Echo - Anyone receive the email from Sprint? - Epic 4G General

So I received an email from Sprint today telling me that I may reserve my Kyocera Echo early since I am a premiere customer. And it's only $200! I almost laughed out loud when I read the email. The phone has been widely criticized on this forum. I'm not going to go in to all of its inadequacies here. Just wondered if anyone else got that email.
P.S. If you want, check out what cnet.com has to say about it:
http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/kyocera-echo-sprint/4505-6452_7-34498252.html

what im mad about is that they sent me the premiere email reminder after they dropped me to silver. how am i supposed to get it for the price if they just took away my yearly upgrade?

running_the_dream said:
And it's only $200! I almost laughed out loud
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Yes, because anything that is of no use to you obviously has no monetary value.
It's not my thing either, but $199-249 is the smartphone price range. It is at the bottom of it. In 6-12 months when it is 'old' it will drop to 149 or even 99 if sales suck. It isn't going to be feature phone priced just because one market segment doesn't care for it.
It is actually a pretty trick device... just not of any use to flagship people that populate this forum (again, myself included).

I work for sprint and we have been playing with a demo of the echo for a few weeks and it is actually kinda cool. The lack of 4g and a front facing camera is the killer for me but it is very resposive and the big dual screen modeis actually very nice to surf the web and for videos.
Sent from my harmonious Bonsai 4.0.1 tree

I'm not totally anti-Echo. To answer some earlier points, yes, $200 is a moderate price point for new 'high-end' smartphones. Obviously, it does have monetary value. I found it funny that a phone lacking so many features and received heavy backlash from the Sprint community and tech community at-large, would be set at that particular price. But that's just me.
Surely, some people will buy it. They like the weight, the bulk, the gadgety-ness of it; whatever.
And yes, I'm Silver too. Not even sure why I received that email either. lol

Related

Nexus One first week sales = weak.((20k))

http://www.pcworld.com/article/1867...irst_week_of_sales_were_weak_report_says.html
Thats a ton of complaints coming out for only 20k sales.
Not being available in T-Mo stores really hurt sales. I think being able to see this screen and hold it in person would move a hell of alot more units.
he Nexus One didn't benefit from such a strong marketing push like the Motorola Droid (estimated $100 million), despite Google's phone featuring so-far unique Android features. This has reflected in poor first week sales for the Nexus One, as per the table below. (Click image above to enlarge)
Instead, Google chose a soft launch for the Nexus One, selling it through their website. But the steep $500 Google is asking for the unlocked device and the mixed reviews the Nexus One received didn't help to maximize first week sales.
Flurry's report mentions that the Nexus One lacks the "wow factor" and the general perception that the device is not seen as revolutionary, but rather just evolutionary from other Android phones.
Om Malik, of GigaOm, notes that Flurry's estimated sales numbers for the Nexus One might even be a bit far fetched. He mentions Google has been giving away the Nexus One to its employees and also lent it to many members of the media for reviews, which could have bumped up Flurry's analytics.
Next to the poor first week sales figure, the Nexus One has also seen mounting complaints over the 3G connectivity of the device and the lack of developer tools for the Android 2.1 platform.
In her review of the Nexus One, my colleague Ginny Mies notes that Google's phone "isn't quite the game-changer people hoped it would be, though it certainly trumps other phones in performance, display quality, and speed." Next to pros like a dazzling OLED display, snappy performance and sleep, slim design, she marks the lack of multitouch support and the software keyboard as cons.
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I'm actually glad. I dont want the nexus one to become a fashion icon like the iPhone did.
EDIT: YOU! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE
melterx12 said:
I'm actually glad. I dont want the nexus one to become a fashion icon like the iPhone did.
EDIT: YOU! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE
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awww Fuuudgdeeee
Had to be 2 new yorkers didnt it. lol
Agree with this though. Ive been saying I hope a ton of people want it but few get it. That way Google is pressed to resolve there customer service and HW issues and early adopters dont look like bandwagon jumpers for the latest fashion device.
On the flip side... I hope Google doesnt turn around and blame Tmobile. Tmo and Google have been continually bringing out Android sets I hope that relationship doesnt sour because of this.
Actually 20k in sales for a phone that has reportedly had the vast majority of users buy the unlocked version is pretty damn good (Leo Laporte mentioned it on TWiT on Sunday)
melterx12 said:
I'm actually glad. I dont want the nexus one to become a fashion icon like the iPhone did.
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As much as I give credit to Apple for what they've done with the iPhone, the iPhone has become the "razr" of phones.....the "Wal-Mart" of phones....
The bad press on this phone is silly. It takes nothing into consideration, bends around the truth, and just sounds misinformed. This phone had a soft launch, wasn't available in stores, no television ads, and wasn't really advertised by Google until the day of it's launch.
These soft launches make an impact. Word will spread and then it will pop up and explode on Verizon. I'm not even trying to defend the device, it just makes me angry seeing so much misinformed crap popping up on the web.
"But the steep $500 Google is asking for the unlocked device and the mixed reviews the Nexus One received didn't help to maximize first week sales."
Mixed reviews meaning angry fanboys? I don't get it. The thing runs Android really well, is fast as hell, looks great, has a good camera, etc. I have no idea what people were expecting. Android has been out, and this was stated to be an Android device.
mark925 said:
As much as I give credit to Apple for what they've done with the iPhone, the iPhone has become the "razr" of phones.....the "Wal-Mart" of phones....
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+1
everybody and their dog has an iphone. i'd rather have something few others do
To be honest, and trying to be unbiased, I think these numbers are ok for Google. Here's why I say that... given the marketing channel used here (online only sales and advertising), I suspect that Google is banking on a moderate rate of sales early on, with an increase a little later. Most people like to see and touch something prior to dropping hundreds of dollars on it. I think Google is counting on the early adopters to buy the phones, and then once we have them and others start seeing and playing with them, they will start buying. In theory, this should work the same as if the N1 would have been sold in stores, except the initial sales would be lighter and the rate of sales would be steeper after the first few weeks.
My proverbial 2 cents...
#1. It's hard for someone to drop that much cash on a phone unseen. Like others have pointed out, it's hard to sell a mobile phone without being able to "touch" it and play with it at a retail store.
#2. The N1 is one of the first handsets relatively available for purchase which has the Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. I honestly think the "hacking" community for the N1 will be similar of what the G1 (HTC Dream) has seen... In other words, the HTC Passion is basically the next great hacking platform as the HTC Dream experienced.
Cheers,
Kermee
So essentially 1 in 150,000 Americans (ROUGHLY, only considering domestic sales) are packin the N1 - Sounds like a pretty elite/exclusive group if you ask me
booloobunny said:
..."But the steep $500 Google is asking for the unlocked device and the mixed reviews the Nexus One received didn't help to maximize first week sales."
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Also, to add onto this...I don't think the price is steep at all. In fact it is cheaper than many other unlocked devices with lesser hardware. Also, it has been pointed out in many places that getting the unlocked version is cheaper than going with the subsidized version and mandatory plan.
When a phone can be purchased only from one location and one URL only gadget freaks like us know about it's existence. Some of my friends who think they are gadget freaks were shocked to see my phone over the weekend. They didn't even know about it yet. Forget the common man. Unless, the phone is sold in T-mobile, and B&M stores, it will be hard to sell like Driod.
Except for lousy T-mobile 3G inside buildings, I love this phone. But I am seriously thinking about returning just to go back to AT&T as I would like to stay with the best GSM carrier who gets most unlocked 3G phones so I can keep changing my phones every few months.
uansari1 said:
To be honest, and trying to be unbiased, I think these numbers are ok for Google. Here's why I say that... given the marketing channel used here (online only sales and advertising), I suspect that Google is banking on a moderate rate of sales early on, with an increase a little later. Most people like to see and touch something prior to dropping hundreds of dollars on it. I think Google is counting on the early adopters to buy the phones, and then once we have them and others start seeing and playing with them, they will start buying. In theory, this should work the same as if the N1 would have been sold in stores, except the initial sales would be lighter and the rate of sales would be steeper after the first few weeks.
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I agree. This seems similar to Gmail when it was in Beta....and Gvoice. Only certain people had it and it was invite only. This seems to make a launch more manageable (less volume) and the inital adopters are the ones who typically want it the most and spread the word to others for free.
I want one... I just don't want to pay $530 to be a beta tester. I think once the 3g issues are solved we'll see alot more people pay for the phone
once Verizon and vodaphone get this phone. Sales will SKY rocket.
Instore sales
The only way for a big change in sales would be to sell the Nexus One in stores, mainstream buyers are not going to spend premium money on a handset that they can not handle first.
There are not enough early adopters and tech heads like most of us on this site to make a major impact on sales. Plus many of us are holding off to see how the 3G issue gets handled before buying.
since they didnt really air commercial for the phone and it is only available online. the numbers are pretty good.
melterx12 said:
The HARDWARE to produce the Nexus One costs $175$. This price does NOT include licensing, manufacturing, advertising, shipping, Government Taxes, etc.
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Yeah... Putting the parts together... probably costs more than the parts themselves, including labor.
Sure, I could get the "parts" for my car too for less than a quarter of what it sells for... I wouldn't want to try to assemble it though!
Cheers,
Kermee
melterx12 said:
The HARDWARE to produce the Nexus One costs $175$. This price does NOT include licensing, manufacturing, advertising, shipping, Government Taxes, etc.
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...not to mention R&D
I still have people ask me when its coming out when I show them mine, this phone is still very "underground"
melterx12 said:
The HARDWARE to produce the Nexus One costs $175$. This price does NOT include licensing, manufacturing, advertising, shipping, Government Taxes, etc.
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Can you send me a link to where you found out the hardware only cost $175 for the nexus one. I would like to see how much the snapdragon proc costs, and the 512mb of ram, and all the other components in the phone, and just the cost of putting it together.
And I am not referring to licensing, manufacturing, advertising, shipping, Government Taxes, etc.
Just the hardware and the costs to put the phone together. I call bull**** on the $175 dollars.
That is how much it might cost to put together the iphone 3gs with much cheaper hardware. But the Nexus One hardware is another story.

Great device but buyers remorse sort of...

After a full week with the Focus and an sd card no problems everything integrated and working to perfection. Speed is awesome and I love it, but I am having a little remorse. I have seen the specs on new phones coming out with the dual core tegras and front facing cameras am I wrong to doubt sigining a renewal with att for the focus? I am really on the edge because my TP2 was functioning fine and I was holding off for wp7 really but like I said I want my phone to have a fair amount of options front facing camera is probably coming soon, and I would like that for family and such, and really not missing the keyboard too much due to the awesome virtual keyboard (as good as the iphones). Anyone else feeling like this or have any suggestions or a roadmap of devices. I have until the 11 of december to return the device I have it armored up so it still looks new on return if the remorse grows. Thanks for your thoughts and ideas
I know how you feel, but, with this kind of mindset you would never buy any electronic equipment ever again because there is always something better just around the corner.
I love my focus - I am very impressed with the device, more so than I thought I would be.
M
I know trust me
I work for a company that is a direct partner with intel so we get roadmap stuff like 3-6yrs down the road kind of hampers my building for myself until I am able to test. I guess that is what hurts me in PC world I get my hands on new stuff and get an idea, I miss my cellular job so much now. Just that like I said just a couple of options I would like (basically two cameras and maybe a keyboard), I was told by a rep that copy/paste should be released this week as well (don't know how true that is). Trust me I love my focus as well and so do my kids and netflix I think I have a resource I haven't used at Samsung and will see if anything new he knows of.
I have no buyer's remorse whatsoever with this phone. As you can see from my sig, I have owned many of the top phones (at their release) and I can say that I am the least wary of this purchase. As previously said, it's pretty futile to keep worrying about what's coming up next because even if you buy that, it will be outdated by the time you get it to your house. There's always something better coming.
As for a front facing camera, if it's a big selling point for you, then yeah, you may want to look into an iPhone 4 or the Nexus S when it drops(assuming you're stuck on AT&T and that the Nexus S comes to AT&T in some form). Personally, I feel like the Focus has surpassed many of my expectations and I can comfortably call it my phone/OS of choice now. I originally bought it on a whim on release just to see what WP7 was all about and I love the OS now, despite it's flaws which I expect to be fixed.
emjee87 said:
I have no buyer's remorse whatsoever with this phone. As you can see from my sig, I have owned many of the top phones (at their release) and I can say that I am the least wary of this purchase. As previously said, it's pretty futile to keep worrying about what's coming up next because even if you buy that, it will be outdated by the time you get it to your house. There's always something better coming.
As for a front facing camera, if it's a big selling point for you, then yeah, you may want to look into an iPhone 4 or the Nexus S when it drops(assuming you're stuck on AT&T and that the Nexus S comes to AT&T in some form). Personally, I feel like the Focus has surpassed many of my expectations and I can comfortably call it my phone/OS of choice now. I originally bought it on a whim on release just to see what WP7 was all about and I love the OS now, despite it's flaws which I expect to be fixed.
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With AT&T.. if you "want" to "cancel" service.. they will offer you options..an option..could be a new [email protected] new subscriber price...this is available every 8 months... this is a way to enjoy new hardware...which we all love...
scottazwork said:
With AT&T.. if you "want" to "cancel" service.. they will offer you options..an option..could be a new [email protected] new subscriber price...this is available every 8 months... this is a way to enjoy new hardware...which we all love...
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I've never gotten such an offer, even when I attempted to break contract about a year in just to see what I could settle with them. 3 people on my family plan have iPhone 4s and love them, plus my company gives us a pretty decent discount on our monthly rates (although it's still sky high with 6 data plans). Every time I've been tempted to just pay out the rest of my contract and go to Verizon, who has fantastic service in my area, something nags me back from doing it like the ability to use SIMs in other countries since there seems to be more worldphone options on AT&T or a new phone comes out that I want to play with (iPhone4, and now the Focus...)
In short, damn you AT&T
a little bit of persuading and you can get ATT to give you what you want.
I got the focus for free. I was using the captivate before that and am now deciding which one I like better
V DidDy 210 said:
a little bit of persuading and you can get ATT to give you what you want.
I got the focus for free. I was using the captivate before that and am now deciding which one I like better
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Ditto! except for the deciding part, I already figured that one out quick. I still had to pay a $35 restocking fee when I returned the Captivate, though. Despite telling them the GPS was completely f'd and I need it functioning for how I use the phone, which was advertised as having...GPS...

What's all the freaking fuss about? - Xoom Pricing

[RANT]
Hello All,
I've been taking look at the threads here and frankly, there is way too much whining and complaining about pricing on the Xoom, and how Moto is now losing customers, and how they have ruined the product launch, blah blah blah.
The 32 GB WiFi + 3G iPad is $729 retail. Xoom is set at $799 - what do you get for an extra seventy bucks? Android HC, VZ network, Tegra 2, the ability to drop an SD card in there for loads more storage, and so on. Is that really so unreasonable? Apple has sold millions of iPads at that price point.
And so what if a new iPad (with new, even more 'magical' properties) will be released this summer, dropping the price of the first one...it's still an Apple device, meaning it runs a locked-down OS. If you love Apple and their designs, hey, more power to you, I'm not here to flame your choice. For me: no thanks.
Some have said that they have a rig at home that cost around 800 bucks and it does so much more than a tablet, so the cost for the Xoom is unjustified. Perhaps...but can you take that rig with you everywhere you go? Portability is a premium, so that comparison is an epic fail - it's apples and oranges. "Hey, my bicycle is better than your treadmill!" - huh, really?
And sure, there's a markup because it's new and it's a first, but that is true for every other new piece of tech. The first iPhone adopters paid $600 for their phones! Have we forgotten that little tidbit?
I will admit, it is disappointing that leaks indicate that the Xoom will not receive subsidized pricing through VZ (though I'd like to remind folks that, as far as I have seen, there has yet to be any official word from Big Red on that).
But seriously...if you are disappointed because the price point places this device out of your reach, too bad so sad, go flash another ROM or something, and don't fill these forums with pages of complaints. I'm definitely looking forward to the days after this device is released, so that actual Xoom users can post their reviews, questions, advice, tips, workarounds, and solutions.
[/RANT]
[FLAMING] ...no doubt it's coming.
i agree.
although I think that the attitude would be a lot different if we were all used to the non-US way of buying cellular devices.
the price is not so much an issue to me considering the hardware. I am not saying I don't have sticker shock, but the price is not the determining factor for me. if the device does everything i need it to then i will buy it. if it lacks something I need, I won't buy it.
khov07 said:
[RANT]
Hello All,
I've been taking look at the threads here and frankly, there is way too much whining and complaining about pricing on the Xoom, and how Moto is now losing customers, and how they have ruined the product launch, blah blah blah.
The 32 GB WiFi + 3G iPad is $729 retail. Xoom is set at $799 - what do you get for an extra seventy bucks? Android HC, VZ network, Tegra 2, the ability to drop an SD card in there for loads more storage, and so on. Is that really so unreasonable? Apple has sold millions of iPads at that price point.
And so what if a new iPad (with new, even more 'magical' properties) will be released this summer, dropping the price of the first one...it's still an Apple device, meaning it runs a locked-down OS. If you love Apple and their designs, hey, more power to you, I'm not here to flame your choice. For me: no thanks.
Some have said that they have a rig at home that cost around 800 bucks and it does so much more than a tablet, so the cost for the Xoom is unjustified. Perhaps...but can you take that rig with you everywhere you go? Portability is a premium, so that comparison is an epic fail - it's apples and oranges. "Hey, my bicycle is better than your treadmill!" - huh, really?
And sure, there's a markup because it's new and it's a first, but that is true for every other new piece of tech. The first iPhone adopters paid $600 for their phones! Have we forgotten that little tidbit?
I will admit, it is disappointing that leaks indicate that the Xoom will not receive subsidized pricing through VZ (though I'd like to remind folks that, as far as I have seen, there has yet to be any official word from Big Red on that).
But seriously...if you are disappointed because the price point places this device out of your reach, too bad so sad, go flash another ROM or something, and don't fill these forums with pages of complaints. I'm definitely looking forward to the days after this device is released, so that actual Xoom users can post their reviews, questions, advice, tips, workarounds, and solutions.
[/RANT]
[FLAMING] ...no doubt it's coming.
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Most are more pissed about the forced carrier activation. You add that on top of the price it truly becomes unreasonable. I was willing to pay the 800 although it would hurt but I understand. But if they force me to get something I don't want then its a no go. That's the majority of the issues.
The fuss is about being almost one hundred (!!!!) dollars more than the market leader that basically created the market.
Ignoring the ipad 2 is absolutely idiotic. Its unreleased just like the xoom. The ipad 2 will be much closer in terms of specs at the same price points as now.
The fuss is over the xoom just flat out being overpriced. Sorry, Moto is 0/2 this year so far. Lots of people let down by the atrix and xoom pricing. Just look at their Facebook or twitter. Its not an accident.
I agree with the OP for the most part.
I also agree with the second post.
I should be able to walk into a non carrier store and purchase the device without paying 20-55 extra bucks to activate it.
That said, I think the ad being spread around was either a pre print mockup or a hoax.
It has spelling mistakes so it can't be the final print version or they'll look like morons - easily fixed before print of course, we'll see.
800 for a choice piece of kit? I'll probably bite but I will wait a few days for the reviews and teardowns to happen, to make sure this is indeed the geek gadget I have been waiting for.
I think it's that there isn't a "middle ground." Sure, it's the same as a 32GB 3G iPad, but at least with the iPad you had the option of a 16GB WiFi-Only iPad, here there isn't an option, take it or leave it. I think that's the main issue. The iPad was available to different levels of consumer spending, the Xoom isn't. You just don't have the option, it's top of the line or nothing, and that's the issue.
Plus, $799 is misleading if the fine print is true. To activate WiFi you need at least a month of a data plan. So tack on $35 activation and $20 for a month of slow-ass service, and it's another $55. Plus, whatever it takes you as far as time to cancel the plan, you know Verizon isn't going to just make it a quick 30 second phone call to cancel the monthly service.
Honestly, just this data plan to enable WiFi is enough to make me say no. What the hell good is a tablet with zero internet connection. They should have given 1 month free service, not this additional $55 crap.
So yeah, true price is $855 for a tablet.
Another issue I have is the MOtorola Cliq. For a year they said they would update the OS, and it was in testing, and this and that, and then last week...Nothing. They canceled the update and gave a big "screw you" to their customers. That kind of attitude isn't really a company I wish to support. In 6 months from now, when they anounce the Xoom 2 and Honeycomb 3.5, will the Xoom get an update or will we be left high and dry? The companies track record leaves much to be desired.
I just have a feeling Xoom customers are going to get shafted by Motorola, and this WiFi data thing is just the beginning. It's making me very hesitant to pick up a Xoom.
You know that feeling you get when you're about to do something really stupid and at the moment you do it a loud "OH $HIT, BAD IDEA" resounds in your head? I get that feeling when I consider buying a Xoom.
well, I'm not too worried about the price. I doubt the price will be $800 anyway. When the ipad was announced everyone was speculating on the price between 800 - 1200, and it ended up not even being close.
I am an avid stock trader, and keep my ear to the street... Wall Street that is! I took a gander at Motorola Mobility (MMI) and their stock is down a little over 3% today on that pricing fear, so it isn't only people in our community that thinks it's a little high.
But like I said, I'm not worried about it costing $800, because in their Q4 earnings conference call they hinted at the price of the Xoom should be $700. Either way I'm getting this bad boy.
They are also releasing several different tablets this year ranging from 7inch to 11 inch, along with wifi only models.
Here is the article I was paraphrasing.
http://www.trefis.com/articles/3836...-up-20-of-motorola-mobilitys-value/2011-02-07
Hopefully this helps get the word out about pricing.
Comparing anything to an apple product doesn't make sense. Apple products are over priced, over hyped and meant for the non tech-savvy/sheep. /rant
I'll only consider the xoom if there are custom roms for it, and also at a lower price as the OS is free.
Dual core laptops have been under $400 for years now.
britoso said:
Comparing anything to an apple product doesn't make sense. Apple products are over priced, over hyped and meant for the non tech-savvy/sheep.
I'll only consider the xoom if there are custom roms for it, and also at a lower price as the OS is free.
Dual core laptops have been under $400 for years now.
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well, overpriced apple products seem to be cheaper than the xoom according to the Best Buy ad...
I do agree that custom ROMs will be awesome, but for me not the deciding factor. I just really like the new OS, and if I like it, then other people will too. I'm not too picky.
I think the deciding factor will be either the bootloader, or if I cannot activate it where I am currently. (I'm deployed to Iraq, and no VZW cell towers lol)
Sirchuk said:
I think it's that there isn't a "middle ground." Sure, it's the same as a 32GB 3G iPad, but at least with the iPad you had the option of a 16GB WiFi-Only iPad, here there isn't an option, take it or leave it. I think that's the main issue. The iPad was available to different levels of consumer spending, the Xoom isn't. You just don't have the option, it's top of the line or nothing, and that's the issue.
Plus, $799 is misleading if the fine print is true. To activate WiFi you need at least a month of a data plan. So tack on $35 activation and $20 for a month of slow-ass service, and it's another $55. Plus, whatever it takes you as far as time to cancel the plan, you know Verizon isn't going to just make it a quick 30 second phone call to cancel the monthly service.
Honestly, just this data plan to enable WiFi is enough to make me say no. What the hell good is a tablet with zero internet connection. They should have given 1 month free service, not this additional $55 crap.
So yeah, true price is $855 for a tablet.
Another issue I have is the MOtorola Cliq. For a year they said they would update the OS, and it was in testing, and this and that, and then last week...Nothing. They canceled the update and gave a big "screw you" to their customers. That kind of attitude isn't really a company I wish to support. In 6 months from now, when they anounce the Xoom 2 and Honeycomb 3.5, will the Xoom get an update or will we be left high and dry? The companies track record leaves much to be desired.
I just have a feeling Xoom customers are going to get shafted by Motorola, and this WiFi data thing is just the beginning. It's making me very hesitant to pick up a Xoom.
You know that feeling you get when you're about to do something really stupid and at the moment you do it a loud "OH $HIT, BAD IDEA" resounds in your head? I get that feeling when I consider buying a Xoom.
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OK, so there is no wifi-only version yet, a reasonable objection. There likely will be, just like with the Galaxy Tab, so a little patience is all that's needed.
I do agree that requiring payment of at least one month of data with VZ is unreasonable for those that aren't looking for 3G data service, but again, a wifi-only version will likely be released.
Regarding the iPad 2, someone earlier said that ignoring it would be 'idiotic'. I strongly disagree - it doesn't really matter what specs/pricing/magic it will have, it's still iOS. The market leader doesn't necessarily make the best product for every potential customer, wouldn't you agree?
As I mentioned in another thread, I believe this device will be more successful in the corporate arena. For mobile workers, 3G data service is a necessity, so the lack of a wifi-only option is moot. A tablet is supremely useful for a mobile workforce, especially one with an open OS.
My only true disappointment is that it seems (so far, but once again, no official word yet) that there will be no carrier-subsidized pricing.
khov07 said:
I do agree that requiring payment of at least one month of data with VZ is unreasonable for those that aren't looking for 3G data service, but again, a wifi-only version will likely be released.
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I wonder though, can they really make the WiFi only model that much cheaper than the 3G model? I mean, if you're paying $55 to "activate" WiFi (which, this is essentially what you're doing if you aren't interested in 3G) then shouldn't the WiFi only model be the same price, $800, but with WiFi already turned on? I guess you could reduce the price a little, but it shouldn't be very much if that's the only difference.
Currently, Motorola is making people pay for a standard feature. I wonder how the disclosure will work. If it doesn't say "Monthly data plan required for WiFi access" on the package, aren't they setting themselves up for a lot of returns or a lawsuit?
csseale said:
Most are more pissed about the forced carrier activation. You add that on top of the price it truly becomes unreasonable. I was willing to pay the 800 although it would hurt but I understand. But if they force me to get something I don't want then its a no go. That's the majority of the issues.
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This.
I'm disappointed but unsurprised by the Xoom price. I've said on this and other forums that the price is comparable to the iPad, but I had still hoped that it would be a little less ($6-700).
Really though, I'm more annoyed by the Verizon nastiness than anything else. Forced activation? I also think that their cost/gigabyte is way too high.
I'm still excited for the Xoom, but I'm no longer planning on being a day-one purchaser. Instead I'll wait to see how the G-Slate and T-Mo's data pricing compares.
I just read this in the Engadget comments:
Igor Kovalenko 43 minutes ago
I work for MOTO and I have no idea what is this about.
My best guess is that this actually refers to the WiFi Hotspot feature - turning that on does actually require "entitlement check" with a carrier. But there is no SW provision (known to me anyway) to somehow block turning on simple WiFi. The initial setup does not require Verizon activation either - you can "skip" and use WiFi for Google setup. At least that is the case on all preliminary SW builds I have tried so far. I don't think that will change.
If Verizon and/or BestBuy have invented something like this, then the best they can do is simply not sell it to you without Verizon account.
Some guy that claims to be a Moto tester over on the engdaget thread about this says it's probably talking about the wifi hotspot functionality which would cost 20$ plus the activation fee.
According to him he's seen nothing in the builds that would prevent basic wifi from working.
Hearsay of course, but it sounds logical.
First of all, I disagree with the original poster's comments about people complaining too much. I think people should complain if they think products are overpriced. Although this might not change Moto's price strategy in the short term, I'm sure the sale figures will eventually reflect the public's discontent. This will make companies like LG, HPalm, etc reconsider their future tablet prices.
Honestly, I don't mind the complaining at all because it lets me know who is going to buy and not going to buy. I, at this point am not planning to buy, feel better that there are others like me that can't afford it. Actually it's not about the price (i actually can afford it); because honestly what's the difference between 700 and 800? I think it's all about value. People want to get a device that they can justify getting.
I think others complaining about the pricing is just as valid as the original poster's complaint about Verizon charging initial service fees. It's all cheap shots that ultimately will work only for dedicated Android developers, rich people, and people who can't take the pressure.
Now I gotta go to class. I'm Late!
asianxtreme said:
First of all, I disagree with the original poster's comments about people complaining too much. I think people should complain if they think products are overpriced. Although this might not change Moto's price strategy in the short term, I'm sure the sale figures will eventually reflect the public's discontent. This will make companies like LG, HPalm, etc reconsider their future tablet prices.
Honestly, I don't mind the complaining at all because it lets me know who is going to buy and not going to buy. I, at this point am not planning to buy, feel better that there are others like me that can't afford it. Actually it's not about the price (i actually can afford it); because honestly what's the difference between 700 and 800? I think it's all about value. People want to get a device that they can justify getting.
I think others complaining about the pricing is just as valid as the original poster's complaint about Verizon charging initial service fees. It's all cheap shots that ultimately will work only for dedicated Android developers, rich people, and people who can't take the pressure.
Now I gotta go to class. I'm Late!
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Click to collapse
Far be it from me to restrict anyone's 1st amendment rights, but shouldn't complaints about product pricing be fielded in the right forum? A tech forum geared toward the development community filled with pages of complaints about pricing seems like wasted space.
How about a discussion here on XDA regarding, you know, the actual technology at hand?
I look forward to getting the device in my hands and discussing issues like performance, battery life, the Honeycomb UI, features, glitches, Exchange synchronization, and all the great things XDA is known for.
khov07 said:
Far be it from me to restrict anyone's 1st amendment rights, but shouldn't complaints about product pricing be fielded in the right forum? A tech forum geared toward the development community filled with pages of complaints about pricing seems like wasted space.
How about a discussion here on XDA regarding, you know, the actual technology at hand?
I look forward to getting the device in my hands and discussing issues like performance, battery life, the Honeycomb UI, features, glitches, Exchange synchronization, and all the great things XDA is known for.
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Click to collapse
Which would be the right forum? The forum description says: "Discussion about the Motorola Xoom tablet (general Q&A, tips & tricks, etc)". Seems like this is the perfect place for this sort of talk.
Xevilious said:
Which would be the right forum? The forum description says: "Discussion about the Motorola Xoom tablet (general Q&A, tips & tricks, etc)". Seems like this is the perfect place for this sort of talk.
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exactly what I was going to say^^^.
There isn't a forum for "ranting" and there isn't even one for you for "ranting about ranting (but still really ranting)" lol.
Also, the right forum for you to discuss the specs and such should be development.
No, judging from other devices.. development is for things such as ROMs, and kernels. Not specification discussion. That would also go in General. Anything referencing the Xoom in a general sense (may that be discussing it's specs, bashing it's prices, etc. would go in General.
I think.
If you look over to the Nexus One General section, you'd see they actually discuss tablets and whatever else there. Without the threads being deleted. "General" seems really for you to discuss Android with people who own the same device as you.
asianxtreme said:
exactly what I was going to say^^^.
There isn't a forum for "ranting" and there isn't even one for you for "ranting about ranting (but still really ranting)" lol.
Also, the right forum for you to discuss the specs and such should be development.
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Click to collapse
LOL - thanks for the lecture and the laughs, noobs. When you have contributed to the community, let us know.
Back to the subject at hand...
This looks to be a great piece of hardware that may or may not be priced well. In three weeks we should know whether or not it lives up to the hype, and VZ gives you 30 days anyway to try it out (corporate customers anyway).
The G-Slate really doesn't seem to thrill me much. The 3D thing is pretty gimmicky, and is sure to carry a price premium of its own, for a very limited use.

The thing that makes me nervous...

Is that I have not seen a review of the Xoom anywhere. Has anybody else? Somehow Motorola was able to get a Xoom in Chad Ochocinco's hands a month ago but I haven't seen any evidence that Motorola has shipped review units to media members. Will we have to wait until after release on Thursday to see any reviews? This release has been so shady that I'm waiting until after I see a credible reviewer verify all of Motorola's claims before I consider purchasing.
Jrockttu said:
Is that I have not seen a review of the Xoom anywhere. Has anybody else? Somehow Motorola was able to get a Xoom in Chad Ochocinco's hands a month ago but I haven't seen any evidence that Motorola has shipped review units to media members. Will we have to wait until after release on Thursday to see any reviews? This release has been so shady that I'm waiting until after I see a credible reviewer verify all of Motorola's claims before I consider purchasing.
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Click to collapse
There have been countless reviews. You mean you want an in-depth detailed review from someone who gets to use the device "in the wild". That is not out yet, and that is normal for a new device of this sort. The devices we have seen so far aren't ready for primetime, and we can only hope that the XOOM I pick up in 4 days is ready.
The release isn't shady, it's just a little rushed. They are trying to bring the device to market ASAP. Would you rather they push the release by a month and send out samples to reviewers? I think the review I put on YouTube will be better than most professional reviews, except for the methodical, if anecdotal, reviews Engadget and other upper echelon tech blogs post.
setite said:
There have been countless reviews. You mean you want an in-depth detailed review from someone who gets to use the device "in the wild". That is not out yet, and that is normal for a new device of this sort. The devices we have seen so far aren't ready for primetime, and we can only hope that the XOOM I pick up in 4 days is ready.
The release isn't shady, it's just a little rushed. They are trying to bring the device to market ASAP. Would you rather they push the release by a month and send out samples to reviewers? I think the review I put on YouTube will be better than most professional reviews, except for the methodical, if anecdotal, reviews Engadget and other upper echelon tech blogs post.
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I disagree. It is shady in the way they are forcing people to pay an extra $35 activation fee plus $20 min service just to activate WiFi. Yes, it is stated in the small print but still, bad business and shady in my mind.
keitht said:
I disagree. It is shady in the way they are forcing people to pay an extra $35 activation fee plus $20 min service just to activate WiFi. Yes, it is stated in the small print but still, bad business and shady in my mind.
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If you consider that Verizon has put money into this project, it's fair to expect them to make a profit on each unit. I think that they should have worked something out with Best Buy that allowed them to take a cut from the 800$, but the result would have been the tablet costing 850$.
Hasn't a rumor been floating around that buying direct from Verizon would require no activation? As counter-intuitive as that may sound, it tracks as Motorola is selling the XOOM 3G wholesale for 550$. So if BB sells it, they keep the 250$ difference, if Verizon sells it, they don't need you to pay for a month of service because they have already made 250$.
It's not shady, but arguably bad business from a consumer image angle. People who don't understand what is going on, or people who simply don't care will look poorly upon the policy. Knowing that there is a WiFi Only version for 200$ less down the road should assuage any issues. But you still have the right to be mad, even if it just gives you heartburn
setite said:
If you consider that Verizon has put money into this project, it's fair to expect them to make a profit on each unit. I think that they should have worked something out with Best Buy that allowed them to take a cut from the 800$, but the result would have been the tablet costing 850$.
Hasn't a rumor been floating around that buying direct from Verizon would require no activation? As counter-intuitive as that may sound, it tracks as Motorola is selling the XOOM 3G wholesale for 550$. So if BB sells it, they keep the 250$ difference, if Verizon sells it, they don't need you to pay for a month of service because they have already made 250$.
It's not shady, but arguably bad business from a consumer image angle. People who don't understand what is going on, or people who simply don't care will look poorly upon the policy. Knowing that there is a WiFi Only version for 200$ less down the road should assuage any issues. But you still have the right to be mad, even if it just gives you heartburn
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You sound like a lawyer It is bad business and consumers will speak with their wallets. This price point will not ultimately work. And we still do not know actual issues with the device including what is going on with the SD support. I was all excited about this before but now, I cannot see paying $900 without a single accessory.
keitht said:
You sound like a lawyer It is bad business and consumers will speak with their wallets. This price point will not ultimately work. And we still do not know actual issues with the device including what is going on with the SD support. I was all excited about this before but now, I cannot see paying $900 without a single accessory.
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Yup. I am planning to go to law school . I agree with you. I just have a habit of playing devil's advocate, and trying to inform other consumers so they don't get enraged and end up hurting themselves by getting angry and making sweeping statements they can't take back. Like when Steve Jobs got angry and committed to never having flash, and forever people like me who need flash can't buy an iPad.
setite said:
There have been countless reviews. You mean you want an in-depth detailed review from someone who gets to use the device "in the wild". That is not out yet, and that is normal for a new device of this sort. The devices we have seen so far aren't ready for primetime, and we can only hope that the XOOM I pick up in 4 days is ready.
The release isn't shady, it's just a little rushed. They are trying to bring the device to market ASAP. Would you rather they push the release by a month and send out samples to reviewers? I think the review I put on YouTube will be better than most professional reviews, except for the methodical, if anecdotal, reviews Engadget and other upper echelon tech blogs post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't seen a single review, just a few hands-on impressions in a controlled environment. I want something that validates the 10 hour battery life and that tells me if the OS is buggy, etc.
I consider it a shady release for the reasons already covered in this thread. The $800 price tag is high, but reasonable, until you consider that it's a $200 premium for 3g/4g, you have to activate data to unlock wifi, and they'll charge you an activation fee of $35 any time you turn on the data. That last part is the biggest kick in the nuts. Motorola, Verizon, and the retailers are all trying to get their cut of the device and the consumers are the ones being punished.
Jrockttu said:
I haven't seen a single review, just a few hands-on impressions in a controlled environment. I want something that validates the 10 hour battery life and that tells me if the OS is buggy, etc.
I consider it a shady release for the reasons already covered in this thread. The $800 price tag is high, but reasonable, until you consider that it's a $200 premium for 3g/4g, you have to activate data to unlock wifi, and they'll charge you an activation fee of $35 any time you turn on the data. That last part is the biggest kick in the nuts. Motorola, Verizon, and the retailers are all trying to get their cut of the device and the consumers are the ones being punished.
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Click to collapse
Agreed. The last part is indeed a true roshambo kick in the nards. I am quite cross about that particular detail as it sort of defeats the purpose of month to month, and makes no sense given my admittedly limited knowledge of how CDMA works. AFAIK all that should be necessary is an OTA provisioning of the tablet when you want to enable service. Something I do on a regular basis for my dad who goes through a new phone every 6 months. He buys crappy flip phones on ebay for 20$ and I activate them using a combination of the Verizon website and a # code on the phone. Easy Peasy, no cost. This makes it clear that they are trying to get you to just keep a minimal data plan month to month, because without a gap of 2 months or more, you will be paying more in the grand scheme if you pay an activation fee each time you lapse. It's almost like a late fee.
Jrockttu said:
I haven't seen a single review, just a few hands-on impressions in a controlled environment. I want something that validates the 10 hour battery life and that tells me if the OS is buggy, etc.
I consider it a shady release for the reasons already covered in this thread. The $800 price tag is high, but reasonable, until you consider that it's a $200 premium for 3g/4g, you have to activate data to unlock wifi, and they'll charge you an activation fee of $35 any time you turn on the data. That last part is the biggest kick in the nuts. Motorola, Verizon, and the retailers are all trying to get their cut of the device and the consumers are the ones being punished.
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Click to collapse
It's up the the manufacturer to release the reviewers from the NDA and let them post reviews. The sheer number of developers that have the Xoom is proof that reviewers have had them for a while. Usually reviews don't come out until the device is actually for sale.
Jrockttu said:
Is that I have not seen a review of the Xoom anywhere. Has anybody else? Somehow Motorola was able to get a Xoom in Chad Ochocinco's hands a month ago but I haven't seen any evidence that Motorola has shipped review units to media members. Will we have to wait until after release on Thursday to see any reviews? This release has been so shady that I'm waiting until after I see a credible reviewer verify all of Motorola's claims before I consider purchasing.
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Click to collapse
There have been Atrix reviews out for a while, but so far, it's been mum on the Xoom. It doesn't make much sense to me either.
That said, I think "shady" is the wrong word. I would use "bizarre". Everything about this has been bizarre, and the fact that nobody even knows when the thing is being released just flabbergasts me. Most launches include things like, you know, release dates, prices, venues, etc.... Right now, the only thing we know for certain is that it will be available at Best Buy in late February for $800, and we haven't known that stuff for very long.
However much I dislike Apple, Steve Jobs would never have let something like this happen... unless we're talking about the mythical white iPhone 4.
Xevilious said:
There have been Atrix reviews out for a while, but so far, it's been mum on the Xoom. It doesn't make much sense to me either.
That said, I think "shady" is the wrong word. I would use "bizarre". Everything about this has been bizarre, and the fact that nobody even knows when the thing is being released just flabbergasts me. Most launches include things like, you know, release dates, prices, venues, etc.... Right now, the only thing we know for certain is that it will be available at Best Buy in late February for $800, and we haven't known that stuff for very long.
However much I dislike Apple, Steve Jobs would never have let something like this happen... unless we're talking about the mythical white iPhone 4.
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Click to collapse
It's just an amazing failure of a launch. It boggles my mind that they can come off of their "Best of CES" performance and get nothing but bad press thereafter. How can they not effectively communicate the price and release dates across media and retailers? Even after Sanjay Jha confirmed the price, the price still isn't listed on the official Xoom website! So much potential wasted. I'm an Apple hater, but nobody can deny that they know how to run a product launch and these other companies need to take notes every June.
Jrockttu said:
It's just an amazing failure of a launch. It boggles my mind that they can come off of their "Best of CES" performance and get nothing but bad press thereafter. How can they not effectively communicate the price and release dates across media and retailers? Even after Sanjay Jha confirmed the price, the price still isn't listed on the official Xoom website! So much potential wasted. I'm an Apple hater, but nobody can deny that they know how to run a product launch and these other companies need to take notes every June.
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Exactly correct. Motorola could stand to take several lessons from Apple, mainly marketing.

T-mobile Galaxy S2 hands-on impressions from a Vibrant user

I went to T-mobile and did a hands-on. The reviews from phone reviewers didn't quite answer my questions as a vibrant user. So I hope this helps. Plus I don't own it so I won't be justifying buyers remorse.
Bottom Line: Not worth the upgrade from a Vibrant. Especially off-contract. If you are locked into T-mobile and are upgrading anyway, it is worth it. All others should wait to see what the deal with the new Nexus phone is. You will NOT be upset with your purchase regardless though.
Screen: Huge and beautiful. Since it's not pentile, but it is larger than the Vibrant, it looks very similar. The GS2 might be SLIGHTLY less pixelated, but its not the crisp sharpness that I was hoping for.
Build Quality: What the Vibrant should've been. It's the best looking GS2 and it feels very solid. The gunmetal band is plastic as far as I can tell. It feels more solid than the Vibrant, but not nearly as much as an HTC phone. this should not be an issue whatsoever. And boy is it pretty.
Data: I live in a 42Mbps area and i speedtested about 4Mbps. The T-mobile rep said they got 8 yesterday. My vibrant got 2.6. YMMV obviously.
Speed: Quick, but with a live wallpaper and as low as 3 widgets, it started to drop in framerate. However it did NOT lag. things still load and run quickly, but not necessarily at an ideal framerate. especially the homescreen. I benched a 3200 quadrant after a memory clear. it wasn't loaded with smartbench unfortunately.
GPS: Didn't get a lock indoors of a mall (top story). 1400 meters was the closest. But I didn't get to test it outside. Grr.
Didn't get to test: Game performance, Codec Support, Sound Quality or Loudness, Camera, Camcorder, FFC.
I got my SGSII today and love it so far. The screen is beautiful, the gps worked out of the box and its fast as hell.
We'll see how I feel in a few days......
Now we just need some custom rom love
Edit: i get 13mbit/2mbit at work in minneapolis on 4G
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
.
I got my SGSII tmo too. i'm loving it XD
everything works perfectly!
im gonna have to say im loving it too!
Guys if you have both vibrant and the new SG2, please check and reply if the batteries are interchangable.
i dont think the batteries are...this one has 4 gold pins and apparently NFC built into the battery (?)...plus it looks taller.
Since I loved the Vibrant, I'm sure I'll love this phone and it's extraordinarily enticing. But to those who signed a contract with the Vibrant, 2 years isn't up yet and they would have to pay full for the phone. I didn't sign one and I paid-in-full for my Vibrant and to get the GS2, I would have to spend $530. For that, I could buy a PS3 AND Xbox 360, or a fairly nice HDTV or desktop computer, for what I consider an incremental upgrade for a phone.
It's not that I think the phone isn't worth it, its just not worth it as an upgrade from the Vibrant.
i managed to drop my vibrant in the washing machine and am looking to get a new phone starting a new 2 year contract. they didn't have the sgs2 in the store i was at today unfortunately, but i did get to mess around with the htc amaze. it seemed to be pretty dope from what i could tell from messing with it for like 5 minutes, would you guys pick the sgs 2 over the amaze? i'm a little hesitant to buy another samsung product based on the way they handled the whole gps issue on the vibrant, so i'm kind stuck here. it's either one of those or wait until they announce more details on the nexus prime... but i dont even know if that phone will come to tmobile :/
trustinhate said:
i managed to drop my vibrant in the washing machine and am looking to get a new phone starting a new 2 year contract. they didn't have the sgs2 in the store i was at today unfortunately, but i did get to mess around with the htc amaze. it seemed to be pretty dope from what i could tell from messing with it for like 5 minutes, would you guys pick the sgs 2 over the amaze? i'm a little hesitant to buy another samsung product based on the way they handled the whole gps issue on the vibrant, so i'm kind stuck here. it's either one of those or wait until they announce more details on the nexus prime... but i dont even know if that phone will come to tmobile :/
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Click to collapse
sit back for the prime.i think it's going to be called the nexus 3.But I'm not sure, a friend told me that.
simply ginger
trustinhate said:
i managed to drop my vibrant in the washing machine and am looking to get a new phone starting a new 2 year contract. they didn't have the sgs2 in the store i was at today unfortunately, but i did get to mess around with the htc amaze. it seemed to be pretty dope from what i could tell from messing with it for like 5 minutes, would you guys pick the sgs 2 over the amaze? i'm a little hesitant to buy another samsung product based on the way they handled the whole gps issue on the vibrant, so i'm kind stuck here. it's either one of those or wait until they announce more details on the nexus prime... but i dont even know if that phone will come to tmobile :/
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Click to collapse
luckily there are no known issues with the SGS2 like there were for the Vibrant. Even in early reviews, the Vibrant was criticized for lag and bad GPS. It isn't the case with the SGS2, so you are good to go on that front.
As for the Nexus. It may not directly be associated with T-Mobile. However, at this point according to rumors, there should be a GSM version and it should support T-Mobile's 3G band. So the likely scenario is that you would buy the phone unlocked and then get your T-mobile account.
The issue with that is a full price phone and a full price plan. I urge everyone who wants to use T-mobile to take advantage of their off-contract pricing. That math has been done on this dozens of times, but if you buy a phone at full price and join one of their off contract plans, in two years, you will have saved hundreds of dollars. You even have the option to spread the fincancing of a [T-mobile] phone over the months. I'm sure with the nexus that you can finance with the retailer you purchased it from as well.
bdroc said:
luckily there are no known issues with the SGS2 like there were for the Vibrant. Even in early reviews, the Vibrant was criticized for lag and bad GPS. It isn't the case with the SGS2, so you are good to go on that front.
As for the Nexus. It may not directly be associated with T-Mobile. However, at this point according to rumors, there should be a GSM version and it should support T-Mobile's 3G band. So the likely scenario is that you would buy the phone unlocked and then get your T-mobile account.
The issue with that is a full price phone and a full price plan. I urge everyone who wants to use T-mobile to take advantage of their off-contract pricing. That math has been done on this dozens of times, but if you buy a phone at full price and join one of their off contract plans, in two years, you will have saved hundreds of dollars. You even have the option to spread the fincancing of a [T-mobile] phone over the months. I'm sure with the nexus that you can finance with the retailer you purchased it from as well.
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Click to collapse
I just asked and checked a couple weeks ago, the previously called "loyalty program", which lets you split the hardware payment over 20 installments, is no longer available to non-contract-binding customers. Basically if you are not on contract ATM and want to utilize that financing option, you have to sign a new 2-year contract. Sux, right?
here's the link:
http://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-1674
LHBC said:
I just asked and checked a couple weeks ago, the previously called "loyalty program", which lets you split the hardware payment over 20 installments, is no longer available to non-contract-binding customers. Basically if you are not on contract ATM and want to utilize that financing option, you have to sign a new 2-year contract. Sux, right?
here's the link:
http://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-1674
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i can confirm this as well...

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