yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] TokyoGuy:
Where NOT to order from...

Hi, I see people discussing stores and their reputation, and wanted to say that Gum Mobile should be AVOIDED. I had an absolutely horrible experience with them last fall:

I won an eBay auction they had for the Galaxy Tab last November. The total came to $960 or so with their outrageous shipping costs. It arrived. Bad packaging, however the box itself was fine. I cut the Samsung security tape and see that the unit has scratches all over it. WHITE scratches on the black frame.

I contact GUM. They take days to reply. Horrible grammar mistakes when they do. I take photos and send them. They claim to not have received my mails. Resend, etc. WEEKS PASS and I am still getting nowhere.

FINALLY they agree to let me return it (I said I did not want an exchange). They give me a return number. I mail it to them.

WEEKS pass and the package is not delivered. It seems it was sitting in customs for weeks on end, because customs/DHL needed a phone number. I contact GUM again. Days pass. They completely ignore my request for a phone number. I use the number on the website and give that to DHL. They want the contact number for the company. Again GUM doesn't even acknowledge my request.

I am then told by GUM that they are going to "look into" the situation. Within 2 days of this the package is sitting in my apartment because DHL has returned it. GUM has no idea. I contact them again and ask for a partial refund as I don't want to waste any further time with them. NO REPLY. NOTHING.

Just atrocious. The spelling and grammar in the e-mails alone was beyond unprofessional, but ignoring my request to get a phone number and contact name of someone for CUSTOMS is just plain wrong. I told them flat out that the defective unit is not their doing and thus I am not mad at them. I realize these things happen with manufacturing. But everything that followed was entirely their fault and I was just shocked.

I've been told this is typical of a British company (specifically, one of my British friends said "You should be lucky they even replied at all).

And as a general note for everyone: I don't mean to be rude, but "cheap" isn't going to work. Anyone who wants this phone NOW and isn't willing to pay over $650-750 pretty much is going to have to wait. After a few weeks/months when everyone has them in stock, then the prices will fall somewhat, however until then you're out of luck. Look at what happened with the Xperia Play for example. When I got mine a few weeks ago, it was brand new and I paid $780 for it and THAT was "cheap" as those on eBay were selling for $820+. Now look on eBay and stores and you can find them for around $650, or even less. And it's only been about a month. The same thing happened with the LG Optimus 2X.

If there is a store in NYC selling them for $550 or whatever, that is highly suspicious, for the sole fact that they could be making $200 or more per unit sold given the current market and availability. No one is going to be "charitable", especially not if they are paying rent in the Empire State Building as this company apparently is.
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] rwc3b:
From MobileCityOnline

"The item that you ordered is still on preorder and we do not have an ETA

(estimated time of arrival)at this time. We may receive the device by mid to

end of May. Let me know if you have any other questions."

From NegriElectronics

"no exact ETA but possibly May 6"
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] cmd512:
Let me add to/translate MCO's E-mail for everyone:

"The item that you ordered is still on preorder and we do not have an ETA (estimated time of arrival)at this time. We may receive the device by mid to end of May... at which time, we'll jack up the actual price a good $200 and see if you still want the phone. Be prepared to be bent over!"

I ordered 2 from Handtec, screw all these gray market games.
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] BoostedSR20:
Well that's pretty ****ty news. I've had an order with MCO for 2 weeks now. Hmmmm..... what to do?
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] cmd512:
Not much you can do, just sit tight and see how much they raise the price. Given it's a $45 differential vs Handtec, I just went with them instead. Plus, Handtec still claims to have more than enough in stock for 5/3 ship, and comes with a 2 year warranty... well worth the $45 imho.
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] rwc3b:
are you sure about the 2-year warranty?
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] cmd512:
They are an authorized reseller, unlike these grey market phone shops in NYC (MCO/Negril/and all the other shady places). And, Samsung does have a manufacturer's warranty on these devices... as long as they are purchased from an authorized reseller.

Difference is:

1) Authorized reseller = Gets their stock from Samsung or official Samsung distribution.

2) Grey market = Some dude illegal importing them in the US either by bringing them in or having someone ship it from overseas to sell.

Only downfall could be that I might have to send the phone to UK for service. But still, it's warrantied. At the end of the day, they can't take away your warranty given you use the phone out of UK... no different than if I bought the phone in UK and took it elsewhere for work/travel.
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] BoostedSR20:
Definitely thinking of canceling with MCO and looking into Handtec. Mainly don't want to wait another month...
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] kreoXDA:
+1. If the guys do not remove serial numbers because the phones are "dark-grey" :)

you would probably have to send it to England for repairs

http://www.samsung.com/uk/support/warranty/warrantyInformation.do?page=POLICY.WARRANTY
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] cmd512:
FWIW:

Handtec's Q&A section for Galaxy S II:

Q: Hello, how long do you give the guaranty for these telephone?

A: Samsung have given this device a 2 year warranty.

From Handtec's Galaxy S II 16GB page:

Stock Updates:

1) Stock expected 3rd May - Shipping 3rd May

2) Stock from first batch still available
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] darkninja157:
Well I just pulled the trigger on the SGS II from handtec! I'm excited and nervous. My Nexus One has been good for the past year and actually the longest I've kept a phone since before color lcd screens on phones haha. Its now time to get her all nice and clean, and ready to recoup some of that hefty $745.00 price tag :p .

I just hope that we get root real soon, not sure I can live without adfree and being able to uninstall apps I'll never use/don't want. A little support from cyanogen would be really sweet too.
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Dreadsteel:
Please update us on what handtec says !! i'm in the same boat as you are lol
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] PearsonDKA:
Bro your GT-R sounds amazing.
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] cmd512:
Thanks!

With all these people ordering from Handtec, wonder if they're going to run out after they return from the long weekend (Royal Wedding)... :)
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ignign0kt:
Just so people know if you don't already

If you order from the UK to the US, SquareTrade will not cover you for a warranty

Just called them.
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Swisha7:
no one know what the customs duty tax would be to ship the phone from the UK?
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ignign0kt:
According to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, cell phones don't have a duty/tax

But who knows haha
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] FishTaco:
I sent them an email yesterday but haven't heard back yet. Oh well, I guess the $100+ I save on squaretrade I can use on FedEx to send back to the UK for Samsung warranty work.
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ph00ny:
Didn't even notice the car

have you taken it out to the drag strip? How is the launch control with that much power? transmission holding up well?
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] FishTaco:
I did a quick google search and according to the US tariff schedule I found it looks like the duty on "telephone sets" including cellular is no duty (free).

I have never read a tariff chart before, so don't place too much weight on it.

Cellular phones are under Heading 8517 Subheading 12.00 (page 27 of pdf)

Tariff Link (pdf): http://www.usitc.gov/publications/docs/tata/hts/bychapter/1100c85.pdf

Main link: http://www.usitc.gov/tata/hts/bychapter/index.htm
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Swisha7:
hmmm thanks

what's the 35% about though?
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] brandenk0:
If you order from Clove do you still have Samsung's two year warranty on the device?
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] FishTaco:
The 35% is column 2:

"(b) Rate of Duty Column 2. Notwithstanding any of the foregoing provisions of this note, the rates of duty shown in column 2 shall

apply to products, whether imported directly or indirectly, of the following countries and areas pursuant to section 401 of the Tariff

Classification Act of 1962, to section 231 or 257(e)(2) of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, to section 404(a) of the Trade Act of

1974 or to any other applicable section of law, or to action taken by the President thereunder:

Cuba North Korea"

It appears that as long as you don't buy your S II from either Cuba or North Korea that the rates in Column 1 would apply (free in this case) - and I'm pretty sure both of those countries are either using rotary dial phones only or 2 tins cans and a string.

Source (pdf): http://www.usitc.gov/publications/docs/tata/hts/bychapter/1100gn.pdf

These are General Notes to the tariff charts. The Column 2 note is under Section 3) Rates of Duty (specifically section 3(b) around page 6).

Again, this is my interpretation of those tariff charts. Maybe someone who has already ordered can tell us next week if they were hit with any duty.
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] cmd512:
I haven't had a chance to yet, but I know several owners at similar power levels that have. They're hitting the quarter in low 10s (record is 10.001s I think on stock turbos) and 0-60mph ~2.5s. LC is violent, thrilling, and makes me giggle like a little school girl. Tranny is fine even with stock turbos maxed out, will need gear upgrades when I upgrade the turbos (the reprogrammed LC isn't at 4500rpms anymore and is perfectly safe/warrantied).

To the gentleman who mentioned Squaretrade, the 2 year warranty mentioned by Handtec is through the manufacturer/Samsung, not Squaretrade.
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ryude:
2010 or the revised 2011 model?
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] cmd512:
2009, first year. Picked her up 10/31/08.
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ryude:
My buddy owns 2 ford GT's and he had a 2010 GTR, the transmission kept breaking on him. I heard the 2011 revision fixed that.
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ignign0kt:
I just realized.. I ordered one from the UK, that means it will come with the UK power adapter doesn't it. Where do I get an American adapter haha...
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Longcat14:
Most likely it'll be the adapter + USB cable like the original SGS2.

Just use the adapter from your original SGS, it should work.
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] tublah:
I ordered this -- not sure if it'll work or not. It's Samsung OEM, so we'll see.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002HJBM04

If not, I'll run to Best Buy or something and pick up a Captivate charger.

The reviews on that item say that it works fine with Captivates, so I presume it'd work just fine with the GSII as well.
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ignign0kt:
Well I have an iPhone but yeah I guess I didn't even think of the USB to wall outlet adapter ha
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] rwc3b:
So the iPhone charger will have the same power specifications safe for the S 2?
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ph00ny:
not bad

i have a few friends running 8 sec and 9 sec 1/4 mi time with irs (05 GTOs). can you guess which of the two has an automatic and which one is running the 6 spd :D
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ignign0kt:
Wait so how would I get the warranty if it's not through SquareTrade?
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] cmd512:
It's a manufacturer's warranty, so you would contact Samsung directly. You do realize manufacturers offer warranty on their products, right? Squaretrade is just an aftermarket "extended" warranty company.

With regards to the GT-R tranny breaking, there were a few with solenoid issues. But, the ones that got blown out of proportion were those who were launching the crap out of their cars. Nissan was equally guilty for not clarifying their stance on lc and denying warranties, but that's a thing of the past. They have been consistently honoring warranties since early 2010. Plus, after they upgraded lc, it's no longer an issue. The new models's tranny is unchanged from previous models. Feel free to pm me if you'd like more info.
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] MikeyMike01:
This warranty thing sucks. I just bricked my Captivate last week and needed to get a replacement.

Anyone find a decent way around it?

Sent from my Captivate.
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] cmd512:
That's cool, love big powered, stripped down, and sticky drag radial beasts. But, mine's a daily driver, all season stock tires, with occasional track days. PM me if ya wanna talk more gear head stuff. :)
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] RogerPodacter:
So to be clear, a phone warranty would be valid if imported into the US? Cause companies like Nokia don't work like that, Nokia only honors if you buy the phone in your region.

Samsung honors it globally no matter where you buy it from?
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ignign0kt:
Well no I didn't know because the normal warranty they give is void in this circumstance. Do they sell a warranty in this case or something?
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ph00ny:
Both are actually daily driven

one of them has a cage and the second needs a cage
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] PearsonDKA:
Outta curiousity, anyone have any troubles ordering to Canada?

Roaming the forums on the XDA app.
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] cmd512:
Understood, but it won't put out those times on daily driven tires, it'll just spin in place. :)

With regards to the warranty discussion, nowhere on Samsung's manufacturer warranty website does it say your physical address must be in the UK:

http://www.samsung.com/uk/support/warranty/warrantyInformation.do?page=POLICY.WARRANTY

Again, you might just have to pay to ship to Samsung UK for the repairs.
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ph00ny:
lolno

9 sec gto spun the tires in thirdgear doing 80
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] BoostedSR20:
Done that myself... but with only 480ish whp. Sorry to go off topic, had to chime in on this stuff. (hence my avatar... :))

Anyway, back on topic. Anyone heard anything else out of the NY stores?
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] _DiMoN_:
The worst thing I ever did is having the i9000 to go and buy the vibrant..no support, no firmwares, no ffc..I don't see any point buying providers phones

..

The only thing I don't know is if sg2 will have the Aws 1700
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ph00ny:
nice

he did it with 295 rears. Currently getting custom rear end setup to fit 345s in there

As for NY stores, i've skipped them from hearing so many horror stories
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] kreoXDA:
Want to place in an early request here :)

Guys in the US - when you get yours , could you please update this thread with

1) where you bought from

2) if your unit has serial number on the box and the device

3) if you are able to register the device on Samsung UK site with this serial number (I am not sure what you should give Samsung for your physical address, do it at your own risk).

thanks ;)
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ph00ny:
will do as soon as i get mine
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] brandenk0:
Will comment back right when I get mine. Hopefully by the end of this week I'll have my SGS II in my hands :)
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] BoostedSR20:
Guys where did you order from? I'm sitting here ready to order from Handtec and cancel my order with MCO.. I just think dealing with Handtec will be safer, and quicker.
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] cmd512:
Hehe, don't have these problems with AWD, even with stock tires. (Sorry for the odd "Thanks" SR20, pressed the wrong button. Guess you get a free-be! :))

BTW, just got the dreaded security verification from Handtec for my 2 I9100s I have on order. Sent them: Scan of my business card, credit card authorization & reference #s, and two utility bills showing my billing address. Should be more than adequate I hope...
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ph00ny:
Ordered mine from handtec
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] tublah:
I ordered with Handtec, and cancelled my order with MCO. They've been great to deal with so far. If you want to avoid the hassle of ID verify - use Google Checkout and make sure your shipping/billing addresses are exactly the same. (Verified addresses, etc.)

Good luck to you!
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] segfault82:
does anyone know if there will be a version of this phone for tmobile for sure? otherwise i wouldn't mind switching over to at&t since im not on a contract.
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] RogerPodacter:
Nobody knows for sure yet, nothing has been announced. We imagine T-Mobile will carry it though at some point.
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] demo23019:
Its going to be avalible on every carrier just like the galaxy s
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] BoostedSR20:
Alright I'm gonna do the same. Thanks for the information. Can you use a credit card with Google checkout? I was going to use PayPal so I could use my credit card on file....
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] tublah:
Yup. I used my MasterCard with Google Checkout.
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ptscon:
Handtec shipped price is very tempting.

Anyone from Canada have experience with them? Specifically when it comes to customs/brokerage/fedex fees when the item arrives?

Every time I bought something fromg U.S. that was shipped with FedEx, couple months later I got a bill in the mail.
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] np231:
I am waiting for a payment on the phone I just sold... as soon as I get it I will pre-oder the SGSII.

Customs Canada will charge the HST(13%), but FedEx charges brokerage and other clearance fees.

My suggestion, wait until handtec ships your order, once you get the tracking no. call fedex and tell them that you want to clear customs yourself. You will then have to go to the CBSA office near you to pay the import fees (13%HST) and thats about it. This way you will avoid the fees charged by fedex for clearing customs for you. This is total b.s. from FedEx and do anything to avoid paying those stupid charges.
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] BoostedSR20:
Thanks for the info, gonna do this tonight!
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] BoostedSR20:
Yeah yeah, but then after the launch its just all parasitic drag. :D :D

I've owned a couple AWD vehicles myself. Fun on the street, but for the drag strip RWD is my choice. (although cutting a 1.6 60' on garbage street tires can be fun also...)
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] cmd512:
My point was mainly in my response regarding it being a true daily driver... you really can't beat everyday driveability with stock tires but consistent low 10s in the quarter/2.5s 0-60 every single time you floor it. But yeah, it's not my car of choice for the drag, just too damn heavy of a car. Plus, it's reign of terror is on the track. My goal ultimately is a TT Gallardo for the drag.

For those ordering overseas, a little tidbit I learned after traveling many years internationally for business: If you order with just about any credit card other than Capital One, you will incur a 1-3% conversion transaction fee. Capital One does NOT charge such fees... straight exchange rate conversion.
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] halfnelson117:
Looking into getting this phone, off contract of course, for AT&T. If I'm currently on an iPhone unlimited plan, would this device (ordered from the UK) be 4g enabled and work on my current plan? Or would any kinks need to be worked out? Also, would an iPhone 3GS sim work in this phone for 4g up and down? My contract is up and I'm looking into getting an iPhone 4 white and then selling that to buy this device.
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ph00ny:
I didn't get charged with any transaction fee. I guess google checkout takes care of the fee

*offtopic*

I found the 9 sec gto running just over 10sec at 145mph trap speed (blue gto)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rkVa7yFdYM
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] cmd512:
Many times, the fees don't show up until you get your CC bill. I'm not sure about Google Checkout, but Paypal specifically says on their site they charge a conversion fee. Not sure why Google Checkout would absorb your credit card's conversion fee. If you don't mind me asking, which CC did you use?

Very cool video. Here is the AMS GT-R busting a 9.1/160mph trap at the Mile. Notice the nice, supple backseats, lol:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjigoe0PJFw
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ph00ny:
Actually i think they(visa) did charge an international fee. I just didn't notice it because my amazon purchases were between the two.

awd is nice. I've always loved AMS Evos
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] cmd512:
Yeah, hate that crap, those are a nightmare and rack up big time if you're overseas for any extended period of time. I almost only use Capital One overseas now.
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] BoostedSR20:
I'm ordering right now, hopefully no fees...
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] BoostedSR20:
Its done, used google checkout and my Mastercard. No extra fees that I could see.

I'll cancel with MCO in the morning.

Just thought of something. We use google checkout all the time oversees buying Android apps, never any extra fees.
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] cmd512:
You won't see the extra fees until later. If you tell me who your card is through, I can tell you exactly what you can expect for your fees.

All the apps are hosted through Google Marketplace, so you're card isn't really getting charged overseas. With Handtec, your US CC is. Big difference there.
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] BoostedSR20:
Oh super. The card is through Citi. Thanks for your help.
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] cmd512:
Looks to be 3%, which is roughly ~$20+:

http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/foreign-exchange-fees-going-up-1267.php
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] BoostedSR20:
Thanks for the news.
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ajftl:
nice to see people here with same interest .. i own a S13 coupe making 703whp spent to much on that car ... latest turbo im running is a PT 6262 great turbo

yes daily drive .. dont drive it lately tho.. once or twice every two week..
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] BoostedSR20:
Nice. The bottom end of my SR grenaded, so I decided to get into a 2JZ swap. Still in the middle of that.
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] :
Ditto. But I need unlimited data so I have no choice to wait until T-Mobile gets off their ass. Unless someone has found a way to add unlimited through AT&T?
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] cmd512:
You got PM.
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] :
And you have a thanks and another PM.
[Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] darkninja157:
Hold on a second so you do know how to get unlimited data back on with at&t!??!? And if so please help out. I snuck by using Nokia smart phones on the $10 plan forever. Then once I got the Nexus One... BAM got a text message minutes after inserting my sim saying your phone needs a smart phone data plan :( .