Hello,
I want to buy a second-hand pebble blue S3 for 220euros. Apparently it is in good conditions, it works perfectly, everything is in order. I wanted Note2 but there is no longer in stock (~350euros 2hand). I want to know couple things about this S3. My brothers have S1 and S2 and no serious problems so far (owned for more than 2 years)
1. Is it a durable device?
2. What problems could I encounter?
3. Is there any way to check the history of the phone? (e.g. how many hours have been spoken)
4. I am not going to root/mod it in any way, which genuine software version seems to be the best?
5. Is there any differences between white and pebble blue version?
6. Compared to Note2, is it a major difference? (apart from the screen size)
7. What about the price? Does it seem right?
I would appreciate if anybody would sincerely answer my questions.
P.S: I do not want HTC/LG alternatives as I do not trust them. (already had experiences with their products and they're rubbish).
AfXv237 said:
Hello,
I want to buy a second-hand pebble blue S3 for 220euros. Apparently it is in good conditions, it works perfectly, everything is in order. I wanted Note2 but there is no longer in stock (~350euros 2hand). I want to know couple things about this S3. My brothers have S1 and S2 and no serious problems so far (owned for more than 2 years)
1. Is it a durable device?
2. What problems could I encounter?
3. Is there any way to check the history of the phone? (e.g. how many hours have been spoken)
4. I am not going to root/mod it in any way, which genuine software version seems to be the best?
5. Is there any differences between white and pebble blue version?
6. Compared to Note2, is it a major difference? (apart from the screen size)
7. What about the price? Does it seem right?
I would appreciate if anybody would sincerely answer my questions.
P.S: I do not want HTC/LG alternatives as I do not trust them. (already had experiences with their products and they're rubbish).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far i know..
1. It's up to you... do not try harmful things (installing wrong roms/mods) and it will be solid as a rock.
1a. If you install the correct mods/roms (which one is ok for your phone) it will fly!
4. the latest Official (4.1.2 At the moment; watch out for EMG4 new EFS Data format) firmware
5. Colour? :cyclops:
AfXv237 said:
Hello,
I want to buy a second-hand pebble blue S3 for 220euros. Apparently it is in good conditions, it works perfectly, everything is in order. I wanted Note2 but there is no longer in stock (~350euros 2hand). I want to know couple things about this S3. My brothers have S1 and S2 and no serious problems so far (owned for more than 2 years)
1. Is it a durable device?
Its a year plus old .
2. What problems could I encounter?
SDS
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2344125
3. Is there any way to check the history of the phone? (e.g. how many hours have been spoken)
NO
4. I am not going to root/mod it in any way, which genuine software version seems to be the best?
No such thing in respect of rooting or modding .
5. Is there any differences between white and pebble blue version?
NO
I would appreciate if anybody would sincerely answer my questions.
You are posting in the wrong forum and clearly if you are looking to root or mod will need to read the faqs and guides first ..
You may find more answers by searching for this identical frequently posted question .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read the threads here about Sudden Death and Freezing. I had fits with the freezing issue. While mine is working fine now (after a LOT of pain), I would not recommend it due to this.
I'm about to sell the phone, honestly I would recommend you go and get the Note II if you are on a budget, this isn't the best phone ever, it could have been the best phone of 2012 if it had 2GB of ram, 1GB just isn't enough anymore.
I dont see any reason not to get this phone, if you get it that cheap in a good condition. 2gb are not really necessary. The only downside it has is the UI touchwiz which is kind of slow and overloaded, but this is still an issue on the note 2/3 and s4. But to be honest, other custom UIs from htc and so on are not really better.
The sudden death syndrome also shouldnt affect you, as long as the phone was updated to 4.1.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I found a cheaper one, at ~210 euros, white, 16gb. I know that 1GB RAM might not be enough, this is why I wanted Note2 (i like the bigger screen too). Unfortunately, I am worried about the durability of the Note2 because theoretically it does not come with Gorilla Glass. I work in kind of severe conditions, I'm a mechanic (ofc the phone will sit in a comfy hard leather). Also, is more than 100 euros more expensive and I'm a bit tight with money. Regarding the S3, I've read about the update that fixed the sudden death syndrome, but I've also heard that the phone might stop working after 150-200 days (at least some people said so). Should I be afraid of this or not?
Update: the cheapest Note2 I've found is at ~330 euros. The extra 120 euros are not justified. My brother has S2 (same 1GB RAM) and it does just fine, not to mention that even the S1 handles pretty well with 512MB .
In conclusion, I am going to buy a 2nd-hand S3 i9300 (used ~ a year or less). It looks and works normal, as it should. Considering the fact that I am paying over 200 euros for it, I really want to be sure that I am making a good decision. So far, S1 and S2 did an amazing job, so I am expecting the same from the S3. If are there any problems/reasons not to buy it, please enlighten me up. (apart from SDS if it isn't already fixed or it won't get fixed after software update)
I just want to say, like you, I went with the exact same reasoning about the 1gb on the s3. I upgraded from the s1 and also thought Samsung did a good job with the s1 and s2, etc. Well, not so. Thing is, they bloated the phone so bad that 1gb is really REALLY short. All i'm saying is that way of thinking is wrong and I thought you'd want this clarified.
That said, 1gb is not the end of the world (just the end of multitasking lol) and for the price you're paying I do believe it's totally worth it. Phone is still a beast on most cases and you probably won't be disappointed.
About the sds, had one s3 failing 1 weak after buying. Ics was the firmware of the moment and therefore not safe. Was replaced by a new one and never had another issue. If you can use the phone for 1 day before buying you can check for random freezing and rebooting. Those are really clear signs of imminent failure. To be honest, I've not heard of anyone's phone falling on a 150, 200 days timeframe. People do complaint about a bit of lag from time to time and and like to think thats the 'fix' working.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
kaynpayn said:
I just want to say, like you, I went with the exact same reasoning about the 1gb on the s3. I upgraded from the s1 and also thought Samsung did a good job with the s1 and s2, etc. Well, not so. Thing is, they bloated the phone so bad that 1gb is really REALLY short. All i'm saying is that way of thinking is wrong and I thought you'd want this clarified.
That said, 1gb is not the end of the world (just the end of multitasking lol) and for the price you're paying I do believe it's totally worth it. Phone is still a beast on most cases and you probably won't be disappointed.
About the sds, had one s3 failing 1 weak after buying. Ics was the firmware of the moment and therefore not safe. Was replaced by a new one and never had another issue. If you can use the phone for 1 day before buying you can check for random freezing and rebooting. Those are really clear signs of imminent failure. To be honest, I've not heard of anyone's phone falling on a 150, 200 days timeframe. People do complaint about a bit of lag from time to time and and like to think thats the 'fix' working.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the 'gold' info. about 1GB RAM not being enough for S3. Obviously, I/we tend to mix things up and compare an unknown thing with a related known one. But at the end of the day I have no other choice, I just can't see any better option at this value. Moreover, I had couple occasions to play with it a bit and I find it really fast, responsive (while surfing on the internet for instance). Anyway, I am not going to push it to extremes. Mostly surfing the internet, talking, messages, FB, maybe music, couple games (just in case I get too bored when I am waiting or sth ). After all, every phone freezes from time to time, it isn't something specific to S3.
Thank you for the precious info, mate. :good:
Save up for the nexus or wait for refresh nexus
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
tonyt3rry said:
Save up for the nexus or wait for refresh nexus
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LG Nexus 4? If so, no thank you, never LG again.
HTC one maybe they are quick with updates
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Those phones dont fit his current budget. Also, htc is definitely not fast at updating their devices. It only seems to look like this, since they recently updated their flagship, but thats it.
@op, you are definitely not doing anything wrong with the s3. Guess why it was and is still very popular
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
The only thing that holds me from buying HTCs is the fact that the battery is not removable. I always had a spare battery with me wherever I went (in the car/jacket/blazer). Same rule will apply for the S3.
Related
Wonder if anyone could help me as I have been thrown a little out of my depth. The story goes .....
Been using Iphone since 1st Gen, skipped the inbetween and then around 6 months ago went for the iphone 4. Just yesterday after watching some of the stuff on siri I was itching to go for the 4S, although it really felt this time against my better judgement. I knew I shouldnt be spending £500 just for a voice assistant, but I was impressed and was only inches from making the purchase.
However something stopped me and for some reason I just kept going back to the other phone I had heard something about, the Galaxy S2. I really didnt know ANYTHING about this phone, but decided to see what it was all about. It only took me a couple of hours to find out that on the surface this seems a far more impressive phone than the 4s.
It already has some voice recognition software, although it doesnt look like its quite up to siri standards, but the fact that you can plug in usb memory sticks, hook it up to the tv with little to no effort, the fantastic screen etc, it seemed too good to be true.
What has happened during all this research however is that I have picked up some information Im not quite sure of the answers to, which is where someone can maybe help me out.
I9100 vs I9100G ? Im going to be purchasing this in the UK probably on the three network. Is there ANY " G " stock in the UK as I would definately prefer the I9100. How can I be sure I get a 9100?
I read something about yellowing on the screen. Is this an issue with certain models or versions that I should be aware of and to try and avoid?
As with anything such as items like the PS3, PSP, is there any later revision I need to avoid during my purchase that cant be rooted or hacked as the other earlier models can?
I bought my iphone factory unlocked but with this I think I am going to take out a network contract, however are these phones easy to unlock unlike the later iphone models and again are there any later revisions where unlocking has become difficult or impossible?
Basically I am just after some friendly advice for someone who has not made the purchase yet. I just dont want to come back on here and someone say " Oh no, you didnt pick up the SGH-2013232-PPZ revision did you????? Your screwed!"
I have never, ever used an andriod phone before, so am completely new, but after clearing the apple mist, It just seems that in particular the SGS2 is definately pulling me away from continuing with my apple related destiny.
Any help would be very much appreciated.
P.S I did have an old username on here but for the life of me cant remember what it was. It dates back to when I used to come on here regarding my XDA Mini S device.
Make sure it is the GT-I9100. This phone is great. Had no problems so far. It's as good as iPhone 4s and alot.cheaper! IPhone is heavily overpriced.
Be prepared that it is not the same as an iPhone. Some thinks might be harder to configure. My gf has an iPhone and now wishes she had bought mine because Android can do so much more than ios and because my phone is cheaper while it can do the same
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
pewdle said:
I9100 vs I9100G ? Im going to be purchasing this in the UK probably on the three network. Is there ANY " G " stock in the UK as I would definately prefer the I9100. How can I be sure I get a 9100?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK, in Europe you'll be fine. The i9100G is only sold in a couple of markets, such as India.
I read something about yellowing on the screen. Is this an issue with certain models or versions that I should be aware of and to try and avoid?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
New phones are fine. I believe that issue happened only on the first models.
As with anything such as items like the PS3, PSP, is there any later revision I need to avoid during my purchase that cant be rooted or hacked as the other earlier models can?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as you get a i9100, you'll be fine. You can root every single firmware released, keep root through firmware updates, revert bootloaders, etc. This is as much of an open phone as possible, short of a Nexus or Maemo/Meego.
Thanks for the advice. Still pretty nervous about plumping for my first android phone after so long on iphones, but from everything I have seen about the Galaxy S2 it seems to pretty much match the 4s and certainly seems to do things the 4s simply cant touch such as hooking up usb memory sticks and the ease of connecting the device through HDMI to TVs.
It might take a bit of getting used to the Android way compared to the Apple way .
But you can do what you want its your phone and SJ dont tell you what is what .
jje
Hi,
I have been planning to move away from my SGS2. And I'm gonna ask if it's a good time now?
Actually, I don't need a new phone. SGS2 handles everything I do, fast enough. Problem is, I hate this phone to it's guts. I mean, it is decent and works mostly fine but I had too many problems to even like it or keep it. It just like a bad luck charm in my pocket. Now, if I get hit by a bus, I'm gonna blame this phone. That's how I hate it.
Guess it's this particular device, with bunch of hardware problems and stuff, not the whole line. However, combined with ****tiest ever customer support, I just want to get rid of it by flushing it into a toilet.
That said, I decided that I would not even pay a cancerous tumor to Samsung for SGS3 or something new. Gotta look somewhere else.
I have been thinking about One X, looks like a decent device. I guess the biggest problem is battery life but I'm not sure how bad is it compared to SGS2 or 3? Anyone had a chance to use one after SGS2, would you suggest it?
BTW I'm neutral about iPhones, used 2 of them before, good devices. I could switch back, but it looks like the new model will take a little more time to get released and I don't want to buy a 4S weeks before the iPhone 5 release.
So, what would you do? Go for HTC or wait and see if the new iPhone turns out to be something I'd like more than others?
Thanks..
Hello,
I have a Note 2 and my girlfriend has S3. Regarding to the problems which have been coming for the past a few days I started to be really really afraid. We Have just bought the S3 and the Note 2 is roughly 1.5 month old. So I don't want to sell them as they will cost only half price of what we paid. We also really love the phones, everything is super as long as they keep running.
However the more I read about all these Sudden Death and SDcard issues I started to wonder if our datas are safe? I mean not trusting Samsung for the build quality is another thing, looking at your phone like it has cancer and is going to die any time is a whole different story. This is even hunting me on my dreams for the past few days. I mostly play games and make drawings and back them up daily but my girlfriend is using her S3 for job purposes too and has valuable data on her phone. In the beginning I was planning to buy an Sdcard to expand and secure the phones memory so we could have just gotten the card if the phone was broke but then I found out SDcard problem threads. After a while I am sure anybody would be giving the reaction "Come on Samsung, another build defect.. Make the phones from paper already!!"
But still, we do not want to sell our phones by losing money and to be honest we do not think we can find any other phone with these specs. Maybe Nexus 4 but no exp. memory and no FM radio is a no go for us. Sony Yuga in the future maybe but "when" is still a question at this moment. Like I said it is hunting me in my dreams because she asked for Sony Xperia ion and I bought her S3 and she loves it but I would have felt totally responsible if anything happened to her phone and she lost her data.
So, I just wanted to know what do you guys are using your phones for and are you feeling your data is safe enough in your internal or external cards. Do you trust your phone?
_delice_doluca_ said:
Hello,
I have a Note 2 and my girlfriend has S3. Regarding to the problems which have been coming for the past a few days I started to be really really afraid. We Have just bought the S3 and the Note 2 is roughly 1.5 month old. So I don't want to sell them as they will cost only half price of what we paid. We also really love the phones, everything is super as long as they keep running.
However the more I read about all these Sudden Death and SDcard issues I started to wonder if our datas are safe? I mean not trusting Samsung for the build quality is another thing, looking at your phone like it has cancer and is going to die any time is a whole different story. This is even hunting me on my dreams for the past few days. I mostly play games and make drawings and back them up daily but my girlfriend is using her S3 for job purposes too and has valuable data on her phone. In the beginning I was planning to buy an Sdcard to expand and secure the phones memory so we could have just gotten the card if the phone was broke but then I found out SDcard problem threads. After a while I am sure anybody would be giving the reaction "Come on Samsung, another build defect.. Make the phones from paper already!!"
But still, we do not want to sell our phones by losing money and to be honest we do not think we can find any other phone with these specs. Maybe Nexus 4 but no exp. memory and no FM radio is a no go for us. Sony Yuga in the future maybe but "when" is still a question at this moment. Like I said it is hunting me in my dreams because she asked for Sony Xperia ion and I bought her S3 and she loves it but I would have felt totally responsible if anything happened to her phone and she lost her data.
So, I just wanted to know what do you guys are using your phones for and are you feeling your data is safe enough in your internal or external cards. Do you trust your phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I trust my s3 and love s3. 1st u store your contac on google account , and u save ur all data in ex.sd card and every week u just copy/peast ex/sd card on ur pc. so even ur ex card is break after that u not lose ur data any way and u use ur data also other dives. sorry 4 my English.
I myself use my S3 for everything. Work and play. With the SD and security issues, I really don't know now how I should really feel about my smartphone. I don't really change phones so often. Simply because I don't have that much dough to shell out just to keep up with technology.
Warranty still is existing for another 7-8 mos, but that doesn't make me feel at ease. Samsung staff here in the Philippines aren't all that knowledgeable and courteous to talk to. I've had my fair share of experience with them.
People like me think and research hard to make the "best buy" out there, only to be bugged by a thought that anytime, your hard earned money might go waste. With or without warranty issues, we don't buy a flagship phone that randomly acts as if it wasn't made by one of the biggest, trusted phone manufacturers out here.
Sent from my Galaxy S III
Flash the new firmware XXELLA it has a bootloader that prevents suddem death issue and Exynos security fixed.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
endrit9 said:
Flash the new firmware XXELLA it has a bootloader that prevents suddem death issue and Exynos security fixed.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just Exynos security fixed. the rest is pure speculation.
i want to live to see how any bootloader can fix the SDS.
my advive to OP: make backups regulary.
when a career depends on data (no mater in the phone or computer) you should make backups.
Sammobile said so
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
U should try using dropbox, my dad uses it for his buissiness and he never had any problems with it...
Try Dropbox with Foldersync.
Perfect combo for regular backup.
Verzonden door mijn GT-I9300 met xda premium
I'm looking into buying a new phone, and one I'm looking at is the SIII. What is currently putting me off is this sudden death syndrome.
So my question is, would anyone here still recommend buying the SIII despite the sudden death syndrome problem that at least some are having?
I'll mention other phone if asked, but I'm trying to avoid the recommend the best phone type topic, least here in the SIII forums, I may ask that question elsewhere.
SDS affects incredibly small amount of phones, and Samsung repairs it for free. SGS3 definitely still costs its money, it's a great phone
ATMinotaur said:
I'm looking into buying a new phone, and one I'm looking at is the SIII. What is currently putting me off is this sudden death syndrome.
So my question is, would anyone here still recommend buying the SIII despite the sudden death syndrome problem that at least some are having?
I'll mention other phone if asked, but I'm trying to avoid the recommend the best phone type topic, least here in the SIII forums, I may ask that question elsewhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No BS, I was one of the unlucky bastards that saw his SIII die of unnatural causes. SDS struck during the night. Last time I picked up my phone was at around 4 in the AM, it was fully charged and I was heading for bed. At 7:15 I awoke to the sound of my second alarm clock (yes, I am one of those guys that really needs a backup alarm clock). I hadn't heard my beloved SIII go off at 7. The green "charged" led was on. But the phone wouldn't switch the screen on no matter what button I pressed. So I unplugged it. The led immediately went off and that was the last time that particular SIII ever did anything again. From that point on it was totally dead. Nothing. Abso-freakin'-lutly nothing. Sent it in for repairs although it had a custom ROM (aka warranty probably void). Nevertheless, they sent me a new replacement unit. First 5 minutes inside my house, was rooted again and on it's way to OMEGA ROM bliss.
I am happy with the phone. Sure by now there are better devices. Sure you can get something that does more. But to me, this phone is still fantastic and I love it to bits. Would really still consider it. If I were rich, maybe I'd splurge on something else. But if money matters and I had to make a sensible choice, sure, I'd still consider the SIII a top contender.
I recently buyed a second Galaxy S III for my girlfriend to make it easier to help her with technical support. What i can recomment if you buy it is to buy a Tempered Glass Screen Protector. Mine Galaxy S III has already has a crack in the screen.
ATMinotaur said:
I'm looking into buying a new phone, and one I'm looking at is the SIII. What is currently putting me off is this sudden death syndrome.
So my question is, would anyone here still recommend buying the SIII despite the sudden death syndrome problem that at least some are having?
I'll mention other phone if asked, but I'm trying to avoid the recommend the best phone type topic, least here in the SIII forums, I may ask that question elsewhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want an s3, get the I9305 model. That's the one with 2gb lte.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
kofiaa said:
If you want an s3, get the I9305 model. That's the one with 2gb lte.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was under the impression the I9305 was not an international phone and hence didn't work on all networks outside of the US and Canada?
kofiaa said:
If you want an s3, get the I9305 model. That's the one with 2gb lte.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would get that one but I'm outside the US, and rather buy from the UK as that's where I live.
Edit: Had a bit of a look into I9305, and whilst it's available, it's at least £50 more for one, and no real well known that many sellers in the UK for an unlocked one. So less it becomes more widely available and at the same/similar price as a regular one, it's not an option. Anyway thanks for the information.
Pitbull_Raven said:
I was under the impression the I9305 was not an international phone and hence didn't work on all networks outside of the US and Canada?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's the international version. The American models don't use the I9xxx code.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
kofiaa said:
It's the international version. The American models don't use the I9xxx code.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for clearing that up. Now I feel bad that I only have 1GB ram and 3g
But the 9305 hardly has any development
Mostly yes!
1. The latest XELLA kernel fixes a major cause for Sudden Death Syndrome.
2. i9300 is still seeing the largest amount of development.
3. The only somehow similar alternatives IMHO are i9305 (but not so much development goes there) or Note2 (if the size is OK for you).
xclub_101 said:
1. The latest XELLA kernel fixes a major cause for Sudden Death Syndrome.
2. i9300 is still seeing the largest amount of development.
3. The only somehow similar alternatives IMHO are i9305 (but not so much development goes there) or Note2 (if the size is OK for you).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did think about the Note 2, size wise probably not a problem, but it costs a bit more than I'm willing to pay, the SIII is at the top end, also the note 2 is a bit more of a tablet, and I've already have the note 10.1, and I'm looking for something a little more phone sized, and SIII looks to me the closest one to what I want for the price I'm willing to pay.
I'll be looking for something to bridge the gap between my phone and desktop when I sell my laptop for about $550, and I see them going for that much brand new and unlocked on Amazon. Don't want to spend more than $300, otherwise I feel I might as well keep my laptop and save myself the hassle. The exception would be the upcoming Acer 8" Windows tablet because it'd be a full version of Windows that's very portable and with good battery life for about $400.
Anyway, hardware-wise it looks spectacular - rear camera that's actually worthwhile, great speakers (including a subwoofer), feels good to hold, has accurate pen input available, includes data capabilities (which I believe would also work on T-Mobile LTE), etc. Only thing that sucks is that it's stuck on Honeycomb, at least for now. Which, honestly, I don't really mind it being stuck on Honeycomb, if it works and is good hardware-wise - I'm kinda past the mentality of "needing" the newest version of Android on my device.
Is there anything wrong with it, or anything to consider when buying it? I know there's also the Asus Memo Pad 10" for only $30 more with newest Android and a faster processor, but I'm wondering specifically about the Jetstream for Sense, the build quality, and data capabilities.
its great for the first 5 minutes.
then the lag begins..honeycomb is slowing this thing alot.
if can wait, do so. there's a developer working on a better kernel, one that should put all those issues away. can't tell how long it'll take, because its already been around 3 months. wait a month more and see if something changed..
guru_shastri said:
its great for the first 5 minutes.
then the lag begins..honeycomb is slowing this thing alot.
if can wait, do so. there's a developer working on a better kernel, one that should put all those issues away. can't tell how long it'll take, because its already been around 3 months. wait a month more and see if something changed..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do none of the current ROMs alleviate these lag issues? Just wondering.
Hardly.
Honeycomb isn't fit to work with dual core, only with a proper kernel the device will work properly
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Oh yeah !!!! worth every penny of it, my other friend is thinking hard how to get rid of his NEW Tab_2 10.1" to get this one, Sense is so much better Touchwiz.
I have given mine to my sis, without a Jetstream now, ohhhhh it's so hard without it now..... today went to another shop to buy it, but new stock was late arriving, I left. May be go again tomorrow or Friday.
So I bit the bullet and bought one last night...I don't know if I was extremely unlucky, but the one I bought labeled as new was clearly not:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009HNVPUK/
I bought it from Masterdeals with express shipping, got it today...right off the bat, the seal was clearly broken and covered with another smaller seal. I didn't get a startup/tutorial screen on boot, or even the default homescreen layout, and I'm 100% sure I've never seen an Android device that had the "Unknown Sources" checkbox ticked by default. And to make matters worse, it came preloaded with what I'm pretty sure are two adware/spam/etc. apps installed to system (AIRPUSH EULA and FREE APPS - the former of which doesn't even appear in the app drawer and starts itself in the background).
Thankfully I'm able to get a refund for the shipping too, but it looks like I'm going to have to restrict myself to buying a legitimately used one off eBay if I want one.
I see, take it easy, you'll get what you want next round.