[Q] Changing Xoom antenna from EV-DO to HSPDA? - Xoom General

I bought a Xoom in the US last week and am extremely satisfied with it.
However, it appears I can't use the 3G functionality of the Xoom in The Netherlands (where I live), because the European/Dutch Vodafone 3G system is different from Verizon's (HSPDA vs. EVDO). 4G LTE will become available in Europe in about one year, so that's not an option...
From what I understood, this is a hardware issue that cannot be fixed by a software modification.
My question is pretty simple: as I would really hate to return my Xoom to BestBuy... Do you think it'd be possible in a few months, when the Motorola Xoom becomes available in Europe, to have my (US) Xoom hardware-modified to fit the European 3G-standard? And would that be costly?
Thanks

Martijn77 said:
I bought a Xoom in the US last week and am extremely satisfied with it.
However, it appears I can't use the 3G functionality of the Xoom in The Netherlands (where I live), because the European/Dutch Vodafone 3G system is different from Verizon's (HSPDA vs. EVDO). 4G LTE will become available in Europe in about one year, so that's not an option...
From what I understood, this is a hardware issue that cannot be fixed by a software modification.
My question is pretty simple: as I would really hate to return my Xoom to BestBuy... Do you think it'd be possible in a few months, when the Motorola Xoom becomes available in Europe, to have my (US) Xoom hardware-modified to fit the European 3G-standard? And would that be costly?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just sell the one you have and buy a new one on contract since you need to use the 3G.

I would like that, but the Xoom won't make it's way to The Netherlands very soon, while Motorola has no official import in our country (as far as I know).

No, this won't work. The chipset in the Xoom is for CDMA. Almost all of Europe's major 3G coverage/carriers are GSM, which has a different chipset.
Just pickup the GSM Euro version when it comes out. I believe preorders are already up in some countries if I'm not mistaken.

Oke, then that's what I'll do... Thanks all!

the UK and germany have the euro version of the xoom out next month.
already seen some adds of the UK version beeing simlock free .. dont know if the german version will be simlock free.
if their simlock free it doesnt matter where you get them since you can change the language on the xoom to your local language or to english

martonikaj said:
The chipset in the Xoom is for CDMA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
R U sure? iFixit state Qualcomm MDM6600 in their teardown, and that is http://www.qualcomm.com/news/releas...nces-commercial-availability-gobi3000-modules As said there, "The Gobi 3000 reference design is based on Qualcomm’s MDM6200™ and MDM6600™ chipsets, both of which can provide support for HSPA+ data rates of up to 14.4 Mbps. The MDM6600 also supports CDMA2000® 1xEV-DO Rev. A and Rev. B". So CDMA is an additional capability? Am I wrong?

freemsk1 said:
R U sure? iFixit state Qualcomm MDM6600 in their teardown, and that is http://www.qualcomm.com/news/releas...nces-commercial-availability-gobi3000-modules As said there, "The Gobi 3000 reference design is based on Qualcomm’s MDM6200™ and MDM6600™ chipsets, both of which can provide support for HSPA+ data rates of up to 14.4 Mbps. The MDM6600 also supports CDMA2000® 1xEV-DO Rev. A and Rev. B". So CDMA is an additional capability? Am I wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you are right. That is the chipset. But only the CDMA is enabled. Just because the chipset is theoretically capable when it leaves Qualcomm, doesn't mean it isn't made to be used for CDMA when its put into the Xoom. It was covered in several of the threads when the iFixIt teardown came out.
Even then, there isn't even a place to put a non-LTE SIM card into the device, how would it work? From my understanding, LTE SIM cards are different (and different sized), and it wouldn't necessarily be compatible with normal SIM cards.
The amount of hackery required to get this to potentially work on a GSM carrier isn't worth it. Its much easier to just get the GSM version coming out in Europe if you're gonna use in Europe. Because of the fact that there is GSM versions of the Xoom, I wouldn't be surprised if we eventually saw it on GSM carriers here, but that depends on the deal Verizon has with Motorola.

martonikaj said:
Even then, there isn't even a place to put a non-LTE SIM card into the device, how would it work? From my understanding, LTE SIM cards are different (and different sized), and it wouldn't necessarily be compatible with normal SIM cards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't hold it up to compare, but the plastic insert for where the LTE SIM card will go looks very similar in size to my SIM card I had when I was on AT&T. I know they're starting to move toward MicroSIM cards, but this LTE slot looked the same (if not very close) size as regular SIM cards.
I doubt sticking a SIM Card in there would allow it to work on a GSM network though. Perhaps the LTE SIM is thicker/thinner than a regular one. I have no idea.

In principle, yes. The LTE chipset is supposed to come in mini PCI-e format and go into the Xoom at that currently blank slot. IF this was a PC, you could get a PCI-e HSPA card, install appropriate driver and maybe some tweaks here and there to make it running. The problem is, there is not a PC. No one knows what network cards would work with the Xoom, and there is probably no driver that works with it. Heck, that PCI-e slot is probably not even working right now, considering the fact that even something as simple as the SD card slot is not working.

I am almost in a similar situation. I got a Xoom and then found out I would be traveling shortly after. I just thought to return but then by a stroke of seriously bad luck i dropped it and made two small very superficial scratches/dents to the aluminum shell. Now best buy will not accept it.
The country I am going to has at least two CDMA carriers but of course I am locked to Verizon. I am willing to go for either a "legal" unlock from Verizon (if that is even possible, I dont expect much mercy from them), or even better - the miracle of being able to use the deactivated GSM functionality of the Xoom.
If anyone has any advice on either of these possibilities, please let me know.

Related

Nexus One lives on as Google's official developer phone!!!

http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/05/nexus-one-lives-on-as-googles-official-developer-phone/
LONG LIVE THE NEXUS ONE!!!
Only problem, at least for me, is that it's the T-Mobile band version.
But it's still awesome nonetheless.
I am glad I am with tmobile is tbis phone going to be the one they gave out to developers with security off or will it be like the retail version
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
Engadget said that the bootloader isn't unlocked, and that fastboot is disabled (!). What does that mean in effect, I have no idea.
EarthsiegeTA said:
Only problem, at least for me, is that it's the T-Mobile band version.
But it's still awesome nonetheless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought an AT&T version before they stopped selling them, and on the slip that came with it it says
GSM 3G 850/1900/2100MHz
If i'm not mistaken, what is "the 3 UMTS Bands 900/AWS/2100" mean.
Does this phone not cover all bands? It's quoted to be carried independant.
There are two different nexus ones out there. Each one is compatible with both AT&T and T-Mobile voice and data frequencies. BUT, if you get the T-Mobile banded model, then when you put an AT&T sim card in it you will only get Edge speed internet. The difference between the two is 3g connectivity. The really ****ty and annoying thing is the chip that is in the phone is supposedly capable of all GSM frequencies and all 3g frequencies but the phone is missing the correct ancillary chip to activate them all. So they made two different ones. I would bet that the American carriers weren't hap py about having a phone that could be taken from one provider to another and put their foot down. Just my theory though.

WIFI oly Xoom HAS (!!!) a working Sim slot

If flashed with 3g rom Mobile Network Activation is available as an option. I've tried my 3G BB card, activation failed, but my sip was non working after, needed to reboot BB twice, to pick up a signal. So, from my humble observation everything is there, but disabled to compete with iPad2 in terms of price
iFixit! We need a wifi XOOM teardown.
XOOM'd from the XDA app.
3G ROM is CDMA, which doesn't use SIM cards (the Xoom 3G SIM is for the as-yet-uninstalled LTE radio), so I'm not quite sure this means anything (it was going to fail in any case).
does it mean the WIFI version in principle can still be upgraded to support LTE?
I've wondered about that, too. Seems to me that once the ROM post-upgrade gets leaked, then anyone who buys that LTE Mini-PCI card and is comptent with a Torx-5 bit should be able to subscribe to an LTE plan from VZ and get the SIM from them.
...O wait it says so in the title
You sure you aren't mistaking that for microSD?
I know right? it sounds pretty careless of them to leave it there, instead of going with a completely different motherboard.
I hardly beleive that any company will leave silicon/parts in a device to then sell it cheaper? It just doesn't make any sense, you don't see a Biturbo BMW with its biturbo disabled and then sold for less... just the turbo parts cost a lot why would they not charge you while you still receive the same? might as well give you a scooter for free don't you think.
Production is well cheaper nowdays that's why most companys can have 5 different revisions of the same device with different configurations, hence GSM, CDMA, wifi only, 16gb 32gb, etc. they save a lot more making what they need and not making a full device then criple it down to "cut cost" that's just illogical..
No, There are 2 slots under the cover...
My knowledge in this are is very limited, but during mobile network activation (the icon stated 3g), and after couple of attempts sim was locked (which is impossible if it was blank, leftover slot). But I might be totally wrong...
belozeroff said:
and after couple of attempts sim was locked (which is impossible if it was blank, leftover slot)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The SIM-card reader is connected (most likely to a serial port on the Tegra chip). The actual LTE radio Mini-PCI card is not in there, however (we have to send it in for upgrade).
I'm surprised there's code that's actually touching the SIM, however- but one thing to consider is the QD6600 radio that's used for CDMA data can also do GSM/UMTS data as well (but needs a different modem SW and some different antenna-interface hardware).
The wifi zoom could potentially retain its 4g sim slot because it was paired with the flash memory slot. I would bet that it doesn't have the radio for cdma/GSM/lte/etc. It is highly unlikely due to the cost of just the multi-functional radio chips that power the slots ;-)
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App
The WIFI Xoom definitely has a SIM slot
And if you think that 800 price tag is for a radio chip you are mistaken. the whole 3g version doesn't cost $400 max.
Then whats it for if not a 3G radio?
The Wifi Xoom is not the same as the verizon one. I have already removed the back cover and its a different mainboard. All the 4g/3g stuff has been removed. Sorry guys..
James
cj10488 said:
The Wifi Xoom is not the same as the verizon one. I have already removed the back cover and its a different mainboard. All the 4g/3g stuff has been removed. Sorry guys..
James
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does it still have a mini-pcie slot? Could you post a pic?
This has absolutely nothing to do with development. Please post in the correct section.
No it did not and no I didn't grab a pic. It's just bare magnesium where the pcie slot would be
Besides the lack of radio I'm sure there's a lack of required antennas for any cellular radio to work.

[Q] Qualcomm MDM6600, Motorola Xoom 3G (US) and GSM networks

Hi all,
As I was traveling to the US in the next weeks, I was planning the possibility of buying a xoom 3G there as it has not been launched yet in Europe. Then I just realized that the 3G version of the Motorola Xoom is in fact an CDMA only version.
However today I have seen in the iFixit that the Motorola Xoom has the Qualcomm MDM6600 radio chipset. This chipset, which supports HSPA+ (MDM6600 looks like a GSM/UMTS/HSPA+/EV-DO multi-mode processor), is the same as the world phone Motorola Droid Pro.
So, my question is:
- Could we have some hope the US version will allow us to connect to GSM versions in Europe anytime soon?
- Will be able to navigate through GLONASS navigation satellites?
Intriguing enough,
/À
No.
Plus it doesn't hurt to search. This has been touched on numerous time on here.
Thanks for the answer. Actually, I did some search on the forum, but still I fail to see whether the difference will be on the hardware or software, as the radio chipset looks capable.
Part of the issue is that the antennas are tuned for VZ's CDMA frequencies (and modulation, IIRC). It wouldn't work very well on say, 900MHz GSM.
Just because the chipset is capable of GSM theoretically doesn't mean it has the antennas or tuning or SIM slot to be compatible with GSM. The lack of a GSM SIM slot alone shoots down the proposition.
martonikaj said:
The lack of a GSM SIM slot alone shoots down the proposition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, provided the existing SIM-card reader is wired to a serial port (as opposed to directly to the Mini-PCI port's pins) that part might actually work
(BTW, I will give my firstborn for the 3G-version's schematic. Hook me up, someone!)
kcrudup said:
Actually, provided the existing SIM-card reader is wired to a serial port (as opposed to directly to the Mini-PCI port's pins) that part might actually work
(BTW, I will give my firstborn for the 3G-version's schematic. Hook me up, someone!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I gather then LTE SIM and GSM SIM are different sizes.
martonikaj said:
From what I gather then LTE SIM and GSM SIM are different sizes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just checked- same size. Dunno about connections though.
Why not just wait until April 19th and get the Euro 3G version from Carphone Warehouse? The US version, as standard, will not work in Europe.
1.) euopean software flashed on a vzw xoom
2.) gsm simcard detected and unlocked(pin)
3.) for some reason the rild is falling back to cdma even if it is configured for gsm
radio image?
US Xoom in Europe
Hi GhostOfTheNet,
Do you think If install the Stock MZ601_H.6.1-38-1_Retail_Europe.zip, would it work with the Xoom MZ600 instead of the existing Build HRI39?
If not, Please what have you done so far to get it work?
Thanks in advance.
EGMWEB
Will GPS work in EU
Hi,
this is probably a stupid question, but I'd just like a definitive confirmation on this - will I be able to use GPS from a US Motorola Xoom (MZ604) in Europe (specifically the UK)?
Thanks
egmweb said:
Hi GhostOfTheNet,
Do you think If install the Stock MZ601_H.6.1-38-1_Retail_Europe.zip, would it work with the Xoom MZ600 instead of the existing Build HRI39?
If not, Please what have you done so far to get it work?
Thanks in advance.
EGMWEB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It wont work because the gsm radio image never gets flashed on to the xoom's baseband :/
I tried to do that to see if i could downgrade the radio but it dident work

[Q] Buying an Atrix 4G, difference?

Hi all,
Im thinking of buying this phone but from what i have read there isnt much difference between the Atrix and the Atrix 4g.
How will I be able to tell which is which? specs are almost the same.
Should add that I am buying used. Also, I am in the UK.
Look forward to your replies!
They are the same phone!
I'm also in the UK, really like my atrix, but coming from a modded android to a locked phone is a bit difficult...
streuli999 said:
They are the same phone!
I'm also in the UK, really like my atrix, but coming from a modded android to a locked phone is a bit difficult...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
your sure? i read somewhere that the first atrix has 5mp cam which has been upped to 8mp in the new version.
Maybe im mistaken.
Yes ive heard about Moto not playing nice with rooting!
It is the Atrix 4g and the Atrix 2. And the Atrix 4g has a 5 MP camera and the Atrix 2 has a 8 MP camera. The most noticeable thing I saw in the looks of the 2 phones was the Atrix 4g has the speaker on the back at the bottom and the Atrix 2 has the speaker on the front at the top.
blingmaster said:
It is the Atrix 4g and the Atrix 2. And the Atrix 4g has a 5 MP camera and the Atrix 2 has a 8 MP camera. The most noticeable thing I saw in the looks of the 2 phones was the Atrix 4g has the speaker on the back at the bottom and the Atrix 2 has the speaker on the front at the top.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah that's right... looking at the specs on motorola website, seems that's the only difference!
cool, now i know what to look out for!!!
atrix(4g) is not a locked phone, is it? If you follow the guide, you can unlock the bootloader and flash different ROMs on it.
Another difference between atrix(4g) and atrix 2 is the fingerprint scanner. atrix 2 doesn't have it.
Since you are in the UK you will probably want the "Motorola Atrix" since it has the 900MHz UMTS band needed for some UK carriers like Vodafone and O2.
The "Motorola Atrix 4G" is the title used for the Atrix line that is used in North America for carriers like AT&T and Bell.
Look at these two links and you will see that the main difference is the bands used for their 3G networks. AT&T and Bell use 850/1900 and Vodafone and O2 use 900/2100.
http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_atrix-3709.php
http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_atrix_4g-3708.php
I could be wrong but this is what I can gather from your question. Also, you might be able to use the "4G" branded one because it still uses the 2100MHz band (if unlocked) but you might experience reduced coverage (slower speeds).
The difference in cameras is between the Atrix(4G) and Atrix 2.
http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_atrix_2-4199.php
Which also does not use the 900MHz band.
EDIT: I would also like to point out that they do all use the same "Quad-band GSM" but that is for the 2G(EDGE) network, and not 3G(UMTS/HSPA)
jman316 said:
Hi all,
Im thinking of buying this phone but from what i have read there isnt much difference between the Atrix and the Atrix 4g.
How will I be able to tell which is which? specs are almost the same.
Should add that I am buying used. Also, I am in the UK.
Look forward to your replies!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some suggested the only difference between atrix and atrix 4g is the firmware. But I don't know how true it is.
I have a Bell (canadian) atrix 4G, and I am currently in UK on O2. Is there any way to tell if I can use UMTS900 or not?
If there is a way to tell, and I manage to connect to UMTS900, then I will say there is no difference between atrix and atrix4G.
Right, an unlocked Bell/AT&T Atrix will work on almost all of the UK networks but it will be restricted to the 2100MHz band for 3G(HSPA) or quad-band GSM for 2G(EDGE).
You don't need to try "to tell" if your Bell Atrix is using the 900MHz band for 3G(UMTS/HSPA) because it cannot. It's in the specs, it just doesn't have the capability.
http://www.bell.ca/Mobility/Products/Motorola_Atrix_4G/Specifications.tab
Just to clarify, I'm not saying you can't use an unlocked AT&T/Bell Atrix in the UK, all I'm saying is it will not be able to use the 900MHz band for 3G. It will, however, be able to use it on EDGE/2G. I'm fairly certain it's a hardware thing.
ken218 said:
Some suggested the only difference between atrix and atrix 4g is the firmware. But I don't know how true it is.
I have a Bell (canadian) atrix 4G, and I am currently in UK on O2. Is there any way to tell if I can use UMTS900 or not?
If there is a way to tell, and I manage to connect to UMTS900, then I will say there is no difference between atrix and atrix4G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
People seems to be either pretty certain it is only a firmware difference, or pretty certain it is a hardware difference. But no one can confirm which one is correct...
I do agree, based on the spec from motorola, US/CA atrix doesn't support UMTS900.
ken218 said:
People seems to be either pretty certain it is only a firmware difference, or pretty certain it is a hardware difference. But no one can confirm which one is correct...
I do agree, based on the spec from motorola, US/CA atrix doesn't support UMTS900.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same result I've had. I've posted a question thread on the modems here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1442350
Its annoying me because if its just a software limitation, what is there to stop us from giving it 900mhz umts support? The "workaround" just needs discovering by a developer (I've been mooching around, but i'm not dev!)
O2 UK has UMTS on 900MHz now, and one local to me so I want to use it without replacing it for a UK atrix lol.
What we need is an international/uk user to be brave and strip their phone down and find out for us!
My gut feeling is its something in the kernel/drivers/boot loader provided for the AT&T Atrix. On samsungs there is a secret menu for turning bands on and off.. but none of those codes will work on the Atrix of course (even the generic test ones built into android don't work!)
If you know anywhere close to London where o2 has UMTS900 coverage, but no UMTS2100 coverage, then I will try it out.
If I can get 3G at that location, then my Bell Atrix with UK baseband works with UMTS900. If not, then it is more than likely to be hardware.
ken218 said:
If you know anywhere close to London where o2 has UMTS900 coverage, but no UMTS2100 coverage, then I will try it out.
If I can get 3G at that location, then my Bell Atrix with UK baseband works with UMTS900. If not, then it is more than likely to be hardware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can come down to Solent Business Park/Whiteley you'll have it there on 900mhz. They were digging up the road a few weeks ago right by the mast (which is pretty much line of sight with my office), and I took my Nokia N900 (on GiffGaff as its a spare!) which supports UMTS 900 and it had full 3G signal (atrix had full 2g), which it could never get before. The nearest 2100mhz mast is like 2 miles away. The atrix will pick the 2100 mast up rarely down there, and when it does, it has 1 bar if that.
I tried a few different base bands while at work, none seem to provide positive results on my AT&T Atrix.
When it comes to the differences of the Atrix and the Atrix 4G, it is the 900MHz UMTS band. The Intl version has it but the AT&T/Bell version does not.
While the OP (@jman316) was looking for the differences between these two versions, you seem to be trying to figure out how to access that band on the AT&T version, which is not possible.
GSM and UMTS are not compatible. UMTS is an evolution of GSM but they are not the same. So, going back to your dilemma, you have stated in your other thread that you currently have an AT&T version. Based on that, you cannot use the 900MHz band on 3G/UMTS/HSPA. Only 2G/GSM/EDGE.
http://etutorials.org/Mobile+device...eral+Packet+Radio+Service+and+UMTS+PS+Domain/
http://www.differencebetween.net/technology/difference-between-gsm-and-umts/
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_difference_between_umts_and_gsm
To reiterate, quad-band GSM is not the same thing as UMTS/HSPA The AT&T Atrix can only use the 900MHz band on EDGE/2G, not 3G/UMTS/HSPA.
I apologize if I seem derisive on the matter, I just feel that the facts are right there.
tehrules said:
Same result I've had. I've posted a question thread on the modems here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1442350
Its annoying me because if its just a software limitation, what is there to stop us from giving it 900mhz umts support? The "workaround" just needs discovering by a developer (I've been mooching around, but i'm not dev!)
O2 UK has UMTS on 900MHz now, and one local to me so I want to use it without replacing it for a UK atrix lol.
What we need is an international/uk user to be brave and strip their phone down and find out for us!
My gut feeling is its something in the kernel/drivers/boot loader provided for the AT&T Atrix. On samsungs there is a secret menu for turning bands on and off.. but none of those codes will work on the Atrix of course (even the generic test ones built into android don't work!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
live4nyy said:
When it comes to the differences of the Atrix and the Atrix 4G, it is the 900MHz UMTS band. The Intl version has it but the AT&T/Bell version does not.
While the OP (@jman316) was looking for the differences between these two versions, you seem to be trying to figure out how to access that band on the AT&T version, which is not possible.
GSM and UMTS are not compatible. UMTS is an evolution of GSM but they are not the same. So, going back to your dilemma, you have stated in your other thread that you currently have an AT&T version. Based on that, you cannot use the 900MHz band on 3G/UMTS/HSPA. Only 2G/GSM/EDGE.
http://etutorials.org/Mobile+device...eral+Packet+Radio+Service+and+UMTS+PS+Domain/
http://www.differencebetween.net/technology/difference-between-gsm-and-umts/
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_difference_between_umts_and_gsm
To reiterate, quad-band GSM is not the same thing as UMTS/HSPA The AT&T Atrix can only use the 900MHz band on EDGE/2G, not 3G/UMTS/HSPA.
I apologize if I seem derisive on the matter, I just feel that the facts are right there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm very aware of the differences in the technology. I don't know where your comparison of GSM/UMTS and the links relevant here. Its a quad band gsm and quad band UTMS/WCDMA/3G phone with one band disabled be it through a hardware modification to the chip or by software.
What we are trying to drill down to is this:
1. Is it the same cellular modem chip used in both AT&T/Bell and the international versions?
If yes then,
2. Why is it not possible to enable the disabled band?
Has anyone really done any research into either of these? No. If had a spare pool of money I'd buy a UK phone, and strip it down, and prove once and for all what difference there is, and we could then say, oh so the chips are different models so that explains that or go, oh its the same chip/part number, lets hack the software a bit.
Also Atrix 2 uses normal tft lcd instead of pentile as in original atrix.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
el_venga said:
Also Atrix 2 uses normal tft lcd instead of pentile as in original atrix.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We are not on about the Atrix 2, we are on about Atrix 4G (US) vs Atrix (UK/EU/World)
What I have quoted above about 3G on 900mhz should be possible, here is a little pointer (evidence perhaps?) as to why it should work...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1334674
http://www.option.com/en/products/p...ons/lgamodulegtm601-609/specifications/#start
http://www.m2msearch.com/node/128
http://www.att.com/media/en_US/docs/edo/ATT_Approved_Modules.xls
http://www.scribd.com/doc/54154049/...odem-Device-Specification-Advance-Information
I have done a lot of research into the matter and from what I have gathered the chips/modules responsible for the compatible frequencies can be tailored to specs according to the customer's (AT&T) requests. Which, from my understanding, would be a hardware issue. So, even if they have the same chip, it wouldn't matter, since AT&T can have it custom made to just use the frequencies they approve. Which actually sounds a lot like something AT&T would do, given their track record.
I also found this thread where others are pretty certain it is not possible:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1233097
tehrules said:
I'm very aware of the differences in the technology. I don't know where your comparison of GSM/UMTS and the links relevant here. Its a quad band gsm and quad band UTMS/WCDMA/3G phone with one band disabled be it through a hardware modification to the chip or by software.
What we are trying to drill down to is this:
1. Is it the same cellular modem chip used in both AT&T/Bell and the international versions?
If yes then,
2. Why is it not possible to enable the disabled band?
Has anyone really done any research into either of these? No. If had a spare pool of money I'd buy a UK phone, and strip it down, and prove once and for all what difference there is, and we could then say, oh so the chips are different models so that explains that or go, oh its the same chip/part number, lets hack the software a bit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok this is all confusing now !
Will i be able to get 3g speeds in the Uk with the Atrix or is it limited to 2G!?

Precautions before buying used Venue Pro

Hi everyone. I'm buying a used, unlocked T-Mobile DVP 8GB soon, manufactured around January 2011 and is supposedly running Mango. I realize the phone is filled with issues, but they have supposedly been fixed by now. I'm just wondering if there are any specific issues I should check for before going ahead with the sale. Thanks!
No compass...yet
That's fine with me. I was thinking more along the line of things like checking all the keys to make sure they type the right letter (saw in another thread that x and z were switched for some reason), the device can be detected by a computer when connecting through USB, the phone doesn't reboot when you touch the screen, etc...
Also, what's the latest firmware/OS version for the DVP right now?
khara said:
That's fine with me. I was thinking more along the line of things like checking all the keys to make sure they type the right letter (saw in another thread that x and z were switched for some reason), the device can be detected by a computer when connecting through USB, the phone doesn't reboot when you touch the screen, etc...
Also, what's the latest firmware/OS version for the DVP right now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had absolutely no problems out of my DVP. 7.10.7720.68 is the latest OS version on mine. Yeah, the compass is a strange omission considering the hardware is there and was originally implemented but maps seems to orient just fine when I need directions. GPS is crazy fast.
Sounds good! Do you know the latest firmware version number as well?
khara said:
Sounds good! Do you know the latest firmware version number as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
latest DVP update is 7.10.8107 if the mobile is a factory unlocked version
if you have operator specific model like say T-Mobile / ATT then it would be 7.10.7720 or in some cases 7.10.7740
I too am considering a Dell Venue Pro. I am on Mobilicity in Toronto area and getting a decent Windows Phone that operates on AWS frequencies (1700/2100) is a challenge. T-Mobile phones are the only option but ordering a T-Mobile phone into Canada is a challenge too. It would be simply easier to drive to the NY State or Michigan and buy from a T-Mobile store and then unlock but I don't have 3-4 hours to burn. The Dell Venue Pro is easily available and is unlocked even ordering from Amazon.com.
If anyone has serious reservations please advise. Even better if someone is reading this and is on Mobilicity with this phone, I would appreciate any comments good or bad.
DVP !!
Hey,
M in India, and I got a DVP unlocked 16 gig, and I have no issues with it.
For me its the best looking phone out there
I dont care much about the specs(I mean if you compare the phones out there today, DVP lags behind), and the specs that a DVP has, is enough for me.
I have had only one stuck up, where I had to remove the battery to power it back on. That's it. Otherwise it has worked smoothly.
No other random reboot, no lag.
One thing, the camera is bad. You wont be able to take motion pictures. It will be blurry.
After Mango update, and making some changes in the settings, the still pics are gr8, but if you are trying to capture something that's moving, then m sorry, this aint the phone for you
I bought it in November 2011.
Current version:
OS version: 7.10.8107.79
My verdict: If you like classy, go for the DVP !!!
Excuse me for any typos or wrong grammar, English ain't my first language.
I picked it up yesterday, and so far I love it! There are a few things tripping me up, but nothing that i feel would push me over the age to abandon the platform like I did with Android. For one, it would be nice to be able to push enter to send an SMS using the keyboard, rather than having to touch the send icon on the screen. It would also be nice to be able to block certain numbers from calling.
Battery life does seem like an improvement over my old phone, though.
If you are purchasing new, in the US, I would question it. The phone is old hardware, at least 18 months old, I'd not more. Does not do 4g or wifi n. Simply put, why would you invest in an old device.
If you are buying used, or cheap with no contract, its worth it. But, buyer beware. A lot of used phones are showing up in a less than ideal condition, with damaged SD slots, or with the ability to reset missing. In these conditions they are virtually impossible to fix. Just be careful
That being said, these are good devices, well made and sound. I do not regret purchasing mine way back when. It was a most amazing Christmas present when received on December 21st, 2010.
Just to let you know I opted for a Nokia Lumia 710 !
Great deal here in Canada for 254.99 (from Rogers no contract) then $10 for unlock code. I know it's a completely different phone from DVP but figured I may as well get on with latest model phone for fairly cheap price. It will give me an idea if next (more expensive phone) should be the Nokia 900.
Thanks everyone for the mainly good comments about DVP.
We've discussed it for a bit here
Though if you're on rogers you actually have the choice of any of the lumias. (as rogers uses the same 3g bands as at&t and regardless prob has more choices)
TmoUSA users dont though, it's either the 710 or the VP or radar. (there's very little selection for AWS devices, that's almost literally every AWS capable wp7 device)
Yes... actually I am on Mobilicity which is same band as T-Mobile (1700/2100).
The Rogers Lumia 710 is a penta band phone so yes it works with Rogers 3 G bands and AT&T bands, and of course it works perfectly with Mobilicity ! (had to unlock it though)
Wonder if the T-Mobile version is penta band ? Also wonder why Rogers doesn't advertise this? I did some reading and found out it's penta band but if you read the specs from Rogers website it's only showing as quad-band. Quick trip to a Rogers store and reading the label shows it's penta band.
http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_lumia_710-4276.php
Perhaps they dont want you purchasing one and turning it to another carrier?
For a carrier sold one the supported bands arnt really relevent, as long as it supports their own band obviously.
PaullikesWINMO said:
The Rogers Lumia 710 is a penta band phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I doubt this, because I am not sure that the Qualcomm chipset actually supports pentaband UMTS.
It's more likely that it's quadband UMTS, which would still allow it cover all UMTS frequencies for both ATT and T-Mo. As in, maybe they left out 850 or 900.
Reports are the rogers one works on wind, which is AWS like tmoUSA
That would mean it's at very least: 850/1700/1900/2100, with the question as to if it supports 900.
As: 850/1900 is what rogers uses (like at&t)
and: 1700/2100 for aws (it's more work to have a 1700 device without 2100 then to leave it in)
From my understanding, it's merely what amps the manu decides to put in, and what they decide is mostly politics.
All htc devices are dual band unless they're forced to add more
Most samsung international devices are triband or higher. (though they dont generally use qualcomm chips)
All dell devices are triband or higher (with the exception of the EU Streak 5 as the AWS is uncommon)
I cant actually confirm it as I dont actually recall seeing a 5+ band phone using a qualcomm chip.
Worst case you can do APQxxxx + MDMxxxx and use an external modem that does support it, i believe the MDM9200 explicitly supports 5 bands + lte bands.
All devices with APQ8060 chips do this, as APQ chips are by definition chips without modems. There's a few phones that use this setup.
tl;dr the rogers varient should support at least 850/1700/1900/2100, since at least on at&t they use both 850 and 1900 (not unreasonable to assume rogers does the same)
HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 - For Canada
http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_lumia_710-4276.php
TheManii said:
Reports are the rogers one works on wind, which is AWS like tmoUSA
That would mean it's at very least: 850/1700/1900/2100, with the question as to if it supports 900.
As: 850/1900 is what rogers uses (like at&t)
and: 1700/2100 for aws (it's more work to have a 1700 device without 2100 then to leave it in)
From my understanding, it's merely what amps the manu decides to put in, and what they decide is mostly politics.
All htc devices are dual band unless they're forced to add more
Most samsung international devices are triband or higher. (though they dont generally use qualcomm chips)
All dell devices are triband or higher (with the exception of the EU Streak 5 as the AWS is uncommon)
I cant actually confirm it as I dont actually recall seeing a 5+ band phone using a qualcomm chip.
Worst case you can do APQxxxx + MDMxxxx and use an external modem that does support it, i believe the MDM9200 explicitly supports 5 bands + lte bands.
All devices with APQ8060 chips do this, as APQ chips are by definition chips without modems. There's a few phones that use this setup.
tl;dr the rogers varient should support at least 850/1700/1900/2100, since at least on at&t they use both 850 and 1900 (not unreasonable to assume rogers does the same)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can confirm the ATT version works on Rogers bands. Sold my unlocked DVP (ATT) to a rogers users. He reported it worked fine on 3G.

Categories

Resources