Following up on our initial report regarding the forthcoming release of the BlackBerry Curve on MetroPCS, the first image and confirmation has leaked from internal documents along with confirmed plan information. The BlackBerry plan on MetroPCS will cost $50 per month and bundle BIS service along with unlimited voice and messaging, with an additional $10 charge for BES corporate email access.
The device will launch later this quarter via MetroPCS corporate stores and authorized dealers, with the device currently a Best Buy exclusive.
Update: Multiple sources have confirmed to PhoneNews.com that the BlackBerry Curve will launch this Tuesday March 10th in Best Buy locations across Legacy CDMA Metro PCS coverage areas.
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im sooooo excited cant wait till it hits stores. By the way the way when does it go on sale ?
Nice, a friend of mine just got a Curve 8900 that I’ve been quite jealous of, since i’m on MetroPCS. I might have to switch out my old Nokia 6265i for one of these when it launches.
phone is gonna be so cool. i cant wait to buy it. when is it coming out?
this phone is gonna be so cool. i cant wait to buy it. when is it coming out?
A very reliable source has told me that it hits Best buys shelves the 29th of March and will be sold for $450.00 each
It will be Tuesday March 10 according to a good friend of minds the work there…
Why is this style better than an I Phone-type style???
Aren’t they the 1st pre pay carrier to have thier own branded smartphone?
i love this phonee , when is it gonna be on metro pcs shelves ? i went today to best buy to purchase it and its still not in stock , mind you i went to three different best buy stores here in miami . i need information on its final price .. please and thank you .
Don Louie, AT&T takes the award for being the first carrier with a prepaid smartphone. The Treo 750 was sold for a limited time as a GoPhone device.
However, this will likely be the first mass-marketed no-contract smartphone offering from a provider.
Didn’t know about att but they don’t count because they already have those phones on the post pay which has a national presence and name
While that’s correct, AT&T specifically promoted the Treo 750 refurbished stock as prepay phones online. It wasn’t an under-the-table offering, they actively sold and promoted those phones online.
And, the Treo 750 was priced at a discount versus the full retail price, to encourage prepay customers to buy it specifically.
The Nokia N75 was the second phone to get similar treatment, though it was passed on by most due to a low discount.
Yeah but GoPhones had the att name behind it letting purchasers know it work practically everywhere while Metro is just Metro and only where they have service
Actually, that’s not correct. MetroPCS has TravelTalk with digital and data roaming across the nation. You don’t get unlimited talk when outside of the MetroPCS service area, but you certainly don’t lose your signal.
For the MetroPcs blackberry, is it possible to use the desktop redirector software and not pay the extra $10 per month? I leave my machine on all the time anyways and use GMail.
You only need to pay the $10 fee for BES. The Redirector software only requires BIS, which is included in the standard BlackBerry plan. You won’t have to pay the $10 fee with your setup.
Can someone tell me why the Curve is better than the I phone? Not interested in the service plan comparisons, only the phones themselves.
Can anyone tell me how much the blackberry pearl will be? I see the Curve is expected to be $450.00 on the 29th. Which is a little pricey.
Is it the blackberry curve 8330 or the blackberry pearl these are 2 different phones…
Can you please check
Its the 8330 Curve.
good so that is the one coming out on tuesday 8330..
Thanks
humberto , do you know the final price for the 8330 curve for metro pcs ?
Also what colors do they come in
Its out already it is 8330 curve, I’m a metropcs dealer. I already have the phones.
We have them already, new metropcs blackberry curve 8330.
$449.99 will be the MSRP and from what I understand the first color will be a red model followed by the graphite.
I just caught the typo and apologize for the confusion. To clarify, the Blackberry Curve will launch on Tuesday, and not the Pearl.
Hi,
I’m from new york, will I be able to use the curve with all its features in new york?
[...] clearly that hasn’t happened. However, we could get an announcement as early as this week. PhoneNews.com has found visual confirmation that the device will in fact launch through MetroPCS, and it could be [...]
I just spoke to Best Buy in my area and has confirm it will be out tuesday for sure.. One thing he did tell me was that it is only in black for now not in red… He also gave me a run through on the new phone which was very interesting .. I just wanted to find out about the internet and its run through BlackBerry.
Typo its only in red for now and it is $449.99 at Best Buy.. Most stores get there shippments on Monday nites or Weds…. BestBuy already has them in there system and ready to sell..
javier what area are you located in ?
have anyone else talk to their local best buy people.
I believe this will be the next hit for metro PCS. Then people will start asking for other blackberry models, this is just the beginning.
Let’s see if the have enough inventory to suppy all the demand.
I just called my local BestBuy and they said they thought it would be out in April in out area (Jacksonville, Fl.) Post if you hear different.
the account service rep for metro iin south florida said tuesday 3/10
I wonder if i will be able to just add the (BES) plan, since i already have a pearl working with metro for a while…
I live in the Orlando Market…
Dallas?
Ok, i called metro and they told me that i can’t add the BES plan to my blackberry already flashed to metro, it has to be a metro phone, flashed phones only work as calling and texting devices… It sounds like BS to me!
Anyone else in here having the same problem?
I am so p’d that the BB is not available in the Philadelphia market. What kind of crap is that?
just checked the metro website in california and the phone did come out today and it is 349.00. That is so cool!!!
i want to know if they can add my esn to the metro pcs inventory……
i already flashed and i can call with my blackberry 8703e at *228 and *611 from metro and they answer me…but i can’t make calls put me to the rooming calls
Well, i called metro pcs again, and they told me that they are not able to add the plan yet to people with blackberries at the moment, maybe later on…..
I will call later on today, and tomorrow and the day after tomorrow and so on…
Anyone here knows Metro Pcs direct email address for support?
Thank You
I’ve already written the article on the Curve release at the top of the front page. Please take all discussion and questions to that article’s comments link.
What if you already have a blackberry curve, could you add the metro pcs plan on it? I wouldn’t want to have to buy a new phone.
This morning I check the metro website and it said 349.00. Even printed out the page and I guess it was a computer typo because by mid day it was $449.00 as stated in other comments. Thanks for all the information and even though the price is a little high I think it is worth it, if you compare the plan to another carrier. If you are like me you like Metro and just want a nice phone. Thanks again for the info!
For all those looking: I called about 10 best buy stores today looking for the Metro BB. From what I am told; select Miami stores got only 3 units in today. There are no units in Jacksonville Yet. Could not find any in Atlanta.
Update. Today is my birthday and I actually found the phone and bought it! I must say, activation was easy. Just called them and read the ESN. This device is simply amazing. You don’t get the hefty discount on the device like with the bigger companies.. but you do get unlimited everything for $50 /mo. I am a very happy camper.
Hey Jeremy, where exactly did you buy the phone ? were more phones avaliable at the time?
Leo, I got the phone at the best buy at 4873 town center pkwy jacksonville fl. 904-928-1999. There were no more available at the time. The stores are getting in only 3 at a time. Good luck!
I’m mad I don’t want people to think I gotta metro
But metro might have this phone but I won’t be able to do nothing they technology sucks
I BOUGHT MY CURVE YESTERDAY!!!! I have been with metropcs since the first month they started her in atlanta. I have been ridiculed by my peers since. Now my patience has paid off. I got my blackberry at the Loganville, Ga location. They only got three. My only suggestion for getting one is to do as I did. Call every Best Buy in your local area and ask them to hold one for you when they get them in. They are only allowed to hold them for a couple of hours so be ready to go when they call. This phone is hot!! Thanx Humberto Saabedra for keeping me informed for the last couple of months!!!
Oh and as far as the technology it’s great. It does everything curves on the other networks do. Navigation, Facebook, it supports every blackberry app that i’ve downloaded so far.
I SO P’D METROPCS HAD THAT PHONE IT’S VERY GOOD THINGS ANY WAYS I LOVE BLACK BERRY
Yea its great that Metro got the Blackberry but who wants to pay $450 for a cell phone? I mean why do they charge so much for a phone when the rest of the companies at least cut you a break? I have the Samsung R450 and paid $200 for that and think thats a bit much for that phone when you can sign up elsewhere and get a phone similar to it free for just signing with them. Thats a little too steep for my taste, maybe I will switch to Sprint, Alltell or AT&T so I can get the phone I want without the insane pricetag.
“Yea its great that Metro got the Blackberry but who wants to pay $450 for a cell phone? I mean why do they charge so much for a phone when the rest of the companies at least cut you a break? I have the Samsung R450 and paid $200 for that and think thats a bit much for that phone when you can sign up elsewhere and get a phone similar to it free for just signing with them. Thats a little too steep for my taste, maybe I will switch to Sprint, Alltell or AT&T so I can get the phone I want without the insane pricetag.”
….well obviously no one is perfect.. neither are companies. the reason why the price is high is because they offer pre-paid service with no contract. The other companies offer free phones to recompense for two years of a commitment you have to make with them via a contract.
Did someone really just say that the other companies give you a break on the price of the phone? So not true! Try buying a phone from one of the other major providers before your due for an upgrade or maybe try to buy one without signing your life over for the next two years. The prices are comparable. Now let’s talk about what I’m saving having not only unlimited calls and texts, but now unlimited data. Believe me the phone pays for itself in no time.
Yea but two years really isn’t that big of a deal considering that chances are you going to keep the service for at least that long. I think with how quickly phones become outdated they shouldn’t cost so much.
Actually two years of hidden fees and charges is a real big deal. On top of that, if you decide to go with another service provider, you are charged an ETF fee. Who wants to pay that? You should be able to go from provider to provider freely. Like Raina said, the phone will pay for itself in no time. Especially when you have an unlimited plan for a low rate per month.
they need the G1 and Iphone.. that’ll be a great addition to the device list
All i want to find it out is that, can you navigate the web like the other companies or is the internet for the phone is it going to work like metro web? For the black berry curved.
Humbero,
Do you know when is the Motorola Hint coming out..
I got my blackberry about 4 days ago and I love it. I have been with metro in LA for about two years now since they came and I have waited for a nice phone with the great monthly price they offer. I have a brother who has a sprint blackberry and pays 135.00 a month what a rip off. The 449.00 price tag is a bit much but the phone pays for itself. Also the phone doesn’t say metro on it like there other phones, not that I care just was a nice touch. Great phone for ME!
Mike M… it really is about preference. the curve isnt necisarily better than the iPhone its just some ppl, myself included, prefer a keyboard; as to a sensitive touch screen. hope that helps.
I heard a compatible AWS blackberry will be released by metro within the next 6 months, that means metro have not forgotten about their newer markets. My questions is this new blackberry will be a newer model or just a revised version of the already released curve 8330 ???
Let me tell ALL of you i when to get it and the guy told me that they where going to have like in a week like the tmobil camera type the 5mpx and it was going to be 3houndred and something and like a little square one for 2 hounded and something the tmobile one is touch screen. thats cool … it should be in stores like in 2 weeks he said. i saw them ….
I have 2 say that @ 1st i thought i would just stick with the plans i had with t-mobile,but as times got harder paying $600.00 phone bills for 5 lines got old so i switched to metro with 5 lines for $189 what a big difference the smartest move i ever did when it came 2 a budget, so yes i would pay $450 for the phone because like many have said the phones pays for itself, would i go run out and buy the phone 2morrow NO times are still hard, but it’s nice 2 know that when the time is right i can go an get me a nice phone with unlimited everything no strings attached, people get off the high horse metro is in. You can Have What Ever You Like!!!!
I just bought my new blackberry curve a few days ago, and love it to pieces. I work in a fast-pace world and I love how it helps me stay in touch w/everyone and all the many things that go on at my job. Its great for people like me that also like to customize everything. This phone is pretty confussing if you’ve never had a phone like this before. I love how Metropcs has come such a long way from its first type model phones. All and all I love this phone it was pretty pricy but Id rather pay a one time high price for the phone and a low rate monthly then a low price phone and pay a high price monthly for the plan…
does the metro pcs blackberry have the navigation gps on it?
does the metro pcs blackberry have the navigation gps on it?
yes the gps works great
I had metro pcs for years and left them. I had a nokia phone and also a motorola slvr Lc7. When my slvr started messing up and having software problems metro pcs wouldn’t do ANYTHING! And YES I had insurance and it was still under warranty since it was LESS than a YEAR OLD. They tried giving me “the run around” and telling me I “COULD ONLY TAKE IT TO THE CORPORATE STORE.” I Did that too…. With no one helping me, replacing my phone, or fixing the software on my slvr. METRO PCS IS A SCAM ONCE YOUR PHONE SCREWS UP!!! They told me I just NEEDED to buy another 200 dollar phone…. Which is upsurd when I paid for insurance every month and my phone was only 5 months old. So lemme tell you when your BLACKBERRY SMARTPHONE has a problem with its software and you keep resetting it and nothing fixes it, DON’T COUNT ON METRO PCS TO HELP YOU OUT EITHER! I left them right then and their at the end of my month and went to Tmobile. GOODLUCK WITH YOUR 449.00 DOLLAR SMARTPHONE!
kms,
Sorry you feel that way. but I,ve had metro since day one in miami.. I had a couple of issue,s. But since about a couple a years I had nothing but good things to say.. I have never had a problem with phone replacements it seens you had just a couple of places trying to hit you for money..
Does it come in black?
i heard the metro blackberry will be comming out with a black and a titanium color soon? is this true? i want to buy one in the next few weeks but i would prefer the titanium coloring. i really dont want to buy red and then fall in love with another color…especially for $449.00!
What is the software needed for the desktop, for the metro curve? I bought the phone from someone, but it did not come with the software CD. Could someone tell me what is the software, and can I download it from the blackberry website? Thanks
PS….I LOVE MY METRO BB CURVE!!! ITS THE SMARTEST MOVE THAT METRO HAS DONE IN A LOOOOONNNNNNGGGGGG TIME!!!
Hi I had my bbc since it came out and I love the phone I just think they need faster internet cuz from what I hear they where comin out wit 4G network I mean I just want to knw if this was true
timothy,
i went to my metro pcs a few days after i bought my phone. i was irritated that i couldnt use youtube or pandora…they said it was because metro only has a 1g internet right now but that early next year they will be upgrading to 4g.
i love my phone! i cant wait for the internet to be better. i use this phone for business and when im on the go it would be really convienent.
That’s good but what is the bbe for and they said it would be a extra 10$ to your bill to use it but when I called metro they said they never heard such thing and said the bb smartphone only has 1 plan
And here’s another ? t-mobile and verzion 8330 has a wifi icon where u can get internet st8 from your wireless router but I don’t see the icon for the metro pcs phone is there a way to download it or they jus don’t have it 4 the metro pcs bb 8330
Hi, I am from New York. I want to switch to Metro PCS..so is the Blackberry Curve 8330 available in New York? Plz let me know
I really don’t knw but I have a few at my store here in detroit if u want one
is it true you can only have the $50 plan with the Blackberry on Metro Pcs??
I currently have the $45 plan which has pretty much everything already & don’t want the $50 one or like one of the features it brings..
Well yes it is true cuz its called the smart phone plan and u have to get that plan to have the bbc
does the bbm ((blackberry messanger)) work on the metro blackberry??
i was able to play with one at a store & saw that it does have it like all the other blackberrys on the other carriers..
but my question is to anyone who has the phone already, if it works well, can you talk to anyone who has a blackberry with the bbm even if they are another carrier??
Yes works like a charm and works on all bb phones
Are they coming out with a black one?
And that kinda sucks that you have to have the $50 plan. Sigh.
Maybe that’s why they lowered the price……
how is the internet on the metro BB i am considering buying one in the next week or so and also are you able to download Apps like any other BB exp twitter facebook etc.. please let me know
Works great but could be faster and yes all bb apps work
another question can i use my personal email on it
Yea sure can and don’t worry cuz this phone can have the new 4g network for faster internet
Why isnt metro navigator and metro backup available on the blackberry curve?
So I bought the bb with metro a few days ago I mus say it does everything any other service would do I jus wish the internet was faster my twitter keeps freezing and takin forever to update but I love the phone!!!
Well 4 1 the internet is to slow 2 have the navidator and when they come with 4G it will 4sure have it
when is the blackberry coming to new york…..
I don’t knw should be soon tho
If i sign up with metro for like i dont know two year contract or something can you get a phone for free like the blackberry, or even another phone…maybe like a razor, or do you still have to pay for the phone??
Metro has no contacts u just pay one bill a month
Metro has no contacts just pay one bill every month
Unlimited Wireless Carrier MetroPCS Announces Vendors for 2010 4G LTE Launch
4G LTE Launch Positions MetroPCS as Innovative Leader in Unlimited Mobile Voice and Web Services
DALLAS, Sep 15, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) — MetroPCS Communications, Inc. (NYSE: PCS), the nation’s leading provider of unlimited, flat-rate, no signed contract wireless communications service, announces that it has selected its infrastructure and initial handset vendors for its second half 2010 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) Broadband service launch. MetroPCS has selected Ericsson, a world-leading provider of telecommunications equipment and related services to mobile and fixed network operators globally, as its infrastructure vendor for the launch of its LTE service. In addition, MetroPCS has selected Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile)1, the number one mobile phone provider in the U.S.2, to provide the Company’s initial LTE handset device.
“LTE represents the next generation of wireless technology, and we are proud to be working with two technology leaders in Ericsson and Samsung,” said Roger D. Linquist, president, chief executive officer and chairman of the board of MetroPCS. “As the Internet goes ‘mobile’ we are excited to be at the forefront of this wireless evolution with the building out of our 4G broadband data services. We anticipate to begin offering our 4G LTE services and a dual-mode LTE/CDMA smartphone in our major metropolitan markets in late 2010. When launched, our customers will benefit from our next generation, leading-edge network technology which will enable true high-speed Internet access in the palm of their hand. With the announcement of our LTE launch vendors, MetroPCS will move directly to 4G.”
MetroPCS has successfully encouraged customers to cut the cord on their landline phones and enjoy wireless mobility with their unlimited, flat-rate, no signed contract plans. With its LTE broadband initiative, MetroPCS will provide the ability to cut the cord on the Internet, and subscribers will enjoy a richer HTML browsing experience coupled with multimedia applications that allow a traditional wireline Internet experience directly on their handset.
“Ericsson is honored to be chosen by MetroPCS as their LTE/EPC infrastructure supplier for its LTE service launch,” said Angel Ruiz, president and CEO of Ericsson North America. “We look forward to using our leadership in LTE technology to help MetroPCS usher in a new era of communications and transform the mobile-broadband user experience for their customers.”
“Samsung Mobile is excited to announce a handset that will be compatible on MetroPCS’ high-speed LTE network,” said Paul Golden, chief marketing officer for Samsung Telecommunications America. “This mobile device will take the user experience to the next level by offering users a full broadband Internet experience on a LTE infrastructure.”
Do what everybody is doing, get a top of the line CDMA touch phone, keys are a thing of the past! I personally got the HTC Imagio from Verizon and flashed it to metroPCS!
Can u go on the internet with your htc?
omg im getting that phone on christ,as i cant wait but on metropcs.com it says
that the phone is for 299.99 and im only 9 years old i noe im spoiled hehehehe
what can i say i had t-mobile then i swiched to at&t then i saw that every one had the samsung messenger so swiched to metro and if i get the black berry
and after the black berry if i want NEW PHONE THEN IM SWICHING TOOOOOO. sprint i cant wait so far i had 34 phones people say im 2 spoiled lolz..
I CANT DECIDE WHAT PHONE TO BUY IM STUCK EITHER BETWEEN THE BLACKBERRY CURVE OR THE SAMSUNG CODE HELP ME DECIDE. WHICH ONE IS BETTER
do they sell it in ny because i been trying to find it and i cant =[ help i really want it
Does anyone know if I have the original red blackbeery ccurve from metro pcs when it has the 1 g internet and upgrades to the 4 g web, am i gonna have to buy a new bbc with the 4 g web? Or can I just keep my original phone and just upgrade the web itself… advice?
So there are not youtube and pandora etc, but Ive seen apps for those. If we download them will it work? AND if they do come out with the 4g web how do we upgrade???? do we have to buy a new one?
That’s a good question because this bbc is not a 4g phone and it only supports up to 3g so I wish it was a way I could know how there going to do this the only thing I can think of is there going to have to come out with a new blackberry for metro pcs
Youtube does not work 4 the blackberry on the metropcs but there r many ways around it and I beleave they are going to have a software update to blackberry os 5.0
i need a bigger memory card for my metro BlackBerry any suggestions on what works what doesnt please let me know thanks
@ ladydubb it only supports up to 8gb
K16 I am located in New York and the Blackberry they are saying is scheduled to come to New York at the end of March
I already have the Blackberry lol
I contacted Metro PCS before I got the Blackberry and they informed me it was going to work and I even told them that I was located in New York,I was very upset and thought about switiching
But noooo
I love Mero since I have been with them and cant beat $50 unlimited everything
Thought about switching to Boost though lol
But I will wait to see if the Blackberry service comes out in March like I was told by the Metro Pcs guy at a store where I live
If not I give up on the Blackberry and will get another phone
I cant believe they are taking soo long to get in in New York
Will a Blackberry from Sprint work with Metro ?
No sorry no other blackberry can work with a metro pcs
Leo once the Sprint Blackberry is FULLY FLASHED over it should work
You can contact your nearest Metro PCS store to see if the can provide you with information
FULL FLASHED over you can get MMS,PICTURE MESSAGES,INTERNET etc etc
Call METRO PCS CUSTOMER CARE at 1-800-553-9315
Once the ESN is compatible on Metros network you should be fine
Contact the number above and get more information
I currently have Metro PCS now
Waiting on the Blackberry to hit New York
I have a CDMA BB 9630 (Tour) that was formerly used on the SPRINT network. Did not care for the BB that had been offered by MetroPCS and was wondering if there is a way to use the BB9630 on the MetroPCs and, if so, where does someone go to have it FLASHED? I had also been told that most of the BB features DO NOT work once flashed over. Any suggestions or comments? Thank you. I’ve had MetroPCS since it’s inception in South Florida 8-years ago.
I heard when u flash a bb to metro pcs its not guranted to work its a temp don’t know if its true but a guy at a metro pcs store told me a guy spend 400$ buyin a bb and getin it flashed to metro and he said bout 2weeks later it stop workin
i just hope that track ball problem is fixed.. i had a blackberry curve for verizon and the track ball stopped spinning. i dont want metro pcs to have that same problem..
Trackballs can be replaced easy u shoulda took it back to the store
i wish the new blackberry fones came out for metro pcs
That would be nice but I really think they r comin out wit another one they just have to
my bro got this phone so am getting it lolx.
Hi everyone. I did purchase the new MetroPCS BB8530 and, yes, it’s quite an improvement over the previous BB8330. Still has a couple of minor flaws, plus there are clear differences in some of the functionality of Metro’s apps, such as the MetroNavigator. The minor flaw? The phone gives you ABSOLUTELY NO NOTIFICATION whenever there is a voicemail left! No visual nor audible notice whatsoever. Per Metro this was a clear design (software) error on the part of Research in Motion (RIM), and they are hurrying to come up with some sort of patch to resolve this. Also, on other Metro phones when you would dial 611 (or *611), your balance would display on the phone. Another omission on the BB8530. But, aside from that, the phone truly works GREAT!! I’ve only had “2″ instances where the phone has locked up for some unknown reason, and the only FIX was to do a reset via battery removal for 30-seconds and then restart the phone. Aside from that it’s a terrific addition to the MetroPCS lineup, especially the WiFi connectivity (which definitely boosts internet access and browing; works great in public HOTSPOT locales). Battery life? I’d heard that it wasn’t so great but that, too, is incorrect. Bluetooth pairing and usage is a breeze and, the SPEAKERPHONE is, by far, the BEST of any phone. I have used it for conference call meetings on several times and everyone was able to hear me loud, and clear.
I’ve been with Metro PCS since they started in California but I am really disappointed with them.
I bought a BLACKBERRY CURVE 8330m. It was great. Then 8 months later (now) the trackball stopped working vertically (down). Every other direction was fine. The BB CURVE 8330m had no other problem. I called the store where I bought it and they said I had to take it to a corporate store for examination. No one was able to fix the trackball.
I went online and I called a few places. I was told to call the insurance company for a replacement BB CURVE 8330m and pay a $85.00 deductible. The BB was still under BlackBerry Manufacturer Warranty so why should I pay $85.00 to get a replacement BB 8330m. I spent top dollar and bought a brand new BB, paid monthly insurance for it (for over 8 months) WHILE it was still under warranty, but I digress. I was finally able to arrange a replacement phone with a $10.00 shipping & handling fee. That was much better or so I thought.
When my replacement BB came it was a REFURBISHED BB CURVE 8330m WITH DEFECTS. It’s like buying a lemon used car. I’ve had to return to the corporate store and wait in outrageous lines 4 times to return a 3rd BB CURVE 8330m. I ran the 2 diagnostic tests on my original BB Curve 8330 before I took in the original BB so I could have a comparison. Everything passed except the one direction of the trackball.
None of the replacement BB CURVE 8330m (all refurbished) passed the diagnostics. Freezing screens, keys that won’t press properly, speaker distortion, recording problems, key to screen delayed reaction, all the important features I need in a “business BB CURVE 8330″. A replacement BB CURVE 8330M still under warranty and with monthly insurance should at least be comparable to the original BB. At the least it should be in working order without defects. The latest refurbished BB has problems too.
I’ve been with Metro PCS since they began in California but I think there may be a scam in the works. At the least it’s totally bad business ethics. The service agreement is another issue but one hot potato at a time.
A one owner BB with a defective trackball does not equal a refurbished BB with who knows how many previous owners (and their habits) and the problems they may have had with their BB. Is there any governing consumer laws in California for BBs, cell phones etc.? I know they have in Chicago for contracted service providers. Anyone know anything?
Sorry to hear about the problems that you’ve experienced with the (earlier, non AWS) BB8330. The “privately owned” MetroPCS stores are, generally, not in a position to make (manufacturer) warranty exchanges. It must be done via one of the Corporate repair and replacement sites. The trackball issue that you’re referring to is a ‘known’ BLACKBERRY issue; not exclusive to MetroPCS. That’s why they have done away with that on all of their current models, including MetroPCS’ BB8530 that came out a couple of months ago. I have been with Metro since their inception (in South Florida) back in 2002; trying out just about each of the different models of phones as they hit the market. I have, absolutely, NEVER had a problem with a (manufacturer) warrant issue and, of course, accept the “refurbished” replacement when offered. Even with the MetroGuard insurance program, you don’t ever get a NEW replacement. You have a phone that’s 8-months old. Why would you even anticipate that they would, now, give you a NEW replacement. If you buy an automobile with a 12-month, 12,000 mile warranty, and a problem pops up with the steering or brakes, do you ask that dealer for a NEW CAR? Of course not and, believe me, I am not trying to diminish your tensions or angst towards the situation. It’s just the way that it is and, by the way, the same holds true with SPRINT, and VERIZON!! If you sign a contract with them (which we are not required to do with Metro), and your phone carries a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty, YOU GET A REFURBISHED UNIT if yours fails within that period. True we pay a higher price for our handsets, but that’s the price for not having to sign a contract.
Now regarding the new BB8530. It works extremely well!! Even some of the original (minor) issues, such as a problem with Metro Navigator, seem to be working out now. It’s a GREAT phone, with pretty much ALL of the Blackberry favorites functioning properly. By the way: Metro is about to launch 4G service across the nation. Check out the Samsung R900 which they are giving Metro an exclusive on.
Once again, sorry to hear about the problems you’ve encountered on your BB8330. I, personally, played with and tested that model from soup-to-nuts, and was not happy with many of its limitations. The 8530 has, without a doubt, surpassed that model hands down (and works nationwide via AWS, whereas its predecessor does not)
LOOKING AT THE BB8530 FOR MY FIRST BB . WILL IT STREAM INTERNET RADIO . I HAVE SAW 1 REVIEW ON BESTBUY WHERE ON REVIEW SAYS NOW YOUTUBE AND PANDORA NOW WORKS ON THE BB8530 IS THIS TRUE ?