Database Users

How to get a cheap Universal

Hi,
First off: thanks to this forum and it's users! I am now a happy owner of a Blue Angel AND a Universal.
I thought it would be nice to share with you guy's these facts:
1) The Universal costs in Portugal 799 Euro in stores and providers tend to ask 849 Euro for it.
2) You may start to find some discounts. Currently they are sold a http:\\www.fnac.pt for just 649 Euro. Obviously the end of commercialization is arraving for this great phone...
3) The cheapest way to get one is through eBay: I got one for 255 Euro + shipping (280 Euro total).
How to do it and why it's so cheap:
1) In Germany, many Universal's are sold by T-Online, branded as MDA Pro.
2) People seem to get them cheap there with a 1-2 year contract.
3) After 6-12 month they want to get rid of it because it is probably TO BIG for them (being a BA user, I will have to get used to this oversized phone, as well - it is really big and clumsy to handle).
4) Because it is normally SIM-Locked (unlocking it at T-Online costs 99 Euro) and because it is branded, it's value is not so high for normal users (I am a freak, so I would pay it's weight in gold, if I had any gold...).
5) There are lot's of them being sold on http://www.ebay.de.
How to do it:
1) Take your time and start observing current auctions.
2) Make a search for all MDA Pro's on the german eBay.
3) Ask each seller if they would ship to your country and if the phone is really in mint condition.
4) If they don't answer fast, remove them from your list.
5) If they have negative feedback (more than 1%), remove them from your list.
6) If they have strange remarks on positive feedback (i.e. difficult contact), remove them from your list.
7) From the remaining, select the ones that offer phones in mint condition without accessories like SDCards (they are cheaper new and will make noobs lose their heads when bidding).
8) Monitor the remaining ones and bid only in the last minute!!! Keep two pages open: one to monitor current bid, one with your bid ready to go.
9) You should not spend more than 300 Euro - if you monitor auctions of these devices, you will see many being sold for less than 300 Euro.
BEAR IN MIND THAT THERE IS OBVIOUSLY ALWAYS A RISK WHEN PURCHASING STUFF LIKE THIS AT EBAY!
What to do next:
1) Use the great SIM Unlock tool available from Buzz.
2) Flash WM6 in WWE.
3) Patch the registry so that it matches the german keyboard. The german keyboard is perfectly OK, the only annoyance is the swapped "Z" and "Y".
4) If this is not acceptable, you can by an english keyboard at eBay as well. It will cost you some 25 Euro, though. Also, you will need to dismantle the whole phone for this replacement.
It is always better to get a second hand Universal from a friend you trust, but if you live in Portugal or other periferic country, it might not be easy to find someone willing to sell his Universal for such a low price.
Hope this helps someone.
Cheers,
vma

Ops - wrong forum! Could a Mod or Admin please move this to the Universal - Universal section?
Thanks,
Vitor

Don't these machines then have the wrong (german) keyboard?

doodle you should read
nice guide vma, also nice to see someone else puls the same tricks as i do on ebay with 2 pages open.. bidding with only 3 seconds left ftw

bidsniper ftw, it bids with 0.5 seconds to go

Does this mean shipping is worldwide?
Versand nach: Weltweit

panzer said:
Does this mean shipping is worldwide?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It means the seller will ship to anywhere in the world

For those who can't understand german, here is a nice link for you:
http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/trurl_pagecontent?lp=de_en&trurl=http://www.ebay.de/
Thanks go to Babelfish, Altavista and of course to Douglas Adams.
Regarding eBay-Tools: I have tried them, but are not very fond of them:
1) Most cost money.
2) You need to give an (unknown) software your eBay-passwords
3) I don't feel confortable having a software bidding for me
The thing is: if you loose in the last minute, then just wait for the next auction. never buy completly out of impulse. Take your time to find the right product being auctioned. Settle the price you are really wanting to pay at maximum. Bid in the last 1-2 minutes with your maximum price. That has always worked for me.
Cheers,
vma

I did the same thig as vma and recently got a UNI next to a BA. eBay is a good place to shop for these phones. But instead to look just for MDA Pro, it's also good to look for the other aliases of the UNI. Like the SPV M5000. Less people will know that this is the same phone and the price is likely (hopefully) a bit less then for a MDA Pro. (at least that worked for me when I bough my BA).
vma said:
....
4) If this is not acceptable, you can by an english keyboard at eBay as well. It will cost you some 25 Euro, though. Also, you will need to dismantle the whole phone for this replacement.
....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The german keyboard layout is quite annoying to me. So I would like to opt for the english keyboard, but haven't been able to find it on ebay yet. You have any links to it?? The problem for me is not with the Z and they Y, but with the special character, eg those above the numbers. So, I rather keep the keyboard layout in english, just like the keyboard of my PC. But the 25 euro would be well worth it.
While replacing the keyboard, it's probably also a good oportunity to fix the little plastic thingie that is preventing the pen from falling out. At least that was a small operation I have done on several BAs in the past and plan to do this soon on my UNI as well, since the pen keeps dropping out.
Talking about pens: On ebay, you'll also be able to find a few shops that sell pens for the UNI. One of the shops in Hong Kong sells you a set of 3 for less than 7 euros including shipping. (just search for "Qtek 9000 stylus" and you'll find several shops)

Look here for example: item # 300098533646
This seems to be a black one, but I have seen many silver ones as well. Beware that they come from Hong Kong!
I don't know how much customs charge for something like this.
Cheers,
vma

Thread moved as requested.

not a reallygood idea since the German keyboard is in QWERTZ!!

Read what I wrote! I mentioned that fact.
Also, you can configure WWE through a registry hack to this keymap, so the only annoyance is that the Z and Y key's are swapped. But they will correspond to the labels on the keyboard.
Also, you can purchase a keyboard at eBay and replace the german one.
Cheers,
vma

i got my pro from t-mobile for sale...,so who ever is interestet please pm me for this..

x7501 box size

Hi peeps!
Can somebody please post here what the exact dimension and weight of x7501 box? I am planning to have it shipped through Fedex to here in the Philippines. I also bought a Plantronics Pulsar 260 so if somebody knows it's exact dimension/weight too, I would really very much appreciate it.
Thanks in advance.
-Jet

I can't remember but less than 30CM cubed

thanks for the info ice_coffee

X7501 box size
208x147x147mm @ 1.520 KG
Happy new Year
All the Best.

Thank you very much SuperDDD!
Ciao!

Jetherson,
I'm planning to also bring in an HTC Advantage (price of one here is isanely high Php 65K)and the seller uses FedEx for shipping. Did some calls and found out that you have to get a permit from NTC to import or a certificate to import which cost around Php 240.00 before you can have any Mobile Phone or PPC sent to the country or else FedEx will not release the Phone to you. You also have to pay a certain brokerage fee and 12% VAT which FedEx will first pay customs on your behalf. PPC or Mobile Phones do not require payment of Import Taxes or Duties except for the 12% VAT.

yes yetdy, i paid like $150 last january for my dell latitude d820 laptop through fedex.
i think i will just have to ask a friend who's coming home after a month.
sigh.

hello, are 7500 and 7501 different?how about the drive issues?is it already fix?

The only thing different now is the secondary camera. OS version is now the same but I don't know if they have the same bundled software. Regarding the MD issue, there are some people who do experience problems with it but then again, I do not think it is the majority of those who own the Athena. Just like any products, there are factory defects however stringent the QC process is. However, based on some posts/threads the MD is a power hog that is why they are looking for mini sdhc's that can sort of replace the dependence on the MD. Just like any memory device, an off sync soft reset may erase or corrupt your data.
I'm about to buy one (X7500 not the x7501 because of price and secondary camera). Unfortunately it's not available in the Philippines. Getting mine from Dynamism because of the warranty and upgrade the site provides. Did some research just to be sure. Check this out: http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=pdacomparer&id1=752&id2=687
Personally, I do not mind the power consumption because my atom is always plugged on to my laptop whenever I'm in the office and to the AC power supply whenever I'm asleep. Doing the same to my new HTC Advantage wouldn't be a problem. The only problem that I have with regards to the battery is whenever I travel. But that's when I need to buy a replacement batter right? Anyway, I hope this helps.

yetdy,
from that url, it says that the cpu's are the same. i've read somewhere that 7500 and 7501 cpu's are different. i'll post the reference here when i find it. also, 7500 is a lot more expensive than the 7501.
i'm going to use DHL instead of Fedex for shipping.
-jet

If you're from Quezon City and don't mind using priority mail, you can ask that your HTC advantage be shipped through priority mail instead. I know the customs people in the post office here(I'm what they term as their frequent customer.). They are nice and would let single items pass even if they are supposed to tax USD$50 above items. You don't even need to give them gifts or you know what. As long as the package is for personal use, they will go easy on you.
BTW, I got my HTC Advantage for USD 600 + 58 for Freight. Not as expensive as the X7501. Brand new from a very reputable online store. It also has a 1 year warranty to boot. Anyway, that's the reason I finally bought one. Prices here are ridiculously high. Anyway, I got the specs for everyone to see...
Specs of the x7501
http://www.america.htc.com/products/advantage7501/features-specs.html
Specs of the x7500 is attached.

wow that deal looks very good.
anyway, i'm in subic area and there a big chance that i might still be able to ask a friend of mine to have it handcarried to the philippines, that way i wont have to pay for anything
my x7501 was bought for $850
thanks for the suggestion though, and i'll let you guy know how the 'shipping' goes.
ciao!

My x7500 will arrive via FedEx by the 10th of the month as per tracking number. Got to pay 4,000+ though for the taxes. (Bummer!) At least its still a lot cheaper than buying it here. Can't wait until it arrives!

Wanna Sell or Trade your x7501?

I am looking to buy an x7501...I have a Tilt currently (with a bunch of extras, 4gb card, 2gb, bluetooth headset H700, tomtom, coreplayer...), I noticed on Ebay I could get about 400-500 for all that, and they are selling x7501's for that...well, anyone interested, or just whant to sell, let me know...oh, by the way, you can look on ebay at the going rates, I saw some douchbage offering his for 750 used, come on, really?
Anyhow, let me know....

I have no idea what you are talking about I've looked on ebay and these are not going for anywhere near what you are claiming post some links to ones that are actually selling for this much if you're gonna make a crazy claim like this.

Maybe he meant £400 - £500?

I bought my X7501 used on ebay for $550 including shipping, a couple of months ago. I did see one going for about $300-400 but it was broken and being sold as is for parts.

You got a bargain! well done.

Thanks confucious. I was really lucky that day, as i just knew somebody was gonna snipe my bid at the last second. But to my surprise, nobody did. Unfortunately the average price is up around $650-$750 these days.

I stand corrected...slightly
I only did a quick search, not a thourough analysis of the long term trend of the value of the x7501 over the past month...However, now that the 7510 is released, there value is sure to drop...either way, 400-500 is an understatement....

exzist78 said:
I only did a quick search, not a thourough analysis of the long term trend of the value of the x7501 over the past month...However, now that the 7510 is released, there value is sure to drop...either way, 400-500 is an understatement....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can get one for that price then go ahead! Let us know what you do pay.
Good luck.

Got my x7501 for about $670.00 shipped (just over a month ago) in pristine condition (box was a bit dinged up but the unit is great. Most of the units then were about $800.00 + on ebay.
Cheers
BR

Yeah lets try to get top price for our old phones and buy the next model up for free any douchbage want to trade.
I have a P3300 with tomtom garmin and route 66 opera netfront resco radio and 4gb card and extra original battery ive seen them for $300-400 with acessories. Want to trade i might consider some money on top i need an Advantage no software reqired or memory or charger just the phone.

HtC HD price

Hey there.I am really interested in thid brand.I,d really like to have one.But I dont know much abouy its price.plz help me.and also i want to know about the life of its battery.Is it cool?or like diamond?

what diamond not good ?

The HD is sold at around 650 Euro in Belgium I heard.
+ 1000 USD - approx 28-29.000 Taiwan Dollar - 7.500 Hong Kong Dollar.
Not taken in account conversion rate but price index of last HTC devices sold around here in Asia.

You can see loads of info related to Prices, locations, release dates etc in the BlackStone vendor wiki http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=HTC_Blackstone_Vendors
If anyone knows more dates and prices say it here

the life of its bbattery is not very good.it dies as soon as possible.and also the body of the cellphone gets dirty soon.
tanx 4 your replies all.keep smiling

Anonymous6372 said:
the life of its bbattery is not very good.it dies as soon as possible.and also the body if he cellphone gets dirty soon.
tanx 4 your replies all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems odd that you would say this while like nobody on the planet owns a final version yet. Second, neither the casing nor the battery are equal to that of the Diamond.
Differences: Diamond has a 900MAh battery and the HD has 1350MAh which is equal to that of the Raphael. This gives you 50% more power and according to the specifications this indeed results in the added 50% which I almost agree with. Almost being that the processor and radios are the same as on the Diamond so should consume the same amount of power and that would make 50% increase accurate. However the screen is so much bigger that I doubt it, I expect nothing more than an increase of 35% - 40% and still that's welcome.
Now that my Diamond is configured properly and has the latest software, battery consumption is much lighter and I can easily last a day and a half with it, using regular mailing, some internet and some calling. When only calling, it lasts me two days. Turning it off during the night ups it to three days. A 50% bigger battery would make it last over 4 days in that manner, let's say 2.5 at heavier usage.
Second difference is the back of the unit, which is mostly matte and not glossy, making it much less fingerprint prone (only the front side needs to be polished all the time lol). IPhone and many other touch phones get dirty just as easily. What do you prefer? A matte screen would look worse and scratch much easier because it has a texture.

Looks like avg pricing in the Netherlands will be around 570 euros, which is nice Somehow the Raphael sells for over 600 everywhere in the NL...

In Mexico it will cost $1,400US!!!!!! and it will arrive till next year........
I am sure not buying here.......I asked a friend travelling to London to bring me one cheaper.
If only HD can have a keyboard!!!!

$1400 us?! wow... Tough bargain I just updated the Centralpoint release date as it keeps being pushed (29 oct now contrary to the 21 oct initially), probably to trick people into preordering from them. I guess they won't ship before the first week of November either, like the other NL shops.

Is there any seller in Usa for this phone
thxs

ilordvader said:
Is there any seller in Usa for this phone
thxs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check here:
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=HTC_Blackstone_Vendors

the blackstone is at 649,96 € on this french website : rueducommerce.fr/
it's not so expansive when you compare to the price of Xperia (780€)

orb3000 said:
If only HD can have a keyboard!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just what I thought, this device is absolutely perfect, will be the next Kaiser / Polaris (I think in terms of popularity they´re comparable).
If HTC just released a keyboard version as well...although, there´s the Touch Pro. And imagine, Touch Pro even bigger and heavier, wouldn´t even fit into my pockets *loool*

In Germany it will cost 619,- euros on Amazon.de
http://www.amazon.de/HTC-Blackstone...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=ce-de&qid=1223587885&sr=8-1
I sent my Touch Pro back, if I get my money back I will buy this one

m.schmidler said:
just what I thought, this device is absolutely perfect, will be the next Kaiser / Polaris (I think in terms of popularity they´re comparable).
If HTC just released a keyboard version as well...although, there´s the Touch Pro. And imagine, Touch Pro even bigger and heavier, wouldn´t even fit into my pockets *loool*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hahaha LOL
For me using a beautifull/solid/big brick Universal won`t be a problem!
Hope HD w/key can be a reality!
P.d. By the way, Uni fit on my back pocket

I got a Diamond and on that I could really like a keyboard, the additional RAM/SD card slot/etcetera but I liked the Diamond form factor so much I went for that. The Diamond however is very small and as such typing on a keyboard is much easier than on the screen.
The HD however, sports such a huge screen that there is much less need for a keyboard. Also, I think the target audience of the HD really differs from that of the Pro, it is much more iPhone-esque than it is a corporate tool.

for the last few weeks I've just been planning on getting it here: http://www.handtec.co.uk/product.php?xProd=1464
£466.98 with US shipping (and tax) included.
what do you guys reckon this is in USD?
i gotta be honest tho, with a device:
being this fast,
having such a large screen,
having such a sharp screen, and
having such a sensitive screen....
so long as I keep using the skin htctoucher and i created for pcmk....i think I can honestly say that I will never even miss a hardware kb for a second.
I had a mogul for a while, then went to vogue (slow, unsensitive, small screen), and i only rarely wish i had a hardware keyboard...

jim256 said:
for the last few weeks I've just been planning on getting it here: http://www.handtec.co.uk/product.php?xProd=1464
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have you or anyone had experience importing RF devices into the states? I know the customs/FCC are very strict on importing such devices. I read somewhere someone (importer or exporter) need to declare the FCC ID on the form, if not the devices gets confiscated (that is, not returned to the sender). I am looking to import touch HD, but don't want to lose 800+ dollars.

buggybug0 said:
have you or anyone had experience importing RF devices into the states? I know the customs/FCC are very strict on importing such devices. I read somewhere someone (importer or exporter) need to declare the FCC ID on the form, if not the devices gets confiscated (that is, not returned to the sender). I am looking to import touch HD, but don't want to lose 800+ dollars.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmmm no i personally have not looked into that, but I guess I will be before putting my order in! thx for the heads up

buggybug0 said:
have you or anyone had experience importing RF devices into the states? I know the customs/FCC are very strict on importing such devices. I read somewhere someone (importer or exporter) need to declare the FCC ID on the form, if not the devices gets confiscated (that is, not returned to the sender). I am looking to import touch HD, but don't want to lose 800+ dollars.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best way to do that is asking a friend travelling to bring it for you, that way you don´t pay any cent.
Importing I´m sure depends of the qty. of devices you bring, if it´s only one, taxes won´t be that much. And US customs have a trusty/esay way of doing things.

About buying Universal

Hello,
Im thinking about buying Universal, but i have some questions about it.
1.Where to buy it, i would like to get it in good shape/now, not some old cheese.
2.Has it any defects or easy brokening parts.? Warranty after buying via. internet is a pain.
3. I read somewere that there are some fake models avabile?
Is it real talk or some WomensInSaunaToldMe story?

Your best bet would either be eBay or the Marketplace. I think the latter is a better choice because you'll probably find it much cheaper with details.

Just looked, at the ebay.
I could get for 350$ from there.
Now i need some info abot the fake thing.
And one question more:
Is this mobile still sustainable (this may be wrong word ) or is there a hope for support in XDA nexr 2-3 years?
But yeah, Wallaby is much older

Do not hessitate on buying an Universal!
Is one of the best devices ever!!
Thanks to the Chefs and Devs here you´ll have Universal for a long time!
Have a look here to see another buy options
http://forum.xda-developers.com/search.php?searchid=25385196

jaank said:
Just looked, at the ebay.
I could get for 350$ from there.
Now i need some info abot the fake thing.
And one question more:
Is this mobile still sustainable (this may be wrong word ) or is there a hope for support in XDA nexr 2-3 years?
But yeah, Wallaby is much older
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haven't heard of this "fake" business you speak of but i'm pretty sure eBay is safe. I'm also sure you can get one for much cheaper than that.

kareem9nba said:
I'm also sure you can get one for much cheaper than that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cheaper than the Ebay?
Where?I think 350usd for that kinda High-End device is pretty cheap.
All im worried about is, that maybe it doesn't fit into my pants pockets, because im only 12 and my pocket's arent very big.
edit: Orb3000 could you please fix the link. I like'd to read it.

Enter here and do a search with the word "Universal"
You´ll see many options:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=476

price and size
jaank said:
Cheaper than the Ebay?
Where?I think 350usd for that kinda High-End device is pretty cheap.
All im worried about is, that maybe it doesn't fit into my pants pockets, because im only 12 and my pocket's arent very big.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi jaank.
On Ebay in the UK, Universals are selling for £100-£130. that is 1840-2390 Krooni (you live in Estonia, right?) You could probably get a better deal on this site in Marketplace.
If you are worried about the size for your pocket. A Uni is 130mm X 78mm X 23mm. Maximum. make up a cardboard one and try it out. that was what I did before I bought my Athena.
A Uni is pretty tough but so is school.(at least mine was) you need to be careful. You already have a Wizard so you know that. Best of luck. let us know how you get on.

Oh, cool answer
But, has Universal some weak spots?
Like the screen turning system or so?Im thinking about some other mobile, at the weekend.
Im in Middle schoool , so im pretty peaceful and im pretty peaceful at all, but im sportly active and so having second phone is pretty good idea I think.
And the point for buying Uni IS school.
Im a boy, so i sit at the back and our school has wifi.
And as you all know (I hope) is school pretty booring.
Thank you for the help, and sorry for my English.I started learning English in third grade and Im going to Six't grade so I'm not really experienced about english.
Thank you, and i love PayPal.
EDIT: Where did you see NEW uni for 2000eek. I talked to my parrents and it's have to be new
EDIT2:About future Is there some roms wiht the latest Manila as in the Touch Pro/Hd

SorryForDouble
Looking for the Cheapest NEW uni.
My old mobile battery is diening so needed fast.

Uni's can be bought cheap at the German eBay. Current prices are at about 100 Euro, I saw auctions finishing at 90 Euro. This is madness, for such a great device.
You need to search for "MDA PRO", as this is the name given by the German phone operator.
I actually own two of them, so that is a good sign on how much I like this phone!
Drawbacks: whilst driving, my phone holder does not allow the Universal to be placed such that the keyboard is accessible. This means, I can't type while driving (one shouldn't do that anyway). Also, Internet Explorer will render quite small fonts.
When I am driving, I do prefer the form factor of my VDA GPS (like a Motorola Q9).
Other than that, this phone is simply great.
No known issues.
You should consider:
- new battery
- screen protector
- proper car holder
Cheers,
vma

i got mine about a month ago. i got it off ebay germany, i paid 88eur for the universal g3, plus a 3200mah battery, a tomtom mkii sirf3 gps receiver and a docking station.
that was about the best 90eur i ever spent, although i didn't get a stylus, a case or a handsfree, which i thought, was standard accessories, the gps alone is priced at 75eur in germany

VMA:
- new battery- IDK, I'm scared about weight.
- screen protector- Shure
- proper car holder- Dont have a car so not needed.
If you buying MDA Pro than you can still flash it?
EDIT: Is MDA pro software in germany?

Hi,
With new battery I meant the fact that most MDA PRO's sold nowadays at eBay are over two years old, so you should not expect to much from the shipped battery. You certainly will need to purchase a new one soon to get a full day of heavy usage out of your device.
I agree that the extra capacity batteries increase the size and weight of the Universal beyond reasonable lilmits (for me at least), so I would stick with the normal sized batteries.
Basically I wanted to alert you that you should not spend *ALL* your money on the Universal - save some for an extra battery...
The German MDA PRO will in most cases come with a German falvour of WM5 and with a SIM lock.
You can, however, unlock the SIM by following the procedure of the Unlocker (search forum) and you can certainly flash a different ROM. I personally like Tomal's modified WM6.1 ROM's a lot.
The only remaining issues you will have with the German version of the Universal:
- MDA / T-Mobile logo on the inside, T-Mobile logo on the outside
- German keyboard: essentially you will have the "Y" and "Z" keys swapped - and no, you can't physically exchange the keys, because they have different size
I can live perfectly well with both issues and they don't affect the usability or the value of the device at all.
Cheers,
vma

Now it's about Ebay safety.
How to chose seller?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Brand-New-O2-XD...trkparms=65:12|66:2|39:1|72:1205|293:1|294:50
What do you think about that?

Check on marketplace first!
I saw yesterday a great Uni selling from a trustable member

There is always a risk involved in any internet related purchase...
At eBay you should look for:
- sellers with more than a minimu of 5 feedbacks
- sellers with 100% rating - in case of 99.x% rating, check what was the cause of the negative feedback (sometime's it is not the sellers fault)
- check what other products the seller has been selling
- pictures of the real device, not just standard marketing images
- ask the seller a question and see how long it takes him to respond - avoid sellers who dont respond
- avoid sellers accepting Western Union or similar payment forms
- don't relay totally on PayPAL - it is not that secure
- check shipping costs
- check taxes - specially in case of imports from other economic areas
If nothing is strange so far, nothing fishy, then you can take the risk.
Regarding the Marketplace here at XDA-DEVELOPERS: I have never purchased anything, but would do so from respected members. Check how long they are registered and how many postings they have. No crook would be wasting time with hundreds of posts over years just to sell you a broken Universal...
However, in case things go wrong and if you bought something from someone on the other side of the world, there is nothing much you can do.
That is the price you pay, for getting the device with a discount of aproximatly 50%.
Cheers,
vma

OK - sellers with more than a minimu of 5 feedbacks
OK - sellers with 100% rating - in case of 99.x% rating, check what was the cause of the negative feedback (sometime's it is not the sellers fault)
OK - check what other products the seller has been selling
OK - pictures of the real device, not just standard marketing images
OK - ask the seller a question and see how long it takes him to respond - avoid sellers who dont respond
OK - avoid sellers accepting Western Union or similar payment forms
OK - don't relay totally on PayPAL - it is not that secure
OK - check shipping costs
OK - check taxes - specially in case of imports from other economic areas
So look's pretty good.
I was just asking your opinion .What do you think about him.
Gonna order soon.