advanced mp3 player.
Then iPhone came out.
I could upgrade to an mp3 player that works VERY well and is really well laid out with artists/albums/songs and organized. I could have it on me all the time, i could watch movies and tv shows with it.. basically the reason all of you own (or plan on buying) an iPhone.
One catch. One BIG catch. 500 bucks. I don't plan on stooping for the 4gb since i know it won't hold everything i'd want to put on it, but if i got an iphone it'd be the refurbished 8gb at 500.
My parents letting me buy a 500 dollar phone? It'd take some SERIOUS 'battle' and 'negotiating'. I'd buy it with the money I earned from work, but they'd argue since they pay for my gas and phone bills. In fact, I know the only way I'd be able to bring this up at all is when I receive quarter (or mid-term) grades in the mail, with straight A's (or very close to).
I'd say, "Mom.. I was looking at getting this cool phone, and since I got straight A's and all..."
"What phone??? Doesn't the phone you have now do enough for you?"
"Uh.. well I was planning on using the money I got from work... it can... *please fill in this blank w/ a reply* .. for 500 bucks."
Hopefully she'll agree. But I don't see it happening unless I do a Steve Jobs grade overview of the iPhone. Suggestions??? Thanks for reading a crap-load of text.

Answer 1

I had super-cheap parents, so I know where you're coming from.
If you mainly want a music player, you might be better off with one of the new iPods. Looks like they are coming around September 5th and they'll probably be very similar to the iPhone in every function but the phone itself. At least you should wait until then before making a final decision. You could also note to your parents that at least you are not getting committed to an expensive service agreement, like the other fellow who replied noted.
The iPhone is the best iPod made, but it has low capacity relative to other models. If you have the massive music collection most people do, you won't be able to fit it all in your iPhone and that might not make you too happy with the purchase.
The main reason to buy an iPhone in my opinion is the Mobile safari and email which lets you keep in touch with your parents and others. If they want to keep in touch with you better, that would be a selling point. If your parents see the educational value of the web, having it in your pocket and at your fingertips is undeniably useful and educational. I know that a lot of the time I would otherwise spend waiting or idle can be put to productive use with iPhone, and that's a good thing.
Hope that helps.
D