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Signing up for a 1 year contract when purchasing the Bionic

A

aDroidtoForget

Newbie
I was thinking of signing a 1 year contract so I could upgrade to a new phone at the end, as opposed to waiting almost 2 years. It will probably cost an extra 100, but is there any other reason not to do this?
 
Yeah I think I'm going to start doing 1 year contracts. I'm not too sure, but I believe it might cost 70-80 extra. Well worth it if you see your self upgrading in the near future.

also with a one year contract you can upgrade in 10 months.
 
its $70, thunderbolt for 1 yr is 319 on vzw. the problem is its hard to find third party places to do one yr contracts
 
matt999000 said:
its $70, thunderbolt for 1 yr is 319 on vzw. the problem is its hard to find third party places to do one yr contracts
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Ya is there any negative aspect to buying through Amazon? With the 2 year it'd be 160 cheaper then the 1 year for thunderbolt, for example...a noticeable chunk of change.
 
I'll be getting the Bionic on a 1 year, especially since VZW took away the NE2 AND ANNUAL UPGRADE, basically making you hold onto your phone for 80% of the contract term, or buy a diff one at full retail value.
 
I am not due for an upgrade until the end of September and no matter what Android phone I get I will pay the extra and get a one year contract. Smartphones are just evolving too fast to be stuck with one for 2 years.
 
I almost purchased the TB this weekend, but was not eligible for the 1 year contract. I currently have the original Droid in a 2-year contract that rund through November. The Verizon rep said that I could renew my 2-year (and forfeit my last NE2 rebate) now or wait until July to change my contract to 1-year (and also get to use my NE2 rebate). Between the negative initial reviews on the TB, the NE2 savings and the option to get a 1-year contract, I'm willing to wait until July for the Bionic. It helps that my Droid is running Gingerbread at 1 GHz already.
 
If you keep it in good shape, you will probably get that $70 back in resale value vs keeping it for 2 years when it is really out of date.
 
Yeah, I am thinking about doing this too, only problem is I cannot get it from Best Buy, and I have quite a few bucks from there (65 + a 50 GC). Granted I could get other things, I would rather use them on the new phone...
 
Vehtemas said:
Yeah, I am thinking about doing this too, only problem is I cannot get it from Best Buy, and I have quite a few bucks from there (65 + a 50 GC). Granted I could get other things, I would rather use them on the new phone...
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Sounds exactly like me. Got some points to use from Best Buy (bought two tvs during Christmas), so it's considerable, but at this point in the game, no phone is going to stay up-to-date 2 years later.
 
I looked yesterday to see the difference between 1 and 2 year contracts. my upgrade is not due until July, but my wife's phone has not been upgraded in years, so I looked at hers. $229.99 vs. $199.99 for 1 yr vs. 2 yr. Is this minor difference because she has not used her NE2 rebate?
 
YankeeDudeL said:
Sounds exactly like me. Got some points to use from Best Buy (bought two tvs during Christmas), so it's considerable, but at this point in the game, no phone is going to stay up-to-date 2 years later.
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Yeah... It is over $100 at Best Buy I could use, but again I don't know if that is worth spending if I am locked into a 2 year contract...
 
Vehtemas said:
Yeah... It is over $100 at Best Buy I could use, but again I don't know if that is worth spending if I am locked into a 2 year contract...
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Same here, I've got about $65. And they have that buy back program thing now, too. That might be worth looking into, as I could always give someone in my family the Bionic later (they have no idea what's good. lol). Still, def not looking into locking into a 2 year contract. I like getting a new phone every year. It's kinda my thing (though, I've been very satisfied with the Droid up till now).
 
I plan on getting a Bionic upon release. Here is a comparison on how I choose to buy a new VZW phone (in person). No specific order, just the pros and cons on what I have found to be the case.

Best Buy
Pros : Rebate given up front (no need to mail in, taken at register), no restocking fee upon return/exchange for different phone.
Cons : Based on this thread, not able to do early upgrades for 1 yr contract. Also, don't get their "Black Tie" warranty (I think that is what it is called). It doesn't support physical damage. Get the Verizon insurance instead.

Verizon PLUS corporate stores (if you are lucky enough to have one around as I do)
Pros : Rebate given up front (same as BB). Friendly and knowledgeable staff willing to discuss rooting, etc (at least at my store).
Cons : Restocking fee for returned phones. No other cons, but unsure if they can give a 1 year contract on an early upgrade. I will go there soon and ask and report back.

Verizon Wireless Corporate stores
Pros : None (IMO).
Cons : Very busy, long wait time, restocking fee, mail in rebates, I teach staff about features of phones, etc, etc.

Sadly, I have never purchased online, but perhaps someone who has can list pros and cons from that route.
 
I actually called up my local Best Buy and they are willing to do a 1 year contract for me.

However, I use to work there so I don't know if it is them being nice to me or if they do it for everyone.

But it does show that Best Buy has the ABILITY to do one year contracts.
 
Vehtemas said:
I actually called up my local Best Buy and they are willing to do a 1 year contract for me.

However, I use to work there so I don't know if it is them being nice to me or if they do it for everyone.

But it does show that Best Buy has the ABILITY to do one year contracts.
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Def something to look into, I think I'll badger a few of my local reps. I'll start off with, "This guy online...", they always love that. :cool:
 
Another thing to think about...what if Verizon still offers 29.99 unlimited 4g when they release the bionic...It'll almost be worth it to sign a 2 year contract.

Could you just purchase a new phone in a year (Full price) and keep the same plan...or does Verizon require you to change the plan with a new phone (att user here, can't wait to switch btw)
 
esmith818 said:
I almost purchased the TB this weekend, but was not eligible for the 1 year contract. I currently have the original Droid in a 2-year contract that rund through November. The Verizon rep said that I could renew my 2-year (and forfeit my last NE2 rebate) now or wait until July to change my contract to 1-year (and also get to use my NE2 rebate). Between the negative initial reviews on the TB, the NE2 savings and the option to get a 1-year contract, I'm willing to wait until July for the Bionic. It helps that my Droid is running Gingerbread at 1 GHz already.
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I'm in the exact situation, right down to running GB at 1GHz on the OG Droid. :)

We'll see what happens between now and then.
 
krouget said:
I'm in the exact situation, right down to running GB at 1GHz on the OG Droid. :)

We'll see what happens between now and then.
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1.42 FYG 1.1 GHz kernel ;)

My phone is as fast as my friends Droid Pro, who just bought his phone.

I love my 2 year old tech easily comparing to brand new stuff ;) hahaha
 
If you are wanting to lock in 4G unlimited for as long as you can- why a one year contract?

Seems best to get a two year contract, unless 4G unlimited is not a factor.
 
rushmore said:
If you are wanting to lock in 4G unlimited for as long as you can- why a one year contract?

Seems best to get a two year contract, unless 4G unlimited is not a factor.
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Because even if it isn't under contract if you buy a new phone outright you can 99% of the time put it under your existing account.

I even asked two Verizon people at their 800 number line, they said that you could buy one outright and put it under your 30/unlimited account.
 
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