ATT selling the L635 soon. Purchase choices?

[Dave47]

My family is on ATT's new Mobile Share program with 3 devices now. I have my eye on the L635 and would add it ($15/month) to this plan, but I have a (novice) question.

What are the advantages of buying the 635 someplace other than ATT? I really don't care about an unlocked version unless I can be convinced otherwise.

I see MSFT, Amazon and others would be happy to sell me a 635, but why should I buy from them?

TIA.

 

[jiovine]

the unlocked version will not need carrier approval for updates and can be used on any compatible gsm network. Other than that I cannot think of any additional benefit of paying extra upfront for the unlocked.

 

[xandros9]

Unless you're getting it subsidized (paid over time), the benefits of getting it somewhere else could be that you could get a better deal on the same phone. That's about it.

It works the same, you're going to add a line anyway.

 

[worldspy99]

$99.00 over at the MSFT store. Don't know what ATT is charging.

 

[Dave47]

$99.00 over at the MSFT store. Don't know what ATT is charging.

I *think* $139 at ATT and that includes another cover (orange) plus if purchased with their Next Program, there's no activation fee. The MSFT (and other vendors) 635 will need to be activated by ATT and that cost is 40 bucks. Again I think I got that right. I'll find out come August 8 or thereabouts when the 635 (not the Go Phone) becomes available at the ATT stores.

 

[Dave47]

Stopped in at our local ATT store yesterday and asked about the L635. Learned that one can purchase the 635 Go Phone (now available) and after a SIM swap add the phone to a plan, in my case Mobile Share with no activation fee.

So... for 99 bucks you can purchase a L635 minus the other (orange) cover and "box" it will come in starting on August 8 for $139.

Me thinks I will go the 99 route.

Update: I took route 99 yesterday. Very happy and impressed with the 635.