Official EVO Rumors and Speculation thread

[kathrynhr]

I agree it is a little silly, but I understand Sprint's point of view. The $10 fee isn't for using 4G. It's for using a lot of data in general. Sprint understands that this phone will easily use a lot more data on average than any other phone they sell. The front facing camera works on 3G, as does 95% of all the other apps. So a lot of 3G data is going to be used, and Sprint said themselves 3G cost more to deliver to consumers.

I don't agree with them charging the $10, but it's understandable and will probably go towards building out their 4G coverage.

I agree completely. I'm already imagining all the new media apps I'll be using, and I imagine others are doing the same. Who will buy a phone that can use all the new toys, and then not play with them? Sprint's right about data usage: people will use this phone to suck up two and three times as much bandwidth as they were using before. They won't be able to help themselves, since most people don't have any idea how much data any given application transfers.

They'll use all those $10 fees to bring 4G to people who don't currently have it.

 

[capthr]

Your being a little unreasonable. Sprint is a business and its business is to make money. Asking them to give you their top end product and services for free is just plain dumb. 10$ is cheaper then a lot of services they offer, namely the blackberry service, and you are GETTING something in return. Making a "donation" is giving money way...there is NOTHING in return.

I'm not asking for anything for free I'm asking to pay for the services that are available to me NOW not at some unspecified day in the future. 4G is not in my area when it is I understand the price increase

When you buy a car do you pay for accessories you don't get or better yet are not available for your car? If you do, would you like to buy a bridge?

 

[RiverOfIce]

I do not see that as being unreasonable. The guy/girl is getting charged for what he/she cannot even use yet.

I honestly believe that if you live in a 4g city then you should get charged for 4g.

So when he/she gets her phone. They have to promise, not to use flash content, video conferencing, live video/audio feeds, stream movies, and the half dozen other things that the evo will allow you to do that your current phone will not.

They have to promise not to use it.

I seriously think most people do not have a clue how much data they really consume.

 

[SprintFun]

I'm not asking for anything for free I'm asking to pay for the services that are available to me NOW not at some unspecified day in the future. 4G is not in my area when it is I understand the price increase

The charge is to uncap the data restrictions, enable you to use apps like Qik for two way voice chatting, etc. No where does it say the charge is for 4G - that's you jumping to conclusions.

 

[Geegolly]

I just want people to stop complaining because they think Sprint is charging the extra fee for 4G, its NOT, its for the increased 3G usage. IF Sprint wanted to charge for 4G, they would only charge users who are covered in 4G areas instead of making it mandatory for ALL Evo users.

This is NOT fact, but my own opinion based on business reasoning.

I think the biggest reason for this misconception is from Sprint themselves. An online rep and a rep on the phone said it was because of 4G and not the phone itself like that Sprint spokesman said in his blog.

here is a convo I had with an online sprint rep earlier this morning.


12:27:43 PM : Connected to sprint.ehosts.net

12:27:43 PM : Session ID: *******

12:27:43 PM : ******me: Initial Question/Comment: HTC EVO and plan info

12:27:48 PM : Please wait and the next available specialist will be with you shortly.

12:27:48 PM : **Sprint Guy has joined this session!

12:27:48 PM : Connected with **Sprint Guy. Your Reference Number for this chat session is ******.

12:27:48 PM : Thank you for contacting Sprint. My name is **Sprint Guy.

12:27:58 PM : **Sprint Guy: Hello.

12:28:02 PM : ******me: howdy

12:28:20 PM :******me: I have a few questions regarding the new Sprint phone due out on the 4th

12:28:30 PM : **Sprint Guy: Sure.

12:28:46 PM : ******me: Will the 10$ fee be added even if I do not live in a 4G area?

12:29:18 PM : **Sprint Guy: Yes , you are right.

12:29:43 PM : ******me: And that is for the potential HD content that you'd download with the EVO?

12:30:18 PM : **Sprint Guy: It is basically for using the 4g service.

12:30:21 PM : ******me: I won't be able to download HD content currently as it would take to long, I do not even get 3G service where I'm at

12:30:57 PM : ******me: Will anything be waived for Evo owners that arent able to take advantage of the 4G service?

12:30:57 PM : **Sprint Guy: I understand,.

12:32:18 PM : **Sprint Guy: I am sorry , but the $10.00 is a plan requirement for the HTC Evo.

**edited for privacy reasons

 

[dkotoric]

Someone posted this on the AndroidCentral forums and I think this pretty much sums up this useless fee:


I'm more annoyed by the reasons Sprint offered for the extra $10 than the charge itself.

A "richer data experience" when not in a 4G area?

My Sprint Palm Pre has a very rich data experience and yet I'm not paying $10 extra. Or how about a faster processor, better camera, etc..

When did a carrier think it could charge monthly fees for advances in manufacturer hardware vs carrier upgrades? Does your broadband provider charge more because you have a faster computer?

Ugh, Dan Hesse was doing so well with Sprint's customer relations.

 

[evotitans]

Just bit the bullet and went to Best Buy. Well actually went to Best Buy mobile, forgot my Best Buy store doesnt sell Sprint.

Quick, easy and painless sign up for pre-order. Funny how they had me set up an "appointment" for pickup. Said no to early release, June 4th is the day. But Im guaranteed one, thats all I care about.

Was about the 8th person to sign this list....only problem was I couldnt tell if it was just a list for EVO's.

If it was, damn that was quick for people to jump on it.

So another 149.99+Tax on the 4th and its bye bye PRE, kinda sad really.

 

[chum1600]

I just called 3 best buy''s here in st louis and they all said that if you preorder the phone this early you are guaranteed a phone on launch date. I am taking their word for it and going as soon as I get off work.

 

[RiverOfIce]

When did a carrier think it could charge monthly fees for advances in manufacturer hardware vs carrier upgrades? Does your broadband provider charge more because you have a faster computer?.

And the answer to that question is yes they do!

The standard internet price for me is 60 bucks a month for a 2mbps down 1 up.

I however can not use that plan. Please I have faster computer. I have 3 home servers. They can not use the standard internet connection, they have to pay more for the server connection.

So yes, if you have a data intense home computer, you will have to pay more for the service. I am sorry. But that is how the system works.

 

[AM2]

so many pages ago someone posted a link to some accessories that included a nice car dock...anyone know what store that was, or just where in general i can find a nice car dock...preferably one that i can dock in portrait or landscape mode...grassy ass in advance


for the evo of course

 

[Geegolly]

And the answer to that question is yes they do!

The standard internet price for me is 60 bucks a month for a 2mbps down 1 up.

I however can not use that plan. Please I have faster computer. I have 3 home servers. They can not use the standard internet connection, they have to pay more for the server connection.

So yes, if you have a data intense home computer, you will have to pay more for the service. I am sorry. But that is how the system works.

You're argument can easily be turned against you.
Why should I have to pay the same premium price as you, when I'm unable to eat up the same bandwidth as you.

 

[capthr]

The charge is to uncap the data restrictions, enable you to use apps like Qik for two way voice chatting, etc. No where does it say the charge is for 4G - that's you jumping to conclusions.

No you are making excuses for Sprint. The charge is for 4G most of those "benefits" are only usable or greatly enhanced with 4G I've never come close to the 5gb cap and probably never will on 3G. All we heard from Sprint was how 4G is cheaper, hence no cap on 4G with their 3G/4G hotspot devices and modems.

 

[davidlt4]

Yeah, good point. I've been wondering the same. Usually add-ons are not subject to monthly discounts. Employer discounts are a % off your base plan price...if the $10 is an add-on, rather than a wole new plan, I doubt that it will be subject to discount.



Oh, really? I just subcribed to Sprint TV Xtra which is $9.99. I figured my corp discount wouldn't apply to this since it's an add-on. For example, insurance is still $7 whether you have a corp discount or not. I won't get my new bill 'till next month, so I won't be able to verify about the -print TV Xtra fee.

Have 4 lines my employee discount is for plan, sprint fam locator, and for the xtra 2 lines. They all get discounted on my bill.

 

[RiverOfIce]

You're argument can easily be turned against you.
Why should I have to pay the same premium price as you, when I'm unable to eat up the same bandwidth as you.

Because you are using the same hardware as I am. You can watch flash, play online games, streams movies, download songs, watch youtube, and even video conference on a 3g connection.

What you are saying is that I am not getting the speeds as you so that is unfair. What I am saying is that you can do everything I do on 3g and regardless of speeds, you will take up as much data as I will.

A 20 min youtube movie will suck up the same amount of space on a 3g connection as a 4g connection.

You are not paying to get the 4g connection. That is free, you are playing to get an uncapped connection. That is not free.

You see the difference?

 

[SHO_ONE]

I have a corporate discount and it applies to all add-ons.

All except the $7.99 coverage plan

 

[capthr]

And the answer to that question is yes they do!

The standard internet price for me is 60 bucks a month for a 2mbps down 1 up.

I however can not use that plan. Please I have faster computer. I have 3 home servers. They can not use the standard internet connection, they have to pay more for the server connection.

So yes, if you have a data intense home computer, you will have to pay more for the service. I am sorry. But that is how the system works.

What if your neighbor had your kind of setup and you just had a desktop and laptop but your provider charged you the same as your neighbor because next year you might upgrade.

 

[Bek]

You're argument can easily be turned against you.
Why should I have to pay the same premium price as you, when I'm unable to eat up the same bandwidth as you.

Not really. If we both have 1500 minute plans but you only use 100 and I use 1499, we still pay the same price.

Or if we both have "premium" unlimited minutes plans, it's your choice to only use a few hundred a month, whereas I could burn several thousand, and we still pay the same price.

 

[RiverOfIce]

No you are making excuses for Sprint. The charge is for 4G most of those "benefits" are only usable or greatly enhanced with 4G I've never come close to the 5gb cap and probably never will on 3G. All we heard from Sprint was how 4G is cheaper, hence no cap on 4G with their 3G/4G hotspot devices and modems.

Then it is very clear the EVO is not for you. The HTC hero2 is coming out really soon, I would wait for that.

 

[htc.EVOlution]

hmm still no note on EPRP... weak

 

[RiverOfIce]

What if your neighbor had your kind of setup and you just had a desktop and laptop but your provider charged you the same as your neighbor because next year you might upgrade.

That does not make any sense. At all. If my neighbor had my equiment, he would get charged the same. But he does not have my hardware, he has a desktop and laptop, that will get you the normal rate.

What you are saying is that I have the HTC EVO and he has the HTC Hero.

And he is getting charged 10 dollars to? How is that?

 

[JMD]

What if your neighbor had your kind of setup and you just had a desktop and laptop but your provider charged you the same as your neighbor because next year you might upgrade.

Thats not the same. You both have the evo so you both have to have the same computer system to make the argument.

The problem is there are two questons here:

1) Is the $10 for uncapped data or 4g?

2) Will someone who lives in a 3g area use as much data as someone in a 4g area?

The answer for #1 can be debated untill we all get pissed and sent to banlandia and we'll probably never get a definative answer.

The answer for # 2 probably lies more in the user than the phone.

Either way we're probably not going to agree so if you don't want to pay the exta $10 go to another carrier or wait unitl sprint releases its next non 4g phone.

 

[capthr]

Then it is very clear the EVO is not for you. The HTC hero2 is coming out really soon, I would wait for that.

I'll get what I want when I want it I already ordered the EVO I just don't like
paying for something i can't use. They will probably include a Premium data charge to all their phones in the future. Once the sheep accept it, they tend to keep it.We all use things for different purposes, you say you will go way over the cap so $10 is a reasonable sum. I've never come close and don't expect to in the future, on 3G, probably with 4G that will change. Currently they have a cap on 3G no cap on 4G I was happy with that. When 4G is available to me I will pay the $10.

 

[tpp0230]

This thread is becoming a bummer to read due to the $10 charge stuff. I totally agree it sucks for some people that they now can't afford or feel that its not worth buying because of the charge.. IMO i think sprint did it so they weren't flooded with calls when people go over the 5GB cap on 3G. I think another person stated it best when he compared it to a high end car.. Not everyone can afford a 7 series BMW but can afford a 3 series.. so you may have to get something smaller or go to a different dealership.

 

[chrissyd]

Has anyone contacted their BB and found out if they'd match RS, the competition? I'm doubting they will as no matter what it's gunna be a pretty popular phone on it's own. Plus many people prefer BB over RS anyway, but I'm on the fence about it. I'm not a RS fan and never shop there (shoot thought they had gone belly-up, no offense to RS fans) so I don't know what the quality of service/product etc is there? BB on the other hand has always provided great service to me, but they don't offer the $20 accessory deal?

Any idea's or feedback, just looking for some opinions....Thanks!

 

[burgertime]

I'm going with BB over RS just because at RS it's upsell city. Good luck buying it and getting in and out in under 30 minutes. Somehow they will try to convince you, you need their service plan with it, which cost 100 dollars a year.