vB Easy Archive - Questions about unbranding, SE W810i, and K550i flashed to W610i

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Questions about unbranding, SE W810i, and K550i flashed to W610i
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Posted by: Bambellini

I'm totally new to the whole concept of branding and unbranding/debranding, and to make matters worse I have two left hands and am about as technically savvy as an earthworm.
Still, from everything I've been reading on this forum, I think the concept is really, really cool!

So here goes with the questions. I've been considering getting a SE W810i or W610i. I've seen a sweet deal on a W810i that's already unlocked and unbranded. I've also been reading about the K550i flashed to W610i.

What makes the K550i flashed to 610 better than the original 610?
Am I correct in thinking that the only relevant difference between the 810 and 610 is the Walkman feature, which is supposedly a little better in the 610?
Any reasons why I should choose one over the other?
Are there any possible issues I should be aware of if I get a debranded phone? Especially considering how gifted I am in the technical department - not!
What can I modify with the unbranded phone that I wouldn't be able to touch with a branded model?
What SHOULD I modify? Any reccos?
Something tells me that whatever flashing needs to be done, it's probably not a good idea I try this myself. Are there ppl who can do it for me, similar to unlocking services? Can it be done remotely?
Is debranding legal?

I'll be using the phone mainly in NYC on the AT&T network, if it matters. But also on travels to e.g. Florida, West Coast, Europe (with Euro SIM card).

I'm excited about this, I feel it's almost like getting a custom built phone! It also feels like a big F U to the carriers and their stupid monopolies, which appeals to the little anarchist inside of me (no, I'm not pregnant by Iggy Pop).

Thanks in advance for any and all advice!!!

Posted by: bigb252

1) It isn't any better, but having a camera lens cover was a plus - I also preferred the style of the K550 to the W610.
2)W810 is Walkman 1.0 and W610 is Walkman 2.0. The 610 has more features and a newer, [slightly] faster user interface.
3)The 810 is a proven phone, with more hacks and mods, but the 610 is basically the same phone that has improved a bit. The camera on the 810 is a little bit better than the 610 also.
4)The only issues I can think of right now with owning a debranded (or unbranded) phone is that if a problem arises, you might have to go back to the seller or directly with SE instead of going through Rogers or AT&T. You will also have to input data and MMS settings manually, but you can do that buy just visiting a website and putting in your number. (it's a sticky in the SE forums)
5)Branded mobiles have certain features/menus disabled, such as network selection and flash menus.
6)You can use the included USB cable and debrand your phone remotely through some companies (WotanServer comes to mind). There are also free methods, but may take a little technical know-how.
7)Debranding is perfectly legal. Some say that your warantee(sp?) would be voided if you debranded your phone - but I haven't come across a definite answer yet.

Whatever you do, make sure you buy the phone UNBRANDED! (+unlocked since you will be traveling) - And if you buy online, make sure the seller gives you an invoice or a receipt in case you have any phone problems and have to send the phone to SE.

Good luck!

Posted by: Bambellini

Wow! Thanks so much for your elaborate reply!!!

I think I already asked somebody else, but just to be sure: would it be possible to upgrade or flash the W810 Walkman 1.0 to a Walkman 2.0? Or would the entire phone need to be flashed to a W610 (if such a thing is even possible)?

I'm 99% sure I'll go with the W810, just wondering what kind of cool modifications I can make now!

Posted by: bigb252

No, I don't think its possible to upgrade. The phone can't be flashed to a 610 either, it might totally brick the phone.

You can change out camera and acoustic drivers, even change out the rare faceplate. You can add more flash themes to your 810 and 610 also...

Posted by: MP

+1 for the w810i ..
Great little phone...

Posted by: Bambellini

Hey guys! Just want to let everyone know I've bought an unlocked & unbranded W810 from someone right here on HoFo... can't wait for it to arrive!

I'll probably be posting a bunch of new questions, because I never owned an unbranded phone before. I'm sure there's a lot of cool mods available, just have to figure out how to install and implement them...

I'm actually trying to buy a W610 too, because I might be able to get one for a really low price. If so, I'll be able to compare the two firsthand. From everything I've been reading, I'm pretty sure I'll like the 810 better, but you never know... And I can always resell whichever one I like least!

I have no idea if the 610 is unlocked or unbranded, the seller isn't familiar with these terms, lol! I guess I'll find out if and when I buy it... And if it's locked or branded, I might even attempt doing it myself...!!!

Thanks everyone for weighing in!!!