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
Related
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?
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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.
Hi All,
I am purchasing a Xoom tomorrow morning, and I came to a stark realization today while browsing some other forums. I read that even with the no contract version that there is no true month to month data plan (ie the ATT iPad) and that it costs you $35 every time you want to activate it again. So if I use it for two months, decide to not for two, and then want to use it again, I have to pay a $35 fee. Can someone shed some light on this? I am REALLY hoping this is not the case.
Brock
Please search, this has been answered many times. Your description is correct. If you cancel the 3g service within 72 hours they will refund the activation fee.
I apologize, I did search, apparently not well enough, but that doesn't truly answer my question. I don't mind the initial fee, but will I have to pay it multiple times?
brockwitting said:
I apologize, I did search, apparently not well enough, but that doesn't truly answer my question. I don't mind the initial fee, but will I have to pay it multiple times?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Verizon isn't as kind with this plan as AT&T is with the iPad's month-to-month usage.
That is absolutely horrible... So basically, if you plan on using ANY data sporadically at all, you are better off getting the subsidized version... This is a bad thing for us consumers. I can't believe they would require reactivation multiple times.
brockwitting said:
That is absolutely horrible... So basically, if you plan on using ANY data sporadically at all, you are better off getting the subsidized version... This is a bad thing for us consumers. I can't believe they would require reactivation multiple times.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a shame. I didn't mind getting the 3g version when I thought I could just activate it when I need it, like the iPad. I have a Nexus One I can use as a hotspot in most cases. It's just a kick in the groin to know I'll have to add $35 to the fee if I ever want to use the 3g. In this case, it looks like I'll be turning the 3g off right after I buy it and only activating in case of emergency in the future.
Jrockttu said:
It's a shame. I didn't mind getting the 3g version when I thought I could just activate it when I need it, like the iPad. I have a Nexus One I can use as a hotspot in most cases. It's just a kick in the groin to know I'll have to add $35 to the fee if I ever want to use the 3g. In this case, it looks like I'll be turning the 3g off right after I buy it and only activating in case of emergency in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats probably what I'd do. But I'd imagine if you made an issue out of having to pay another activation fee (when reconnecting), they would drop it. After all, some money is better than no money.
Wow.. Thanks for the updates guys. I just actually called verizon to confirm this, and yup. This is absolutely horrible.. I hope they change.
This is absolutely insane, and has convinced me to not only not get a Xoom, but to drop Verizon altogether once my contract expires in November. The whole point of getting a tablet off contract is to be able to enable data whenever you want. I probably only have use for the data service 3 months (non-consecutive) out of the year, so this has convinced me to wait for a tablet on a carrier that won't screw me as badly.
Meanwhile, I encourage everyone to complain loudly to Verizon. Let them know you're not going to put up with it.
Ingjald said:
This is absolutely insane, and has convinced me to not only not get a Xoom, but to drop Verizon altogether once my contract expires in November. The whole point of getting a tablet off contract is to be able to enable data whenever you want. I probably only have use for the data service 3 months (non-consecutive) out of the year, so this has convinced me to wait for a tablet on a carrier that won't screw me as badly.
Meanwhile, I encourage everyone to complain loudly to Verizon. Let them know you're not going to put up with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea im also leaving verizon, im trying to go att but my credit is bad and asked for 500 deposit on EACH LINE. so tmobile is what we are looking at now. We are going to switch once we move.
brockwitting said:
That is absolutely horrible... So basically, if you plan on using ANY data sporadically at all, you are better off getting the subsidized version... This is a bad thing for us consumers. I can't believe they would require reactivation multiple times.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or tether wirelessly with an android phone.
Ingjald said:
This is absolutely insane, and has convinced me to not only not get a Xoom, but to drop Verizon altogether once my contract expires in November. The whole point of getting a tablet off contract is to be able to enable data whenever you want. I probably only have use for the data service 3 months (non-consecutive) out of the year, so this has convinced me to wait for a tablet on a carrier that won't screw me as badly.
Meanwhile, I encourage everyone to complain loudly to Verizon. Let them know you're not going to put up with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't believe any carrier for any tablet is going to offer a plan where you pay as you go. And if there is such a plan, I can bet you the price would be something like $5 for 250MB of data, or something that will truly not be worth it
unknown_owner said:
I don't believe any carrier for any tablet is going to offer a plan where you pay as you go. And if there is such a plan, I can bet you the price would be something like $5 for 250MB of data, or something that will truly not be worth it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The iPad offers it through AT&T. It's one of the competitive advantages they still hold against all of these new devices.
just to clarify some of vzw policy about activation
kinda thinking about it the wrong way, if you want a data plan it needs a phone number.
that is basically where the fee goes to.
so if you disconnect the data the number is lost.
but per vzw consumer clear disclosure, reactivating within 60 days there is no activation fee. (this would also waive ETFs, if it had one)
to get around this, you can activate a phone.
saving money and not losing the number.
Benkr0n said:
just to clarify some of vzw policy about activation
kinda thinking about it the wrong way, if you want a data plan it needs a phone number.
that is basically where the fee goes to.
so if you disconnect the data the number is lost.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you cancel, wouldn't the number just go into the pool of available numbers? I'm not seeing how this should cost anything. (Also, AT&T doesn't charge an activation fee for the iPad)
but per vzw consumer clear disclosure, reactivating within 60 days there is no activation fee. (this would also waive ETFs, if it had one)
to get around this, you can activate a phone.
saving money and not losing the number.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not exactly clear to me how that would save anything. Not only would that require buying another phone (useless to me), but it would require active service on it, which is, to my knowledge, no less than $40/mo--twice as much as the cheapest data plan.
Ingjald said:
When you cancel, wouldn't the number just go into the pool of available numbers? I'm not seeing how this should cost anything. (Also, AT&T doesn't charge an activation fee for the iPad)
It's not exactly clear to me how that would save anything. Not only would that require buying another phone (useless to me), but it would require active service on it, which is, to my knowledge, no less than $40/mo--twice as much as the cheapest data plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it doesn't immediately go back into the pool, thats why you can get it back within 60 days
if you look at where the money goes to its mostly a credit check.
but it's easer to think of it as getting the number
i guess before, i made a few assumptions, that you had a phone (non smartphone so no data requirement). and a family share plan already with vzw.
meaning switching from the data plan to a secondary on the family share plan. only 9.99
Benkr0n said:
if you look at where the money goes to its mostly a credit check.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They should just do it prepaid like AT&T does for the iPad, with no credit check (but then I guess Verizon can't ding you for $20 when you go a byte over your allotment). It also doesn't make sense that they do a credit check on someone who is already a customer in good standing.
i guess before, i made a few assumptions, that you had a phone (non smartphone so no data requirement). and a family share plan already with vzw.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have any other phones and am not on a family share plan. I still wouldn't pay the $9.99/mo just for the privilege of not paying a $35 activation fee; in fact, it would probably cost me about as much as the activation fee anyway.
secondary activations are also $25 instead of $35
so if you, again my assumptions, activate a secondary phone its only 25.
then switch to the xoom and data plan.
just throwing out more ways to save money.
and btw, vzw will never do pay as u go data
i've regularly seen international pay as u go in the thousands.
I just can't believe that verizon would operate like this, esp since att has prepaid data for the iPad.. I'm sorta screwed, I don't have a family plan, and I only have a D1, and afk, xoom can't connect to ad-hoc.. plus it kinda defeats the reason for me getting the 3g Xoom anyway.
with the xoom it is being handled differently than the tab...
the tab was an accessory non subsidized meaning you could just purchase it.
but the xoom has to go through a different order process
needing an account and plan
if you don't have vzw, thats where the fee comes into play
if you do, there are ways to order it with out the fee (by ordering it for your current line, and taking it off afterwards)
So I bought the unsubsidized version from Best buy today. I am an end user with slightly more than end user knowledge, however I am not a dev. This forum came up in many google searches, so I decided to make an account to ask this question among others I may have in the future, and possibly help others in need, or at least give my opinions to help the devs.
Anyway, my question now on the connectivity is, since i just spent 870 whatever dollars it came out to be, so i didn't have to lock into a 2 year contract, does this really mean I have to go give verizon (400$) because i have bad credit and they run a credit deal for a security deposit even if you're not signing the 2 year contract?
This has frustrated me. Because I bought it assuming (like an idiot) that i'd be able to link my Xoom with my (jailbroken) iphone's tether app, which creates an ad hoc connection and I guess can only connect to rooted android os's.
So basically I guess my question is whats the deal in buying the unsubsidized xoom, if i have to pay verizon 400 anyway? Is there any way around this?
RadDudeTommy said:
So basically I guess my question is whats the deal in buying the unsubsidized xoom, if i have to pay verizon 400 anyway? Is there any way around this?
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If you bought the device unsub, you do not need to pay a deposit as you will be on a month-to-month data-only service plan. If your local Verizon store insists you have to put down a deposit, ask for a manager or go to another store.
you can use bluetooth tethering if there is an app for your iphone (i dunno if there is, never had an iphone). It's supported out of the box with no mods. there is a helpful writeup about several things at the link below.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=969029
10+ char
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
ad hoc tethering
I have an Iphone with Mywi so I can use it as a hotspot. My Ipad and Macbook as well as my PC laptop recognizes it, but my Dell Streak with Android 2.2 and the Xoom can't see it. I was hoping Honeycomb would finally fix it, but no. I think there are hacks for rooted Androids but I'm not sure how easy they are or if they'd work on the Xoom.
A credit check and deposit - if one exists - should only come up when signing a contract.
MrSpokk said:
I have an Iphone with Mywi so I can use it as a hotspot. My Ipad and Macbook as well as my PC laptop recognizes it, but my Dell Streak with Android 2.2 and the Xoom can't see it. I was hoping Honeycomb would finally fix it, but no. I think there are hacks for rooted Androids but I'm not sure how easy they are or if they'd work on the Xoom.
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Doesn't your iPhone make an Ad-Hoc wifi tether rather than a true wifi tether? don't think the Xoom supports connection to it. 2 posts above you this is highlighted and the possible fix is a bluetooth tether.
thanks!
jashsu said:
If you bought the device unsub, you do not need to pay a deposit as you will be on a month-to-month data-only service plan. If your local Verizon store insists you have to put down a deposit, ask for a manager or go to another store.
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Unfortunately for the month to month they still do need to run a credit check and you will need a deposit if it returns with negetive results, the verizon rep. explained the Reson behind this as being so users don't sign up rack up data and bail on the bill. Apparently this month to monthplan will not stop you after your allotted data is used but charge you for any further data you exceed.
Fortunately I got this 400$ deposit dealt with because my gf has good credit. But for anyone out there thinking about purchasing a xoom, my first bill will come out to be 100$ (something the rep failed to mention before my xoom was activated) for the 35$ 3 gig plan. Ues that's over 60$ in activaion fees and surcharges. Also, though you are not in a 2 year contract if you decide to cancel your month to month plan for awhile, there is a15$ reconnect in fee to pay on top of the plan charge. So its not as nice as the ipad data that you can activate a single month of data right from the device and not be stuck with extra charges. But I am not complaining, despite a few glitches that I'm sure google will have fixed for us soon, I love my xoom.
But here is the price point for anyone considering one:
Device 800$ + 70$ in taxes where I'm from (.09%)
Screen protector: 25$
Basic gel case 20$
First month service: 100$ (for three gig plan)
For a total of 1,015$ I will spend on my xoom when my first month is up and ill have to pay that bill.
Which doesn't include a 60$ dock I'm looking to get. And you'll have to consider your credit for the securty deposit, if I didnt have my gf like mentioned earlier I'd have to add 400$ onto that total.
Hope this helps someone.
Maybe this helps?
MrSpokk said:
I have an Iphone with Mywi so I can use it as a hotspot. My Ipad and Macbook as well as my PC laptop recognizes it, but my Dell Streak with Android 2.2 and the Xoom can't see it. I was hoping Honeycomb would finally fix it, but no. I think there are hacks for rooted Androids but I'm not sure how easy they are or if they'd work on the Xoom.
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I had to run some adb commands to enable ad hoc hotspots for my Nook Color. The device has to be rooted, yes. After that it connected beautifully to my jailbroken iPhone 3Gs .
Maybe the adb commands are also valid for the Xoom with minor adjustments? Ad hoc fix
There is so much about the Turbo that is totally better than my last phone the Galaxy Nexus, root, latest Liquid Smooth Rom. But, and it is a big but: WiFi Hotspot is something that I use often, not every day; and I no longer have it. I've had the Turbo 4 days and really like it but the more I read the more convinced I become that a Wifi hotspot app. is not likely to come out any time soon... it really sucks.
Is tethered hotspot a non option?
Is not an option right now, FoxFi has an app. that supports non-root Hotspot on many phones, just not the Turbo. I don't need root just wifi hotspot... the more I read the more I'm convinced is not around the corner... or any time soon if ever. Hope I'm wrong, really like the Turbo.
smokie11 said:
Is not an option right now, FoxFi has an app. that supports non-root Hotspot on many phones, just not the Turbo. I don't need root just wifi hotspot... the more I read the more I'm convinced is not around the corner... or any time soon if ever. Hope I'm wrong, really like the Turbo.
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Your not wrong. Back in September, I contacted the company that makes FoxFi and asked them if they were going to update pdaNet to work with Motorola phones running Kit Kat on Verizon's network. This was before the Turbo but it relates to all Motorola phones:
Here was their reply:
At this point we do not know if a solution exists around the WiFi blockage but we will keep looking. A solution has only been found for Samsung, LG or HTC phones, just not Motorola.
You can only use bluetooth mode or USB mode.
Thanks,
June Fabrics PDA Software Support
http://www.junefabrics.com
Now you know why is bumming me out, all my previous smartphones I made informed decisions, with the Turbo it was an impulse buy. The phone exceeded my expectations but I failed to do the research into a feature that is very important to me, my wife's Note 3 has hotspot , is not a total disaster but it burns me up.
smokie11 said:
There is so much about the Turbo that is totally better than my last phone the Galaxy Nexus, root, latest Liquid Smooth Rom. But, and it is a big but: WiFi Hotspot is something that I use often, not every day; and I no longer have it. I've had the Turbo 4 days and really like it but the more I read the more convinced I become that a Wifi hotspot app. is not likely to come out any time soon... it really sucks.
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Not gonna say that I have never used workarounds to get tethering on an unsupported data plan, but truth be told you are "stealing" from Verizon by doing so, so I can't really mark the phone down for it. That being said my fingers are crossed that root will be coming soon so that you, and even people like me with a plan that allows tethering can ditch the Verizon app for something better.
renegadeone8 said:
Not gonna say that I have never used workarounds to get tethering on an unsupported data plan, but truth be told you are "stealing" from Verizon by doing so, so I can't really mark the phone down for it. That being said my fingers are crossed that root will be coming soon so that you, and even people like me with a plan that allows tethering can ditch the Verizon app for something better.
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You are not the only that shares the opinion that it is "stealing", I gave up unlimited data for the Turbo, so I pay for a fixed amount of data up front whether I use it or not; since the fixed amount of data is "paid" for how I use it is my business , if I exceed the prepaid amount: again I will pay more for it, the hotspot feature is part of the phone is not "created" by Verizon. All Verizon does is block a feature that comes with my phone to restrict whether I use the data that I pay for up front: on my tablet for example.... I do believe there is "stealing" going on, not by me of that I am sure.
smokie11 said:
You are not the only that shares the opinion that it is "stealing", I gave up unlimited data for the Turbo, so I pay for a fixed amount of data up front whether I use it or not; since the fixed amount of data is "paid" for how I use it is my business , if I exceed the prepaid amount: again I will pay more for it, the hotspot feature is part of the phone is not "created" by Verizon. All Verizon does is block a feature that comes with my phone to restrict whether I use the data that I pay for up front: on my tablet for example.... I do believe there is "stealing" going on, not by me of that I am sure.
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Exactly. The fact that Verizon charges extra for activating the hotspot feature on tiered data plans is plain wrong, and will be made illegal when the new net neutrality laws fall in place.
I don't know why some think it is stealing when a user has an unlimited plan and they want to use tethering. I pay for an unlimited plan just like others play for a plan that is limited. It isn't stealing.
Ally Android said:
I don't know why some think it is stealing when a user has an unlimited plan and they want to use tethering. I pay for an unlimited plan just like others play for a plan that is limited. It isn't stealing.
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Except that contract you signed says it isn't allowed without a fee and ours doesn't
Sent from my Droid Turbo.
Coronado is dead said:
Except that contract you signed says it isn't allowed without a fee and ours doesn't
Sent from my Droid Turbo.
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Considering there was no option for using a smartphone as a hot spot when I signed my contract, no it doesn't.
Ally Android said:
Considering there was no option for using a smartphone as a hot spot when I signed my contract, no it doesn't.
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Then talk to Verizon, point it out in your contract, and have them enable it. They have contractual obligations as well.
Although if your contract is really that old I bet it had the 5gb limit before possible disconnect that my original plan did from when they atryed offering data at all. They never enforced it, but it's there. So I don't know how much benefit you'd get over a tiered plan if they decided to enforce for you tethering with something they can track.
Sent from my Droid Turbo.
Coronado is dead said:
Then talk to Verizon, point it out in your contract, and have them enable it. They have contractual obligations as well.
Although if your contract is really that old I bet it had the 5gb limit before possible disconnect that my original plan did from when they atryed offering data at all. They never enforced it, but it's there. So I don't know how much benefit you'd get over a tiered plan if they decided to enforce for you tethering with something they can track.
Sent from my Droid Turbo.
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You can't have a 5GB limit on an unlimted plan. Unlimited means unlimited, even the government agrees on this: http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/11/01/federal-government-to-att-wireless-unlimited-data.aspx
Well I am glad to see they finally cracked down on that, because for years unlimited did not really mean unlimited at all, lol.
Sent from my Droid Turbo.
Verizon start messing with the unlimited plan back in July of 2011. That is when they first started trying to charge extra for using the hot spot option. Back then it was an additional $30 a month for unlimited use of the hot spot. So you would have had to pay $30 a month for unlimited data and then another $30 a month for unlimited data using hot spot.
Have you seen their latest price structure:
1 GB $40 (Considered Light Usage)
2 GB $50 (Considered Heavy Usage) * Seriously? The Turbo can use that much doing nothing.
3 GB $60
4 GB $70
10 GB $80
15 GB $100 (Was 12 GB)
20 GB $150
30 GB $225
40 GB $300
50 GB $375
60 GB $450
80 GB $600
100 GB $750
No wonder they keep trying to get rid of us unlimited plan users. My unlimited plan is less than the 1 GB plan.
I currently have the 15gb plan, 3 lines,a 4g hotspot device, unlimited talk and text, edge plan on the turbo, ensurion, caller ID, and premium visual voicemail all for $208 a month after taxes. 15gigs seems to be enough for me but if I could I would use much more.
Sent from my XT1254
All of the new tiered data plans (the more everything plans) include tethering for no additional charge. You are on a "legacy" plan that technically no longer exists because it is from a time when not everybody and their dog had a smartphone. You have an option to change that. If there was no tethering when you got your plan then quit living in the stone age. It is perfectly legal for them to change the terms when asking you to sign a new contract. If you want to pay 200 bucks for an 800 dollar phone, you have to sign a contract it's as simple as that.
Yeah it sucks that we all lost unlimited data, but thats they way it is. Your laptop has the capability of pulling WAY more data than any smartphone in the world. There is a reason they don't want you tethering on an unlimited plan. People using it for torrenting, and netflixing on their 60 inch TV have potential to ruin the network quality for everybody else.
Like I said, I have tethered in the past too with third party apps, but you signed a contract that VERY specifically states you aren't allowed to do that, and we are using loopholes to get around it. If they catch you in the act they can do anything from blocking your workaround, to completely dropping you and not allowing you to use their network anymore. I've never heard of it happening, just saying it can. I sell VZW, AT&T, and Sprint service on a daily basis I have read every one of those contracts word for word, and third party tethering apps are very specifically prohibited which makes any other argument a moot point. You signed a paper that said you wouldn't tether without paying for that right.
It's also a straight up fact that 98% of people who got booted from unlimited plans were using less than 2GB per month anyway. It's only people like us here on XDA that are heavy users like that, and our abuse of the system is the entire reason they took away unlimited in the first place. If people hadn't been watching 100GB of netflix and pornhub every month on their smartphones then maybe it would never have become an issue. It isn't designed to replace your home internet service so stop acting like it should perform that way.
renegadeone8 said:
If you want to pay 200 bucks for an 800 dollar phone, you have to sign a contract it's as simple as that.
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Didn't pay $200 for my Turbo, paid full price so I didn't have to sign a new contract and be charged double for a 2GB plan ($50 a month) then I pay for my unlimited data. ($24 a month)
renegadeone8 said:
but you signed a contract that VERY specifically states you aren't allowed to do that, and we are using loopholes to get around it.
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Not true, they didn't come up with charging for the Hot Spot feature until July of 2011. I signed my contract way before then for unlimited data. I've paid full price for my past two phones to keep it. So there is nothing in my contract that says it isn't allowed.
renegadeone8 said:
netflixing
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Seriously? Data is data regardless of if you are watching Netflix, YouTube, or just doing emails. The government is already going after AT&T and Verizon because "Unlimited" should mean "Unlimited". There shouldn't be any throttles on the data, blocks on the data, etc.
renegadeone8 said:
It isn't designed to replace your home internet service so stop acting like it should perform that way.
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Don't expect it to be. I have a very good IP at my home. For me it is when I am on the road with the grandkids that I need to have my phone turned on as a hot spot so that they can use their tablets. Ever try to go on a road trip with 8 grand kids ranging in age from 6 to 12?
Ally Android said:
Didn't pay $200 for my Turbo, paid full price so I didn't have to sign a new contract and be charged double for a 2GB plan ($50 a month) then I pay for my unlimited data. ($24 a month)
Not true, they didn't come up with charging for the Hot Spot feature until July of 2011. I signed my contract way before then for unlimited data. I've paid full price for my past two phones to keep it. So there is nothing in my contract that says it isn't allowed.
Seriously? Data is data regardless of if you are watching Netflix, YouTube, or just doing emails. The government is already going after AT&T and Verizon because "Unlimited" should mean "Unlimited". There shouldn't be any throttles on the data, blocks on the data, etc.
Don't expect it to be. I have a very good IP at my home. For me it is when I am on the road with the grandkids that I need to have my phone turned on as a hot spot so that they can use their tablets. Ever try to go on a road trip with 8 grand kids ranging in age from 6 to 12?
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This is copy and pasted verbatim from a Verizon contract from 2009
PDA/smartphone and BlackBerry® Plans: These VZEmail plans cannot be used: (1) for access to the Internet, intranets, or other data networks except as the device’s native applications and capabilities permit, unless you subscribe to BroadbandAccess Connect; or (2) for any applications that tether your device to laptops or personal computers other than for use of the Wireless Sync or the BlackBerry solution, unless you subscribe to BroadbandAccess Connect.
I was formerly a Verizon employee and now I sell phones for all 3 carriers I know wtf I'm talking about. Your plan falls under PDA/Smartphone plans, and it explicitly describes the need to have BroadbandAccess Connect to use anything that is not a NATIVE phone application. A third party tethering app is not considered native as it doesn't come pre-installed on the device.
It goes on further to say this:
Data Plans and Features (such as NationalAccess, BroadbandAccess, GlobalAccess, Push to Talk, and certain VZEmail services) may ONLY be used with wireless devices for the following purposes: Internet browsing; (ii) email; and (iii) intranet access (including access to corporate intranets, email, and individual productivity applications like customer relationship management, sales force, and field service automation).
You aren't even legally allowed to use it for video streaming, gaming, torrenting, or any other high bandwidth application on those old plans.
renegadeone8 said:
This is copy and pasted verbatim from a Verizon contract from 2009
PDA/smartphone and BlackBerry® Plans: These VZEmail plans cannot be used: (1) for access to the Internet, intranets, or other data networks except as the device’s native applications and capabilities permit, unless you subscribe to BroadbandAccess Connect; or (2) for any applications that tether your device to laptops or personal computers other than for use of the Wireless Sync or the BlackBerry solution, unless you subscribe to BroadbandAccess Connect.
I was formerly a Verizon employee and now I sell phones for all 3 carriers I know wtf I'm talking about. Your plan falls under PDA/Smartphone plans, and it explicitly describes the need to have BroadbandAccess Connect to use anything that is not a NATIVE phone application. A third party tethering app is not considered native as it doesn't come pre-installed on the device.
It goes on further to say this:
Data Plans and Features (such as NationalAccess, BroadbandAccess, GlobalAccess, Push to Talk, and certain VZEmail services) may ONLY be used with wireless devices for the following purposes: Internet browsing; (ii) email; and (iii) intranet access (including access to corporate intranets, email, and individual productivity applications like customer relationship management, sales force, and field service automation).
You aren't even legally allowed to use it for video streaming, gaming, torrenting, or any other high bandwidth application on those old plans.
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Wifi Hotspot is a native application that Verizon BLOCKS, it is not a third party app.
This is how a Verizon contract should read: Whatever we say is legal because we say so, whatever you think: is wrong, illegal and you the customers are thieves, the only one allowed to steal is Verizon period.
There you go is that better now?