Database Users

Importing to US advice

Using search and such I've found lots of advice on different places to buy from, but I'm looking for some more general advice as it pertains to those of us that have to import to the United States.
1. As a US resident are there any hassles I should expect in ordering from Europe?
2. What is that VAT thing, and does it affect me? I've noticed that prices often state two amounts, one with and one without VAT.
3. I've seen people discuss getting unlocked versions, pay-as-you-go versions, contract versions and cancelling, etc. What options are available to those of us in the US? Do we have to buy an unlocked, contractless phone? Or is one of those other options involving buying a SIM, or cancelling a contract available?
4. Related to #3, I've seen mention of paying extra money to unlock the phone at some website. Will we have to do that even if we buy an "Unlocked" phone?
5. As far as warranties go, are we better off buying from a US based website or does that not matter?
6. Will our current GSM sim cards fit/work? (Yes, yes, I'm pretty much a newbie to GSM phones)
7. What's the meaning of life, the universe, and everything anyhow?
Thanks so much in advance for helping out someone new to the idea of importing a really cool phone! I've been debating between the iPhone and the Touch HD to replace my HTC BlueAngel, and I think the Touch HD is finally winning out!

sschrupp said:
Using search and such I've found lots of advice on different places to buy from, but I'm looking for some more general advice as it pertains to those of us that have to import to the United States.
1. As a US resident are there any hassles I should expect in ordering from Europe?
2. What is that VAT thing, and does it affect me? I've noticed that prices often state two amounts, one with and one without VAT.
3. I've seen people discuss getting unlocked versions, pay-as-you-go versions, contract versions and cancelling, etc. What options are available to those of us in the US? Do we have to buy an unlocked, contractless phone? Or is one of those other options involving buying a SIM, or cancelling a contract available?
4. Related to #3, I've seen mention of paying extra money to unlock the phone at some website. Will we have to do that even if we buy an "Unlocked" phone?
5. As far as warranties go, are we better off buying from a US based website or does that not matter?
6. Will our current GSM sim cards fit/work? (Yes, yes, I'm pretty much a newbie to GSM phones)
7. What's the meaning of life, the universe, and everything anyhow?
Thanks so much in advance for helping out someone new to the idea of importing a really cool phone! I've been debating between the iPhone and the Touch HD to replace my HTC BlueAngel, and I think the Touch HD is finally winning out!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just Google HTC Touch HD. You will find several US based companies selling the phone. Pick a reliable company. Anyone with a price of $300-$400 is probably a scam and want payment by western Union.
Most companies will offer a warranty program. The HTC warranty for the HD is not honored in US as far as I know, since it isn't released here. Any SIM card will work in an unlocked phone. No need for a contract is your already have one and can use
the SIM card.
​

I am curious about the VAT as well. No idea what that means.

VAT is a value added tax in Europe... If your located in the USA and order from Europe, then there is no VAT charge.

Who wants to buy a digitizer for their G1?

Hi all
I have 4 Digitizers for the T-Mobile G1. These are brand new units and was wondering if anyone in here wanted one, figured it was better to post in here than in the marketplace
Will have pictures etc once they arrive in my hands from my supplier
they will be priced at £36.50 excluding postage/shipping
if anyones interested please either shoot me a PM or an email to
cheers

Confused
I'm a little confused here.Didn't you make this thread earlier http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=513657. Now you have 4 for sale/ I'm just wondering. Wish i would of held out cause i just paid 65 for mine.

Maybe he bought several for a discounted price?

Hi
just to avoid any confusion:
I made the earlier post when i was finding difficulty finding one at a reasonable enough price, noticed there were a few people on here who have had such difficulty finding these digitizers and i've since been in contact with a person from shenzhen who is willing to sell me a small batch (their normal order quantity is 100) of 5 pieces the price i have given is the price i am paying plus £3.00 for the postage from my contact to me
i can assure everyone this is legitimate, i will post pictures once i have them in my hands

Pretty cool of you to help out the community like that.

Verizon SGT for sale

Hi all
I mistakenly bought a CDMA tablet in my GSM world and as a result I'm trying to sell it for what I bought it for; $500.00 obo. It is brand new and unopened.
I do currently have a Rogers GSM model that I'm quite happy with and this other one is just collecting dust and reminding me that I should look before I leap when purchasing things I haven't researched enough.
I have heatware as well as beerology under wet behind the ears
Regards,
M

price
hey your price is kinda high. im looking to buy one and the ones im looking at are around $350, just thought id help, GLWS...

[Q] Q: Reasonable price for near-mint HD2

My XDA friends, I would like your expertise on a question regarding whether or not I should sell my HD2.
I was able to get a great deal on a 2yr HTC Sensation upgrade ($48.88!). I can't financially justify keeping my HD2, so I will have to part with it.
The screen, buttons and all functions are in mint condition. I received the unit about a month ago as a replacement under the T-Mobile handset protection plan. The battery cover has a very tiny dent, and the battery has a little wear. However, it keeps a full charge and really shines under HyperDroid and Dorimanx ROMs.
I will be posting some detailed photos soon. My eBay feedback (User crisisx is 100% with over 100 feedback placed, so I'm a reliable seller.
The question is: what would be a reasonable asking price for the unit? It will include the 16GB card, original box and packaging. The only accessory not included are the headphones that came with it.
Thanks in advance for your reply!
Jay

US$150-200.

Would you buy it now?

I'm looking to change my iphone 5c. I know the performance of the two phones is almost the same.
This would be my first Samsung. I'm a bit scared of switching because friends of mine had S4 (not mini) variants with major issues including replacement of mainboard).
The reason I am looking at this phone is that I want something with more freedom and future proofing ( removable battery, sdcard, nfc, IR ) and a bigger screen, while being around the $150-$200 price range
So:
Would anyone recommend buying it today?
Has anyone used this phone more than a year or two? I'm looking for a phone to last me at least 2-3 years, as I don't change them that often.
How is the rom availability and performance and stability of the available custom roms?

1) If you want it new, sure. But if you are going to buy it second hand, I would try and get a more recent flagship, something like S5 or G2-G3.
2) I got mine new in november 2014. used it for a year and a few months now. No problems for me.
3) The GT-I9505 variant has the best development support. If you are going to get an S4, get the GT-I9505. Avoid getting any rebranded models. Carriers like Verizon and Sprint rebrand their phones. Verizon even locks the bootloader, making flashing roms a nightmare.

do they have such a thing as shops that sell 2nd hand phones where you are ? I think you would stepping down from a 5c to an S4, you could probably pick up a really good 2nd hand android that meets most of your requirements and buy a new battery.
it's an OK phone but I wouldn't buy it again today given the choice.
the Qualcomm i9505 version has pretty decent rom kernel and mod support, but that is dwindling a little with developers moving on...