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- 02-20-2011, 09:55 AM
Thread Author #1
There's a storm brewing...
Please see the last post for details as to why this great thread has now been closed
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This post will be updated daily with Bennnnn's announcements and answers to questions inside of this thread. To skip to post #2 click here.
2/28/2011
I went to work today (Financial Analyst for Corp. Verizon) and got some interesting news some of you all may be interested in, just be sure to read it CAREFULLY.
Today i got to Hold and play with a thunderbolt. Unbelievable. this thing is Really really fast. my Supervisor gave me a specific Date And told us the to start preparation for launch which includes lining up future projection sheets and sales Yield analysis for upper management. Much of what needs to be done is scheduled very very shortly before All launches. it's coming. this information is Relevant to all Customers waiting the thunderbolts' Hard launch date. though i am not allowed to Tell you Exactly when it's launching due to my job security, Need not worry, the thunderbolt is sure to capitalize its sales now that its perfected.
This is straight out of Basking Ridge, NJ.
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There has been no release date due to the fact that issues have arisen and there was no ETA as to when those issues could be successfully fixed and the device would be 100% ready for launch.
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Yes, this is a familiar routine with phones we've released in the past except the iPhone 4 which was expedited.
Once we start compiling sales progress reports to start tracking initial sales, its about to go on sale.
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Surprisingly Verizon actually does read these forums. The Customer Development team is in charge of research for their android devices and guess where the best source of information on opinions of their products? Android forums. The big ones such as AC, Phandroid, Droid-Life, etc. Listening to what the customers and saying and improving their devices.
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They browse everything for consumer satisfaction and input with the devices and the carrier.
EDIT: You're comparing releases of phones to GPS units too. They are very different.
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They haven't officially told anyone the exact amount yet (We have multiple forecasts) but I'm certain is $30/Unlimited for now.
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They don't want to post a date then redact it due to issues and disappoint everyone. You can't be mad at Verizon for missing a "release date" they never announced.
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3/1/2011
Nothing new today. Everything's on schedule.
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I can attest to this. There is something special being added into this phone but as of now up in the clouds
. Many of you will be pleasantly surprised with Verizon and HTC. It's worth the wait!
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Don't worry. Come a few days I suspect everyones going to be very excited!
Also, prices will remain firm for now.
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There are going to be PLENTY in stock. There is really no need to pre-order unless you live in an extremely populated area of which it will be in high demand.
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We've spent the last few months working, tracking, and improving on a LOT of different Price Tier Variation models for the upcoming data switch. I know a lot of you will complain about it, but the majority of our customers use amounts under our designated data cap and, while it may stir controversy in the tech world, the "normal data user" is going to benefit by saving money each month as they are not going to reach the cap, thus allowing them to sign up for a cheaper plan.
I wouldn't worry since the Thunderbolt is going to require unlimited and therefore we will all be grandfathered into the same fee, once tiered data is implemented this summer.
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No, unfortunately not. But let me just say, wow... this thing is FAST.
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3/3/2011
My director is in a meeting with some higher ups right now and I asked him to find out what's happening announcement-wise, so I'll be sure to update you guys when he lets me know.
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My director just left his meeting and has a little info on the subject.
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Apparently, as we speak, they are building stock of Thunderbolts in warehouses across the country, and until Verizon is given the green light where they feel they have enough supply to meet the demand of the customers, THEN they will announce this device and give us a concrete launch date. We are also trying to push our last Droids ($100 discount) into consumers hands before the launch of this revolutionary device. I was told we are VERY close to being 100% ready for launch, and it seems that all that is truly left to do is finish up stockpiling devices and then the announce the HTC Thunderbolt! We should hear something ANY day now, but I honestly wouldn't be surprised if we heard something tomorrow since there was a scheduled announcement today which they missed. Anyways, we are very close guys. The Thunderbolt is coming, and it's lightning fast 4G LTE speeds are going to be in your hands VERY soon. Rule the air.
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Soon after the launch.
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I am not in-charge of shipping and stock. If I knew where the warehouses were I would have organized a plan to steal the Thunderbolts for all AC users! Muahahahaha.
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He didn't say anything relating to a delayed release so I assume its the same.
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In recent news, we have a new ad for the Thunderbolt! Looks beautiful.
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Okay guys, I'm headed back home, so I'll be on later tonight to answer questions after dinner.
Hope you all are as excited as I am for this phone! I just can't get over how fast it is. Dual core? Pfftt. The Qualcomm MSM8655 + 4G LTE network is where its at!
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Last question answered: We have the initial Thunderbolts ready to go. It's just the predicted future sales which are being accounted for.
Thanks guys, talk to you all later.
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3/4/2011
At work. Nothing new to report as of now. I'll let you guys know if anything comes up!
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Thunderbolts have NOT started shipping yet according to the system. I'll keep checking back to see if it gets updated.
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I get my information from my Financial Director who, in turn, gets it from Executive Board. I also have access to the system.
3/5/2011
Sorry guys, no updates today unless you're interested in the Blackberry Storm 3... which doesn't even compare to the Thunderbolt.
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The 10th is on schedule as far as I have been told. No clue as to what is happening with this announcement, but I expect it any day now since everything is ready for launch and was planned for two days ago. I'll try to dig up some info over the weekend regarding the announcement and why they are holding off again.
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This device WILL be getting HTCsense.com shortly after launch. It is coming. No Thunderbolts have shipped yet.
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Okay guys, so I was pulled into a conference call earlier this morning regarding the Thunderbolt and other unmentioned phones and I have good news some and bad news.
Good news is in relation to the 4G LTE data plans. If you are currently signed up, or will sign up for 4G LTE data plans in the near future, you WILL be grandfathered in once tiered prices hit this summer and you will NOT have to pay more than the $30 per month for unlimited. So sign up early and lock that unlimited data in.
Now, onto more disturbing topics...
Bad news is that the Thunderbolt will not meet its previously scheduled launch date of March 10th [AGAIN] and is now moving to its consequent launch date of the 17th, hence the postponement of shipped devices from the system and withheld announcements. This makes sense as to why the announcement was missed earlier this week.
Now, I acknowledge the fact that some of us have been waiting for this device since November 23rd, myself included, but we have to realize that in less than two weeks, this device will be in our hands.
Now, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I am only relaying the information I was told this morning. Regardless of how much time we have left until launch, I'm sure we can all agree that we have a beautiful, and lightning fast device to look forward to within the next two weeks.
Verizon had been planning on launching this device Feb. 14th and then March 10th, but as with all devices, there's always a secondary planned launch date (or a third planned launch date for the Thunderbolt), to account for any unexpected delays which may or may not come up. Being the third time this has device has been officially and internally postponed I believe we are looking at a definite March 17th launch.
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Technically yes, which is why there was no announcement.
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1. I wasn't given a date as to when the announcement is. This phone is becoming a bit ridiculous with all the inconsistencies it is facing so I could either be a week before or a day before. As always, I will keep you all updated on my hearings.
2. Yep, If you buy the Thunderbolt launch day, you will be locked into unlimited!
Sorry guys I've been pretty busy with family stuff this weekend, but I'll try to be on later tonight to answer questions.
Just to clarify for all those who are confused, I'll try to explain this situation to the best of my knowledge:
Well before CES was even hosted, Verizon had an official hard launch date of March 17th for the HTC Thunderbolt. As more phones were being announced and pushed onto the market that rivaled the Thunderbolt, Verizon scheduled an early push for this phone, February 14th. Due to arising problems with battery life on 4G LTE services, this initial early push date was missed and rescheduled for a later date, March 10th. Today we were informed that this phone was not completely ready for a launch date as early as March 10th, and cancelled all early launch plans, reverting back to the initial date of March 17th.
EDIT: Delay has nothing to do with the iPad. They are two separate device categories.
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The battery life issue has been addressed.
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3/6/2011
No updates as of today, but I'm sure there will be some fresh new info come Monday.
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Skype will be on this phone eventually. This isn't my department but it will either be one of two things. 1. Present on the phone at launch, or 2. Be included as an instantaneous OTA update when activating your Thunderbolt in the Verizon store. Skype has been ready since the 28th so it is sure to make its way to this phone. I'll be sure to look into it more tomorrow for you.
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Either one will be find as far as unlimited plans go. So far we have the Bonic scheduled towards the end of April, but I would hate to see it get pushed. Tiered plans will begin to show up towards the end of July. You have a 2-month buffer so the choice is yours!
3/7/2011
Yes, It will be.
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That tweet was made was when we thought we could complete an early push of the device.
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I haven't heard anything yet because we are not focusing on the Thunderbolt this week. Could be this week, but most likely next.
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I got to play with a Thunderbolt for a couple minutes at work today. Let me tell you, this thing is as beautiful as it is fast.
Now THIS is interesting....
EDIT: To my knowledge Thunderbolts are ready to go. This seems fishy to me. I was told the 17th recently, and BMX has also confirmed it.
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I just texted my Director about the statement. I'll let you guys know what he says about it, but in the mean time I need to get back to work.
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So who's excited for ??
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Well folks, I never got a reply back from my Director about Malones comments concerning a later release today. You can take that as good news or bad news for now, but either way, I will make it my mission to find out what the heck is happening with this device and its launch, tomorrow.
3/8/2011
I will share information I have with you when I can, but for now I must wait.
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No, there are no major issues.
Once I've been given the green light, I'll be sure to share all the information with you guys first. Until then, I'm here to answer questions and give my input.
Both. Yes, there are no major issues with the phone or network.
This has nothing to do with Mr. Jobs telling Verizon what to do.
We are concentrating on something else for the time being. This phone is coming. There is no need to worry.
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As I said earlier, I'll fill you guys in, the minute I get the go ahead. There is no need to worry or get annoyed by this. You will have this iconic device in your hands in no time.
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Information will be available soon. I understand your frustration, but for now we must play the waiting game. Hold in there. We're not too far off.
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It's always quiet before the storm.
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Netflix and Google Music (with GB) will be coming to the device after launch. Onlive will follow. Battery issues on 4G LTE were causes of the delays, but since then, it has been fixed.
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1. Concerning the release date... You guys are getting worked up over nothing. As I told you earlier, please do not to worry about it. Your device will be out as soon as you expect. Nothing has changed FOR NOW, so please refer to my comment yesterday if you have questions.
2. I am not being hired by Verizon to post here. What's better than hanging out with you guys? Getting paid for it. I wish I could say that, but I merely work in the financial services industry. PR is not my job, nor is it to give out official announcements, which leads me to my next point.
3. I am choosing not to release a piece of information concerning Verizons 4G LTE network until it is all said and done, meaning, I will give you guys all the information when the decision is made its finalized and concrete. I don't want you guys going berserk over what I tell you and then find out later policies have changed.
Just like you all, I too am waiting anxiously for the release of this device. I am not magic. I cannot push the release date sooner or give you information which I do not know. I have given you all what I know as far as what I have been told, so please... don't bite the hand that feeds you.
I too, am waiting to see how this all plays out. Launching this device has become absolutely ridiculous and nightmare for my department and many others.
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For now, count on the 17th. We have many many people working their *** off to make this happen.
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It's not my department, but I can confirm that this was brought up as a suggestion if we can't get it out by the 17th. It's probably not going to happen since this is the "first 4G LTE device" and it would look bad launching an iconic 4G device that's restricted to 3G for the first month. People are working hard for you guys to get this out on time!
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Announcement.
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I'm sorry, I shouldn't have used the word "guarantee" as there is no such thing as a 100% concrete launch date with this phone. Our goal is the 17th and we're most definitely pushing for it.
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I haven't been given that information.
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I run a partnership on the side of my job. iPad 2 paperwork is also piling up
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3/9/2011
Yep. Use your HTC Thunderbolt to watch UNC win on the go. Seriously though. You'll be able to watch it.
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In all seriousness, no updates as of now. Haven't heard anything different than the 17th so seems to be on track. Lets cross our fingers and hope it stays this way.
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I did, and I'm waiting to see how it plays out before I post it here. I don't want to give you guys information and then all of a sudden policies change, because it is very up in the air as of now. Once it is definite, I'll let you guys know.
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Oh yeah. The new 4G LTE network is blazing fast. Definitely worth a trip.
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There's always going to be some space between launches, so really, it depends on how delayed it gets.
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Yes, when I refer to policy changes I do in fact mean 4G LTE pricing.
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Looks good to me.
I haven't been told an explicit announcement date yet, but if this phone is completely ready by next week, I would guess we would hear something on the 15th too, though that is just my opinion.
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Correct. I'm sure BMX can give a definite ETA for a resolution. He's the one fixing it after all!
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I'm not going to comment on pricing till I know for sure. I don't want you guys getting upset over something that could very well change before launch. I never said tiered pricing was definite. There are many options being considered.
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Hence the lack of the announcement. No information right now. But thats a good thing.
Yes, should be covering NC by the end of this year if I recall.
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Your wish is granted.
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If stores were truly asked to submit SIM ID's for activation today, then thats a very good sign we'll be seeing this device next Thursday.
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Yeah, I plan to ask about it.
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Now lets not get too excited. Yes it's a very good sign that SIM cards are being readied for their soon-to-be activation, but it's not a definite sign. I'll find out more tomorrow!
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No clue. I don't work at Best buy! Maybe Jayishere could tell you.
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3/10/2011
Sorry, I've been SUPER busy today dealing with the iPad 2 and its workings. It's pretty sleek, but I definitely prefer the Xoom. Haven't had much time to get on here today let alone even eat lunch so I will try and answer questions tonight if I have spare time; if not then tomorrow. I see I have quite a bit of catching up to do... Don't have any updates regarding the Thunderbolt as of now because I haven't even left my desk today. Regarding the 21st which I saw on BGR: I haven't heard that date mentioned, and it's still looking like the 17th, but as well all know, things tend to change and it could be a possibility (I hope not), so I'll look into that for you guys. Take it with a grain of salt for now.
Have a good day and I will (hopefully) be back with you guys tonight!
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3/11/2011
Sorry, another busy day. March 17th still on track.
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3/12/2011
SIM cards for demo units wouldn't be activated "months" before. It doesn't make sense even if its not the 17th. But regardless, did you see the tweet from the HTC Regional Manager? Matches up to what I've been told.
Like I said 17th is good to go for now. To my knowledge it has (finally) passed through Verizons testing phase and all issues should be worked out by now so now ball's in HTC's court for the finalization for future updates and what not. Probably why there was the tweet yesterday. Can't really get more official than that.
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Hate to say it, but from the looks of things tiered MIGHT stick.
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It should get Skype later on.
I wouldn't think so. Should be pretty fast.
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I'm not going to answer questions on tiered pricing because I'm not 100% certain of which ones will be used. We've created price models from unlimited 4G to heavily tiered, so before we all start speculating, it's best to just wait till you hear from Verizon directly. Ultimately its the CFO's decision.
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Oh yes, prices would be must less significant than 4G LTE broadband cards.
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I am a bit more certain due to three reasons:
1) I was told the 17th a a week ago.
2) The HTC Regional Rep tweeted the 17th yesterday.
3) It's up to HTC now to finalize everything so it's their call whether it makes it or not.
Everything is just starting to match up and become clearer IMO.
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3/13/2011
11:38PM PST
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3/14/2011
Hey guys. I'll be pretty busy today working on allocating Japan relief funds, so I won't be able to answer many questions until tonight. I just wanted to let you guys know that there is a lot of excitement in the office this morning over the HTC Thunderbolt and you all should be hearing something any day now. By the looks of things, we'll have all the power of Verizon's 4G LTE blazing fast network as well as our beloved Thunderbolt in our hands by Thursday. Now, we play the waiting game.
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Very true. I am not in charge of the announcements but here's to hoping there will be one soon!
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Well, looks like we'll be getting an unlimited plan after all.
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Hah, stores wouldn't know the data plans until shipments of printed tags for under the phones came in or she was in contact with someone on executive board. Doesn't matter though, she's right.
EDIT: Yeah the HTC inventory screenshot also shows us.
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Yeah, there were plenty ordered from HTC. - 02-28-2011, 02:07 PM #2
There's a storm brewing...
I went to work today (Financial Analyst for Corp. Verizon) and got some interesting news some of you all may be interested in, just be sure to read it CAREFULLY.
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Today i got to Hold and play with a thunderbolt. Unbelievable. this thing is Really really fast. my Supervisor gave me a specific Date And told us the to start preparation for launch which includes lining up future projection sheets and sales Yield analysis for upper management. Much of what needs to be done is scheduled very very shortly before All launches. it's coming. this information is Relevant to all Customers waiting the thunderbolts' Hard launch date. though i am not allowed to Tell you Exactly when it's launching due to my job security, Need not worry, the thunderbolt is sure to capitalize its sales now that its perfected.
Last edited by Bennnnn; 02-28-2011 at 02:13 PM.
Thanked by 40:+ Show/Hide list of the thanked -
AisforAustin, Atrav, azdmelani, barnebyjones, bnsteele5, cheeta186, Como4076, delynnie, DINCguy, Dragon1473, Friend-O, Geeksy, green77, Hobbessti, ipb_11, jas o, Kyle L, mcmushx15, menji, muska180#ac, Nitros7, Ntchwaidumela, NY Reco, obidos, panicprone77, Perwilly, pnicho, primetime48510, psycho_maniac, Raptor007, RichardClark, riksin808, RodneyHamp, scottabutler, Skyy58, Spartan616, SUB-dawg, TBolt2011, Xxw0lfxX
- 02-28-2011, 02:10 PM #3
LOL - Did not read whole post.
- 02-28-2011, 02:12 PM #4Thanked by 9:
- 02-28-2011, 02:12 PM #5
HAHAHA Nice "Message"
MUY PRONTO - verb - A mystical statement derived from the release of the HTC Thunderbolt to mean anywhere from 1 day to eternity. - 02-28-2011, 02:13 PM #6
Unfortunately I've grown so skeptical that I just can't believe anything anymore till I hear it from Verizon. Unfortunately I will need an official
A N N O U N C E M E N T
Thanked by: - 02-28-2011, 02:16 PM #7
ok..chalk this one up and place it with all the others. Sorry, need a bit more meat on the bones for me to bite on this bit of info.
Thanked by: - 02-28-2011, 02:16 PM #8
I'm sticking with March 10th as the release date then..........
- 02-28-2011, 02:17 PM #9
This is straight out of Basking Ridge, NJ.
- 02-28-2011, 02:18 PM #10
Well hopefully it comes soon.
- 02-28-2011, 02:18 PM #11
Ha ha, that's awesome.
- 02-28-2011, 02:19 PM #12
- 02-28-2011, 02:20 PM #13
Wow, can't believe you took the time to write that. haha
- 02-28-2011, 02:23 PM #14
Bennnn, that is one of the best posts i have ever read!!!!! i love it. well put together. now get your *** back to work so it actually does come out on time!!!!!!!!!!
PS. i dont really care when it comes out, as i have completely written it off, but the post is just absolutely awsome!!!!Last edited by edizzle; 02-28-2011 at 02:25 PM. Reason: PS
Thanked by: - 02-28-2011, 02:26 PM #15
Nice, but I'm going to withhold judgement until Thursday.
- 02-28-2011, 02:28 PM #16
Very well written, gotta give you credit there. What I can't figure out though is if that is the case and we are LESS than two weeks away, why hasn't Verizon said a peep? Not a single work, release date, nothing!! It just don't make sense!! They have spend way to much money on PR for this phone to just slide it out the back door with no exposure. I'll believe it when someone on here posts themselves opening the box.
- 02-28-2011, 02:31 PM #17
A++. Will read again.
- 02-28-2011, 02:33 PM #18
- 02-28-2011, 02:34 PM #19
Great, thank you so much for coming Over to his forum And providing us With this Abundance of info all by Yourself.
- 02-28-2011, 02:36 PM #20
That was awesome. Lol.
- 02-28-2011, 02:36 PM #21
Ha! Pretty funny though. I do hope the OP is right.
- 02-28-2011, 02:37 PM #22Thanked by:
- 02-28-2011, 02:37 PM #23
GOAWAY
Haha. That's not nice. Funny though. - 02-28-2011, 02:40 PM #24
- 02-28-2011, 02:42 PM #25









































