Post by: sandbox on March 22, 2003, 01:26:00 AM
In the process of researching I found
this which lists all the cell networks on the planet. It also distinguishes between different technologies, and that’s where it loses me.
GSM v CDMA seems to be the competing choices in the US. I haven’t found an advantage to either, or a good explanation of their differences.
Anyone have a phone message they would care to share?
Usa 3 Rivers Wireless CDMA 1900
Usa Alltel Communications CDMA 800 & 1900
Usa Amica Wireless Phone Services CDMA 1900
Usa Blackfoot Communications CDMA 1900
Usa CellCom CDMA 800 & 1900
Usa Cleartalk CDMA 1900
Usa Cricket Communications CDMA 1900
Usa Nebraska Wireless CDMA 1900
Usa NTELOS CDMA 1900
Usa Penasco Valley Telecom CDMA 1900
Usa PYSIX Communications CDMA 800
Usa Qwest Communications CDMA 1900
Usa Snake River Wireless CDMA 1900
Usa Souris River Telephone CDMA 1900
Usa South Central Utah CDMA 1900
Usa Sprint PCS CDMA 1900
Usa UBTA CDMA 1900
Usa US Cellular CDMA 800
Usa Verizon Wireless CDMA 800 & 1900
Usa WirelessNorth CDMA 1900
Usa Airadigm GSM 1900
Usa Airlink PCS GSM 1900
Usa AT&T Wireless GSM 1900
Usa Cingular GSM 1900
Usa Conestoga GSM 1900
Usa Cook Inlet GSM 1900
Usa Cross Telephone GSM 1900
Usa Elkart Telephone GSM 1900
Usa High Plains Midwest GSM 1900
Usa Iowa Wireless GSM 1900
Usa NPI Wireless GSM 1900
Usa Panhandle GSM 1900
Usa PCS One GSM 1900
Usa PinPoint GSM 1900
Usa SOL GSM 1900
Usa South Caroline Phone GSM 1900
Usa Third Kentucky Cellular GSM 1900
Usa T-Mobile GSM 1900
Usa Wireless Telecoms GSM 1900
Usa MBO Wireless GSM 1900
Usa Westlink Communications GSM 1900
[ 03-22-2003, 02:28 AM: Message edited by: sandbox ]
Post by: Mrious_be on March 22, 2003, 06:02:00 AM
Basicly, i think these are the differences in the networks:
European networks mostly work on dual band frequencies (you can choose between 900 & 1800 Mhz frequency).
Problem is that the American states, Australia, Canada and probably a few outhers are going to 1900 Mhz frequency cause it can holds lots more traffic.
Also, since USA is that wide, a 1900 Mhz frequency is much more aplliable here, while in Europe the countries need to cover less space with their networks.
The 450 Mhz network is (as far as i know) the very first cellular phone network (remember the days the builded in phones in cars, wich had the size of a big radio?)
In belgium i know they never closed that network off, don't really know why cause nobody is using it... i think.
Same like ISDN lines, people are still using it, but i think it's more expensive than let's say broadband connections.
Ah, than the CDMA's?
Hmm, not sure what they are, but i'm gambling that they might be the direct satelite connections or so? (satelite phone).
Not sure though if this answers somewhat your questions, but just thought of saying
Post by: kelly on March 22, 2003, 08:04:00 AM
http://www.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone.htm
http://www.techtv.com/screensavers/wireles...3404869,00.html
These folks really do have good Product Reviews.
There seems to be a new Cell Phone about every week.
http://www.techtv.com/freshgear/products/s...3420127,00.html
Post by: Bill on March 22, 2003, 10:47:00 AM
Mine is so out dated they don't make the batteries anymore plus it's a dual mode not tri mode.Which means I can't utilize [so they say] the national coverage programs.
The real draw back is that I have two brand new backup cells waiting for the first one to kick the bucket.The sucker just keeps on ticking.For years now.
Plus all the new phones seem so plastic incased, I have my doubts if they'd last the abuse I would run it though.
Some examples of what my samsung cdma has been put though.
I've dropped it off a roof onto concrete twice.
I had an old motorola analog years ago. Lost it in the snow in my local mountains overnight "on" and the next morning once we found it ... cleaned/dried it up ... worked like a champ.
Never thought this samsung could come close that old 'tank' motorola but a similar situation happened just recently with it. It fell in a trench and buried for about three hours before I realized what happened. Dug it up ... cleaned etc ... fired right up.
If it wasn't for the battery bit,I wouldn't even think about looking at a new-and-improved cell. Yet I've just about ran past all the internet battery suppliers now and none have come up with a decent battery.Well except one but they decided to go towards a more lucrative income.
Anyways. SB I've been a cdma guy from get go. Other than Nextel,I've no desire to switch. Even though Nextel phones are built like 'tanks' they don't really suit my needs.
I was in a five million gallon water tank a few weeks back while the welders were fine tuning the seals on the walls and my samsung couldn't EVEN get out but their super started yacking with another super on another jobsite (fifty plus miles away) through the two-way radio part of the phone!
They are great but not for me.
Post by: Bruce_F on March 22, 2003, 11:49:00 PM
Explaining CDMA vs GSM
Post by: CyberPet on March 22, 2003, 01:34:00 PM
Sony Ericsson is pretty cool and so is Nokia since they all make mobile phone's that works around the world and not only on one continent.
[ 03-22-2003, 02:35 PM: Message edited by: CyberPet ]
Post by: Bill on March 22, 2003, 02:11:00 PM
After all many of the manufactures come from -around- there.
I've read that your phones have so many bells and whistles ... nobody cooks over there any more.
Post by: sandbox on March 23, 2003, 10:33:00 PM
Yes I remember car phones 1970’s, $2000.00 and $200 per month, but it paid for itself.
When cells first came out I had one and a beeper, our Main office was in the middle of nowhere, Rapid City S.D. and the phone didn’t work there 1980’s.... In the 90’s yet another one Gov. issue MCI, but it couldn’t get over the Rockies.
I really liked my double sideband CB. I could skip around the world and get anyone I wanted, in time.
Thanks kelly, I have a few select options here, Sprint PCS $$$, Alltel, T_Mobile AT&T, and a few others, Verizon doesn’t work across the Ocala National Forest type of restrictions is what I’m faced with. Here in the outskirts of Tampa Bay they all work, but the Boss, my dear, needs one that works in remote areas with picture capability. I just need one that doesn’t shut off when I put it to my face.
Bill I was told to try to get Motorola, for durability, I might have to think about that, but Jane wouldn’t. I’m leaning to T_Mobile GSM because they work in a place where people who live there now are happy. If I go 50 west to Jen’s house they may not, it’s one of those places.
Thanks Bruce, I saw an article stating the AT&T was adding GSM and thought it might be the way to the future, they do there homework!
CyberPet, thanks for the across the pond info, I’m sure it will come in handy, how about these Phone choices?
Oh Jen, I saw Prayther this weekend, and he said his AT&T works everywhere but Inglis, you remember, he lives in Inglis!
He told me their putting up a tower now, and that should cover the blind spots for all the participating service providers, and that North & Central Florida will be complete. He also told me about the Naturecoast Run & Swap Meet on the 11th, and I thought you might know about it already, being a nature coaster and all?
Post by: Bill on March 30, 2003, 01:31:00 AM
Went with a little motorola cdma flip. Not to keen on the flip part. A flip I had before broke right off when it accidentally opened.Weak spring latches. This one seems ok.
Got a feeling when it falls off the belt once or twice ... splatter city though. Not to mention it tasting dirt. Guess it'll be the old baby it route.
Push comes to shove,can always replace it or swap for a different model. Yet the pickens are pretty slim in these here parts. Oh tons of fancy ones with features coming out the kazoo but ...
Although the main issues: reception,drop calls and voice clarity seem fine so far.
Haven't climbed in a wishing well yet for a real test.
Post by: sandbox on March 30, 2003, 02:37:00 AM
I have HotFax MessageCenter that will handle call transfers and all that jazz, I just need to get back into it again, haven’t used all the features for 3 years. These learning curves with no banks or guard rails have me in a ditch.
Post by: sandbox on April 04, 2003, 12:59:00 AM
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,3959,984860,00.asp
And Samsung S105 is the Phone.
They are now offering 3000 anytime minutes for $50.00 per month!
Thanks for the Pointers!
Post by: Bill on April 04, 2003, 09:43:00 PM
All the flips seem to have the basic similar looks.
Kind of like basketballs. They're all round with a few squiggly thrills.
It's the air inside that makes it bounce high or splat.
Post by: kps on April 05, 2003, 01:39:00 PM
I wanted to use Bluetooth to surf the net on my Powerbook through the cell phone using GPRS and the providers network, so off I went...looking.
Rogers AT&T, provides GPRS and sell the Sony-Ericsson T68i...rep tells me no problem, so I sign up and buy the phone.
Wrong! They don't offer the surfing through bluetooth or wire. Can't connect to their network other than through the phone and the phone's browser. $50 per month data option cancelled.
Still have the expensive bluetooth phone, which developed display problems and other issues. Called Ericsson, they told me to take it back.
Lots of fun...
Post by: sandbox on April 05, 2003, 09:58:00 PM
I like the Motorola v60, but it’s hard to open with one hand, the camera attachment was bad, no extra battery, lousy batteries, But the clincher was the the Samsung 105 is universal, the SIM card can be swapped by any service provider. If T Mobile doesn’t work, I keep the phone and call At&T get a SIM card, and there I go.
I was thinking about getting a two phone services for a 14 day trial, just to check out who works where, already this service doesn’t work in Ft. Myers fl. 125 miles south of hear, but going there is a rarity, the test is up around Jen’s place.
KPS, I was considering the Bluetooth option in a Nokia phone, then I read the fine print.
I read the fine print these days by Find Word (under edit) In a browser search. I put in a word I don’t want to see, and try to find it, works for me anyway.
Post by: Bill on April 06, 2003, 01:48:00 AM
"I like the Motorola v60, but it’s hard to open with one hand"
You got that right. Picked up a case for it and now it's real easy sence your thumb catches the case lip.
"camera attachment is bad"
Don't know. Haven't gone that route. Not sure if I will.
"no extra battery, lousy batteries"
The one it came with was a puny slim 600mah. Yet for its size,it does alright. About 40/50 hours in standby on the first charge. Second charge just shy of 90 minutes talk time.
Although I've picked up some larger batteries.With the one I have in now (900mahs), after the initial two drain/charges,I'm sitting at 118 minutes talk time and going on 60 hours with the battery bar still having four of the six full. Noticed once the first 600mah battery hit the half way mark though it [battery scale] started to take a quick nose dive. Got a feeling this ones going to take a swan dive soon also. I'll be happy if this 900 makes it too 180 minutes talk. *They* say they're supposed get more but you know how that goes.
Compared to the old samsung I had active,those times are great.And still have a couple other batteries I haven't even set a spark plug to yet.
A bud of mine has the T-720 model. Because of the colored graphic display my V60 leaves his at the starting gate. Same goes for another bud who has the LG 4400.
Oh both have more bells and whistles but for my purpose ... never use them.
Basically just make sure the phone yells at me and I can yell at it out in no-mans-land jobsites with out doing one of those - CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW (S) -.
Haven't had one single [legit] drop call yet and I've taken it through some heavy dead spots.
Other than straight communicating I haven't even gotten around to the other bell and whistles on this thing.
Fact is Kps I was looking at the browser mode in this puppy today.
That was about it ... skimmed through the menu. <gr>
Post by: swhitset on April 06, 2003, 12:14:00 PM
I have a V60i and have been very happy with the phone. I can't say much about the Browser services, because my service, U.S. Cellular, (the dominant service in this area) does not offer any internet service at all.
Steve
Post by: kps on April 06, 2003, 03:36:00 PM
I so much wanted to try using the phone as a wireless modem with bluetooth, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen any time soon with Rogers AT&T. Another provider, Telus, might offer the service and I'll look into that later.
Rogers does offer a "hard wired" option to connect to your own ISP, but guess what...the software needed is Windows only. OTOH, I may not need their "stinking" software anyway if I'm going to dial up.
This sucks!
Post by: Bill on April 06, 2003, 04:21:00 PM
Though it stays out of places like trenches etc because of it's tinniness but hey maybe thats a sign for me to stay out of spots like that myself. <gr>
I wasn't to happy with the travel charger that it came with so I ordered a SPN 5029 base charger. Actually I found a OEM dealer through ebay that had them cheaper new. Should take a week or so to get here.
Just lastnight I found out that some of Nextels base chargers are the exact pin/current configurations as motos V60i.
So I rolled-the-dice and bid/won one of these on ebay.
Might or should be ok. We'll see. It'll get here around a day or so after the SPN 5029.
Yet the way these batteries are doing ... I'm going to have too many chargers sitting around. <gr>
Guess I'll stick them next to all my spindles of verbatim blank CDRs. <gr>
Browser: My provider is Verizon. Not even sure what the story is with them [here] on that. I could very well be in the same boat as you and Kps maybe.
A neighbor was showing me his new motorhome this morning and told me how much he paid for it. Just then my phone rang with the Da-ta-Da-dah ringer.
Post by: taliesin on April 06, 2003, 04:51:00 PM
It seems to work everywhere I've been.
Until I read this thread, I had no idea it was all so complicated!
Though I have been reading about cellphone and Bluetooth and Macs. Has anyone tried it and are they happy with the results? I get the impression it's an expensive business.
Post by: kps on April 06, 2003, 07:33:00 PM
Basic service ----25.00 + 0.25 /min over plan
Network Charge --7.00
Data Access -----50.00 for 10 MBs of transfer/Month
Excess connect----6.00 per 1 MB
Plus 15% for Taxes
That's CDN dollars, BTW. It would have cost me about $95 /month if I didn't go over my 10 MB.
Post by: sandbox on April 08, 2003, 01:56:00 AM
The phone came with 2 batteries 1 is a 900... and the backup is a 650...
I deliberately drained the batteries, and recharged them to set their parameters, now I’ll see how long they last?
I do have AIM instant massaging, so I signed up on the desktop to with a new name and I can now send a message to my phone. I have PIM like, Now Up to Date and Contact. WAP, but haven’t had time to play with it yet, when I do, I should be able to go to my Home Page and look at my email through the Web Mail slot.
The accessories are extensive, I can connect my Powerbook to the phone and use it like a modem. A camera attachment will take quality pictures and send the in JPEG format in an email type file, it has a head phone that you can talk/answer by just touching your ear plug, and the volume is adjustable on a toggle bar on the side of the phone. It doesn’t have voice command, but I was told it rarely works well when driving anyway.
It has a car carrier that attaches to the dashboard, when plugged in and activated, the voice comes through the car speakers, they say? It also has GPS if I want to pay for it.
I like the Samsung size and screen more than any other phone I Played With.
For Florida, it seems Sprint PCS has the best coverage, and if this T-Mobile system doesn’t workout I can use my phone using Sprint’s service, they tell me!?
Post by: Bill on April 09, 2003, 05:09:00 PM
That and the one key touch to lock the keys also.
I miss that feature in the samsung I now have deactivated. Not sure if they all have that feature though.
Hold that one key down for a second or two .... keys locked.
Lost count on how many times I've seen people bump into something and el-ring-o.
Even though the flip covers the keys .... not the same.
All phones have the lock feature but not just the keys.
btw .. I stopped counting talk time after I hit 200 minutes on this 900mah battery.
More than I expected.
Post by: Bill on April 11, 2003, 09:12:00 PM
Fits great and works great.
It is actually more than I expected with idiot indicator [red-green-yellow] lights in all.
Now I've a nextel base coming that could very well be the same.
Only [maybe] the name's been changed.
Although it's supposed to be a rapid charger.