Database Users

About buying Universal

Hello,
Im thinking about buying Universal, but i have some questions about it.
1.Where to buy it, i would like to get it in good shape/now, not some old cheese.
2.Has it any defects or easy brokening parts.? Warranty after buying via. internet is a pain.
3. I read somewere that there are some fake models avabile?
Is it real talk or some WomensInSaunaToldMe story?

Your best bet would either be eBay or the Marketplace. I think the latter is a better choice because you'll probably find it much cheaper with details.

Just looked, at the ebay.
I could get for 350$ from there.
Now i need some info abot the fake thing.
And one question more:
Is this mobile still sustainable (this may be wrong word ) or is there a hope for support in XDA nexr 2-3 years?
But yeah, Wallaby is much older

Do not hessitate on buying an Universal!
Is one of the best devices ever!!
Thanks to the Chefs and Devs here you´ll have Universal for a long time!
Have a look here to see another buy options
http://forum.xda-developers.com/search.php?searchid=25385196

jaank said:
Just looked, at the ebay.
I could get for 350$ from there.
Now i need some info abot the fake thing.
And one question more:
Is this mobile still sustainable (this may be wrong word ) or is there a hope for support in XDA nexr 2-3 years?
But yeah, Wallaby is much older
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haven't heard of this "fake" business you speak of but i'm pretty sure eBay is safe. I'm also sure you can get one for much cheaper than that.

kareem9nba said:
I'm also sure you can get one for much cheaper than that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cheaper than the Ebay?
Where?I think 350usd for that kinda High-End device is pretty cheap.
All im worried about is, that maybe it doesn't fit into my pants pockets, because im only 12 and my pocket's arent very big.
edit: Orb3000 could you please fix the link. I like'd to read it.

Enter here and do a search with the word "Universal"
You´ll see many options:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=476

price and size
jaank said:
Cheaper than the Ebay?
Where?I think 350usd for that kinda High-End device is pretty cheap.
All im worried about is, that maybe it doesn't fit into my pants pockets, because im only 12 and my pocket's arent very big.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi jaank.
On Ebay in the UK, Universals are selling for £100-£130. that is 1840-2390 Krooni (you live in Estonia, right?) You could probably get a better deal on this site in Marketplace.
If you are worried about the size for your pocket. A Uni is 130mm X 78mm X 23mm. Maximum. make up a cardboard one and try it out. that was what I did before I bought my Athena.
A Uni is pretty tough but so is school.(at least mine was) you need to be careful. You already have a Wizard so you know that. Best of luck. let us know how you get on.

Oh, cool answer
But, has Universal some weak spots?
Like the screen turning system or so?Im thinking about some other mobile, at the weekend.
Im in Middle schoool , so im pretty peaceful and im pretty peaceful at all, but im sportly active and so having second phone is pretty good idea I think.
And the point for buying Uni IS school.
Im a boy, so i sit at the back and our school has wifi.
And as you all know (I hope) is school pretty booring.
Thank you for the help, and sorry for my English.I started learning English in third grade and Im going to Six't grade so I'm not really experienced about english.
Thank you, and i love PayPal.
EDIT: Where did you see NEW uni for 2000eek. I talked to my parrents and it's have to be new
EDIT2:About future Is there some roms wiht the latest Manila as in the Touch Pro/Hd

SorryForDouble
Looking for the Cheapest NEW uni.
My old mobile battery is diening so needed fast.

Uni's can be bought cheap at the German eBay. Current prices are at about 100 Euro, I saw auctions finishing at 90 Euro. This is madness, for such a great device.
You need to search for "MDA PRO", as this is the name given by the German phone operator.
I actually own two of them, so that is a good sign on how much I like this phone!
Drawbacks: whilst driving, my phone holder does not allow the Universal to be placed such that the keyboard is accessible. This means, I can't type while driving (one shouldn't do that anyway). Also, Internet Explorer will render quite small fonts.
When I am driving, I do prefer the form factor of my VDA GPS (like a Motorola Q9).
Other than that, this phone is simply great.
No known issues.
You should consider:
- new battery
- screen protector
- proper car holder
Cheers,
vma

i got mine about a month ago. i got it off ebay germany, i paid 88eur for the universal g3, plus a 3200mah battery, a tomtom mkii sirf3 gps receiver and a docking station.
that was about the best 90eur i ever spent, although i didn't get a stylus, a case or a handsfree, which i thought, was standard accessories, the gps alone is priced at 75eur in germany

VMA:
- new battery- IDK, I'm scared about weight.
- screen protector- Shure
- proper car holder- Dont have a car so not needed.
If you buying MDA Pro than you can still flash it?
EDIT: Is MDA pro software in germany?

Hi,
With new battery I meant the fact that most MDA PRO's sold nowadays at eBay are over two years old, so you should not expect to much from the shipped battery. You certainly will need to purchase a new one soon to get a full day of heavy usage out of your device.
I agree that the extra capacity batteries increase the size and weight of the Universal beyond reasonable lilmits (for me at least), so I would stick with the normal sized batteries.
Basically I wanted to alert you that you should not spend *ALL* your money on the Universal - save some for an extra battery...
The German MDA PRO will in most cases come with a German falvour of WM5 and with a SIM lock.
You can, however, unlock the SIM by following the procedure of the Unlocker (search forum) and you can certainly flash a different ROM. I personally like Tomal's modified WM6.1 ROM's a lot.
The only remaining issues you will have with the German version of the Universal:
- MDA / T-Mobile logo on the inside, T-Mobile logo on the outside
- German keyboard: essentially you will have the "Y" and "Z" keys swapped - and no, you can't physically exchange the keys, because they have different size
I can live perfectly well with both issues and they don't affect the usability or the value of the device at all.
Cheers,
vma

Now it's about Ebay safety.
How to chose seller?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Brand-New-O2-XD...trkparms=65:12|66:2|39:1|72:1205|293:1|294:50
What do you think about that?

Check on marketplace first!
I saw yesterday a great Uni selling from a trustable member

There is always a risk involved in any internet related purchase...
At eBay you should look for:
- sellers with more than a minimu of 5 feedbacks
- sellers with 100% rating - in case of 99.x% rating, check what was the cause of the negative feedback (sometime's it is not the sellers fault)
- check what other products the seller has been selling
- pictures of the real device, not just standard marketing images
- ask the seller a question and see how long it takes him to respond - avoid sellers who dont respond
- avoid sellers accepting Western Union or similar payment forms
- don't relay totally on PayPAL - it is not that secure
- check shipping costs
- check taxes - specially in case of imports from other economic areas
If nothing is strange so far, nothing fishy, then you can take the risk.
Regarding the Marketplace here at XDA-DEVELOPERS: I have never purchased anything, but would do so from respected members. Check how long they are registered and how many postings they have. No crook would be wasting time with hundreds of posts over years just to sell you a broken Universal...
However, in case things go wrong and if you bought something from someone on the other side of the world, there is nothing much you can do.
That is the price you pay, for getting the device with a discount of aproximatly 50%.
Cheers,
vma

OK - sellers with more than a minimu of 5 feedbacks
OK - sellers with 100% rating - in case of 99.x% rating, check what was the cause of the negative feedback (sometime's it is not the sellers fault)
OK - check what other products the seller has been selling
OK - pictures of the real device, not just standard marketing images
OK - ask the seller a question and see how long it takes him to respond - avoid sellers who dont respond
OK - avoid sellers accepting Western Union or similar payment forms
OK - don't relay totally on PayPAL - it is not that secure
OK - check shipping costs
OK - check taxes - specially in case of imports from other economic areas
So look's pretty good.
I was just asking your opinion .What do you think about him.
Gonna order soon.

HTC Topaz (Touch Diamond 2) - real or fake?

Hi. I'm from Moscow, Russia and I've got a problem with my future (i hope) HTC Topaz.
After analyzing our(Russian) market I've came to a conclusion that there are at least 2 types of this device:
1. From Taiwan, certified, with guarantee, with Russian windows mobile - i.e. official one - 497.2$
2. From China, NOT certified, there are NO guarantee, English windows, the only document which comes with this device is a cash-memo and user manual - that's all (as salesman told me). price - 396$
100$ difference is a big money in my case. English Windows is not a problem, 'cause there are lots of info on howto change firmware. as for the guarantee - all the stuff i bought earlier (notebooks, cameras) are working just fine, I've never been at the service center before - so i hope i won't need one in future.
The question is: how to determine that the device I'm going to buy (before actually buying it; I'll have nearly 10-20 min) is a real one and not a fake like e.g. "HTS tauch brilliant2" or "Pear iFone 5g", that inside it's absolutely identical to the certified one, that the hardware is the same and I'll be able to change firmware. One of the problems is i won't be able to insert Sim and make a call, test WiFi and etc, 'cause the phone is probably locked. Is there any way, any program that allows to display a list of hardware inside this PDA on its screen or on the screen of notebook. Or maybe there is a list of serial numbers somewhere and i can compare them to the one i'll see under the battery? Maybe someone has bought it for extremely low price and really satisfied with it?
Any ideas and opinions are appreciated!
Thnx!
Best regards, Rudbur.

$396 is fake diamond 2 - it is easy to figure out - just turn it on and you'll see for yourself. real greyimport diamond 2 costs now $500, but it will has no manufacturer warranty anyway, don't get yourself tricked... if you want warranty - buy legally imported PCT device.

Oh, fellow countryman! Thanks for the answer!
You probably know (price.ru) what stores i mean. So, let's assume this: I'm ordering two different HTCs: one for 400$ and one for 500$. I turn them on (simultaneously), and what should i expect when testing the fake one?
If there's no difference at all - same buttons, same size, same menu and etc (except language: russian and english), should i buy cheapest?
oh, and i heard or read somewhere that china shops offer real topaz for 333$. Or am i wrong?

The Chinese "copies" aren't actually the same at all.
The names are similar/identical, and they try to mimmick the physical appearance of a genuine device, but the software and internals are all different. Usually there a obvious differences like a lower resolution camera, room for dual SIM cards etc.
I've never seen one myself, but I would imagine once you switch it on you'll get default Windows Mobile with no HTC add-ons. I doubt they have gone to the trouble of faking an entire HTC ROM as well - but I might be wrong.

Hi,
I can testify here, as I have been living in China for a while, and buying phones from the grey market for a while too.
a few things to know:
Real fake chinese stuff will not even have HTC written on it. MTC or something like that. The plastic looks cheap, and it wouldn't even have winmo on it. I saw a "Nolia N95" the other day with the Sony Ericsson interface on it!
Then, in china, you got an official one for real cheap, but the brand is Dopodo, and they don't have wifi built-in. It's the real stuff, but for chinese market only.
At last, the grey market stuff, like mine which I paid the equivalent of 400USD has, I believe "fallen from the truck" in HK... So it got the HK Rom in it, ot Taiwanese, not so certain, as it was in CHS, and they use CHT in those regions.
So, briefly, chinese fake will be very, very easy to spot Hope that helps!

Thanks to you all, guys. I hope the shop I'm going to buy from will allow me to test these devices and save few bucks. I emailed them earlier, asking about guarantee, prices and so on, but they haven't answered yet.
kipue, your opinion is especially important, because you lived there, you know what's what. So I'll draw attention to the labels on it, camera, functioning of wifi, windows mobile menus and all.
After actually buying it I'll post a reply here.
Best regards, Rudbur.

Looking for new original HTC T3232 (not clone)

So I'm set and ready to pick-up the t3232, however the more I look around the internet, the more I'm unsure who sells the original phone not a clone. I know to look for the Qualcomm processor and 192 MB RAM, yet I'm not sure if I trust some of these stores.
I would appreciate some links, either pm'd or listed in this thread.
Not sure if its permissible to show links here, but this is what I've found thus far. If it's not cool to post links, mods edit this post.
http://www.smggsm.com/HTC-Touch-3G-T3232-Unlocked-Quad-Band-Phone-Black-GPS.html
http://www.integrontech.com/HTC-Touch-3G-T3232-Unlocked-QuadBand-Touch-Screen-p/htc-touch-3g-b.htm
http://www.hookedontronics.com/show_product_details.jsp?cid=175214
http://www.atgsm.com/HTC_Touch_3G_T3232_Black_p/ph-htctouch3g.htm

aquaman12 said:
So I'm set and ready to pick-up the t3232, however the more I look around the internet, the more I'm unsure who sells the original phone not a clone. I know to look for the Qualcomm processor and 192 MB RAM, yet I'm not sure if I trust some of these stores.
I would appreciate some links, either pm'd or listed in this thread.
Not sure if its permissible to show links here, but this is what I've found thus far. If it's not cool to post links, mods edit this post.
http://www.smggsm.com/HTC-Touch-3G-T3232-Unlocked-Quad-Band-Phone-Black-GPS.html
http://www.integrontech.com/HTC-Touch-3G-T3232-Unlocked-QuadBand-Touch-Screen-p/htc-touch-3g-b.htm
http://www.hookedontronics.com/show_product_details.jsp?cid=175214
http://www.atgsm.com/HTC_Touch_3G_T3232_Black_p/ph-htctouch3g.htm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try going to an authorised dealer. Find out your nearest from htc website. Since the launch of Touch 2, the price of jade would have gone down. Offline shopping is much safer, especially if it's for electronic products.

I purchased mine from Ebay, but have to admit I was panicking a bit about clones!!!! Apart from the normal measures when buying stuff from ebay (100% feeback etc), I made sure the one i purchased was a branded orange phone. Yes, it'll be locked to orange, but for an extra 15 quid, you'll sort that out. Also, Make sure ALL accesories are included & the box is shown on the photo (not a stock photo) so you can see its an orange device. Mine only cost me £150 quid inc delivery.
Hope this helps.

tropical cactus said:
Try going to an authorised dealer. Find out your nearest from htc website. Since the launch of Touch 2, the price of jade would have gone down. Offline shopping is much safer, especially if it's for electronic products.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, there are no independent stores close to where I live. I only have the online option.
Any help to locate a new unlocked original/authentic T3232 Jade would be greatly appreciated.

I bought mine here about 1 1/2 months ago. I am happy with the transaction and mine is a genuine HTC.
http://www.selectgsm.com/htc-touch-3g-t3232-unlocked-phone-mobile-phone-pr-16825.html
I also used this coupon code for a $10 USD discount.
http://www.retailmenot.com/view/selectgsm.com

aquaman12 said:
So I'm set and ready to pick-up the t3232, however the more I look around the internet, the more I'm unsure who sells the original phone not a clone. I know to look for the Qualcomm processor and 192 MB RAM, yet I'm not sure if I trust some of these stores.
I would appreciate some links, either pm'd or listed in this thread.
Not sure if its permissible to show links here, but this is what I've found thus far. If it's not cool to post links, mods edit this post.
http://www.smggsm.com/HTC-Touch-3G-T3232-Unlocked-Quad-Band-Phone-Black-GPS.html
http://www.integrontech.com/HTC-Touch-3G-T3232-Unlocked-QuadBand-Touch-Screen-p/htc-touch-3g-b.htm
http://www.hookedontronics.com/show_product_details.jsp?cid=175214
http://www.atgsm.com/HTC_Touch_3G_T3232_Black_p/ph-htctouch3g.htm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi , If you still did not get one. I highly recomend to buy from CEX.co.uk
You may have some stores in your local shoping centre, they have grades on phones so find A grade, it means as new with packiging and everything incl. I have my one from there + 12 mnths warranty and you can be sure they dont have clones as those phones coming from Orange (people selling them as unwanted upgrade from Orange). If u get orange one u need to unlock it or just simply use it on Orange. If u need more info: [email protected]

[SELL] HTC Wildfire (EU-Germany) LOOK!

Hello everybody,
I'm selling my HTC Wildfire, which I bought from big well known online warehouse, because I really can't stand that I can't root it and I really can't stand gooogle anymore to be honest.
The phone is only about 2 months old, has only a little scratch on the camera which can only be seen when looking closely on it.
The phone is from a French seller, on a big well known online warehouse, it has these Languages:
-German
-English
-French
It runs on Android 2.2.1 with the latest H-BOOT, which is unrootable atm.
Yes, this phone is S-ON, Yes it's unrooted, No, you can't root it without S-OFF'ing it first. Simply don't ask if I can do it, because I can't.
You get all the normal equippment (2GB SD-Card, Earphones (unused), Manuals, Battery, Phone, Backpart of the Phone) which was shipped with it, no extras, the phone itself and of course the bill.
I guess we do the deal over an well known auctionsite so nobody can say that he was scammed.
Price: 200 Euro + Shipping otherwise I'm willing to trade this Phone in for a Sony Ericsson Vivaz, which has no or very less damages on the out/inside, which also works in Germany it should have German language too otherwise I would also accept a Sony Ericsson W995 with the same quality as described above.
contact: via email (htcwildfiresell @ huuushmail.com [DOT] com) (just write it with one u instand of 3)
Yours truly

You would have a better chance of selling it by posting in the Marketplace Forum. Just letting you know.

Hello,
thanks, you are obviously right, haven't seen it
//EDIT: Could a nic emoderator please move it to the marketplace, I would be very grateful!

[Q] Shall I buy this one, someone PLEASE advice

Hello guys and SENIORS, I am planning to buy a HTC HD2, but there are allot of things & models are available on ebay, can someone please have a look at this one and recommend if it is a good device/deal, as it's seems like they are giving away a Huge amount of EXTRAS.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250850009928&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT
Thanks in advance
Kind regards
Sid

sidd said:
Hello guys and SENIORS, I am planning to buy a HTC HD2, but there are allot of things & models are available on ebay, can someone please have a look at this one and recommend if it is a good device/deal, as it's seems like they are giving away a Huge amount of EXTRAS.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250850009928&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT
Thanks in advance
Kind regards
Sid
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sure looks...enticing !!go ahead...

buyers feedback looks ok but I would email & ask reason for selling & confirm that the phone is 100% genuine, purchased by him new, 100% working & has it ever had repair work.
Failure to clarify these points could leave you with a £260 headache ...
Due to some HD2s suffering from some problems & dismantling being more technially challanging a lot of problems handsets are out there so buyer must be smart ...

backlashsid said:
sure looks...enticing !!go ahead...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks backlashsid
Mister B said:
buyers feedback looks ok but I would email & ask reason for selling & confirm that the phone is 100% genuine, purchased by him new, 100% working & has it ever had repair work.
Failure to clarify these points could leave you with a £260 headache ...
Due to some HD2s suffering from some problems & dismantling being more technially challanging a lot of problems handsets are out there so buyer must be smart ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the good advice Mister B, I will surely ask these questions.
Thanks again for your help.

I think that its to expensive, all the extras are not worht 50 quid imho.
I'd look to a differnt one
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/HTC-HD2-T8585...17446?pt=UK_Mobile_Phones&hash=item415b81f3c6
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/UNLOCKED-HTC-...86165?pt=UK_Mobile_Phones&hash=item336943d8b5
there are other, don't forget the questions Good luck

johnerz said:
I think that its to expensive, all the extras are not worht 50 quid imho.
I'd look to a differnt one
there are other, don't forget the questions Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Johnerz for the advice, but on what basis you are saying that the accessories he/she is offering don't even worth £50, I have searched a bit for just 3 items and they are costing EXACTLY £83.29, as follows:
1. TomTom West EU map £44.95
2. Battery £19.99 (http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/htc-hd2-ba-s400-battery-1230-mah-p21962.htm)
3. Cradle / charger £18.35 (http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/htc-hd2-dual-charging-cradle-p22978.htm)
I haven't even searched for Leather pouches yet.
Thanks anyway for your advice
Kind regards
Sid

Personally I would recommend the T-Mob US model as the 1GB memory makes it a far more usable device compared to EU 512MB ...
Buy the best you possibly can, close to new as possible & with no dubious issues or fuzzy replies to questions.

Mister B said:
buyers feedback looks ok but I would email & ask reason for selling & confirm that the phone is 100% genuine, purchased by him new, 100% working & has it ever had repair work.
Failure to clarify these points could leave you with a £260 headache ...
Due to some HD2s suffering from some problems & dismantling being more technially challanging a lot of problems handsets are out there so buyer must be smart ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the advice Mister B, seller replied as follows:
Hi This phone is an original HTC HD2 not any third party/un-known China make, phone is factory sealed never been opened or repaired, only 4 month old (by the time of putting on sale here)(Bought on Ebay sealed). Selling it because got a new HTC Sensation on upgrade, Return is accepted but obviously I will note IMEI & all the device's information through the ParcelForce service before sending to secure my self as well as buyer, look at my 100% feedback, I am not here to scam anyone, never did.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

sidd said:
Thanks for the advice Mister B, seller replied as follows:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mmm checked his buying history, no history of buying an HD2 but he has recently just purchased an HD2 box !
Seller also buys quite a few HTC devices, on 5th of July purchased Desire HD ...
Personally I would not buy it.
My rules on buying phones via eBay are never to buy items previously purchased via eBay & item history with any dubious credibility, For starters your getting device in non original box & what else in non original & questionable !
Second issue is price, £260 is a lot for a questionable 4 month+ device.
I would recommend looking at a T-Mob HD2 as some good bargains & brand new devices are available.

I say buy a new one with a warranty. I bought an HD2 from ebay and I'm regretting it now. You NEVER know what phone you're really getting.
HD2 is cheap enough now to buy on amazon. You'll want to thank me if and when you need it repaired, and can do it under warranty