I have to share my experience - I hope it helps. I switched from Cingular to VZW in August of 05 to get the Samsung i730 and the capabilities of EV service. That device had served me well up until yesterday. The i730 started out as Windows Mobile 2003 and was upgraded to the hacked WM5 release, and finally to the official WM5 release. I successfully tethered with it from day one without ever having problems. In the last year or so I have had problems that have caused me to need to soft reset it about once a day - sometimes numerous resets throughout the day were required, and even though I have a relatively new battery it was lasting only about a half day. That being said I still think it is the best phone I have ever owned - think - since Aug of 05 - who keeps a phone that long these days? Over the past year I have also seen the EV speeds in my area - metro Charlotte, NC - go from about 800-900k average to 300-400k average. I also had less signal at my home for the last year or so - could it have been a radio issue or a new PRL? I was content. Because of the problems with the battery life and resetting (yes, I did hard reset a couple of times and run with only the mrailing hacks and pdanet) I decided I would upgrade to the XV6800 when it came out. Well, many hopeful release dates came and went, and every time I would go to the VZW site there are the same old phones. They even stopped selling the i730, their best PDA phone to date. I finally started reading beyond the release threads and the Sprint SERO plan piqued my interest. So I read more and more about it and finally decided to bite the bullet and switch. This was tough because VZW has "The Network". I also read that Sprint's technical support was horrible. However, I had 3 phones, 2 still in contract, on a share plan, each with unlimited data, all sharing 1400 minutes, with a couple of additional features, and I was paying ~$250 a month before taxes, fees, and added additional overcharges. I found that I could switch to Sprint with two Moguls and a Q for an up front charge of about $1,150 but get back $300 in advertised rebates, another $150 (maybe $225 if i can pass off all 3 phones) in an unadvertised rebate, and $150 in service credits with a promotional code entered at check out. So at minimum I am getting back $600 meaning I get to upgrade all my phones for only $550. The real reason I switched is the SERO plan. There is no share plan with SERO but I was able to get the Moguls each on their own plan with 1250 minutes, unlimited data, unlimited text messages, no roaming charges, free m2m, free nights and weekends starting at 7PM, for $50 each per month. I was able to get the Q on a similar plan but with only 500 minutes for $30 per month. So my total monthly bill before taxes is now $130. That is almost HALF what I was paying with VZW. I am out the cost of breaking the contract on two of the phones but with the savings I can live with it. Okay - so maybe I was going to lose "The Network" but I was prepared with my reasoning being that Sprint wouldn't be in business if it was so bad that I couldn't at least get by with it. So, to my surprise, the Sprint network is as good, if not better, than VZW's was when I first got the i730. Today I ran some speed tests and topped 1100k on a couple with average about 800k. My wife and I had to run some errands around the Charlotte area this evening and we were on the phone (her on the Q and me on one of the Moguls) for about an hour - neither of us had problems with the service. My car has bluetooth and the phone works VERY well with it. The i730 worked with it as well but now the signal strength indicator on the display actually registers the signal strength where before it was just a static antenna. How about Sprint's tech support? I did have a problem with the Q getting a data connection just after activation and after a short hold, a short discussion with a tier 1 tech, escalation to tier 2, and another 10 minutes on the phone, it was resolved - I was actually very happy with the support call. Finally, the Mogul itself is great. Having used it for such a short period of time I can't give a good comparative review but I am very happy with it so far. It's lightweight and small, with a good keyboard, good bluetooth, good screen, very ergonomic, and well designed. The materials feel a little cheaper than the i730 but I can live with it. I hope this helps anyone that might have reservations about switching away from "The Network" or is looking forward to the XV6800.
Sorry for the long, possibly incoherent, ramblings.
Where is the Rev A. upgrade!?
Thanks for the info eSmith. I think there are a lot of people who are a little nervous to switch because of the "Network" and the brainwashing that Verizon has done. It sounds like there have been a lot of people who have made the switch and don't regret it one bit.
I am thinking of switching to Sprint when the Touch comes out. This sounds like a great phone but doesn't seem to get the attention the Mogul does. But I'm thinking this phone will be perfect for me. I've always wanted a phone with the capabilities of a Pocket PC but in a smaller design. The touch won't have a dedicated flipout keyboard but I think with the new onscreen keyboards available it won't be that big of a deal. The Touch also has more memory available and seems like more of an "upgrade" from the 6700 than the 6800. Heck, I may even look at the TyTN II when it comes out on AT&T. I'm just tired of waiting.
eSmith... you've done exactly what most of the users who have switched to other networks should do, which is providing us former-fellow "inmates" of The Network, the gory details about other networks, that actually matter. Like deets on voice and data calls and not just "I love Sprint.. awesome! Verizon tah tah".
It is true, numerous times that I've thought of switching and even wrote a very resentful message on this forum a couple of weeks ago, against Verizon, but didn't still wanna switch as atleast all is working very well with my xv6700. There is maybe a dropped call one a month and the data is not seemingly fast but is always there in most areas I'm in. And I do travel a lot each day being a full time real estate agent living in the largest land area city in the lower 48 States, Jacksonville, FL (surprise..). So, the thought of getting problems in the form of voice and data communication scared me to death as the new flashy phone won't do much without a good "Network".
Just as I said, I'm reporting back to you guys on my experience since I've switched from VZ to Sprint. Let me catch you up a little. I now have TomTom Nav 6 and Slingbox running on my phone. I just got back from L.A. and the phone continues to perform outstandingly, as far as Sprints network is concerned. While on the West Coast we drove down to S.D. and the phone didn't drop one call. It worked great in L.A. with no dropped calls. I was hesitant about switching back to Sprint, but after doing all the traveling I do I love the network and the phone. I've been with Sprint for about a month now and have been to 5 different states and I would say Sprints network is just as good as VZ. I was able to surf the net, download items, watch my Slingbox on the road all without any network related problems.
Thank you and eSmith for your reports on Sprint's network. I have been afraid to switch due to having Sprint in the late 90's when their network sucked (I switched to VZW in 9/2000). I tried out someone's Mogul a couple of days ago and just loved it. The user reported no problems with it, no bluetooth or volume issues. If VZW doesn't come out with the 6800 on 10/15, I am gone to Sprint (my VZW contract expires early Oct).
Quote:
Originally Posted by KBXV6800
Just as I said, I'm reporting back to you guys on my experience since I've switched from VZ to Sprint. Let me catch you up a little. I now have TomTom Nav 6 and Slingbox running on my phone. I just got back from L.A. and the phone continues to perform outstandingly, as far as Sprints network is concerned. While on the West Coast we drove down to S.D. and the phone didn't drop one call. It worked great in L.A. with no dropped calls. I was hesitant about switching back to Sprint, but after doing all the traveling I do I love the network and the phone. I've been with Sprint for about a month now and have been to 5 different states and I would say Sprints network is just as good as VZ. I was able to surf the net, download items, watch my Slingbox on the road all without any network related problems.
FWIW, I was just updated by the IT/cell phone rep at the med school I work for. He stated, "We are being told that the xv6800 will be released by the first of October..."
The i760 board is also generating heat about a "first of Oct" release.
Possibility of a mass PDA phone release? We'll see.
I'll believe it when I see it. The i760 was supposed to release today and now they are talking about next week (on the release forum). The way it's been going, I wouldn't be surprised to see the 6800 not release until Nov/Dec.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mgautrea
FWIW, I was just updated by the IT/cell phone rep at the med school I work for. He stated, "We are being told that the xv6800 will be released by the first of October..."
The i760 board is also generating heat about a "first of Oct" release.
Possibility of a mass PDA phone release? We'll see.
I've been lurking on this board for about a month while waiting for my ZVW phone to be qualified for an upgrade. Looking at the VZW website today I see the 6700 is now offically out of stock. Hopefully this means the 6800 will be released shortly.
I've been lurking on this board for about a month while waiting for my ZVW phone to be qualified for an upgrade. Looking at the VZW website today I see the 6700 is now offically out of stock. Hopefully this means the 6800 will be released shortly.
I wish that was true but... LIES!!!!
That brick is still there, it even let me select it for purchase. Of course I didnt click the final ok hehe.
This doesnt make sense.. PDA/Smartphone devices are gaining steadily in market share. What is wrong with Verizon. This all has to be about crippling the device or trying to fix it to charge for something that is free. I mean Verizon cant be that stupid to just ignore everyones cries.. They have to have families.. wifes kids husbands whatever they go home to at night. they pay their bills they dont walk out in the street and get hit by trucks.. so they do got brains.. so WTF already gawd...
To bad i got to many people in my life on VW or id switch to sprint in a heart beat. poor me
FWIW, I work for a company in SoCal but live in the midwest. on the VZW consumer site the 6700 is listed as out-of-stock for both zip codes.
However, we are a VZW business customer and I have access to the company's B2B site. The 6700 is listed there as in stock and I could select it for purchase.
I've filed a FCC complaint (and wrote to my senator) stating that I'm fed up with having my consumer choices limited by the whims of these carriers. I stated that I simply wanted to pick up a CDMA or GSM phone somewhere and use it with whichever carrier supported the technology. This way I can choose the latest and greatest, not have it crippled, have more choice, and pay a decent price (my cousins in England pay no more for their phones than these 'discounted' contractual rates.)
I got a call from Verizon's presidents office stating how concerned they are with my issue, so I asked why then are they suing the FCC to limit further consumer choice (google -- verizon sues fcc) -- she didn't have an answer, but offered to remove any restrictions on my contract.
All these carriers are limiting our consumer choices -- higher prices, limited access to available phones, manufacturers releasing to Europe first, contracts for prices that Europeans pay without contracts, etc etc.
I'd encourage everyone here to file a FCC complaint (just google FCC) and write to your senator.
Thank you and eSmith for your reports on Sprint's network. I have been afraid to switch due to having Sprint in the late 90's when their network sucked (I switched to VZW in 9/2000). I tried out someone's Mogul a couple of days ago and just loved it. The user reported no problems with it, no bluetooth or volume issues. If VZW doesn't come out with the 6800 on 10/15, I am gone to Sprint (my VZW contract expires early Oct).
I was with Sprint about 5 years ago before I switched to VZ and hated them!!! I was very hesitant to go back, but couldn't take it any longer. I really wanted 6800 before it became obsolete. The customer service is just a little better than it was back then, but the network is muck better!! JUST AS GOOD AS VZ!! I haven't dropped one call yet and I've been all over the place the last few weeks. I will be in Texas in Novermber and will have a chance to test it out their as well. So far I am completely happy with making the switch back to Sprint!
I've filed a FCC complaint (and wrote to my senator) stating that I'm fed up with having my consumer choices limited by the whims of these carriers. I stated that I simply wanted to pick up a CDMA or GSM phone somewhere and use it with whichever carrier supported the technology. This way I can choose the latest and greatest, not have it crippled, have more choice, and pay a decent price (my cousins in England pay no more for their phones than these 'discounted' contractual rates.)
I got a call from Verizon's presidents office stating how concerned they are with my issue, so I asked why then are they suing the FCC to limit further consumer choice (google -- verizon sues fcc) -- she didn't have an answer, but offered to remove any restrictions on my contract.
All these carriers are limiting our consumer choices -- higher prices, limited access to available phones, manufacturers releasing to Europe first, contracts for prices that Europeans pay without contracts, etc etc.
I'd encourage everyone here to file a FCC complaint (just google FCC) and write to your senator.
I've been lurking here since July w/o posting, but that was a great suggestion. Thanks! Would you be able/willing to post (or email) the letter you sent? Also, what specific "restrictions" did she offer to remove?
I've been lurking here since July w/o posting, but that was a great suggestion. Thanks! Would you be able/willing to post (or email) the letter you sent? Also, what specific "restrictions" did she offer to remove?
It's all electronic and done on the website so I didn't keep a copy of the letter.
As far as restrictions, the lady from their president's office actually said that they "didn't hold people to contracts," so she made an adjustment on my account so I could leave anytime. I told her that everyone else in her company holds customers to agreements, but she said "they were misinformed."
I'm not exaggerating or kidding either. Pure double-speak.
It's all electronic and done on the website so I didn't keep a copy of the letter.
As far as restrictions, the lady from their president's office actually said that they "didn't hold people to contracts," so she made an adjustment on my account so I could leave anytime. I told her that everyone else in her company holds customers to agreements, but she said "they were misinformed."
I'm not exaggerating or kidding either. Pure double-speak.
Sweet. I'm going to file the complaint just so I don't have to pay the termination fee on the FIVE accounts I have with them right now (family plan).
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