vB Easy Archive - Buying my 1st phone. S56, SE T616, or other?

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Buying my 1st phone. S56, SE T616, or other?
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Posted by: spacekadet

Hey everyone, this is my first post here.

I have never owned a cell phone in my life. I'm going to college this september and I need to pick a cell phone pretty soon. I have been reading the forum for quite a while and it sounds like the S55/S56 is an awesome phone. I've also heard wonderful things about the T616, except for it's unreadable screen, which would be a big no no for me.

So far, I think the S56 has everything I need:

1. a good RF and sound quality, most important in my list.
2. small, compact form.
3. bluetooth for connecting to my PowerBook.

The 256 color screen is a little outdated, but I think on a phone, it really doesn't matter unless you can video conference w/ it.

What's up with the posts on this phone setting off store security detectors? Is anyone else having this problem?

I've heard there were some calendar syncing problems w/ iSync on macs, is this true?

Sorry if I skimmed the review and missed it, but does this phone have a picture caller ID? (not really important, but it'd be cool

)

How does this phone compare w/ SE T616, SE T68i, Nokia 7250i, and other competitors? Please help me make a good first cell phone purchase. Any comments would be appreciated.

Thank you.

Posted by: Chan

I got the S56 and have no complaints other than the screen wish it were slightly bigger with a 4k screen. I'll keep this phone till the v600 or something comes around.

Posted by: Synncere

Quote:

So far, I think the S56 has everything I need:

1. a good RF and sound quality, most important in my list.
2. small, compact form.
3. bluetooth for connecting to my PowerBook.

If that's basically what you need out a fone then s56 is perfect for ya. s55/56 is a great fone. Only downfall is the 256 color screen but everything else the fone is capable of definately makes up for that.

Quote:

How does this phone compare w/ SE T616, SE T68i, Nokia 7250i

The s55/s56 is much better than the T68i and totally out performs it. I haven't used the T616 but The T610 is okay. I wasn't fond of the fone at all but it was one of the pre release models so was very buggy. The one I have now performs quite well. It is hard to see the screen outdoors if you are using a dark colored wall paper but it's not totally unreadable. RF is not as good as the s55/56 but decent. I tried the 7250 but didn't like it too much. I thought it would have performed better than my old 7210 but it was the same. RF was iffy and the fone's performance was average. I am very partial to my s55. It's extremely reliable. I would go with the s55/s56 if I were you.

Quote:

does this phone have a picture caller ID?

It does... not a thumb nail either it's full screen.

Whatever fone you choose I hope it works out for ya. Best thing to do is head to a store that carries the fones you mentioned and ask them if they have a test model you can try. That way you can get an actual idea of the fone's UI, size, performance, etc...

Posted by: Ric

Quote:

Originally posted by spacekadet
Hey everyone, this is my first post here.

I have never owned a cell phone in my life. I'm going to college this september and I need to pick a cell phone pretty soon.

I also have an S55 (the "world" version of the S56) and I love the way it syncs with my contacts, appointments, and tasks - so I have them around with me even if I don't have my PDA.

Something else to consider is what level of support you want with your phone. Especially with your first phone. For maximum service, buy your phone with your service contract at the provider's store. In other words - if you're getting T-Mobile service, get your phone at an official T-Mobile store, not a third party that sells T-Mobile along with other providers. This way you can call your provider's support line and they will help you with any technical problems you may have. You can also take it in for repair or diagnosis at thier service department.

The disadvantage to the provider owned store is that you will have a finite selection of phones, maybe 10 or so models to choose from.

If you prefer maximum selection, are willing to go with a GSM provider (T-Mobile, AT&T, Cingular, for example) and can take responsibility for your own support, then the world is your oyster and you can have your choice of the many GSM models that work on US networks. Generally, you will pay a bit more going this route, because you're not getting the big rebate that the service provider is willing to offer to lure you into a contract. However, this also opens the possibility of getting a previously owned phone, which can save money.

Then there are the guys in the middle, the Radio Shacks and cell phone specialty outlets that will sell you a contract and a phone with the provider of your choice. They often have the phones at an even deeper discount than the service provider, but they can't back it up with ongoing technical support - so you are making a tradeoff for lower upfront price.

So, what's most valuable to you?

Support? Buy from the service provider's store.
Phone price? Buy from Radio Shack, Amazon, or your local cell phone outlet.
Freedom to select the "perfect" phone? Buy your cell phone on your own and get your service contract and SIM card from your provider.

Posted by: rtheman

***Mod Edit

Sorry you cannot advertise in here in that manor. A link in your signature to BST forum is accecptable but not what you posted here.

Posted by: spacekadet

Thank you so much, you guys are very very helpful.

I am still deciding between S55/S56 and T610/T616, but am now leaning towards the S55/S56.

I checked few of the service providers' web sites and they have pretty good offers. Cingular is the only provider right now I think that offers S56. I think AT&T also offers it but I can't use AT&T at Champaign, IL...

Well, anyway, Cingular offers the S56 for only $99!!! The T610 goes for $199. I'm very excited about this low price and am really close to making my first phone purchase.

But before I dove in, I noticed that the contract requires at least 2 years of service and $200 cancelation fee... So I was wondering if anyone could share their experience with Cingular. It'd be even better if you've used it around my area (Champaign, IL). I guess if you live in Chicago, that'll be close enough as well.

Synncere, you said your T610 is OK. Could you tell me a little more about it? It sounds like a very attractive phone, but I've read some reviews and some posts trashing its almost unreadable screen when used outdoors. Is the screen on S55/S56 good other than the 256 colors? From what I've read, they both use the STN screen, so I was worried that S55/S56 would have the same problem... BTW, I love your happy and angry icons

Posted by: Ric

Quote:

Originally posted by spacekadet
I am still deciding between S55/S56 and T610/T616, but am now leaning towards the S55/S56. ... So I was wondering if anyone could share their experience with Cingular. It'd be even better if you've used it around my area (Champaign,

You are asking exactly the right questions. After all, what good is a cool phone if you can't get a dial tone in your area? Most major cities are well covered, but once you move out to the suburbs and beyond, there are very real geographic differences. Even a few blocks can make a difference.

If you want Cingular, you can ask if they have a one year contract instead, if that would make a difference to you. Most providers do, but check it out. Also, keep in mind that you always have a "grace period" of 10 to 30 days. You can sign the contract, take the phone and try it out. If you don't like either, you can take it back and get something else, or cancel the whole deal.

This is important because some things you just won't know until you are sitting in your new digs with your new phone in your hand. Is the screen OK? Can you get used to the controls? Is the coverage good for your area?

When you find something you like, don't be afraid to take the leap. You can back out after a couple of weeks if it doesn't work out.

Posted by: Synncere

Quote:

Synncere, you said your T610 is OK. Could you tell me a little more about it? It sounds like a very attractive phone, but I've read some reviews and some posts trashing its almost unreadable screen when used outdoors. Is the screen on S55/S56 good other than the 256 colors? From what I've read, they both use the STN screen, so I was worried that S55/S56 would have the same problem... BTW, I love your happy and angry icons

Thx spacekadet

As for the 2 fones... PM me all your questions and I'll do my best to answer.