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$79 Hero Refurb/Preowned (no contract)

http://shop.sprint.com/NASApp/onlinestore/en/Action/DisplayPhones?INTNAV=ATG:HE:Phones
Note: Your phone will not be activated when it arrives. Please follow the instructions included in the box to activate it.
Web specials do not apply when upgrading to a pre-owned device. You’ll instead benefit from maintaining your current upgrade eligibility status.

I was just coming to post this.
I may buy one or two just to root and mess around with.
Worth a shot anyways.

It seems a deal! Better than the one I brought from craigslist, paid $100 without sdcard and headset.
BTW, I don't have to activate it, right?

I'm thinking about getting one. I dropped my Hero last week and scratched it up pretty badly (I was going to swap housing, but I don't want to bother with that). I'd use the refurb as my daily, with my other Hero as a testing device

cwzkevin said:
It seems a deal! Better than the one I brought from craigslist, paid $100 without sdcard and headset.
BTW, I don't have to activate it, right?
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I just ordered one. I had the option to have it pre-activated but I chose not to do that. I'm trying to get my husband on the Android bandwagon and this was a cheap way to do it. (He's currently in our family plan with a BB but wants to jump ship to ATT and Iphone. ugh, I know right?) If he hates it, I have a backup Hero and I did not have to extend my contract.

ordering mine tomorrow, went from a htc vogue with android hacked on to it, to a blackberry curve and now to an htc hero till my upgrade kicks in, never again shall i upgrade to a blackberry....piece of crap

looks like they must have sold out of the refurb heroes... :/

sadly wasn't able to order my phone that night due to mail holiday keeping me from getting my debit card on time but called sprint and was told they would have them back in stock on thursday

Where do you click to see a refurbished model?

oOMavrikOo said:
Where do you click to see a refurbished model?
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They're currently out of stock, but according to the post above you, Sprint should have them back in stock by tomorrow.

BlaqkAudio said:
They're currently out of stock, but according to the post above you, Sprint should have them back in stock by tomorrow.
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i emailed their customer support and im waiting for respond, ill keep you guys updated

I looked yesterday and today and could not find any Refurb'ed Heros, there were some others. Wish I had seen this earlier, would have been nice to get one for my daughter.

yeah i checked into it again, won't have any for a while :/ i suggest you look into ebay if you want to try, alot of reliable sellers.

Keep looking... it's definitely worth doing.
Mine came in a Sprint OEM "Certified Pre-owned" box, packaged as if it were new. The only thing missing was an SD card (heck, it would be just 2Gb which is worthless anyhow) and a printed full manual. The phone looks brand new, except for one minor flaw--a tiny dent on the speaker grille. Otherwise, you wouldn't know this was refurbished.
The battery is in a small plastic bag with a sticker closure. It was not charged, so the phone required the full charging time to get going.

i found some from ebay that were bought up from sprint by bestbuy.

I just looked on eBay for a private party selling a Hero. I hate buying from the jerks too lazy to post real pictures of the product. I'm not buying a new phone, so why would I ever buy anything without being able see exactly what I'm really getting?
Anyhoots I won an auction for one the guy says is 4 months old for $133. Just watched for auction ending in a few minutes that fit what I wanted, placed my bid, 10 minutes later I had won.
Not refurbished, and more than $79, but I'm sure my daughter will love it.

Nice job, sadly my paypal account is locked because i forgot about it and never put in my information, i went looking for people selling and accepting non paypal purchases, i ends tomorrow so hopefully i win, it's refurbished.

Here you go guys,
http://www.cowboom.com/search/results.cfm?keywords=htc+hero
should be about 11 up, most are bids but 2 of em can be bought directly and shipped out.

Just got my Archos 101!

I just paid for it on eBay
I hope we got Devs here, I am coming from a G1 xD

Hope you are not buying a defective unit. Even if it is new in the box. Archos will not recognize eBay as a valid seller and will not honor a warranty through them. So if it is DOA or dies within a few days of getting it, you are SOL.

I ordered one off of Tigerdirect last week. Can't wait for it to get here.

ExploreMN said:
Hope you are not buying a defective unit. Even if it is new in the box. Archos will not recognize eBay as a valid seller and will not honor a warranty through them. So if it is DOA or dies within a few days of getting it, you are SOL.
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Yeah I made sure it isnt defective. The seller had a good rep. Should arrive on Monday.

I just ordered mine from Amazon.com and got a leather case from mp3technology.com
I hope I didn't make a mistake with this device. It seems to have everything that you would need though besides GPS. I don't need honeycomb or dual core processors and ecspecially not 3g. Wifi is all I care about. I'm wondering if pdanet works from android to android?

great idea !

[Q] Best way to prep for return?

So I'll be taking this unit back to Staples soon (before the 14 days) for a few reasons, and I was wondering what the best way to clean this thing was? I'm rooted, so I will have to unroot. I changed the wpasupplicant file and added some Transformer widgets/wallpapers, should I remove those too? Or should i just press the side reset button? If you have ever returned one please let me know what you think I should do. Thanks, always appreciate the help.

cdkizzle said:
So I'll be taking this unit back to Staples soon (before the 14 days) for a few reasons, and I was wondering what the best way to clean this thing was? I'm rooted, so I will have to unroot. I changed the wpasupplicant file and added some Transformer widgets/wallpapers, should I remove those too? Or should i just press the side reset button? If you have ever returned one please let me know what you think I should do. Thanks, always appreciate the help.
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Unroot and restore. Should be good to go.

Alright sounds good. If they don't let me check fornthis bezel lift right in the store I think Ill just wait for the Sammy 10.1 or just put the money towards a new laptop.
I think the device is great, really not many complaints, but after a bit of use and reflection I think I need a laptop more. Maybe ill buy this Acer again once all the fancy Tegra 3 devices come out and this has gone down a bit. It rrpeally is a great tablet IMO.

Im a staples easy tech. we do returns all the time. just an fyi. if your store is anything like mine. we dont care what condition its in. or what software is on it. if you bring it in. its in the box. its within 14 days, and you have the receipt or proof of purchase. we dont care. we ship it back anyway. we return laptops, desktops, and tablets and dont even bother to turn them on. we mark them as returned and put them in the back for shipment. so you should have no worries.

gh123man said:
Im a staples easy tech. we do returns all the time. just an fyi. if your store is anything like mine. we dont care what condition its in. or what software is on it. if you bring it in. its in the box. its within 14 days, and you have the receipt or proof of purchase. we dont care. we ship it back anyway. we return laptops, desktops, and tablets and dont even bother to turn them on. we mark them as returned and put them in the back for shipment. so you should have no worries.
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Same here i work at staples as a easy tech as well.. In my store we just make sure the serial numbers match nd if they do u have the reciept and box we take it back within 14 days.. we end up playing with it ourselves sometimes =] Lol free testing haha but yeah

I am a manager at a staples and while we do not check for root status we do... at my store... check the condition of the unit, that it powers on, and that all the accessories are in the box. If it is physically damaged it is not returned. This is store policy. Anyone here found to be in violation of policy will be written up... if enough times they are not asked back. We like our good sales numbers and weed out the bad apples effectively. Honestly I think it is a shame our own employees talk down about their stores. Anyways you will not have any issues returning it with the root status.
On a lighter note we have not had many returns from the acer... mostly the xoom with the chief complaints involving price and the lack of a functioning micro sd card slot. I am personally waiting for the Toshiba! Keep an eye out!

fredderf81 said:
I am a manager at a staples and while we do not check for root status we do... at my store... check the condition of the unit, that it powers on, and that all the accessories are in the box. If it is physically damaged it is not returned. This is store policy. Anyone here found to be in violation of policy will be written up... if enough times they are not asked back. We like our good sales numbers and weed out the bad apples effectively. Honestly I think it is a shame our own employees talk down about their stores. Anyways you will not have any issues returning it with the root status.
On a lighter note we have not had many returns from the acer... mostly the xoom with the chief complaints involving price and the lack of a functioning micro sd card slot. I am personally waiting for the Toshiba! Keep an eye out!
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Lol if your talking about mine and the other staples workers comments.. Then i think you took it the wrong way buddy.. We're not talking down the stores we're just saying ovcourse the OP know's no store will take a return back for a damaged item so we don't even have to put that point out there its clear to everybody.. Other than that nobody here posted anything to downgrade the staples brand it self.. Anyways since your a manager whats the release date on the Samsung and the Toshiba? And which ones.. Cuz my GM told me before but i totally forgot.. So i wanna know so i can maybe return my acer and wait for the toshiba or samsung..

Done this two times now due to wifi and sleep mode issues, so I am a veteran
1. Use Astro to delete the sdcard (internal space), since a LOT of your data will be there and people tend to forget about this space. A reset does NOT clean this space. Astro deletes the content, but not the actual parent directory (it can't) so the device is not "harmed".
2. Reset the device to stock (in setting options) and reboot.
The A500 should reboot and be in set-up mode, just as when you first started out of box.

5 Returned Transformers..

I've been watching this device for a few days now. I've wanted a tablet but can't really rationalize the actual need for it.
I went to Fry's Electronics today in Anaheim, Ca. only to find that their 'STOCK' consisted on 5 opened box 32GB Transformers. No keyboards in stock (Odd) and no 16GBs in stock.
The fact that people are returning them left and right around here has me worried. Granted, the um...indiginous population isn't exactly up to speed with things like roads, traffic laws or lights, or VCRs but hey, someone is buying them bringing them back.
I'm going to wait before I buy one now. I can't seem to get a straight answer on whether or not Google Docs works, if you can edit within the app or the browser.
I assume no one uses these things for business or practical use. Just as toys.
I fought for 2 days to GIVE AWAY 600 bucks for the tablet and keyboard, and fate keeps kicking me down...for good reason I assume.
It's a waste of money, no purpose and no practical application in the business world?
Have I stirred anyone up..wake up!

VoXHTC said:
I'm going to wait before I buy one now. I can't seem to get a straight answer on whether or not Google Docs works, if you can edit within the app or the browser.
I assume no one uses these things for business or practical use. Just as toys. Which is why I haven't gotten answer.
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Except that you did get an answer in your thread here.
Regards,
Dave

Ahh I forgot about that thread.
Well, I edited my OP. Does it not concern anyone that these things are breaking left and right, sleep of death, touchscreens failing...
Unless you're a power user, (not an apple user since it requires basic knowledge of software and the freedom to do what you want to with your purchase of 500 bucks) you're up **** creek without a paddle.
It's almost like people are buying them just to return them...

VoXHTC said:
Ahh I forgot about that thread.
Well, I edited my OP. Does it not concern anyone that these things are breaking left and right, sleep of death, touchscreens failing...
Unless you're a power user, (not an apple user since it requires basic knowledge of software and the freedom to do what you want to with your purchase of 500 bucks) you're up **** creek without a paddle.
It's almost like people are buying them just to return them...
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No worries here..
I *did* have a keyboard doc that 'died' in the sense that the battery stopped charging. Sent it back to Amazon and then ordered a new one.
The TF tablet itself has been flawless. Asus has been doing a great job of keeping the firmware updated - and now has Android 3.1 slated to come out sometime today - so i'm not concerned about any "Day 1" sw issues such as SOD etc.
I haven't experienced any sw issues, but even if I had - it'd be hard to complain too much as quickly as Asus is jumping on these things.
The returns - especially because they're all 32GB - may just be people that placed multiple orders and now they need to return them. They may realize that all they need is 16GB and when their 16GB finally came in they returned the 32GB.
If Fry's is still selling them then I sure as hell would hope that they didn't have any defects.

Seems like the Transformer is not for you. I am very happy with mine. A little light bleed, but less than on the iPad or my Dell 24 inch monitors.
If you can't handle the current state of Honeycomb and apps then get an iPad2 and be happy.
FWIW, I got my transformer at Fry's, a 32 GB unit, with the factory seals intact. I was really surprised they had it in stock.

Light Bleed doesn't really concern me, as that is just "way it is" with phones/tablets.
As far as the current state of honeycomb, it's fine. Your comment is irrevelevent. I'm pro android.
Apple is complete and utter fail. i thought that was clear in my snide remark towards them.. (Apply fangirlz)
The issue with the transformer is the HARDWARE IS FAILING...not the OS. Android rocks.
Android apps rock.
Update today? You say?

Fry's worries me. I returned my first Transformer to Fry's because it was defective, one side of the LCD panel had separated from the glass, there was a inch wide gap the backlighting was visible through and you could push on the glass and see it bending. It was most clearly defective and I showed them the defect. The cashier even took the tablet to someone else and showed them.
Then she comes back, enters "Unwanted" in the computer, and puts a discounted price sticker on it, like they do with a return that was not defective.
So someone is going to get that defective unit.
I did get a second Transformer from Fry's and this one was fine. I'm sure there is a chance something could go wrong with this, but I think it has a one year warranty and I know I'll probably be buying some quad core super tablet a year from now anyway.

just buy a frickin ipad2. If you want a transformer, buy one. If you need to ask, its not for you.

cochese135 said:
just buy a frickin ipad2. If you want a transformer, buy one. If you need to ask, its not for you.
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LOL. Applefangirlsyndromestrikesatwill.
Are you evolved?

Ravynmagi said:
Fry's worries me. I returned my first Transformer to Fry's because it was defective, one side of the LCD panel had separated from the glass, there was a inch wide gap the backlighting was visible through and you could push on the glass and see it bending. It was most clearly defective and I showed them the defect. The cashier even took the tablet to someone else and showed them.
Then she comes back, enters "Unwanted" in the computer, and puts a discounted price sticker on it, like they do with a return that was not defective.
So someone is going to get that defective unit.
I did get a second Transformer from Fry's and this one was fine. I'm sure there is a chance something could go wrong with this, but I think it has a one year warranty and I know I'll probably be buying some quad core super tablet a year from now anyway.
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This is how Fry's works.
I bet those five returned Transformers were trashed all to hell, boxed back up to sold again. Only giving a 30 dollar discount on them for being open boxed lol.
It's scary for sure. No one seems to have any new ones anywhere.
Out stock? returned or busted, back ordered.. Sounds like Asus has some work to do.

cochese135 said:
just buy a frickin ipad2. If you want a transformer, buy one. If you need to ask, its not for you.
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What he said. I decided to get the tranaformer the day it was announced, sure enough I've been extremely happy with both using it for school and play.
Sent from my Transformer TF101

Go to a forum for any other device. Don't care which one--Apple, HP, Dell, Acer, Asus, Toshiba, Motorola, Samsung, etc., etc.--and you'll find just as many reports of issues. This has been discussed ad nauseum on every forum: negative comments far outweigh positive comments. People ***** far more often than they praise.
If you went by what's reported in forums like this one, you'd never buy ANY product. Of course, some vendors do censor their forums pretty heavily, and so if you go to, say, the official Apple forum, you might not find as many complaints. But that's only because they've been deleted and the user very possibly blocked.

Some of the returns you are seeing could be people who have light bleed issues. I see a lot of threads of people complaining about light bleed. I have light bleed but it isn't debilitating enough for me to make the effort in returning it.(In fact, I don't notice it all unless I'm in a pitch dark room and my screen is on max brightness -- a situation that I'm never in) Though some people here have said that they have been through multiple returns hoping for that perfectly lit screen. Also, some people don't like the build quality (which isn't great) but it's not noticeable with a case.
My tablet has not broken down and I use it extensively. (bought it very close to release date) My Xoom lasted 3 days on light use before it started having screen issues.
You can wait for a better tablet but I use mine a lot for reading and media purposes. Obviously, it depends on the individual on how they will use their tablet. I actually get stuff done with mine (read text/pdf's/spreadsheets and watch lectures/webinars/recorded meetings). It's just like a more portable/convenient computer so if you just watch videos and surf the net at home then you're obviously not going to get stuff done on a tablet either. But, if you are work-oriented type of person then you can definitely find use in this. To say that it is worthless for people like me is a bit ridiculous.
That said, for an excel monkey like me, the current excel apps aren't good enough for me to use my TF over my thinkpad. But, it is still great for viewing and small editing purposes.

VoXHTC said:
This is how Fry's works.
I bet those five returned Transformers were trashed all to hell, boxed back up to sold again. Only giving a 30 dollar discount on them for being open boxed lol.
It's scary for sure. No one seems to have any new ones anywhere.
Out stock? returned or busted, back ordered.. Sounds like Asus has some work to do.
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BestBuy currently has the 16gb in stock
You can check for availability at nowinstock net
Amazon had it in stock for 1hr yesterday. I bought one for $399

VoXHTC said:
LOL. Applefangirlsyndromestrikesatwill.
Are you evolved?
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Don't take comments the wrong way. People are justtired of the "should I buy it" question and "I'm returning mine because...". You just happen to be the 1000th person with this topic so you got the same replies other before have gotten. My advise, go to the store and spend about an hour trying all the tablets: xoom, Acer, Playbook, and TF. Then make a decision. If you need opinions, best to look at old post then to ask to get an idea of what people think. At the end of the day, only your opinion matters more to you.
EEE Pad Transformer sent this

Haha... one of those open box at the Fry's in Anaheim is one I returned. There was moderate to severe light bleed almost all the way around the screen which was unacceptable to me. Just like someone else already said... the employee tagged it for resale as an opened item and said to me "there's nothing wrong with it". Yeah...

For what it's worth Asus consistently gets high marks on the reliability of it's laptops and are ranked even higher than Apple in that regard. Of course, thats not a tablet, but it shows that in the past Asus products have been reliable. When you're buying a $399 product that has barely any margin you can't expect a whole lot in the way of high priced materials, but that doesn't mean that it won't last. Since all of these units will be outdated in a year or two, and since most people on this forum seem to be early adapters who buy the next great item regularly, I can't see the longevity being a problem for most.

I never purchase anything over 50 bucks at Frys aka swep meet. All they do is re package it and put it back on the shelf.

Yeah when I was keeping an eyes out for stock at my local Fry's (3 stores total).
When one store had it as in stock I kinda waited (not knowing if it was a returned or not. Keep checking and when all 3 stores showed in stock I knew they probably got new shipments in. When I went to the one near me they had 4 new in stock.

well, i'm going on tf #3. 2 returned for defects. i really don't know why i'm even trying a third.
both had speaker balance issues. one had severe bleeding - way more than #1 did. #1 had the frame separation issue and slight bleeding, both of which weren't there on day 1.
hell, i was so sure i wasn't coming back to tf that i sold my dock and skin for $150.
so hopefully #3 will be the one i can finally settle with. i can deal with the speaker balance issue and just a bit of bleed, i'm sure the bleed is a technical limitation.

New Nexus

So heres the scoop a few weeks ago, I dropped my N7 and broke the screen, touch still worked but would not rotate and really couldnt see anything. So I take it to a local authorized repair shop, since it was out of warranty he said he could replace the screen but it would cost me $75, no problem with that since it is still cheaper than buying a new tablet, and said it would take a couple days to order it and then do the repair. he ended up havong it 2 weeks and could not get the touch screen working properly, so today he called me and said to come pick it up, I get there and he handed me a brand new Tablet in the box, turns out his supplier sent him a bad screen and then couldnt get another one for him so he went on Amazon and got me a brand new tablet, ended up only cost me the initial $35 deposit. now sitting here installing all the updates as it came with 4.3 loaded on it

Congratulations! So it's simply another Nexus 7 2013? What Rom are you planning to go with?

jfsat said:
Congratulations! So it's simply another Nexus 7 2013? What Rom are you planning to go with?
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Right now Im just keeping it stock until im sure it is working properly, after that I am not sure. so far all i did is unlock the boot loader,not sure if I am going to root it and put something custom on it or not as my primary use for it is for reading my e-text books for school.