Database Users

[Q] Why to buy a XOOM??

I see the last question like mine was back in May so a couple of months have passed. I got an opportunity to buy a XOOM from a friend in the US. I am from Europe so my first Q' is > Will the 3G work here?
Can i connect cameras, USB sticks and download data as Mass Storage? < this will mean a lot. If not which one can do this?
Any other problems and extra features since it came out>? I know SD card works now but that's about it.
Thanks in advance.

Everything should work except for the 3G its using CDMA
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk

honestly personally i think wifi model is enuf...i hav a wifi xoom n a dell streak 5 for a phone...n u jst use wifi tethering form the streak wen i need to...so think about it...n u'l b saving sum money too...xoom is the best...n once u get it thru the xda road...no galaxy tabs 10.1 or otherwise or even ipad 2s can touch it... again, my personal views...

I guess Xoom will be the lucky winner. Too bad 3G is CDMA... only< obviously... my mind was hoping when i wrote the article i guess. Still i had a preety sweet offer, my home internet provider gives every "Gold like" package owner a sim with free access. ( wireless internet is kinda expensive here/ limited) As i live in the capital signal should have been full. Wireless tether is ok of course.
Still i see little development> Custom ROMS but although new devices are around the corner i don't have the funds.
Can i connect cameras and USB Sticks as Mass storage?

Deonix said:
I guess Xoom will be the lucky winner. Too bad 3G is CDMA... only< obviously... my mind was hoping when i wrote the article i guess. Still i had a preety sweet offer, my home internet provider gives every "Gold like" package owner a sim with free access. ( wireless internet is kinda expensive here/ limited) As i live in the capital signal should have been full. Wireless tether is ok of course.
Still i see little development> Custom ROMS but although new devices are around the corner i don't have the funds.
Can i connect cameras and USB Sticks as Mass storage?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you root and install custom rom or kernel that supports usbOTG, yes, you can connect thumb drive and large HDD. Camera is possible, but some work (Canon???) while others don't. There is a DSLR thread some where that goes into more detail.
Honeycomb source code has not been released by Google, which is what is holding back more development. But honestly, my Xoom does just about everything I would want.
It's a terrific device.

stock 3.2 now supports OTG, so yes you can use ur thumb drives or external hdd directly out of the box...as for cameras...some work direct...some need an app from the market to work...rest u might hv to dig around...

thanks, i think the camera should work because it is like a generic usb device.
I saw Tiamat Rom's and it's awsome, can't wait to try it. will buy one this month.
Anyway. Thanks for the Info. Xoom really is the best Android tablet and if the next XOOM appears next year with quad core i can still sell mine here in Romania ( as everything is pretty expensive here) for a good price and than add some extra $ for another one from the US.

Verizon Management Demo for sale (Free service for the life of the phone)

I'm selling my Samsung Fascinate which is under a Verizon Management demo plan with Verizon. This phone is unique in multiple ways.
1: It comes with free phone service. Unlimited data texts and minutes. Really.
2: Rather then having 512MB internal memory it has 2GB.
3: It does not have a vibration motor in it.
This phone was originally purchased off of E-bay.
I have contacted Verizon regarding this phone multiple times they refuse to release the ESN or cancel the service to the phone. Apparently it is virtually impossible to turn off service to this phone.
I have used this phone for the past year with no negative results what so ever. I'm selling it now because I have upgraded my primary line and have no use for a Fascinate even if it does have unlimited service.
Phone is in great physical shape. No scratches dents digs or anything major as far as cosmetic flaws go. Operationally is works like brand new. Currently running and Enyo Nightly.
Battery holds a charge better then it did when I first got it. This is probably due to Roms not hardware but thought I'd mention it. I get around 26 hours moderate to heavy use out of a single charge. Music streaming and email are my primary uses for this phone.
I am not putting a price on this phone as I'm not sure what to ask for it. If you would like to make me an offer either reply here or email me at bfvogel (at) gmail (dot) com

Sorry, posts like this are only allowed in the Marketplace forum. But you do not yet meet the requirements to post in the Marketplace, so I'm closing this.

[Q] Galaxy Tab 7.7 3G/4G Wifi Inernatinal Version

Okay guys,,,,,
Here's the deal I purchased this version of the 7.7
https://www.atgsm.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Phone-SamsungP6800Silver
I only paid $545 for it on ebay. Will tmoible's 3G work on this thing. I know that AT&T 3G works. Funny thing is I put my SIM Card into it and it worked great. Even made calls that were clear to hear via my bluetooth headset. I logged onto AT&T with my home computer and it showed as an unsuportted device so I chose the $15 non-smartphone unlimtted data feature and it worked for a day or 2. Now this morning I got a message .... a text message and an email stating I need to purchase a data plan for tablet or broadband device. I quickly put the sim card back into my old LG C550 flip phone which has media net and sports etc.. a non smart phone.
Question: Can they do this?
Question: How do they know its a tablet if these are internatinal versions.
Question: How can they opt to change your data feature
Question: Why do I need to purchase a data plan even when I didn't get a subsidized device. If I'd known that before I would just opt for an AT&T device.
hmmmmm.. .Makes me think about cancelling my service with AT&T when my contract ends in a few months....
Please help me out here.

1) Of course they can do this. It is their network - they make the rules.
2) Domestic or international - all devices identify themselves the same way. They know it is a P6800. They have obviously updated their tables of what is a tablet...
3) See 1)
4) See 1)
I recommend get a provider that serves your area, but has less rules. T-mobile is great, but pretty poor coverage. At least they let you use any compatible device and don't force you to buy a data plan with prepaid service. ATT and Verizon are similar to each other, but at least ATT does not cripple features.

Just seems odd.....
It seems odd.... My daughter has been using the Tmobile Samsung Vibrant (It has AT&T 3G bands in my area) for 2 years on AT&T with the unlimitted non smartphone rate of $15 per month and has never received any message about getting a data plan for smartphones. That is why I asked the question. Isn't the vibrant the same as the captivate with the differecne in the bands that work...... This just seems a bit strange.......... ARGGGG... Maybe I should have just looked for the wi-fi only model. .. too late for me becuase the seller charges a 15% restocking fee... besides I did get a good deal on it.

You point out one of the advantages in GSM phones. There are a variety of carriers that support GSM, and allow devices not their own on their network. AT&T is good about that. It gives you some choice. As far as I know, Verizon only accepts devices sold by them.

Just wondering
I was just wondering. It still seems odd. Think i will just cancel the service when the term expires in a few months. The first snafu was when they merged my accounts .. the rep told me we woudld keep the $30 unlimitted plan on my wife's iphone but when i merged the accounts the option was gone and they refused to get it back..... anyway..i am just venting... That is the power of the consumer.. if you dont' like it take my money somewhere else. only pitfall is in my area AT&T has good serivce.

Yes..you did get a super good deal..
I clicked on your link and saw 680 something price.
Cheaper still is Negri at 630 something..
good.job on price stopping...
Can you post an ebay link to that price?
thanksstopping

Here is the link $545..
jimmbomb said:
Yes..you did get a super good deal..
I clicked on your link and saw 680 something price.
Cheaper still is Negri at 630 something..
good.job on price stopping...
Can you post an ebay link to that price?
thanksstopping
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is the link $545 you may be able to make a best offer on a few of the seller's other item. Don't know how they do it but it shipped to me really fast..
http://www.ebay.com/itm/160709304834?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
also you can try this seller. My buddy at work got his from here.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-SAMSUNG...=UK_iPad_Tablets_eReaders&hash=item2ebb38feeb
That's all he had left. I don't see the one I got. but if you check the feedback you will see its legit.

The 7.0 Plus $Ebay
http://www.ebay.com/ctg/Samsung-Gal...plus+3g&_pcatid=839&_pcategid=58058&_from=R40

You list one from Australia and one from the UK. Did either you or your friend get hit with Customs charges? That can make a real difference in price.
The Hong Kong merchants seem to be very creative at avoiding Customs charges (they lie).

No customs
I got mine for Austriala.. .didn't have any customs fees. The one from hong kong had no customs fees. it was listed as a photo frame on the form. so there was no custom import fee..

alynch75 said:
Okay guys,,,,,
Here's the deal I purchased this version of the 7.7
https://www.atgsm.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Phone-SamsungP6800Silver
I only paid $545 for it on ebay. Will tmoible's 3G work on this thing. I know that AT&T 3G works. Funny thing is I put my SIM Card into it and it worked great. Even made calls that were clear to hear via my bluetooth headset. I logged onto AT&T with my home computer and it showed as an unsuportted device so I chose the $15 non-smartphone unlimtted data feature and it worked for a day or 2. Now this morning I got a message .... a text message and an email stating I need to purchase a data plan for tablet or broadband device. I quickly put the sim card back into my old LG C550 flip phone which has media net and sports etc.. a non smart phone.
Question: Can they do this?
Question: How do they know its a tablet if these are internatinal versions.
Question: How can they opt to change your data feature
Question: Why do I need to purchase a data plan even when I didn't get a subsidized device. If I'd known that before I would just opt for an AT&T device.
hmmmmm.. .Makes me think about cancelling my service with AT&T when my contract ends in a few months....
Please help me out here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so, nobody got confused here? am I the only one?
1st of all your title said that you had the 3g/wifi version, and you gave the link for it, meanwhile, you get it a lot cheaper on ebay, which kinda tempting me to get one
i go through on all your link, the one you get yours ($545) and the one your friend get, and both of them are wifi only, yet you stated that you put in your sim card, and you get 3g on AT&T?
are you under prescription or something?
and there's the 3rd link about 7.0 plus aka P6200 which confused me even more, about what's the point of that link you gave? duh

Wow My apologies
Justin^Tan said:
so, nobody got confused here? am I the only one?
1st of all your title said that you had the 3g/wifi version, and you gave the link for it, meanwhile, you get it a lot cheaper on ebay, which kinda tempting me to get one
i go through on all your link, the one you get yours ($545) and the one your friend get, and both of them are wifi only, yet you stated that you put in your sim card, and you get 3g on AT&T?
are you under prescription or something?
and there's the 3rd link about 7.0 plus aka P6200 which confused me even more, about what's the point of that link you gave? duh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assure you I have the 3G international version. I will post a copy of my receipt. My apologies for the incorrect link. I will get it and post it shortly. I can't find the link however as one of the posters replied negri has it on sale. Maybe I just got lucky I don't know but it works and I stand by my posts. Do you need me to post videos or photos of me inserting the SIM card and getting the AT&T 3G and of me making a phone call. I can do that. The intention of my initial post was not to post a deal....it was simply a few questions I had about the device and AT&T practices. There are many other sources where you can obtain price cuts and deals just search with GOOGLE. On anohter note.....AMAZON has a few sellers who sell the item. There are 4 or 5 online and or local stores located in New York City also. I hope this helps. If I come across a good deal froma reputatble seller I will post it.

nah, no need. since you already admit that it was wrong link you posted
I just had a glimpse of hope of getting tab 7.7 for quite cheap like you did, but I did need 3g, not wifi only ^^
I dont live in NYC so local store is out of question for me
They did release it in my country but its the 32gb version and pretty expensive I'd say (around $820)
Whilst i already have 32gb micro sd so I think 16gb version is enough

alynch75 said:
I assure you I have the 3G international version. I will post a copy of my receipt. My apologies for the incorrect link. I will get it and post it shortly. I can't find the link however as one of the posters replied negri has it on sale. Maybe I just got lucky I don't know but it works and I stand by my posts. Do you need me to post videos or photos of me inserting the SIM card and getting the AT&T 3G and of me making a phone call. I can do that. The intention of my initial post was not to post a deal....it was simply a few questions I had about the device and AT&T practices. There are many other sources where you can obtain price cuts and deals just search with GOOGLE. On anohter note.....AMAZON has a few sellers who sell the item. There are 4 or 5 online and or local stores located in New York City also. I hope this helps. If I come across a good deal froma reputatble seller I will post it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am curious...
Your first post, you said you paid 545 for thr 3G version....
but incorrectly inserted the wrong links..
Then a few post later.. you said yes indeed you got the 3g version for 545 again... and posted another link or 2...
Both these links showed Wi-Fi versions only..
Im curious as to a correct link to your 545 dollar 3g version...
thanks for making this happen.....
Id like to recommend your seller to another person...
IF you can supply a link to the 3g version at $545...
thanks.... Jim

I got lucky
jimmbomb said:
I am curious...
Your first post, you said you paid 545 for thr 3G version....
but incorrectly inserted the wrong links..
Then a few post later.. you said yes indeed you got the 3g version for 545 again... and posted another link or 2...
Both these links showed Wi-Fi versions only..
Im curious as to a correct link to your 545 dollar 3g version...
thanks for making this happen.....
Id like to recommend your seller to another person...
IF you can supply a link to the 3g version at $545...
thanks.... Jim
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I posted the link however as stated it was an incorrect link. I think I may have just got lucky and the seller sent me a 3G version or maybe the seller had the wrong decription either way... I am glad I got a deal. I don't know what else to tell you. You could possilby wait a few months and anticipate the price dropping due to all the new devices slated to hit the scene. As many of us know playing the waiting game for prices or next generation hardware is futile. I'd say..... buy the best you can get for the price you can pay and use the device the way you want. I find it is often pointless to wish for the stars knowing you don't want to part with your hard earned cash. So its either pay up or just play the waiting game. I don't mean to sound sarcastic but I have been getting private messages from people blasting me about the link I posted and how I need to hurry up and post the correct link. I posted the link that I used to get the device..... "Maybe the seller botched up and sent me the wrong item""" Good for me I guess ............ In any event I'd say stick with what you can afford and if not just don't buy anything .........

You can try this one.. very good
Yes its $645 but you do get it overnight from overseas to USA>
http://www.ebay.com/itm/280803711139?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

HTC Legend, is it worth fixing a USB PCB/Port over?

I got my HTC Legend second hand about a year ago, as an intro to Android, and I was fairly pleased, despite the shortcomings I got, mainly the "broken" USB port that is on the device. the port itself charges the phone fine, but in order to get any data through, I have to push the connector into the port with extreme force, with a slight twist. If I let go, it loses connection, while still charging the phone. I have tried other cables with the same result.
There is a kit on eBay and Amazon that costs approximately $10 after shipping, which includes all the tools, including a T-5 screwdriver, and the replacement PCB.
I cannot link the part directly, since this is my first post here, and I require 9 more posts.
One issue I have with this item on Amazon, is that it won't send it here to Canada. If there are any other vendors, it would be appreciated.

You can use wifi file explorer to send data to your device.
Sent from my Legend using xda app-developers app

Yes, I've been using a tool like that to transfer files.
EDIT: I have found another kit with the exact same tools on eBay, and it claims to ship to Canada. No link, due to insufficient posts.

You can just paste the link in anyway I think, it just won't be clickable - peeps will have to copy and paste.

If you think it would save a significant amount, try US Unlocked or a similar service. It gets rid of the requirement and restriction to have an American address or credit card number and ships worldwide.
Sent from my Nexus 7 on the XDA app. GO CANADA GO

Anyway, how's the ROM selection for the Legend? I am planning on rooting mine later.
My father has let me borrow his old Nexus One for the week, so I can get a taste for CyanogenMod 7.
anyway, here are both kits, seem identical, but have different vendors. It has blocked me from posting the actual links.
Code:
ebay.ca/itm/OEM-HTC-LEGEND-A6363-MICRO-USB-PORT-PCB-MICROPHONE-IC-/350550806647?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item519e74d077#shId
amazon.com/Original-HTC-Connector-Microphone-Replacement/dp/B004WBL7OQ

Extended controls app for free wifi hotspot on Nexus 6P on Verizon ?

Ok I have been reading around but I have what I think is a moot question but i have not heard it answered specifically before.
I currently have a Galaxy Nexus (completely stock) phone with grandfathered unlimited on Verizon. I use an app called Extended Controls from the Google play store and by turning on the widget app for wifi hotspot I have been getting free use of my unlimited for when I am working out of range of any decent wifi.
Since my device was not updated past 4.2.2 I am now wanting to buy the new Nexus 6P for Christmas ( I have had the same Galaxy Nexus for 4 years! - no case either).
From what I have been reading once I get Verizon to give me the new sim and add me to the account to maintain my unlimited (after I pay full price ) I will no longer be able to use this app to gain access to my free wifi hotspot.
It seems that other people's methods (foxfi etc - I never used any other besides Extended Controls) no longer work but I have not seen anyone here mention having used Extended Controls.
So my questions are :
1) when I get the Nexus 6P - will I have to use root in order to obtain the free wifi hotspot as some others have mentioned?
2 ) is there a safe rooting for dummies yet for the Nexus 6P which is just about foolproof?
3) What is it that Verizon did that now blocks those apps - which we used before - from working now?
So I currently use about 28 - 35 GB per month so moving off unlimited is out of the question at this point. I stream music at my job - in a building where there is no wifi allowed - and I do it in my car as part of my cummute (45min - 1hr ) getting to work. I cannot imagine buying a $650 phone as nice as the Nexus 6P and not having the ability to use my unlimited the way I still do now.
I have done a few searches in the 6P thread but I didn't see anyone mention the Extended Controls app not working and they don't say it does work on the Google Store.
thank you in advance for anyone to steer me in the right direction. At this point I will be lucky to get a 6P by Christmas and hopefully by then have a few days vacation to figure out how to get the phone working like I need it to work.

Hmmmmm, if memory serves me correctly (had the same phone, same plan from vz - but over 2 yrs ago), I never had to use an app for hot spot - but - I unlock/root as soon as I get a device and run custom roms/kernels.
So, again, if I remember, part of vz tweaking the os is hiding the Android native hot spot feature. So, by getting stock Android, you'll have that feature, and shouldn't need any special apps - you can even add a tile to the quick settings drop down to switch hot spot on/off.
If I also remember, there was an entry added by some carriers in a database on the phone that would check if hot spot was allowed by the carrier - when carriers would charge separately for hot spot data. Most if not all custom roms at the time were kind enough to fix that for ya - yet another good reason to unlock and root.
What you could try is - cutting down your present SIM - and just using it in the new device. My understanding is if you already have an activated SIM, you can just use it in a new device, no need to get vz involved - which is always a good thing imho.
I'd Google - cut down SIM - you'll get tons of info and how tos on the subject. I'm planning on doing this when my 6p comes in.
Lol - this is what I said to Verizon when I got my n5 2 years ago;
"I've been waiting about 15 years to say this - cancel my forking account"
Verizon never had coverage where I lived, not even calls, so I was paying $125/month for 2 lines - pay for each text, sharing like 700 minutes talk between 2 lines - and never really able to use any of it!
Unlimited talk/text and 5 gigs a month fit $45 on straight talk now - and I can make calls and text from home now. Would never go back to Verizon!

Phazmos,
Thanks for the reply but I am probably still a little confused.
If I remember correctly when the Nexus 6 came out many did what you suggest - cut their sim to fit - but the phone didn't always register as an official verizon device. Unfortunately my company provides me with a 17% discount on my monthly bill but only if you can prove that your phone is officially on the network. Verizon actually calls me every year to reverify it.
I am not sure how Extended controls works on the 4.2.2 version Galaxy Nexus I have now but I am pretty sure that it turns on the wifi hotspot without Verizon knowing about it. If I go straight to the "portable wifi hotspot" part of my settings then it comes up with the same error as everyone else on Verizon without wifi hotspot enabled. But "this .99 app- Extended Controls - just turns it on ... on the sly.
If the new version of the 6P has that feature and I just turn it on then Verizon will charged me. - I am already going to have to eat the extra $20 per month.
I am planning on buying the phone through Google but I will have to talk to a couple of the main Verizon stores here to guarantee that they will turn on my new sim (I am scared of cutting my current sim- what if I **** it up then I have no phone not even the Nexus!)
I have heard of people convincing the store manager to activate their new micro sim in a store model and then put it in the phone.
I am so leary of spending $650 and then having them refuse to activate it correctly.
Also I have always been afraid of rooting because I figured that right out of the box I could have a brand new $650 brick on my hands.
What I do know is that I cannot continue with this dinasour that I have now! It is way past it's prime days.
I really would like to switch over to something like T-mobile but even here in Northern VA - their coverage lacks in too many areas that I travel to.

mhughes1966 said:
Phazmos,
Thanks for the reply but I am probably still a little confused.
If I remember correctly when the Nexus 6 came out many did what you suggest - cut their sim to fit - but the phone didn't always register as an official verizon device. Unfortunately my company provides me with a 17% discount on my monthly bill but only if you can prove that your phone is officially on the network. Verizon actually calls me every year to reverify it.
I am not sure how Extended controls works on the 4.2.2 version Galaxy Nexus I have now but I am pretty sure that it turns on the wifi hotspot without Verizon knowing about it. If I go straight to the "portable wifi hotspot" part of my settings then it comes up with the same error as everyone else on Verizon without wifi hotspot enabled. But "this .99 app- Extended Controls - just turns it on ... on the sly.
If the new version of the 6P has that feature and I just turn it on then Verizon will charged me. - I am already going to have to eat the extra $20 per month.
I am planning on buying the phone through Google but I will have to talk to a couple of the main Verizon stores here to guarantee that they will turn on my new sim (I am scared of cutting my current sim- what if I **** it up then I have no phone not even the Nexus!)
I have heard of people convincing the store manager to activate their new micro sim in a store model and then put it in the phone.
I am so leary of spending $650 and then having them refuse to activate it correctly.
Also I have always been afraid of rooting because I figured that right out of the box I could have a brand new $650 brick on my hands.
What I do know is that I cannot continue with this dinasour that I have now! It is way past it's prime days.
I really would like to switch over to something like T-mobile but even here in Northern VA - their coverage lacks in too many areas that I travel to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Registering as official may be a problem - a problem with most any unlocked device. Carriers, vz in particular, can be real touchy about devices not supplied by them.
Oh, took a look at that app on play store - guess what - I also bought that app! Had to be like 3 or 4 years ago! Was surprised to see "purchased" when I found it. But, I didn't have to use it for hot spot, not after unlocking/rooting and loading custom roms.
I never used hot spot much, mostly when our network would go down - I'd for up the hot spot to get a few co-workers internet access till it came back up, and I'd just use native Android hot spot. That tells me you have the database thing going on. If I remember, that would send the native hot spot through a certain gateway (I think) and if you didn't have access, browsers would be redirected to the "sign up for hot spot" page from the carrier.
I also thought most carriers, vz included, didn't care about hot spot usage any more. There was a BIG stink about that a few years back - as in you're paying for data - how you use it is up to you, not the carrier. As I recall, there were a few law suites from users.
Anyway - since the new device isn't carrier supplied - or approved as they like to call it, you'll have other issues when going the new SIM/imei not in their database route.
A note on SIM trimming - it's super easy - and if you do screw it up - tell them you lost service and tried pooping the SIM out, then you dropped it and the dog ate it and get another! They want your $$$ - believe me - they'll give you another. I'd even "mention" to them you're gonna get this device - which works on any carrier, and mention att, tmobile and any other carrier - and you'd be more than happy going to a carrier that does support the device. Again, they want your $$$, they'll accommodate - and try to get ya to a new limited data plan - beware!
And a note on unlocking/rooting - real easy and real reliable on that device - same for any nexus device, especially if gotten from Google. The nexus line is actually for developing the os and apps. You could say it's made to load custom Android versions - when you want to test, you do it on a nexus.
PS - I resurrected my gnex a few months ago - loaded lollipop on it and gave it to my sister as her droid x2 finally died. It ran it pretty good for an old timer! Just like I run pretty good - for an old timer!
Good luck!

Wow you rooted your old Galaxy Nexus and got Lollipop running? Interesting.
Maybe after I get the newer phone I will experiment on the old nexus. The screen actually still looks pretty good. it is just the way it operates on the older software that makes me want to throw it in the Potomac.

mhughes1966 said:
Wow you rooted your old Galaxy Nexus and got Lollipop running? Interesting.
Maybe after I get the newer phone I will experiment on the old nexus. The screen actually still looks pretty good. it is just the way it operates on the older software that makes me want to throw it in the Potomac.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did, actually unlocked/rooted a week after I got it. As soon as some development started happening, I started loading roms. Nexus devices get the most love from devs, there was a lollipop version available, so away we went. Once you're unlocked and rooted and have a custom recovery, loading roms is basically a matter of downloading it and installing it. Pretty painless.
Don't know if you've seen lollipop, but it finally made Android a beautiful looking os - Android lost the acne and grew up, so to speak. And since newer Android is made to work on many different devices with lots of different hardware, it's made to run on minimal, or marginal, hardware. The gnex certainly fits into the minimal hardware category now days.
I forgot to mention yesterday, there is another thread here - what to expect from Verizon - I think it is, where questions like this are being actively discussed.
You may get more info there - you're not the only 1 wondering about Verizon. Googling - 6p on Verizon - also gets an article or 2 on the subject. That's where I got some of my info (I've been in technology close to 20 years now, so I'm the go to tech guy for a lot of people, including more than a few Verizon users).
And always remember, there's a work around for everything, ya just gotta find it!
Oh, surprised to hear the screen was still good. The gnex had a horrible screen. Amoled displays have come a looooong way since the gnex. Mine w had a horrid blue cast to it, especially when turned down, and was starting to burn in. Never noticed the blue till I got my next phone, the nexus 5. On that the whites were actually white - I almost fell over - it was that much of a difference!

To prepare for new 6P and nano sim you can buy a Sadapter Sim to Nano Sim adapter. Buy this quality brand only.
Visit a Verizon company store mention you'll be getting a new phone, one with nano sim like iphone or moto-x, and would they activate a new nano sim for you so you are prepared to plug and play when you get new phone. In meantime insert nano sim and adapter into your Gnex. For above you might get better cooperation going to Bestbuy vs Verizon.
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For activating Hotspot while bypassing Verizon check, it is to be determined if any current apps like Foxfi will work. You will probably need to do the build prop edit for "tether provisioning" mentioned elsewhere. You can prep for this also by downloading tools (adb & fastboot) and Drivers to your PC.
There are some Guides on XDA to walk you through steps to get to and through the "tether provisioning" bit.

Thought I might add a little to the conversation based on my experiences... I recently updated from my Nexus 5 (which I loved) to the Nexus 5x. on my unrooted Nexus 5 Wifi worked wonderfully with ATT as my carrier. On my updated Nexus 5x I can turn on the Wifi hotspot and bluetooth network sharing - HOWEVER it is buggy and the throughput is not good. A few of the bugs are I cannot turn on the wifi hotspot via the quick tile, only from the settings menu, the first time I select the hotspot a toast message pops up stating it is checking with carrier then flashes off and I have to turn it on again at which point it does come on. I actually get better speed from the Bluetooth network sharing...
so from what I have read the Nexus 6p is the same in this area as the Nexus 5x so you may want to look at getting a Nexus 5 which would be a great update from your phone and can run Android Marshmallow - I am strongly considering going back...

I have a nexus 6p, and cannot use my hotspot (I'm on an AT&T based MVNO). The phone will say "please contact AT&T to enable hotspot". There are workarounds (at least as of android 6.0.1) for non-rooted phones, such as ejecting the sim card, reinserting it, and quickly activating hotspot before the phone has a chance to provision (confirmed working if your timing is right), but this gets annoying really fast. There is no other way to override this check at this time on the stock ROM, which is really disappointing. I don't know if other MVNOs will be the same, but I'm really disappointed Google chose to take this path