Cell phone question.... (Requesting a little help from the MJ crew....)

[taoist]

I'm looking at upgrading to a new cell phone.... Mine is out-dated and generally a piece of shit.... I will be staying with Verizon, so this is not a question about providers....


I'm looking at the Treo 700. A friend bought one from a Verizon store for about $500, which I am not about to fork over.... I've seen them going on eBay for approx. $320-400....

Questions:

1.) Anyone had any experience with the Treo 700 and what are your thoughts....

2.) Would you have concerns about buying one on eBay, even if it was "brand new still in the box"?

3.) Is there somewhere I might get one a little cheaper? Can I haggle with the Verizon store?

4.) Any other info would be appreciated....


Thanks in advance, gang!

 

[Mags]

Treo 700w

Treo 700w

I have had the Treo 700w (windows based) for about 4 months now. I absolutely love it. Being able to get your email all the time - plus a great internet web browser - it's just awesome.

The internet is fast, as it is on the EVDO (broadband) network.

Only "problem" I seem to have is the Bluetooth - sometimes it "loses" connectivity - which can usually be resolved via a soft reset (easy to do). Otherwise it works very well. If you buy one, make sure to download and update the new software patch (version 1.10) that recently came out. It may or may not already be on the phone you purchase, depending on when it was made.

Not sure if I'd buy one on Ebay - I had to return mine once when I first got mine due to problems. Returns on ebay can be difficult. Personally, I'd pay a bit more and get it from Verizon. The other nice thing is with the cell/data plan you'd get (which are somewhat expensive) - well, if it is over like $75.00 a month, Verizon will allow you to upgrade your phone every year and give you a (I think) $200 credit towards the cost. So as technology keeps getter better, you can keep upgrading your phone at a reasonable cost.

I tried to haggle with Verizon - good luck. I've always had success everywhere (even Best Buy) haggling for price - but not with Verizon.

Hopefully this helps.

 

[taoist]

What did you pay for yours, if you don't mind my asking, mags?

p.s. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Mr. Poon]

I have a Treo 700 (Cingular as the provider) and have no complaints at all. I'm sure you are aware of all the functionality, but for myself, dealing with business oversea's, it's great to be able to get your email and other items no matter where you are. also the document editing is essential to me.

I know a Blackberry can do the same, and I personally have never had a blackberry. However I have two close friends who have had both and swear by the Treo over the Blackberry due to ease of use and how prolematic the Blackberry can be.

I can't comment on getting one from eBay. You may try to haggle with Verizon more to see if there are any rebates you can get (if you haven't done that already). You also may try a Best Buy to see if they have any promos going on with the 700.

Hope that helps.

 

[Mr. Poon]

Taoist, not sure what line of work you are in, but you may look to see if it is reimbursable if you will be using it for work mostly. I'm self-employed, but was able to take the expense as a business expense.

 

[taoist]

I am self-employed (atty) and will write off the entire cost including the monthly service charges, so that's not a problem in and of itself.... Mostly I was trying to find one for less than $500, which I don't really want to fork out considering that the damn technology moves so fast.

Thanks for the advice. Keep it coming....

 

[gjn23]

being in the industry i can verify that while the treo is a useful device it in no way holds a candle to the BB 8700 esp. when it comes to email.

The BB 8700 now has EDGE capabilities and the browsing expereince is much faster than in past BB versions and is comprable to the Treo.

The Treo is a heavier device as well.

In the end it comes down to personal preference......for me I rely on email 95% of the time so the immediate delivery of email on a BB blows away the multiple step, delayed process on the Treo.

 

[taoist]

I've read several user reviews which complain of problems straight out of the box, as Mags referred to, and the hassel of having to take the unit back to get a replacement unit.... That is a major concern if I were to try to buy one outside of the Verizon store.... Any input or advice about that issue? Thanks again, gang.