Order a Tri-band Unlocked Tanager Smartphone for $549 US!

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.ppcw.net/shop/imate_ppct.php' target='_blank'>http://www.ppcw.net/shop/imate_ppct.php</a><br /><br /></div>"The PPCW.Net i-Mate Smartphone is above all a great mobile phone based on Microsoft's Windows Powered Smartphone operating system and HTC's Tanager hardware design. You can expect to find all the basic and advanced phone functions on this Smartphone, but what makes it the smartest phone available on the market today is the Windows Powered software that lets you E-Mail, Instant Message, surf the Web, listen to music, play games, and much, much more. The PPCW.Net i-Mate is like no other GSM Smartphone available today."<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/tanager.jpg" /> <br /><br />• HTC Tanager with Microsoft Windows Powered Smartphone 2002 OS <br />• Tri-band GSM 900, 1800, 1900 MHz/GPRS Class 8 <br />• Supported Languages: English, French, German, Spanish <br />• 32MB ROM <br />• 16MB RAM <br />• SDIO Memory Expansion Slot <br />• 16-bits Data Bus <br />• 64k Color Transflective LCD <br />• Integrated Antenna <br />• SIM Free <br />• Certification Free (install any application!)<br /><br />This is great news! :mrgreen: The Tanager is a killer Smartphone - it's an improved version of the SPV some of us know about or have. The Tanager has a back-lit transflective screen which is light years better than the SPV screen, and the d-pad is greatly improved as well. It also looks cooler. 8) Arne Hess at PPCW.Net has managed to get these phones to sell directly from HTC, so they're usable on almost any GSM network in the world (I'd say "any network", but you never know...). Those of you waiting for a Smartphone, wait no longer: you can <a href="http://www.ppcw.net/shop/imate_ppct.php">pre-order one today</a> for $549 US, and as soon as Arne gets them, they'll start shipping. Pocket PC Thoughts is also an affiliate, so when you buy the phone through our link, you'll be supporting this site. [Affiliate]

[ricksfiona]

I'd be so there if it had Bluetooth!

[Jason Dunn]

I'd be so there if it had Bluetooth!

Well, it has an SDIO slot, so if there's driver support, you could add a Bluetooth SDIO card. :D

[HOLLYWOOD_]

Will it work in the U.S.? If so, through which carriers, and how would I go about setting this up?

[chrhamil]

Now I wish I had not ordered the Smartphone Developer Kit!!!

Although I have enjoyed the phone. :lol:

[brntcrsp]

Will it work in the U.S.? If so, through which carriers, and how would I go about setting this up?

It will work in the US, but you will have to find a carrier that uses the GSM network. The big ones I know of off the top of my head are , T-Mobile, ATT, and Cingular.

[Jason Dunn]

Will it work in the U.S.? If so, through which carriers, and how would I go about setting this up?

Yes, it certainly will! Any GSM carriers - Verizon, AT&T, etc.

[brianchris]

I'd be so there if it had Bluetooth!

Well, it has an SDIO slot, so if there's driver support, you could add a Bluetooth SDIO card. :D

I agree, I made a vow long ago (after aquiring and using my first ever phone with integrated Bluetooth) that I would *never* purchase another phone without inegrated Bluetooth. It just seems assinine that anyone would develop a non-bluetooth phone these days (IMHO)....proprietary phone data cables and wired headsets are sooo twentieth century.

True, the phone has an SDIO slot (which is a great thing...I'm not knocking it), but honestly, who's going to have the tip of an SD Bluetooth card sticking out of the side of their phone? Even *if* someone made a flush Bluetooth SD card, I'd loose the ability for external storage on the phone.

I'm not trying to be negative, just stating my opinion that this phone would be THE killer phone......if it had integrated Bluetooth. Does anyone know, is there a planned MS Smartphone with integrated Bluetooth? If not, that seems like a major oversight on someones part :cry:

-Brian

[Jacob]

Will it work in the U.S.? If so, through which carriers, and how would I go about setting this up?

Yes, it certainly will! Any GSM carriers - Verizon, AT&T, etc.

Verizon doesn't use GSM.... last time I checked.

Just AT&T and T-Mobile ... maybe cinglar, but not sure.

[rlobrecht]

Verizon

Around here Verizon is still CDMA, so be careful.

[Jason Dunn]

Verizon

Around here Verizon is still CDMA, so be careful.

Oops. Ok, that's what I get for talking about carriers in a country different from mine. :oops:

[Arne Hess]

Will it work in the U.S.? If so, through which carriers, and how would I go about setting this up?
See here for the full list of US American GSM carriers: http://www.gsmworld.com/roaming/gsminfo/cou_us.shtml
In any case, this phone works with T-Mobile, AT&T (GSM) and Cingular!

[Foo Fighter]

http://palmfactory.com/oldman.jpg

[kagayaki1]

Will it work in the U.S.? If so, through which carriers, and how would I go about setting this up?
See here for the full list of US American GSM carriers: http://www.gsmworld.com/roaming/gsminfo/cou_us.shtml
In any case, this phone works with T-Mobile, AT&T (GSM) and Cingular!

Ahh...thanks for saving us from speculation Arne. :D

[greenmozart]

Arne,

First let me issue a HUGE THANK YOU for developing this relationship with HTC and making these devices available to the entire world. I am so tempted to jump on the bandwagon, but hesitate for one reason, and that is I am anxiously awaiting the availability of the Mitac Mio 8380 smartphone. Do you have any plans to develop a similar relationship with Mitac to offer their device in much the same way you have done with the Tanager? I understand the sensitive nature of this question, so feel free to tell me to go to mind my own business. :)

Mike

[bdegroodt]

Anyone that's used one of these care to comment on the reception (Internal antennae and all).

[Jason Dunn]

Anyone that's used one of these care to comment on the reception (Internal antennae and all).

I have the SPV, which is the precursor to this phone, and I have no reception issues. Then again, I had no reception issues with my T68i, yet I heard people complaining about it all the time. :lol:

[MitzEclipse]

You can use the phone with the following US GSM Carriers: T-Mobile, AT&T Wireless, and Cingular.

I too would like to know the performance of the antenna, benchmarked with the Nokia 3650, Ericsson P800, Nokia 6310i, etc..

[Ivan]

For users in the U.S.A. -> I know that in most of the markets, AT&T, T-Mobile and Cingular use the 1900 Mhz frequency for their GSM network, but I've heard that they are migrating some markets to 800 Mhz (lower frequency, better building penetration, signals travel the farthest)

Before getting this phone, make sure your GSM provider is transmitting in the 1900 Mhz frequency in your area (supported by this phone) and not in the 800 - 850 Mhz (not supported by this phone), otherwise you'll end up with just a $549 PDA with no touchscreen... :)

[dochall]

Congratulations and Thank You to Arne. I hope you are making a reasonable profit on these as doing it is a service and they are fairly cheap.

Unfortunately the lack of BT is a deal killer for me and yes I could look at SDIO but BT is a PIA without the added complication of it being an extra on the phone. I could just forsee a great deal of frustration.

[ppcsurfr]

I agree, I made a vow long ago (after aquiring and using my first ever phone with integrated Bluetooth) that I would *never* purchase another phone without inegrated Bluetooth. It just seems assinine that anyone would develop a non-bluetooth phone these days (IMHO)....proprietary phone data cables and wired headsets are sooo twentieth century.

True, the phone has an SDIO slot (which is a great thing...I'm not knocking it), but honestly, who's going to have the tip of an SD Bluetooth card sticking out of the side of their phone? Even *if* someone made a flush Bluetooth SD card, I'd loose the ability for external storage on the phone.

I'm not trying to be negative, just stating my opinion that this phone would be THE killer phone......if it had integrated Bluetooth. Does anyone know, is there a planned MS Smartphone with integrated Bluetooth? If not, that seems like a major oversight on someones part :cry:

-Brian

Well, I traded my T68 with BT and IR for the Tanager... why? After playing with the Tanager and having the ability to keep your MSN Messenger on anytime, and anywhere... well, BT then took the back seat for me...

Mabuhay ~ Carlo (ppcsurfr)

[Arne Hess]

Arne,
First let me issue a HUGE THANK YOU for developing this relationship with HTC and making these devices available to the entire world. I am so tempted to jump on the bandwagon, but hesitate for one reason, and that is I am anxiously awaiting the availability of the Mitac Mio 8380 smartphone. Do you have any plans to develop a similar relationship with Mitac to offer their device in much the same way you have done with the Tanager?
Hehehe... :) Well, this depends on many factors at least on "is Mitac willing to work with me?"
However, I can clearly state here and today that in the short term you will not see any additional offers on PPCW.Net beside the Tanager. Was hard enough to make this come true...
I understand the sensitive nature of this question, so feel free to tell me to go to mind my own business. :)
Go to your own business... ;-) No, sure the question is a good one but right now I don't have any plans. Specially because I know what I get with the Tanager and also because most xda accessories works right out of the box. Even a xda GPS mouse would work, if we would get the mapping software...

[Mike Temporale]

Arne,

Where are you shipping these from? I've very interested, however the duty on this would be killer. If you're in the US, maybe I can find a friend to receive the shipment for me.

[bdegroodt]

OK. I "pre-ordered." I have an additional question that wasn't ever very clear on MSFT's SmartPhone site. Can these phones poll and sync POP3 accounts or only Exchange based email accounts?

[davidm]

One question above that was not answered was how to set the phone up with your carrier. I am curious as to how this is done as well. Do I just walk into my local ATT store and ask them to add it to my current plan? Mechanically, what needs to be done?

Thanks in advance.

[jmbneaf]

Now I wish I had not ordered the Smartphone Developer Kit!!!

Although I have enjoyed the phone. :lol:

I just got an SPV off of eBay - (still waiting to get it) I hope it lives up to my expectations. I have read that the Tanager is an SPV with a better display and slightly different case/keypad (w/ joystick).

I hope that I am not in the same boat wishing I had waited too.... :roll:

[bdegroodt]

One question above that was not answered was how to set the phone up with your carrier. I am curious as to how this is done as well. Do I just walk into my local ATT store and ask them to add it to my current plan? Mechanically, what needs to be done?

Thanks in advance.

That's one of the nice things about GSM, you just insert the little card from the back of your current phone (SIM) and plug it into the new one and away you go. All the user programming (Account information, phone number etc) comes from that card.

There may be some entries you'll have to make around your data plan (GPRS) to get it communicating with the right part of the ATT network. Think of it like adding an email account to your Outlook (Name, server, password, etc). Not a big deal.

[ppcsurfr]

OK. I "pre-ordered." I have an additional question that wasn't ever very clear on MSFT's SmartPhone site. Can these phones poll and sync POP3 accounts or only Exchange based email accounts?

What do you mean poll and sync?

As in access via dial up or GPRS? If that is what you mean... yes it can... just like a Pocket PC.

There is also an option for scheduled synching of the inbox.

Mabuhay ~ Carlo (ppcsurfr)

[howardholton]

Will it work in the U.S.? If so, through which carriers, and how would I go about setting this up?

Yes, it certainly will! Any GSM carriers - Verizon, AT&T, etc.

VERIZON IS NOT GSM

[Arne Hess]

Where are you shipping these from? I've very interested, however the duty on this would be killer. If you're in the US, maybe I can find a friend to receive the shipment for me.
The phone is shipped from Germany :!:
So as a Canadian or American you will get additional customs tax on it, if you are an European Community citizen, no additional customs tax but German VAT. I hate all this tax stuff...
OK. I "pre-ordered." I have an additional question that wasn't ever very clear on MSFT's SmartPhone site. Can these phones poll and sync POP3 accounts or only Exchange based email accounts?
No, you can access a regular POP3 account like you used to do it with your Pocket PC. However, please keep in mind that currently Microsoft Smartphone 2002 support one POP3 account only!
One question above that was not answered was how to set the phone up with your carrier. I am curious as to how this is done as well. Do I just walk into my local ATT store and ask them to add it to my current plan? Mechanically, what needs to be done?
GSM is based on SIM cards. The SIM card holds all information about you and your contract. It's the key to the mobile phone number as well as to the invoice.
So all you need is a GSM SIM card which you plug into the Smartphone. From that time you can just make voice and data calls. If you want to use any other GSM phone in the future, you simply remove the SIM card from that phone and use it in a different GSM phone.
I switch my GSM cards 2 - 3 times a day. From the Smartphone to a Pocket PC Phone Edition to another GSM phone back to the Smartphone, no problem. The key to the GSM network is the SIM card.
You can compare it to a cash machine. You plug-in your bank card and get money from this machine. However, your key is the card, not the machine!

[MobileAGBell]

If you want to see if this phone works in your area, go to wirelessadvisor.com, plug in your zip code and search the carriers listed. You're looking for GSM/GPRS carriers with 900/1800/1900 service. Just remember, as someone previously pointed out, some carriers are rolling out their 850Mz network. And this thing is not 850 compatible. One more thing for the ATTWS subscribers: if you are an mMode subscriber, I believe you will need to contact ATTWS for assistance in determining mMode compatibility and setup with this handset.

[ppcsurfr]

What is it with SIM cards?

Aside from what Arne has said, the SIM being the Subscriber Identity Module, can also house a whole range of services... The SIM ca be programmed to have certain Carrier Specific Service Menus like Mobile Banking, Info Text, etc. which actually adds a whole load of features to most of the currently available GSM phones.

Mabuhay ~ Carlo (ppcsurfr)

[ricksfiona]

For me to get this phone or any MS Smartphone, integrated Bluetooth is a necessity. Yes, with a SDIO slot, you can have a Bluetooth card, but then you lose storage capabilities. I am not going to carry around a couple of cards to use my phone. Ain't going to happen.

Hopefully the next generation of this phone will have Bluetooth integrated.

[snap]

Don't worry too much about the lack of support for 850 GSM in the U.S. The 1900 band is really the default here for GSM. Network equipment and handsets that support GSM 850 have only recently been introduced. If you have 1900 service now, its not being replaced by 850. 850 is being added for capacity reasons mainly, but it does help with coverage as mentioned earlier.

[Jason Dunn]

OK. I "pre-ordered." I have an additional question that wasn't ever very clear on MSFT's SmartPhone site. Can these phones poll and sync POP3 accounts or only Exchange based email accounts?

The Smartphone Pocket Inbox supports one email account, and that can be POP3, IMAP, or an Exchange account (I believe). I've tested the first one for sure - no problems with POP3 at all. :way to go:

[Jason Dunn]

One question above that was not answered was how to set the phone up with your carrier. I am curious as to how this is done as well. Do I just walk into my local ATT store and ask them to add it to my current plan? Mechanically, what needs to be done?

You pop in the SIM card, make sure the phone is set to North American GSM frequencies ("PCS" in the settings), and that's it. You don't even need to tell you carrier (you probably shouldn't anyway - they fear anything they don't understand). I set up my Smartphone with Fido here, and it was as simple as the above. I loved it! :mrgreen:

[rbrome]

Don't worry too much about the lack of support for 850 GSM in the U.S. The 1900 band is really the default here for GSM. Network equipment and handsets that support GSM 850 have only recently been introduced. If you have 1900 service now, its not being replaced by 850. 850 is being added for capacity reasons mainly, but it does help with coverage as mentioned earlier.

For AT&T and T-Mobile, yes - but Cingular is deploying GSM 850 nearly nationwide as its main coverage to replace TDMA. Unless you are in CA/NV, if you're with Cingular and want GSM, you will need GSM 850. If you're in CA/NV, then GSM 1900 is fine with Cingular.

So if you want this phone, in CA/NV you can pick any of the three (T-Mobile, AT&T, or Cingular). Outside CA/NV, your only real choices are T-Mobile and AT&T.

[aussie]

Jason how were you able to set up (or were you able) WAP browsing. I have the Red-e and can't figure out how to browse WAP sites (HDML/WML) with the IE browser on the phone.

Thanks

[Jason Dunn]

Well, I traded my T68 with BT and IR for the Tanager... why? After playing with the Tanager and having the ability to keep your MSN Messenger on anytime, and anywhere... well, BT then took the back seat for me...

Bingo! I feel exactly the same way. I've been using Bluetooth a lot with my T68i and Axim w/Socket BT CF card, but once I got the Smartphone, I actually started bringing my Pocket PC out with me less and less. The "killer app" for me is email & Web access - and while the Smartphone clients aren't quite as capable as the Pocket PC clients, it's good enough for 70% of my scenarios.

And those Bluetooth headsets still look hugely freaky to me - I'm not interested in wearing one. :-)

That said, if someone offered me a Smartphone with Bluetooth, I sure wouldn't turn it down. :mrgreen:

[Jason Dunn]

Jason how were you able to set up (or were you able) WAP browsing. I have the Red-e and can't figure out how to browse WAP sites (HDML/WML) with the IE browser on the phone.

Simple: I don't. :wink: WAP is a dead technology - HTML is king! I just browse mobile sites, although sometimes I'll have to go to a "full" site and it just kills me - GPRS is sooooo slow.

There are WAP gateway settings somewhere in the connection settings I think - I'm still getting to know my Smartphone. :D

[garrans]

The specs listed on the phone say "SIM Free" but everybody talks about using the GSM sim card (which I understand) . What's with the specs ? What does it mean ?

Steve.

[Elad Yakobowicz]

Must see Tanager review. Is it smaller than the T68i? Also - it comes with a $500 rebate, right? :lol:

[Arne Hess]

The specs listed on the phone say "SIM Free" but everybody talks about using the GSM sim card (which I understand) . What's with the specs ? What does it mean ?
It means two things:

1st: It comes without SIM card/contract so you can use/have to use your SIM card/contract.
2nd: GSM devices have the option to be locked. This means you can only use SIM cards from a dedicated carrier. If this happens and you buy - let me say a device which is SIM locked to O2 UK - you wouldn't be able to use a T-Mobile SIM card with that device but a O2 UK SIM only.
With other word, the device would be useless as long as you are not an O2 UK customer.
So this is an important feature to make sure you can use the SIM from your carrier.

[Arne Hess]

Must see Tanager review. Is it smaller than the T68i? Also - it comes with a $500 rebate, right? :lol:
Are you kidding!? Get the comission for a new SIM card from your carrier, not from me... :twisted:
Regarding the size, the Tanager is comparable to the HTC Canary (Orange SPV) and therefore not smaller as you can see here:

http://www.ppcw.net/images/news/10_years_gsm_small.jpg (http://www.ppcw.net/images/news/10_years_gsm.jpg)

Beside of this and while we are talking about Bluetooth: even today's Bluetooth SD cards which are already pretty small, wouldn't looks nice in a Smartphone:

http://www.ppcw.net/images/column/sdcard_comparison/DSCN0089_small.jpg

But better than W-LAN cards... ;-)

http://www.ppcw.net/images/column/sdcard_comparison/DSCN0090_small.jpg

[davidm]

Thanks for all the great information.

Arne's last response brought to mind another question.

I assume that the only device that is locked is the phone. Therefore, is it true that I could take a SIM card from a locked phone and use it in an unlocked phone? I believe my current ATT phone is "locked."

Thanks in advance.

[Arne Hess]

Thanks for all the great information.
Arne's last response brought to mind another question.
I assume that the only device that is locked is the phone. Therefore, is it true that I could take a SIM card from a locked phone and use it in an unlocked phone? I believe my current ATT phone is "locked."
Thanks in advance.
Yes, this works and the carriers hasn't a problem with it. At least the core business of an operator is selling minutes. So using a SIM in any device is fine for the operator.
Selling a device subsidized but get the SIM replaced by a competitor card isn't fine for the carrier. Therefore some years ago the SIM lock was introduced to protect the invest and get a kick-back out of the minutes.
So buying a subsidized phone is nothing more than buying it on a credit. The difference between the sales price and the real price you have to pay with monthly fees and higher minute charges.
So for instance some operators here in Europe offers deala like 1/2 a year (or even more) free of monthly fee, if you bring your own phone with you and don't need a new subsidized one.

[Elad Yakobowicz]

Arne -

Thanks for the info. Also, seeing that you have your own brand of Smartphone so to speak is definitely very cool, good work! I might have to ditch the Smartphone, though, for the phone all the way on the left. Does that one have bluetooth? :roll:

Hehe. On a serious note Bluetooth would be nice, but I would give it up for the rest of the features on that phone!

[handheldplanet]

Oh great, my wife is really going to be ticked now. Arne - I thank you for bringing this to market - my wife will curse you (and probably me for that matter).

Well, off I go to balance checking accounts - to dig up some $!

[bdegroodt]

Oh great, my wife is really going to be ticked now. Arne - I thank you for bringing this to market - my wife will curse you (and probably me for that matter).

Well, off I go to balance checking accounts - to dig up some $!

Well, since it looks like there will be only a limited supply of them available, you could claim you won it in a contest. Entry fee was only $549 :D

[Elad Yakobowicz]

Oh great, my wife is really going to be ticked now. Arne - I thank you for bringing this to market - my wife will curse you (and probably me for that matter).

Well, off I go to balance checking accounts - to dig up some $!

Well, since it looks like there will be only a limited supply of them available, you could claim you won it in a contest. Entry fee was only $549 :D

Lol yeah. And when your wife says "no contest is worth an entry fee of $549!" you can say -- "but I won!"

[NewOrder]

Well it figures, I just bought an SPV from Ebay yesterday. The price savings is keeping me from totally kicking myself, but I need to know, how big a difference is there between the screens? I'd hate to think that the SPVx (Tanager) totally blows away the original. Sometimes it takes so little to fuel the fire for an upgrade....

Seriously though, anybody who has used both who can comment on any and all real world differences?

Thanks, Mike

[R K]

Hey Arne, if you're in a question answering mood, can you tell me if the Tanager or Smartphone 2K2 can be used as a GPRS modem through IR or serial cable?

[Jason Dunn]

how big a difference is there between the screens?

I don't have a Tanager here in front of me, but from what I remember, the difference would be akin to comparing the screen of a 3650 iPAQ (side lit) to a 3900 iPAQ (back-lit). Quite a big difference, but I don't know if it's worth getting a whole new phone over. :wink:

[marlof]

Bingo! I feel exactly the same way. I've been using Bluetooth a lot with my T68i and Axim w/Socket BT CF card, but once I got the Smartphone, I actually started bringing my Pocket PC out with me less and less.

Too bad I rely on my GSM phone to be a modem to my Bluetooth enabled notebook as well as a modem to my Bluetooth enabled Pocket PCs and Handheld PC. Q for those that have actually used a Tanager: what current Bluetooth SDIO card works with the Tanager?

No matter what about the Bluetooth: this is an amazing offer Arne!

[Arne Hess]

Hey Arne, if you're in a question answering mood, can you tell me if the Tanager or Smartphone 2K2 can be used as a GPRS modem through IR or serial cable?
Yes, you can use it (the Smartphone 2002 in general) as GPRS Modem via IrDA, Serial and even USB!
So you can even use something like the Boxwave miniSync (http://www.ppcw.net/index.php?itemid=942) to connect your Smartphone with your Notebook.
http://www.ppcw.net/images/column/boxwave_minisync/orange_spv/DSCN0332_small.jpg

[fyiguy]

Must see Tanager review. Is it smaller than the T68i? Also - it comes with a $500 rebate, right? :lol:
Are you kidding!? Get the comission for a new SIM card from your carrier, not from me... :twisted:
Regarding the size, the Tanager is comparable to the HTC Canary (Orange SPV) and therefore not smaller as you can see here:

http://www.ppcw.net/images/news/10_years_gsm_small.jpg (http://www.ppcw.net/images/news/10_years_gsm.jpg)

Beside of this and while we are talking about Bluetooth: even today's Bluetooth SD cards which are already pretty small, wouldn't looks nice in a Smartphone:

http://www.ppcw.net/images/column/sdcard_comparison/DSCN0089_small.jpg

But better than W-LAN cards... ;-)

http://www.ppcw.net/images/column/sdcard_comparison/DSCN0090_small.jpg

Is the Tanager going to ship with or have an update to support SDIO Now! (the system software from BSQUARE, that provides a universal software bus architecture an API for adding SD peripherals.)? If so then one could enable the Tanager to BT, since the Smartphone OS does support BT, but it would be almost moot if it didn't have a headset profile.

As far as I know the Socket/Toshiba BT SDIO card is only supported on 2 PocketPC Platforms, the HP iPAQ 3950 and 3955 models with the latest ROM update. Also rumored is the new i700 from Samsung(which has PPC2003) is supposed to have the BSquared Software to use BT. Also if rumors are true , the SDIO Now! driver will be included natively in forthcoming PPC's that have Microsoft's PPC 2003 OS on board, hopefully this will translate to the Smartphone platform as well..

I think Arne will probably wrangle the folks in at Boxwave to supply a discounted or even free minSync with Tanger to sweeten the deal as well as some cool software, I am sure that would help everyone's reluctance due to lack of BT support!!

Fingers crossed!!!

It is still a good deal regardless, the only other one that is comparable is purchasing the developers kit and you get an unlocked Compal phone.
PhoneArne's deal still looks the best if you want to get an MS Smartphone...

Decisions, decisions...

[bdegroodt]

On the input side of business, are there any keyboards out for this phone other than that goofy fabric one? Maybe like the Think Outside XT foldable keyboard :?:

[Jason Dunn]

On the input side of business, are there any keyboards out for this phone other than that goofy fabric one? Maybe like the Think Outside XT foldable keyboard :?:

AFAIK, no, there isn't.

[Arne Hess]

On the input side of business, are there any keyboards out for this phone other than that goofy fabric one? Maybe like the Think Outside XT foldable keyboard :?:
That's a pretty good point! :idea:
Nothing I can talk about today but yes - "I wouldn't be Arne" if I wouldn't thought about this too and therefore I'm currently working on something... ;-)
It's not "Think Outside" anyway but there are other solutions out there also :D :wink:
However, the Flex Keyboard (see my review here (http://www.ppcw.net/index.php?itemid=1148)) for the HTC Smartphones is a great piece of work also!
http://www.ppcw.net/images/column/spv_softkeyboard/DSCN2753_small.JPG

[g0097]

I already own a nokia 3650 and I am wondering if it would really make sense to switch to this smartphone? I can already browse full webpages trough the opera browser. I have bluetooth, which this model does not have, and i can a built in camera to send pictures off the phone to my friends. I am just honestly wondering what feature does this phone have that would draw me from the nokia? I am plannning to get a Ipaq 2200 whenever that comes out and browse via bluetooth through the nokia. Plus the fact that the nokia only cost 150 dollars as a new signup from ATT. Im not trying to say this smartphone is no good, i really, really want one!! Im just trying to rationalize why it would be worth it to switch....any thoughts?

[Jason Dunn]

I already own a nokia 3650 and I am wondering if it would really make sense to switch to this smartphone?

It really depends on what you do with the phone. The biggest uses of the Microsoft Smartphone for me is to get all my PIM data onto the phone by just dropping it into the cradle, to check my POP3 email account, and to surf mobile Web pages. In the near future I'm going to start adding music, video, and pictures to it. If your 3650 meets all your needs, then it's probably not worth it to get a Smartphone right now.

[brianchris]

Too bad I rely on my GSM phone to be a modem to my Bluetooth enabled notebook as well as a modem to my Bluetooth enabled Pocket PCs and Handheld PC.

No matter what about the Bluetooth: this is an amazing offer Arne!

Couldn't agree more.....1) that its a great deal Arne has been able to arange, and 2) it really is too bad it doesn't have built-in Bluetooth. Like Marlof said (and like I implied in my first post on the first page of this thread), I have come to consider my T68 (GPRS with built in Bluetooth) as sort of a mobile access point for me. Sure, it operates at far slower speeds than 802.11b, but the concept is the same for the most part: Away from home, in a hotel that doesn't offer Wi-Fi (or CAT-5 access either)? No problem, place the T68 in a fairly central location in the room, and I can connect to the internet from my laptop and PDA (and my wife's laptop, etc.etc etc.) all without wires. Heck, one wire wouldn't be *that* bad, but a proprietary wire for every device in my family's arsenal? Expensive and ridiculous to haul a suitcase just to hold cables......that's the benefit *I* see about integrated Bluetooth in GPRS/CDMA cell phones (not to mention integrated in PDA's and laptops as well). Bluetooth is kind of like HTML.....an equlizer of divergent platforms.

True, if you have no plans to connect external devices, Bluetooth is a mute point (and possably a liability as it usually costs more when availible).

As far as headsets go, sure, they're a little big. The Jabra (which I own) is actually not bad (most of its [slight] bulk is behind the ear, not on your ear or attached to your shirt), but I understand its not for everyone, just as my opinion above isn't for everyone either :wink:

Excellent phone, excellent deal, excellent site, excellent thread.....just wish this (or future) Smartphones had (or will have) integrated Bluetooth.

-Brian

[gregh]

.....just wish this (or future) Smartphones had (or will have) integrated Bluetooth.


exactly the reason I'm seriously looking at the Sony Ericson P800!

Greg

[bdegroodt]

Anyone using this phone for SSH? Also, does the email client query the server on a regular interval automatically?