Questions about Cingular and about Sony Ericsson?

[JackAxe]

I have a few questions and I'm hoping at least one person has experience with this stuff, or someone can at least answer parts of my ramble. :)

I'm using Verizon Wireless and would like to look for a better provider since my contract was up fall of last year. I was wondering about Cingular and how well their coverage and more importantly do they have "hidden" costs and limitations? Things that are not clearly listed on their site and were a suprise afterwards that might of created angst?

And is the Sony Ericsson S710a a good phone? (I can't believe I'm even looking at it after my less then stellar experiences with my Sony Clié. But it is a great PDA. ) It has Sony's great design, seems to have been around for a bit and it is a phones, so I would expect it to be good for that and mediocre for all other areas, just like the non-PDA functions on my Clié.

Does it have true voice recognition? Meaning can I just say "dial phone" then the name as an example. The V710 does this perfectly. And I'm sick of the old tech where you record your voice, then it does a match. I want the real deal which is available. (If VW didn't cripple the V710s Bluetooh, it would've been a consideration.)

Anyways, how well does it sink to a PC or Mac(Preferably) and how easy is it to get contact info to it? I would like ot use Bluetooth.

How is the camera, for just quick shots? I wouldn't expect to be anywhere as good as my Nikon, but if it takes decent images I'll be cool with that.

How is its video capability? Just looking for something to tinker with. Can I easily get the videos off and do they look like typical cell phone videos, just blah? And how long can it capture and at what rez? Does anybody have an example the can share?

Is it easy to put on my own wallpaper and ringtones? I do not like Verizon, because they make so that I need to pay them to get their ringtones and wal paper. I'm a freaking artist, so I want to put my own art on it. :)

Can the interface be customized like a Clié? (This was the best part of owning a Clié for me. If I wern't so lazy, I would've made more an shared :D)

<]=)

[JackAxe]

Ok, that Sony phone is definately not worth it. After reading reviews, it's phone part takes a back seat and the video quality if of vomit.

I'm thinking about the Treo650 now, it has Palm OS 5 and a 320x320 screen. Freaking sweet. And more importatnly, I'm not limited to tiny memory sticks. :)

<]=)

[zackepceo]

The phone that I still like is the Sony Ericsson T630/T637. It's on Cingular, and the reviews of it have been nothing but ab fab.

[six-six-five]

The phone that I still like is the Sony Ericsson T630/T637. It's on Cingular, and the reviews of it have been nothing but ab fab.i must agree. the SET637 is either a great handset on its own, or a superstar when paired with a non-wirless PDA handheld (Palm or PPC).

(before this goes any fruther, the T637 and the S710 cannot be compared.)

Jack, reading your post, i'm betting you're one who is not easily pleased.

customization is described more than connectivity. you mention making wallpapers for your Clié, but offer no information as to why you want to connect the handset to a PC (or Mac). every handset does this differently, and what you wish to transfer, and how often will help determine which capable handset will be the better choice. you mention a poor history of success with your Clié but neglect to describe the issues.

i'm curious as to where you learned:

"Ok, that Sony phone is definately not worth it. After reading reviews, it's phone part takes a back seat and the video quality if of vomit."i might suggest that you go back to that place, or at least post what you have read about. if you're asking for input, then let the responses come. everyone reviews devices differently and has different needs, and even a qualification must be qualified. after searching the more respected sites, i've found no negative reviews for this handset.

in fact, seeing as how you're posting this on a PDA forum, why are you even asking about this handset? it is most decidely NOT a PDA, or really anything close to it!

if you believe the Treo650 (any one of them, really) to be a superior device... even if i needed full PDA functionality, i'd take a "dumb"phone like the S710 over a Treo any day of the week.

i find it laughable that you relate your Clié experience (again, sans elaboration) to what you might expect from a SonyEricsson handset. the two are separate entities. it's amusing also that while you make that remark, you ignore that very viewpoint when you bring up the Pa1mOne Treo. what gives?

to put it simply, based on the only feature you really questioned: the S710's 1.3 MP camera is vastly superior to the "standard" VGA on the Treo. and as for it's most important aspect to coincide with the camera quality? while the S710's screen may be narrow and minus a few pixels, it is 18-bit with a very rich color pallette, so i'll bet even the video quality is much better than "typical cell phone videos". hell, the S710 has a CCD sensor on it!

as for Cingular Wireless vs. Verizon Wireless: if a feature you need/desire is available on a handset, but disabled by your service provider, that's all you need to determine for whom to give your money. a nice feature about GSM hardware is that if you don't care for the handset lineup offered by your carrier, there are ways to circumvent that! this can't be said for the CDMA nonsense SprintPCS and Verizon Wireless use.

if you want better info on the handset than what you've gotten so far, click -

CNET: http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_Ericsson_S710a/4505-6452_7-30980666.html

InfoSync: http://www.infosyncworld.com/reviews/n/5382.html

also see http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/phone.php?p=602 and http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/phone.php?p=638 in separate windows for some easy comparisons of the S710 and the Treo650.

also, visit http://www.howardforums.com/ for some info about the different wireless companies and more feedback on the handsets.

and seriously, MemoryStick is not a terrible format. and it's pretty pathetic that their existence, and SONY's (and its subsidiaries) use of them, remains fodder for incessant whining. enough already.

[JackAxe]

in fact, seeing as how you're posting this on a PDA forum, why are you even asking about this handset? it is most decidely NOT a PDA, or really anything close to it!
First off, this post was made in "Off Topics Cellphones." Now with that tidbit of info you have your answer.

Many peeps here including me came from Cliésource(Sony central. Hence all the PSP threads.) and I recall many threads in "Off-Topics" about the latest Sony Ericcsons. So I figured there were at least a few onwers wih some experience.

Anyways, I spent most of my day researching this and have been able to answer most of my own questions. I was excited about switching providers and getting a new phone, so I posted early; My "bad."

Yes a Clié and s710a are different, but as I gathered from various sites including CNET's user reviews earlier today, it shares Sony's typical software limitations and uses memory sticks. This is why I related it to my Clié. It's also a phone, which are generally mediocre at best in other areas

I love the design of the S710a and all the reviews say it's built very well. But as pointed out by even CNET, the buttons are small and recessed and its phone features take a back-seat to the other functions. (Which is not what I wanted.) If I wanted a camera phone only for the "camera" feature then I would definately go with a S710a <period.> But it's not that important to me. I'm actually more interested in the video part for tinkering and the Treo650, even with its lower-rez camera takes a higher rez video that won't be limited by a measly 128 meg stick. But that also doesn't really matter, nor is it my main reason for buying a Treo over a SE.

I guess vomit was a harsh word to use about the SE's video quality, but after learning about the Treo650's capabilities it was my first reaction. But then again, the still pics on the T650 are of vomit compared to the SE's.

Hey all I said was "tiny," not terrible about the MS. Come on, it's 2005 and Sony honestly expects us to still invest in their Non-MS Pro sticks for their latest and greatest. Even a micro SD can hold 512 megs. If the SE could use MS-Pro, then it would still probably be on my list. But the fact that it doesn't, only made it less appealing to me.

When I started off the day, I was simply looking for a new phone with at least a 176x220 screen, true voice recognition and bluetooh and would easily connect to my comps. And as you've commented about Sprint and Verizon's limitations, I would like to switch providers. (BTW thanks for the Sprint info, wasn't sure how they stood compared to the others.) I really like how the S710a looks and its features sounded great as all Sony device do at first. Even other Mac peeps were using it and the last thing I wanted was another phone that was limited to only my PCs. But as I learned, (unless I missed this) it does not have voice recognition and that killed it for me. I then started looking elsewhere and found the T650, which does have VR and all the reviews stated it's a "great phone." That right there and the fact that it's 320x320, (If it were 160x160, it wouldn't buy it.) uses Palm OS 5.4 makes it a great choice in my book and blew me away. The camera, video recording, e-mailing and SD are only bonuses.

But anyways. The T650 more then fits what I want in a phone and it guarantees OSX and iTunes playlist support out of the box. (The audio part isn't important either, since I have an iPod. But that was just another bonus.) I wasn't looking for a smart phone, it just ended up meeting my needs and I know what to expect since it is a Palm and I know a couple of peeps with the earlier models.

<]=)

[Gizmo]

Hey Jack!

Reader caution: Your milage may vary.

FWIW, IMHO, etc., etc... Go with the Treo 650. I switched from a Clie N760C and Motorola V60 and have never looked back. The convenience of only having to carry one device is worth it alone.

[JackAxe]

I'm really impressed with it. It's the first smartphone I've seen that really fits the build as a phone. I never liked the PPC smartphones, because of their size and my experiences with my Axim and that OS.

Anyways, I would like to get one today. The only thing that would prevent that, is if I have quite a bit of time left on my Verizon plan. Blah, then I would need to wait. Now I'm waiting for the laty to call Verizon. :)

Do you use a Bluetooh headset? I'm looking at getting one, but dislike the huge "Uhura" ones. I've broken every single corded ear piece, so this is why I'm going wireless. And if you have one, how does it do for battery life?

<]=)

[Gizmo]

I haven't used a Bluetooth headset. I know that there was a problem with this when the phone first came out. I think that issue has been resolved with the last few firmware updates. (I have a Sprint PSC model)

As far as battery life, it has been stellar considering all the things it can do. When using it strictly as a phone/pda, I can go for days before recharging.

[JackAxe]

Very cool. I hope the bluetooh works, they were demoing it in their video and sell it as an accessory. :)

I'm off to lunch.

<]=)

[Gizmo]

I'm off to lunch.

<]=)
Don't you mean out to lunch. :p

BTW: I sent you a link to a 3rd party application for voice recognition.

[JackAxe]

No, I write monkey grammar. :p

Got your message and just replied, thanks.

<]=)

[JackAxe]

Here's a link to the VR app for the treo:
http://www.voicesignal.com/index.php3

http://www.palmone.com/us/support/downloads/treo/treovoicedialing.html

I watched the demo and it can write and respond to what you say. Exactly like the V710 I was working with for a few months. :)

<]=)

[Gizmo]

Back from lunch so soon? :p

Great catch on the links. How did I miss those?

I think I'll be giving it a try.

[JackAxe]

I have to wait 8 days before I can switch. Blah. Oh well that's life.

<]=)

[Gizmo]

Here's a link to the VR app for the treo:
http://www.voicesignal.com/index.php3

http://www.palmone.com/us/support/downloads/treo/treovoicedialing.html

I watched the demo and it can write and respond to what you say. Exactly like the V710 I was working with for a few months. :)

<]=)
I just downloaded this software. It works GREAT. Very handy when you can't take your eyes off the road. It's not 100% perfect, but not bad either. I wish I had known about this months ago. I didn't see any feedback or reviews on this site about this software so I will keep you posted as I use it in different environments.

[JackAxe]

Awesome. Just what I wanted to here. Are you using it with the speaker phone or wtih a headset?

This if the first Palm I've really wanted in a long time, ,there was the UX also, but then Sony abandoned ship. :)

<]=)

[Gizmo]

Just the speaker phone. I don't use a headset. I know I read somewhere that it works a little different, if at all, with a Bluetooth headset. I think it works fine with a regular one. Treo Central has a little more active Treo discussion forum. I've found a lot of good answers there.

[JackAxe]

Thanks. Now I just need to wait. :)

<]=)

[Gizmo]

What's this I hear about you getting TWO of these? (I just hope my wife doesn't find out)

[JackAxe]

*LOL* :D One is for the wife, unless she changes her mind at the store. :)

I haven't been this excited about a phone or PDA in years. Friday is the day I hope to be getting me hook on one. :)

<]=)

[JackAxe]

I'm going to buy a 1 GB SD card also. Been reading that the Scandisk Extreme III provide noticeable real world performance gains over others.

I'm also going to get my free 128 SD from PalmOne for backup on the go.

Have you tinkered with the camcorder option on your Treo?

<]=)

[Gizmo]

I'm going to buy a 1 GB SD card also. Been reading that the Scandisk Extreme III provide noticeable real world performance gains over others.

I'm also going to get my free 128 SD from PalmOne for backup on the go.

Have you tinkered with the camcorder option on your Treo?

<]=)
I can't speak for the SD card, but I have a Scandisk Extreme II CF card for my camera and it is FAST.

Believe it or not, I have not used the camcorder option on my Treo. :o
And I've only taken a few pictures.

[JackAxe]

No cheese video footage. Try it and let me know if it sucks. :D

I'm getting the Sandisk Extreme III, so I can be even more extreme. :) Anyways I've been searching the Treocentral site for basic info and some peeps pointed out that the above SD actually makes a noticeable difference in real world reading and writing with a T650.

I'm going to get Kinoma EX, and start moving over some of my shows. I've also found the links for overclocking and most peeps can get the Treo up to 540+Mhz. If anything, this little PDA with a PXA270 312Mhz is roughly about twice as fast as my Axim with a PXA250 400Mhz from what I've seen in all benchmarks. Even with my Axim overclocked at 500Mhz, it's still about 60% slower.

<]=)

[Gizmo]

Here's (http://www.easycall.net/fun/monkey.mpg) a video I made of me brother with my Treo 650.

[JackAxe]

I knew that was you, even before I even knew that you existed. :D

Is this also you? (http://www.bainne.com/fun/monkey.mov)

<]=)

[Gizmo]

*LOL* Oh maaaaan.........

So, are you still scheduled to get your 650 tomorrow (Friday)?

[zackepceo]

Does Cingular have an unlimited data plan that works with the 650? If they do, how much does it cost? The main drawing point of me getting a T637 on T-Mobile is that I can get everything for $75 a month with 500 anytime minutes for two lines and unlimited data.

[JackAxe]

The only factor that would prevent me from getting one, is that we had to get the truck fixed and smogged this week. It needed a new catalytic convertor, oil requlator thingy, radiator and oil change and other things I don't comprehend. But I hope so, the laty doesn't want to pay another month with Verizon, so everything should be a go. Plus I have a new project starting next week.

Cingular does have an unlimited plan for the T650. It's $44.99(Imagine if it was a penny more. )

http://onlinestoreb.cingular.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ES_PROD_RATE.jsp?curTabName=Data%20Plans&curCategoryName=PRP_PDACONNECT%20PLAN&storeId=11451&catalogId=11451&langId=-1&storeAlias=scalax&svcAreaId=SBC&isFamilyTalkFlow=false&subOrderId=1

I'm hoping that the Edge network works up in northern CA. I'm on retainer with one my clients, so when I go to visit family will need access to the net and was hoping to do so with the Treo combined with my PB. I found a couple of Palm apps that will allow me to do this.

<]=)

[zackepceo]

Ouch, that's too much. I'm striving keep it under the $80 I'm paying now.

[JackAxe]

I've been reading on Treocentral, that some peeps are using the 650 wiht T-Mobile.

$45 would be fine with me, if I can get 384k any where. I have a real need for this, since I can not log onto one my clients network. They're a very big corp and only allow internal PCs to connect. But it's not a a must have option.

<]=)

[Roxanne Corff]

Does anyone know any tricks one needs to install the Phone link update to the Zire 72? I am having a helluva time trying to do this; it says it is about to install it in an encrypted format, and then the message appears that access is denied. This is part of the installation software which came with the device.

I have looked to other systems of software to try to find a way to have my Zire 72 communicate with my bluetooth, and this is not getting very far.

What I am trying to do is to have my Zire 72 recognize a broader list of recognized cell phones than just the Nokia, Siemens, and Sony-E. When I tap the "Not Shown", I am instructed to install the phon :mad: e link updater.

Help!!

[zackepceo]

I'm about to go with Sprint. Their data is only ~144kbps, but since they are a CDMA provider they should be rolling out EV-DO services in the future. Their price per month is, get this, $60 for me with 2 phones and unlimited data.

[teralens]

I feel pleased with the S-E s710a on Cingular.
If I add an ebook reader to the S-E s710a, I can retire my Clie'

[cvlnsastry]

Friends
What is this about unlocking my S E T 637 info on internet shows many options like IMEI unlock, this and that. Is there something like, fully unlocked, factory fresh, I mean really capable of working with any Company S I M Card. Is there a simple way to do it, or if it has to be done with the help of the computer, where do I get the software. How much does it cost?
C V L N SASTRY