Tricks to early upgraded hardware?

[zcarman]

Hey everyone,

I am completely pulling this down since everyone seems so offended by making carriers accountable for the services they provide to us. This specifically relates to Sprint and their cancellation of the NFL Live software. I only asked a simple question on if anyone has figured out how to get early hardware discounts from Sprint, as I had in the past from Verizon.

I guess I was completely wrong in assuming that people would ask for a hardware replacement if their phone stopped working correctly and they don't ask for upgrades when something new comes out. I guess I am the only one and I don't want to make waves so consider this topic gone.

Thanks though...

 

[latinmaxima]

Probably your strongest ground willbe the NFL Live App> Push it as far as you can. If it is true that 2.1 fixes the other issues then you will only have that as I hear the new program is now where near the NFL app.

 

[Jadien]

@Covert_Death

Seriously? Are you that upset that the OP uses his resources to get a phone for the best price he can? As far as I can tell he's taking advantage of the situation to acquire the best possible outcome for himself. And, frankly, there is nothing more American than that.

How about you try to state your point in a mature way without calling someone you've never met a "puss" and ranting and raving like a jealous child.

 

[zcarman]

Wow, what a fun topic... I love starting great arguments. So in a rapid response to everyone...

@ latinmaxima - Yep, the NFL Live argument worked, I am now on for an update or credit (not a 2 year deal but $100 off a new device (instead of $75 at my one year) is nothing to shake a stick at)...

@ jaiden - I do have to thank you for coming to the defense, but CD actually makes a good point about over charging everyone else because they give me new device every 6 months.

@ Covert_Death - I totally agree with you about being 'cheap' especially when my former carrier milked me out of $225 a month for the last 5 years for something that Sprint is giving me for 1/2 of that.

I guess I feel like if I am going to be giving a company $2500-4000 over a 2 year span, I want the best device they can offer me. If they have a system in place to allow me to get a device that will do what they promised me it would do - at a discount - then I will take advantage of it. All I was asking is if someone had figured out the steps to do so with Sprint.

PS - they also offered me an immediate swap to a Hero, Pre or BlackBerry at no charge because of all the issues with the Moment.

 

[IOWA]

Hey everyone,

Just wondering if anyone has figured out the "Sprint: Bitch and Moan your way to a free phone" pattern yet?

On VZW I was able to master the system to the tune of about 5 devices in 18 months by using the standard technique of...
1) Find something the phone can't do correctly - i.e. The Moto Q (WM 5.0) wouldn't bluetooth sync with Vista and Windows Mobile Device Center.
2) Call tech support and 'work the issue' until they give up and tell you to call the software company - in this case, Microsoft.
3) Call Microsoft to start a ticket with them, get the ticket number and call tech support back with it.
4) Work the issue at tech support one more time, then leave the ticket open.
5) Go to local store to seek support for the device. When they see the trouble tickets, and the call to the software vendor, they will back off pretty quick on fixing and assist you in a discounted piece of hardware to solve the problem.

Now, I am brand new to Sprint, just got the Moment (February) and am pretty happy with it, but... I always want the newest toys.

I want to try and work the Evo down to at least the 2 year price sometime after launch but not waiting a full year since something better will be out by then. I have already started in on the 'poor service' my Moment is delivering. The Airplane Mode issue, the battery life, the GPS, and the fact they just dropped my NFL Live coverage (which was one of the reasons for the switch...)

Anywho, if anyone has any amazing tips to make it faster, let me know!

Do you seriously have THAT much time, that spending 200/300 hours for a pithy $150 discount means that much to you? If you spent that much time working, and trying to make money, even at minimum wage, $2400.

Man some people I swear.

Also, companies are aware of people like you, and since Sprint knows its got the best deal in town, they stopped giving in to people like you. All they will do, is cancel your contract and tell you to go to vzw.

EDIT: and good job, you got a lesser phone offers. They won't give you an EVO. But wait til your moaning and bitching history adds up. They keep logs. Google it if you don't believe me.

 

[zcarman]

@ Iowa - I changed the topic since everyone seems ok with crap devices for a cheap price. It's all good.

I guess I laughed a bit first though, since you have a great little section on your FAQ about rooting, tethering and beating the Market system for installing apps...

So basically, instead of holding Sprint accountable for your poor device - you'll break the TOS on your contract with them to hack the phone, install new ROM's and tether to it without paying the $30 a month fee to them?

Good call about them coming to cancel my contract about bitching to them about losing one of the biggest reasons I went to them!

 

[IOWA]

@ Iowa - I changed the topic since everyone seems ok with crap devices for a cheap price. It's all good.

I guess I laughed a bit first though, since you have a great little section on your FAQ about rooting, tethering and beating the Market system for installing apps...

So basically, instead of holding Sprint accountable for your poor device - you'll break the TOS on your contract with them to hack the phone, install new ROM's and tether to it without paying the $30 a month fee to them?

Good call about them coming to cancel my contract about bitching to them about losing one of the biggest reasons I went to them!

Whats wrong with taking complete control over a device you OWN?

Whats wrong with apps2sd for more memory?

I didn't break any ToS, perhaps you should READ what they are. I simply (possibly) voided the warranty on my phone, which I am fine with.

 

[zcarman]

If you are tethering - without paying for service (PDANet/EasyTether) you are violating to TOS...

Specific Terms & Restrictions On Using Data Services
In addition to the rules for using all of our other Services, unless we identify the Service or Device you have selected as specifically intended for that purpose (for example, wireless routers, Data Link, etc.), you can't use our data Services: (1) with server devices or host computer applications, or other systems that drive continuous heavy traffic or data sessions; (2) as a substitute or backup for private lines or frame relay connections; or (3) for any other unintended use as we determine in our sole discretion. We reserve the right to limit, suspend or constrain any heavy, continuous data usage that adversely impacts our network performance or hinders access to our network. If your Services include web or data access, you also can't use your Device as a modem for computers or other equipment, unless we identify the Service or Device you have selected as specifically intended for that purpose (for example, with "phone as modem" plans, Sprint Mobile Broadband card plans, wireless router plans, etc.).


If you have rooted a phone and therefore have changed the device properties to a configuration that has not been approved by the carrier you have violated your TOS...

Our Right To Suspend Or Terminate Services
We can, without notice, suspend or terminate any Service at any time for any reason, including, but not limited to: (a) late payment; (b) exceeding an Account Spending Limit; (c) harassing/threatening/abusing/offending our employees or agents; (d) providing false information; (e) interfering with our operations; (f) using/suspicion of using Services in any manner restricted by or inconsistent with the Agreement; (g) breaching the Agreement or failing to follow our Policies; (h) providing false, inaccurate, dated or unverifiable identification or credit information, or becoming insolvent or bankrupt; (i) modifying a Device from its manufacturer specifications; (j) failing to use our Services for an extended period of time; (k) failing to maintain an active Device in connection with the Service; or (l) if we believe the action protects our interests, any customer's interests or our network.

Both of these are listed in your FAQ's listed on your signature - read away!

 

[zcarman]

Yeah, I really understand that Covert_Death, I really do, and honestly I felt just fine working the system on Verizon, since they overcharge so much. Honestly, the $129 plan on Sprint works out to $304 a month on Verizon with all the bells and whistles that are included.

I understand that Sprint is a better deal, and they offered me what they would offer me for failing to meet my service expectations - and I am just fine with what they offered. Iowa comes back in with the holier-than-thou attitude about how I'm going to be blacklisted and they track this and that - and the entire time, he's bilking them out of $30 a month for tethering (and encouraging others to do the same with his FAQ's) which over the life of a contract is a boat load more cash than my $500 device...

Just my opinion on the pot & the kettle, but like I said, I didn't mean to stir up a hornets nest here, I just had a question on which issue I should push to get a deal on a new device - poor hardware or discontinuing a very important service to me. Maybe it wouldn't have been so bad if I got them to offer me a $10 a month discount instead of asking for a $200 discount on a phone???

Again, sorry for getting this thread going...

 

[IOWA]

I have P.A.M. as a loyalty perk.

And modifying a device is hardware specifications, not software. Why? It breaks FCC law.

 

[T Mac]

When you get P.A.M. through sprint, don't you just use the Sprint software that they have for it?

 

[IOWA]

When you get P.A.M. through sprint, don't you just use the Sprint software that they have for it?

I could, but pdanet is just so easy to use.

 

[Michaelj1981]

Three years ago i saw the HTC mogul and wanted it so i went to ebay and purchased it. i've always had insurance since i got sprint 2 years prior to me purchasing the mogul. A year after me getting it the phone went dead and didn't work i called sprint up and they were gonna give me the same type of phone which i had no prob with. But they wanted me to wait 2 weeks. I told them no, i can't wait 2 weeks for a phone well 15 business days. Well they gave me a free upgrade the touch pro. I loved that phone. Well a year later i went through 4 of those phones due to hardware issues, well in November the phone stopped working period they gave me a free upgrade to the touch pro 2. well i enjoyed that phone but was sick of using windows. Last month best buy had a great deal for the htc hero for 80.00 my contract was up so i went and purcahsed it. I felt bad for the many times i got new phones for free but i didn't at the same time. I didn't try to abuse the system but i had legit issues that were not due to me. But of hardware. But i do enjoy sprint, and will be loyal but will not abuse the system just cuz something fancy is out. U can get new phones at a good price if u sell yours and pay the differ u can get good deals and shop on ebay if u like after 6 months after the new ones comes out. Plus its best to wait cuz all the kinks are out GOOD LUCK

 

[zcarman]

Well, just a quick note to all the naysayers in the bunch... No customer service logs, no cancellations and no you can't have this stuff until your contract is up talk came from the Sprint support center for me this week.

Instead, today I received my confirmation that I will begin testing devices for Sprint in May. It took a bit of bitching and moaning and 10 years prior testing experience, but I am in the door. Unfortunately, I am now under an NDA so I can't share much with you, but I will when I can.

 

[zcarman]

Nope, no blurry cam photos, but I do have a yahoo account that nobody knows about for a reason!!! Just call me Tater-Salad...

I'll leak what I can when I can... I don't even know how Sprint's system works yet.

 

[IOWA]

Nope, no blurry cam photos, but I do have a yahoo account that nobody knows about for a reason!!! Just call me Tater-Salad...

I'll leak what I can when I can... I don't even know how Sprint's system works yet.

I wanna be a beta tester... =(

 

[avacomputers]

Unless you work for sprint you can't be a beta tester.