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You are here: MacNN Forums > Hardware - Troubleshooting and Discussion > Consumer Hardware & Components > Bluetooth phones (unlocked)

Bluetooth phones (unlocked)
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Mac Elite
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May 16, 2003, 08:46 AM
 
So I am impatient that there are no cool Bluetooth-iSync compatible phones out there that fit my needs that are available with current US wireless plans.

I want a well built, nice-looking (i.e. not cheap looking like the t68), Bluetooth phone that will let me take advantage of my Powerbook17's built-in Bluetooth capability.

According to the iSync page, there are not too many choices! I really like the iSync function with my Handspring Treo 300 right now, but I am getting really tired of the ungainly USB cable that is required to synchronize.

The Ericsson T39 looks like a really nice combination of size and features and battery life, and supports iSync. However, it is not available as part of any plan in the US.

It can be purchased "unlocked". Now, how do I know that when I get it and take it out of the box, it can be activated on let's say AT&T?

Another cool phone is the Nokia 6310. Nice features in a neat design. Not supported by iSync but I guess there are some third party software apps that will support syncronizing Contacts and Calendars.

Does anybody have any suggestions?

I am primarily interested in full US coverage, Bluetooth, good design, and iSync capability. Although I will give up iSync for a better phone.

Are you folks getting frustrated with choosing cell phones like I am?

Thanks!
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Mac Elite
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May 16, 2003, 09:13 AM
 
You may want to check out the Siemens S56 that is coming to the US, as well as the Sony Ericsson T610. Also, the Nokia 3650 will be supported with iSync (rumored by the end of the month) and the Motorola V72 will have USB-syncing.

As far as unlocked phones go, you just have to pay the activation fee at your local dealer. AT&T doesn't sell unlocked phones so I don't know if they activate them, but I'm pretty sure T-Mobile does. It doesn't hurt to call and ask.
     
Mac Elite
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May 16, 2003, 09:25 AM
 
Thanks for the info!

I will check out those phones.

I have been doing some looking on phonescoop.com and it is very informative.
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May 19, 2003, 07:19 AM
 
I have a question. I have a Nokia 3650. I have never used Isync before. How does Isync work? TIA
     
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May 19, 2003, 08:01 AM
 
SonyEricsson T610?
I read on another forum that its compatible with iSync.
www.sonyericsson.com/t610
     
Mac Elite
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May 19, 2003, 06:15 PM
 
The 610 looks nice, but I am sick of big phones.

I have decided on the Ericsson T39, which is no longer in production. Found one on ebay.

Very small, great reviews, bluetooth, and iSync-compatible. Apparently a much better phone than the newer T68i, if you can live without a color screen and all those silly ringtones, which I can.
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Mac Elite
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May 19, 2003, 07:48 PM
 
Originally posted by Macpilot:
The 610 looks nice, but I am sick of big phones.

I have decided on the Ericsson T39, which is no longer in production. Found one on ebay.

Very small, great reviews, bluetooth, and iSync-compatible. Apparently a much better phone than the newer T68i, if you can live without a color screen and all those silly ringtones, which I can.
Ehh? The T610 is SMALLER than the T68. Just FYI.
     
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May 19, 2003, 11:42 PM
 
Wow....it looked bigger, but I guess I have not checked the specs....

Thanks for the info...I will definitely take another look at that phone!
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Mac Enthusiast
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May 20, 2003, 08:38 AM
 
I just got one, and it works great with iSync. Great phone except it has a hardware bug...hissing sound when making a call. For a great comparision between the T68 & T610 look here.
It may be a tad smaller overall, but is noticeably heavier.
     
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May 20, 2003, 06:22 PM
 
Macpilot: Have a look at Think Secret's latest iSync 1.1 article. According to the author, iSync 1.1 will support BT on the Nokia 7650 and 3650 models, in addition to existing support for SE T68i and T610.

I really wish T-mobile would hurry up and bring the T610 to the US. I want a T610, but not badly enough to pay the high import price.

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Mac Elite
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May 20, 2003, 07:38 PM
 
Thanks for the info...

So does anybody know when that T610 is going to be available at the Sprint Store?

Probably going to be around $300?

Thanks!
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Mac Elite
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May 21, 2003, 01:09 AM
 
Originally posted by mbperk:
Great phone except it has a hardware bug...hissing sound when making a call.
I've been following a similar thread in AI:

Posted by New in AI thread:
Official news is that SE now has fixed the speaker problem with the T610. So I guess it is now safe to buy. (Just make sure its new).

First impressions on the camera is that it sucks. Sorry, the quality of the pictures I've seen this far is really bad.

Other than that it seems very nice. can't wait to try it in person.
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those with loaded guns, and those who dig. You dig."

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Mac Elite
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May 21, 2003, 09:20 AM
 
Originally posted by Macpilot:
Thanks for the info...

So does anybody know when that T610 is going to be available at the Sprint Store?

Probably going to be around $300?

Thanks!
Probably never. Sprint is only carrying the T608, the T610's little brother.
     
Mac Elite
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May 21, 2003, 10:27 AM
 
It looks like the Ericsson T39 is for me. Gonna have to pick one up on Ebay.

Hopefully I can get decent data rates with them.

I played around with a T68i the other day at the ATT store. I liked it, but I am still concerned about what I have read regarding its signal strength and sound quality.

Anybody here have the latest versions of the T68i, and if so, what about these issues? Have they been rectified?
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May 22, 2003, 04:11 PM
 
I've decided to pay the $150 to cut my plan short with Sprint and switch to T-mobile when the T610 comes out in June/July. The T610 looks like it's put together better than the T68i, and it's also supported by the SE Clicker (now Salling Clicker). Can't wait any longer for bluetooth...
     
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May 22, 2003, 09:44 PM
 
Originally posted by Nick Rozwadowski:
I've decided to pay the $150 to cut my plan short with Sprint and switch to T-mobile when the T610 comes out in June/July. The T610 looks like it's put together better than the T68i, and it's also supported by the SE Clicker (now Salling Clicker). Can't wait any longer for bluetooth...
I'm planning on doing the same thing. BUT, since my plan ends in Sept, I am going to switch to the $20 a month plan and for $60 I'll cancel with the piece of mind of knowing that I won't miss any calls in the mean time (just sent out resumes!) Now T-Mobile or ATT?

Been hearing good stuff about the Nokia too... But in the pix it seems big
     
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May 23, 2003, 09:59 AM
 
I'm pickin' up my Kyocera 7135 later today. It doesn't have Bluetooth built in but I'm going to get an SD expansion card. Palm has one which I believe should work with iSync. It'll just go right through Palm desktop into iSync.
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