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Corporatemonkey
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 - 10:07 pm: | 
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Wow, where do I begin?
Has anybody ever tried the "Dash" by T-Mobile?
I have one. As long as you are running wm6 it is a fine device. I use it as part of my bikes communication system. At this point I would buy an unlocked Motorola q9h (with GPS) and use it on Tmobile.
Using Skype on a Dash is going to be problematic. To make a full Skype call you need to overclock the processor. It comes with a 200mhz OMAP processor. You need to push it to at least 240. Unless you are an advanced user, I wouldn't recommend it.
With WM6 there is a hidden SIP program (raw VOIP), but you need the corresponding server to make it work. Out side of an office this going to be rare.
Only complaint is all those nice filters on my outlook
Using Outlook set your rules as Exchange server rules. That way the mail gets filtered on the server, before your blackberry/computer gets it.
I personally don't use iTunes, so all of my music would have to be converted.
Unless you are using .wmv (windows media), itunes and the iphone will work fine. It reads aac, mp3, lossless, wave, and I think one more. If you are using .wmv it is really easy to convert everything.
Blackberry's push technology is better than most out there
I am going to have to disagree with you on this one. They have a nice system. But it has too many failure points. Microsoft really has the advantage here. Instead of having to run through a 3rd party server (located in another country) then to your companies local Blackberry BES server, then ultimately to your companies Exchange server, Microsoft's activesync runs directly to the exchange server. It make for a very efficient, secure system.
"Tethering" is also available with BB.
Tethering is available on almost any phone. It is even possible on the current iphone (with some work). The problem is certain carriers (mainly Verizon) cripple their devices to limit this functionality. They do not want the extra data use without a full on data plan ($40+ a month)
the iphone may be a great product if they can integrate push technology into their products aswell as multitasking.
I recently switched to tmobile for the ability to have a camera and wifi for voip. I was excited about the iphone till i heard it runs only one app at a time.
Everything you are asking for is going to be part of software 2.0 release. It is slated for early June.
I have the beta version, and it works as advertised. Time to load up on more apple stock. Blackberry just got some serious competition.
Now for a little wireless carrier history:
Coverage varies greatly from area to area because how the networks were originally designed.
Lets break it down by carrier.
Attws: Most of its network started out as part of Craig McCaws' Cellular One network. It was established in the early '80 as a 800mhz analog (AMPS) network. Over the years they swallowed up smaller carriers to become the giant of the industry. In the early '90s ATT stepped to buy out the McCaw family. At this time ATT was having capacity issues, so it started upgrading to a digital (TDMA) network. They also acquired some newly released FCC licensees in the 1900mhz band. This new band help alleviate capacity issues, but had the downside of not transmitting as far as 800mhz. Nor can it penetrate solid buildings as well. This caused many problems as the towers were originally spaced for 800mhz. Hence more dead spots.
Now flash forward a few years, and ATT decided they need a more efficient digital system. TDMA (as we know it) was reaching it limitations. In comes GSM (the world standard). It was started on the 1900mhz side only, as att now was operating 3 networks (4 if you were in Seattle, or Dallas) AMP, TDMA, GSM. They were running out of capacity (license wise), and their towers were poorly placed. These were dark time for ATT.
In come hotshot upstart Cingular to purchase att, more on that later.
Cingular: Cingular was a conglomerate that was started by the southern bell's. They were primarily in the SE. Their network was set up similar to att, ie. AMP's, TDMA, and GSM. Cingular had an ace up its sleeve. Because it started later, and had access to 1900mhz from day one. They were able to properly set their tower spacing in their home territory. When they brought att they had a huge mess on their hands. Both networks overlapped in places, nothing worked 100%. They has since spent billions on integrating the networks (still happening to this day), and much progress has been achieved. It is not perfect in all areas, as NIMBYS are preventing new towers, or tower relocations. So tower spacing is still an issue.
Verizon: Verizon was originally formed from USWest's baby bell network. It was all 800mhz, and all analog (amps). Their advantage was they held a HUGE amount of FCC licenses. So when it came time upgrade to digital (CDMA) they did not have to rely on 1900mhz. Their tower spacing was spot on. They did use 1900mhz in cities, and other urban areas to fill in capacity. They have since used their vast licenses to launch a 3g network (EVDO). This is why Verizon is usually well regarded by its users (myself included). They have a lackluster attitude toward the customer, but a well laid out network.
Nextel: Nextel was started by Craig McCaw after ATT brought Cellular One from him. It was built from the ground up using totally unique technology (iDEN -based on TDMA) and unique frequencies. In the areas they covered, they were fantastic. The problems appeared when Sprint came knocking. They bought Nextel, even though there was no way the 2 networks could be joined. To make matters worse 9/11 happened. Nextels frequencies were interfering with public safety radios (police, fire, etc...) The government was in no mood to negotiate. They took the frequencies from them, and gave them less desirable 1900mhz. This of course royally screwed over their network. Sprint is now stuck with this boat anchor, that is threatening the survival of the company.
Sprint: Worse network of all... Sprint was nothing more than a get rich quick scheme. It was built very quickly using 1900mhz CDMA (making it the first all digital network). They were more interested in overall ground coverage than a properly designed network. They advertised early on that they had the largest network. False advertising in my view. Most users were less than thrilled with there network. Lot of dead spot, a dropped calls. Sprint survived only by lowering their credit requirements. Almost everyone could get service. And a lot of sprint customers are only there because no one else will take them without a hefty deposit.
Sprint is trying to fix things. They have a robust EVDO network (some say its better than Verizon), but the nextel merger is still weighing on them.
Tmobile: Tmobile is the dark horse of the industry. It was started as Voicestream in Seattle, and as Omnitel in NYC. DT (the german phone company) came in with pockets full. They snapped them up and started to built the US's most robust GSM 1900mhz network. DT focused on network quality, not vastness of coverage. Hence Tmobile does not provide service everywhere, but where they offer service they usually are top notch. For traveling they have extensive roaming agreements with Cingular so in all my travels I have rarely been without any service.
They recently purchased a huge nationwide license for 1700mhz to launch a new 3g network. This is something totally new, and the wireless industry is really curious what they are going to do. Parts of it should be live later this year.
Funny thing about the wireless industry. Most of it started here in Seattle. Cellular One was based here, Attws (original attws) was based here. TMobile is based here, Voicestream was here, Nextel was here, USWest/Airtouch/Verizon is here.
In all my travels I have never seen another city that is covered like Seattle.
Longterm upgrade plans: Most of the carriers have stated what 4g network they are going to build. LTE technology has been selected by most.
This is a good thing us consumers, as the world has decided on this technology. It is bad for certain companies. LTE is based on GSM technology. Existing GSM networks have a clean upgrade path, those on CDMA do not have a clean path. It mean a whole new network.
Verizon is going to just throw cash at the situation. But my view is Verizon is going to go through the growing pains that ATTWS did in the early 90's. LTE could actually bankrupt Sprint/Nextel. Tmobile is setting their 1700mhz 3g network up for the future upgrade. They are in the best position of any of them.
Now that the class is totally asleep, are their any questions?
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Badlionsfan
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 - 06:52 am: |
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another thing to add about the iphone, it's upgradeable. when apple makes changes to the software, you get the updates free from itunes. |
Bombardier
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 - 07:40 am: |
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Got a Motorola V3x.
It has .......no paint.......no front screen......no speaker cover..........heaps of scratches all over it.........been dropped heaps.......thrown against a brick wall...........talking to an uptight bitch about political correctness and FEELINGS!!!!!
Still working.
Unbelieveable. |
Danger_dave
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 - 07:56 am: |
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I don't have a mobile phone.
Don't need or want one. Cool huh! |
Buelltours
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 - 08:32 am: |
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WOW- thanks a lot for the history of wireless communication in the US. I am glad to read that T-Mobile is well positioned as they also seem to have the least trouble connecting in Europe (maybe because they are German?) And thanks for the insight into skype and Wifi phones. Noone at T-Mobile could answer me this question. Looking at their selection of phones , which one would work best with skype in your opinion, Jamie? What do you think of the BB Curve? |
Toona
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 - 08:41 am: |
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Corp_Monkey, thanks for the lesson. I am just a "user" of the service and haven't investigated the industry as you apparently have. I've had my cell service long enough to request and get the same last 4 numbers to match my business number, back to the CellularOne days, maybe even before (mid-late 80's).
I'll give the iPhone another looksie, I have a friend who has one. I can get the local skinny from him.
Here in central PA, AT&T rules, VZW stinks. One of the guys that works for me can't wait until his contract is up to switch back to AT&T. Must be all the surrounding mountains.
I use gmail for my email, so I'm guessing there won't be any problem setting up the "push" deal.
Once again, you guys ROCK! The info provided here on the BadWeB is beyond what you could get anywhere else. Both on this subject and about any other subject I've ever seen discussed . |
Buellinachinashop
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 - 09:01 am: |
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if a guy can't learn by reading threads like this, then you don't deserve a Smart Phone. Great reading fellas! |
Corporatemonkey
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 - 08:06 pm: |
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T-Mobile is well positioned as they also seem to have the least trouble connecting in Europe (maybe because they are German?) And thanks for the insight into skype and Wifi phones. Noone at T-Mobile could answer me this question. Looking at their selection of phones , which one would work best with skype in your opinion, Jamie?
Tmobile, and cingular both offer world GSM roaming. Tmobiles rates are more reasonable because they started earlier and have negotiated better roaming rates.
Verizon has limited roaming in certain countries.Even though the world uses GSM (except S.Korea, and Japan). There are 3rd party companies that have set up CDMA networks in these countries specifically to take advantage of Verizon's customers. Info can be found here
http://b2b.vzw.com/international/Roaming/index.htm l
As for what Tmobile phone would work for Skype, currently nothing will. But if you wait a few month (for the 3g network to launch) you might have an offering. If you need it today look at buying an unlocked HTC TyTn http://tinyurl.com/ypsrmq
If you get an unlocked Cingular version (they call it the tilt) you will be able to use it on Tmobile, but the 3g will not work (it only has 850,1900mhz 3g, no 1700). The Tytn has been around for a while, but it has a wicked fast processor. If you are using wifi, skype will work great. These are available on ebay for reasonable $, as they are not the latest.
Save your Tmobile "upgrade" credit for when something comes out you really want.
As for the BB curve. It is a fine CONSUMER device. It is not a full on business device. The "suretype" keyboard drives me nuts. Having 2 letters on each key gets tedious if you need to type much.
I do like the full BB devices. They have a simplistic approach to things, that makes them very user friendly. I am not a fan of how expensive full black berry service can cost (phone+calling plan+data plan+blackberry plan+hosted blackberry service) and if you are not going to use the push email service there is little to gain owning a blackberry.
If you are a Gmail user, your only logical answer is the iPhone. It has native Gmail support (sort of a quasi push email).
If you are not looking for the latest and greatest, wait until June, and pick up a current generation iPhone. It will have the new software, but not the new hardware (3g version is coming in June).
Trust me the market is going to be flooded with older iPhone as every fanboy upgrades (myself included) |
Toona
| | Posted on Thursday, May 01, 2008 - 10:16 pm: |
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Well, my wife bought me the Curve (full keyboard) for our anniversary/Father's day. I've only had it today, still have to set up the email deal. I like the full keyboard for texting. Although the Pearl was smaller in size, I didn't think I'd like the push twice to get to the second letter, I had the push three times w/ my Nokia. |
Mookie
| | Posted on Thursday, May 01, 2008 - 10:43 pm: |
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for the record its the blackberry pearl with 2 letters per key..
you are obviously knowledgeable, can you expound on the possibility of openmoko? |
Corporatemonkey
| | Posted on Thursday, May 01, 2008 - 11:09 pm: |
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for the record its the blackberry pearl with 2 letters per key..
I had a brain fart...
you are obviously knowledgeable, can you expound on the possibility of openmoko?
Openmoko, or the "Greenphone" are almost vaporware. They exist, but they will never leave the hands of the ultra geeky.
The problem is the same reason Linux has not taken off for consumers, too many versions.
Most people are simple they want a uniform system, not 3000 different distros.
The only open platform that has a chance is Google's Android. Although I think Android will be a little late to the party.
What Apple is doing to position the iPhone as "the phone" is truly masterful. I guarantee business schools will be studying it for years.
What they are doing with software version 2.0, and the freely available SDK (basic programming tools for the non tech - Software Development Kit) is going to change the face of mobile applications.
First off Apple has this AMAZING platform, and now they are going to allow anyone to create applications for it. Already major companies are stepping forward to develop applications, Salesforce.com is actively working on software, Blackberry is currently hiring Apple iPhone developers, even Microsoft has an active development team.
Apple is going to allow programmers/companies to list their applications (after a quality review) on iTunes. Apple will take a % of the total profit, but they will provide a centralized transaction system.
Developers are not forced to sell via online iTunes, but they can use iTunes (the application) as an installer.
What this does for consumers is simple. A one stop shop of cool and interesting applications. They will be easy to purchase, easy to install, and if they are sold via the iTunes store there is a reasonable understanding that the app is not crap.
What this does for developers is create a simple ready made marketplace. Small developers will be able to compete with giant corporations. Large corporations get an simple uniform installer that lowers their support costs.
Apple wins all around. Their store makes $ on the transaction, they sell more devices, the win on the Att contract fees.
This has been tried (with limited success) on the windows mobile platform by Handigo. They still have not worked out all the kinks, but they proved a distribution system like this can work.
Steve Jobs is going to do for mobile applications what he did for digital music/video downloads. This is just an early stage of what I see coming. |
Beachbuell
| | Posted on Friday, May 02, 2008 - 01:25 am: |
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I used one as a kickstand puck before. Parking in moist grass is tough sometimes! |
Froggy
| | Posted on Friday, May 02, 2008 - 10:22 am: |
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My job pays for my Blackberry with unlimited internet, so i abuse the hell out of it! Half my posts are on it  |
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