HTC Evo V 4G launching May 31 for $299, with $35 plan

[agianne]

will there be any difference between sprint users and VM users in terms of download speed/call quality?

No, none whatsoever. Some people will say that there is, but there is no proof of that at all. Sprint and VM USA have different data center architectures, so there could be some data speed issues there (I have no proof, I'm just saying it could) but as far as the air interface (your phone to the nearest cellular antenna) no one has found any conclusive proof that there is a difference is service quality among the different brands (Sprint/Boost/Virgin/Assurance) and all the MVNOs Sprint hosts.

Some things are different, like VM users can not roam and do not have access to three way calling. VM users can't easily integrate with Google Voice.

also anyone know if VM web store charges tax? shipping's free so if there's no tax we might save $25~ instead of buying from the retailers.

If sales tax is charged in your locality (based on the zip code you report in your account settings), you will be charged sales tax at the VM USA website.

[hershey_squirt]

To bad for Wimax's super sporadic coverage. I'd probably think about picking it up if if the price was lower or on black friday, that's if 4G was available by me.

For now I'll just stick with my OV + 7" tablet combo.

[agianne]

However, a recent contract between Clear and Sprint allows unlimited access to Clear's network apparently on a flat rate type basis. The handsets are going to be unlimited.

"The agreements modify prior wholesale pricing agreements and provide Sprint with unlimited access to Clearwire’s WiMAX network to meet its growing 4G data demands."

The agreement also says "for unlimited 4G WiMAX retail services during 2012 and 2013, subject to certain conditions."

I added the bold. We don't have enough information to be certain that your interpretation is correct. Those conditions could very well be full speed up to a certain limit - 2.5 GB for example, then throttled speed after that.

Sprint contacted more than one media outlet yesterday saying that the information in the press release regarding data caps was wrong and there would be no cap on 4G data. If that turns out to be correct, that would be great, but at this time the fine print posted at http://www.virginmobileusa.com/4g says full speed data is capped at 2.5 GB per month, then you are dropped down to 256 kbps.

Sprint's marketing team is showing its usual disorganization. The person who actually has a clue will hopefully come back from vacation before the launch and get this straightened out.

[agianne]

no taxes, when purchasing with acct balance (from previous experience)

That's only true in localities that do not charge sales tax or do not charge sales tax on wireless communications products and services.

Where I live, I am subject to sales tax and the VM USA website adds it to my purchases.

[billm261]

That's only true in localities that do not charge sales tax or do not charge sales tax on wireless communications products and services.

Where I live, I am subject to sales tax and the VM USA website adds it to my purchases.

I live in a State that charges sales tax as well as a 911 fee.

If I buy my pins online I avoid those additional charges and get a discount as well.

Sent from my G2X

[billm261]

i hope ICS and other adjustments will improve battery life. i heard it's abysmal even without 3D usage.

Not true,

The EVO 3D has great battery life. It's the only Android I have owned that makes it through a full day without charging.



Sent from my G2X

[mfrerkes]

Originally it was reported that it wasn't. But I read somewhere on here that even VM later edited their page on it to reflect that it did have a 3d screen.

So are you getting one?

I've decided to make the jump on May 31st. That lone Clear tower in Davenport covers my workplace nicely, so I'd have 4G at work. I'd have no 4G coverage at home or on the east end/Illinois side of the QC, but some 4G is better than nothing. My main reason for buying the EVO is the upgrade in processing power and the GPU. Also, I heard the battery life is much improved versus the Triumph.

[tcross8361]

So are you getting one?

I've decided to make the jump on May 31st. That lone Clear tower in Davenport covers my workplace nicely, so I'd have 4G at work. I'd have no 4G coverage at home or on the east end/Illinois side of the QC, but some 4G is better than nothing. My main reason for buying the EVO is the upgrade in processing power and the GPU. Also, I heard the battery life is much improved versus the Triumph.

Na, I'm still pretty happy with my Triumph and I'll stick with my $25 plan. I'll wait awhile till it gets used and see the reports. I work all over the area. So it won't benefit me other than the phone upgrade.

[wonshikee]

No, none whatsoever. Some people will say that there is, but there is no proof of that at all. Sprint and VM USA have different data center architectures, so there could be some data speed issues there (I have no proof, I'm just saying it could) but as far as the air interface (your phone to the nearest cellular antenna) no one has found any conclusive proof that there is a difference is service quality among the different brands (Sprint/Boost/Virgin/Assurance) and all the MVNOs Sprint hosts.

Some things are different, like VM users can not roam and do not have access to three way calling. VM users can't easily integrate with Google Voice.



If sales tax is charged in your locality (based on the zip code you report in your account settings), you will be charged sales tax at the VM USA website.

I've done tests side by side with Sprint users and there is definitely no difference in 3G speed, both are terrible, ~500kbps on average.

[cellphone-guy]

Wirelessly posted (Opera/9.80 (Android; Opera Mini/7.29703/27.1662; U; en) Presto/2.8.119 Version/11.10)

The only thing I'm really concerned about is 4G coverage/consistency. I'd hate for my phone to be forever switching between 4G and 3G.

[mfrerkes]

Na, I'm still pretty happy with my Triumph and I'll stick with my $25 plan. I'll wait awhile till it gets used and see the reports. I work all over the area. So it won't benefit me other than the phone upgrade.

I have to admit, the prospects of losing my $25 grandfathered plan is a bit of a downer. The Triumph gets a bad rap (mostly unfair, IMO) and suffers more from being on a crappy network than anything else. Aside from a weak GPS, everything else on the Triumph itself performs quite well.

Still, the EVO V 4G is a noticeable upgrade in performance. I don't really think the 3D stuff is that big of a deal, but the processor and GPU should really make gaming apps fly. Throw in some 4G WiMax capabilities, and I can justify $10 extra per month. My original plan with VM (back in 2008) was running about $35/month. I won't be paying any more than I was four years ago even with the upgraded plan.

[TheCellphoneGuy]

Wirelessly posted (Opera/9.80 (Android; Opera Mini/7.29703/27.1662; U; en) Presto/2.8.119 Version/11.10)

The only thing I'm really concerned about is 4G coverage/consistency. I'd hate for my phone to be forever switching between 4G and 3G.

That might be a problem. I have a few friends on Sprint, and a lot of them keep their 4G off, because it eats up a lot of battery life when searching for signal.

I believe the main problem is the 2500mhz band that wiMAX uses, which in a lot of cases is bad indoors and good outdoors.

This is especially a problem in older buildings that have what I like to call a "better build quality" and are unfortunately not high radio- frequency-friendly.

It's also one of the reasons why I'm really looking forward to Sprint refarming that 800mhz spectrum.

Sent from my SGH-T989 using HowardForums

[503ducati]

That might be a problem. I have a few friends on Sprint, and a lot of them keep their 4G off, because it eats up a lot of battery life when searching for signal.

I believe the main problem is the 2500mhz band that wiMAX uses, which in a lot of cases is bad indoors and good outdoors.

This is especially a problem in older buildings that have what I like to call a "better build quality" and are unfortunately not high radio- frequency-friendly.

It's also one of the reasons why I'm really looking forward to Sprint refarming that 800mhz spectrum.

Sent from my SGH-T989 using HowardForums

This.

If you don't mind I would like to quote these key points to reinforce what's stated in the WiMAX sticky. It would be nice to avoid an all out rant fest on the horizon for those not familiar.

[IsLand_BoY]

Wirelessly posted (Opera/9.80 (Android; Opera Mini/7.29703/27.1662; U; en) Presto/2.8.119 Version/11.10)

The only thing I'm really concerned about is 4G coverage/consistency. I'd hate for my phone to be forever switching between 4G and 3G.

That was exactly the problem I had on my Photon. Constant switching between 3G and WiMAX. Their coverage was spotty at best. Not everywhere, but where I needed it. It killed my battery. I'm contemplating the upgrade though. I'll probably stick it out with my Optimus for a couple more months though.

Sent from my SGH-T989 using HowardForums

[jeffmd]

I've done tests side by side with Sprint users and there is definitely no difference in 3G speed, both are terrible, ~500kbps on average.

I cringe when 500kbps is "terrible". More then enough for anything except HD video streaming. Its a phone for christ sake not an alternative net connection for home... if I got 500kbps wherever I went I would die a happy man.