Bell Canada to release the Tab on the 12th - Galaxy Tab General

My question is: Is your Tab locked to your carrier? Reason I ask is because I'm on Rogers and only Bell to carry these on the 12th (tomorrow). I couldn't find any information about unlocking these since all of the US and EUR versions seem to be factory unlocked.
I know that in Canada it might be different because we have 3 GSM providers that use the same frequency unlike in the states AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile have completely different technologies.

I feel your pain, I went through the same thing this year when Bell got the I9000, and then again for this. But with the Tab, If you're going to use it data-only, just sign up with Bell on a MTM, and I guarantee the unlock for this will be out in less than a couple months, if not a lot sooner.
I imagine the monthly will be nearly the same between the two, Bell has been VERY competitive with Rogers rates on data since they went HSPA last year.
Rogers will be offering a shared data bucket though, for I think another $10 month over your normal data plan, but of course you can't use that if the device is locked.
Also, another thing to consider is the looks. The Rogers Tab will have a dark (metal?) backplate that has the same pattern as the Captivate's battery cover, the Bell version is (I'm pretty sure) going to be white on the back just like the Euro Tabs.
I'm getting the Bell version tomorrow regardless, then cover it with some sort of skin soon enough, but I'd prefer a non-white back out of the box.
I don't hate white because it's iconic with Apple, I hate Apple because they use white.

Apparently the Bell Galaxy Tab launch has been pushed back to the 17th. Few more days!
Also, from what I was told the Canadian Tabs still have the phone functionality...atleast Bell's does.

ap27 said:
Apparently the Bell Galaxy Tab launch has been pushed back to the 17th. Few more days!
Also, from what I was told the Canadian Tabs still have the phone functionality...atleast Bell's does.
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Hrm, where'd you hear about the launch push? I was really looking forward to wasting a good chunk of my long wet weekend playing with the one I'd planned on buying today.
Phone thing is good news though. Not that I'd planned on using one for a primary phone but having the option would be nice.

Know a guy who is in Bell corporate. Said the price is still being debated too. I hope it goes lower than the ridiculous $539 on contract that as reported earlier. Much lower...

Odd, my local Bell store rep said they had some actually in the store on Wednesday, since yesterday was a holiday.
As for the price, don't hold your breath. $539 is "reasonable" if it just comes with the iPad data plan on contract..hard for them to make up much subsidy with that one, even on a 3 year.
I fully expected to be ~$750 poorer (Tab, Svc fee, HST) before noon today.

There was an earlier report that they were being shipped to stores as early as Nov 9th, but I dont think Bell has officially announced them.
Obviously I'd be thrilled if they announce it within the next 3 hours!
I hope it can actually go on a phone plan..since it seems to have phone capabilities! Unlikely, but i can hope

Man I called half the stores in the Hamilton region and most of them either said that they havn't received the shipment yet or the release is being pushed till the 17th. This sucks royal balls because I wanted to spend my weekend with it too! If you guys manage to get some answers today, PLEASE keep me posted! I'm ready to blow off $$$ too and I can't wait. I'm Tab crazy biatch!

Croak said:
Odd, my local Bell store rep said they had some actually in the store on Wednesday, since yesterday was a holiday.
As for the price, don't hold your breath. $539 is "reasonable" if it just comes with the iPad data plan on contract..hard for them to make up much subsidy with that one, even on a 3 year.
I fully expected to be ~$750 poorer (Tab, Svc fee, HST) before noon today.
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Click to collapse
me too lol I was ready to pay it in full today, I was sad when I found out they weren't coming out today. I was told it should make calls if does it will make the 750 a little more worth it.

Related

Anyone in the UK get their Tab?

Went into Carphone Warehouse and the man was oblivious to when it was out. Told me theyd have it in a few weeks, I told him its meant to be launched today and he then said itd be there in a few days and that id get an email telling me it was in stock.
Ridiculous.
Sent from my HTC Desire
just order it online for same day delivery mate!
http://www.carphonewarehouse.com/laptop-redirect/samsung-galaxy-tab
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-Galaxy-Device-Cortex-Android/dp/B0042D75TU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1288602012&sr=8-1
http://www.expansys.com/samsung-galaxy-tab-android-tablet-16gb-201135/
Ive already preordered it via them for in store pickup
Sent from my HTC Desire
I just got back from carphone warehouse here in sheffield and they got stock in today, so hopefully you'll see them soon wherever you are.
I stopped by in the Vodafone store and they said that they will have stock tomorrow (thats where I'll be shopping as I have a vodafone signal booster) so it'd seem that 'right now' is when its supposed to be happening. Not that you'd know... No-one seems to want to make a fuss *sigh*.
If anyone gets their tab today or tomorrow (before me) can they confirm that the Tab has the full phone functionality in it ?
All the contracts seem to offer just a data line, which is ... fine... i guess... Since I'm just going to trade my Galaxy S sim card into it, but I need to know that I'll be able to get texts and use the phone. Otherwise I'm going to be a seriously pissed off panda bear.
So yeah... an open call to UK guys getting a Tab... Trade your smartphones SIM into it and check that it'll make/recieve calls and texts.
If they've disabled the phone aspect, I swear to god I'm going to embark on an urban terror campaign... Or just ***** on the internet. Either way. I want a Tab cuz its a phone not just a dataline. I want a phone replacement, not a small iPad.
[/rage]
Edit -
While I was in carphone warehouse, they said they are tossing in a 16gb card with their Tabs (not sure if its just them or general thing) and I know that they are offering some other cool free stuff which I saw on the guys screen, but he didn't go back over it so I don't know what it is. Anyways, good luck.
I think the phone capabilities is a UK only thing, so youre in luck unless theyve changed things :| then ill also be a pissed off panda bear
I guess at first itll be shipped to major cities, then sent out to smaller ones later in the week.
Reguarding the 16gb sd, did they say if that was if you purchased/pre ordered there and then? The people in Norwich didnt even know you could preorder it! Must have been living under a bloody rock for the past month.
Im getting a T-Mo 30 day sim contract for unlimited data and 100 mins & texts. Have my Desire for another 1 1/2 years so I should probably make the most of my contract
Ill be so angry if i get an email later telling me its arrived at the store
Sent from my HTC Desire
GANJDROID said:
Ive already preordered it via them for in store pickup
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me too. Went into my local store as they never answer the phone. Not had any delivery yet today. They say their delivery is usually after 3 and sometimes just as they are closing. They took my number and said they will call me when they have their delivery. We'll see. Customer service on the phone is useless. They know nothing. And still no email saying it's on the way to the store.
GANJDROID said:
I think the phone capabilities is a UK only thing, so youre in luck unless theyve changed things :| then ill also be a pissed off panda bear
I guess at first itll be shipped to major cities, then sent out to smaller ones later in the week.
Reguarding the 16gb sd, did they say if that was if you purchased/pre ordered there and then? The people in Norwich didnt even know you could preorder it! Must have been living under a bloody rock for the past month.
Im getting a T-Mo 30 day sim contract for unlimited data and 100 mins & texts. Have my Desire for another 1 1/2 years so I should probably make the most of my contract
Ill be so angry if i get an email later telling me its arrived at the store
Sent from my HTC Desire
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know about the SD card thing. The guy said they are doing it for all the Tabs, and implied that you only get whats in the box, so it would seem that its included with every unit, but I couldn't swear to it.
The phone thing is kinda weird. We've been told for ages that we'll have the capability, but no-one is selling it as a phone. Like NO-ONE. They're pushing the video calling thing, but thats a data thing, not an actual 'phone' thing. Without ANY phone stuff on the contract, I don't even know if a contract will give me a phone number or anything. I'm particularly pissed because I was assuming that it would drop on contracts similar to smartphone contracts, but everyone is pushing ~£500 with pointlessly expencive data-only contracts. I saw one that was £20 a month for 2 years and still £450 up front! REDICULOUS! I already have an unlimited data contract and wifi practically everywhere I am for any length of time except public transport. I just cannot understand what the hell they are doing with this pricing... Totally ignoring the only thing that makes the Tab better than the competition. RAAAAAAAGE
CPW have finally updated the Tab page:
http://www.carphonewarehouse.com/laptop-redirect/samsung-galaxy-tab?intcmp=hp-hp-hero-4-v1-1134
£530 with no contract or £530 with some crap Vodafone contract. Wooooo! [/sarcasm]
Anyway, reguarding the phone capabilities. Most/all screenshots of the Euro/UK tabs have either a Phone or Contacts shortcut on the homescreen. But it is strange that companies arent making a big deal about being able to make calls. :/
Sent from my HTC Desire
Urgh. This is straight up bull****.
Also, why the hell is the carphone warehouse price for a vodafone tab HIGHER than the vodafone price ? I thought the point of going there was cuz they got stuff cheaper than straight from the network.
The vodafone prices are £499 + whatever contract. Its not much of a difference, but im seriously not happy that they want full list price on a contract. What the ****?
Has anyone seen ANY decent subsidies in the UK ? Isn't the german one going for like 100e + 17.50e a month ? See thats what I'm talking about.
Edit -
O2 want £600 btw. So thank god for small mercies.
Exactly. Full tab price and a £20 contract (?) shows how much they think about their plans. People in the Vodafone shop actually knew what a Tab was too!
If only we followed suit with the Germans. Their plans make sense. Where as ours are a bloody shamble.
Emailed CPW about when they think theyll actually have the tab and surprise surprise, no response.
Sent from my HTC Desire
GANJDROID said:
Exactly. Full tab price and a £20 contract (?) shows how much they think about their plans. People in the Vodafone shop actually knew what a Tab was too!
If only we followed suit with the Germans. Their plans make sense. Where as ours are a bloody shamble.
Emailed CPW about when they think theyll actually have the tab and surprise surprise, no response.
Sent from my HTC Desire
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That really sucks. Hope you get it sorted soon.
There's two things here that both combined I'm pissed about (more so as the day wears on). Firstly, I'm going to have to pay for the whole device up front. Second, I'm not going to have a spare service plan to kick around. If I were getting a decent subsidy OR a nice mins/txts/data bundle then I'd be cool.
Now I always knew that this wasn't going to be a cheap device, but I don't think anywhere else in the world is being hit as hard as us on the upfront price. Even the ****ing yanks who pay through the nose for every other mobile device are being told that $600 or £375 is full retail price. What the hell is that ?
LostAlone said:
That really sucks. Hope you get it sorted soon.
There's two things here that both combined I'm pissed about (more so as the day wears on). Firstly, I'm going to have to pay for the whole device up front. Second, I'm not going to have a spare service plan to kick around. If I were getting a decent subsidy OR a nice mins/txts/data bundle then I'd be cool.
Now I always knew that this wasn't going to be a cheap device, but I don't think anywhere else in the world is being hit as hard as us on the upfront price. Even the ****ing yanks who pay through the nose for every other mobile device are being told that $600 or £375 is full retail price. What the hell is that ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe/hopefully T-Mo & Voda will realise how high everywhere is charging compared to the rest of the world and knock it down. A lot.
If not, then T-Mo sim only deals are the best imho. 100 mins & texts and unlimited data for £10 or upgrade to 300 (i believe) for £15. I dont want to be tied to another overpriced contract tbh. :/
But, the Tab is £530 new, my Desire was priced at £500 brand new. I sure as hell would have paid the extra £30
Sent from my HTC Desire
CPW are a real shambles these days. I eventually got an email saying mine had been shipped to the store today and giving me a DHL tracking number. Great! Only problem is that the tracking number shows it was already delivered to Sheffield in November LAST YEAR! Phoned them AGAIN and it still hadn't been shipped yet. They promised me it was being shipped today for delivery to my London store tomorrow. Of course, I could have just gone to Oxford Street today and picked one up!
By the way, the CPW website shows definitely it is a phone as the 3 contracts include minutes. Also, seems CPW supply it with a 16gb card.
My galaxy S was about £500 too, but I sure as hell didn't pay that upfront. In fact I won't have paid the original price until next summer.
That's kinda my point.
The kinda contracts we get on regular smart phones are a nice way to spread the cost of a really expensive device over a much longer time frame. From my point of view there is simply no point in getting a tab with any kind of contract, which aggravates me.
Normally they are real happy to sign you onto a contract, but here there is genuinely no point. I mean £30 quid off when you sign up for 2 years ? For something I won't even use *shakes head*.
Up until now I was just going to spread the cost out and have a spare contract sim for family/friends/whatever. Now, I'm not getting the SIM nor spreading the cost.
I went for the £30 saving with their one month rolling 1gb data contract, including 1 month free. So I may cancel after a month or two and I will still have saved. Also, having bought through Quidco, I should be getting cashback as well. Looks like it could even be £40 as that's what's been tracked by Quidco.
i was all set for this since im due for an upgrade from my 3gs but to my horror no minutes on any contracts, the 24 month contract has 100 minutes but thats it. Not really enough, 300 would have been fine.
Think im gonna get a Archos again and look at other tablets next year. Will probably stick with the 3GS. Unless of course some more options are given, you would think that one of the networks would allow you to use it as a phone. But oh no!!
Yea - Got mine from Car Phone Warehouse - Last one in stock but we are definitely getting shafted over this...
I payed 299 with a 24 month contract as I needed a 3G card anyway for a dongle.
Vodafone want Minimum £424 up front...
I am an early adopter and have waited for this device for a couple months but I would advise that people wait for a further 2 weeks or so when the prices come down as the networks are clearly playing silly £$"$£$ with this.
All contracts car phone offered had no minutes I couldn't believe it...
norm2002 said:
CPW are a real shambles these days...
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Better and better! Got a new DHL number last night. Checking it this morning and it says its held at the depot because of an INCOMPLETE ADDRESS! And this was for collection from a CPW store. Couldn't even get their own address right!
Rushed home from work to Cambridge. Tried to go to PCWorld/Curry's but they weren't open. Called CPW. Their machine said they were open until 8. I walked to the mall and they were closed. It was only 5:30. Why does everything close at 5:30 here? Do businesses not like making money from people who work during the day? Lol. BTW I'm a "yank" working on an RAF base.
yungzee said:
Rushed home from work to Cambridge. Tried to go to PCWorld/Curry's but they weren't open. Called CPW. Their machine said they were open until 8. I walked to the mall and they were closed. It was only 5:30. Why does everything close at 5:30 here? Do businesses not like making money from people who work during the day? Lol. BTW I'm a "yank" working on an RAF base.
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Click to collapse
Well, everyone in the UK has tea and crumpets at 6 so it gives us time to get home in time
GOOD NEWS THOIGH! Just got 2 emails; one saying they'll contact me again when my order has been processed and the other saying its been dispatched from their warehouse
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App

The Galaxy Tab in Canada - Bell has a ton and Rogers got none!

Here in Canada, Rogers just LOVES to toy with their customers. They did a surprise launch (not lunch lol) today in Toronto with NO WORD of it at all (thanks to Mobilesyrup.ca). I obviously had to check with stores and authorized dealers locally (about 30 minute away from Toronto), a total of 10 stores. Here's the funny thing: not only did they not have it but had no clue they were even getting the Tab this month. Jesus! Sometimes I wonder why didn't I just move somewhere close to the border.
God damn it Canada, I love you but sometimes you get in the way of me getting me gadgets!
So what did they serve? Cheeseburger? Chinese? Shake and bake? Mexican?
I still dont understand the milk in a bag concept.
xoltrix2000 said:
Here in Canada, Rogers just LOVES to toy with their customers. They did a surprise lunch today in Toronto with NO WORD of it at all (thanks to Mobilesyrup.ca). I obviously had to check with stores and authorized dealers locally (about 30 minute away from Toronto), a total of 10 stores. Here's the funny thing: not only did they not have it but had no clue they were even getting the Tab this month. Jesus! Sometimes I wonder why didn't I just move somewhere close to the border.
God damn it Canada, I love you but sometimes you get in the way of me getting me gadgets!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, nobody in Vancouver was aware of it launching, I was told "next week" asking around today, though it's live on the Rogers site now, under Rocket devices.
I'm on the fence about which one I buy, the Rogers or the Bell, plan is to unlock and use on Telus anyway, though I might have to pay for a month's worth of service from Rogers or Bell first.
Not a fan of the white backplate on the Bell/International unit at all, the carbon fauxber on the Rogers/AT&T unit is probably a better choice for my tastes. Though I'm really curious if they went with the thin aluminum like the Captivate battery cover, or it's just the same pattern on plastic.
The other thing keeping me on the fence is the (weak) rumour that the Bell version still has voice enabled. That might make me switch to white, since somebody like Phantomskinz will release a decal for it soon.
If there's no voice in Canada, I'll need to find a local Micro-SIM adapter and I'll get the Telus $20/500Mb tablet flex plan (bumps to $35 if you go over, up to 5GB, but only works with Micro-SIM, even though it's not supposed to be iPad specific).
CONFIRMED this morning, Bell has NO VOICE either! I was speaking with a higher up rep today about it. Still says it is coming on the 17th however....
numerous threads on here to enable voice, so no worries there...
Yeah I only found out about the launch because I called about it. But the store says they are only getting it in a few weeks. I think the Tab in Canada was pretty much really confusing, no one knew what was going on including some of the people who work for bell and rogers.
I don't understand why rogers is charging more than bell for the same tab :S I don't trust any hardware rogers sellls because I've gotten four phones that all had hardware issues or software issues.
I'm gonna wait for the one from bell and just unlock it.
^for the moment unlocking the BELL version seems to be the best soln considering bell is cheaper...
Looks like the Bell units will actually be for sale sooner, even though the Rogers unit has already launched. Called EVERY Rogers dealer in the Downtown Vancouver area (25 of them, plus FutureShop and Best Buy) and many didn't even know about the device, and those that did didn't expect any in this week.
On the other hand, a lot of Bell and Source stores should have them tomorrow, if they don't have them already (though not able to sell).
I got somewhat of bad news: Bell will not sell the device without signing up with them. So if you're on Rogers with a Rocketstick, like myself you're shi* outta luck. On top of all this both Bell stores only have 2 devices in stock. When I asked why she said it doesn't seem to be in demand since I was the only one to inquired about the Tab. I was like wow are you serious?
I double checked with most Rogers Plus and authorized dealer stores and both said that Rogers suck in launching devices, they most likely will be getting this in the next few weeks.
WTF is this shi*! Can't a guy just go and buy a damn Tab without all the hassle?!?! I'm not sure I can hold it much longer. I have issues.
I went through this with Bell on the Galaxy S. You sign up for month to month, cancel as soon as you get home, pay for one month's service when the bill comes in the mail, and you're done.
At least with the Tab I'll probably actually USE that service I paid for.
You might also have some luck buying it from Futureshop/BB without getting a plan, if you catch a clueless sales rep.
I'm an owner!
Just got back from my local Bell corporate store, proud new owner of a Bell
Galaxy Tab that I can't take home until tomorrow morning (talk about a
sleepless night for a gadget freak).
Device is $649 CAD, as expected, and it's data only, as expected.
There are *no* contract subsidies for this device, retail price is the only
price.
They're rolling out a new "Flex Plan" to go with the device, $20/500mb, and
if you exceed the 500mb, it goes up to $35 for up to 5Gb. It's a pretty
damned good plan, and especially good considering it's a CANADIAN plan.
If you keep the plan, you get a $50 bill credit after the second month, to
further sweeten the pot.
The catch is, you MUST sign up for the no-obligation month-to-month plan to
even buy it, and there's the usual (for Canada) $35 "activation fee", same as
any other device sold by a carrier.
The device itself was a pleasant surprise, based on all the literature/leaks,
I was expecting the traditional white backed Tab. But this one has the same
textured/patterned (and grippy, btw) black/gray back as found on the AT&T
(and Rogers) units, but with absolutely no carrier branding. The sales rep
said they may carry the white-backed model in the future as well, but at
least for this first shipment, they're all black.
Model number is GT-PT1000M, so one could expect it to be very similar to
International models, sans voice.
Finally, corporate stores have received 2 (count 'em, TWO) units each, and
independent dealers may not get any right away, so they will be in short
supply at launch.
Croak said:
Just got back from my local Bell corporate store, proud new owner of a Bell
Galaxy Tab that I can't take home until tomorrow morning (talk about a
sleepless night for a gadget freak).
Device is $649 CAD, as expected, and it's data only, as expected.
There are *no* contract subsidies for this device, retail price is the only
price.
They're rolling out a new "Flex Plan" to go with the device, $20/500mb, and
if you exceed the 500mb, it goes up to $35 for up to 5Gb. It's a pretty
damned good plan, and especially good considering it's a CANADIAN plan.
If you keep the plan, you get a $50 bill credit after the second month, to
further sweeten the pot.
The catch is, you MUST sign up for the no-obligation month-to-month plan to
even buy it, and there's the usual (for Canada) $35 "activation fee", same as
any other device sold by a carrier.
The device itself was a pleasant surprise, based on all the literature/leaks,
I was expecting the traditional white backed Tab. But this one has the same
textured/patterned (and grippy, btw) black/gray back as found on the AT&T
(and Rogers) units, but with absolutely no carrier branding. The sales rep
said they may carry the white-backed model in the future as well, but at
least for this first shipment, they're all black.
Model number is GT-PT1000M, so one could expect it to be very similar to
International models, sans voice.
Finally, corporate stores have received 2 (count 'em, TWO) units each, and
independent dealers may not get any right away, so they will be in short
supply at launch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Congrats on the purchase !
Is the bell tab sim unlocked?
I wonder if you flash the euro firmware you will be able to unlock the voice option and keep the 850mhz working (like on the sgs)....
I guess time will tell
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
It's locked, but that's no hill for a climber. I'm betting that it'll be VERY friendly with Euro firmware, just like the I9000M was. We'll find out soon as I have a working Bell backup firmware to flash to if things go bad.
And since my "real" carrier is Telus, they won't have any IMEI number to block if I use my regular SIM, nor should they have any reason to.
Croak said:
It's locked, but that's no hill for a climber. I'm betting that it'll be VERY friendly with Euro firmware, just like the I9000M was. We'll find out soon as I have a working Bell backup firmware to flash to if things go bad.
And since my "real" carrier is Telus, they won't have any IMEI number to block if I use my regular SIM, nor should they have any reason to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, keep us posted.
I this works i might just get one for at&t usage and flash the euro firmware.
Guess what...
Sent from my GT-P1000M using XDA App
xoltrix2000 said:
Guess what...
Sent from my GT-P1000M using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes? I'm guessing...
I have to say, I didn't see that comin. Bell has a 20$ flex rate plan, at a max of 35$ for 5 GIGABYTES download.... That. Is. Totally. Wicked. Rogers BLOWS, same plan for 65$... AND the thing costs you 675$ PLUS the 35$ activation fee...
All in all, i'm LOVING this thing, I can't stop using it, I'm going Tab Crazy. You should of seen the look on peoples faces at the mall, they just couldn't figure out what this LikeTotallyAwesome device was, even Bell employees were like "woah", because apparently they havn't seen this before today, not even a demo.
So one of my co-workers saw me showing it to another co-worker and asked if it was some sort of Tricorder (being a smartass).
I said, "why yes, yes it is" and proceeded to fire up the Tricorder app (which rocks major geek cred on the Tab, btw). A large chuckle was had by all.
And yeah, the Bell plan does not suck. Go check out what our American counterparts are paying for plans. And with the bill credit, we got it as cheap as any non-contract US version.
You had the Tricorder app already installed? Sheesh I thought I was a big geek but I clearly lost there lol.
Just kidding, I had both Tricorder apps installed by midnight lol. I don't remember the last time I've been so sexually aroused by a gadget as much as this, and I'm not ashamed of saying it. 8)
Just an FYI, there's a few Bell Tabs still for sale at the Robson and Granville Futureshop, if anyone is looking, but no Rogers units (and why you'd want a Rogers unit at this point is a bit of a mystery anyway).

Samsung Focus price drop looks PERMANENT

If you haven't heard already, AT&T's website shows a change in price for the Focus which was originally $199 and is now $99 on contract. I was assuming this was just a random New Year's sale but now I'm not so sure.
Yesterday on Gizmodo, I noticed that Microsoft was advertising WP7 and the Focus but those banners had been there for a while. Then I realized it was also advertising the $99 price and I don't remember AT&T advertising many of their sales before.
Today my cousin needed to return a router to AT&T so I went to the local store in Southern California and I decided to check out the price. There it was on the sign: "$99 on contract". That rules out a web-only sale too. So after my cousin had returned the router. I asked one of the employees there about the phone's price. He said they just got word of the new pricing last night and changed it in-store this morning. I asked him if it was permanent and he replied, "I'm not completely sure. Like I said, we only just got the message yesterday and it just said to change the price."
If it were a sale, then AT&T would probably be screaming about it from the rooftops and make their employees tell customers it was a limited time only...but that's not the case. So it looks like the Focus has officially dropped to $99 on contract.
Now the real question is: why? Seems convenient for the price to drop the week of CES so maybe thats a hint that AT&T will be getting some new smartphones in their lineup soon, maybe even more WP7s. Another thing to consider is that AT&T is trying to rope in as many customers as it possibly can before Verizon gets the iPhone 4, which is rumored and has some evidence to support it happening a couple of weeks after CES. Take it as you will, but a great cutting-edge smartphone is now $100 and thats pretty sweet if you ask me.
Well, assuming the Surround and Quantum haven't dropped too, the Focus is the only 8GB WP7, and the 8GB iPhone is $99. It could be Samsung/Microsoft/AT&T wanted that price lower so the Focus was clearly a better choice.
@FishFace - Both the Samsung Focus and the LG Quantum are getting the $100-pricepoint-treatment.
wwwDOTwpcentralDOTcom/ATT-lowers-price-quantum-and-focus
GrayWolf said:
@FishFace - Both the Samsung Focus and the LG Quantum are getting the $100-pricepoint-treatment.
www.wpcentral.com/ATT-lowers-price-quantum-and-focus
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Click to collapse
That's what is so odd. Why are only the Quantum and the Focus getting the price drop?
My only theory right now is that AT&T wanted all three at the $100 price point but HTC declined while LG & Samsung both agreed. I'm sticking with my master theory that AT&T wants as many people as humanly possible to come to AT&T before Verizon's iPhone is announced as this also makes sense with AT&T offering early upgrades for people interested in buying the iPhone 4.
$99 on contract price is so so as most online dealers already sold them for $49 or free. However, the biggest story in this price reduction is that both Focus and Quantum now sell for $399 off contract. That's a very attractive price for me w/o (not even possible right now) sign up two more years of contract.
I suspect the HTC doesn't sell as well as the other two. And also this move is in anticipation of WP7 phones will be released to Verizon and Sprint soon, not iPhone. iPhone itself has the price drop as well at the same time.
iphone4 is not the threat. It would be the iPhone5 ! Or even WP8 !
And the strategy to go to a $100 now is brilliant. I mean how many smartphones that are really worth buying are at this price point? Seems to me that they have found a great price point and will sell millions of them. They proabably get some kind of rebate from Microsoft for selling so many units and Microsoft will benefit from increased users buying Apps or XboxLive games.
No different than a Toyota Corolla. Make a good car and sell it at a great price point and they sold LOTS of them. Build up a huge customer base and when the customer is ready to replace the Corolla, then they up sell to the Camry or to the Lexus., or sell them another Corolla. Eitherway they have huge following.
HTC doesn't know how to make a reasonably priced phone. Well, they know how to make a phone that should be reasonably priced, that's all they make, but they don't price them according to what they're actually worth.
In case you guys are interested, Amazon Wireless is selling the Focus for $0.01 today. Stock is definitely on the move. I'm guessing a Focus 2 with Super AMOLED Plus might be on the way.
Pretty simple, ATT is the only company presently that has a Galaxy S windows7 phone, my guess is the rest of the cell companies are about to get their versions too, much like they all did with Android.
If the Focus is priced $100 cheaper than tmobile, verizon, sprint galaxy S versions, they hope it will take the steam out of their fanfare.
Only reason there isnt a Windows7 phone in my house currently is cos I only have tmobile and sprint.
EDIT: And no galaxy S with the hummingbird or SAMOLED screen
kponti said:
Only reason there isnt a Windows7 phone in my house currently is cos I only have tmobile and sprint.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile has the HTC HD7 ! And yes it's a Windows 7 phone.
Darn nice phone. I had it but could not tether with or get 3G with it on FIDO (Canada). I'm sure there are many more models to come.
Lewisham said:
In case you guys are interested, Amazon Wireless is selling the Focus for $0.01 today. Stock is definitely on the move. I'm guessing a Focus 2 with Super AMOLED Plus might be on the way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very unlikely I think, if they had a new Focus coming out it would have been announced at CES. And Focus is still a very new phone and apparently selling very well (no wonder, it's amazing).
PaullikesWINMO said:
T-Mobile has the HTC HD7 ! And yes it's a Windows 7 phone.
Darn nice phone. I had it but could not tether with or get 3G with it on FIDO (Canada). I'm sure there are many more models to come.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes but too big and heavy, not to mention my Samsungs have consistently had better reception than my HTCs inside buildings where I use the phone 90% of the time
Just bought one off Amazon for $0.01. Friend got one through AT&T for the same price after he told them about the Amazon offer.
ATT told me that most likely its because its a 3g phone and they're in the process of rolling out the 4g network. Whatever, I got the phone for 0.01...Including shipping!
It says in the website that it can be as upgrade to an existing line. My question is, what if your line is not eligible for upgrade yet. Will your bill show up with the list price after a month or two? Has anyone encounter this yet?
If you are not yet qualified, you have to pay full out of contact price which is $399 if you go to an AT&T store or $499 from 3rd party online.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Syst3m said:
Just bought one off Amazon for $0.01. Friend got one through AT&T for the same price after he told them about the Amazon offer.
ATT told me that most likely its because its a 3g phone and they're in the process of rolling out the 4g network. Whatever, I got the phone for 0.01...Including shipping!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could be but somehow I doubt it has anything to do with 4G, since the average consumer I don't think knows about 4G or cares at this point. The fact that they are willing to give you the phone for free tells you they know they will make their money back by the end of the contract, with a sizable profit .
phoneguy 4567 said:
Could be but somehow I doubt it has anything to do with 4G, since the average consumer I don't think knows about 4G or cares at this point. The fact that they are willing to give you the phone for free tells you they know they will make their money back by the end of the contract, with a sizable profit .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats what I feel too. The other thought is trying to get people to Att network before the iPhone comes to Verizon or whatever.
It says in the website that it can be as upgrade to an existing line. My question is, what if your line is not eligible for upgrade yet. Will your bill show up with the list price after a month or two? Has anyone encounter this yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i had 10 months left in my contract, and 2 separate phone calls by me (and one by a friend who got the same deal) said that my old contract was being ended, and they would create a new one that started the day the phone was activated. They know if you're eligible for an upgrade - they ask for your phone # and last name. My friend who called had 3 months left on his contract, and was unable to get the deal at first. When he called AT&T, they cleared his contract and he checked on their again -and it was eligible. He ended up buying through ATT because they said they'd match the same deal.
Syst3m said:
Just bought one off Amazon for $0.01. Friend got one through AT&T for the same price after he told them about the Amazon offer.
ATT told me that most likely its because its a 3g phone and they're in the process of rolling out the 4g network. Whatever, I got the phone for 0.01...Including shipping!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you ask him how he got it through AT&T? I just asked a branch store and they said they could not offer the $0.01 deal...
I'm thinking of getting one off contract for $400. (don't wanna get locked in to Rogers - $400 voice cancellation + $100 data cancellation, 3 yr contract).
What have your experiences been like with unlocking? I heard ATT is refusing to unlock, and unlock codes go for up to $40 online...
When I was in-store the other day, I'm pretty sure the sale price on the Focus said until 1/31. I think it's only good for a couple more weeks, but we'll see.

Bell Galaxy S2 4G - Canadian Release (July 14th) - First in North America

Bell Canada and Virgin Mobile Canada will be releasing the Samsung Galaxy S2 4G (the 4G is Bell's naming, its still 21Mbps) July 14th. Many retailer already received the unit, but they will go on sale only on the 14.
This thread is to collect information, tips, and rooting/unlocks tips.
Similar thread over howardforum: http://www.howardforums.com/showthr...will-sell-it-unlocked?p=14466326#post14466326
Price is gonna be 599.95$ without a contract an around 150$ with a 3yr contract.
Sadly, it seem for reason I don't undersand that retailer, will not let the phone go out of the store un-activated (need a new contract or an existing customer transfering phone). The minimum "contract" seem to be a 30day 50$ plan from virgin, bell offer a similar but add initial fees, which virgin don't.
If anyone find a way around this, or store willing to sell without activating the phone, post it over here.....
So far Futureshop, Bestbuy and some the source all told me the same... But feel free to give it a try.
More to come shortly
x-cimo said:
Price is gonna be 599.95$ without a contract an around 150$ with a 3yr contract.
Sadly, it seem for reason I don't undersand that retailer, will not let the phone go out of the store un-activated (need a new contract or an existing customer transfering phone). The minimum "contract" seem to be a 30day 50$ plan from virgin, bell offer a similar but add initial fees, which virgin don't.
If anyone find a way around this, or store willing to sell without activating the phone, post it over here.....
So far Futureshop, Bestbuy and some the source all told me the same... But feel free to give it a try.
More to come shortly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From polling a few retailers (The Source, Future Shop, Bell Mobility Stores, Wireless Wave, etc.) I found it's pretty much hit and miss. Usually 1 store is willing to sell it to you off contract for every 4 asked, but, then that could change if they fly off the shelves.
Most of the store I found had either them on order (avg 6 units), or in stock (avg 3 units)... So be there early.
Was there any Bell store willing to sell off contract? (I haven't tried thoses.) Assuming they would be less flexible.
x-cimo said:
Most of the store I found had either them on order (avg 6 units), or in stock (avg 3 units)... So be there early.
Was there any Bell store willing to sell off contract? (I haven't tried thoses.) Assuming they would be less flexible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found one Bell store willing to do it, but, there was a condition that it would be a final sale.
They can say whatever they want but any phone sold by Bell will have to be honored by their warranty program. You can talk to Bell corporate about this and they'll confirm it. They'll also tell you that if you want to buy the phone off-contract they can't refuse you. Store owners are just being dicks because they get no commission with no plan activation. Had the same sort of issues when the Nexus S was released in Canada and people wanted to buy off-contract since they were unlocked (despite Rogers/Telus/Bell claiming they were locked).
knowthenazz said:
I found one Bell store willing to do it, but, there was a condition that it would be a final sale.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
knowthenazz said:
I found one Bell store willing to do it, but, there was a condition that it would be a final sale.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont think that would be legal... How would they enforce this..
Sell a 599$ phone, but say, no warranty for you.
Really, I am looking at a the source flyer, and it say 599$ with no contract. There is no place where it say you need a minimum 30 days plan required.
Other than: to get the reduce price with a X year contract you need a minimum 50$ plan.
I just don't know how to force them to sell me the phone, even if I think they are lying about the 30 day
I'm definitely going to look in to getting one off-contract, as I'm currently with Rogers...
Anyone know of any issues so far that would prevent the phone from working properly on Rogers?
knowthenazz said:
I found one Bell store willing to do it, but, there was a condition that it would be a final sale.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got the impression that he was referring to not being able to return the phone within the 14 day return period. I don't think he was talking about the warranty.
Sorry for the confusion.
Thanks!
fongoid said:
I'm definitely going to look in to getting one off-contract, as I'm currently with Rogers...
Anyone know of any issues so far that would prevent the phone from working properly on Rogers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
but I just ordered it from Handtec. It's kinda sad that Rogers has let us down yet again.
fongoid said:
I'm definitely going to look in to getting one off-contract, as I'm currently with Rogers...
Anyone know of any issues so far that would prevent the phone from working properly on Rogers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My understanding is all that you'd have to do is root and unlock the phone, and it should work fine on the Rogers network.
News that the release date could be July 21st:
http://mobilesyrup.com/2011/07/12/b...p+(mobilesyrup.com)&utm_content=Google+Reader
When Bell announced they’ll be one of the carriers who will release the Samsung Galaxy S II 4G they never confirmed a launch date, only that it will be available “in the coming weeks”. Carriers usually state this just in case there are shipping issues or problems meeting software tests. Rumours surfaced over the past few weeks of a July 14th release, but we are now hearing the launch date is officially set for Thursday, July 21st.
Apparently us Canadians will be getting the latest software and Bell wants to ensure that enough supply is available. The internal doc we received says that Bell is “anticipating very strong demand for the device” and waiting for “adequate supply to arrive”. Samsung recently announced that worldwide sales of this Android has already topped 3 million in just 55 days. This will be available for $599.95 on a no-contract and it’s expected the 3-year price will be $169.95.
Every store I been to told me july 14. I don`t think they will push it to 21.
My Bell rep forbade my Best Buy from selling it before the 21st and I got confirmation of this via an internal memo. We have it, but can't sell it.
BS.... We will see..
Whether we want to believe it or not, it's the truth... I'm as frustrated about it as you are, as I sold my Nexus last week to pay off my Telus cancellation fees, and now I'm going to be phone-less another week and a half...
go to wireless wave or phone booth. they let you purchase the phone out right. the warranty is void if you unlock the phone no matter where you purchase the phone.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Yea. that was my plan, walk around im sure somebody will sell it..
Just got back from Future Shop. Their live display model is out, and I managed to play with it a bit.
They confirmed as well that July 14 is the release date.
I got a question for you guys: Why don't you just buy one from a UK site instead of waiting for Bell/Virgin's release?
Warranty will be void anyways if you buy from Bell or Virgin without contract. You have to pay $599 + activation + possible minimum plan + tax + cancellation fee(?).
If you order from Clove or Handtec, you can get a UK warranty (meaning to ship back if anything unfortunate happen to the phone...better than no warranty!). It'll only cost less than $640 including shipping.
Anyone frankly explain it to me?

Fun with US Cellular purchase.

I decided to get myself a nice birthday present in the form of a Nexus 6. Online searches turned up inflated prices and out of stock notices. I know all the carriers sans Verizon ATM carry them but in limited quantities. Right now I'm in BFE Iowa for the holidays. Yay. Nearest carrier store.....30 miles......us cellular. I've never dealt with USC before and never intended to but today I had to. I called to see if they had the 32gb blue model in stock. Put on hold for ten minutes. Kind of on hold anyways. I can hear the girl asking about it like "wtf is that?". Some jumbled crap and a clicky clack and she says yes they have them. Made my way to the store and I walk in and you know how them sales people are all ready to get your signature. I told them I called earlier to pick up a device. The same girl who answered my call went to find the device. Took 15 minutes. Then she asked me to wait in queue to set up service and select a plan. I said no I want to purchase full price no contract. She was very surprised. She said she had never done that before. Two other sales people said the same thing. The last lady to help me also had never done it but did know how. It took over 30 minutes to find the device then figure out how to ring it up full price. Ha ha ha. I thought it was quite ridiculous and funny. Now I have the nexus 6!! Smart device #40-something
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Premium HD app
For me as a German stories about American Carriers are always interesting. Sure we do have carriers with subsidized phones as well but not as "bad" as in the States.
In 2010, I was living in California for about a year and brought my phone (good old nokia n97 symbian). I first walked into a Verizion or Sprint store (can't remember exactly) and tried to get a regular contract with a sim card only. I was told it's not possible, I would need to purchase a phone as well (wtf?). T-Mobile however was easily able to do it and hooked me up (a German company btw ).
Here, I just pay my monthly bill and buy my phones at full retail price. I still save money compared to contracts including subsidized phones.
Congratulations to your new N6 btw. I hope you'll enjoy it!!
Wall of text may even stop Sparta!
Nice you got them to sell you one though.
Did they have any accessories in store for the phone?
I'm in US Cellular country up here in Maine. I bought my N6 through Motorola and have a Verizon plan, but I walked into the US Cellular store right down my block yesterday to see if they had any accessories. Same thing. The clerks had never heard of it. Then the manager said: "We'll get accessories as soon as it's launched." I told them I was pretty certain it had been launched as it's been available online for a couple of weeks through US Cellular. He just looked at me with a blank stare. Suffice it to say they didn't have any accessories yet!
dtroup64 said:
I'm in US Cellular country up here in Maine. I bought my N6 through Motorola and have a Verizon plan, but I walked into the US Cellular store right down my block yesterday to see if they had any accessories. Same thing. The clerks had never heard of it. Then the manager said: "We'll get accessories as soon as it's launched." I told them I was pretty certain it had been launched as it's been available online for a couple of weeks through US Cellular. He just looked at me with a blank stare. Suffice it to say they didn't have any accessories yet!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I walked in to pick up an N6 today, keeping in mind this is a rather large corporate-owned USCC store in a rather decent sized midwest city, and they only stock the Ballistic case. Fine by me as that's the one I was hoping for, but it's surprising that they only stock one $40 case. Wouldn't have PAID $40 for it, but I had enough points to get it free.

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