vB Easy Archive - GX32 small review

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GX32 small review
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Posted by: carsmovies

Someones small review of the GX32 I took from another forum. Since no one on this forum has really shared much on this phone.

Perceptions of the GX32
Hi all,

from Hong Kong and been holding the GX32 for about a week now. For Johaness' benefit, the GX32 and GX30 should be one and the same phone, only catering to different markets. I note that SHARP is using mainly an exclusive sales strategy for the phone with one single network. FYI, I got the phone for HKD3990 with a 1 year closed contract with the network.

a few observations only as I have yet to completely go through the features of the handset.

FEATURES
uhm, most of the 6230 features save the radio and then some - a fine grained internal display (speced at 262k, although its really 64k with extra fine pixels); and the main seller the 1 megapixel camera (you'll need to wait at least 3 months for the next one)

BLUETOOTH
First of all, and probably the most dissapointing thing of the handset is that the bluetooth function as it is only works with headsets or car handsfree. I do note however on the manual (which incidentally should be the same as the GX30 - which comes with an additional 32 (or is it 8) mb sd/mmc card and cd(??), of a reference to 'hiding' your handset against other GX32s...maybe the original design was for linkage between handsets aka SONY-ERICCSON ones? I only hope that this is a current firmware / OS design that can be updated at a later stage (tough chance...).

The bluetooth function thus cannot pass data to and fro your PC or another handset.

I am currently using the i-tech touch bluetooth headset. Connection is on average very good with clear reception on both ends of the line. The only issue I have encountered is no speech on first phone call after connecting with the headset - still checking this. One other thing is the mobile sometimes identifies itself as linked to a ar handsfree and not headset, but ambiguous here.

RECEPTION and SOUND QUALITY
Is excellent as far as I have experienced. The one issue, for which I don't know if it relates to the network (Smartone) is long period required for reconnection to the network after e.g. going into a lift; my previous Phillips 330 was slightly quicker in that respect.

The sound quality is EXCELLENT - very clear and loud sound. The speaker is not the best but more than acceptable. You can only use .smaf or midis as ringtones and not MP3s. I note that the*.smaf formats I get by downloading from the network are non forwardable nor cannot be copied to the expandable memory card, which apparently makes it a copyright protection type file format. For some reason, Smartone only provides these files for d/ling on the GX32, using a motorola, I can get a midi type file of the same ringtone.

MENU
To my experience, the menu is very quick and very responsive. I have not tried the GX22 so have no terms of reference to that, but safe to say, the menu system is on par for speed with nokia types - I may daresay its even quicker. The menu is well structured, with most features accessible within 2 steps. There really is nothing one can argue about regarding the menu really.

PHONEBOOK
My GF had the GX12 (traded for the GX32 too, making her price at HKD3200!!), and she had a hell of a time copying each number individually from the handset to the sim card. Unfortunately, there is still no option to 'copy all' from handset to sim card. There is now a 'backup' function available but I haven't tried it yet.
With the GX32, you can assign pics and even specific ringtones to an individual, the picture viewable on the second ring on the external view (256k only...). Access to the phonebook is easy, and you can save email addresses to the individuals too. A few things to note, the photos used for the phonebook must be plaed in the handset memory and not the expandable.

THE CAMERA
Picture and video taking. This is my first phone with a camera so I can only say its GREAT GREAT GREAT. You can print v. good 2Rs with this mobile. For photos, you have options for the size of the pictures (from 120X160 - 858X1144) and quality (norm or fine). You can take self portrait like the GX22. There is an additional ability to have the camera set fo portrait or macro shots - it does work. The light will blink and a shutter sound will appear when after each shot, so no one can safely take pics under ladies' skirts, you get what I mean. The Video is ok (what do u expect?), but is somewhat stuttery, you get options for quality (norm or fine) and length (norm at 80k or extended at 400k), with the smaller file size MMS capable. You can choose to have photos or videos to be saved to the expandable memory card. And the video will record sound too.

MP3
Not tested yet - I still need to get a headset (wired only) for listening to mp3. Do note that you can only listen to mp3 via cabled headset and not the bluetooth (I hear this is available for 6230).

EXPANDABLE MEMORY
I have a Lexar 128 SD Card in the mobile. The mobile will automatically create 3 - 4 folders in the card, one photo, one video, one sound i think (forgot, and can't check this at the mo). so far I have only copied midi files to the card and then to the handset memory for ringtones, and the quality is quite acceptable.
Once I can fiddle more with this I'll update u guys.

JAVA
The 2 JAVA games included are only demos / trail versions...a bit cheap for SHARP to do this...

PROFILES
You are limited to what is in the PROFILES menu, can't change names as such. There is no 'ascending sound volume' available, but other than that its fine, with a variety of options to choose.

WAP / GPRS Browser
not attempted in detail yet, but speed is ok to my experience (again, first phone of such type for me, so no terms of reference).

OTHERS
Well, battery life on the mobile could be better...using bluetooth (may have been the factor...) intermittently, the battery only lasted a bit over 36 hours. Definitely need an extra pack here.
You can choose not to pick up the phone by pressing and holding down the volume buttons on the left of the phone for some seconds.

The package for Hong Kong was not very good, only a wired headset and nothing else. I have to buy the data cd, the usb cable as accessories...and thinking of d/ling the one available on the www.sharp-mobile.com website to play around with - but dunno if its compatible (regional settings?) with my GX32 (GX30 in europe).

You have a lot of options for Alarm (9 alarm settings to save). The calender and notes taking is rudimentary but I suppose its acceptable. There is a voice recorder to use. You can make ringtones, although you'll need to understand your musical chords.

That's really it folks.

For a bit of history here, my GF and myself were walking along Causeway Bay when we saw the Smartone Booth selling the GX32 on the day of their launch in Hong Kong. MY GF was immediately caught, but I remained a writhing fish on the hook for the duration that my GF had to go through the sales procedures. I had been waiitng for the 6230 for over 2 months (having to borrow friend's phones for 2 months as my Phillips 330 was broken). At the end of the day (literally), I went for GX32 as the price would be similar anyway, and other than the radio in the NOKIA handset, there wasn't much going for the 6230 anymore (other than size and the NOKIA menu). Frankly, I like my decision, as I understand that the 6230 is on preorder for HKD4280, which is a tad bit higher than what this cost me. The 1 megapixel cam and screen are the main factors that allowed SHARP to eventually pull the line in with me at the end of it.

The GX32 was launched one wek AFTER the Nokia 7200 and supposedly one wek before the 6230 launches in Hong Kong (unsure about this, but seems to be this week...). All I can say is good timing Smartone.

One thing for sure, this handset here beats the NOKIA 7200 out of the sky (handsdown, pants down whatever!!). NOKIA should be ashamed of selling that poor excuse of a clamshell phone for the same price (HKD3980 on preorder) with none of the features comparable, and that ultra small screen (for clamshells).

I would hope Mobileburn makes the review for this handset soon, as I believe it to be the best in the market today and for the coming 3 months features wise in its class (what class??). It is true though, that SHARP is small potatoes as they only produce one phone each round for the world market, and frankly, I hadn't learnt of the phone's features until that day at the booth...hands down hands down pants down

Regards

Marq

Posted by: tw_1_n_star

wow nice review. I wouldn't exactly call this a "mini" review haha. Very nice detailed views on the phone. Great work

Posted by: Confused69u

dayam u always get all the bling phones first..

nice review!

Posted by: Confused69u

edit: didn't read the top part

Posted by: mobileNEWB

hey cars, which do u prefer v600 or gx32???

Posted by: oneeyejack

Quote:

Originally posted by Confused69u
dayam u always get all the bling phones first..

nice review!

uhhhhh...it wasn't his review. he took it from another forum.

Posted by: carsmovies

Quote:

Originally posted by mobileNEWB
hey cars, which do u prefer v600 or gx32???

As I mentioned in my original post I didn't write the review. I'm waiting for my GX32 which is now in Mississauga being held up by customs. Should have it today though. Therefore, I can't answer your question just yet. I've had a V600 which is a great phone but I think I'll like the GX32 even better. Time will tell though.

Posted by: sneakerpimp

hmm... a bit dissapointing. looks like i'll be keeping my 6600 in the meantime until something on par with the panasonic x700 arrives with 1-2 megapixel rating.

Posted by: carsmovies

Quote:

Originally posted by sneakerpimp
hmm... a bit dissapointing. looks like i'll be keeping my 6600 in the meantime until something on par with the panasonic x700 arrives with 1-2 megapixel rating.

Just wondering what specifically is disappointing?

Posted by: Confused69u

Quote:

Originally posted by oneeyejack
uhhhhh...it wasn't his review. he took it from another forum.

you didn't read as well, look up a few posts

"edit: didn't read the top part "

Posted by: Confused69u

Quote:

Originally posted by sneakerpimp
hmm... a bit dissapointing. looks like i'll be keeping my 6600 in the meantime until something on par with the panasonic x700 arrives with 1-2 megapixel rating.

according to mobileburn, x700 will come with "feature a 300K (VGA) camera" = 0.3mp

i foresee a 2mp next year around this time as well

Posted by: dallaslfe

the bluetooth sure sucks if it only allows phone to headset connection... i was hoping the bluetooth would allow us to transfer pics to other phones since IrDA doesn't allow phone to phone transfer in gx22

Posted by: carsmovies

Ok, I finally got my own GX32. Here are my initial thoughts and opinions.

Pros:

- Screen is simply amazing. Best ever.
- Sound quality is very good.
- Earpiece volume is sufficient.
- Ringtone volume is good.
- RF so far is good. Have yet to truely test it though.
- Camera is also amazing for a phone camera. Best so far.
- Handset is very light.
- Menu is easy to use and very fast.
- T9 is also fast.
- GPRS is almost EDGE speed.
- Keys are well laid out and feel quality.
- Excellent build quality.
- BT with BT headset works flawlessly.
- Call display with pic id even on the outside screen.
- SD slot memory upto 512mb.
- Quad-Band, 850/900/1800/1900
- 6mb of internal memory.

Cons:

- rather large in length.
- No MP3 as ringtones.
- BT only for headset and car kit. Seems to be a software restriction though so there is hope.
- IRDA only able to use as modem or through Handset Manager software. Cannot transfer between handsets.
- No active flip.
- No speakerphone.
- No voice dialing or commands.
- No email client built in. Can be added with a Java application though.
- Limited functionality of calender, ie. no calender alarms.

These are some main points. I haven't had the phone long enough to determine battery life.

Posted by: SmokinSungha

@ carsmovies

1. what??? only 6mb memory? i thought 8mb?! every seller on ebay says this...

2. could u test if the java calenders on midlet.org work for the gx32?
this is very important to me, because i can't live without my cell phone calender!

3. i think you own a SD card! (-->see "pros") can you check if it's really true that u can watch video clips bigger than 400K?

Posted by: carsmovies

Quote:

Originally posted by SmokinSungha
@ carsmovies

1. what??? only 6mb memory? i thought 8mb?! every seller on ebay says this...

2. could u test if the java calenders on midlet.org work for the gx32?
this is very important to me, because i can't live without my cell phone calender!

3. i think you own a SD card! (-->see "pros") can you check if it's really true that u can watch video clips bigger than 400K?

1. Nope, only 6MB internal memory. I believe the package originally came with either a 8MB SD or MMC card but it seems the wholesalers in HK removed them all to sell separately.

I'll try to find out the rest later.

Posted by: Synncere

Jorg where did you get your GX32? I have a GX30 that I have been playing around for a few days but want the GX32 without the customization.

Posted by: carsmovies

Quote:

Originally posted by Synncere
Jorg where did you get your GX32? I have a GX30 that I have been playing around for a few days but want the GX32 without the customization.

I got mine from Milkboy103. An advertiser in the marketplace.

Posted by: dallaslfe

just curious, are the smartone gx32 made in japan?

Posted by: Malaco0219

good review
wish he was a lil more specific

Posted by: Sgt_Strider

Quote:

Originally posted by carsmovies
I got mine from Milkboy103. An advertiser in the marketplace.

Just wondering, is the phone branded or unbranded? Btw when will you test out the mp3 player? How's the battery life using and not using the mp3 player? Thx

Posted by: wclchris

just got my GX32 (former GX22 user ... can't help but upgrade)

but, the difference between GX22 and 32 isn't as big as I thought ... the camara is sure nice but unless you want to actually print it out on A4 it doesn't really make that much of a difference on the screen ...

some mp3s work but some doesn't (still has to figure out why)

battery life is ok so far contrary to public belief ... I mean if you play mp3 non-stop it's not gonna last a whole day

I didn't buy the usb cable w/ handset manager ... coz I had my Irda for GX22 and it works fine, the GX22 handset manager is compatible with GX32. I downloaded the GX30 handset manager from the net but somehow that is not working ... not a big deal as the previous GX22 manager works

It is a nice phone, but I would warn current GX22 users to reconsider before you jump in ...

Posted by: carsmovies

Quote:

Originally posted by wclchris
just got my GX32 (former GX22 user ... can't help but upgrade)

but, the difference between GX22 and 32 isn't as big as I thought ... the camara is sure nice but unless you want to actually print it out on A4 it doesn't really make that much of a difference on the screen ...

some mp3s work but some doesn't (still has to figure out why)

battery life is ok so far contrary to public belief ... I mean if you play mp3 non-stop it's not gonna last a whole day

I didn't buy the usb cable w/ handset manager ... coz I had my Irda for GX22 and it works fine, the GX22 handset manager is compatible with GX32. I downloaded the GX30 handset manager from the net but somehow that is not working ... not a big deal as the previous GX22 manager works

It is a nice phone, but I would warn current GX22 users to reconsider before you jump in ...

There are other things to consider as well like the added 850 band which is important to North Americans as well as the added memory for those pics. I too downloaded the GX30 handset manager but can't get it to work. Easiest for me is just using my card reader/writer.

Quote:

just curious, are the smartone gx32 made in japan?

Yes they are all made in Japan.

Quote:

Just wondering, is the phone branded or unbranded? Btw when will you test out the mp3 player?

There is no unbranded GX30/32 but the 32 has very little branding. I did try out the Mp3 player very quickly and it seems to work fine. But then I'm really not a Mp3 player user.

Posted by: hocky

Is there a limit on the highest bitrate u can go for the mp3s, i.e mp3s with bitrates of 192 and above instead of 128.

Posted by: hocky

Oh yah, I heard some ppl saying that the GX3*s have a larger memory for new words when smsing. i.e new words inserted into the T9 dictionary dun disappear the next day when u dun use it as in the case of the gx-2*s.

Posted by: carsmovies

Quote:

Originally posted by hocky
Is there a limit on the highest bitrate u can go for the mp3s, i.e mp3s with bitrates of 192 and above instead of 128.

I don't know about one with 192 kbps but it did work with one which is 160 kbps and 44.1kHz.

Posted by: Malaco0219

there seems to be so many flaws for this fone.. i think i rather stick with a gx 22 and mp3 player...

BT crippled, no active flip.. the screen comes on really slow after u open up the flip.... i duno..and its ugly ..

Posted by: carsmovies

Quote:

Originally posted by Malaco0219
there seems to be so many flaws for this fone.. i think i rather stick with a gx 22 and mp3 player...

BT crippled, no active flip.. the screen comes on really slow after u open up the flip.... i duno..and its ugly ..

The GX22 also doesn't have active flip. The screen comes on fast enough.

Posted by: Guni_GuGu

By active flip, what are we talking about?

Opening the flip, to answer a call? Cuz I heard, that worked, and even heard, some guy complain, because when he was using BT, he would close the flip, and it would end the call.

Perhaps it's an option somewhere.....

I must say, I was really really really haning to get my hands on this phone, but I am very disapointed, to hear about all the limitations enforced... No mp3 ringtones, poor bt support, poor support for videos, at max size 400k, kinda sad... You know, the phone is capable of it.. I mean, why would they only half-impliment something like that?

We really got to get into hacking the gx30, and getting by all of this stuff....

I will still buy the gx30, as soon as a shop has it in stock, in Australia... It was released last monday, but only one shop, in all of melbourne had it, and it was on the otherside of the city.. every other store is still waiting on their delivery. Looking like Monday now.

Posted by: Guni_GuGu

What I'd love to see, is a kewl looking flip phone, with similar types of feautres as the gx30, ie, camera, display, mp3's, but improved bt so it works like normal bt does, and a divx/xvid player... that would be amazing, having a phone, capable of playing divx/xvid videos.

Posted by: hocky

Opening the flip, to answer a call? Cuz I heard, that worked, and even heard, some guy complain, because when he was using BT, he would close the flip, and it would end the call.

The gx series has the ability to end a call by closing the flip but u can't answer a call by opening the flip though.

Posted by: hocky

Another thing carsmovies, are the videos in .3gp format? The sharp-mobile recommends real player to playback the video. Dun tell me that the videos are compressed in .rm

Posted by: scizzors

Quote:

There is no unbranded GX30/32 but the 32 has very little branding. I did try out the Mp3 player very quickly and it seems to work fine. But then I'm really not a Mp3 player user. [/B]

Real Quick, do you have to use the headset to use the mp3 player or is it played over a speakerphone/.? is so is it loud?

Posted by: MediaGuru

Answers to some questions-

The phone takes videos in 3gp but can playback 3gp or mp4.

The MP3 player can playback over the loud speaker that's next to the camera on the front. It's quite loud but not amazingly loud. If you get your hands on stereo headphones with the right jack you can listen in true stereo.

MediaGuRu

Posted by: Malaco0219

i heard even if u compress movies into .3gp it wont play on the gx 32

Posted by: MITHRIL

Hello,

I'm getting my GX-32 in the end of this month, and I was wondering if I should spend the $180HKD which is around....$25 USD to buy the data cable + software + stereo headphones. I have iRDA on my laptop already, so I'm not sure if I should just stick with the infared or not. Thanx

Posted by: wclchris

Quote:

Originally posted by MITHRIL
Hello,

I'm getting my GX-32 in the end of this month, and I was wondering if I should spend the $180HKD which is around....$25 USD to buy the data cable + software + stereo headphones. I have iRDA on my laptop already, so I'm not sure if I should just stick with the infared or not. Thanx

As I said earlier, the Irda together with the GX22 handset manager works fine with the GX32, so the usb and the handset manager software is not necessary. the stereo headphones ... I am sure it can be available somewhere else for less than HK$180.

Posted by: carsmovies

Quote:

Actually the best and fastest way to upload and download stuff is with a usb 2.0 card reader/writer.

Posted by: adhl1963

I got my GX-32 two weeks ago and so far is doing very good. It works okay in US with Cingular...

Good phone.

Posted by: MITHRIL

What kind of OS does the GX-32 use? I know it's definately not Symbian....this is probably a pretty stupid question

Posted by: gsm1

Anyone found a stereo headset that works with the GX32 for stereo listening to MP3s as well as hands free? Will the headset for the SE P900 work? Thanks.

Posted by: Sharp_GX32

Quote:

Originally posted by wclchris
As I said earlier, the Irda together with the GX22 handset manager works fine with the GX32, so the usb and the handset manager software is not necessary. the stereo headphones ... I am sure it can be available somewhere else for less than HK$180.

I agree with wclchris that the USB cable may not be necessary but if you intend to download Java games/apps directly to your GX32 (i.e. without via GPRS/WAP) you should consider Mobile Action Technology USB cable.

Posted by: Sharp_GX32

Quote:

Originally posted by Malaco0219
i heard even if u compress movies into .3gp it wont play on the gx 32

Dont listen to rumours ... my GX32 can play .3gp and Mpeg-4 movies ...

Posted by: carsmovies

Quote:

Originally posted by Sharp_GX32
I agree with wclchris that the USB cable may not be necessary but if you intend to download Java games/apps directly to your GX32 (i.e. without via GPRS/WAP) you should consider Mobile Action Technology USB cable.

I think your right. I haven't been able to figure out how to add Java games and applications to the GX32. I've tried both with IR and a card writer.

Posted by: Senorzammo

a question about the video function of the sharp gx 30/32:

i have heard that when recording there is a maximum of 400kb.

however i have also heard that 400kb is the limit for playback of any video file. i.e that a video file on the sd card cannot be played back if it is bigger than 400kb

thanks in advance

Posted by: carsmovies

Quote:

Originally posted by Senorzammo
a question about the video function of the sharp gx 30/32:

i have heard that when recording there is a maximum of 400kb.

however i have also heard that 400kb is the limit for playback of any video file. i.e that a video file on the sd card cannot be played back if it is bigger than 400kb

thanks in advance

I'd love to find out for you if you could provide me with a video file that's bigger than 400KB and in the right format. My email is jorg@rogers.com.

Posted by: Senorzammo

is a .3gpp file the correct format?

Posted by: carsmovies

Quote:

Originally posted by Senorzammo
is a .3gpp file the correct format?

I believe so. It's either .3gp or Mpeg4.

Posted by: Guni_GuGu

Here's a 1mb rm file, I ripped it from nba.com, and hosted it.
Do you think mpg4, divx or xvid will work?

Anyways, try this file, and let us know how you go.

http://www.members.iinet.net.au/~ma...%20Ccrawford.rm

Posted by: Senorzammo

hey i dont think that the gx 3x supports .rm files. only .3gp and .mpeg4

unless of course im wrong... but im never wrong...

Posted by: carsmovies

Quote:

Originally posted by Senorzammo
hey i dont think that the gx 3x supports .rm files. only .3gp and .mpeg4

unless of course im wrong... but im never wrong...

You're not wrong.

Posted by: Malaco0219

Quote:

Originally posted by Sharp_GX32
Dont listen to rumours ... my GX32 can play .3gp and Mpeg-4 movies ...

has anyone proven it can watch full movies?

Posted by: carsmovies

Well I just tried a .3gp file that was just under 900KB but it didn't play. Can anyone send me a mpeg4 file of over 400KB and I'll try that.

Posted by: Malaco0219

Quote:

Originally posted by carsmovies
Well I just tried a .3gp file that was just under 900KB but it didn't play. Can anyone send me a mpeg4 file of over 400KB and I'll try that.

then that means u cant even play a whole movie

Posted by: Koofteh

When he mentions that the next 1 megapixel phone is 3 months away, which model is he talking about?

Posted by: wclchris

Quote:

Yes you are absolutely right, neither the IRDA nor the SD card can transfer java games / apps. But, I haven't come across too many good java games / apps for GX32 unless you are a SmarTone subscriber (in which case you can download from SmarTone) or can somehow get your hands on those games ... anybody has them?

Posted by: Senorzammo

Quote:

Originally posted by carsmovies
Well I just tried a .3gp file that was just under 900KB but it didn't play.

sorry about that. i think that the file was unfinished because it only played in divx player (which plays just about anything) and in nothing else.

i can send u another file jorg if u could try this one.

Posted by: carsmovies

Quote:

Originally posted by Senorzammo
sorry about that. i think that the file was unfinished because it only played in divx player (which plays just about anything) and in nothing else.

i can send u another file jorg if u could try this one.

I tried the mpeg4 file you sent me to no avail. For a last try, can you resend that last one but cut down to below 400KB and that will prove that it can't play larger files.

Btw, to answer another question you had. Yes the GX32 is from Smartone but it also has English as well as Chinese programmed in and the keys do include the small Chinese characters in the 1 through 5 buttons. But they are hardly noticable. T9 works great on the phone and the whole menu system is quite fast.

Posted by: Senorzammo

Quote:

Originally posted by carsmovies
I tried the mpeg4 file you sent me to no avail

dammit that now means that i wont get the phone. i really wanted to watch bigger movies. oh well can anyone point me in the direction of a phone with similar functions but the ability to play the larger files.

features:

GSM
preferably flip phone
2 colour screens if its a clamshell
megapixel camera with video record and sound and ability to play back files larger than 400kb and possibly a flash/led light
memory card slot
mp3
bluetooth preferable
IR altho not completely needed

Posted by: Senorzammo

Quote:

Originally posted by carsmovies
For a last try, can you resend that last one but cut down to below 400KB and that will prove that it can't play larger files.

sorry i seem to have removed the tool for cuting mpeg files from my computer. i dont think ill get this phone now anyway. thanks for ur help tho.

Quote:

Originally posted by carsmovies
Btw, to answer another question you had. Yes the GX32 is from Smartone but it also has English as well as Chinese programmed in and the keys do include the small Chinese characters in the 1 through 5 buttons. But they are hardly noticable. T9 works great on the phone and the whole menu system is quite fast.

thanks again. cos im going to HK in june/july and really want to get a phone there cos they are quite a bit cheaper and they have the unlocked ones too. oh well. if anyone can point me in the direction of a similar phone with the specifications i stated in a post above, i'd be very grateful

Posted by: carsmovies

Quote:

Originally posted by Senorzammo
dammit that now means that i wont get the phone. i really wanted to watch bigger movies. oh well can anyone point me in the direction of a phone with similar functions but the ability to play the larger files.

features:

GSM
preferably flip phone
2 colour screens if its a clamshell
megapixel camera with video record and sound and ability to play back files larger than 400kb and possibly a flash/led light
memory card slot
mp3
bluetooth preferable
IR altho not completely needed

Unfortunately you're not gonna find a phone to fullfill all your wishes at this time. You're gonna half to compromise on something. That's the reason I decided on the GX32. It comes very close.

Posted by: Synncere

Quote:

Originally posted by carsmovies
That's the reason I decided on the GX32. It comes very close.

I agree! I love my new GX32. The whole limited BT and irda still throws me off but I have other fones that can do that. Some may not like the size of the GX series fones but I find the GX3x to be sleeker than my GX20. It was costly but I enjoy it.

Posted by: carsmovies

Quote:

Originally posted by Synncere
I agree! I love my new GX32. The whole limited BT and irda still throws me off but I have other fones that can do that. Some may not like the size of the GX series fones but I find the GX3x to be sleeker than my GX20. It was costly but I enjoy it.

The IRDA and BT limitation is really not a big deal except between phones and PDA's cause for my pc I just use my card reader/writer. The size is alittle longer than some other phones but it's very light for the size. The screen, camera, call quality and RF make up for these small limitations IMO.

Posted by: Synncere

I totally agree with ya Jorg. In the end it's user preference. It works for me and for what I need... for some they prefer smaller size or want full BT and/or irda capability. I loved my GX20 but wish it had BT, expandable memory, 850 band and although it took great pics I wanted a megapixel camera. I found all that in the GX 30 and 32 so I am contented. (well until the Siemens S65 comes out then I'll decide what I like best

lol)

Posted by: Senorzammo

Quote:

Originally posted by carsmovies
Unfortunately you're not gonna find a phone to fullfill all your wishes at this time. You're gonna half to compromise on something. That's the reason I decided on the GX32. It comes very close.

yea i knew u were gonna say that. the gx32 is perfect for me except for that ×××× 400kb limit.

what if this is a software limitation and can be removed?
what do u guys reckon? should i risk blowing £325 on this phone and hoping someone can remove it? a lot of money for me.

or should i wait and wait some more cos im going to hk in june/july so still got some time to think about it

IM SO CONFUSED

oh yea siemens s65... perhaps... but is that a clamshell? i want a clam i hate candy

Posted by: carsmovies

Quote:

(well until the Siemens S65 comes out then I'll decide what I like best lol)

I hear ya but I don't think that Siemens will be coming out with a 850 version of the S65 so it's out for me.

Posted by: Senorzammo

i just went to look at the siemens s65. however it is a candybar phone =

however its specs are impressive but again it is, after my nokia 7650, a phone that will most probably annoy me in its shape

Posted by: carsmovies

Quote:

oh yea siemens s65... perhaps... but is that a clamshell? i want a clam i hate candy

It's a candy bar phone. I like both candy bar and clamshell. They both have their pros and cons so it's more important to me what features they have and how well they perform.

Since you're not getting a new phone till June/July you have a long time to make up your mind and by then you'll have more choice anyways.

Posted by: Malaco0219

Quote:

how good is reception?

Posted by: carsmovies

Quote:

Originally posted by Malaco0219
how good is reception?

I thought I already said that reception was good in this thread. Please read the whole thread.

Posted by: Malaco0219

Quote:

Originally posted by carsmovies
I thought I already said that reception was good in this thread. Please read the whole thread.

ooops sorrie

but besides the IR and BT cripple.. is there any new discoverys u found? i am very well gonna buy this fone this summer wen i return to hk..but i just wanan be sure of its problems

Posted by: Guni_GuGu

Quick question, but the GX30/32 can use JPG's as backround images right? So like, I could transfer some of the pic's on my pc to my phone, and set them up as my backround?

Also I hear it support mmf tones? What is that?

and if I did buy a usb data cable, I could transfer java games and apps directly to the phone? no need to use wap or those expensive charges involved with vodafone live? Can I also download stuff from SD flashcard with the usb cable?

Posted by: Draven

Quote:

Originally posted by Shawn_230
When he mentions that the next 1 megapixel phone is 3 months away, which model is he talking about?

Probably the Nokia 7610 and the SE S700

Posted by: Koofteh

I likes the S700, but that's not coming out until Christmas.

Quote:

Originally posted by Draven
Probably the Nokia 7610 and the SE S700

Posted by: carsmovies

Quote:

Originally posted by Guni_GuGu
Quick question, but the GX30/32 can use JPG's as backround images right? So like, I could transfer some of the pic's on my pc to my phone, and set them up as my backround?

Also I hear it support mmf tones? What is that?

and if I did buy a usb data cable, I could transfer java games and apps directly to the phone? no need to use wap or those expensive charges involved with vodafone live? Can I also download stuff from SD flashcard with the usb cable?

Yes you can use jpeg files as wallpaper including from your pc. You might have to resize them first though. mmf files are just another form of ringtone format. I haven't tried a mmf ringtone but I'm sure they would work.

You need the data cable to upload java games to the handset unless you use wap. I can't say for certain but I'm sure you can d/l from the sd card using that cable. I personally use a card reader/writer.

Posted by: shaolinmonk

has anybody tried to use wav files for ringtones?

Posted by: Guni_GuGu

Quote:

Originally posted by carsmovies
Yes you can use jpeg files as wallpaper including from your pc. You might have to resize them first though. mmf files are just another form of ringtone format. I haven't tried a mmf ringtone but I'm sure they would work.

You need the data cable to upload java games to the handset unless you use wap. I can't say for certain but I'm sure you can d/l from the sd card using that cable. I personally use a card reader/writer.

Thanks for the reply, my understanding is mmf, is supperior then polyphonic tones, so I would guess, this would be everyones prefered ringtone format of choice, being that, it can not play mp3's!!!

If I had a card reader/writer, would I need a cable at all? Couldn't I just do all that stuff on the reader/writer?

Posted by: carsmovies

Quote:

If I had a card reader/writer, would I need a cable at all? Couldn't I just do all that stuff on the reader/writer?

You would still need the cable to upload java games and applications.

Posted by: a z n A6 b o y

Does the phone have a background feature for the mp3 player so you can exit the mp3 program but still have the music playing and make a text message or something?

Posted by: Desicis

I read in the thread that you can listen MP3's without the headset, but i also read i forgot where that you cannot listen to MP3's without the headset. Which is true since you have the phone?
I am looking to getting one

Mike

Posted by: Phoenix81

Well, you can listen to mp3 without headset really but the sound quality from loud speaker is not that good.

Posted by: Desicis

I couldn't find this anywhere but does the gx32 come with some sort of mmc card or something? if so what is the size 8mb? 16mb? 32mb?
I'm deciding between this phone or a nokia 6230, The nokia comes with a card and i don't know if i could afford to buy a card after such an expensive phone but anyhow if someone could help me i would greatly appreciate it.

Mike

Posted by: scizzors

Yeah for sure most def, its between the nokia 6230 or the sharp gx32/.... im STILL trying to find out if the nokia 6230 can use the mp3's as ringtones...

Posted by: MooBile_SG

Oh I find the Sharp GX-32 much better in terms of the picture and sound quality though I did not try the other functions of both the Nokia 6230 against the Sharp GX-32.

1 thing I do not know is if the Sharp can allow me to input words into the T9 dictionary during sms.

Anyone knows the secret code to use for deleting the contacts at one go???

Moo

Posted by: Koofteh

When is the 6230 coming out? I hate Nokia, but that's a nice phone.

Quote:

Originally posted by scizzors
Yeah for sure most def, its between the nokia 6230 or the sharp gx32/.... im STILL trying to find out if the nokia 6230 can use the mp3's as ringtones...

Posted by: carsmovies

Quote:

Originally posted by Shawn_230
When is the 6230 coming out? I hate Nokia, but that's a nice phone.

The 6230 is out. Just not in the North American version with 850 band.

Posted by: a z n A6 b o y

Quote:

Originally posted by a z n A6 b o y
Does the phone have a background feature for the mp3 player so you can exit the mp3 program but still have the music playing and make a text message or something?

any input here?

Posted by: carsmovies

Quote:

Nope can't be done.

Posted by: carsmovies

Quote:

1 thing I do not know is if the Sharp can allow me to input words into the T9 dictionary during sms.

Yes it does remember new words.

Posted by: Desicis

When you bought the GX32 did it come with a mmc card or any kind of card? if so what size

Mike

Posted by: Desicis

When you bought the GX32 did it come with a mmc card or any kind of card? if so what size is it?

Mike

Posted by: carsmovies

Quote:

Originally posted by Desicis
When you bought the GX32 did it come with a mmc card or any kind of card? if so what size is it?

Mike

It's supposed to come with a 8MB MMC or SD card but the ones from HK don't seem to come with any. I believe the wholesalers are removing them to sell separately.

Posted by: Synncere

Quote:

Originally posted by carsmovies
It's supposed to come with a 8MB MMC or SD card but the ones from HK don't seem to come with any. I believe the wholesalers are removing them to sell separately.

I got a panasonic 64Mb card with mine.

Posted by: Kakashi

The card is listed under "Optional Accesories" on the SmarTone site

Posted by: Desicis

Where did you buy yours from synncere?

Posted by: Synncere

Quote:

Originally posted by Desicis
Where did you buy yors from synncere?

I bought mine in NYC.

Posted by: hocky

Does the gx-32 come with speakerphone functions when answering a call since its speaker is so obviously placed on the exterior?

Posted by: Synncere

Quote:

Originally posted by hocky
Does the gx-32 come with speakerphone functions when answering a call since its speaker is so obviously placed on the exterior?

No speakerphone.

Posted by: Koofteh

What? It has no speakerphone period?

Posted by: Senorzammo

guys i know what i have to do.....

scrap the gx32

go with the samsung p730

WHAT A PHONE

×××× thats good and IT'LL PLAY 400KB+ MOVIE FILES

the gx32 cant do that

sharp take note: if u include the support of 512mb SD cards, make sure u can play videos bigger than 400kb... makes sense no? otherwise whats the point?

plus the samsung is sooo much nicer to look at

Posted by: carsmovies

Quote:

Originally posted by Senorzammo
guys i know what i have to do.....

scrap the gx32

go with the samsung p730

WHAT A PHONE

×××× thats good and IT'LL PLAY 400KB+ MOVIE FILES

the gx32 cant do that sharp take note: if u include the support of 512mb SD cards, make sure u can play videos bigger than 400kb... makes sense no? otherwise whats the point?

plus the samsung is sooo much nicer to look at

Yeah, if that's all you want in a phone sure. The samsung only has class 8 GPRS, no BT at all and doesn't have the important to North America 850 band.

Posted by: Senorzammo

Quote:

Originally posted by carsmovies
Yeah, if that's all you want in a phone sure. The samsung only has class 8 GPRS, no BT at all and doesn't have the important to North America 850 band.

i see ur point but for me:

i live in uk - no 850 really required

class 8 gprs - come again?

no BT - well u cant have everything

Posted by: Malaco0219

Quote:

good choice..

but samsung's menus are crap... but its good they can pplay movies and have super loud rings ^^

Posted by: carsmovies

Quote:

class 8 gprs - come again?

Here you go.

The P730 is only class 8 GPRS.

http://www.gsmarena.com/

Posted by: Senorzammo

Quote:

Originally posted by carsmovies
Here you go.

The P730 is only class 8 GPRS.

http://www.gsmarena.com/

hehehe no what i meant was that i dont have the faintest idea what that means

lol

oh well speed is not of the essence for me

Posted by: Senorzammo

Quote:

Originally posted by Malaco0219
good choice..

but samsung's menus are crap... but its good they can pplay movies and have super loud rings ^^

yea my friend has the e700 and its menus are pretty bad
however they are readable and functional so thats ok

HOPEFULLY samsung will improve this by the time they release the p730

heres to hoping

Posted by: carsmovies

Quote:

Originally posted by Senorzammo
hehehe no what i meant was that i dont have the faintest idea what that means

lol

oh well speed is not of the essence for me

Oh ok, it just means that uploading and downloading is faster with class 10 than class 8. The GX32 GPRS is actually the fastest I've seen yet.

Posted by: Malaco0219

Quote:

Originally posted by Senorzammo
yea my friend has the e700 and its menus are pretty bad
however they are readable and functional so thats ok

HOPEFULLY samsung will improve this by the time they release the p730

heres to hoping

i think e715 is the best fone made from samsung.. best looking

i am waiting for market to drop stil b4 i get one

it only beats gx 32 in looks..functions gx 32 wins for sure

Posted by: Senorzammo

Quote:

Originally posted by carsmovies
Oh ok, it just means that uploading and downloading is faster with class 10 than class 8. The GX32 GPRS is actually the fastest I've seen yet.

yea speed isnt that important for me

im not gonna be downloadin much froom wap...

however the importance for me is to be able to watch "legitimate moves" from my computer that i have "aquired"

Posted by: Senorzammo

Quote:

Originally posted by Malaco0219
i think e715 is the best fone made from samsung.. best looking

i am waiting for market to drop stil b4 i get one

it only beats gx 32 in looks..functions gx 32 wins for sure

u should wait for the p730 like me

its almost identical to the gx32 minus BT but with the ability to play the longer movie files i want

edit: plus it looks MUCH nicer

Posted by: carsmovies

Quote:

Originally posted by Senorzammo
u should wait for the p730 like me

its almost identical to the gx32 minus BT but with the ability to play the longer movie files i want

edit: plus it looks MUCH nicer

Then you might as well wait for the S700.

Posted by: Senorzammo

Quote:

Originally posted by carsmovies
Then you might as well wait for the S700.

nah thats ugly

plus its a SE and i really dont like them

cept the Z500 thats nice

otherwist theyre not to my taste

Posted by: Bence8810

Quote:

Originally posted by carsmovies
You need the data cable to upload java games to the handset unless you use wap. I can't say for certain but I'm sure you can d/l from the sd card using that cable. I personally use a card reader/writer.

Are you sure the GX32 can acquire games through data cable? I dont think that is correct. Like the GX22, it can only get it through Wap. Please correct me if I am wrong. I would love to be wrong.

Posted by: carsmovies

Quote:

Originally posted by Bence8810
Are you sure the GX32 can acquire games through data cable? I dont think that is correct. Like the GX22, it can only get it through Wap. Please correct me if I am wrong. I would love to be wrong.

No I'm not sure so if you want to buy me the cable I'll gladly try.

Posted by: Bence8810

Yes, that is what I thought. It is not able to do so. Your post striked me, and I thought somebody might have figured it out. Other people said it is not possible.

It would have been too good to be true, however it is still way the best phone out there.

Cheers

Posted by: Synncere

Quote:

Originally posted by carsmovies
if you want to buy me the cable I'll gladly try.

:laughs: lol :laughs:

Posted by: Guni_GuGu

Hmm... well, now I'm torn.

I was really looking forward to full bluetooth support, and the ability to play mp3 in the backround whilst writing sms's, and also setting them as my ringtone.

I'm kinda lucky, cuz VodaFone australia, are a bunch of slackers, I would've rushed in and bought the gx30 as soon as they had one, but it was released 2 weeks ago, and not one store in my area has one yet...

I'm liking what I see from the Nokia 7610, it seems to have it all, albiet a worse screen, but it does look nice in the red and black, but I really luv flip phones....

Still, you know, the Nokia phone, will probably be alot more open to modify, and customise to your likings, only thing that annoys me the most, is no flash on their camera... anyone know when the nokia phone is due?

Posted by: Malaco0219

Quote:

are u seriuos? i will take a look then

Posted by: Malaco0219

Quote:

i dnu like p730's looks i guess.. i fi wanan watch movies my 3650 would do it.. so i think i might take e715

would s700 be able to play movieS?

Posted by: Draven

Any chance Sharp will release a firmware upgrade that will allow BT with other devices besides handsfree as well as take out the video size play limit?

Posted by: wolwol

so, bt is still dead in the water with this sharp...
looks good tho, i mean, 1mpx camera, but the bt pissed me off...

uh....

Posted by: Sharp_GX32

Quote:

Originally posted by Draven
Any chance Sharp will release a firmware upgrade that will allow BT with other devices besides handsfree as well as take out the video size play limit?

Read somewhere that SmarTone (exclusive distributor of Sharp mobile) in Hong Kong will introduce the new firmware which is rumoured to eliminate the BT and video file limitation in the next few weeks ...

Posted by: hocky

Sharp_GX32

Where did u get the news man? Maybe u can share the url? Never mind if it is in chinese.

Posted by: Malaco0219

Quote:

Originally posted by Sharp_GX32
Read somewhere that SmarTone (exclusive distributor of Sharp mobile) in Hong Kong will introduce the new firmware which is rumoured to eliminate the BT and video file limitation in the next few weeks ...

ARE U SERIOUS!! dam then i will reconsider gx 32 if they fix it!!

can u show us some links to where u got this news..

i can read chiense

Posted by: Koofteh

If that indeed is true, then that's great... the real problem then, would be where to get the firmware.

I doubt Sharp would allow personal upgrades like you can do with the P900 now. Since these phones have been released in such few numbers, who will have the firmware?

Posted by: Malaco0219

Quote:

Originally posted by Shawn_230
If that indeed is true, then that's great... the real problem then, would be where to get the firmware.

I doubt Sharp would allow personal upgrades like you can do with the P900 now. Since these phones have been released in such few numbers, who will have the firmware?

thats true...

it will be hard to find these firmware upgrades.. and its not even for certain yet

Posted by: Koofteh

Yeah, well those aren't really big problems for me.

I might have my hands on my GX today, let's see if I've got the time to go down and pick one up. I'm so excited, I'm gonna go rape a cat. :evileye:

Posted by: Draven

If they really will release a new firmware I would definitely buy this phone. When I was playing with it yesterday I was so amazed at the screen, although it was kinda big in my hands I could overlook it if it had full funtionality. As long as they release a new firmware I'm sure we'll all be able to find someone who can flash it, there are a few good places here in SoCal that I know of.

Posted by: wolwol

if they consider to have a full bt profiles *other than handsfree* i will DEFINITELY consider this phone.....
so, i know this kinda lame question, but nevertheless, am asking once again, how is the rf of this phone? i know i can't get any signal in my house other than z600......even 6100 is dead....how about this phone...uh!!!

Posted by: Synncere

Great RF on this fone!! I am able to hold onto calls at work in the elevators and other areas where some of my other fones will drop the call.

Posted by: Malaco0219

i wil buy for sure if they fix the bt and the video size problem

Posted by: wolwol

Quote:

Originally posted by Malaco0219
i wil buy for sure if they fix the bt and the video size problem

IF only they fix the bt problem, THIS will be my phone....uh....am still considering, either this or 6230....

Posted by: wolwol

ok, gx-32 peeps!!! another question for you guys! is it possible to email the picture *full sized* straight from the camera, or do i need to transfer it to a pc?

Posted by: Bence8810

GX32 doesnt have a builtin email account. Nor do any other sharp phone has it.

Posted by: The Rex

okay...
* crippled ir and bt
* kinda big
* kinda expensive
* no email client

Posted by: scizzors

that is kinda an important factor, for someone considering purshasing this fone, i would say

Posted by: scizzors

then how the hell do you send pictures? if not via, IRDA, or BT OR EMAIL?????\

dont tell me you need a cable for something this advanced (with those capabilites) to transfer pics and files.......

Posted by: Malaco0219

Quote:

Originally posted by wolwol
IF only they fix the bt problem, THIS will be my phone....uh....am still considering, either this or 6230....

they BETTER fix it if they wanan get more customers

Posted by: Koofteh

I'm thinking via the SD slot with a card reader/writer.

Quote:

Originally posted by scizzors
then how the hell do you send pictures? if not via, IRDA, or BT OR EMAIL?????\

dont tell me you need a cable for something this advanced (with those capabilites) to transfer pics and files.......

Posted by: Malaco0219

Quote:

Originally posted by Shawn_230
I'm thinking via the SD slot with a card reader/writer.

cant u also do it through IRDA?

Posted by: Koofteh

That's what I think... I mean, IR isn't like Bluetooth, you either have it or you don't. If you can't send files to a PC via IR, then what can you do with IR?

Posted by: Malaco0219

Quote:

Originally posted by Shawn_230
That's what I think... I mean, IR isn't like Bluetooth, you either have it or you don't. If you can't send files to a PC via IR, then what can you do with IR?

true
i hope they fix the BT and file size problem

Posted by: The Rex

afaik, ir is for pc to phone (and back)... not phone to phone

Posted by: carsmovies

Quote:

Originally posted by Malaco0219
cant u also do it through IRDA?

you can transfer pic's and ringtones to and from the phone to your pc using IRDA so long as you use the handset manager software.

Posted by: Malaco0219

Quote:

Originally posted by carsmovies
you can transfer pic's and ringtones to and from the phone to your pc using IRDA so long as you use the handset manager software.

ooo yea .. its got a crippled irda

Posted by: wolwol

hmmm, way too crippled to my liking...

i guess, i won't be gettin this gx...

argh

Posted by: Koofteh

Could we start a petition for Sharp to release a firmware and solve these very solvable issues? Couldn't hurt, right?

Posted by: Draven

I'd sign that petition

Posted by: Malaco0219

is it firm about the firmware update

i cant find any info on it

Posted by: Synncere

Quote:

Originally posted by carsmovies
you can transfer pic's and ringtones to and from the phone to your pc using IRDA so long as you use the handset manager software.

Jorg you're selling the GX32... what happened? Not to your liking or just time for a new toy?

Posted by: MooBile_SG

Hi all,

Yup the IRDA is really useless in my opinion.... It can't transfer data via phone to phone and it says only IR to PC for modem usage!

Sigh i can't tranfer my Nokia's contacts into the new Sharp and have to manually input all over again....

Kinda stupid dun ya all think? Also the new text input in the SMS, even though it's predictive and can remember the new text but it's not smart enough.

If you'd for example entered a new word with the first alphabet as a capital letter, it will always remain that way when u next type a new msg and will not follow the writing pattern.

Moo

Posted by: wolwol

uh...no gx32 for me
am skipping this...

Posted by: mwep

Does anyone know if the BT in the GX32 will work with the built-in Bluetooth support in Mac OSX ??

Thanks!

Posted by: The Rex

bt is only for headset

Posted by: Draven

There has to be a way to unlock the BT. When I was playing with it I was able to get the phone to recognize my Clie TG50 and the N6230, but not able to pair them. Has anyone found anymore news about that supposed firmware upgrade from Smartone?

Posted by: scizzors

hmmm now this is getting intresting.... (the the whole cripplied bt thing)

Posted by: Koofteh

The other question is, even if there was a firmware upgrade, how can we get it here? It won't help much if they have it in Hong Kong only.

Another thing which I found really annoying with the GX32 is that you can't customize the shortcuts on the main menu. The two softkey shortcuts are for the messaging menu and Smarton'e WAP homepage... I can't access the Smartone site anyway and I rarely send messages, but you can't remap them or something.

Posted by: Malaco0219

Quote:

Originally posted by Shawn_230
The other question is, even if there was a firmware upgrade, how can we get it here? It won't help much if they have it in Hong Kong only.

Another thing which I found really annoying with the GX32 is that you can't customize the shortcuts on the main menu. The two softkey shortcuts are for the messaging menu and Smarton'e WAP homepage... I can't access the Smartone site anyway and I rarely send messages, but you can't remap them or something.

well if it is released in HK sooner orl ater then for sure it will get here soon.. also.. if u dun like the short keys.. wait for the unbranded GX32..i am sure they will do the same just like GX22 and GX22s

Posted by: Draven

There are a couple good places here in SoCal that can/do firmware upgrades...as long as it's already out. I just want to know if it's really true about the firmware...does/will it really exist?

Posted by: Guni_GuGu

In light of havng such a great phone, with what seems to be software enabled restirctions on our gx30/32's, it seems one critisim, may have been taken up, unfairly...

irDa..

Now I still havn't recieved my USB IRdA connection for my machine yet, but I was messing around with the software cd that came with the gx30, and I did install the headset manager, and it asked me, what type of connection I planned on using to help comuincate the gx30 with the pc, and when I launched the app up, it did try and connect.

I'm almost 100% sure, that anything that can be done via the USB cable, can also be done tru Headset manager software that comes with the phone.

I.E. It's not just a modem driver..

So, I think I can pretty much confirm that irDa is fairly useful, coupled with headset manager software, there is loads you can do.

Posted by: Koofteh

Oh, I've been meaning to install the headseat manager and try it. I just got my laptop back from my Dad's house, I'll try it right now an get back to you guys.

By the way, there's going to be an unbranded version of the phone? I thought Sharp's whole thing was selling it through providers anyway. I don't mind the Smartone version, it has almost no branding... the logo on the front is actually kind of nice.

Posted by: carsmovies

Quote:

So, I think I can pretty much confirm that irDa is fairly useful, coupled with headset manager software, there is loads you can do.

That wasn't really the complaint. The problem was that you cannot communicate with other phones or PDA's through IRDA.

Posted by: Koofteh

I tried the Sharp program, it's so useless. The only good thing is you can backup your contact list... it's so bad.

I guess if you haven't an SD card reader/writer then it's okay. It won't allow you to even see the stuff in your SD card, just the phones memory.

Posted by: Guni_GuGu

Well I've already purchased my SD Reader/writer, I was going to need to purchase one regardless of anything, because I'm going to fill my phone with mp3's on a regular basis

but the iR has it's benefits, like everything on your phone pretty much.. I've had my phone, for not even a week, and it's a complete mess already.. I need to organise my messages and sort out everything.. I think for that alone, the iR is going to be useful.

However, it would've been nice to have seen what appears to be the software restrictions lightend.. I mean, why restrict the phones capabilities?

Posted by: scizzors

right? why even install the bt and Irda technologes if its so cripplied? Booooooooooooo SHARP!

Posted by: BMWFilms

the z600 is free with its IrDA and Bluetooth so why didn't Sharp be like that?...that's probably the only knock on the phone that i can see. I love the screen and everything else but making the GX32 grimpy was just a bad move by Sharp. I'm going to email them about the bluetooth...they should fix it

Posted by: Koofteh

The thing is, they might fix most of these problems with a future firmware upgrade.

I remember the original T68 was pushed out so fast that the initial firmware didn't have anything. It had no MMS (which it was supposed to) and you could only store one image at a time and lots of quirks like that... when I got the firmware upgrade, it was an entirely different OS. Perhaps Sharp wanted to have the phone ready ASAP.

Posted by: Guni_GuGu

Post the email, and i'll have a say too

Posted by: Phoenix81

I think those kinda restriction was put in by Vodafone since they don't want us to transfer anything between phone. So they're gonna make profit of download their stuffs via Vodafone live. Anyway, I hope there is a way to fix it too. Cheers

Posted by: Koofteh

Instead of an email, why don't we do this petition thing I proposed a while ago? I bet hundreds of people would sign up if we posted it here and on Esato and other mobile phone pages.

If you guys want to do one, I could do it or someone else could do it... doesn't really matter so long as we do something.

Hmm, should we compile a list of problems we want resolved here, then we can list them on a petition?

For Instance:

More Bluetooth Profiles
More Infrared Useability
Removal of Limits on MP3 Player
MP3 Ringtones
Themes
Custom Shortcuts on Main Screen
Limits on Video Size
Email Client
Installation of Java Programs via SD/Infrared/Bluetooth

These are in no particular order, feel free to add and we could get some sort of petition going to send to Sharp.

Posted by: Guni_GuGu

Yup... i'm thinking along the same lines of phoenix81, which is why, we gotta get some 1337 hackers in here, to reverse engneer this ×××××, and give us, what we paid for!

Posted by: Guni_GuGu

Quote:

Originally posted by Shawn_230
Instead of an email, why don't we do this petition thing I proposed a while ago? I bet hundreds of people would sign up if we posted it here and on Esato and other mobile phone pages.

If you guys want to do one, I could do it and someone else could do it... doesn't really matter so long as we do something.

Hmm, should we compile a list of problems we want resolved here, then we can list them on a petition?

For Instance:
More Bluetooth Profiles
More Infrared Useability
Removal of Limits on MP3 Player
MP3 Ringtones
Themes
Custom Shortcuts on Main Screen
Limits on Video Size
Email Client

These are in no particular order, feel free to add and we could get some sort of petition going to send to Sharp.

Why not just ask for a new car whilst your at it?

Don't take it too seriously

Because our request were not that outlandish, but you have to remember there are limitations to the phone, which is different to actualy restrictions put on the phone..

Bluetooth has obviosly been restricted, as to increase the use of vodaphone live and mms, however I do doubt mp3 ringtones are a fair request, how longs it currently take for your phone to load an mp3? Could you really wait that long each time, when your phone rings? There would have to be some dedicated mp3 hardware dedcoder built in, or a faster processor to make it conceivable...

Themes are purely graphics, and in order for the update to be viable, it will have to be small in size, I do not think this is plausable.. Same applies for email client.

Limits on videosize are easily EASILT removeable, and should be done.

Limits on mp3 player, again, this is more a restriction of hardware then software, not really viable.

Not to sure about irDa, but I do think, it's going to take alot to reprogram it's functionaily... I actually don't think it's that limited, as it does allow you to use the headset manager, to it's fullest, and, the only real feature I would like to see, is some sort of file transfer from phone to phone, but there would have to be some sort of standard in place between all manufactures, which I am not aware of..

Not sure if this all makes sence... I was just posting my opion, on what I think can and can't be done. Bluetooth and video size limits resctricions, though, I believe are easily removeable.

Posted by: scizzors

Quote:

Originally posted by Shawn_230
Instead of an email, why don't we do this petition thing I proposed a while ago? I bet hundreds of people would sign up if we posted it here and on Esato and other mobile phone pages.

If you guys want to do one, I could do it or someone else could do it... doesn't really matter so long as we do something.

Hmm, should we compile a list of problems we want resolved here, then we can list them on a petition?

For Instance:
More Bluetooth Profiles
More Infrared Useability
Removal of Limits on MP3 Player
MP3 Ringtones
Themes
Custom Shortcuts on Main Screen
Limits on Video Size
Email Client
Installation of Java Programs via SD/Infrared/Bluetooth

These are in no particular order, feel free to add and we could get some sort of petition going to send to Sharp.

I am totally down. Lets set this up pronto to initiate some action on Sharp's part. But with all the things on your list, its looking like a whole new phone, not a firmware update.. i'd personally just be staisfied with just being able to use bluetooth freely and irda to transfer data files with out buying a card reader. But i digress, if you want to make this petition, lets do it.

Posted by: Draven

Quote:

Originally posted by scizzors
I am totally down. Lets set this up pronto to initiate some action on Sharp's part. But with all the things on your list, its looking like a whole new phone, not a firmware update.. i'd personally just be staisfied with just being able to use bluetooth freely and irda to transfer data files with out buying a card reader. But i digress, if you want to make this petition, lets do it.

I think his requests can all be fixed with a firmware upgrade. There's nothing on that list that the phone can't do...it's just the firmware that's limiting it. I am totally on board with this idea. Let's get Sharp's attention.

Posted by: Koofteh

Those were just some improvements I would've like to see off the top of my head, asking for all of them would be too much even if they were all possible to do.

Great, let's do this. What should I list as improvements we'd like to see? I think my list is okay, less the MP3 ringtones. I don't see why the MP3 player can play some files but not others, that doesn't seem to me like a hardware problem.

We could make two lists of problems - one that we know can be done and we would really like (e.g. the Bluetooth and IR issues), and another one that would be nice additions (e.g. themes and more useless stuff).

So, anything else I should put on the petition? I'll just make an electronic petition on one of those sites.

Posted by: scizzors

i think the list looks good....

Posted by: arcticice

on the petition, also suggest you should be able to change the light colour for incoming calls depending on the person ie. red for your mum, blue for your dad etc.

i would also like to be able to take pictures with the external screen when the phone is shut - like the e700 series. i dunno if this is a hardware issue though.

also, make use of the sd card - you should be able to upload games and apps through the data cable and sd card, not just wap (cost!)

Posted by: Draven

Quote:

Originally posted by arcticice
on the petition, also suggest you should be able to change the light colour for incoming calls depending on the person ie. red for your mum, blue for your dad etc.

i would also like to be able to take pictures with the external screen when the phone is shut - like the e700 series. i dunno if this is a hardware issue though.

also, make use of the sd card - you should be able to upload games and apps through the data cable and sd card, not just wap (cost!)

You can't take a picture with the phone closed using the external display??? I didn't know that...omg this phone is so crippled lol

Posted by: MITHRIL

All I want to be fixed is the limit on the video and crippled Bluetooth

Posted by: Koofteh

Oh my God, you people need to stop complaining. Aside from the Bluetooth, infrared and the video player having limits, the rest are all just small problems we can all deal with.

How hard can it be to open the phone and take a picture? I don't call that being crippled, neither do I see not having MP3 ringtones or themes or whatever as being crippled. Also, how could you take pictures with the flip closed when the camera is on the top part? You could only take personal portraits.

There's certain problems with this phone that just need to be fixed, the rest are just things that we want to make this the perfect phone... but there can't be a perfect phone. The Sharp is close to perfect and would be even closer with proper Bluetooth and infrared, but it still wouldn't be perfect.

Also, I forgot to add active flip to the list. There's active flip when you close the flip but not when you open it. I guess it's good that you can at least end a call by closing it, because afterall, the point of the active flip phone is that you can slam it closed when you're mad at the person you just talked to.

Quote:

Originally posted by Draven
You can't take a picture with the phone closed using the external display??? I didn't know that...omg this phone is so crippled lol

Posted by: Koofteh

The petition is ready and online to be signed. The thread I made about it on HoFo is located here and the petition itself is located here.

Please make sure that you spread the word!

Posted by: Guni_GuGu

I signed it... but there's gotta be alot more sigs on that thing!

Anyhoo, VBR mp3's take alot more processing power to play, and thats why, they are not playable on the headset.

Not to sure about lower then 128 bitrates, but, I don't think Sharp/vodafone actually had anything to gain by limiting the mp3 players capabilities, so I think there might be a rational explanation somewhere..

Active flip, is definantly something I'd like to see. The flip obviously works, so it surely shouldn't take too much to add a lil switch on flip open answer. End of story.

Oh and apps via SD card, thats a definate restriction forced on by Vodafone.. there should be NO REASON at all, why they can't let us run apps off of the card. NO REASON!!

Mp3 ringtones, I think will take to long to load... I don't see it happening.

But the bluetooth issues are definantly most pressing, with apps on SD and active flip also needing to be addressed.

Posted by: Koofteh

Yeah, but it's only been for like an hour. Please spread the word and post it in other forums and places you go, I posted it on Esato too.

I forgot to put speakerphone on the list, oh well.

Posted by: scizzors

i signed the petition!

Posted by: Draven

I signed it as well...should we post links in different manufacturer forums?

Posted by: Koofteh

No, that would probably qualify as spamming. The best is to put a link in your signature or post on different forums and stuff.

Posted by: a z n A6 b o y

Well...I just got both of my GX32s last thursday and am really impressed. I never use bt so no problems there. Screen great, pictures great, flash is ×××× bright but sux power. THe only thing i have trouble with is getting the ×××× fone to read chinese ID3 tags for Mp3s!!! Some of the tags show fine but others just come up in that weird encoding. I even switched my OS to simplified chinese to see if that would work, but not all of the ID3 tags that I wrote work. annoying....but i can live w/ it -_-/ anyone else got this problem tho?? I am so bothered by it grrr....

Posted by: Guni_GuGu

I havn't got an acount on GSMArena, but I think putting it in the opinion bit of the GX30, would be a nice help.

Speakerphone? Um.. doesn't there need to be big mic for that to work?

Posted by: Guni_GuGu

Ok... one thing, that hasn't been mentioned that annoys me, is the lack of folder support...

I tend to write ALOT of sms's, and I like to save alot of the one I receive... but the only place to keep em all, in inbox, no archive folder or anthing of the alike..

and also, where the pictures are stored, I'd like to make folders, for different events, but for some reason, I can't open a folder with the phone..

It would seem tooo easy to implemnt.. why would it be left out for?

Posted by: scizzors

Quote:

Originally posted by Guni_GuGu
Ok... one thing, that hasn't been mentioned that annoys me, is the lack of folder support...

I tend to write ALOT of sms's, and I like to save alot of the one I receive... but the only place to keep em all, in inbox, no archive folder or anthing of the alike..

and also, where the pictures are stored, I'd like to make folders, for different events, but for some reason, I can't open a folder with the phone..

It would seem tooo easy to implemnt.. why would it be left out for?

i would say sign the petition

Posted by: Koofteh

Where else have you posted the petition? I've noticed a big increase in the number of signatures in the past 24 hours.

I posted it on Esato and GSM Arena, but those have like 50 views each. It's amazing how much more traffic HoFo has compared to those sites.

What are some other places we could post it?

Posted by: ps786

Quote:

Originally posted by sneakerpimp
hmm... a bit dissapointing. looks like i'll be keeping my 6600 in the meantime until something on par with the panasonic x700 arrives with 1-2 megapixel rating.

the current release date for panasonic x700 is 3rd Q 2004. it only come with a 0.35 Megapixel CMOS camera as far as i know. The quality of a picture taken by a CMOS chip is much inferior than CCD even they both have the same resolution. This is especially the case in a low light scenario~ the best thing about x700 is its compact size and the ability of viewing word, excel doc and SD slot.

Posted by: chankoonhee

I think the CCD cam still take better picture quality than other CMOS(Panasonic using) or CIF (SonyEricsson using) cam.

How about VGA cam?? Is there any difference between CCD and VGA cam?

THX!

Posted by: The Rex

ccd (charge coupled device) and cmos (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) are image sensors. ccd is better than cmos.
cif (352x288) and vga (640 x 480) and xga (1024 x 768), etc are resolution types.

Posted by: bdwelle

carsmovies,

could you post some screenshots of the GX32 user interface? I'm really stuck on Nokia's UI, but I would like to have a clamshell with more up-to-date features. I'm particularly interested in the calendar UI (although it sounds like a third-party one could be added), the phonebook list, and just the general look and feel.

thx

Posted by: carsmovies

Quote:

Originally posted by bdwelle
carsmovies,

could you post some screenshots of the GX32 user interface? I'm really stuck on Nokia's UI, but I would like to have a clamshell with more up-to-date features. I'm particularly interested in the calendar UI (although it sounds like a third-party one could be added), the phonebook list, and just the general look and feel.

thx

I would if I could put I already sold the GX32 and got myself the AT&T V600.

Posted by: bdwelle

ah. funny. I had a v600 (well, v525 actually), and it's a great phone -- Mp3 tones, good BT, good screen, etc. -- -- except for Motorola's crap UI. I had mine for a month or so before I gave up -- but I am very particular about UI. I'm thinking that I'll go with a 6230 for now, until a better clam comes out.

Posted by: carsmovies

Quote:

Originally posted by bdwelle