Comments on: Get a Free T-Mobile BlackBerry Curve 8320 From Amazon

By: Vaun Wilmott

Vaun Wilmott — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 04:42:30 +0000

Thanks Blue… the Verizon Pearl could definitely be the way to go… I have heard the 3G is going to fly. I have a feeling that they are going to gouge us for the pleasure. It won’t be 29.99. I would say 39.99 or more. I am currently with Tmobile and though I think they are the best deal for minutes, they are not the best coverage and it takes them a long time to get the newest phones. I called and complained, said I was thinking about leaving and they gave me the Curve without an account extension for the 249.00. That made me happy… because even if I leave I can sell it for more than I paid taking care of most of my 200.00 penalty for leaving (I have about 10 months left).

By: bluehorseshoe

bluehorseshoe — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 02:02:45 +0000

@ Vaun

As for the Verizon Pearl, it will have the 3G data service. As for the TMO wifi being able to connect to other locations, from what I’ve been told by TMO, you can hook up to any wifi network provided it’s open or you know the paraphrase/security key. Think about it…it’s only an option by TMO to buy their router for the service, otherwise you can use your wireless router at home. The only advantage the TMO router offers is the tweaking of the router to prioritize the calls over data usage. Otherwise, no need for the TMO wifi router. With that being said, you can connect anywhere and take advantage of the plan, provided you can link into the network.

If Verizon lowers the data plan for Blackberry’s to $29.99 for BIS, then I’m heavily leaning towards the Verizon Pearl. I personally like the Pearl form factor, and have been using it for the past year. The TMO Curve is attractive based on the wifi ability to call. But the Verizon service (regarding the reception and data speed) is superior to TMO (I’m currently a TMO customer), and it may be time for a switch.

I’ll know better come Nov. 1 when Verizon releases the Pearl and announces the new data plan rates.

By: Vaun Wilmott

Vaun Wilmott — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 17:21:57 +0000

My understanding is new 2 year service… they say on there you can’t cancel a tmobile number within a certain amount of time or they can charge you 250.00. If you are interested in new service, want a Curve and don’t mind ATT… WalMart is selling one for FREE with a new 2 year service activation.

I am thinking about doing that because with WiFi on the tmobile Curve (other than at home) most systems are blocked so I don’t know how much WiFi you would actually get other than at Starbucks etc.

By: DSF

DSF — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 17:14:59 +0000

Is this deal available to those who already are in the middle of an existing T-Mobile plan? Or only those who do not have T-Mobile at the moment?

Bit confused…

By: Dieter

Dieter — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 05:40:12 +0000

We need to thank Apple and the iPhone for this deal. There was a time when you could not get a free smartphone from T-Mobile. I tried a couple of years ago. I had to buy a blackberry from EBay and transfer the SIM for service on T-Mobile.

These deals are showing up because of competition with Apple.

Thank you Steve Jobs and Apple!

By: Vaun Wilmott

Vaun Wilmott — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 04:00:39 +0000

I am so glad to hear that other people “wage the battle” inside their heads… I have been obsessing for two weeks over the BB Curve at Tmobile, the BB Curve at ATT or the iphone. I just can’t decide which way to jump.

Will the Verizon Pearl have 3g when it is launched? If so, I have another phone to mess up my thinking process.

By: bluehorseshoe

bluehorseshoe — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 20:51:05 +0000

The battle within’…Verizon Pearl or TMO Curve w/wifi…which do I go for? Right now I have a Pearl w/TMO, but the Verizon 3G data is extremely attractive, however the TMO wifi calling is just as attractive…

Man I hate these decisions. The Amazon deal makes it that much harder.

By: Scott

Scott — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 18:47:53 +0000

Picked up one of those for myself… what is interesting is other resellers are offering the same deal (obviously carrier subsidized and only available with mail-in rebates). What makes Amazon’s deal so great is that they will activate your phone on a new number and ship it to you, then you can port your number when it arrives – cutting down on the “2-3 days without service” as another reseller told me it would be if I ported my number to one of these from another carrier.

Caveat though, you must be active on TMobile for 181 days with the price plan you sign up with to buy the 8320 (no downgrading your minutes or dropping/changing your BB email plan option) or you’ll be charged for the phone… don’t remember if it was “in full” or “$250.” This is a typical rule for resellers.

Regardless, it is certainly a great deal and honestly won me over on the BB vs. iPhone battle that waged inside my head. Especially since I will now have an 8800 from Verizon to do with as I please…