Help selecting a new phone

[Sentrosi2121]

I'm getting close to the end of my contract with AT&T and am pretty sick of my Samsung Sync phone. Having to press a button 3 times to text just absolutely sucks. I didn't think that I'd become "that guy", that's why I got the Sync. But in the 2 years that I got the phone technology has changed.

My wife has the Iphone and she absolutely loves it and her company pays her network usage fees. I've played with it and I do like it, but paying $200 for a phone seems a little unjustified in my case. Mainly I'd be using the phone to check up on my guildmates while I'm out and about. I'm a serving officer with my guild and I know things happen during the weekends while I'm at work and I'd like to keep tabs on it and not be 'surprised' when I get home Monday morning.

So, with all that, here is what I'm looking for in a new phone;

1. Full QWERTY keyboard.
2. Wi-Fi capable.
3. Gmail/POP3 support

I've been looking at the Pantech Duo, but cannot confirm that it is Wi-Fi capable. One website says it is and another says it isn't. I like the look of the phone, but haven't had the time to actually hold it in my hand and play with it. I have fairly large hands/fingers.

 

[Riverhound777]

I'll be getting a BB Bold today to test with. May want to look into it.

 

[gorcorps]

Originally posted by: Riverhound777
I'll be getting a BB Bold today to test with. May want to look into it.

2nded. BB makes great phones and their new Bold is top notch. You can get this from walmart for free with a 2-year contract. If you get it directly from AT&T it's $300 :frown:

Here's a link:
http://walmart.letstalk.com/pr...product.htm?prId=34661

 

[Sentrosi2121]

Actually, to renew a 2 year contract with them (Which I think is what I'm doing) it'll cost me $150 if I go through Wal-Mart.

 

[Pegun]

Palm Centro, HTC Fuze, ATT Quickfire. I'd look into all of them

 

[Sentrosi2121]

From what I've read I like the look of the HTC Fuze. Now I just have to get my hands on one and see how it feels.

 

[Cobalt]

My assistant manager has a Fuze, same complaints as the Tilt. It's buggy and slow, and the thing isn't even working on our own (AT&T) corporate exchange server. He went back to his Curve. I have an iPhone as my personal device and I'm getting a Bold this week as a new COU. Played with the Bold months ago and also these last two weeks since we've had it. If you want to shell out the dough, go for it.

 

[KoolDrew]

Another vote for the BB Bold.

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: Sentrosi2121
Actually, to renew a 2 year contract with them (Which I think is what I'm doing) it'll cost me $150 if I go through Wal-Mart.

Check the rebate reqiurements for LetTalk.

Purchase select AT&T phones from LetsTalk.com or any of our affiliated partners and retailers online or through our customer service department and receive a $199.99 mail-in rebate when you activate new AT&T service on a service plan of $79.99 per month or more, add unlimited text messaging, and add a Blackberry data plan. You must maintain these service requirements for six months in order to receive these discounts. Offer Qualifications and Restrictions: This mail-in rebate is exclusive to LetsTalk.com and LetsTalk's affiliated online retailers and partners and is not available in any stores or carrier websites. This mail-in rebate applies only to individual plans or line 1 of a family plan This mail-in rebate requires a new 2 year service agreement. Certain other rate plans may not apply. Failure to maintain the minimum qualifying service plan for 181 days will invalidate the rebate. Rebate form will be made available for customer to download after order completion and fulfillment.

Requirements
1. Print & submit a copy of the rebate form. A customized version of your rebate form is available for download via our Rebate Center. There is a unique form for each phone purchased. Please double check to make sure you have all the right forms. Also, if you changed your cell phone number, please be sure to indicate your new cell phone number on the rebate form. Without these numbers, we will not be able to complete your rebate!
2. Submit a copy of your Proof of Purchase Receipt. You have a few options for your proof of purchase; you can use the Packing Slip that was included with your shipment or print a copy of the Receipt via our Rebate Center.
3. Attach a copy of the GREY LetsTalk.com barcode sticker (located on the bottom of your equipment box) to the space provided on the rebate form.
4. Submit a copy of your 4th month carrier bill. The bill must show that you have made payment and that "all outstanding balance" has been paid in full (Please circle this section on the bill).
5. Ensure that you have everything and make copies for your records. Then mail the required paperwork to the address indicated on the rebate form. USE SEPARATE ENVELOPES IF YOU ARE SUBMITTING MULTIPLE REBATES.

NOTE: Your rebate submission must be postmarked between 120 days and 180 days or we will be unable to process your rebate request

So expect your rebate 8-10 weeks AFTER 4 to 6 months.

We personally went to an AT&T store and in 30 minutes we walked out with two Bolds and absolutely zero hassle.

 

[Sentrosi2121]

Gah, that policy is just absolutely TERRIBLE. Thanks for the heads up iamwiz82.

Anyone have a Pantech Matrix? I checked it out at the local AT&T store today. Feels a little better in my hand. I didn't have time to check the Bold or Curve out, but next time I'm roaming the mall I'll try those out.

 

[Cobalt]

Just got my Bold today and am loving it so far. Absolutely gorgeous screen, keyboard is excellent and e-mail is as always great.

EDIT: Please don't get Pantech, quality is terrible. They are the most returned brand we carry (LG used to be it until the Duo came).

 

[Sentrosi2121]

So I see that the Samsung Eternity is now for sale at AT&T. I know that it doesn't support WiFi but if I can get the unlimited data plan for an extra $15/month it'll save me a bunch on the phone itself. I think I'm getting this phone but I'm a little confused at the pricing.
I can go to Newegg and get the Eternity for $80 with a two year contract. Yet if I go to the AT&T store it retails for $200 with the two year committment. How can Newegg offer the phone for almost $120 cheaper?