Nokia 9500
Good Buy?
Two concerns:
I found retailer in NY offering the 9500 for a good $150 less than their nearest competitor - and $200 less that their own price if you get it without service - (though they say the device remains unlocked). Must be nasty contract requirements so I ran away.
Anyone else's experience(s)?
Unless someone wiser (not hard to find 🙄 ) warns me off - I'm likely going to purchase this phone from one of PhoneScoop's sponsor-sites, then go to a T-Mobile kiosk in the local mall (I'm told their GSM 900MHz coverage area is best) - sign for the shortest-term contract I can ...
(continues)
If you'll wait, there will be a version that also has the 800 MHz band. That will give you at least two positives:
1. T-Mobile offers free roaming, so whenever you are in any area where their coverage is spotty, if the phone includes 800 MHz, you'll be able to roam onto Cingular's network. This won't double your coverage, but you'll appreciate the extra when you need it.
2. You won't be stuck with T-Mobile as your only carrier option. If they make you mad or Cingular comes out with a good plan that you like, you can switch if you also have 800MHz.
There is also the matter of supp...
(continues)
I went to look at this phone over the weekend. I was less enamored with its form that I thought I'd be - and have been a bit uncomfortable with the "approach" of all those I found selling it. Just felt like the device wasn't ready for North-American prime time, which resonates with you've said above.
I'm also unfamiliar with the Symbian OS, and am a bit concerned with what seems like pretty modest market-share against that of MS Mobile Windows, and Palm OS.
I'll be looking at other options.
Thanks again.