Hi There!

I'm currently using an MDA and am beginning to hate it! Freezes, slow processor, etc...I'm totally ready to take the leap to a BB, after 2 Treo 650s and this MDA...

My problem has to do with TMO and 'upgrades'. I just spoke to customer service and they say I'm not eligible for any sort of discount til Mar'07!!!! WTF??? I bought the MDA at the end of June and actually extended my contract then since it was an upgrade...so I'm stuck.

I'm definitely getting either the 8700 or new Pearl. I asked if they knew the retail on the Pearl but they said no. As for the 8700, I'd have to pay full retail at $479! There's no way I'll do that. I know I can get one a lot cheaper on ebay. I'm hoping the retail on the Pearl isn't too steep (considering $199 for new activations).

Can anyone provide any advice on how I can get ANY sort of discount now when I buy a new BB, or am I pretty much out of luck? I'm so ready to dump my MDA and go BB!!!

Thanks in advance!
Hopeful.....

Your situation sounds pretty common. Ebay, or even the BST forum on here would be your best bet.

I wouldn't buy the 8100 (Pearl) off of Ebay for a couple of months until it is in complete circulation. You have a high chance of getting scammed by buying the "latest and greatest" on Ebay right before or right after a device is released.

and also sometime these providers may not support it if they are not selling the same model.

T-Mobile BlackBerry 8700g
Now even more powerful! Thanks to T-Mobile EDGE technology and an Intel Xscale processor, the BlackBerry 8700g offers even faster processing and downloading. BlackBerry e-mail and Internet just got better!


Suggested retail
$399.99
Instant discount
-$349.99
Mail-in Rebate
-$50.00
Final Price

FREE

from T-Mobile BlackBerry 8700g phone details from buywirelessdata.com

yeah i feel you on this one, i also have a MDA and its very SLOW you are better off w/ the 8700

Not sure how this helps as I am already locked into a contract with T-Mobile. I just need the phone and a data plan....??? Isn't this for new activations?

Yes, it is. There was nothing in his post that will help you.

yea.. i would definitely get an unlock 8700 on ebay or 8100.. but expect the pearl's price on ebay to be a little high.

Update: I thought I'd try my luck again (third time) with TMO customer service and it worked!!!

They offered me an 8700 for $349 with a $50 mail in rebate....$299!!!! The same price offered to new customers! I have to admit I'm pretty surprised, but really thankful, as I'd been told $480 yesterday! Goes to show it's worth trying several customer svc reps!

Bye Bye MDA!!!! Now I just need to decide between the Pearl and the 8700. Considering I'd probably have to pay retail for the Pearl, it may be cheaper to get the 8700.

Thanks for everyone's advice....no need for ebay now.

If I were you I would purchase the 8700g and wait for the Pearl to come out and the prices to drop. 2 months from now, sell your 8700g and MDA on ebay and you should have enough cash to pay full retail for the Pearl. That's my two cents.