Special Discount on Windows Mobile Devices from Microsoft and T-Mobile for Developers, Dash for $99

[Kris Kumar]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/tmobile3/default.mspx' target='_blank'>http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/tmobile3/default.mspx</a><br /><br /></div><i>"You've earned it. Now Microsoft wants to thank you with a great deal on a Windows Mobile powered smartphone from T-Mobile. This is your opportunity to receive up to a $300 discount on the latest Windows Mobile device from T-Mobile. In addition - you can receive discounts on mobile service all for being an MSDN subscriber. Leverage your skills to build applications for the .NET Compact Framework and get started as a Windows Mobile developer today."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-oct2006-Tmobiledevdeal.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/> <br /><br />The above excerpt is from the October Windows Mobile Newsletter. Microsoft and T-Mobile are offering a joint promotion in which Windows Mobile developers are being rewarded in the form of device discount up to $300 and free service activation. If you follow the links to <a href="http://extranet.t-mobile.com/tmobile-exc/epp/home.do?extranet=Windows%20Mobile">this T-Mobile page</a> then you will see that they are offering the dashing Dash for $99. 8) Don't forget the promo code is "Windows Mobile." Not sure if there are any other eligibility requirements.

[Tim Williamson]

I just emailed the [email protected] address to find out what type of discount is being offered on the Dash and unlimited data on top of my current plan. I'm wondering if there's some catch...how much is it to be an MSDN subscriber?

[Kris Kumar]

I just emailed the [email protected] address to find out what type of discount is being offered on the Dash and unlimited data on top of my current plan. I'm wondering if there's some catch...how much is it to be an MSDN subscriber?

I am not sure if you have to have to be an MSDN subscriber to get the device discount. From the wording it seemed like MSDN subscribers would get additional discount on the service. Wish the eligibility requirements were a more clear.

Do keep us posted on what you find out.

Couple links on MSDN Subscriptions:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/products/subscriptions/default.aspx
http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/products/subscriptions/chart/

To buy, wish I could find a comparison chart:
https://buynow.one.microsoft.com/rssc/redirect.aspx?storeid=967FFCA7-1628-4A77-A64A-C5E8139EC03F&amp;localeid=en-us&amp;NewTrans=1

[stephman]

this T-Mobile page (http://extranet.t-mobile.com/tmobile-exc/epp/home.do)

Is the link working for you guys?
It's not coming up for me.

[Kris Kumar]

Is the link working for you guys?
It's not coming up for me.

It is not working for me also now.

But you can still get to the page I am talking about.

Click here first. (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/tmobile3/default.mspx)

Then click on the link titled "Save on the latest devices" on the right side of the page.

Then click on the "Click here for discounts" link.

Now you will see the page that talks about the Dash discount. Read thru the left side column.

[DaleReeck]

I'm happy with my Motorola Q, but just for giggles, I checked this out. The list of available devices only shows the SDA and MDA - no Dash. Even if you go to the main page at T-Mobile.com, the Dash is listed only as "Coming soon".

[Kris Kumar]

I'm happy with my Motorola Q, but just for giggles, I checked this out. The list of available devices only shows the SDA and MDA - no Dash. Even if you go to the main page at T-Mobile.com, the Dash is listed only as "Coming soon".

Dash is on pre-order at the $99 rate.

"THE NEW EXCLUSIVE T-MOBILE DASH $99.99 (after rebate) (MSRP $349.99) The exclusive T-Mobile Dash is a sleek Smartphone that lets you use your personal and business e-mail, calendar and contacts - it's Your Outlook® on the go. You can also take, share and view pictures, video and other large attachments - right from your phone. Pre-orders are being taken prior to October 25th by emailing [email protected]. Order your new DASH October 25th by calling Business Direct @ 866-464-8662. Very important!! Use the promo code: Windows Mobile"

[Mike Temporale]

Dash is on pre-order at the $99 rate.

What? Are you saying you ordered one?

From what I can follow, it's not a MSDN deal, you just need to use the code word "Windows Mobile" and of course, live in T-Mo's coverage. ;)

[Tim Williamson]

I just got an email back from them:

Thank you for your email. I have reviewed the request below. To receive your new DASH handset please complete the attached order form. This device will not be available until October 25th. This is a pre-order process. Devices will begin mailing on October 25th, while supplies last.

Please fill in the fields with the ? Marks listed:

**** if your form is not filled in completely, it will be kicked back and processing will be delayed.

* Request Date
* Name
* BAN/Customer Account #
* SSN
* Address
* City, State, Zip
* Home Phone
* Email Address (if you would like confirmation of shipment)
* Mobile #
* Quantity of handsets you would like to order
* Total Charged amount (times number of handsets)
* Total Charged amount

* Attention Shipping Name
* Ship to Address
* Ship to City, State, Zip
* Payment Method - Deferred, Credit Card
* Credit Card info - if using

* Subscriber Name
* Employee Signature (Type this in)
* Title
* Date (Todays Date)

Once completed please email the [email protected] email box.

Please note, your handset will be charged full price on your order of $309.99. It will be your responsibility to complete the Mail In Rebate to receive the additional discount.

Orders will be shipped with 5-7 business days. Your shipping charges will be included in the total cost with your equipment.

** Please note, we cannot ship to a PO Address or outside the US. If you wish to ship to Microsoft, you must include your building number as well.

&lt;&lt;040206 T-Mobile Equipment and Accessory Order Form.doc>>

But on the attached order form they're charging the full $309.99, and it says to send in a mail-in rebate to get the discount, but that wasn't attached. So I emailed to ask about the mail-in rebate and if the device would ship on 10/25 if I order today.

[Kris Kumar]

Sorry to hear about the Mail-in-Rebate mess. I wish $99 was the price they required us to pay.

BTW what is BAN/Customer Account #, is that for existing T-Mobile customers?

[Tim Williamson]

Sorry to hear about the Mail-in-Rebate mess. I wish $99 was the price they required us to pay.

BTW what is BAN/Customer Account #, is that for existing T-Mobile customers?

I'm not sure what the BAN/Customer Account # is...I'm waiting to get the details on the rebate before spending time filling out the forms.

And now Jon over at PPC Thoughts is reporting the rebates are only valid for new customers... http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=421082&amp;sid=78e5809ac71af85a167b2bb4c3373686

I'm all confuselled! :?

[eliteramen]

I just got an email back from them:


T-Will,

Thanks for posting an update. I also sent out an e-mail, around 6:30 PM PST on the 11th, but a response is forthcoming. Not sure why I haven't gotten one. Do you think there was anything in particular that you wrote that prompted a reply?

Thanks,
eR

[Kris Kumar]

And now Jon over at PPC Thoughts is reporting the rebates are only valid for new customers... http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=421082&amp;sid=78e5809ac71af85a167b2bb4c3373686

I'm all confuselled! :?

It does seem like it is for new activations only. This is sad. Why do every carrier treat their existing customers as dirt?

[Kris Kumar]

Not sure why I haven't gotten one. Do you think there was anything in particular that you wrote that prompted a reply?

Did you specify "Window Mobile" in the subject line? I think this was a requirement.

[Tim Williamson]

I just got an email back from them:


T-Will,

Thanks for posting an update. I also sent out an e-mail, around 6:30 PM PST on the 11th, but a response is forthcoming. Not sure why I haven't gotten one. Do you think there was anything in particular that you wrote that prompted a reply?

Thanks,
eR

Here's my original email to them with "Upgrade Microsoft" in the subject line per the instructions this page (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/tmobile3/default.mspx):

Hello,

I'm interested in acquiring a T-Mobile Dash and adding unlimited data to my current T-Mobile plan. What type of discount is being offered on the Dash and the data plan? Thanks!

-Tim

[eliteramen]

Hello,

I'm interested in acquiring a T-Mobile Dash and adding unlimited data to my current T-Mobile plan. What type of discount is being offered on the Dash and the data plan? Thanks!

-Tim[/quote]

Appreciated, T-Will. I drafted another e-mail, this time careful to be more explicit about adding a data plan to a current account.

Hopefully, this rebate is good for current T-Mob customers. It'd be a shame otherwise. What happened to building customer loyalty?

eR

[Tim Williamson]

Just got another email reply to my questions:

You can get the rebate form via www.tmobilerebates.com

The phone will be shipped out on the 25th of October.

Thanks,
SE

But the Dash isn't even listed on the page, so I have no idea what type of discount I'd be receiving...I think I'll just pick one up in-store.

[Mike Temporale]

But the Dash isn't even listed on the page, so I have no idea what type of discount I'd be receiving...I think I'll just pick one up in-store.

It's there. It's just listed under Dash and not T-Mo Dash. :wink:

[Tim Williamson]

But the Dash isn't even listed on the page, so I have no idea what type of discount I'd be receiving...I think I'll just pick one up in-store.

It's there. It's just listed under Dash and not T-Mo Dash. :wink:

That's what I get for skimming too fast...I'm only seeing the standard $50 rebate though...so I'll prolly still just pick one up in-store.

[Kris Kumar]

This doesn't make sense. It seems like the folks at T-Mobile are not aware of the Microsoft T-Mobile promotion.

I wouldn't expect the rebate form for it on the regular rebate site because it is a corporate discount.

The best bet would be to wait for Oct 25th and then check the web site.

[Tim Williamson]

Has anyone had a chance to call the number and talk to someone to get clarification on the rebate?

[nutzareus]

I don't understand carriers either. You would think if you have been a LOYAL customer (since 2002 with T-Mobile) they would bend over backwards to keep you happy...

[eliteramen]

Has anyone had a chance to call the number and talk to someone to get clarification on the rebate?

I called Business Direct (866-464-8662) and was told doing a new activation as "Windows Mobile" would bring the price of the Dash down to $99. However, since I am an existing customer (even though I want to add unlimited data services), I would need to call Customer Care (611) instead.

I called 611 and explained the situation to them. A CSR asked his supervisor to take a look at the Microsoft web site (lo and behold, there is a huge Dash ad on the front page!). The supervisor came back and said that such a deal is only for new activations. Frankly, I don't think he had any idea what discount I was referring to.

So long story short ... I am unsure how to get this deal through a phone upgrade if you are an existing T-Mobile customer since Business Direct only deals with new activations.

[Tim Williamson]

Has anyone had a chance to call the number and talk to someone to get clarification on the rebate?

I called Business Direct (866-464-8662) and was told doing a new activation as "Windows Mobile" would bring the price of the Dash down to $99. However, since I am an existing customer (even though I want to add unlimited data services), I would need to call Customer Care (611) instead.

I called 611 and explained the situation to them. A CSR asked his supervisor to take a look at the Microsoft web site (lo and behold, there is a huge Dash ad on the front page!). The supervisor came back and said that such a deal is only for new activations. Frankly, I don't think he had any idea what discount I was referring to.

So long story short ... I am unsure how to get this deal through a phone upgrade if you are an existing T-Mobile customer since Business Direct only deals with new activations.

That's pretty sad how carriers treat their existing customers...maybe I'll write a letter to T-Mobile when I get the time.

[eliteramen]

Sorry to hear about the Mail-in-Rebate mess. I wish $99 was the price they required us to pay.

BTW what is BAN/Customer Account #, is that for existing T-Mobile customers?

I'm not sure what the BAN/Customer Account # is...I'm waiting to get the details on the rebate before spending time filling out the forms.

I'm still holding out and trying a different approach. I got an e-mail back from SeattleEnterprise with the order form. Filled it out (deferred payment) and sent it on its way. I threw in some questions regarding the rebate (where is the rebate? valid for existing customers? how much?) and inquiring what the BAN/Customer Account # is.

I will let y'all know what I find out.

[eR]

[nutzareus]

Update:

After hassling T-Mobile customer care on the 611, they offered me 2 Dashes for $249 each, but I had to renew my 2-year contract even though I didn't qualify for a rebate. So I suppose this is better than paying full price.

Hint: If you have been a T-Mobile customer for a while, ask the rep to escalate you to a department that handles "loyal" customers. I forgot what the official name is, but pester them for it! The original rep couldn't do it from his department, but once I was transferred to this "special" department the new rep broke down and allowed me to upgrade...

:roll:

[Tim Williamson]

Update:

After hassling T-Mobile customer care on the 611, they offered me 2 Dashes for $249 each, but I had to renew my 2-year contract even though I didn't qualify for a rebate. So I suppose this is better than paying full price.

Hint: If you have been a T-Mobile customer for a while, ask the rep to escalate you to a department that handles "loyal" customers. I forgot what the official name is, but pester them for it! The original rep couldn't do it from his department, but once I was transferred to this "special" department the new rep broke down and allowed me to upgrade...

:roll:

I couldn't hold out so I picked one up in-store...but here's the kicker. :evil:

The dude went to add the unlimited data plan and he says that data plan can't be added to my SmartAccess1000 plan since it's a grandfathered plan (plan ended September 2002). I told him to hold off and I'd call 611 to see if they could do anything. I talked to a nice girl who even checked with a supervisor, and she said reiterated that data can't be added to SmartAccess plans.

So I caved and DOWNGRADED my voice plan from 1000 to 600 minutes (free weekends and nights). The free nights is new, but I now have 400 less anytime minutes. Luckily I rarely go over 500 minutes per month.

I just think this is such a crappy way to deal with a customer who's been there from almost the beginning. I do plan on writing a letter. :evil:

[Kris Kumar]

ai-yi-yi...seems like a lot of confusion.

[Mike Temporale]

T-Will, you got one in your hands? I would love to hear some feedback from the community on this device. 8)

[eliteramen]

So I caved and DOWNGRADED my voice plan from 1000 to 600 minutes (free weekends and nights). The free nights is new, but I now have 400 less anytime minutes. Luckily I rarely go over 500 minutes per month.

Not very long ago, there was a GET MORE 1000 PROMO plan with free N/W for 39.99. Basically the same plan as GET MORE 1000 PLUS for the price of the GET MORE 600.

I was told by a T-Mobile rep that this type of deal appears maybe 2x a year. So monitor those Hot Deals sites and you may be able to recover those 400 minutes at some point in the future (-: However, I do wonder if the frequency of these deals will change since they're touting the new MyFaves plans.

[eR]

[nutzareus]

Mike,

I was able to get them in-store, and I have to say I am very impressed with the device! The only thing I need to do is get used to the spacing of the keyboard and the location of the special character keys, they aren't the same as the MDA. This device really does merge what I really wanted in the MDA and SDA, the reason I couldn't upgrade to the Dash, both of these were released in the past year. I want the keyboard capability because of heavy SMS and email, but in a format where it's not clumsy. I really hope the next version of Windows Mobile for Smartphones will include real Office apps. Not to mention Skype for Smartphone?! I'm not a camera person, so that feature I really didn't check out. The MDA was just too thick for me, and the SDA didn't have the keyboard. A2DP worked like a charm with my Motorola HT-820 listening to real-time news and music streams and podcasts. Worked also in phone mode, no choppy sounds in voice conversation. Push email was the same, no problems. The only thing I am now looking for is a real swivel belt clip and holster for this instead of the horizontal pouch. I would also highly suggest getting a ShieldZone screen protector for this device, if people stick this in their pocket unprotected with keys it will get scuffed...

In a nutshell, it's definitely a Q-killer since Q doesn't have Wi-Fi. I use Wi-Fi at home since my phone signal strength is spotty inside the house.

[Tim Williamson]

Which stores are giving the $99 with 1 year contract deal? I want to have their numbers handy when I go into the store by my house in case they question this.

And what did you tell the store reps? Did you just tell them that there's an online deal for Microsoft friends/employees or what?

[eliteramen]

Which stores are giving the $99 with 1 year contract deal? I want to have their numbers handy when I go into the store by my house in case they question this.

I called around about the $99 with 1-year (yes, I know it's probably only for new activations), and I suspect these deals are only being offered at authorized dealers and not actual T-Mobile stores.

[eR]

[eliteramen]

Some questions answered regarding the rebate and BAN/customer # by SeattleEnterprise:


Here are the answers to your questions.

1. Can you send me a copy of the mail-in rebate? (I only see the normal rebates on the T-Mobile web site)
no, this rebate will be in the box once you receive your device.

2. How much will the phone be after rebate?
$259.99

3. Is the rebate valid for existing customers? (I am doing a Windows Mobile phone upgrade and data add-on)
yes, all customers are eligible to use the rebate otherwise we would not have offered it.

4. On the form you provided, there is a checkbox next to "2 YEAR FIXED TERM" under CUSTOMER ACKNOWLEDGMENT. I left this unchecked because I simply want to do a phone upgrade and add data services. Do I need to fill in this checkbox?
This box was not pre-checked by us. We do not require a contract to add data and order a device.

5. On the form you provided, I filled in my T-Mobile phone number for BAN/Customer Account #. Is this correct?
Yes.

6. On the form you provided, I filled out "Deferred Payment" as the payment method. Will I simply be billed later?
Yes.


Hope that helps.

[eR]

[eliteramen]

Which stores are giving the $99 with 1 year contract deal? I want to have their numbers handy when I go into the store by my house in case they question this.

I called around about the $99 with 1-year (yes, I know it's probably only for new activations), and I suspect these deals are only being offered at authorized dealers and not actual T-Mobile stores.

[eR]

I stand corrected. Another member (jfreiman) on this forum replied to my PM and informed that he purchased his $99 Dash (with 1 year contract and activation, I assume) from the store at 3rd and Market in San Francisco.

Is this offer related in any way to the topic of this thread (the discount for Windows Mobile developers), though?

[eR]

[Tim Williamson]

Oh well...I'm more than happy with the Dash even if I didn't get it for $99...it's a great little device, it's exactly what I've been waiting for for the last few years to replace my cell phone and HP H4100. :D

[eliteramen]

Isn't convergence a beautiful thing?

Now I'm waiting for HSPDA to converge with T-Mobile. -,- That and more towers. :D

Ooo pumpkin :)

[eR]

[eliteramen]

I stand corrected. Another member (jfreiman) on this forum replied to my PM and informed that he purchased his $99 Dash (with 1 year contract and activation, I assume) from the store at 3rd and Market in San Francisco.


Ignore this. They have stopped offering the Dash at this location for $99.

[eR]

[Tim Williamson]

Quick question, when entering phone numbers for contacts, is there a way to get it to automatically put in the parentheses and dashes?

[Mike Temporale]

Quick question, when entering phone numbers for contacts, is there a way to get it to automatically put in the parentheses and dashes?

As a side note, something like this would be best suited by posting as a new thread. ;)

To answer your question, no. Not on the device. If you enter them via Outlook then it will automatically format it.

[expeerless]

Does anyone know if this rebate is the same rebate offered at tmobilerebates.com? If it is, there are some other restrictions on it such as having an active account without prior upgrades for at least 11 months. I just upgraded my phone 3 months ago.

[Mike Temporale]

Does anyone know if this rebate is the same rebate offered at tmobilerebates.com? If it is, there are some other restrictions on it such as having an active account without prior upgrades for at least 11 months. I just upgraded my phone 3 months ago.

The $99 offer seems to be for new customers - specificaly develoeprs. Some have managed to get it for that price, but I don't think many did.

[eliteramen]

Does anyone know if this rebate is the same rebate offered at tmobilerebates.com? If it is, there are some other restrictions on it such as having an active account without prior upgrades for at least 11 months. I just upgraded my phone 3 months ago.

The $99 offer seems to be for new customers - specificaly develoeprs. Some have managed to get it for that price, but I don't think many did.

Existing customers that do a phone upgrade and data add-on are eligible for a similar deal, though obviously not as good as the deal for new customers. My contract, which started in April of this year, will not be extended. I will be receiving my Dash for $309.99 + tax + $15 shipping - $50 rebate. That comes out to about $275 + (tax on $309.99).

To get the deal, just follow the instructions at:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/tmobile3/default.mspx

More specifically, do the following:

Or upgrade an existing T-Mobile service plan.
* Upgrade to a Windows Mobile powered smartphone and add data services
* E-mail your upgrade request to [email protected] with the subject line “Upgrade Microsoft”


Refer to my previous post (http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=79232#79232) for more details.

[eR]

[xeroxsmm]

So is the phone $250 or $99? What's everyone talking about $2-something after rebate? I thought the rebate was supposed to bring it down to $99...

[eliteramen]

$99 is for new T-Mobile customers. If you're new to T-Mobile, then call the Business Direct phone number as stated in the link in the first post.