HTC Thunderbolt Release Date

[LyCke7y SpLy7]

Did I say I told ya so yet?

It would've been foolish of Verizon to release the TB within 14 days of iPhone and have them possibly cannibalize each others sales. I mean, if the TB came out the same week as iPhone, the TB would definitely be a bust, and Verizons 4g launch would be hurt somewhat. By spacing them, both products will sell.

I really think some people are over-estimating the demand for the TB though. The Bionic will be the first LTE phone that sells well, simply because of the "droid" branding.

I don't understand how postponing the TB will help it sell more units. I don't think the iPhone and TB would cannibalize each other's sales, even if released on the same day. They appeal to different markets. The iPhone appeals to Apple fanboys and the general public who just wants an easy to use, popular, well-known phone. The TB appeals to those who are more technologically inclined, or really want LTE, or prefer Android to iOs.

At any given time, there are only so many customers out there who are eligible to upgrade, who can start a new contract, or who are willing to pay full price for a phone, right now. They are going to buy a phone when they need it, or wait for something in particular if they are well-informed. I think they would sell roughly the same number of each phone regardless of whether they come out the same day or a month apart. The TB would not hurt sales of the iPhone, it will do fine no matter what (because it has been over-hyped and anticipated for so long), and there are plenty of people out there who don't know any better and would not even consider a non-iPhone, no matter the specs, design, etc. They will probably sell out quickly anyway and go on back-order (judging by the pre-order overload).

Also, I think the TB will sell just as well as the Bionic. Many aren't willing to wait that long just for dual core and MotoBlur and want to upgrade ASAP. If they came out at the same time, I do think the Bionic would win though. And you are right, the "Droid" branding of the Bionic will be a huge advantage for it, marketing-wise.

Well stated as I couldn't agree more. @aRsTwiX, guitarchris explained this much better than what I was attempting to get at.

 

[Detonation]

I understand the "Business" approach of what they are doing. The bottom line here is that any cell phone user knows what they want in a phone and really makes no difference to US if two high quality phone's release on the same day (or around) as we already have made our minds up on which phone we are buying. Take people that are interested in the Droid Bionic for example, they could care less about when the TB or iPhone release. They just want thier phone.

I disagree. Everyone here knows what they want, but the rest of the millions of other verizon smartphone users probably don't even know what the TB or Bionic are. I'll bet that A LOT of customers looking for a smartphone just walk into a Verizon store, look at all the phones for the first time, and then pick one.

 

[avoltech]

Was at BB yesterday. I asked the sales rep. about the TB and 4G data plan.
He told me as far as he knew data plan prices will be the same.
I find this a little hard to believe but hope so.

 

[gramsey1911]

Was at BB yesterday. I asked the sales rep. about the TB and 4G data plan.
He told me as far as he knew data plan prices will be the same.
I find this a little hard to believe but hope so.

That is what VZW customer service told me also. They rep at best buy said the same. The rep also said that is temporary and it is a strong possibility that it will change in the future as the 4g network get bigger. He also said if you have unlimited data that you will grandfathered in but if you change data plans after that then you are screwed.

 

[Jas O]

True it is VZW responsiblility to keep as many customers as possible happy. That being said I would be willing to bet that 98% of people don't know that this phone exist, so pushing it back a couple of weeks only affects a very, very small number of their customers and is no big deal. To me it doesn't make sense to launch before 3/10. I really don't think that anyone can anticipate the circus that the I phone will be over the next few weeks.

I STILL WANT THE TBOLT 2-14 THOUGH!!!

 

[jimmyco2008]

Yeah if there were pricing changes, Verizon would HAVE TO announce it before preorders for the TB. Since they didn't, we are in the clear.. for now.

But just to be clear, it's not $30 for 3G and another $30 for 4G right? $30 for unlimited 3G AND 4G?

 

[gramsey1911]

Yeah if there were pricing changes, Verizon would HAVE TO announce it before preorders for the TB. Since they didn't, we are in the clear.. for now.

But just to be clear, it's not $30 for 3G and another $30 for 4G right? $30 for unlimited 3G AND 4G?

I was told by the rep at best buy and a VZW tele sales agent that there will not be an additional charge for 4g right now but it could change. That is why both of them advised me not to change my unlimited data plan.

 

[LyCke7y SpLy7]

I understand the "Business" approach of what they are doing. The bottom line here is that any cell phone user knows what they want in a phone and really makes no difference to US if two high quality phone's release on the same day (or around) as we already have made our minds up on which phone we are buying. Take people that are interested in the Droid Bionic for example, they could care less about when the TB or iPhone release. They just want thier phone.

I disagree. Everyone here knows what they want, but the rest of the millions of other verizon smartphone users probably don't even know what the TB or Bionic are. I'll bet that A LOT of customers looking for a smartphone just walk into a Verizon store, look at all the phones for the first time, and then pick one.

True, I'll be more specific next time. But I am pretty sure my point was made.

 

[motty69]

That is what VZW customer service told me also. They rep at best buy said the same. The rep also said that is temporary and it is a strong possibility that it will change in the future as the 4g network get bigger. He also said if you have unlimited data that you will grandfathered in but if you change data plans after that then you are screwed.

I don't really need tethering so I should really have no need to change my plan. Grandfather me in VZW, gonna love it when that LTE breaks loose in Knoxville. Probably have to carry around one of these though;

Amazon.com: Etón American Red Cross CLIPRAY ARCCR100R_SNG USB Cell Phone Charger with Hand Crank LED Flashlight (Red): Home Improvement

:icon_ banana:

 

[LyCke7y SpLy7]

I'm with ya Jas O. I just want the phone already. I am hoping that this will be the first phone I hang onto for more than 6 months before getting another one.

 

[ScarletBuckeye]

Yeah if there were pricing changes, Verizon would HAVE TO announce it before preorders for the TB. Since they didn't, we are in the clear.. for now.

But just to be clear, it's not $30 for 3G and another $30 for 4G right? $30 for unlimited 3G AND 4G?

pretty sure its just one price

 

[wingdo]

Yeah if there were pricing changes, Verizon would HAVE TO announce it before preorders for the TB. Since they didn't, we are in the clear.. for now.

But just to be clear, it's not $30 for 3G and another $30 for 4G right? $30 for unlimited 3G AND 4G?

pretty sure its just one price

Yeah, it's not going to be $60 a month for data.

 

[Backnblack]

Threads merged.........

 

[avoltech]

Link the phone might be released the 28th.

HTC Thunderbolt Release Date Delayed Due to Verizon iPhone 4 Sales? [HTC Thunderbolt 4G LTE Android Smartphone to Start Selling on February 28 for $249.99 on Contract? CDMA iPhone 4 to Blame] TFTS – Technology, Gadgets & Curiosities

 

[Detonation]

Threads merged.........

Hmm, "Exclusive" news merged (buried) into another thread with 1000+ replies. Sounds like the admins here aren't to confident about these claims anymore either...