[jyamani]

Hey guys,

Like most of you, I can't wait to get my hands on the new 8800. I couldn't resist so I googled for it. I found 2 websites that are taking pre-orders for this unit, but their description is what I don't trust.

Has anyone "pre-ordered" these units from anywhere? Does anyone know how reliable their descriptions are? They don't even mention GPS at all.

puremobile.ca/BlackBerry/BlackBerry-8800-Black-GSM-Phone

mobilecityonline.com/wireless/store/productdetail.asp?productid=22012

[BryanHarig]

mobilecity is a reputable store. They have a brick and mortar location in Lower Manhattan.

I have never delt with puremobile.

I dont think the 8800 will be in short supply when it launches. Why preorder unless it will get you some extra discount?

[jyamani]

I agree. I don't see any benefits on pre-ordering (from a price point of view), but then again, there's this little part of me who wants the 8800 in my hand THE DAY it comes out

They're claiming that their units will have WiFi, but no GPS. From what I understand, all units that will be rolled out on the 20th or later this month will have GPS but no WiFi - which is confusing the crap out of me. If they're claiming they'll have WiFi, then I'm certain it'll also have GPS.

Plus us T-Mobile folks have no choice but to get this unit unlocked from ebay or elsewhere, and I'm quite sure that the price will linger in the $550s if not more.

[Sparkomatic]

Boy Genius reports that the retail (outright purchase) price will be $499. $100 less than mobilecity's price. Although, they are advertising it as an unlocked version.

I'm quite anxious to get this the day it comes out too. I just bought an 8700 so I'm contimplating returning/exchanging it for the 8800.

I bought a Treo 750 from Cingular and had a hard time buying it at the store cause they were trying to hold them for new activations. I get the feeling they're not as controlling with BB's at the store though. Just my hope that it won't be difficult walking into a store the day it comes out

[greggebhardt]

I always go to the two local COMPANY Cingular stores and ask the person I know to let me know when the new phone comes in the door. They call me the second UPS delivers and I go and pick it up. If you want it the fastest, get it from your local company store.

[jyamani]

Will a Cingular store allow me to buy a phone from them even though I'm not a Cingular customer?

The thing is that Cingular version will not have WiFi. Most of the unlocked phones that will be on ebay or other online retailers will have the WiFi version (or so I was told by sales rep from MobileCity).

I don't know how true this is, but it makes me want to purchase an unlocked one online just for the added WiFi.

[archer6]

Originally Posted by greggebhardt

I always go to the two local COMPANY Cingular stores and ask the person I know to let me know when the new phone comes in the door. They call me the second UPS delivers and I go and pick it up. If you want it the fastest, get it from your local company store.

This is indeed the best way to go.

In addition, if you can build a good rapport with the Store Manager that becomes a real asset. In my case I just got lucky and happened to arrive one day when he was with the district manager, whom I happened to hit it off with and now I've got a couple of good solid contacts.

Cheers...

[greggebhardt]

Originally Posted by jyamani

Will a Cingular store allow me to buy a phone from them even though I'm not a Cingular customer?

The thing is that Cingular version will not have WiFi. Most of the unlocked phones that will be on ebay or other online retailers will have the WiFi version (or so I was told by sales rep from MobileCity).

I don't know how true this is, but it makes me want to purchase an unlocked one online just for the added WiFi.

the two Cingular company stores I deal with would sell to anyone if you are willing to pay full price. They would not even care if you were with T-Mo! <vbg>

[Sparkomatic]

You guys are lucky! Buying a phone retail at the stores around me in Orange County is like pulling teeth. I always get the run around when I go to get a phone.

Hey, did you guys see this on ebay?
eBay: NEW BLACKBERRY 8800 UNLOCKED PHONE (item 160084280803 end time Feb-20-07 17:19:58 PST)

[greggebhardt]

Originally Posted by Sparkomatic

You guys are lucky! Buying a phone retail at the stores around me in Orange County is like pulling teeth. I always get the run around when I go to get a phone.

Hey, did you guys see this on ebay?
eBay: NEW BLACKBERRY 8800 UNLOCKED PHONE (item 160084280803 end time Feb-20-07 17:19:58 PST)

Why would someone buy off eBay in an auction that ends on the day you can pick one up locally? I will bet it will sell for more that what you will pay at a Cingular store.

[Sparkomatic]

Oh, I agree. I wouldn't buy it. Just thought it was funny to see it on ebay. And to see that the auction ends on the day it's supposed to be released

[greggebhardt]

Originally Posted by Sparkomatic

Oh, I agree. I wouldn't buy it. Just thought it was funny to see it on ebay. And to see that the auction ends on the day it's supposed to be released

Keep watching, before it is over there has got to be a scammer that will copy BG's images and try to sucker someone into buying! Lots of bad people on eBay but if you are careful, you can do well there.

9 days and counting down for the 8800!

[Sparkomatic]

Shh!! That's what I was gonna do! lol

[Brad00111]

Originally Posted by greggebhardt

the two Cingular company stores I deal with would sell to anyone if you are willing to pay full price. They would not even care if you were with T-Mo! <vbg>

Are you talking about a Cingular branded store, or is it an actual Corporate Store that you go to?

[atuarre]

So the 8800 will be out on February 20th?

[Sparkomatic]

Originally Posted by atuarre

So the 8800 will be out on February 20th?

That's the latest rumor...

[atuarre]

Originally Posted by Sparkomatic

That's the latest rumor...

Well someone just PIN message me the day it comes out, and I will leave the office to go pick up the phone.

[jyamani]

Even if we pay $499 at the Cingular store to pick up the phone, we'll have to pay at least another $80 or so to unlock it.

This actually brings me to another thing -- Does anyone have a really good source for unlocking BlackBerry's? Especially someone who'd be able to unlock 8800? Any intel will be much appreciated!

[scarecrow]

The 8800 is now on the Blackberry web site

[walds11]

expensive from the first site you posted.