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The Kin is dead. Long live the Kin

JericA

according to engadget at least

http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/11/confirmed-kin-one-and-two-are-returning-to-verizon-wait-what/

Comments

SuzyQ

I don't see it / them yet on the Feature phone list on the website...it doesn't mean they won't be there in the future.

WoodyWindy

It is on the feature phone list now, as Kin ONEm and Kin TWOm ("m" probably signifying "modified"). They've been lobotomized to drop the loop, stuio, and spot.

The real question is, do we get to keep the goodness on ours, and can we step down to a less expensive plan in the process?

SydneyK

I predict the Kin devices will do well in the feature phone category. Who wouldn't love a feature phone with Wi-Fi and a 5 or 8mp camera?

SuzyQ

I'm sure the camera will work without the data plan, but what about Wi-Fi? The major selling points for the Kin1 and Kin2 will ONLY work via the web browser, so although a data plan does NOT seem to be REQUIRED, much of the advertised functionality is not going to be there unless you have a data plan.

At least now we have the option of 150 MB for $15, still expensive, but much easier to take than 25 MB for $9.99.

djjim

Why wouldn't Wi-fi work? Data plans have nothing to do with Wi-fi. Is it true that there is no calendar? Really? That makes no sense.

SydneyK

You are correct, djjim ... I did read in a review that there's no calendar. I also read in one review that the browser is no better than on other feature phones. However, how much browsing would a user do on a screen that small (referring to the Kin One)?

In my opinion, for the low cost to purchase and the low cost per month, it could be a pretty good deal. The Kin One can be purchased for $120 off contract, which is less than some feature phones on a one-year contract!

I did do a "trial" purchase online, and I was NOT able to get past the added features page without adding either the $15 or $30 data plan. I'm hoping that is a glitch and this does not require even the $15 plan, especially considering it's in the feature phone section and does not indicate a data plan is required.

ksavage68

This is cool. Right now i have a Samsung feature phone that I want to replace with the Kin2. Really digging the no data required now, as i use mostly wi-fi as it is, and just text people when im out. I have a small data plan for feature phones now, so im hoping my monthly bill will be even cheaper. However my current plan doesnt expire until March 31, and the site is showing that my cost for a one year plan will be 119.00 which is fine, does anyone know if Verizon will charge me that early terminatation or upgrade fee if i get the Kin2 now? I was kinda under the assumption that i would have to pay FULL price for the phone which is out of my budget. Can anyone help? I cant call Verizon because im hearing impaired. thanks!!

SydneyK

Hi, ksavage68. Welcome to the boards!

Here are some possible options based on your plan expiring March 31:

If your current contract is a two-year, you may be able to upgrade 20 months into it, which would mean the end of this month. With a two-year contract, if you are the primary line on your account, your base plan is $49.99 or more per month, and you sign up for My Verizon, you may be eligible for an annual upgrade. If you have a one-year contract, you may be able to upgrade 10 months into it. If none of these apply to you, you would have to pay the full price.

I was eligible last year for an annual upgrade and wasn't aware of it, as it wasn't reflected on My Verizon. I found out I was eligible when I called customer service. Could someone call for you to find out? Or there was a button on this site to initiate a live chat, but I don't see that any longer since the site was redesigned.

Good luck!

reallyniceguy

The KIN devices DO have a calendar. Who said it didnt? I just read the manual and it tells you how to mess with the calendar events and calendar ringtones, I feel its a GREAT device. Specially if they got buy one get another free! Im ordering the kin 2 and getting an lg ally for free. Im glad I dont need the data package on the kin. WOah 8 megapixel camera on a feature phone?! AWESOME!

SydneyK

That is a pleasant surprise. Most reviews I read indicated there was no calendar. But it could be a matter of the reviewer not digging far enough into the menus. Thanks for posting this!

mhilbeli

Where did you see the KIN manual. The KIN Twom manual is for the first kin two not the new one. Let me know where you find it please.

mhilbeli

Both systems have a calendar. Here is the Kin onem manual - http://pcdphones-client.s3.amazonaws.com/files/666/English_Manual.pdf

mizzblondie0789

Thank you! Its under apps though.. Does that mean you have to purchase the calender app for it or do we know if it would be under menu options?

SydneyK

Since there is no app store for the Kin, I think it would be a preloaded application.

sw_girl

yes it comes with a calendar. you cannot sync it with outlook :smileysad:

batesm

Why would you need to access the web though or wifi in order to use the camera? what connection does it have?

SydneyK

Hi, Batesm. There is no connection between using the camera and using data on these rereleased models. However, when they were released earlier this year as smartphones, photos could be sent to the Kin Studio for online storage, which used data. Hope that helps!

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