Thread Question Change: Wireless Phone Warranty or No Warranty?

[middlehead]

Originally posted by: PrinceXizor
How do text messages work? :/ Can someone send me a text if they know my cell #?

Yes, that's all they need. And they don't even have to send them from their own phone; one of Verizon's subsites allows people to send texts, plus there's any number of other sites that'll do it.

If you don't have a text package added to your plan, they're 10 cents a piece for text, and I think 25 cents a piece for pictures or any other kind of media. And depending on what text package you add, there might still be messages you get charged for seperately.

 

[PrinceXizor]

Thanks for the info! I suppose I'd have to be spammed with 100 rogue texts a month to worry about adding it for $10.

Now I just have to decide about the extended service plan. From the sounds of the quality of cell phones, its worth it. Not so sure about the regular insurance.

P-X

 

[Mrvile]

Bah too bad you aren't upgrading. I got my razr for free a few weeks ago as an upgrade and so far I love it. Great reception, nice clear sound. Only thing is that it's a bit fragile but I have yet to drop it (I hope I never do )

 

[Apex]

Originally posted by: Mrvile
Bah too bad you aren't upgrading. I got my razr for free a few weeks ago as an upgrade and so far I love it. Great reception, nice clear sound. Only thing is that it's a bit fragile but I have yet to drop it (I hope I never do )

Ah cool.

I just picked up a Samsung SCH-A970. Hate it. I think I'm going to wait until 6/5/06 when the RAZR v3m comes out, and swap it.

 

[MrBond]

Originally posted by: PrinceXizor
Thanks for the info! I suppose I'd have to be spammed with 100 rogue texts a month to worry about adding it for $10.

Now I just have to decide about the extended service plan. From the sounds of the quality of cell phones, its worth it. Not so sure about the regular insurance.

P-X

I can't speak for the Motorola phones, but I've never needed the extended warranty for my LG phones. It seems like a waste of money. I don't have the phone insurance either.

Unless you're really mistake prone, then don't worry about insurance/extended warranty.

I wouldn't insist on a phone with analog coverage either, I think most of the analog networks Verizon uses are roaming when you use them. If you look at the detailed coverage map for your zip code, you can get a good idea as to what you might need. I think most of Ohio is in either the regular network or the extended network, which is digital but you don't pay roaming. If you absolutly must have analog, I think the VX6100 is one of the most recent phones to offer it. The VX7100 may have it too, but I don't think they sell it anymore.

 

[PrinceXizor]

We talked about it and the roaming while analog (and thus $.69/min) didn't appeal. I think we're going with the e815's. How long do you have to replace a phone if its defective? (Not dropped or anything like that). Just a little more conversation on this point and I'll be ready to place my order.

P-X

 

[PrinceXizor]

Maybe I should ask this question too? If my phone breaks and VZN doesn't replace it, what would they charge me for a new phone?

P-X

 

[PrinceXizor]

Bump for thread title change.
P-X

 

[PrinceXizor]

Any additional comments on exteneded product coverage and/or warranties?

P-X

 

[MrBond]

There should be some sort of warranty on the phone, I have no idea how long it will be. I know if you buy from a Verizon store, you have 10 days to return the equipment and get out of the contract without paying the ETF and only paying for the service you already used, but I'm almost positive there's a longer phone warranty. It might be worthwhile for you to go to a Verizon store and ask them, then tell them you have to "Think it over" and go order at Amazon. The VZW employees are usually helpful and friendly.

I really think the $2/mo for defects is a waste of money. I've NEVER had a cell phone that I would have used that on. I don't know anyone who has. The only time a cell phone breaks is usually your fault (ie: drop it in the toilet/etc). In that case, the phone insurance will cover it.

If you have to buy a new phone for whatever reason, what you'll pay varies. A year after you've been with VZW, you can buy a phone with the "New customer pricing" - which is what you're getting now. After two years, you get the New Every Two discount on your primary line (but not the second line). I think that's $100 off new customer pricing on a phone. If you don't fall under any of those catagories, you're going to pay full price for a phone, and they're expensive. Expect to pay $200+ from VZW. You can buy a used phone on eBay and usually pay less (thats what I did to get my VX6100, although there was nothing wrong with my old phone, I just wanted a backup phone since this is my only phone line).

 

[PrinceXizor]

There should be some sort of warranty on the phone, I have no idea how long it will be. I know if you buy from a Verizon store, you have 10 days to return the equipment and get out of the contract without paying the ETF and only paying for the service you already used, but I'm almost positive there's a longer phone warranty.

Most manufacturer's (i.e. Motrolla) warranty are 90 days. I should check out their site.

I really think the $2/mo for defects is a waste of money. I've NEVER had a cell phone that I would have used that on. I don't know anyone who has. The only time a cell phone breaks is usually your fault (ie: drop it in the toilet/etc). In that case, the phone insurance will cover it.

The phone insurance is $4/mo. Did you sign up for that? I'm leaning away from any of the add-on insurances, but I wanted to get some second opinions.

A year after you've been with VZW, you can buy a phone with the "New customer pricing" - which is what you're getting now.

That's good to know.

It might be worthwhile for you to go to a Verizon store and ask them, then tell them you have to "Think it over" and go order at Amazon. The VZW employees are usually helpful and friendly.

Amazon does have some awesome deals, but I need two phones and the rebates on the e815 are only for the primary phone in a family share plan. I'd have to shell out $175 to get the 2nd one. Verizon on-line has BOGOF with the first phone only costing $50. Seems to be the better way to go unless I'm missing something with Amazon that someone could kindly point out to me!

P-X

 

[kranky]

I've had cell phones for about eight years, never paid for an extra warranty, never had one break.

 

[PrinceXizor]

Excellent!
Also, Motorola's phone warranty is 1-year.
Last question....
Any way to take advantage of Amazon's phone prices with family share?

P-X

 

[pontifex]

Originally posted by: Mill

PLEASE KEEP THE FLAMES AND OTHER SIMILAR COMMENTS IN OTHER THREADS

What kind of loser puts this in a thread about cellphones? It isn't like you asked about abortion or racism.

i'm always surprised when a lifer asks this kind of question. shouldn't you know by now that the people on this forum will flame or thread crap anything?

 

[dman]

I've typically found the carrier warranty's to be especially crappy on cellphones. Especially on the midrange / popular models. Read the fine print....

Consider: Most have a $75+ deductible in addition to the $2-$4/month you pay for the warranty. Calculate that out over a year, $4*12 = $48+$75 to replace if you need it = $123 for the extra coverage IF you use it. In a year the value of your current model phone will drop fairly high from when you bought it, such that you should be able to find one new or slightly used (ebay) for <= to that amount, and there's little risk in doing so.

So, Unless you damage the phone in the first few months it doesn't pay, and even then it's sketchy. One drawback is for stolen phones you also have to buy / re-activate a sim or phone which would be $30+ usually and therefore the warranty might be better (if it covers that, It's been a while, not sure if they do).

 

[PrinceXizor]

Indeed. I know some have fairly *ahem* strong *ahem* about Verizon Wireless or other wireless carriers. I merely wanted to keep the "VERIZON sucks @#$@#$@#" type of posts out of this thread.

Then again, it could be a lifer's attempt at a joke...thread crapping and trying to initiate a flame war by referencing a post about flame wars. Who knows. I try not to feed trolls (or those that on particular days decide to act like them).

P-X

 

[PrinceXizor]

Originally posted by: dman
I've typically found the carrier warranty's to be especially crappy on cellphones. Especially on the midrange / popular models. Read the fine print....

Consider: Most have a $75+ deductible in addition to the $2-$4/month you pay for the warranty. Calculate that out over a year, $4*12 = $48+$75 to replace if you need it = $123 for the extra coverage IF you use it. In a year the value of your current model phone will drop fairly high from when you bought it, such that you should be able to find one new or slightly used (ebay) for <= to that amount, and there's little risk in doing so.

So, Unless you damage the phone in the first few months it doesn't pay, and even then it's sketchy. One drawback is for stolen phones you also have to buy / re-activate a sim or phone which would be $30+ usually and therefore the warranty might be better (if it covers that, It's been a while, not sure if they do).

Thanks dman! I was doing the math myself, but you laid it out a bit and I missed the deductable ($50 in this case, but still applicable).

AT still has the friendliest forums (IMO).

P-X

 

[MrBond]

Sorry about that, I thought you were going to order from Amazon for some reason. By all means, go the cheapest route.

I've never paid for phone insurance. I'm just careful with mine. You can usually get a midrange phone without all the bells and whistles (mp3 player/whatever) for under $100 on ebay, so I didn't think it was worth it.

 

[PrinceXizor]

No problem. Anyone know if VZN gouges you on shipping?

P-X

 

[PrinceXizor]

Oh yeah...detailed billing, is that a scam? What's the normal bill look like?

P-X

 

[MrBond]

I have online billing, I can print out a detailed bill any time I want that way. Verizon doesn't send me paper bills and I'm not charged for detailed billing.

Detailed billing is just a log of every call you've made that billing period. I don't think it's that useful personally. I'm not sure if you can view a detailed bill online if you have paper billing and don't pay for the "detailed billing" option.

I have no idea what they charge for shipping. Are you sure you can't get the same deal in-store that you are getting online?

 

[Indolent]

I have the insurance because I drop my phone a lot. And one time I ran it through the washing machine


Also, as for phones, the newest LG (8300) will be in stores some time next week. It is available online now. It's only $50 with a two year agreement and is also buy one get one free.

 

[PrinceXizor]

Originally posted by: MrBond
I have online billing, I can print out a detailed bill any time I want that way. Verizon doesn't send me paper bills and I'm not charged for detailed billing.

Detailed billing is just a log of every call you've made that billing period. I don't think it's that useful personally. I'm not sure if you can view a detailed bill online if you have paper billing and don't pay for the "detailed billing" option.

I have no idea what they charge for shipping. Are you sure you can't get the same deal in-store that you are getting online?

Well, I was in a store while on vacation in NY and didn't have the deal mentioned. Plus, their website says on-line discount.

P-X