Blackberry Bold shows up for free on contract at Walmart

Well hell, that Blackberry Bold decision just got a lot easier if you're, uh, bold enough to sign a two-year contract with AT&T -- it's now free after rebate at Walmart. Yep, it's only been out for two days and Wally's already handing 'em for free -- somehow we don't think that's gonna happen with the Storm. Still, this is the one you want if you double-heart keyboards with itty-bitty keys -- just make sure you actually mail in the forms, okay?

Update: The deal is through LetsTalk, so if you and Sam aren't getting along you can order direct from them.

[Thanks, Barry and Jedidiah]

[MastrCake @ Nov 4th 2008 6:17PM]

Say wha now?

[Flashpoint @ Nov 4th 2008 6:48PM]

CHANGE IS COMING TO WASHINGTON.

[bob sakamano @ Nov 4th 2008 7:29PM]

jedidiah.... SPRINGFIELD!?!?

[Moe @ Nov 4th 2008 8:15PM]

thats not through wal-mart thats thorough letstalk.com
comeon engadget people think that they can get this in stores
u have to buy online only
heres the link
http://wsf2.letstalk.com/cell-phones/productdetail.htm?prId=34661

[Eric B @ Nov 4th 2008 6:21PM]

How much is it from Walmart if you don't have a upgrade yet? :)

[Ayle @ Nov 4th 2008 6:40PM]

Full price.

[KAIKAI @ Nov 4th 2008 6:22PM]

i like :D

[kjb434 @ Nov 4th 2008 6:25PM]

And people bitch about Wal-Mart! Why!

They no how to compete. I'm glad they are dipping further into offering name brand popular electronics. They'll give other electronic outlets a run for their money.

[Abuzar Baloach @ Nov 4th 2008 6:52PM]

But, do they Know how to compete?

[cwj @ Nov 5th 2008 6:03AM]

something about predatory business tactics, paying as little as possible/limiting opportunities for labor to go full time (no benefits), discouraging labor organization....

hard to argue with free, though... isn't it?

[thedesolate1 @ Nov 4th 2008 6:27PM]

In times of great economic turmoil Walmart still manages to push the barrier on insane sales. Oh sweet jesus 2 PS3 games for $30 last week...
God Bless America.

[Waveblade @ Nov 4th 2008 6:29PM]

You're kidding me.

I just got my Pearl 8110 with AT&T for 80 bucks with a 2 year contract :(

[Baseer @ Nov 4th 2008 6:38PM]

Doesn't AT&T have a 30 day trial? Just cancel your service and go for the Bold. I think it's a better phone.

[Waveblade @ Nov 4th 2008 7:07PM]

I think I will

[andy @ Nov 4th 2008 7:50PM]

I just got my pearl 8110 for free with tmobile.
i could dig the bold for the price.

[tom @ Nov 4th 2008 8:44PM]

REFUND?

p.s. I want to call you stupid for taking a BB8100 for 80, when 3 BB are coming down the pipe.

[Barney @ Nov 4th 2008 6:33PM]

Can you get this for free if you already have AT&T but your contract has expired?

[michael rogers @ Nov 4th 2008 7:10PM]

yup!

[rush0 @ Nov 4th 2008 6:37PM]

damn 699 without contract, how much do you have to pay if you cancel the contract early?

[Ayle @ Nov 4th 2008 6:42PM]

I think it's $179 but I'm not sure if you get to keep the phone if you cancel the day after you subscribed....

[labelexec @ Nov 4th 2008 6:37PM]

WTF I just bought one at the at&t store for $399 last night.

[Ayle @ Nov 4th 2008 6:42PM]

Return it lol.

[John @ Nov 4th 2008 7:10PM]

In some places you have a few days to opt out of a phone contract.

[MiaCane @ Nov 4th 2008 8:16PM]

you have 3 days to cancel your plan with no penalty. if you are more than 3 days, then you pay the activation, minutes used , and a restocking fee on the phone. i just canceled a new contract ( long story) and received no penalty. DO EEEEET. im looking into this deal as well as i am due for an upgrade just my contract expired. You can also modify your plan on a month to month basis ( 30 days) if i remember correctly. im personally going to make sure i can do so before i jump on this deal and a half.

[Rob @ Nov 4th 2008 6:41PM]

Damn it. It's AT&T. Verizon works better for me. Let's hope Verizon, or Wal-Mart for that matter, can come up with something for loyal "V" customers.

[Valicore @ Nov 4th 2008 6:52PM]

I'm SORRY in advance but I can't help it...

I think a lot of us are loyal "V" customers, just not of Verizon, badumpbump!

Anyway, I'd be pissed if I had just bought a Bold for $299 on a two-year contract from AT&T. Yay for a return policy. Now... how is Walmart able to do that?

Seriously though, Verizon customers will hopefully get a significant discount on the Storm. No matter whose side you're own, gadget love is a beautiful thing.

[bob sakamano @ Nov 4th 2008 6:44PM]

if its free from walmart

and its only 10 to add a line a month

then is it worth 240 over two years to add a line and get this phone?

[ScottyB @ Nov 4th 2008 6:45PM]

If I have a 2 year contract upgrade, can I use it and have this for free? or do you have to sign up for a completely new at&t account

[Baseer @ Nov 4th 2008 6:54PM]

aahh....there's a catch

Walmart is calling it the "BlackBerry Bold Unlimited" which means the cheapest plan you can get is:

AT&T Nation 1350 w/Rollover®
# Basic Voice Mail, Caller ID , Three-Way Calling,
Call Forwarding and Call Waiting
$79.99
Activation Fee: $36.00

Plan Options
BlackBerry Personal Add-on: $30.00
Messaging Unlimited: $20.00
2 Year Contract Included
Add/Edit Plan Options

Monthly Fee: ** $129.99

[Valicore @ Nov 4th 2008 6:56PM]

Pfft, that's a pretty big Catch lol.

[gad get @ Nov 4th 2008 7:02PM]

....
.....*Utter speechlessness*

[Jon Nelson @ Nov 4th 2008 7:12PM]

That's Wal-Mart for you. You assume you're going to get something awesome for cheap, and then they turn you over and fuck you in the ass.

The only reason they get away with the prices of their groceries is because while they distract us with low prices, they're busy fucking their slave labor in the ass.

.../Rant

[MastrCake @ Nov 4th 2008 7:39PM]

Say wha now?

[Sachin @ Nov 4th 2008 8:05PM]

you only have to keep the data plan for 6 months before you can cancel it.

[Ryan @ Nov 4th 2008 7:18PM]

For the 'unlimited,' it cites this as the network technology:

Network Technology
Technology GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
Data Technology 1900MHz GSM®/GPRS

For the regular bold, it cites the 3G / WiFi networks.

For this 'unlimited,' is it not 3G? Why the discrepancy?

[Valicore @ Nov 4th 2008 8:30PM]

This would be the biggest ass rape ever if they limited the data to GPRS, crap.

[grull27 @ Nov 4th 2008 7:22PM]

Always low prices!

[LonnieDvD @ Nov 4th 2008 8:14PM]

Very nice deal there, now if only Walmart would sell GOOD computers.

[Bob Wagner @ Nov 4th 2008 8:28PM]

"If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is..."

[Gary J @ Nov 4th 2008 9:28PM]

Promotional price requires voice plan of $79.99 or higher, blackberry data plan, and unlimited text messaging

[Greg @ Nov 4th 2008 9:56PM]

So the plan is pretty much more expensive than the iphone 3g yet I don't see anyone calling shenanigans. Wonder why that is.

[Bluestu @ Nov 4th 2008 10:07PM]

I bought from letstalk.com once. If it's the same condition - the rebate comes after 1year of service - mark your calenders!

[ScottyB @ Nov 4th 2008 10:30PM]

Can somebody please clarify as to what happens with these deal sites/walmart. I am an AT&T customer as now, and I am going to have a 2 year contract upgrade. Am i eligible for this or what? Or do I have to be like on Verizon and switch over?

[Tim @ Nov 4th 2008 10:54PM]

"Promotional price requires voice plan of $79.99 or higher, blackberry data plan, and unlimited text messaging."

[Fritze @ Nov 5th 2008 11:41AM]

$199.99 LetsTalk mail-in rebate

Purchase select AT&T phones from LetsTalk.com or any of our affiliated partners and retailers online or through our customer service department and receive a $199.99 mail-in rebate when you activate new AT&T service on a service plan of $59.99 per month or more. Offer Qualifications and Restrictions: This mail-in rebate is exclusive to LetsTalk.com and LetsTalk's affiliated online retailers and partners and is not available in any stores or carrier websites. This mail-in rebate applies only to individual plans or line 1 of a family plan This mail-in rebate requires a new 2 year service agreement. Certain other rate plans may not apply. Failure to maintain the minimum qualifying service plan for 181 days will invalidate the rebate. Rebate form will be made available for customer to download after order completion and fulfillment.

Requirements
1. Print & submit a copy of the rebate form. A customized version of your rebate form is available for download via our Rebate Center. There is a unique form for each phone purchased. Please double check to make sure you have all the right forms. Also, if you changed your cell phone number, please be sure to indicate your new cell phone number on the rebate form. Without these numbers, we will not be able to complete your rebate!
2. Submit a copy of your Proof of Purchase Receipt. You have a few options for your proof of purchase; you can use the Packing Slip that was included with your shipment or print a copy of the Receipt via our Rebate Center.
3. Attach a copy of the GREY LetsTalk.com barcode sticker (located on the bottom of your equipment box) to the space provided on the rebate form.
4. Submit a copy of your 4th month carrier bill. The bill must show that you have made payment and that "all outstanding balance" has been paid in full (Please circle this section on the bill).
5. Ensure that you have everything and make copies for your records. Then mail the required paperwork to the address indicated on the rebate form. USE SEPARATE ENVELOPES IF YOU ARE SUBMITTING MULTIPLE REBATES.

NOTE: Your rebate submission must be postmarked between 120 days and 180 days or we will be unable to process your rebate request

Terms & Conditions
Please allow 8-10 weeks after submission for check processing. Equipment serial and cell phone numbers will be verified as active on our system prior to rebate being fulfilled.

[Luke @ Nov 5th 2008 11:34PM]

Not only crazy rebates process...but secondary contract...watch out for that!!! Dirty pool!!!

[Zoltan @ Nov 6th 2008 12:13PM]

You never get something for nothing, unless we're talking STD's

[slowburn @ Nov 8th 2008 11:00AM]

According to Giz you need a 1350 minute plan with unlimited text..

[Russ @ Nov 10th 2008 6:05PM]

This deal requires a minimum expenditure of $115/month ($80 for 1350 minutes, $30 for web access/email, $500 for a few SMSes per month). That's $2,750 over the course of a two-year agreement for service and a phone.

For those who need far less calling minutes, the phone from AT&T (at $300) makes much more sense. You'll save $960 over the duration of your contract and still come out ahead $660 after paying $300 to AT&T for the Blackberry Bold.