Experience with checking out a demo unit

[Bwangster12]

I was hoping I could actually get to handle a demo unit prior to the launch (whenever that will be). I've read that some have actually gotten to hold it and see how it feels. If I were going to attempt this, would I be better off at one of those "Wireless Zones" or an actual Verizon store? I planned to play it casually, asking some questions and then asking if they had like a display model I could see.

I have one of each at about equal distance from my office and was thinking about heading over at lunch to just handle a dummy unit. I just want to make sure that the size is not too big for me. I was hoping to check out an Evo a few weeks ago, but can't seem to find a Sprint store that has it.

 

[green77]

I stopped at a VZW retailer at a kiosk in the mall and they had one last week. I was at a wireless zone also and the had one. Just keep looking and asking.

 

[Bwangster12]

Yeah, haven't even tried yet. I was going to see if I could check it out for the first time. Just wasn't sure if I should try a Wireless Zone or an actual VZW store. Only really have time this afternoon for one or the other.

If they have, they let you check it out?

 

[green77]

When I stopped to inquire about the TB they said they have only seen the "Dummy" phone and they handed it to me. It was in the drawer under some papers, LOL

 

[Bwangster12]

Yeah, thats all I want to see. I've seen enough videos of the software to know I'd like it. It's the hardware that I want to hold.

 

[fire n ice]

I was able to hold a dummy phone yesterday at my vzw store. I was quite impressed by the heftyness of the phone. Sizewise its very comfortable on my hand. Its a little wider and shorter than a fascinate and about as thick as an evo with a case.

Sent from my SCH-I500

 

[Bwangster12]

I've really only gotten to handle a Droid X and slip it in my pocket. I was blown away with how easy it slide in. Thought it would be a lot bigger.

Thats what she said...

 

[I am Fake Jesus]

i havent come across one yet. but i handled a inspire 4g from att an enjoyed the size, i can imagine its about the same

 

[Bwangster12]

So I thought I'd update this as I just went to a Wireless Zone near Yonkers, NY.

Let me first say that this store had 2 people asking about the iPhone and they were told that they haven't even received them yet. They said they didn't get any at launch, mostly cause they aren't a corporate store.

Nonetheless, when I went in they had marketing materials everywhere for the Thunderbolt. I noticed a large, floor to about 5 feet tall standing board advertising the Thunderbolt and a picture frame sized advertisement on one of the checkout counters.

I asked the gentleman if he had a demo unit and he said he didn't. I spent a few mins walking around with him while he talked about phones. Then, I asked about my NE2 and he wanted to ask his manager. Thats when I said to both of them that I might wanna wait for the Thunderbolt. The manager said that he heard it was coming out the 17th, and I said I heard 24th too. He said "I have a demo unit, if you'd like to see."

He came back, handed it to me and walked away.

First, I have to say how nice it felt. Definitely feels solid. I was also surprised at the weight. It definitely feels like you are holding a solid piece of equipment. I had just spent a few seconds holding a Droid 2 and a Fascinate and would say that it is MUCH heavier than the Fascinate, and comparable to the Droid 2. At the same time, it wasn't nearly as large as I was expecting. It didn't seem overly thick and the height/width was very nice. Seemed like HTC did a nice job making sure the face was mostly screen. I assume if they did what Samsung did with the Fascinate, the Thunderbolt would have been a lot larger.

I got to slip it in my pocket and it slide right in. Barely felt it at all... but now that I think about it, the weight will probably be nice.

The manager seemed to think it was coming on the 17th, which is today... and then when I left the first guy said, see you on the 17th. They were very nice, but clearly didn't know anything about release date.