Yesterday I was finally able to get the Blackberry phone I wanted. With Lhen, I went to Makati to meet up with an online seller. After the transaction, we moved around Ayala Center to eat and shop. Thanks girl! I originally wanted to purchase from Globe Business Center because I’m a loyal subscriber of theirs and I thought it was more convenient. But the first hassle from them came when they ran out of stock at their Megamall branch.
Hassle #1:
I really wanted to buy that day so I asked them where else it would be available. The guy went inside the office to check and he came out a minute later and told me it was available at Tower One branch in Ayala. He confirmed that I could buy it that day if I dropped by Ayala. He seemed sure and trustworthy so I left. The wrong thing was I forgot to ask him to call Tower One to inform them that I was coming and to have the unit reserved for me (will keep that in mind next time). And I’m sure you know what happened next. I went to Tower One only to find out they ran out of stock as well.
Hassle #2
After finally getting my Blackberry, I registered to avail of Globe’s Blackberry service for five days. That’s 220Php which includes access to email, social networking sites and instant messenger. Sounds cool! But here’s the catch. If you didn’t buy your unit from their store, you would not be able to register your email accounts in your Blackberry’s email client. I tried to do so by going to http://globe.blackberry.com and it told me that my account was either “suspended or deactivated”. Grabe! I called their customer service desk and a girl told me about this. I could not help expressing my disappointment over it. It’s true that in the Terms and Conditions that Globe sends during the SMS registration, they say that “Globe does not guarantee that service will work with non-Globe-provided BB units. No repair/support will be extended.” But I didn’t realize they would disable the primary function of a Blackberry because I did not buy from them! I mean… I’m still a Globe subscriber after all. And I paid the fee for the service, and I have the right to buy my phone from wherever I want. And this act sounds like “Buy from us or we’ll deem your Blackberry almost useless!” It may not be any help but I would’ve bought the unit from them if only it was fucking available!
Good thing I don’t intend to use my Blackberry for work emails. And GMail has a downloadable application that I can use to send/check emails without using the web browser. But it’s still different. It’s much more convenient to use the phone’s email client and its notifications!
This entry is not intended to defame Globe. I’m not some famous blogger whose words matter and create shockwaves that reach TV anyway. This is just a compassionate post/a warning directed to those who, like me, wants to get the convenient on-the-go emailing experience with Blackberry but uses the Globe network.
UPDATE Jan 17, 2010:
Blackberry service works okay with Smart. Piglet tested this today using his Smart SIM card and he was able to register at smart.blackberry.com. He added his email accounts without a problem. But MY problem was he had to wipe everything out again including my Contacts! And he didn’t create a backup.
I’m thinking of switching to Smart because of this. I’m only hesitant cos I’ve been using my Globe number for 5 years and I don’t like the idea of having to inform evryone about my new one. Maybe I’ll do it through Facebook na lang.
LATEST UPDATE Jan 18, 2010:
Read this entry for details.