No upgrade discount till November 2009, need a Smartphone...

[variableresults]

Just got a new job and I need a smartphone.  The company is willing to reimburse for a phone that's $200 or less.  Seeing as I don't have upgrade pricing till 2009, is there any way I can get around that?  Obviously, anyone who looks will notice that even with the mail-in-rebates, there isn't a single smartphone other than a Palm offering (which won't be supported at the job, if I'm correct) that is close to $200. 

The reason I ask is because if I can't, then AT&T is going to be losing out on $35 extra a month for the unlimited data plan I'd add to my contract (also being funded by my company).  In fact, I'd probably eat the EFT and go to another carrier just to spite AT&T for having no business sense.  I mean, whatever difference in phone cost will be made up in around three months from the additional data plan.

Is this something I could work out with someone at an AT&T store (not a franchise, but an actually AT&T store)? 

Thanks.

[youngjm ACE - Professor]

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variableresults wrote:
Just got a new job and I need a smartphone.  The company is willing to reimburse for a phone that's $200 or less.  Seeing as I don't have upgrade pricing till 2009, is there any way I can get around that?  Obviously, anyone who looks will notice that even with the mail-in-rebates, there isn't a single smartphone other than a Palm offering (which won't be supported at the job, if I'm correct) that is close to $200. 

The reason I ask is because if I can't, then AT&T is going to be losing out on $35 extra a month for the unlimited data plan I'd add to my contract (also being funded by my company).  In fact, I'd probably eat the EFT and go to another carrier just to spite AT&T for having no business sense.  I mean, whatever difference in phone cost will be made up in around three months from the additional data plan.

Is this something I could work out with someone at an AT&T store (not a franchise, but an actually AT&T store)? 

Thanks.

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you might be stuck in not being able to get a subsidized price.  At least you can apply $200 to the purchase to reduce your out of pocket.  You may get very lucky if you ask for the store manager and see if you can agree to extend you contract for an additional 2 years?  You could also look at refurb smartphones as those are cheaper.

[Jldnr77]

In all honesty, it's not AT&T that has no "business sense" here.  It's your company.  Your company INSISTS that you have a smartphone, but they're only willing to reimburse up to $200?  Seems like your company would realize that not everyone is upgrade eligible.  And tbh, except for the Blackjack II and the Duo, There aren't any smartphones or PDA phones for less than $200 even on a contract.  (Considering the Nokia N75 isn't sold anymore.  It was only $100 on a contract)

Either way, it's not AT&T's fault that your employer is stingy.  Phones cost.  Even your most BASIC phone is around $150-$160 at Retail Value.  So....either make your employer pony up, or pay the difference, and realize that's the price of the job you took.

And honestly....if your willing to "eat the ETF" to be able to get a discounted phone with another carrier, have you realized the cost's associated with that?  I haven't done any math, but the cost of "eating the ETF" might not really save you any money.  Because your price to get a new phone through a different carrier would be: AT&T's ETF + Other carriers phone price + Other carriers activation fee.  Plus you'd have to pay the final bill from AT&T and the first bill from the new carrier.

Also, look at it another way.  Your employer is willing to cover UP TO $200.  If they won't go any higher on the amount they'll pay, make them pay the full $200 by buying a phone at full retail.  If you switch carriers, and let's say you get a phone for only $100  (Verizon offers the SMT5800 and Palm Centro for $99.99)....You employer only pays the $100, and you still have to pay the $175 ETF and the $36 activation fee.  Whereas, if you buy the Blackjack II at retail price ($349.99) then your employer pays $200 and you only pay $150.

I understand that you may be mad at AT&T on this one, but it's NOT AT&T's fault.  You can only upgrade when they let you, and if your upgrade isn't until Nov 2009, then your not even a year into your contract yet.  So....instead of getting mad, get SMART.  Make your employer pay EVERY CENT of that $200.  Because you'll probably pay more if you don't.

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variableresults wrote:
Just got a new job and I need a smartphone.  The company is willing to reimburse for a phone that's $200 or less.  Seeing as I don't have upgrade pricing till 2009, is there any way I can get around that?  Obviously, anyone who looks will notice that even with the mail-in-rebates, there isn't a single smartphone other than a Palm offering (which won't be supported at the job, if I'm correct) that is close to $200. 

The reason I ask is because if I can't, then AT&T is going to be losing out on $35 extra a month for the unlimited data plan I'd add to my contract (also being funded by my company).  In fact, I'd probably eat the EFT and go to another carrier just to spite AT&T for having no business sense.  I mean, whatever difference in phone cost will be made up in around three months from the additional data plan.

Is this something I could work out with someone at an AT&T store (not a franchise, but an actually AT&T store)? 

Thanks.

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[smmonfee]

Have you thought of getting a new account for your business phone?? Not long ago, the Blackjack II was 199.00 with new activiation.  Then keep your business and personal use separate. When your contract is up on your personal account close the account. And I understand a friend of mine just got the new Iphone that way with AT&T.

And your company should be paying the monthly cost of having a phone they insist on anyway.  Are you sure you want to work for these people?? They seem awfully demanding.