vB Easy Archive - Best phones for fast data on Cingular

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Best phones for fast data on Cingular
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Posted by: blackr0b

I am planning to buy a GSM phone to use with Cingular, and data transfer speed is my #1 priority. A few questions:

If a phone is UMTS, does that mean it will automatically handle HSPDA when it shows up?

Does UMTS intrinsically imply EDGE, or is it possible that I will only get GPRS/UMTS? For example, phonescoop.com lists the Moto A845 as "WCDMA (UMTS) plus GPRS in non-3G areas". Can this device use EDGE?

Can a multi-protocol device have different class ratings for each protocol? For a theoretical example, can a phone be class 10 GPRS but only class 6 EDGE? I ask because sometimes I see specs for phones where the GRPS class is given but the EDGE class is not. If a phone is GPRS/EDGE and is listed as GPRS class 10, does that mean it is EDGE class 10? Does this also hold true for UMTS?

Some classes allow for multiple time slot configurations. For example, a class 10 device can do 4down+1up, or 3down+2up. Is this configuration decided by the manufacturer and hard-wired into the phone, or can I configure it myself through the phone's software? If so, can it be done on the fly through the menu interface, or is it more involved than this?

Is there one (or two) best place(s) to find specs on the data-transfer abilities of various phones? Right now I am using phonescoop.com, which will usually tell you if a phone supports GPRS, EDGE, or UMTS. However, it does not always show you:

- whether the device is class 6, 8, or 10 (or 3+1, 3+2, 4+1, etc)
- whether the device is class A, B, or C

Anyone know of a better source of information for this kind of stuff?

Finally, any recommendations for specific phones? I am trying to spend as little money as possible but get the fastest data speeds, so things like cameras and bluetooth can be sacrificed.

Thanks for the help!!!!!

Posted by: Treatz

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackr0b

I am planning to buy a GSM phone to use with Cingular, and data transfer speed is my #1 priority. A few questions:

If a phone is UMTS, does that mean it will automatically handle HSPDA when it shows up?

Does UMTS intrinsically imply EDGE, or is it possible that I will only get GPRS/UMTS? For example, phonescoop.com lists the Moto A845 as "WCDMA (UMTS) plus GPRS in non-3G areas". Can this device use EDGE?

UMTS means just that.
EDGE is a step below, so you'll have 3G UMTS, and 2G GPRS but no edge with that handset.

Quote:

Can a multi-protocol device have different class ratings for each protocol? For a theoretical example, can a phone be class 10 GPRS but only class 6 EDGE? I ask because sometimes I see specs for phones where the GRPS class is given but the EDGE class is not. If a phone is GPRS/EDGE and is listed as GPRS class 10, does that mean it is EDGE class 10? Does this also hold true for UMTS?

Yes. class 10 GPRS doesn't guarantee class 10 EDGE.
case and point:
Moto V635.. Class 10 EDGE, class 6 EDGE.

Quote:

Some classes allow for multiple time slot configurations. For example, a class 10 device can do 4down+1up, or 3down+2up. Is this configuration decided by the manufacturer and hard-wired into the phone, or can I configure it myself through the phone's software? If so, can it be done on the fly through the menu interface, or is it more involved than this?

it is my understanding that the network will dictate to the phone.
When uploading, or sending media, the network may allow the phone to kick down to 3+2 allowing 2 channels up on EDGE. the theoretical max upstream would be 59.2 per channel * 2 channels. so, 118.4kb/s

Quote:

Is there one (or two) best place(s) to find specs on the data-transfer abilities of various phones? Right now I am using phonescoop.com, which will usually tell you if a phone supports GPRS, EDGE, or UMTS. However, it does not always show you:

- whether the device is class 6, 8, or 10 (or 3+1, 3+2, 4+1, etc)
- whether the device is class A, B, or C

Anyone know of a better source of information for this kind of stuff?

I find GSMARENA.COM to be accurate most of the time..
it's hard to try and piece this stuff toether thoug...
EG> V635 is claimed to have class 4 #EDGE on phonescoop.com, in actuality, and accoring to motorola canada literature and my own personal tests, the V635 is a class 6 device capapable of a max of 177kb/s down

Quote:

Finally, any recommendations for specific phones? I am trying to spend as little money as possible but get the fastest data speeds, so things like cameras and bluetooth can be sacrificed.

Thanks for the help!!!!!

SE's always seem to carry class 10 EDGE.
some Nokia's have class 10 EDGE

most other nokia and moto's have class 4 or class 6 edge, some with class 8 (nokia 8800) which will give you maximim 236.8kbps down, but 1 channel up, or 59.2 up

Posted by: iLynne

The class 10 EDGE sold me on the S710a. I couldn't care less about the camera, video, etc. The data speed is brilliant.

Posted by: nskgti23

If you are looking for fastest data speeds, go with either the Sony GC83 card or the Sierra Wireless Card. The HSDPA cards will be available in "Select" markets late this year.

Posted by: blackr0b

Thanks for all the help!!

I didn't want to get a new account for just a PC card, so those I did not consider.

I've pretty much narrowed myself down to...

Nokia 6230 or 6230i
Sony Ericsson Z500 or S710a

All of those are class 10 edge/10 gprs, and very affordable.

Posted by: Treatz

the only downside Z500 is that it lacks easy connectivity, so you'd need a cable.
S710a, 6230B (you want 850 version being on cingular) or GC82/83 dta cards are your best option