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I just recently resigned with Telus on a three year contract that gives me unlimited data for $30/month. Apparently it was offered around Xmas for $15/month. The only restriction is that you cannot use it to tether to your laptop for a data connection through the phone. My question is how do they know? Does the laptop broadcast a different MAC or something that enables Telus to identify whether or not your tethering?
By the way, Thanks to all contributers that have made this phone rock!
i dont think there is anyway they know besides observing the type of data youre transmitting/receiving and how much. been tethering for a long time now with no problems.
Which plan is it you are on exactly? i can`t find any info on this on the telus website. I would switch immediately if i can find the info.
It's not on the website but if you phone Telus they have it. My Apex rep in Surrey knew about it and set me up. I think it might expire today or tomorrow so hurry. My P4000 was stolen last month and I needed to replace it. I was only 18 months into a 3 year contract and only had a $200 bonus on my account for a new phone and contract. I was able to talk directly to Telus and get them to let me back into that phone for the $199 on a three year contract. The phone is around $550 without contract.
This is the first time I've seen unlimited data for a reasonable price in Canada.
I still think that there is a way they know your tethering. Perhaps the MAC address is the identifier. I hope someone can shed further light into this. It would be nice if Telus is just saying this to stop me but really don't have a mechanism to identify if you are tethering or not.
Offers available until May 4, 2008. Hurry UP!!!
Check on this page, and links on the right side.
http://www.telusmobility.com/bc/services/pcs/email_im_15.shtml
More detailed info on the link below
Select telus smartphones and select the phone you want and it'll show you available plan options for that particular model.
They were offering unlimited internet, email and IM for $15 during the xmas period thru till valentines day, now they re-packaged it for $30 or $45, whatever suits your taste. Way better than any other carrier in Canada.
Funny enough even though it says unlimited, there still is a cap on how much data you can use. It's capped, not quite too sure at how many gigs, but go over that and they will charge you $8/MB. A clause embedded in the plan stating that they have discretion over what they think is abuse of the service.
Only reason I know this is I have a friend of mine who got drunk of the service and used his pda to download content he would normally dl using his home pc, try guessing his reaction when his phone bill came up to $789!! they were courteous enough to send him an itemized bill tracking his usage to fully explain the charges. I thought it was freaking hilarious! I guess moral being If you MUST tether, do it reasonably or don't at all.
http://promo.telusmobility.com/smartphones/index.html?landing=rethink#gg=RatesWhySmartPhonesState
Thank you so much for detailed explanation. I didn't know too much about this, but went directly to $45 when I discovered that promo because that's what I need. Comparing with my initial $25 / 4MB, $45 isn't bad.
I believe as long as I stay on email checkup, and news, stock, and weather update, should be safe.
Question is, if this X-Max, the $15 plan comes back again, am I still eligible to change?
Coolpics said:
Thank you so much for detailed explanation. I didn't know too much about this, but went directly to $45 when I discovered that promo because that's what I need. Comparing with my initial $25 / 4MB, $45 isn't bad.
I believe as long as I stay on email checkup, and news, stock, and weather update, should be safe.
Question is, if this X-Max, the $15 plan comes back again, am I still eligible to change?
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Click to collapse
Initially it was first introduced for new clients only but then they extended the offer to existing clients, I don't see why you shouldn't be able to sign up when and if they re-introduce it, it was such a huge success. It can be used as an add-on to your existing plan.
PS: xmas i meant christmas
I got the $15 unlimited internet plan around christmas-time. The only stipulation was that the voice+data plan had to go above $45. Originally it was just being offered for certain phones, then they opened it up to every smartphone. I told all my friends about it, only a couple got it. Now they raised the price to $30 and the ones that missed out are kicking themselves.
I use my phone connection with my laptop using PDANET. great program, invisible tethering.
No Fee for Tethering
Will Internet Connection Sharing ICS (found file on XDA Developers) do the same job as PDAnet at masking tethering to laptop?
http://www.androidcentral.com/att-a...available-march-6-or-earlier-pre-order-feb-13
- The phone itself will cost $199 after rebate and two-year contract.
- Presales start Feb. 13, the phone will be available March 6 "or earlier."
- You have to have a minimum data service that costs $15 a month.
- The Atrix and Laptop Dock can be purchased as a package for $499.99 -- after contract and a $100 rebate.
- There's also an Entertainment Access Kit -- with the HD Multimedia Dock, a Blueooth keyboard and mouse, and remote control. That costs $199.
- The Laptop dock by itself costs $499.99. (Better to buy it with the phone.)
So, On contract, it's going to be $199. If you want the Laptop Dock, you can get the Bundle at $499. AFTER rebate, and you MUST have the tethering plan.
Sorry, but NO sale. Requiring the tethering plan is ludicrous, and $499 for the laptop dock? I REALLY wanted this phone and the Laptop dock, but these prices are stupid.
edit: Official News Release: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-rele...ailable-for-preorder-on-feb-13-115191644.html
So ****ing stupid.....at&t just killed all the hype surrounding this and i'm sure they lost a huge portion of sales from people that were so amped for this....
Anyone else a little mad that att would take such an amazing and exciting device and just **** it all up? I was SO excited for this. Now, because they cant be reasonable, I gotta settle for something else. REALLY ATT? You're asking too much for the kit but I would have paid it if not for the ridiculous tethering requirement. Can someone justify this? Please? I'd love to see them try
i probably would have also paid the $499.....but requiring tethering makes this a definite no for me...
I'm pretty sure that I will now not be getting this phone, and most likely will be leaving AT&T. My contract has been up for some time, I was looking forward to upgrading to the Atrix. Forcing the tethering plan for a non-tethered device killed it for me, as well as the ludicrous pricing but I could have dealt with the pricing. Too bad AT&T really screwed this up, I was looking forward to this and was convinced to buy it up until now.
...Next.
I'm still going preorder one. Was hoping to get a dock but for those prices its phone only for me.
I'll just use the hdmi mirroring. If anything its gotta be better than the captivate
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
bose.jhebert said:
Anyone else a little mad that att would take such an amazing and exciting device and just **** it all up? I was SO excited for this. Now, because they cant be reasonable, I gotta settle for something else. REALLY ATT? You're asking too much for the kit but I would have paid it if not for the ridiculous tethering requirement. Can someone justify this? Please? I'd love to see them try
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm livid at their pricing model. I can see the phone being $199, I'm ok with that. I was planning on getting the Laptop Dock instead of a NetBook. I was only going to use it via WiFi. But now, I'll have to buy it for $499? AND I'm required to get the most expensive Data plan AND tethering? Uhm, no. Sorry, you can eat it AT&T..
This product is really a game changer, and they had a great opportunity to come out strong with this type of convergence device and make it popular. Now? It will be hyped up, no one will but it, and it will fade into existence.
g0nk said:
I'm livid at their pricing model. I can see the phone being $199, I'm ok with that. I was planning on getting the Laptop Dock instead of a NetBook. I was only going to use it via WiFi. But now, I'll have to buy it for $499? AND I'm required to get the most expensive Data plan AND tethering? Uhm, no. Sorry, you can eat it AT&T..
This product is really a game changer, and they had a great opportunity to come out strong with this type of convergence device and make it popular. Now? It will be hyped up, no one will but it, and it will fade into existence.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tethering killed the deal for me too. ATT blew it
Yes I just saw that. Att can gtfo; I am definitely not getting this phone.
Captivate 2.2.1 Paragon
ECdOc said:
I'm pretty sure that I will now not be getting this phone, and most likely will be leaving AT&T. My contract has been up for some time, I was looking forward to upgrading to the Atrix. Forcing the tethering plan for a non-tethered device killed it for me, as well as the ludicrous pricing but I could have dealt with the pricing. Too bad AT&T really screwed this up, I was looking forward to this and was convinced to buy it up until now.
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Click to collapse
This is me exactly. I have been on AT&T since 2000 (well, the name has changed a few times) but this is unacceptable, I wanted the Atrix so badly and I am so angry that they screwed it up like this.
Well my wife wanted a Verizon iPhone anyway.
Goodbye, AT&T!
I'm confused about the "tethering required" part. I'm seeing it kind of mentioned, but only with the dock? The webpage and quote #2 in the pr says the phone itself only requires the $15 data plan.
OMG.. $500 for a freakin laptop dock. That is insane. FU ATT. I was going to buy the atrix off contract to keep my plan. ATT rapes it's customers.
Yaotl said:
I'm confused about the "tethering required" part. I'm seeing it kind of mentioned, but only with the dock? The webpage and quote #2 in the pr says the phone itself only requires the $15 data plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We are all confused about the "tethering required".
AT&T NEEDS to look up the definition of device tethering. Wikipedia has one HERE. It is clearly connecting a computer to a mobile device in order to access the internet. The laptop dock can not be classified as a computer as it does not function without the phone being connected to it. If they say it is a computer, they need to look HERE for the definition of computer.
Too damn much, sorry. Their greed is going to kill this brilliant platform before it even gets off the ground.
I was willing to shell out $500, even if it meant pinching my nose and going with AT&T, but that extra tethering charge is complete bull****. Sorry AT&T, but no sale.
I wonder. What would happen if you plugged the phone into the dock and did NOT have the tethering plan? They specifically mentioned firefox needs it. is it possible another browser would work without tethering? Because if you lose the tethering I would be willing to spend $499 on the whole kit
Inspire for me!
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
bose.jhebert said:
I wonder. What would happen if you plugged the phone into the dock and did NOT have the tethering plan? They specifically mentioned firefox needs it. is it possible another browser would work without tethering? Because if you lose the tethering I would be willing to spend $499 on the whole kit
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was curious about this as well. Indeed if you buy the laptop dock from AT&T, to get the subsidized price you gotta get tethering. What if we obtain the dock through other channels and start using it. Also, beyond the laptop dock...You can use the webtop interface through the other dock and even without a dock i believe when hooked up properly...will those methods also require the tethering plan, I am assuming it would but how will they know if you are using it in that way?
ECdOc said:
I was curious about this as well. Indeed if you buy the laptop dock from AT&T, to get the subsidized price you gotta get tethering. What if we obtain the dock through other channels and start using it. Also, beyond the laptop dock...You can use the webtop interface through the other dock and even without a dock i believe when hooked up properly...will those methods also require the tethering plan, I am assuming it would but how will they know if you are using it in that way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, they stripped out the native mobile hotspot. Maybe they've found a way to make Firefox not connect unless you have the tethering plan. Who knows?
Hopefully the laptop dock/webtop will still work on wifi if you don't have a tethering plan? I'll try to get the laptop shell elsewhere for cheaper.
Edit: but only if I can get it cheaper then a reasonable tablet. I'd rather have a tablet, so it has to be a lot cheaper
miztic said:
Hopefully the laptop dock/webtop will still work on wifi if you don't have a tethering plan? I'll try to get the laptop shell elsewhere for cheaper.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It could be the case that you can use it over wifi... the press release states
3. Laptop Dock - Firefox browser use with AT&T Mobile Broadband requires Tethering Plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only suggesting you need tethering with AT&T mobile broadband, not mentioning wifi. Still, not cool.
Ok, so let's brake this up in numbers.
Considering you're like me and don't want to sell you soul for 2 years to AT&T, here is the pricing:
Phone - safe to say, off contract, will be about $699 (+tax, activation, etc)
Dock - $500
Tethering - $20 per month
DataPro - $25 per month
So, to get a netbook with a cellphone, it will cost $1,200 USD + taxes and activation, easily another $100.
So, a total of $1,300 for a cellphone and a keyboard with a ****ty-ass screen that you have to haul around.
Oh, and don't forget the extra $45 per month (!!), which, considering you'll own this combo for at least a year, will come to additional $540 for year of ownership. That's on top of whatever wireless plan you have. So a total of $1,840 for a year of owning this thing. That's $153 USD PER MONTH.
If you want to get the 2 yr plan, it comes to $1,140 for a year of ownership, on top of whatever your current charges are.
To get this into perspective, let's look at what's in the market.
For the price of the dock ($500) I got myself an Acer AS1810TZ netbook/notebook hybrid about 4 months ago. It has:
4GB RAM
320 GB HDD
1.3 Intel Pentium DualCore CPU
Easily handles 1080p video
Battery lasts for EIGHT HOURS (!!)
Full Windows 7 Ultimate OS
1366x768 screen resolution
If you don't want the laptop dock, then why even get Atrix 4G?
Think about it:
You DON'T need 1GB RAM, nothing to fill it with without the laptop.
Camera is crap - 5MP
Unable to do 1080p video. Maybe in 3 years it will, heh.
Only capable of HSPA+. No LTE, obviously.
FroYo. No word on GB update. Seiously, top of the line Android phone with 2.2 when 2.3 and 3.0 are out?
Forced MotoBlur
Probably a bootloader locked to HELL AND BACK to prevent hacking and free tethering
Let's face it - phone's ugly and looks like an old fat iphone.
I think conclusion is pretty obvious. It's quite entertaining to watch how AT&T keeps building itself a coffin, while repeatedly shooting itself in a leg, while drinking poison by the gallons.
Wow glad I don't have my tilt2 anymore and switched to sprint with prices like that there screwing them selves band there consumers that's just bs
sent from my hero which is a real hero now thanks to gb
HTC Pyramid.
Well, that's one usage scenario. I'm not sure why you'd pay that much for a phone off contract, though, with ATT. It's not like T-Mo where you can get a cheaper plan w/out phone subsidies.
If I were buying the Atrix, as a current ATT customer (like I am), and I wanted the dock, I'd just buy the combo deal which is $500 (plus tax) for both. That's $700+ less than what you have quoted.
Tethering is $20 a month, true, but I've been tethering on my ATT plans for years (since the iPhone 3G came out) and never paid any extra for it. I doubt that anyone on this forum wouldn't be able to figure out free tethering. I haven't looked into weather tethering is a required option on this phone, so I could be wrong. Side-note on the tethering: I have unlimited data for my phones on ATT, and last month I didn't have home internet while waiting for the cable co to install. I used well over 50GB of data that month. My wife used at least 10GB. I was able to stream Netflix to my HDTV and stay current with all my BitTorrent downloads (linux distros, y'know). And I don't pay for tethering. Not a word, slowdown, surcharge, complaint, or any throttling whatsoever from ATT. Plus I have the HSPA modem installed on my Captivate, so the data was quite fast (for a phone).
Anyone with an Android phone already pays for a data plan, so that isn't really sensible to add to the cost of the Atrix specifically, since it applies to every Android handset. Most decent Android handsets cost between $150-$200 (at least when they are new). So really, you are paying an extra $300 for... wait for it... a netbook! How much does a netbook cost? Oh, yeah, about $300. I paid $340 for mine, the OP says he paid $500 for something better.
That's cool, but the Atrix can also run Citrix for a full desktop experience if that's really what you want.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjOND67hYCE
johnnydeathmatch said:
Well, that's one usage scenario. I'm not sure why you'd pay that much for a phone off contract, though, with ATT. It's not like T-Mo where you can get a cheaper plan w/out phone subsidies.
If I were buying the Atrix, as a current ATT customer (like I am), and I wanted the dock, I'd just buy the combo deal which is $500 (plus tax) for both. That's $700+ less than what you have quoted.
Tethering is $20 a month, true, but I've been tethering on my ATT plans for years (since the iPhone 3G came out) and never paid any extra for it. I doubt that anyone on this forum wouldn't be able to figure out free tethering. I haven't looked into weather tethering is a required option on this phone, so I could be wrong. Side-note on the tethering: I have unlimited data for my phones on ATT, and last month I didn't have home internet while waiting for the cable co to install. I used well over 50GB of data that month. My wife used at least 10GB. I was able to stream Netflix to my HDTV and stay current with all my BitTorrent downloads (linux distros, y'know). And I don't pay for tethering. Not a word, slowdown, surcharge, complaint, or any throttling whatsoever from ATT. Plus I have the HSPA modem installed on my Captivate, so the data was quite fast (for a phone).
Anyone with an Android phone already pays for a data plan, so that isn't really sensible to add to the cost of the Atrix specifically, since it applies to every Android handset. Most decent Android handsets cost between $150-$200 (at least when they are new). So really, you are paying an extra $300 for... wait for it... a netbook! How much does a netbook cost? Oh, yeah, about $300. I paid $340 for mine, the OP says he paid $500 for something better.
That's cool, but the Atrix can also run Citrix for a full desktop experience if that's really what you want.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjOND67hYCE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^ What he said.
I want the Atrix because it's top of the line. Oh noes, it doesn't ship with 2.3 or 3.0? No Android phone ships with the most recent firmware. Seriously.
I'm not getting tethering, I just want the media dock. I want to be able to stream high quality video to my TV/where ever.
I love that it's a powerful phone. I love that Sony has announced they'll be making games for the Android devices, and I love that the Atrix is the first one that will be able to reliably run Playstation 1 games, so I don't have to keep lugging my PSP around with a dozen memory sticks.
SquareBare said:
HTC Pyramid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
here, here
Milkshakes00 said:
^ What he said.
I want the Atrix because it's top of the line. Oh noes, it doesn't ship with 2.3 or 3.0? No Android phone ships with the most recent firmware. Seriously.
I'm not getting tethering, I just want the media dock. I want to be able to stream high quality video to my TV/where ever.
I love that it's a powerful phone. I love that Sony has announced they'll be making games for the Android devices, and I love that the Atrix is the first one that will be able to reliably run Playstation 1 games, so I don't have to keep lugging my PSP around with a dozen memory sticks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Funny thing, I wasn't even interested in the Atrix until I saw the linkbait title of this post in a sig. After reading it I couldn't help myself, had to post a reply. Now I'm getting one for sure! It'll make a great birthday present from my wife (she's great!).
Now I just have to decide if I should get the laptop dock or should just wifi tether to my CR-48... Decisions, decisions.... I'm leaning towards not since I found out that the dock requires the tethering plan. It does look so sexy, though (like a Macbook Air) and I like the fact that it has its own battery which can charge the phone. Of course, with a 1930mAh battery, that might not be necessary.
DarkDvr said:
Ok, so let's brake this up in numbers.
Considering you're like me and don't want to sell you soul for 2 years to AT&T, here is the pricing:
Phone - safe to say, off contract, will be about $699 (+tax, activation, etc)
Dock - $500
Tethering - $20 per month
DataPro - $25 per month
So, to get a netbook with a cellphone, it will cost $1,200 USD + taxes and activation, easily another $100.
So, a total of $1,300 for a cellphone and a keyboard with a ****ty-ass screen that you have to haul around.
Oh, and don't forget the extra $45 per month (!!), which, considering you'll own this combo for at least a year, will come to additional $540 for year of ownership. That's on top of whatever wireless plan you have. So a total of $1,840 for a year of owning this thing. That's $153 USD PER MONTH.
If you want to get the 2 yr plan, it comes to $1,140 for a year of ownership, on top of whatever your current charges are.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure how you crunched those numbers, butyou assume that people don't already have a data pro plan (which is retarded for a site like XDA)
So doing the math correctly, by taking out the data plan you already have, it's actually more like:
(699+500+(20*12))/12 = 119.9---> $120 extra a month, if you're counting your initial investment, which I think would be poor statistics.
Well, the phone its self is a standard at&t phone deal.
It is only when you include the useless dock that the math turns into a total screw job.
Everything I have read says that you must have tethering to get the dock for 200 dollar discount.
Tethering is 20 dollars amount extra, anyone who has ever heard of XDA developers knows how to get around that little bs fee.
240 dollars a year for tehtring on a 2 year contract is a rip off.
after 2 years the dock will have cost close to 800 dollars.
800 dollars for a netbook is a friggin joke.
What is going on is at&t is doing anything and everything to try and make up for losing the Iphone exclusivity contract. I would look for them to also continue to increase their data pricing fees and anything else they can charge extra to their costumers to maintain their quarterly statements.
I don't want to know what this will cost in Europe..
Too much in any case!
i currently have the nexus one and i can tether. i am also on the grandfather unlimited data plan from at&t. my question is about the tethering - will at&t lock this feature unless you pay for the tethering plan? or do i need to root this phone or something of that sort to get tethering working for free?
ApplCobbler said:
Not sure how you crunched those numbers, butyou assume that people don't already have a data pro plan (which is retarded for a site like XDA)
So doing the math correctly, by taking out the data plan you already have, it's actually more like:
(699+500+(20*12))/12 = 119.9---> $120 extra a month, if you're counting your initial investment, which I think would be poor statistics.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You assume many people here have DataPro.
I assume they don't. This is xda, most phones here are rooted and will have tethering hacks.
Either way, 153 or 120 per mo is insane. Especially considering latest Atrix reviews, which are disappointing to say the least.
arcticreaver said:
i currently have the nexus one and i can tether. i am also on the grandfather unlimited data plan from at&t. my question is about the tethering - will at&t lock this feature unless you pay for the tethering plan? or do i need to root this phone or something of that sort to get tethering working for free?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only way for you to be able to bypass AT&T detecting the tethering is if phone is hacked. You'll have to wait for our XDA geniuses to unlock the bootloader, root, find the detection methods and hack them.
Considering how much AT&T doesn't want you to do that + Moto's habbit of locking the hell out of bootloaders (Droid X).. I'd say you'll wait to wait a while.
Besides, sideloading is locked tight on Atrix - AT&T hates sideloading and will never allow it (from their words). So installing tethering apps is kinda out of the picture.
But that's just my guess, maybe it won't be as difficult to hack.
DarkDvr said:
The only way for you to be able to bypass AT&T detecting the tethering is if phone is hacked. You'll have to wait for our XDA geniuses to unlock the bootloader, root, find the detection methods and hack them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That isn't true. Enabling sideloading is trivial and doesn't require unlocking the bootloader or root. Once you sideload PDAnet, you can tether all day long. That's worst case scenario, assuming none of the devs here enable root and hack the tethering feature as has been done with all the other phones.
Also, even with the heavily-locked bootloader (at this point we don't know if the Atrix is locked or not), the Droid 2 was rooted before it was even for sale. Rooting likely won't take long, and once we have root, tethering and whatnot won't be a problem.
IMO, even if we can't get custom ROMs, it won't be that big of a loss due to Tegra 2. The reason I put a custom ROM on my Captivate is for speed. From everything I've seen so far, that won't be a problem on the Atrix.
I'm just thankful I'm still grandfathered in under the old, unlimited data plan. Hopefully AT&T doesn't take that away any time soon. And then I'll happily wait a month or two to see what happens with the Atrix.
To go against that, just for the hell of it, mine is going to cost 150, and it is going to cost 25 bucks a month for the data pro plan.
I know there are a lot of things that people would love to change, but you have tonremember that this is a first for the industry and there are going to be problems.
The phone itself is amazing technically, theres no doubt about that.
Milkshakes00 said:
^ What he said.
I want the Atrix because it's top of the line. Oh noes, it doesn't ship with 2.3 or 3.0? No Android phone ships with the most recent firmware. Seriously.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WRONG! Nexus S shipped with 2.3....latest and greatest at the time.
That's your problem.
There are a lot of assumptions here but we aren't all in the same boat. I currently have an iPhone 4 with unlimited. I managed to score the Atrix for $168 no commitment($268-$100 instant rebate) in my premier count. Which I do believe was a glitch because the prices are now at 399.99 but mine has shipped nonetheless. I have screenshots to prove the pricing. I've been holding out for a good Android phone on AT&T because in my area I get great service. The Atrix fit the bill. You also don't need to unlock/decrypt the boot loader OR even root the phone to allow free tethering. There is a thread in this section and they added the how-to to the root thread that shows you how to enable it without a tethering plan. So I won't be spending anything extra a month aside from my initial $168+tax for the phone and I can tether for free to my iPad and laptop. For me, this is a great deal. I understand not everyone was able to get it for this price or have grandfathered-in unlimited data but some do. I just don't understand the motivation for the big write up really. Is there some sort of anger that this set up is out of your price-range? I felt the need to take my time to explain my situation but I can't think of a reason why you would spend your time explaining yours.
DarkDvr said:
Ok, so let's brake this up in numbers.
Considering you're like me and don't want to sell you soul for 2 years to AT&T, here is the pricing:
Phone - safe to say, off contract, will be about $699 (+tax, activation, etc)
Dock - $500
Tethering - $20 per month
DataPro - $25 per month
So, to get a netbook with a cellphone, it will cost $1,200 USD + taxes and activation, easily another $100.
So, a total of $1,300 for a cellphone and a keyboard with a ****ty-ass screen that you have to haul around.
Oh, and don't forget the extra $45 per month (!!), which, considering you'll own this combo for at least a year, will come to additional $540 for year of ownership. That's on top of whatever wireless plan you have. So a total of $1,840 for a year of owning this thing. That's $153 USD PER MONTH.
If you want to get the 2 yr plan, it comes to $1,140 for a year of ownership, on top of whatever your current charges are.
To get this into perspective, let's look at what's in the market.
For the price of the dock ($500) I got myself an Acer AS1810TZ netbook/notebook hybrid about 4 months ago. It has:
4GB RAM
320 GB HDD
1.3 Intel Pentium DualCore CPU
Easily handles 1080p video
Battery lasts for EIGHT HOURS (!!)
Full Windows 7 Ultimate OS
1366x768 screen resolution
If you don't want the laptop dock, then why even get Atrix 4G?
Think about it:
You DON'T need 1GB RAM, nothing to fill it with without the laptop.
Camera is crap - 5MP
Unable to do 1080p video. Maybe in 3 years it will, heh.
Only capable of HSPA+. No LTE, obviously.
FroYo. No word on GB update. Seiously, top of the line Android phone with 2.2 when 2.3 and 3.0 are out?
Forced MotoBlur
Probably a bootloader locked to HELL AND BACK to prevent hacking and free tethering
Let's face it - phone's ugly and looks like an old fat iphone.
I think conclusion is pretty obvious. It's quite entertaining to watch how AT&T keeps building itself a coffin, while repeatedly shooting itself in a leg, while drinking poison by the gallons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or $199 on contract + $30 unlim data + 3rd party laptop dock.
Oh and I think Moto said they are going to release an update soon for 1080p capture. And 99% of all android phones have a locked bootloader. You can get launcherpro if you dont like MotoBlur. Rooting the phone will give you free tethering.
Its $499 of contract and where else can you take the guts out of your laptop put it in your pocket, make phone calls, send receive emails, web surf, etc.
The LapDock requires an additional purchase of a tethering plan, which is a complete scam! The LapDock does not function at all UNLESS the phone is connected, essentially making this $400+ piece of **** nothing more than a DUMB TERMINAL. I asked them why they require a tethering plan when the machine itself does not work without the phone and serves no other purpose than being an alternative HID to the touch screen, and was merely shown a piece of paper saying the LapDock requires the purchase of a tethering plan. What a pile of fresh excrement.
The sales rep thanked me after I purchased the Atrix (sans LapDock) for explaining it in a way he understood better (and even said he wouldn't purchase it). You're better off getting the multimedia connection that comes with a mouse, keyboard, and docking station and just using that. No tethering required.
I got my Lapdock without a tethering plan and use it all the time; there's several threads on here how to do it. It only requires you to get tethering if you get it as part of the $100 instant rebate, $100 mail-in rebate through AT&T. Sounds like you were just misinformed. AT&T will sell you the dock without a tethering plan AT RETAIL COST. If you want the discount, you have to sign up for tethering to get it. I don't really see why you're so upset about this.
I can't believe you said that. There are so many posts addressing to that issue.
I'm using the laptop dock without a tether plan too, though I'm still a little too nervous to change my apn settings so I just don't use the full fledge firefox when using my data connection, just use skyfire or dolphinHD instead. works great.
Ririal said:
AT&T will sell you the dock without a tethering plan AT RETAIL COST. If you want the discount, you have to sign up for tethering to get it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The crud thing about getting the dock without the tethering plan at retail cost is that the device in itself is definitely worth even close to $500. It's a glorified shell that has a screen, keyboard and battery. If the price drops to something reasonable, I'd say under a netbook price, then I would consider buying it outright. Until then, it is still a rip off, tethering plan or not.
... People seem to be forgetting that the tethering plan is not under contract? In other words, sign up for the tethering plan, get your $100 back immediately and your $100 MIR, then drop the tethering part of your data plan. Or, if you have access to AT&T Premier, sign up for the tethering plan, get your $200 back immediately, and drop the tethering part of your data plan (yay not having the MIR!).
Sogarth said:
... People seem to be forgetting that the tethering plan is not under contract? In other words, sign up for the tethering plan, get your $100 back immediately and your $100 MIR, then drop the tethering part of your data plan. Or, if you have access to AT&T Premier, sign up for the tethering plan, get your $200 back immediately, and drop the tethering part of your data plan (yay not having the MIR!).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have heard this from many places, and I'm not doubting that you know this, bus is there anyone who's done this successfully already? I think you can understandably see why one would be nervous about trying that out.
irishtexmex said:
I have heard this from many places, and I'm not doubting that you know this, bus is there anyone who's done this successfully already? I think you can understandably see why one would be nervous about trying that out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That in particular? Not yet. I can definitely tell you that I changed my data plan a couple of months ago, and it had no affect whatsoever on my contract, though (which is set to expire in 12/11).
changing the data feature makes no change to the contract or the upgrade date.
change it if you want, att won't mess with you. I changed back fro tethering to 2gb and I am fine.
Sogarth said:
... People seem to be forgetting that the tethering plan is not under contract? In other words, sign up for the tethering plan, get your $100 back immediately and your $100 MIR, then drop the tethering part of your data plan. Or, if you have access to AT&T Premier, sign up for the tethering plan, get your $200 back immediately, and drop the tethering part of your data plan (yay not having the MIR!).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah but this only works with new contracts or upgrades. If I want to buy the dock at those prices I need to sign up for contract or upgrade. I can't just change my plan to tethering and I'll get special pricing.
...in case you didn't know, you get LapDocks at negrielectronics.com for $350. No plan required...
Sogarth said:
... People seem to be forgetting that the tethering plan is not under contract? In other words, sign up for the tethering plan, get your $100 back immediately and your $100 MIR, then drop the tethering part of your data plan. Or, if you have access to AT&T Premier, sign up for the tethering plan, get your $200 back immediately, and drop the tethering part of your data plan (yay not having the MIR!).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea.... but last i checked, doing so means that if you still have an unlimited data plan, you would not be able to get it back if you follow your procedure. Pretty sure if you voluntarily change your data package to a tethering package, you lose your ability to switch back to the unlimited.
I am sorry that I had to revive this thread.
I have AT&T premier and one offer states that I will get the Atrix/Lapdock bundle for $300, but this requires a $45 dollar tethering plan. So, if I get the tethering plan and the bundle for a discounted price, then quit the tethering plan in favor of a 2GB plan, I will not have to pay the $45?
Also, another offer states that accessories are 50% off. Will this offer work on the refurbished Lapdock that is now $175?
Doubt it. Most offers excluded the lapdock. A couple have worked but it was priced higher then also. Go through the checkout process minus the last that actually makes the purchase go through and the price should tell you.
Sent from the coolest voided warranty phone ever.
The offer just says accessories. It has no restrictions, so can I fight for a lower price?
You could try calling one of the stores, but I had no luck a few months ago using AT&T Premier for the full priced laptop dock. I called a few stores, tried their main phone line and no luck. The 25% off coupon worked for me
kiwiluver75 said:
The offer just says accessories. It has no restrictions, so can I fight for a lower price?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you read the fine print of the offer the offer is void for Apple products, netbooks, tablets, prepaid cards, photo frame, lapdock for atrix. I just got a refurbed dock on Friday and the code didn't apply, but at least they aren't making you sign up for tethering plan
So, because the 25% discount is not available anymore, there is no possible way of getting a refurbished lapdock for less than $175?
As far as I can see, they just say further restrictions do apply, but do not explicitly state them. Where does it explicitly state them?
In a few months they will be sold at fire sale prices. Nobody is buying them in any significant volume. Then after that of course they will be valuable on ebay as they aren't being made anymore. lol
here in Oz, they tried to sell the Samsung Galaxy Tab at prices above that of entry level ipad. no more than 6 months after release our equivalent of Verizon or AT&T fire sales their entire stock at close fo 1/3rd of what they were originally asking for.
Yeah the guy who priced them should be slapped repeatedly
I am going to buy a Xoom, just wanted to start with that, now I was just curious about a few of the details.
So it is my birthday and my parents have said that they will get me the WiFi Xoom on the 27th or, since my birthday is today, I can pay the $200 difference and get one today tomorrow. This is where my dilemma lies.
I see some benefits to owning a 3G/4G model, never know when you may need to get a data plan to use. However, I currently have a rooted android phone so I am able to tether the device instead. Then I read that some carriers may begin to crack down on unauthorized tethering in the near future.
So that makes me lean a bit towards getting a 3G model.
Problem is, I wasn't sure how the whole WiFi lockdown situation was. I though I heard that Wifi was not locked at best buy, but before that I thought that only verizon sold wifi without requiring a month of data.
Ok enough blathering on... here are my questions
1.) Does a 3G Xoom from Best Buy require a month of data plan
2.) Since we know VZW sells wifi unlocked, do they load any bloatware of any sort?
3.) Unrelated: How is battery life
4.) What would you recommend, pick up a 3G enabled Xoom for $200 or a free Wifi model in a week
EDIT: I have $100 in Best Buy gift cards so that make buying it cheaper
roflha said:
I am going to buy a Xoom, just wanted to start with that, now I was just curious about a few of the details.
So it is my birthday and my parents have said that they will get me the WiFi Xoom on the 27th or, since my birthday is today, I can pay the $200 difference and get one today tomorrow. This is where my dilemma lies.
I see some benefits to owning a 3G/4G model, never know when you may need to get a data plan to use. However, I currently have a rooted android phone so I am able to tether the device instead. Then I read that some carriers may begin to crack down on unauthorized tethering in the near future.
So that makes me lean a bit towards getting a 3G model.
Problem is, I wasn't sure how the whole WiFi lockdown situation was. I though I heard that Wifi was not locked at best buy, but before that I thought that only verizon sold wifi without requiring a month of data.
Ok enough blathering on... here are my questions
1.) Does a 3G Xoom from Best Buy require a month of data plan
2.) Since we know VZW sells wifi unlocked, do they load any bloatware of any sort?
3.) Unrelated: How is battery life
4.) What would you recommend, pick up a 3G enabled Xoom for $200 or a free Wifi model in a week
EDIT: I have $100 in Best Buy gift cards so that make buying it cheaper
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1.) No
2.) No
3.) Superb. You won't be disappointed.
4.) I would pick up the 3G (that's what I have) mainly so you can the option to get insurance on it in vase you lose it, someone steals it or it breaks.
I hope I helped, any more questions feel free to ask.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
wait for xoom wifi.
3g/4g is not necessary if you have rooted android phone.
if you have money to burn, sure, get the 3g version. but imo, stick with wifi
See I wanted the possibility of 3G, so if I don't need a data plan from best buy that's great!
Sent from my HTC Incredible using Tapatalk
Buy the 3G/4G at Best Buy, but with no service. Pay month to month. You don't want a 2 year contract. so your will pay the full price
If you live in a 4g area I would do the 3g/4g. Lte is so great. I'm getting 20mbs download on my thunderbolt.
I was in the same delima I had purchased a zoom from bb off contract...after a whiile whipping out your phone everytime you want to connect got to be annoying also you then have to charge both because tethering does drain battery. Not to mention RSS feeds and stuff that downloads in the background. Want to check it fire off an email...with out your phone or set it up to tether.
Also if you don't have a 4g phone you are missing out on that. In the end you should decide your use case and base it off that. On contract if you get it go to Verizon because the 20 dollar a month plan at best buy will only save you 50 bucks on the phone.
The contract is $20 then? Is that a fixed rate and is that for 4G when I get the upgrade? And how much data do I get for 20
Sent from my HTC Incredible using Tapatalk
Yes minimum contract is 20 a month for one gig of data. 80 percent of the time I'm on wifi so it works for me. In order to get the full 200 off from best buy you need t have the 80 dollar a month plan which gives you 10 gigs.
roflha said:
I am going to buy a Xoom, just wanted to start with that, now I was just curious about a few of the details.
So it is my birthday and my parents have said that they will get me the WiFi Xoom on the 27th or, since my birthday is today, I can pay the $200 difference and get one today tomorrow. This is where my dilemma lies.
I see some benefits to owning a 3G/4G model, never know when you may need to get a data plan to use. However, I currently have a rooted android phone so I am able to tether the device instead. Then I read that some carriers may begin to crack down on unauthorized tethering in the near future.
So that makes me lean a bit towards getting a 3G model.
Problem is, I wasn't sure how the whole WiFi lockdown situation was. I though I heard that Wifi was not locked at best buy, but before that I thought that only verizon sold wifi without requiring a month of data.
Ok enough blathering on... here are my questions
1.) Does a 3G Xoom from Best Buy require a month of data plan
2.) Since we know VZW sells wifi unlocked, do they load any bloatware of any sort?
3.) Unrelated: How is battery life
4.) What would you recommend, pick up a 3G enabled Xoom for $200 or a free Wifi model in a week
EDIT: I have $100 in Best Buy gift cards so that make buying it cheaper
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you tether form your phone you will not get 4G unless you upgrade your phone for $200. I would get the Xoom on contract and use the $200 you have saved to pay for the $20 data service. If you run low on the 1GB allowance you can always tether for the rest of the month. The money you save $200 + $200 pays for the data plan and you get 4G in the process.
This way if someone calls you, you will always be able to use the Xoom while talking, especially navigation which is very conservative on data and also caches local maps.
Also your resale value will be much higher. This is my opinion and I am sticking to it.
Ok from what I've heard I'm going to pick up a 3G Xoom off contract from verizon. Most of my places I use it have wifi and I could get a contract in the future. Thank you everyone.
Sent from my HTC Incredible using Tapatalk
Legacy2385 said:
1.) No
2.) No
3.) Superb. You won't be disappointed.
4.) I would pick up the 3G (that's what I have) mainly so you can the option to get insurance on it in vase you lose it, someone steals it or it breaks.
I hope I helped, any more questions feel free to ask.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to say after reading about the whole att warning iphone users about tethering I wouldn't be surprised to see carriers lock down on that. I don't know the technicl aspect with android and if there even is a way to tell, but even if they do if you have a verizon android device they sell the wireless hotspot for $20 extra and it comes with 2gb. However, if you go over the 2gb then you pay another $20 for 2 gb. The comparable 3g plan is $20 for 1 gb, but you get the convenience of having 3G (and soon 4g) on your tablet. I picked up the 3g/4g model and i am currently on the $50/5gb plan. I have used just over 3gb so i am more than likely going to drop down to the $35/3gb plan. For me it was no decision I definately wanted the 3g model as i really want the 4g upgrade and that to me was worth the extra $200. This tablet is going to be great with that option. One'other reason is the tablet has the option to share the 3g/4g with up to 5 devices so that is another good option. I thought of getting rid of my incredible and going back to a feature plan as it has just been sitting around, but I decided to order the thunderbolt instead as i can't be without a smartphone. Believe me I tried it this last week. I hope this helps, and this is only my opinion. I feel the 3g is worth it as 4g will be great on this tabket and i feel it will be awhile before there is a better spec'd android tablet on the table (quad core?) I went with the 1 year contract so it should work great and i know this tablet will stay relevant for at least a year. I am really enjoyimg it and i must say having 3g built in really makes the device better in my opinion as i save battery life on my phone. I will more than likely be tethering my thunderbolt to the Xoom for the next month as i want 4g and it is free (hotspot) until may so i might drop down to the $20/1gb plan. One other thing to think about is the wifi only Xoom might not have GPS built in. I haven't read anything about so hopefully I am wrong, and i really don't have any reason to look into it as i have the 3g one. The ipad wifi one only uses cell tower triangulation and isn't very accurate so you might want to look into that if you plan on using google maps with the Xoom. I think you are smart to stay away from the two year contract though as the 3g/4g is, in my opinion, the way to go, but I think this early in the game stay away from contracts at all cost unless the is an option for 1 year. I have it as i am an employee so it is a no brainer.
The battery I have been so surprised with. It has been great and i have yet to need a charger during the day (and I bring it everywhere with me). You should have no problem with the battery as i am getting a good 6-8 hours of heavy use out of it and still end up with 30-50 percent when i put in the charger. It has been the best part if this tablet so far as i have always struggled with battery life on android products. I don't even have to remember to turn off wifi and gps. Seriously the battery life will be a non issue take my word for it.
Good luck with your decision I hope this all helps.
Well I got the 3G Xoom without a contract.
I love it!
Thank you all
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
angermeans said:
I have to say after reading about the whole att warning iphone users about tethering I wouldn't be surprised to see carriers lock down on that. I don't know the technicl aspect with android and if there even is a way to tell, but even if they do if you have a verizon android device they sell the wireless hotspot for $20 extra and it comes with 2gb. However, if you go over the 2gb then you pay another $20 for 2 gb. The comparable 3g plan is $20 for 1 gb, but you get the convenience of having 3G (and soon 4g) on your tablet. I picked up the 3g/4g model and i am currently on the $50/5gb plan. I have used just over 3gb so i am more than likely going to drop down to the $35/3gb plan. For me it was no decision I definately wanted the 3g model as i really want the 4g upgrade and that to me was worth the extra $200. This tablet is going to be great with that option. One'other reason is the tablet has the option to share the 3g/4g with up to 5 devices so that is another good option. I thought of getting rid of my incredible and going back to a feature plan as it has just been sitting around, but I decided to order the thunderbolt instead as i can't be without a smartphone. Believe me I tried it this last week. I hope this helps, and this is only my opinion. I feel the 3g is worth it as 4g will be great on this tabket and i feel it will be awhile before there is a better spec'd android tablet on the table (quad core?) I went with the 1 year contract so it should work great and i know this tablet will stay relevant for at least a year. I am really enjoyimg it and i must say having 3g built in really makes the device better in my opinion as i save battery life on my phone. I will more than likely be tethering my thunderbolt to the Xoom for the next month as i want 4g and it is free (hotspot) until may so i might drop down to the $20/1gb plan. One other thing to think about is the wifi only Xoom might not have GPS built in. I haven't read anything about so hopefully I am wrong, and i really don't have any reason to look into it as i have the 3g one. The ipad wifi one only uses cell tower triangulation and isn't very accurate so you might want to look into that if you plan on using google maps with the Xoom. I think you are smart to stay away from the two year contract though as the 3g/4g is, in my opinion, the way to go, but I think this early in the game stay away from contracts at all cost unless the is an option for 1 year. I have it as i am an employee so it is a no brainer.
The battery I have been so surprised with. It has been great and i have yet to need a charger during the day (and I bring it everywhere with me). You should have no problem with the battery as i am getting a good 6-8 hours of heavy use out of it and still end up with 30-50 percent when i put in the charger. It has been the best part if this tablet so far as i have always struggled with battery life on android products. I don't even have to remember to turn off wifi and gps. Seriously the battery life will be a non issue take my word for it.
Good luck with your decision I hope this all helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
once you leave the 1gb plan you can't go back to it. Verizon had message show that before i changed my plan to the 3gb one. The 1gb plan is just introductory it seems
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
Wow didn't know that...funny when I was getting mine he didn't mention it. Guess I'm tethering if I yet close to one gig. To he honest overages aren't all that had...
Sent using HTC Thunderbolt and tapatalk
roflha said:
I am going to buy a Xoom, just wanted to start with that, now I was just curious about a few of the details.
So it is my birthday and my parents have said that they will get me the WiFi Xoom on the 27th or, since my birthday is today, I can pay the $200 difference and get one today tomorrow. This is where my dilemma lies.
I see some benefits to owning a 3G/4G model, never know when you may need to get a data plan to use. However, I currently have a rooted android phone so I am able to tether the device instead. Then I read that some carriers may begin to crack down on unauthorized tethering in the near future.
So that makes me lean a bit towards getting a 3G model.
Problem is, I wasn't sure how the whole WiFi lockdown situation was. I though I heard that Wifi was not locked at best buy, but before that I thought that only verizon sold wifi without requiring a month of data.
EDIT: really late post sorry
Ok enough blathering on... here are my questions
1.) Does a 3G Xoom from Best Buy require a month of data plan
2.) Since we know VZW sells wifi unlocked, do they load any bloatware of any sort?
3.) Unrelated: How is battery life
4.) What would you recommend, pick up a 3G enabled Xoom for $200 or a free Wifi model in a week
EDIT: I have $100 in Best Buy gift cards so that make buying it cheaper
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) I bought mine at best buy. Did not get a plan. It worked great on wifi right when i went home. However I soon got in situation where I wanted internet to use my Xoom and there was none. So two weeks in a broke down and got a plan. Since I have verizon I added the line on my account from the comfort of my home using verizons online website. Just make sure you save the sticker that comes with yoru Xoom. It has a bunch of numbers on it. Because when registering it will ask for these numbers. After 15 minutes i just clicked activate on my Xoom and boom, i now had 3g, no verizon phone call or store needed.
2) They sell the Xoom HW the same no matter where purchase it from. Well unless its a shady vendor that is. If the box says Motorola Zoom, don't get it, unless you want a nook with honeycomb
3) battery is grand
4) I got the 3g, i thought i would regret it at first, but as I said, i saw the need for it pretty soon and I'm very happy with my decision.
I got the 3/4G version at the steal price but as long as I have my company paying for unlimited data with my iPhone I won't need the data plan for the Xoom itself. I don't tether a lot but I'm afraid that AT&T will complain if I did.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App