YouTube is baseball ambassador overseas
Posted by Yahoo! News Search Results for ipad reviews on August 30, 2010
Instead of offering full-length baseball games overseas by itself, Major League Baseball has tapped Google's YouTube.HTC Hero Android Phone Sprint
Posted by Smartphone Review on August 28, 2010
Built on the Android Platform, the HTC Hero for Sprint offers a rich mobile Internet experience, an intuitive user interface for extraordinary personalization power, and a full capacitive touchscreen display. With the Android smartphone platform, you’ll be able to access built-in Google mobile services–including Google Search, Google Maps, Gmail and YouTube. And through Android Market, you’ll get access to thousands of useful applications, widgets and fun games to download and install on your phone, with many more apps being added every day.
Stay connected using the integrated social networking apps including Facebook, Twitter and Flickr, as well as add more apps via the Android Market. |
Capture on-the-go memories with the 5.0-megapixel camera/camcorder. |
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It also includes HTC Sense, a user interface overlay from HTC that makes it easy for you to create an individualized mobile experience tailored specifically to your needs.
You’ll enjoy high-speed connectivity via Sprint’s dependable 3G network (EV-DO Rev. 0.) as well as such optional services as Sprint Navigation for GPS turn-by-turn directions and Sprint TV’s video-on-demand with full-motion video and vivid sound (see more details on optional services below).
Stay connected using the integrated social networking apps including Facebook, Twitter and Flickr, and capture memories with the 5.0-megapixel camera/camcorder. You can also get quick and easy access to specific voicemail messages via the Visual Voicemail feature, which enables you to go directly to a specific message, without needing to listen to or skip past previous messages. Other features include Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g), microSD memory expansion (up to 32 GB), access to personal and corporate e-mail, and up to 5 hours of talk time.
HTC Sense and Smart User Features
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The intuitive HTC Sense overlay allows the HTC Hero to be completely customized according to your desires and needs via the seven-panel wide home screen, which can be populated with customizable widgets that bring information to the surface.
The HTC Hero users can easily create and switch between Scenes to reflect different moments or roles in your life, such as work, social, travel and play. For example, a work Scene can be easily set up to include stock updates, work e-mail and calendar; a play Scene could have music, weather, and a Twitter feed; or a travel Scene could offer instant access to the local time, weather and maps.
You can silence the HTC Hero by simply turning it over. It also offers an advanced smart dialer for quickly accessing contacts with just a few letters or numbers and a dedicated search key that automatically searches for only information relevant to the current function. When pressed in the mail application, the search will be for text within the mailbox, while a press of the same key from the browser will initiate a Google search.
This device also offers the HTC Footprints application, which enables you to chronicle your on-the-go special moments by capturing a digital postcard on their phone. Once captured, Footprints provides the ability to take notes and an audio clip of that favorite restaurant or special place while identifying its specific location. In addition to identifying each postcard with its specific GPS coordinates, Footprints also auto-names each postcard with its general location or area.
Key Features
- Powered by the Android operating system with deep integration of Google services and access to thousands of apps to customize your phone via the Android Market.
- Fast 3G connectivity thanks to Sprint’s EV–DO, Rev 0 network
- GPS using Sprint Navigation for turn by turn directions, and points of interest searches
- 3.2-inch touch-enabled screen (320 x 480 pixels, 262K color depth, LED backlighting)
- 5-megapixel camera with auto-focus lens
- Video capture capabilities
- Digital audio player allows you to transfer music files from a PC or download tunes from the Amazon MP3 Store.
- Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g) for accessing home and corporate networks as well as hotspots while on the go.
- Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity with stereo music streaming (A2DP) capabilities as well as hands-free headsets and car kits.
- Memory expansion via microSD card slot with support for optional cards up to 32 GB.
- Access to personal and corporate e-mail with Microsoft Direct Push Technology and HTML support. Send and receive email from multiple corporate and personal email accounts. Also, get wireless email access to popular commercial POP3 and IMAP accounts like AOL, Gmail, and Yahoo!
- Instant messaging via popular services including Windows Live Messenger, Google Talk, Yahoo Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger.
- View documents including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and PDF on the go to maximize your productivity
- Visual Voicemail gives you quick and easy access to just the messages you want to listen to by letting you go directly to a specific message, without needing to listen to or skip past previous messages.
- Airplane mode allows you to listen to music while the cellular connectivity is turned off
- TTY compatible
- Hearing Aid Compatible (HAC) with a rating of M3 for hearing aids operating in the acoustic mode. This handset has a HAC rating of T3 for hearing aids operating in the telecoil mode.
- 3.5mm stereo headset jack
Vital Statistics
The HTC Hero weighs 4.5 ounces and measures 4.5 x 2.2 x 0.5 inches. Its 1500 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 5 hours of talk time. It runs on the 800/1900 CDMA/EV-DO Rev. 0 frequencies.
What’s in the Box
HTC Hero handset, rechargeable battery, charger, 2 GB microSD memory card, USB cable, quick start guide, user manual
Sprint Services
- Broadband-like 3G network: Supporting the EV-DO Rev. A high-speed data standard, this phone enables you to download and stream high-quality video, straight onto your phone. Where coverage is available, EV-DO Rev. A connectivity provides average download speeds ranging from 400 to 700 Kbps, with peak rates up to 2 Mbps.
- GPS capable with Sprint Navigation: This GPS-enabled phone provides optional access to Sprint Navigation for driving directions on your mobile phone–by voice and onscreen. Along the way, turn-by-turn directions will be announced in a clear voice and displayed on your phone. For example, Sprint Navigation will say, “Go 1.2 miles and turn right on Elm Street.” As you approach the turn, you will hear, “Turn right on Elm Street.” Sprint Navigation also provides proactive traffic alerts with one click re-routing. And it’s easy to find restaurants, banks, cafes, hotels and more from over 10 million points of interest across the U.S.
- Sprint TV enabled: With Sprint TV, you can make your cell phone your always-on source for news, weather, sports and more. This comprehensive video service combines high-quality streaming audio and video from channels including ABC, The Weather Channel, Fox Sports, E!, CNN, The Discovery Channel, and more.
- Stay Sporty with Sprint: With NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile, instantly connect to the NASCAR information you want, when you want it. Follow NASCAR action from practice to race day with real-time leaderboard and alerts. Get exclusive access to your favorite NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver with real-time driver stats, breaking news and more. Live in-car audio, race radio, NASCAR on SPEED and other audio/video only available on select phones. Visit sprint.com/speed for details.
To access, just text “NASCAR” to 7777 on your Sprint phone or visit the Sprint Digital Lounge to download NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile (standard text messaging and data rates apply).
This phone also provides access to Sprint Football Live–free for any phone with a data plan. You’ll be able to follow all the live play-by-play action with the Live Game Center for both pro and college football games, as well as stay on top of the pro football draft with a Live Draft Tracker and in-depth analysis and bios on nearly 500 top prospects. Access by texting “FOOTBALL” to 7777 on the handset to download Sprint Football Live from Sprint Digital Lounge (standard text messaging and data rates apply).
User Ratings and Reviews
1 Star Dials in your pocket
I have this phone about a year. It will dial numbers on its own once you put it in your pocket(even in a case! Touch the screen the wrong way and major units pre loaded on the screen when you got it will disappear. I have an i-touch and so I can compare applications in both. The Android applications I have down loaded, for the most part, are second rate. If you have adult fingers like mine, you are constantly entering the wrong letters into the phone, because the symbol is too small. The touch pad dialing is flawed. If you press too hard instead of dialing the number an edit/information screen comes up and you have to close and start all over. All in All the phone is more trouble then the internet connection it allows is worh. It has turned me off on any HTC phone.
2 Stars Very Slow! Always Freezing!
I purchased the HTC Hero as my first android phone. I previously have owned both an iPhone and a Blackberry, so I am not new to smart phones.
Here are some things I liked about the Hero:
1. Track ball: I find the trackball makes surfing the internet and going through pictures easier.
2. The call quality: The people on the other end sounded good and they said they had no problems hearing me.
3. Camera: The camera is a 5mp camera and it takes great pictures. Camcorder function also works great.
4. Screen Lock: The screen is not unlocked my enter numbers like most phones, instead you create a pattern that you have to trace to unlock it, I feel it is hard to remember that then a number, making it more secure.
5. Quality of the phone: The phone seemed like a high quality phone, it was heavy but not to heavy.
Things I didn’t like about the Hero:
1. Incredibly slow! To open the clock on the home screen it took 10 seconds and to open the weather it took 15 seconds (these are not apps, I’m talking about the default HTC Sense Clock) It doesn’t happen all the time but enough to be incredibly annoying.
2. Always Freezing: My phone would always freeze when I tried to type messages, and I would have to enter the same number 5 times (I’m not exaggerating) when trying to place a call because would not register)
3. Android Market: I know it’s not fair to compare it to Apple but the market is nothing close to what iPhone has to offer. From what I have found (this may not be true, but from some research on the internet I found it) Android apps can pretty much be made by anyone. So they are a lot of not so great apps on the market. The number of apps related to Marijuana is ridiculous. A lot of the apps that had to be purchased were in Euros, which I found to be strange as well.
4.Email: I have always used yahoo mail. I knew that when I got the phone I had to have a google account to activate it which was no big deal. The problem is that you can not use yahoo mail with the email program that android has, unlike most phones. The email either has to be a gmail account or a pop account. There are 2 ways to solve this: pay yahoo $20/yr to allow pop access to your email or you can download the yahoo mail app (which is free) and have your mail there. It’s not a big hassle but still annoying.
Bottom line: To me a phone should be able to make calls and send text messages with out any problems. Since the Hero can not do that, I feel that what ever else it has to offer is worthless. I have found that you can root your phone to make it faster, but I don’t like messing with the programming of my phone. I never had to jailbreak my iPhone to get it to cooperate, so I should not have to root the Hero to make it work. It is a fairly simple smart phone, but it’s not right for me.
5 Stars Great phone at a great price!
I purchased my Hero when it first came out almost a year ago. At the time, I thought I wanted the newest Windows Mobile phone since that is what I was used to, or maybe the Palm Pre. When I saw the Hero at the Sprint store I knew this was the phone for me. I have been pleasantly surprised and very happy ever since. The phone is a nice compact size - a benefit in most cases as it slips easily into a pocket. The newer Evo has a much larger screen which makes things easier to see but with a drawback of bulk. I have owned many PDAs and smart phones in the past but this was the first one that I felt worked the way it should. If I had to choose again today I might pick the EVO 4G for the bigger screen, 4G and faster processor, but I don’t feel compelled to upgrade right away as I am still happy with the Hero. These two phones seem to be fine choices and at the lower price of the Hero now it is a real bargain. Spint service has been great and just seems to get better. I don’t have reception or service issues, the voice quality is excellent and Sprint customer service has been very good (not like the old days of waiting forever for an operator) - plus the price of my plan is so much cheaper than Verizon or ATT. My friends on ATT with their iphones get dropped calls all the time - knowing what they pay for servcie, I just chuckle. Just try making a call at the Javitz convention center with an iPhone - ha. I have not used any cases for my Hero and it has held up great.
2 Stars great phone, terrible lag.
i hate being the one to give negative reviews, but my experience with the hero has been a very, very laggy one. yes, being a geek, not only have i used all sorts of task managers and whatnot to keep the phone as clear as possible, i have even flashed some custom ROMS on it. the 528 mhz processor just doesn’t cut it. a big issue with the phone is that when trying to type landscape, the delay between hitting the key and the letter appearing is too long to merit use. the portrait keyboard is only slightly less laggy. nearly every aspect of this phone is framed by lag, holding back what is otherwise a beautiful, wonderful android experience. the HTC sense UI is stunning, and android is just wonderful. that being said, don’t waste your time and energy on this sub-par device, sprint ahead(see what i did there? lulz ^_^) and pick yourself up an evo or epic that can take advantage of sprint’s wonderful high speed (even on 3g) network, with those phones that can handle the wonderful android experience.
3 Stars Decent, but not perfect
This was my first android phone, and won’t be my last.. but the phone is lacking, I’ll say that much.
The good:
Android is a great phone OS, hands down. The platform has rich community support, and isn’t locked down like Apple’s iOS.
The android app store makes this phone MUCH MORE than just a phone.
Call quality is great, phone feels comfortable (haven’t found a “grip of death” on it, either).
I get great signal.
Battery life is fairly good. I can go about 2 days on a single charge, and I use my phone quite a bit.
HTC’s Sense UI is one of the best out there.
Multitasking works well.
The bad:
Sluggish response. It’s got some slower hardware compared to devices like the HTC Evo, which will be very annoying at times.
A pain to update to the latest android OS, which I recommend.
Preloaded apps are mostly crap. Thank goodness for the android store.
No flash on the camera. I don’t get what is with phone manufacturers not putting flashes with the camera anymore.
Camera software uses the click of the trackball to operate the shutter… while rolling the trackball handles the zoom. Needless to say, this gets frustrating when you’re trying to flip the phone around for a snapshot of yourself doing something obnoxious, like eating an iPhone.
No HTC Sync support for Linux, which drives me up the wall. Glad I still have an XP-loaded desktop, otherwise I would be very, very pissed.
The side stuff:
The screen is “meh”. Nothing spectacular, but not horrible. Touch response can be a little flaky since the phone is so sluggish. It gets a little hot sometimes when playing games/charging, too, so keep that in mind. Watch out when placing it in your pocket, though; I’ve had mine do all sorts of random stuff without my intent (no pocket dialing, thank goodness). When I put it in my pocket, I slide it in facing out, with the buttons/trackball up at the top, which has eliminated most of those problems.
There are better phones out there. The Evo is amazing (aside from the battery life), for one.
One thing to note with Sprint: They may have a slower data network, but it has been 100% reliable for me. I’d rather have reliability over speed (and the speed isn’t that bad - I’ve tethered it to my laptop via USB to utilize the data connection when I’m away from legit wifi sources).
If you’re looking for a smartphone to use with your day job (I’m a systems manager), be sure to check on your corporate policies regarding smartphones. Some only support Crackberries syncing with Exchange, so while the Hero will support it, your corporate IT staff may not.
HTC EVO 4G Android Phone Sprint
Posted by Smartphone Review on
HTC EVO 4G Android Phone Sprint
Exclusively from Sprint, the HTC EVO 4G mobile phone is the world’s first 3G/4G Android handset, offering simultaneous voice and data connectivity and download speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G. Additionally, the HTC EVO 4G can still connect to 3G data services in areas not currently served by Sprint’s 4G network (learn more about Sprint’s 4G network below).
The HTC EVO 4G’s 4.3-inch screen is perfect for watching video on the go (see larger image). |
Packed full of powerful mobile communication and multimedia features, the HTC EVO 4G has a large, vibrant 4.3 inch display and a built-in kickstand for easy viewing of videos–from Sprint TV programming to HD movies captured on the 8-megapixel auto-focus camera. It’s powered by a screaming fast 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and Google’s Android 2.1 operating system. With integrated Google technology, the HTC EVO 4G brings one-touch access to the popular Google mobile services millions use every day, including Google Search by Voice, YouTube and Picasa. The HTC EVO 4G also provides easy access to both personal and corporate email, calendars, and contacts supported by Exchange Server and Gmail.
And through Android Market, you’ll get access to thousands of useful applications, widgets and fun games to download and install on your phone, with many more apps being added every day. The HTC EVO 4G also includes HTC Sense, a user interface overlay from HTC that makes it easy for you to create an individualized mobile experience tailored specifically to your needs.
The forward-facing 1.3 megapixel camera makes it easy to have video calls using the two-way voice and video service from Qik (upgraded account service required). And with built-in mobile hotspot functionality, the HTC EVO 4G also allows up to eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices–including laptop, camera, music player, video player and any other Wi-Fi-enabled device–to enjoy the benefits of 4G speeds on the go. Other features include music downloads from the Amazon MP3 Store, microSD memory expansion (8 GB card included; optional 32 GB cards supported), Adobe Flash support, HDMI audio/video output, and up to 6 hours of battery life (learn more about power management on the HTC EVO 4G).
The HTC EVO 4G offers lightning fast 4G speeds, Android 2.1 operating system, and a 1 GHz Snapdragon processor (see larger image). |
The handy kickstand makes it easy to watch videos on-the-go. |
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Sprint 4G offers a faster wireless experience than any other U.S. national wireless carrier, and Sprint is the only national carrier offering wireless 4G service in 32 markets (with more coming online soon). Sprint 4G delivers download speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G, giving the HTC EVO 4G the fastest data speeds of any U.S. wireless device available today. Sprint 4G network coverage is expected to reach 120 million people by the end of 2010.
Sprint 4G services dramatically increase download speeds for photos, videos and large files. You can download a favorite song, picture, sitcom or large video in seconds, not minutes, or watch live streaming video- all while on the go, not just from the home or office. Additionally, businesses can benefit from the fast connectivity speeds of 4G. Some examples include:
Learn more about what to expect when switching between 3G and 4G coverage.
Vital Statistics What’s in the Box
To access, just text “NASCAR” to 7777 on your Sprint phone or visit the Sprint Digital Lounge to download NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile (standard text messaging and data rates apply). This phone also provides access to Sprint Football Live–free for any phone with a data plan. You’ll be able to follow all the live play-by-play action with the Live Game Center for both pro and college football games, as well as stay on top of the pro football draft with a Live Draft Tracker and in-depth analysis and bios on nearly 500 top prospects. Access by texting “FOOTBALL” to 7777 on the handset to download Sprint Football Live from Sprint Digital Lounge (standard text messaging and data rates apply).
Sprint’s Blazing Fast 4G Network
Key Features
The HTC EVO 4G weighs 6 ounces and measures 4.8 x 2.6 x 0.5 inches. It comes with a large-capacity, 1500 mAh lithium-ion battery with up to 6 hours of battery life. It runs on Sprint’s 4G network as well as the 800/1900 CDMA/EV-DO Rev. A frequencies.
HTC EVO 4G handset, rechargeable battery, charger, USB cable, 8 GB microSD memory card, quick start guide, user manual Sprint Services
Learn More
HTC EVO 4G Power Management
The HTC EVO 4G offers new capabilities for a smartphone that require more power, which can impact its battery life more than what you may have experienced using other smartphones.
- It has more radios to power (3G, 4G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS).
- It features a larger screen than most typical smartphones.
- It offers more capabilities than most typical smartphones, including:
- Management of multiple email accounts and syncing
- WiFi access point
- WiFi Router capability
- 4G data
- GPS
- Access to several 3rd party applications through the Market
- Applications and Processes running in the background
With the HTC EVO 4G, you have the ability to manage your phone’s power consumption to optimize its battery life. These include:
Battery Usage Tools
Before you are ready to charge your phone you can view what has been using your battery during this charge cycle.
- Settings -> About Phone -> Battery -> Battery use
Multiple Radios
The multiple radios on this device will use battery life even when you are not using them.
- To improve battery life, turn off your Bluetooth, GPS, 4G, Wi-Fi, and Wi-Fi Sprint Mobile Hotspot if you are not using them.
4G Connectivity
The 4G radio should only be turned ON when the improved network speed is required for an application, such as YouTube, Web Browsing, or Sprint Mobile Hotspot. When not in use, its important to use the built-in 4G widget (preloaded on Home tile left of center) to turn the 4G radio OFF.
If you have your 4G radio ON, but are no longer in 4G coverage then your device will be scanning in an attempt to re-acquire the 4G network. Your battery can be significantly drained by the scanning processes, so if you know you will be out of 4G coverage for an extended period of time or if you are not acquiring a 4G signal as indicated in the task bar, it would be important to turn your 4G radio OFF.
E-mail Applications Settings
The e-mail settings allow you to setup peak and off-peak hours for e-mail sync on each email account.
- Pop Account
- Mail -> Menu -> More -> Settings -> Send & Receive -> Set Download Frequency
- Exchange Account
- Mail -> Menu -> More -> Settings -> Send & Receive -> Schedule
Generally, less frequent syncing equates to better battery life.
Google Talk
As soon as you sign up for the Google Market or Gmail with your Gmail account information, you are also signed in to the Google Talk instant messaging application. The Talk application tracks the presence of your Google Talk contacts in order to let you know who is available to instant message. Each presence change uses a small amount of power even if you do not have the Talk application open.
If you have numerous contacts who are changing presence throughout the day all of these small impacts to your battery can add up to significantly shorten your battery life.
To see a complete list of power management tips for the HTC EVO 4G, click here to read this PDF overview.
Switching between 3G and 4G coverage
Browser app connection warning. |
Mail app connection warning. |
When switching between 3G and 4G coverage, the HTC EVO 4G may experience a very brief interruption of data service as the device switches network connections. During this brief interruption, applications attempting to access data may be unable to do so and may display an error message. Below are some examples of how to proceed if an error message appears on the device. Other data-usage applications may experience a very brief interruption and will continue functioning once the network handoff is complete.
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User Ratings and Reviews
4 Stars Best Android Phone on the Market Today
So, my husband and I bought this phone on a whim mainly because they were sold out everywhere and we found a store that had it in stock. He got the black one and I have the white one, which is exclusive to Best Buy stores. I totally didn’t expect it to live up to the hype, but it does.
I’ll start the pro’s with:
1) The kick-stand. It’s such a tiny feature, but for me, it really helps it stand out above it’s Incredible competition. I don’t have to buy a special case or anything to allow it to prop up to easily watch videos.
2) Even though it is the most obvious, and the sales pitch for the Evo– 4G! It is definitely not available everywhere, but when you are on the 4G network, you’ll know it! It’s awesome. A lot of people say that it not being available everywhere is a con, I’m going to say that it being available at all is a pro.
3) Wi-Fi hotspot without having to root the phone. With many other Android models, Wi-Fi sharing is only available after phone has been rooted and rooting is not the for the faint at heart.
4) Honestly, it’s an AWESOME phone. It is definitely going to give the iPhone and all other Androids a run for their money. HTC did a remarkable job one-uping everyone.
However, there are downsides to having such an awesome phone:
1) The battery isn’t great, it will last all day, but you must charge it at night. I am on my phone pretty regularly throughout the day so I feel that for as much use as it gets, it’s not terrible. Pay the $20 for the car charger though, just in case. If you do not put it in standby, it will die very fast. You can also download apps, the one I have is called “Advanced Task Killer,” which helps your battery life by shutting off programs you are not currently using.
2) It’s big. Bigger than you might like. I was pretty alarmed at first, but now I’m used to it and a blackberry looks like a toy phone to me. The bigger screen is good for watching movies/TV and surfing the internet. My 2 year old daughter has no problem watching shows on it.
3) No physical keyboard. All typing must be done on a touch screen. You get used to it easily (or at least we did), and the auto-correct is outstanding at fixing typing errors.
4) Wi-Fi Sharing disconnects users if you receive a phone call for more than 10 seconds. That is a drag.
So, overall this phone receives 4 stars from us. I’d say 4 and a half but that’s not allowed. We didn’t review Android Operating System itself. I’d recommend this phone, because it really is more than Incredible…(pun intended)
3 Stars I used to like The Evo
originally, loved this phone. Used it for about 2 months. After the 2.2 upgrade was downloaded, phone did not detect charger. Waited 3 days for a replacement phone. First call made with replacement phone, the “End Call” started freezing and phone randomly calls contacts without even touching anything. Another replacement has been ordered. Dissapointed!
1 Star Amazon price good, Sprint sales bad
I’m “still” trying to buy this phone. To start at the beginning: I purchased a Droid X with the the basic data plan from Big Red only to find that, despite the coverage map advertised, the phone would not work in my house or within a range of several meters. I cancelled the plan and sent the phone back and the company was agreeable about the matter. After speaking to several Sprint customers who live near and around me, I found that they have good service around and (more important) in my house. This includes data.
So, great! I can get a Evo 4G for a little more per month after the premium service charge and the warranty. It’ll cost about the same up front and I still get Android 2.2 on a screen big enough for large fingers to type with. Whats not to love?
I’ll tell you. Unless you didn’t even look at the price of this phone as you typed in the credit report info, you will be spending more for this phone up front than $200.
If you purchase this phone here you will quite likely receive an email from Sprint saying that there was an error processing your order and you need to call them before they are forced to cancel it.
Upon calling the number they provide in that email you will speak to a meticulously polite representative of their sales department who will inform you that, due to their credit check, they need a deposit that will be returned to you in 13 months.
Now this is a little annoying to me as I’d already passed previous credit checks from their competition. Its more annoying because of a habit I formed early in my use of Amazon and other websites.
I never keep more than $50 over the agreed upon amount of a large purchase in my checking account before sending the order(s) and I keep it that way until the order is processed. This is due to a previous problem with another site where the “company” attempted to take out their amount with another 0 added to the end.
So when I called Sprint thinking I’d need to verify my billing address, I was surprised by the extra 13 month interest free $100 loan they wanted from me. Verizon didn’t need it for their flagship device. But, after some considerable stubbornness on the part of the representatives (and on me, I don’t appreciate when people start shaking me like a money tree) I was convinced that there was no option but to give them more money if I wanted this device on their network.
It should end there, right? We renegotiate an agreement, I transfer more funds to my checking account,they take it out start of business next morning and give Amazon the green light.
All is well!
Not quite. The funds were not removed from the account. Another call is placed. Why have the funds not been taken out? Why is the order still pending? Well, they need me to authorize the withdrawal. But I authorized it last night. Spoke to a supervisor, said he would see to it personally. Start of a brand new day; not going to work that way. Fine, whatever. I’m here now, authorize it. Take the hundred bucks; authorize Amazon to take my money; the amount we previously agreed upon.
“Yes sir,” they says. Then silence. Then “may I place you on hold?”. Then “may I have another hundred dollars please sir?”
You read that last part right. After some simple math we are now paying four hundred dollars for the phone (or at least I am). You see, there has been a “discrepancy” when the representative placed the order. Sprint will blame it on Amazon until they find out you have two phone lines in the house, call Amazon tech support and Amazon confirms–several times over a speaker phone so the Sprint supervisor can hear–that they are not placing any hidden charges, and you are only being charged (by Amazon) $199.99 for the phone to ship.
After about an hour you will hear (and make sure to have at least one hour of free time to hear this come out of the new Sprint Sales supervisor’s mouth) that there was an error when processing the credit check/loan/whatever you want to call it and that you have been, basically, charged twice.
You are left with 2 options: cancel the original plan, or pay Sprint another $100. No, the consumer didn’t do anything wrong. No, its not the fault of Amazon (not once their representatives can hear every word Sprint says anyway). Sprint finally says “We made a mistake”. And then they say, in the most politically acceptable way possible, Please give us more money or cancel the order and recreate it. Yes, this will put you down to the bottom of the ordering que. No, you will not be getting this phone on the previously agreed time. You will now get it some time in October…if you’re lucky.
So, I ask, if I cancel the order and start over then I don’t have to give you more money? “Thats right,” Sprint says. “Not going through another credit check?” No, already done. “Not going to ask me for another hundred dollars on this?”
No. Of course not.
Okay, I’ll remake it. I expect a credit for this; this is crazy stupid and a bunch of bull (and I’ll be completely honest, “bull” was nowhere near the level of four letter words I had dropped on this Sprint rep come round 3 with Amazon on the other line; I am certain I was the quaint essential “nightmare customer” by now).
I cancel the Amazon order. I create a new one. I will receive an email within a few days from Amazon (actually I received the processing confirmation from them within minutes).
Okay, I turn to the Sprint phone and let the Amazon rep go. We’re good now? Order is going to go through now, right? We’re done with each other and I’m sure you’re as happy to see the end of me as I am to see the end of you?
“Well sir,” I hear on the other line, as a very tired Sales Supervisor begins again, “We’re going to need the new order number first”.
Okay, I’ve got it. Move the hundred bucks you took out of my checking account a few hours ago onto this order.
We can’t do that, says the supervisor. We need our order number. And we can’t move the money from this old order to this new order. You’ll receive your original hundred dollars in 2-7 business days. You will not have to go through the same credit check…but…you will have to release another hundred dollars for the new order.
You read that last part right too.
5 Stars Awesome Phone…screw iPhone
I was using iPhone from 2007 till now. Got tired of Apple trying to spin iPhone 4 antenna issue.
That’s when I started looking for an iPhone alternative. I was initially thinking of Droid X.
Then I saw HTC Evo and I fell in love.
This is an awesome phone. Sprint offers great plans…save $$$s over ATT.
Bye Bye Apple.
20 years back…Microsoft beat Apple…seems like history is repeating itself….now Android is beating Apple.
Some things never change.
4 Stars I found peace with Evo. HD2 Horrible
I purchased the HD2 by HTC a windows mobile phone and it was a horrible experience. The phone locked so much that ended up purchasing the EVO less than six months later.
The main issue I had was locking and user friendliness with the HD2. Besides never being able to recover the two Blocker Buster Films that came with my HD because of an storage card mistake on my part. The HD’s beautiful screen was the only thing I liked. Oh and my Napster to Go subscription worked quite well. On the HD2 books I paid for with Barnes and Noble weren’t compatible because of a compatibility issue between the phone and Barnes and Noble. Barnes and Noble is advertised with the phone, but only the older titles like “Little Women” would load. My Audible books weren’t compatible w/ the HD2 nor was Napster. Slacker radio was okay but it stopped loading and failed all the times. Bottom line, I feel like a sucker for buying the HD2. I predict they will end production and stay away from the HD name. I’m wrapping up my little expensive brick a birthday present for my sister and hopefully she’ll like.
EVO Advantages:
EVO calls clearer
Email (Google Reliable w/Evo)
Text messaging works
Calendar-Attractive Color Interface to help me stay organized.
EVO a billion applications that are FREE!
EVO has seamless integration of apps over the air vs HD’s USB transfer or trying to figure out whether to save to the SD card or the device. I was really hesitant to even look at another HTC but my previous phone a G1 was great (screen size is important since I’m approaching 40).
No Freezing and taking the battery out five times per day.
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