HTC Wizard to Launch with T-Mobile

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.engadget.com/entry/1234000640056164/' target='_blank'>http://www.engadget.com/entry/1234000640056164/</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Another big score for T-Mobile USA. Yesterday we were able to confirm that they’ll be getting the HTC Tornado, that new Windows Mobile-powered smartphone with built-in WiFi, now we’ve learned from an inside source that beginning in October T-Mob subscribers here in the US will be able to get all cozy with the HTC Wizard, too."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/ekkie_htc_wizard2.jpg" /><br /><br />Sweetness!! If you missed it, you may also want to sneek a peak at the <a href="http://www.engadget.com/entry/1234000760055970/">HTC Tornado SmartPhone</a> that was recently reported for T-Mobile as well, which is to support a QVGA-class display. Things are looking up for T-Mobile. You might recall an <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=40228">earlier post</a> I did back in May speculating on T-Mobile's future support of EDGE GPRS. Well, I don't know about you, but it does appear that in certain areas of the nation, T-Mobile has unofficially rolled out EDGE GPRS support. I haven't found the speed to be on par with Cingular, but it certainly has been faster than plain GPRS. Combine EDGE support with these HTC devices, and being a T-Mobile customer may not be so bad afterall! Thoughts?

[Corosanite]

I doubt EDGE would be available on T-mobile when this phone comes out in any other areas than where it is currently, which is practically nowhere. But what IS interesting is that it appears as though Cingular is coming out with the Faraday version without WiFi.

What's everyone think?

[stephman]

I doubt EDGE would be available on T-mobile when this phone comes out in any other areas than where it is currently, which is practically nowhere.

Wow, that's a pretty big blanket statement.
Check out howardforums T-Mobile US section. There are a few threads with many people reporting that they are getting EDGE speeds on T-Mobile from many locations in the US.

[norad]

Does anyone know why T-mobile HTC Wizard looks different than this one:

http://img.engadget.com/common/images/5336767344599756.JPG

[Jason Lee]

Does anyone know why T-mobile HTC Wizard looks different than this one:


Because HTC puts most of their devices in multiple cases and lest the vendor choose which one they want.

[norad]

Because HTC puts most of their devices in multiple cases and lest the vendor choose which one they want.

Thank you.

Then HTC made a bad choice IMO....

[Jason Lee]

Thank you.

Then HTC made a bad choice IMO....

I agree. I like the rounded one much better. hehe it kinda reminds me of a potato... what?! it does... ;)

The buttons look way to small on the squared off version. I'm sure i could get used to either one though. :D

Hopefully Cingular will carry the rounded one.

[Chris Spera]

Unless and until T-Mo provides better coverage, then I they are going to remain behind Verizon and Cingular in the US. I don't care what kind of equipment they release, if I can't get a decent signal, then its not worth the cost.

[nadeaup]

http://search.t-mobile.com/htmlgw/ui.jsp?ui_mode=question&amp;question_box=edge

By the end of September 2005, T-Mobile plans to launch EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for Global Evolution) service across its nationwide network, offering average data speeds between 100-130 kbps – up to three times faster than traditional wired dial-up services.

[ikesler]

I would love that device on Sprint............ :(

[TheZodiac]

Ill be paring the Wiz with my CSKII and see which I like. If I switch over to the Wiz, Ill be getting that Ilauncher too! :) Nothing has been able to compare simplicity wise with my CSK since I started using them 3 years ago. Even though windows is rather bloated ( I think) this is the new mobile 5 so I am willing to plunk the money down for it for a test drive. I hope soon, in the Boston area the EDGE might be set forth. If not, there are still tons of hotspots and free-spots in the area :) Which is nice.

That tornado should give TMo a boost also... they need to package their hotspots with theiregular phone plans now, which I suspect will happen now that Tmo has proper Wifi phones in the near future.

GO TMO!

[jaarso]

I doubt EDGE would be available on T-mobile when this phone comes out in any other areas than where it is currently, which is practically nowhere. But what IS interesting is that it appears as though Cingular is coming out with the Faraday version without WiFi.

What's everyone think?
Wrong. I have T-Mobile and EDGE is already available almost everywhere in the US. I recently got an EDGE capable device and have EDGE speeds here in San Antonio.

[beq]

I'm still on my T-Mobile 1-yr contract with unlimited GPRS (in order to have gotten the discount on David Weiniger's PDA2k).

It's relatively cheap, but I must say I still get depressed when comparing it to the higher speed rollouts of the Big Three carriers that are years ahead:

http://news.com.com/Verizon+gets+aggressive+on+mobile+broadband/2100-1034_3-5844193.html

[Jason Lee]

Yeah, i'm locked in to Cingular's original media works package, unlimited gprs, 1500 sms, and 250 mms all for $20USD. Edge would be nice but i can't afford it. :)

[Janak Parekh]

I would love that device on Sprint............ :(
We've posted rumors in the past that Sprint would carry the Apache (http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=42122), the CDMA version of this device.

--janak

[ikesler]

I would love that device on Sprint............ :(
We've posted rumors in the past that Sprint would carry the Apache (http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=42122), the CDMA version of this device.

--janak

Rumors...... rumors........ I need FACTS! :D

[Eriq Cook]

Man, who the hell is making the decisions on the American devices? The rounded one looks much better than the square one. I hope this wasn't a final decision or photo.

[JonnoB]

Does anyone know what the HTC Wizard will be branded as for T-Mobile in the US?

[Prodigalfish]

I'm still on my T-Mobile 1-yr contract with unlimited GPRS (in order to have gotten the discount on David Weiniger's PDA2k).

It's relatively cheap, but I must say I still get depressed when comparing it to the higher speed rollouts of the Big Three carriers that are years ahead:

http://news.com.com/Verizon+gets+aggressive+on+mobile+broadband/2100-1034_3-5844193.html
I'm not sure bitequator but your T-Mobile contract might be like anyone elses that came with some sort of equipment discount (including my own). Simply go to a center or call to change your contract. Yur basically agreeing to start fresh for a year from that point on. You can even do it online (thats what Ive done twice already just figuring out which rate plan was best for me).

If the price speculation is true for the Wizard straight from tmobile or cingular, I'd just pay $150 extra to get the nicer unlocked "rounded" version from Imate or Qtek. If your current phone is still in decent condition, sell it for extra cash.

You need not worry about the cdma carriers and their data speeds (especially with Verizon). GPRS compared to EDGE is noticeable on a ppc to an extent so you really dont need more than what EDGE offers (considerable bottlenecking with these small devices). Only if you plan on using your phone as a modem attached to your laptop will you Really notice something- in which case faster than EDGE may be something one would need.

Keep all this in mind and throw in the fact that the least expensive data rate from Verizon is $60 (from $80...still doesnt include text), and unlocked phones bought on your own are the best way to go (just my opinion though- only worries are breakage and lack of carrier replacement). I was in a Verizon store just last week with a friend who was interested in the Samsung i730. To make this long post a touch shorter- you can use this phone as a modem (via cable or bluetooth), and browse the web but only through the ev-do network because Verizon disabled the wifi on the device. In other words- they want you to pay $60+ for their ev-do network and have nothing more. I took my SE 750i out of my pocket, stared at it for a moment, walked out the store and chuckled.

Most of these companies do it- just a specific instance to make my point....