As I was saying, I love the idea of a Sample Lab as pointed out by @peter levitan. So a member of the Gadget of the Month could go to a place like the Sample Lab and could check out a new gadget for an hour or physically check it out for an extended period of time like a library book. I used the analog of a library book instead of a Blockbuster dvd movie because my Sample Lab establishment would be like a combination of a Library/Starbucks/Internet Cafe.

Do you know of anyone that would like to invest in my idea?

I first found out about your idea from CNET and one related idea Chris M. mentioned was the second hand market. Your idea would work very well with the current Android revolution as you know since you used the Droid as your example. There will be plenty of Android devices coming out in the next few years and who wouldn’t want to try them all out. The customization of Android would allow the second hand market to boost the value of used Androids.

I also loved the idea of a Sample Lab as pointed out by @peter levitan. So a member o

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/09/technology/09runway.html?th&emc=th

http://brainsells.blogspot.com/2008/03/tokyo-sample-lab.html

The trouble with depending on SIM cards is that only ATT and T-Mobile use SIM cards in the US. Verizon and Sprint are CDMA technology and it is not as simple as moving a SIM card from phone to phone with them. Something as simple as moving your phone number from phone to phone with Verizon and Sprint requires the user to re-program the phone with the assistance of customer service or the carrier’s website for instructions and codes that are specific to each phone.

Overall Jeff’s idea has merit but it will be a small startup that is able to execute the details or an established internet wireless outlet such as wirefly that has access to all four major carriers.

Hey Jeff — I had an iPhone and hated the ATT coverage so I canceled it. The way early termination penalties work these days is that they are pro rated so the further you are into your contract the lower the penalty. I think I had to pay $150 to dump them which was a small price to pay to switch to a service that doesn’t have spotty coverage. Additionally, I know that sprint and t-mobile are offering to pay the penalty on business accounts if you switch to them (not sure about Verizon). this is in addition to the other rebates and discounts you get when you sign up for them. My new Sprint HTC Android phone will be here on Tuesday!

Dennis

A variant of this idea exists: see http://www.rentobile.com/

Haven’t leased from them, but the concept seems to match up with what you’re proposing. They also don’t seem to have inventory of the “latest and greatest” phones, but the basic idea is there.

Andy

You never answered my first point. You said it wasn’t worth the commitment to get another phone, then you said you could be convinced if you got one on loan? Which one is it?

They don’t want you trialling, they want you tied down for 2 years. Is that so hard to understand?

In the meantime, lovin’ WWGD. This idea is the perfect example of what you’re talking about. I’m now rethinking everything and having a blast doing it.

Many thanks,

Ellen

From listening to the last few twig shows, I was eagerly awaiting this post . One glitch, what happens to the numbers? It probably cant be the users primary phone unless its GSM and you are just looking at popping in and out the SIM cards. But that would mean unlocking the phone, so that means the AT&T and Verizons of the world have to cooperate…

You could look at extending this to other gadgets too (ebook readers anyone?). And hey, GDGT should do this, really…

All the best to whoever gets this business idea on the road! Till then, I am afraid non-attachment is the only solution… .

Cheers,
Krishna

I didn’t say $10. Show me where I said $10. I said I’d pay a premium.

Next time, discuss civilly or be killed.

They don’t want you trialling their products cos they know they’re mostly overpriced

Think you’ll get to loan a droid for a month for $10? Stupid idea. Guess you’re a cheapass trying to figure out a cheap way to get to play with a new toy every few weeks

Honestly, I think companies would make money off it easily, although I’m hardly an expert on that. At the very least, they’d get some real-life marketing research.

Plus, I like Jeff’s idea of Netflix-like scenario. Sometimes, a gadget works great but we just outgrow it or get bored with. That happened to me with the Flip Video camera. Wanted it so bad; got it; never use it. It’s not that there’s anything wrong with the product really (although don’t like how it downloads automatically to just one drive) but found it didn’t fit in my life as I’d like.

I could sell it on ebay or craigslist, but, too lazy. So it sits.

Chuck

One question though, would review units be banned in the club?