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I’ve done it, I’ve just ordered a T-Mobile MDA Vario, it should be here tomorrow, I cant wait!!!
I’m new to this forum and new to the world of Windows Mobile Devices, however I am far from a novice with SmartPhones.
I have been a big fan of SonyEricsson for many years and am currently looking for a new phone, but lately have lost my feel for SE and have discovered then marvel that is the Wizard!!! Wow, I’m so much going to have one of them!!!
I’ve been reading through this forum and well what can I say, what a fantastic resource, well done!
But what I really want to know is: software? I know the MDA Vario is T-Mobile branded, but what restrictions do they impose on you?
I’m a great believer that hardware developers know what they are doing and Phone Network Operators should leave the software well alone. I have read about unlocking the phone and moving Cab files etc, but what I would really want is to flash it with its “pure” software, is this possible and easy to do and how do I then set up my MMS and GPRS setting?
And am I correct in understanding what I’ve read, that, an out the box MDA Vario wont run ActiveSync?
Thanks in advance
Nick
Nick, an excellent choice of name, and an excellent choice of device
The units ROMs all seem to be largely the same, it's the extended ROM which is different.
T-Mobile's extended ROM installs a load of customisations such as wallpapers, GPRS settings, etc... Nothing seems to hinder you particularly badly , however if you don't want it, hard reset then do a soft reset before it installs the customisations. You then have a virgin machine
The only lock is a simlock, which means that you have to use a T-Mobile SIM with the device. Lokiwiz, a free unlocker, gets around this nicely with thanks to Machinagod, and all those whose work he improved
Oh, and activesync works fine with it, providing you haven't got any weird firewalls running
Welcome to the world of windows mobile
I have had my Vario for about a week and a half now.
If you used the P910 like I did, you will miss the jog wheel utility desperately. A brilliant device that was only let down by the lack of symbian (UIQ) development (it's harder to program.
I used to have a compaq 2210 and ran Pocketinformant. I've just reloaded it on my unit. It's brilliant, you give up a lot for the jog wheel but you welcome back the world of 'drag and drop' and 'double tap'.
If you use a PIM then Pocketinformant cannot be beaten.
Incidently make sure you load activesync 4.1 on your pc, providing you set your catergories in your outlook master list to the same as your device, syncing is superb.
good luck :lol:
I've just switched to Vodafone with an expansys contrct deal after four years with T-Mobile. They (T-Mobile) told me six weeks ago, they'd no idea what a Vario was, and had no information that they were going to get them even though Germany had announced them to the press. Expansys had the 9100 on Voda so off I went. The Vodafone "data" bundle which is SMS or MMS or GPRS out of the same pot is better for me than T-Mobile who would only offer web'n'walk *and* a separate SMS/MMS bundle :-(
Vodafone have been fine, but the SMS voicemail alerts that don't activate the little "tape" message waiting icon really annoys me... ;-)
Dox..
I have also gone from a P900 to XDA mini. Its a bit of a transition and can agree - the wheel on the P900 was a luxury I do miss but there are alot moe benefits
Now - just need to try and work out if I can change the whole ROM from the O2 one
Scott
Thanks for all the info fellas, cant wait for it to be delivered…
Excuse my ignorance, but, the ROM, is that the basic OS and the extender ROM is just the individual network customizations?
I will almost certainly, as a matter of principle, do the SIM unlock, but what is the purpose of the CID unlock?
And, if I do the Hard reset Soft reset trick how will I set up my GPRS and MMS?
Sorry about all the questions, but I’m very inquisitive.
Hopefully this will also be helping fellow novices.
Thanks again everyone.
You can enter the settings manually, which if you have them in front of you is fairly simple. If you need to know what they are (I've entered Vodafone's so often for people at work I can do them in my sleep, but don't know the T-Mobile ones), google is your friend. To simplify the whole thing, Raphael over at BeyondTheTech has the cab file with the settings in here for you to download and install as normal.
If you're not going to let the rest of the extended ROM install, put this on a memory card in case you want to run it again after a hard reset..
Dox.
I too like to have a fiddle (I had an original O2 XDA and this site was fantastic for upgrading to later version OS) but so far I can't see any compelling reason not to use the T-Mobile UK custo ROM as shipped.
The only addition I've made is MS Voice with the associated Reg change to allow use with BT headset.
Obviously if there is a superior ROM out there please let us know what is recommended?
Thanks
Nick, check out the wiki which has loads of info about roms, extended roms, radio roms and all that good stuff. Not a huge amount is specific to the Wizard yet, but the information applies all the same.
Has it arrived yet, or are you sitting by the front door like an eager puppy waiting for the postman or newspaper boy (or girl, thank you Stan)
Unfortunately I’m at work today and they would only deliver to my home address
AND they need a signature, so first thing tomorrow morning I’ll be stud outside my local Postal Depot waiting for it to open…..
Oh I hate waiting!!!
Welcome to Vario-ness !
Not coming from a previous PPC platform, you won't suffer the same way i did, by installing all the apps i used on my MDA Compadt some of which may not have been compatable with WM5. That ended up with me having a poor view on the Vario.
Fear not though, i've since seen the error of my ways, thanks to the fine folks on this forum...
I have an XDA II, and would like to update if there is a significant improvement.
I have read from the t-mobile site that the Vario does not have vibrate or voice dialling. Is this true, can Fonix be installed?
The most vital things I use are the outlook contacts, calender, isilo reader and avant go. I guess all standard apps that work on windows mobile 2003 work on 5 right?
How big is the screen?
Thanks for any help.
Well, that just goes to show that T-Mobile don't have a clue, really, doesn't it? I thought you must be mistaken, but sure enough it says that it doesn't support voice dial, and doesn't vibrate either.
It does. On both counts. The vibrate is a lot better than the xda2s in that it almost dislocates a hip when it goes off, and voice dialing works very well. With a quick registry hack, voice dialing works with bluetooth headsets too
Some have found the vario sluggish in comparison to the xda 2; i find it to be comparable to the blue angel (2s) that I had running wm2005 - bear in mind you're reading/writing all files from flash rather than RAM, and that explains the performance.
The screen is 2.8 inches diagonal.
Have any of you got vibrate working on M3000 (Orange)?
I have an M3000 from Orange Switzerland, and cannot get my vibrate to work at all.
Not to get 'off topic' but T-Mobile Czech republic were about to sell me a MDA Vario and at the last moment I noticed a sticker on the box saying it doesn't support character recognizer or transcriber .. anyone know if this FOR ME huge negative can be reversed so I can handwrite sms as MDA II let me .. (perfect solution for me)
kgary said:
Not to get 'off topic' but T-Mobile Czech republic were about to sell me a MDA Vario and at the last moment I noticed a sticker on the box saying it doesn't support character recognizer or transcriber .. anyone know if this FOR ME huge negative can be reversed so I can handwrite sms as MDA II let me .. (perfect solution for me)
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Click to collapse
Both work fine for me on a UK MDA Vario, I don't know why the czech would be different. I must say however that I rarely use them because the slide out keyboard is SO sweet.
On a side note, my brother just picked up the same phone on O2 and personally I like the O2 customisations a lot better than the T-mobile ones. Especially the multiple today screen functionality.
Is it possible to install O2 extended rom and keep t-mobile comms settings? I've only just started to look into this so does anyone with any experience with this have any tips?
Thanks
I read the official specs of the Qtek S200, and they suggest it supports 802.11b/g. BUT, ALL the Qtek s200's available here in the czech republic, list their specs as 802.11b ONLY.
Is this possible? Is it a hardware issue, or is there perhaps a way to activate G through a tweak somewhere?
G Wifi Activation.
In attached file, you can find a tweak for making available G Wifi in 9100.
I have a S200 with G Wifi already activated, so I can't tell if it works.
Use at your own risk, but 9100 users say it's perfect.
You have to copy .cab file to your S200 memory, and click on it for install.
Thanks Mondelman
Anyone already tried this out on a Qtek S200?
still wondering
I'm still puzzled whether this is a hardware issue, or a software one? I can't test it on a device. It maybe will make a difference in the use of skype or streaming media, if its limited to B standard.
I cannot understand how could qtek make a g-less model for czech republic.
I have not much experience on the subject (newbie really) but I think I have the same issue (S200 with Dutch OS). Bought the phone in NL and it came with the Dutch OS I took a better look at the box once I got home to see the specs ... 802.11b if you loko on line specs they do mention "g"
I hope that a patch will be available as for the 9100.
btw this was my first posting so Hello to all (great stuff!!)
Makis, have you tried the above patch? Does it work?
I have seen my Prophet connecting at 24mb. Since 802.11b is maximum 11mb, I assume that G is working on the Prophet out of the box. That being said, my laptop connects at 54mb. I'm not complaining because the wifi on my Prophet has done everything that I have asked it to do including VOIP
Matterhorn said:
I have seen my Prophet connecting at 24mb. Since 802.11b is maximum 11mb, I assume that G is working on the Prophet out of the box. That being said, my laptop connects at 54mb. I'm not complaining because the wifi on my Prophet has done everything that I have asked it to do including VOIP
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Click to collapse
Yep I've had a similar experience. Got my s200 and on the box it only mentions 802.11b in it's specs. However, I have locked my router so it only transmits 802.11g and my s200 can still access the network ... so the s200 MUST be capable of using 802.11g. I have also noticed an increase in speed accross the network to my s200 allowing me to stream video without buffering that I could before (when I have my router locked on 802.11b). While it's not blistering fast, it is still quicker, so as Matterhorn says it's probably got a max of 24mb rather than 54mb, but hey that's still miles better than 11mb.
I did not try the patch my self I know someone who have though. I ll post again about this tomorrow.
:?
krale as qdabean mentioned above I just tried the same thing -router only on g
Result: still able to access the net from the my s200!! So who needs a patch :lol:
qdabean, it is strange though cause I got a reply recently from qtek specifying that router should transmit on bouth b&g in order to get good results... Then again it was the saem person that told me changing the language on the s200 is not possible and the only solution was to return it to the dealer and ask for another version
but who cares "g" works case closed.
Thanks guys
I'm planning to buy a T-Mobile MDA - it's the Vario here, in the US - for mostly its WiFi, SKype and Remote Desktop. I saw in another thread that Skype just works fine - perhaps with a modest OC? - but I'm not sure how well this 200MHz TI CPU will handle encrypted RDP connections... any feedback would be appreciated!
szlevi said:
I'm planning to buy a T-Mobile MDA - it's the Vario here, in the US - for mostly its WiFi, SKype and Remote Desktop. I saw in another thread that Skype just works fine - perhaps with a modest OC? - but I'm not sure how well this 200MHz TI CPU will handle encrypted RDP connections... any feedback would be appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use pc anywhere v.12 pocket pcc addon and it works fantastic, even w/out OCing.
Remotely Anywhere, works also, I am using it sometimes over gprs. Install remotely Anywhere on your computer and log in with PIE http://someadress:someport and it wil asking about downloading a plugin.
It can also be used via IE and Firefox on a desktop.
Remotely Anywhere, works also, I am using it sometimes over gprs. Install remotely Anywhere on your computer and log in with PIE http://someadress:someport and it wil asking about downloading a plugin.
It can also be used via IE and Firefox on a desktop.
Great news, thanks. Now only if I could decide to go ahead and buy it or wait for Vario II a few weeks... :roll: :lol:
actually, from the specs, i think the MDA is better than the MDA 2. and it isn't the Vario in the US, it is just the normal t-mobile MDA... it is the Vario in Europe.
GTASouthPark said:
actually, from the specs, i think the MDA is better than the MDA 2.
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Click to collapse
? In terms of what? AFAIK MDA II has a faster CPU, supports HSDPA... sounds more future-proof to me.
and it isn't the Vario in the US, it is just the normal t-mobile MDA... it is the Vario in Europe.
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Click to collapse
I know, I just wanted to make it clear.
I doubt the mda 2 will be released in the u.s anytime soon. cingular is still working on their hsdpa service and tmobile hasn't even started rolling 3G out. so I think its best if u just buy the mda for now.
lsnizzle said:
I doubt the mda 2 will be released in the u.s anytime soon. cingular is still working on their hsdpa service
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Click to collapse
Yeah, let's just call it advanced EDGE...
And it's not my opinion only: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1997919,00.asp
and tmobile hasn't even started rolling 3G out. so I think its best if u just buy the mda for now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right, it is true and I don't expect TMO will be offering any 3.5G here anytime soon - earliest date is probably next Spring - but keep in mind I'm planning to keep this 'phone' for 2 years or so, as I always did...
Hello,
Can anyone confirm if T-Mobile in UK are idsabling wifi on teh newly launched MDA Vario II?
I am also interested in unlocking the device. Again, anyone have experience of this and if so, what software or which supplier?
Thanks
Richardracer
mu mda vario II works fine with wifi. also you can unlock the phone but not for free at the moment. you have to use imi-check for that.
What makes you think it is disabled?
My MDA2 bought 3 weeks ago is fine with wifi..
Works at home using (g) and also managed to connect using a free connection at Waterloo the otherday (Window poped up while I was surfing using HSDPA..) so thought I would give it a go. worked fine.
My MDA Vario II works fine on wifi and I have also unlocked it too so I could use my Vodafone sim in it (had to pay £20 though as needed to use my Voda sim straight away and couldn't wait until somebody worked out how to unlock it for free)
Thanks
Thanks to all who replied, I will be placing my order today.
Regards
Richardracer
I was wondering if anyone has tried the Universal in the US on Cingular? I just bought an unlocked one for $440 I have an 8525. I know it wont use the 3g like my 8525, but I was wondering if it still will be somewhat OK? Also is it possible for me to use my 8525 to give wireless connection to my universal? I think I could live with that.
I currently havae an Orange M5000 on cingular right now. It works fine.
m1ke420 said:
I currently havae an Orange M5000 on cingular right now. It works fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you get all the sms mms Internet settings on? Also how are your Gprs speeds?
I don't have Cingular, but www.wireless.att.com is where I would start, and after about 3 minutes, I found this:
http://www.wireless.att.com/businesssupport/deviceConfig.do?content=KB71266.html
It had pictures and everything. Here's the deal: It says it is for an 8525, but a Windows Mobile phone is a Windows Mobile phone. The procedure is the same.
HTH,
Jeff
did basically what the last guy said. I used an hp from the support page and to setup the gprs. it was easy and it works great. i also use the internet sharing to connect it to my laptop and its pretty quick.