UPDATE: HTC EVO 4G LTE - Delayed Launch Status

As you know, over the past 24 hours we've been posting on the delayed launch of the HTC EVO 4G LTE.

as of 4:45PM, we are able to report:

• 'Pick and Pack' has now been completed on ALL pre-orders, therefore cancellation of orders is no longer possible.


• HTC has a judicial hearing scheduled this week, and we should have clearance to ship shortly thereafter.


• Unofficially, we should be shipping no later than the first of next week, likely sooner.

This is a very fluid situation, and we'll be updating throughout the evening as more is learned. Obviously a date can't be confirmed until the judicial review, however, internally the anticipation is a very quick resolution.

Previously:

Why you can't cancel your order / Full Launch Delay HTC EVO 4G LTE

Here's the official responses you'll get from care:

• Q: Can I cancel my pre-order?


• A: We can‘t cancel the pre-order at this time. Please wait for your shipment to be delivered. At that time you can either refuse deliver or call us for a return kit.


• Q: What do I do if the customer still insists on canceling their pre-order?


• A: Tell the customer we will try to have the shipment returned at the warehouse when shipping starts.
  
  
  
  • We are asking our Back-Office Escalations team to keep a track cancelation requests so that Return-to-Sender requests can be processed when ASNs begin processing.
  
  
  • If the RTS is unsuccessful we will have to arrange a call back to revert to an RMA with the customer.
  
  
  
  


• Q: When will HTC EVO 4G LTE be available to consumers?


• A:  We can’t provide specific timing for product availability at this time and we appreciate your patience as HTC works to get products on store shelves as soon as possible. Educate the customer to chek the HTC EVO LTE microsite (http://www.sprint.com/evo4glte) for the availability date.

Shipping Timeframes for a HTC EVO 4G LTE Pre-Order

The shipping time frame for the HTC EVO 4G LTE pre-order has changed. The following was sent out internally today:

What you need to do:

• Effective immediately specialists should communicate the following shipping times to customers pre-ordering the HTC EVO 4G LTE:
  We will do our best to ship your new HTC EVO 4G LTE to you before others get a glimpse on Friday, May 18th. During this pre-order period, we will send you a confirmation email. An email with your tracking number will be sent upon shipping.


• Beginning 5/15 at 11:01 pm CST specialists should communicate the business as usual timeframe of 2-5 business days to the customer.

HTC EVO 4G LTE: Online and In-Store Pre-Order Device Wait List

Starting 05/07/12, customers can preorder the HTC EVO 4G LTE (APX325CKT) online or use the In-Store Pre-Order Device Wait List (DWL).

• In-Store Pre-Order Device Wait List is scheduled to remain open until national launch.


• DWL could end early if demand exceeds allocated inventory.

How the Device Wait List works:

• Customers visit their nearest company-owned Sprint Retail Store to purchase a $50 Sprint gift card, which adds their name to a waiting list.


• Customers make one $50 Sprint gift card purchase for each device they are reserving.


• Customers will be contacted by the Sprint Store when their device is available for pick-up.
  
  
  
  • An appointment to pick-up the device will be scheduled.
  
  
  • If customer misses their scheduled appointment time, customer has until end of the business day on the day of the agreed appointment to pick up their device.
  
  
  • Customers who fail to pick up their device on the day of their appointment will be placed on the DWL until another device becomes available for them.
    
    
    
    • These customers will be contacted 3 times before their name is removed from the DWL permanently.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  


• Sprint gift cards
  
  
  
  • Are non-refundable and do not expire or lose value.
  
  
  • Can be used to buy any device or accessory or towards their bill.
  
  
  
  

What you need to do:

• Answer any basic questions the customer has about the In-Store Pre-Order Device Wait List process.


• Refer customers to acompany-owned Sprint Retail Storeto:
  
  
  
  • Purchase a Sprint Gift Card and add their name to the list.
  
  
  • For questions/changes to the appointment time to pick-up their device.
  
  
  • For customer reported issues with the Sprint gift card where the dollar amount was not loaded correctly at the time of purchase.
  
  
  
  

Sprint April 2012 Launch Deck

we know we're late in the month, but our motto is better late than never, right?

Below is the Aprol 2012 Launch Deck for all new devices/plans/services/changes.

We will post May's next week!

UPDATE! it appears the google doc viewer is having some issues, so here' sa direct download link to the file:

April_2012_Launch_Deck

Motorola Debut i856 Maintenance Release

A new software release, RA6.00.004, is available for Motorola® Debut™ i856 customers. Customers with access to a phone cable to connect to a computer and internet access can download this new software themselves. Customers can also go to an authorized Service and Repair center and have a technician update their phone to this new software version.

 

 

Issues that are fixed with the new software:

• Now has Battery Temperature Monitoring: A Cool Down Message screen appears when battery has been exposed to extreme heat.

What you need to do:

• When a customer reports an issue with their Motorola Stature i9 device, first verify the software version of the phone is RA6.00.004.
  
  
  
  1. From the idle screen, press #, *, Menu, the Right Key (Next To OK) in rapid succession. The Trace Mode menu displays.
  
  
  2. Scroll down to Unit Info, Press OK.
  
  
  3. Scroll down to access Software, Press OK. The software version should be listed as RA6.00.004.
  
  
  
  


• If the customer is not on the latest software version, tell them if they have access to a phone cable to connect to a computer and internet access, they can download this new software themselves or they can go to an authorized Service and Repair center and have a technician update their phone to this new software version.


• Customer downloading instructions:
  
  
  
  • 
    
    
    
    1. Have the customer confirm that their PC matches the following requirements before selecting the correct utility on the Web site:
       
       
       
       • Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher installed on your computer
       
       
       • If using a USB Data Cable computer operating system should be: Windows 98 SE™, 2000™, ME™, and XP™
       
       
       • If using an RS232 Data Cable computer operating system should be: Windows 98™, NT 4.0, 2000™, ME™ and XP™
       
       
       
       
    
    
    2. Go to the Motorola Web site at: http://idenphones.motorola.com/iden/support/software/html/firmware_utility.html and download the software to the phone.
    
    
    3. Power on the iDEN phone.
    
    
    4. Select the utility that matches the phone model.
    
    
    5. Connect the iDEN phone to the PC with a Data Cable.
    
    
    6. When the utility starts, follow the onscreen instructions provided.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

HTC Hero At-A-Glance Feature Review

Still undecided about the new HTC Hero? Here’s a quick review of the features, and a ‘What’s in the box’ list, too. Be sure to check the full post link below, as the list was too exhaustive for the main page.

Hardware Features:

• Processor/Chipset: Qualcomm® MSM7600™


• Display: 3.25” HVGA TFT 262K colors and 320 x 480resolution


• Network: Sprint Now Network with Power Vision Rev A


• Bluetooth: Bluetooth® 2.0 with EDR A2DP, AVRCP-Player; HSP; HFP; SDAP


• Form Factor: Smaller Candy bar form factor with integrated antenna, Capacitive Multi-touch screen with virtual keyboard, trackball, Talk Key, End Key, Menu Key, Home Key, Search Key, Back Key and Volume Slider.


• Dimensions: 4.46" (L) x 2.22" (W) x 0.54" (D)


• Weight 4.5 oz (with battery)


• Internal Memory: ROM: 512 MB, RAM: 288 MB DDR SDRAM, microSD™ slot for expandable storage up to 32 GB (includes 2GB microSD card installed)


• Camera: Built-In 5.0 megapixels with…
  
  
  
  • Photo Resolution: 2048x1536, 1600x1200 (UXGA), 1280x960 (SXGA), 640x480 (VGA), 320x240 (QVGA)
  
  
  • Video Resolution: 352x288 (CIF), 320x240, 176x144, 128x96
  
  
  • Digital Zoom: Up to 4x
  
  
  
  


• Accelerometer, Digital Compass and light Sensor


• Battery: Removable 1500 mAhr, lithium-ion Battery with Talk time Up to 4.0 Hours continuous talk time


• Headset: HTC ExtMiniUSB and 3.5mm


• Wi-Fi®: IEEE 802.11 b/g: Wi-Fi provides wireless Internet access over distances of up to 300 feet (100 meters).

Wait, there’s MORE! Due to the length of the ‘At-A-Glance’ features of this kick-ass HTC device, click through to the full post to view the Software Features, & ‘What’s in the Box’ sections…

Samsung Intrepid 10/11

Ready for a smooth combo of Windows productivity, rich web browsing, and advanced personalization? If you’re looking for a real powerhouse and aren’t ready to go Android, or can’t justify the price of the new Touch Pro II, then you might just find this is the answer you’ve been looking for. It’s actually almost slipped under the radar to be so feature packed. Meet the Samsung Intrepid:



Here’s a quick overview – check below for the full device userguides, & more !

• Available October 11 in all channels


• $149.99
  (2YR SVC AGR, after $50 instant savings and $100 MIR)


• IE 6, Bing intergration


• Adobe Flash Lite – Works GREAT!


• MS My Phone Service – access, manage, & backup your personal info on your device.


• MS Tellme – voice user interface – a Sprint First !

• 2.5” touch-screen interface


• 320 x 240 Resolution


• Full QWERTY keyboard


• 3.2 megapixel camera & camcorder


• MS Office Suite included.


• Stereo Bluetooth


• mircoSD slot, up to 32GB media card.


• Easy access to Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, & more…


• Threaded text messaging, and easy instant messaging access


• Windows Mobile Email (both work & personal)
  
  
  

Here’s the full PDFs, for the inquisitive:

• Samsung Intrepid User Guide Final


• Sasmung Intrepid Features Guide


• Samsung Intrepid International Roaming


• Samsung Intrepid Basics Guide Final


• Samsung Intrepid Email Guide


• Samsung Intrepid Getting Started

If you’ve had the chance to try it out yet, I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments!

Samsung Moment - Sprint's 2nd Android Phone

The Samsung Moment comes preloaded with Android Market. This gives Moment users the ability download thousands of applications, widgets and games on their phone. Customers can pre-register for the Samsung Moment starting today at www.sprint.com/moment. The Samsung Moment is available for sale on 11/1/09.



What is the Android Market?

• Android Market is an online center that lets people find, buy, download, and rate applications and other content for mobile phones equipped with the Android operating system.


• Literally thousands of applications are available within the Android Market.

What you need to know:

• The Samsung Moment will be available at launch (11/1/09) in all Sprint channels including Web (www.sprint.com), Telesales (1-800-SPRINT1) and our national retail partners.


• Samsung Moment users can take advantage of Sprint‘s great value with both the Any Mobile, Anytime^SM and Simply Everything^SM plans.

Check out just a few of the great applications!

• Pandora®


• ShopSavvy™


• Twitter™


• Shazam™


• Amazon.com®


• USA Today®


• Flixster®


• PacMan™


• CraigslistChecker™


• MySpace™


• Sprint exclusive applications - NFL Mobile Live and NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile

Features of the Samsung Moment

• Device navigation through an optical joystick.


• Wi-Fi capability


• Integrated GPS navigation


• Accelerometer


• 3.2 megapixel camera and camcorder


• Stereo Bluetooth® 2.0 Wireless technology


• Expandable memory up to 32GB


• Sprint TV® with live and on-demand programming


• NFL Mobile Live and NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile^SM


• Easy access to social networking sites, including Facebook®, Flickr® and Twitter


• 3.5 millimeter headphone jack


• Visual voice mail for quick and easy access to specific voice mail messages


• Access to personal and corporate e-mail through Active

Check out these links for more information.

• www.sprint.com/moment


• http://developer.sprint.com/android


• http://developer.sprint/devcon2009


• www.samsungmobileusa.com


• www.samsung.com.

BlackBerry 8330, 8130, 8830 Maintenance Release 10/14

Update time! On 10/14, BlackBerry will release a Maintenance Release (MR) for the BlackBerry 8330, 8130, and 8830 handsets. It will post to Sprint.com/downloads on 10/21/09.

• The new software version is 4.5.0.175 bundle 295.


• The BlackBerry 8330, 8130, and 8830 MR fixes the following issues.
  
  
  
  • Display:
    
    
    
    • If the customer received a new email or SMS text message, the Home screen might not have displayed an indication of a new message received.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • Wireless Network:
    
    
    
    • In some cases, the signal strength indicator (RSSI) might have fluctuated randomly and the customer’s device might have appeared to have a strong connection to the wireless network, followed by a weaker connection.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • Messaging:
    
    
    
    • Previously, if the customer’s SMS delivery option was set to immediate, their device might not have sent the SMS message immediately as expected
    
    
    • If the customer’s were sent multiple MMS messages, they might not have received all of the MMS messages.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  • Phone and Voice Dialing:
    
    
    
    • If the customer received a phone call there might have been a delay in audio routing between the time they answered the call to when the recipient heard their voice.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

Hold tight for the update next week, and post your experiences / thoughts when it arrives…

HTC Hero User Guide

What blows the HTC Touch Pro II out of the water and launches on October 7? The HTC Hero, that’s what! It may seem like a tough decision between the Hero and the Touch Pro II – especially for those accustomed to a Windows Mobile device – but once the Hero is in your hands, the decision is an easy one.



While we wait for the official launch date to get here, below are some goodies to get you started…

HTC Hero Getting Started Guide

HTC Hero Users Guide (Full)

HTC Hero Programming / Activation Walkthrough

Since there’s a lot of both curious and tech-savvy readers here at ISN, below is a preview of what activation/programming will look like on the new HTC Hero (launch is 10/07/09)! Screenshots are directly from the device itself, and show the more technical side of programming/activation – which is generally a quick and easy process.

First-time Activation Programming Steps: Hands Free - OMA/DM

1. If the customer has not powered on the phone, request that they leave the phone Off until advised.

2. Check provisioning by searching the Switch Control Query Tables in CSM:

3. Turn on the phone by pressing and holding the Power button. The power button is located at bottom-right with the device facing you.

4. The device will begin setup.



5. The Device will automatically contact the network and provision the handset.



6. Once complete, the customer will see, Your device has been activated and will be restarted to apply the change.



7. If the device provisions correctly, the customer is returned to the home screen

8. The phone is now ready for use to make voice and data calls.



One Touch Programming Steps: To be used only if First-time Activation Programming fails.



1. If the device fails to provision an Error Code 407 will be displayed. Tap OK.



2. To retrigger OTA. Press the Menu button then Tap Settings to display the Setting options.



3. In Settings, flick up then Tap About Phone.



4. Tap Update Profile



5. You will see a message Device Configuration - “The network is preparing your service…Please wait…” Do not interrupt this process. If the screen goes into sleep mode you may tap the screen to wake up the device. (do not hold down the End key as it will interrupt the process).



6. Once completed the device will return to the Setting Tab. Press the Left Phone Key to make a test call.

Manual Programming Steps: To be used only if Switch Query Tables Shows Complete Error or when Launching the Web browser fails:

• If Hands Free OMA/DM and One Touch were unsuccessful, have the customer perform the following manual programming steps on the phone:

1. Look up the 6-digit Master Subsidy Lock (MSL) code in CSM.
   
   
   
   1. Open the Manual Programming screen in CSM.
   
   
   2. From the Profile tab, click Page Options.
   
   
   3. Click Manual Device Programming.
   
   
   4. Click Master Subsidy Lock tiny button to view MSL code.
   
   
   
   


2. Press the Left Phone Key to bring up the Dial Pad. Press ## followed by the 6-digit Master Subsidy Lock (MSL) code, followed by an additional #.

1. 
   
   
   
   • Example: ##123456#.
     
     
     
     • The last # entered will not show on the display.
     
     
     
     
   
   
   • The Service Program screen will be displayed, highlighted on View.
   
   
   • Important Notes:
     
     
     
     • Handle the MSL with extreme caution.
     
     
     • When it must be shared with the customer, refer to it as a six-digit number instead of MSL.
     
     
     
     
   
   
   
   

1. Tap Edit Mode.

1. Tap on Mobile Directory Number (MDN) to select it.

1. Tap on Number and using the Virtual keyboard type the 10-digit MDN. Then Tap OK

1. Tap on the MSID to select it.

1. Tap on Number and using the Virtual keyboard type the 10-digit MSID. Then Tap OK

1. With the correct MDN and MSID entered, Press the Menu key and Tap on Commit Modifications.

1. The prompt will appear verifying update. Tap on OK or the device will reset automatically.

All Done – it’s just that easy! Place a test call from the device, and you’re all done.

HTC Hero Launch on October 11

HTC Hero is the first wireless device offering the combination of the open and innovative Android platform with the high-speed connectivity of Sprint’s 3G network, EVDO Rev. A, HTC Hero™ with Google™. Offering a rich mobile Internet experience, the much-anticipated HTC Hero offers synchronization for built-in Google mobile services, including Google Search™, Google Maps™, Gmail™, and YouTube™ as well as access to thousands of applications built on the Android platform.

When?...

• 10/11/09 in all Sprint Retail Channels


• 10/11/09 - Retail partner Best Buy


• Customers can pre register today (9/3/09) at www.sprint.com/hero.

Pricing:

• Suggested Retail Price (SRP) $329.99


• Instant $50


• Mail-in Rebate (MIR) $100


• Net price $179.99 2-year service agreement required

Details:

• HTC Hero is the first U.S. device to feature HTC Sense user interface, an intuitive experience that was built with a guiding philosophy to put people at the center and allows the device to be completely customized to the wants and needs of the user. The device’s seven-panel wide home screen can be populated with customizable widgets that bring information to the surface.


• HTC Hero users can easily create and switch between Scenes to reflect different moments or roles in their lives, such as work, social, travel and play. For example, a work Scene can be easily set up to include stock updates, work email 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.


• HTC Hero is Sprint’s first wireless phone with an integrated 5.0 MP camera and camcorder. It also offers easy access to personal and business e-mail, instant messaging and text messaging through POP, IMAP, and Exchange Active Sync accounts.


• HTC Hero is a full-featured smartphone with Wi-Fi capability, a 3.2-inch capacitive touch screen with a fingerprint resistant coating, microSD card slot, integrated GPS navigation, and trackball navigation. Additional features include:

Key Features:

• Stereo Bluetooth® 2.0 Wireless technology


• Accelerometer, light sensor and home screen widgets for improved usability


• Multimedia capable with microSD slot (32GB capable, 2GB included)


• Sprint TV with live and on-demand programming


• NFL Mobile Live and NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile


• Easy access to social networking sites, including Facebook®, Flickr® and Twitter


• Visual voice mail for quick and easy access to specific voice mail messages

HTC Touch Pro 2 Fact Sheet

Finally - it's on the way !

[caption id="attachment_303" align="aligncenter" width="510" caption="HTC Touch Pro 2"][/caption]

HTC Touch Pro^TM (PPCT7380SP) Fact Sheet

Overview of the features, capabilities, battery life, what is in the box and accessories for the HTC Touch Pro^TM (PPCT7380SP).
Features Hardware:

• Processor/Chipset: Qualcomm® MSM7600™ 528 MHz


• Display: 3.6” WVGA backlight LEDs, touch-sensitive screen with 262K colors and 480 x 800 resolution


• Network: Sprint Now Network with Power Vision Rev A along with International Quad-Band capability


• Bluetooth: Bluetooth® 2.0 with EDR A2DP, AVRCP-Player; HSP; HFP; FTP; GOEP; SDAP; OPP; DUN; SPP; OBEX


• Form Factor: Candy bar form factor with integrated antenna, HTC TouchFLO™, Two phone functions: Talk Key and End Key, Volume Slider, Power Key, Start Key, Back Key, Zoom Bar, Notification LED, standard 3.5mm audio connector and fully functional QWERTY keyboard.


• Dimensions: 4.56" (L) x 2.33" (W) x 0.68" (D) Weight 6.3 oz (with battery)


• Internal Memory: ROM: 512 MB, RAM: 288 MB DDR SDRAM, microSD™ slot for expandable storage (includes 1GB microSD card in box)


• Camera: Built-In 3.2 megapixels with Photo Resolution: 2048x1536, 1600x1200 (UXGA), 1280x960 (SXGA), 640x480 (VGA), 320x240 (QVGA)  Video Resolution: 352x288 (CIF), 320x240, 176x144, 128x96 Digital Zoom: Up to 4x


• Battery: Removable 1500 mAhr, lithium-ion Battery with Talk time Up to 4.0 Hours


• Headset: HTC ExtMiniUSB/standard 3.5mm audio


• Wi-Fi®: IEEE 802.11 b/g: Wi-Fi provides wireless Internet access over distances of up to 300 feet (100 meters). To use Wi-Fi on your device, you need access to a wireless access point or “hotspot.”

Features Software:

• Operating System: Windows Mobile 6.1


• Office Mobile: Use the complete suite of Microsoft® Office applications for your mobile device. Excel Mobile Create new workbooks or view and edit Microsoft® Office Excel® workbooks. PowerPoint Mobile View Microsoft® Office PowerPoint® slides and presentations. Word Mobile Create, view, and edit Microsoft® Office Word documents. OneNote Mobile:


• Pocket Outlook: Push E-mail - Microsoft Push E-mail Client Includes full access to Microsoft Outlook®, in addition to POP3 and IMAP email clients.  Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync® allows for wireless integration with Exchange Server


• Adobe Reader LE: View PDF (Portable Document Format) files on your device.


• Calendar: Keep updated meetings and dates


• JetCet Print and Presenter 5


• Remote Desktop Mobile:


• Calculator: Perform basic arithmetic and calculations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.


• Internet Explorer Mobile and Opera 9.5: Browse Web and WAP sites as well as download new programs and files from the Internet. Opera Mobile™ is a full-featured Internet browser, optimized for use on the device.


• Notes: you can create handwritten and typed notes, record voice notes, convert handwritten notes to text for easy readability, and more.


• HTC Weather: The Weather tab shows you the current weather as well as weather information for the next five days of the week for home and abroad..


• Games: Play two pre-installed games: Bubble Breaker, Solitaire and Teeter


• Software Store: Launch the Web browser and connect to Sprint Mobile Software Store automatically (http://softwarestore.sprint.com/).


• Tasks: Keep track of your tasks.


• Windows Media Player Mobile: Play back audio and video files.


• Windows Live: Use this mobile version of Windows Live™ to find information on the Web.


• ZIP: Save memory and free up storage space on your device by compressing files in the conventional ZIP format


• Microsoft ActiveSync 4.5: Supported on Microsoft operating systems: Windows 2000; Windows Server 2003; Windows XP Home, Professional, Media Center Edition, XP Professional x64 Edition; Windows XP Tablet PC Edition. Microsoft Office Outlook 2000 is not supported by ActiveSync 4.5. If a customer wishes to take full advantage of ActiveSync 4.5, then it is recommended that users upgrade to Microsoft Outlook 2003 or greater. Windows Vista: Windows Mobile Device Center for synching


• Wireless Modem: (Internet Sharing) Phone As Modem capable Via Bluetooth or USB sybc cable


• Customizable: Ring Tones, Alerts, Photo Caller ID


• Audio/Video/Images Formats: Video File Formats: Windows Media Video: .wmv, .asf, MPEG4 Simple Profile: .mp4, H.263: .3gp, .3g2, H.264: .mp4 .3gp .3g2 .m4v, Motion JPEG: .avi Audio File Formats Supported: Windows Media Audio: .wma. WAVE: .wav, MP3: .mp3, MIDI and SP MIDI: .mid, .midi, .rmi, AMR Narrow Band: .amr, .3gp, AMR Wide Band: .awb,.3gp. AAC, AAC+, and eAAC+: .aac, .mp4, .m4a, .3gp. MPEG4 audio: .m4a. QCELP: .qcp, .3g2, EVRC: .qcp


• Audio Booster: optimizes sound for a better listening experience. It provides preset moods, such as hip-hop, jazz, and rock, and several enhancement presets that suit different types of music.


• MP3 Trimmer: Use MP3 Trimmer to trim MP3 files. You can choose to save a trimmed file as a new file or set it as a ring tone.


• Quick GPS: QuickGPS downloads data from a Web server using the Internet connection on your device (Wi-Fi, ActiveSync, or data services). This significantly speeds up the time for determining your GPS position.


• RSS HUB: Allows you to subscribe to news channels to receive RSS feeds.


• Sprint TV: gives you the ability to listen to audio clips and to view video clips right from your device’s display. Watch live TV and catch up on episodes of your favorite shows – anywhere on the Sprint National Network.


• Sprint Music: Sprint Music Store lets you preview, purchase, download, and listen to over a million songs right on your device. You can even add songs from your own library to round out your on-the-go playlist.


• Sprint Navigation: Use your device’s built-in GPS capabilities and the Sprint Navigation software to easily access both directional information and location-specific features such as nearby businesses, services or other points of interest. Sprint Navigation also provides turn-by-turn driving directions onscreen and by voice right on your device.


• Sprint Picture Mail: Sprint Picture Mail lets you send pictures and videos that you have captured using your device’s built-in camera to wireless phone numbers and email addresses.


• YouTube: YouTube™ lets you browse, search, and watch video clips from the YouTube server.


• Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR): make phone calls, open programs, play back music, get calendar information, and more, just by using your voice. It only responds to a set of predefined commands and does not allow you to record your own command.


• The revolutionary TouchFLO 3DTM : allows you to use finger gestures to browse the Web, flick through contacts, photos and videos, and more.


• WorldCard Mobile (Business Card Scanner): automatically capture information from business cards with camera and convert to contacts


• Video Out: stream presentation to a composite video projector


• Sprint Titan Manager:


• Voice Recorder:


• SIM Manager:


• Straight Talk™ Technology: dual speakers, dual-microphones and a mute button provide a Polycom-like experience

Capabilities:

• Digital Dual Band / International Quad-Band capability


• PDA with Windows Mobile 6.1


• Power Vision RevA(High Speed Data)


• Vision (3G Data)


• Camera - MMS Capable PDA


• Multimedia (Sprint TV)


• Downloads (http://softwarestore.sprint.com – Must be purchased via credit card)


• Wireless Data Roaming


• Speakerphone


• Bluetooth


• SMS Text Messaging (2WSMS)


• GPS-E911


• TTY


• OTA


• Hands Free Activation


• Connection Manager for Phone as Modem


• Sprint Navigation


• Sprint Music

What is in the box?

• HTC Touch Pro2 SmartPhone w/ Stylus (2)


• Standard Lithium Ion Battery


• SIM Card, Installed


• Screen Protector


• AC Charger


• USB Cable (Charging)


• User Guide Package


• Software Installation CD

Accessories

• Visit www.sprint.com or click here for accessories

BlackBerry Tour 9630 - July 20

Been trying this devie out for a little while now on the side.. gotta say - I REALLY like it. Looks like everyone will be able to snag one (assuming you haven't already snagged a Pre instead) on 07/20 **updated to 07/12**

Palm Pre Plan Choices

Due to all the fuss about having to swap to a new plan (for some) in order to activate a Pre, here's a breakdown of the plans it can be activated on - both with the standard price AND the price with a NVP/Employer discount. As posted before, anyone can qualify for the credit union member NVP discount automatically, which is a 10% discount no questions asked - but you can of course qualify for much more, by having a different employer's discount - Not that I advocate being dishonest about your employer for discount purposes, but a LOT of companies do business with Sprint/Nextel, so many people are very surprised to know they already qualify for 15%, 20%, 25%, or 27% already.

Here's how the plan pricing looks, standard and with discounts. Yellow is the standard MRC (Monthly Recurring Charge) and then the NVP Discounts to the right, with 27% first, all the way to the 10% in the final column.

[caption id="attachment_174" align="aligncenter" width="505" caption="Palm Pre Data Plans"][/caption]

If i left anything out I'm sure someone will let me know, but this gives you a general quick-reference when looking at your options. enjoy!

Palm Pre FAQ: Round 2

There’s been a lot of hype about the Palm Pre, and as we get closer to June the questions about it get more frequent. Here’s some of the more popular questions that I’ve encountered and am able to answer.

The backup feature, does it cost anything more?

Nope, it’s all included for free as a part of the service provided by Palm included with your Pre.

What happens to my phone when it’s in USB Mode?

All calls are routed to voicemail when the Pre is in USB Mode. Slight downer, I know – but how often are you really gonna have the Pre in USB Mode? And even then, not more than a couple minutes @ a time.

What IM services will the Pre support for real-time status indicators?

Google Talk (GTalk) and AIM at launch. Do you really know anyone without a Gmail address?

In the Calendar, can I choose my own colors for the appointments?

Yes! it’s easily selectable, or can sync with your Outlook category colors with Exchange.

What about the web browser, can I disable cookies?

Yep, it’s an option in the Web Preferences.

How do I get the calendar to do the cool ‘compress’ when displaying?

Simple! it just has to be a block of time that’s 2 hours or more.

Can you have multiple IM conversations going at the same time?

Yes, the possibilities are limitless – talk to everyone, share the Pre love!

Office 2007 – Any issues?

Nope. Go ahead, tell your boss about it, and bring it to work. Welcome to life with the Pre – it just works!

Can I use Pictbridge (wirelessly sending pics to a printer)?

There’s not a profile for it yet. Hang in there, grasshopper.

With the new webOS, what about virus protection?

The core is not open, and isn’t subject to any viruses, in other words, you’re covered!

What about Calltones?

Would you expect any less? It’s a network feature, so they’re 100% supported, no problems.

Can I save music as a ring tone for my Pre?

Sure, customize it all you want.

Family locator – can I track my son with his Pre?

While it’s great you’d get a Pre for your son (umm, sure!, lol), you won’t be able to track lil Timmy with it just yet using Family Locator.

Can I take videos with my Palm Pre?

Not at launch, but hang in there as great things are on the way, and as the Palm Pre uses the webOS, updates are just a gesture away!

Can I send pictures as a text message?

Using MMS, of course. You can’t however crop pictures yet, so be aware of any size limitations the receiving person may have with their device or carrier, or adjust the camera settings.

That's all for now! Don't forget about the folks over at SprintGurus, where you can discuss not only these Palm Pre FAQs, but anything Sprint related. I do monitor and reply to the comments here on the blog as time permits, but there's a great community of people there that are very knowledgeable, and if you're looking to discuss Sprint or the Pre, it's the place to be!

Boy Genuis not so smart ?

Rumors aren't the purpose of my blog, and as you can see there's none here from me. No rumored launch dates, no rumors of the pricing, none of that where the Pre is concerned. But when a generally well respected blog posts a rumor that is SO far-fetched without even a 'not likely' disclaimer, I feel I have to speak up, so that folks waiting for the Palm Pre aren't scared away - which hopefully most are smart enough to realize the insane figures being posted over at the Boy Genius Report (BGR).

So let's take the post as it was stated:

"according to our ninja, Best Buy will be getting its hands on a limited inventory of Pre handsets for a trial launch on June 7th. Sprint will be direct-shipping the lot to arrive on the 6th and in total, about 4,500 units will be spread throughout Best Buy Mobile locations across the country. That might not seem like a lot, well, because it isn’t, but each and every Best Buy Mobile will be getting at least one Pre to hawk."

Wow. I'm not sure where to even begin on this one - let's start by saying that any release this big certainly isn't going to be done with anyone 'partnered' in, other than Sprint and Palm. Sprint has thousands of stores across the country that are perfectly capable of launching  a device - where we not only can tightly control the inventory pre-launch, but where we can also make money on the accessory sales in-store on launch day. To even think that we would miss out on that opportunity and turn it over to a 'partner' is simply crazy. Does this person know how huge accessory sales are for a Sprint retail store? Also - Each BB Mobile guaranteed to have at least 1 device? C'mon - I don't care how bad I wanted the Pre, I would not get out of bed for that, because you KNOW that an employee of BB would have it purchased before the doors opened. Flunk.

"Speaking of hawking, our ninja has some numbers to report as well. Pricing is supposedly still being discussed but the probable points are as follows: New customers with a 2-year contract, $199.99. Existing customer upgrades, $299.99. Outright, $999.99. Yes, seriously."

Seriously? I don't think so. Flunk, again. $999 price point?  Put Simply, no. Not in any combination will you find the $999 price point to be valid, contract or not. As to the upgrades for existing customers? Have you -ever- seen a single price point for an upgrade price? The answer is no, because the system is simply not set up like this. The existing customer price will be the standard $75 off for 10+ months into agreement, $150 off for 22+ months, and the full $150 off + any rebates for those that qualify and have have the same device for 24+ months, which is essentially new customer pricing. Premier & White Glove customers also qualify for essentially new customer pricing at the 12 month mark, just as with any other device. To hint that there would be a single price point for any customer that wanted to upgrade is simply incorrect, and anyone as familiar with Sprint as BGR should be, knows that the system just isn't set up to allow for that.



Here's how the Upgrade Eligibility works:

• Customers are eligible for $150.00 after 22 months, 23 calendar months instead of 24 months, 25 calendar months.


• Customer's eligibility date for the new program is based on Rebate Life on File.


• However, once a customer takes advantage of a rebate under the new program, the new eligibility date is based on the last rebate received.


• Customers rebate eligibility is not reset when they upgrade the phone unless they receive an equipment discount at the time of upgrade.

Other program qualifiers include:

• Requires a 1-year or 2-year contract.


• Account must be in good standing with no unpaid past due balance.


• The Monthly Recurring Charge (MRC) on the primary line must be $34.99 or higher without add-ons.


• Customers must keep the phone activated on the upgraded or activated line for at least 30 days in order to receive their Mail-In Rebate.


• If you receive a request to flip-flop the new phone to a different line within 30 days of activation or upgrade, advise the customer that this action will result in loss of their Mail-In Rebate. If the customer wishes to continue with the flip-flop after this impact has been explained, proceed with the transaction

• Upgrade fee of up to $18.00 in Care, Retail, Indirect and Telesales and $0.00 online.


• Employees are eligible for mail-in rebates.


• Customers are eligible to receive a mail-in rebate.


• Mail-in follows the same eligibility requirements as Instant.


• Intra-company upgrades are eligible for the New for You Program.

Customer's can receive the additional mail-in rebates overlays that exist outside the New for You Program.

• A customer who is eligible for the $150.00 instant rebate is eligible for any additional mail-in rebate overlays.

Bad BGR for spreading such rumors that are obviouly not true, despite how many 'hits' it brings to your site. I only know this because I had no less than 50 messages this evening asking if I'd seen the post on your site. Me! And while everyone knows I'm not giving away the pricing or the date, I think they do realize that I'm not gonig to allow such silly rumors to be told without a word to the wiser. There's no need to scare away potential Pre owners with such crazy scenarios, when in reality Sprint would like to see a Pre in as many hands as possible. I've got more to say on the subject, but I wanted to get this posted to may dispell any harm that your post may do.

Palm Pre Release Date Quickie

Don't get all excited(yet). I just wanted to remind folks that are going bananas over the release date of the Palm Pre, and whether it's too close to 'this date' or 'that event' or all of the other similar things that are spreading around the world... take a look back at the history of Sprint device releases, and i'm sure you'll see a pattern, and it's certainly not by chance that it happens that way. The launch date for devices is generally on a Sunday for retail - but you must also remember that these devices are always available via direct ship channels (i.e. Telesales) on the Thursday before.

I am NOT saying the device will launch on a Sunday, but only if it was to be a standard Sunday launch process, then you could order the device at 6 o'clock Thursday morning, and have it in your hands by Friday afternoon. So keep that in mind when you're attempting to rule particular days in or out just because some event is either too close or too far away from whatever date you've picked.

What I CAN say is that all of our retail stores were assigned product ambassadors who will not only receive a Pre that they will get to keep, but in the email they received, it detailed how many weeks before launch certain things would happen (like being selected as an ambassador, phone shipped, begin demo'ing, etc...) .. so if you know anyone that got one of those emails, then you will come much closer to narrowing down the date :)