I have to send back my 8100 due to issues with the software that could not be resolved via RIM support.

TMO sent me a phone, but the pin number in the new phone is lower than the one I have originally does that mean its older?


Also I noticed that the original one was made in Mexico on Junt 10th 2006


now the new unit is made in canada and was made/refurbished on November 13th 2006

Please advise what would you do

Keep the one they sent me or ask for a newer one?

Does it work? If so I personally wouldn't really care either way. I understand the idea of having a new BB but as long as it works fine I'd be okay with it.

i work for tmobile and a few of my co-workers have warranty exchanged phones. when the the replacement I tracked the serial number in our system and found that the units were brand new and never used. I dont think there is a huge supply of refurbs yet. im sure most of the replacements are new for the time being

See my thread on my experience with a warranty return.

http://www.blackberryforums.com/gene...light=warranty

Personally, I'd prefer the one made in Canada. I was glad when my warranty replacement was made in Canada rather than Mexico.

As to asking for a newer one, T-Mo's terms of service and warranty permits them to replace the phone with a phone in "new condition" or a refurbish. So I don't think you will have any standing [reason] to ask for another phone.

I assume the phone you got is in perfect condition. I'd not worry about it.

When I was talking to the T-Mo rep on getting my phone, I said "I'll probably get a refurb." He replied with what you said, that the phone has not been out long enough to get refurbs.

I got a new phone on the warranty replacement.

It's a misconception that any manufacturer for cellular devices will send you a new phone when your device is beyond repair or is being swapped. When you send in for replacement under your manufacturer warranty or extended warranty coverage what you're getting is a refurbished model. The manufacturer will only swap for a new model when they're out of stock on refurbished models or that they no longer sell your device. Really the only time as a cellular consumer you'll see a new phone is when you first purchase it such a through your carrier's Hardware Upgrade Program or for a new line activation. Now it's not something I agree with but have learned to accept as a way manufacturers honor their warranty programs. The main issue I have is that other people have had their mouths close to the device that you may be now using so there could be harmful germs on the device. I'm curious to know what steps companies such as RIM take to ensure a refurbished model is sterilized before shipping?

True, Its just that I got the pearl less than 2 weeks ago and I really dont want to get a refurb unit.

It was actually 16 days and the tech said I would be able to go to the store and replace it if it was 14 days or less

Go figure.

Are you sure your phone is a refurb? When mine arrived it was in between some foam, in a plastic bag. The cover was loose, in its own plastic bag.

Initially, I thought it looked like a refurb because of the way it was packed, but on inspection with a jeweler's loupe I did not see indications of wear in places where it might show up, the SIMS and microsd chip slot. Also, there was not a mark on it.

One thing, mine had the plastic protective covering on the display, that is, the one that is typically on new devices. Although many companies have repackaging machines that apply plastic, etc. to refurb items, perhaps this is a way to tell new Pearls from refurbs? Did yours have it?

Also, like I said in my thread, my phone did not have a mark or smudge on it. I think most refurbs will have something to indicate its a return or has been used.

Anyway, I think the phone is too new for people to start getting refurb Pearls. Maybe some will start going out as warranty replacements, but not that many.

I def. got a refurb.

I am on my third pearl and my last replacement was a refurb... How can i tell?

1. they silver part underneath the battery was all scuffed up.
2. The bottom piece where it says tmobile, was not snapped in all the way. i had to snap it in to get it into place...

i think the problem my refurb was returned was due to the locking mechanism of the door. This one is super tight and will not budge, as per older devices like the 7100.

It is apparent to me that when they refurb the phones, they just replace the whole outside skin or plastic...so everytime you get a replacement they always look brand new. IT is like 12 cents of plastic.

My device works great, regardless if it is refurb or not.

only one complaint... i got a mexican version and on the bottom part of the popup menus.. there is a bad transition from the brownish gold to pink on the bottom of all menus....

If I use another theme.. it is not there.

how can you tell when your blackberry was made?

mine had a huge fingerprint inside the battery compartment and the sim chip holder had scratched all over it

Most manufacturers replace the outer shell and keypad of the device during the refurbishment process. I've never seen a refurbished RIM device sent for warranty exchange that did not have a new casing and keypad.