Develop Bugs

AT&T Pricing, better off buying off-contract ?

It looks to me like I'm going to be money ahead to pay full retail on the Tilt 2 next month.
I'm on Media Net ($15.00 / month). If you buy on-contract, AT&T is going to force you on to a $30.00 / month data plan, so that's an extra $180.00 a year.
By my math, if I keep the phone longer than 13 months, I'm better off paying full retail of $499.00 for it and staying on Media Net.
Thoughts ?
The AT&T news keeps on a'comin' this weekend. After getting an idea of when the HTC Touch Pro 2 (aka Tilt 2) may be released, and then seeing it show up in inventory, the Boy Genius Report now says it has pricing information for it, as well as a couple of other anticiapted phones. Let's do this the easy way:
* Tilt 2: $299 after contract and $50 rebate; $499 retail.
* Touch Diamond 2: Codenamed the Warhawk and already seen at the FCC, will be known as the Pure and will go for $199 after contract and $40 rebate. Retails for $349.

I'm thinking about this too. Apparently though it doesn't matter if you buy it on or off contract. The new policy is if you get a new Smartphone (AT&T branded, however you do) after September 6, they can and "will" change you to the appropriate data plan. I don't know if they will actually enforce it for people who buy them off eBay and off contract.
What I am really surprised about is the Diamond 2 is only $350 off contract! That is dirt cheap! They go for around $500 on eBay!

petard said:
I'm thinking about this too. Apparently though it doesn't matter if you buy it on or off contract. The new policy is if you get a new Smartphone (AT&T branded, however you do) after September 6, they can and "will" change you to the appropriate data plan. I don't know if they will actually enforce it for people who buy them off eBay and off contract.
What I am really surprised about is the Diamond 2 is only $350 off contract! That is dirt cheap! They go for around $500 on eBay!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The announcement about enforcing smart phone data plans was for people who didn't already have a smart phone I believe.
I'm hopeful I'll be able to keep my contract as is and get the 2 year price but no rebate. I'll be ordering through premiere though, so its usually more lax about the contract stuff.

petard said:
I don't know if they will actually enforce it for people who buy them off eBay and off contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see how they could unless they are going to do some IMEA enforcement, and they never have before.
I guess ebay is going to be the way to go.

there are different ways to do this:
1- if you are able to, buy from premier. they dont ask you to change any data plan or anything
2- if you are unable to, buy it with contract, add the data plan. go home, put ur sim in your old phone (or any non-smartphone), call at&t and tell them you want to switch phones, and re-add the $15 medianet plan.
theres no point to buy it off contract if you can buy it w/contract

petard said:
I'm thinking about this too. Apparently though it doesn't matter if you buy it on or off contract. The new policy is if you get a new Smartphone (AT&T branded, however you do) after September 6, they can and "will" change you to the appropriate data plan. I don't know if they will actually enforce it for people who buy them off eBay and off contract.
What I am really surprised about is the Diamond 2 is only $350 off contract! That is dirt cheap! They go for around $500 on eBay!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where can I read this new policy ?
Does someone have a link to it ?
Thanks

RacerX10 said:
It looks to me like I'm going to be money ahead to pay full retail on the Tilt 2 next month.
I'm on Media Net ($15.00 / month). If you buy on-contract, AT&T is going to force you on to a $30.00 / month data plan, so that's an extra $180.00 a year.
By my math, if I keep the phone longer than 13 months, I'm better off paying full retail of $499.00 for it and staying on Media Net.
Thoughts ?
The AT&T news keeps on a'comin' this weekend. After getting an idea of when the HTC Touch Pro 2 (aka Tilt 2) may be released, and then seeing it show up in inventory, the Boy Genius Report now says it has pricing information for it, as well as a couple of other anticiapted phones. Let's do this the easy way:
* Tilt 2: $299 after contract and $50 rebate; $499 retail.
* Touch Diamond 2: Codenamed the Warhawk and already seen at the FCC, will be known as the Pure and will go for $199 after contract and $40 rebate. Retails for $349.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well AT&T has lost so much money with the iPhone that they had to make it back somehow. Good luck with AT&T. I hope they work out better for you than they did for me.

I think the particulars on this one are what's going to matter. I could purchase it on my wife's number .. she's got no data plan at all. I wonder if ATT is going to force you on a data plan if you don't currently have one now (and don't want one)
Again, worst case scenario I can pick one up on ebay and avoid their new policy but it would be nice to know for sure what the policy is.

They are supposedly going to do IMEI checking for all phones. They already do with the iPhone.
I can go all the way through checkout until I confirm my order on Premier and it doesn't ask me to switch data plans. If you have access to it, use it.

petard said:
They are supposedly going to do IMEI checking for all phones. They already do with the iPhone.
I can go all the way through checkout until I confirm my order on Premier and it doesn't ask me to switch data plans. If you have access to it, use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Premier isn't an option for me, but thanks for the info.

I am just learning about Premier, what is it or how do you get to be premier?

Thresher said:
I am just learning about Premier, what is it or how do you get to be premier?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Premier is AT&T's service for corporate/business customers. For instance my employer has an 'employee' discount on plans, handsets, accessories, activation etc for personal accounts, though I've never noticed a price difference on phones. Usually just cheaper plans and better customer service.

petard said:
They are supposedly going to do IMEI checking for all phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm a little skeptical on this one. I've been hearing this for years and it hasn't happened yet.

RacerX10 said:
It looks to me like I'm going to be money ahead to pay full retail on the Tilt 2 next month.
I'm on Media Net ($15.00 / month). If you buy on-contract, AT&T is going to force you on to a $30.00 / month data plan, so that's an extra $180.00 a year.
By my math, if I keep the phone longer than 13 months, I'm better off paying full retail of $499.00 for it and staying on Media Net.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I bought my Tilt (1) they had me increase my plan too, but the guy told me that I dont have to keep it at the higher plan. He told me to wait 45 days, then call AT&T and switch it back down to the lesser plan. Worked just fine... Granted that was 2 years ago, so who knows if they changed their stance on that kind of thing...

AT&T Off Contract
My TP is about to die and I want to replace it. I prefer to get off contract and right now I have two concerns:
1. 3G speeds. Can I get it with a AU phone like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/New-HTC-TOUCH-P...ones?hash=item27ab9cfc19&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
Will this phone really work at 3G speeds on ATT?
2. I'm also interested in WinMo 6.5 like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/HTC-TOUCH-PRO-2...ones?hash=item27abab1dc0&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
Does anyone on this site offer a ROM service?
Thx.
James

It only has UMTS850, not UMTS1900. That means it will work on some of AT&Ts 3G network but not all of it. Either the listed lied or didn't know that you need UMTS1900 to FULLY support AT&Ts 3G network. Just wait a bit, AT&Ts version will be out in less than a month. You can buy it retail for $500 off contract and probably less on eBay after it comes out.

petard said:
They are supposedly going to do IMEI checking for all phones. They already do with the iPhone.
I can go all the way through checkout until I confirm my order on Premier and it doesn't ask me to switch data plans. If you have access to it, use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
RacerX10 said:
I'm a little skeptical on this one. I've been hearing this for years and it hasn't happened yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A guy on brighthand was just doing a little juggling between an old iPhone and his current Nokia smartphone. He actually has a $30 smartphone data plan, but the point of his post was that after he undid a little iPhone issue, got his old 3G plan back up and running and put his sim back in his nokia, he immediately got a text informing him of his need for a smartphone data plan, and that one would be added for him if he failed to add it. They aren't ONLY checking the iPhone anymore.
They're definitely tightening things down. I doubt it is anywhere near airtight yet, but I'd be hesitant about using last year's workarounds.

jamesmuir said:
My TP is about to die and I want to replace it. I prefer to get off contract and right now I have two concerns:
1. 3G speeds. Can I get it with a AU phone like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/New-HTC-TOUCH-P...ones?hash=item27ab9cfc19&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
Will this phone really work at 3G speeds on ATT?
2. I'm also interested in WinMo 6.5 like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/HTC-TOUCH-PRO-2...ones?hash=item27abab1dc0&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
Does anyone on this site offer a ROM service?
Thx.
James
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
petard said:
It only has UMTS850, not UMTS1900. That means it will work on some of AT&Ts 3G network but not all of it. Either the listed lied or didn't know that you need UMTS1900 to FULLY support AT&Ts 3G network. Just wait a bit, AT&Ts version will be out in less than a month. You can buy it retail for $500 off contract and probably less on eBay after it comes out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have this phone and it does only have 850 for 3g. For me it works just great because the area I live in has 850 for 90% of ATT 3g. You don't have to have the 1900 band to get "full" 3g it works on one or the other. But if your area doesn't use the 850 band then you won't get 3g. I agree, with the phone from ATT coming in one month it would be better to wait because you will save about $300.00 off retail.
My phone is unlocked and I have flashed Miri's v2.0 ROM, all works great and it is much faster than stock ROM. Once you get the ATT phone just HSPL and flash away the ATT bloat ROM.

[Q] Desire Z in America?

Question...
I'm in the US and I have at&t
I want to get a g2, and im planning on getting one unlocked from a friend,
the thing is, T-Mobile branded g2's don't support at&t's 3g network.
I hear that the Desire Z's from Bell Canada DO support at&t's 3g,
so I'm wondering if anyone has any clue where to get one of these Bell Desire Z's for any cheaper than the outright price on Bell's website?

What is the full price on Bell's website? I tried looking, but it seems they want you to pick a plan and other nonsense to get the full price, so I didn't bother. I've heard they won't sell you the phone anyway, unless you have an account with them.
People on here have had some luck on eBay or similar sources. But this phone is pretty hot, and sellers know that US customers want them to use on ATT's network. I haven't seen it pop up on eBay for much cheaper than online vendors like Negri Electronics, and bidding on eBay can be pretty annoying.
I've heard that you can get buy it from places like Best Buy in Canada, if you are anywhere close to driving distance to Canada. Or if you know people in Canada, maybe they can do that, or even use their Bell upgrade to get one for you, if you are really nice to them.
I bought mine from Negri Electronics. High price, but it was in stock and have a 21 day return policy for defective phones.
And yes, the Bell version (A7275) is the only Desire Z model which is completely compatible to AT&T's 3G network (850/1900 MHz). The phone is amazing, BTW.

redpoint73 said:
People on here have had some luck on eBay or similar sources. But this phone is pretty hot, and sellers know that US customers want them to use on ATT's network. I haven't seen it pop up on eBay for much cheaper than online vendors like Negri Electronics, and bidding on eBay can be pretty annoying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I purchased mine from Ebay. I took part in a few bidding wars but didn't have any luck. I ended up purchasing it using the "Make an Offer" feature. Cost me an arm and a leg but the device is great. I have been with AT&T for years and have some great rates because of that but none of their devices really interested me and I wasn't ready to sign on for another two years. I would rather pay upfront for my device and continue to pay my bill on a month-to-month basis.

Yeah, I have a friend here who's willing to get me one unlocked from his t-mobile upgrade for 350 (outright, it's 500 from bell)...which is great, but i'd REALLY love to have the 3g on it... mabie i'll have to take that advice and look around at best buys and such,
I just wasn't sure if mabie there was a way you could root the phone to get that one specific signal but as far as I could tell, it doesn't work that way

got mine from negri as well
since they do have to pay tax in Canada for those phones, i believe 600 isn't much higher than purchasing directly from bell in canada

ca1r0776 said:
I just wasn't sure if mabie there was a way you could root the phone to get that one specific signal but as far as I could tell, it doesn't work that way
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely doesn't work that way. The radio bands are set in hardware, not software. The G2 lacks the proper hardware to work on the 850/1900 MHz bands that ATT uses. Nothing you do with the software will every change that.

Best price is here:
http://www.newayci.com/detail/1220/HTC_A7275_DESIRE_NAM/

[Q] Availability of Contract Free Atrix in USA for UK buyer?

Hi
My friend is going to Florida for a holiday next week and will bring me back an Atrix which will be quicker than waiting for UK release(June). AT&T are selling the Atrix contract free for $499.00. I there any availability problems for this mobile or will he just be able to buy one?
Thanks in advance for your help

He can buy one without any problems, however 3G won't work in UK since US and UK frequencies are different.
You will also need to sim unlock it but I guess you are aware of that.

t-mobile uk use 2100 for 3g I thought the atrix can use this?

Hmm if it 2100 yes Atrix supports that, sorry for the misinformation.

I'm not sure an AT&T store will let your friend simply buy a phone and walk out the door. AT&T's no-contract price still requires the purchaser to sign up for a new data plan, even though there's no commitment to a 2-year contract. He might have to sign up for a plan, then cancel it a little later.

GoodFoot said:
I'm not sure an AT&T store will let your friend simply buy a phone and walk out the door. AT&T's no-contract price still requires the purchaser to sign up for a new data plan, even though there's no commitment to a 2-year contract. He might have to sign up for a plan, then cancel it a little later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really, I bought one without giving my account info at all. Guy at the store asked it but I just said I don't want to tell it he said ok

fincan said:
Not really, I bought one without giving my account info at all. Guy at the store asked it but I just said I don't want to tell it he said ok
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How much did you pay for the Atrix?

GoodFoot said:
How much did you pay for the Atrix?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
$499 + tax

You can absolutely walk right into an AT&T store and buy one outright without giving ANY information. I used to work for AT&T and I have even done this as recently as 4 months ago.

Sim unlocked Galaxy Nexus on Virgin

Just a heads up for anyone who is thinking of getting one from Virgin Mobile. It is Sim Unlocked. I just got one and am using it on Wind Mobile.

Yup all nexus devices come unlocked

So is the Bell one!!

How much is it?

$649 + 13% tax.

It isn't supposed to bit my Galaxy Nexus from Bell came unlocked too. I'd assume they'd fix that issue in the second batch so beware
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App

NexusDro said:
$649 + 13% tax.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ouch. That's rough.

Yeah they are unlocked, but I mean good luck getting one without a contract.
Nobody is selling it without a contract. I don't know if this is legal or not but they just won't give it to you.
So I just went and picked up a sealed Virgin unit from craigslist... considering I'd have to pay tax and as I've heard one month of Virgin service (I'm on Fido) I think I came out even or ahead slightly maybe.

mohitrocks said:
It isn't supposed to bit my Galaxy Nexus from Bell came unlocked too. I'd assume they'd fix that issue in the second batch so beware
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You and 100's of others really need to stop spreading mis-information. It's a Nexus development phone which I'm guessing doesn't mean anything to you.
Updates, patches, fixes don't come from bell they come directly from Google. This isn't like the galaxy s or s II running touchwiz and bell crapware. Its a nexus phone running vanilla android.
Take some time to educate yourself and read a little bit on the Nexus 1, Nexus S and the Galaxy Nexus and you'll start (I hope) to understand that they are not carrier specific phones.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

Shawn_230 said:
Yeah they are unlocked, but I mean good luck getting one without a contract.
Nobody is selling it without a contract. I don't know if this is legal or not but they just won't give it to you.
So I just went and picked up a sealed Virgin unit from craigslist... considering I'd have to pay tax and as I've heard one month of Virgin service (I'm on Fido) I think I came out even or ahead slightly maybe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if they are not selling the GNex off-contract,Why do they advertise the off-contract price?
i got this email from bell:

ArclightX said:
You and 100's of others really need to stop spreading mis-information. It's a Nexus development phone which I'm guessing doesn't mean anything to you.
Updates, patches, fixes don't come from bell they come directly from Google. This isn't like the galaxy s or s II running touchwiz and bell crapware. Its a nexus phone running vanilla android.
Take some time to educate yourself and read a little bit on the Nexus 1, Nexus S and the Galaxy Nexus and you'll start (I hope) to understand that they are not carrier specific phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey now, no need to insult the guy.
He isn't the one spreading misinformation, it's the jerkoff Bell employees who are outright spreading misinformation (which was likely handed down directly from their managers).
We all know Nexus phones are supposed to be unlocked, but when you go into a corporate Bell store, some guy in a Bell uniform unequivocally tells you otherwise then you begin to doubt yourself.
Daniel_GB said:
if they are not selling the GNex off-contract,Why do they advertise the off-contract price?
i got this email from bell:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know, maybe some CRTC rule they are only half-assedly standing by?
They know they are quite in demand, so they just won't give you one for $650. Mind you this is at Bell corporate, other smaller stores like The Source or Vision's Electronics might sell it to you for $650 for no contract, but not right now when demand would be so high, I would guess minimum 7-10 days from now. You can go to Virgin but I've heard they require one month of service to be activated, that and sales taxes can be a pretty penny on top of the $650 sticker price.
It's like this: Bell and Virgin has a vested interest in getting new contracts, so knowing the SGN is so hot they will come up with lies like "out of stock" or "come down and see us in person." Smaller stores like The Source don't really care if you sign up for a contract since it's not their netowkr, but I assume being a smaller store they can be easily persuaded by the carriers since they could just stop allowing that store to carry their latest phones.

I guess I was lucky one. In BestBuy they did not want to sell mu GN without contract. In the Futureshop same story. Then I call Bell and Virgin stores close to me and I got again same answer. I was so pist off so I decide to go to near BestBay and fight to death. I was ready to go to the manager if is needed.
So i walk into the store, ask for GN and then Bestbuy person ask me how I would like to pay? I sad I am paying in full, no contract. He did not say one word about contract or anything. I just pay for the Virgin GN and walk out. I could not believe my eyes. After all I was going thru miracle happend. wtf, soon I was out of the store I start walking little faster... LOL
I am now width Wind. Unlimited call, messages and data for $30. Bye bye Rogers 4ever. The phone is just amazing. Finally am am 100% happy. December 8 was my very happy day.
So I can confirm GN is working with all providers and it is coming unlocked.

Shawn_230 said:
Mind you this is at Bell corporate, other smaller stores like The Source or Vision's Electronics might sell it to you for $650 for no contract, but not right now when demand would be so high, I would guess minimum 7-10 days from now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Source is owned by Bell, but surprisingly I've heard that a couple of people managed to buy the phones outright, no contract.
I was able to buy one from Future Shop outright, but another buddy of mine wasn't able to at a different Future Shop, so I guess it's hit and miss. I was turned down at Best Buy, but apparently others have managed to buy one there.
The small, privately owned dealers are probably the least likely to sell the units outright, they depend on the contract commissions more than they do hardware sales, and will rarely sell a popular new phone without a contract or extended warranty.
Just my 2c...

You guys got lucky, good for you!
Personally, after calling all the stores in my area I gave up and went to craigslist. I knew if I went down to the stores and made my case I could convince them, but then I thought they might not even have them in stock contract or not since it's a hot phone.
So I guess moral of the story is, either go down to the stores and demand what is your right (no contract for $650) or if you can't be bothered then go online to say craigslist or Kijiji. I paid $100 over retail but I didn't pay HST, so not a huge deal considering.
I just wish these guys weren't so sleazy, no reason this should even be any issue, we are paying full-price so nobody is doing anybody any favours.

Using a galaxy nexus happily on Wind Mobile. It seems to be getting faster data speeds than my previous nexus s as well.
I bought mine for $649 from The Source on a $20 1-month virgin mobile plan. They wouldn't sell it to me any other way. So I'll have to call Virgin to cancel in 30 days.

The Bell store wouldn't sell my a Nexus without putting it on my account. No contract extension required but I still needed to be an existing customer.

I was able to buy my GN outright from a bell store in Edmonton, only after I caused a scene and spoke to the manager. He basically begged me to wait for 4 days and offered me $50 in accessories to do so, but I wouldn't budge as my Atrix had a mic issue where no one could hear me.

netninja said:
Using a galaxy nexus happily on Wind Mobile. It seems to be getting faster data speeds than my previous nexus s as well.
I bought mine for $649 from The Source on a $20 1-month virgin mobile plan. They wouldn't sell it to me any other way. So I'll have to call Virgin to cancel in 30 days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did the same, but I was told I can call and cancel after 14 days. They need 30 days notice to cancel though, so we may end up paying for more than 1 month.

NexusDro said:
$649 + 13% tax.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Consider that's the same price that people pays for their iPhones, I think we are still ahead...value wise

ady said:
Just a heads up for anyone who is thinking of getting one from Virgin Mobile. It is Sim Unlocked. I just got one and am using it on Wind Mobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
simunovic said:
I guess I was lucky one. In BestBuy they did not want to sell mu GN without contract. In the Futureshop same story. Then I call Bell and Virgin stores close to me and I got again same answer. I was so pist off so I decide to go to near BestBay and fight to death. I was ready to go to the manager if is needed.
So i walk into the store, ask for GN and then Bestbuy person ask me how I would like to pay? I sad I am paying in full, no contract. He did not say one word about contract or anything. I just pay for the Virgin GN and walk out. I could not believe my eyes. After all I was going thru miracle happend. wtf, soon I was out of the store I start walking little faster... LOL
I am now width Wind. Unlimited call, messages and data for $30. Bye bye Rogers 4ever. The phone is just amazing. Finally am am 100% happy. December 8 was my very happy day.
So I can confirm GN is working with all providers and it is coming unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
netninja said:
Using a galaxy nexus happily on Wind Mobile. It seems to be getting faster data speeds than my previous nexus s as well.
I bought mine for $649 from The Source on a $20 1-month virgin mobile plan. They wouldn't sell it to me any other way. So I'll have to call Virgin to cancel in 30 days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is anyone having roaming problems going from Wind Home zone to Wind Away zone & the phone not detecting the Wind Away zone as roaming?
Some ppl on HoFo forums ARE having this problem!
http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php/1746662-Want-to-confirm-data-settings-on-Galaxy-Nexus-so-I-don-t-get-roaming-data-charges
I'd like to know the answer to this before I go buy myself a Galaxy Nexus for Christmas

Where to buy Note 2 (T-Mobile) from other than T-Mobile's Site?

I don't want to buy a Note 2 with 2-year contract and any pay sales tax on the $649 T-Mobile Note 2. What other site can I find the T-Mobile version for a descent price other than T-Mobiles site and Negri Electronics. Please let me know, thank you.

Amazon, costco, newegg, wirefly, etc. Google is your friend.

Walmart right know they give you a 100 dollar gift card when yoy buy a smartphone.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium

winlinmac001 said:
I don't want to buy a Note 2 with 2-year contract and any pay sales tax on the $649 T-Mobile Note 2. What other site can I find the T-Mobile version for a descent price other than T-Mobiles site and Negri Electronics. Please let me know, thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=34899105&postcount=2
Where else can you buy the SGH-T889 for $649.99 or less & I haven't seen places without sales tax depending on your state..?

Craigslist. .
Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2

keep in mind you can always buy the phone on contract and cancel it for a $200 ETF

decalex said:
Craigslist. .
Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True that but personally I think at this point I'd rather pay for less-secondhand Note2 (free overnight delivery until Dec 20th during business days in my link above I was told although website simply says Free Shipping so it likely depends on US location)..
If it was an established business or someone I knew with less risk of aggravation, I'd consider it more.
---------- Post added at 11:47 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:29 AM ----------
theoilman said:
keep in mind you can always buy the phone on contract and cancel it for a $200 ETF
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand it's tempting on one level but is it really that simple? Ethical dilemma?

SMARTPHONEPC said:
True that but personally I think at this point I'd rather pay for less-secondhand Note2 (free overnight delivery until Dec 20th during business days in my link above I was told although website simply says Free Shipping so it likely depends on US location)..
If it was an established business or someone I knew with less risk of aggravation, I'd consider it more.
---------- Post added at 11:47 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:29 AM ----------
I understand it's tempting on one level but is it really that simple? Ethical dilemma?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think they charge u full retail for phone if you do this but i can be wrong
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium

You're right, they do,
funziebear said:
I think they charge u full retail for phone if you do this but i can be wrong
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Can I purchase the Tmobile Galaxy Note 2 without contract and unlock it and get LTE with AT&T?
Also, are there problems if you buy the note 2 from Tmobile without any sevice from tmobile?
I want the tmobile version mainly because of its pentaband capability. true world phone, though LTE disabled
not really into FM radio these days, and the tmobile version is truly futureproof for at least 2-3 years, agreed?

winlinmac001 said:
Can I purchase the Tmobile Galaxy Note 2 without contract and unlock it and get LTE with AT&T?
Also, are there problems if you buy the note 2 from Tmobile without any sevice from tmobile?
I want the tmobile version mainly because of its pentaband capability. true world phone, though LTE disabled
not really into FM radio these days, and the tmobile version is truly futureproof for at least 2-3 years, agreed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nothing is ever future proof in every way, but the note 2 will be able to use LTE when Tmobile rolls it out, so it's future proof in that sense. I'm not sure but I don't think it would work on AT&T LTE though- AT&T I believe uses different frequencies, so the LTE radios might not recognize each other. The note 2 has pentaband so you can at least get 3G and HSPA+ all over the world, but LTE varies a lot by carrier and country.
as for unlocking the phone, the note 2 can be unlocked manually for free- there's another thread in this forum to show you how. should be on the 1st page.

Thanks, silly question, but do you think it is worth buying the Note 2 from T-Mobile for the extra price, or is the International Version a smarter move? How would you weigh the pros and cons.
theoilman said:
nothing is ever future proof in every way, but the note 2 will be able to use LTE when Tmobile rolls it out, so it's future proof in that sense. I'm not sure but I don't think it would work on AT&T LTE though- AT&T I believe uses different frequencies, so the LTE radios might not recognize each other. The note 2 has pentaband so you can at least get 3G and HSPA+ all over the world, but LTE varies a lot by carrier and country.
as for unlocking the phone, the note 2 can be unlocked manually for free- there's another thread in this forum to show you how. should be on the 1st page.
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winlinmac001 said:
Can I purchase the Tmobile Galaxy Note 2 without contract and unlock it and get LTE with AT&T?
Also, are there problems if you buy the note 2 from Tmobile without any sevice from tmobile?
I want the tmobile version mainly because of its pentaband capability. true world phone, though LTE disabled
not really into FM radio these days, and the tmobile version is truly futureproof for at least 2-3 years, agreed?
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As I understand it, the T-Mobile LTE hardware has been disabled but is expected to be enabled via OTA update in 2013 where I've read people expect it to work on AT&T's LTE. I haven't heard anyone being able to enable it yet http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=34474595&postcount=63 so it hasn't been confirmed to my knowledge. In my still limited neighborhood speed tests of all major carriers T-Mobile surprisingly offered the best consistent speeds indoors by far & outdoors was not significantly different than Verizon LTE in terms of network experience (although Verizon did peak higher outdoors was surprisingly weak indoors).
If you pay full price for the Note2 http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=34899105&postcount=2 like I will likely do without service, then activate online & can go prepaid $30/mo plan or according to salesperson I spoke to yesterday at (877) 353-3614 can even try the service out with a pay by the day plan but since I've already done preliminary speed tests on a friends S3 I will likely just try the $30 mo plan. I do have an order # for the grey but haven't provided my payment info yet since it wouldn't ship until Monday at earliest anyway & I'm trying to get more answers on multi-view that I want..
Not sure anything is really futureproof in terms of the best experience but is the best ATM IMO.
Let us know what you're thinking or decide..

If you are not a TMobile Customer, do you still get the warranty honored by Samsung?

I'm shocked that people on XDA (who tend to be a bit more discerning than the average consumer) are still buying phones on contract. I have a paypal if you really don't need your money. Send it to me. I bought my Note 2 on CL for $450 almost a month ago. New in box. That kind of deal will be rare but you will definitely save at least a hundred bucks on CL. Only drawback is that squaretrade doesn't work with CL purchases.

winlinmac001 said:
If you are not a TMobile Customer, do you still get the warranty honored by Samsung?
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I was told yes it carries the 1 yr warranty yesterday when I spoke to T-Mobile web at (877) 353-3614. I was told I had 30 days for a full refund on the Note2 (although would have to mail it to them in Tennessee at my expense if returned-likely less than <$10, there would be no restocking fee) but no refund on the prepaid service itself hence the day rates I mentioned above. I didn't get into the warranty procedure yet so if you or anyone knows or finds out post back because it's worth knowing before dropping that cash. I will call my local T-Mobile store to see if I can score a comparable deal & ask about their restocking fees & warranty service before deciding..
It might be worthwhile for you to confirm all this with T-Mobile web at (877) 353-3614 & post back. -Thnx
---------- Post added at 02:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:45 PM ----------
_atlien_ said:
I'm shocked that people on XDA (who tend to be a bit more discerning than the average consumer) are still buying phones on contract. I have a paypal if you really don't need your money. Send it to me. I bought my Note 2 on CL for $450 almost a month ago. New in box. That kind of deal will be rare but you will definitely save at least a hundred bucks on CL. Only drawback is that squaretrade doesn't work with CL purchases.
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For some use cases (that honestly I'm not entirely familiar with besides possibly reducing upfront investment) contracts may prove worthwhile if they better suit your use case but I agree that T-Mobile offers such flexibility with their plans that it's another reason I'm considering them now that the Note2 is available on all major carriers (though my speed tests were also what brought them to my attention).
When I checked CL today I could save only ~$68 including the nearly $48 in tax which doesn't seem worth it to me personally..glad it worked out for you though Appreciate you pointed out the squaretrade drawback -Thnx

_atlien_ said:
I'm shocked that people on XDA (who tend to be a bit more discerning than the average consumer) are still buying phones on contract. I have a paypal if you really don't need your money. Send it to me. I bought my Note 2 on CL for $450 almost a month ago. New in box. That kind of deal will be rare but you will definitely save at least a hundred bucks on CL. Only drawback is that squaretrade doesn't work with CL purchases.
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Not running into getting blacklisted is sometimes worth full retail, just saying specially now that att and tmobile will merge their blacklist database
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium

SMARTPHONEPC said:
For some use cases (that honestly I'm not entirely familiar with besides possibly reducing upfront investment) contracts may prove worthwhile if they better suit your use case but I agree that T-Mobile offers such flexibility with their plans that it's another reason I'm considering them now that the Note2 is available on all major carriers (though my speed tests were also what brought them to my attention).
When I checked CL today I could save only ~$68 including the nearly $48 in tax which doesn't seem worth it to me personally..glad it worked out for you though Appreciate you pointed out the squaretrade drawback -Thnx
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Well, the OP says he wants to avoid a 2 year lockin with a carrier, which I agree with, considering the savings ($500-$1400 depending on the carrier and plan and that's AFTER accounting for the phone subsidy).
In Atlanta GN2s go for $575 which gives you greater than $100 savings on the device. And again, $50/month on SM vs $80/month on TMO is for me a no-brainer if one can come up with the phone. Carriers are a rip-off.

winlinmac001 said:
If you are not a TMobile Customer, do you still get the warranty honored by Samsung?
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Yes, it's a manufacturer warranty.

_atlien_ said:
Well, the OP says he wants to avoid a 2 year lockin with a carrier, which I agree with, considering the savings ($500-$1400 depending on the carrier and plan and that's AFTER accounting for the phone subsidy).
In Atlanta GN2s go for $575 which gives you greater than $100 savings on the device. And again, $50/month on SM vs $80/month on TMO is for me a no-brainer if one can come up with the phone. Carriers are a rip-off.
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As I mentioned earlier in the thread I plan to try T-Mobile's $30/mo plan so I hear you.
I did just call my local T-Mobile store & it's $50+tax more than http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=34899105&postcount=2 & 14 day return policy instead of 30 day grace period online & has a $50 restocking fee vs zero online I was told (though have to pay for return shipping likely <$10).
I did call T-Mobile web at (877) 353-3614 to follow-up on how the 1 yr warranty is serviced. I was told instead of taking it into a T-Mobile store you, you'd have to mail it to a US service center (at your expense but you'd be paying for gas-car expenses likely if taking it to a store) after troubleshooting yielded a Return Authorization. If you couldn't wait for a new one to be mailed to you after they received the returned one, then they do offer a replacement at a replacement fee of $50 where you would have to mail the old one to the center within 7 days (or likely incur the full cost of replacement so I'd mail the returned one with some insurance should it get lost).. They told me Samsung service would also be an option so I assume if you did not have T-Mobile service that would still be an option for you & if you want the T-Mobile service help could add a month or possibly even day plan..
Still sounds reasonable to me & where I'm leaning now. If T-Mobile had the official multi-view I'd be more certain that I'd provide my payment info on the order..-Personally I feel better about that option than Graigslist ATM.