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Hey, i am planning on buying a tilt from newegg for 149.99 with 2 year activation. I am wondering if anyone here has done that yet, and if i need to make a whole new att account or if i can just add another 2 years to my old one that has already expired. Thanks much!
you need a whole new individual account with a new number.
VTECaddict said:
you need a whole new individual account with a new number.
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This is not true, you do not need a whole new individual account or need to sign up with a new number. If your contract is expired (as mine was) you can purchase this as an upgrade. At the end of the purchase process there is a field for number portability. You leave the box for "carrier" default, put your current number in the "number portability field", and enter your account number with the word "upgrade" at the end. This information was told to me by newegg's AT&T rep. I just purchased my phone from newegg tonight and successfully upgraded my account to a new 2 year plan all while keeping my current number and getting the $150 price.
rate plans and options from newegg
i bought the 8525 about 6 months ago from them. under there deal for 6 months. my contract with them is about up and i was going to cancel cingular (i know about the fee) and put a new account to buy the new phone.
i was originally going to pay the full price at the att store until one of the people there told me they couldnt sell it to me unless i got a pda plan. (there loss)
now, are there any special requirements from buying from newegg? are they going to require me to buy this data plan as well? currently im on the media net plan, and thats because of the cheaper price, and the fact that i dont use that much internet. is new egg or att going to "force" me to get that pda plan? and as far as newegg goes, when i bought the 8525, i was able to get the cheapest rate plan, nation 450. will i still be able to do this when getting the tilt?
unvaluablespace said:
i bought the 8525 about 6 months ago from them. under there deal for 6 months. my contract with them is about up and i was going to cancel cingular (i know about the fee) and put a new account to buy the new phone.
i was originally going to pay the full price at the att store until one of the people there told me they couldnt sell it to me unless i got a pda plan. (there loss)
now, are there any special requirements from buying from newegg? are they going to require me to buy this data plan as well? currently im on the media net plan, and thats because of the cheaper price, and the fact that i dont use that much internet. is new egg or att going to "force" me to get that pda plan? and as far as newegg goes, when i bought the 8525, i was able to get the cheapest rate plan, nation 450. will i still be able to do this when getting the tilt?
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There are no "special" requirements for buying from newegg. The only requirements are that you sign up for a 2 year plan (either as a new customer or as an upgrade) and get any of the voice plans. All the voice plans that are available on AT&T's website are also available through newegg. They also have numerous additional data/text/media packages that slightly differ from what AT&T has on their website, but its generally the same. The only problem I had is that they do not have the Unlimited PDA data connect plan when signing up through newegg. I called AT&T and they said when I activate the phone I can upgrade my plan to the PDA connect without losing the newegg discount. (As part of the contract thru newegg, if you change any part of your plan, voice or add ons, to a lower cost plan within 181 days you lose the discount and have to pay back newegg $250. After 181 you are free to change your plan.)
Also, whoever at AT&T told you that you *must* get a data plan with the 8925 is full of sh*t. You are not required to buy a data plan with any phone besides the iphone. I would have asked to speak to their superior or called AT&T corporate on the spot to clarify.
You must have a plan when the rebate goes through. Dunno if ATT still has one but that was my experience buying it the Friday it came out.
That is a really good deal. Does anyone think AT&T would match that price if I go into the store? I guess if they cant I could always return it and go with New Egg.
Terms And Conditions
* If you purchase a new wireless communication service plan from AT&T (which is not a substitute for an existing service plan you have with AT&T) through Newegg.com, and purchase a new wireless communication device, such as a cell phone, from Newegg.com, as part of the same order, the price for the device will include a discount of $250.00 (the "Equipment Discount"). YOU MUST REIMBURSE NEWEGG.COM THE AMOUNT OF THE EQUIPMENT DISCOUNT, IF YOU DO NOT MAINTAIN THE WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SERVICE PLAN PURCHASED AS PART OF THE ORDER IN GOOD STANDING FOR A MINIMUM OF 181 DAYS AFTER ACTIVATION. The wireless communication service plan will be considered "not to be in good standing" if:
You fail to pay the balance due by the payment due date in any month.
You cancel the service.
You change the service plan to a different service plan with a lower monthly service rate.
You transfer the equipment to another service plan.
You transfer any phone number associated with the service plan to another service plan.
You use the service plan purchased as part of the same order to replace an existing service plan you have with the same company.
You authorize Newegg.com to initiate a charge to the credit card or other payment method you used to purchase the Equipment in the amount of $250.00, the Equipment Discount, if it is due.
pmow said:
You must have a plan when the rebate goes through. Dunno if ATT still has one but that was my experience buying it the Friday it came out.
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Do you mean just a voice plan? When I ordered mine on friday I do not think you were required to have a data plan added on, only a voice is required IIRC. I got a data plan anyways so it didn't make much of a difference to me.
I think the part that is screwing most people up in the terms that slcui56 posted is this part:
"* If you purchase a new wireless communication service plan from AT&T (which is not a substitute for an existing service plan you have with AT&T) through Newegg.com, and purchase a new wireless communication device, such as a cell phone, from Newegg.com, as part of the same order, the price for the device will include a discount of $250.00 (the "Equipment Discount")."
You can not substitute for an existing plan if you are still under contract. I had a plan with AT&T but my contract was up, so this replaced my existing plan. I think newegg/AT&T could have worded this better.
sclui56 said:
Terms And Conditions
* If you purchase a new wireless communication service plan from AT&T (which is not a substitute for an existing service plan you have with AT&T) through Newegg.com, and purchase a new wireless communication device, such as a cell phone, from Newegg.com, as part of the same order, the price for the device will include a discount of $250.00 (the "Equipment Discount"). YOU MUST REIMBURSE NEWEGG.COM THE AMOUNT OF THE EQUIPMENT DISCOUNT, IF YOU DO NOT MAINTAIN THE WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SERVICE PLAN PURCHASED AS PART OF THE ORDER IN GOOD STANDING FOR A MINIMUM OF 181 DAYS AFTER ACTIVATION. The wireless communication service plan will be considered "not to be in good standing" if:
You fail to pay the balance due by the payment due date in any month.
You cancel the service.
You change the service plan to a different service plan with a lower monthly service rate.
You transfer the equipment to another service plan.
You transfer any phone number associated with the service plan to another service plan.
You use the service plan purchased as part of the same order to replace an existing service plan you have with the same company.
You authorize Newegg.com to initiate a charge to the credit card or other payment method you used to purchase the Equipment in the amount of $250.00, the Equipment Discount, if it is due.
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So if I'm interpreting this correctly it looks like this offer is not eligible for a upgrade and only for new customers.
cripwalk said:
So if I'm interpreting this correctly it looks like this offer is not eligible for a upgrade and only for new customers.
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Did you bother to read this whole thread? Yes you can use this deal as an upgrade if you are not already under a contract. I just did this on friday.
marm0lade said:
Did you bother to read this whole thread? Yes you can use this deal as an upgrade if you are not already under a contract. I just did this on friday.
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Yes, I did read the whole thread and you dont need to be rude about it. I do realize that you spoke to their AT&T rep but it seems to contradict their own terms and conditions that you need to agree to when you purchase the phone on their website. To me it seems that they could potentially charge you $250 when you do it as an upgrade. Did you ask the rep about this when you spoke to them?
I notice one can select Media Max off the newegg deal, is Media Max ($19.99) enough for the Tilt? IOW, could I use the IE on the tilt with MediaMax or is MediaMax intended for WAP access.
marm0lade said:
There are no "special" requirements for buying from newegg. The only requirements are that you sign up for a 2 year plan (either as a new customer or as an upgrade) and get any of the voice plans. All the voice plans that are available on AT&T's website are also available through newegg. They also have numerous additional data/text/media packages that slightly differ from what AT&T has on their website, but its generally the same. The only problem I had is that they do not have the Unlimited PDA data connect plan when signing up through newegg. I called AT&T and they said when I activate the phone I can upgrade my plan to the PDA connect without losing the newegg discount. (As part of the contract thru newegg, if you change any part of your plan, voice or add ons, to a lower cost plan within 181 days you lose the discount and have to pay back newegg $250. After 181 you are free to change your plan.)
Also, whoever at AT&T told you that you *must* get a data plan with the 8925 is full of sh*t. You are not required to buy a data plan with any phone besides the iphone. I would have asked to speak to their superior or called AT&T corporate on the spot to clarify.
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At New york in Manhattan (Times square and 42nd Street)
they said it's required... I argued with the employee (after asking nicely.. then he replied being stupid...saying that the cellphone wouldnt work without the pda plan)
then I spoke to one of the superiors to be told the same.
I headed to best buy in 43rd street and 5th avenue, at the best buy mobile section they have it without requiring a pda plan or any internet plan at $250 cash/credit whatever
without ever sending rebates forms or anything like that.
I could have gotten through new egg or cheaper but i dont have the patience to wait for it to arrive.
I wanted it at that moment so thats why i got it at best buy mobile thing.
wut if i purchase a tilt off new egg with the 59.99 plan then i down the plan once i get the device... wouldi have to pay regular price cause i didnt stick wit the plan?
*edit*
forget it that answers itself on the newegg site
cripwalk said:
Yes, I did read the whole thread and you dont need to be rude about it. I do realize that you spoke to their AT&T rep but it seems to contradict their own terms and conditions that you need to agree to when you purchase the phone on their website. To me it seems that they could potentially charge you $250 when you do it as an upgrade. Did you ask the rep about this when you spoke to them?
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Yes, I did ask the AT&T rep and I expressed this in my first post:
marm0lade said:
This is not true, you do not need a whole new individual account or need to sign up with a new number. If your contract is expired (as mine was) you can purchase this as an upgrade. At the end of the purchase process there is a field for number portability. You leave the box for "carrier" default, put your current number in the "number portability field", and enter your account number with the word "upgrade" at the end. This information was told to me by newegg's AT&T rep. I just purchased my phone from newegg tonight and successfully upgraded my account to a new 2 year plan all while keeping my current number and getting the $150 price.
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Edit:
I should be more clear. I specifically asked the AT&T rep if this could be used as an upgrade and if I would still get the discount. They said yes, and gave me the directions for using this as an upgrades as I explained above. I'm not sure why people are doubting this as I myself purchased it as an upgrade. The receipt is sitting right next to me. I did not mean to come off as rude.
marm0lade said:
Yes, I did ask the AT&T rep and I expressed this in my first post:
Edit:
I should be more clear. I specifically asked the AT&T rep if this could be used as an upgrade and if I would still get the discount. They said yes, and gave me the directions for using this as an upgrades as I explained above. I'm not sure why people are doubting this as I myself purchased it as an upgrade. The receipt is sitting right next to me. I did not mean to come off as rude.
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do you know if this deal can be done as an upgrade in a family plan? im out of contract on my line with my family plan and want to upgrade to this phone??
sirccchar said:
do you know if this deal can be done as an upgrade in a family plan? im out of contract on my line with my family plan and want to upgrade to this phone??
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same here...im out of contract and im in a family plan...would i be able to upgrade jsut my line and get it from newegg for 149?
edit: no they dont allow family plan upgrades right now..i just asked
I originally ordered a Tilt from Wirefly on the 13th for $99.00 ($100.00 data plan rebate). Even though their website and sale staff said it was in stock up until Thursday, the phone is back ordered. Since none of the sales or support staff can tell me when or if they will be getting new Tilts, I canceled my purchase.
I spoke with Newegg this morning and was told they had 74 of the Tilts in stock (as of 7:15am PST). I promptly placed my order and was assured that one of the phones in stock will have my name on it!
I think $50.00 more is a bargain to no longer have to deal with Wirefly!
As for my terms, I am Verizon transfer. I was told (by Newegg) that all I had to do was sign up for a new service with a voice plan. There was no minimum voice plan purchase.
I did ask the Newegg rep about people who wanted to upgrade their account and their rebate requirements. I was told that if someone has a current contract (for example: 450 min) and wanted to "upgrade" to a higher rate (for example: 900 min) while they are still under contract, the rebate would not apply and their credit card would be charged $250.00 after the phone was activated. The rep told me that if someones contract ended and they were to "re-new" their contract than the rebate would be valid.
I think people here are getting the terms "new" and "upgrade" confused with each other.
Anyways, I am looking forward to receiving the phone!
jimlivingston said:
I originally ordered a Tilt from Wirefly on the 13th for $99.00 ($100.00 data plan rebate). Even though their website and sale staff said it was in stock up until Thursday, the phone is back ordered. Since none of the sales or support staff can tell me when or if they will be getting new Tilts, I canceled my purchase.
I spoke with Newegg this morning and was told they had 74 of the Tilts in stock (as of 7:15am PST). I promptly placed my order and was assured that one of the phones in stock will have my name on it!
I think $50.00 more is a bargain to no longer have to deal with Wirefly!
As for my terms, I am Verizon transfer. I was told (by Newegg) that all I had to do was sign up for a new service with a voice plan. There was no minimum voice plan purchase.
I did ask the Newegg rep about people who wanted to upgrade their account and their rebate requirements. I was told that if someone has a current contract (for example: 450 min) and wanted to "upgrade" to a higher rate (for example: 900 min) while they are still under contract, the rebate would not apply and their credit card would be charged $250.00 after the phone was activated. The rep told me that if someones contract ended and they were to "re-new" their contract than the rebate would be valid.
I think people here are getting the terms "new" and "upgrade" confused with each other.
Anyways, I am looking forward to receiving the phone!
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74 phones huh? I placed my order Friday so hopefully one of those has my name on it. It better be on the way!!!!
All,
Looks like I missed out on the 50% off deal (posted here). I'm interested in a Tilt, but the $100 Premier website rebate won't apply since I'm not getting a data plan.
Is there a better deal than the AT&T premier site @ $399 that doesn't require a data plan?
Thanks!
-Brett.
PS - Mods/admins: if this is off topic I apologize. Feel free to remove/lock. I guessed that this was the right forum to post this in.
I got mine from Newegg. Two-year re-up (I was out of contract) but no data plan required. $150 after mail-in.
Third said:
I got mine from Newegg. Two-year re-up (I was out of contract) but no data plan required. $150 after mail-in.
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Thanks for the heads-up... but I forgot to mention: I'm in need of a family plan 9two phones for my wife and I) and Newegg doesn't currently offer anything other than single line plans.
Tried Amazon but they don't even seem to give the option to buy the Tilt w/o a data plan.
Thanks,
-Brett.
I got mine for $149.95 after all the rebates, going through Costco.com. But the phone came from AT&T. I have the family plan, and the AT&T site within Costco page will check your entitlement to receive the phone. you must sign for the 2Yr program. No data plan suggested, however I have it.
When I go through the costco site, it brings me to the att costco site. there is a mail in rebate there for 100 on the tilt, but theres a plus next to it that says it requires a PDA personal plan, an unlimited data plan, or a 19.99 or higher messaging plan. Are there any mail in rebates around that DON'T require a data plan of some type?
I just got mine for $249 without data plan from Letstalk.com. Family plan and no data service required. Let me know and I can refer you and you get $25 off.
Pretty good price - straight up
I've ordered mine from CDW. They are in Chicago, IL. The college where I work get most of our computer stuff from there and they're great folks to deal with.
If you go to their website http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/default.aspx?EDC=1325326 you'll find it under the 8925. It says CALL for the price, but if you will call them you'll get it for no more than $469.00 I'm actually getting mine for $427 but that's cause of government discount. You might could get it for that or something close. These are brand new unlocked AT&T Tilts. I've done a good bit of research and this is absolutely the cheapest I've found with no strings attached from someone you can trust. Good luck.
asfoor said:
I got mine for $149.95 after all the rebates, going through Costco.com. But the phone came from AT&T. I have the family plan, and the AT&T site within Costco page will check your entitlement to receive the phone. you must sign for the 2Yr program. No data plan suggested, however I have it.
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Thanks for the Costco tip, I'm a member but it never occurred to me to check there. They have the phone by itself for the same price as the AT&T premier store ($399) and they also listed a "package" consisting of Bluetooth headset - Motorola H700, Car Charger - AT&T/Cingular, Black Leather Case - AT&T/Palm Treo which was priced as follows:
Package Price $559.96
Online Discount - $129.97
Mail-in Rebate Card - $30.00
Mail-in Rebate Card - $100.00
Package Savings $259.97
Online Price* $299.99
Free Bluetooth, charger and case
*2 yr contract-New service price
However, the $100 rebate was contingent on a data plan, and I couldn't find a way to add this package to a family plan, only to an individual plan. Plus the monthly rates were no cheaper through Costco. I can get an approx 17% discount through the AT&T Premier site so it looks like that's the way to go for me.
If anyone knows of a way to get the above "package" through Costco on a family plan w/o a data add-on.... please clue me in!
Thanks,
-Brett.
Since you are doing the family plan, you can add on Family Unlimited messaging for $24 per month. This will cover what is required to meet the rebate. Nothing in the rebate indicates you have to keep this for any length of time, so after you get the rebate then drop the messaging part of the plan. So that gets you the phone for $399 less $100 for the rebate, and will cost you about $50 more (if the rebate truely comes in 8 weeks).
Since I have teenagers, I'm on the unlimited messaging family plan anyway (and then have the $20 unlimited MediaNet (whatever they call it now)).
mfrazzz said:
Since you are doing the family plan, you can add on Family Unlimited messaging for $24 per month. This will cover what is required to meet the rebate. Nothing in the rebate indicates you have to keep this for any length of time, so after you get the rebate then drop the messaging part of the plan. So that gets you the phone for $399 less $100 for the rebate, and will cost you about $50 more (if the rebate truely comes in 8 weeks).
Since I have teenagers, I'm on the unlimited messaging family plan anyway (and then have the $20 unlimited MediaNet (whatever they call it now)).
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Hey, that's a good idea. I think a variation of it might work, since the Family Messaging Unlimited is showing as $30/mo for me.
The requirement is "+Requires activation on a PDA Personal Plan or a $39.99 or higher unlimited data rate plan or a $19.99 or higher messaging plan plus an AT&T Voice Plan of $39.99 or higher."
We were already planning on adding the $5 "Messaging starter" add-on to both lines ($10/mo) since we don't do much messaging. If I add the "Messaging unlimited" option to the Tilt for $19.99/mo it would satisfy the rebate req's, and only cost me $15/mo over what I was already planning. Keep that for 2-3 months to obtain the rebate then drop back to the $5 plan... and I'm out $30 for a net of $70 savings on the rebate.
Good thinking, thanks!
-Brett.
PS - Currently using your Rev 3 ROM on my 8125 and loving it. Still can't get IBM Easysync installed, but I'm keeping my eyes out for a version that's compatible with WM6.
zzoinks said:
Hey, that's a good idea. I think a variation of it might work, since the Family Messaging Unlimited is showing as $30/mo for me.
The requirement is "+Requires activation on a PDA Personal Plan or a $39.99 or higher unlimited data rate plan or a $19.99 or higher messaging plan plus an AT&T Voice Plan of $39.99 or higher."
We were already planning on adding the $5 "Messaging starter" add-on to both lines ($10/mo) since we don't do much messaging. If I add the "Messaging unlimited" option to the Tilt for $19.99/mo it would satisfy the rebate req's, and only cost me $15/mo over what I was already planning. Keep that for 2-3 months to obtain the rebate then drop back to the $5 plan... and I'm out $30 for a net of $70 savings on the rebate.
Good thinking, thanks!
-Brett.
PS - Currently using your Rev 3 ROM on my 8125 and loving it. Still can't get IBM Easysync installed, but I'm keeping my eyes out for a version that's compatible with WM6.
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Can you still get the monthly rate discount even if you do not sign-up through ATT? Looking at the website for my school (Ga Tech), there is an option for existing customers to sign-up for discounts using the online validation process.
promine21 said:
Can you still get the monthly rate discount even if you do not sign-up through ATT? Looking at the website for my school (Ga Tech), there is an option for existing customers to sign-up for discounts using the online validation process.
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Sorry, no idea. I'm using the AT&T "Premier" site through my employer.
-Brett.
So does anyone know if one could talk NewEgg or Costco into a sale? I currently have til 5/6/08 for an upgrade (still in 2yr contract). I got the "OK" from both the AT&T store for the phone (they wanted $299+Accessory pack of $100, w/ renewed 2yr) and AT&T's phone support (they wanted just $299+2yr renewal agreement).
Are these retail outlets less inclined? Or can they still do the same checks (I qualified early because of a broken-out-of-production/warranty phone and good credit)?
Anyone had success with something like that?
Where can I buy the Tilt 8900 (no cameras) without any plan?
I live abroad, so any plan would be useless.
Thank you.
An update in case anyone cares. I ended up going directly through the AT&T store where they matched the pricing from their "Premier" web site. Ended up getting it for $399 out the door with a $100 rebate. (Thanks to mfrazzz's tip about the messaging plan)
I am now a very happy member of the "Tilt" community. I'm considering flashing it to a different ROM but for now I'm just enjoying it.
Thanks,
-Brett.
zzoinks said:
An update in case anyone cares. I ended up going directly through the AT&T store where they matched the pricing from their "Premier" web site. Ended up getting it for $399 out the door with a $100 rebate. (Thanks to mfrazzz's tip about the messaging plan)
I am now a very happy member of the "Tilt" community. I'm considering flashing it to a different ROM but for now I'm just enjoying it.
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Cool! Yeah, I'm loving my Tilt too. I've flashed the newer 1.60 AT&T stock rom, but haven't went to a custom yet (but probably will before the week is out).
Have to say, for me, so far the stock rom is pretty reliable (much better than the old stock roms for the Wizard... LOL).
Mfrazzz, when i had my wizard your roms were awsome...
U should start making so roms
glad to see u here
dan5.5 said:
Mfrazzz, when i had my wizard your roms were awsome...
U should start making so roms
glad to see u here
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Thanks... I've already downloaded the kitchen and a few custom roms to pull apart and look at. Give me some time to look at how things work in this new world for me. Haven't even had my Tilt a week yet, but I'm already thinking about a custom rom for me (and will probably release if its very different from whats already available.
Hi, just a thought (and this comes from a few years of phone buying!)
Just check if the phone you get on a cheap rate is not one of the carriers 'old basic' units.
You can see from this forum that updates are available, and from quite a few that they are discontented with carrier versions in the US.
What makes you think that a cheap option will give you the best phone?
Just hoping to help.
anyone kno how to trick att or have any ideas how to get a tilt for discount or even a free one? or anything in how to get around the system of att and get a new or discounted tilt?
i don't know about discount but when i bout my tilt at my locatle at&t store in the middle of November, i told them the price amazon had it for which was like 150 at the time and they matched it, it was an actual store by at&t not an authorize dealer or anything so you can try to get a price match and see if you get anywhere, not the catch is that you will have to sign up for a data plan etc. but unlike amazon which you cant change your plan for at least 6 months to get the discount, the at&t store doesn't have that clause, i guess because amazon is basically getting commissions form at&t
When I went into an at&t store about two weeks ago (privately owned) they would not match the price exactly. They justified this move with the difference in data plans (a phone with wifi and you want me to pay how much a month for data?). So because the service plan I chose didn't match up one for one to some e retailer's price I wasn't able to get their price. Moral of the story, you should ask nicely with a smile : ).
Newegg base has dropped their base price ($469.00 after rebate)
A Tilt with a 2-yr contract is down to around $125.00 (no data plan required).
Just ask if they can price match NewEgg. You're gonna need a new contract, though. For me, my phone at the time was off contract, so I could cancel it without any fee, so I just canceled it and got a new number and new contract for $200 - $50 MIR.
i heard like when u have ur tilt, u can call att and tell them that ur phone is giving u problems or wutever and try to get new ones, how much is the fee for a lost phone, (but not really) just try to get a new tilt?
I'm hoping that some of you guys can help me sort things out and point me in the right direction on an upgrade strategy.
At present, I'm an AT&T customer on a monthly (because my contract expired) using an HTC TYTNII (not Tilt) with MEdia Net at $20/month. I like the new Pure but it just doesn't seem to make sense to buy a Pure from AT&T and spend $150 for the phone upgrade plus an additional $240 at $10/month for two years because I'd be forced into their $30/month data plan. That would make the phone $390, when it seems you can buy 'em all day at $240 on Ebay.
I'm also wondering why, if AT&T is willing to apply a $150 subsidy toward a phone purchase, that they wouldn't offer $150 as a credit to your account if, for argument's sake, you didn't want to upgrade your present phone. After all, what if I were content with my TYTN and wanted to simply renew and further subsidize the cost of the phone I already have?
So I'm wondering if any of you upgrade-savvy buyers know of a way that I can purchase a Pure/Topaz at a decent price, while still getting a subsidy from AT&T for renewing my contract and making another 2-year commitment while avoiding the strongarm tactics that force customers into a $30 data plan that does the same thing as their $20 data plan.
Hoping some of you experienced upgraders can help me sort it out.
Thanks!
TL;DR - I have an extra SM-G900A that I got for $1, can I sell this to someone else without it jacking up my personal ATT account?
2 years ago I upgraded to a GS3 by getting AT&T to price match a Black Friday deal for $1.00. Since I am now out of contract, I decided to try it again. This year I got a lot more resistance from AT&T and the Monday before thanksgiving I saw that Amazon.com was offering up the same deal of the GS5, the only catch would be that I would lose my grandfathered unlimited data. After talking with ATT customer support, I got a notated assurance that if I upgraded via Amazon, that ATT would restore my grandfathered data.
So at that point I pulled the trigger, and bought the phone via amazon.com for $1.00 .
An hour later, a previous CSR for ATT called me, and told me that she had gotten the authorization to price match the phone for the black friday deals, and that it would just run a new 2 year contract on the existing talk & data plan. (Grandfathered and all) So I accepted that offer, and attempted to cancel the Amazon order, but it had already been fufilled, and I had to wait until it arrived before I could return it.
So my real question after all of this background is: If I sell this phone to someone who wants it (say someone who had their's stolen for example) would they be able to use the phone without jacking up my account? (going onto a new data plan that would kill my grandfathered data?)
I think that I could, but I would need to remove the SIM card that was provided in the box, that way another ATT customer would just be able to put their active SIM card in, or go to an ATT store and ask for a new one to be issued. Thoughts?
You'll want to return it to Amazon.
Part of the reason Amazon usually gives a little better deal than the carrier directly is that they get an additional kickback from the carrier. So, if you don't keep the device active for at least 6 months, Amazon will come after you for more money. This is described in the agreement you sign off on when you order the device. This is in addition to any ETF trouble you'll get from AT&T -- they won't subsidize both devices for you on a single line!
I don't think it'll screw up your account though (the damage may have already been done by ordering the phone in the first place).
The total of both penalties might actually be less than the retail price of the device, but probably more than you could get selling it to a 3rd party. I don't see any way you'll actually be better off reselling the extra phone.