still don't own it

[Slack3r]

If you buy a Verizon Imagio, you should have no problem activating it on their network, unless the ESN is bad (i.e. if it was supposed to be returned, or was stolen.) I'm pretty sure they activate non-Verizon phones as well, assuming they are CDMA, you'll just have to get them to add the ESN to their database before you can activate it.

[Rhodium500]

Originally Posted by Slack3r

I'm pretty sure they activate non-Verizon phones as well, assuming they are CDMA, you'll just have to get them to add the ESN to their database before you can activate it.

You will almost never get Verizon to add a esn to their database. You chances are about 10000 to 1 of getting them to add a esn. Also there aren't any unbranded imagios that will work on Verizon. Like someone said the others are gsm only version which aren't compatible with Verizon cdma network. So your only choice is to get a Verizon imagio. And like others have stated AT&T can't provide 3g to the phone since the phone picks up different 3g bands than at&t uses. You would have to check all the gsm carriers around to to see if any fall in the imagios 3g bands.

[lafester]

Wirelessly posted (Opera/9.80 (J2ME/MIDP; Opera Mini/5.0.3521/958; U; en) Presto/2.4.15)

the chinese version is cdma also.

[jbh00jh]

That's the one with the .40 HSPL isn't it ?

[findrivr]

OK.
Then there doesn't appear to be anyway around it. If I want the Imagio, then I have to buy a Verizon Imagio on contract.
It's part of the hook that directs customers to them; the preferred hardware. I've always understood that, but it's so much more of a decisive factor recently.

It really is quite ridiculous that [in the US anyway] we maintain 2 different technolgies of cellular n/w. I get that GSM may be better suited to some countries/global locations than CDMA[or vice versa], for various reasons related or not to the actual technology.
I don't mean to divert the focus to another issue, but this reminds me of the Sony Beta v. VHS era. Also, the PC v. Apple argument.

In the end, I'll have to resolve whether or not start a VRZ contract and if the n/w and Imagio are really all that. It will probably be a bit of an economic disadvantage if I go non-family plan, since my wife is very locked into Iphone. [which I think the same of as I do Apple: "doesn't really allow you do very much more than pc, but what it does do, it does without many crashes; but you'll pay more for it.]
Not that our AT&T plan is that much of a bargain either, especially when I factor in that n/w reception in my office is almost none, unless I place my N78 in aparticular location in my cube and only initiate and answer calls via BT earphone.
Of course that issue is what got me started on looking at provider alternatives and hardware in the first place.

I guess Mick was right, "...you can't always get what you want.."

[jbh00jh]

The I-Phone people think it is hard to get a data signal now in some cities ,
wait until AT&T hooks up all those I-Pads on their 3G.

[Rhodium500]

You don't have to have a verizon contract. Just get on on ebay for under $300.

[findrivr]

Rhodium,
Presuming I were to find an Imagio at FleaBay, wouldn't I still be at risk of receiving one that VRZ would not allow onto its n/w due to some hack or unlock/lock that is or isn't present?
Couldn't they also just summarily refuse to let you add a non-Verizon purchased phone, as they claim when I issued the query to a rep over the phone?

[orangekid]

Originally Posted by findrivr

Rhodium,
Presuming I were to find an Imagio at FleaBay, wouldn't I still be at risk of receiving one that VRZ would not allow onto its n/w due to some hack or unlock/lock that is or isn't present?
Couldn't they also just summarily refuse to let you add a non-Verizon purchased phone, as they claim when I issued the query to a rep over the phone?

they will activate any VZW branded phone even if you did not buy it from VZW (e.g. second hand)

they will also activate it despite any mods/hacks/tweaks as long as the ESN is not bad (meaning reported lost or stolen).

If you buy it on ebay and the seller reports it lost/stolen you are screwed, although I don't know if you SIM unlock it and use it on Tmobile or ATT if they can detect blacklisted ESNs.

[Rhodium500]

Just ask the seller to provide the esn number. Then call verizon say to want to become a customer but want to check a phone esn to make sure you could use it. Verizon will always allow an branded phone in there system as the above poster said.