Free Phone from Verizon

As a few of you know, I'm a big fan of the Treo 650 Smartphone. I've been planning on getting one as soon as Verizon adds it to their lineup, which is at any time.

However, I was browsing around the Verizon Wireless website and saw that I was eligible for a 'free' phone or up to $100 credit towards a new one since I've been with them for 2 years and they offer a free phone every 2 years when you sign a new contract. Since I'm completely happy with the Verizon service (although their phone selection generally lags way behind other carriers), I saw that I could get a Motorola V710 for free with their special online promotion going on If I signed a 2 year contract. Since I already have a BT headset, I figured I would go this route and save a few bucks. Hard to pass up a free new phone. Although it's far from the 'gadget' that the Treo 650 is, it now frees up $500 in case I need to buy a new video card when BF2 comes out. Not to mention I want to upgrade my Linux rig and also need a new HD for my FTP server (Agoy keeps uploading all 'her' Gnome porn...) ;) I had really been wanting to combine my gear so that I wasn't always carrying around my phone and my Sony Clie', but holding off a bit longer to see what is just around the corner might not be a bad idea at this point.

Just an FYI in case there are any Verizon subscribers who might be eligible for a free phone.

I was a Verizon subscriber, and was eligible for a new phone.. but I switched over to T-Mobile and got myself a Motorola V600

T-Mobile.. the company with a coverage map that has more holes than a strainer! ;)

I like how T-Mobile added the street level coverage maps, a great idea. However, it would help if they actually had coverage to speak of! For example, here's the map for my employer's address:

http://coverage.t-mobile.com/mapimag...4_68951053.gif
http://coverage.t-mobile.com/Compass...thColorKey.gif

White not good ;)

I've been on ATT, which made me run to Verizon. I tried Cingular on a 15 day trial before cancelling Verizon, and I'm certainly glad I did. The Cingular reception was poor in comparison to Verizon. My Verizon coverage works everywhere... even in the 'boonies' of Western NJ where T-Mobile, Cingular, and Nextel do not provide.

Trust me, I hate Verizon as a company and would not be with them if they weren't head and shoulders above the rest in reception/coverage in my area up here in the NE. Their phone selection is inferior to just about every other carrier and their price packages are not that great. Their data plan is sorry compared to Sprint's... but when it comes down to it, I want my mobile phone to work when I need it to and unfortunately, Verizon is the only one I've encountered that does it very well for my needs.

I was having tons of problems with Verizon, and their phone selection wasn't up to par.. so I was determined to switch.

So far its been smooth sailing.