That's technically not correct... Android isn't really "free." Google might not charge for it, but HTC is paying Microsoft for licensing features of the Android OS. Android infringes on some of MS's patents and therefore MS is receiving royalties for the use of those features on the Android OS.
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$450 without contract?
- Thread starter cabbie
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- htc evo 4g
That's technically not correct... Android isn't really "free." Google might not charge for it, but HTC is paying Microsoft for licensing features of the Android OS. Android infringes on some of MS's patents and therefore MS is receiving royalties for the use of those features on the Android OS.
metrowarrior79
Newbie
I agree with some of the above posters, the MIR should still apply even if buying for the full $450 price tag. It says on my email from Sprint "Mail-in Rebate: Requires activation at the time of purchase. Line must be active 30 consecutive days. Allow 10 to 14 weeks for rebate." It doesn't say anywhere that in requires a New activation or renewed contract, just an activation. I plan on walking out with mine activated on my current line. In the past with AT&T I have bought phones for full price because I did not have an upgrade and was still given the mail in rebate. I don't see why this should be any different. I will be calling Sprint to find out for sure.
Bek
Android Expert
The MIR does NOT apply unless you are eligible for an upgrade or setting up a new line of service.
I just fought with 3 Sprint reps this morning over the issue, while trying to get my eligibility date moved up from August 1st. The $150 Upgrade/Activation credit and the $100 MIR are BOTH tied to your eligibility.
CRPercodani
OFWGKTA
Bek
Android Expert
Per all of the Sprint reps I spoke with this morning, it will be $449 sans rebates & incentives, as the fine print says. I'm going to be stuck coughing up the full price unless I wait till August 1st.
CRPercodani
OFWGKTA
Still not a bad retail price, $449 is way less then anything comparable.
Stickboy46
Member
There is nothing to agree with. Sprint Mail In Rebates never have and never will be valid on anything except a full eligible upgrade or new line. (Qualifications: Former Sprint Store Manager and Best Buy Mobile employee now)
metrowarrior79
Newbie
"Mail-in Rebate: Requires activation at the time of purchase. Line must be active 30 consecutive days. Allow 10 to 14 weeks for rebate."
Show me where in that sentence it says the rebate only applies to lines that are fully upgrade eligible or any mention of a new line. It just says the phone has to be activated. Thats all I am saying. I don't see why it would make any difference whether the line is upgrade eligible or not. You are still paying $350 for a phone that fully upgrade eligible customers are paying $200 for. Sprint is still making their money. I am going to call customer service after work and discuss it with them.
Show me where in that sentence it says the rebate only applies to lines that are fully upgrade eligible or any mention of a new line. It just says the phone has to be activated. Thats all I am saying. I don't see why it would make any difference whether the line is upgrade eligible or not. You are still paying $350 for a phone that fully upgrade eligible customers are paying $200 for. Sprint is still making their money. I am going to call customer service after work and discuss it with them.
Bek
Android Expert
We're trying to save you that trouble you know. I spent this morning on the horn with 3 different Sprint reps and already explained this earlier.
But if you insist on not believing us, fine.
metrowarrior79
Newbie
Stickboy46
Member
You will have better luck getting them to give you a 100 dollar credit on your bill based off the technicality of the rebate form than actually getting the rebate processed. Trust me ive had to deal with this many times before.
Bek
Android Expert
Yep - that's a different matter entirely. G'luck to you!
metrowarrior79
Newbie
Oh I know, I am hoping thats in fact what they do, much better than waiting for the long and painful process of a rebate check!
Stickboy46
Member
Yes you can pay the outright price and then put your number on it. The Hero will then be available to be sold once it is off your account also.
Thank you.... my 13 year old is going to be geeked when he finds out he is going to get the Hero.
oldmanwinter
Lurker
I went to best buy to preorder. the guy there said the phone would be $599 without a contract.
Note: I will become a new sprint subscriber.
Note: I will become a new sprint subscriber.
Hey guys, i just got done posting this in another forum. This might be useful for those that do not know about Best buy's prices for phones off contract ( the phone may cost as much as $800, similar to what the pre was priced at off contract at BB
I was informed by another poster that BB apparently charges 100 to 150 more per phone off contract than does the actual sprint store( i have no idea why). Unfortunately the 50 dollar preorder gift card is nonrefundable, so i may have to buy the phone at spring and use the card to purchase something else
Again, im not completely sure about this, but i wanted to give everyone a heads up before delving into this
I was informed by another poster that BB apparently charges 100 to 150 more per phone off contract than does the actual sprint store( i have no idea why). Unfortunately the 50 dollar preorder gift card is nonrefundable, so i may have to buy the phone at spring and use the card to purchase something else
Again, im not completely sure about this, but i wanted to give everyone a heads up before delving into this
Thats somewhat good to hear. My BB rep who I preordered from said possibly up to $700 and beyond. I wonder if the Sprint store prices are different. ie the 449 price tag
Just a little tired of some of the ambiguity for us non contract/not eligible for upgrade folks
Thats somewhat good to hear. My BB rep who I preordered from said possibly up to $700 and beyond. I wonder if the Sprint store prices are different. ie the 449 price tag
Just a little tired of some of the ambiguity for us non contract/not eligible for upgrade folks
Why would the sprint email say 449.00 and then Best Buy say 700 or more? Sounds like someone is guessing....
Ouch.. here's hoping they'll price match radio shack or sprint.
That is a great question. I hope the rep i talked to had no idea what she was talking about. But there's always this:
I have no idea how sprint priced the palm pre at full retail last year, but apparently Best Buy had it priced at $849, which im fairly certain, was more expensive than the Sprint price.I was digging through this issue and there was apparently some outrage at this last year; some posters were mentioning that buyers demand that BB price match the sprint price ( im not sure if this worked or not)
there are others who are speculating that the 449 mentioned in the Sprint premier customers' emails and engadget may not be the off contract price; it may be some other "starting" price, with a currently unknown amount being added to those that will buy off contract(theoretically bring the price back up to around 600 for us)
BTW I dont mean to stir the pot; most of this is speculation...i hope
BTW I dont mean to stir the pot; most of this is speculation...i hope