T68i Bluetooth GPRS Phone...Free?

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=jasondunn-20&path=tg/detail/-/B00006IZB0/qid%3D1044032309/sr%3D8-1' target='_blank'>http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/r...032309/sr%3D8-1</a><br /><br /></div>"The T68i has the same slick features as its predecessor (the T68)--most notably Bluetooth technology and GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) for mobile Internet connectivity. However, this upgraded version offers more memory and is the first phone to support MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service), allowing you to send images, animation, and sound clips in your messages. The advanced T68i also maintains the revolutionary PC-like 256-color graphic interface, making it easy to program most settings without even glancing at the manual."<br /><br /><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00006IZB0.01.MZZZZZZZ.jpg" /><br /><br />Regularly priced at $299, with a new service activation on the T-Mobile network, you'll get a $300 rebate, making this phone <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=jasondunn-20&path=tg/detail/-/B00006IZB0/qid%3D1044032309/sr%3D8-1">completely free with activation</a> (affiliate). This is more or less the defacto standard phone for use with Bluetooth-equpped Pocket PCs based on the sheer number of users I've seen that have them.<br /><br />The Canadian cellular market is so ass-backwards by comparison - even WITH an activation I'd have to pay about $250 US for this phone. I've been watching eBay auctions on this phone trying to get an unlocked version without it costing too much (since I have no cell phone at the moment), and you lucky Americans can get it for free! If anyone has a spare T68i, let me know. :wink:

[Janak Parekh]

Believe it or not, this has been true for some time, probably about 6 months or so. Amazon also offers mad discounts on the PPC PE and the v60g. If you want to get a T-Mobile phone, Amazon is the cheapest way to go -- by far.

--janak

[JMountford]

Hey Jason I am waiting to see the Sony Ericson 608 come to Sprint PCS. Sometimes being a CDMA user sucks. So I kinda know how it feels to have to wait for the technology to come to you. In addition to that almost everysingle Sprint PCS phone you buy is for the full cash price unless of a rebate. Sprint does not absorb any of the cost.

[RickP in AZ]

Playing the part of the fool I paid $299 for my T68m through T-Mobile back in October! An "m" *not* an "i"... Sheesh! I love the phone but not the Bluetooth stack problems. I would love to flash my firmware but I can't bear to be without my phone at all. (Last I checked T-Mobile won't upgrade the phones, requiring you to send it in to Sony-Ericcson.)

Nuts! I may have to put on my "squeaky wheel" hat and march into an actual T-Mobile location and whine until they give me a free upgrade to a new T68i...

(Phone issues aside I have been wonderously surprised at how good T-Mobile's customer service is. After some original plan issues they bent over backwards for me and upgraded me to unlimited nights for no charge.)

Grumble, grumble..........

[Janak Parekh]

I love the phone but not the Bluetooth stack problems. I would love to flash my firmware but I can't bear to be without my phone at all.
I've had my T68 since Feb. of 2002, with one of the original firmwares (R1C), and have not had Bluetooth stack errors on the phone -- only on my 3870. Have you tried to just keep Bluetooth always on on your cell phone? That seems to work for me; although it's a slight power drain it doesn't make that much of a difference for me.

That said, I got my firmware upgraded, and GPRS stability is much, much improved. (Not surprising as I had R1 firmware.)

--janak

[Peter Traugot]

Hey guys. I had this phone with a Jabra bluetooth headset for a week. I live in the Bay area and found the T-Mobile service to be really weak. I couldn't get a signal in my house or at my friends houses. It's like it couldn't get through the walls.

However, the phone was very cool and the headset worked flawlessly. I found the voice activation to be a bit sub par though.

I now have an Audiovox CDM9500 anf the voice control on that phone is the best. I think it uses a similar technology (if not the same) as "tell me". If it doesn't understand you, it prompts you to speak slower, or louder, or clearer. If it is confused between two entries, it asks "do you mean X?" and if you say no, it dials the alternative. Very neat. It has worked %100 so far. (oh, it has a bilt in speaker phone too.) No bluetooth : (

Sorry. This might have ended up more information than needed.

I'm done now : )

[markpmc]

It's like it couldn't get through the walls.

You're correct. GSM in the USA uses the PCS (1900 mhz) band. The 800 mhz (TDMA, some CDMA) penetrates building much better.

markpmc

[innersky]

I bought one for €500, and a week later they were sold for €340. Go figure.

[guinness]

Does Cingular offer this phone? I wouldn't mind upgrading my T60 to the 68i, although that Nokia with the built-in camera looks neat too (the one in commercial where the people are sking).

[Ben]

Firstly T68 and T68i have exactly the same hardware (including memory) all that's different are the plastic outer covers (Ericsson vs. Sony Ericsson) and the software, I actually had my T68 updated to a T68i software wise for free by SE in the uk.

Secondly if you want a cheap T68i have a look at importing one from the UK or Europe, the T68 has been out nearly 18 months in the UK and there are lot of them going on ebay for between £100 - £150 SIM Free (thats about $200-$250 I think!).

HTH

[RickP in AZ]

Firstly T68 and T68i have exactly the same hardware (including memory) all that's different are the plastic outer covers (Ericsson vs. Sony Ericsson) and the software, I actually had my T68 updated to a T68i software wise for free by SE in the uk.

Secondly if you want a cheap T68i have a look at importing one from the UK or Europe, the T68 has been out nearly 18 months in the UK and there are lot of them going on ebay for between £100 - £150 SIM Free (thats about $200-$250 I think!).

HTH

Only thing is that the "i" firmware handles the memory more efficiently. Somehow, although the memory size is the same you can use more of it with the "m." At least that's what I read over on the howardforms.com :wink:

Personally I like the gray color of the M over the blue tones of the I.

[Eitel]

I got this phone from Best Buy around 5 months ago. I love it. The best part is that I even made money on it. A lot of money. After all the rebates and PM's I got the phone and $225 on my pocket. An awesome deal.

[Qman]

Does Cingular offer this phone? I wouldn't mind upgrading my T60 to the 68i, although that Nokia with the built-in camera looks neat too (the one in commercial where the people are sking).


Yeap Cingular offers this phone, I took a look at before I bought my T-Mobile PPCPE. :lol:

[Janak Parekh]

Only thing is that the "i" firmware handles the memory more efficiently. Somehow, although the memory size is the same you can use more of it with the "m." At least that's what I read over on the howardforms.com :wink:
Yup, I could believe that. However, not being an MMS user I never really bumped up against the memory limits of my T68m. I just upgraded it because I had ancient firmware that took a 4 or 5 bar signal to do any GPRS. Now I can do GPRS almost anywhere I have a signal.

--janak

[cessquill]

I've had a T68m for over a year now, and as I understood the screen (plus the outer casing) was the only hardware difference. Software was better.

I don't know if the US versions are the same - or indeed if your requirements are similar, but I'm not a big fan of the phone at all. Sure, it's great for bluetooth and GPRS, but the GUI is inconsistent, and it is so slow to use.

Scrolling through the phonebook or recently dialled numbers is painful, writing a text message is a nighmare, and there's a weird bug in one of the card games that keeps your backlight on permanently (so it's nicely discharged when you really need it). You would need a user manual for some of the features, but the one I got (on an Orange network) was appaling.

I've had it for a year, since I was tied to a contract with it, but now I'm looking for another one and there's not a lot of other bluetooth phones out there (unless it's back to mono or big phone). Maybe I'm harsh, but in offering you a small colour wow phone, they seemed to neglect the day-to-day usage of the thing. Maybe the T68i is better. Hmm. It probably is me yearning for the Nokia days.

[don dre]

Last November I switched form a Nokia 3360 to the T68i. I have never looked back . the phone fits in the same pocket as my wallet easily. the battery life is incredible, and i do like thecolor screen. it is a bit slow at times but other than that i have no complaints. on the other hand, my nokia would reboot on its own, the screen became scrambled, and the slient mode sounded like a mad vibrator.

[Fzara]

Last November I switched form a Nokia 3360 to the T68i. I have never looked back . the phone fits in the same pocket as my wallet easily. the battery life is incredible, and i do like thecolor screen. it is a bit slow at times but other than that i have no complaints. on the other hand, my nokia would reboot on its own, the screen became scrambled, and the slient mode sounded like a mad vibrator.

Heh. My dad's phone vibrates so hard on his desk at work, that it actually falls off a couple times because of the excessive vibration.

Jason: I would love to buy this phone from Amazon and the affiliated link, but I dont see the T-Mobile Family Plan listed (800 minutes, free weekends and mobile to mobile, 2 phones minimum). Any clues/help?
The T68i looks like an amazing phone. I cant wait to get a BT card ;)

[jmulder]

I'm glad T-Mobile is finally offering this phone (for a decent price). I left T-Mobile after I went into one of their stores and the rep told me the T68m would cost $500! Went to AT&T, got the T68i for $150 and never looked back.

It's a great phone, but in all honesty, I still haven't bought a BT card for my 568, so I can't comment on that. I do use my phone on occasion with the infrared port, and it works just fine.

-Jim

[sponge]

A couple of weeks ago the phone was actually $-25

[bdegroodt]

Hey Jason- If the rumored Ipaq 5600 is indeed a GSM/GPRS phone, I'll gladly (Actually not so gladly. We've had a long term relationship and I think she's the best! But, I'm willing to trade for a better player.)send you my T68i for a song. Unlocked and all.

Of course, the last time I did that I left a perfectly good T39 and $600 behind for a horrible TM-PPCPE.

[EvilOne]

I must agree that the T68i is a good fun overall. But since I have had it I have found it is a tad slow for dialing from the phonelist. And The game Erix (yes when I am bored and do not have my PDA around I play this) locks up the phone every now and then, requiring the battery to be taken out. But otherwise, I have great reception here in Illinois using AT&T. Oh, and I really recommend the Jabra hands free blue tooth headset. It's cool.

[bdegroodt]

Oh, and I really recommend the Jabra hands free blue tooth headset. It's cool.

Have you had any complaints from callers about the headset picking up background or wind noise?

[EvilOne]

Have you had any complaints from callers about the headset picking up background or wind noise?

No not at all, they have never known I was on a hands free kit. The only time they complain is when I am walking outside and it is windy.

[acronym]

can the jabra be used for voice commands on the t68?
I bought the motorola bt headset last summer and while I like the design - it doesn't support voice commands.

[jeffmd]

Im really considering this phone and switching to tmobile (a little more expensive then my current sprint, but its way more anytime minutes, and I will prolly dissolve my land line with it). Anyone have any details on the net access and its cost? speed? real world use with a pda? Also it appears to have an infrared port. will it connect via that to my pda too?

the phone looks real sweet.. beats the pants off my old sch3500.

[Janak Parekh]

Anyone have any details on the net access and its cost?
Unfortunately, not terribly cheap. 2MB is $10, 10MB is $20, 20MB is $35. The good news is that it gets used up a lot slower than you'd think, thanks to T-Mobile's proxy. I have 5MB (old plan) and I've never come close to going on top (although I tend only to use it in occasional bursts).

speed? real world use with a pda? Also it appears to have an infrared port. will it connect via that to my pda too?
Yes, the IR works. The speed is like a 28.8 modem or so. Nothing super fast, but certainly useable.

the phone looks real sweet.. beats the pants off my old sch3500.
Without a doubt. The key, though, is to make sure T-Mobile offers decent reception where you live.

--janak

[mememe]

The Canadian cellular market is so ass-backwards by comparison - even WITH an activation I'd have to pay about $250 US for this phone. I've been watching eBay auctions on this phone trying to get an unlocked version without it costing too much (since I have no cell phone at the moment), and you lucky Americans can get it for free! If anyone has a spare T68i, let me know. :wink:

Jason, there are many things that impact the end price to a handset. Namely subsidies and actual calling costs. Fortunately, in Canada, we have some of the lowest rates in the world (in many cases much lower than the USA). We still, with some networks, have the ability to get by the second billing which is unavailable from most US carriers.

Finally, YOU DON'T want a T68i. I have used a plethora of handset over the last 5 years and this has to be one of the slowest handsets out their (nice interface, but the thing is damn slow). Siemens will be entering the North American market in force within the coming months. Some of their handsets will offer bluetooth. Additionally, SE and Nokia will be introducing other handsets which blow this thing out of the water, both in usability and speed.

Don't buy the T68i :(

[Janak Parekh]

Finally, YOU DON'T want a T68i. I have used a plethora of handset over the last 5 years and this has to be one of the slowest handsets out their (nice interface, but the thing is damn slow).
I agree it's slower than other cell phones, but it's not that slow. Newer firmwares have mitigated the speed issues a lot.

--janak

[bdegroodt]

Finally, YOU DON'T want a T68i. I have used a plethora of handset over the last 5 years and this has to be one of the slowest handsets out their (nice interface, but the thing is damn slow).

I'm with Janak. It's not the fastest phone ever, but I use it all the time to tap out SMS, navigate the interface etc and I'm pretty quick. I don't find any issues with the speed. Certainly out paces most people that I see using it.

[jimski]

can the jabra be used for voice commands on the t68?
I bought the motorola bt headset last summer and while I like the design - it doesn't support voice commands.

I have been using the Motorola BT Headset with my T68i for a few months now and it accepts voice commands just fine. When traveling and driving a rental, I slip on the wireless headset, sit the T68i on the seat next to me and start talking. No hands and minimal distraction (at least for me-people in the other cars don't know what to think). The voice commands will work better on the T68i if you program them through the wireless headset and not directly into the phone.

[jeffmd]

mememe, question is, how many of them will be FREE with activation?

[Iznot Gold]

The T68m is excellent, I've been using it for over a year now. I use it with Ipaq 3870 running mPhone and Jabbra headset. Text input is a little slow but as I use the mPhone software for this -its very quick and not an issue. I've had no probs with Bluetooth pairings and no probs with GPRS signal strength it all works like a dream!!
Firm ware upgrades have sorted out some bugs that caused phone lock ups but I've never bothered to have mine upgraded. There is a hard ware difference between the T68m & T68i (it may have been brought in on later T68m's too). They changed location of manufacture around that time. New T68i's have much improved & very blue illumination of the key pad, where as old T68m's have rather poor and far less cool dim white key pad illumination!
Regards
David
PS Voice dialling works fine but I can't be bothered to record all the neccessary voice commands for all my contacts so I just use mPhone on my PDA to direct dial...it hands call to the Jabbra...never need to touch the phone!

[hollis_f]

If you're lusting after a T68 but are put off by the adverse comments / price can I suggest the T39m.

It has all the technical goodies of the T68 - TriBand, GPRS, Bluetooth. It just lacks the eye-candy and it doesn't look as cool. But I find that no problem as it spends most of its time in my pocket while I use the iPAQ and Motorola headset.

[Janak Parekh]

It just lacks the eye-candy and it doesn't look as cool.
Actually, I find the T39 to be very sleek and professional-looking, especially the dark blue-colored unit. Mind you, I'm not going to downgrade from my T68 ;) but it's nothing to be ashamed of (excepting perhaps the smaller screen). Some of the old firmware T39 units had issues, but that's been resolved for about a year or so. The other big problem is the dearth of T39's in the US -- for some reason T-Mobile decided not to carry them, which is a shame.

--janak

[fyiguy]

Anyone have any details on the net access and its cost?
Unfortunately, not terribly cheap. 2MB is $10, 10MB is $20, 20MB is $35. The good news is that it gets used up a lot slower than you'd think, thanks to T-Mobile's proxy. I have 5MB (old plan) and I've never come close to going on top (although I tend only to use it in occasional bursts).


Another option is the T-Mobile Sidekick also available at Amazon for $49 AFR with a camera attachment. It has unlimited data plans for one year.

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000078VYT.01.MZZZZZZZ.jpg

$39.99 gets you 200 anytime, 1,000 weekend, and Unlimited data
$59.99 gets you 500 anytime, unlimited weekend, Unlimited data

The T-Mo CS rep told me that they had to agree to unlimited data plans with the Sidekick manufacturer to distribute the device. The current plans allow for unlimited data for 1 year. ( hope we see the same thing soon for all devices...)

You can also use a BT headset(JABRA Freespeak Bluetooth headset, which you can get for $117 or $67 if you already have a BT phone from BluetoothDirect.com) like with the Hiptop Danger, you will need a headphone extender cable to work(it doesn't support voice dialing,which I would like to see in the next version coming out around 2nd quarter of 2003 that will be toting a color screen and PDA support as well).

Another option to ponder for those with a mobile lifestyle...

[The Big Jay]

"The T68i has the same slick features as its predecessor (the T68)--most notably Bluetooth technology and GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) for mobile Internet connectivity. However, this upgraded version offers more memory and is the first phone to support MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service), allowing you to send images, animation, and sound clips in your messages. The advanced T68i also maintains the revolutionary PC-like 256-color graphic interface, making it easy to program most settings without even glancing at the manual."

Regularly priced at $299, with a new service activation on the T-Mobile network, you'll get a $300 rebate, making this phone completely free with activation (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=jasondunn-20&path=tg/detail/-/B00006IZB0/qid%3D1044032309/sr%3D8-1) (affiliate). This is more or less the defacto standard phone for use with Bluetooth-equpped Pocket PCs based on the sheer number of users I've seen that have them.

The Canadian cellular market is so ass-backwards by comparison - even WITH an activation I'd have to pay about $250 US for this phone. I've been watching eBay auctions on this phone trying to get an unlocked version without it costing too much (since I have no cell phone at the moment), and you lucky Americans can get it for free! If anyone has a spare T68i, let me know. :wink:

Jason, I don't think it has anything to do with how advanced our technology is. It's just that the US market is 10 times bigger than we are.

Of course, I got the T68i when it came out (it was a present) :)

[lanwarrior]

Sorry if I sound naive, but I am not sure what does this statement means:

".. unlocked version without it costing too much.. "

Does this means that only "approved" phone from the operator can be used in U.S.?

I live in outside of U.S. and have the T68i, which is a triband phone and works in 900/1800/1900 band. (U.S. use 1900 I believe). So if I go to U.S., can I just bring my T68i, get a local PRE-PAID SIM Card and start yapping on the phone right away?

By the way, I search on many U.S. GSM Operator website, and I don't see any of them providing PRE-PAID service. Are these available in U.S.?

[johnbrooks]

Sony Ericsson T68i specs:

Features:
Bluetooth™ wireless technology
Built-in modem
Calendar
Contacts
E-mail (POP3 & IMAP4)
Game
MMS (Multimedia Messaging Services)
MMS templates
Mobile chat
Picture Phonebook
Phonealbum
Sync ML
Synchronization with PC (min req: Win?98, NT4.0, 2000 or WinME)
Vibrating Call Alert
Voice Dialling
Wallpaper download (optional software required)

Network features:

GPRS, General Packet Radio Services
WTLS class 3
EMS (Enhanced Messaging Services)
High Speed Data (HSCSD)
SIM Application Toolkit
WAP 2.0
Tri -band

T68i review
http://www.themobilerepublic.com/viewphone.asp?pcode=erict68i
http://www.ericssonmobilephoneclub.com/ericsson_t68.html

You can go to your nearest Sevice Point or Shop to upgrade your T68 to T68i. The upgrade is supposed to be free, but several servicepoints are charging for the upgrade. You will have loads of new tones and backgrounds and much quicker responce when typing SMS etc. Or try...
http://www.unlockcell.com/

US: SonyEricsson T68 ranking No 1 spot at 'PC World Spotlight on Wireless Phones': Sony Ericsson T68 • $200 (with service activation, as of 6/15/02) • GSM 900 MHz/1800 MHz/1900 MHz • 3 ounces; 3.9 by 1.9 by 0.8 inches • 7-hour talk time; 8 days standby Inexpensive, compact phone packs joystick navigation button, color screen, bluetooth and world roaming. Available through AT&T Wireless, Cingular, and T-Mobile. http://pcworld.shopping.yahoo.com/yahoo/article/0,aid,102869,00.asp

Europe: T68i through O2 and VodaFone
http://www.directmobilephones.com/ericsson_t68ie_index3.htm

Asia: T68
http://it.asia1.com.sg/reviews/phones/por006_20020206.html
http://it.asia1.com.sg/v2/phones/ (various phones)

Sony Ericsson T68i Sony Ericsson: MMS (multimedia messaging), Bluetooth and GPRS combined, making it the most technically advanced phone today.
http://www.blueunplugged.com/shop/detail.asp?productGroupID=5&deptID=1

Other Available Mobile Phones with Bluetooth:
http://bluetooth.weblogs.com/discuss/msgReader$517

[johnbrooks]

The Sony Ericsson is offered free or not. It depends on the country/continent and/or carrier and package (pre-pay/subscription....)

"I've been a Sprint customer since for 5 or 6 years, but I'll switch for a Bluetooth phone. Not to mention the fact, that I'm quite disappointed with Sprint's latest offerings. The data and voice service are great, but what's wrapped around the base technology is underwhelming."

http://www.windley.com/2002/11/23.html#a294

More and more devices (especially PDAs) are offered (or will be) with Bluetooth. But there are still some carriers who don't see the use of a Bluetooth Service. The only thing carriers will listen is that more and more people will complain about the lack of Bluetooth services.

Good luck.

[lanwarrior]

Hmm, why would the U.S. operator lock the phone to use only on their own network? Here where I come from, I can buy ANY phone and I can go to ANY Asia country, pop-in the Pre-Paid SIM card, and it'll work there.

I travel a lot to Indoensia, Singapore, Malaysia, HK, etc. and so far my T68 works just fine using the local operator SIM card.

So it looks like U.S. operator is even "banning" foreigner by using their own T68? This is confusing...

[Janak Parekh]

Another option is the T-Mobile Sidekick also available at Amazon for $49 AFR with a camera attachment. It has unlimited data plans for one year.
Unfortunately, you can't hook it up with a Pocket PC.

Hmm, why would the U.S. operator lock the phone to use only on their own network?
They subsidize the cost of the phone, and as a result they want you to stay with them. The monthly service helps reimburse the cost.

T-Mobile, actually, is one of the most lenient of carriers - they will let you request an unlock code after about 1 month. Sprint, AT&T, and Verizon will never let you unlock the phone (at least, without clever social engineering).

--janak

[lanwarrior]

Hi Janak,

Thank's for the info. But not sure if that's answer my questions about foreigners bringing his/her own T68 to use in U.S. What to do? Can anyone shade some light for me? I am going to U.S. for business trip in the next few weeks and need to have cellphone.

[hollis_f]

Hi Janak,

Thank's for the info. But not sure if that's answer my questions about foreigners bringing his/her own T68 to use in U.S. What to do? Can anyone shade some light for me? I am going to U.S. for business trip in the next few weeks and need to have cellphone.I think you've got the wrong end of the stick here.

When one speaks of a 'locked' phone it means that the phone company have set that particular phone up so it will only work with their own sim cards. If you have an unlocked phone you can use any company's cards in it.

If you're going to the US you'll need to contact your home phone company and inquire about 'Global Roaming'. They will have arrangements set up with US phone companies so that you can use their networks with your own phone (and own sim card). But the chances are it will have to be enabled on your phone (by your phone company before you leave) and the calls are not cheap.

[lanwarrior]

Hi Hollis,

OK, I know about the unlocked now. My phone is CAN work in U.S. then, since it is not"locked" to work with any operator, US or globally.

I know about roaming, but that's not the whole idea of having GSM phone. As I mentioned in my earlier post, I can go to HK and get a PREPAID SIM card there, put it in my T68, and I am chatting at local rate.

So that's why I am asking about Pre-paid SIM card in US. Can't find the info. on the web.

[cessquill]

My T68 in the UK is locked to its operator. When I went to the US earlier this year all I had to do was make sure global roaming was activated and all was fine. What I couldn't get was GPRS, which was a shame, since that's the only way I could send/receive mail.

[JMountford]

T-Mobile, actually, is one of the most lenient of carriers - they will let you request an unlock code after about 1 month. Sprint, AT&T, and Verizon will never let you unlock the phone (at least, without clever social engineering).
As I understand it, with CDMA phones there is no option for unlocking because the phone is hard coded to a specific carrier! With CDMA phones we do not get a SIM card. With Sprint PCS they do not susidize any cost of the phone. The consumer pays in full! Now recently Sprint has started offering refunds but you are still paying for the phone. With SPrint you keep the phone once you have paid for it.

[Janak Parekh]

Lanwarrior,

T-Mobile US has offered prepaid SIMs, but I've heard it's not as clean and easy a process as it is elsewhere. You might want to check out www.t-mobile.com for more info.

JMountford,

That's not true. CDMA phones are reprogrammable - you just have to get into the programming menus of the phones and enter new NAMs. However, Sprint locks the NAM programming of their phones behind what's called a Master Subsidy Lock, or MSL. Sprint uses a unique MSL for each phone, and they won't explicitly give it to you. People have done clever social engineering, as I've said, to get the MSL, unlock the phone, and have it reprogrammed for a different carrier. Of course, the utility of a Sprint phone on a different carrier is mixed, because they have heavily customized firmware, but it's doable. Certainly not as convenient as having a SIM card, admittedly.

Oh, and when you buy a Sprint phone you always get a subsidized cost. The Sanyo 4900 wouldn't be $149 otherwise. Sprint has begun offering even more subsidies for people who sign up for contracts, but you're definitely not paying full retail price. If you want to see how insanely high those prices are, walk into a Verizon store and take a look at the small numbers for phones without a contract.

--janak

[TQBrady]

I got one from a guy at Geek.com(they opened a posting board to just buy/sell/trade stuff) for $90. I LOVE it!

[iPaqDude]

Ok, here I'm going to show some ignorance of the whole GSM/GPRS stuff. With a phone like the T68i on a GSM network, can I dial my ISP and use my PDA (via Bluetooth) to connect? Just like I would using an Aircard on my iPaq?

Inquiring minds want to know....

[cessquill]

In theory, yes. If you are able to get a GPRS coverage also, and your network supports GPRS you will be able to get a faster connection and your phone won't be tied up making a call. Your T68i will still be in your pocket and able to receive calls.

For example, I can get video streaming from services listed as 56k streaming and I rarely get buffering. That said, I've stopped doing that after getting some huge phone bills.

I've not managed to get a dial-up isp connection yet, which would have come in handy when GPRS coverage is not available (I don't pretend to understand much about it, but GPRS and GSM coverage are two independant things, I think).

[Janak Parekh]

Ok, here I'm going to show some ignorance of the whole GSM/GPRS stuff. With a phone like the T68i on a GSM network, can I dial my ISP and use my PDA (via Bluetooth) to connect?
On T-Mobile US, yes. I've actually used this in the past. GPRS is much, much faster, though. (On AT&T, you cannot do dial-up, you must use GPRS.)

--janak

[jeffmd]

well ive had my phone for about 2 days now, and absolutly love it. (The price definetly was right).

It came from amazon.com with everything activated allready (like.. damn). After charging it full I whent through all the menus and setup my ring tone and stuff. I then effortlessly converted a wallpaper in photoshop and uploaded it using the irda on my pocket pc, the process of uploading files couldnt be easier, and 101x80 gif images take like NO space, so you can upload multiple wallpapers if you want. im working on an animated wallpaper now though. ;)

tonight I just took the next step for wireless net access, and that was hooking the pocket pc up via irda to get on gprs. after finding a post with step by step settings for setting up the modem properties in pocket pc (I must admit, many of the values used didnt make much sense to me, must be code numbers the phone reacts specialy to) I was online in no problem. Browsing web pages (images off of course) was pretty fast, and I even had pocketchat (irc) up. Its really funny beaing able to chat in irc from any where now.

now I just need to find a cheap blue tooth CF card.

still a few things I need to find out about. first... does the tmobile site tell me how many Kbytes I have used?

also are kilobytes SENT added in with the kilobytes recieved?