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Time to light up your BlackBerry Torch 9800 at Rogers
The new BlackBerry Torch 9800, one of the hottest smartphones to hit the market this year, is now available from Rogers. You can now pick up the device from Rogers.com or your local Rogers store for $199.99 with select three year term plans.
As the first carrier in the world to launch the BlackBerry smartphone, we are excited to add the Torch to our lineup. With our Handset Protection Guarantee and Canada’s reliable network, Rogers is the carrier of choice for the BlackBerry Torch.
For more details on the BlackBerry Torch, please visit Rogers.com. In case you missed it the first time, check out our demo video of the Torch with BlackBerry’s Director of Marketing, Michael McDowell.
Miranda MacDonald is a regular contributor to RedBoard.
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September 30th, 2010 a 9:16am
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i got the device today. first of all its worth the wait. its amazing, fluid and easyish to use (different then the 9000). if you preordered one (bestbuy, futureshop) you should get in today. they are getting mroe shipments on monday for those who did not preorder.
Check your local Costco store! I got mine yesterday in Winnipeg, no lineup, walked up to the kiosk and was out the door in less than 15 minutes on an upgrade. They apparently got 12.
Now, for the device… first of all I’m a middle aged business person, so take this for what it is worth. This device ROCKS! The seamless transfer from network to WIFI and the cool new navigation in the contact lists that shows you the latest activity with the contact alone are worth the upgrade. I’m sure the screen is not as good as an Iphone, I’m sure there is not as many apps… but that’s OK – I’ll play games when I want to play games on one of the huge TVs hooked up to the game consoles I have at home.
I have not spent much time with an Iphone, tried several of my friends and just couldn’t get past the touch screen keyboard. I found LOTS of things I didn’t like about the Iphone when I have tried them… I have not found one thing I don’t like about this Torch – it is just awesome!
Here’s how I see it – if you’re 35 or younger, buy the Iphone. If you are over 35 and want to use your device as a business tool, buy the Torch!
No I don’t work for RIM or Rogers.
My friend just got one. It’s so nice — albeit a little heavier than my old phone (an old BB pearl). I’m getting mine next week!
Hey, the phone is stylish and solid. Got lots of oohs and ahhs from my work colleagues. All I would say to rogers is thhis: the marketing of this exciting new product was pitiful. You realy would not know the prodcut existed in most stores (lack of posters, displays, etc). Why? This product is really moving due to word of mouth. That’s good for RIM. Still Samsung Galxy getting all the glory on Rogers.com
Thanks for the feedback Steven.
I got to play with the 9800 and it looks pretty sweet. Too bad I just upgraded so I can’t get this one.
OMG, I love this BlackBerry – this is by far the best BlackBerry I’ve ever owned. The store manager of a store I go to frequently put one aside for me and called me up. Activation was fine, but had some connection issues been a new device, but now it’s just so fast and responsive. This is by far the best device RIM has ever come out with, and I’ve owned a lot of BlackBerry devices. LOL. Thanks Rogers.
Thanks for your business! Glad you’re enjoying your new device.
I went to my local Rogers store in Toronto and they were sold out. I was so excited about getting the device but once I started playing around with the display model and one of the representative’s active devices, I was a bit disappointed. I am in love with my 9000 so to feel the sunken keyboard was not what I was hoping for. The rep also had a 9000 and said that he actually uses the 9000 but only has the Torch because it was free and a novelty. The keyboard for both of us was disappointing as well as the fact that when you naturally slide it open, more times than not you will end up activating an application on the screen – a small pet peeve of mine. All in all, there’s not too much I would say to disuade anyone from getting the Torch as it is the most superior Berry to date but if you are in love with the 9000, especially the Bold’s keyboard, you may be disappointed.
Hey ! Any promotional pricing coming for long term customers !! A bit of a discount maybe? Between my personal and business accounts I forked over $ 5,700.00 last year, been here since early eighties……… want a Torch ??
$ 689.00 smackeroos Come on already ( will this post see the light of day? )
Hi Jim,
Regular hardware upgrade rules apply, but I’d recommend calling Customer Care or going to their nearest authorized Rogers dealer for possible promotional offers.
Now that I have my BlackBerry Torch and loading on a few Apps I notice there is no Skype for the Torch. Is Rogers woking with Skype to get that app?
Hi Dwight,
That question is best directed at RIM. RIM decides what apps to include in BlackBerry App World.
I cant get one, apparently i have to wait 24 months for an upgrade even though I have never boughten a blackberry from rogers before. I just got the 6GB data plan but they wont allow me to upgrade my phone. So sad:(
I ordered mine on the phone on launch date and it has yet to be shipped out to me… is there even stock level to send it out at the warehouse or is this a similar problem to the iPhone?
Hi Sol,
I don’t have access to customer account information. If you were given a reference or order number, I’d suggest calling customer care to inquire about the status of your order.
So you can order a new phone over the phone… with a new account and committment contract ?
But you can’t do a hardware upgrade over the phone ?
Great Customer Service move !
All I was wondering if there is stock at the warehouses right now, or is it sold out everywhere?
I don’t have access to that information, but more Torches will be arriving on an ongoing basis.
I have had the same experience as many of these folks. The store at Yonge and Bedford Park in Toronto told me on October 1 that they had 4 on launch day. Even Canadian Tire can do online stock checks and other online suppliers actually know when stock is being replenished. And they’re usually accurate. Apparently that very simple bit of technology has not been developed at Rogers retail.
I ordered my Torch last week (Release Date) via a corporate associate on the phone. He says I should likely have this by the end of this week.
Is this likely or should I lower my expectations and assume I’ll be waiting? Apparently I will not get another notification until the Torch has been shipped to me.
Thanks!
When I ordered on the release date I was told it would be shipped 3-5 business days and that I would be emailed a tracking number. I’m still waiting no that number to be emailed to me. I called in and the rep said there was none in stock.
I imagine the 3-5 business days isn’t accurate and it might take up to two weeks. Fingers crossed that it holds true!
Miranda,
A suggestion that I have, is to have an hourly updated inventory of stock levels of this, and other phones from each store. That way, Rogers customers can check stock levels before going to their retail location to be told, we are out, which engages a poor customer experience. The other thing is, to keep things syncronized between stores, and by that I mean, what you are telling the customers. I went to several Rogers stores inquiring about the warranty options on the BlackBerry Torch. One of them said I can purchase warranty, two different kinds, that are non refundable (water warranty and physical damage warranty). Another store said I can purchase warranty for 99.00 and its refundable, no mention about water damage warranty. Another one said its manufactures warranty only. Another store said I could buy extended warranty. Calling into the call center they said they don’t know about this, and they don’t sell phones anymore, you have to visit your local Rogers retailer.
That’s where the customer gets confused, and frustrated, I find at least.
Hi Jonathan,
Thanks for the suggestions and apologies for the mixed information you received.
In addition to the manufacturer’s warranty on your device, all Rogers devices are also covered under our Handset Protection Guarantee. This guarantee provides you with a subsidized repair or replacement device in the event that your phone is lost, stolen or broken. More info here: http://www.rogers.com/protection.
Question about the rebate – I was told in store that rebate is now completed online…where exactly do I do this? I have online billing setup already but can’t seem to find the online form for rebates.
My local reseller has none in stock here in Montreal and my BSG (business support group – largest corp clients) consultant says they are out of stock too.
If your biggest customers are being told “no stock” is that a concern for you?
no torch for fido. That sucks. Rogers owns fido. That sucks as well.
I was on the phone first thing 8am on the 30th ordering the phone. As I was on the phone with the CSR she said the phone was not yet available for order on the computer. 3 minutes later it popped up. I ordered mine , got my confirmation saying my order was placed and have yet to receive a ups tracking order number. I called several times and the Track and Trace dept can only say the order is in process. I asked what process and when should I expect the phone to be shipped. They said 3-5 days. online it states order placed before 3pm est time will be shipped within 3 days…( Today is day 3 no UPS number) I also asked if the phone is back order does Rogers contact the customer whom are waiting for a product they believe is in stock and inform them of the back order , the CSR said NO. I also asked if she realized she was working for the Track and Trace dept. and she should be able to provide more information! because really theres a dept. that Rogers put together ,made up to find your device right? At least you would think so. Customer service can tell you the exact same thing. You would THINK that a dept. made up for TRACKING could give you a bit more info. then that your order was released to the warehouse. I am a big wireless phone purchaser. Always buying the new thing out ( Ye my choice ). My Rogers bill is just short of 500 each month. and thats not including the devices I purchase. I expect more! Also my opinion, I dont think they even got the phones on the 30th, seeing as everyone is saying the store didnt have one. I expected that and that is why I decided to order over the phone. Im really disappointed with Rogers, I even told customer Service that if you dont have the phone just say it! I asked to speak to a manger and they put me on hold for over 30 min. hmmmm avoiding the call maybe? I dont know whats worse being hung up on or put on hold and forgotten about!
Do you understand how much pissed I am right now because I order my phone on the first day it was available, waited the delay finally received it last afternoon to realize that there’s the battery missing !!! Now I have to return my handset and receive a new package but wait … The Blackberry Torch is back order !!!! Now I have to wait and indefinite time to receive a Blackberry Torch that I’m watching right now but cannot power on and frankly that Rogers have no solution to provide in the meantime and the customer service that (really let’s loose the word customer because he was not able to provide any sense of empathy) frankly couldn’t care less about my situation … Do you have something to answer to that ? Why is it so complicated to return a handset bought to your channel and cannot return it to a dealer or at least provide a battery in the meantime that your customer waits for the handset ?
My local Rogers Plus store in Etobicoke had received 80 phones and by the time i called at 2pm they had 10 left. They gladly put one aside for me until i could pick it up after work. Don’t see the issue of no phones on launch day????
HOWEVER after using it for 24 hours i returned it for the following reasons:
Crashed 2 times
Virtual keyboard is terrible
Camera pics were a barfy green
Simple tasks took too many inputs
Slow compared to Android and Apple
Getting an iPhone 4… sorry BlackBerry… i tried… i really did
Okay, I have a question for Rogers Miranda.
The torch has been promoted as $199 for a 3 year contratc. I called in to Rogers and ordered the torch. When I placed my order, I was told that the price is actually $249 with a $50 mail in rebate. I was surpirsed by this as nowhere does it state anything about a mail in rebate. I still wanted the phone so said ok. I then asked what would be required for the mail in rebate and was told that the directions would be in the box. Well, I just recieved my torch and I went through everything and cannot find any $50 mail in rebate. How can I fix this?
Thanks for your patience and assistance
Hi Kingston,
The price of the Torch is $199 on a three year contract. If there is a discrepancy on your first bill, I’d suggest calling Billing to discuss.