Database Users

Basic SPV M600 questions

Hello there, I hope I have got this in the right forum.
I have been perusing the forums, and you seem like a nice helpful bunch, so I thought I would pass some questions your way.
I am really interested in getting the Orange SPV M600 phone/pda as it has all the features I am looking for. I just have a few worries about usability.
Firstly - is it easy to send texts? I could just see typing on a touch screen quite hard, and I send quite a few texts. Can you write them using the keypad style keyboards (not qwerty, the sort on normal mobiles)? I can imagine on a small screen a qwerty keyboard would be awkward to do - it would be nice if I didn't need a stylus and could just use my fingers.
Secondly - Is it easy to make calls? I know these are very basic questions, but I haven't really read a review that answered them.
I make quite a few calls and I would like to be able to easily access my contacts quickly and without having to use a stylus also.
Lastly - what are your opinions on the phone? Do you like it? Wish you had gone with another / recommend another over it?
Cheers for your time...

I have the M600 and while I don't do hundreds of texts a month I do a fair number. You have the choice of using several different input methods, two of the easiest are probably the keyboard (QWERTY) on screen keyboard, which when you get used to tapping away can be very quick, although may not be so easy if you are on the move as the keys are fairly small. Second you have the PhonePad which is akin to a normal phone keyboard and gives you T9 (or ABC/123) input. If you are at a PC you can also use something like Pocket Controller to give you a view of your Pocket PC on your PC and you can also type from your PC making writing texts very quick.
In answer to your second question, making calls is very easy. From anyhwere pressing the Phone answer button takes you to the phone and from here you can use speed dial, access your call history, your entire contacts list and if you start typing a number you get a filter of your contacts. For me the phone works pretty well. Size wise as a phone I find the M600 pretty good - at least you dont feel like you are holding a brick to your head like when using an XDA2... One of the main differences you may find to a traditional phone is that you need to be very careful if carying it in your trouser pocket - it would be pretty easy to break/scratch the screen - so never put your car keys in the same pocket... I just use the standard case (with the belt clip removed) and this works pretty well for me, although I am always careful.
Personally, I love this device (although I had the Jam before and loved this). I don't watch movies, or use Skype on it and I find the performance really good and the battery life is very good as well. One handed use has been massively improved and the soft keys help a lot with quick and simple navigation. For me this is my alarm clock, diary, phone, sat nav...

Excellent post! Just what I needed to know.
I have read on lots of forums that the processor is really slow and a lot of people have been complaining about it, but I won't be using skype, and I doubt msn on my phone as you say, just viewing docs, sending texts, calls, using the calendar etc.
One other question that springs to mind: What is the synchronisation like with the PC?
If I have my calendar on my phone, does it synchronise well with outlook or whatever?
Oh, and just to keep you all interested, one more question, I want to hear you arguments and reasoning for your choice:
Should I be getting the SVC M600 or the SPV M3100?
As said before, I am looking for something that functions really well as a phone, is reasonably small and compact, but has the added extras of wifi, decent calendar that synchronizes, word doc viewer etc.
Cheers...
PS. Or even the SPV M1500

For me this is my alarm clock, diary, phone, sat nav...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me too. 8)
I have read on lots of forums that the processor is really slow and a lot of people have been complaining about it, but I won't be using skype, and I doubt msn on my phone as you say, just viewing docs, sending texts, calls, using the calendar etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you find it a bit slow, go to this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=55782
The OC tool provided there really works well. Skype will work just fine with this too.
One other question that springs to mind: What is the synchronisation like with the PC?
If I have my calendar on my phone, does it synchronise well with outlook or whatever?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sychronisation works great using ActiveSync 4.1. Yes, it synchronizes with OutLook. If you don't have OutLook, it's provided on a CD in the box.
SPV M3100? Not familiar with that one.
I have the M600 and I'm really pleased with it. 8)

Hi, Ihave the german O2 XDA Neo and finally it's the best cell i ever own! It's very comfortable to use the phone, more than a SE k750i or my Motorola SLVR!
I don't like the PhonePad T9 for writing long texts; if you don't want to use the stylus I recommend you the FullScreenKeyboard bei Spb http://www.spbsoftwarehouse.com/products/fsk/?de

All great stuff guys, keep it coming!
Thanks very much

WOW!
Get this, since this morning orange have now released the SPV M3100.
You can now actually buy it from there site!
Linky for M3100:
http://shop.orange.co.uk/shop/show/handset/orange_spv_m3100/detail/pay_monthly
Linky for M600:
http://shop.orange.co.uk/shop/show/handset/orange_spv_m600/detail/pay_monthly
You guys are really selling me the M600 very well though
Extra linkys (because I love 'em!):
http://www.modaco.com/index.php?showtopic=243020
http://www.directmobilephones.com/spv_m3100_orange.htm
http://www.engadget.com/2006/03/09/hands-on-with-the-htc-hermes-t-mobile-mda-vario-ii/
http://www.engadget.com/2006/03/11/live-from-cebit-htc-wizard-vs-htc-prophet/
http://msmobiles.com/news.php/5011.html

Man! That M3100 looks gorgeous!!
One complaint though...it uses MicroSD! :?
I still want one though..... 8)

Yea I know!
I am going to go into the orange shop tomorrow and try them both out. Have a feel of them in my hand / pocket, see if they are too bulky etc
I will get back to you on it 8)

Just to update this thread as well:
Well the poeple in the orange shop said that they didn't have any in yet to look at, and guessed it would be later that week that they got some...

Does this look familiar?

Check out this contact manager.
http://www.iwindowsmobile.com/contact-manager.html
Dont know if its me, I find it looking like PocketCM. With a different theme but with a small additional feature, call history

I agree with you. It's way too similar... and they're developing a "sms chat"... I saw that before right here on the forums...

Would be a nasty abuse of tene's hard work. He did the work, he deserves the money!!

IMHO tene's version is still a lot better, but it does indeed look like theft.

I saw on their site they're develloping easy-type as well, which might be similar to PocketCM keyboard! If so... a bloody shame!

labru said:
I saw on their site they're develloping easy-type as well, which might be similar to PocketCM keyboard! If so... a bloody shame!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, maybe I'll play against myself, but as long as they don't use my binaries, that's fine. It seems to me that's another implementation of the same ideas, and I don't own the ideas.
Did anyone tried it? is it good? for 19.95$ I hope it is

haven't tried it, why pay when i can use your version free

I gave this one a shot
Although there is no novelty as far the idea is concerned,the implementation is quite good!
Heres the difference between tene's version and this one :
1:> One tab assigned to Call Logs
2:> Animations are slightly different (Flip up/down instead of Flip Left/Right in tene's version)
3:> Setting a contact as a favourite is extremely easy
(On the contact detail screen , there is a star..you just have to select that star to set the contact as favourite..IMHO this is easier/quicker than two taps approach in tene's version)
4:> Animation seems slightly faster and even browsing through the alphabet index is very quick
5:> No support for SMS chats
Most important difference IMHO is that contacts can be edited/deleted through this app. This is a very nice feature as it allows you to change user information be it contact number/address/name etc. using its own input method/panel (Although creating contacts is still via normal way)
All in all,a good effort..but I wouldnt like to pay for this one especially when a free alternative is available and that too a very good alternative .Nevertheless,I would expect tene to give a look in to the features for his next version (if theres gonna be one)

I'll continue
6:> About 1,4mb installation
7:> Pretty slow to boot
8:> Weirdest built in keyboard ever.
9:> Much more fluid in use than pocketcm. (wizard)
10:> Scrolling works much better (slows down and accelerates more like an iphone)

you can download a trial version...
personal opinion, it sucks compared to tene's CM...
the only advantage is that it has a call log which probably tene can easily add.
- pictures do not show on the initial phonebook list
- also phone numbers do not show
- pager numbers do not show on contact details (i'm a doctor and use very frequently)
- no sms (my favorite part in tene's CM)
- you can only sort by either first,company or last name (CM you have an option to sort by city, category, company, sms....)
- comes in only one boring theme - (there are some excellent themes out there for CM and i like to change every few days)
- doesn't have the search option.
- address doesn't show in contact details (you have to press a button which takes you to the built-in contact manager for the address and more details!)
the list goes on and on...
so, NO way would I pay 20$ for that software... even if it was for free and I had to pay for Tene's CM I would still prefer tene's CM, his software is far more superior.

lol @ the built-in keyboard
I'll add:
11:> PCM looks much nicer not to mention PCM can use themes. Funcontact can't.
12:> PCM has a lot more features (although that's also exactly the same thing I hate about PCM.. it's starting to become bloatware). Funcontact works.. it does what it needs to do in a convenient and fast way.
13:> No support for landscape (it doesn't flip even if you slide the keyboard). It stays in portrait no matter what. It's good in a way because it keeps the app stable, unlike PCM which starts to screw up whenever I slide my keyboard out to type SMS.
14:> It caches everything on memory on program start
15:> So far, it's very stable
16:> It uses the WM GUI for sending messages
Well, maybe I'll play against myself, but as long as they don't use my binaries, that's fine. It seems to me that's another implementation of the same ideas, and I don't own the ideas.
Did anyone tried it? is it good? for 19.95$ I hope it is
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got hold of the "free" version (ahem.. sorry guys, I'm not going to give links)

PCM still better, but I agree with you it becomes bloatware if Tene keep adding unnecessary features.
DaVince said:
lol @ the built-in keyboard
I'll add:
11:> PCM looks much nicer not to mention PCM can use themes. Funcontact can't.
12:> PCM has a lot more features (although that's also exactly the same thing I hate about PCM.. it's starting to become bloatware). Funcontact works.. it does what it needs to do in a convenient and fast way.
13:> No support for landscape (it doesn't flip even if you slide the keyboard). It stays in portrait no matter what. It's good in a way because it keeps the app stable, unlike PCM which starts to screw up whenever I slide my keyboard out to type SMS.
14:> It caches everything on memory on program start
15:> So far, it's very stable
16:> It uses the WM GUI for sending messages
I got hold of the "free" version (ahem.. sorry guys, I'm not going to give links)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

But there is one reason why funcontact is better than pcm contacts:
!!!It works on wm2003!!!

gogol said:
PCM still better, but I agree with you it becomes bloatware if Tene keep adding unnecessary features.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like what?

hi tene, a bit off topic, but where can i get the basic theme for pocketcm? the one posted in the screenshots at your site.

You should ask the original poster DaVince about that bloatware
I just emphasized that.
Got it tene?
tene said:
Like what?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

It's obviously still in its infancy...
If you take a peek at the BMPs for the app. they show Call and End icons plus many others, waiting to be switched on!
It's been said already that there is development planned for SMS chat and a better keyboard (their current one is BIZZARE!).
I've put it on my phone to do a comparison and it does seem faster (once it's loaded). This might be inpart due to the lack of fades and zooms between some screens.
I like the contact detail screen and the simple option to SMS to any number. Very nice deign, but then it should be...they pay professional designers to do the work.
The switch to view the contact in the Windows app is almost INSTANT! so no worries for me about a lack of address.
Given some layout options and skins and maybe 6 months to develop, it could be excellent.
Does use a lot of RAM to run though and I miss the filter option at the moment. Like I say thgouh, time will tell which app comes out on top.
I'm very much looking forward to Tene's next release, due soon. If he's got any sense (and he has), some of the nice little touches may well find their way into PocketCM
Oh yes, if you want the Vito icons for your PocketCM theme, you know where to go ;-)

As some have noted, PocketCM is free. However, that should not stop you from supporting Quentin's (Tene's) hard work and donate *something* so that he CAN continue to support and refine it with your direct suggestions.
G.

Hey, I also tested this "funcontact".
Its not bad, and looks also nice, but the scrolling didnt work well on my prophet... PCM does...
I prefer PCM because it can handle my SMS and there are possibilities to customize.
The only thing better in funcontact is the callLog.
PS.: It looks really like PCM, but its not the orignial.
TENE U did a real goog job man, thanks

providence said:
haven't tried it, why pay when i can use your version free
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If yoo use a software and you like it show some apriciation with a donation..

Vito vs Palm Threaded SMS

Which one do you prefer? Or is better? Please state your reason
thanks!

For me, WM6.1 SMS threading wins this one. Unfortunately, not everyone can experience WM6.1 on their phones..
Reasons:
1. It's integrated/built-in the OS (not 3rd party).
2. You can click on the name of the sender and get options.
3. Automatic truncation of long threads (saves memory and avoids longer load times)
4. Flick and scroll support for TouchFLO devices.
CONS:
1. Simple GUI (but that could be a PRO too if you're minimalistic and wants everything simple and fast).

palm sms.. its quicker then 6.1 sms threading. its better. its better..and its better

my reason is native program for sms not memory usage.

I've only used palm and pocketcm but I honestly haven't liked either one, I don't like how pocketcm is integrated with the contacts, if it was just a standalone threaded sms then maybe I would like it more, expecially since it has themes and I didn't like the palm threaded for a couple small reasons, like even if the phone is on silent it still vibrates if the message is open, you have to scroll up after you went down to find someone to text, and a couple small reasons along those lines. But Im hoping to get 6.1 some day.

i believe there is a cab for wm6.1 sms ....along side of wm6.1 sms..does it work with the touch? since it has no keyboard...only touchscreen buttons...with palm sms...it blocks what you type..

contentryder said:
i believe there is a cab for wm6.1 sms ....along side of wm6.1 sms..does it work with the touch? since it has no keyboard...only touchscreen buttons...with palm sms...it blocks what you type..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been searching for one for weeks! If you can find one, please post it here. There was even a thread about it, but nobody had the cab.

here you will find one!!!!
http://iwindowsmobile.com/contact-manager.html

oddball1 said:
here you will find one!!!!
http://iwindowsmobile.com/contact-manager.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That one looks good, but like I said I want one where it is ONLY the threaded sms, no contacts or anything, and Yeah if there is a link to 6.1 threaded that would be awesome.

Why is it so hard for someone to extract the 6.1 threaded msg app?? I'll pay for it...someone just do it.

Charles: said:
Why is it so hard for someone to extract the 6.1 threaded msg app?? I'll pay for it...someone just do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't think it's that easy, if not there would be one by now.
Either wait or upgrade to custom firmware 6.1 if your handset have one.

Has anybody had any problems installing the palm threaded cab? I tried it today and whilst it seemed to install ok after installing I could not find the app anywhere to use.

ekin101 said:
Don't think it's that easy, if not there would be one by now.
Either wait or upgrade to custom firmware 6.1 if your handset have one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They extracted the Palm SMS from WM5/6. Can't see it being that much harder. Still, I don't think anyone's even tried. I've yet to hear someone give a reasonable excuse as to why it's not been done yet.

Charles: said:
Why is it so hard for someone to extract the 6.1 threaded msg app?? I'll pay for it...someone just do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I second that. I'd chip in like $5 or $10 to get it ripped. I just want integrated threaded SMS (not Palm SMS).

I'll try and find the files. I think that they are integrated into the shell though, so it might be difficult to install them as a cab.

palm messenger
i noticed key lag when usin the integrated threaded sms 6...maybe thats just my tytnii

bump please.

Charles: said:
They extracted the Palm SMS from WM5/6. Can't see it being that much harder. Still, I don't think anyone's even tried. I've yet to hear someone give a reasonable excuse as to why it's not been done yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never posted here because I respect the hard work that goes on, by a bunch of very talented people, enough to do as the description of this board suggests and not post because I am not a 'developer or die hard techie'....
But.....
That post dude! Bang out of order.... If its that easy then please feel free to come up with your own solution, then you can trot back here and post all you want. Please dont stamp your feet and demand results with stuff like "I've yet to hear a reasonable EXCUSE" and remember that most of these guys are doing this for pocket money at the most and totally free at the least.
If I've miss-interpreted what you've said and you are a developer then accept my apologies but I know which horse my money's on!

So how do you guys like the VITO SMS-Chat anyways? I have the 6.1 threaded SMS and I wanna see if the SMS-Chat will be better (or at least flashier)

[Request] S2S Maybe?

Greetings,
I am issuing this request (maybe to A_C) for a program code named Slide 2 Switch. It is essentially an AltTab program where it prioriztizes the programs youuse. So if you open File Explorer and then settings it gives file explorer 2 and settings 1. So if you slide your finger from left to right it shows priority 1. If you slide your finger from right to left it shows lowest priority. is it possible to build somehting this simple? I am not that good at coding but making some animation would make it cool to. Thanks.

since we are requesting for A_C great S2x programs, i would like a S2R, a reading threaded sms program =) i use sms-chat now but its slow to start =/
S2C contacts would be nice too
actually, if all my programs were S2x i would like even more my phone =D

evinh0 said:
since we are requesting for A_C great S2x programs, i would like a S2R, a reading threaded sms program =) i use sms-chat now but its slow to start =/
S2C contacts would be nice too
actually, if all my programs were S2x i would like even more my phone =D
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why not buy an iPhone ? No, just a joke, I really love A_Cs apps too. But think further: If everything looks like Apple / iPhone, whats the use of it ? Although it might be skinable it is just a copy of what Apple has achieved. In fact, there are lots of apps with lots of potential - but most coders don´t care any about usability or interface design. A_Cs apps are, amongst others, popular because of the UI. But please, just take a look at apps like PointUI: simply genius UI, and it does NOT look like iPhone !
regards,
Martin

Wow! This is literally like the 5th thread I've seen in the last month with "S2*" requests.
PM A_C!!!

Agreed, theres no need to make a thread for requesting stuff. Just Private message the guy!

Finger Friendly Win Mobile Messaging

Is there a finger friendly messaging application like the silverinbox on the Omnia, or can someone write one.
This would be very useful for win mobile 6.1 but it look like 6.5 messaging will not be updated, Silverinbox is absolutely brilliant but has some bugs.
Messaging seems to be the only application on Windows mobile that has not had a third party finger friendly application written for it.
Many thaks

I agree with you too. I have looked all over and can not find a good messaging finger freindly app. The best thong I've found is SmileySMS which makes '' into faces and also makes the messages into bubbles like an iphone.

Vito sms-chat is very smooth and fingerfriendly

The thing is I hate threaded SMS and it looks like SMS-Chat uses threaded SMS only.

I was going to post up this same question. Silverinbox is plain. VITO SMS-Chat looks too cheap. I want to see something like iContact for messages. Put the picture of the contact in the list also. Good topic.

how in the world can you hate threaded sms...i hate when im having multiple convos and have to go back to the inbox to see what the last person text me in order to reply...sms-chat is prolly my number one program...along with all the other vito tech stuff...you should def not knock it till you try it!

this isn't the place for questions
please refer to the Q&A section
thank you