Lucky me, I won both a G1 and a Curve 8900 at work. When I first found out about winning the 8900, I was excited to upgrade from my 8320. When I next found out about winning the G1, I thought "eBay".
But after receiving the G1, I wanted to give it a try. I sell them everyday and people ask about them everyday, so I figured I should find out more about the phone.
Since I use Gmail as my primary email account, both the Curve and G1 were setup with my Gmail accounts. As soon as I logged into my G1, my Gmail contacts and calendar showed up on my phone. That was nice, to know that I wouldn't have to take ANY extra steps to synchronize all my affairs. The Curve 8900 can also sync with Gmail (email / contacts / calendars), but I had to first install Google Sync. Not a huge deal, but anytime I want to sync my calendar and contacts, I'll have to open up Google Sync and hit "Sync Now." The G1 does it automatically.
Then again, how many people out there have Gmail? From my experience in retail, not the majority. So it could be a pain to setup an entirely new email account, especially if you're not sure if you'll keep the G1 and you're just trying it out.
The Curve 8900 improves many things over the old 8320. And for just a difference of $50 between the old Curve and the new, the 8320 hasn't been selling much. The 8900 has twice the processor speed (512 mhz versus 256), a lot more free space for apps, emails and texts, a higher resolution screen, GPS, and a nicer trackball. The only downsides I can think of (which don't even bother me), no 3G and no touchscreen.
If you do end up getting a Curve 8900, you must download Google Maps, Slacker Radio, Shazam and Facebook. And another bonus? I only charge this thing every 3rd day. The battery life is great.
If you're getting a G1, just know that with GPS, wi-fi, 3G internet, and Bluetooth all turned on, the battery life is poor. Well, poor by cell phone standards. It's great by laptop, GPS, and MP3 standards. But you'll probably have to charge your phone daily. And if you talk a lot and use it for business, I would definitely get a car charger.
But I downloaded an app called Toggle Settings that lets you turn off certain features when you're not using them (for example, I leave 3G internet, GPS, wi-fi and Bluetooth off most of the time). It lets my battery last a day and a half.
The bottom line... if you're mostly texting and emailing, the Curve is a better phone. If you want to go on the internet and play with cool apps, the G1 is hands down more fun. It's funny to note, that even with both phones setup with my Gmail account, the Blackberry gets my Gmail emails first, then I get the notification about 5 seconds later on my G1.
That just reaffirms what they say, nobody does email better than a Blackberry.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Wireless Industry Musings
After being in many, many various industries, I have to say that the cell phone industry is the strangest. People get $250 discounts on phones, then complain about having to pay a $175-$200 termination fee. People sign 2-year agreements to get phones with only a 1-year warranty. Then complain about it a year and a half later. Well past their 1-year warranty.
Some people sign 2-year agreements on $50 phones, just to get them for free. Doesn't make much sense, does it?
Why would anyone pay $200 for an MP3 player, and then complain about having to pay $50 for a cell phone, which plays MP3s AND makes phone calls?
I would never go to Comcast (to whom I've been a customer for over 10 years) and tell them, "I've been with you guys for 10 years, can you give me a free high definition TV?" Yet, things like this happen everyday in wireless.
I don't know where the wireless industry is heading. Thankfully, we get choices in wireless. If coverage at my house sucks, I can try at least 3 other carriers to see if they offer better coverage, customer service and cell phones. And it's far from being a monopoly. With that said, it's a brutal industry that makes margins razor thin, and customers are suing about this and that... how phones are causing people to lose their hearing, how termination fees are unlawful, and so on.
If we do away with contracts in wireless (which is what it's looking like), then people will be paying $200 to $600 for phones without contracts, and will be complaining about how much they have to spend on the phones.
It's a lose-lose for cell phone companies.
Some people sign 2-year agreements on $50 phones, just to get them for free. Doesn't make much sense, does it?
Why would anyone pay $200 for an MP3 player, and then complain about having to pay $50 for a cell phone, which plays MP3s AND makes phone calls?
I would never go to Comcast (to whom I've been a customer for over 10 years) and tell them, "I've been with you guys for 10 years, can you give me a free high definition TV?" Yet, things like this happen everyday in wireless.
I don't know where the wireless industry is heading. Thankfully, we get choices in wireless. If coverage at my house sucks, I can try at least 3 other carriers to see if they offer better coverage, customer service and cell phones. And it's far from being a monopoly. With that said, it's a brutal industry that makes margins razor thin, and customers are suing about this and that... how phones are causing people to lose their hearing, how termination fees are unlawful, and so on.
If we do away with contracts in wireless (which is what it's looking like), then people will be paying $200 to $600 for phones without contracts, and will be complaining about how much they have to spend on the phones.
It's a lose-lose for cell phone companies.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Copy of my Post on Yelp - T-mobile
Hey to all of you Yelpers.
I am currently a T-mobile employee at this location, and although I may regret writing this review in the future (in case people try to come find me), just wanted to write a little bit about what our job is like...
Yes, "sometimes" the lines are long and I would dread coming into a cell phone store too. We can't control it. It would be ideal if our customers could spread out the times they come in so there's never any lines (because honestly, half the day we're just standing around). But we can't control that, and neither can our customers.
And Don, no offense to you, but EVERY one of our customers thinks they should have a star on our sidewalk. It's a tough business, because not only are we providing goods, but we're also providing a service. If all we did was sell the phones to you, then every customer would almost always leave happy. But since the coverage, monthly rate plan, customer service AND the device we sell you all have to be operating properly, it becomes a lot more complex than I can explain here. And after years of paying the same company, you start to feel like that company owes you something. I feel the same way towards Comcast and my cable service.
Because of everything mentioned in the previous paragraph, we MAY forget to do something we promised you.... I can't remember how many times I've forgotten to give a rebate form, or to credit a fee, or to look for an extra case... because while looking at a customer's monthly bill, fixing their phone, adding a feature... all in about 10 minutes, we all inevitably forget the smaller details. If this happens, please kindly remind us.
I think cell phone customers should be thankful for one thing... that the Cell Phone industry is one of the FEW industries that aren't monopolized (yet, anyway). Be thankful that you have choices. If you don't like our plans, customer service, phones, rates, and the coverage at your house sucks... then you're FREE to go elsewhere. And if you don't like your current service, think you're paying too much, and they treat you like crap constantly... then T-mobile will welcome you.
In my opinion, cell phone customers need to stop buying on impulse. Most are signing up for 2-year commitments, and they do it with a split-second decision. Unlimited T-mobile to T-mobile doesn't mean anything if all your family is on AT&T. And a lot of times, all you're saving is $100 to $150 on a phone... or roughly translated, about 2 or 3 months worth of service. But again, if you plan on sticking with the same company for years... then it's all a moot point. You know yourself better than I do.
We've heard "If you don't do THIS for us, I'm going to switch" SO many times, it doesn't affect us anymore. Because a lot of times, it's just a threat, and nothing more. And it's hard to gauge what's a threat, and what's real. If we gave free phones to everyone who made that threat, we would go out of business. If you're really upset with T-mobile (regardless of what you read on the blogs and Google), we'll happily give you the phone number to the corporate office.
And truth be told, a lot of times, customers are upset because of something they messed up on themselves. But because they don't want to own up to it, they start blaming their coverage provider. I can understand if we forgot to add the 400-text messaging bundle. And if we did, we'll credit the overages. But if you purchased the 400-text message bundle, and used 3,000 instead? That's not really the retail employees fault. But MAN, do people love taking it out on us.
It's a tough industry... because think of Comcast, and in another way, think of Honda. With Honda, you buy a car from Honda, and you're not required to pay Honda a monthly fee to use that car. Once you buy from Honda, you can get it serviced anywhere, drive it as much as you want, and go wherever you'd like.
And think of Comcast. You want cable TV at your house? You probably only have 1 option for wired cable. But you still have to pay them monthly for their service. Honestly, it sucks. Because I have no choices.
But with T-mobile, you can buy a phone from almost anywhere; Ebay, Craigslist, get another GSM phone unlocked... but you still need to pay monthly to use a service on it. You can't just buy a phone and use it straight out of the box. You have to contact AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, T-mobile or SOMEONE to get it working.
Hopefully, this gives most cell phone users a little bit of insight to the industry. And if you have questions, you know where to find me.
I am currently a T-mobile employee at this location, and although I may regret writing this review in the future (in case people try to come find me), just wanted to write a little bit about what our job is like...
Yes, "sometimes" the lines are long and I would dread coming into a cell phone store too. We can't control it. It would be ideal if our customers could spread out the times they come in so there's never any lines (because honestly, half the day we're just standing around). But we can't control that, and neither can our customers.
And Don, no offense to you, but EVERY one of our customers thinks they should have a star on our sidewalk. It's a tough business, because not only are we providing goods, but we're also providing a service. If all we did was sell the phones to you, then every customer would almost always leave happy. But since the coverage, monthly rate plan, customer service AND the device we sell you all have to be operating properly, it becomes a lot more complex than I can explain here. And after years of paying the same company, you start to feel like that company owes you something. I feel the same way towards Comcast and my cable service.
Because of everything mentioned in the previous paragraph, we MAY forget to do something we promised you.... I can't remember how many times I've forgotten to give a rebate form, or to credit a fee, or to look for an extra case... because while looking at a customer's monthly bill, fixing their phone, adding a feature... all in about 10 minutes, we all inevitably forget the smaller details. If this happens, please kindly remind us.
I think cell phone customers should be thankful for one thing... that the Cell Phone industry is one of the FEW industries that aren't monopolized (yet, anyway). Be thankful that you have choices. If you don't like our plans, customer service, phones, rates, and the coverage at your house sucks... then you're FREE to go elsewhere. And if you don't like your current service, think you're paying too much, and they treat you like crap constantly... then T-mobile will welcome you.
In my opinion, cell phone customers need to stop buying on impulse. Most are signing up for 2-year commitments, and they do it with a split-second decision. Unlimited T-mobile to T-mobile doesn't mean anything if all your family is on AT&T. And a lot of times, all you're saving is $100 to $150 on a phone... or roughly translated, about 2 or 3 months worth of service. But again, if you plan on sticking with the same company for years... then it's all a moot point. You know yourself better than I do.
We've heard "If you don't do THIS for us, I'm going to switch" SO many times, it doesn't affect us anymore. Because a lot of times, it's just a threat, and nothing more. And it's hard to gauge what's a threat, and what's real. If we gave free phones to everyone who made that threat, we would go out of business. If you're really upset with T-mobile (regardless of what you read on the blogs and Google), we'll happily give you the phone number to the corporate office.
And truth be told, a lot of times, customers are upset because of something they messed up on themselves. But because they don't want to own up to it, they start blaming their coverage provider. I can understand if we forgot to add the 400-text messaging bundle. And if we did, we'll credit the overages. But if you purchased the 400-text message bundle, and used 3,000 instead? That's not really the retail employees fault. But MAN, do people love taking it out on us.
It's a tough industry... because think of Comcast, and in another way, think of Honda. With Honda, you buy a car from Honda, and you're not required to pay Honda a monthly fee to use that car. Once you buy from Honda, you can get it serviced anywhere, drive it as much as you want, and go wherever you'd like.
And think of Comcast. You want cable TV at your house? You probably only have 1 option for wired cable. But you still have to pay them monthly for their service. Honestly, it sucks. Because I have no choices.
But with T-mobile, you can buy a phone from almost anywhere; Ebay, Craigslist, get another GSM phone unlocked... but you still need to pay monthly to use a service on it. You can't just buy a phone and use it straight out of the box. You have to contact AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, T-mobile or SOMEONE to get it working.
Hopefully, this gives most cell phone users a little bit of insight to the industry. And if you have questions, you know where to find me.
Sunday, February 08, 2009
GarageBook - How To Show Your Car On Your Wall
If you don't already have GarageBook as an app on your Facebook page, you can install it here, http://apps.facebook.com/garagebook.
How to Post your Car on your Wall
(Just installing the GarageBook application and uploading a car will not display your car on your wall, you must first follow these steps)
Make sure you have installed the GarageBook application, entered your car information, and are logged into Facebook...
1. Click on "Home"
2. Look towards the right, where it says Applications. Click on "Edit" to the right of Applications.
3. Click on "Edit Settings" next to GarageBook.
4. Click on the "Profile" tab.
5. Next to Box, click "Add" to add GarageBook to your Profile.
6. Click on "Profile" to view your Facebook Profile.
7. Click on the "Boxes" tab (usually located next to the Wall & Photos tabs).
8. Scroll to the GarageBook box and click on the pen logo in the upper right corner of the box. Then select "Move to Wall".
9. Check your Profile to make sure GarageBook is there!
Sorry for all the steps involved. Facebook makes it tough on us developers. Contact us if you have any questions.
How to Post your Car on your Wall
(Just installing the GarageBook application and uploading a car will not display your car on your wall, you must first follow these steps)
Make sure you have installed the GarageBook application, entered your car information, and are logged into Facebook...
1. Click on "Home"
2. Look towards the right, where it says Applications. Click on "Edit" to the right of Applications.
3. Click on "Edit Settings" next to GarageBook.
4. Click on the "Profile" tab.
5. Next to Box, click "Add" to add GarageBook to your Profile.
6. Click on "Profile" to view your Facebook Profile.
7. Click on the "Boxes" tab (usually located next to the Wall & Photos tabs).
8. Scroll to the GarageBook box and click on the pen logo in the upper right corner of the box. Then select "Move to Wall".
9. Check your Profile to make sure GarageBook is there!
Sorry for all the steps involved. Facebook makes it tough on us developers. Contact us if you have any questions.
Monday, February 02, 2009
25 RANDOM things about me
I was tagged on Facebook, to offer 25 random facts about me. They're completely random, so enjoy!
1) I would snowboard for a living again if I could.
2) I regret the days when I was hanging out with my dad, and I kept worrying about other things I had to do that day.
3) I have a spending problem, a bad habit from when I used to make a LOT more money. But thankfully, I don't care a whole lot about electronics. I'd say it's just more from going out a whole lot.
4) They say the first million should be the hardest to make, after that it should all come easy. I just hope that's true.
5) I love Bichon Frises. No matter how gay they might make me look.
6) I think it's important to be able to laugh everyday. Because of that, I might make light of serious situations.
7) I get cranky when hungry.
8) When I think about buying a car, I think about more than the car itself. I think about what other people will think of that car. It's a terrible habit. One I should care less about (or not at all).
9) I've never had terrible luck with cars... so I tend to take cars for granted. I know that once I buy a $100K car, I'll regret it for the rest of my life (whether it's got mechanical problems, leaves me stranded, I'll lose 1/2 the value in 1-year, or is a lemon).
10) I feel like I have the perfect family, house, jobs, dog, girlfriend, friends, relationships... and can't complain about a thing.
11) I have too many pairs of shoes... not that I buy a whole lot... but I can never wear them out enough to be able to throw them away.
12) I have a motorcycle endorsement, but as I get older, I feel like I shouldn't be riding a motorcycle anymore.
13) I write down everything, from life goals and to-do lists, to gas receipts for my cars. I like telling things as-is, knowing the details, and don't like to hide anything from people.
14) I love that I have a diverse group of friends, and can go from being part of a Jewish wedding ceremony to a traditional Korean one from one day to the next.
15) I hate messes and spend a lot of time cleaning up. BUT, my mom is a lot worse, so she always makes me feel like a pig.
16) When I start to do something, I get obsessed with finishing it (for example, the odor in my car, or rearranging furniture in my room, and so on). If necessary, I'll stay up all night to complete it.
17) I eat til I'm way too full, which means I have to work out a lot more to burn off those calories.
18) I'm trying to cook at home more.
19) I love photography, but frankly, think it's crazy how many people with a Digital SLR think they're professional photographers all of a sudden. But with that said, I love a good photograph regardless of who took it.
20) I'll watch reruns ALL day long. I don't care how many times I've seen an episode of Frasier, Simpsons or Family Guy. It drives my girlfriend crazy.
21) I think empathy is a great characteristic to have. People are too selfish these days.
22) I used to get suspended from school at least once a year, until I got into high school.
23) If I could live anywhere in the world, I would still live in Issaquah, WA.
24) I'm a classic case of "you always want what you don't have." And think of getting nicer versions of things I already have. And when I talk about this with friends, they look at me like I'm crazy.
25) I'm always trying to find the next thing to be passionate about.
1) I would snowboard for a living again if I could.
2) I regret the days when I was hanging out with my dad, and I kept worrying about other things I had to do that day.
3) I have a spending problem, a bad habit from when I used to make a LOT more money. But thankfully, I don't care a whole lot about electronics. I'd say it's just more from going out a whole lot.
4) They say the first million should be the hardest to make, after that it should all come easy. I just hope that's true.
5) I love Bichon Frises. No matter how gay they might make me look.
6) I think it's important to be able to laugh everyday. Because of that, I might make light of serious situations.
7) I get cranky when hungry.
8) When I think about buying a car, I think about more than the car itself. I think about what other people will think of that car. It's a terrible habit. One I should care less about (or not at all).
9) I've never had terrible luck with cars... so I tend to take cars for granted. I know that once I buy a $100K car, I'll regret it for the rest of my life (whether it's got mechanical problems, leaves me stranded, I'll lose 1/2 the value in 1-year, or is a lemon).
10) I feel like I have the perfect family, house, jobs, dog, girlfriend, friends, relationships... and can't complain about a thing.
11) I have too many pairs of shoes... not that I buy a whole lot... but I can never wear them out enough to be able to throw them away.
12) I have a motorcycle endorsement, but as I get older, I feel like I shouldn't be riding a motorcycle anymore.
13) I write down everything, from life goals and to-do lists, to gas receipts for my cars. I like telling things as-is, knowing the details, and don't like to hide anything from people.
14) I love that I have a diverse group of friends, and can go from being part of a Jewish wedding ceremony to a traditional Korean one from one day to the next.
15) I hate messes and spend a lot of time cleaning up. BUT, my mom is a lot worse, so she always makes me feel like a pig.
16) When I start to do something, I get obsessed with finishing it (for example, the odor in my car, or rearranging furniture in my room, and so on). If necessary, I'll stay up all night to complete it.
17) I eat til I'm way too full, which means I have to work out a lot more to burn off those calories.
18) I'm trying to cook at home more.
19) I love photography, but frankly, think it's crazy how many people with a Digital SLR think they're professional photographers all of a sudden. But with that said, I love a good photograph regardless of who took it.
20) I'll watch reruns ALL day long. I don't care how many times I've seen an episode of Frasier, Simpsons or Family Guy. It drives my girlfriend crazy.
21) I think empathy is a great characteristic to have. People are too selfish these days.
22) I used to get suspended from school at least once a year, until I got into high school.
23) If I could live anywhere in the world, I would still live in Issaquah, WA.
24) I'm a classic case of "you always want what you don't have." And think of getting nicer versions of things I already have. And when I talk about this with friends, they look at me like I'm crazy.
25) I'm always trying to find the next thing to be passionate about.
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