Virgin Mobile LG Optimus Elite $69.99 @ Radio Shack until 10/13 (in-store only)

YMMV


This post can be edited by most users to provide up-to-date information about developments of this thread based on user responses, and user findings. Feel free to add, change or remove information shown here as it becomes available. This includes new coupons, rebates, ideas, thread summary, and similar items.

Once a Thread Wiki is added to a thread, "Create Wiki" button will disappear. If you would like to learn more about Thread Wiki feature, click here.

Grandfathered plan: I didn't have to do anything when I swapped phones. When I followed the previous link to change it back to the $25 plan, the link was greyed out meaning that I was still in the $25 plan. Just checked my billing, and yep, it's still $25. Bought the phone from Amazon for $98 on 9/12/12, delivered 9/13/12, and swapped that same day.

Update: I used manual configuration rather than using the activate button. Dont know if that matters, but I am still on the $25 plan. Instructions are given on the VM my account site when you click on the "swap phone" link.

Tethering: You don't need to root this guy. I downloaded PdaNet (whether it roots the phone for you or not, I'm not positive). Just need to download their app for your PC too, then install, and instant tethering. Worked for me in a Vegas sportsbook. The only thing is you'll need some way to download the app, but then you could use the phone itself as a flash drive to do so, then copy the app to your PC. Don't remember about Macs though.

As far as the battery life goes, download Power Tune Up. That has helped tremendously with saving power.

Get this silicone case for $2.03 shipped [amazon.com]. It is thick, very protective and nice for the money.


WARNING, DO NOT DOWNLOAD QUICK SETTINGS APPLICATION: Only negative is that this phone does not have acess to WiFi Hotspot via Quick Settings. Actually, no new phones do. The Optimus V old firmwares are the only ones that allow for this app to work. s fair warning, downloading Quick Settings and turning on Wifi Hotspot will give you a data connection error that you can not fix unless you factory reset the phone, download the latest OTA update and then call into VM and tell them you have a data connection error. They will then do a RTN override reset and then you should be good to go. There are several threads on android forum from people back in May 2012 who downloaded quick settings and encountered this problem. VM did not have a solution back then to the bug. But now they seem to have the solution in the new OTA update. You still have to go through the trouble off factory and RTN reset with VM. I learned this the hard way last night when I downloaded and tried to use WiFi Hotspot. I did not see the thread prior. All is good now, but fair warning.

Offer not available in:
Las Vegas
Florida