The Big Question: $799 or $599 with 2 year contract?

[rjoudrey]

I am trying to figure out which way to go please give me your advice.

These options have been confirmed.

 

[Vehtemas]

Can I ask where these prices are confirmed? I am not doubting you, I just want the source and if it is reputable.

I am thinking personally if you are going to get 3G, get the contract, when the 4g upgrade happens they are going to do one of two things:

1) Increase the price, which will allow you to opt out of the contract at no cost to you

2) Give you 4g at the same $30/month cost of 3g, which if you ask me is a killer deal.

Either way you are getting a nicely priced service and I am starting to think the ability to have the internet anywhere is vital in today's society.

 

[rjoudrey]

Can I ask where these prices are confirmed? I am not doubting you, I just want the source and if it is reputable.

I am thinking personally if you are going to get 3G, get the contract, when the 4g upgrade happens they are going to do one of two things:

1) Increase the price, which will allow you to opt out of the contract at no cost to you

2) Give you 4g at the same $30/month cost of 3g, which if you ask me is a killer deal.

Either way you are getting a nicely priced service and I am starting to think the ability to have the internet anywhere is vital in today's society.

Motorola XOOM is Officially on for February 24, $799 Full Retail or $599 with 2-year Contract - Droid Life: A Droid Community Blog

 

[dwboston]

I am trying to figure out which way to go please give me your advice.

These options have been confirmed.

It all depends on whether you keep data (and how much you use) or use it WiFi-only.

Personally I'd go off contract. I think you come out ahead since you aren't locked in for two years of data, and you can sell the device before the two years are up and re-coup some of your initial costs.

Cheapest off-contract scenario = (799.99+tax) + (35+20) = $905 (for me)

Cheapest on-contract scenario = (599.99+tax) + 35 + (20*24) = $1152 (for me)

 

[rjoudrey]

I am going to be using the $20 plan. I only need when I am out of WIFI range. 1gb should be plenty, mostly mail.

 

[rjoudrey]

It all depends on whether you keep data (and how much you use) or use it WiFi-only.

Personally I'd go off contract. I think you come out ahead since you aren't locked in for two years of data, and you can sell the device before the two years are up and re-coup some of your initial costs.

Cheapest off-contract scenario = (799.99+tax) + (35+20) = $905 (for me)

Cheapest on-contract scenario = (599.99+tax) + 35 + (20*24) = $1152 (for me)

This scenario only holds if you do not need a plan. If you do you save about $10/mo. So you basically save $200.

 

[Vehtemas]

And don't forget, if they increase price for LTE, then you can get out of the contract with no cancellation fee, if they do NOT increase the price then you get LTE for 20 a month, which is pretty damn nice.

 

[rjoudrey]

And don't forget, if they increase price for LTE, then you can get out of the contract with no cancellation fee, if they do NOT increase the price then you get LTE for 20 a month, which is pretty damn nice.

If you opt for LTE when available isn't that an excuse for them to change your plan?

 

[fltblkvic]

And don't forget, if they increase price for LTE, then you can get out of the contract with no cancellation fee, if they do NOT increase the price then you get LTE for 20 a month, which is pretty damn nice.

well it looks to me like 600 on contract for 20 a month seems to be the way to go. I can cover 20 a month and if it saves me some initial cost i can get some accessories like a dock and keyboard!

 

[Vehtemas]

Hmm, I don't know, all I know is that when they change your contract pricing or terms they must give you the chance to opt out of the contract at no cancellation charge.

When Sprint went from 3g to 4g, was there dual compatible phones and did they get an opt out option?

 

[apang]

So I just talked to a Verizon supervisor and they informed me that the only thing you would have to pay is the $35 activation and not the $20 monthly data.

So total cost is going to be $799.99 + tax + $35.00 activation fee.

 

[melantus]

Lets also take into consideration that people who just cant drop 900 bucks have the option now to buy at a lower inital price and pay over time. Yes now there paying a sort of intrest on the xoom but now its like having a pricing plan to pay for your xoom while getting 3g service at same time.

 

[zetroc]

What's the ETF?

 

[joeski27]

So I just talked to a Verizon supervisor and they informed me that the only thing you would have to pay is the $35 activation and not the $20 monthly data.

So total cost is going to be $799.99 + tax + $35.00 activation fee.

So is Verizon (as in the Verizon stores, not Best Buy) requiring a monthly activation in the same way that Best Buy is?

Also, is it not true, according the Verizon's policies posted online that if you cancel within 3 days, you will not be responsible for the $35 activation fee, and you would only be responsible for a prorated amount for only any data that was used?

 

[zetroc]

So is Verizon (as in the Verizon stores, not Best Buy) requiring a monthly activation in the same way that Best Buy is?

Also, is it not true, according the Verizon's policies posted online that if you cancel within 3 days, you will not be responsible for the $35 activation fee, and you would only be responsible for a prorated amount for only any data that was used?

I'm assuming this is if you purchase it out right for $800, correct?

 

[joeski27]

I'm assuming this is if you purchase it out right for $800, correct?

Yes, exactly.

 

[apang]

One more thing to add. You don't have to pay the activation fee over and over again since your XOOM is on a month to month contract. You just have to tell them that you don't want the data and just to activate it right then and there.

 

[joeski27]

So I just talked to a Verizon supervisor and they informed me that the only thing you would have to pay is the $35 activation and not the $20 monthly data.

So total cost is going to be $799.99 + tax + $35.00 activation fee.

Also, why would you need to pay an activation fee? What service are you activating in that situation? (and your example is related to a purchase directly from Verizon, correct?)

 

[joeski27]

One more thing to add. You don't have to pay the activation fee over and over again since your XOOM is on a month to month contract. You just have to tell them that you don't want the data and just to activate it right then and there.

Activate what right then and there? I think you confused me a bit there...

 

[apang]

You still have to activate the XOOM, but do not have to get the data plan.

So once its activated you can turn on the data service at any time...At least that is what the supervisor told me over the phone.

 

[joeski27]

You still have to activate the XOOM, but do not have to get the data plan.

That doesn't make sense, you're not actually "activating" anything though. Activating, in wireless terms, refers to actually activating a device on a wireless network. Nothing has to be activated, just turn the tablet on and attach to wifi.

 

[apang]

Activate what right then and there? I think you confused me a bit there...

Also, why would you need to pay an activation fee? What service are you activating in that situation? (and your example is related to a purchase directly from Verizon, correct?)

This is with Verizon or Best buy.

 

[gobluejd]

Here is my dilemma.

Have pre-ordered at BB. No problem paying the $800 as I have abotu $125 in GC's and rewards, balance to be put on BB no interest for 18 months. Had no intention of getting data unless I traveled for work (expense it) or if on vacation. Tethering is okay, but then I have to worry about battery life.

My boss knows I was getting one. Said they would pay for data if I can add to our Corp account.

So now I am stuck. I would have to pay out of my pocket the $599 plus 7% tax ($640). I could use the GC's and rewards for the keyboard and dock at BB.

I have the money but wanted to pay off another BB purchase from xmas for kids, thats not due until Nov this year.

Thoughts?

 

[apang]

That doesn't make sense, you're not actually "activating" anything though. Activating, in wireless terms, refers to actually activating a device on a wireless network. Nothing has to be activated, just turn the tablet on and attach to wifi.

Hey, I am just passing information that I got from the Supervisor with Verizon.

 

[Old Member]

I'm not sure if any of you get corporate discounts but for me I get 22% off of my bill each month so the $20 for data becomes $15.60. Also the Xoom that was $600 is now $468 + tax. For those of you that it applies to, just something to consider.