Most iSync-ing, smallest, smartest, cheapest phone?

[Toe]

Hi, folks.

I would like a device that can:

- Remind me to do things... particularly things that I've entered in iCal. Basically, I want it to be one of these phones (http://www.apple.com/isync/devices.html).

- Call people I've entered in Address Book (bonus if it can e-mail them too).

- Easily fit in my pocket, like my little Samsung (http://products.consumerguide.com/cp/electronics/review/index.cfm/id/21220).


If it were my dream device it would also have these features (listed in order of preference):

- Not cost nearly as much as an iBook.

- Recognize my handwriting.

- Cruise the web for one small, flat fee like the Sidekick (http://www.t-mobile.com/products/overview.asp?phoneid=195184).

- Take pictures that can be e-mailed or transferred to my Mac.

- Do some other cool stuff, like play some games or run little apps or something.

- Have a mind-control ray that makes mean people act nice.


Any recommendations?

[verb]

Handspring Treo 600 (~$450): http://www.handspring.com/products/communicators/treo600_overview.jhtml;jsessionid=EQONJCZLYTGCLQFIAFCCFFGAVAATMIV0

Nokia 3650 (~$150): http://www.nokiausa.com/phones/3650

I have a Handpring Treo 300 on Sprint and I just ordered a Nokia 3650 with TMobile.

[mxpiazza]

it depends on how much on the cheap you want it... i had a sony ericsson t68i, and sold it on eBay a while ago... you can find them for cheap, and their compatibility with the mac is really awesome.

i've recently upgraded to the t610/616, and am just as, if not more so, impressed. I really love this phone, and it got cNet's 2003 phone of the year award. check it out.

[pepeleuepe]

I also have a T616. Works great with iSync, can control almost anything you want by using Salling Clicker (http://homepage.mac.com/jonassalling/Shareware/Clicker/) through Bluetooth. Doesn't do handwriting and I'm not sure how well it works for web stuff because I don't use it for that.

I upgraded from an old Nokia phone and it's great. Holds my calendar info from iCal, syncs perfectly with the Address Book, couldn't ask for more. It solved my PDA and cell phone issue and lowered the number of devices I have to carry around. Highly Recommended.

[Counterfit]

it depends on how much on the cheap you want it... i had a sony ericsson t68i, and sold it on eBay a while ago... you can find them for cheap, and their compatibility with the mac is really awesome.

i've recently upgraded to the t610/616, and am just as, if not more so, impressed. I really love this phone, and it got cNet's 2003 phone of the year award. check it out. I'll toss in another vote for the T68i, simply because it costs less than the T616/610, and if you want to take pictures, you should really get a camera instead ;P

[DreaminDirector]

I just got this phone and a whole new bluetooth/isync world opened up for me. Sucks to my old motorola T720, I'm throwing in my vote for the T610.

p.s. the camera's not great, but it's better than nothing...

[pepeleuepe]

Yeah, should've mentioned that in my post. The camera on the T616 is basically useless. Pretty much all you can expect from a camera phone at this point. I'll include a shot just to test out the new image feature on these forums :D

[abhishekit]

Yeah, should've mentioned that in my post. The camera on the T616 is basically useless. Pretty much all you can expect from a camera phone at this point. I'll include a shot just to test out the new image feature on these forums :D
t616 or t610..whichever u get for free after rebate...
camera is not gr8, screen is not usable in sunlight...but that r the only two things which you can pick about,..

[Toe]

Thanks for all the replies. It seems like there's a pretty resounding vote for the Sony Ericsson T6x.That's where I was starting to lean myself.

Is there any interest in Symbian OS? I thought some symbian phones would show up in this thread somewhere.

I was really intrigued by the forthcoming BenQ P30
http://www.mobileburn.com/review.jsp?Id=482
http://www.symbianone.com/features/benQ_0104/
http://my-symbian.com/uiq/intro_p30.php
but it appears to not exist just quite yet... and I'm guessing it might be on the pricey side... and I dunno if BenQ is very keen on Mac compatibility....

[filmmaker2002]

Go to amazon.com to get the T610 with T-Mobile and you get $30 BACK after rebates and free data through T-Mobile for use with a powerbook or ibook. It's pretty cool.

[idkew]

i think no one mentioned a symbian os phone b/c few want/need all the features, and they mostly cost too much for people.

if you want a phone with a bit more, one with handwriting, REAL web surfing, take a look at the SE P800, it is a great phone. I have it. There is also the P900, an upgrade from the P800, but it will cost you more, and the only big difference is the screen has more color. plus, i think the p800 looks better then the p900.


i surf the web on mine all the time, for only $5 a month. i also use it as a bluetooth modem for my powerbook. the cam sucks, but you expect that. it can take picts and email them immediately, which is handy.

this phone can do almost anything my mac can. it definitly can do more than my IIe, IIci, or LC....

[cubist]

It's TOO small. The buttons are less than 1/8" across, you have to push them with your nail. The screen is postage-stamp size. Reception is terrible. Ringer is almost inaudible. Organizer features are pretty much worthless. Trust me, small is NOT where you want to go!

[idkew]

It's TOO small. The buttons are less than 1/8" across, you have to push them with your nail. The screen is postage-stamp size. Reception is terrible. Ringer is almost inaudible. Organizer features are pretty much worthless. Trust me, small is NOT where you want to go!

i wouldn't say TOO small, although it is small. i used it for several months, and i liked it... EXCEPT for the HORRIBLE reception and slow as hell gui.

the T61X's are also known for their horrible reception. My P800 gets much better reception. MUCH.

[Toe]

i surf the web on mine all the time, for only $5 a month.Urk! What service are you on??

I thought t-mobile unlimited web browsing for $20 sounded great, but $5... wow.

[idkew]

Urk! What service are you on??

I thought t-mobile unlimited web browsing for $20 sounded great, but $5... wow.

actually, it is free for just general web surfing. if you want email access, it is $5 a month. of you want weird port access, such as sftp, https... you have to pay $20. i don't need those on the road usually, but i do need email, so i went for the $5 plan. each is unlimited.


oh yeah- i get something like 300 free text messages with the $5 plan.

[kettle]

Motorola C333 is cheap :)

needs a USB to mini usb connector to use iSync.

[russed]

or if you fancy an improved SE t610/616, get the SE z600. the screen reception and camera are all improved.

however, if you dont fancy a clam shell phone, i would also say you cant go wrong with any of the new sony ericsson phones. they are so easy to use and their integration with mac os x is almost amazing for a phone. Transferring files and sync-ing is effortless, particuarly in comparison to doing it with windows! (not difficult really).

Well i will stop waffling, basically get a SE phone and you cant go wrong though in my opinion, the z600 is the best of the bunch having tried the t600, p900 and the z600.

[caveman_uk]

the T61X's are also known for their horrible reception. My P800 gets much better reception. MUCH.
I think this must be something to do with the phone and the American GSM networks. I have a T610 on Orange in the UK and the reception is fine. I think we have a lot more towers per square mile or something.

Everyone's right about the camera though. It's rubbish. It's only good for incriminating photo's of your mates when they're drunk....

[idkew]

I think this must be something to do with the phone and the American GSM networks. I have a T610 on Orange in the UK and the reception is fine. I think we have a lot more towers per square mile or something.

Everyone's right about the camera though. It's rubbish. It's only good for incriminating photo's of your mates when they're drunk....

you're right. forgot to say us.

but, even the "tuned" t616 or 0, whichever, still gets poor reception, i have heard.

[Toe]

actually, it is free for just general web surfing. if you want email access, it is $5 a month. of you want weird port access, such as sftp, https... you have to pay $20. i don't need those on the road usually, but i do need email, so i went for the $5 plan. each is unlimited.
oh yeah- i get something like 300 free text messages with the $5 plan.WHAT PHONE COMPANY IS THIS?

If I might ask.

:D

[Powerbook G5]

You get unlimited internet on Sprint phones with the vision plan, but unfortunately there is a general lacking of any of the cool bluetooth phones still.

[Gee]

'Nother vote for a t68i (cheaper), or a t610 (has camera)....

[abates25]

While the T68i is excellent (I have one, use it daily, sync with bluetooth), I just got a good deal on eBay for a Sony Ericsson P900. This is your do-everything phone. It isn't available through any providers yet, but you can purchase the US version from sony ericssons web site, and it does with with any GSM carrier. Plus, it has more features than the Treo 600 (keep your eyes out for the Treo 610 - this phone will be the best Palm-based phone available when it is released).

[abates25]

People have commented on the bad quality of reception on Sony phones - it isn't the phones problem really. The US GSM network operates primarily on the 850Mhz band, with 1900Mhz as a backup. Sony Phones want to use the 900Mhz range, Europe and Asia's primary band. If you can find a quad-band GSM phone (850, 900, 1800 and 1900Mhz), you will get the best coverage of any GSM phones. So far, I think only the Handspring Treo offers all four, while Siemens makes some non-smartphones which operate on all four.

[Toe]

Sony Ericsson has one of those product lineups I can't stand. A lot of car companies do the same thing...

"Well, sir, would you like the XHF-44362899 or the HGGF-4562362? Or are you one of those people who can't resist the sexy IUHF-444574556YUGD-b?"

How is one supposed to know which of their phones one would want to look at without already knowing everything about all of their phones? Where on their site (http://www.sonyericsson.com/us/) do they give an idea of what their numbering scheme is, or how the phones compare?

Sorry, I guess I should complain to them, not MR, but... isn't that just so annoying?

I can see why Apple has iMac, iBook, PowerMac, and PowerBook. That can be annoying too when you compare an iMac Bondi to an iMac 19", but... pshwew, it's easier than all that number mumbo-jumbo.

Anyway, does anyone do a better job than S-E at comparing S-E products to each other?

[idkew]

WHAT PHONE COMPANY IS THIS?

If I might ask.

:D


t-mobile

[abates25]

Anyway, does anyone do a better job than S-E at comparing S-E products to each other?

Easy! The higher the number, the more features, and hence, more expensive. The Txxx line are non-flip phones, non-'smartphones'. The Txxx line are the same general products as the t-line, but they are flip phones. The Pxxx line is Sony's top end line. These are their smart phones. They are all Symbiam-OS based. Hmmm, does that help?

[idkew]

Easy! The higher the number, the more features, and hence, more expensive. The Txxx line are non-flip phones, non-'smartphones'. The Txxx line are the same general products as the t-line, but they are flip phones. The Pxxx line is Sony's top end line. These are their smart phones. They are all Symbiam-OS based. Hmmm, does that help?

fix the second TXXX to ZXXX

[Xero]

man, i just noticed that Sprint supports almost ZERO iSync supported phones... except the Treo 300. man thats sucks, guess im stuck with my crappy nokia for another year. :(

[Lincoln]

I recentley upgraded my Nokia 3650 to a 6600, both are Symbian OS phones. I got a great deal on the phone with Orange here in the UK. They integrate with isync, address book and ical fully (even the photo in address book is synchronized with the phone).

The Symbian OS is easy to use and IMO is easier to use than the T68i that I had (the T68i is also too small).

Finally, if you require some extra functionality there is a great (ever increasing) wealth of Symbian programs out there.

[TheT]

I recentley upgraded my Nokia 3650 to a 6600, both are Symbian OS phones. I got a great deal on the phone with Orange here in the UK. They integrate with isync, address book and ical fully (even the photo in address book is synchronized with the phone).

The Symbian OS is easy to use and IMO is easier to use than the T68i that I had (the T68i is also too small).

Finally, if you require some extra functionality there is a great (ever increasing) wealth of Symbian programs out there.
I am currently using the 3650 and planing to do the same (that is, upgrading to the 6600).
I don't like the SE user interface, but I guess one time Nokia, always Nokia. Symbian OS is just the best thing that ever happened to a mobile phone! The only downside might be the size, but I think the 6600 is not too bad...
Back to the topic again: those Symbian OS phones (7650, 36XX, 6600) are, besides the SE P800 and P900, the "most iSync-ing" phones out there, because they even sync contact images. They are IMO the smartest, too (all those apps you can download and install... :) ). But they are certainly not the cheapest and smallest... you'll have to make a choice here... what's more important to you?

[marcsiry]

man, i just noticed that Sprint supports almost ZERO iSync supported phones... except the Treo 300. man thats sucks, guess im stuck with my crappy nokia for another year

I have a SE T608 on Sprint with Unlimited Vision. Not only does it iSync, I can surf via Bluetooth from my Palm Tungsten T|3. I have to watch the battery like a hawk, and the menus seem sluggish, but it's pretty tiny and it has way more features than I'll ever use.

Voice activated calling through the Bluetooth headset is cool, too.

I think this phone is only available through Sprint Telesales... it doesn't show up on their site.

Here's an enthusiast site that covers the phone: http://www.sprintpcsinfo.com/

[Bluefusion]

I'm looking for a similar thing... basically, I'd like a color phone, MUST be a flipper, preferably with Bluetooth and iSync support, as cheap as humanly possible. What would this be? Hopefully there's one that's no more than $200 somewhere...?

I'm on Verizon.

[Powerbook G5]

The last I knew, Verizon doesn't have any Bluetooth support currently.

[ibookin']

I have a SE T608 on Sprint with Unlimited Vision. Not only does it iSync, I can surf via Bluetooth from my Palm Tungsten T|3. I have to watch the battery like a hawk, and the menus seem sluggish, but it's pretty tiny and it has way more features than I'll ever use.

Voice activated calling through the Bluetooth headset is cool, too.

I think this phone is only available through Sprint Telesales... it doesn't show up on their site.

Here's an enthusiast site that covers the phone: http://www.sprintpcsinfo.com/

As far as I know that phone isn't sold by Sprint anymore. You can still find it on eBay.

Damn these T-Mobile data services are cheap. Verizon's unlimited 1xRTT data, while faster than T-Mobiles GPRS, costs $80 a month.

[idkew]

As far as I know that phone isn't sold by Sprint anymore. You can still find it on eBay.

Damn these T-Mobile data services are cheap. Verizon's unlimited 1xRTT data, while faster than T-Mobiles GPRS, costs $80 a month.

yeah- i'll happily give up speed for the ability to use wireless internet. who wants to pay $80?

[SPG]

Anyone know anything about the sony z200 ?
Does it do bluetooth synching?
Is it available anywhere outside ebay or a dark back alley?

[JFreak]

I recentley upgraded my Nokia 3650 to a 6600.

smart move!
the 3650 has a sub-standard bluetooth implementation, especially lacking in bt audio (headset) profile. the 6600 however is a good one bluetooth-wise.

(i have worked at nokia as a build manager for communicator and series60 projects.)

[Toe]

I'm looking for a similar thing... basically, I'd like a color phone, MUST be a flipper, preferably with Bluetooth and iSync support, as cheap as humanly possible. What would this be? Hopefully there's one that's no more than $200 somewhere...?
If I understand this thread correctly, that would be the Z600 (http://www.sonyericsson.com/us/spg.jsp?template=PS1&B=ie&PID=10104&LM=PSM_V&gal=105). That's what I'm going to be looking at as soon as I get a chance.

[Powerbook G5]

I just learned that Sprint sold out its last supply of the Sony Ericsson T608, so does anyone know of another Bluetooth phone for Sprint that may be out or may someday come out? This lack of bluetooth support is getting real old.

[Xero]

I just learned that Sprint sold out its last supply of the Sony Ericsson T608, so does anyone know of another Bluetooth phone for Sprint that may be out or may someday come out? This lack of bluetooth support is getting real old.

i agree, and id like to know when they are going to support some decent phones myself. its pretty sad that the T608 was the only HALF way decent BT phone on Sprint. arg! :mad:

[RubberChicken]

t616 or t610..whichever u get for free after rebate...
camera is not gr8, screen is not usable in sunlight...but that r the only two things which you can pick about,..

I really want one of these too, but I'll add...

1. No company entry in phonebook (unlike my t39)
2. The glossy plastic part of the case is mad for fingerprints
3. The daylight screen thing (sorry, but this warrants repeating). Really, what do they expect you to do, have everyone set to voice dial? Or just carry around a booth to cut out ambient light. Until they solve the legibility issues I just cannot justify upgrading to something that costs more and does not work as well. The t39 syncs perfectly BTW, and has bluetooth, and a tiny screen... that you can actually see!

My perfect phone would be Bluetooth, have an expanded address book for details including address, small form factor, lightweight, long battery life, good size high res mono screen, aluminium with matt plastic (not glossy!), no camera, email or web. I would, afterall, like a phone - not some confused multifaceted gadget that the designers are convinced we cannot do without. I have a camera and I have a computer - they do what they do really well.

[Toe]

Easy! The higher the number, the more features, and hence, more expensive. The Txxx line are non-flip phones, non-'smartphones'. The Zxxx line are the same general products as the t-line, but they are flip phones. The Pxxx line is Sony's top end line. These are their smart phones. They are all Symbiam-OS based. Hmmm, does that help?

So... what are the KXXX and SXXX lines?? :rolleyes:

Don't they (or anyone) explain this anywhere? On their phones (http://www.sonyericsson.com/spg.jsp?cc=us&lc=en&ver=4000&template=pp1&zone=pp&lm=pp) page, they give no clue, other than the pictures....

[Ryan1524]

Ericsson T39m. it's small, it's one of the thinnest phones out there, and it works perfectly with iSync and Salling Clicker. it is afterall one of the best, top of the line Ericsson phones. :)

it maybe old, but it still kicks ass. :D

the K700 and S700 is the current top of the line model, and the upcoming top of the line. the S700 especially offers 1.3 MP camera, massive screen with 262K color, and expandable media with memory stick duo.

the K700 is a very nice phone, reminiscent of the T637/T616 and T610, but with larger and better screen, better UI, better camera, FM radio, etc etc...

[Demon Hunter]

I think I'll wait for the Motorazr V3. That's the coolest phone I have ever seen. I was really losing faith in Motorola, but wow... and just think, it will sync with the iTunes music store and has Bluetooth, a paper-thin design, and matches a PB perfectly.

http://www.motorola.com/mdirect/hellomoto/experience/v3/flash/default.shtml

[Toe]

Any new opinions on this thread, now that some time has passed?

Is Sony-Ericsson still the way to go?

[abates25]

Is Sony-Ericsson still the way to go?

I think it comes down to the SE Z600 (available through their site, not in stores) or the Motorola V600. Both are clamshells, so smaller than the T6xx series of Sony phones, but both sync well. The SE Kxxx and Sxxx series are amazing, but not available as US versions.

[Toe]

I think it comes down to the SE Z600 (available through their site, not in stores) or the Motorola V600.I've been leaning strongly toward the SE z600, but would like to actually see it before spending several hundred dollars on it. Is it physically available in any real stores or only on the net? I have yet to find it anywhere (the worst place to look is t-mobile stores... wow are they clueless).

[mowogg]

The last I knew, Verizon doesn't have any Bluetooth support currently.

Too true. Verizon doesn't have any bluetooth phones that I know of. The only option was the old Motorola t270 with the rare bluetooth battery backpack.
I just picked up a Verizon LG VX4500 which does not have bluetooth, but does sync with the Mac through BitPim. The cables are cheap ($22 at Radio Shack) and BitPim works with Address Book and iCal, but is clunky. Still allows you to download contacts, calendar, images and ringtones to the phone from the Mac, and it's free! It also works with the LG VX4400 and 6600 as well as some Sanyo phones.
Not as cool as bluetooth and iSync, but better than nothing.

[whooleytoo]

I recentley upgraded my Nokia 3650 to a 6600, both are Symbian OS phones. I got a great deal on the phone with Orange here in the UK. They integrate with isync, address book and ical fully (even the photo in address book is synchronized with the phone).

The Symbian OS is easy to use and IMO is easier to use than the T68i that I had (the T68i is also too small).

Finally, if you require some extra functionality there is a great (ever increasing) wealth of Symbian programs out there.

Yup, I'm using a 6600 mostly at the moment too, and I love it, though it is a little bit. I did even notice for the first time I can "Browse remote device" from my Mac (I think this is the FTP profile?) so you don't need to manually send the file from the phone.

Other people have recommended the Sony Ericsson P900, but has anyone tried running J2ME (Java) software on it? I'm developing for both SE and Nokia, and the identical java midlet runs far, far slower on the P900.

[Toe]

I've been leaning strongly toward the SE z600, but would like to actually see it before spending several hundred dollars on it. Is it physically available in any real stores or only on the net? I have yet to find it anywhere (the worst place to look is t-mobile stores... wow are they clueless).Oh, well this response from S-E customer service explains it:

Unfortunately, there is no way to get your hands on a Z600 without actually purchasing one, as we are the only ones selling them, and we only sell them either online or through our sales hotline. The best suggestion we can make would be to have one sent out as a purchase, and return it within two weeks if you are not satisfied with it. They can be either ordered through sonyericsson.com, or by calling 1866 837 7290.

Best regards,

Sony Ericsson Online Support

Nice.

[Toe]

...bumping this thread up for an update...

Well, it's been about a year. This thread generally concluded that Sony-Ericsson and perhaps Nokia make some of the best phones for iSync and for being overall good phones. And that T-mobile has the best deal on all-you-can-eat internet.

Any developments change anyone's opinion?

I notice that T-mobile doesn't list any Sony-Ericsson's on their website anymore (http://www.t-mobile.com/products/?class=phone). What's up with that? I understand that I could still buy one from a 3rd party and then use it with T-mobile, but is S-E on the decline?

Any other input on phones these days, particularly in therms of iSync, internet access, and/or fit-in-your-pocketedness?

Anyone use a Nokia N-Gage (http://www.t-mobile.com/products/images.asp?phoneid=228792&class=pda) with their Mac? Or a Razr (http://www.motorola.com/mdirect/hellomoto/experience/v3/html/v3_homepage.shtml)? How is Cingular for net access? Looks expensive....

[abates25]

So, a year changes and what to do?

I think SE and Cingular have a little mutual contract going whereby Cingular gets all the latest SE phones first (of note, the z500 and the s710), which is why TMobile is no longer carrying any.

I am in the process of upgrading from a z600, which really fit the bill for the topic of this thread, perfectly, to a Nokia 6630. We'll see how that goes - I know that there will not be iSync support until 10.4, but I should be able to make do with Phone Agent until then. Worst comes to worst, I'll get a s710 from SE when I can get an unlocked one.

Y'all might want to check out the z800 as a possible good choice if you are big into SE, or else the s700/s710 are great choices if you don't mind paying a premium. Otherwise, Nokia is releasing some awesome phones at the moment, as is Samsung (surprisingly!). Check out My World Phone.com (http://myworldphone.com/page2.html) for some killer deals on the latest and greatest - all unlocked for your personal provider.

As for Cingular and net access...they aren't the cheapest, but for GSM offerings, they have got the fastest system in place for data, using 3G/EDGE. Very cool - I can watch tv on my phone, streaming ;-)

So far I have been happy with Cingular. Don't waste a dime on the RAZR - I'd sell it if someone gave it to me. Also, I've heard the bluetooth amplifier has issues and will often times have a very limited range. Plus, build quality sucks. SE's still have the best build quality out there. The only thing going for Moto's at the moment is the hype and the fact that many of their phones are quad-band, so you can truly roam around. FYI - Cingular uses the 850Mhz spectrum, where as T-Mobile uses the 900Mhz spectrum, so keep that in mind when choosing phones.

Good luck - I'll run down the 6630 and my syncing experiences when I have a better idea...

[Toe]

Thanks for the great input, abates.

I had been thinking about the z600, but now it doesn't appear on S-E's main product page. Maybe it's going away? What's the z800? I don't see it there at all.

I had thought about the z500, but... no bluetooth? What is this, the stone ages? :)

And what made you move to the Nokia? Did you have too much money? :D

I'm having trouble figuring out Cingular's internet plans (or those of any carrier, for that matter... I still can't get T-mobile to tell me if I can browse to any website or only their menu ones). As far as I can tell, it looks like you paid a handy price to watch a movie on your Cingular phone, no?

[abates25]

I had been thinking about the z600, but now it doesn't appear on S-E's main product page. Maybe it's going away? What's the z800? I don't see it there at all.

Sony has begun to push the K-series phones over here. I'm T-Mobile will pick them up soon as replacements to their T610's. So there is a generation gap currently between the release of the new line phones and the clamshell versions. I don't know, besides the z500 (which is a US release only phone anyway - no where else would tolerate the absence of bluetooth), if we'll see any of the new clamshells over here stateside because of the release of the s7x0 series. If you're interested, I'm going to be selling my z600 on eBay soon, but if anyone here wants it, I'll sell it for $220 + sh. It's unlocked, and in good condition, but the paint has flaked off more than any other SE phone I've had (early clamshell problem I think, for SE).

I had thought about the z500, but... no bluetooth? What is this, the stone ages? :)

Exactly! Which leads to...

And what made you move to the Nokia? Did you have too much money? :D
As far as I can tell, it looks like you paid a handy price to watch a movie on your Cingular phone, no?

Nah, but I found a way to get around the problem. I switched my AT&T plan to Cingular, and, as such, got the two SE z500 deal. The sales girl gave them to me free (supposed to be $50 after rebate), then I sold the phones, minus the UPC code, on eBay, for ~$180 each. Plus I got the rebates, for $150 for the two z500 UPC's. So I just turned that into the money for the 6630 (plus some). Which I'll likely sell once I can get an unlocked s710. But that could be a couple months. Oh, and it will be kinda cool to watch a movie ;-)

I'm having trouble figuring out Cingular's internet plans (or those of any carrier, for that matter... I still can't get T-mobile to tell me if I can browse to any website or only their menu ones).

I highly recommend T-mobile. Their unlimited data bucket is great. And most SE's operate on their 900Mhz band. I went with Cingular because work pays for AT&T/Cingular, primarily, but also because they have EDGE, rollover minutes, and, I'm hoping, with the merger with AT&T, a bigger network (though I haven't travelled enough recently to test this).

[noel4r]

I'd like to re-ask the thread question. What is the cheapest phone right now that will work w/ iSync?

[zimtheinvader]

The Nokia N-gage or NgageQD. Works like a charm in isync. cheap. plays movies, ect.
Plus they are literally giving them away at gamestop, ebgames, or various T-mobile retailers. In order to be totally free you might need to sign a contract (1year,) which is what I did [though you get games and stuff then too.] Seriously though, it has BT and syncs great, its small, and its battery lasts forever and its durable as anything. I would definitely pick QD over 'original' though the originals are rediculously even w/o a contract cheap now, the QD can do i-sync plus play mp3s, movies, do mail, ect. -its a suprizingly nice+compact phone, w/o crazy crap tacked onlike a videocamera, ect. and it has all the features of the Nokia s60 line. The games are not great though, but hey, the QD's been a great phone. and what I settled on for isync :)

[Dr. Dastardly]

So if I wanted to do some regular web browsing through Cingulars network while away from a normal internet connection (such as mac rumors ect.) does that cost anything or is it free? From what it sounds like you guys are doing general web surfing for free. :eek:

[jalagl]

I'm in love with my T630, and definitely recommend it.

[aswitcher]

Well I am going to hang out for the Moto-Apple phone. It sounds affordable and I am guessing should sync pretty well...only 4 months to go :rolleyes:

[abates25]

So if I wanted to do some regular web browsing through Cingulars network while away from a normal internet connection (such as mac rumors ect.) does that cost anything or is it free? From what it sounds like you guys are doing general web surfing for free. :eek:

If you get the unlimited bucket ($20 I think?), you can do what you will for an unlimited about of time/data. Their other two plans are data limited.

[DJY]

Well I am going to hang out for the Moto-Apple phone. It sounds affordable and I am guessing should sync pretty well...only 4 months to go :rolleyes:

I was going to... but we still don't have iTMS here - so my guess is it will be not that much better than the current arrangement for us non iTMS countries...

even if we did have iTMS - I don't know I'd want to buy from my phone.
I might buy on my Powerbook then bluetooth or cable transfer the song to my phone?!?!

U have been attempting to resist buying a RAZR but I don't know how much longer I will hold out for. I've had lots of people tell me alot of reasons not to buy it... but it looks so good!

[aswitcher]

I was going to... but we still don't have iTMS here - so my guess is it will be not that much better than the current arrangement for us non iTMS countries...

even if we did have iTMS - I don't know I'd want to buy from my phone.
I might buy on my Powerbook then bluetooth or cable transfer the song to my phone?!?!

U have been attempting to resist buying a RAZR but I don't know how much longer I will hold out for. I've had lots of people tell me alot of reasons not to buy it... but it looks so good!


ITMS will come...I think it should be here but for Aria...


As for syncing, I want everything to go smoothly, not just music...photos, calender, address book etc. Surely Apple wont allow the joint phone to look like a dog...


As for the RAZR...you seen the blackone...way cool. And more RAZR models to come say Moto...

[DJY]

As for the RAZR...you seen the blackone...way cool.

I think I actually prefer the silver one! Matches the PB better and stands out!

And more RAZR models to come say Moto...

MMm was just trying to find some more substantial rumours...
so you think I should wait?

[hansen]

I've got a T630 and I'm not satisfied with it. The camera in my opinion is useless. I can't stand watching at images of such poor quality. I don't mind this too much except that I payed for it. I have a digital camara thats working fine.

The address book can't hold addresses! This really annoys me as I wanted it to replace my Palm V, which is worn out.

It can't handle repeating events such as my Spanish lessons every Wednesday or birthdays, which I can never remember.

It calls people when in my pocket, even though it's keylocked.

Otherwise I actually really like the phone, but these are essentials for me and ruining the day to day use of the phone.

[aswitcher]

MMm was just trying to find some more substantial rumours...
so you think I should wait?


Moto are on a roll with the Razr, but when we can expect tos ee more is unknown.

Does the Razr have everything you want? Is the price right?

imobile just reviewed it and this might eb worth checking out

http://www.imobile.com.au/PhoneReviews/

Things I personally am disappointed with

- photo/video...its old tech now with almost every camera in the Razrs price range going to sport a 1-2 megapixel camera this year...

- polyphonic ring tones...I want my mp3s and AAC files as ring tones...amd see next issue for reason why thats a problem

- tiny internal memory 5.5MB...New phones are sporting 40MB and more, ir at least SD expandable.

- apparently a slow user interface...

- cable only sync with my mac

- no photo with caller ID from what I can tell as its not a Symbian OS phone...


But it is a great phone, and one of if not the, nbest looking phone available now.

[abates25]

I know the hype is there, but apart from a pretty cool looking phone with quad-band service, there is nothing to justify the price tag on it! The bluetooth is only 1.1 (poor range), the camera is only VGA (same camera as was used on the V600 a year before), with no flash or optical zoom, the build quality is marginal (they actually twist and creak!), and there is almost no memory. Any phone worth their money this year should have:

• high speed data (edge or 3G)
• good camera (1MP or greater)
• Bluetooth 2.0
• at least 16MB of memory, preferably an expandable option (mms, memory stick, etc.)
• Additional features (by this I mean things like MP3 player, video player/recorder, GPS, etc.)

If the phone doesn't have at least a few of these, you should not be paying more than $200 out of contract or less than $30 with contract. The Razr is like $400, even with a 2-year contract! That's just crazy. Also, moto's have sucked for the past five years. I'll admit they have begun to offer some decent phones, but not at that price tag.

The only good makes at the moment that I would put any faith into (myself) are SE, Nokia or Samsung. Yes, there are other phones which are good (say, the treo 650), but I am talking specifically about the major brands (SE, Nokia, Moto, LG, Samsung, Sanyo, etc.). Just my 2¢.

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

Wondering if anybody has the SE z200, and has tried to use that with iSync? (...using a USB cable of course, since SE of some unbelievable reason hasn't added Bluetooth to that model, nor the z500... what's with that...? Ericsson actually was the company that took the initiative to develop Bluetooth in the first place...) :(

I soon have to replace my old SE t68i, and I really like this phone, mainly for size, design and because it is just that, a phone, and not 200 different (inferior) gadgets, all in one (small) mess... ;)

[DJY]

It goes close to what I want... but I think the reason I don't have one here today is my concern with a couple of things...(despite Telstra most incompetent and useless staff in three shops and over the phone)

I can now I guess thank Telstra staff for not ringing me back, for not sourcing the phone, for continuing to give incorrect information, and for sales staff to continue to talk me out of it - or telling me I couldn't get it free on a business 60 plan...

ok so love the look of it...
Slight annoyance is only cable sync...
UI did seem a bit slow...
Phone Book display options very poor - and even when I finally worked out how to put multiple numbers per name... and worked how to display ALL numbers or only the primary number.... I thought it was cumbersom and old. Annoying how you can't display (view) all numbers for one name on ONE screen?!?!? You have to scroll down - as they display each number of a different screen.!

The UI did seem different - not sure if it is me just used to SE T610 - or whether they truly aren't vey intuitive.

Love love a RAZR V3.1 with new UI.
Better camera might be handy. I don't use my SET610 camera - cause its so bad... but I do have a good digital camera - so thats not a major issue - but after seeing the pics taken by a s7001 (?) the other day that a mate has - maybe I would like a better quality camera in my phone.

I really just want a good looking phone, that sync's seamlessly with iCal and Address Book. V3 does allow for MP3 ringtones... but the 24 (?) chord plyphonic sounds - didn't sound as good as some other phones I've heard... again not a major issue though - as on my T610 - I love the old landline (black phone) ringing sound!

sigh... sounds like I am talking myself out of the RAZR V3. Would like Moto and Apple to do something in the next few months though... PLEASE!

[Toe]

What's the z800? I don't see it there at all.Ah... finally:
http://www.infosyncworld.com/news/n/5776.html
http://www.mobilemag.com/content/100/336/C3730/
Expected to be released in Q2 of 05.

maybe I'll get Tiger and a new phone at the same time. :D

P.S. Of course, the z800 still isn't listed on S-E's products page (http://www.sonyericsson.com/spg.jsp?cc=us&lc=en&template=pp1&zone=pp&lm=pp). Nor the z600.

[abates25]

Ah... finally:
http://www.infosyncworld.com/news/n/5776.html
http://www.mobilemag.com/content/100/336/C3730/
Expected to be released in Q2 of 05.

maybe I'll get Tiger and a new phone at the same time. :D

P.S. Of course, the z800 still isn't listed on S-E's products page (http://www.sonyericsson.com/spg.jsp?cc=us&lc=en&template=pp1&zone=pp&lm=pp). Nor the z600.

FYI - the z800 doesn't operate on either 850Mhz nor on the EDGE network, making the s710a a better connected phone, at least. Otherwise, they seem to share everything else. But keep your eyes on Apples supported sync list at the same time as drooling over new phones. My Nokia 6630 is amazing, but I have to manually drag .ics and vCard files via bluetooth (which works) rather than using iSync. It is likely that Tiger will release a whole slew of new bluetooth profiles for new devices though...

[Counterfit]

from that mobilemag article MP3/AAC/M4A music can be played out through the stereo handsfree speaker. AAC AND M4A?!?! :eek:







:rolleyes:

[Toe]

Well, this changes things:
http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/isync/devices.html
The list has been beefed up nicely for Tiger.

However, there are some notable exceptions, such as the Nokia 6630, the BenQ P30, anything by Samsung or Sharp or LG, the Danger/Sidekick, and of course the Blackberry.

It's nice to see the list expanded, but I would think it would be bigger... at least including more Symbian phones (http://www.symbian.com/phones/index.html). And Samsung phones are supposed to be nice these days, no?

Well, anyway... anyone want to recommend again based on this list? The object is a tiny (comfortable in the pocket), smart, totally iSync-compatible phone that costs significantly less than a laptop.

Is that still the z600? Apparently the z600 does not support AIM....

[sinisterdesign]

Well, this changes things:
http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/isync/devices.html
The list has been beefed up nicely for Tiger.

...

It's nice to see the list expanded, but I would think it would be bigger... at least including more Symbian phones (http://www.symbian.com/phones/index.html). And Samsung phones are supposed to be nice these days, no?


thx for posting that link. i have (yet another) coworker that's thinking of switching, but he wants his phone to sync w/ his calendar & address book (not sure which phone he has). i meant to track that info down for him b/c i figured Tiger would have some new phones it supported. bummer about the samsung omission. they make some nice phones now.

unfortunately, i've had the same Moto (v70) for a while now, so i haven't kept up w/ all the latest gadgets. mine has a [gASp!] monochrome display, no camera [egad] and definately no BT [shudder]. but it IS small and cool and all i need.

good luck w/ a

[sarae]

Another bump up, this thread's been quiet for awhile.. any new phones people want to suggest? Anyone with experience of either the SE S710a or the Motorola v551?

[Toe]

Another bump up, this thread's been quiet for awhile.. any new phones people want to suggest? Anyone with experience of either the SE S710a or the Motorola v551?I recently got the S710a and will probably be selling it soon. (Bought from letstalk.com, and their return policy is only good until you use the phone for 30 minutes of air time!)

Anyway, the S710a is dumb for the following major reasons: The switchblade seems cool, but when you're using it closed, then open it... the phone is upside down!
Another switchblad nicety... all the buttons on the side move 180° when you open it, so half the time the buttons are in one place; half the other...
The microphone is in the FRONT! This is utterly retarded, in that if you hold the phone to your face, you effectively mute it. WTF? Why couldn't it be on the underside of the top section?? Of course you could use a BT headset, but... WTF?
It's just too big. It didn't seem very big when I looked at it, but it's annoyingly large for my pocket.
There seem to be very few volume controls for anything other than the ring (which doesn't echo when you set the volume, so you have to guess).