Though it's incredibly disappointing that Sony is under-utilizing the Vaio P's embedded Gobi 3G chip by locking it to Verizon Wireless, the carrier has taken some of the sting off by offering a $200 mail-in rebate debit card (note the emphasis) to P users who sign up for or renew a two-year data contract. The offer went live on January 25th and is shown during the self-activation process (screenshot below). I haven't seen it advertised anywhere else yet and I don't know which other models are part of the "select Sony Vaio" group, but here's a direct link to the rebate form (PDF).
Data service must be activated before March 31st and active for 30 consecutive days to be eligible for the rebate.
More about the Sony Vaio P here.
:: Visit the Vaio P forum to connect with other owners and potential buyers, share tips, and troubleshoot. ::
Thanks, nordikgod!
Usually Verizon devices are not locked (MSL/SPC is 000000), all you need is QPST to program it for Sprint etc. On the other hand, Sprint devices are all locked and need some effort to unlock (still very easy if you know how to).
While I’d love some confirmation about te locked status of the CDMA 3G portion of the Gobi card, I have to say that the $200 rebate is enough to cause my head to turn, even though I’m miffed about the 1.3GHz chip they’ve limited us to buying.
The “locking” that Jenn is talking about refers to the fact that HSPA/EDGE seems to be unavailable. The main selling point for Gobi is that it supports both HSPA/EDGE and EVDO with a single device. This affects Jenn since her service provider, AT&T, runs a HSPA/EDGE data network.
Wow, what a surprise. Sony is notorious on lock up and cripple, one of the major reasons keep me away from anything Sony. E.g., the Mylo Com2 is now $99 but I still won’t buy one because Sony locked it tight, no way to add anything useful to that damn thing.
Think twice, man, two-year contract, at this moment things are going cheaper and cheaper during this great depression. And such a lock will decrease hugely the re-sell value unless you keep all your gadgets like Jenn.
Why would it affect the resale value? You can, presumably, still sell the computer and keep the SIM card, right?
Where is the Mylo Com2 selling for $99.99? The price listed on SonyStyle is still $199.99.
Verizon SIM card? You speak of some crazy voodoo.
Fry’s Electronics.
I have no need for a Mylo, but geez, you’re tough to please. Internet access over WiFI WITH Flash, IM, music, video, and Skype on a WVGA device for $99? I bet you complain about no sprinkles when someone hands you a free ice cream cone
Be frightened of my crazy voodo magic:
http://www.gearlog.com/2007/05/hey_look_its_a_verizon_sim_car.php
Those crippled are always happy.
Verizon decided to offer a $200 mail-in-rebate for all its customers opting for its 3G service it is really a great surprise!
Unfortunately the service costs $60/mo. Even with the rebate it doesn’t make the service any more appealing than before. They’ve gotta start offering $20/mo plans!