Supplies for the higher-end iphone 5 cases cheap are said to be constrained-Priceangels.com

"We don't believe we'll have inventory of the iphone 5 cases cheap to satisfy demand," said a person familiar with one of the major carrier's launch plans. "We would certainly like more. Hopefully (Apple) will resupply quickly."Supply issues aren't new to Apple. Indeed, the company often faces shortages with each new iPhone.But this year, it appears as if the iPhone 5C will be the more readily available version at stores. Roughly 70 percent to 80 percent of the inventory is made up of the iPhone 5C, 9to5 Mac reported.

It's unclear why there's an issue with the iPhone 5S inventory. But some had already feared a scarcity of supply when Apple only offered the iPhone 5C for preorder. Anyone who wants the iPhone 5S on the first day will have to go to a carrier or Apple store.The new iPhone could be an even harder item to obtain than usual come launch day -- at least when it comes to the iPhone 5S.Supplies for the higher-end iPhone are said to be constrained at launch Friday, according to Boy Genius Report and 9to5 Mac. 

The carriers also are reportedly facing supply issues, according to AllThingsD.This is the first year Apple is offering two new iPhones, having previously discounted older versions of its flagship phone as the low-cost option. But with the iPhone 5C, the company is offering a plastic version of the iPhone 5, alongside the option for different colors.Apple released a reminder earlier Tuesday to fans looking to buy either iPhone. In it, the company noted that the phones would be available at its stores, carriers, and retail partners.d4f4sdA2a 

In the past, Apple has doled out a certain part of its inventory to the carriers and retailers, but the best bet for getting a new iPhone was to go to an Apple store. But this year, it may be tough to get an iPhone 5S no matter where you go.Another possible reason: iPhone 5C sales may not be as impressive when stacked up against tallies from previous years. An analyst note on Friday suggested Apple was on track for around 1 million iPhone 5C preorders in its first day. That would be roughly half the 2 million preorders Apple reported following its first day of iPhone 5 presales, and closer to the company's total ahead of 2011's iPhone 4S. 

That smaller figure might not matter all that much if Apple goes on to sell more of both devices in the coming week than it did with last year's model, but certainly makes early comparisons more difficult.For Android devices, you can locate and ring the phone using Google's Android Device Manager web portal. For iOS devices, you need to turn on the Find my iPhone in settings before you can locate it using iCloud.Once you have Find my iPhone turned on, you can also remotely wipe the phone if it falls into the wrong hands. 

And, with iOS 7, you'll also be able to create a custom message that tells people how to contact you should they find the device—even if you choose to wipe it.You can get an iPhone 4S (starting Friday) or a number of Android phones for free from your carrier, if you sign a new contract. To get the best price on an Android phone, you'll want to check out the Android phone options on Amazon and Wirefly and compare them to your carrier.

When you look at what you're getting for your money, you'll find last year's flagship Android devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy S III, at the free/penny price point in some places, while last year's cheap iphone 4 cases will cost $79.Cellphone plan costs are also a factor. Looking at the major carriers (AT&T, Sprint, Verizon and T-Mobile), a plan for your child will start at $30 per month if you add a line or $50 if you get a standalone plan. Even the more budget-friendly services like Cricket Wireless, Virgin Mobile and Boost Mobile will cost you at least $35 per month for service.

New cellphone carrier Zact is great for light smartphone users because you pay just for what you use—and you don't have to get data if your child will only be using WiFi networks. For instance, for about $19 per month, you can get 250 minutes of talk, 1000 texts and 250MB of data. Or, for the same $19, you could get 500 minutes of talk, 2500 texts and no data. You can make adjustments throughout the month and get reimbursed for what you don't use at the end of the month.