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Old 06-06-2003, 10:09 AM    #1
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Default Any last minute detractors?

Sorry for having another post similar to one of my others in this forum (really wish there was the option to delete your posts).
So it looks like I'm going for the VZN AC 300 plan and a CDM 9500 for $79.99. Only a few questions before I set this in stone:
1) what does domestic long distance mean? If I went to CA and called my home in IL, would I get charged or what is going on?
2) is there a deductible included in their total protection insurance? because I noticed there's a $50 non-refundable one on the Wireless Phone Protection, which is what I had wanted to get until I saw that deductible
3) should I ask for the 111.033 software upgrade at the store or will it be included already?
4) can I get it unlocked? and any drawbacks to that?
5) will I be able to bargain with the sales rep. at a store or should I just get it online?
6) is it worth getting a 2 yr. plan for the price cuts on the phone and the activation fee waiver?

K thanks guys.
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Old 06-06-2003, 11:05 AM    #2
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Default Any last minute detractors?

Here are your answers:

1)domestic LD means you can call anywhere in the US (and maybe even to Canada) without any extra charges. All you use up are your minutes. If you travel, as long as you are not roaming, you can call to and from anywhere in the US and still not be charged.

2) I believe the deductible is the same.
3) It may already be loaded onto the phone, if not, I honestly don't think it is a very big deal. I think there will be a new update released when Verizon get their new MMS/EMS (fancy text messaging) system up and running...I would just wait for that update.
4) Verizon phones are always unlocked
5) No bargaining with a sales rep, but you may be able to get them to throw in a free accessory or two. Is the 9500 available in the stores? Here is only available online.
6) No, avoid a 2 year plan if you can afford the $35 activation fee and the $30 price increase on the phone. A lot changes in a year. Also, with a one year plan you can get a new phone at the discount rate in 10 months, on a 2 year plan you need to wait at least 22 months.
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Old 06-06-2003, 11:15 AM Original Poster Original Poster    #3
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Default Any last minute detractors?

thanks AnthroMatt. Just curious, are mobile to mobile minutes applicable to all cell providers? So if I use my phone under verizon and call my sister using t-mobile, will those minutes get used up or will my anytime minutes get eaten up? I'm probably going to have to go with the $40 AC plan with 400 anytime, 1000 m2m if that's the case. As for the insurance, is it worthwhile to get it on the CDM 9500 since it'd add up to a total of let's see..$4 x 12 plus $50 fee per replacement, that's $98, and Verizon's selling the phone for $80. Unless of course Verizon stops selling the phones, in which case I'd have to pay a lot more probably. Anyone have any ideas?
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Old 06-06-2003, 12:50 PM    #4
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Default Any last minute detractors?

Alright Dazed, I'm in the same boat as you--I go to school at U of I but come home for the summer (Palatine, IL). I've been with Verizon and T-Mobile, and I know a few people with Sprint. Verizon is a good choice, although all three providers have very good service in Champaign. T-Mobile tends to be a little spotty around Chicago, but I think the sound quality is a little better with GSM than with CDMA, at least in my opinion. But Verizon does have the most comprehensive coverage, so that's a good choice. On a side note, though, only Sprint works in the basement of the student Union at U of I. Go figure. Anyway, I'm sure I won't be the first to tell you that mobile to mobile means within the same provider, so calling your sister on T-Mobile will come out of your anytime minutes. Another thing I want to mention--if you haven't already, you should take a look at the 9500 in person before you decide to buy it... I know there are a lot of 9500 fans in this forum, but I felt it was a bit too hefty for my liking. So if size is an issue with you, you might want to check it out before you buy it... www.cnet.com has decent phone reviews plus pictures next to objects like a pack of gum or candy bar for some perspective. I'm done now.
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Old 06-06-2003, 12:54 PM    #5
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Default Any last minute detractors?

I am certainly a 9500 fan, but cbass is correct. For a flip phone, the 9500 is long when it is closed. It is no wider or thicker than the LG 4400 though, and weighs slightly less. I think the quality of the LCD, the reception, the overall build quality of the Audiovox outweigh the size factor, but not everyone agrees. Also, definitely get a car charger or an extra battery for the 9500, you'll need it! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
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Old 06-06-2003, 1:12 PM Original Poster Original Poster    #6
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Default Any last minute detractors?

Thanks for the replies guys. How about the insurance question though? Will it be worth it to pay the $3.99/month and a $50 deductible for the loss/theft of my phone? Or should I just hope that Verizon keeps sellin it for $80 and not bother with the monthly thing.
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Old 06-06-2003, 1:15 PM    #7
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Default Any last minute detractors?

Well, if you buy the phone today and lose it in the next 10 months you will have to pay full price, so you wouldn't get it for $80. If they still sold it you would have to pay around $400. So if you think there is a chance you might lose it, go ahead and get the insurance. You don't need to worry about defects, as the warranty will apply. I never buy insurance, but if it makes you feel more at ease, by all means go for it. If something did happen to your phone 5 months from now $70 is a lot less to pay than $400. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
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Old 06-06-2003, 1:24 PM Original Poster Original Poster    #8
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Default Any last minute detractors?

K let's just assume I won't lose it, have it stolen, thrown in the washer, or left in the rain for the next 12 months [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] thanks. I'll be hittin the store near my house in a few hours to enter into the world of customer service that spins you in circles, constant pestering about bills, and being attached at the hip to an electronic device that lets people call me at all hours of the day.
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Old 06-06-2003, 1:26 PM    #9
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Default Any last minute detractors?

Good luck!

and if you only want a 1 year contract, be sure to specify that or they will automatically sign you up for 2 years. If you forget, you have 15 days to change your contract anyway, so it's not the biggest deal in the world.
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Old 06-06-2003, 6:33 PM    #10
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Default Any last minute detractors?

WOW! This was one of the most informative posts I've seen in a long time. What great questions and answers and best of all, no put downs.

Lynn
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Old 06-07-2003, 10:30 AM Original Poster Original Poster    #11
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Default Any last minute detractors?

Damn quick question, just found out yesterday that the CDM 9500 was pulled from stores a few months ago and that it's only available online, which sort of implies that Verizon's just trying to get rid of the phones it has left... so do you think I should get the VX 4400 for $129.99 instead? I'll check this post again in about 5 hours before I go buy the phone. Oh and then the sales rep. mentioned the Samsung SCH-A530, which is $149.99 with the rebate and it comes with an extended battery... anyone know if I should get the Samsung over the VX4400 over the online only CDM 9500? Thanks.
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Old 06-07-2003, 10:42 AM    #12
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Default Any last minute detractors?

I think all three phones are good. I would choose the 9500 over the 4400 myself. The other wquestion is, do you need the phone now or can you wait until Wednesday (when the 9500 would probably arrive if you ordered it from telesales today)? As for the a530, as far as I can tell, the only drawback of that phone is the lack of analog. The extra battery is a nice feature as well, and the a530 is very small and light. I usually don't like Samsung phones, but the a530 seems to have good reviews so far. For me personally, I would choose the 9500 because of cost...you can easily buy the extended battery or an extra standard battery and still pay less than you would for the 4400 or a530. Also, the 4400 is an LG, and I don't much care for them anyway, as they have a history of making lesser quality phones, though they are definitely improving. I would personally avoid the Samsung a530 because I still think analog is important, but if you don't think analog is essential, then it may be a good choice.

So basically I have not answered your question, rather just posted some opinions and stuff to think about. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
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Old 06-07-2003, 11:57 AM Original Poster Original Poster    #13
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Oh I assumed the a530 was tri-mode. Um ok so that leaves the 4400 and the 9500 again...dammit. I guess I'll order the 9500 online with the plan since there's no decided benefit of going through a store besides being able to leave with the phone. After all, I'll probably be getting a new phone after my plan's up anyways. I'm guessing that I should buy the extended battery and any accessories off e-Bay since it's almost always cheaper, or will that just mean poorer quality?
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Old 06-07-2003, 1:03 PM    #14
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Usually batteries from eBay are of poorer quality. Using non-Audiovox parts will also void your warranty if the generic battery should break your phone. If you can find OEM on eBay that's ok, and it will be cheaper. After you buy your phone, go to Verizon edeals and buy your battery there...I think it is a 20% discount.
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Old 06-07-2003, 3:15 PM    #15
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Have to say thank you to Anthromatt! I never knew about that part of verizons site. I always just went to the main page and clicked on accessories. When you go that route all the accessories are full price! So thanks, now i can get an extended battery for less than $60 [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]
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Old 06-07-2003, 4:18 PM Original Poster Original Poster    #16
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Thanks AnthroMatt, the CDM 9500 is on its way after a "brief" credit check by Verizon (so basically in a few weeks hah). Got the AC 400 plan and I'll buy that extended battery once the phone arrives. WoooO! I'll post again once I check that thing out.
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Old 06-07-2003, 6:54 PM    #17
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noles99: You're welcome! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

Dazed: You're also welcome! Good luck with your phone and service! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
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Old 06-08-2003, 3:25 PM    #18
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As long as we are sharing, I found a better price for the extended battery and car charger! Check this place out:

http://www.accessories4audiovox.com/

I have ordered with them yesterday and I'll let you know when I get them. They have the best price I have found after doing much digging on the web and best of all, they are REAL OEM products! Even cheaper than Ebay!

BTW, anyone here using FreeUp with the 50090/50091 PRL? I'm trying to determine with the help of JustaLurker, whether FreeUp coverage = AC. Thanks!
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Old 06-17-2003, 8:58 PM Original Poster Original Poster    #19
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Ok so what the hell...AnthroMatt or anyone with a CDM 9500 please clear this up. So looks like I got my phone, and I'm pretty satisfied, gonna play with it for a few more hours before I do my work. Anyways, I was pulling the antenna out and it comes out wayy past normal...it comes out 6 inches or so. Is this a feature of it or is my phone defective...
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Old 06-17-2003, 9:57 PM    #20
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It's not a defect, the 9500 has an insanely long antenna. I never was in a situation where I needed to extend it to improve reception though.
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Old 06-17-2003, 10:41 PM Original Poster Original Poster    #21
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cool cool, YAY no having to send it back and dealing with customer service again...actually I must say that they were fairly competent and accomodating. Well except for the first person I talked to who seemed nice enough but she said she'd "pass on the information" to have my application fixed and BAM guess what nothing happened. But I called a week later and they overnight'ed it to me so meh. WOO more fun.

Wait so you're saying the antenna is supposed to be that long? If that's true then how come it won't stay up all the way out?

Oh and do you know the default manufacturer's security code for the phone? I accidentally locked it....hahaa
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Old 06-18-2003, 12:52 PM    #22
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I believe the default security code (that is if you haven't changed it yet) is 1234. That is according to the manual.
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Old 06-18-2003, 12:54 PM    #23
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If 1234 doesn't work also try the last 4 digits of your phone number.
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Old 06-18-2003, 2:42 PM Original Poster Original Poster    #24
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Yeah I was playing around with number combo's that might be used as default and 1234 worked. I couldn't find it in the manual..but I guess I didn't look hard enough. But just to make sure, Matt you're saying that me seeing a metal strip on my antenna as I pull it out is ok? It comes out to a normal antenna length and then keeps going. There's a metal covering on the next section, then a skinner plastic part.
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Old 06-18-2003, 2:44 PM    #25
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Yeah, your antenna sounds fine to me.
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