Followup:
It's True.
Got up this morning and got to my local T-Mobile store early. I even had time to stop for a quick breakfast before they opened.
9:06 am: Walked into store, 3rd person in that morning, and apparently the first to ask about the Note 3. They didn't even have the demo unit up yet.
The Rep had to go in back to get a unit, I asked for the black, didn't think to check on the white for feel or visual differences.
I have not changed phones in so long that I was easily qualified for the upgrade, and sure enough, their sales sheets had been updated to allow for the 0-down plan. I did have to pay $54.02 in taxes, and had the rep unbox the phone so I could get my phone number and info transferred to the new micro-SIM card that came with the Note 3.
The only Note 3 compatible accessories my store had on hand was a back covering case protector, and the Note II compatible S-Pen with eraser.
I asked them to check when the S-View cases might be in, but will probably look for a third-party case that also allows for a stand for the phone.
9:27 am: 20 minutes or so later, I was walking out of the store with the Note 3 fitting quite nicely in my shirt pocket, and the first payment on the EIP plan is not due until 12-20!
1st impressions:
Update to the "Which Carrier comes with what in the box!" thread -
My box came with:
Galaxy Note 3
Battery
Wall charger
USB 3.0 micro cable
Headphones with replaceable earbuds
Replacement S-Pen tips and removal tool
Paperwork:
Terms & Conditions, Return Policy, Limited Warranty
T-Moblie Handset Recycling Program mailing sticker
Registration reminder and limited accessory guide
Samsung smart switch reminder
Samsung Health & Safety and Warranty Guide
T-Mobile Welcome and Start Guide for the Samsung Galaxy Note 3.
Screen Brightness:
At default settings (about 30%) the screen is bright in clear in the store and in my car. I have a cloudless sky this morning in Colorado Springs, so stopped for a moment to view the screen in direct sunlight. Without adjusting the brightness, the screen was a little washed out but still readable compared to my old phone in the same conditions.
Input options:
I had found an old Note 2 S-Pen, that does not seem to work. Note sure if the old stylus might be broken.
Finger and alternate stylus input seem to work fine.
The Battery initial charge appears to be under %50 percent. I'm going to let it run down to the warning notification, then try charging it with the USB 3.0 cable to see how well that works.
There is already an update to the "Samsung Keyboard Note 3" in the Play store, in case the Handwriting option is not coming up for you right away.
I'll report more as I get to play. I just wanted to confirm the 0-down policy is working.
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