Not a bad deal at all, bringing the effective minimum cost over 24 months to $356.
Considering the 5800 goes on eBay new for around $330, that's $1.08 per month for $50 worth of monopoly-money calls with some rollover!
Telesales offer only.
mod - added type of gift card to title
Just keep in mind that calls are billed per-minute, instead of per-30s like normal.
i.e. "hello? hey i'm outside, come out now" = $1.30 … previously it would be 85c.
Unless it's virgin to virgin, then it's FREEEEEE. 8)
Nice deal.
Looks very tempting.
Offer ends 31st December 2009.
are the nokias locked to virgin network?
My last virgin phone wasn't.
Check the call rates. They are pretty high.
And the per minute billing is pretty painful :\
"Comes with music service" with Nokia 5800?
http://www.cnet.com.au/nokia-5800-xpressmusic-339292465.htm
curious :)
If it has this service, it says, download all the DRM locked music you want, from their site, for up to a year, at no extra cost (but cost of downloading) and you can keep the music after that year is up too.
I think DRM locked means, no sharing the music with other people. Not sure if it means you can have the music on a number of your own devices.
(Note: the reviewer would download from the PC, avoiding using up limited and/or expensive mobile phone internet to get free music)
Virgin has 5800 CWM and 5800 (Standard) listed separately (and with different prices) on http://www.virginmobile.com.au/shop/ProductChooser/GetProduc… so I would guess this is the standard one. And you can equally well download the music straight to your mobile if you use WLAN. Anyway, great deal for the phone, too bad the actual contract sucks pretty bad. And even for the theoretical minimal price I don't really want to be stuck with such a plan for 24 months.
Virgin actually have the best contracts around. Their 24-month contracts are actually just 6-month contracts. You can leave after 6 months, you just have to pay off the phone (PPP, as stated on the page, divided by the number of months remaining). It can actually work out cheaper to do it that way than buying the phone outright, if you need a plan anyway. e.g. if you cancelled with 18 months remaining, the 5800 would cost ($456 / 24months) x (18 remaining months) = $342
With other telcos like 3, you'd have to pay the entire contract out… e.g. if there's 18 months remaning, you'd have to pay ($456 / 24 months) x (18 remaining months) + ($19 x 18 remaining months) = $684.
($456 being the "Post-Paid Price" as stated on the virgin page)
@dmv: It's at the bottom of all their phone plan pages.
e.g. if you clicked on this deal's link at the top and read the small print at the bottom, you'd see this line:
1) 24 month connection required. The PPP (Post-Paid Price) of the Nokia E63 is $408, Nokia 5800 is $456 and Nokia 6700 is $456. The PPP / 24 is paid off your phone each month you’re on the plan, which includes your monthly contribution.
2) Leave anytime, just pay the outstanding balance of your handset (if any) & all outstanding charges (billed and unbilled), plus $250 if you leave within the first 6 months.
"24 month connection required" means you have to sign up to a 24-month plan to get the phone. It doesn't mean to have to maintain the connection for 24 months, as the second point explains.
@eug: note: 2nd & 3rd phone - leaving the plan after 6 months is the same cost as staying in the plan.
The 2nd & 3rd phone's ppp is $19 a month.
If you were already in the market for a 5800 (which I was), the plan is an extremely cheap "add on" in a sense.
so effectively u could purchase this phone outright for 342 - 100 voucher = $242?
hrm, wouldn't that be $19 x 24 = $456, minus $100 = $356?
That's cheaper than getting it outright, plus you get "free" credit to use. :)
soz i was referring to if you cancelled after 6 months.
sorry CIA I don't get that, can you give more detail? thanks.
Anyone knows about the "Plus unlimited mobile talk & text 24/7 to other members" in more details?
You get to call and SMS other Virgin customers for free, 24/7. A bunch of my friends are on Virgin and we make pretty good use of that. :)
2) Leave anytime, just pay the outstanding balance of your handset (if any) & all outstanding charges (billed and unbilled), plus $250 if you leave within the first 6 months.
… I'm pretty sure the billed and <bold>unbilled</bold> line would mean you have to pay the the $19 for all 24 months if you left early. ie. it <bold>is</bold> a 24 month contract, but still a decent deal.
billed and unbilled means -
Lets say your billing date is the 1st of every month.
You receive your bill for November's usage on Dec 1st. That is your billed usage.
You then use your phone till December 15th, when you decide to cancel it. What you used between Dec 1 and Dec 15th is your unbilled usage, because the bill for December has not been generated yet.
yep :)
When I cancelled one:
- Billed: I paid off my final bill
- Unbilled: Stuff after the final bill, up until the day I rang to cancel
- Phone: remaining monthly payments for the phone
That was a few years ago now
also note calls and text between virgin customers are free 24 /7 :)
Now if I could take across and/or use the rolled up credit I have on a prepaid Virgin number, to use on this deal :) …
Punch in your call details to the following spreadsheet… and see if the plan still provides value.
http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=p1er2CJsp39KzGXdOG3MK…
The tpg plans, seem the best value in my opinion; just don't know how long they will last as no contract.
http://www.tpg.com.au/mobile/plans.html#
that spreadsheet is very outdated….
also, virgin support is awesome IMO.
-> braidN
Mmm … I used to get good service from Virgin, but lately have found their regular service to be awful. (Their TIO complaints response team though, have been great for me)
That said, I haven't had to get anything sorted out, that was out of the ordinary in a while …
One thing it doesn't seem to mention is whether the phone is locked to Virgin network or not. Worth checking out if you might be looking to use the phone and plan separately (as I would be if I got it).
It's not. I've got one in front of me, unlocked.
What colour do they stock and how long you received your phone?
I got black with red racing stripe (lol). Delivered one day after credit approval.
I've never seen a non-prepaid phone that was locked. Does anyone actually lock them?
I just asked them about that. Nokia 5800 phone, is it locked? The guy said no. He thinks the only phones locked by Virgin are the iPhones.
Also, about cancellation, for the Nokia 5800, Virgin reduces the outstanding payments for the handset, by $19 a month. That means, if you cancel early, you still pay $19 per each remaining month of the contract.
No financial benefit to cancelling early; only something to do if you think you really can't remember to discontinue the plan at the end of the contract. (should you want to do that …)
The guy I spoke to also confirmed "unlimited 24/7" meant free unlimited, but you might want to get someone to confirm that for you as well (maybe they'll update the website after a few people asking about it)
He was also surprised it said unlimited 24/7 for member to member video calls …
Offer is available to "new customers" so I was advised I have to take a new phone number for this offer.
@SomeGuyOnOzB: If you have time to take a roundabout solution to keeping your number, you can port your number to another company and then back to Virgin after you take up the offer.
@Afurotsu: Good idea - a hassle, but it'd work :) Anyone got any suggestions on who to port to-and-back while keeping costs minimal? Thanks.
@surethang: Just look for the cheapest prepaid around… maybe one of those $2 Vodafone or Telstra prepaid packs?
@SomeGuyOnOzB: Yep, as an existing customer you can upgrade to the phone and the plan, but no, you don't get the $100 gift card. Seems Virgin is willing to pay to entice new customers, but keeping existing customers with the same deal isn't so important. So much for loyalty :(
I spoke to a Virgin supervisor (after being on hold for ~25 minutes) and the best he could offer was to give me the first month free.
Also, they don't allow number "porting" internally, ie., from one Virgin Mobile plan to another.
unlimited 24/7 for member to member video calls
Is this written on Virgin website?
@POWERevolution: It is :P
http://www.virginmobile.com.au/mobile-plans-pricing/monthly-…
Click on the plus on the left hand side of the $19 plan …
It's accessible from the front page …
http://www.virginmobile.com.au
Point at "Plans & Pricing" and click on "Post Paid Plans"
I don't recommend virgin. I'm with them atm and the coverage is terrible. Around lunch time on most days, If you try to call out, you will get an engaged or network busy signal. I believe Virgin uses the optus network, and thus when it gets busy, optus customers have priority and kick off virgin customers.
Never had that happen to me … but I am in the suburbs in Melbourne, so maybe it's 'cos of the Optus towers being available around here …
Seems fine for me here in Brisbane too.
It's a missive problem in St Lucia as the only phone tower in suburb is a vodafone tower. From my understanding the priority goes: vodafone->optus->virgin off this particular tower
Mmmm there is most definitely more than one cellular tower in St Lucia. It wouldn't be called a 'cellular' phone network otherwise!
I spent a lot of time there pretending to study, and didn't have such problems with Optus.
@aedeau: That has always been speculation only. Optus owns Virgin. The only "official'esque" thing i've seen is someone on whirlpool who spoke to a 'higher-level' customer relations rep, after complaining to the TIO when Virgin/Optus had their 3G congestion problems last year. The rep said Optus customers do not get priority over Virgin when the network is busy.
Who's correct, who knows! I do know that my Virgin connection works fine. :)
I'm with them more than 2yrs….don't have any hiccup in my area too.
does the rollover only work for 1 month? or if i didnt use my phone for 5 months would the 6th month allow me to have 6months worht of credit? or 2 months worth? if that makes sense
http://www.virginmobile.com.au/rollover/
Please note, included Talk & Text rolls over for one month only, and Mobile Internet data doesn't roll over.
4) Any unused monthly included talk & text rolls over to the following month only and is used once the following month’s included talk & text is exhausted.
That clause makes it less of a traditional rollover :(
I tried ringing the number 132806, it only gave me two options, Virgin Broadband Join New, or Existing…
It doesn't have any other options, has anyone else have the same message? If need be, which one should I choose?
I got the same thing. :S
After waiting a while, I think I pressed # or 3. Buttons which weren't the options they gave me. In the end I got put through to someone and told them I was interested in that $19 rollover plan with new phone and $100 Coles Myer gift card. Then I got sorted out.
Hoping mine arrives soon :)
Yep got that too.
I selected "join new" and when put through the operator answered with "Virgin Mobile" and knew all about the plan.
Thanks, time to give them a call!
Edit: Selected Option 1 new account, even when it said "Virgin Broadband" the rep knew about the mobile offer, twenty minutes later, order placed. Should arrive Thursday or Friday!
A +ve from me.
I just signed up. I rang them and even though it said Broadband, I got the offer. All done in 10 mins are they didn't need credit checks since I'm with Virgin.
The 5800 doesn't have CWM. They still have the $100 card as they also have another offer that gave free 'credit'. I opted for the card and didn't ask about the credit.
PS: You CAN port a number over. You first have to receive the Virgin phone + SIM, activate Virgin SIM then RING Virgin to port your number over.
what's cmw?
Mine ended up taking 4 business days to arrive. Got it and very happy :)
I didn't know about the GPS/Maps feature, so that's a bonus for me :)
I've only played with it a little … the Nokia maps / GPS seems very slow and has a large=ish error margin (can think I'm 2 houses away sometimes … othertimes it's right)
Note: I updated with version 3.0 of maps that I later read on the web from some people, do not do.
But really loving the search and contacts link to maps :) I downloaded Australia using Nokia's map uploader software + Nokia PC Suite (takes a while). At least some of the entries are maybe 6 months out of date but it's a lot better than having to hook up to the internet + turning on the notebook to look up how to get somewhere :) :) :)
Note: I read that people say to turn OFF assisted GPS to avoid paying extra charges for using GPS + Maps.
Bug and Workaround
I've had the 5800 for 3 days now. I found, when using the keyguard slider to lock the touchpad, alarms and calendar alerts lose the snooze/silence button option. Also, the stop button on the touchpad didn't work either. I ended up pushing the power button for a moment, which worked the same as pressing the stop button.
The fix seems to be: do not use the keyguard slider to lock the touchpad. I let the touchpad lock up by itself, and the alarm and calendar alerts worked properly again. (Both Stop and Silence/Snooze options working on the touchpad)
If you haven't already done so, perhaps you could upgrade the firmware to see if this issue is addressed.
The firmware on the Nokia 5800 I received is still at v20.0.012. The Wikipedia page for the phone (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nokia_5800) mentions there's at least v30 with some performance improvements.
I just found various GPS software packages for sale on ebay.com.au for the Nokia 5800, all for under $25. There are some nice advantages in the "blurb" for the budget conscious, but I have no idea how good any of it is.
Anyone have experience with this sort of thing? Thanks.
I ordered one yesterday. I asked about the color of the phone and it will be the red(burgandy) one. The operator told me that I would not get the gift card if I want to get the black one.
I was wondering what cwm was too - 'comes with music' - does not include unlimited downloads from the Nokia music store for a year.
Been playing with my Nokia 5800 … nice :)
Did anyone's model arrive with a tv-out cable?
Mine didn't. I tried usinga tv-out cable from my camera and also a 3.5 one for my DVD player, but the image is messed up on a standard analog tv. I can get sound though.
Mine came with a Nokia Video-Out Cable CA-75U. I haven't tried it yet.
thank you :) calling them about it now
Hi foundit, what was their answer? It appears some members got the full kit and some got the basic kit (like myself).
I'm missing the TV out cable, case, stand and CWM, I assume that's the basic kit.
They said they were passing it on to their delivery department who would contact me in the coming few days.
Did other people get a case and stand too? I also read that was supposed to be part of the general standard kit.
That would be great to receive :)
@SomeGuyOnOzB: The Wikipedia page for the phone says that in September, Nokia dropped the price and reduced the contents of the package. My guess is that you and others got this newer package, and that you therefore didn't also get the spare stylus.
See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nokia_5800#Price_Drop_-_Septemb…
The bits you're missing are very basic, but as you say, it still would have been nice to have received them.
@surethang: Spare stylus too?!
Awww… Anyhoo, keep us posted when you have a reply from the delivery department foundit.
Cheers.
@savememoney: no news on that.
Nokia 5800 fan rant begins
GPS
With Nokia Maps loaded, I can work out where I am. Note: It is a bit slow each time I start using maps, to get going, but I didn't have a GPS before.
It's probably not for guiding you by voice cues when you are on the freeway. Actually, I don't even have voice cues. (I haven't paid for that at this stage)
It seems okay working out where I am, when I'm in the car and someone else has been driving, around the suburbs. On foot seems okay too.
Pocket Melways
I downloaded Ovi Maps and uploaded Australia. It's now a very nice pocket Melways for me, with some restaurants, petrol kiosks, etc already loaded
Torch
Selecting maps on the Nokia 5800 keeps the screen on and the picture is bright. For me, I can see the ground for up to 2 metres ahead, so I can dodge around things, find keys etc
Web Browser
I can browse wirelessly now :) (I was given a Broadband router, recently, with wireless :) )
Speed is pretty good. Viewing pages is okay. (Need to slide page around a bit. Phone size is a bit small for some pages)
Messenger
A free windows live client can be downloaded and installed. I've been playing with it. It's got typing, contacts and smileys. No winks or nudges.
Youtube
Simple app available for download, to find some videos to watch. I haven't worked out how to read the full summaries that people type in.
Facebook
Already on the phone. I haven't tried it out yet :)
Input
Handwriting seems decent :) Just printing by hand. Sometimes carefully, sometimes not.
Phone keypad works fine for me.
Touch pad full qwerty is nice too.
Keyboard
I bought an iGo stowaway keyboard. I downloaded the Wireless Keyboard thing from an earlier Symbian version, that people recommend on the web. I'm happy though it's not seamlessly integrated.
Sometimes I need to hold down the Ctrl + Blue Fn + Green Fn for a second, then tell the Wireless keyboard app to search (when I want to reconnect after closing the keyboard). Not a hassle for me.
Also, there's no number line. Instad, the top keys of the QWERTY are re-used. In addition to the shift key, these keys can be used with Green and Blue Fn to get numbers and the characters that appear above the numbers (eg !)
It's working quite nicely for what I want (typing and switching between apps etc). One thing I haven't worked out, is what key combo activates the "Back" or "Cancel" option for things like sending a text message, getting out of a movie etc
Now I have my own "netbook" :P
Office
Sadly, no free Office program.
I'm testing QuikOffice with it (trial version) I have Office 2003. They seem to be working together quite nicely :)
Quicken
I see there are a few programs that claim to work with QIF files but I haven't read up on them yet and they have no free trial :(
Paint
There are a number of programs available for purchase $4 - $12 USD but sadly none free.
TV Out
I've been playing with tv cables and the phone. If my standard tv cable isn't pushed too far in (still has about 0.5 cm left to go into the phone) I can get video + 1 side audio. I suspect the Nokia cable is needed and probably advisable to use for tv out.
Note: video playback seems quite poor though on the tv. Not nice and sharp like maps etc.
Alarms
The alarm program that comes with the phone is okay. Can make multiple alarms, but alarm frequencies are weekdays, everyday, no recurrence or weekly from today.
There are more alarm programs but I think they all have to be purchased.
Hmm that rant was much shorter than I expected. Basically, I like the 5800 a lot :) I guess I'll be retiring my Casio Cassipoeia for good now …
@SomeGuyOnOzB: Cool! Thanks.
You might find PhoneTorch useful (but use it sparingly). http://dev.meh.at
Also, Nokia have just released a new upgrade to the 5800 firmware. http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_releases_updates_for_nokia_n90…
@surethang: Thanks :) Scanned the page … I think I'll stick to using Maps torch though :P
The 5800 firmware upgrade sounds interesting.
Do firmware upgrades interfere with installed programs?
@SomeGuyOnOzB: Not sure if they are similar, the Ovi Store has something call "Bright Light", it's an app that uses the camera LEDs as a torch.
I have upgraded to firmware v4, touch screen response quicker than before, haven't installed that many apps, can't report any inteferences.
@savememoney: 40 app limit.
Bright light drains the battery fast but it is such a beautifully powerful torch :)
I can light up the whole room with it :) (compared to just a spot a metre in front of me)
GPS speed is improved but I don't like some of the auto plotted routes. I do have traffic updates turned off, but even so, some of the problems probably couldn't be sorted by traffic updates.
eg telling me to go to the end of a road to do a u turn when I know there's a break in the dividing island part way along the road.
Also, when it suggests I take one road which makes my journey a little shorter, but the suggested road is only 2 cars wide and frequently has many cars parked on it, compared with a nice wide 3 car wide suburban road with few cars parked on it.
Also, contacts does't seem to work in my GPS. Comes up blank. :S
It'd also be better if we could see planned paths without needing a GPS signal at this particular moment.
Hoping Nokia fix things up or contact me for suggestions ;) (Okay, that was very wishful, but gotta mention it to be in it)
@savememoney: Finally got it all sorted :)
What I was told was an error. The accessories that come with the phone are all that we are suposed to get :P
It sounds like some people were lucky and were sent CWM units (possibly by accident) which had all the accessories.
However, the Virgin Mobile TIO response person was really nice and sent me a spare tv out cable :) :) :)
So, I'm even happier with Virgin Mobile :) :) :)
Now to look into a car charger and/or spare batteries :) (I'm reluctant to get them from Deal Extreme; probably prefer to get them from an actual store or somewhere in my area)
these rollover caps are awesome, i have the $35 rollover cap plus.