There's a storm brewing...

[am4966]

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!

This is the second time you have mentioned ICONIC today/tonight....So does this mean that the Thunderbolt is going to be sold via the ICONIC Portal like the Iphone was/is SOLD?

 

[prakash99]

I understand that, but he did say yesterday that he guaranteed a release for the 17th. I'm just curious as to why it seems his position has changed. It's my opinion and mine only.

I'm not defending Bennnnn but I don't care if VZW CEO himself comes on the forum and guarantees a date, I'm not going to take it as a guarantee until the official announcement.

 

[Bennnnn]

I believe with the iPad2 coming out on Friday, we won't hear anything until after then.

This.

 

[SUB-dawg]

[PRE-RELEASE] The 4.3 inch "Thunderbolt" aka "Mecha" aka "Incredible HD" from HTC...coming soon! - Page 60 - Android Forums

wow the guys over there are following what we are saying! :-\

 

[WhitePhone]

This.

The question is though, will there be an announcement at all or a quiet launch?

 

[prakash99]

This.

a hint?

 

[66dude]

Ok, I'm not trying to flame, steam, bake or grill anyone first off. However, I do have a question. Yesterday bennnnn said it was guaranteed for the 17th, but now it seems like its more of a "if they can get it finished" type of thing. So, my question is... Are you still standing by your guarantee of the 17th, or are you back tracking and instead saying they are working as hard as they can to get it out by then? Just curious because I'm a bit confused.

I am interpreting that to mean that they have set a hard launch date on March 17th, and they are trying mighty hard to make that date with the phone and network fully functional. If for some reason the network isn't up to snuff on the 17th, I think the phone will be released anyway, but 3G only until LTE is working perfectly. However, the chance of the phone being 3G only until LTE is working perfectly is remote, as it's gonna look pretty bad if VZW releases the first 4G LTE phone in 3G mode only.

 

[drew66]

I understand that, but he did say yesterday that he guaranteed a release for the 17th. I'm just curious as to why it seems his position has changed. It's my opinion and mine only.

Things change, it is a fluid situation. What if VZW announced an official release date and then had to change it... imagine the chaos around here. You will not hear any official date until it is ready to roll out ... for sure. Or this is an elaborate marketing scheme to fool us all.... doubtful. With that said VZW should come out and tell us what is really happening... or are they already through Bennnn and BMX????

 

[MizMiMi02]

I'm not defending Bennnnn but I don't care if VZW CEO himself comes on the forum and guarantees a date, I'm not going to take it as a guarantee until the official announcement.

I agree, and again I'm just curious as it seems like he isn't so sure about the 17th now.

 

[SUB-dawg]

This.

this what?

 

[Bennnnn]

The question is though, will there be an announcement at all or a quiet launch?

Announcement.

 

[66dude]

this what?

"This." in this context means that we won't hear anything about the TB until the iPad 2 is officially launched, most likely the 15th if we are following VZW's penchant for releasing official information on Tuesdays.

 

[SUB-dawg]

Announcement.

any guesses on when?

 

[WhitePhone]

Announcement.

Cool. Thanks, dude!

 

[MizMiMi02]

I am interpreting that to mean that they have set a hard launch date on March 17th, and they are trying mighty hard to make that date with the phone and network fully functional. If for some reason the network isn't up to snuff on the 17th, I think the phone will be released anyway, but 3G only until LTE is working perfectly. However, the chance of the phone being 4G only until LTE is working perfectly is remote, as it's gonna look pretty bad if VZW releases the first 4G LTE phone in 3G mode only.

Thank you, I appreciate your logical input.

 

[Bennnnn]

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.

 

[SUB-dawg]

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.

any guesses on the announcement date?

 

[prakash99]

I agree, and again I'm just curious as it seems like he isn't so sure about the 17th now.

Maybe some other issue came up today that indicated some difficulties getting the launch ready by the 17th ....

 

[Geeksy]

VZW doesn't have a pattern with announcement dates, so sorry everyone there's no way of guessing. Ideally between the 15th and 16th for a 17th release. I don't see Melone's vague comments about LTE Phones affecting the release of a phone that has a small army of nerds waiting for it. Also, they'd have to launch the flagship before the other vessels, wouldn't they?

 

[DJBeanPole]

3/15