vB Easy Archive - The smt 5600 has officially been adopted by cingular

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The smt 5600 has officially been adopted by cingular
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Posted by: DazeAndConfuse

http://www.letstalk.com/product/pro.../prId_27759.htm

I was planning on buying the smt5600 from this website when it offerd it for $150, but now they've changed it to 200$ but u can choose between att and cingular.
btw when you buy a phone online, do they do a credit check?

Posted by: mikeruoc

Hmm. I hope so. I just bought an ATT one and unlocked it. But I have 30 days so if this is real I will get this and return my ATT one. Please post if anyone buy it and let us know if it is really Cingular

Posted by: Jumpman301

Quote:

Originally posted by DazeAndConfuse
http://www.letstalk.com/product/pro.../prId_27759.htm

I was planning on buying the smt5600 from this website when it offerd it for $150, but now they've changed it to 200$ but u can choose between att and cingular.
btw when you buy a phone online, do they do a credit check?

Yes they do a credit check before your service is activated.

Posted by: maxiedog

I called letstalk.com today to inquire about the Cingular version of the 5600. They do have it in stock and are selling it for $199. The sales person claims that their Cingular version of the 5600 is an actual Cingular phone, and not an AT&T phone that was unlocked to work with Cingular service.

Hearing this I figured I would call Cingular to confirm that the 5600 was released on their network. Cingular told me that the 5600 was NOT released on their network, and they currently do not have any plans to sell the 5600.

So, while I would love to get the 5600 from letstalk.com with a Cingular calling plan, I'm a bit skeptical. I wonder if all features of the phone will work including access to the Cingular GPRS network?

It should also be noted that letstalk.com has a pretty poor return policy. Even with a new Cingular activation, their return policy is only 1 week or 30 mins of use on the phone!

How can you possibly test the full extent of the phone with only 30 mins of use???

Posted by: mikeruoc

That kind of what I was worried about. I will wait and see if more people start selling it. My ATT 5600 is working great on the Cingular network so it does not matter.

Posted by: jleecong

Quote:

Originally posted by maxiedog Hearing this I figured I would call Cingular to confirm that the 5600 was released on their network. Cingular told me that the 5600 was NOT released on their network, and they currently do not have any plans to sell the 5600.

I would say the rep at Cingular was wrong. I have seen new Cingular rebates that have the 5600 listed.

However, according to Ritch Blasi, Cingular Wireless' Director of Media Relations, "the device is alive and well and being sold in most of AT&T Wireless retail outlets (even though they have been rebranded Cingular), through our business sales channel, and select indirect channels, such as Amazon and letstalk.com."
http://www.brighthand.com/article/A...te=SmartPhon e

http://awscs.lithium.com/attws/boar...message.id=3599

Posted by: jleecong

Here is the rebate I spoke of earlier.
http://onlinestored.cingular.com/ht...teForms/WDB.pdf

And the original thread.
http://www.howardforums.com/showthr...threadid=537366

Just to think that a simple search could have probably answered your question. Helps my post count though..

Posted by: mikeruoc

Actually that did not answer my question. And I read that awhile ago. I know it is coming. My question is it in the channel? Can lets talk be selling the real thing? I have not heard from anyone on the board that has been relased or made it through the approval process. This is my question. Does someone that sells or has an inside track at Cingular know if they are in the channel or past approval?

Posted by: Picasosz

I don't believe that this phone is a real Cingular phone I believe there is 4 to 6 weeks before this 5600 is released on Cingular however there are allready instructions on the ATT website for the cingular branded phone. I would have posted the link but the page does not work when posting the link

Cingular Setup of Audiovox SMT 5600 to Windows XP using D-Link USB Bluetooth Adapter for GPRS

Prerequisite

Audiovox SMT 5600 handset purchased through Cingular

D-Link USB Bluetooth Adapter

Download the updated D-Link Bluetooth software by browsing to http://support.dlink.com/downloads/

You should be logged in as Administrator or have administrator privileges in your profile to modify system files.

Setting up the handset

1. On the handset press Start, scroll to More... and press in the joystick
2. Scroll to Settings and press in the joystick
3. Scroll to Bluetooth and press in the joystick
4. Scroll to Bluetooth and press in the joystick
5. Highlight the Bluetooth field and press in the joystick.
6. Scroll to Discoverable and press in the joystick
7. Press Done three times
8. Scroll to More... and press in the joystick
9. Scroll to Configurations and press in the joystick
10. Scroll to BT SerialPortSetup and press in the joystick
11. Highlight Inbound COM port: and press in the joystick to check the field.
12. Highlight Outbound COM port: and press in the joystick to check the field
13. Press Done

Setting up the connection

1. On the PC double click on the My Bluetooth Places icon.
2. An Initial Bluetooth Configuration Wizard window will appear, click on Next
3. Type in the Computer name: and select Computer type: from the drop down menu, and then click on Next
4. Click on Next
5. Ensure that all services are checked, and then click on Next
6. Click on Skip
7. Click on Finish to complete the setup.
8. double click on the My Bluetooth Places icon on the desktop.
9. Click on View devices in range
10. The handset will be displayed, right click on the handset and then click on Pair Device.
11. On the PC enter a Bluetooth PIN Code, and then click on OK
12. On the handset will prompt to Add the device, press Yes to confirm.
13. The handset will then prompt for a Passkey (enter the same PIN Code you entered on the PC), and then press Done .
14. On the PC the handset will appear with a check indicating it is successfully paired. Double click on the handset icon.

Making the connection

1. On the PC double click on the Dial-up Networking.
2. Ensure the User name and Password fields are left blank and type *99# in the Dial field.
3. Click on Dial

You will now be connected to the Cingular GPRS service

Posted by: reubkov

I'm assuming that the Cingular branded SMT 5600 will be able to fully utilize the new Cingular 64k SIM, as oppsed to an unlocked AT&T unit which, when fitted with a 64k Cingular SIM, will still behave as if it had a 32k SIM.

I spoke to the owner of a local cell phone store tonight and he said that on his Motorola phone he got terrible coverage with the AT&T SIM but good coverage with a fully functional 64k Cingular SIM.

So, my question is this: will a Cingular version of the SMT 5600, with a fully-functioning 64k SIM get better reception than an unlocked AT&T 5600 with the same SIM? I had to return my AT&T SMT 5600 due to horrible reception in my area and opted for a Sprint phone instead. However, if the Cingular version gets much better reception than the AT&T unit, I may want to cancel my Sprint account and wait for the Cingular phone to be released. Trouble is, I only have 6 more days to cancel the Sprint account, so I need to find out about the Cingular unit in a hurry.

Much thanks,

reubkov

Posted by: Raven001

An excellent, excellent question. Please post here as soon as you find out, as I have a ATT 5600 with a quicky approaching return-date as well.

Here's my line of thinking: I don't think that Cingular would perform a HARDWARE change to the phone, as the phone exists under a million different names and carriers across the world - and all are the exact same, as far as I've heard. That, to me, suggests a hardware change is unlikely.

Now, what might be more plausable would be a SOFTWARE (ROM) update. If this is the case, the ROM should install on our 5600's as well, and we should be able ot reap the benefits...

What do you think? Of course, this is all pure speculation...

Posted by: reubkov

I would imagine that there will be slight variations to the appearance, i.e., silver instead of black face plate, Cingular logo, etc. Personally, I can't imagine improving upon the current design but it could easily be degraded.

I saw a picture earlier tonight of a SMT5600 in a car phone holder and the phone was silver, not black, and I'm not sure what the origins were of that particular unit. I also suspect that there will be some modifications made to the ROM that will include, at the very least, Cingular branding, such as start up logos, elimination of links to mmode, etc. I also expect them to support the 64k SIM. Still, I have absolutely no idea if this will have any effect on the units reception compared to the AT&T unit I tried.

I just spoke to Sprint, and if I don't cancel before Wednesday, I'd be facing a $150 early termination fee, as well as being charged another $150 to offset the instant rebate I received when I bought my Sprint phone. So, if in February or March, if Cingular comes out with the SMT5600 and it gets amazing reception in my area, it will cost me $300 just to get out of my Sprint contract! If I close the account now, I loose my Toshiba VM4050, which, while it's no SMT5600, it's got the best screen of all the Sprint phones (not including the Treo 650 and the new multi-media phone, which are hundreds of dollars more). Since the VM4050 has been discontinued, there would be little or not chance of getting another one if the Cingular phone either doesn't materialize or has poor reception and I choose to go back to Sprint. So, it looks like I'm resigned to staying with Sprint and living with the VM4050 for 2 years. By then I would imagine that the SMT 5600 will be a thing of the past. And to think I got the AT&T unit from Amazon for -$25.00!! I'm getting depressed just thinking about it.

Good luck, and enjoy your SMT5600!!

reubkov

Posted by: navzdy

Okay I face a similar dilemma. I in New York City and have wanted this phone for a while. I also will be very happy to get out of my Verizon service. So when my contract expires in the next two weeks, is it worth it to wait for the cingular version or should I buy an AT&T version of the SMT5600 off Amazon or something. What are the advantages? I’m pretty lost here so any help would be appreciated

Posted by: reubkov

Here's the deal:

If you buy an AT&T unit through Amazon, you can get it for less than nothing: $224 minus $250 in rebates. Then, you will have access to both AT&T and Cingular (via roaming at no charge). You can also get the phone unlocked and migrate to a Cingular account, but while you will receive a 64k Cingular SIM, your handset won't be able to take full advantage of the added features and, if I understand correctly, you might not be eligible for certain Cingular calling plans that include roll-back minutes, etc. If you have good AT&T and Cingular coverage in your area, this might be a good way to go. Several people have done this and are happy with the results.

If you wait for the Cingular unit to be released, it will most likely be fully compatible with the new 64k SIM and will probably have an updated ROM with Cingular branding, etc. However, you might not be able to access the AT&T towers (I think the new SIM sees them as Cingular towers, but I'm confused about this) and I can pretty much guarantee that you won't be able to get the phone for free. You'll probably pay full price, but will get some kind of discount for signing up for a two-year contract.

Hope this helps,

reubkov

Posted by: Raven001

The ultimate quesiton is whether or not 64k-SIM support is a hardware change or a software change...

Posted by: mikeruoc

Yup that is the question that I would like to find out if anyone picks one up.

Posted by: jleecong

Quote:

Originally posted by mikeruoc
Actually that did not answer my question. And I read that awhile ago. I know it is coming. My question is it in the channel? Can lets talk be selling the real thing? I have not heard from anyone on the board that has been relased or made it through the approval process. This is my question. Does someone that sells or has an inside track at Cingular know if they are in the channel or past approval?

Lets see. If the rebate has the SMT5600 listed, it expires 1/31/05, and is hosted on cingulars site I would say it's in the channel.

Could be a misprint

Quote:

Originally posted by reubkov
I saw a picture earlier tonight of a SMT5600 in a car phone holder and the phone was silver, not black, and I'm not sure what the origins were of that particular unit.

i-mate SP3
http://www.smesolutions.co.uk/modaco/imate.htm#sp3

Posted by: apexi350z

If it's software, do you think Cingular will take your ATT phone and reflash it with the new rom that support 64k? no one knows for sure... maybe they won't support the phone if it's from ATT?

these are very technical questions..

Posted by: reubkov

So, does anyone know - or even think - that a Cingular SMT5600 with a fully functional 64K SIM would have better reception than an unlocked AT&T unit with a partially functioning 64K Cingular SIM? The sense that I get is that poor reception will occur regardless, based on my location. Need to know fast, as my window for returning my Sprint phone ends Tuesday.

Much thanks,

reubkov

Posted by: mikeruoc

I had a V551 with my 64k sim and you will not get any better reception with it. All the 64k sim and ENS do is load balance you and let Cingular set your home network as they see fit. The one thing it does help that I am seeing with my unlocked ATT SMT5600 is jumping back and fourth on the 2 networks. In my office they are both weak so the phone switches networks a couple of times an hour. Kind of a pain but we are moving to a place with better reception soon. My V551 did not do that. It stuck to the stronger network.

Posted by: Crucial

Well to answer the question of whether a cingular 64K sim works fully in the ATT verision of the phone, why doesn't someone with the phone go get a cingular 64k sim and see what happens?

Posted by: mikeruoc

Thats been answered many times in here. I have a 64k sim in an ATT SMT5600. It works. The phone does not have ENS so it is not using some of the features of the SIM. Has anyone tried the one from Letstalk?

Posted by: maxiedog

After reading this thread, I placed an order for the 'Cingular' version of the 5600 from Letstalk.

The phone was supposed to be shipped out today for next day delivery tomorrow, but when I called Letstalk to confirm that the phone was shipping, they told me that they CANNOT sell me the 5600 with Cingular service! I couldn't believe my ears!

They said that the 5600 is an AT&T phone, and Cingular does not offer it.....DUH!!! When I originally placed the order for the 5600 with Letstalk, I grilled the salesperson and asked for confirmation that the 5600 was infact a Cingular phone. The salesperson assured me that the 5600 they sell would be a Cingular phone. 3 days later (yes it took that long for the credit check and 'activation') I'm told a TOTALLY different story!

Needless to say, I was PISSED! I wasted a lot of time with Letstalk and their customer service sucks!

I was ready to just completely cancel my order with Letstalk, but I decided to modify my order and get a Nokia 6230 with a one year Cingular activation. The ONLY reason why I gave Letstalk my business is because I recently moved to the West Coast from NY and I want to keep my NY 917 phone number. Cingular dealers here on SF cannot sell me a phone with a 917 area code, and they cannot port a West Coast phone number (415) to a 917 area code number. Letstalk was able to sell me a 917-based phone and I'll do the number porting directly with Cingular.

Sounds confusing, but my only other choice was to have a friend buy the phone for me in NY and send it to me. Not worth the hastle.

Anyway, I plan to eventually get a SMT5600 - either an unlocked version or wait for the Cingular version and use my Cingular SIM.

I do have some concerns over the 64bit issues (or whatever the technical term is) of not having all the features of an unlocked AT&T 5600 work with a Cingular SIM.

Can someone please tell me what features may not work?

One more thing....DO NOT ATTEMPT TO BUY A 'CINGULAR' SMT5600 FROM LETSTALK.COM - IT WILL BE A TOTAL WASTE OF YOUR TIME!!!! I actually just checked their website and noticed that they removed the Cingular version of the 5600 from their offerings.

Posted by: occfan

i have a smt 5600 unlocked and modified to use w/cingular,and the only feature that ive found that doesnt work properly is the network select!! you can select a new network,but it times out after a few minutes and goes back to automatic network select!!

Posted by: maxiedog

Quote:

Originally posted by occfan
i have a smt 5600 unlocked and modified to use w/cingular,and the only feature that ive found that doesnt work properly is the network select!! you can select a new network,but it times out after a few minutes and goes back to automatic network select!!

I am currently a Verizon customer so what do you mean by 'network select'? How does that affect the functionality of the phone and service?

Are you able to use the Internet access? How is the speed? How about connecting the phone to a PC via bluetooth - any issues there?

Posted by: mikeruoc

Thanks for lettting us know. Now I will stick with my unlocked SMT5600.

PS The phone has been very good so far.

Thanks

Quote:

Originally posted by maxiedog
After reading this thread, I placed an order for the 'Cingular' version of the 5600 from Letstalk.

The phone was supposed to be shipped out today for next day delivery tomorrow, but when I called Letstalk to confirm that the phone was shipping, they told me that they CANNOT sell me the 5600 with Cingular service! I couldn't believe my ears!

They said that the 5600 is an AT&T phone, and Cingular does not offer it.....DUH!!! When I originally placed the order for the 5600 with Letstalk, I grilled the salesperson and asked for confirmation that the 5600 was infact a Cingular phone. The salesperson assured me that the 5600 they sell would be a Cingular phone. 3 days later (yes it took that long for the credit check and 'activation') I'm told a TOTALLY different story!

Needless to say, I was PISSED! I wasted a lot of time with Letstalk and their customer service sucks!

I was ready to just completely cancel

my order with Letstalk, but I decided to modify my order and get a Nokia 6230 with a one year Cingular activation. The ONLY reason why I gave Letstalk my business is because I recently moved to the West Coast from NY and I want to keep my NY 917 phone number. Cingular dealers here on SF cannot sell me a phone with a 917 area code, and they cannot port a West Coast phone number (415) to a 917 area code number. Letstalk was able to sell me a 917-based phone and I'll do the number porting directly with Cingular.

Sounds confusing, but my only other choice was to have a friend buy the phone for me in NY and send it to me. Not worth the hastle.

Anyway, I plan to eventually get a SMT5600 - either an unlocked version or wait for the Cingular version and use my Cingular SIM.

I do have some concerns over the 64bit issues (or whatever the technical term is) of not having all the features of an unlocked AT&T 5600 work with a Cingular SIM.

Can someone please tell me what features may not work?

One more thing....DO NOT ATTEMPT TO BUY A 'CINGULAR' SMT5600 FROM LETSTALK.COM - IT WILL BE A TOTAL WASTE OF YOUR TIME!!!! I actually just checked their website and noticed that they removed the Cingular version of the 5600 from their offerings.