8703e vs. 8700c / 8703e vs 8800 / Sprint vs. Cingular
 

I need some advice! I am currently on the Sprint network and was thinking of upgrading my 7250 to the 8703e that just came out.. first problem: $500, second problem: sprint is great but I always have to wait for the cool phones / berrys to come out with them.

Should I instead move over to Cingular and pick up an 8700? I would be bringing 4 total lines to share on a family plan, only one would be a berry.. (nyc, nj, baltimore, and orlando service areas).

Should I wait for the 8800 to move over to Cingular and stick with the Sprint 7250?

Should I wait for the 8800 to move over to Cingular and go with the Sprint 8703e in the meantime?

Is the sprint EVDO much much better than the Cingular EDGE? Is the GPS in the new Sprint 8703e really worth it? I live in NYC and do not own a car.. it would be handy in some situations I think but not really necessary

I am at a loss on what would be best... Cingular service is probably better because they will get the newest phones first and they have a larger network.. Sprint claims to have better broadband and the GPS and new 8703e look very nice.. any advice on what you guys think the best route to take would be greatly appreciated!

Cingular's does have "largest" data work on EDGE but EDGE is no where near the speed as EVDO. Yes, the EVDO network is much much faster. The GPS works great on the 8703.

I'm not familiar with Cingular family plans. Do you share minutes between those different markets? I know the Sprint plans can share across markets.

While you may $500 (?) for the upgrade the same will happen with any carrier when you upgrade when you are under contract. Have you tried rentention since you have 4 lines and obviouosly your contract is expired? I bet you can get a better deal if you re-sign all the lines.

No one carrier is perfect or "best". Stick with whom you personally feel is better.

I assume your contract has expired and it is time to either renew or move on. If not, you also need to consider the cancellation charge, which most likely would be $175 or more per line. Ask Sprint for the skinny on that.

You should first make sure Cingular will work where you need it - where all of your family members live, work, travel, play, etc. In all probability, given the loactions you listed, Cingular should work fine, but you should make sure by checking it out first. Cool phones will do you no good if they don't work.

Then go to a Cingular store and discuss it with them. Maybe they can make you a deal.

Keep in mind that all four users would need new phones and you would have to either port the numbers or get new ones.

Again, my top factor would be coverage.

If you tend to have a lot of upgraditis then a GSM carrier would be better in that regard.