SP3i 850 to 900 switch?

[mambi.macho]

Hi,

I was looking for Sp3i and GBTMobile.com is selling only the GSM 850 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900. Can I convert it to GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900 version by a software or firmware update? I might need the 900 band in India.

Thank you.
Sriram

[Kris Kumar]

Sriram,

The conversion is not possible. Many have tried it, but I haven't heard of any success stories.

Now here is tip that might help: I used to own an SP3i with the 900/1800/1900. Since I was on TMobile, I didnt care about of the lack of 850Mhz. ;-)

But if you are on Cingular you definitely need the 850Mhz.

Also, look for the newer Cingular 2125 or T-Mobile SDA, thru the carrier, so that you can get carrier discounts, like the one posted by Rocco recently for Cingular.

[mambi.macho]

I would recommend the T-Mobile SDA or Cingular 2125 nowadays, because it is the latest and with the carrier discounts, it is almost free. the only catch is the contract.


Thanks for the suggestions Kris. I checked out the SDA. And it seems to be good. Have you used it personally? I read somewhere that the SDA is just another flavor of the SP3i. Is that right?

One thing that I liked about the SMT5600 is the multimedia capabilities. How does the SDA compare with the other devices.

Thanks.
Sriram

[Kris Kumar]

Where are you based Sriram? Are you in the States or Europe.

The SDA sold in the States is similar to the 2125 but has WiFi.

The SDA sold in Europe is similar to the SMT5600 or the SP3i. And they have SDA II which is the newer model.

Wish T-Mobile had kept the nomenclature simple and less confusing.

[mambi.macho]

States

[Mike Temporale]

The "States" version of the SDA is the same device as the 2125, and the i-mate SP5(m). (Except the 2125 doesn't have WiFi). The SDA also has a better antenna - the "Hump"

SDA should be a great phone - but I haven't used it myself.

[Kris Kumar]

As Mike mentioned the US version of the T-Mobile SDA is the same as the 2125 + WiFi and the same as the i-mate SP5m.

Check out Mike's review of the i-mate SP5m. (http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/articles.php?action=expand,9640)

Also as Mike mentioned the SDA has better reception than the i-mate SP5m because of the hump which houses bigger antenna.