Lumia ICON @ Microsoft Stores

[MadDogFL62]

As we continue to post threads about the Lumia ICON on the main Windows Phone Forum (since Verizon has yet to create an ICON forum category)...

If you are as disgusted with Verizon and the way they handle their Windows Phone business as I am, then surely you have looked at ways to avoid giving Verizon any more of your money or attention then you have to.  Do your research before pointing fingers, but my findings seem to point all fingers at Verizon for making a mess of this Lumia 929/ICON release.  Very unprofessional, to say the least.

I did find something good from my Lumia ICON buying experience.  The good came from working with my local (Tampa) Microsoft Store.  Here are the highlights:

1. I was able to pre-order the 929 from Microsoft.  After several inaccurate leaks which Verizon struggled to deny, it became more and more difficult to trust that Verizon would handle the physical release of the phone properly.
2. What did the $25 deposit that Microsoft required for pre-order get me?  The day the phone was released, I got $25 off of the price of my ICON and a free Nokia wireless plate charger (valued at $50).
3. During the purchase of my ICON, I was also given the option to purchase a 2 year extended warranty on the device.  $99 for 100% coverage on the phone for defects and damage.  Phone replaced with a new phone.  Anytime, at any Microsoft Store, or over the phone with Microsoft.
4. Since I purchased the extended warranty, I was able to cancel the Insurance on my Nokia 822.  $15 per month X 24 months.  That's $99 for 2 years with Microsoft verses the $360 for 2 years with Verizon.
5. There is no fine print, but just so it is disclosed...  Both Verizon and Microsoft will charge a $50 fee for damage replacement.  No fee with Microsoft for defect replacement devices.  And, again, you get a brand new device and not a reused, recycled, refurbished.

As an added bonus, the Microsoft Store Staff helped me update my SkyDrive to OneDrive.  From now through 2/24/14, when you upgrade from SkyDrive to OneDrive, you can participate in a "contest" at your Microsoft Store.  If you ask to upgrade, you will get a scratch-off that gives you free drive space on your new OneDrive setup.  I had 5GB when I started at the store with SkyDrive.  Moving to OneDrive gave me 8GB.  THEN, my scratch-off gave me 100GB of space to use!  That's a lot of pictures from my new ICON!

I also ordered the Incipio Feather shell for my ICON.  Nice fit and nice case.  I had the same on my 822 before buying the ICON.  One thing I did notice is that the ICON is a bit heavier than my 822 and I would feel a bit more confident with a more protective case.  I also ordered the Trident Cyclops case for my ICON to see how it fits.  I think I will like the extra protection, but I don't want the case to be too overwhelming.  The Otterbox was a no-go as it is massive and weighs 3 to 4 times as much as the trident Cyclops. 

If you have any questions about the ICON, please post to this thread and I will share with you what I know.  Hopefully Verizon will have a Lumia Icon form soon that all of us can post to. 

[SickFreak]

Saw the following Deal Alert on WPCentral:

http://www.wpcentral.com/deal-nokia-lumia-icon-149-verizon-wirefly

$150 for the Icon.

[Kelmonroe]

I bought the ICON on Thursday through Verizon, no MS stores in my area. And already it's $50 cheaper with the aforementioned coupon code

VZWDEAL

Thanks for making me feel like a sucker Verizon.

[majed-hs]

what they mean for (2-year contract,)

[majed-hs]

can I buy Lumia icon without contractor ???

[SickFreak]

without a contract?  Yes, but you have to pay full price.

[majed-hs]

Thank you for reply

and how much the full price ??

[SickFreak]

According to VZW's website, $550

http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/device/smartphone/nokia-lumia-icon?selectedContractTerm=0

[majed-hs]

Thanks a lot for reply

[penterax]

Thanks for the post MadDog, but what are these sources you've seen that show Verizon was the problem in getting the Icon out and it taking as long as it did? All I have seen are statements that are no better than gossip.

Don't get me wrong, I'm sure Verizon had a hand in the delay, or maybe Verizon was solely responsible for it, but I prefer facts rather than the cluckings from chickens that make up a large portion of what gets called "reporting" or "news".