That's what I read on the wiki and on engadget sites, but Verizon hasn't confirmed anything publicly.
What I want to know is if it's possible to buy a Droid without a data plan, just using wifi. Otherwise, are there any carriers that have Android phones that don't require data plans?
I want a Droid without having to get a Data plan. Dreams.
I'd be inclined to buy one without a contract. It's more expensive upfront, but you'd save a lot more money from not having to pay for the data plan and still get the phone you want.
Barrakketh on
Rollers are red, chargers are blue....omae wa mou shindeiru
What's the point of having a high end web-enabled smartphone with no data plan?
Presumably you care less about the connectivity stuff and more about the applications/games available for the platform. I mean, I personally like the ability to use a SSH client and do stuff on my home PC/server, but for the price of a good MP3 player (say a Zune HD or iPod Touch for mainstream examples) you can spend a little more and get a phone that lets you consolidate those devices. Android does have some decent media player apps available for it, right?
If you decide you want a data plan later you can always add that feature at any time. If you don't you're probably saving at least $240/year.
Of course, Sprint's unlimited data plan is only $20 more than the unlimited messaging plan and includes free mobile-to-mobile (any provider), data, and GPS in addition to the usual Sprint stuff I don't care about (music, TV, NFL Live and some NASCAR shit). That's a whole lot more appealing than the plans that other carriers were offering when I last shopped around.
Barrakketh on
Rollers are red, chargers are blue....omae wa mou shindeiru
I think the HTC Droid Eris looks like it might be nicer than the motorola.
What are the chances it will have the same slow processor HTC has been using in all their other phones?
So, the Eris is a lot more sleek and fast compared to the Droid from Motorola. It's the same speed as the Droid, just a little nicer, but runs 1.6 Android.
The upcoming HTC Passion, also rumored to be released before Black Friday is AMAZING! It's also huge. It too will run Android 2.0. It has a 1ghz processor. I haven't had the chance to use it, only the STorm 2, Droid, and Eris. Of those three, the Eris is by far superior, only because the touchscreen is great and HTC creates the best quality of devices.
As far as the release date, 11/6 for the Droid is what I have as accurate. Wednesday is the Storm 2 and on the same day, we're unveiling the Droid in a press release. The HTC Passion though is another 4th quarter device, and it WILL be my next phone, if I don't bust under pressure and get the HTC Eris.
For those who can't wait, you definitely won't be disappointed by the Motorola Droid, it is freaking amazing as well, and if you prefer keyboards, you'll like it.
Also, yes, it is a smartphone, it will require at least a 29.99 data plan, simply because, if we didn't limit it, everyone would get a smartphone and our network would just be completely bogged down. That said, when LTE launches, that will increase our bandwidth to something ridiculous.
To get a phone without a data plan, you'd have to pay full retail price for it. Keep in mind, we take huge losses for every phone we sell because we subsidize that cost.
Also, yes, it is a smartphone, it will require at least a 29.99 data plan, simply because, if we didn't limit it, everyone would get a smartphone and our network would just be completely bogged down.
That makes no sense. If you're not using data then the smartphone shouldn't be using any more of the network than any other phone does for voice/sms/mms.
Barrakketh on
Rollers are red, chargers are blue....omae wa mou shindeiru
Also, yes, it is a smartphone, it will require at least a 29.99 data plan, simply because, if we didn't limit it, everyone would get a smartphone and our network would just be completely bogged down.
That makes no sense. If you're not using data then the smartphone shouldn't be using any more of the network than any other phone does for voice/sms/mms.
The phone was designed to do that. Keep in mind, that phone is NOT 179.99 that you pay, it's is like 550+. That data plan helps to recoup the cost on that phone, considering non-smart-phones are more than 100 less on average, although some reach like 450 (LG Versa for example). Still, the phone was designed to be used on the network and constantly connected. Why buy the device if you're not going to use it for its intended purpose?
But chances are, people who have the phone who get used to using it via wi-fi, will want to use it through the network, and they need to pay for that usage. If you can't afford it, then buy what you can afford. I by no way will ever advocate that it is cheap, but that is the going rate for the operating costs Verizon Wireless has. Keep in mind, our network is fucking huge and our operating capacity is not cheap at all.
Dignified Pauper on
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0
KetarCome on upstairswe're having a partyRegistered Userregular
What's the point of having a high end web-enabled smartphone with no data plan?
Presumably you care less about the connectivity stuff and more about the applications/games available for the platform. I mean, I personally like the ability to use a SSH client and do stuff on my home PC/server, but for the price of a good MP3 player (say a Zune HD or iPod Touch for mainstream examples) you can spend a little more and get a phone that lets you consolidate those devices. Android does have some decent media player apps available for it, right?
If you decide you want a data plan later you can always add that feature at any time. If you don't you're probably saving at least $240/year.
Of course, Sprint's unlimited data plan is only $20 more than the unlimited messaging plan and includes free mobile-to-mobile (any provider), data, and GPS in addition to the usual Sprint stuff I don't care about (music, TV, NFL Live and some NASCAR shit). That's a whole lot more appealing than the plans that other carriers were offering when I last shopped around.
The Sprint site isn't showing me any prices for data plans only right now, just data + calling plans as one combined rate. That said, unlimited data + 900 minutes is $89.99. A new customer with T-Mobile would get 1000 minutes + unlimited data/messaging for the same price. They would not get unlimited mobile to mobile but in all likelihood you would get the MyFaves deal where you choose any 5 numbers - mobile or otherwise - for unlimited calling. So +100 minutes and unlimited calling to any 5 numbers vs unlimited calling to all mobile numbers.
With the loyalty offers T-Mobile has extended though I'm getting unlimited data/messaging and unlimited calling for $85/month
For VZW, you can get 450 minutes for 39.99 with unlimited text, web, and mobile e-mail for an additional 30 for standard non-pda smartphones.
PDA phones are just another 19.99 on top of that because they use more data. I really don't think that is a bad price when compared to some other carriers.
Also, yes, it is a smartphone, it will require at least a 29.99 data plan, simply because, if we didn't limit it, everyone would get a smartphone and our network would just be completely bogged down.
That makes no sense. If you're not using data then the smartphone shouldn't be using any more of the network than any other phone does for voice/sms/mms.
The phone was designed to do that. Keep in mind, that phone is NOT 179.99 that you pay, it's is like 550+.
I choose to buy my phones at full price and have them unlocked. I'm very well aware of what my BlackBerry costs at full price.
Why buy the device if you're not going to use it for its intended purpose?
The only intended purpose is that for which I'm buying it. If I want to see how well the Droid blends that is none of Verizon's concern.
If you can't afford it, then buy what you can afford.
I can afford to buy unlocked phones and have a data plan. That doesn't change the fact that I think it's bullshit to make customers pay for a service that they don't want.
The Sprint site isn't showing me any prices for data plans only right now, just data + calling plans as one combined rate.
That's how they offer it for phones. If you use a broadband card then that gets expensive (much like paying for tethering with other carriers).
That said, unlimited data + 900 minutes is $89.99. A new customer with T-Mobile would get 1000 minutes + unlimited data/messaging for the same price. They would not get unlimited mobile to mobile but in all likelihood you would get the MyFaves deal where you choose any 5 numbers - mobile or otherwise - for unlimited calling. So +100 minutes and unlimited calling to any 5 numbers vs unlimited calling to all mobile numbers.
I go with that plan but 450 minutes. Unlimited mobile to mobile is where most of my minutes would end up going (people usually end up using their cell instead of the landline even when they are home). For $99.99 you get unlimited minutes with the Simply Everything plan.
T-Mobile's service in my area is kinda crappy. Same with VZW's, particularly for data. Sprint has some dead spots along certain roads, but by and large I've had the best coverage with them in my neck of the woods here in Florida. I rarely travel more than about 150 miles away from home, but at least one person I know doesn't get coverage with Sprint but does with VZW where he hunts in southern Georgia.
For VZW, you can get 450 minutes for 39.99 with unlimited text, web, and mobile e-mail for an additional 30 for standard non-pda smartphones.
PDA phones are just another 19.99 on top of that because they use more data. I really don't think that is a bad price when compared to some other carriers.
Your wording is confusing. $39.99 for for 450 minutes, then unlimited text, web and e-mail for another $30? Then PDA smartphones are another $19.99? That's a ripoff IMO. And Verizon's site isn't giving me something much better, so I'll put it this way:
What would it cost to get a plan with 450 minutes, unlimited mobile-to-mobile (if you don't have that, then the closest thing and specify exactly what that is which seems to be between other Verizon customers only), and unlimited data/messaging for a BlackBerry/Android-style smartphone? Then the same thing for 900 minutes. And then unlimited minutes.
Because what you've said for a non-pda smartphone ($69.99) is what I pay for for my BlackBerry's service right now (450 minutes, same plan as describe above). And that doesn't include GPS, which I believe Verizon charges $9.99/month for, correct?
Barrakketh on
Rollers are red, chargers are blue....omae wa mou shindeiru
For Nationwide Select 450 - 59.99. That includes M2M and nights/weekends, of course and unlimited texting. Nationwide Connect 450 is all the above plus unlimited mobile web and mobile e-mail for 69.99. That is for non-pda/smart-phones.
At 900 minutes, the price jumps 20 dollars for both plans respectively.
PDA's and Smartphones are the Select plan, so 59.99 or 79.99 for 450/900 minutes respectively. Then an additional 29.99. While it is slightly pricier, it's also because we have a higher operating costs. And yeah, VZNav costs 9.99 extra, but Droid won't have it as you can use Google's and BB has a slew of GPS aps you can get.
PDA/Smartphones can't be on a connect/premium plan because those two plans aren't compatible. They are built as bundles for standard phones.
PDA's and Smartphones are the Select plan, so 59.99 or 79.99 for 450/900 minutes respectively. Then an additional 29.99.
So the base price for a Droid is $90?! I would love to know why VZW thinks customers would pay that, when you can get the iPhone from AT&T or the Pre from Sprint for $70.
PS Is this a new thing? The website lets me choose the basic plans for current smartphones, which would make the price the same.
The lowest cost (before any sort of employee discounting) for any Verizon phone not running their dumb OS is a basic plan (450 minutes for $40, shitty 9PM night & weekends and unlimited vzw to vzw) plus the $30 for basic "unlimited" soft-capped smartphone data. If you want any messaging or voiced turn-by-turn GPS that's extra. And there's no offered TV service or anything.
Whereas Sprint gives you unlimited everything except for calls to landlines (450 minutes, n&w at 7PM) for $70. This includes their TV service, their voiced turn-by-turn GPS, unlimited messaging, etc.
So Verizon is getting a lot of nice looking Android phones, but what about T-Mobile? Haven't heard about any new phones for them apart from the Cliq. Anyone know anything coming down the pipeline?
Kyougu on
0
joshgotroDeviled EggThe Land of REAL CHILIRegistered Userregular
edited October 2009
If a phone comes with the option to wi-fi signals why would I need a data plan? If I'm in a car I don't need to be on it checking the latest tweets or my email. Everywhere I go has free wi-fi.
If a phone comes with the option to wi-fi signals why would I need a data plan? If I'm in a car I don't need to be on it checking the latest tweets or my email. Everywhere I go has free wi-fi.
Help sell me a Data Plan.
Free wi-fi everywhere? Really? Cause I rarely encounter it. Hell, my work's wifi is locked down.
Kyougu on
0
joshgotroDeviled EggThe Land of REAL CHILIRegistered Userregular
The lowest cost (before any sort of employee discounting) for any Verizon phone not running their dumb OS is a basic plan (450 minutes for $40, shitty 9PM night & weekends and unlimited vzw to vzw) plus the $30 for basic "unlimited" soft-capped smartphone data. If you want any messaging or voiced turn-by-turn GPS that's extra. And there's no offered TV service or anything.
Whereas Sprint gives you unlimited everything except for calls to landlines (450 minutes, n&w at 7PM) for $70. This includes their TV service, their voiced turn-by-turn GPS, unlimited messaging, etc.
Keep in mind for Sprint's 7pm Night's and Weekends, you're paying an additional fee to get it earlier than everyone else, that's $5 bucks.
We have a TV package, for the phone that have it which is 10, 15, or 25 based on it.
And yes, you can get a basic plan 450 for 39.99 with a smart-phone with 29.99 = 70, and then a $10 text package for Unlimited M2M texts and then 500 outside the network. Which is 80 instead of altogether.
Regardless, keep in mind, VZW has a HUGE fucking network and operating cost. We kind of need to be more expensive, and you're not paying for just the service, you also pay for the quality. We do have the most widespread network. There are places we aren't, this is true, but over-all, you cannot match our coverage.
That said, turn-by-turn GPS you can find a lot of free programs for smartphones to install the aps. Further, you CAN get said phone for full retail price if you don't want the data plan to connect it to wifi. But if you get it as an upgrade, you must get the data package for the following business reasons.
1) You'll probably get the phone for 279.99 - 100 MIR or instant rebate online = 179.99. That phone is usually well over 450 to 550. So we've taken a large loss, to the 279.99. That is EVERY smartphone we sell with a Two-Year Agreement.
2) We're selling you that phone for you to use it on our network, for two years, and the data on our network. You can still use wifi, but why would you when you have access everywhere?
I understand your aversion thinking we are more expensive, we are. And we're starting to lose our competitive edge now that other companies are starting to lower their plans and get unlimited everything. I'm sure we will jump on the bandwagon at some point, we just tend to drag our feet. Personally, I think $85 would be a perfect amount for unlimited texts and data for smartphones, and $70 is a good price for non-smartphones. But, who cares what I think.
P.S. We haven't even got into the corporate 44.99 plans because they have to connect to their company e-mail and go through their firewall. That's even more, but that's because there's more behind the scenes work on our end to put in provisioning in the signal to make their corporate accounts connect to their blackberries, HTCs, what-have-you. But we're mainy focusing on personal/consumer end users.
If a phone comes with the option to wi-fi signals why would I need a data plan? If I'm in a car I don't need to be on it checking the latest tweets or my email. Everywhere I go has free wi-fi.
Help sell me a Data Plan.
This guy knows what I'm talkin' about.
Most of the time, I'm at my house (free wi-fi), the grocery store or the mall (free wi-fi), my friend's house (WPA wi-fi, but he'll give me the password) or on the bus where I'm probably playing DS anyway.
Then buy the phone at full retail. What I'm telling you is part of that data plan is to help us recoup the cost for subsidizing the phone for you to buy.
Keep in mind for Sprint's 7pm Night's and Weekends, you're paying an additional fee to get it earlier than everyone else, that's $5 bucks.
False. The 7pm plan starts on their Talk plan as a standard feature which is $39.99. It's $10 more than the Basic plan but also has 450 minutes, whereas Basic is 200 minutes. It's only $5 if you're on Basic. Any plan above Talk includes the 7pm Nights and Weekends.
We have a TV package, for the phone that have it which is 10, 15, or 25 based on it.
With Sprint that's included with their Everything Data and Simply Everything plans, so if you have a data plan for your smartphone (PDA-style or not) than that's included. That's not a feature I actually use since I don't watch TV :P
That said, turn-by-turn GPS you can find a lot of free programs for smartphones to install the aps.
While that's true, VZW has traditionally locked out all apps from using the GPS except VZNav. The BlackBerry 8830 was one such device, and Verizon only unlocked the GPS of some devices (the Touch Pro was one IIRC) with an update about four or five months ago.
Barrakketh on
Rollers are red, chargers are blue....omae wa mou shindeiru
Would anyone mind it if I went and made a Droid-specific thread, what with the press thing/unveiling tomorrow?
Lanz on
0
GnomeTankWhat the what?Portland, OregonRegistered Userregular
edited October 2009
So I'm about to pull the trigger on an HTC Hero, because my wife's brother works for Sprint and we get all this very cheap. What's the general consensus on it? Yay/nay? I know most people like Android so far, and from using my wife's brothers Hero it seemed pretty snappy, but I don't want to get it only to find out it can barely hold up the Android OS. I know the new Verizon Droid seems to have pretty decent hardware for an Android fun, but I've heard bad things about the HTC Imprio (I think that's the name).
Posted this in an H&A thread, but trying to get as much info as I can:
Howdy.
I've been patiently waiting on my contract to dissolve with my current provider so I can swap to AT&T and get an iPhone. I want an iPhone mainly because it has better support for internet browsing, video, etc. I also want an iPhone so I can use it to replace my Nintendo DS as a portable gaming solution.
My carrier is going to be one of the first to offer the new HTC Android Hero, which is supposed to be the first big implementation of the Android phone OS. I know HTC has worked hard to overhaul the OS.
I was curious if anyone has any experience with Android and/or HTC phones, specifically the ones that the Android Hero stems from, like the HTC Dream and especially the HTC Magic, which from what I know the HTC Android Hero practically is.
Will it be able to view YouTube and flash videos? Games support? Browsers?
So Verizon is getting a lot of nice looking Android phones, but what about T-Mobile? Haven't heard about any new phones for them apart from the Cliq. Anyone know anything coming down the pipeline?
The only other confirmed Android handset so far is the "Behold 2", AKA the Samsung i5700. It's coming out in November, a bit later than the Cliq.
Posts
my fingers are not fat. they work perfectly fine
they are just proportionally gigantic
yes, I am a giant
For fear of my job, I won't post them openly on the forum though.
3DSFF: 5026-4429-6577
THIS.
I have released the info to a few people, not many. That said, I can say before Black Friday.
3DSFF: 5026-4429-6577
Steam ID: Good Life
That's what I read on the wiki and on engadget sites, but Verizon hasn't confirmed anything publicly.
What I want to know is if it's possible to buy a Droid without a data plan, just using wifi. Otherwise, are there any carriers that have Android phones that don't require data plans?
What are the chances it will have the same slow processor HTC has been using in all their other phones?
I'd be inclined to buy one without a contract. It's more expensive upfront, but you'd save a lot more money from not having to pay for the data plan and still get the phone you want.
Presumably you care less about the connectivity stuff and more about the applications/games available for the platform. I mean, I personally like the ability to use a SSH client and do stuff on my home PC/server, but for the price of a good MP3 player (say a Zune HD or iPod Touch for mainstream examples) you can spend a little more and get a phone that lets you consolidate those devices. Android does have some decent media player apps available for it, right?
If you decide you want a data plan later you can always add that feature at any time. If you don't you're probably saving at least $240/year.
Of course, Sprint's unlimited data plan is only $20 more than the unlimited messaging plan and includes free mobile-to-mobile (any provider), data, and GPS in addition to the usual Sprint stuff I don't care about (music, TV, NFL Live and some NASCAR shit). That's a whole lot more appealing than the plans that other carriers were offering when I last shopped around.
So, the Eris is a lot more sleek and fast compared to the Droid from Motorola. It's the same speed as the Droid, just a little nicer, but runs 1.6 Android.
The upcoming HTC Passion, also rumored to be released before Black Friday is AMAZING! It's also huge. It too will run Android 2.0. It has a 1ghz processor. I haven't had the chance to use it, only the STorm 2, Droid, and Eris. Of those three, the Eris is by far superior, only because the touchscreen is great and HTC creates the best quality of devices.
As far as the release date, 11/6 for the Droid is what I have as accurate. Wednesday is the Storm 2 and on the same day, we're unveiling the Droid in a press release. The HTC Passion though is another 4th quarter device, and it WILL be my next phone, if I don't bust under pressure and get the HTC Eris.
For those who can't wait, you definitely won't be disappointed by the Motorola Droid, it is freaking amazing as well, and if you prefer keyboards, you'll like it.
Also, yes, it is a smartphone, it will require at least a 29.99 data plan, simply because, if we didn't limit it, everyone would get a smartphone and our network would just be completely bogged down. That said, when LTE launches, that will increase our bandwidth to something ridiculous.
To get a phone without a data plan, you'd have to pay full retail price for it. Keep in mind, we take huge losses for every phone we sell because we subsidize that cost.
3DSFF: 5026-4429-6577
That makes no sense. If you're not using data then the smartphone shouldn't be using any more of the network than any other phone does for voice/sms/mms.
The phone was designed to do that. Keep in mind, that phone is NOT 179.99 that you pay, it's is like 550+. That data plan helps to recoup the cost on that phone, considering non-smart-phones are more than 100 less on average, although some reach like 450 (LG Versa for example). Still, the phone was designed to be used on the network and constantly connected. Why buy the device if you're not going to use it for its intended purpose?
But chances are, people who have the phone who get used to using it via wi-fi, will want to use it through the network, and they need to pay for that usage. If you can't afford it, then buy what you can afford. I by no way will ever advocate that it is cheap, but that is the going rate for the operating costs Verizon Wireless has. Keep in mind, our network is fucking huge and our operating capacity is not cheap at all.
3DSFF: 5026-4429-6577
The Sprint site isn't showing me any prices for data plans only right now, just data + calling plans as one combined rate. That said, unlimited data + 900 minutes is $89.99. A new customer with T-Mobile would get 1000 minutes + unlimited data/messaging for the same price. They would not get unlimited mobile to mobile but in all likelihood you would get the MyFaves deal where you choose any 5 numbers - mobile or otherwise - for unlimited calling. So +100 minutes and unlimited calling to any 5 numbers vs unlimited calling to all mobile numbers.
With the loyalty offers T-Mobile has extended though I'm getting unlimited data/messaging and unlimited calling for $85/month
Also a new customer can get 500 minutes with nights, weekends, mobile-to-mobile for 39.99 plus unlimited web and messaging for $40.
PDA phones are just another 19.99 on top of that because they use more data. I really don't think that is a bad price when compared to some other carriers.
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I choose to buy my phones at full price and have them unlocked. I'm very well aware of what my BlackBerry costs at full price.
The only intended purpose is that for which I'm buying it. If I want to see how well the Droid blends that is none of Verizon's concern.
I can afford to buy unlocked phones and have a data plan. That doesn't change the fact that I think it's bullshit to make customers pay for a service that they don't want.
That's how they offer it for phones. If you use a broadband card then that gets expensive (much like paying for tethering with other carriers). I go with that plan but 450 minutes. Unlimited mobile to mobile is where most of my minutes would end up going (people usually end up using their cell instead of the landline even when they are home). For $99.99 you get unlimited minutes with the Simply Everything plan.
T-Mobile's service in my area is kinda crappy. Same with VZW's, particularly for data. Sprint has some dead spots along certain roads, but by and large I've had the best coverage with them in my neck of the woods here in Florida. I rarely travel more than about 150 miles away from home, but at least one person I know doesn't get coverage with Sprint but does with VZW where he hunts in southern Georgia.
Your wording is confusing. $39.99 for for 450 minutes, then unlimited text, web and e-mail for another $30? Then PDA smartphones are another $19.99? That's a ripoff IMO. And Verizon's site isn't giving me something much better, so I'll put it this way:
What would it cost to get a plan with 450 minutes, unlimited mobile-to-mobile (if you don't have that, then the closest thing and specify exactly what that is which seems to be between other Verizon customers only), and unlimited data/messaging for a BlackBerry/Android-style smartphone? Then the same thing for 900 minutes. And then unlimited minutes.
Because what you've said for a non-pda smartphone ($69.99) is what I pay for for my BlackBerry's service right now (450 minutes, same plan as describe above). And that doesn't include GPS, which I believe Verizon charges $9.99/month for, correct?
At 900 minutes, the price jumps 20 dollars for both plans respectively.
PDA's and Smartphones are the Select plan, so 59.99 or 79.99 for 450/900 minutes respectively. Then an additional 29.99. While it is slightly pricier, it's also because we have a higher operating costs. And yeah, VZNav costs 9.99 extra, but Droid won't have it as you can use Google's and BB has a slew of GPS aps you can get.
PDA/Smartphones can't be on a connect/premium plan because those two plans aren't compatible. They are built as bundles for standard phones.
3DSFF: 5026-4429-6577
So the base price for a Droid is $90?! I would love to know why VZW thinks customers would pay that, when you can get the iPhone from AT&T or the Pre from Sprint for $70.
PS Is this a new thing? The website lets me choose the basic plans for current smartphones, which would make the price the same.
Whereas Sprint gives you unlimited everything except for calls to landlines (450 minutes, n&w at 7PM) for $70. This includes their TV service, their voiced turn-by-turn GPS, unlimited messaging, etc.
Help sell me a Data Plan.
Free wi-fi everywhere? Really? Cause I rarely encounter it. Hell, my work's wifi is locked down.
Keep in mind for Sprint's 7pm Night's and Weekends, you're paying an additional fee to get it earlier than everyone else, that's $5 bucks.
We have a TV package, for the phone that have it which is 10, 15, or 25 based on it.
And yes, you can get a basic plan 450 for 39.99 with a smart-phone with 29.99 = 70, and then a $10 text package for Unlimited M2M texts and then 500 outside the network. Which is 80 instead of altogether.
Regardless, keep in mind, VZW has a HUGE fucking network and operating cost. We kind of need to be more expensive, and you're not paying for just the service, you also pay for the quality. We do have the most widespread network. There are places we aren't, this is true, but over-all, you cannot match our coverage.
That said, turn-by-turn GPS you can find a lot of free programs for smartphones to install the aps. Further, you CAN get said phone for full retail price if you don't want the data plan to connect it to wifi. But if you get it as an upgrade, you must get the data package for the following business reasons.
1) You'll probably get the phone for 279.99 - 100 MIR or instant rebate online = 179.99. That phone is usually well over 450 to 550. So we've taken a large loss, to the 279.99. That is EVERY smartphone we sell with a Two-Year Agreement.
2) We're selling you that phone for you to use it on our network, for two years, and the data on our network. You can still use wifi, but why would you when you have access everywhere?
I understand your aversion thinking we are more expensive, we are. And we're starting to lose our competitive edge now that other companies are starting to lower their plans and get unlimited everything. I'm sure we will jump on the bandwagon at some point, we just tend to drag our feet. Personally, I think $85 would be a perfect amount for unlimited texts and data for smartphones, and $70 is a good price for non-smartphones. But, who cares what I think.
P.S. We haven't even got into the corporate 44.99 plans because they have to connect to their company e-mail and go through their firewall. That's even more, but that's because there's more behind the scenes work on our end to put in provisioning in the signal to make their corporate accounts connect to their blackberries, HTCs, what-have-you. But we're mainy focusing on personal/consumer end users.
3DSFF: 5026-4429-6577
This guy knows what I'm talkin' about.
Most of the time, I'm at my house (free wi-fi), the grocery store or the mall (free wi-fi), my friend's house (WPA wi-fi, but he'll give me the password) or on the bus where I'm probably playing DS anyway.
3DSFF: 5026-4429-6577
With Sprint that's included with their Everything Data and Simply Everything plans, so if you have a data plan for your smartphone (PDA-style or not) than that's included. That's not a feature I actually use since I don't watch TV :P
While that's true, VZW has traditionally locked out all apps from using the GPS except VZNav. The BlackBerry 8830 was one such device, and Verizon only unlocked the GPS of some devices (the Touch Pro was one IIRC) with an update about four or five months ago.
Howdy.
I've been patiently waiting on my contract to dissolve with my current provider so I can swap to AT&T and get an iPhone. I want an iPhone mainly because it has better support for internet browsing, video, etc. I also want an iPhone so I can use it to replace my Nintendo DS as a portable gaming solution.
My carrier is going to be one of the first to offer the new HTC Android Hero, which is supposed to be the first big implementation of the Android phone OS. I know HTC has worked hard to overhaul the OS.
I was curious if anyone has any experience with Android and/or HTC phones, specifically the ones that the Android Hero stems from, like the HTC Dream and especially the HTC Magic, which from what I know the HTC Android Hero practically is.
Will it be able to view YouTube and flash videos? Games support? Browsers?
TIA!
People have gotten versions of Android working on netbooks.
The only other confirmed Android handset so far is the "Behold 2", AKA the Samsung i5700. It's coming out in November, a bit later than the Cliq.
http://www.samsungmobileusa.com/Behold2PL.aspx?cid=ppc_bii_goo_Behold+II_General_Behold+2+mobile
There's of course rumors about other devices, but nothing close to being confirmed yet.