T-Mobile Sidekick

[JMoney]

I know there was a thread about this a couple of weeks ago, and Wild Bill appeared to know a lot on the subject.

So, I was wondering does anyone know the best place to buy the actual color sidekick. I'm probably going to just by the unlimted data plan so I don't think many rebates will be applicable. Thanks in advanc

 

[maxdemo]

Ebay has them...
$99
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3069625662&category=41355

 

[JMoney]

Thanks, but that to use that one, one must buy a voice plan. Does anyone else know any. Thanks again.

 

[maxdemo]

You may use T-mobile. here is a link:
http://www.t-mobile.com/products/default.asp?class=pda
All you have to do is get a regular GSM account with T-mobile ( a free phone will work) because all you need is the GSM Smart Chip. Once you get service from them, then buy the side kick from anywhere you want and place the chip in the sidekick and it will work. After you get the side kick call t-mobile and change your plan to a data plan and you are set.

 

[WildBill]

Are you sure about all that Max? They give me a lot of flak in trying to get the damn color one, I mean no rebates, no ability to buy it anywhere else. They sure aren't treating me all that well with it. I am thinking of going to their cheap Treo instead, my one-year ends shortly and I want to get on the data only plan instead as I make 15 minutes of calls on my sidekick in a good month. I like the idea that I can put Palm apps on the Treo. If you want a good price on a color sidekick through an approved channel, Circuit City has them for $175. I saw the ones on E-bay, but I do worry that they will give you the same crap I got if you get on board any other way but through an approved retailer.

One aside, the coverage is very difficult. I have been in places where almost nothing works and it comes in brilliantly. In my own house though everything else comes in and my phone needs to be in a particular spot or else zero coverage. The main reason why I never use the phone minutes I do get and will go 100% data and use other phones for calls.

 

[maxdemo]

Wildbill;
My brother owns a wireless store here in Houston...so i know all the tricks. They just want you to buy the equipment from them. There are over 100 wholesale shops in the Houston area that you can buy the sidekick from $100-$140. The great thing about T-mobile is that you do not need to contact them to change your equipment. All you have to do is insert the SIM card and you are set. I have 2 devices I use from T-mobile. When I am gambling I use my treo...and I love it. But when I go out with the lady or kid I switch to my Motorola v-60...sleek and fits great in my pocket.

 

[WildBill]

Does the older Treo, the one going for about 200 now get most gambling sites? That is the major downfall of the Sidekick IMO, but no one has given me a good answer on if the Blazer browser can handle the Java sites any better. Do you know? I really don't want to drop the 400 or more on the newer Treo just for a couple of gambling sites. I really am ok with the current sidekick, just if I can pick up something with color for a change for a reasonable price I will do it. T-Mobile told me if I got the cheaper Treo they would consider me like a new customer, but waive the activation since as you said I would use the same SIM card.

 

[maxdemo]

It does depend on the site it self. If they desinged a site that is capable of showing the data formatted correctly then you are ok. Most gambling sites were never designed for the mobile gambler in mind. With that in mind you dont get the full effect of wireless gambling if the page is formatted to where you must scroll down or over just to see the info on the page. But when you cant get to a phone....its not a bad option.
Its always better to get the second generation of a product...so if you are looking at the new treo, you might want to go to a retail location and view a demo. If you like what you see go to a wholesale location and save your self some money. I have been told by a rep that the new treo is built with more functionality and better reception.

 

[maxdemo]

When you change rate plans...ie add or subtract services it becomes a new contract by default. So you are correct in stating that you must sign a new deal in order to change plans.

 

[schaeon]

Hello,please if there is already a thread: I will looking to purchase a handheld device for surfing net 90% and 10%phone calls. I would appreciate all comments on the latest treo,sidekick color, tmobile pc\phone,etc.I will moving to Las Vegas by the summer and want to end my net usage using work computers once and for all

 

[schaeon]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by schaeon:
Hello,please advise if there is already a thread: I will looking to purchase a handheld device for surfing net 90% and 10%phone calls. I would appreciate all comments on the latest treo,sidekick color, tmobile pc\phone,etc.I will moving to Las Vegas by the summer and want to end my net usage using work computers once and for all<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

[WildBill]

I am not worried about signing a new deal, I just want to know if books with software such as Hollywood or Panam have can work on the Treo 270. The stores always have demos of just phones, if they demo a handheld it is because the employee has one of his own to show you firsthand.

 

[maxdemo]

Wildbill;
I dont know....sorry. I have demoed some hand devices( PDA and Pocket PC) but not at those books. I use SBG Global and tested on their site and I was able to place the wager. I dont play casino games on the net.....so I dont know if the Java apps load correctly.

 

[JMoney]

Anyone else know a good place to purchase just the device? Thanks.

 

[JMoney]

bump