The Samsung Instinct Thread

[WonderDude2k]

I've been waiting quite a while to replace my phone with whatever Sprint's answer to the iPhone is. A touchscreen is nifty and everything, but the biggest draw for me is computer-like internet access. All the phones I've had in the past have had nearly useless web browsers, and I wasn't willing to get a honkin' huge smartphone for a somewhat better experience.

Thus I'm eagerly anticipating the Instinct. Will it be worthy of the hype Sprint & Samsung are trying to whip up (nowisgood.com)? I dunno, but I'm kinda skeptical. Especially since there don't appear to be a lot of substantial reviews on the internet yet.

I suppose I'll end up getting it, unless it totally sucks, or doesn't work with the SERO plan. The last time I looked at the fine print, it allowed for some non-everything plan options. 1200 bones a year is a heck of a lot, if it won't do my laundry. I just checked the site again, however, and it doesn't specify which plans existing customers can continue using with the Instinct. It says "Instinct requires an Everything plan for key features to function appropriately." What exactly won't work with SERO? GPS? I got a Tom Tom for that.

[JFB]

Here is a review of the Samsung Instinct from MIT's Technology Review Magazine:
Technology Review: Review: Sprint's phone is iPhone clone done right

[RJB]

This phone looks pretty good I thought windows mobile was on it at first but without that on it, might be a good phone. Just wish it had wifi.

[WonderDude2k]

Originally Posted by JFB

Here is a review of the Samsung Instinct from MIT's Technology Review Magazine:
Technology Review: Review: Sprint's phone is iPhone clone done right

Yeah, this review came up on Google. It's helpful, but it seems like the author hasn't actually used the phone yet. Where's the full-blown hands-on reviews? This thing's coming out in only a week!

[SmArTeStChIlD421]

for new sign ups it requires simply everything plans but im not sure if you can activate it on a current SERO account

[Mobile Mike]

Originally Posted by SmArTeStChIlD421

for new sign ups it requires simply everything plans but im not sure if you can activate it on a current SERO account

With the new plan structure Sprint just started, using an Instinct with SERO is a no-go.

http://forums.wirelessadvisor.com/wi...tml#post509315 (Sprint Set to Launch New Pricing Strategy on June 15th)

[RJB]

Originally Posted by Mobile Mike

With the new plan structure Sprint just started, using an Instinct with SERO is a no-go.

http://forums.wirelessadvisor.com/wi...tml#post509315 (Sprint Set to Launch New Pricing Strategy on June 15th)

Well that stinks............

[WonderDude2k]

Quite a disappointing development. Is the instinct so hot of a phone that sprint can get away with being all restrictive 'n stuff, like at&t? My gut says no. Most regular people haven't heard of the thing yet.

Maybe I'll sit on the sidelines a while, and wait for the dust to settle. Or just get an iPhone, since it's proven, improved, and still hot. Good thing I'm not under contract with sprint any more.

[SmArTeStChIlD421]

so if a SERO customer upgraded to an Instinct they would be required to change their plan?

[Mobile Mike]

Originally Posted by SmArTeStChIlD421

so if a SERO customer upgraded to an Instinct they would be required to change their plan?

Yes, that's what it says.

[RJB]

Originally Posted by SmArTeStChIlD421

so if a SERO customer upgraded to an Instinct they would be required to change their plan?

Originally Posted by Mobile Mike

Yes, that's what it says.

I still don't see what their reasoning is I think at some point Sero is going to fade out cause it would require you to leave for a new phone.

[Mobile Mike]

Originally Posted by RJB

I still don't see what their reasoning is I think at some point Sero is going to fade out cause it would require you to leave for a new phone.

It seems like Sprint is trying to iPhone-ize plans for the Instinct. Also, I have a feeling they don't want the unlimited data option available in the SERO plans to be used with an Instinct. Sprint must realize they're giving away the farm with SERO, but they're not going to let their flagship phone lose any bit of money it could make. It makes sense, but it sucks for SERO subscribers.

[SmArTeStChIlD421]

it does........do Windows Mobile devices require a data plan now other than the Instinct???

[RJB]

I am hearing now that you can use this on Sero well I guess we will for surely know when this comes out Friday.

[WonderDude2k]

I got an e-mail for a "private screening" of the instinct today at sprint stores. It says you have to print out the e-mail and bring it in.

Gonna pop out there in a little bit and check it out. I'll ask about the SERO situation and let ya know.

[AnthroMatt]

I got the same email. I actually bought the thing and billed it to my account. I set it up on its own plan so as not to mess with anything else of mine. I doubt I will keep the thing, but so far it seems ok. Definitely would take some getting used to. I think something as "fancy" as this requires a few days before a detailed review is possible.

[ace41690]

Hmm, wats interesting is one of my friends was able to get an Instinct yesterday, I actually saw it so hes not lying.

[AnthroMatt]

Yeah, they went on sale a day early if you had an email invite.

[WonderDude2k]

I went down to the local sprint store yesterday and was given the opportunity to purchase an instinct. Once the sales guy heard I was on SERO, he said he couldn't help me unless I wanted to go with the Simply Everything plan. He did, however, give me a number to call to get the phone and keep the SERO -- 800-777-4681.

So I just got done ordering an instinct over the phone, which is now $229 (plus tax) - $100 mail in rebate. Not too shabby. This was, however, after the $150 credit for having my current phone 2 years (or something like that).

The only sketchy part of the transaction is that the rep said that upon activation of the new phone, I "may be required to switch plans." He said one needs a plan with unlimited data and internet, as well as unlimited sprint-to-sprint, to which I said the SERO plan has. I also said I don't need NAV functionality. He stuck with his CYA comment.

I guess we'll know for sure when I try to activate the phone. If I'm not able to keep the SERO, I'll return the phone.

[AnthroMatt]

Originally Posted by WonderDude2k

I went down to the local sprint store yesterday and was given the opportunity to purchase an instinct. Once the sales guy heard I was on SERO, he said he couldn't help me unless I wanted to go with the Simply Everything plan. He did, however, give me a number to call to get the phone and keep the SERO -- 800-777-4681.

So I just got done ordering an instinct over the phone, which is now $229 (plus tax) - $100 mail in rebate. Not too shabby. This was, however, after the $150 credit for having my current phone 2 years (or something like that).

The only sketchy part of the transaction is that the rep said that upon activation of the new phone, I "may be required to switch plans." He said one needs a plan with unlimited data and internet, as well as unlimited sprint-to-sprint, to which I said the SERO plan has. I also said I don't need NAV functionality. He stuck with his CYA comment.

I guess we'll know for sure when I try to activate the phone. If I'm not able to keep the SERO, I'll return the phone.

The system will not allow the phone to be activated on anything other than the $99 SERO plan, a Simply Everything Plan, or a Talk/Message/Data share plan.

I am almost willing to guarantee (I want to leave a little wiggle room) that you will be sending that phone back.

[RJB]

Originally Posted by AnthroMatt

The system will not allow the phone to be activated on anything other than the $99 SERO plan, a Simply Everything Plan, or a Talk/Message/Data share plan.

I am almost willing to guarantee (I want to leave a little wiggle room) that you will be sending that phone back.

This is really a big miss for Sprint they need to allow a great phone like this to be on all channels to get people buying them again.