vB Easy Archive - Got a W810i today

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Got a W810i today
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Posted by: dnivara

Hey I ordered a W810i from amazon.com and it finally arrived today after 10 days. whew!
Some first impressions:
negatives
I hadnt seen the ph before (except online) The phone seems quite small, smaller than my palm - I expected something bigger. It doesnt have a solid feel since the casing seems to be made of plastic. The combination of these things makes me feel like I m using a toy phone. The navigation buttons on the sides are difficult to use if you have large thumbs. I thought the phone was supposed to have flash with the camera but its just got this flashlight kind-of-thing that you can switch on and switch off.
positives
UI is great, screen looks bright and beautiful. The screen is scratch proof which is a big help. I was apprehensive with all the complaints about earpiece volume levels, but mine seems ok. The earbuds are a bit weird though - they seem to go right in and tough the ear drums

. The speaker is loud and clear. I particularly like the FM radio option. The camera and walkman functionality seem good. It shipped with 128MB which is another plus.

All in all, a good buy.

Wish it didnt have the negatives (dont we all

)

Finally, I would like thank Howard forums - great thing that you have running here. Helped me a lot in choosing the carrier and phone. I ll stick around and contribute whenever I can.

Posted by: FidoFan

Perhaps the Sony Ericsson with the flash you're thinking of is the K790. I'm sorry Cingular doesn't have it (yet?) but Rogers has had it for a while. You can always buy it unlocked from a Sony Store. That's what my bf did.

Posted by: Laynie

lol..u w810i users did it again..lol i need to make a trip to the cingular store to try out this fone once more

Posted by: linnre

I got mine on Tuesday and so far I love it. I have been sick so had plenty of time to play with it. Haven't found anything about it yet that I don't like. I'm trying to figure the update stuff now. I didn't realize the light wasn't a flash, but that's okay, it's not my main camera anyway.

DL

Posted by: cozz36

Quote:

Originally Posted by linnre

I have been sick so had plenty of time to play with it.
DL

I read "I called in sick so I could play with my new phone."

To that I say...Great!!! A true HoFo member.

Posted by: mlm 0320

Mine keeps messing up..

Just some software glitches, mp3 player making a weird buzz almost daily... then some small freezes here and there, its completely froze up twice on me. XBM here I come..there's no way I'm getting rid of this thing yet.

Posted by: linnre

Quote:

Originally Posted by cozz36

I read "I called in sick so I could play with my new phone."

To that I say...Great!!! A true HoFo member.

Actually, no. Even if I had a real job I wouldn't do that. But, I'm a homeschooling Mom and so my job doesn't ever end. I have rested and played with my phone more than I normally would have though, so I was glad for the excuse.

Posted by: dnivara

some more observations : buttons are small for my thumbs, but I guess I have to manage. I transferred 100 mb of mp3s from my laptop today. Switching from file transfer mode seems to make the phone gasp and groan. It switches off n on and takes quite a bit of time. The speaker is awesome - its almost as loud as my laptop speaker! The battery life is even better! I have played about 5 songs on the speaker and about 10 with the headphones and talked for about 20 min and battery life has reduced only by about 30%

Posted by: kelseyb

I was also surprised by the size of this phone, but got used to it pretty quickly.

The built-in light (you're right, not a true flash) will work automatically when you take pictures, and helps a lot. You can add a true flash -- the SE MXE-60 -- that attaches to the bottom connector. I picked up a new one on eBay for about $15, and it works like a charm. An odd feature of the built-in light is that it has a setting to flash SOS in Morse code -- I suppose for when you are lost at sea or deep in the piney woods!

A nice feature of the included handsfree ear buds is that you can simply unplug the included earbuds at the connector and replace them with any other standard plug headset you prefer, and use these as part of the wired handsfree system, since the mic and answer switch are part of the connector.

You can also easily unbrand this phone (for free, following directions here on Howard Forum, or for about $10 via DaVinci's or Wotan's services), eliminating the Cingular interface and replacing it with Sony Ericsson's -- and restoring features blocked by Cingular, such as using complete MP3s for ringtones instead of the truncated ones required by Cingular, or updating via SE's own service instead of waiting for Cingular to provide it's version of updates, etc.

One useful optional accessory SE should have included with the phone is their travel charger that has a pass through function, so that you can recharge the phone while at the same piggybacking the handsfree cable/FM antenna (or other option). Again, you can find this on eBay (SE's CST-75 Dual Port Charger). SE even has an optional FM transmitter, allowing you to broadcast through your car stereo -- although it's probably preferable (certainly cheaper) to just plug a generic FM transmitter into the headphone cable.

PC Suite, the free Sony Ericsson desktop phone manager software (from their website) works well, but there are other good free phone managers for SE phones (floAt's Mobile Agent / FMA, and MyPhoneExplorer, for example) that you may prefer. I find MyPhoneExplorer much easier to use than PC Suite, and so far haven't found anything PC Suite has that it lacks.

Originally the W810i came with a 512mb flash card; the 128mb card it now comes with is really insufficient for storing music or videos. Per SE, the largest card you can install is 2gb. If possible, transfer files to/from the flash card via a card reader -- doing it through the phone is pretty slow, whether by the USB cable or Bluetooth.

Think about getting a screen protector (eBay, again), especially if you will be carrying this in a pocket. The screen is hard -- but it will scratch.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dnivara

Hey I ordered a W810i from amazon.com and it finally arrived today after 10 days. whew!
Some first impressions:
negatives
I hadnt seen the ph before (except online) The phone seems quite small, smaller than my palm - I expected something bigger. It doesnt have a solid feel since the casing seems to be made of plastic. The combination of these things makes me feel like I m using a toy phone. The navigation buttons on the sides are difficult to use if you have large thumbs. I thought the phone was supposed to have flash with the camera but its just got this flashlight kind-of-thing that you can switch on and switch off.

positives
UI is great, screen looks bright and beautiful. The screen is scratch proof which is a big help. I was apprehensive with all the complaints about earpiece volume levels, but mine seems ok. The earbuds are a bit weird though - they seem to go right in and tough the ear drums

. The speaker is loud and clear. I particularly like the FM radio option. The camera and walkman functionality seem good. It shipped with 128MB which is another plus.

All in all, a good buy.

Wish it didnt have the negatives (dont we all

)

Finally, I would like thank Howard forums - great thing that you have running here. Helped me a lot in choosing the carrier and phone. I ll stick around and contribute whenever I can.

Posted by: mbranscum

Wirelessly posted (Nokia 6620: MOT-RAZRV3xx/96.71.95R BER2.2 Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; 11063081) Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 Opera 8.00 [en] UP.Link/6.3.0.0.0)

So, kelseyb, can you point me to the link where you can debrand the 810 for free..

Posted by: Shroomster

bump.....ity bump.....

Posted by: dnivara

Quote:

A nice feature of the included handsfree ear buds is that you can simply unplug the included earbuds at the connector and replace them with any other standard plug headset you prefer, and use these as part of the wired handsfree system, since the mic and answer switch are part of the connector.

You are right, I forgot to mention this. Indeed a very good feature.
The UI is bright shiny and fast.
Now, If only I had more storage...
I m planning to get a 2gb Sandisk Pro Duo. Will set me back by $50, but I ll have a Nano equivalent + Phone + Camera + FM Radio in my hands. Something like a toned down iPhone. Wat say?

Posted by: mlm 0320

w810i take 2, sometime next week. I really hope this other one will perform better. I also hope I get one with a louder earpiece. The XBM rep also told me that the three strikes policy is by the manufacturer only, and they will probably only be able to send me w810i's only. So I am stuck with it unless I pay full retail for a new one.

Posted by: Barkley

I am reading all of these posts and then began pricing the SE W810i on Ebay..... and now I have this question ~

What is the difference between an Unlocked Phone and an Unbranded Phone?

I want an SE W810i without Cingular's BRANDING - but will be using Cingular's Carrier Service.

Of course I know there are ways to do this but I'm very new at all this techno stuff - and don't want to take any chances. I just want to buy the phone and use it right away.

Like I said, I'm not technically minded - so please be gentle

Thank you muchly ~

Posted by: Drav3n

Quote:

Originally Posted by kelseyb

Per SE, the largest card you can install is 2gb.

Not true. I just got a 4gb Pro Duo card and it works flawlessly in my w810i. Im currently adding my mp3s on the card now

Posted by: dnivara

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drav3n

Not true. I just got a 4gb Pro Duo card and it works flawlessly in my w810i. Im currently adding my mp3s on the card now

Does a higher capacity memory card slow down the phone and/or mp3 player in any way?

Posted by: Shroomster

didn't slow me down....I had (what I figure was a real) a Sony 4gb for a week but I returned it cuz I need the money hehe.....it performed flawlessly....had around 3876 I believe in free space....

Posted by: Michael95GT

Quote:

Originally Posted by cozz36

I read "I called in sick so I could play with my new phone."

To that I say...Great!!! A true HoFo member.

LOL, been there done that. Several times actually.

Posted by: dnivara

Day by day I m realizing that the earpiece-speaker volume is not up to the mark. The volume should be atleast 30% higher for complete clarity. Also, the signal reception isnt good. Its varies widely and many times there are voice breaks and distortion. The signal in my friends Moto KRZR is completely stable at the same places and time. The 81i shows just 2 bars out of 5 most of the time while the KRZR shows a solid full signal. Dunno why the 810i signal reception varies so much

Posted by: kelseyb

Sure!

Goto:

http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=1074560

and

http://forums.se-nse.net/index.php?showtopic=6118

Good luck!

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbranscum

Wirelessly posted (Nokia 6620: MOT-RAZRV3xx/96.71.95R BER2.2 Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; 11063081) Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 Opera 8.00 [en] UP.Link/6.3.0.0.0)

So, kelseyb, can you point me to the link where you can debrand the 810 for free..

Posted by: kelseyb

Unbranding/Debranding = removing the service providers UI [user interface] and replacing it with the manufacturer's own UI -- in your case eliminating all of the Cingular installed screens, logos, ringtones, *and limitations* (most important), and instead using Sony Ericsson's version. The phone is still "locked" to only work on Cingular's system. You can unbrand the W810i for free (see the links I posted earlier) or for about $10 (US) through software and a internet connection provided by DaVinci or Wotan.

Unlocking = Modifying ("unlocking") a phone's operating system to allow you to use the phone on any compatible system with any service provider. So, you can move the phone originally sold by or for Cingular to, say, T-Mobile or Rogers, regardless of whether that service provider itself sells or supports that particular phone. Phones bought directly from the manufacturer are usually (always?) unlocked, and there are ways to unlock most phones "after the fact" if they are bought from a service provider or provider's agent (such as Amazon.com).

I understand that people who often move between countries or continents will sometimes have multiple accounts with different local service providers, and just switch their phone (or swap the phone's SIM -- what Cingular calls the "SmartChip") so avoid the high cost of international calls. I know I've seen adapters that are supposed to allow you to have two SIMs in a single phone for just this purpose.

It is also my understanding that "unlocked" phones sold on eBay sometimes aren't.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barkley

What is the difference between an Unlocked Phone and an Unbranded Phone?

I want an SE W810i without Cingular's BRANDING - but will be using Cingular's Carrier Service.

Of course I know there are ways to do this but I'm very new at all this techno stuff - and don't want to take any chances. I just want to buy the phone and use it right away.

Posted by: kelseyb

Well, on the one hand it is certainly true that Sony Ericsson, as of today, still has on its website, in the FAQs for the W810i:

"What is the maximum capacity of the Memory Stick Duo™ supported by the phone [W810i]?
Maximum capacity of the Memory Stick Duo™ supported by the phone is 2 GB."

(see: http://www.sonyericsson.com/spg.jsp...topicID=29#2857)

On the other hand, it is also certainly true that users have verified that the W810i can use a 4gb flash card. I believe that Sony Ericsson even recently confirmed that they will work in a letter to a HoFo user.

Lesson: Manufacturer's FAQs are not always the best source of information.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drav3n

Not true. I just got a 4gb Pro Duo card and it works flawlessly in my w810i. Im currently adding my mp3s on the card now

Posted by: cowboy1964

Quote:

Originally Posted by kelseyb

Lesson: Manufacturer's FAQs are not always the best source of information.

Definitely. Samsung's site still says they recommend only 512MB memory card. 1GB may have "performance issues". I am running 2GB and it works perfectly.

Posted by: ghudson

I got this phone Friday. I can say I am very pleased with the headset volume. I was concerned that it would be too low after some of the comments I'd read, but it is much louder than my old v551. I had no problem getting it to work with my bluetooth headset either. The only concern I've had is with background hiss on some of my mp3s. I am experimenting with different headphones and trying different mp3s, but I have to say at this point I don't think the sound is as good as the pocket vaio I am hoping to replace. The walkman is still good enough for all but the quietest environments though. I'm hoping I can improve on it too.

Posted by: Drav3n

Quote:

Originally Posted by dnivara

Does a higher capacity memory card slow down the phone and/or mp3 player in any way?

It only slows the phone for the initial few seconds after u insert the card into the phone. Probably because it has so much more to read on the card. But the card has been flawless for me. I have about 90 game (yes 90 lol), about 200 mp3s (with no slowness in the music either)

Posted by: 1.58

i've been using a cingular w810 for about 3mos, and it's a great phone all-around. the earpiece volume could be better, but it's not terrible. the only thing about this phone that irritates the crap out of me is when you try to read the screen outside on a sunny day. forget about it. washes out completely.

Posted by: Shroomster

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drav3n

hey can you link me to the games please?

Posted by: blupupher

Quote:

Originally Posted by kelseyb

Well, on the one hand it is certainly true that Sony Ericsson, as of today, still has on its website, in the FAQs for the W810i:

"What is the maximum capacity of the Memory Stick Duo™ supported by the phone [W810i]?
Maximum capacity of the Memory Stick Duo™ supported by the phone is 2 GB."

(see: http://www.sonyericsson.com/spg.jsp...topicID=29#2857)

On the other hand, it is also certainly true that users have verified that the W810i can use a 4gb flash card. I believe that Sony Ericsson even recently confirmed that they will work in a letter to a HoFo user.

Lesson: Manufacturer's FAQs are not always the best source of information.

When the W810 was released, the largest card available was 2 gig, so that was listed as the largest supported.

Posted by: RyanM

I really like SE's. By biggest turnon about them is the long battery life on one charge...

Posted by: davistld01

Congratulations on having the clearness of mind to choose the best mobile phone in the present Cingular lineup...by far!! I have had quite a few of the w810i's (still have a non-Cingular one) and all have been great. Only my first one (when they first hit Cingular) had an earpiece volume issue...but since then every one of them has been OK.

Excellent reception, fast & intuitive UI, and (I think) solid construction for an all-plastic phone make it an awesome value.

Good choice!!

Posted by: otstupnik

Hey kelseyb, been looking for the place to unbrand my phone for free, and can't find it. Can you point me to a link?

Posted by: kelseyb

Sure -- see message #20 of this thread.

Quote:

Originally Posted by otstupnik

Hey kelseyb, been looking for the place to unbrand my phone for free, and can't find it. Can you point me to a link?

Posted by: Skins_kg

Don't know if this has been posted but it's sweet!!

https://promotions.sonyericsson.com/

promo code: CINQ107SPKR

Posted by: elzorrodorito

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skins_kg

Don't know if this has been posted but it's sweet!!

https://promotions.sonyericsson.com/

promo code: CINQ107SPKR

Wow, I don't know if I will ever use those speakers but I don't mind free stuff.

I have had my SE W810i for almost a week now after switching from the Sync.

I switched for a few reasons.

-2 gig limit as opposed to 4 gigs with SE.

-No 3G in my area.

-The battery on my Sync would die overnight if I didn't leave it on the charger. I have charged my W810i twice in the week I have had it (I have even listened to music and watched ripped episodes of Seinfeld for several hours on this charge, battery is still above half).

-I used to have a T616 back in the day and I loved it.

A lot of people complain about staticky calls, dropped calls, low speaker volume, and I haven't experienced any of that. Just got my 4 gig MS pro duo and am in the process of ripping DVDs on to my phone with M3. Kind of makes Cingular Video pointless IMO.

I loved the Sync (especially the screen), everything about it but the battery life. It's a stretch to even call that phone "wireless".

Posted by: dnivara

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skins_kg

Don't know if this has been posted but it's sweet!!

https://promotions.sonyericsson.com/

promo code: CINQ107SPKR

Is this for real?????

Posted by: Skins_kg

Yeah a couple people I work with already got theirs!!

Posted by: rawrletsgo

where do you find the IMEI thinger?
is this on the box?

Posted by: Skins_kg

Yes or you can press *#06# on your phone, or the imei is under the battery as well.

Posted by: jm01dc

I've had my w810 active for about 2 hours now, and I already love it compared with the sync I had. Its such a great size, the menus are soooo much more thought out. Another thing I noticed is the quality of noise coming from the speaker if I play a song is much better than the sync. I can't wait to investigate more stuff, get my 1gb duo in there, and unbrand it. mmm candy bar

Posted by: jm01dc

Downfalls of the w810... as far as absolute volume, it is MUCH quieter than the sync. I was in a bar tonight and couldn't even hear the bloody ringing sound as I was calling my buddy. I really hope unbranding the phone and adding the sound drivers will help. As is, i couldn't even use the phone in a noise environment. Beyond that, I love it hhaha.

Posted by: dnivara

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skins_kg

Don't know if this has been posted but it's sweet!!

https://promotions.sonyericsson.com/

promo code: CINQ107SPKR

I m really hesitant to enter info in this site as I m a bit paranoid about phishing attacks. Could you please confirm that this site is genuine? Thanks

Posted by: Skins_kg

Quote:

Originally Posted by dnivara

I m really hesitant to enter info in this site as I m a bit paranoid about phishing attacks. Could you please confirm that this site is genuine? Thanks

Hmmm well we got the info from Sony Ericsson, mine is on the way and two of my co-workers have theirs already. Don't know what else you might want. I can send pics when I get them.

Posted by: pio

ok...

this is so frustrating, i've been researching for phone for this last couple of days...
now my list have come to 2 phones..

it will be either the w810i or the v3xx...

i have had 2 SE in the past...
the latest was a T616...what i really hated about this phone was the F charger...
after a few months it would not charge i tried everything and nothing...the same thing happened to the first one (a t61)...i swear never go back to SE...but this phone is so tempting...

my experience with moto have been better (except for the v551 charger and speaker)...currently own a balck razr...

now i want a phone and i want an mp3 player...(dont have enough space on the laptop for music right now)
since this a "walkman" this should be better...

now i ask...why is this phone better than the v3xx?
can i solve the volume "problem" with an unbrand?
will unbranding void my warranty? (i guess it will...just need confirmation)..
thanks...

Posted by: pio

also...
is this phone multitasking (listen to music while sending an sms, etc)

Posted by: dawinger

Quote:

Originally Posted by dnivara

I m really hesitant to enter info in this site as I m a bit paranoid about phishing attacks. Could you please confirm that this site is genuine? Thanks

yes, they have a little display at the store as well

Posted by: sz0wxc

If I flash my Cingular phone will I loose the Music ID function? If so is there a way to reinstall the application? I really love that feature but I also like to have whole MP3s for ringtones.
Thanks

Posted by: jm01dc

I don't believe you use music id function... what do you mean by that?

It is a great phone with a GREAT user interface, everything is in the right place. I love mine, I flashed it and there are no issues - VERY loud after the flash. Yes you can keep the mp3's playing while you're doing other tasks. I loaded my 1gb mem stick with some songs, and have been bringing my phone to class and leaving my ipod at home.

If you're sick of played out flip phones, and razrs which everyone has... be original and get the w810 (i highly recommend it).

Posted by: sz0wxc

The cingular version has a function called Music ID in the walkman menu.
Basically it records a sample of the music playing then sending it off to a database for comparison then reports back the song title and artist. I love this feature as it works really good and has some entertainment value when no one can guess who the song is by.

Posted by: dshort09

sniff sniff if only it was 3g. When will these corporate people learn that they need to make the SE 900 with 850 gsm for cingular...thats my dream phone right there

Posted by: linnre

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skins_kg

Don't know if this has been posted but it's sweet!!

https://promotions.sonyericsson.com/

promo code: CINQ107SPKR

I already got mine in the mail and it only took a week or so. Thanks for posting the web page and promo code. My sister bought one this week but didn't received that information.

DL

Posted by: dnivara

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skins_kg

Don't know if this has been posted but it's sweet!!

https://promotions.sonyericsson.com/

promo code: CINQ107SPKR

I got this a few minutes back and its bloody awesome! I m more in love with my W810i now.