Database Users

Taking an Exec to the US: worthwhile???

Hey guys.
I'm just about up for an upgrade with O2 from my XDAs (which I adore, even though I use like 10% of its capabilities!!) but the problem is that I'm living in the US now. So, I really want the Exec, as it'll save me lugging a laptop about, but am worried that it'll get uber expensive to run here, due to crazy roaming costs.
I'm thinking about changing my tarrif over to a "Data Only" with 5mb per month, at some 8 Pounds a month, but am I right in saying that as soon as I log on to GPRS in the US that I'll be charged "Roaming" fees and that my 5mb will go untouched? If so, is there anyway to get around this, as I like the look and the functionality of the Exec, but don't really have a desire to fork out $1000 for one! Are there going to be any compatability issues in using a UK handset as a main device in the US? Are O2 going to let me swop from my 200 Minutes plan to an Online plan that costs just 8 Pounds? Are there any requirements to being a "Business User"? I've Emailed O2, but to say that they were unhelpful is a huge understatement and then some!!
Lastly: can I play Java games on it/my XDA? Whenever I go to an onlione store with Java games, all of the handsets I see are Motorola and Nokia, etc, and never an XDA. I'm asuming that it must be able to play them, but does anyone have any comments or tips on the process? Thanks guys.

Why dont you just use a sim card from the US depending on where you go you can just buy a sim card if your phone is unlocked hope that help

Hmm. Okay, I think that that would make sense (tbh, I hadn't thought of that!). Okay, is the Exec unlockable? If so, how does one go about it? IE: is it an easy process?

The Exec should already be unlocked: http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=30330

yes all execs are unlocked. I have a spare one if you are willing to buy.

Hi GadgetGirl: thanks for the tip and link. I'll check it out.
Zillocx: thanks man, but I already have a line on one. Thanks for the offer though.

Teflon,
be sure to consider a T-Mobile USA SIM since T-Mobile uses GSM 1900 only which is the only US band that the Exec supports. Cingular uses GSM 850/1900 in most major US markets so you'd experience inconsistent since the Exec doesn't have GSM 850. T-Mobile USA is also the best US GSM network to use for data. They have unlimited data plans if you sign a contract with them. If I recall correctly, the unlimited plans run between $19.99 and $49.99 (Unlimited Internet Plan) per month.
http://www.t-mobile.com/services/webandinfo.asp (T-Zones Mobile Web Plan, $5.99/month)
http://www.t-mobile.com/plans/default.asp?tab=internet

I use a universal (Jasjar) and I live in the US, so I can tell you that it's definitely worthwhile I can also give you a bit of advice about a service provider...
Your two options for GSM providers are T-Mobile and Cingular. Like Triband said, T-Mobile only uses 1900MHz, so you know you'll get a signal as long as T-Mobile has coverage there. Cingular uses both 850MHz and 1900MHz, so you can run into some issues with Cingular. Generally, however, in the cities and more populated areas Cingular will have 1900MHz coverage while rural areas are more likely to be 850MHz only. Overall Cingular has better coverage then T-Mobile, but unfortunately there are no maps or anything available to consumers that show where they have 1900MHz coverage and where it is only 850MHz. I'm using Cingular with my Jasjar and I've had very few coverage problems.
Prepaid service in the US is considerably more than it would be with a contract, so if you're going to be in the US for a while, or you will be using your phone a lot you might not want to go prepaid (although I'm sure its much less than international roaming). Here Cingular has an advantage because they'll let you sign a month to month contract where you can cancel whenever you want. With T-Mobile you must sign a contract for a full year.
Please let me know if you have any other questions
Brett

Hi BrettS, where did you bought the Jasjar?

cktlcmd said:
Hi BrettS, where did you bought the Jasjar?
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Click to collapse
I got mine from Expansys USA http://www.expansys-usa.com/
Brett

Hey guys,
Well, I just got married, so I'll be living in the US on a permanent basis. I'm towards the East Coast (New Haven, to be exact). My wife is American, and she's with Cingular, so that may be the way to go as calls between us would be free, from what she tells me. I'll do some detailed research into it, although further comments would be appreciated. I'll check out those links too. Now, if I can just get O2 to stop being such asses I'll be a happy man!!

BrettS said:
I got mine from Expansys USA http://www.expansys-usa.com/
Brett
Click to expand...
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Do they have warranty on it or does I-mate honor the warranty no matter where you bought the unit? I saw that the I-mate Phone store has it too for 1200 USD. Why did you not bought it from them and opted for expansysUSA?

cktlcmd,
I have a Jasjar as well and I also got it from expansys. I use expansys because I purchased the previous two devices (XDA, I-mate PocketPC Phone ) from them. During my purchase of the Pocket PC phone, I original got the Qtek 2020 and I was not happy. They took it back and sent me the I-mate version without any issues. Overall all accessories and devices purchased from them have been a good experience. In all cases they did honor their 15 days policies if the product did not perform as expected.
Teflon, I am using Cingular and they seems to have the best coverage for GSM in the US. I am located in the East Coast.

USA SERVICE PLANS

Just wanted to know what service plans would be good for JasJar in the USA.
I use T-Mobile but of course we americans are lagging behind on mobile technology communications. I find I cannot use half of the features and it doesnt even have EDGE support. So wondering if any of you have T-Mobile in the USA and what service/internet plans are you using? :?:

I find I cannot use half of the features
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That's a bit of an exageration. The only thing you cannot use is 2100MHz UTMS. Everything else works fine.
You really only have Cingular and T-Mobile from which to pick in the US. Cingular has more coverage, but there are some 850MHz areas where the JasJar will not function as a phone. The TMo $20 unlimited gprs plan is pretty sweet. As others have lamented, the only thing this phone is missing (mostly for those of us on this side of the pond) is a quad-band radio, and EDGE or 1900MHz UTMS.

gadgetgirl said:
The TMo $20 unlimited gprs plan is pretty sweet.
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I definitely have to second this. I've looked at other plans, Cingular as well as going something "non-sim" before I got the Jasjar, and nothing seemed to come close to the $20 unlimited data with TMo. My minutes and data combined with TMo are less than the unlimited data alone with some others.
It all depends on your needs though. I don't spend a lot of time in areas that aren't covered by TMo, so that issue is moot and price can play a larger factor for me.

USA service plans
ahh I see your point. I just got the $20.00 unlimited data plan. Is there anything special needed to get it started. Does anybody know if Tmo will start coming out with 3G networks?

Re: USA service plans
xda_dev said:
ahh I see your point. I just got the $20.00 unlimited data plan. Is there anything special needed to get it started. Does anybody know if Tmo will start coming out with 3G networks?
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Unfortunately, the news on 3G networks in the USA is not very good for us Universal owners. Cingular has already started to implement their 3G service in a few markets in the US and will be expanding their 3G service in 2006. I haven't heard anything about T-Mobile's 3G plans yet. Unfortunately, however, Cingular's 3G network works at 1900MHz and T-Mobile's most likely will as well. This means that even if Cingular or T-Mobile provide 3G service the Universal won't work with it, because the Universal only supports 3G at 2100MHz.
In the US, the 2100MHz band currently belongs to the US Military and there are rumors that that band may be made available to cell phone providers in 2007, but even if that happens, but the time the band is available and the service providers start using it I'm sure that my universal will be obsolete.
I'm using a Universal in the USA right now, but I don't expect to ever be able to use it on a 3G network here.
Brett

EDGE on MDA Pro/JasJar
So you're saying EDGE won't work on the MDA Pro? According to T-Mobile, EDGE is already in place in most of its US network. Also, GPRS to EDGE from the providers standpoint basically involved a software update. Can this be done on the MDA Pro as well?
One final question. Anyone know how I can find out if my MDA Pro has the latest rom and where to get updates. My phone came from Germany (T-Mobile)?

The Universal does not do Edge afaik. The HTC Wizzard does do edge. So the only difference between the two for US users (who cant use 2100MHz UMTS) is the low res screen on the wizzard, and the fact that the wizzard is a whole lot more portable. Oh and the mini SD port!
Here in the UK, none of the networks support edge, which is a bit of a pain for wizzard owners! I would have had a wizzard for the smaller size if edge were available in UK, or if wizzard was 3G !
Nigel

Thanks
If I choose then to sell may MDA Pro, what would you recommend as being the most comparable item that will at least work with EDGE and UMTS @ 1900 in the USA. I am otherwise very satisfied but one reason why I paid a premium price was to have something that would not be obsolete too soon, be able to work with the next generation (3G) and be downward compatible (EDGE, GPRS).

I am happily using T-Mobile in the USA. I bought the jasjar knowing that I would be limited to GPRS on the data side. Its many other advantages make the compromise worth it to me.

I am happily using T-Mobile in the USA. I bought the jasjar knowing that I would be limited to GPRS on the data side. Its many other advantages make the compromise worth it to me.

US Carriers
I too am using my JasJar with T-Mobile in the US and am quite happy with the service. I recognize that I will not be able to use 3G with this device, but I'm OK with that. For me the features of the device far outweigh that single drawback.

Service Providers maybe going to Sprint?

Ok I currently have T-Mobile with razor but currently using the SIM card in the Tytn (bought unlocked).... but I don''t know if adding the data plan to my contract (family plan) will alter the length I am stuck with them plus I get discounts with Cingular and Sprint through work.
I live the metro Atlanta area, soo I have access to all major carriers.
With Sprint I can get:
450 min ( my current minuets with T-Mobile and rarely get close to that)
unlimited night/weekend (starting at 7)
unlimited text ( I run well over 1,000 txt's a month)
unlimited pcs vision (data and such)
all for $60 a month
Cingular however...... for all that I am looking at about $80 +. But if I buy the 8528 I can get their serivce for $75 a month but Id also have to buy the phone.
I have not read anything on here saying how the Tytn works on Sprint's network anywhere. Does anyone know how Sprint is for this and if I will be missing any features minus 3G support?
Thanks

Sprint is CDMA; it is not a GSM network. Therefore, your TyTn will *not* work at all on Sprint. Cingular IS GSM, so it will work just fine.
Legolas

I was afraid of that answer. I might just wait a little while longer and see when T-Mobile will roll out their 3G network. Id rather not have to spend that much money for a phone plan. But I will do some more surfing on Cingular's site on Monday when I am at work. I know they have a nice discount when you buy the 8525 and the plans but if you do just the plans it is more.

Can the HD2 T8585 Work on U.S. ATT 3G At All?

We just bought the T8585 touch HD2. Of course it's an amazing device and I know it has always been said to be limited to Edge here in the states unless you buy the new T9xxx HD2. I'm just looking to verify this though because I've read for days now and want to see some real world responses. So:
CAN THE HD2 T8585 WORK WITH AT&T 3G IN THE UNITED STATES? What radio/rom/rilphone.dll combination would I use to make this work or can it just not be done?
Thanks so much in advance!!!
-Josh

connexion2005 said:
We just bought the T8585 touch HD2. Of course it's an amazing device and I know it has always been said to be limited to Edge here in the states unless you buy the new T9xxx HD2. I'm just looking to verify this though because I've read for days now and want to see some real world responses. So:
CAN THE HD2 T8585 WORK WITH AT&T 3G IN THE UNITED STATES? What radio/rom/rilphone.dll combination would I use to make this work or can it just not be done?
Thanks so much in advance!!!
-Josh
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HD2 T8585 will not work with AT&T 3G since AT&T 3G is running 850MHz and the HD2 T8585 only supports 900 / 2100 MHz.
Yes, the Aussie version T9xxx WORKS with AT&T 3G.

Thanks a lot. That's the response I was looking for to validate my thoughts. If anyone has a different experience, please share.

The T9193 does work. Any rom with complementary radio should do the trick. Does not need special radio. I have sea wwe 1.66 installed on mine. No issues at the moment. At my home I pull in speeds of 1600kbps on H (3G+). You might want to check with ATT to see if your area has 850UMTS as not all 3G areas do. The T9193 will not give you 3G on the 1900UMTS band.

so agoattamer your sayin that if i got an t8585 changed the radio and all tha other stuff that i can get 3g if my area pulls the 1900umts BAND?

No I never said anything close to that. The Telstra T9193 is UMTS850+2100. The European T8585 is UMTS900+2100. Nothing can change or takeaway the bands.
I said the T9193 can get UMTS850 for ATT in the US. But only if ATT has that band available in your area. Niether phone has the UMTS1900 band.

connexion2005 said:
Thanks a lot. That's the response I was looking for to validate my thoughts. If anyone has a different experience, please share.
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Click to collapse
Hey there,
Just wanted to let you know that although "we" have a T8585, don't feel left behind by the T9393 just because we can't use 3G for U.S. At&t.
there is a known and proven workaround to tweak the EDGE speed if you are using U.S. At&t. I get about 750kbps - 900kbps using my T8585 using this tweak.
Please read this thread --> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=627318
in my case, since my last device was a 2g iphone, im only paying $20 bucks with 200 text messages for the EDGE unlimited plan, compare if i have a T9393 which i will be required to purchase the $30 bucks data only plan (and not all places here in East coast has 3G, so i think it's a better choice for me to have a T8585) and having this tweak, makes my HD2 experience more exciting.
I have been using this tweak for over a month and reviewed my most recent bill to make sure im not going to be charge off by doing this.
So,..... enjoy!!!!

Agoattamer said:
No I never said anything close to that. The Telstra T9193 is UMTS850+2100. The European T8585 is UMTS900+2100. Nothing can change or takeaway the bands.
I said the T9193 can get UMTS850 for ATT in the US. But only if ATT has that band available in your area. Niether phone has the UMTS1900 band.
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Click to collapse
okay well i gave att a lil call today and asked her about what bands my area has and she told me my area has 900 umts so would it still be good if i got the t8585?

You must not have heard right or she answered a different question. ATT does NOT have UMTS on 900MHz. ONLY on 850 or 1900, and by the end of the year it will be ALL 850.

din0_22 said:
Hey there,
Just wanted to let you know that although "we" have a T8585, don't feel left behind by the T9393 just because we can't use 3G for U.S. At&t.
there is a known and proven workaround to tweak the EDGE speed if you are using U.S. At&t. I get about 750kbps - 900kbps using my T8585 using this tweak.
Please read this thread --> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=627318
in my case, since my last device was a 2g iphone, im only paying $20 bucks with 200 text messages for the EDGE unlimited plan, compare if i have a T9393 which i will be required to purchase the $30 bucks data only plan (and not all places here in East coast has 3G, so i think it's a better choice for me to have a T8585) and having this tweak, makes my HD2 experience more exciting.
I have been using this tweak for over a month and reviewed my most recent bill to make sure im not going to be charge off by doing this.
So,..... enjoy!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why in the world would you run the old edge unlimited plan on a device who's IMEI isn't in atts data bank?
If one is using a device att doesn't have on their network, you can get the media net unlimited plan for $10-15, which gives you unlimited access to 3g, tethering, and all other features for much cheaper without any risk for att adding a $30+ a month smart phone plan.
Honestly I ran that same plan on my Tilt, Tilt2 and fuze without issue.
Paying more for edge just doesn't make sense to me.
Att + HD2 9193 + Media Net = Gold

Scrtcwlvl said:
Att + HD2 9193 + Media Net = Gold
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Click to collapse
Word of the wise.
I love my $15/mo MediaNet. Unlimited EDGE/3G/HSPA to do everything your heart desires

Scrtcwlvl said:
Why in the world would you run the old edge unlimited plan on a device who's IMEI isn't in atts data bank?
If one is using a device att doesn't have on their network, you can get the media net unlimited plan for $10-15, which gives you unlimited access to 3g, tethering, and all other features for much cheaper without any risk for att adding a $30+ a month smart phone plan.
Honestly I ran that same plan on my Tilt, Tilt2 and fuze without issue.
Paying more for edge just doesn't make sense to me.
Att + HD2 9193 + Media Net = Gold
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Click to collapse
why? because 1st, its like i have a choice coming from an iphone 2g plan? 2nd, att still have my phone listed as the iphone 2g and FYI, if i try to register another phone, they would then need an IMEI., and if i ever provide a regular old flip phone and sign up for the $5-$15 EDGE MEDIA NET ulimited plan and GOT A RANDOM AUDIT CHECK??? how will you explain almost or more than 1GB of data used in a month having a registered device that transmit cant even transmit 20mb a day???
have you ever read the Att terms and condition? a relative of mine in this case got charged off for 5 months of unrestricted use of data using YOUR IDEA and ended up paying for it. 11.xxx GB to be exact.
imagine At&t charge 1cent per kilobyte????
Besides, iphone 2g would be the closest and cheapest plan that can transmit such amount of data without question.
lets just say, "i would rather be safe, than sorry", and besides???? who will jump from a regular flip phone with unlimited plan to an expensive HD2???
all pda or smartphones plan alone from att cost $30 bucks and paying $20 bucks with a whopping 200 free text message and unlimited data is a true golden!

ATT data plans are $30? I thought I was getting screwed for being legacy. [email protected]$25 woot!

Some people are just so paranoid and scared to stick it to the "man"
Had an iphone 2g 3 years ago then i got me an unlocked g1 downgraded my att net plan to media net and been paying 10 bucks for all access internet with my corp discount.
and even used a samsung blackjack as a 3g modem for my pc's.
Where there is a will theres a way.
3 years and counting.

This might sound like a stupid question
Im from the UK, so if i came to the USA with my HD2 and UK Sim for a holiday i couldnt use 3g data on any network?

You would likely roam on ATT so no, you would only have EDGE. Plus, data would be bloody expensive anyways

Ok so I am confused now. I was just at Fry's and they have an HD2 GSM Unlocked for roughly $600.
But on the box it shows the 850 and 1900 bands..... It says its the T8585, will this connect to AT&T 3G

GSM bands are not the same as 3G bands, though the numbering is the same

TMo 3G vs. Att 3G

Do you guys know how is TMo 3g compared to Att (I live in NYC). I've always been only with Att (currently Fuze) but want HD2. I would need to pay ~$100 to terminate my contract but not sure if it worth switching to TMo just because the phone is great. Anyone has recently switched?

My 2 cents...
I had a TMO account (US-Chicago area) up until last week. I was holding on to it ONLY to get the HD2 US TMO model. Once I found out that the Telstra model worked on ATT and I confirmed it--I dropped my TMO acct. TMO 3G wasn't great, and it wasn't as fast as ATT where I live. I couldn't even make phone calls or data connections from within my house with TMO...but that's just ME.

I never used ATT, but I use T-Mobile and I have full bars in Manhattan on my HTC Dream.
My friend did switch from ATT to T-Mobile. I haven't heard anything about signal differences. The monthly fees should be cheaper on T-Mobile for similiar services.

technillion said:
I had a TMO account (US-Chicago area) up until last week. I was holding on to it ONLY to get the HD2 US TMO model. Once I found out that the Telstra model worked on ATT and I confirmed it--I dropped my TMO acct. TMO 3G wasn't great, and it wasn't as fast as ATT where I live. I couldn't even make phone calls or data connections from within my house with TMO...but that's just ME.
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I was going to do the same. However, $449 on TMo without contract vs. ~1000 from Testra is a big difference for me. Thanks for your input.

The main differences to keep in mind for anyone living in the major metropolitan areas (New York, Chicago, Philly, etc...) is that sometime in 2010 Tmobile will have HSPA+ in those places where it used to be just normal 3G.
You can't compare At&t's 3G to those speeds by any means.
Heres a Tmobile test review if you haven't seen it yet:
http://jkontherun.com/2009/12/08/t-mobile-21-mbps-hspa-network-hands-on/
This launch will hopefully be completed by the end of 2010 in all major areas where Tmobile currently has 3G.
Here is how long At&t customers are said to wait:
http://www.betanews.com/article/ATT...ade-does-not-promise-faster-speeds/1262734305
Just think about this when choosing a carrier
Another note to keep in mind is Price per month.
With At&t the lowest you can have a plan with all needed services for the HD2 (pulled from their site for the tilt2)
would be: 450 minutes and Unlimited Messaging, Data, Tethering (only 5gb's a month) which is $99 a month
With Tmobile the lowest you can have a plan with all needed services depends on whether its contract or no contract.
Contract plan cost = 500 minutes and Unlimited Data, Messaging, Tethering (10 gb of tethering with no possible overage charges) which is $80 a month
Non Contract plan = All the same as the above except only $59.99 a month.