Motorola MPx220 vs. i-mate SP3i: Photo Shoot-Out

[Kris Kumar]

Presenting in the blue corner the clam shell contestant, the Motorola MPx220, weighing 110g. And in the red corner we have the challenger, weighing only 102g, the i-mate SP3i.<br /><br />Which one would you bet on? :drool: <br /><br /><a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-FormFactorFight-1.JPG"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-FormFactorFight-1Small.JPG" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a><br /><i>Figure 1: Click on the image for a higher resolution image. </i><br /> <!> <br /><a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-FormFactorFight-2.JPG"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-FormFactorFight-2Small.JPG" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a><br /><i>Figure 2: Click on the image for a higher resolution image. </i><br /><br /><a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-FormFactorFight-3.JPG"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-FormFactorFight-3Small.JPG" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a><br /><i>Figure 3: Click on the image for a higher resolution image. </i><br /><br /><a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-FormFactorFight-4.JPG"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-FormFactorFight-4Small.JPG" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a><br /><i>Figure 4: Click on the image for a higher resolution image. </i><br /><br /><a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-FormFactorFight-5.JPG"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-FormFactorFight-5Small.JPG" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a><br /><i>Figure 5: Click on the image for a higher resolution image. </i><br /><br /><a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-FormFactorFight-7.JPG"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-FormFactorFight-7Small.JPG" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a><br /><i>Figure 6: Click on the image for a higher resolution image. </i><br /><br /><a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-FormFactorFight-8.JPG"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-FormFactorFight-8Small.JPG" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a><br /><i>Figure 7: Click on the image for a higher resolution image. </i><br /><br /><a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-FormFactorFight-9.JPG"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-FormFactorFight-9Small.JPG" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a><br /><i>Figure 8: Click on the image for a higher resolution image. </i><br /><br /><a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-FormFactorFight-10.JPG"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-FormFactorFight-10Small.JPG" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a><br /><i>Figure 9: Click on the image for a higher resolution image. </i><br /><br /><a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-FormFactorFight-11.JPG"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-FormFactorFight-11Small.JPG" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a><br /><i>Figure 10: Click on the image for a higher resolution image. </i>

[hacr]

I have always been a flip phone fan, but with the today screen information of a smartphone, I want to be able to see the info all the time. I like the black border too, it makes it look larger.

I ordered mine from TeknToys last week, they say it isn't shipping until December 1st though :(

[possmann]

I gotta say that I like the flip phone format, but have been turned off by Moto as of late. I like what the HTC device has to offer and the reviews of this device seem to be more favorable (quality of speech, connectivity etc...) than those limited reviews I've seen of the Moto device.

I'm gonna wait until T-Mo get's their acts over here to the USA (which I hope is before June...)

[aristoBrat]

I like what the HTC device has to offer and the reviews of this device seem to be more favorable (quality of speech, connectivity etc...) than those limited reviews I've seen of the Moto device.
Considering that this is their fourth generation WM Smartphone, I think HTC has learned a lot (and more importantly -- applied what they've learned).

If the SP3i is really just a SP3/C500/SMT 5600 "in different clothing", then I have no doubts that this phone is going to rock, especially in regards to battery life!

[aristoBrat]

I'm gonna wait until T-Mo get's their acts over here to the USA (which I hope is before June...)
I know I said it a billion times ... "I won't buy another non-T-Mobile branded Smartphone", but I broke down and picked up the Audiovox SMT 5600 and am LOVING it (on T-Mobile).

I think I'm one of the few that prefer the thumb rocker vs. the joystick, so I guess I'll have to make that my justification for not waiting for T-Mobile's SDAs!

[sunit02]

I had ordered through tek n toys myself, but they didn't respond to my email about when they will have them in stock. So I cancelled my order via email. Their email [email protected] which is the email address on the order confirmation email doesn't even work. I got a bounce-back message delivery failure from that address. Their other one ([email protected]) seemed to work. Of course, they didn't even confirm the cancellation. I can't say that I trust these guys. They would have left a more favorable impression if they had initially labelled it as a pre-order item and be more attentive to their potential customers. I even cancelled my credit card to be safe.

I have always been a flip phone fan, but with the today screen information of a smartphone, I want to be able to see the info all the time. I like the black border too, it makes it look larger.

I ordered mine from TeknToys last week, they say it isn't shipping until December 1st though :(

[Kris Kumar]

Considering that this is their fourth generation WM Smartphone, I think HTC has learned a lot (and more importantly -- applied what they've learned).

If the SP3i is really just a SP3/C500/SMT 5600 "in different clothing", then I have no doubts that this phone is going to rock, especially in regards to battery life!

Not sure if the SP3i can be branded as the 4th generation. Because under the clothes it is still the same hardware and software. But the clothes make all the difference.

The (plastic) material, the finish and the detail on this device is much better than the Audiovox SMT5600. I am a big fan of Sony Ericsson's styles (Note: I said "styles" ;-) ). And this phone can compete with SE in terms of the quality of styling. I wasn't able to take good pictures of just the SP3i last night. Will update this thread later with some more. :-)

The tri-tone body - combination of silver, gray and black is awesome. Plus the plastic has a rich-soft feel to it when you are holding it in your hands.

Overall I am torn between the (buggy) MPx220 and SP3i. :? Both have their strengths and weaknesses.

[Kris Kumar]

Note to all the readers interested in buying SP3i.

eXpansys is currently not carrying the US (GSM 850/1800/1900) version. And Tek n Toys, don't know when they are going to carry or what version they are going to carry.

So please do NOT pre-order without knowing what you are going to get. Mine is the GSM 900/1800/1900 or European version from eXpansys.

And we know for sure that SP3i is going to be released in the GSM 850/1800/1900 version. Because of the FCC clearance. It is just a matter of time. I am guessing weeks instead of months. So hang on.

Since I am on T-Mobile (they don't use 850MHz) so I don't have to worry too much about missing the 850MHz band. In fact if I had the 850 band, I would have missed the 900 band more because of my India trips, where 900 band is used.

[aristoBrat]

Not sure if the SP3i can be branded as the 4th generation. Because under the clothes it is still the same hardware and software. But the clothes make all the difference.
Forgive me for listing the Orange-branded names (I forget the HTC ones), but don't the HTC generations go like this?

1: SPV (Smartphone 2002, crappy screen/keypad)
2: SPV e100 (Smartphone 2002, fixed screen/keypad, external camera)
3: SVP e200 (Smartphone 2003, added BlueTooth + integrated camera)
4: C500 (Smartphone 2003 SE, miniSD, new form factor, substantial battery life)

The SP3i would fall into the 4th category AFAIK. :)

Part of the reason I brought this up is because I remember reading (on MoDaCo) about all sorts of call volume, camera, and BlueTooth issues with the E100 and E200 -- not much unlike what Moto is having with the MPx220. I guess I was attributing the C500/SP3/SP3i/SMT 5600s relative lack of issues on the fact that HTC's "been down that road before", vs Moto, which is "still on that road" (meaning that there's still hope for them). :D

[revolution.cx]

SPV had an external camera.
The SPVx or E100 really was a 1.1 type release.

So I'd say that the typhoon is the 3rd generation.

Hey, wait a second...it doesn't matter. The typhoon's just a great phone.

[aristoBrat]

Thanks! My WM Smartphone addiction started about a month before the e200's came out, so I didn't catch all of the SPVx history. :D

[Jason Dunn]

Delicious pictures Kris - very well done! :-)

[stingray]

sp2003se is brilliant. i "upgraded" from a t610 to a 6600. i missed so many features from my t610, and the OS was sluggish. hte c500 is like the best of both worlds plus a few more features i wanted. i can honestly say this is the best phone i've ever owned. and i think it mite take over me NX70's role as well.....

[Kris Kumar]

Hey, wait a second...it doesn't matter. The typhoon's just a great phone.

I second that...Thanks for clarifying the generation story. I also believe that SPV and SPVE100 are the same generation, ie the core internals are the same.

[Kris Kumar]

I guess I was attributing the C500/SP3/SP3i/SMT 5600s relative lack of issues on the fact that HTC's "been down that road before", vs Moto, which is "still on that road" (meaning that there's still hope for them). :D

I hope so too.

But according to the posts made by our readers, Moto has been lately goofing up on the product launches, I mean non-smartphone products and all of them are quality control issues, recalls..similar story. :-(

HTC did not put out a perfect product, when it launched C500. But they were quick to acknowledge the problem and later went on to issue a user downloadable fix.

The SP3i is my first i-mate product. I am already impressed with the www.clubimate.com site. It has a good product related FAQ. And I can download the current ROM. And I am guaranteed to get the future versions as well. :-)

[aristoBrat]

Did you mean that the SP3i is your first i-mate product?

Isn't it cool that i-mate gives you a free hosted Microsoft Exchange email account when you buy one of their Windows Mobile devices?! :D

Of the three ROMs I've run on my 5600 (AT&amp;T, Orange and i-mate), I prefer the i-mate version. Although it's not significantly different from the others, it just "feels" cleaner -- like what little customization that they did was done by people who'd use the phone daily themselves.

[Kris Kumar]

Did you mean that the SP3i is your first i-mate product?

Oops..glad that you caught that. I did mean "..my first i-mate product."

Isn't it cool that i-mate gives you a free hosted Microsoft Exchange email account when you buy one of their Windows Mobile devices?! :D

It is. I have too many e-mail accounts so decided against signing up. But I am sure many will use it, and enjoy the benefits of direct ActiveSync with the Exchange server. Does it support SMS based update. I should look that up.

Of the three ROMs I've run on my 5600 (AT&amp;T, Orange and i-mate), I prefer the i-mate version. Although it's not significantly different from the others, it just "feels" cleaner -- like what little customization that they did was done by people who'd use the phone daily themselves.

I agree with the "it just feels cleaner" aspect. :-)

[mar2k]

Great to see that someone has their hands on an SP3i. I anxiously await the North American version while I ponder the ongoing saga of the MPx220 firmware updates.

Overall it sounds impressive.

Any quality issues? Do you get the impression that the SP3i will scratch easily or paint will peel off or anything along those lines? SD work OK? What about headset sound quality both wired and unwired?

Does this unit register two button presses at the same time ie is it good for gaming or not. Hows the Joystick? Does it feel solid and move smoothly.

I assume the SP3i comes with ALL the Bluetooth profiles being non-carrier branded - are you able to voice dial over Bluetooth?

How fast is the OS, I like to amuse myself with MPEG, WMV, and DIVX videos - is this phone fast enough to display them at full speed?

Any registry locks? Are you able to use PHM Registry Editor?

Inquiring minds want to know... :D Answers to any of these questions would be most appreciated once you have had a chance to play around with it for a while.

[jfran]

The SP3i phone is great, I also have the nokia 6600 as I like the symbian platform, however have to admit, imate has converted me to WM, however must admit disappointment as I thought MS may have included a document viewer, anyway I guess clearvue will have to do.

Customised the start menu with PHM regedit, however pls note that only the first 7 items can be changed, from the 8th everything is alphabethical. and customised the home screen with the basic app ms has on the windows mobile site.

The filemanager doesnt provide the facility to send files via bluetooth, however smart explorer sorted that problem.

Installed beta player as my main media player, and am just usinng WMP for streaming, also got the RSS home news reader to keep up with my blogs :)

Was also impressed with the video player as on my nokia was restriced tio 10s clips unless one bought additional apps, however with sp3i, I have been able to create a 10min clip thus far.... need to reming myself to get a larger SD card... and regarding the camera image quality is great, however I like the fact that they have a mirror on the back incase you wanted to take a snap of yourself :)

Few short falls... no dedicated delete key, nor the ability to copy / paste text as with the symbian devices, nor the ability to perform backup / restore via active sync... having said that its a great handset and would thoroughly recommend it to others.

rgds

jim

[Kris Kumar]

Any quality issues? Do you get the impression that the SP3i will scratch easily or paint will peel off or anything along those lines? SD work OK? What about headset sound quality both wired and unwired?

I should reserve my comments for the review. ;-)

I haven't run into quality issues. The build quality is very good, quality of materials I feel is better than the SMT5600. The plastic feels classier. As for scratches, not concerned about the body, but for the screen I will have to get a screen protector.

miniSD works fine.

Handset sound quality is good, lot better than the MPx220. :-) As for the wired headset haven't tried it yet.

Does this unit register two button presses at the same time ie is it good for gaming or not. Hows the Joystick? Does it feel solid and move smoothly.

I assume the SP3i comes with ALL the Bluetooth profiles being non-carrier branded - are you able to voice dial over Bluetooth?

How fast is the OS, I like to amuse myself with MPEG, WMV, and DIVX videos - is this phone fast enough to display them at full speed?

Any registry locks? Are you able to use PHM Registry Editor?

Inquiring minds want to know... :D Answers to any of these questions would be most appreciated once you have had a chance to play around with it for a while.

I have only had it for a day. So I will report back on most of these questions in a day or two.

Haven't tried BT beyond the headset.

Joystick is cool. It makes the navigation so much easier. It is not over sensitive.

But because of the small size of the phone and the location of the keypad and joystick in the bottom 1/3rd part of the phone, it takes a little getting used to. Since I have been a long time clam shell guy, I am adjusting to this phone. But the buttons are nice and wide. And the contours on the buttons (you can tell from buttons "1", "4", 7" in Figure 10), makes it easy to feel your way around and you get a positive feedback. When it comes to keypad I like the MPx220 better.

OS is fast, but again the MPx220 can beat it. Will be trying the video playback over the holidays.

Registry locks, I don't think it has any. Installed tons of applications. Not application locked. But there is privileged mode lock. So HTTPMail Provider will not work out of the box.

PHM Registry editor gives me the same problem (http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=6634) as it did on the MPx220. :-( This seems like a PHM editor problem on WM2003 devices. Never saw it on MPx200 with SP2002.

More later... :)

[Kris Kumar]

nor the ability to copy / paste text as with the symbian devices

Not sure if you have tried xBar. (http://www.smartphone.net/smartphonethoughts/software_detail.asp?id=442) [Affiliate] I have the beta 2.4 version but the 2.2 also I believe has copy-paste feature. :-)

It is a nifty application. It brings out the multi-tasking capability of Windows Mobile Smartphones.

[jfran]

nor the ability to copy / paste text as with the symbian devices

Not sure if you have tried xBar. (http://www.smartphone.net/smartphonethoughts/software_detail.asp?id=442) [Affiliate] I have the beta 2.4 version but the 2.2 also I believe has copy-paste feature. :-)

It is a nifty application. It brings out the multi-tasking capability of Windows Mobile Smartphones.

Thanks for the heads up, waiting anxiously for the registration code to put it to the test :)

rgds

jim

[mkent_barbados]

Really torn between the MPX-220 and the Sp3i, would like the quad band, but really want a usable speakerphone...and like the fact that iMate will put out updates. When oh when will the review be out? Does the Sp3i have the good type of voice recognition (i.e. dial a number by saying the numbers, no training, etc)? How loud is the speakerphone, I have a Nokia 6600 and 6620, and both I find the speakerphone is just a little soft...also, what happend to the reported feature that the band (850 vs. 900) could be set in software? Thanks!! Great site btw...

[Kris Kumar]

Is GSM 850 - 900 configurable via software: No. :-(

i-mate FAQ
http://www.clubimate.com/index.asp?PageAction=DEVICEFAQ_SP3I

Look for the question "Why are there two types of "Triband" SP3i shown - 850/1800/1900 and 900/1800/1900?"

Please make sure that you buy the correct device for the network operator you are subscribed to. You cannot "upgrade" the phone from one version of triband to another using software. If you are in any doubt on which device to buy, please check with your network operator first.

Didn't find any voice recognition app. :-(

[mkent_barbados]

Thanks for the link to the FAQ. Re: voice command - In the FAQ in Value Added Applications it doesn't mention it, but on the same ClubiMate site the detailed specs for the Sp3i mention "Voice Command" under Value Added Applications. As a member (as you own the phone) maybe you could ask them where it went?

Also, how was buying from Expansys? I was annoyed with them because of slipping ship dates so cancelled, but how was your experience?

Thanks again!

[Kris Kumar]

Thanks for the link to the FAQ. Re: voice command - In the FAQ in Value Added Applications it doesn't mention it, but on the same ClubiMate site the detailed specs for the Sp3i mention "Voice Command" under Value Added Applications. As a member (as you own the phone) maybe you could ask them where it went?

Also, how was buying from Expansys? I was annoyed with them because of slipping ship dates so cancelled, but how was your experience?

Thanks again!

Glad that you pointed it out. SP3i does have Voice Command capability. (Still learning new things about the phone). There is no standalone VR application like in the case of MPx220.

In the Contacts and Start Menu, you can associate Voice Tags to each contact or Start Menu item. And later on by holding down the Volume Down button you can activate the Voice Command application and then repeat the voice tag.

It is less chatty or interactive than MPx220. On the other hand MPx220 does not require training or tags.

[Kris Kumar]

Also, how was buying from Expansys? I was annoyed with them because of slipping ship dates so cancelled, but how was your experience?

It was okay. And I agree the slipping dates annoyed me too. Always wonder if it was their strategy right from the begining to get the pre-orders.

[mar2k]

Kris, are you going to put a screen protector on the SP3i and if so which one? This is a hesitation for me on buying the SP3i because I definitely am a fan of the "bare screen" look, but if I could put one on that is barely noticable, I may reconsder for piece of mind...

[Kris Kumar]

Mike's review (http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/articles.php?action=expand,6247) has convinced me that screen protectors may dull the screen by a bit but the advantages it offers are many: scratch protection, smudge protection (right now I am annoyed with the smudge I leave on the screen, if the JAVOedge can prevent that, then I will be wowed), and finally anti-glare.

I have ordered the JAVOedge C500 version. Hoping that it is the same size as the SP3i.

I have Pocket PC Tech (http://pocketpctech.com/) screen protector on my Pocket PC. It dulls the screen by a bit but the anti-glare advantage makes the screen more readable under different light conditions. Hoping that JAVOedge will do the same for my Smartphone.

The alternative to JAVOedge will be Pocket PC Tech's do it yourself (http://www.pocketpctechs.com/detail.asp?Product_ID=WSDIYKIT01-1) sheet. I love their screen protectors, just scared about cutting the sheet myself. ;-)

[Kris Kumar]

I definitely am a fan of the "bare screen" look, ...

The SP3i's plastic over the screen has a very plasticky look to it. On my MPx220, the quality of plastic is high, it is almost like glass. When the SP3i screen is off, and you tilt the phone in light, you can see some minor distortion (it does not affect the viewing), but looks a little cheap compared to the rest of the body plastic. Hoping that screen protector will cover it up by cutting glare.

The one thing I would be ranting about in my SP3i review would be the quality of clear plastic used over the screen. :-(

[Mike Temporale]

Mike's review (http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/articles.php?action=expand,6247) has convinced me that screen protectors may dull the screen by a bit but the advantages it offers are many: scratch protection, smudge protection (right now I am annoyed with the smudge I leave on the screen, if the JAVOedge can prevent that, then I will be wowed), and finally anti-glare.

I have ordered the JAVOedge C500 version. Hoping that it is the same size as the SP3i.

I have Pocket PC Tech (http://pocketpctech.com/) screen protector on my Pocket PC. It dulls the screen by a bit but the anti-glare advantage makes the screen more readable under different light conditions. Hoping that JAVOedge will do the same for my Smartphone.

The alternative to JAVOedge will be Pocket PC Tech's do it yourself (http://www.pocketpctechs.com/detail.asp?Product_ID=WSDIYKIT01-1) sheet. I love their screen protectors, just scared about cutting the sheet myself. ;-)

You won't be disappointed. They are really great. 8)

[stuartforrest]

Mostle this is an awesome phone apart from little tiny niggles which it amazes me the designers dont fix. For example why cant you pause the diary past 5 minutes or set repeating reminders rather than just a single beep or shrill or whatever ( I had to make a repeating tone myself which is daft) This option was in the very first Ipaq pocket pc and they took it out of the next release???

BTW my joystick wouldnt click to the right after 3 days of ownership. Not so sure about the quality yet. Having said all that I have finally found a phone to enable me to switch from my P900.

Awesome. Best phone ever!!!

[Kris Kumar]

BTW my joystick wouldnt click to the right after 3 days of ownership. Not so sure about the quality yet.

Please don't scare me. :(

I am slowly recovering from the exhaustion, from the many trips to Best Buy for my MPx220. I can't think of calling another 800# for a long while. ;-)

I agree, it is an awesome phone. I wish a carrier picks up this phone. The online retail store prices are too high for it make serious inroads into the consumer market.

[mkent_barbados]

Dear Kris,

With all the problems the Mpx220 has with volume etc, how would you say the Sp3i stacks up? I love the speakerphone function on my Nokia 6600 and then 6620, but honestly find them a little low in volume--is the Sp3i rocking when it comes to earpiece, ringer, and speakerphone volume? Thanks!

[jfran]

I have found the ringtones to be somewhat soft on the sp3i, however I found a wave file of the basic nokia tone and cant really complain. The speaker fone is slightly better compared to that of the 6600 (my other handset) as the sp3i has the advantage of having 2 speaker outlets (in front and on the top).

Also, the phone comes with a handsfree kit with stereo headsets which is an added plus as well.

Hope that helps

rgds

Jim

[Kris Kumar]

Dear Kris,

With all the problems the Mpx220 has with volume etc, how would you say the Sp3i stacks up? I love the speakerphone function on my Nokia 6600 and then 6620, but honestly find them a little low in volume--is the Sp3i rocking when it comes to earpiece, ringer, and speakerphone volume? Thanks!

SP3i utillizes its hardware to the maximum level. On the MPx220 I feel that the processor, camera and other hardware bells and whistles are under utillized.

Like:
- MPx220 has a great keypad. But iTAP pulls it down.
- MPx220 has dual core processor. But I don't think the OS/applications like video camera are optimized for the chip.
- MPx220 has a 1.23 Mega pixel camera, but the Auto mode or the ambient light sensor does not work well.

SP3i seems to build up on the C500/SMT5600. It may not have the best hardware. But it does everything perfectly.

Back to the ringtones/volume. I feel that SP3i performs as good as (in fact better than) any other phone. The speaker/earpiece is loud. Most of the times I have to turn it down.

Ringer is not extremely loud, unless you use the loud profile. But I don't think you would miss any call or have any complaints. :-)

[mar2k]

Kris,

How'd it go with the screen protector? Joystick holding up? :wink:

[Kris Kumar]

Joystick is holding well. I am very happy with it. It feels robust. Does not register accidental clicks or is not over-sensitive.

It is short and I have a big right thumb (:-)) so have a little difficulty in getting my thumb in proper position for the left and right directions, because the joystick is almost in-line or level with the keys.

But since it is not over-sensitive or register accidental clicks, I can squeeze my thumb in. ;-)

I don't think it is too much of a hassle. It not easy to design the perfect joystick for every customer. But this one is pretty good.

Oh the other good thing about the joystick, it is flat-wide/stocky. So that helps when you have to push the joystick down. Most of the times the Enter/Action/Pushing-down is not easy, with this one it is. :-)

I hated the joystick on the Sony Ericsson T681. This one is very close to perfect.

Screen Protector, all I would say is that the SMT5600/C500 screen protectors works well inspite of the rounded screen corners. We will soon be posting a quick look post on how the JAVOedge works on the new Smartphone models. ;-)

[mar2k]

Expansys is showing the US version in stock in two days (with GSM 850 band). Now granted I can see that being pushed back, but still its tempting to place an order.

[mkent_barbados]

Expansys likes to lie, lie, LIE!!! Lol, nevermind I just ordered the UK version from them 5 mins ago. They still are liars when it comes to release dates...

[algorhythm]

Re: Expansys....I bought an SP3 from them a couple of months ago and my experience could've been better. I pre-ordered, and the ship date slipped four times. When it finally arrived, I used it for a week before it started glitching (software bug causing blank menu screens).

Posted three times on their forum...40+ views, no replies. Sent two emails to their UK support, no replies.

Finally called the US office (I'm in the US), got a CS rep, who said I could send it back and they'd send a new one when they got more units in.

I asked how many units they had, he said 12, but we need those in case someone orders one.

I pointed out that I'd already paid for mine, shouldn't I be entitled to an exchange....he thought about it for a minute ("let me put you on hold..."), came back and said okay.

I asked if he could send me a replacement, then I'd send back my defective one, so I'd have a phone in the meantime. He said, "we don't do that, too many people have tried to rip us off."

I pointed out that they'd had my credit card number for over a month and I was a paying customer. He replied "you could still try to rip us off."

I asked for his supervisor, who agreed to send me a new one first.

And no, I didn't rip them off. :roll: But I sent another email to their UK complaint box, and got a really generic reply that ignored my complaint.

I won't buy from them again....

[Kris Kumar]

Posted three times on their forum...40+ views, no replies. Sent two emails to their UK support, no replies.

Finally called the US office (I'm in the US), got a CS rep, who said I could send it back and they'd send a new one when they got more units in.


I agree, eXpansys does not have the best customer support or responses. :-( I am hoping that i-mate SP3 and SP3i will become available from online sources other than eXpansys.

He replied "you could still try to rip us off."

:rotfl: Sorry, but couldn't resist. What a silly answer; especially when talking to a paying customer. :evil:

My experience has been okay because I didn't run into any issues. &lt;knockOnTheWood> But I don't think I will recommend them in the form of word of mouth publicity. ;-)

[algorhythm]

I've seen the Audiovox 5600 on Amazon. Not sure how much difference there is between that and the SP3....

[Mike Temporale]

I've seen the Audiovox 5600 on Amazon. Not sure how much difference there is between that and the SP3....

The Audiovox is a AT&amp;T branded phone. It is locked to the AT&amp;T network, and has WMP10, and AT&amp;T's settings preloaded.

The i-mate SP3 is not locked to any networks, has no branding, and no pre-loaded settings. It also doesn't have WMP10.

:)

[possmann]

Does a-n-y-o-n-e have any scoop on when T-Mo is going to launch their killer Smartphones in the US of A?

[algorhythm]

Last unofficial info I got was Q1 2005....

[mkent_barbados]

the SP3i 850Mhz (US) version comes with WMP10. Got mine from Expansys before Xmas.

[Kris Kumar]

the SP3i 850Mhz (US) version comes with WMP10. Got mine from Expansys before Xmas.

Wow that is cool. Will have to keep on eye on the Club i-mate for updates.

Only today I noticed that they have an update that provides a whole bunch of games, 6 games or so. Not a gamer but like that i-mate is trying to provide extras to cover up for high cost per phone.

[cesarfong]

Posted three times on their forum...40+ views, no replies. Sent two emails to their UK support, no replies.

Finally called the US office (I'm in the US), got a CS rep, who said I could send it back and they'd send a new one when they got more units in.


I agree, eXpansys does not have the best customer support or responses. :-( I am hoping that i-mate SP3 and SP3i will become available from online sources other than eXpansys.



Kris in spite of all i had a good response for expansys usa and get my phone. But the worldwide version without wmp10.. any news about the wmp10 for this imate model?

[Mike Temporale]

Kris in spite of all i had a good response for expansys usa and get my phone. But the worldwide version without wmp10.. any news about the wmp10 for this imate model?

There hasn't been any announcements from i-mate on this upgrade yet. :( When we hear something it will be up on the front page ASAP! :wink:

[Kris Kumar]

I had sent an e-mail to i-mate thru Club i-mate. Surprisingly I haven't heard from them. It has been 3-4 days now. :?

[cesarfong]

yeap, mike i was reading in imate forums and they are posponing the rom upgrade launch,... we have to wait :)