***Official HTC Incredible Thread***

[GlowingMoose]

I feel obligated to point out to those people who aren't familiar with how the open software community works. I'll use our current situation to illustrate.

1. Google made a sweet mobile OS called Android which is free for anyone to use.

2. Mobile phone makers (such as HTC, Motorola, Samsung, others) have made phones that utilize the Android OS api.

3 Service providers/Carriers (such as Verizon, Sprint, T-mobile, and yes even AT&T) provide the service (voice and data) as well as subsidize some/most of those phones.

Many of these companies have collaborated together to make some sweet combinations that make it easier and cheaper for those who aren't into hacking/rooting and otherwise doing the things that are very common to the open software community.

A few of these examples are:

Sprint & HTC = Evo
Verizon & HTC = Eris
Verizon & Motorola = Droid

Sometimes a phone maker will create a phone an well it to multiple carriers:
Hero for Sprint & T-mobile (even though they are a bit different since T-mobile uses GSM and Sprint uses CDMA)

As for the Nexus One it was a venture by Google to create it's own phone. They approached HTC with their own plans and schematics and said build it. They then took it to carriers and said please provide service but we will sell the phone. Some carriers (T-mobile and maybe Verizon) said let's make a deal here we'll subsidize the phone like it was in our store because we think people will jump on this and we think it's cool. But Google is still making the sale!!! they are also providing the support.

This could be added to a lot but I don't have a ton of time since I'm at work. But to help some of you who might not understand how some of this works behind the scenes it might help you start to visualize why some of the decisions are being made the way they are. If I'm wrong on some of the accounts please feel free to correct me but please use documentation and not a flame-thrower for the benefit of the community not your ego.

Thanks,

The Moose

 

[Kappy]

Kcoan, just be sure that you LEAVE OUT things such as details, and honest accounts. Things like that will get you shit on and death threats in your pm. No joke.

Guess who's back? Back again? MM's back, tell some friends!!

 

[woodraskam]

ok - until there is convincing info (I know, subjective), here's where I'm setting my expectations and TENTATIVE plans...

expectations:
1. most likely date The Incredible will be ANNOUNCED = 4/1, 2nd most likely date = 4/17.
2. most likely date The Incredible will be available to buy and hold in my mitts = 5/1, 2nd most likely date = 4/17 ... interesting triangulation of the dates don't you think .
3. I will continue to follow this thread, interested to read about rumors, Verizon store mgr conversations, interesting secret boxes, Area 51 phone sightings, etc - w/o getting worked up or ticked off that none of them may pan out. doesn't mean they weren't genuine efforts and stories, just simply didn't come to pass. that's ok, keeps my interest and is entertaining.
4. if I don't have it in my mitts by 5/1, then my CURRENT plan to purchase it begins to degrade quickly as other rumored or announced high-end phones will increase my interest level in them.

5/1 or before plans:
1. 60% chance I will buy The Incredible if avail by 5/1.
2. 10% chance I will buy the VERIZON N1 if avail by 5/1... this % could substantially increase if Verizon's version is different and improved, but not expecting it.
3. 30% chance I won't buy at all. depends on final specs of The Incredible and other phone announcements.

post 5/1 plans:
1. 40% chance I will buy The Incredible, with 1% decline for every day after 5/2.
2. 10% chance I will hold out for the VERIZON N1, 100% dependent on any changes/improvements, etc.
3. 20% chance I will hold out to see what the VERIZON iPhone 4G will look like and availability. I know, they're the anti-christ(I agree), flame me if you must
4. 20% chance I will be taking a hard look at the Moto Shadow.
5. 10% chance I will see or hear about some other super-phone and chase every trivial tid-bit of info for months only to come away empty-handed.

This is all fine and good, but I find pie charts get the point across much better.

 

[msjulie]

Damn, that's pretty awesome.....my only problem is I can't port my Verizon number over to Sprint, otherwise it would be a no brainer. That's really the biggest thing keeping me with Verizon right now, so I've started giving out my Google Voice number which is completely portable. I just wish we could port our current number to be our GV number. Hopefully someday.

I thought all phones could be transferred to any carrier... my number came from sprint, now on verizon - what would stop me from going back if they end up with the better phones?

thanks

 

[droidtime]

So which immature member created a 2nd account just so s/he could post this? Out yourself, don't hide behind a computer screen!

It's none of your business.

 

[Osgirl]

Too true.

Please just stop.

 

[Sigmund Droid]

I think Skype will be a bigger deal and have more of an impact on LTE..

Agreed and suspect Verizon was looking down the road to that when they made the exclusivity agreement with Skype.

 

[Nashdroid]

You were stressing that Verizon, as a company plans these launches carefully. I just wish they would add a step of announcing phones ahead of time. I understand how business works, but for as much as THEY plan things........WE like to plan things too. For example, my NE2 was up in February. If I hadn't been anal and researched upcoming phones, I would have just gone and ordered a Droid. But I figured that if something else was coming out SOON, I'd just wait; my phone isn't completely dead yet. Now I'm messing around waiting and waiting and waiting. If Verizon would have announced the Incredible early, like the EVO was announced, I could plan better when I wanted to spend $200 on a new phone that will last for 2 years. That is a lot of money to be spending on a phone and I plan to squeeze every cent out of it when I get it. That's all I meant. So no criticism to you, just to Verizon's process!

Yeah, I totally hear where you're coming from and I understand how you feel. However...you have to realize that there are probably 5,000 people in the world who even know about the HTC Incredible. Sure, maybe there are more, but the point is that even if it's 10,000, that is still way less than 1% of Verizon customers. As far as Verizon is concerned, this phone doesn't even exist yet publicly. The only reason we know about it is because some people broke legal agreements and leaked us the information. I'm not saying I wish they hadn't, but just understand that Verizon isn't even admitting that this phone exists yet and therefore is never going to announce this phone based on leaks that a few of us have seen and heard. I understand where you're coming from though. Totally.

 

[Anonimac]

Found a product just for you, MM:

Every reply to this post after mine is subject to punishment...no more inflamatory posts or endless replies to posts like this one...fair warning.

 

[woodraskam]

I thought all phones could be transferred to any carrier... my number came from sprint, now on verizon - what would stop me from going back if they end up with the better phones?

thanks

As long as the carrier provides service from where the first number came from they do. In my special case, I come from an area where the only 2 carriers who provided service were Verizon and Alltel. So really as of right now anyway, anyone signed up in my home area, is f'd as far as transferring a number since Verizon ate Alltel, and none of the other carriers provide service.

BTW, i'm from rural South Dakota originally, and moved to Minneapolis.

 

[oneniner]

I found another video to share. Before you get to excited, I think the only person that's going to really like this is Montana Man, because I think I found what was in "The Box".

Before everyone jumps on me, let me explain myself. I don't owe anything to MM, I don't even know him, but this find is just too perfect. Other disclaimers, I'm hosting the video on my YouTube, but I did not record the original. I've had a few accounts that I've been following since the last video I found of the low light testing and finally scored again today. I don't want to disclose exactly where I found it for 3 reasons.
1. It will last longer on my YouTube account then pointing where I found it. (I learned that last time).
2. I wouldn't mind finding out more in the future from this account.
3. and lastly I don't want anyone else to get attention drawn to them for leaking info.

Just a second, I'm getting to it... So both of these videos are from the same account, the first shows what was in "The Box" and yes it is what we wanted to be in the box the "6300". The second video shows how I know it is the same "Box". Trust me after you see it, you'll know I couldn't have made this up. She is searching google in some other language for "Bellevue Square Mall", yes in Bellevue, WA. Sorry for the low quality and I clipped the last 30 seconds because my capture program only goes up to 5 min, but there is a woman talking a different language at the very end. I'll see if I can get a better capture from my home computer tonight. Also, ignore the Sprint logos, must be an add for the site, no this specific video.

Also sorry if I'm not so fast to respond, I don't have as much time to bicker or read all the bickering, but I wanted you guys to see this first.

UPDATE: I forgot to mention it was posted about 6 PM Central time yesterday.

 

[Kappy]

a

Did you just call me a d*ck?

 

[Kappy]

^^ jk

 

[dblack9]

Long time lurker. At the risk of going slightly off topic:

I too have been thinking about just passing this up in favor of a droid, maybe root it, OC it, etc.

If you're going to get the Droid I would say don't bother with the 309 out the door at a VZW store or the 199 online. Best Buy's got it for $99 out the door (in store). So that's where I'm at. Do I forego the wait and get it for $99 or just wait the extra possibly 6-8 weeks?

amazonwireless has it for $79 and free shipping if youre an existing customer and upgrade eligible.
i went to a verizon store and played with one. the keyboard was a lot better than i expected.
i plan on waiting for the next big htc android device (whatever it is called) til may. at that time, there'll be no announcement about a new device and the droid will finally have 2.1 and i'll figure whats another month for better hardware. might even wait til christmas because whatever comes out this spring/summer is going to be bested at christmas.

 

[JMKosmo]

?? Is the point of this to be a d*ck?

or do you mean he needs to wash his hair?

Just report the post.......this is uncalled for and disgusting now! People were told not to do this!

 

[Montana Man]

I'm not gonna take the bait from Droidtime (aka Mykpfsu). I'm going to take the high road and appreciate the guys who know me here. If the losers in here get wood from posting pictures of baby shampoo, that's their problem - not mine.

 

[h0lby5]

I haven't seen any talk about the Phone Area report in here stating April 1 being a "big day." They speculate it could be Iphone related, but it could easily be the announcement or commencement of advertising for the incredible.

Or am I being duped by an early april fools joke?

Verizon tells store managers that Wednesday is a big day (Phone Arena News)

 

[woodraskam]

I found another video to share. Before you get to excited, I think the only person that's going to really like this is Montana Man, because I think I found what was in "The Box".

Ladies and gentlemen, a reappearance by oneniner, who you may know from such video leaks as the Nimigo Test Under Dark Lighting video.

good to see you man.

 

[dmb_droid41]

It's amazing how big and mighty some people can act behind a computer. You want to hear info about a phone, but you disrespect the people that try to get you that info. Pretty sad.

 

[mikewashere05]

Been lurking since page 16. I think I posted once, but now I have a question.

I NEED a smart phone. Today I got stranded in LA because I didn't have access to google maps and missed the bus that I needed. Can't have that happening anymore. Wish I could wait for the Incredible/N1, but looks like I can't bank on that.

I'm up for my NE2. This is what I WANT to do, will it work?

I want to go to BestBuy and get an Eris for free (with contract extension). Then, when VZW releases the Incredible go to a VZW store and use my NE2 to get the Incredible?

Would that work, or would extending my contract at BB mean I don't get my NE2 anymore?

It seems too good to be true that I could just get a practically free Eris for a month or two.

Backup plan is to go to the VZW store and get an Eris and return within 30 days.

 

[appsmgr]

Damn, that's pretty awesome.....my only problem is I can't port my Verizon number over to Sprint, otherwise it would be a no brainer. That's really the biggest thing keeping me with Verizon right now, so I've started giving out my Google Voice number which is completely portable. I just wish we could port our current number to be our GV number. Hopefully someday.

I have read that Google will do incoming porting at some point. not sure what the tipping point is, they are trying to stay out of that "we're a telco" category for as long as possible...

here are some related links...
Porting your number : Choosing your Number - Google Voice Help

Google Voice to support number portability - Google Voice Help

 

[DigitalGuru]

I'm starting to like the "Report Post" button. Should come in handy...

 

[JMKosmo]

I found another video to share. Before you get to excited, I think the only person that's going to really like this is Montana Man, because I think I found what was in "The Box".

Before everyone jumps on me, let me explain myself. I don't owe anything to MM, I don't even know him, but this find is just too perfect. Other disclaimers, I'm hosting the video on my YouTube, but I did not record the original. I've had a few accounts that I've been following since the last video I found of the low light testing and finally scored again today. I don't want to disclose exactly where I found it for 3 reasons.
1. It will last longer on my YouTube account then pointing where I found it. (I learned that last time).
2. I wouldn't mind finding out more in the future from this account.
3. and lastly I don't want anyone else to get attention drawn to them for leaking info.

Just a second, I'm getting to it... So both of these videos are from the same account, the first shows what was in "The Box" and yes it is what we wanted to be in the box the "6300". The second video shows how I know it is the same "Box". Trust me after you see it, you'll know I couldn't have made this up. She is searching google in some other language for "Bellevue Square Mall", yes in Bellevue, WA. Sorry for the low quality and I clipped the last 30 seconds because my capture program only goes up to 5 min, but there is a woman talking a different language at the very end. I'll see if I can get a better capture from my home computer tonight. Also, ignore the Sprint logos, must be an add for the site, no this specific video.

Also sorry if I'm not so fast to respond, I don't have as much time to bicker or read all the bickering, but I wanted you guys to see this first.

That looks like the room from the first leaked video!!!!!!

 

[Deleted User]

I too have been thinking about just passing this up in favor of a droid, maybe root it, OC it, etc.

So that's where I'm at. Do I forego the wait and get it for $99 or just wait the extra possibly 6-8 weeks?

as of right now ... i'm probably gonna keep my droid. will i regret it in the future??? maybe. i dunno. but i've got a phone right now for dirt cheap that does all kinds of crazy things!

i've even started using the keyboard!

i've been waiting since october 09. this current BOGO deal made me cave. picked up the droid and a env touch for my wife and a BUNCH of accesories for $120 total (after rebates and a coupon).

so ... it's a hard one to call.

there is the return policy (which i think is the same at best buy). just make sure the policy is still currently 30 days, and you should be good.

you just might like it ...

 

[woodraskam]

I'm not gonna take the bait from Droidtime (aka Mykpfsu). I'm going to take the high road and appreciate the guys who know me here. If the losers in here get wood from posting pictures of baby shampoo, that's their problem - not mine.

Hey no one better be getting me from posting pictures of baby shampoo.