Hi guys. I'm new to these forums and new to smartphones in general. In fact I currently don't own one, but I am considering one and that's why i'm here. I've narrowed down which ones i'm considering to the Droid or the Eris (leaning towards the Droid) mainly due to price reasons and the fact that I don't think I will be a power user so I don't think I need the power of the Incredible. I don't do Twitter or Facebook stuff nor do I really need access to my email or internet during the day. All I really want is to avoid having to take multiple things with me to work each day. I'm a repairman and when I leave the house each morning I take my cellphone, GPS unit to get to houses and a notebook full of appointments and contact information. I'd love to have a device that does all 3 in one nice package. Seems to me that an Android smartphone would be a nice choice. I'm not here to ask which is better, the Droid or Eris, but rather what am I missing out on if I choose to buy one of these phones from a place like Walmart or Best Buy? VZW stores are still selling the Droid at $199, but Wally and BB have it for $99. Same thing with the Eris, $79.99 at VZW but $29.99 at BB. There has to be a reason why VZW would still be charging $100 and $50 more repsectively. Do I not get a warranty at other stores? Do I have to pay some kind of repair fee if I buy it somewhere else and have it repaired at a VZW store? It just doesn't make any sense to me and thought maybe some of you experienced users might know the answer. Thanks for any info and i've been enjoying reading through the threads here on the Eris and Droid to help me make a smart decision. Also, sorry if this is in the wrong forum. Feel free to move it if need be. Joe
they offer buy one get one at best buy also. and I have dealt with people at bb they aren't too bad about knowledge of the phones.
absolutely nothing. Sometimes you even get a better deal on certain phones because they have instant rebates at bb or walmart. Customer service is a toss up because any store you go to there can be good and bad service. I prefer to go to bb because they also price match. VZW does not. (well I don't think they do) The manufacturer warranty is the same at BB but their extended warranties are a little different. Biggest difference is VZW offers coverage if your phone gets stolen...bb does not.
Thanks guys for the info. I guess once I decide on the Eris or Droid, i'll get it at BB and save some money.
I bought my Eris at Best Buy. After a few weeks, I decided I'd rather have the Droid. Took back the Eris and they exchanged (of course I paid the difference), with no questions asked and they do not charge a restocking fee either. Also, Best Buy doesn't require any mail in rebates, they give it too you up front. I was pretty happy with my experience....
Bought my droid from amazon for $20. Only stipulation is that you have to keep continuous service for six months (after the 30 day trial) or pay an etf in the amount of $250 in addition to what verizon charges. Not a big deal if you know verizon is good in your area. Definitely check amazon for their prices before buying. Porting your number is as easy as it can be. Just one call to verizon.
You also have more choices for insurance with BB, you have the option of the standard verizon offered coverage or that of another provider. The BB insurance provider offers different tiers of coverage, including one for theft and loss, which I'm not sure that verizon offers.
So it seems that besides the better price, there are other benefits to buying from BB instead of Verizon. That makes it even better. Now I just need to pull the plug on the purchase. I think i've settled on the Droid because I like the car and multimedia dock options you can buy. The only thing holding me back is that I keep reading about the Droid 2 coming soon. I'd just hate to buy a new phone now and have something better come out in a month or two and be stuck with an older phone for two years because I didn't wait a few months. Decisions, decisions......
I took advantage of that awesome price from amazon too. Why the hell would I pay $200 plus tax at a verizon store? For what? instant gratification? I would rather wait a few days and save a ton of $$$. From purchase to activation, my experience with amazon went without a snag.
Manufacturer's warranty applies regardless of whether you purchase direct or not. There's always something newer on the way. I can't tell you why you would but for some the terms that resellers tack on are dealbreakers. YMMV, of course.
I would not have a droid right now if I had to pay $199 for it. The $19.99 price @ amazon was the main reason I decided to get into the android society. I of course cant speak for anyone else, but my entire experience with amazon was completely hassle free from purchase to activation. I understand for some there might be a dealbreaker there. With amazon I belive one must stay with verizon for at least 6 months or pay an ETF fee to amazon.
