Related
I'm looking to get the Evo but the $10 a month Premium data-add on is something that is holding me back. What I am trying to figure out is whether this is actually required by the phone or not. I was told back in the days that the Blackberry Internet Service was "required" for activation, yet I easily activated the phones without the internet plan, and I was even able to activate a few with the internet plan then go back and remove the internet plan and it still worked! I to this day don't believe Sprint when they tell me something won't work, so I'm trying to find a solution to this. Is there anyway the command forcing the phone to search to see if the subscriber has the data add on can be accessed? Would it be a file or a command? And wouldn't I just be able to do what I did with my Blackberry's in the past and just cancel the premium data add on after activation and keep the phone working like normal?
Another user explained to me that a user on these forums: Toast is working on some sort of solution to this?
I'm pretty sure no. As with the pre and hero I think the sprint system knows the imei for the phones and will require this. Looking in my account, I can see the premium data plan, and It does not let me remove it. If there's some special way, who knows, but I don't think I've heard of one yet.
I'm actually ok with the premium data plan. It means that less people ran for the phone (which means I got one easy) and it means less people jamming the network with one, which leads to higher speeds for me lol... Sprint's always been good to me otherwise. I can eat the 7.70 a month I have to add on.
You must have the plan or your phone disactivates.
It's worth it, free Telenav and sprint tv, plus 4g
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Sent via the XDA Tapatalk App
Speed alone is worth it. If that doesn't sell you I read somewhere a plan pricing comparison and Sprint with the +$10 plan is still cheaper than most services out there when it comes down to it.
chandlerw88 said:
It's worth it, free Telenav and sprint tv, plus 4g
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Sent via the XDA Tapatalk App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The free sprint TV is crap, but the navigation seems very good!
But...Navigon will be releasing an android nav app this year, so that will make it useless, lol
Basically if you don't get 4G or don't need it...it's just an extra crap fee.
ballerx43 said:
I was told back in the days that the Blackberry Internet Service was "required" for activation, yet I easily activated the phones without the internet plan, and I was even able to activate a few with the internet plan then go back and remove the internet plan and it still worked!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is pure blind luck. When the Blackberry add-on was still sold by Sprint, not having it on the account was possible...but lead to a great deal of issues. Blackberry devices can and will check the web often. If you dind't get hit with data charges. Some people did. Some people's phones couldn't even make phonecalls without the pack.
And just for reference, the price of that add-on was set by RIM, NOT by Sprint.
EVO-lution said:
You must have the plan or your phone disactivates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Half true. There's no way to remove the feature as every Rep knows that it has to be there.
Of course if you do manage to find a way to remove the feature you'll end up paying MORE, so that's probably not in you r best interest!
Personally, I rarely use 4g. It has major penetration issues (know I'm going to hear more on that phrase!) but considering I'm at 1.3GB since the 27th of last month on this thing, odds are good I'll reach and/or exceed the 5gb cap that typiccally accompanies this kind of gear. $10 to allow me to use the phone as much as I want, in whatever way I want?
Sold.
I don't see the big issue. I came from AT&T paying $250 a month. This is nothing to worry about.
you can get this phone on $70/month plan. google slickdeals, check their hotdeals foroums. it's there.
Neotelos_com said:
The free sprint TV is crap, but the navigation seems very good!
But...Navigon will be releasing an android nav app this year, so that will make it useless, lol
Basically if you don't get 4G or don't need it...it's just an extra crap fee.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, but you can get nav on the evo from google maps....
I think it's a ripoff to charge an extra $10 that most of the country can't access yet for some reason, people still pay it.
I originally was upset by the $10 surcharge, however, after using the Evo for a weekend I consume WAY more data on it than any other phone I've used. Its so hard not to. I almost prefer browsing on it compared to my laptop, YouTube is great, and Maps and Navigation on the big screen is a joy to use. Besides, Sprint's plans are still a hell of a lot better than the competition, even with the extra fee.
So is there a definitive answer whether the 3g is truly unlimited or is it only 4g? There seems to be conflicting answers everywhere.
bockjacob said:
So is there a definitive answer whether the 3g is truly unlimited or is it only 4g? There seems to be conflicting answers everywhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.phonescoop.com/news/item.php?n=5973
case closed
From CNET News: "If the thought of having to pay for 4G without actually getting 4G makes you mad, it might be some slight consolation that there will be no data cap associated with the Premium Data add-on, regardless of whether you're using 4G or 3G, according to Phone Scoop."
Well, I'm just wondering what everyone else is thinking. I just purchased the aria after buying (and returning the motorola backflip) - which btw, I have to give *some* credit. I read a lot of bad things about the backflip and I have to say, I really didn't have all that many problems with the phone, i personally thought it was a step up from my tilt2.. I was at my wits end with either winmo or htc.. but the backflip just didn't have enough power for me and I feared att would take forever to release 2.1 for the device.
Anyway, so far ( my first few hours ) with the aria, I am quite impressed. I wanted a small device and I think this packs a nice little punch. My experience has been fairly good. There are a couple things I dislike already about the phone.. the speaker quality is really bothering me, I can barely hear when I'm getting a phone call, the actual handset sound quality is not bad, its crisp and clear, but not NEARLY as good at the backflip.. if anything the backflip should get some excellent credit for having a great speaker and sound quality. The headphones or ear buds are HUGE, I'm not a small guy, but how is someone suppose to stick those huge buds in their ear hole? I'm slightly concerned about battery life, but I understand this may be an issue with most of android phones (or 2.1 down maybe???) but really that's about the only downfalls I'm running into at the moment. Overall I am quite satisfied with the device and think I'm actually going to keep this one. I love how it's just zipping through most screens and programs. I seen some video reviews of android central putting it through some benchmark test along with 3 other devices and this aria kept up with them.. (and even beat the droid, yes, I know, droid has twice the resolution but still.. not bad). Oh and I was also really concerned with the low resolution of the device, I understand a higher res on such a tiny screen would make things very hard to read. This screen is very vivid and I don't know why I was so concerned anymore.
would I buy my mom this phone? heck yah, so far, it's ranked up there in my list of fav phones.. and maybe take the #1 spot here soon after more playing around. (YES, UNTIL MY NEXT DEVICE!!!)
well, just thought I would say Hi to all my fellow aria owners, see what you guys thought and maybe offer some opinions for others who haven't bought the device.
I picked up the phone yesterday and I have to say I'm really enjoying it so far. For the 600mhz processor it's packing it's actually VERY responsive. I have been pleasantly surprised at the speed this little guy packs (and that's coming from a Nexus One owner!). The screen looks small when placed beside my Nexus One but while using the device I find myself having plenty of room to browse, type, and just about do anything. So far so good!
Ever since I got my Nexus One and ditched iPhone I've been looking at the Legend but didn't want to give up 3G. This device in my opinion is a smaller and more pocketable model. It has the same processor, screen size, and resolution but it's not AMOLED (which doesn't bother me because I can see it in sunlight) and runs just about identical software. Over all I'm impressed with the device.
Now hopefully it will see a root pretty soon and maybe even some ROMs/Kernels if were lucky!
HTC Aria
I just registered to xda-developers to post about the HTC Aria. The thing about the phone is that it's FAST. For a 600MHz processor, it screams. I've seen the EVO 4G and Droid and the Aria seems to keep up in terms of smoothness. Listening to music, surfing the web and getting text at the same time is smooth.
I have the phone fully charged, with brightness set to automatic, and wifi turned on so we'll see how long the phone lasts through out a normal day.
I went to the ATT store yesterday to check the phone out in person. I was pretty impressed with its speed over all. I had no issues with the screen size what so ever. In fact... the fact that the phone is small and very thin (compared to my Tilt 1) makes it one of my first choices for a new phone. BUT... I'm out of contract with ATT on July 5th and am thinking of switching to sprint and getting an EVO but I have yet to get my hands on one to really compare. But again... the size of the Aria is very appealing to me. And I'm not so sure Sprint will have the coverage I need in all the places I go?
I REALLY hate how ATT neuters their phones!!! And hate it even more that i have an UNLIMITED data plan now...BUT.... ATT wants to charge me more a month for a new data plan for "smart phones". $5 more for 200megs $15 more for 2GBs, and I for get how much more if I want to teather... WTF??? I can teather NOW (and do often)... such a rip off... data is data and unlimited is unlimited in my mind!!! Sprint would be the exact same price I pay now for unlimited everything and and i could get an EVO.
I think my biggest concern with the Aria is that... until I root it, and am able to change radios, i'm worried about signal strength!!! My tilt was BAD until I installed the radio I have now around here. It was impossiable to travel and talk on it because I kept loosing signal. I drive a lot for work, and to some remote places too, I could look at my in dash NAV screen and watch the signal drop out every couple mins. Installed the battery eating monster and all was well. But I REALLY don't want to go through that again, I'd actually like it to be good out of the box (imagine that?)
I had recently played with a friends backflip and managed to lock it up inside 15mins and had to reboot it to get it to function again. Plus i didn't care for the keyboard on the outside and lack of 2.1 to start with... So I'm still on the fence... nice sized Arai but still have to deal with ATT, or go to Sprint, get an EVO and the great unknown of how my service will be. Live in 12866 but travle 100+ miles in every direction for work.
So far I'm 60/40 toward the Aria... maybe once it's rooted I'll make the jump??? IDK!
Chris
sentinel_cm said:
I REALLY hate how ATT neuters their phones!!! And hate it even more that i have an UNLIMITED data plan now...BUT.... ATT wants to charge me more a month for a new data plan for "smart phones". $5 more for 200megs $15 more for 2GBs, and I for get how much more if I want to teather... WTF??? I can teather NOW (and do often)... such a rip off... data is data and unlimited is unlimited in my mind!!! Sprint would be the exact same price I pay now for unlimited everything and and i could get an EVO.
Chris
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, if you already have an unlimited data plan, you can keep it as long as you like, even if you switch phones. I had the HTC Fuze for the longest time and as long a you mention that you want to keep your unlimited plan, you should be able to keep it.
lorcharlie said:
Actually, if you already have an unlimited data plan, you can keep it as long as you like, even if you switch phones. I had the HTC Fuze for the longest time and as long a you mention that you want to keep your unlimited plan, you should be able to keep it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had this arguement with the people who work at the ATT store too... I couldn't get them to upgrade me to the Arai and keep my plan AS IS. I can get the phone via the store for $130, or $29 via ATT web site (both with 2yr contract extensions). But both require me to upgrade to the dataplan for smart phones. I'm going to try the 800 # and see if I can get my way... I have in the past.
Chris
Those AT&T guys needs an update. When I went to get my phone on Sunday, I was the only informed person about the HTC Aria. They had to go online to find the phone cause they didn't believe me. I got the only one there that day.
BestBuy Mobile acknowledges that you have an unlimited plan and will keep you on it when I went to ask them on Saturday. If AT&T doesn't work, BB?
go to best buy, i work there and at least at my location the mobile team knows all about the aria, its 129 and we dont have any mail in rebates, its all in store
lorcharlie said:
Those AT&T guys needs an update. When I went to get my phone on Sunday, I was the only informed person about the HTC Aria. They had to go online to find the phone cause they didn't believe me. I got the only one there that day.
BestBuy Mobile acknowledges that you have an unlimited plan and will keep you on it when I went to ask them on Saturday. If AT&T doesn't work, BB?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just spent 30 mins on the phone with ATT and here's where I got....
I'm told that I have the "wrong" data plan for the phone I have now. I find this amuseing because I bought the phone 2 years ago via the web site, and the plan in March at the ATT store. They tell me that as soon as I put my sim chip in the Arai my plan would be automatically upgraded, I call BS!!! (heard this from the guy in the store too). I gave them a "little bit" of hard time and talked to a manager too.
The manager was very cool and was willing to work with me... He offered to change me to the 200Mb smart phone data plan + unlimited text. This would bring my bill up $5 a month for the 2 year contract. He then offered me a $120 credit to my account to cover the extra $5 for the whole 2 years. I told him I wanted to think about it and he put a note on my account and told me I could do the online thing then call back and referance the note and get the credit.
So... I can upgrade to the Aria for $29 via att site, my bill goes up $5 a month, but they will give me a $120 credit to cover it. Not bad...
Now my thought process is this... IS 200Mb enough... I adverage about 15Mbs normally but with a full HTML browser and Android as a new toy will it be enough???? Or do I jump ship for Sprint and a $200 Evo???
Decisions decisions....
sentinel_cm said:
I just spent 30 mins on the phone with ATT and here's where I got....
I'm told that I have the "wrong" data plan for the phone I have now. I find this amuseing because I bought the phone 2 years ago via the web site, and the plan in March at the ATT store. They tell me that as soon as I put my sim chip in the Arai my plan would be automatically upgraded, I call BS!!! (heard this from the guy in the store too). I gave them a "little bit" of hard time and talked to a manager too.
The manager was very cool and was willing to work with me... He offered to change me to the 200Mb smart phone data plan + unlimited text. This would bring my bill up $5 a month for the 2 year contract. He then offered me a $120 credit to my account to cover the extra $5 for the whole 2 years. I told him I wanted to think about it and he put a note on my account and told me I could do the online thing then call back and referance the note and get the credit.
So... I can upgrade to the Aria for $29 via att site, my bill goes up $5 a month, but they will give me a $120 credit to cover it. Not bad...
Now my thought process is this... IS 200Mb enough... I adverage about 15Mbs normally but with a full HTML browser and Android as a new toy will it be enough???? Or do I jump ship for Sprint and a $200 Evo???
Decisions decisions....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That really depends on how you are going to use it. If you use wifi most of the time and don't use 3G to do much multimedia streaming, then you should be fine. Don't download big email attachments and don't send them while on 3g. 200mb is not a lot of data for this type of smartphone, but if you don't want to pony up for more data, you can stay within 200mb with some discipline and judicious use of cell data. Restricting most of your playing to wifi will help a lot.
T-Mobile and Sprint both offer more attractive data plans that might work for you. But where I live and travel, only AT&T and Verizon offer the kind of service that make it worth having a cell phone at all. If I lived and traveled in a more urban area, I'd have a lot more choices.
sentinel_cm said:
I just spent 30 mins on the phone with ATT and here's where I got....
I'm told that I have the "wrong" data plan for the phone I have now. I find this amuseing because I bought the phone 2 years ago via the web site, and the plan in March at the ATT store. They tell me that as soon as I put my sim chip in the Arai my plan would be automatically upgraded, I call BS!!! (heard this from the guy in the store too). I gave them a "little bit" of hard time and talked to a manager too.
The manager was very cool and was willing to work with me... He offered to change me to the 200Mb smart phone data plan + unlimited text. This would bring my bill up $5 a month for the 2 year contract. He then offered me a $120 credit to my account to cover the extra $5 for the whole 2 years. I told him I wanted to think about it and he put a note on my account and told me I could do the online thing then call back and referance the note and get the credit.
So... I can upgrade to the Aria for $29 via att site, my bill goes up $5 a month, but they will give me a $120 credit to cover it. Not bad...
Now my thought process is this... IS 200Mb enough... I adverage about 15Mbs normally but with a full HTML browser and Android as a new toy will it be enough???? Or do I jump ship for Sprint and a $200 Evo???
Decisions decisions....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's some clarification on how the data plans work. In the past, there were a total of five data plans: Media Net, PDA, Blackberry, iPhone, and aircard data. Out of these five, only Media Net truly had unlimited data, but it was only for non-smartphones, such as the Samsung Eternity, or more recently, Samsung Sunburst, etc. The PDA, iPhone, and Blackberry plans were all $30, but none of them were truly unlimited. In the fine print on the brochures that had this plan, or if you ask any honest AT&T rep, you truly had a 5GB limit, just like the aircard plans.
This being said, you may have had Media Net on your phone before, but Media Net is not the internet plan associated with smartphones, the smartphone plans are. And if you did not have any of the smartphone data plans before, it is IMPOSSIBLE for AT&T (it is not a clickable option in the activation system any longer) to give you that old plan. For me, this doesn't matter. The AT&T online bill payment system has the option to see a nice graph of data usage for the previous six months to give you an idea of how much you use, and I think there is some truth to AT&T's statement that 98% of their users do not exceed 2GB. I myself peaked at 300 mb in May, so while my average is above the cheap $15 200 MB limit plan, It is well beneath the $25 2GB plan, which is cheaper than the archaic 5gb limit plans.
So you see, the unlimited smartphone data plan is a lie, there has never been one for AT&T (and of course, Verizon, because their plans mirror each other).
Not an owner yet.. but I have a renewal coming up, and I'm kicking the idea around. I've used Windows Mobile for a while now, but I really like the flexibility & apps available with Android.
I'm debating whether to just get the Aria, or use my upgrade to get an iPhone 3G, sell it then turn around & buy a Nexus one.
Assuming I do the adb thing to allow apps and then do a root to get rid of the bloatware, what would the pros & cons be between the Aria and the N1? I know the N1 has a larger screen and the faster processor, the Aria has the HTC interface.. is there anything other than that?
attn1 said:
That really depends on how you are going to use it. If you use wifi most of the time and don't use 3G to do much multimedia streaming, then you should be fine. Don't download big email attachments and don't send them while on 3g. 200mb is not a lot of data for this type of smartphone, but if you don't want to pony up for more data, you can stay within 200mb with some discipline and judicious use of cell data. Restricting most of your playing to wifi will help a lot.
T-Mobile and Sprint both offer more attractive data plans that might work for you. But where I live and travel, only AT&T and Verizon offer the kind of service that make it worth having a cell phone at all. If I lived and traveled in a more urban area, I'd have a lot more choices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never paid for a data plan on my Windows phones, I've always turned off pictures in my browser and rarely checked anything. I'd spend like $2-$3 per month on data..
But on this upgrade, it looks like I have to add a data plan, which is ok with me because of the new $15 option. Other than general web browsing, I might download or email small files (word/excel etc) here & there.. I run some websites that I might edit from time to time (if I can get used to the touchscreen keyboard).. I can't see myself doing any streaming.. The most data-intensive thing I can see myself doing is Google Maps/Navigation. Think I'd be ok with the 200MB plan? Is tethering possible on the new plans? I'd definitely do that if it was possible (but again, just for general use, no streaming or large files or anything..)
sentinel_cm said:
I just spent 30 mins on the phone with ATT and here's where I got....
I'm told that I have the "wrong" data plan for the phone I have now. I find this amuseing because I bought the phone 2 years ago via the web site, and the plan in March at the ATT store. They tell me that as soon as I put my sim chip in the Arai my plan would be automatically upgraded, I call BS!!! (heard this from the guy in the store too). I gave them a "little bit" of hard time and talked to a manager too.
The manager was very cool and was willing to work with me... He offered to change me to the 200Mb smart phone data plan + unlimited text. This would bring my bill up $5 a month for the 2 year contract. He then offered me a $120 credit to my account to cover the extra $5 for the whole 2 years. I told him I wanted to think about it and he put a note on my account and told me I could do the online thing then call back and referance the note and get the credit.
So... I can upgrade to the Aria for $29 via att site, my bill goes up $5 a month, but they will give me a $120 credit to cover it. Not bad...
Now my thought process is this... IS 200Mb enough... I adverage about 15Mbs normally but with a full HTML browser and Android as a new toy will it be enough???? Or do I jump ship for Sprint and a $200 Evo???
Decisions decisions....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was going to say that even though I have unlimited data, I realize that almost everywhere I'm at, I have Wi-Fi. That's something else to consider if they won't let you have unlimited data. You could probably do most of your steaming/downloading on Wi-Fi and only do 3g when necessary.
I just checked when I had my iPhone 3gs and I only used 300MB of 3g on average, which means most of my internet interactions were on wifi.
Just a thought. And yes, I can't wait for this phone to be rooted.
ShinerDraft said:
I've never paid for a data plan on my Windows phones, I've always turned off pictures in my browser and rarely checked anything. I'd spend like $2-$3 per month on data..
But on this upgrade, it looks like I have to add a data plan, which is ok with me because of the new $15 option. Other than general web browsing, I might download or email small files (word/excel etc) here & there.. I run some websites that I might edit from time to time (if I can get used to the touchscreen keyboard).. I can't see myself doing any streaming.. The most data-intensive thing I can see myself doing is Google Maps/Navigation. Think I'd be ok with the 200MB plan? Is tethering possible on the new plans? I'd definitely do that if it was possible (but again, just for general use, no streaming or large files or anything..)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The "option" to teather is listed @ $45 per month. So $15 for 200Mb, $25 for 2Gb or $45 for 2Gb + Teather which is decribed as... "2 GB of data to share between your phone and your laptop or Netbook"
I'm sorry... but that is a TOTAL ripoff!!! $20 more to SHARE the same amount of data between my phone and laptop???
I just got my Aria yesterday and am so far happy with it. I still need to figure out how to push apps to it with the side step procedure linked elsewhere here in the forum, so the AT&T restriction really doesn't seem to be that big of a problem to me.
I concur on the insanity on the data plans with AT&T. I've got it doubly complicated as I have a Family plan shared with my husband's iPhone which has the grandfathered in unlimited data and we have unlimited text. The online upgrade system was still giving me the option last week of adding on to my phone for data unlimited for $10 more as we have the text option. But of course I got the same song and dance from the store monkeys on the 'well that's not for smartphones' dodge. Nicely done as far as SNAFU'd corporate communications goes. Though I wouldn't expect anything less from AT&T .
My only complaint with my phone so far is that it is unable to refind my unadvertised home wifi net after a reboot or extended sleep. There's probably a fix, I haven't looked yet for it.
I REALLY hate how ATT neuters their phones!!! And hate it even more that i have an UNLIMITED data plan now...BUT.... ATT wants to charge me more a month for a new data plan for "smart phones". $5 more for 200megs $15 more for 2GBs, and I for get how much more if I want to teather... WTF??? I can teather NOW (and do often)... such a rip off... data is data and unlimited is unlimited in my mind!!! Sprint would be the exact same price I pay now for unlimited everything and and i could get an EVO.
Chris,
I just went through the data question w/ AT&T (I know I can barely stand them) I was told that my 'unlimited' data plan was grandfathered and I didn't have to change anything, however, I did have to talk with customer service to have them set it up.
ShinerDraft said:
Assuming I do the adb thing to allow apps and then do a root to get rid of the bloatware, what would the pros & cons be between the Aria and the N1? I know the N1 has a larger screen and the faster processor, the Aria has the HTC interface.. is there anything other than that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just went from an N1 to an Aria and like the change. Even though the N1 has a faster processor, the Aria is just as fast because it doesn't have as much to power. There are some articles out there which show it's comparable to the Evo and N1 in terms of speed (despite lower specs) (try http://forum.dailymobile.se/index.php?topic=24656.0). I was saying in another post that the Aria can actually juggle 7 or so apps at a time while the N1 will start seriously lagging at just 3 or 4. This is before I had upgraded the N1 to 2.2, but a lot of Market apps were not available or compatible with that build (and some of the stuff I'd already purchased didn't show up!). Of course, the 2.2 build on N1 is 450% faster than the 2.1 build and could easily be considered the fastest android build out there.
I also had a lot of trouble holding onto the N1. It was sleek, but just a little *too* sleek, if you can imagine! I'd also had a negative buying experience with Google where their checkout software screwed up and then the manager-less customer service reps didn't have any idea about what to do (even though that was just my own personal experience).
The N1 did have a gorgeous, big screen and it was sweet on 2.2. The Live Wallpapers can be a thrill, if you are as easily amused as myself. But the Sense ui on the Aria is amazing and seems more interactive than what was on the N1.
Plus, if you root the N1, you void your manufacturer's warranty - your boot screen will display a message to that effect. With the G1, I was able to reload a stock rom and it was accepted under the original warranty. I'm hoping the Aria will be the same way. I was thinking I could root it (if/when that happens) and overclock, but it just doesn't seem to need it now....
Btw... anyone want to buy an N1?
damn pixie said:
I just went from an N1 to an Aria and like the change. Even though the N1 has a faster processor, the Aria is just as fast because it doesn't have as much to power. There are some articles out there which show it's comparable to the Evo and N1 in terms of speed (despite lower specs) (try http://forum.dailymobile.se/index.php?topic=24656.0). I was saying in another post that the Aria can actually juggle 7 or so apps at a time while the N1 will start seriously lagging at just 3 or 4. This is before I had upgraded the N1 to 2.2, but a lot of Market apps were not available or compatible with that build (and some of the stuff I'd already purchased didn't show up!). Of course, the 2.2 build on N1 is 450% faster than the 2.1 build and could easily be considered the fastest android build out there.
I also had a lot of trouble holding onto the N1. It was sleek, but just a little *too* sleek, if you can imagine! I'd also had a negative buying experience with Google where their checkout software screwed up and then the manager-less customer service reps didn't have any idea about what to do (even though that was just my own personal experience).
The N1 did have a gorgeous, big screen and it was sweet on 2.2. The Live Wallpapers can be a thrill, if you are as easily amused as myself. But the Sense ui on the Aria is amazing and seems more interactive than what was on the N1.
Plus, if you root the N1, you void your manufacturer's warranty - your boot screen will display a message to that effect. With the G1, I was able to reload a stock rom and it was accepted under the original warranty. I'm hoping the Aria will be the same way. I was thinking I could root it (if/when that happens) and overclock, but it just doesn't seem to need it now....
Btw... anyone want to buy an N1?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah just keep them both! Lol...I am and I'm still enjoying the hell out of my Aria. This thing doesn't skip a beat! Its easily the fastest 600mhz phone I've ever used. I'm guessing the smaller screen size needs less processing power or something because this little guy flys. I can't even imagine what it would do with a snap dragon! If we can get a root and maybe a 800-850mhz over clock on this bad boy it will be crazy fast.
On a side note my Aria is easily kicking my Nexus Ones ass in battery life. Im extremely surprised.
Can anyone who has an Aria comment on call sound quality, speaker phone quality & volume, and how the phone performs in general in reguards to having a signal vs. not having a signal on the network???
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.
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.
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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
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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
Hello, fellow Androidians! I'm eligible for an upgrade and am looking at getting the S5 very soon. I currently have one of the grandfathered unlimited data plans from Verizon, and I'm deliberating on whether or not to give it up. Before I make an unrecoverable change like that, I wanted to get some additional opinions or pros/cons to doing so. Here's a summary of my thought process...
Up until a few months ago, I used the hotspot feature on my rooted phone a lot. Also, I was rarely in a wifi zone, so I was stuck using LTE data for pretty much everything. It was a no-brainer, and I would definitely have paid for the phone outright to keep it. Due to some recent job/environment changes, I don't really need the hotspot functionality anymore, and I have wifi pretty much everywhere I go on a regular basis. So...on the one hand I really don't want to give up unlimited data because I have this nagging suspicion that it'll become more and more valuable as time goes on. On the other hand, I really don't need it any more so it is hard to justify the higher price tag for an unsubsidized phone, and it seems likely that at some point Verizon will force out everyone with the grandfathered plans anyway. The Edge plan seems okay, but I'm not exactly a phone hopper - I've had only two high-end Android phones over the past 5-6 years (I like customizing my device exactly like I want it, and having to do that over and over again is tedious!).
To the great Android community masses: I would welcome any pro/con guidance, inside knowledge, or anything I'm missing right now that might help make the decision more clear.
Thanks a bunch!
I'm still on my GS3 and use 40-70 gbs a month. I'll either keep unlimited or won't upgrade. Its worth it to keep it.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Xparent BlueTapatalk 2
thecarlsoncrew said:
Hello, fellow Androidians! I'm eligible for an upgrade and am looking at getting the S5 very soon. I currently have one of the grandfathered unlimited data plans from Verizon, and I'm deliberating on whether or not to give it up. Before I make an unrecoverable change like that, I wanted to get some additional opinions or pros/cons to doing so. Here's a summary of my thought process...
Up until a few months ago, I used the hotspot feature on my rooted phone a lot. Also, I was rarely in a wifi zone, so I was stuck using LTE data for pretty much everything. It was a no-brainer, and I would definitely have paid for the phone outright to keep it. Due to some recent job/environment changes, I don't really need the hotspot functionality anymore, and I have wifi pretty much everywhere I go on a regular basis. So...on the one hand I really don't want to give up unlimited data because I have this nagging suspicion that it'll become more and more valuable as time goes on. On the other hand, I really don't need it any more so it is hard to justify the higher price tag for an unsubsidized phone, and it seems likely that at some point Verizon will force out everyone with the grandfathered plans anyway. The Edge plan seems okay, but I'm not exactly a phone hopper - I've had only two high-end Android phones over the past 5-6 years (I like customizing my device exactly like I want it, and having to do that over and over again is tedious!).
To the great Android community masses: I would welcome any pro/con guidance, inside knowledge, or anything I'm missing right now that might help make the decision more clear.
Thanks a bunch!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You keep that unlimited plan as long as you can!!! Do not give it up. You will kick yourself later.
You will lose it on the s5 upgrade....I did. I never used more than 2gb though and don't need tethering to office anymore since I wfh now. They will give you 6gb when you go from unlimited to limited.
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Yeah, I know if I go with the subsidized phone I'll have to get a new plan, but I'm not yet sure if that's the route I want to take. Ideally, I was hoping to pick up some strategies/tactics/loopholes of how to persuade the store to give me the subsidized price without resetting/losing the contract. Obviously, I could threaten to switch carriers, but that's probably pretty common and not likely to work. Any other hints from anyone?
save that UNLIMITED DATA PLAN!!!!!
HI there, user Verizon Unlimited Data Plan,
I also currently uses unlimited data plan right now (with Note2), thinking of changing to Note 3 soon or later.
but KEEP that UNLIMITED DATA PLAN!!!!
I love to use data a lot, no wireless.
most data i used before was like 30+ GB of data.
just love it. streaming videos from youtube/netflix/internet. works like a charm without thinking how much you have to use daily to count the data you been using.
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO GIVE UP YOUR UNLIMITED DATA PLAN!!!!
I've done this now for my last 2 upgrades and it works. Call up verizon wireless and ask for customer service (this is important because the low level people will attempt to force you into giving up your unlimited data).
You'll need Either a open line on your plan or one that is available for upgrade other than your own.
Tell them you want to upgrade another line and that you want to buy the S5 for that one and explain to them very clearly that you want to transfer the s5 to your line. This is actually a very common work around and all the customer service people know about it. In fact when I started to tell the lady about it she recognized that I have been with them for a very long time and gave me some pretty interesting tips to go along with my work around.
However, until I can figure out how to tether my tablet to my phone again I can't take advantage of my unlimited data, so it is kinda a bummer right now.
Anyway, whatever you do, don't give up the unlimited data plan! Make them pry it out of your cold dead fingers! You may not need it now, but what pay the same price or close to it for less product?
Sithlyone said:
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO GIVE UP YOUR UNLIMITED DATA PLAN!!!!
I've done this now for my last 2 upgrades and it works. Call up verizon wireless and ask for customer service (this is important because the low level people will attempt to force you into giving up your unlimited data).
You'll need Either a open line on your plan or one that is available for upgrade other than your own.
Tell them you want to upgrade another line and that you want to buy the S5 for that one and explain to them very clearly that you want to transfer the s5 to your line. This is actually a very common work around and all the customer service people know about it. In fact when I started to tell the lady about it she recognized that I have been with them for a very long time and gave me some pretty interesting tips to go along with my work around.
However, until I can figure out how to tether my tablet to my phone again I can't take advantage of my unlimited data, so it is kinda a bummer right now.
Anyway, whatever you do, don't give up the unlimited data plan! Make them pry it out of your cold dead fingers! You may not need it now, but what pay the same price or close to it for less product?
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Click to collapse
Sounds like you're referring to the "alternate upgrade" process. That's another idea I'm looking at since I'll likely be adding a third line to my plan in the next couple of months anyway. Unfortunately, I would still be looking at purchasing another phone for that line - my current one is dying, so I can't just do a clean swap. Unless I can come up with something creative, I might as well just buy the S5 outright. Still thinking...
rwideman said:
You will lose it on the s5 upgrade....I did. I never used more than 2gb though and don't need tethering to office anymore since I wfh now. They will give you 6gb when you go from unlimited to limited.
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
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What is the cost for 6GB when going from unlimited? How do you get it?
4gb is $30 but they give you an extra 2gb for free cause I can from unlimited plan.
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Well, I called several different stores, and tried to play the switch-carriers card, but all to no avail. They're just not having any trouble selling these, I guess, so they weren't willing to cut any deals.
I opted for the full retail cost to keep the unlimited data. I have a feeling it'll be good to have in the future, but only time will tell. Regardless, thanks for the thoughts, everyone!