Database Users

Got the green light to get a hermes!

So, after discussing the options to repair my old blue angel (cracked digitizer ), the accountant (AKA The Wife(tm)) gave me the green light to get a hermes.
My question: Which one to get? I know of the first generation having the touchscreen problems and loose keyboards, but I can't seem to find anything that identifies the models that have these problems.
I see on ebay and various places the occasional Softbank. I am aware of the "dangers" of getting a softbank that is not unlockable/flashable, but with a price usually considerably lower than the other versions of the phone (HTC, Vodaphone, etc), they are tempting, but if they are already unlocked, I question the ability of the unit to accept different ROM's.
Anyone have any advice on what to look for/versions to avoid? Thanks!

Why don't you get the HTC TyTN II aka HTC Kaiser?

I would wait until the Kaiser is out and get that. It will be the latest and no need to upgrade for a while.

If you're sure you want to go with a Hermes (nothing wrong with that) instead of waiting on the Kaiser, take a look at this wiki page for problems with different models. At this point I don't think there are really any major problems on the newest models.
Also, when I shopped around for mine the 8525 was generally the cheapest available here in the states. If you go with an 8525, maybe look for an AT&T branded phone, as that should be one of the newest production models (won't get stuck with an old one with alignment issues).

Well, as much as I would love to get a Kaiser, the cost is high enough that it is not really an option. I'm seeing the Hermes going for around $400 to $500 used, with pre-orders for the Kaiser for almost $800. I may try to go that route still.
I've looked at the wiki, however, as is the case, sometimes people don't have the time to update it, so I thought I'd check with those who are currently using them now.
And the 8525... I've avoid that one. Something about AT&T/Cingular removing features from the phone and the fact that I'm seeing a more of those for sale over any other model kind of worries me.
I really like the look of the softbank, I'm just worried that if I get one unlocked, that it was done in a way that would prevent me from flashing a custom ROM on it.

Well, I recently bought a Softbank X01 for myself. The stock I got seems to have been made in July and so far it's performing nicely. The ebay seller said it was unlocked for use on the networks in my area (Rogers Canada) and sure enough it is. It also came flashed with a Dopod ROM of WM6 which was a bonus for me, as I 've never flashed ROMs onto things before.
The only problem was the keyboard layout didn't match what the software thought it was -- that is to say, I just had to tweak which keyboard version I had installed and then all symbols on hardware keyboard were in correct position.
If it helps, here's the seller I got it from. I did the local pickup, but they apparently have shipping too.
http://cgi.ebay.ca/New-SoftBank-X01...ryZ64355QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

For the record, the only thing different about the 8525 is the lack of the front facing VGA 3G video camera. Since there is no 3G video call capabilities in the US, there's no need to have it. The 8525 is a HERM100 device. See here for an explanation.
The likely reason that they are available all over is the fact that AT&T subsidizes the cost of the phone. For instance, I can buy the phone through my business account for $300 with free activation, free shipping, etc. If I wasn't lazy, I'd pay the $300 and sell it on ebay. Also, the 8525 is the only one available from a carrier in the US. So if you're looking on ebay.com, that's just what you're going to see. Just like you'd probably see a lot of Dopods in south east Asia.
There's nothing wrong with the 8525. Other than the front camera, the only differences between the 8525 and any other Hermes is purely cosmetic. I've had mine for 6 months, and it's been rock solid.

Toleraen said:
For the record, the only thing different about the 8525 is the lack of the front facing VGA 3G video camera. Since there is no 3G video call capabilities in the US, there's no need to have it. The 8525 is a HERM100 device.
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*snip*
Toleraen said:
There's nothing wrong with the 8525. Other than the front camera, the only differences between the 8525 and any other Hermes is purely cosmetic. I've had mine for 6 months, and it's been rock solid.
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Thank you, that's good to know. I do have to admit that the price difference is considerable enough that it is tempting.
I would just hate to get one then tomorrow T-Mo/AT&T/some new carrier named grasshopper announces that they are rolling it out in my area.
I'm sure the chances of that happening are about as much as a little man dressed in red starting a brisk trade in ice skates, but one never knows.
Is there any software that makes use of the front camera if one is not using it for video calls?
Oh, I can't seem to find an answer on this one either: Can the hermes make/take a voice call while the data (GPRS/EDGE/whatever) is active?

The 8925/"Tilt" is coming out on Monday. The price difference will likely only be $100 to $150. I'd probably go with the Tilt instead if it is within your budget.
It can take voice calls when the data is active. Most of us probably keep the data connections active all the time.

You can take a call while using data, but if you're on GPRS/EDGE the data will disconnect while you're on the call, but automatically reconnect. If you're in 3G coverage you can use both at the same time. I'm pretty sure that's true for any phone though. I don't believe T-Mobile in the US has rolled out any 3G coverage either.

OK, thanks for all the info. It's given me some things to consider and think about.

Who is considering this phone?

I am a little, but the lemon in this whole thing is T-Mobile. They are cheap, have android but they don't have good service. I am on at&t and I am loving them(less and less apparently), and I want android again!
Anyone else in this same boat with the decision? I hope its faster when it gets released. Whats the ram and rom on this thing?

I have tmo and I have never had a problem let alone a dropped call. . . Also, if you live in major areas, anywhere near NYC, you are good to go no matter what carrier you have.
That being said I really like tmo for the service and support I get from them.

i have tmo also and never had any problems 3g works fine calls never drop. so the question of will i get a N1 most definitely and $530 is not to much to pay for the phone. and the ones who payd $699 for the i phone (plus contract) on the release cant talk

I've had T-Mobile for years now. They are pretty good. The only downside is that I don't get signal in school in some classrooms. But aren't I supposed to not be using a cellphone in class ?
The N1 has 512 MB RAM/ROM so it's pretty legit!

I have never once got a dropped call with tmobile. Bunch of friends have jesus phones (iphones) and always get terrible reception, dropped calls, sudden loss of signal, etc. My 3G is also faster then every friend's iphone when doing speed tests side by side. Throw in tmobile's excellent customer service, and you have an amazing cell company. I haven't had any issues with them whatsoever. I just called them yesterday morning and asked for an unlock code for my G1 and with no questions asked, they took my IMEI and email and said it would take 24 hours to get the code from the manufacturer. I got the code in my email a few hours ago. Seriously, people dont give tmobile enough credit. They call them the smallest of the big three, sure, but the smallest have to do a lot more than Verizon and AT&T to win over customers.

considering this phone? It's a must have for many!

Wanted to add this...
Since so many people are complaining about the unsubsidized price and crying about it being so much, I’ve crunched the numbers to calculate what the “real price” of the phone is when you buy it for $180 and sign a contract for a higher monthly payment. Note that the service you’re paying for is identical… you’re just paying more per month if you buy the phone subsidized.
Based on that information, using the prices of the 500 minute plans that T-mo offers, the “real price” of the phone when you pay $180 upfront is $660! How'd I come to this number? By subsidizing the phone, you agree to pay an extra $20 per month for the plan. That equals $480. $480+180=$660.
If Google was like Apple, they would be charging us over $600 for the unlocked and unsubsidized phone...

I am definitely fighting the wife over the unlocked price so I can get one. I seem to be winning so I might be getting one.
I have had T-Mobile for since '05, and I have never had any issues. Every year so far, I have gotten a new phone, 3 out of 4 have been full upgrades (supposed to be every 2 years) and the other was a partial. I have had exceptional help from customer service as I have a phone on my plan that resides outside of any T-mobile coverage (its actually funny, the phone runs off ATT towers... on a T-mobile plan... go figure). I have only had 1 dropped call in the last few years that I can think of. I live in Dayton OH, and we just got upgraded to 3g about 3 months ago. I am quite happy with T-Mobile. They are making giant strides to improving their network.
Edit: On a side note, I have used T-mobile extensively in Georgia(3 years), Texas(6 months) and now Ohio (6 months) and the network has been great in each of the locations. Also, having driven up and down the east coast at least 4 or 5 times from Vermont to Florida, I can say that the T-Mobiles network has been great, at least near the major highways. Heck it even worked great when I was in Alaska for a month.

Can I ask, why would someoen get this over the HTC variant?
Makes no sense considering the HTC Varient would have greater support and would have sense,

The HTC variant probably wont be a "google experience" device...but who knows.

Maedhros said:
Can I ask, why would someoen get this over the HTC variant?
Makes no sense considering the HTC Varient would have greater support and would have sense,
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Personally, I'd rather have updates as soon as they come out, not after HTC updates SenseUI to work with updated Android releases.

The only reason that I am considering getting this phone over waiting for the Bravo is this forum. I have faith that the devs here can hook up a rom that will do pretty much anything on the Nexus that the Bravo or Passion can do. I could be wrong, and if I am let me know! I don't want to buy a phone that won't live up to standards that are 3 months down the road.

i know i am i have a touch pro 2 with tmobile i actually love the keyboard & everything but tmobiles version of the phone is the ugliest of the 4 companies & 2 of my friends have the sprint version which looks & is shaped much better & they keep rubbing it in my face (even though i got mines months b4 them) plus im bored of windows mobile so good buy tp2 hello nexus!!!!

Screw sense ui. i want stock android on a phone with 512mb RAM and a 1ghz processor. sign me up for the list of people getting this phone as soon as it is available.

david1171 said:
Screw sense ui. i want stock android on a phone with 512mb RAM and a 1ghz processor. sign me up for the list of people getting this phone as soon as it is available.
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This is what I want too. I don't want some junked up UI being pushed on me. Thats one big reason I can't even get myself to consider the SE X10. I don't want a UI. I want vanilla Android that I can alter as I want.
If I want a UI, flashing a ROM works for me.

Does anyone know, if they ship it to Europe?
If they do, I will buy it asap

+1
i'll buy a nexus, after a couple of months worth of other people using it and posting it's cons/pros.
why ?
the processor, and ram
and
two very major companies are trying to help people understand that BUYING something means you OWN it... as opposed to signing a effing contract with some service provider, for 2x what a device and service is worth. some day, americans will see the light and stop financing so much simple crap. i hope.

Of crouse i am hah! Even made a site for it! pshh n1user.com

I'll get one. Why? I want a native Google Phone and do hope that the softwaresupport would be very good (like the G1 at least) and we'll get all major updates. I don't like Sense anyway.

I'll probably get one because my iPhone sucks (some of the games and stuff are cool, but the overall performance isn't that good) and i don't want a WM-phone again.

Dell Streak not available in the US...

...buy why?
I've been following the Streak for as long as its been rumored, and I haven't seen this brought up.
Why do you guys think that Dell decided to go to the UK first, and so much earlier, than in the US? Seems weird for a US-based tech company to release what looks to be a very high-profile device outside of the US, so much earlier, and not even in a comparably-sized market (if they released in "Europe" first that might make SOME sense...but in the UK only?)
The ONLY thing I could come up with is that they are using the UK as a test market, either for the hardware itself, or for their incarnation of Android. Perhaps an update to 2.1 on the US launch? Though that is rumored to be coming in January 2011, not on launch date.
Any other theories/facts out there?

I have a Streak and it is very good! I don't know why they released in the UK first, but I am pleased it did.
When it gets to the US it'll only increase the follwoing and developments will rocket. So I for one am looking forward to it too.
I am sure our cousins from across the pond are gonna love it

grizlore said:
I am sure our cousins from across the pond are gonna love it
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Only if they come out with a T-mobile 3g version
2 GB per month isnt enough and Att sucks!

2Gb per month? On O2 (and Vodafone - dunno about the rest) we get 500mb a month for the £5 a month data plan. Then another £5 per 500mb thereafter.

ap3604 said:
Only if they come out with a T-mobile 3g version
2 GB per month isnt enough and Att sucks!
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I'm looking to go from my G1 to the Streak but only on T-Mobile. If I'm switching carriers it sure WON'T be to AT&T!

hexydes said:
Any other theories/facts out there?
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I personally think that Dell is just way behind with their mobile phone department, being completely new to the game. 02 was probably the first real and successful partner that decided to pair up with Dell. Considering they are so hush-hush about the US release it makes me think the only reason for such a delayed launch is a delay in partnership. Or it could be because whoever their US partnership is has to wait until a previous contract is up. Or it could possibly be that nobody in the US wanted to partner with Dell so they decided to release it in the UK, to see potential interest/outcome around the world. Rumor has been going around that the US maybe released with 2.2, which wouldn't matter. Software is always upgradeable, hardware (which I think will be the exact same as the UK models and beta models) is not.
As for the Beta Streak's (from Texas), what an absolute joke. Dell has done a terrible terrible job at keeping their US customer's happy or in the 'know' thus far. And then once they decide to give it some publicity, it is to such a wide ranged age group that is mostly physically active. Now I am not saying most competent high-end phone owners are not active, I am just saying that most do not run races. (I would for a free Streak!)
Considering they have a page on their store for the coming-soon 'Aero', why not do the same for the Streak?
And if it is due to none of the above, then maybe the US is in for a big surprise with their model. But I highly doubt that. Everyone else currently with a Streak would be extremely upset (I know I would).
.

dell streak i have had for 2week now its the most awesome device i have ever had the chance to get my mutty paws on and i have had alot of devices with froyo 2.2 this will be unstopable and did you know there is a micro sd card x 2 in this device yes the other one is hdden inside to instal apps on 2gb and can be chnged to a 32gb if pleased plusa another 32gb external how about that then.

I think you should change your plan my friend, I get 3gb per month and unlimited wifi at the cloud with o2 for £15 per month although this is the data only plan.
SquidgyB said:
2Gb per month? On O2 (and Vodafone - dunno about the rest) we get 500mb a month for the £5 a month data plan. Then another £5 per 500mb thereafter.
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Muo said:
I personally think that Dell is just way behind with their mobile phone department, being completely new to the game. 02 was probably the first real and successful partner that decided to pair up with Dell. Considering they are so hush-hush about the US release it makes me think the only reason for such a delayed launch is a delay in partnership. Or it could be because whoever their US partnership is has to wait until a previous contract is up. Or it could possibly be that nobody in the US wanted to partner with Dell so they decided to release it in the UK, to see potential interest/outcome around the world. Rumor has been going around that the US maybe released with 2.2, which wouldn't matter. Software is always upgradeable, hardware (which I think will be the exact same as the UK models and beta models) is not.
As for the Beta Streak's (from Texas), what an absolute joke. Dell has done a terrible terrible job at keeping their US customer's happy or in the 'know' thus far. And then once they decide to give it some publicity, it is to such a wide ranged age group that is mostly physically active. Now I am not saying most competent high-end phone owners are not active, I am just saying that most do not run races. (I would for a free Streak!)
Considering they have a page on their store for the coming-soon 'Aero', why not do the same for the Streak?
And if it is due to none of the above, then maybe the US is in for a big surprise with their model. But I highly doubt that. Everyone else currently with a Streak would be extremely upset (I know I would).
.
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That statement is damning. Six months ago (late 2009/early 2010), the hardware in the "Dell Mini 5" (Streak) was cutting-edge, top-of-the-line. If they'd released then, they'd have had the fastest smartphone in the world. Now, we have the EVO, Nexus One, Incredible, DroidX, Captivate (in a week), iPhone 4, etc. The Dell Streak will be nothing more than your average high-end smartphone in a controversial form-factor, with an antiquated operating system.
I dunno, we'll see what I do. I was all-in for the Streak, because I really want the form-factor (larger screen, HDMI-out on the side for docking) and for Dell selling it unlocked (I don't want to buy through a carrier, or even have a contract, other than a month-to-month with T-Mobile or something), but the Streak is already looking pretty long in the tooth, and it hasn't even been released yet.
I think Dell really messed up on this one.
I think the worst of all is that you have this VERY passionate base of hardcore tech enthusiasts who really want this phone in the US, then Dell turns around, releases this phone in the UK, and is absolute silent about the plan for the US.
If they had any brains (which I really question at this point), they'd go to GDGT.com or something like that, find every person who has the Streak listed as a device they want, and ship them out. As of this moment, that is only 208 people. At $500 retail (though probably more like $300 at-cost), that's only about $100,000. I think Dell can afford that, and the good-will that it would build, from these extremely passionate users who will then go out and convince all of their friends, families, and others to buy this device, would more than recoup the cost.
Oh well. Over at StreakSmart, a LOT of people are looking at getting the Captivate now (or something else), and I have to say, while I was locked in for the Dell Streak, I'm going to be keeping my options open now. Every week that passes by, that 1GHz Snapdragon hardware set is getting older, more cool phones come out, and they have better versions of Android. It's going to be hard to seriously say "Dude...I'm gettin' a Dell!" too much longer...

lesday said:
I think you should change your plan my friend, I get 3gb per month and unlimited wifi at the cloud with o2 for £15 per month although this is the data only plan.
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Aye, I need the talk plan as much as I do the data. In any case, I took the Streak back - very little media codec support, shoddy audio quality, and lackluster graphics power eventually won over the 5in screen... I'm off to get a Galaxy S from either T-Mobile (coverage dependent) or Three, if Three get their fingers out of their ar$es and make the Galaxy S available.

SquidgyB said:
... I'm off to get a Galaxy S from either T-Mobile (coverage dependent) or Three, if Three get their fingers out of their ar$es and make the Galaxy S available.
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Crap, you better move over to the Captivate forum ASAP! For some reason, making any decision to go against the Streak here will get you flamed big time! I haven't seen that type of behavior on this board before so I was left scratching my head when I made the same decision.

As long as you take a balanced look at it the I don't think it should be flame worthy, but I know what you mean.
Apologies for the thread hijack as well - but it's not like there's a specific question being asked here.
Anyhow, I did really like the Streak for what it was, it's just that it didn't live up to the expectations of what I needed from it. FLAC support and decent audio quality is very important to me; the click and low level hiss in the background when the Streak played any audio was something I just couldn't live with.
I'll miss 5in of screen space, it must be said. Browsing on the Streak was a great experience, but seeing Quake 3 and the newer games coming out on the Galaxy, as well as integrated HW decoding of the major codecs (decoding 1080p on the fly? crikey!) are just another nail in the coffin.
Oh, and £54 for a dock so I can have HDMI out, and £25 for a USB charging cable? That's just rude.

Unfortunately those are things we haven't been able to compare here in the US. We have to rely on reviews until we can get them in hand. I'm sure that if I get both units in hand and the Dell strikes me as more usable, I'll buy it. I'm definitely going to be more critical of the Streak now that the Captivate will be out at the same time.

meatrocket said:
For some reason, making any decision to go against the Streak here will get you flamed big time! I haven't seen that type of behavior on this board before so I was left scratching my head when I made the same decision.
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For better or worse people are emotionally invested in their purchases so they take it personally when you say "F#ck Dell and their stupid Streak" like you did in the other thread, hence the flaming.

Dell Venue Pro concerns due to T-Mobile to AT&T?

As of March 20, 2011, there has been the widespread news that AT&T agrees to buyout T-Mobile. As much as a shock it may be to previous T-Mobile users, it is a major shock to me as well. At first, I wasn't concerned about the situation since it needs to be approved and it will take about a year or two for changes to be made. Yet, it only took 24 hours for me to grow major concerns about the service, pricing and the Dell Venue Pro
I currently sit at my desk with an "unopened" shipping box containing my long-awaited Dell Venue Pro. This is a moment that I thought was suppose to be enjoyable as I get ready to unveil a phone that I have long awaited for. That is until I read this news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110321/ap_on_hi_te/us_at_t_t_mobile_usa_phones_7 (I could not attach a hyperlink since I'm a new user, sorry)
It may take around 1 to 2 years for this to take effect, but what then afterward? Seems to me that the Dell Venue Pro has an expiration date. EDGE service "may" continue to work, but 3G will be eliminated in the process. So everyone that has spent hundreds on this phone will automatically be downgraded once the process kicks in.
Maybe the option to upgrade your device will come along, but what guarantee is there that there will be a Dell Venue Pro that is fully compatible with AT&T? I just don't know if I should just return this phone and wait for something else. I'm a person who can maintain a phone for up to 3+ years yet it seems unwise for me to invest hundreds on a phone, that in time, will have limited service.
So for those who own the Dell Venue Pro or plan on purchasing it, it is worth the short investment, even if EDGE continues to work? Or should I place my investment elsewhere and/or hope that an updated Dell Venue Pro is released in the future?
Thanks for your time and I apologize for the long thread.

My thought is that by the time this all happens I will probably want an LTE phone anyway. There are a lot of 3G T-Mobile phones out there and I can't imagine they are just going to pull the plug on everyone. More likely it will be a slow transition over a long period of time.

pjfan75 said:
My thought is that by the time this all happens I will probably want an LTE phone anyway. There are a lot of 3G T-Mobile phones out there and I can't imagine they are just going to pull the plug on everyone. More likely it will be a slow transition over a long period of time.
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Understandable. I just hope that the process does take a long period of time so I can make the best out of the phone before any limitations occur, if it does happen.

I'd stick with the DVP.
Firstly, given the infancy of the smartphone market, every new device is going to have to put up a fight against Moore's Law. That is, a phone that you buy today, just like your PC or your video card, is going to be obsolete in a matter of 18-24 months.
Secondly, T-Mobile has made humongous investments in those 3G towers. So has AT&T. It costs these companies to *take out* a feature than to install it, especially so towards the end of life of a network technology. The FTC/FCC do not have a law on phasing out (I could be wrong on this one, but I am certain) network protocols over time. This is also the reason you still get EDGE coverage when everything else fails.
Finally, the deal is pending FTC/FCC approval. There is a long, drawn-out public process with the SEC, after which other federal agencies will step in to voice their concerns. Remember, Ma Bell was split up back in the day because it was involved in monopolistic activities. If this merger goes into effect, the consumers are going to be faced with a virtual monopoly as far as GSM technology goes. My point is that the deal may fall apart.
So, if your investment horizon is around 2-3 years and you love the DVP, then just keep it.

Just gives me another reason to run back to Sprint once they get a device that appeals to me

When T-mobile merged with Orange in the UK they didn't turn either of the networks off, they allowed roaming between them and extended their infrastructure.
AT&T are highly unlikely to turn off the T-mobile network, they will probably phase them both towards LTE, but by the time that's finalised your DVP will be long upgraded anyway.

937dytboi said:
Just gives me another reason to run back to Sprint once they get a device that appeals to me
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Don't be too certain there, bud. Verizon may make the next move to buy Sprint. Remember that Sprint is also CDMA, so there are "synergies" to be realized by Verizon, assuming it thinks that AT&T's takeover of TMO is going to undermine its market position.
Of course, if you like Verizon (and thereby CDMA), what the heck are you doing in the DVP forum?

I agree with ZappiestOyster's comments. If the sky is falling (IF!!!), we have quite a long time to enjoy our DVPs before the worst case scenario would play out.

elyl said:
When T-mobile merged with Orange in the UK they didn't turn either of the networks off, they allowed roaming between them and extended their infrastructure.
AT&T are highly unlikely to turn off the T-mobile network, they will probably phase them both towards LTE, but by the time that's finalised your DVP will be long upgraded anyway.
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This is exactly what will happen from what i am told and read

937dytboi said:
Just gives me another reason to run back to Sprint once they get a device that appeals to me
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Quoted for truth. The only reason I even touched anything besides my Sprint was because of the delay in getting Windows Phone 7 to the cdma carriers. Had the HD7 Pro been released in January like it was anticipated, I wouldn't even be in this forum (though this hardware is SO much nicer).

bbowman said:
I agree with ZappiestOyster's comments. If the sky is falling (IF!!!), we have quite a long time to enjoy our DVPs before the worst case scenario would play out.
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Yup! I took ZappiestOyster's comment into consideration and I can only say that I absolutely love this phone! It satisfies my needs in so many ways. The way it looks, feels and the overall performance of the device is just incredible. If Microsoft gets their updates on point, this will be one incredible piece of electronic to own.

goldaar said:
Quoted for truth. The only reason I even touched anything besides my Sprint was because of the delay in getting Windows Phone 7 to the cdma carriers. Had the HD7 Pro been released in January like it was anticipated, I wouldn't even be in this forum (though this hardware is SO much nicer).
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I've had my shares of many different networks experiences (all 4 major carriers) but I have to say Sprint was the worst. (Los Angeles area) but I am happy with Tmobile other than the extremely bad ringback tones.

This MAYBE why a DVP with AT&T bands was spotted at the FTC.. love it if AT&T offered the DVP and a painless swap for us with them. Doubt that will happen. BUt would be nice for the DVP to get more distribution here in the states since Tmo apparently HATES W7 and is acting like a Android fan boy..

cdgoin said:
This MAYBE why a DVP with AT&T bands was spotted at the FTC.. love it if AT&T offered the DVP and a painless swap for us with them. Doubt that will happen. BUt would be nice for the DVP to get more distribution here in the states since Tmo apparently HATES W7 and is acting like a Android fan boy..
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This phone is faulty and should only see distribution to the nearest rubbish tip.

efjay said:
This phone is faulty and should only see distribution to the nearest rubbish tip.
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The 16GB maybe (See SD Card problems) I have owned 2 8GB and both are flawless..
Only a slight problem with lint under the screen on one of them. I simply love the phone and its unique form factor.

cdgoin said:
The 16GB maybe (See SD Card problems) I have owned 2 8GB and both are flawless..
Only a slight problem with lint under the screen on one of them. I simply love the phone and its unique form factor.
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Still faulty, its not as though we added the memory ourselves, the 16GB versions were sold to us by Dell and whatever the reason dont function properly. The 8GB version performing ok has no bearing on that.

cdgoin said:
This MAYBE why a DVP with AT&T bands was spotted at the FTC.. love it if AT&T offered the DVP and a painless swap for us with them. Doubt that will happen. BUt would be nice for the DVP to get more distribution here in the states since Tmo apparently HATES W7 and is acting like a Android fan boy..
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DVP was for Rogers. Same frequency, different country.
As for the merger, I don't think that it will go through just because of the fact that it seems like a GSM monopoly and the fact that it will screw over consumers with raised prices (less competition). Only plus side being that AT&T users get more coverage.

Upgrading TF101 to TF101G

What do you think. Can Asus upgrade our tf101 to tf101g version for payment? I think it would be great opportunity for many people's who couldn't buy 3g version few months ago and now need 3g.
Maybe someone can write letter to Asus with question about it?
(sorry for my english )

Do they have the ability to? Probably yes.
Will they do it? Probably NO.
Name of the game is to sell products.

The price they've had to charge to pay someone who's on first-world salaries to make an upgrade that's not part of a production-line process would almost certainly prevent them doing this. You'd likely be better off just selling your TF101 second-hand, then buying a new TF101G, instead.

But when we send transformer do service they can give us option to upgrade to 3g. Sometimes they have to change whole motherboard so they can add 3g.

No way.
Always been that way...
...is like if you say "Can you upgrade my 16 GB version to a 32 GB?"
As you can see for the iPad...You have to keep your old product until you think that is too old for your needs...and sell it and buy a new one.
As someone said before me...this is the capitalist world : Name of the game is to sell products!

Mistic92 said:
But when we send transformer do service they can give us option to upgrade to 3g. Sometimes they have to change whole motherboard so they can add 3g.
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As I said, you'd have to pay them more for the upgrade than it would be worth to you. A first-world tech support facility with first-world tech support staff and first world taxes, liabilities etc. costs a lot more to run than a factory in China or wherever else, and dismantling and upgrading products by hand takes a lot longer than shoving in the same part over and over on a production line as part of a carefully optimized process. By the time you stick in a reasonable profit margin as well, and the cost of the new part, and the cost of disposing of the old parts, etc., you'd quickly end up paying more for the upgrade than you'd lose selling the old item second hand and buying a new one.

knoxploration said:
The price they've had to charge to pay someone who's on first-world salaries to make an upgrade that's not part of a production-line process would almost certainly prevent them doing this.
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3rd world salaries? the irony here is that the countries you're referring to are actually becoming the new global economic super powers and it's the USA that is making the inevitable move to 3rd world America. look it up if you care to read about the world economic situation.... yes off topic I know, but I'm sitting in the sun drinking my latte and was bored!

Globespy said:
3rd world salaries? the irony here is that the countries you're referring to are actually becoming the new global economic super powers and it's the USA that is making the inevitable move to 3rd world America. look it up if you care to read about the world economic situation.... yes off topic I know, but I'm sitting in the sun drinking my latte and was bored!
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I'm well aware of that (I grew up in Asia myself), but take a look at the GNI per capita last year, and you'll see what I'm talking about. Here's a comparison of the GNI of the USA, against all countries where Asus has factories. (AFAIK, the Transformer is made in one of Asus' Chinese factories):
United States: $47,020
Czech Republic: $17,310
Taiwan: $16,392
Mexico: $8,960
China: $3,620
(All figures in US dollars, as quoted from the World Bank's Doing Business Project)
Yes, China is a powerhouse, but when one takes account of the size of their population, things don't look so rosy for the individual guy on the street.

knoxploration said:
I'm well aware of that (I grew up in Asia myself), but take a look at the GNI per capita last year, and you'll see what I'm talking about. Here's a comparison of the GNI of the USA, against all countries where Asus has factories. (AFAIK, the Transformer is made in one of Asus' Chinese factories):
United States: $47,020
Czech Republic: $17,310
Taiwan: $16,392
Mexico: $8,960
China: $3,620
(All figures in US dollars, as quoted from the World Bank's Doing Business Project)
Yes, China is a powerhouse, but when one takes account of the size of their population, things don't look so rosy for the individual guy on the street.
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Ahaa! I appreciate the reply. Yes, whilst these figures are true now my point was that unfortunately the US economy seems to be beyond the event horizon and I really don't believe that we can pull ourselves out of this mess. Of course that's exactly what the wealthiest people want, the continued transfer of wealth to the few, kind of like wringing the last few drops from a wet towel before throwing it in the trash.
I used to work for Microsoft for 6 years and we employed a ton of technical people from India. The reality is that India's economy is also growing and it's only a matter of time before an equilibrium is reached where Indian nationals an choose not to live away from their families and sending money home (as they do). When that comes our tech industry is in serious trouble as we simply do not have the inhouse talent in this country to meet demand.
Right now life for the average basic blue collar skilled workers in Asia is not that great, but the clock is ticking and these things will change. Perhaps not in our current generation, but 2 generations from now I'm sure I'd rather live in Asia!
Thanks for this wonderful off-topic discussion - hopefully the iron fist does not see it.

i don't understand the desire to put 3g on your tablets/laptops...etc.
just put data plan on your phone (if you're on xda, you're probably the type that already has it) and tether. your phone is the most likely device you'll have "on the go". getting data on your phone is probably cheaper than getting a data plan by itself.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk

finalhit said:
i don't understand the desire to put 3g on your tablets/laptops...etc.
just put data plan on your phone (if you're on xda, you're probably the type that already has it) and tether. your phone is the most likely device you'll have "on the go". getting data on your phone is probably cheaper than getting a data plan by itself.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
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Couldn't agree more with you! Most phone companies rape you for data on tablets because they see them as different from a phone, more like a computer and that means people will use them more. Look at the cost of plans with 3G/4G tablet contracts through the likes of Rape-izon and you will quickly see that you don't need another big bill each month when you are probably already paying for an unlimited data plan on your phone. T-mobile has unlimited everything for $49. 99 and they are fair with data usage and don't throttle your speed unless you are being silly. If you live in an area that has Metro-PCS, and then same thing applies - all you can eat for $40 and they have android phones.
Tether from your android phone - almost every android phone has this option - usually called mobile AP. Or if you don't have an android phone or other phone that can tether, you could look at something like a clearwire 4G mobile hotspot that you can take with you anywhere you go and be sure to have a mobile data connection. they have a deal right now for $49. 99 for unlimited data, and which is way better than those blood suckers at Verizon.

Whitesage said:
No way.
Always been that way...
...is like if you say "Can you upgrade my 16 GB version to a 32 GB?"
As you can see for the iPad...You have to keep your old product until you think that is too old for your needs...and sell it and buy a new one.
As someone said before me...this is the capitalist world : Name of the game is to sell products!
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Xoom users are able to send their 3g tablets in to upgrade it to 4g. Why wouldn't we be able to have 3g installed? If we're paying for it...

I think the OP should wait a little while to see which tablets arrive in the marketplace. Because even ASUS has a new slider tablet, e.g.
ASUS Eee Pad Slider SL101-A1-BR Tablet PC - Mocha NVIDIA Tegra 2 1.00GHz 10.1" 1GB Memory DDR2 16GB Flash HDD NVIDIA ULP GeForce $480
ASUS Eee Pad Slider SL101-B1-BR Tablet PC - Mocha NVIDIA Tegra 2 1.00GHz 10.1" 1GB Memory DDR2 32GB Flash HDD NVIDIA ULP GeForce $580
Add the original two TF101 and these two, plus future options for 3G data, and there will be a bunch of models. And, other companies are putting out a lot of new models between now and new years holidays. Plus ASUS is finally getting a complete line of accessories, and prices are stabilizing (harder for crazies to scalp high prices on hard to find items).
I would sell my old version and either: (1) get a discount on exactly what I wanted or (2) wait for exactly what I wanted.
Consider not every brand/model may get the next Android OS version (ice cream) and/or some versions may be locked from rooting. Another good reason to wait for exactly what you want.

If I'm not mistaken, the Xoom has a 3G/4G slot somewhere where they can easily just po-in the 3G/4G module and bam you have 3G/4G. Where as the Transformer without 3G have basically have not taken this design so the 3G version most likely have a SIM card slot?

frosty5689 said:
If I'm not mistaken, the Xoom has a 3G/4G slot somewhere where they can easily just po-in the 3G/4G module and bam you have 3G/4G. Where as the Transformer without 3G have basically have not taken this design so the 3G version most likely have a SIM card slot?
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Point is if we pay for it, why wouldn't they?

my suggestion is get a dock and a 3g dongle
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1259677

Without inspecting the innards of 3g version and non-3g version side-by-side, I doubt anyone can give an educated guess as to whether upgrades will be available/possible/profitable or not.

Leshy1991 said:
my suggestion is get a dock and a 3g dongle
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1259677
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I have a dock. But I don't want to carry my dock and a dongle everywhere I go

diy yourself? just kidding.
anyway to change to 3G your entire bezel also must change to accommodate the 3G. plus the drain of batt is higher. seriously suggest u to get a mifi, or a phone to tether. its cheaper, more viable, and you can tether to your other devices too.
I don't think Asus will offer the services at all. 3rd Party, maybe, Asus, no. Believe they are working on their newer products.

I looked at some pictures of an open non-3g transformer. I looks like there is a spot for the 3g card and it just needs to soldered in. Of course there is the problem of changing SIM cards as the non-3g transformer won't have a slot for it on the bezel.
Also, I live in China. There are plenty of computer repair shops that would be willing to solder in the 3g card for me, probably for about $5-$10(USD) plus the cost of the card.
I'm pretty sure the 3g-card is just a production model and not something specially designed for the transformer. Special designs cost more money, and Asus is looking to keep costs down. I mean Asus isn't Apple.
After that, switch to a 3g based transformer firmware and it should be all good.
If anyone can provide me with information on the make and model of the 3g card in the transformer, I'll take a shot at adding one in and let you know how it goes.
I'm pretty sure the only difference between the 3g and non-3g models is the card and firmware. Asus will want to keep things as simple as possible for production reasons.
EDIT: Here is the picture I was refering to with the open spot of a 3g card: s2.photobucket.com/albums/y28/driftspec/Asus%20Transformer/?action=view&current=IMG_6007.jpg
Credit to the Minor teardown thread: forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1109928