Got to play around with the Rumor 2 today. Looks like a nice update to the original and retains the non-EVDO data. The ability to do PRL updates is now built into the phone. They also fixed the menu/ok key so that it's larger and easier to press. The qwerty keypad also has a new row of number keys that are seperate. No more having to use the shift key to get to the numbers! The keys also felt a little better to the touch for faster typing. One other thing I noticed is the signal meter is smaller (along with the other symbols) and the signal bars are yellow.
That's good news regarding the numbers on the QWERTY keypad. And lucky for you it still has 1X data only!
Yeah, honestly, I don't think it makes any sense not to have all their data-capable devices as EVDO phones. It's not as though making it non-EVDO makes it siginificantly cheaper. Just look at the price of the Rumor for the first few months after its release as proof of that. And with Sprint pushing the everything plans, it makes sense (to me) to have 1 or 2 basic, no frills (no Internet, just SMS) devices and then let anything else have an EVDO chipset.
There are probably still quite a few users out there (besides me) that don't want to pay extra for EVDO because they have an older Vision plan that they don't want to lose. So offering a few good options besides just basic plain jane 2004 style phones still makes sense to me.
It makes sense to the users, but I am surprised Sprint wouldn't want to squeeze more money from people. It's still cheaper than ATT/VZW at the current rates.
Yes it is nice of Sprint to continue to support the older data plans when they could easily force us on to EVDO.
TO the OP: Did you notice if it had the same charging port or the mini USB? The Rumor charging port was a stinker.
Sorry I guess I didn't pay attention to the ports. I'll see if I can get a hold of it again in the next week or so and let you know.
I will second the comment about the poor charging port on the original rumor. You have to jiggle and look closely to plug in the charger and you just know the port is poorly designed and is going to eventually fail. Also, if you are a heavy user and have a power cord in your car, while you are talking, the cord will fall out of the jack. Very Very poor design.
I haven't had any problems with the charging port after about 10 months. But I will concur that it's a little difficult to find the sweet spot to plug it in (especially in the dark or while driving).
