Database Users

Stay FAR away from Vibrant/Captivate or any other Galaxy S variant

For those thinking about getting the Vibrant/Captivate or pretty much any variant of the Galaxy S DO NOT.
I contacted them via FB and this is the only answer they sent me
"We are working on it. We're sorry about this issue. Please be patient as we know how important this is. Thanks for reaching out!"
I have just received and activated my phone with dum, dum, dum... AT&T and this phone has nothing but GPS issues while I have to admit everything else works fine and is definitely fast.
There is absolutely no way of it accurately doing a turn by turn Navigation with Google Maps.
Ive even resorted to doing a supposed fix and nothing if anything it made the major problem worse.
Same has been reported with the T-Mobile version of the phone.
I highly regret leaving T-Mobile now because the reception was a lot better with them as well.
No wonder tons of people bad mouth AT&T, LOL.
Proof below, stick to the other manufacturers guys... Samsung is testing the waters and these phones should have NEVER been released prior to having it 100% functional.
---->> http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/17/samsung-galaxy-s-gps-gate-two-problems-not-one-and-what-to-do/5#comments

legend221 said:
For those thinking about getting the Vibrant/Captivate or pretty much any variant of the Galaxy S DO NOT.
I contacted them via FB and this is the only answer they sent me
"We are working on it. We're sorry about this issue. Please be patient as we know how important this is. Thanks for reaching out!"
I have just received and activated my phone with dum, dum, dum... AT&T and this phone has nothing but GPS issues while I have to admit everything else works fine and is definitely fast.
There is absolutely no way of it accurately doing a turn by turn Navigation with Google Maps.
Ive even resorted to doing a supposed fix and nothing if anything it made the major problem worse.
Same has been reported with the T-Mobile version of the phone.
I highly regret leaving T-Mobile now because the reception was a lot better with them as well.
No wonder tons of people bad mouth AT&T, LOL.
Proof below, stick to the other manufacturers guys... Samsung is testing the waters and these phones should have NEVER been released prior to having it 100% functional.
---->> http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/17/samsung-galaxy-s-gps-gate-two-problems-not-one-and-what-to-do/5#comments
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why didnt you wait for g2?

Hey OP!
Have you EVER tried the Vibrant or Captivate? I have the Vibrant and I have had no problems with the GPS. I use the turn by turn directions daily!
You need to know what you are talking about! Yes, there is a documented problem, but that doesn't mean that the GPS is unusable, and NO I haven't applied the GPS fix.

Ace42 said:
Why didnt you wait for g2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ive bought Samsung phone before and I haven't ran into any major issues like this.
The G2 would definitely be a better option.
Thinking Im going to jump to the Sony X10, I hear that they are going to have the CyanogenMod on it pretty soon.

rwbarnes67 said:
Hey OP!
Have you EVER tried the Vibrant or Captivate? I have the Vibrant and I have had no problems with the GPS. I use the turn by turn directions daily!
You need to know what you are talking about! Yes, there is a documented problem, but that doesn't mean that the GPS is unusable, and NO I haven't applied the GPS fix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're trying to come at me like everyone is going to have a working unit Barnes.
Just because YOU got lucky doesn't mean anyone else that buys it will.
There is already a "fix" in the works for units that have faulty GPS but whether it works or if its actually able to fix the issue is another story.
Read this and please don't post again if YOU don't know what you are talking about.

rwbarnes67 said:
Hey OP!
Have you EVER tried the Vibrant or Captivate? I have the Vibrant and I have had no problems with the GPS. I use the turn by turn directions daily!
You need to know what you are talking about! Yes, there is a documented problem, but that doesn't mean that the GPS is unusable, and NO I haven't applied the GPS fix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe you are also confused, bring up an address and press the option that says navigation.
See that big blue area around your position THAT is not true GPS and it is only guessing where you are from cell towers.
Like others have said it will not accurately tell you where you are, you can not trust the voice directions at all.
That is faulty and yes Samsung, AT&T, T-Mobile and any other service provider should not be selling these units until it is fixed.

legend221 said:
Maybe you are also confused, bring up an address and press the option that says navigation.
See that big blue area around your position THAT is not true GPS and it is only guessing where you are from cell towers.
Like others have said it will not accurately tell you where you are, you can not trust the voice directions at all.
That is faulty and yes Samsung, AT&T, T-Mobile and any other service provider should not be selling these units until it is fixed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That Little blue arrow that tells me EXACTLY where I am on the map as I'm zooming down the freeway and accurately tells me every exit as I'm passing them? I know what I am talking about! And the turn by turn instructions work for me and it re-routes when I miss a street.
OK!!!! You all! You know EVERYTHING and I know NOTHING!
That is all! Sorry for putting in my 2 cents!
By the way, I've been on Android since the G1 in November of 2008. Rooted with the first Jesus Freke roms thru Haykuru and Dudes roms to Cyan and have been doing the same with my Vibrant.
But OK. You guys are THE EXPERTS.
And by the way, you guys never stated whether or not you own a Vibrant.

Deleted!
I have nothing to say!

rwbarnes67 said:
By the way, I've been on Android since the G1 in November of 2008. Rooted with the first Jesus Freke roms thru Haykuru and Dudes roms to Cyan and have been doing the same with my Vibrant.
But OK. You guys are THE EXPERTS.
And by the way, you guys never stated whether or not you own a Vibrant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I only own G1 & Mytouch Slide, not interested in the Vibrant like my KB's.

buy whatever you want
ive gone thru so many phones since 09, from the g1(when it first came out), hd2, n900, x10 and finally the vibrant. the hd2, n900 and x10 in a matter of 4 months. didnt like windows mobile from being used to android. n900 wasnt what i expected it to be. loved the x10 but only running 1.6. i didnt root it because I eventually bought the vibrant.
only issues i had were facebook syncing and contacts being tripled and gps in searching for a location while in house, but GPS worked FINE when I was on the road. wish i had a car dock for it at the time but will eventually get one.
OP, if you knew of these reasons, such as lag or because of the gps not working properly, then why did you buy it in the first place? i dont think barnes was getting at you, but damn dude, someone's sensitive. no one told you to buy it despite some of the imperfections the phone has. its like people saying sony shouldnt have released the x10 with 1.6 but rather have froyo but they still buy it. and if your response is to root it to get 2.1 or 2.2, i dont think the avg. customer for phones would have any idea of what you are talking about.
you cant please everyone on here. alot of people on xda either want to be a mod or just bump stupid posts because they didnt get an answer within 3 hours.

Returned my Samsung Captivate and is officially back to the HTC Dream/G1 until further notice.
Feeling better already, I can always get that phone when and if the GPS issue is worked out.
That was pretty much the only flaw it has at least on the phone I returned.

steveruv said:
ive gone thru so many phones since 09, from the g1(when it first came out), hd2, n900, x10 and finally the vibrant. the hd2, n900 and x10 in a matter of 4 months. didnt like windows mobile from being used to android. n900 wasnt what i expected it to be. loved the x10 but only running 1.6. i didnt root it because I eventually bought the vibrant.
only issues i had were facebook syncing and contacts being tripled and gps in searching for a location while in house, but GPS worked FINE when I was on the road. wish i had a car dock for it at the time but will eventually get one.
OP, if you knew of these reasons, such as lag or because of the gps not working properly, then why did you buy it in the first place? i dont think barnes was getting at you, but damn dude, someone's sensitive. no one told you to buy it despite some of the imperfections the phone has. its like people saying sony shouldnt have released the x10 with 1.6 but rather have froyo but they still buy it. and if your response is to root it to get 2.1 or 2.2, i dont think the avg. customer for phones would have any idea of what you are talking about.
you cant please everyone on here. alot of people on xda either want to be a mod or just bump stupid posts because they didnt get an answer within 3 hours.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In that respect I did mess up.
Was expecting the Captivate to rock my socks off but all it did was make me mad due to the GPS issue.
I didn't know of these problems until after my phone arrived.
Its stupid for Samsung to not get those fixes out asap as that is their flagship phone.
I heard the X10 is very close to getting Cyanogen on there.. definitely a major advantage there vs. the Samsung development that's going on

if cyanogen is working on the x10, then the x10 will have alot of potential.
did you switch back to tmobile since you're back to using the g1?
btw, how often were you using the gps on the road? give the vibrant a chance, im sure the kinks will be worked out.

steveruv said:
if cyanogen is working on the x10, then the x10 will have alot of potential.
did you switch back to tmobile since you're back to using the g1?
btw, how often were you using the gps on the road? give the vibrant a chance, im sure the kinks will be worked out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The X10 does seem like a better choice for now mainly in part to the CyanogenMod potential.
Im still on AT&T, Ive closed my account with T-Mobile.
I was using the gps on a regular basis thats why it had to be refunded as a replacement was more than likely to have the same issue.
Samsung has always had a bad track record with updating thier phones and I didnt want to be stuck waiting for an update that may take too long to be relevant.

I've just gotta jump in with my $.02 right quick here...
Not trying to piss anyone off, but damn you all cry too much! IT's A PHONE!
And on top of all that, it has an Operating System on it! So essentially, it's a COMPUTER! And what do computers have????? ISSUES!
So, quit *****ing. Flagship phone or not...It's going to have issues. It's a new device. Duh. haha
Basically, when it comes down to it, if a device were PERFECT in every standard, then EVERYONE would have one. And sense there is no such thing as PERFECT, good luck.

tribalartgod said:
I've just gotta jump in with my $.02 right quick here...
Not trying to piss anyone off, but damn you all cry too much! IT's A PHONE!
And on top of all that, it has an Operating System on it! So essentially, it's a COMPUTER! And what do computers have????? ISSUES!
So, quit *****ing. Flagship phone or not...It's going to have issues. It's a new device. Duh. haha
Basically, when it comes down to it, if a device were PERFECT in every standard, then EVERYONE would have one. And sense there is no such thing as PERFECT, good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah its a phone that should work my G1, HTC Shadow all work with gps and they are old phones compared to the Samsung Galaxy S.
If you prefer not to hear my advisement to everyone about this phone, DONT CLICK ON THE THREAD!

legend, so you're using the g1 on at&t's network?
the captivate is using bing, correct? there's no google maps on there? maybe that was the problem.
i guess im fortunate to have my gps on point when i'm driving, but once i eventually root, etc, then maybe the gps will lock in almost my exact point, and not off 1 or 2 blocks.

steveruv said:
legend, so you're using the g1 on at&t's network?
the captivate is using bing, correct? there's no google maps on there? maybe that was the problem.
i guess im fortunate to have my gps on point when i'm driving, but once i eventually root, etc, then maybe the gps will lock in almost my exact point, and not off 1 or 2 blocks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T network, Yes I am.
The captivate is using Google Maps but has the option in using AT&T's version of it and they both were not working.
I tested how many GPS satellites it picked up through the LBSTestMode menu and it got me no where even if there were 1 or 7 available.
Once rooted it was the same story unfortunately even with all these workarounds on xda and other sites.

Further proof that the Samsung GPS issues continue....
See Samsung Facinate review released for Verizon on SEP 9, 2010 here ------->> http://www.phonearena.com/htmls/Samsung-Fascinate-Review-review-r_2529-p_4.html

[Q] Can someone tell me I'm not alone?

Haha I see so many people complaining about bricked vibrants, apps not working, .zip files not working right, market issues, bad battery life and screwy bugs...
Am i a lucky guy who just got one of the "few" working vibrants??
I got my vibrant on release day from a preorder at radioshack...
It was not hardware locked and came with the original firmware.
Im currently running bionix 1.9.1 with the kk oc/uv kernel, launcher pro plus and have 76 user apps installed and this rom still keeps up. 2g is kept on until i need to use 3g. (2g 12 hours, 3g on the rest)
I previously installed oclf on all roms but this rom you dont need one, even with the cpu running at 200 MHz and 1000 MHz.
I have a livewallpaper running, no led notifer on for my sms, beautiful widgets, weatherbug and youtube all on 2 hour update and my battery lasts from 7am off the charger until 10 pm when im home with about 35% remaining with brightness on the lowest setting.
My gps works on spot , unfortunately not in my basement where my room is located. Wifi and bluetooth also work perfect.
Ive softbricked once when flashing a cappy .zip and just got into recovery and performed a nandroid
So whats up how many of you guys have a awesome, powerful vibrant like me?

I guess I am also one of the lucky ones
Mine always worked fine. Not hardware locked. GPS always worked too. The only problems I've had with it have been inflicted by the user (i.e. ME)
I think most Vibrants sold are working properly. I think the representation of folks who come to this forum in search of ways to "fix" their phones is disproportionate.

your not alone
I have had no problem with my phone I have flashed it with 3 different roms and it has been awesome. The only thing I have noticed is the gps does not tell me when I have a satellite lock but is is always accurate to 10-15 meters

My Vibrant is working like how I wanted it, the only issue is definitely GPS. Although, spotty, it at least work at the moment. I just wish it is more accurate so when my phone gets stolen, I have a fighting chance to get it back (via one of the many great anti-thief programs).

mine runs great

I guess you can consider me a lucky one as well.
I got mine on a release day back in July, and aside GPS issues at the beginning I had no complaints. Running Fusion Bionix ROM, and couldn't be happier.
I will def skip the Foryo OTA even if it comes before a working Froyo ROM is available from the brilliant devs on here.

At my work there are 5 of use with Vibrants and they all run fine. Honestly people who have issues are typically going to be more vocal than people who have no issues. So it seems like there are rampant issues with the Vibrant when in fact its only a minority of people having issues.

i ordered mine the day it came out (couldn't preorder cause on an employee account). gps wasn't that great, but worked most the time. rooted it and got rid of bloatware, still just unreliability of gps. started changing things like startup/shutdown animations, ji2 gps, and stuff, no problems. started flashing roms and am on bionix 1.9.1 oc, no problems.

My box date is 7/11/2010. Mine has been rock solid and not hardware locked. Love this phone. Fast, sexy, and unbrickable. The only problems I've had were caused by my own shenanigans.

Running a custom ROM should exclude you from voting. If you have to re-engineer a device to get what you paid for, you aren't getting what you paid for....
-bZj

Mine had the hardware lock and GPS issues, but both are fixed now. I've been lucky in that everything else I've thrown at it works fine. Overclocking is fine, voodoo is fine. The thing is smooth as butter and battery life is pretty damn good now.

Remember people happy with their phones don't usually post.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk

I don't know what the hell happened to my phone after the update. I don't even know what to say

SpacelySprokets said:
I don't know what the hell happened to my phone after the update. I don't even know what to say
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then don't say anything?
I like being a smartass.

Most people won't post to say hey my vibrant is working great! Rather they would post when they encounter a problem and need help quick. I haven't had any problems that I couldn't easily fix by myself l.
Sent from my SGH-T959

My vibrant worked great, untill the last update. Now I get lag sometimes real bad.
I was real happy. Now I'm looking for roms.

down8 said:
Running a custom ROM should exclude you from voting. If you have to re-engineer a device to get what you paid for, you aren't getting what you paid for....
-bZj
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No i don't think so , ive had android phones in the past and since the vibrant was gonna be a large seller for tmobile i expected a large development community like we are seeing and expected roms. So i bought the phone intentionally to mod it but thanks!

Also since most people on XDA have rooted their phone, you can expect they will have more problems than the average consumer. It's one of the downsides of modding. I don't think stock phones have been soft bricking only modded ones.

down8 said:
Running a custom ROM should exclude you from voting. If you have to re-engineer a device to get what you paid for, you aren't getting what you paid for....
-bZj
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? I paid a premium for a device I could customize to my liking (cough-cough iPhone anyone???), well if it weren't for the dev section here I would've been very upset with the outcome.

CitrixLemon said:
Also since most people on XDA have rooted their phone, you can expect they will have more problems than the average consumer. It's one of the downsides of modding. I don't think stock phones have been soft bricking only modded ones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read the numerous posts here about JI6 OTA update from the users that just received their phone, some of them were sad pandas when they had to stare at the Vibrant screen after they click update button.
If you read enough, and comfortable enough to mod your phone soft bricking it should the least of your concern

Initial Reaction to Froyo

Hey guys, I just wanted to post a rather positive thread for a change. I know it's been a long time coming and there have been a lot of hurdles along the way, but finally we've made it.
And from my point of view, it's goood.
Seriously, nearly all lag has completely disappeared, all applications open and close super fast, and everything just works as it should. NOTE: I haven't tried out GPS yet, but since I don't use GPS, I don't care whether it works or not. So I am a very satisfied customer and can say it was completely worth the wait. Well done Samsung! Now after all this positivity and good will I'm sure the rest of you will find ample reasons not to be satisfied, please have your say and let us know what you think of the new update.
Cheers!!!

The froyo I got from kies is ok (althought it came without market, which had to be installed manually). It was still a bit laggy tho, but much better than eclair.
Unfortunately I can't get the new update because kies states 100% battery is not enough for a firmware update...

Enarca said:
Hey guys, I just wanted to post a rather positive thread for a change. I know it's been a long time coming and there have been a lot of hurdles along the way, but finally we've made it.
And from my point of view, it's goood.
Seriously, nearly all lag has completely disappeared, all applications open and close super fast, and everything just works as it should. NOTE: I haven't tried out GPS yet, but since I don't use GPS, I don't care whether it works or not. So I am a very satisfied customer and can say it was completely worth the wait. Well done Samsung! Now after all this positivity and good will I'm sure the rest of you will find ample reasons not to be satisfied, please have your say and let us know what you think of the new update.
Cheers!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the lag hasnt gone, its still there wat u talkin about

Any news on the GPS?

Soo what lag fix should I use?

is the klag gone or not?

Chad_Petree said:
is the klag gone or not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definite improvement in the lag. Almost no lag at all. I have the JPO firmware.

GPS still sucks.

Fatherboard said:
GPS still sucks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed.
10char...

Fatherboard said:
GPS still sucks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Disagree, gps works well as usual on mine.

If yours worked before the upgrade, then it's quite obvious it will act the same once upgraded...
Lucky you!

i dont care that much about the gps, but is the lag still there?

Absolutely...

The lags are still there
is there a fix right now availabal?

Samsung are working on it... behold.

please stop asking GPS. as I've done my research, no method to fix a crappy GPS, there's not gps fix thing in new released froyo. If you got a working GPS, it will always work, if your gps is not working, stop dreaming of getting it fixed by software update. either keep asking the retailer to replace it until you get a working one or, get an external gps instead. alternatively you can choose to return the phone and get a different one.
I'm gonna proceed the final one, return it and get a desire HD, if I'm lucky enough.

Fatherboard said:
Absolutely...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
samsung always dissapointing maybe in gingerbread? we better get used to the lag fixes

ehe12 said:
please stop asking GPS. as I've done my research, no method to fix a crappy GPS, there's not gps fix thing in new released froyo. If you got a working GPS, it will always work, if your gps is not working, stop dreaming of getting it fixed by software update. either keep asking the retailer to replace it until you get a working one or, get an external gps instead. alternatively you can choose to return the phone and get a different one.
I'm gonna proceed the final one, return it and get a desire HD, if I'm lucky enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except the retailer refused to replace it although I reported the problem and canceled the contract within 7 days. I still had to pay penalty to change the plan from SGS to iPhone 4. I know I can initiate legal action but it simply isn't worth the effort.

ehe12 said:
please stop asking GPS. as I've done my research, no method to fix a crappy GPS, there's not gps fix thing in new released froyo. If you got a working GPS, it will always work, if your gps is not working, stop dreaming of getting it fixed by software update. either keep asking the retailer to replace it until you get a working one or, get an external gps instead. alternatively you can choose to return the phone and get a different one.
I'm gonna proceed the final one, return it and get a desire HD, if I'm lucky enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Clearly, you haven't got the froyo yet.
GPS indeed improved alot.
I mean a lot.
It take less than 6 seconds get a lock in now, which i consider more than good enough for a phone.

[email protected] said:
It take less than 6 seconds get a lock in now, which i consider more than good enough for a phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
when will people learn that lock time is completely meaningless when ACCURACY is the main problem with the gps?

My 1st gen Vibrant, advice

Hello,
I really love the screen on this phone, the hardware capabilities (720p rec, etc.) and although newer and better processors in phones are coming out I like this 1 enough to hold me over for a long time.
so here is my issue:
I purchased my vibrant about 2 weeks after came out, and the biggest problem I faced initially was the problem with the gps. At this point I have not even use gps is the first month I bought it, instead I just use google maps in follow the directions it gives me.
Since that time, I have rooted my phone. I was really happy to get the first update that was rolled out, even though it was rooted. I have heard of all the difference solutions to fix the gps but is it really worth the effort to practically void my warranty even further than rooting it by opening it up and trying to solder whatever antenna is in there.
Now I know my phone is covered under samsung warranty. I should also mention the other big problem I have with it is the battery life. If I can fix these 2 issues I would love the phone forever.
here's my question:
is it feasible and worth the effort to get my phone returned back to samsung so that the battery and gps are of the newest generation?
does anyone have experience doing this and how willing is samsung to work with me?
Finally if I do end up getting a replacement then I know I will have to un root my phone before I send it to samsung. I'm not stupid but I just haven't flashed any roms before. if I did get my phone back to stock settings, then would I lose all of the applications and I paid for and all the customization I have done to the phone (contacts, accounts, data)?
also just curious but I haven't received the 2.2 over the air update yet am I even going to get it since my phone is rooted? I figure I may as well try 2.2 before I actually send in the phone.
I know these are a lot of questions but I really like this phone and I want to get it to work.
thank you and I appreciate any suggestions or advice for me.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

New and old Vibrants alike have GPS problem.
I don't have an answer to all your questions, but what I can tell you is that you should not wait for your phone to update to 2.2 because it is an over-the-air update.
Follow these instructions if you want to update your phone:
http://forums.t-mobile.com/t5/Samsu...-upgrade-to-Android-2-2-Froyo-now/td-p/678871

As far as I've heard the newer ones after 10/10 don't seem to have the same problem. It may be worth it to take it to the store and show them how bad the GPS is. They may exchange it for you. I'd unroot and go back to stock first.
That won't address the battery issue, but that's generic to most of these newer phones. You can do tweaks to get more life out of them, but that seems to be about it.

if I unroot and go back to stock is it going to erase my applications and contacts, and settings?
I bought it online so I would have to send it back to letstalk.com, I'll have to check out the return policy.
thanks for the replies.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

You will not lose your paid apps, they are tied to your google account. Use titanium backup before you unroot your phone to backup all your data, including app data. When you get your new phone, you will have to reroot and then you can restore everything from titanium.
You can try to get a warrantly replacement from Samsung rather than using letstalk, I think it's a pain to exchange with them, but I'm not sure.

As said above, Titanium backup will handle it. I have my phone from someone on this board, so I had to go directly with Samsung. Once I could get the tech support person to understand the phone just didn't work it was easier. Don't know how that would go with the GPS. Mine was for the phone not working as a phone, ie, no connection to the network.

zharptitza said:
As far as I've heard the newer ones after 10/10 don't seem to have the same problem. It may be worth it to take it to the store and show them how bad the GPS is. They may exchange it for you. I'd unroot and go back to stock first.
That won't address the battery issue, but that's generic to most of these newer phones. You can do tweaks to get more life out of them, but that seems to be about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I find that to be incorrect. My Vibrant has a 11.01 (2011 January) build date on it and the gps is horrible. I've tried every rom, but I do notice the gps being a little more better with certain roms.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

Here is my story:
I phone up t-mobile and say my GPS doesn't work. They made me go through a four day dance trying stuff, but if it doesn't work, it doesn't work.
They then replaced it with a brand new phone.
And they charged me $10 shipping & handling for the new phone.
Before the phone never could reliably get and hold on to a GPS lock; afterwards it locks in seconds and never drops.

Hmm, threads I had seen were saying it was better. I have an older one that I just fixed myself. I was hoping they'd gotten their act together and fixed their antenna construction. Its such a simple thing to fix, you'd think they'd do it at the plant.

False
zharptitza said:
As far as I've heard the newer ones after 10/10 don't seem to have the same problem. It may be worth it to take it to the store and show them how bad the GPS is. They may exchange it for you. I'd unroot and go back to stock first.
That won't address the battery issue, but that's generic to most of these newer phones. You can do tweaks to get more life out of them, but that seems to be about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
False, I've personally used Vibrants made after 10/10 and the GPS is no better than ones produced earlier.
There is no change in hardware, and it has never been proven that a hardware revision on the GPS was made on phones manufactured after 10/10. Just speculation and rumor.

SamsungVibrant said:
False, I've personally used Vibrants made after 10/10 and the GPS is no better than ones produced earlier.
There is no change in hardware, and it has never been proven that a hardware revision on the GPS was made on phones manufactured after 10/10. Just speculation and rumor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I think I've got to agree on this one.
In the gps case, I really think it is really a hit or miss issue. My gps works pretty decently but my hubby's doesn't work at all. Even when we were both stock, I could lock on some birds but his was never able to. On top of that, when I flashed Nero onto my phone, my gps got even better. Granted, I don't think it would ever see a thing if it was working on standalone; but with wireless networks on, this thing would (and has) pinpoint(ed) me on a moving train accurately.
Aside from firmwares (now), the only difference between them was the build dates: his - 07/10, mine - 09/10.

Possible new GPS fix

Ok I hope I dont get flamed for this but it worked for me maybe it will for others. I just got my GPS working after getting off the phone with Tmobile support. I had it working on eclair and it stopped after froyo. I kind of hinted to them as to what I needed done and they did it! Now I know exactly what to ask for if this ever happens again. BTW Tmobile is the best hope we dont lose them to ATT.
Ok so whoever performed the gps script that is out there, the gps restore app or anything else on pretty much any rom and didnt get it to work can try calling Tmobile and asking them to restart your network connection. You will have to use a phone other than the vibrant. They will ask you to do a battery pull while the phone is on, they will do something on their end then ask you to turn your phone back on. When it turns back on the GPS should work, It did for me. If it doesnt work please dont flame me, it was worth a shot. If it helped then your welcome!

Thanks, any info for better performance is welcomed in my book!
ROM: Trigger v2.8.2
Kernel: Overstock v2.2
GPS: S.gps2
Modem: Stock KA7
Launcher: Launcher Pro Plus v0.8.3 w/ Clear LP Widget Mod
MODS: Horizontal Accurate Battery for Trigger v1.0
Theme: Solid Black
Quad Score: 2040
GPS Accuracy: 15-20 Feet
Battery Life: 27 Hours

There are great fixes out there for GPS adding this is just another worth a shot.

oka1 said:
There are great fixes out there for GPS adding this is just another worth a shot.
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The reason I thought to share this was because like many people on many threads I noticed that the fixed didnt work and many dont want to open their phones and perform the hardware fix. But with this simple method maybe I can save a few people from prying open their phones and causing havoc. But it worked for me, now I get good gps reception, enough to use to get places with.

I've had great success with bionix v and the gingerbread gps fix. Stock bionix v will have gps loosing signal every few minutes. With the gingerbread gps fix, there are less locked birds but they have much higher snr and I don't loose signal. Using waze now with those mods I don't jump around the map like I did with stock bionix v

On this rom im running, i get a lock in less than a second and a stunning accuracy.
Sent from my JPJPM V2 powered SGH-T959 using XDA App

aamir123 said:
The reason I thought to share this was because like many people on many threads I noticed that the fixed didnt work and many dont want to open their phones and perform the hardware fix. But with this simple method maybe I can save a few people from prying open their phones and causing havoc. But it worked for me, now I get good gps reception, enough to use to get places with.
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Click to collapse
I've never been able to speak to anyone at Tmo who would halfway even understand me trying to explain to them the technique you just used. Not to say it wouldn't work but I don't think most of their reps would be capable of doing what you are suggesting even if they were 'able' to do it! Last guy I dealt with was a complete joke, kept putting me on hold and then would come back and say something like he was talking to someone else! I swear he was talking to 3 different people at once, putting people on hold, and not being able to remember who was on what line! Nightmare. Ugh. But hey, if you got a couple hours to waste trying and it works for ya then by all means go right ahead!

tony yayo said:
I've never been able to speak to anyone at Tmo who would halfway even understand me trying to explain to them the technique you just used. Not to say it wouldn't work but I don't think most of their reps would be capable of doing what you are suggesting even if they were 'able' to do it! Last guy I dealt with was a complete joke, kept putting me on hold and then would come back and say something like he was talking to someone else! I swear he was talking to 3 different people at once, putting people on hold, and not being able to remember who was on what line! Nightmare. Ugh. But hey, if you got a couple hours to waste trying and it works for ya then by all means go right ahead!
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Actually you tell them your gps doesnt work and that it did before the froyo update. When it didnt work on eclair tell them that they had you pull the battery while the phone was on and then they sent something to your phone or reset the network. Idk who you talk to but I did this yesterday and it took less than a half hour. Worse comes to worst you get the android "experts" to do it.

aamir123 said:
Actually you tell them your gps doesnt work and that it did before the froyo update. When it didnt work on eclair tell them that they had you pull the battery while the phone was on and then they sent something to your phone or reset the network. Idk who you talk to but I did this yesterday and it took less than a half hour. Worse comes to worst you get the android "experts" to do it.
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Click to collapse
Actually my GPS NEVER worked until i spent an hour on the phone *****ing and another hour on live chat until they swapped my phone with what i believe is a brand new one and now the GPS works perfectly! It's definitely a hardware problem. People do the hardware fix, it works, I swapped mine for a new one, it works. I didn't feel like popping my phone open and I'm no good with a soldering gun so why should I have to do the hardware fix myself?

My GPS works respectably well, maybe it just depends on manufacturing date.