A cautionary tale to all, especially UK users. I have happily used a BB 8900 since January on the O2 network, via Carphone Warehouse. Aside from the battery draining problems (which stopped when I ceased using the official supplied pouch with magnet), it has been troublefree.



However 10 days ago, the phone suddenly developed massive interference when both making and receiving calls - enough to render it useless as a phone. Having exhausted all the phone-based technical support, of which there was not much, I took it into Carphone Warehouse and despite pleading, was told the only solution was to send it to RIM and wait FOUR weeks for its repair or replacement. This was not quite the customer service solution I was expecting and as BB addicts well know, it has left me feeling somewhat paralysed. Especially as I have started a new business and currently have no laptop or paper diary etc.



Apparently, the only solution if this happens again (and to becoming bereft of man's best friend) is to either buy a 2nd handset, or to subscribe to the very expensive insurance policy.



Caveat Emptor - and thumbs down to RIM/Carphone Warehouse for such a poor solution.

I can understand that is the situation when bought from someone like carphone warehouse, not sure if this is the situation when bought directly from carrier.
As you are on O2, could you not have gone to O2 about the phone?

I see. Not sure about going directly to O2, I think they would just refer me back to CW.

O2 doesn't offer any kind of warranty exchange program?

TO me this is the problem with companies like carephone warehouse or phones4u.
You are using a middle man and not necessairly getting any better a deal than going to the carrier direct.

Not sure how it works in UK but in US warranty repairs/exchanges are handled through the carriers UNLESS you buy from somewhere other than an authorized dealer. Normally, our carriers just do exchanges (for refurbished units usually) instead of actual repairs.

If you don't buy from an authorized dealer, you are on your own and likely may not even have a warranty.