Reprise: the Samsung Galaxy Note 2

[MerpsMom]

Owie. I guess I won't be getting this very soon. Apparently, if you're not due for an upgrade, you pay full boat. Something like $700. Sure.

Why wouldn't a cell company grant you the upgrade to keep you in the fold? I could drop Sprint, go to ATT or Verizon, get the phone, and think I can live with their plan.

Won't do this, but I believe these companies have babied us with discounts and come-ons for so long, we expect them. Rather like discounting framing.

Cathie.........bummer on the wait time for this thing.

 

[chrish04]

Owie. I guess I won't be getting this very soon. Apparently, if you're not due for an upgrade, you pay full boat. Something like $700. Sure.

Why wouldn't a cell company grant you the upgrade to keep you in the fold? I could drop Sprint, go to ATT or Verizon, get the phone, and think I can live with their plan.

Won't do this, but I believe these companies have babied us with discounts and come-ons for so long, we expect them. Rather like discounting framing.

Cathie.........bummer on the wait time for this thing.

Sprint may let you buy the contract out early to get an upgrade. Call them and ask for their account services department, a.k.a retention's. They gave me an $80 service credit to renew the contract in March and let me buy an early upgrade for $60 so I came out ahead and bought a better phone.

 

[David Waldmann]

I could drop Sprint, go to ATT or Verizon, get the phone...

...and pay the early termination fee, which is probably the difference between the Retail and discounted plan price you paid for your current phone.

One further note, I think most carriers have two dates regarding contracts - one is an upgrade date which may be just 18 months, and the other is full termination which is generally 2 full years. That is their retention plan - let you upgrade or make you wait an extra 6 months if you want to swap carriers.

 

[Mike Labbe]

Basically, they give you a $500 or so credit towards a new phone - in exchange for a 2 year commitment. They tend to let people upgrade in month 18 or 20 (depending on carrier) of the 24 month contract. In most cases you are paying a premium for the service, to pay back this $500 credit/allowance/"loan" over time.

If you break out of the agreement earlier, they are entitled to the rest of their money. Most carriers have a $350 early termination fee, but they are pro rated depending on the number of months that remain on your contract. (so it will be less if you are halfway through the 24 month agreement)

Most European countries, and some US carriers, don't subsidize the initial price of buying the equipment. As a result, the monthly fees are much lower. We're paying for it, one way or another!

Mike

PS: I like that new Samsung Galaxy Note 2. When our contracts are up in May, we will probably get the Samsung Galaxy S4. (which is expected in March) This is the one company that really stands out above the rest, as far as innovation and bringing the best specs/features to market first. They've earned my respect for dealing with the corporate bullies from another company, and will have our future business/support. (We are currently Motorola customers, and I'm a beta tester for them) Andy's Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 has been a wonderful device, which he always has by his side. (a tablet, not a phone)