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Well, according to Boy Genius Report T-mobile will be rolling out their 3G network by summer 2008 which is long overdue. What I'm curious about is how this will affect current users and rates. Will I have to buy a new phone or will my wing be able to use the new 3G network? Will the data rates go up or change from unlimited? Anybody heard any information on this?
Their 3G system is still GSM compatible, so having a wing is still ok. But that means they will have to release their 3G phone (a.k.a. Kaiser from what my sources tell me.)
As far as rates go: I dunno.
I'll just be glad when they stop messing around with the towers and service here.
will this affect the sucky EDGE??...
will they finish before AT&T?!
will it mean more stability in the connections??
will living near an airport mean you'll still get knocked off when a plane flies overhead??
who knows!.. but we will definitely find out sooner or later, right?
ivanmmj said:
Their 3G system is still GSM compatible, so having a wing is still ok. But that means they will have to release their 3G phone (a.k.a. Kaiser from what my sources tell me.)
As far as rates go: I dunno.
I'll just be glad when they stop messing around with the towers and service here.
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Click to collapse
Awesome! Hopefully I'll be able to stream some decent videos and data on my wing once 3G comes around! Edge sucks when it comes to that. Appriciate the info!
But I thought the Wing is not 3G capable.
it would only make sense that the 2g network and equipment will still work until everyone has slowly migrated over to the new 3g network and the first phones would work on both networks.
ivanmmj said:
.... But that means they will have to release their 3G phone (a.k.a. Kaiser from what my sources tell me.)....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wanted the Tilt so damn bad I was almost willing to switch providers, but when I found out I could get a Wing for 79 bucks I stuck with T-Mo, thinking I'd wait ANOTHER year for them to roll out 3g. I would just have to buy a Kaiser if they came out with one that wasn't hobbled. (Can't someone put a 624mhz processor, and a decent amount of RAM in one of these? Is that too much to ask?)
Ya' know, maybe I should rethink that. I used a Psion 5 for years before switching to an iPAQ 2215, then a 2755-- all the while thinking: "Man, if I could get a keyboard, phone and Pocket PC rolled into one, that would be the best!"
I've had a Wing for a couple of months and I don't honestly recall one time that I've used the keyboard. Of course, it's keyboard is a piece of junk compared to the Psion 5's, but using the iPAQ's for so long conditioned me into a stylus typist.
I really have high hopes for Firefox portable on 3g though. This summer?--- well, I guess we've all heard that before!
I have heard different things, i surfed the net and these forums and i still get different things. all i wanna know is, is the wing compatible with the new 3G network coming out this summer?
No.
it will connect to the available compatible frequency. The expected 3/3.5G network will operate at a different frequency that the wing's radio doesn't connect to.
unless the newer radio roms somehow added that connection to that frequency... then no.
mv3 said:
No.
it will connect to the available compatible frequency. The expected 3/3.5G network will operate at a different frequency that the wing's radio doesn't connect to.
unless the newer radio roms somehow added that connection to that frequency... then no.
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Click to collapse
haha.. F*** it then.. Bye Bye Wing.. and Hello Kaiser.. Well i hope Tmobile gets the TyTn 2.. ill be set with that..
cangri87 said:
haha.. F*** it then.. Bye Bye Wing.. and Hello Kaiser.. Well i hope Tmobile gets the TyTn 2.. ill be set with that..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By the time T-mobile has their 3/3.5G..3.5+??.. network up and running smoothly.. HTC might well have a better and much sexier phone than the TyTn II....and from what I could tell the MDA Vario III is higher model of it than the original :O..unlike the Tilt which is a lower model but has this 1 advantage over it's big brother.. hope T-Mobile doesnt water down the Vario III before it gets over here, or should I say if?...and a maybe $300-$500 price tag for Vario III(via upgrade or contract and if they wait long enough it might be running a stock full, stable WinMobile 6.1 rather than buggy leaked one)versus $800+ for Kaiser? not to mention the still unsolved video drivers travesty with it :'(... new Touch Cruise and the P6500(Sedna) are pretty freaking sweet even compared to HTC's flagship TyTn II.
I actually love my phone enough that I might wait till next year for a phone with stock WinMobile 7 and all the freaky powers, motion sensor technology, and processors that phones running it are going to need. Those r going to make my Wing look like Razr! :'( I'll miss you Wing...btw, the TyTn II/Kaiser won't be able to run a lot of the previewed Windows Mobile 7 features either.
T-Mobiles 3G is slated to be substantially faster than AT&T's.
No one knows for sure if current 3G phones will work, but I have a Hermes and I'm being locked out of my internet in South Florida due to 3G testing, so i'm assuming it will work when it's released since I'm hitting a firewall right now.
A t-mobile rep on that board said they are going to have new pricing, so it's most likely going to be more expensive.
Questions...
I wonder if the prices for the unlimited data plans will change for people who are already in contracts. I'm paying an extra $19.99/month for the Total Internet add-on right now. Guess I'll just have to wait and see...
The Wing has 3G just not the one that we think is compatible to the new network right?
vr24 said:
No one knows for sure if current 3G phones will work
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Click to collapse
Ummm, isnt Tmo's 3G supposed to be on the 1700 MHz band? That means the tilt etc wont work........
I'm hearing mixed things from everyone. I hope the wing will work but no one knows for sure.
Wing To Shift
im gonna change to the shift soon and hopefully i dont have problems with service
A T-Mobile wing is not a 3G phone so drop it and get a 3G phone
I am alarmed at the following article :
http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/atandt-slowing-edge-to-force-customers-to-switch-to-3g/
I know there is still ambiguity about whether it is a hardware limitation or something that can be done in software, but if this holds true.. i may have to give up the best phone I have ever owned.
That doesn't really make sense, considering the fact that where I live, I don't get 3G coverage anyways...
I've seen no such slowing from my HD. I purchased the HD after an experiment with the US version of the Diamond last year. I had used the UK Diamond since it came out in June and then purchased the US version to get the 3G speed. I rarely saw the H or 3G indicator on my US Diamond, I received Edge service in more than 95 percent of the places I travelled during the period of my experiment. I returned the US Diamond to Best Buy and resumed using the UK version until I got my hands on the HD in late November.
The HD works fine for me without 3G. I can use Wifi when I need it.
I agree... 3G coverage is spotty at best in the States and I've had good performance with EDGE for AT&T on my HD... Admittedly I'm usually in a WIFI hotspot at work so EDGE is only for when I'm on the road but still no complaints.
taimoorhusain said:
I am alarmed at the following article :
http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/atandt-slowing-edge-to-force-customers-to-switch-to-3g/
I know there is still ambiguity about whether it is a hardware limitation or something that can be done in software, but if this holds true.. i may have to give up the best phone I have ever owned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
your worry is real. but it won't come true for a long time -- your phone will last till you switch to a new one.
reading the replies below your post, and the original article (which I also read a few days ago). there seems to be some misunderstanding, i will try to explain, and then address your worry. I will use simple terms, although may should foolish (ie. point 1)
- faster the frequency, the faster the battery drains, because the signal oscillates faster. 850 times a second verses 1900 times a second. for those not familiar with signal, just htink of your phone vibrating 850 times a second or 1900 times a second. the latter kills more battery.
- the higher the frequency the less penetration ability it has.
- frequency is freqency, antenna is antenna. an antenna tuned to 850 MHz frequency can transmit 850 MHz signals, simple enough? but the signal may be modulated differently hence the difference between a 2G and 3G 850 band. so you need different hardware to decode and demodulate the two signals, even though the frequency is the same.
- what AT&T's article is saying, is that. they are not going to add extra towers to broadcast 850 3G signals. rather, they are converting 850 2G towers to broadcast 3G 850 signal. This saves them tons of money, because they only need to, for illustration purposes, flip some switches to modulate a 3G signal, instead of purchasing and deploying the towers, since the existing towers are already tuned to 850 MHz.
so yes, when this "fliping switch" operation is done. phones without 850 3G band will only be able to operate on 1900 signals, hence battery drains faster and worse signal indoors.
but back to my first paragraph, judging from AT&T's past records, it would take them a year or two to finish this operation. so .. at least for me. by the time, i will be moving on to a new phone, and i will keep in mind my next phone will have 850 3G chip (or.. if you have learned from my posting, an 850 3G demodulater
Buggy i know you know alot about these types of things (reading your post in the 3g limitation thread) Would you have any thoughts of something and someone that would be able to help us get the 850 3G frequency working?
I am quite impressed actually at the EDGE speeds I do receive. I don't do much of YouTube and other things that require an intense of amount of data when I do use the internet. Google Maps and Live Search works just fine on EDGE. If I need to browse the internet I just use Opera Mini which works awesome on the HD I might add.
The only complaint I have about this device is that it's not 3G. If the great minds on XDA or somewhere else some how figure out to get 3G then that's even better.
I can't wait to see what new devices HTC launches this year. I hear up to 10 new devices. Heck we might even see a HTC Touch HD Pro with the necessary 3G 850/1900 frequency.
3g
I love my touch HD Edge works great 3G is a big hype
I am surprised with the edge speeds on this phone, way quicker than the Omnia, but.... Get for example an iphone 3G (not trying to make a comparison or a phone war as i am not even a fan of it just the first 3g phone that pops up) and go on to the same website and at same time and you will notice a huge difference in my opinion. The HD uses the same exact radio off of the touch diamond American version so i think it should be possible to enable it.
Hi X1-ers,
After looking at the HTC Touch HD, the lack of a U.S. 3G internet connection has swayed me towards the X1.
I had a quick question. I'm looking to purchase this on www.clove.co.uk but I can't tell whether it's a X1a or X1i they're selling.
I'm looking at this one in particular:
http://www.clove.co.uk/viewProduct.aspx?product=AEE666D8-F441-4CE9-B69E-1539D4E16EBA
Under Networks it says:
GSM (QUAD-BAND) 850, 900, 800, 1900
EDGE
HSDPA
HSUPA
UMTS 900, UMTS 850, UMTS 1900, UMTS 2100
But under Connectivity it says:
Bluetooth (A2DP)
WiFi
Any help clarifying this would be awesome, thanks!
P.S. On a side note, there are numerous threads as to whether the inability of the 3G connection speeds on the Touch HD is a software or hardware issue. Safe to say, regardless of whether it's software or hardware problem, this current version of Touch HD will never see 3G connection on U.S. soil, correct?
markgencorelli said:
Hi X1-ers,
After looking at the HTC Touch HD, the lack of a U.S. 3G internet connection has swayed me towards the X1.
I had a quick question. I'm looking to purchase this on www.clove.co.uk but I can't tell whether it's a X1a or X1i they're selling.
I'm looking at this one in particular:
http://www.clove.co.uk/viewProduct.aspx?product=AEE666D8-F441-4CE9-B69E-1539D4E16EBA
Under Networks it says:
GSM (QUAD-BAND) 850, 900, 800, 1900
EDGE
HSDPA
HSUPA
UMTS 900, UMTS 850, UMTS 1900, UMTS 2100
But under Connectivity it says:
Bluetooth (A2DP)
WiFi
Any help clarify this would be awesome, thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I purchased one from Clove on the basis of UMTS 850Mhz capability. I even emailed and phoned them on precisely this issue before purchase and was assured it was true.
It is NOT. The device they are selling is an X1i, and not capable of UMTS 850Mhz connection. BTW, for those on the forum who maintain that this doesn't matter to them (mostly EU denizens), Canada, US, South Americas, Australia and South Africa all use the 850Mhz frequency for 3G in regional areas.
It is a hardware issue - the X1i uses a Qualcomm MSM7200 cpu, the X1a uses an MSM7201A (850Mhz enabled)
Negri Electronics is now offering on back order (ie. no stock) a black X1a with quad-band GSM and tri-band UMTS:
http://www.negrielectronics.com/sony-ericsson-xperia-usa3g-unlocked-black-p-1812.html
Why HTC has decided to offer either 850/1900 Mhz or 900/2100Mhz, but not 850/2100Mhz, is a very irritating mystery (look at the specs on the new slew of devices)
Wow, ianl8888, thanks for the heads-up!
I was about to just purchase it without running it by this forum, assuming it was X1a. Good thing I didn't make such an idiotic mistake
My gawd, this thing is a near $300 dollars more expensive than the X1i
Right when I came to grips that the HTC Touch HD would not be my phone and X1 was the right choice.....a huge price difference gets in the way.
Frustrating.
markgencorelli said:
My gawd, this thing is a near $300 dollars more expensive than the X1i
Right when I came to grips that the HTC Touch HD would not be my phone and X1 was the right choice.....a huge price difference gets in the way.
Frustrating.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, we're paying the royalties from Qualcomm to Broadcom for the 850Mhz capability in the MSM7001A chips
BTW, I wasn't "idiotic" - I phoned and emailed Clove on exactly this point prior to purchase, since I trusted no-one on this. Yes, refund was quick.
you can pick one up from dell.com (yes, yes, i know, but they have it )
they are on "sale" now, still 700+
or you can always pick one up from sonystyle, or if you are in NYC, you can get it from jr.com
There isn't a black X1a I believe...
ianl8888 said:
Well, we're paying the royalties from Qualcomm to Broadcom for the 850Mhz capability in the MSM7001A chips
BTW, I wasn't "idiotic" - I phoned and emailed Clove on exactly this point prior to purchase, since I trusted no-one on this. Yes, refund was quick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope you don't think I was implying you were "idiotic".
I'm the only dunce here - I shouldn't assume anything when it involves such a big purchase, and that's what I was about to do before I had a brief moment of sanity.
Hmmm...the dell price is a little more tempting. But at $722, I might just bite the bullet and get an HTC Touch HD at $100 cheaper.
This sucks. Oh well...
markgencorelli said:
I hope you don't think I was implying you were "idiotic".
I'm the only dunce here - I shouldn't assume anything when it involves such a big purchase, and that's what I was about to do before I had a brief moment of sanity.
Hmmm...the dell price is a little more tempting. But at $722, I might just bite the bullet and get an HTC Touch HD at $100 cheaper.
This sucks. Oh well...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but 3g is more tempting lol
IMHO, you are going to be constantly frustrated by the Touch HD's inability to grab UMTS and HSDPA in the NAM.
With the recent expansions of the AT&T 3G system, I am no longer sure that it makes sense to have a non-NAM 3G phone, especially since the expansion of 850 MHz 3G has frequently meant the contraction of conventional GSM service.
Wait for Dell to have one of it's 20% off E&A coupons. Monitor the forums or vendor pages at www.fatwallet.com.
THESpideyWVU said:
There isn't a black X1a I believe...
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Click to collapse
i wish theres a black x1a too, i would get it over the silver version anytime... ironically i always wanted a silver psp and ps3, but when i got the psp, they only offer black version
williamn said:
Wait for Dell to have one of it's 20% off E&A coupons. Monitor the forums or vendor pages at www.fatwallet.com.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I could get the Xperia X1a at 580 which is the price after the current "ON SALE" price and 20% tacked on to it, I'd jump all over that. But I doubt that'll happen, probably end up being one or the other in terms of savings.
Does anyone have any suggestions on any phones I may have missed that are comparable to the Xperia X1a (other than the Touch Pro) or HTC Touch HD?
I love both phones but lukewarm about the lack of 3G on the HD and pricetag of the Xperia.
markgencorelli said:
If I could get the Xperia X1a at 580 which is the price after the current "ON SALE" price and 20% tacked on to it, I'd jump all over that. But I doubt that'll happen, probably end up being one or the other in terms of savings.
Does anyone have any suggestions on any phones I may have missed that are comparable to the Xperia X1a (other than the Touch Pro) or HTC Touch HD?
I love both phones but lukewarm about the lack of 3G on the HD and pricetag of the Xperia.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can try nokia 5800, symbian s60v5 is pretty good
OR omnia... dare you to get it
http://now.sprint.com/evo/?ECID=vanity:evo
4.3'' screen, Sense, 1GHz Snapdragon, 8MP main cam + 1.3MP front one, same thin border design, added stand, all the same good stuff, plus even an HDMI output... Now who's complaining HD2 doesn't get WP7S? Screw WP7S
kilrah said:
http://now.sprint.com/evo/?ECID=vanity:evo
4.3'' screen, Sense, 1GHz Snapdragon, 8MP main cam + 1.3MP front one, same thin border design, added stand, all the same good stuff, plus even an HDMI output... Now who's complaining HD2 doesn't get WP7S? Screw WP7S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this must b released as hd3
Hopefully this will be easier to get android on the HD2 with this, hopefully someone will get a dump from this phone and let the android development begin!
I tried the N1 and didn't like it, even with the Desire ROM. Something about the aesthetic design of the HD2 lured me back. And it pretty much already did whatever I wanted, so that was cool too. If I didn't already have the HD2, I'd definitely switch for this phone!
im jealous, i don't know much about my HD2 but I put the buggyness and stuff down to it being windows, i thought the HD2 would be better as android.
I'm jealous...
I just ordered a Desire to replace my HD2, but this blows everything away... unfortunately, only for US citizens
wow. seriously.
hdmi out, 720p 8mp cam., front facing camera...
im still getting the tmo hd2. and from the pics of both, i still prefer the hd2 looks.
Do we know what 3G bands (if any) this supports?
optimus82 said:
wow. seriously.
hdmi out, 720p 8mp cam., front facing camera...
im still getting the tmo hd2. and from the pics of both, i still prefer the hd2 looks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It had to come didn't it? Just when we thought our gorgeous HD2 couldn't get any better.
Let's hope HTC are on a roll with these big screen fast machines, for now my trusty old HD2 will suffice (just about )
hd2 is now killed from both sides (no updates , better hardware avaliable)
New Snapdragon(8650), HDMI-out, 4G, 8Mpx Camera, 1.3Mpx Front Camera, 1Gb internal storage.. and the list goes on! Best phone ever.
There is just no end to this technology chasing race, now is there?
at this rate, I might as well have 4 different lines.
T-Mobile, At&T, Verizon and Sprint.
Oh, and to top that,
EVO has 1500Mah battery.
[email protected]!
Spike15 said:
Do we know what 3G bands (if any) this supports?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Re-posting this so it doesn't get overlooked -- it's the important question for non-Sprint customers or non-USA residents.
hoss_n2 said:
hd2 is now killed from both sides (no updates , better hardware avaliable)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so what? do you expect it to be best phone for ever? omg I don't get people like you... buy something and expect it to be the best think for eternity.
shu8i said:
what? do you expect it to be best phone for ever? omg I don't get people like you... buy something and expect it to be the best think for eternity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i didnot say that i only said it is killed iam who don't understand you
Looks thicker. Maybe 14-16mm? Seems like they integrated the kickstand from the extended HD2 battery into the body of the EVO.
Toss3 said:
New Snapdragon(8650)[/B] [/U]
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Click to collapse
The QSD8x50 platform consists of the QSD8250™ which supports GSM, GPRS, EDGE, HSPA networks while the QSD8650™ supports CDMA2000 1X, 1xEV-DO Rel 0/A/B, GSM, GPRS, EDGE and HSPA networks.
So its not faster or anything. Only difference is the supported network connectivity ...
And, like aceo07 said, it seems to be thicker - and longer too.
The Evo 4G looks nice, but I think the HD2's formfactor is perfect ... wouldn't want to trade for an hdmi output and the better camera, as I just don't really need both ...
chalid said:
The QSD8x50 platform consists of the QSD8250™ which supports GSM, GPRS, EDGE, HSPA networks while the QSD8650™ supports CDMA2000 1X, 1xEV-DO Rel 0/A/B, GSM, GPRS, EDGE and HSPA networks.
So its not faster or anything. Only difference is the supported network connectivity ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quoting this for effect and reinforcement.
chalid said:
The QSD8x50 platform consists of the QSD8250™ which supports GSM, GPRS, EDGE, HSPA networks while the QSD8650™ supports CDMA2000 1X, 1xEV-DO Rel 0/A/B, GSM, GPRS, EDGE and HSPA networks.
So its not faster or anything. Only difference is the supported network connectivity ...
And, like aceo07 said, it seems to be thicker - and longer too.
The Evo 4G looks nice, but I think the HD2's formfactor is perfect ... wouldn't want to trade for an hdmi output and the better camera, as I just don't really need both ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd trade in mine any second! I know it isn't faster, but newer hardware is always newer hardware.
Toss3 said:
I'd trade in mine any second! I know it isn't faster, but newer hardware is always newer hardware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
8650 is not new it was released when ours released and there is devices already uses it ,look at qualcomm site
I'm planning on doing some hiking and camping this summer, and am considering replacing my pocketphone with something strapped to my wrist - less fumbling to get at a camera, less weight, longer battery, and so on. I'm hoping that some of the fine folks here can offer advice and suggestions before I decide to plunk down my all-too-limited money for a lemon of a wrist-computer.
So far, the factors that have occurred to me as being important to consider include:
* Battery life: 24 hour standby seems a bare minimum, 48 hour seems almost as important, and the longer the better. (I do have a small solar panel with battery-stick I can hang on my backpack, for longer trips.)
* GPS. A large part of the whole point.
* SD card with enough room to hold, say, an offline copy of Wikipedia and all sorts of offline maps, with enough room for lots of pictures. 16GB? 32GB?
* Software that can apply GPS readings to said offline maps, Wikipedia, and whatever other apps seem likely - planetarium, calculator, weather, dictation, symptom checker, etc.
* Presumably wifi, to download said apps, Wikipedia, and so forth.
* Camera. Preferably a couple of megapixels.
* Phone, in case I break my leg while in range of a cell tower. GSM 850/1900 appears to be what's compatible with the carrier I have in mind.
* Moderate price. The more I spend on the phone, the less I can spend on camping food and other such things. $200 is nigh-certainly too much; $150 is pushing it, especially if I still have to buy a 32GB SD as well.
* Extra bonuses that would be nice: Waterproofing; FM radio (for weather reports); a non-silly-looking case.
From what I've been able to dig up, not counting the price, the stats advertised for the "IK" with a 1.54" touch screen, or the Zgpax S6 seem to come reasonably close to what I'm looking for - though I have no idea how to figure out if the Kiwix reader would run on either of them, nor do I know if there are better choices, or even what sites would provide the best prices for shipping to Canada.
Do you have any comments, criticism, or advice?
Unfortunately, the ZGPAX is 2G only in N. America. There's not many watch phones that offer the 3G/1900mhz capability, SD card slot, and full Android 4.1+.
Right now... the US version of the Omate TrueSmart, AI Watch and the Neptune Pine offer NA 3G frequencies. All of which are higher than your budget. However, I have seen many go on eBay for less... but you have to be really careful about whom you get one from and, for some, manufacturing date is critical.
Waterproofing is a real crap shoot. Many vendors state that their devices are water resistant/proof. However, this is has become a real issue with OEM claims and actually real world use. For example, the Omate was advertised as waterproof...but actually turned out to be more resistant to water. Many people wore their watch in the shower, and quickly became a paperweight. Plus, if you decide to open the watch and upgrade the 8GB SD with a 32GB...you just voided your warranty. Crazy, huh?
The best thing to do is research the user experiences. Not the OEM's advertised claims.
If you go to Alibaba, smart phone-watches are everywhere. However, very few will meet your needs, not to mention quality standards.
I wish you luck! Feel free to PM if you have questions about any watch you're considering. I'll do my best to help guide you through this difficult tech segment.
mghtymse007 said:
Unfortunately, the ZGPAX is 2G only in N. America.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't expect to use significant amounts of data through the phone system. If it helps, the provider I'm looking at mentions the frequencies at www . speakout7eleven.ca /support/prepaid-phone-questions#gsm-phone-with-wireless .
There's not many watch phones that offer the 3G/1900mhz capability, SD card slot, and full Android 4.1+.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there any reason I should focus on Android 4.1+, and rule out any watches running 4.0?
DataPacRat said:
I don't expect to use significant amounts of data through the phone system. If it helps, the provider I'm looking at mentions the frequencies at www . speakout7eleven.ca /support/prepaid-phone-questions#gsm-phone-with-wireless .
Is there any reason I should focus on Android 4.1+, and rule out any watches running 4.0?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My contacts inside the NA telecom industry have all either mentioned or heavily hinted more and more about the shut down of most 2G towers to make way for the more powerful 3G/4G/LTE towers.
This article is mainly about the US, but the same is happening across all of NA:
http://www.telogis.com/2g-sunset-ad...JBJlOVZjgbsiW2CSYY09a1iB6-NCe_7uPIaAq108P8HAQ
As you can see, this is happening now...not just in the works. Plus many GPS apps use the data channel for various purposes in addition to location.
First of all, I've personally owned and used most of the mainstream and highly rated standalone watches. A few of those are the ZGPAX S5, TrueSmart, Neptune Pine(more of a mini phone than watch), and now the Gear S.
I mention Jelly Bean or higher due to the vast improvements in areas that were made from ICS. A standalone smartwatch benefits greatly from these improvements. Here's a brief article comparing the two.
http://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-android-4-0-and-vs-4-1/
With only 1.54” of screen real estate, 4.1+'s interface is more precise... an important factor with so little room to navigate. There's many other articles you can research and see why watch-phones benefit from the upgraded OS. When I got the TS, the difference between that and the S5 was substantial. From that day, the TS became my daily driver.
Also, you mentioned in your OP that you were hoping for a watch that will last 48hrs...minimum 24. Never have I gotten more than 24hrs on a single charge, regardless of the OEM's claims and recommendations. The solar charger will be a very important gadget to have on your trip.
mghtymse007 said:
First of all, I've personally owned and used most of the mainstream and highly rated standalone watches. A few of those are the ZGPAX S5, TrueSmart, Neptune Pine(more of a mini phone than watch), and now the Gear S.
I mention Jelly Bean or higher due to the vast improvements in areas that were made from ICS. A standalone smartwatch benefits greatly from these improvements. Here's a brief article comparing the two.
With only 1.54” of screen real estate, 4.1+'s interface is more precise... an important factor with so little room to navigate. There's many other articles you can research and see why watch-phones benefit from the upgraded OS. When I got the TS, the difference between that and the S5 was substantial. From that day, the TS became my daily driver.
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After looking further through DX's site, I've found mention of two watches that seem to come within shouting distance of my needs, and which have at least Android 4.1: an iMacWear M7, which other discussion seems to claim is a clone of the TS; and the Zgpax S8. I'm a tad leery of the first as the price is bumping against my budget, and I think I ignored the latter the first time because its listed "standby time" was only 24 hours. Does anyone reading this thread have any thoughts on either of them, in terms of camping gear?
Also, you mentioned in your OP that you were hoping for a watch that will last 48hrs...minimum 24. Never have I gotten more than 24hrs on a single charge, regardless of the OEM's claims and recommendations. The solar charger will be a very important gadget to have on your trip.
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I'll make a further note to myself, to make sure that I start out with my external battery-stick fully-charged, in case of cloudy days.
Keep in mind the iMacWear's and S8's Frequencies are 2G: GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz, 3G: WCDMA 2100MHz , which isn't enough for 3G in the US.
Look at on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cellular_frequencies. I would suggest looking closer at used US 3G smartwatch devices via ebay, which might push more popular brands in your price range.
Apokriphos said:
Keep in mind the iMacWear's and S8's Frequencies are 2G: GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz, 3G: WCDMA 2100MHz , which isn't enough for 3G in the US.
Look at on Cellular_frequencies. I would suggest looking closer at used US 3G smartwatch devices via ebay, which might push more popular brands in your price range.
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Going by my current provider, according to www .fido.ca /web/content/phonewarranty/configure_unlocked_device_guide , the frequencies I seem to need to watch for are:
Fido said:
Your device must be compatible with the Fido network, which uses GSM, UMTS, HSPA and HSPA+ at 850 MHz and 1900 MHz. To access LTE network, the phone must be compatible with:
700 MHz on Band 17;
1700/2100 MHz on Band 4;
2600 MHz on Band 7.
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However, I know that an iPhone 4 can connect to 3G on that network, and according to Wikipedia, the frequencies it can handle are
Wikipedia said:
quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE
(800, 850, 900, 1,800, 1,900 MHz)
Quad-band UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA
(800, 850, 900, 1,900, 2,100 MHz) (800 MHz is not yet officially supported by Apple)
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... of which the only 3G frequency overlapping appears to be 2100 MHz. Do I really need to look for phones that can handle 700 and 2600 MHz, as well?
I'm going to definitively rule out the S8; it turns out its 8GB memory is hardwired, and it doesn't have an actual SD slot.
DataPacRat said:
... of which the only 3G frequency overlapping appears to be 2100 MHz. Do I really need to look for phones that can handle 700 and 2600 MHz, as well?
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Assuming that I only have to worry about 2100 MHz, I get an interesting assortment of smartwatches at www .dx.com /s/2100?category=529&PriceSort=up , from the S6 on the low end to the iMacWear M7's just at the extreme top of my price range (and likely beyond it, counting adding a 32 GB SD card).
Relatedly, I find myself in possession of a Bluetooth v3.0 keyboard. Does anyone have any information on whether or not any of the watches in the above link can accept external text input via Bluetooth?
Unless you live in Europe (which works with just 2100), you need either 850, 1700&2100, or 1900 to receive 3G in the US. There is a 2G 850 frequency you might be getting confused with the 3G version.
DataPacRat said:
I'm going to definitively rule out the S8; it turns out its 8GB memory is hardwired, and it doesn't have an actual SD slot.
Assuming that I only have to worry about 2100 MHz, I get an interesting assortment of smartwatches at www .dx.com /s/2100?category=529&PriceSort=up , from the S6 on the low end to the iMacWear M7's just at the extreme top of my price range (and likely beyond it, counting adding a 32 GB SD card).
Relatedly, I find myself in possession of a Bluetooth v3.0 keyboard. Does anyone have any information on whether or not any of the watches in the above link can accept external text input via Bluetooth?
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Apokriphos said:
Unless you live in Europe (which works with just 2100), you need either 850, 1700&2100, or 1900 to receive 3G in the US. There is a 2G 850 frequency you might be getting confused with the 3G version.
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It's entirely possible I'm confused - I'm still quite new to the whole shebang.
Looking through that list at DX, only a scant few mention all the 3G frequencies in question as 3G frequencies: the Zgpax S6, the iradish i6S, and a few above CDN$200. Of those two, I'm leaning towards the S6; it's $50 cheaper, and the camera placement is better for taking pictures of things rather than my own face.
DataPacRat said:
I'm going to definitively rule out the S8; it turns out its 8GB memory is hardwired, and it doesn't have an actual SD slot.
Assuming that I only have to worry about 2100 MHz, I get an interesting assortment of smartwatches at www .dx.com /s/2100?category=529&PriceSort=up , from the S6 on the low end to the iMacWear M7's just at the extreme top of my price range (and likely beyond it, counting adding a 32 GB SD card).
Relatedly, I find myself in possession of a Bluetooth v3.0 keyboard. Does anyone have any information on whether or not any of the watches in the above link can accept external text input via Bluetooth?
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Click to collapse
The Zgpax S8 will allow you to use a bluetooth keyboard and does have a removable SD card. (it is tucked under the battery and two cables...the job isn't difficult but is NOT for the non-tech savvy person) I have a Galaxy Gear 1 running NULL and decided to buy the S8 as well. (it was a close call for me...the M7 has a better design IMO plus a larger battery BUT the S8 has much more community support plus a working TWRP recovery)