I am having second thoughts about my Treo 650

**Lethargic** · 05-23-2005, 03:48 AM

I have been out of school for a few weeks, and just made enough to get a brand new Treo 650, which I have wanted for awhile now.

I entered into a two year contract with sprint, with the $15/month unlimited data plan.

But I am having some second thoughts.. I payed $450 for the handset itself before taxes and additional charges, and I am finding that it is far cheaper on other places on the internet.

Also, I wanted to go with Verizon because they were my previous carrier, but I didn't want to pay the ~$50/month that they wanted for unlimted data, but I am really disapointed with sprint's data service -- I was hoping to use my hadnset as a mobile internet radio, but it couldn't even sustain a 24bps shoutcast stream.

My friend who has a phone on cingular can actually stream almost any radio he wants.

Time is running out to back out of this, does anyone have any recommendations?

A good data connection is important and I am willing to suck it up and pay for it, if I have to.
And I also think I could have payed a little less for this handset, the guy at the sprint store didn't even offer me a rebate, and I am not looking foward to paying the $500 next month.

Please, anyone's thoughts would be most welcome.

**Phøenix** · 05-23-2005, 06:18 AM

Sounds to me like you've already made up your mind but are just seeking validation for your decision.

If you are really unhappy with paying that much for the phone with Sprint, and their data service sucks that badly for you, it makes no sense to stay with them just because it's going to cost you $15/mo for unlimited data. I mean, come on, why would you stay? I woudln't. I would back out while you still can, get your money back and make the jump to Verizon.

I for one am not pleased with how much it costs to have unlimited data with Verizon either, but remember, cheap work isn't good and good work isn't cheap. You get what you pay for in the end and Sprint has never been a good quality service providor from my expereince with people whom have had their service with them and got pissed and made the jump to Verizon IMHO.

**chris** · 05-23-2005, 10:09 AM

I have had very good success when using Sprint in the past. It could be your area. That being said, if a friend has Cingular, then why not switch to Cingular . The only downside to Cingular is the data connection which runs around $40 per month. You can find the Treo 650 for much less then the $450 you paid at the Sprint store. We sell the Cingular Treo $650 for $229 with a 2 year service contract and PDA Unlimited Connect purchase.

Which streams are you trying? I have Cingular with PocketTunes and will check out the stream on my end --- see how I fare.

-Chris

**claytonbell** · 05-23-2005, 11:39 AM

yeah, the most important thing about cell phone carriers is how well the reception is where ever you spend the majority of your time. I've got cingular and it is great here, and I've heard people say great things about T-Mobile overall, but that it sucks in Tallahassee.

40 bucks is alot to pay (just ask my wife!), but i think it is worth it. return your old one, get one for 229 through the treo store.

**Lethargic** · 05-23-2005, 03:12 PM

Thanks for the advice guys.

By the way, I live in Westchester county New York, and my sprint treo has been dropping a lot of calls, saying network signal faded.

**kabeyun** · 05-23-2005, 03:47 PM

I'd go with Verizon. I was living in New York City when cell phones came of age. I have been with Verizon since Verizon was Verizon (and before). I had flawless service all along the Taconic corridor, through Scarsdale, Hastings, Mamaroneck, White Plains, and traversing at various lattitudes (Cross Bronx, Cross County, etc.). Early on, it was sketchy but towers sprung up like weeds.
Regarding data, I agree that it might be your area. Sprint should be doing better than that. Verizon's data is supposed to sustain about 80 kilobaud, which is 3-4x better that what you're getting now. (Forget CDMA EVDO [2.4 mbps]; the 650 is not EVDO enabled.) Go to a local Verizon store and ask a rep to check. All carriers have proprietary web sites where they (but not you!) can punch up an address and check the level of service.
I will be buying my Verizon Treo 650 this Wednesday at 10AM for $399-$100 "new-every-two"=$299.

-K

**chinoy11** · 05-23-2005, 04:10 PM

I am the above mentioned user. I love my data plan at a price of $25 for unlimited...has been working better than could have expected. Although I have to agree with the others, that you should use a service that provides the best coverage in your main area.

I was also wanting to ask what application your friend was using to stream radio. Could you provide a link? Thanks in advance!

Chinoy11