I believe I’ve mentioned that my Verizon contract is almost finished, and I’m now able to choose another phone. In exchange, of course, for signing a fresh two-year deal with my cellular overlords.
And this has triggered much research, and reading of internet reviews. I want to move up to a smartphone, and would really like the Motorola Droid. But the thing is so expensive (my cost: $199), it’s hard to accept. Especially when you factor in the so-called “data pack” needed to run that monster.
It’s an unjustifiable proposition, in my opinion.
So, I’ve been reading about the less-costly HTC Droid. I could get it for $79, and the reviews are almost unanimously positive.
The only downside? I do a lot of texting, and the HTC has a virtual keyboard. Meaning it has a cartoon likeness of a keyboard, as opposed to a real one. And I don’t like the sound of that, not one tiny bit.
As is the tradition, I’ve been agonizing about all this boolshit. I keep vacillating between what I really want, and the more sensible option.
I say to myself: “What’s a hundred twenty bucks in the grand scheme of things? Just cut out Milky Ways from the vending machines at work, and you’ll pay for it in no time.”
Then I counter: “Are you freaking insane? What do you need a two hundred dollar phone for? Who do you think you are, someone important?” I’m not very nice to myself, if you want to know the truth.
All these internal conversations were starting to drive me crazier, and I decided to make a final decision on Saturday. I would go to the Verizon Store, I announced to myself, and play around with that virtual keyboard one final time. And if it wasn’t too bad, I’d just go with the HTC.
I needed cell phone closure, dammit.
So, I went over there, and some khaki-pants wearing sumbitch, with a lanyard around his neck, descended upon me within seconds.
“Can I help you with anything?” he asked.
“No, I just want to look at the phones. I’m good.”
“May I ask you which company you’re using as a cable provider?” he answered.
WTF? I just told this guy I didn’t need or want to talk with him, and that I was interested in phones. So, what does he do? He continues talking — about cable TV.
“Hey man, I’m here to play around with the cell phones. Nothing else. I’m not going to change my cable company,” I replied.
“Can I ask how much you pay per month for service?”
I said nothing, but something in my expression caused him to retreat. “If I can be of any assistance, just ask,” he said, while walking backwards.
Grrr… That place is as bad as the old Circuit City. Every time I went into one of those stores, some lanyard bastard would instantly suction himself to me. And it got to the point where I stayed away, for that specific reason.
In fact, I don’t do business with the Verizon Store, either. I just go there to hold phones in my hands, and test ’em out. Actually dealing with those pushy, condescending fucks? Never! In addition to their overbearing demeanor, they’ll also bend you over the proverbial couch with fees:
“Yes, the phone is $79, final cost. But that’s with a $200 mail-in rebate. Also, there will be a transfer fee, reconnection fee, and commission-enhancement charge. Can I also interest you in an extended warranty, or insurance policy? I highly recommend both, because I get 25% of whatever add-ons I can squeeze out of you dumbass rubes…” On and on it goes.
And at the website it’s just $79, with none of that other nonsense. Doing actual business in one of their stores is for SUCKERS! Shit, I’m getting all worked-up here…
In any case, I didn’t like the virtual keyboard, but tried to convince myself I’d get used to it. I’m sure it’s fine, I mumbled, knowing it would likely drive me up the wall. For two long years.
But I decided I was finally going to bite the bullet, and order the HTC. I went home and logged onto the Verizon website, and had questions about our family plan. I’d received a letter telling me I could upgrade, but what about the other three lines?
So, I called their customer service number, bracing for a hard-sell, etc. But it was completely positive. The woman, who may or may not have been named Ticonderoga (that’s how I remember it, but how could it possibly be?), was extremely helpful and friendly.
I told her my situation, and she took a look at my account. Then she suggested I wait until March 31, before taking any action. At that point I’ll pass some kind of different threshold, and will be eligible for all sorts of added goodies.
The cost of the Motorola Droid will become $99(!), and I’ll be able to choose any other phone they sell — for free. Any phone, including another Droid, if I want.
So, Toney will be able to pick out something kick-ass, for no additional cost. And the phone the Secrets want, the enV Touch, will also be completely free. Final price for four new top o’ the line phones: $99.
Would lanyard boy have surrendered so much important information? Ha!
So, yeah. I’m happy with Verizon right now. We’ve been with them for years, and have no issue with their service, whatsoever. If I can just stay out of their stores, we’ll likely stay with them for many years to come. But it’s in their best interest that I stay out of their stores… ‘Cause I’ve been known to get irritated by something, and write off an entire corporation for life.
Are you happy with your cell phone? What do you have? Are you satisfied with your provider? Are you getting a good deal from them? What about horror stories? They’re always fun. Tell us all about it in the comments.
And I’ll see you guys again tomorrow.
Have a great day.
Jeff, have had the Droid since Christmas, best bit of electronics I have ever purchased! No lie, c’mon drink the cool aid!
I like the virtual keyboard, but find the touchscreen a little too sensitive.
Good luck!
my 2+ year old enV died at the end of January. Got an enV touch, love it.
Hate the Verizon store. They are a separate entity than verizonwireless.com. Different offers, different prices.
We were agonizing over the price thing and I when fate forced me to make a move to my surprise the phone was free with my new every 2 deal.
I’ve owned probably a dozen mobile phones of all makes and models and I can honestly say there is iPhone and then there is everything else. And that comes from someone who owns all PCs. The only other Apple product I own is an old iPod photo. I use my iPhone constantly. It is by far the closest I’ve come to the internet actually being tolerable on a cell phone.
Really surprised you didn’t go for one Jeff since you love music and your iPod so much.
So far I’ve managed not to have a cell phone of my own. I have one from work so the price is right, but I don’t get to choose the phone, the carrier or the service plan. This time around I have a Palm Centro on Sprint (formerly Nextel) although I still prefer the flip-style phones over the “candy bar”. And I have to wonder what’s the point of having a “smart” phone -WITHOUT- a data plan; the phone has all kinds of web-browsing, emailing capabilities that I can’t use.
So the Centro is OK, at least the fraction of its capability to which I’m allowed access. Sprint service is spotty in places, but I’m usually within a few miles of an Interstate so it’s mostly OK for me. Coverage has slowly improved over the years.
Mr. Ramone,
Dammit, I’ve been trying to get ahold of you at Godsey’s store and the line is always busy. I’m beginning to suspect Ike has a woman somewhere and that she likes to blab. It’s not busy at night, but apparently Ike is, because I get ring/no answer.
jtb
When you try the virtual keyboard, try it with the phone turned on it’s side. It makes the keys larger which, for me, along with the word guessing that the phone does as you type, is faster than the Curve I had before I got the Droid. The apps and widgets make the user interface G R E A T. The phone can do so much, I learn new things or other ways of doing stuff.
Thankfully Verizon isn’t cable here.
I am proud to admit that I have a Tracfone; exactly 3 people have my cell number. So I am basically outgoing-only.
My setup is “Don’t call me, I’ll call you (maybe).”
One of my brothers and my partner at work have iPhones – it’s sad to watch – much like Linus’ Security Blanket.
Today’s quotes:
“Utility is when you have one telephone, luxury is when you have two, opulence is when you have three – and paradise is when you have none.” Doug Larson
“The telephone is a good way to talk to people without having to offer them a drink.” Fran Lebowitz
“I like my new telephone, my computer works just fine, my calculator is perfect, but Lord, I miss my mind!” (unknown)
My new contract from Verizon:
2 phones/free
700 minutes a month (more than enough)
no texting/nothing online
$55/month for both my wife and me.
We actually got more minutes and now pay less than our old deal. Eat that Qweezy.
Jeff, we bought my wife an HTC Droid back in January, and I have to say I’m jealous of it. And surprisingly enough…I’m jealous of her Droid and I have an iPhone! The Droid really looks like the next big thing, especially since it runs the same software as Google’s Nexus One. Anyway, she also loves using the Droid and we’ve had zero issues with it.
Ive had them all. ATT (formerly happy with cingular) is ok but slowed down alot with the introduction of the iPhone. Im currently typing this on a slide-out keyboard on an old HTC Tilt and loving it. Also has Windows=all freware=free tethering=free tracking software…etc for 140 bucks, NO contract, period. This ain’t my first rodeo…..
The iPhone is the only way to go.
I got the T mobile I-touch with the Andriod system. I just started in Real Estate and the thing is great. I have a gmail account and it syncs with that so I never miss an email. The touch screen is fine for texting. The only problem is if my wife got one also. We would have to pay the $30 for hers to hook up with the interweb like we have to on mine. SO BE CAREFUL IF YOU GET SUCKED INTO FREE PHONES. You may have to pay $25c or $30 extra per phone… just to use all thier capibilities… They don’t have as many apps as the Iphone though. Butr they do have quite a few. I was waiting for another realtor to show up yesterday and was playing Texas holdem on line while waiting. Made the time pass quickly. The gps maps is great also. Never get lost again. JEFF…
Bunker cam Tony self portrait… “Bear with me” …
Now this is something I can chime in on. While working on my MBA, I conducted a study on Verizon Wireless customer satisfaction. And Jeff, you could have written my paper (at least the conclusion). Your opinion on their customer service, technological service, and gadgets mirrored my closely studied and calculated conclusions. Seemingly no one has complaints about the actual service Verizon provides, however many folks don’t like the stores, but consider them an necessary evil because there’s no other substitute for holding a phone in your hand and playing around with it before you buy. Most consumers would prefer to conduct business online, at their convenience, and without all of the bells and whistles that are distracting at the brick and mortar locations.
I went so far as to calculate their Net Promoter Score (NPS), and conduct other marketing surveys and whatnot, but in the end my conclusions and yours are the same. So pat yourself on the back…you didn’t even have to spend money on Business School tuition to do so!
No update and no Mockable. Why does Jebus hate us so much?
I LOVE MY IPHONE! In addition, it is a great babysitter for a restless 5 year old while waiting anywhere. Did I mention, I LOVE MY IPHONE!
Jeff
As an old sailor you crack me up and you provide a great point of view. I guess your audience does not mind your expeltives but some of my family and friends would so I can’t Tweet this to them.
I have to say though I concur with your feelings and experience about phone stores in general. Making their commission and not getting me the best deal is the mission they are on. It does get in the way of customer service. Going in armed with information you got on line seems to be the way you can walk out with the same deal.
I just haven’t figured out a way to grease that wheel – it remains adversarial – you against them.
We have Sprint, but only because we travel a lot and in my humble opinion it has the best coverage with no roaming. Plus we live in the only major city in Texas thta isn’t on a major highway so coverage with the other available carriers tends to suck balls here.
I have a Blackberry Curve. My only issue with it is that the Facebook app is buggy and doesn’t upload pictures well.