First Test Of The New Tour
 

Just returned from my local Verizon store where they had just received their first shipment of the Tour. I played with one for about 5 minutes and my initial reaction is SENSATIONAL. A far better product in every which way than the 8830. For starters screen is superb and a huge improvement in the keyboard over the 8830. Much easier to read the keys! Excellent and new type of trackball too-seems to work better. Menues show big improvement too. (I have never used the other BlacKberry's so cannot compare the Tour to others, only the 8830).

Maybe slightly smaller than the 8830 overall and no heavier. Looks sensational too-very cool.....

Thanks for the review. Verizon actually had one on display already? Would they have sold one today? I want one but I don't know where to buy it, VZW or eBay (unlocked).

The official retail release is on Sunday (7/12th) and stores are finally putting out the working models on display. You would have a very difficult time getting a store to sell you one in advance. If you go the eBay route, expect to pay top dollar.

Michael, did you happen to see what OS version is loaded on the display model? Look for an OS update very soon.

Hi guys: There was no way they would sell me their Tour-they are opening at 8.00 AM Sunday and have 30 available and maybe more by then. Sorry I did not see what OS was loaded. The unit had only just been charged up and I could not access email or the web as it had not been set up as yet.

I'm going to buy one but I currently have about fourteen months remaining on my VZW contract with a Storm. Can I just buy a Tour without a new contract? What would I do, just switch the SIM card?

Thank you.

If you're on Verizon, the SIM is useless. You would need to have them do an ESN (or MEID) swap.

yeah and you will have to pay full price for that thing

I am on Alltel and stuck into a wait and see what goes on with this buyout.
Alltel doesn't seem to know anything about the TOUR and since I am only in the 6th month of my 2 years . I don'nt think I have a choice.
I need to keep my phone number but I am told that VZW now owes my number
which was my landline number for at least 58 years.

I just cancelled my on line order and am going to Verizon Sunday at 8.00 AM to pick one up. I hope the line is not too long......

If I get one up and running I will post a further review some time Sunday.

From VZW:
 

"How is my upgrade price calculated?
By extending your contract, you may qualify for a discounted price, depending on when you last purchased a new phone at a discounted price, and your contract term.
- Customers on a one-year contract may upgrade at a discounted price after 10 months.
- Customers on a two-year contract may upgrade at a discounted price after just 20 months.
Plus, if you're currently enrolled in our New Every Two program*, you will be eligible for an additional discount with a two-year contract extension.
You may always choose to upgrade without extending your contract at full retail price.


Annual Upgrade available for My Verizon customers
You can get a new phone every year with Annual Upgrade. Sign up for a 2-year agreement on a calling plan of at least $49.99 and you can purchase a new phone at its promotional price through My Verizon every year with a 2-year renewal (upgrade fee may apply).


New Every Two Program*
If you enrolled in the program prior to February 15, 2009 and continued to meet the requirements of the program, you will qualify for a free phone up to a $50 or $100 value, depending on the monthly access of your plan.

If you enrolled in the program on or after February 15, 2009, you will qualify for a free phone up to a $30 or $50 value, depending on the monthly access of your plan."

Wirelessly posted (Its All About the U!)

Wow!!! Thank you for sharing the info.

What about vzw VIP?

Wirelessly posted (Its All About the U!)

Stores in my area open 11:00 a.m. You may want to check first

Mine is opening at 8 AM Eastern in Fort Myers, FL. I confirmed it on the phone just now.

Mine is opening @ 11:00am ... Tucson Arizona

I am triple checked. Still 11:00 a.m. for me. Plantation, FL, Pembroke Pines, FL and Coral Springs, FL all 11:00 a.m. One store is not going to begin selling until Monday. Is that legal?

I always wondered if you add a line and pay the 199.99 for the phone and after the first month cancel that line don't you just pay the 175.00 early term. So you would pay 375.00 for the phone. That would save you lots of money. Because the phone at full price is over 500 bucks. Has anyone ever tried this? Just wondering.

Also in the future when you buy your next phone get a one year deal. You pay a little more but it’s just one year. For example the Tour would be 270.00 for a one year contract.
And one last thing for every month you pay for service they subtract around 5 to 10 dollars a month off your early term fee.

Wirelessly posted (Its All About the U!)

Yes on the $270 question if you are eligible for upgrade. I thought the early exit fee was NOT prorated

It seems the SW Florida Verizon stores in Estero and Fort Myers are all opening at 8.00 AM Sunday-I double checked on the phone just now.

I am glad and I hope my comments are not hijacking your thread. My personal concern was showing at 11:00 and being three hours late. I think your Estero store is that large Town Center. I was in that area two weeks ago. Great place.