Cingular Data Plans :-(

[bluto]

I'm really excited about the new 680, but I'm really disappointed with Cingular's data plans. Depending on where you look at the site you can get the unlimited data plan for $44.99 or $39.99 which is a total rip off. The Smartphone connect plan is a little more reasonable at $19.99 but I doubt that counts for the unlimited data plan option required to get the phone for $199.

It seems like every other provider has a better deal for data. Sprint offers Sprint Power Vision Access Pack for $15 a month. US Cellular has unlimited Easy Edge for $9.95.

So far as I can tell from posts here and on other forums here's what a Treo 680 is going to cost me above and beyond my normal calling plan since I don't have any data service with Cingular now. Plus I'll have to sign a new contract since right now I'm still on an ATT Wireless plan.

With the unlimited data plan at $39.99 a month the phone will cost $199, so the total extra cost for the first year will be $200 + (12 x $40) = $680 and $480 for the second year for a total of $1160.

If I just get a free phone and get the Smartphone plan for $19.99 a month and then buy the 680 from palm and just switch out my SIM card it'll be $350 + (12 x $20) = $590 for the first year and $240 for the second year for a total of $830.

So the second option is $90 cheaper the first year and $240 cheaper the second year and $330 over all. Plus if it turns out I don't use the data plan much I could even turn it off and save the $20 a month since I'm not locked into that contract for 2 years.

Obviously this is all based on speculation on the prices and current data plans since they could change by the time Cingular actually releases the 680. But in order to come out ahead on cost with the $40 a month data plan Cingular would have to pay me over $330 to take the phone. Does anyone know of another better/cheaper option, or another GSM provider with a better deal? Or is my math/logic flawed in some way?

-Bluto

[mceb]

I'm not thrilled with the aspect of shelling out $40 for data access myself so I hear where you are coming from. I was going to try to tap into my work e-mail so I may be have to bite the bullet on the $40 plan but I'm not sure. We get 50% off hardware and 21% off plans as part of corporate program we have at work so I have to factor that in as well. Your idea of just paying more up front has merit. I'm still pondering it but I might have to take the cheaper way out now and pay more it in the long run. Pay me now or pay me later I guess.

[bluto]

It looks like they want $400 for it, but I would still come out ahead on the second option.

[ongfb]

I have a 650 using my old ATT plan with the ATT sim. Can I get an unlocked 680 from Palm and use that SIM in the 680?

Cingular says that I have to get a new Cingular SIM for their 680, which of course means that I have to get a new plan which of course is more expensive - especially for their unlimited data plan vice my old ATT unlimited data plan.
Anyone know if ATT SIMs can be used?

[brandon]

@ ongfb - i don't see any reason why you couldn't use an att sim in an unlocked 680. don't foresee any difficulties there, just make for dang sure the phone is for real unlocked.

[oken]

What does the unlimited data plan entail?

Does it include unlimited text messaging? I was cornered into getting it just to buy the freakin phone.

[forgot]

Nope, unfortunatly the data plan only includes "internet based" stuff. Text messages are a seperate plan.

[Wingnut]

Hi,

So I'm looking to get a 680 from being a Cingular Blackberry guy -- I've done a little looking around and have a couple questions for those of you more educated in the way of the Palm!

-If I get an unlocked 680 and put in my old sim card will it freak out since it's for a blackberry data plan -- or will it just recognize the data portion, saving me a few bucks on the lame $40 unlimited thing.

-I looked into buying the 680 on the cingular website and noticed when I punched in all of the things I wanted (including a $24 data plan and not the $40 plan), I still was able to get the rebate.

-What does 10MB really get you as a palm owner... do you get to see a couple pages, download your emails and then it goes over... ?

Sorry for the dumb questions... I'm a newbeeeee. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

[forgot]

A lot of the newer 3rd party applications are starting to take advantage of the data capabilities of the Treo, so imo it's best to get an unlimited data plan. 10mb can take you through a lot of things, but once you try google maps on your 680 you'll be addicted just like I am. That's just one application that thrives off the data plan. The only other option is for the $20 unlimited data plan for regular phones, but you'll be hard pressed to get them to sell you that one. They know you have a smartphone, and they want your money....

[skoenig]

Yeah it's also very easy to run up a huge data bill withouth really knowing it. For example just leaving the connection open all day (battery issues aside) can run up data charges and the phone and the service regularly check in with each other. This is normall a small overhead but with per Kb or per MB charging it can add up.

I believe the Sprint Powervision Unlimited offers unlimited data and mms.

There was at leastone memebr here who had a nasty shock one month (I think he was on Verizon)...

~ Steph

~ Steph