T-Mobile SDA Now on Sale for $249.99 After a Mail-in-Rebate

[Kris Kumar]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.t-mobile.com/products/overview.asp?phoneid=611918&class=pda&section=overview' target='_blank'>http://www.t-mobile.com/products/overview.asp?phoneid=611918&class=pda&section=overview</a><br /><br /></div>The T-Mobile SDA is now on sale for $249.99 after a $50 mail-in-rebate. This Smartphone has built-in Wi-Fi support and to maximize its potential, T-Mobile is offering a T-Mobile Total Internet plan for $29.99 per month that includes both unlimited GPRS/EDGE data network access and unlimited T-Mobile HotSpot access. <br /><br /><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Feb06-SDAOnSale.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/> <br /><br />Now you can surf the Internet at Wi-Fi speeds on your Smartphone while sipping a cup of your favourite coffee at your local Starbucks. ;-) So are you getting one?

[lagsun]

The T-Mobile SDA is now on sale for $249.99 after a $50 mail-in-rebate. This Smartphone has built-in Wi-Fi support and to maximize its potential, T-Mobile is offering a T-Mobile Total Internet plan for $29.99 per month that includes both unlimited GPRS/EDGE data network access and unlimited T-Mobile HotSpot access.

http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Feb06-SDAOnSale.jpg

Now you can surf the Internet at Wi-Fi speeds on your Smartphone while sipping a cup of your favourite coffee at your local Starbucks. ;-) So are you getting one?

Two questions. How is T-Mobile's network (both voice and EDGE) compared to Cingular's? I'm on Cingular right now and live in the SF Bay Area. Other questions, can these phones be unlocked?

Thanks,
john

[Mark Larson]

T-Mobile's network is leaps and bounds ahead of what it was even a year ago, since they started rolling out 850 phones and then 850 roaming. I never had any problems with any of the phones I used in the Bay Area last year or the year before that. Only place I didn't get coverage was inside Fry's in Sunnyvale (shielding against an EMP?) but got full bars outside.

These phones should be unlockable soon, either paid or free. Plus T-Mobile will unlock them for you if you've been a customer for 90 days.

[SnozBerries]

I'm on the edge. I want a new WM5 phone, but I would rather get the Qtek 8300 or i-mate SP5. I would be locked to a new contract with T-Mobile, but I have no intentions of leaving them, so the Qtek or iMate would cost roughly twice as much.... why do they keep torturing me?

I'm thinking of driving down the street to my local T-Mobile store to see how it feels in my hand, how the buttons feel, etc.

By the way, the same phone through their "Business" webpage is $50 more.

Update:
I'm an existing customer, and here is the pricing break down for anyone else who is a customer w/o any contract obligations. If you are still under an existing contract, your prices may be different.
With 2 year contract extension: $249.99
With 1 year contract extension: $319.99
Without any contract extension: $379.99

[mghannigan]

I picked up an SDA this morning at a T-Mobile store in Pittsburgh.

They had trouble adding the $29.99 EDGE/HotSpot service to my initial order and had to call into customer service to add it after the fact. Since I'm a new customer, I haven't been able to login to the T-Mobile site to configure my account to support EDGE/GPRS services (could take as long as 72 hours, the error message says).

WiFi performance is pretty decent. The processor doesn't render the pages all that fast, but it's pretty reasonable.

I was able to get it configured with my work network and sync'd with my Exchange server (through ActiveSync and over WiFi) and desktop (via USB and BlueTooth). WiFi shuts itself off pretty fast, so I haven't seen it automatically server ActiveSync.

Listened to some MP3s on I synch'd over to a miniSD card and the quality was pretty comparable to my Rio Carbon. I couldn't get Media Player to download subscription Napster tracks, but the SDA isn't listed as a Napster-to-Go compatible device, so this isn't totally unexpected.

Although I'd probably have prefered a larger number pad to having the direct music and T-Zones buttons, I prefer it to the Cingular 2125 I set up for a friend if for no other reason than that you can actually press the power/quick list button.

[Kris Kumar]

I can't comment on the coverage in the bay area, but regarding the unlock, I will say that T-Mobile will unlock their phones for free. In my case three years ago, they unlocked my phone for free within a month of signing a new contract, all I had to say was that I was planning on traveling outside US and wanted to use my phone during my trip. The best part was that it was all done over email - no press 1 for...

[lagsun]

I can't comment on the coverage in the bay area, but regarding the unlock, I will say that T-Mobile will unlock their phones for free. In my case three years ago, they unlocked my phone for free within a month of signing a new contract, all I had to say was that I was planning on traveling outside US and wanted to use my phone during my trip. The best part was that it was all done over email - no press 1 for...

My dilemna is I'm on Cingular and get a discount on service via my wife's job. So I'm wondering if I could buy a SDA w/o T-Mobile service and then unlock it or just find a i-Mate SP5 and use it with Cingular. Too many decisions....

[Kris Kumar]

My dilemna is I'm on Cingular and get a discount on service via my wife's job. So I'm wondering if I could buy a SDA w/o T-Mobile service and then unlock it or just find a i-Mate SP5 and use it with Cingular. Too many decisions....

If that's the case then the SP5 is the better choice. I don't think T-Mobile will sell you the phone for $299 without the service, if they do let me know. ;-)

[SnozBerries]

My local tmobile store only had one left in stock, and would only sell it to a new customer. The didn't have their live demo device up yet either, so I couldn't even try out the device to see if the buttons were acceptable or not. She said tomorrow they should have it ready, and they get daily deliveries from UPS so they should hopefully get some in each day. The torture continues....

[Jerry Raia]

Why would they only sell it to a new customer? That is bizarre.

[fruehling]

How about this $4.99 unlimited t-zones plan? I have read somewhere on Engadget that it allows http, pop email, and some others. It only blocks https, chat, and some others. Has anyone tried this plan with this phone or any of the Tornado varients? Also, what about using a pre-paid account with t-zones on one of these phones?

[rickmahn]

Why would they only sell it to a new customer? That is bizarre.

Unfortunately, this is T-Mo's standard operating procedure for new handsets - at least the cool or good ones. I've been with them for 5 years and every time their is a neat new phone, the first 2 weeks or so its only available to "new" customers. It'll be available to loyal long-term consistantly paying customers in a few short weeks.

Oh well, I'm waiting for the MDA anyway. Cool phone though!

[Jerry Raia]

the first 2 weeks or so its only available to "new" customers. It'll be available to loyal long-term consistantly paying customers in a few short weeks.

That is really twisted. :roll:

[SnozBerries]

I guess they would rather get new customers than retain old ones. Which I agree with. TMobile is more likely going to gain a customer because of a new device than lose an existing one because they won't sell them one of the new devices yet. Eventually the existing customer will get the device and they will be happy again.

The lady at the store said that the corp offices would rather sell me the upgrade online or over the phone, than in a store. But whatever... if I'm going to buy one, it will be in the store. Immediate gratification, plus the ability to actually try the device first.

[brian_r_baker]

With 2 year contract extension: $249.99
With 1 year contract extension: $319.99
Without any contract extension: $379.99
When I checked the T-Mobile site, I saw even better prices.

With 2 year extension:Upgrade price: $249.99
Mail-In Rebate: $50.00
Total: $199.99With 1 year extension$299.99
$50.00
$249.99Without any extension$379.99
N/A
$379.99The last time I bought a phone directly from T-Mobile was when i signed up 4+ years ago (all my others have been non-T-Mobile smartphones).

[SnozBerries]

brian_r_baker, thanks. I'm now seeing the same prices you are. Looks like they just lowered it even more. And when attempting to find the phone when not logged in, it doesn't show up in the list. Strange behavior by t-mobile.

[chrismarts]

I just got one of these at a T-Mobile store in Delaware. They had no problem selling it to me as an existing customer. They honored the contract extension prices and there is also the rebate.

Pros:
- WM5 in general. Activesync Tasks over the air.
- WiFi is a nice backup, especially with no EDGE in certain places.
- Price is right.
- Screen is great.
- Camera app, etc... is nice. Quality is acceptable.
- USB-style connector.
- T9 autocomplete as a dropdown.
Cons:
- Buttons are very tiny.
- SBSH Papyrus Calendar app doesn't seem to work right. It won't come to the foreground when launched.
- Takes a minute or two to acquire a T-Mobile tower (that's *after* it powers up).
- Seems to default to silent mode on start?
- Music buttons are worthless. Would be better with the C600 design with bigger/wider soft key buttons and home/back buttons (on separate rows).
- T9 doesn't default to initial caps in some places it should (e.g. new text messages).
- T9 autcomplete flickers annoyingly (the caret flickers back to the beginning of the word and then back each time a key is pressed).
- Some hesitations in the UI I didn't notice with the SMT 5600 or the MPX220. UI painting more apparent than WM2003SE.
- No independent speaker voice dial like MPX220.
- I should be able to put it in Silet mode when paired with a headset that is still on! I believe the SMT5600 allows this. MPX220 does not.

[Mike Temporale]

- SBSH Papyrus Calendar app doesn't seem to work right. It won't come to the foreground when launched.

Make sure you have the latest version of Papyrus. It works fine on my device.

- Seems to default to silent mode on start?

It should return to whatever setting it was on when it was turned off. If you placed it in silent before turning it off, it will be that way when powered up. ;)

- No independent speaker voice dial like MPX220.

That was a add in that Moto provided on that model. It's not a standard part of Windows Mobile. From what I hear, a lot of people liked that feature. It was the only good part of that phone. :lol:

- I should be able to put it in Silet mode when paired with a headset that is still on! I believe the SMT5600 allows this. MPX220 does not.

When pairing with a headset, the phone defaults to headset mode. It's been like that for as long as I can remember. The worst part is, you can't change the profile to something else. Like if I wanted to use the headset, but put the phone in silent - no luck. :(

[SnozBerries]

Great summary Chrismarts. I was able to try one out at the local T-Mobile store, and I too found the buttons difficult to use. It could be a result of me not being familiar enough with it, or having enough time to get used to it, but I found several buttons to be awkward. The volume up/down button seemed difficult to push. The top row of buttons (home, back, and the two "soft" keys) were also a bit small and cramped for my liking.

Now if I could just get my hands on a SP5 or 8300 to see if I like those buttons better.

[Kris Kumar]

- Takes a minute or two to acquire a T-Mobile tower (that's *after* it powers up).

I have seen that the Cingular 2125 is also slow to connect to the network. :evil: I have noticed it when I put the phone in the flight mode and switch it on or when I go into the part of the building where there is no network and then when I move back into an area with network, it is slow to connect. :-(

I agree with Mike on his comments regarding the cons. Papyrus' latest version works for me.

[chrismarts]

I will try Papyrus again but of course I already was using the latest version. I've posted on their forum and there was a similar situation with the SDA II so obviously there is something going on. Lucky that you're not affected!

I did not have it as Silent when it was powered off. I just tried it again and it was fine so perhaps it was my mistake or a fluke.

The independent speaker voice dial is no deal breaker. Just mentioning it.

I'm almost positive that the SMT5600 let you change the profile to whatever you want even with the Headset active. I may be remembering this incorrectly, however. Perhaps somebody can confirm?

Also - an update to the T9 issue. While I would still prefer that it would default to initial caps as well as after a period, etc... (because then it can be overridden) it apparently does this with an autocorrect-like feature. If you just start typing, it changes it to initial caps. That's not ideal, however. And if it can do that, why can't it change a lowercase "i" to "I" all the time? Just seems like it wasn't well throught thru.

Ultimately, I like the phone - there are just a few quirks. The SMT5600 was so smooth, it is just a little frustrating to feel like this is 10 steps forward and one back.

Perhaps some of this will be addressed in the push-mail ROM update?

Also, can anyway confirm any of these behaviors on the Cingular 2125 or the Orange C600?

[Mike Temporale]

I will try Papyrus again but of course I already was using the latest version. I've posted on their forum and there was a similar situation with the SDA II so obviously there is something going on. Lucky that you're not affected!

Interesting. It must be something specific with the SDA. :(

The independent speaker voice dial is no deal breaker. Just mentioning it.

I wish that applicaiton was available outside of the MPx220. A lot of people seemed to really like it.

I'm almost positive that the SMT5600 let you change the profile to whatever you want even with the Headset active. I may be remembering this incorrectly, however. Perhaps somebody can confirm?

My Tanager, C500, SMT5600, and SP5m all become locked to the headset profile. Actually, I don't think I've even tried on the SP5m. I'll have to test it out. However, it could be different on your SMT5600. Perhaps something changed in a different ROM. Mine was one of the Original AT&amp;T ones from the first couple months of being available. Was your's a Cingular or AT&amp;T version?

[brian_r_baker]

- Takes a minute or two to acquire a T-Mobile tower (that's *after* it powers up).

I have seen that the Cingular 2125 is also slow to connect to the network. :evil: I have noticed it when I put the phone in the flight mode and switch it on or when I go into the part of the building where there is no network and then when I move back into an area with network, it is slow to connect. :-(I have also experienced this with my SP3i. However, If you go to Settngs - Phone - Network - Select a network, you can get it to register with the network a bit quicker.

[damonb10]

I did not have it as Silent when it was powered off. I just tried it again and it was fine so perhaps it was my mistake or a fluke.


You probably had the phone in silent mode, then connected to a headset, which switched it to headset mode. Then you powered down and powered back up at some point. The phone powers up to its last profile (other than headset), so it went to silent. This is exactly how the SMT5600 works. No change with the SDA.


I'm almost positive that the SMT5600 let you change the profile to whatever you want even with the Headset active. I may be remembering this incorrectly, however. Perhaps somebody can confirm?

Nope, you're wrong. I have the SMT5600 and use it every day. You can however, modify the headset profile. I just modified to the best compromise of settings (ringer vol., vibrate, etc...). Again the SDA is working the same as the SMT5600.


Also - an update to the T9 issue. While I would still prefer that it would default to initial caps as well as after a period, etc... (because then it can be overridden) it apparently does this with an autocorrect-like feature. If you just start typing, it changes it to initial caps. That's not ideal, however. And if it can do that, why can't it change a lowercase "i" to "I" all the time? Just seems like it wasn't well throught thru.


The SMT5600 does the same things as you described, except I don't think it has the autocorrect feature. That would be nice. I too was dissapointed with the SMT5600 when I noticed that it doesn't default to initial letter caps T9 (especially in the calendar entries).


Ultimately, I like the phone - there are just a few quirks. The SMT5600 was so smooth, it is just a little frustrating to feel like this is 10 steps forward and one back.


From the above, the SDA didn't take any steps back from the SMT5600 in the above areas. It would've been nice if they would've corrected some of these quirks with the new WM5 though. Either way, don't feel like the SMT5600 is any better, because it basically has the same quirks.

[John P.]

Selfish Request--First, I would like to suggest that all current owners and prospective ones contact Boxwave (http://www.boxwave.com) or any seller of protective "skins" and request that they manufacture one to fit this model. Supposedly they determine whether they will make one based on requests for certain models. There are several available for the Euro model that lacks this model's "hump" on the top. It's only a matter of time before I drop it, and my Treo took a real beating ... which brings me literally and figuratively to the T-Mobile SDA!

Selfless Advice--Second, do not let the price tag of the SDA turn you away. Because I haven't upgraded in over 2 years, I was able to get the SDA for $139 with a 2-year term and a 1,000 minutes + data (no HotSpot) plan for $39.99 + $20 = ~$60/month. T-Mobile owned &amp; operated retail stores won't be able to give you this deal--you'll have to call customer care and give them a bit of a hard time (e.g., threaten to churn to another carrier). Of course, it helps if you're not currently locked in a plan.

[ccfallout]

I couldn't get Media Player to download subscription Napster tracks, but the SDA isn't listed as a Napster-to-Go compatible device, so this isn't totally unexpected.


Just wanted to mention that I read this before buying the SDA and was somewhat discouraged as I am a Yahoo Music To-Go subscriber... but I found a page on microsoft's site that said Windows Mobile 5 with WMP10 is capable of playing DRM subscription services. (ie napster/rhapsody etc.) despite the fact none of those services lists the SDA as 'supported' (I checked).. so I went ahead and got the phone anyways for all the cool features...

The good news is I've had no problem at all syncronizing subscription music to the SDA. Both WM10 &amp; 11. (Must use windows media player sync) The music plays fine on the phone until your subscription runs out, but thats the way these services are supposed to work.

The above quote is not correct, or at least he was doing something wrong.