[peterx]

I've had a 7230 with T-mobile for about 2.5 years. The track wheel is dying since it frequently "enters" instead of "spins". I would like to upgrade to a 7290. Any suggestion on a strategy in getting a good price? T-mobile.com wants $249 (after rebate) and a two-year commitment. I am not wedded to keeping my cell phone number; however, I'm not wild about a two-year plan either. Cingular seems pricey. Amazon has a $49 (after rebate) deal for T-mobile, but the rebate is only valid for new customers. Anyone have success negotiating with the T-mobile customer service reps?

[ecl3]

I'm surprised that they require 2 yrs. When I upgraded last year under similar circumstances it only required a 1 year. Actual costs were not negotiable though.

BTW, before upgrading to 7290 you may want to wait for the 8700 which I believe is soon to be available.

[shona67]

Originally Posted by peterx

I've had a 7230 with T-mobile for about 2.5 years. The track wheel is dying since it frequently "enters" instead of "spins". I would like to upgrade to a 7290. Any suggestion on a strategy in getting a good price? T-mobile.com wants $249 (after rebate) and a two-year commitment. I am not wedded to keeping my cell phone number; however, I'm not wild about a two-year plan either. Cingular seems pricey. Amazon has a $49 (after rebate) deal for T-mobile, but the rebate is only valid for new customers. Anyone have success negotiating with the T-mobile customer service reps?

Better wait for the next and new generation of Blackberry, 8700 (probably will call 8700t) in few weeks.

[neutral]

I just got a 7290 for $99 from business sales, and didn't require a contract extension. They sold it to me as an "add-on" to my current plan.

[peterx]

Is the 8700 that much better? I really like the battery life on the 7230. I read somewhere that the battery life on the 8700 is not as good and the keys are not as "typeable"; however, I don't know if that is true. I guess if the 8700 is coming out, then the 7290 might drop in price.

[Soapm]

I'd go to a Cingular store and buy an 8700 no contract. Then get it unlocked.

[go2duke]

Or buy it off amazon for I think $449 and no contract needed. A few on ebay as well and you can get it unlocked for $50 or less in 24hr turn around.

As for the battery life.. no matter what you use it for, it will last all day (at least 18 hours). I assume we all venturne back to a charger/desktop plugin at some point during the day. I have the worst battery eater of all (7520) and I routinely make it 18 hours before needing (having to) to charge with BBtoday, 150 incoming, 15 outgoing and some minor web surfing.

-G2D

[RxistKJ]

Have you considered the 7100t? I personally prefer it over the 7230 I had because of its size and predicitive text feature. With the 7100t you should have some negotiating power as I did when upgrading from the 7230. However, I had to talk with someone in the customer "retention" department as opposed to a basic customer support representative....Good luck...

[abrecher]

I got a business plan and they only charged me $59.00 for my 7290.

[craigw9292]

you should try the 7105T since you're already on t-mobile. The sure type is amazing and learns new words really easily. They let you give it a run for 14 days and then switch if you aren't happy.

-c

[takeshi]

If you use the browsers at all the 8700 is definitely worth it. Not only for EDGE but for the faster processor as well. The screen is definitely better than the 7290's though it is much more prone to scratching.

[Halford1]

Wait!!!!!!!

You can buy 7290 for $150 and you choose your plan. If you want both data and voice plan (1000 min) it will cost about 59 or 60 moolah.

click on www.fusewireless.com be sure to type suddr2004 in the comment box. It tells them that I told you about it.

hope you didnt buy any BB just yet.

[Halford1]

or you can go to www.bbrepairshop.com and they can replace your trackwheel for $50 bucks. I think...

[Galvatron]

Originally Posted by shona67

Better wait for the next and new generation of Blackberry, 8700 (probably will call 8700t) in few weeks.

yeah if i might get on if i make that much the next 3 months

[PetraFan007]

I got you all beat. I got the Blackberry 7290 used for $150 and I'm on a dealer plan ($20 a month, 500 minutes, unlimited data, unlimited messages) with no contract. AWW YEAH! Being an authorized dealer for T-Mobile rocks :-D.