[cjcarbone]

Well here goes. I am interested in playing with a G1. If there is a well respected member of CB, that has one and would like to play with a Bold for a week or so, i'd be interested in doing a Round robin sort of thing. I am not looking to trade, i will never give up my BB, i just want to see what the hype is about. Preferably a member here for a good amount of time, higher post count, and an ebay reference, with 100% feedback, i have all those things.

[sunkast]

I absolutely love this idea. I have always wanted to try out new devices for a week, just to try them out and see what they're all about. I also want to learn more about the new devices so that I can better assist new users. Though, I only own an 8320, nothing that great to trade compared to the latest devices that are available.

I actually talked to Verizon a couple weeks ago about what it would take to merely try the Storm for a week or two. The only way is if I signed up for a contract and returned the device within 30 days. The other way would be to go through corporate and convince them to give me a demo like they do for sites like CrackBerry and Boy Genius.

[uncheels23]

i think this is a great idea as well. i would like to play with a non bb device just to see what it's like

[amazinglygraceless]

Fantastic idea CJ, although, like Sunkast I have 2 older devices
but I'd love to put the Nokia E71 through it's paces.

It would be nice to see this idea take off.

[cjcarbone]

Well, i have a Bold, and a 8310 Curve that i can swap, but it seems like all us BB users want to just try out other devices.


OH, i'd also like to try a Storm, or a Pearl flip as well!!!

So on a side note, what would make you all feel comfortable sending out your device?

post count, longevity, CB selling history, ebay feedback?

Maybe i can set up a paypal account, that both parties pay a certain amount to guarantee the swap, and it gets refunded when both parties email comfirmation?
I know this is a little extreme, but i'm trying to make it as safe as possible.

Basically because
Bold= 299.99
g1= 189.99
flip= 99.99
storm= 199.99,
so basically i want longtime members, with a decent post count, and peace of mind that im not gonna lose my bold for a pearl flip.

[jjgoo]

great idea switching up phones.

[amazinglygraceless]

CJ, I think some sort of collateral from both parties would work.

Longevity and post count I don't think is an adequate measure.
You, Sunkast, blueberry and many others I would inherently trust,
but that is because of history. There are some with high post counts
(mostly "Welcome to Crackberry", etc...) and longevity
that I wouldn't risk sending a mood ring to.

[cjcarbone]

Sounds good to me AG, let's keep this alive and see where it goes!

[amazinglygraceless]

You know, I just thought of one other thing. Unlocked phones
would make this open to more people. Not required, but helpful.

[cjcarbone]

Yes that's the truth. Although unlocking is free or cheap, i'm just waiting on the code for my Bold right now.

If anyone needs an unlock code, HorizonWirelessOnline.com - Horizon Wireless, The World’s Cellular Repair Center � is the place to go. Steve is a great guy and fast!

[sunkast]

I agree with you AG. This I think would have to be something that is sort of like the Marketplace, where you can offer your device, but have the discretion to decide whether or not you want to accept a bid from whomever is bidding to borrow your device.

In the grand scheme of things regarding this idea, I would love to some how see all of the Smartphone Expert sites be a part of facilitating this. It would almost make sense to have a third party handle the transaction of the device I think. But this is all in the grand scheme of the idea.

I would also think that Kevin would have some good tips on how to go about doing this, in a similar fashion to the Round Robin. There also has to be some guidelines concerning the security of personal information on the phone. Having a procedure to perform before sending out your device and sending back the device. Sort of like a quick set up guide.

[cjcarbone]

I would love if there was a way to integrate all the Smartphone Experts sites together, as in, I signed up for CB with username cjcarbone, and can go on ANY of the sites using my credentials. That would make for an interesting family of sites. I wonder if it can be done?

Sunkast, you get my PM?

[howie]

but I'd love to put the Nokia E71 through it's paces...

That and Nokia's new N97

[tiapia]

I am enjoying the reviews and the recent Podcast on the various devices being reviewed in the Round Robin. I used a Treo 650 before, and while I am sure the Treo Pro is a big improvement, I am definitely a Blackberry addict and lover. I don't like the idea of having to use a stylus anymore (my husband's HTC Mogul still uses a stylus too). As for the iPhone, while it is a beeeutiful device, not being able to cut/paste or take videos is a deal breaker for me.

[tiapia]

Is Casey on the podcast from Hawaii? His accent sounds like it? If so, howzit from Hawaii!

[sunkast]

I heard about a new company called Rent Mobile that lets you rent devices from Engadget today. Sounds kind of like what we want to do. Though it costs money and doesn't quite seem worth it. For those that can never hold onto a device more more than a couple months this could be a godsend. You can rent the G1, Bold, and Storm BlackBerry devices, and other non-BB devices including the iPhone.

Rentobile offers up rental phones for folks stuck on contract - Engadget Mobile

[sunkast]

NYTimes has an article which lists a couple web sites where you can even switch your contract/carrier.

With a Little Help, You Can Trade Yourself Free of Your Wireless Contract