vB Easy Archive - 903SH How to...Q&A

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5

903SH How to...Q&A
(Click here to view the original thread with full colors/images)

Posted by: yis903unposubl

I've noticed a lot of questions and answers regarding how to do things/fix things with their 903SH's. I thought maybe one thread for this kind of thing will help, and so people can refer to this before asking anymore questions (if a thread like this hasn't already been started).

Anyway, now for my first question: I have the Japanese 903SH. How do I access the FM Radio?

Posted by: mavericke

There is no FM radio to begin with,right?

Posted by: yis903unposubl

i can't find it if there is, and it's not in the owner's manual...but i could've sworn i heard or saw it being advertised with an FM radio...

Posted by: yis903unposubl

I can transfer mp3's from my computer to my phone via infrared, but they won't play on the phone. how do i get them to play?

Posted by: Tobby

Quote:

Originally Posted by mavericke

There is no FM radio to begin with,right?

That's right, no FM radio.

Posted by: AL9999

There's no FM radio. Whoever advertised that got it wrong.

Japanese 903SH won't play MP3s, sorry. Use iTunes to convert them to the AAC/M4a format first, and then they'll play.

Posted by: yis903unposubl

So, what am i supposed to do with my 64MB card? pictures?

Will Japanese 903SH play any other music formats, or am I stuck with the basic stock ones?

Posted by: AL9999

Sorry I edited my post after... convert your MP3s to the AAC/M4a format first using iTunes, and then they'll play.

Posted by: yis903unposubl

Hey! Thanks! I got iTunes, and I'm converting to m4a and sending to my phone via infrared. I'll let you know how it goes!

Posted by: yis903unposubl

holy shnikes that's awesome! i'm not too tech savvy, and i see you can use the tones as your ring tone. is there a way to "crop" an mp3/m4a/aac so that you get a part of a song that you like? Example, the song is 5 minutes long, but you only want the time from 2:30~2:45 for a ring tone?

Another question for 903SH --> How do you get videos to play on it? How do you make photo caller ID? How do you make personal ringtones for different groups of callers? Mine says USIM not compatible with Caller Groups or some jazz like that.

Thanks again! Very useful!

Posted by: mavericke

Quote:

Originally Posted by yis903unposubl

holy shnikes that's awesome! i'm not too tech savvy, and i see you can use the tones as your ring tone. is there a way to "crop" an mp3/m4a/aac so that you get a part of a song that you like? Example, the song is 5 minutes long, but you only want the time from 2:30~2:45 for a ring tone?

Another question for 903SH --> How do you get videos to play on it? How do you make photo caller ID? How do you make personal ringtones for different groups of callers? Mine says USIM not compatible with Caller Groups or some jazz like that.

Thanks again! Very useful!

In order for you to play video on your 903SH, I would think you need a file convertor like Nokia multimedia convertor 2.0 to convert your mp4 or mpg or div files to 3gp.After converting them load them into your miniSD card and play it on your phone.It is nice...

Posted by: yis903unposubl

hey! thanks a lot! looks like i'll need a bigger SD Card than the stock 64MB...I'm quickly running out of room...and I'm transferring by means of infrared!

Let me just say the playback quality is awesome, and changing the TONE of the playback is definately cool. This phone rocks!

Question: My Phonbook isn't in any kind of order, alphabetical, numerical, or katakana. Why is this and how do I fix it?

Posted by: mavericke

it is designed to sort out your phonebook by way of alphabetical,numerical or katakana. Speaking of which you have katakana it means that your phone is loaded with a Japanese firmware...How nice...I wish mine was loaded with a Japanese firmware...

Posted by: yis903unposubl

yeah, i know there's an option to sort it out by "Reading Order," "Category," or "Katakana" but no matter how you choose it, they don't go in any particular order.

Question I had earlier - What's the PIN Password by default?
Answer I found in Owner's Manual - 9999

Posted by: yis903unposubl

On another question, this being my first and only SHARP phone, is there anyway to make one contact and have them with multiple numbers? Thus far, (example) I'm stuck making John House, and then a separate John Cell, instead of making just one John, in his directory entry House and Cell numbers.

Posted by: AL9999

For English you need to enter the name you want the book to count for sorting in the Reading field, and then set the phone to Reading Order, and it should sort them out alphabetically by the Reading field.

The phonebook is optimised for storing Japanese names, not English ones obviously...

Posted by: AL9999

To your second question, yes, you can have three numbers to a single contact. It's very easy to do, you should figure it out

Posted by: yis903unposubl

perhaps it's because i'm using the japanese 903SH...

if i'm already in the phone book, trying to add a new name, i can only enter the name and one phone number...it's a pain in the @$$ and the phone stores them in no particular order.

here's something i'm sure someone in the future will find very useful: If you had phone numbers stored on your USDM SIM card, and put them into your Japanese 903SH they don't sort in any kind of order. Furthermore, your USDM SIM card won't allow you to enter more than 1 number per entry, IE John House, John Cell has to be separate entries. However, the fix for this is very tedious, but I'm sure you'll agree, well worth it. I haven't been able to make this any easier...

Take a picture of something, anything. Open the picture. Go to Options. Choose Add to Phone Book. It will now come up with a list, First Name, Last Name, Reading, Telephone number, Email, etc. If you enter 1 number, it then asks you, Cell, House, Work, etc. Choose it, and a new number entry becomes available. You can also delete the photo here, so you don't see a picture of whatever it was when they call you if you don't want, and replace it with their actual picture later if you like.

I've tried making a phone book in Handset instead of USIM to do this, but it doesn't come up with all the same options, you have to do this by using a photo. You will have to crop the photo for phonebook, and you'll find the optino to do so in options. The photo for caller ID cannot be stored on ur SD Card, it must be on the handset (which makes you curious how many photos of people for caller ID you can have?!?!

Anyway, I hope someone found this useful, or someone else can use this info to make this easier...Now to tediously do this to everyone's phone number...all 213 of them...

Posted by: AL9999

It's very simple...

The phonebook is set to store entries on the USIM/SIM card by default, instead of the handset. Go to the Menu, Contacts, Settings, Save New Contact To, and select Handset (naming might differ in the JP version, but you should find it).

I know the Japanese manual has a very summarised English section, so I suggest you take a look at the manual for the EU 903, because a lot of your questions will be answered by it.

You can get it from here: http://www.sharp-phone.com/_assets/...03sh_e_link.pdf

Posted by: yis903unposubl

I'm actually 3rd generation Japanese born to USA, and I feel bad to say that I only learned it a little bit because I had to! There's way too much Kanji for me in the manual, and the "abridged English" section is helpful for common sense stuff, but it doesn't tell me how to do what you just said. Thanks a lot! That saves so much button pushing! I hope you don't mind, but I just edited my previous post to summarize what you said, so someone looking up this "How to.." thread won't make that same mistake!

This phone is awesome, and the Answering Machine Function is wonderful, it completely erodes the need for a Voicemail subscription.

Posted by: yis903unposubl

Agh! I can't edit it! Well, credit to you good sir, and thank you very much for the tip!

Posted by: AL9999

Hehehe that's fine. Howardforums does that, they don't allow you to edit posts a while after they're posted up. Wish they would really, the other forums allow you to

I like the idea of the Answering Machine in the phone as well, the only disadvantage with that method though is if the phone is turned off or out of range, it won't work very well

Posted by: mavericke

They have edited my post too....

Posted by: schnitzer

What was wrong with your post?

Posted by: mavericke

It contained some information which was stated by kev

Posted by: yis903unposubl

Well, as my initial post for this thread stated, I want this to be a kind of Q & A to refer to before posting questions about your 903SH, so that there won't be a lot of people asking the same question. I hope this turns into a convenience one day, and less of a "Answer My Questions," type of thread.

I just bought a GB MiniSD to hold more stuff, and am transferring stuff to it now. This phone is awesome!

Posted by: yis903unposubl

Hello all.

I was wondering if someone could guide me how to setup my 903SH when you first turn it on. (The initial startup) It's in Japanese right now, I'm trying to wonder how I change it back to english?

Answer:
1. From your standby screen press the silver circle button to bring up your menu.
2. Go to the bottom right most icon and press the silver circle button.
3. You should see LANGUAGE in English, it should be the 5th option down, and press the silver circle.
4. Choose English (2nd Option) with the silver circle.

Posted by: yis903unposubl

OK, so you can watch videos in .ASF or .3GP formats...is there a way to make my current .AVI/.MPEG files into either format? I googled it, and it comes up with a bunch of programs you have to buy. Is there a good freeware/shareware?

Posted by: yis903unposubl

.ASF files actually don't sh ow up. I just tried it, and they don't even appear. Anyway to make them 3gp?

Posted by: bushcat

Quote:

Originally Posted by yis903unposubl

Hello all.

I was wondering if someone could guide me how to setup my 903SH when you first turn it on.

The menus are also mapped to the keypad. So, language selection is on F#5 (where F is the function button in the center of the keypad). F0 is your own number. The hardest option to find appears to be help.

Posted by: yis903unposubl

More Games Please!

The games that come with the phone are all demos...beating level 1 of Space Harrier, that pin-ball game, fishing, and that dolphin thingie gets old after a short while.

I was looking through the 3G Guidebook that comes with the phone. There's a lot more games available. Do you have to be in Japan to download these games or is there a way to download it off the 'net and then put them on your phone. I'm more or less interested in (and I'm not sure about the English spelling of these, "Ease I" which looks to be an RPG (how cool would that be on your cell phone?), and "Elemental Jared," which looks to be a fighting game.

Posted by: yis903unposubl

Question - How do I make my .asf, .mpg, .avi files into .3gp that will play on my 903SH?

Answer - http://www.videohelp.com/tools?tool=3GP_Converter
Choose 3GPP + AAC General Setting
*QVGA Normal Quality 15FPS Stereo

Have fun watching movies on your cell phone!

Posted by: burton159

***EDITED***

Posted by: schnitzer

your dealing with complicated phones.

Posted by: yis903unposubl

unfortunately, i think the cheapest way to get a 903SH (from Japan) to work outside of Japan, is to buy one that's already unlocked, instead of buying one, and then trying to unlock it. i'm sure in a year or so, you'll be able to find them everywhere.

Posted by: yis903unposubl

I've seen this question in about 3 different threads now, so...here goes:

Q: What size MiniSD are you using/What is the maximum size MiniSD that you can use?

A: I'm using a Japanese 903SH, and a 1GB ScanDisk MiniSD (so, the answer is 1 GB). However, SHARP has said 256MB is Max (maybe because it's the largest available in Japan?).

Quote:

Originally Posted by AL9999

All versions support 1GB miniSD cards, but Sharp are stopping officially at 256MB, which is widely believed to be because Panasonic don't currently sell a card higher than 256MB in the Japanese market.

Posted by: khaltire

Is it just me or can you change between red and blue in the Smartone-Vodafone HK 903SH firmware?

Look at this photo from mobileburn, you can clearly see that they are using the BLUE that was in the older SX813 firmware on the 903SH... I may be interested again if I can choose blue.. Can someone confirm with the phone?

http://www.mobileburn.com/imagepop....20%2 2+pos1%3E

Posted by: coolandmellow

will they play mp3`s once there is a firmware flash available or not

Posted by: burton159

thanks yis903unposub for the replies.

re minisd - i did a search on this and read a lot of threads before posting and didnt see anything. anyway, the guy at the shop here told me 256mb was max, so i bought that card, what a waste. looks like im off to akihabara to see if theres a 1gig card available, other than panasonic. thanks.

Posted by: coolandmellow

any oem sd card will work any formatted mini sd card will work.It to so with the standard.However these machines do need to be calibrated now i dont quite know if that is done by a firmware upgrade or a hardware capability but its like the digital cameras accepting a certain capacity microdrive in a certain format.That can be Fat32 etc.But many people are using a 1gb mini sd with the 903sh i think a Sandisk one

Posted by: yis903unposubl

When I got my new MiniSD, I just put it straight into the phone. It takes a second to format it. Then put it in your computer. Bingo! You'll notice the directory VODAFONE. Open it and there's all the other directories you'll need (IE sounds&ringtones, videos, pictures, etc.).

Like I said before, I'm using ScanDisk MiniSD, it comes with a free MiniSD Adapter so you can use it on your computer.

Posted by: AL9999

Khaltire that pic is of an SX813 - look at the frame, look at the icons on the screen (especially the joypad icon at the bottom), it's pretty obvious. He's used the wrong pic in his article...

Posted by: yis903unposubl

Question: My 903SH freezes, locks up after a few seconds of use (IE, when scrolling through the menu, while making a phone call). It's also very slow when scrolling through the menus, and eventually just freezes. How can I fix this?

Answer: In case you're curious, yes, this happened to me this morning, when going to the hospital. As you know, there's all those signs telling you to turn off your cell phone inside. So I turned off my phone, and when leaving, I turned it back on. However, it would freeze (much like how a computer freezes) and none of the buttons would work, such as the power button. It would work only for a shortwhile. I tried all kinds of things to get it working, but after may different things, this is what ended up fixing it for me...
First, to turn it off, you have to remove the battery. Then put it back, and switch it back on. Quickly, go to settings, and language. Put it in English or Japanese (the opposite of whatever it was in). Go back to idle screen. Now go into your menu again. Notice this time, everything is selecting very quickly again. You can now put it back into the langauge it was in before if you like. This should've fixed it.

Posted by: Timsta

damn that sounds troublesome. as for yoru troubles. hopefully with the new firmware that shoudl be released or the full unlocking services, all of the problems u mentioned above will be solved with the japanse version.

funny how you mentione dit freezes when you go through the menu during a call. that reminds me of the problem i had when i had my se z600.

Posted by: yis903unposubl

yeah, it was noticeable because it was navigating through the menu pretty slow. you'd press right, and it'd take about half a second to move. if you tried to do anything like use the camera, it'd work, but when u turned the camera off, the image would stay since the phone locked up. same thing when making a call. you'd make the call, but you couldn't hang up, because the phone locked up. if the other person hung up, the sceen would stay on the call screen. i don't know what caused it, but i haven't had the problem since.

Posted by: mavericke

I'm going to Malaysia today. I hope that I will be able to get my 903SH unlocked in Malaysia. I am wondering whether they know of Sharp 903SH... Fingers corssed...

Posted by: yis903unposubl

Question: My keys don't light up, is this normal for 903SH?

Posted by: yis903unposubl

Answer: Go to settings, Go to backlight, change Time Out to anything but off. Change it to back to whatever you want. Keys should light up now.

Posted by: yis903unposubl

Why does playing music files drain my battery so quickly? I can watch movies and it doesn't drain the battery nearly as fast.

Posted by: yis903unposubl

While not related to the above question...

...there are more ringtones available for your 903SH. They came on the CD-ROM that came with the phone. Install Handset manager. Sync your phone. The ringtones are located in MobileAction\HandsetManager\Melody...
There's 9 ringtones there for you. Given that they're MIDI, I doubt they're surround sound, but they're not too shabby.

Posted by: Timsta

do they sound good? i'll just stick with mmf i guess for now.

Posted by: yis903unposubl

some r nice, but all to common on most cell phones. you have to turn down the surround to get them loud enough...

Posted by: Timsta

interesting.. well i finally unlocked all my 903sh's today.. so i'll start playing with mine tonite.

Posted by: yis903unposubl

Question: How sturdy is the MiniSD Memory Card slot? I mean, everytime I open it to transfer images off of the card to my computer, I keep thinking...someday, one of these times, it'll break...

Posted by: huiben

QUESTION: How do I clear the Input Memory? How does the text get there anyway!?

Posted by: Timsta

haha. that flimsy piece of plastic/rubber thing.. is not as sturdy as the 902sh... i was thinking the same thing as you yis903unposubl.

Posted by: yis903unposubl

forreals huh!?!? everytime I open it to put the card in, or take it out to transfer stuff between it and the computer, I'm so thinking..."this is the last time i do this..."

Posted by: yis903unposubl

Question: How Do I Enable My Internet on my 903SH?

Posted by: yis903unposubl

http://www.t-mobile.com/help/servic...configother.asp

Posted by: yis903unposubl

ok, so what am i supposed to do with this...

Posted by: coolandmellow

Why cant i read or see the phone book list in alphabetical order no matter which setting and what is the factory hand set code

Posted by: rami_d15

the handset code is 9999 .....

for the phone book ..... u have to fo to phonebook from menu ... choose advanced .... memoryused --> handset ... save new contact --> handset ...... and then enter all ur phonebook no.s again maually.... i know its long but it worked really fine with my 802sh with jp version................. and so far .... the same problems i have with my 802 is the same that facing u guys with the 903

for the ringtones ..... 3gp videos are much cooler than an mo3 ringtone ... ( or isnt it supported in 903 ? )
and i have some questions plz :-

1- how is the aac playing on the phone..... al9999 said there is no problem playing them like the stupid mp3 restrictions ... so how is the quality on the speakers and in the headset

2- does the phone support 3gp video clips as ringtones ( not u have to move it to handset memory to use them as a video tone )

3- can some one plz help me with how much this phone costs in japan ????? i have a friend comming soon and i need to know ... how much is it without a contract ofcourse .... locked and unlocked plz ... cuz in my country unlocking costs only around 20$ .......

4- i dont think the beta unlocking is any problem !!!! i dont think i will perform a master reset and i always use my 802 with the screen outside so with the 903 i wont face the buttons light and the turnoff button ... so is there any other problems more than that ?

thanx alot guys .... and plz hurry with the prices and the remote headset too with the screen if possible

thanx in advance and sorry for the bad english

Posted by: yis903unposubl

that was also covered early in this "FAQ" please read before you ask!

Posted by: rami_d15

waht are u talking about exactly Mr. yis903unposubl ? the prices ?

thanx for replying

Posted by: djsm1769

i got a 903sh (jap) i CANT send sms text msg or have internet i have cingular for service.

Posted by: rami_d15

i faced the same problem with 802SH with japanese hacked version too

i think this is the problem with the unlocked jl versions of all sharp

the solution for my problem was...... reflashing the phone again after using something called repair file from SETOOLS .. then flash it again !

how much did u get it for from japan ?

Posted by: szeto

i got Rogers ... dunno how to set it up ...

Posted by: yis903unposubl

Quote:

Originally Posted by rami_d15

waht are u talking about exactly Mr. yis903unposubl ? the prices ?

thanx for replying

Quote:

Originally Posted by coolandmellow

Why cant i read or see the phone book list in alphabetical order no matter which setting and what is the factory hand set code

that's what was answered earlier.

Posted by: Hypreed

How do you use .M4A files (converted from iTunes from MP3 to AAC) as a ringtone on a 903SH? I put it in the MiniSD and then move to phone memory, then Options > Set as Ringtone. But it gives me a "Cannot assign. Due to illegal file." error message.

Any ideas?

Posted by: AL9999

You can't. Only DRM music files can be set as ringtones in the JP version.

Either that, or SMAF MMF files.

Posted by: djsm1769

i got the internet to work but still cant send sms text message. any clue if anyone can send text messages. my service cingular

Posted by: yis903unposubl

i never had problems with my text messages...however, i will look at my phone's settings and try to figure it out for you.

as for the mp3 ringtones, you wouldn't want it anyway...if you've noticed, playing mp3's on ur 903SH drains your batter very quickly...i'm not sure as to why...

Posted by: yis903unposubl

on a question of my own...what's your guys average battery life on average useage (i'm not asking about the owner's manual's givens, but your actual experience).

i'm lasting between 1~3 days between charges, and the charge is about an hour and a half to two hours.

Posted by: dimension6

How do I set up the answering machine feature on this phone? I would really like to get it working with T-Mobile. I have so far only been able to get it to work by clicking the button during an incoming call (it's not automatic).

Posted by: yis903unposubl

change the amount of time before your answering machine activates to 20 seconds or less. anything more and t-mobile's voicemail answers it.

Posted by: AL9999

Yeah it doesn't work with your operator. It's actually completely handled by the phone and stores messages on the phone. Only the JP version has this one...

Posted by: dimension6

In Japan, I actually used Vodafone, and I really liked the auto answering machine feature. I just can't get it to work here. Here's what I'm doing:

1. Going to menu > settings > call settings
2. Voicemail and diverts > Voicemail
3. Activate > No Answer > 15 sec.

Here the phone says "Please wait" and then says "Not supported". What did you do to set the machine to kick in in 15 sec or something?

Posted by: AL9999

Oh ok, you're trying to use the operator-based one, my mistake. It's possible the 903SH JP version's voicemail menu only works with Vodafone JP, so you should call T-Mobile and get an operator to set your voicemail conditions for you.

Posted by: dimension6

Thank you...what should I ask T-Mobile specifically?

and... yis903unposubl, I understand the answering machine works for you on T-Mobile, no? How did you get it set up?

Posted by: AL9999

Just ask them to set your call diverts (the busy, no answer and out of range ones) to your voicemail number. They should know what to do

Posted by: dimension6

Ok...I finally figured it out (by reading a 902 thread here). To set up the automatic answering machine, you have to go to:

Menu > Call Log > Answer Phone > Settings

and turn it on! It works beautifully. By the way, voicemail in the US works differently I think. There is no separate voicemail number (hence, no redirection); it's handled completely by the provider.

Posted by: AL9999

Heh, so you WERE talking about on the on-phone answering machine. Talk about confusing...

What I meant is that mobile phones, in order to connect to a provider's voicemail service, technically have to divert the call to another phone number provided by the provider. Usually it's the same number for everybody, but that's how it works.

Posted by: dimension6

Ah...sorry for the confusion. In the US, the providers handle the voicemail diverts internally. We don't have separate numbers for it (after a few rings, the callers get sent straight to voicemail, whether we like it or not).

Posted by: AL9999

Ah ok, cool. So it's all done automatically, fair enough.

Posted by: djsm1769

? how do you send sms text messages with 903(jp) service cingular. is this correct in the menu goto messaging then mail setting then sms settings then what should be under message centre???? my phone # with area code?

Posted by: klowaz

Is there a concept of a flash when taking a picture. I can turn the mobile light on, change colors, etc but its not really a flash. Also after I set the mobile light setting, go away from then come back to the camera, the mode is not saved and I have to set it again. any ideas?

Posted by: yis903unposubl

The SMS Text Messaging was never a problem for me...it worked right away. Go to Cingular's website, or maybe give them a call and find out what their Messaging Number is. You'll find this on your phone in Messaging\Mail Settings\SMS Settings\Messaging Centre. Also, for text messaging to work in USA, you can only use the Single Byte English Characters, and you cannot enter anything in the subject line.

For the Flash on the Camera, there's no way to make it "flash." However, there are several "light" options available for picture taking. While in camera mode, you can access this by going to Modes\Mobile Light\Switch On/Off. The automatic one is supposed to adjust itself, the low light is obviously less bright, and just plain on is it's normal intensity.

Posted by: DjTraNcEFoRmeD

is it just my 903, or does the predicative text not work for everyone?

Posted by: yis903unposubl

if you bought the japanese 903, there's no t9. it'll predict your kanji's pretty well though!

Posted by: yis903unposubl

Inserted SIM card, but no service...

Quote:

Originally Posted by DjTraNcEFoRmeD

Well, I just put my SIM card into my new 903 and it says I don't have service! What should I do?

Quote:

Originally Posted by yis903unposubl

go to ur menu, choose connectivity\network settings\select service\ and choose GSM.

Posted by: CrazyBred

Quote:

Originally Posted by yis903unposubl

The SMS Text Messaging was never a problem for me...it worked right away. Go to Cingular's website, or maybe give them a call and find out what their Messaging Number is. You'll find this on your phone in Messaging\Mail Settings\SMS Settings\Messaging Centre. Also, for text messaging to work in USA, you can only use the Single Byte English Characters, and you cannot enter anything in the subject line.

For the Flash on the Camera, there's no way to make it "flash." However, there are several "light" options available for picture taking. While in camera mode, you can access this by going to Modes\Mobile Light\Switch On/Off. The automatic one is supposed to adjust itself, the low light is obviously less bright, and just plain on is it's normal intensity.

You mention for text to work that the characters have to be single byte english, and that makes sense but i was wondering for MMS, can you send/receive double byte characters? This is the entire reason I'm considering the 802/902/903 phones... so I can communicate with buddies back in Japan

Posted by: AL9999

From other peoples' experiences it seems that US phone carriers' server equipment don't support double-byte characters, and that's where the problem lies. The mail servers usually screw up the encoding of double-byte characters, resulting in messed up messages at the other end.

SMS does actually support double-byte characters, but the US carriers' servers just don't help

Posted by: CrazyBred

Shoot, that sorta ruins my plans... I was reading this thread:
http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=666859
and the last poster says that he was able to text fine in Japanese but that it might be because his friend had an identical unlocked phone (they both have 902s apparently). Although if it was a server issue I don't see how their phone models would have anything to do with their ability to use Japanese... I wonder if anybody with a JP Sharp phone would be so kind as to PM me their mobile address (preferably on T-Mo since that's what the poster in the above thread says he was using) so I could try it out, I don't want to give up just yet but I'd like to know for certain before I go through spending a lot of cash on a new phone and the hassle of switching providers

Posted by: dimension6

In Japan, text messaging works via email. Each phone has an email address. As long as you can somehow access email on your phone, you can text someone there (though they get charged a small amount for incoming mails depending on the service). I use Gmail over wap (www.gmailwireless.com) to send messages to my girlfriend's phone (Vodafone JP). T-Mobile has $6/mo unlimited GPRS usage, so it's actually cheaper than SMSing (although requires a few extra steps)...

Posted by: dimension6

...I have sent kanji successfully texting this way.

Posted by: AL9999

Not a bad idea. You'd avoid the carriers' servers completely doing it that way. Nice

Posted by: CrazyBred

Ahh, excellent idea

I'm not too familiar with gmail wireless or any of the other alternatives, do they send you a notification of some kind when you receive a new message?

Posted by: dimension6

You can configure email receipt alerts on T-Mobile's website (i.e. when "From" field equals somebody@something.com, it send you a message). Because Gmail has POP support, this is not a problem for me to set up.

Posted by: CrazyBred

Think I might have answered my own question

I could just set gmail to forward all emails to my phone and also keep a copy on their servers, so I'd get a text whenever a new message was sent. I probably won't be able to actually read or reply to it but whenever I get it I can go log into gmail and then read/send replies through there

Looks like it's time to dish out the funds, thanks for all of the great help guys

Oh cool, didn't know T-Mobile had a feature like that, sounds like a plan! How exactly do you have it set up? The emails are first sent to your T-Mo address, then forwarded to your gmail with an alert sent to your phone? Sorta confused

Posted by: dimension6

By the way, I have messed around a bit with having Gmail forward directly to my T-Mo address, but I don't think T-Mobile allows having long messages directly texted to the phone (only very short ones go through, and then they may be cut off). Therefore, all I really need is a brief notification and then I bookmark the Gmail inbox to read it. Actually, for those interested, you can log into Gmail's regular site on the 903, but I haven't yet been able to send emails for some reason on it.

Posted by: jtcb

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timsta

interesting.. well i finally unlocked all my 903sh's today.. so i'll start playing with mine tonite.

Can you tell me where you got your phone from? How much did you pay for it? Did it come fully or partial unlocked? Where did you get fully unlocked? Is it test mode unlocked with the following problems?

1. The phone will not be working anymore once you MASTER REST YOUR PHONE
2. After you turn off the phone, you will lose some settings in the phone and you have to save it again.
3. The phone will be turn off immediately once the power button has been pressed (Not like the regular 903 holding the power button for 2secs to turn off the phone)
4. The keypad light is off in all the times, you need to turn it on by yourself in the setting menu everytime.
5. The phone will be automatically in the vibartion mode (silent mode) everytime you turn on the phone. You need to turn off the silent mode by yourself.

Posted by: yis903unposubl

Quote:

Originally Posted by dimension6

...I have sent kanji successfully texting this way.

in the US to a non-Japanese phone?

Posted by: dimension6

Quote:

Originally Posted by yis903unposubl

in the US to a non-Japanese phone?

It won't work to a non-Japanese phone (they have to be able to read the characters).

Posted by: on99sir

i had Master Reseted my 903sh,, now i CANNOT go into the data folder!!

WHAT CAN I DO TO FIX THIS PROBLEM NOW??

Posted by: totaltoanage

get it reflashed.

Posted by: yis903unposubl

Why would you want to do a Master Reset? Did something not work right?

Posted by: yis903unposubl

Awhile back ago, I posted that I couldn't locate the FM Radio, and someone had replied somewhere along the lines of Why would I think think there's an FM Radio. Obviously, after using it for sometime now, the FM Radio either doesn't exist, or is very hard to locate. Why was I under this impression, well:
http://plemix.com/Merchant2/merchan...tegory_Code=SHA
http://www.hi-mobile.net/product_in...products_id=144
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Sharp-Vodaf...QcmdZV iewItem

Notice, they all say FM Radio somewhere in their description of the phone. Anyone have any clue as to why?

Posted by: Timsta

there's no fm radio built into these phones... 903sh didn't have this feature either... i think they misred or copied the specs wrong...

Posted by: AL9999

It looks like Plemix originally got it wrong, and then other people have gone and copied the incorrect specs from them to post in their own sale descriptions. Annoying when that happens...

Rest assured, there is definitely no FM radio

Posted by: benguboy

Did anyone get their 903 from hi-mobile? If they did could you please tell me if it is the beta unlock? I sent them an email asking them, and i got a reply from William saying it IS the Factory Unlock (which means its the one done by vodafone, i presume)
My 2nd question is, does the phone come with the headphones for listening to mp3s or just a hands-free?
And lastly, does the phone come with a data cable, so I can upgrade the firmware?

Posted by: kms-lai

benguboy

did you asked them if it is the japan version,euro version or hk version, the euro and hk version has the full unlocking if done by the manufacture, the jap version is the beta.

the japan and hk versions comes with stereo headset, but unlike the 902sh which you can use your own headset, the jap and hk version is a one piece.
I don't know about the euro version.

the supplied cable cannot be used for firmware upgrade, only for pc sync.

Posted by: 4x4xfar

I know it's already been discussed, but is there a way to change the number that the voice mail try to call (1418).
the number doesn't mean anything here and doesn't work (disabled), I need to enter the number of my cellphone provider to get access to my voice mail.
otherwise I can't listen to my voicemail. Of course I can use the answering machine, but the problem is that it is not avaible when the phone is off or out of range.
I call my provider, and all they can do is to give me the phone number that I need to enter in my phone...but how???

Thanks all

Posted by: benguboy

Quote:

Originally Posted by kms-lai

benguboy

did you asked them if it is the japan version,euro version or hk version, the euro and hk version has the full unlocking if done by the manufacture, the jap version is the beta.

the japan and hk versions comes with stereo headset, but unlike the 902sh which you can use your own headset, the jap and hk version is a one piece.
I don't know about the euro version.

the supplied cable cannot be used for firmware upgrade, only for pc sync.

I just called and asked them, they said they arent sure they get their shipments from Uk and Asia (yippee thats so much help...not) they also said however they have had no complaints at all so far, so im hoping if some non-hofo member did pick one up and didnt complain he/she didnt get the beta unlock. Fingers crossed and waiting

Posted by: S.L

I think they do know, they arn't telling you the truth, ask them to look at the box.

japanese version has japanese text on the box.

euro version has english text and other europeon language text on the box.

hk version has chinese and english, the box is red/black very stylish and has a clear plastic slide through cover.

Posted by: benguboy

Just got a reply, I guess the person on the phone doesnt know, but the people replying via email do.

It is the Japanese version, and they say that I should not face any problems, well umm, thats not true lol

But they have the best price, and i'll just wait for the proper unlock to hit the market.

Meanwhile i'll need to buy a usb data cable to facilitate firmware upgrades etc. any idea where i could find one? searching 'sharp 903' on ebay just has a few phones and bunch of screen protectors.

Posted by: S.L

Well you got your answer,

they don't even know what they are saying, how can a japanese version be factory unlocked, if vodafone japan, will not provide the service.

this is false advertising.

Posted by: Timsta

yah. i'm actually a little disappointed about the stereo headset. i liked the 902sh where i coudl supply my own headphones.

there is no true unlocked jp version. they're just selling version that have been beta unlocked. perhaps their english is not so good or they have some sort of misunderstanding of the concept of full unlock. who knows. buyer beware.

Posted by: benguboy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timsta

yah. i'm actually a little disappointed about the stereo headset. i liked the 902sh where i coudl supply my own headphones.

there is no true unlocked jp version. they're just selling version that have been beta unlocked. perhaps their english is not so good or they have some sort of misunderstanding of the concept of full unlock. who knows. buyer beware.

I should have it tomorrow, their customer service seems excellent. Oh well lets see what comes of this.

Posted by: MODist

It does'nt metter if the headset locked or not. You just keep waitin' till some specialists produce full flash to unlock 903s.
It's just a time.

Posted by: benguboy

lol i meant the 903 not the headset, can headsets be locked as well :O

Posted by: S.L

i think the guy's got mixed up in his own words.

Posted by: yis903unposubl

Not aimed at anyone in particular, but I've gotten about 9 PM's from different people asking how to do this/where can i find that for 903SH, how much did I get it for, etc. While I don't mind answering questions, please read through the thread for commonly asked questions...

Just to clarify on questions I've answered several times:
Q: Where did you get your LCD Remote?
A: I got it for free when I bought the phone from a friend, so I don't know. You can get it on eBay and VODAFONE.co.jp.
Q: Does your 903SH work in USA (and related questions)?
A: Yes, it works in USA and on networks using SIM Cards. I'm using T-Mobile. It works here because it was unlocked to work here.
Q: How do I get my GPRS Internet to work (I can't take full credit for this answer, but here it is)?
A: Go to Main Menu\Connectivity\Internet Settings\... From here, your APN and Proxy settings will differ by service provider. You should be able to find the settings on your carrier's website. For those of you with T-Mobile:
Proxy Settings
Proxy Name: T-Zone GPRS
Proxy Address: 216.155.165.050
Access Point: %-Zone GPRS
Home: http://wap.myvoicestream.com
Port Number: 8080
Authentication Type: HTTP-BASIC
User Name:
Password:
APN Settings
Access Point Name: T-Zone GPRS
APN: wap.voicestream.com
Authentication Type: NONE
User Name:
Password:
DNS:
Linger Time: 120
After all this has been entered in, go to Web Settings and make sure to Activate it.
Q: Why doesn't my Phone Book sort Alphabetically (and related questions)?
A: The phone doesn't seem to like US SIM cards. You will have to manually enter all your phone numbers into the handset, and have the phone book read off of the handset, and not the SIM card. You can do this by going to Phone Book\Settings\Phone Book Location. Furthermore, the phone won't read in English Alphabet, it reads by Japanese Katakana: A I U E O, KA KI KU KE KO, etc.
Q: My 903SH Froze, how can I fix this?
A: I'm not really sure what causes this. It happened to me to. Here's the situation. I took the 64MB MiniSD out and put in a 1GB MiniSD. I know the phone formats it. I turned off the phone to go inside a hospital. Upon turning it on when I left, the phone's responses were very sluggish, and would eventually freeze. All I coudl do is turn the phone off by removing the battery, and turn it back on. In the end, I remedied it by quickly changing the Language to English. When I did so, everything was back to normal. I then changed the Language back to Japanese. I haven't had the problem since. As to why this happens, I'm not sure, though I believe I read someone else had the same problem after having their phone format a MiniSD and turning it off and then on.
Q: Where can I get more Themes (and related questions)?
A: As far as I know, there's only 3, and they came with the phone. I understand only the Japanese version came with more than one, and so the rest of you are stuck with the sunflowers. Where can you get more wall paper? Just about anywhere...take a picture of something.
Q: My SMS Text Messaging doesn't work (and related questions).
A: I'm not sure how to fix this...mine worked just fine after I put the SIM Card in. Here's some Do's & Don'ts for your SMS. First, don't type in anything but Single Byte English characters. Second, don't enter anything in the Subject Line. Japanese 903SH does not have T9 Text, so yes, you will have to type like a 90's cell phone and rapidly press keys to get your desired letters.
Q: Will you sell me your 903SH?
A: No.

I'm sure I'm leaving some FAQ out, but there it is in a nutshell. For those of you who've asked me questions, don't take offense to this. I really don't mind answering questions, but answering the same question 5 or 6 times get's a little tedious. Please read through the threads before asking! That's what they're there for!

Posted by: Timsta

i have something to clear up.

Q: Why doesn't my Phone Book sort Alphabetically (and related questions)?
A: The phone doesn't seem to like US SIM cards. You will have to manually enter all your phone numbers into the handset, and have the phone book read off of the handset, and not the SIM card. You can do this by going to Phone Book\Settings\Phone Book Location. Furthermore, the phone won't read in English Alphabet, it reads by Japanese Katakana: A I U E O, KA KI KU KE KO, etc.

AS WELL... you can set it easily by just adding some key letters to your contact information profile UNDER "reading". so if its alex.. put "al" in there.. and it will make your life alot easier. u have to do this for each contact mind you. by doing this.. u can search your phone book by alphabet.

its not a matter of liking american sim cards or canadian or whatever.. its built that way. you will find that WITH Every japanese phone that has japanese firmware on it.

Posted by: Simple_one

it sucks how you have to use itumes to change the fomat of the mp3's....is there anyway to escape this problem and just load mp3 and just play? is it different firmwire from the jap. or other models??

Posted by: CrazyBred

Awesome writeup, yis903unposubl!

I think this will answer a lot of questions about this phone, I know it answered some of mine

A quick question for 903 owners: Where did you buy yours? I know eBay has some up but I was wondering if there are any other alternative sources online (other than L&K, although I have nothing against them, just trying to see what's out there) or maybe even some local shops in the San Francisco area or Los Angeles area.

Posted by: yis903unposubl

Q: How do I use the Answering Machine?
A: This has become an increasingly common question. Go to Call Log\Answer Phone\Switch On/Off. Then set your Answer Time to anything before your voicemail clicks on. I've found this to be 20 seconds for T-Mobile. Warning: If you're using your phone with English Language, then the Answering Machine is in English. But if you're using your phone in Japanese, the Answering Machine will answer in Japanese. I've had a few people just hang up, because they don't understand what it's saying. Either let your friends know that your phone is answering in Japanese, or just keep your phone in English.

Posted by: yis903unposubl

While not a question that's commonly asked to me, I'm sure many of you will find this useful:
http://www.sharp-phone.com/products...delcountryid=25

Posted by: dhbeamer

I hav just got my 903 and for some reason I can receive but cannot send text massage. I kno that i need to send it in single byte caracter but how can u tell and from where can u kno u r actually typin single byte characters??

also i was chekin on the error detail I got for the unsent item and it shows that the unsent sms msg size is actually in the 200 bytes range even when i just typed in a short msg. wherea the size of the normal text msg i received is only about 20-30 bytes depends on the length of it. I didnt put any attachment whatsoever on it. so where does tat extra 180 bytes or so come from??

this is really confusing and i cant seem to figure out why... can someone pls share some thought/solution with me... much appreciated..

Posted by: dimension6

I have a question that I haven't seen addressed yet. Has anyone attempted to roam with the 903 (and T-Mobile SIM card) in Japan, using T-Mobile's service? It would be great if I could maintain my number when I'm there. T-Mobile does list roaming fees for Japan on their website (it's steep, at $1.99 a minute, but it's a great convenience for an occassional call).

Posted by: yis903unposubl

as for your text messaging issue: please make sure you type in the body of the text message, and not the subject line. also, the character order is: hiragana/kanji, katakana double byte, katakana single byte, english double byte, english single byte, numerical.

i'm in a hurry and can't write more...br
b

Posted by: yis903unposubl

Sorry for the quick reply, but I figured dhbeamer might need to know it soon, and that's a quick answer. I hope it made sense. As for roaming...T-Mobile doesn't really have roaming to Japan. I know I get service in Hawaii, but I have to use a Japanese carrier in Japan. You can call T-Mobile and inquire about this and get a long run around, but as far as I know, there's no way to continue your T-Mobile service in Japan. I go to Japan about every 2 years...I'll be there in 2007.

Posted by: dimension6

Actually, T-Mobile does provide service to Japan (view http://www.tmobilerentals.com and look for Japan). Currently, you can either rent a Japanese phone and airtime (and they'll forward your number) or you can rent just a Japanese phone, pop your T-Mobile SIM card in, and use it in Japan. This is what I'm interested in. Because the 903 has dual GSM/WCDMA capability, I'm wondering if T-Mobile will recognize it (provided the user has international roaming capability).

Posted by: yis903unposubl

Ah, I wish the T-Mo reps would've told me that in 2001. In anycase, I'll have a definate answer for you in '07, but i'm sure someone will have answered you well before then. I'm interested as well, as it would be nice to keep the same phone overseas travel.

Posted by: szeto

didn't get an answer for Roger's internet setup =/ figured I might ask again

Posted by: yis903unposubl

what is Roger's? Is it a service provider? Have you tried looking up their website or anything?

Posted by: jtcb

Quote:

Originally Posted by yis903unposubl

what is Roger's? Is it a service provider? Have you tried looking up their website or anything?

Yes. Just like T-Mobile and Cingular in the US.

Posted by: yis903unposubl

well, did u look up their website, or anything?

Posted by: beyond

hey guys,

i just had that phone freezing problem...I tried doing what yis903unposubl did by changing the langauges back and forth...and it was fast again for 1 minute but then afterwards, it goes slow again...does anyone know why?

i didn't format the memory card though...what I did was...I had the answer phone function on...then i listened to the message and after listened to it, i deleted it...and upon deleting the message, the phone froze...once i turned it back on, it was like this...

any ideas anyone?

thx in advance

Posted by: yis903unposubl

perhaps a bad firmware...but, i'm not sure...so don't worry yourself too much. is your phone running really slowly before it freezes?

Posted by: Timsta

hrmmm... if its doing that. u might need to relock it and unlock it again.... i encountered that.. and i did that to solve hte problem.

Posted by: DjTraNcEFoRmeD

ummm, kinda off topic, but where do I put those 3gp video files in my minisd card? I converted a mpg to 3gpp2 file using that converter on like the third page of this thread.

Posted by: szeto

Quote:

Originally Posted by yis903unposubl

well, did u look up their website, or anything?

yep I did ... couldn't find anything helpful

EDIT: AFTER HOURS OF SEARCHING > <

The settings required are as follows:
Primary IP: 208.200.067.150
Primary Port: 9203
Secondary IP: 208.200.067.151
Secondary Port: 9201
APN: goam.com
Username: wapuser1
Password: wap
HomePage: http://mymobilehomepage.rogers.com/

ONLY FOR ROGERS CUSTOMER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Posted by: beyond

w00t~
so I finally fixed the problem...
yeah the phone was really slow and laggy before it froze...
what I did was repeat what yis903unposubl did like 5 - 10 times...so I changed the languages from english to japanese to automatic and back approximately 5 - 10 times and the phone was fixed...and now it's working fine
i'm so scaed it'll happen again

hopefully when the fully unlocked firmware comes out, it won't be so weird like this

thx everyone

Posted by: Turbo.GC8

this is sorta related sorta not.

I've scanned every page so far, I plan on getting a 903sh.
However, I am skeptical after all these little confusing problems.

are these only on the japanese version and the fact that the unlock is beta and the firmware isn't exactly the greatest at the moment?

if I got the UK version, would I have none or much less due to the fact that its fully unlocked and has different firmware?

lastly, can you input Chinese into these phones? both UK and Jap?, the reason I don't want the HK model is because its red, and it looks uglyin red IMO.

oh yea, can the Jap 903sh be flashed with Uk firmware? then essentially you would have a UK model 903 fully unlocked no?

Though I REALLY want the 903, I'm very comfortable with my 750 considering the simplicity (comparative to the 903 so far...) of the phone and simple interface. But I'm so bored of the 750's looks, and I need a change, like a nice flip phone. 903's are not cheap so I'm just taking percautions.

Thanks

Posted by: jtcb

Can Jap version owner confirm if there is Japanese character on the keypad or not?

If Jap version will evenually fully unlocked, which version would you get and why?

Posted by: LCH

Yes , from 1-0. the # key and the video key has chinese(same word in both language?) What to get? Really depends on your patience, preference and budget. BTW did you get the price I send you last time?

Posted by: jtcb

no.. what price?

So if the jap version will evenually fully unlocked, there is no difference between UK and Jap except two more theme for jap right?

Posted by: LCH

I got mine for $640 including tax in Simstar in Toronto, but somebody in the forum stated from Simstar in Vancouver it's like $640+1 tax, around $670 but includes a firmware upgrade later if possible. Fully unlocked? Fact or rumor? No offense, I don't mean to question you, but I hear that too much, even from a friend that just came to Toronto from HK.

Posted by: szeto

Quote:

Originally Posted by szeto

yep I did ... couldn't find anything helpful

okay so I found the settings ... dunno where to put them .... what the hell...

Posted by: jtcb

Quote:

Originally Posted by LCH

I got mine for $640 including tax in Simstar in Toronto, but somebody in the forum stated from Simstar in Vancouver it's like $640+1 tax, around $670 but includes a firmware upgrade later if possible. Fully unlocked? Fact or rumor? No offense, I don't mean to question you, but I hear that too much, even from a friend that just came to Toronto from HK.

Is it suppose to be the UK version more expensive than the Jap version because of it is already fully unlocked? Jap version has two more themes and faster camera are the only differences.. What about firmware? Are they diffenent and in what way?

I went to SimPro at Crystal Mall and the guy quoted me 1K for the 903 for beta unlocked. I guess it is the jap version. It is sold out so I can't check out the phone.

Posted by: yis903unposubl

My $0.02 on the different versions of the 903. When you really think about it, the UK version is the best right now. You can't (even if you speak/read Japanese/Chinese) send Japanese/Chinese text here in North America as a text message. Furthermore, neither have T9...which has made text messaging painless and fast.

The UK version is a more stable unlock. I bought the Japanese one, and I'm speaking/reading Japanese and have a number of Japanese friends. This works out pretty well, as I can now write their Kanji names, however, I still kind of like English alphabet over Japanese reading order. This is because I was raised here, and not in Japan.

The Japanese version is kind of a novelty really, and not very functional here in North America. It's a bit more stressful, since the unlock isn't as stable, and you can't use Mp3's in the same ease of use as the latter. Could I rebuy my 903, I'd probably have bought the UK version, simply because it's a more stable unlock, it's easier to use, you have T9, etc.

Once again, just my $0.02 and I'm not trying to pick a fight here. I hope this may come in handy to someone trying to decide on which 903 to get.

Posted by: yis903unposubl

Dear beyond,

This problem with the freezing, do you remember inserting a new MiniSD and having the phone format it at any time before turning it off? It formats automatically, with no message to you. That's the only thing I remember doing differently than I normally do when I turned it off and had it trip on me.
After I solved the problem this way, I've never experienced it again, and have no fear of turning it off, or having the battery die on me and turn it back on.

Hope you never run into this problem again,
yis903unposubl

Posted by: yis903unposubl

Quote:

Originally Posted by DjTraNcEFoRmeD

ummm, kinda off topic, but where do I put those 3gp video files in my minisd card? I converted a mpg to 3gpp2 file using that converter on like the third page of this thread.

\VODAFONE\My Items\Videos

or some jazz like that. It shouldn't be too hard to figure out...

Posted by: yis903unposubl

Dear szeto,

These settings that you found can be put into your phone's internet settings. From your main menu go to Connectivity\Internet Settings\APN Settings. Fill in the blanks.
Then go to Connectivity\Internet Settings\Proxy Settings. Fill in the blanks.
Lastly, and this is important: Go to Connectivity\Internet Settings\Web Settings and make sure to activate the new profile you've made.
Then try Vodafone Live! If it doesn't find it at first, try typing in the URL of the homepage manually. Sometimes it doesn't find it perfectly automatically. It will not go to howardforums.com. The document is too big.

The settings required are as follows:
Primary IP: 208.200.067.150
Primary Port: 9203
Secondary IP: 208.200.067.151
Secondary Port: 9201
APN: goam.com
Username: wapuser1
Password: wap
HomePage: http://mymobilehomepage.rogers.com/

Good Luck! Let us know how it goes, and ask for help if you need it!
Sincerely,
yis903unposubl

Posted by: benguboy

I found a eBook feature in my 903, anyone know how it works and how to use it? i wouldnt mind putting da vinci code on it and read it on the bus and subway.

Posted by: Turbo.GC8

Regardless of the origin of the 903 (uk, jap, hk), if new firmware comes out all phones should be able to be flashed with the new updated firmeware no?

there are always rumors, rumors say that there will be a full unlock for the jap model soon.

This is really killing me, I don't know if I want the UK or Jap version, jap version is readily available, however, is it REALLY a matter of time until a full stable unlock and firmeware upgrade for the Jap model comes out?

If so then I wouldn't mind getting the jap version, although the whole slow menu locking up and freezing frightens me, and the no T9 funtion..I text so much.

However in North America you can send chinese my sms. I do it all the time on my phone and network, or were you just talking about the 903?

damn my friend is going to buy my 750i next week. ahh! I need to get my 903 ssooooooon.

Posted by: yis903unposubl

I think you said it all there. You text a lot. There's no T9. If you text in chinese, the japanese 903 doesn't have chinese. buy the HK or UK version. It suits you better. That's aside from all the bugs and glitches the Japanese 903 is having.

Posted by: yis903unposubl

Quote:

Originally Posted by benguboy

I found a eBook feature in my 903, anyone know how it works and how to use it? i wouldnt mind putting da vinci code on it and read it on the bus and subway.

you have to download them from Vodafone Live! Unfortunately...it doesn't seem to work in the US; you get redirected to a mobile version of Vodafone's website, which basically tells you about the company...the largest mobile network in the world...blah blah...

my friend who brought his 903 from japan downloaded a bunch of comic books onto his ebooks.

Posted by: benguboy

Well i got my 903 yeserday, filled up the 64mb with mp3s sent a few txt msgs, havent setup my mms yet, took pictures, videos transferred using bluetooth from phone to phone, pc to phone, phone to pc. Honestly the whole mp3 situation seems to be blown out of proportion.
All u do is, install iTunes, open the mp3s you want, goto advanced or something and select convert to AAC @ 128kbps (compression is pretty good) and then simply transfer them to your phone using bluetooth or whatever, and they play excellent. converting to AAC will also take care of the VBR mp3s that you may have.

I havent tried inserting a different sd card yet so I dont know about the freezing. I will purchase one soon, but I will only buy SanDisk, Lexar or Kingston, not any of those no-name brands.

The beta-unlock's main problem I would say is the switcing off with 1 touch on the power button, and to some ppl the lack of the keypad lighting, which if you do not switch off your phone wont even be a significant problem, i have been turning it on and off so thats why, once I start using the sharp regulalry, then that wont be an issue.

The menus and the general UI i find to be very good, not as good as Sony Ericsson but a lot of inspiration from SE menus I must say. The japanese comes with the three themes which give some variety to your phone usage. I have used the k750i myself and while it is an excellent phone i think you will enjoy the sharp ui + the screen.

There are some functions in the phone that still require exploration eg the ebook function and a zillion camera options lol. I shoudl think that if you have been happy with the k750 you shouldnt worry about the 903SH, its a fine phone, with a few issues, which I am sure will be fixed soon.

I definitely recommend getting the sharp.

I am an avid text-er myself, I have unlimited texting on my plan, the lack of T9 is a definite problem. However I noticed that the phone does have a dictionary to which you can add words. I have NO idea if that is meant for japanese use only or english words can be added to it. Personally im willing to live with slower texting for the other excellent features in the phone.

my CAD $0.02

Posted by: jtcb

benguboy,

What is iTunes? Does it comes with the phone? I am planning to get the phone but havn't decide which version to get. I most likely get the UK since it has no bug and cheaper? Regarding mp3 convertion, is that mean I'll have two versions of the same song if I want it to use as ringtone?

Are you in Vancouver? If yes, mind if we can meetup and let me take a look of the phone?

Posted by: yis903unposubl

iTunes is apple's ipod thingie. you can download it for free at itunes.com. you will not have two versions of the same song on the phone. the mp3 converts to aac, which stay on your computer. you then copy the aac to the phone, but not the mp3.

Posted by: IANFX

I also have cingular (NJ, USA) and have no problems using sms. Anyone know how you set up the internet on this phone? 903SH

Posted by: IANFX

My friend got my 903SH from a cell phone shop in Toronto.

Posted by: Turbo.GC8

Quote:

Originally Posted by benguboy

Well i got my 903 yeserday, filled up the 64mb with mp3s sent a few txt msgs, havent setup my mms yet, took pictures, videos transferred using bluetooth from phone to phone, pc to phone, phone to pc. Honestly the whole mp3 situation seems to be blown out of proportion.
All u do is, install iTunes, open the mp3s you want, goto advanced or something and select convert to AAC @ 128kbps (compression is pretty good) and then simply transfer them to your phone using bluetooth or whatever, and they play excellent. converting to AAC will also take care of the VBR mp3s that you may have.

I havent tried inserting a different sd card yet so I dont know about the freezing. I will purchase one soon, but I will only buy SanDisk, Lexar or Kingston, not any of those no-name brands.

The beta-unlock's main problem I would say is the switcing off with 1 touch on the power button, and to some ppl the lack of the keypad lighting, which if you do not switch off your phone wont even be a significant problem, i have been turning it on and off so thats why, once I start using the sharp regulalry, then that wont be an issue.

The menus and the general UI i find to be very good, not as good as Sony Ericsson but a lot of inspiration from SE menus I must say. The japanese comes with the three themes which give some variety to your phone usage. I have used the k750i myself and while it is an excellent phone i think you will enjoy the sharp ui + the screen.

There are some functions in the phone that still require exploration eg the ebook function and a zillion camera options lol. I shoudl think that if you have been happy with the k750 you shouldnt worry about the 903SH, its a fine phone, with a few issues, which I am sure will be fixed soon.

I definitely recommend getting the sharp.

I am an avid text-er myself, I have unlimited texting on my plan, the lack of T9 is a definite problem. However I noticed that the phone does have a dictionary to which you can add words. I have NO idea if that is meant for japanese use only or english words can be added to it. Personally im willing to live with slower texting for the other excellent features in the phone.

my CAD $0.02

thanks a lot for the reply. I'll take your word, like you said, I'm sure the problems will be fixed once new firmware comes out.

iTunes by the way is a music player developed by Apple. iTunes, iPod, etc.

Posted by: Turbo.GC8

Quote:

Originally Posted by benguboy

thanks a lot for the reply. I'll take your word, like you said, I'm sure the problems will be fixed once new firmware comes out.

IANFX : how much are 903's going for at shops in Toronto/Pmall? anyone know?

Posted by: Turbo.GC8

sorry double post, and disregard the last question about the price..saw it in above post..damn internet slow.

Posted by: yis903unposubl

Quote:

Originally Posted by IANFX

I also have cingular (NJ, USA) and have no problems using sms. Anyone know how you set up the internet on this phone? 903SH

please read through the thread...it's been covered. check cingular's website for the information you need to enter.

Posted by: benguboy

I am in toronto. I ordered my phone from www.hi-mobile.net they reduced the pricely even more recently to US $489.99 + $30 for shipping. Shipping through fedex was very very fast, took exactly one day, shipped from HK on 12th, received on 13th, and i ordered online using paypal on 10th. I am not advertising them or anything, it was the best deal I found, with excellent email customer support, despite the fact they seemed certain it was a Factory Unlock. Every phone call was promptly answered and email responded to.
Just found out i can use the phone with the screen flipped outside, yes it covers the keypad but you can use the buttons on the side sweet, can't show off enough, hehe

Posted by: Turbo.GC8

wow thats a good price, and wow that is very fast shipping. I jsut went to their site. but i found out the worst news! they don't carry it in black!! oh why. why.

Posted by: yis903unposubl

u can use the screen flipped outside, yes...but i'm too worried about scratching my screen that way...

Posted by: benguboy

yeah they sold out of the black, i picked up the white, its actually more beige than white.
Ordered a EXiM screen protector today, still havent taken off the plastic covers the phone originally came with. Still looking for a case. Are those silicone things on ebay any good?

Posted by: jtcb

I too am looking for a case mainly to cover/protect the lens when not in use. Those silicon cases on ebay is useless IMO because they don't cover the lens.

I was thinking about krusell when it comes to cases but they don't have it for this model. I was thinking to get one of these but the largest size still won't fit the thickness of 903.

BTW, does anyone who owns this phone also has a Sony Ericsson S700/710a? Is 903 much thicker than S700 or they are similiar? Mind taking some pics of both phone together for me to compare?

Posted by: five o

hey guys,
this forum really helps!!!gosh wouldnt know what to do without it..juz got my 903sh today in aust. cant get the vodafone gprs workin tho..sigh. ..and i still cant get any realtones workin on my jap 903sh..ive tried acc..even tried using tunebite to change the protected files..but still disappointed..sigh..i really want realtones on my jap 903sh..sigh

Posted by: benguboy

Hi just playing around with the hands free included with the phone. In the profiles even if I enter any key answer pressing the keys on the side dont seem to register. Also is there any way of having it answer automatically when im using a handset? Cos If im driving the whole point of handsfree is so that I dont have to open my phone and then press a key.

Posted by: beyond

Quote:

Originally Posted by yis903unposubl

Dear beyond,

This problem with the freezing, do you remember inserting a new MiniSD and having the phone format it at any time before turning it off? It formats automatically, with no message to you. That's the only thing I remember doing differently than I normally do when I turned it off and had it trip on me.
After I solved the problem this way, I've never experienced it again, and have no fear of turning it off, or having the battery die on me and turn it back on.

Hope you never run into this problem again,
yis903unposubl

thx yis903unposubl

Posted by: yis903unposubl

benguboy, there's keys on the side of the phone, green to answer, and red to hang up without opening the phone. hope that helps you.

Posted by: Timsta

do you know what the mute ringer button is.. when the phone rings.. i wnt it to be silent sometimes.

Posted by: yis903unposubl

couldn't u just use manner mode?

Posted by: coolandmellow

For some reason although i switch mob light off from the menu.When taking a high quality video or whatever the bloody light comes on automatically.I cant switch it off i dont want thebloody thing to come on do u have a problem like that.

Posted by: Timsta

no i don't want it in manner.. just certain times.. ur in a conversation with someone. and phoen rings.. u just want it to be quiet. but the ring tone goes on forever and ever and ever. and every button u push.. wil either pick up.. or put it into busy. i haven't found the button where it just silences the ringer like in the se phones

Posted by: coolandmellow

Firstly this product http://www.sharp-phone.com/_assets/pix/accessories/large/xn-1hs90-can not work as 903 does not have a headphone input or jack so it beats me why om earth they would advertise or put this on their web site.

Secondly Win media player does not recognise 3gqvga videos or a asf it says

C00D1199: Cannot play the file
Windows Media Player cannot play the file. You might encounter this error message for one of the following reasons:

The file type is not supported by the Player. For a list of file types (formats) that are supported by Windows Media Player, see Supported file types.
The file type is supported by the Player, but the file was compressed by using a codec that is not supported by the Player.
The file type is supported, but you are trying to play it in a way that is not supported by the Player. For example, you might have tried to drag a DVD file with a .vob extension from a DVD to the Windows Media Player icon. Or you might have tried to open a .vob file by clicking Open on the File menu.
You are trying to play one part of a multipart file. Use a newsreader or other program to combine the files, and then try again.
Error ID = 0xC00D1199, Condition ID = 0x00000000
Web Help

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
© 2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved

Posted by: Timsta

dude... all u need to do is install codecs to play asf files in windows media player.

and to play 3gp files.. u need quicktime or real media...

and if Sharp 903 can use that accessory.. if you read the forums more. u woudl find out.. u can buy a lcd remote that comes with a headset jack. or ypurchase the 902sh headset adapter.. u would be able to.

Posted by: yis903unposubl

timsta, i just tried all of the side buttons when trying to silence the ring, but allow the call to keep trying. unfortunately, it doesn't appear there's anyway to do so with it closed.

Posted by: ExcelPremium

WOW! www.hi-mobile.net, why is the SE W800i more expensive than the Sharp 903?

- - a

Posted by: Timsta

ok. i thought it was just me. thx for confirming that for me.

w800i is more expensive cuse its fully unlocked.

Posted by: kms-lai

different companies have different pricing polices

Posted by: five o

does anyone tried and have 3gp as their ringtone?

Posted by: kms-lai

some members have, you need to search the forum.

Posted by: Timsta

i just made a 3gp video ringtone. its fun

Posted by: ironleung

Not sure what u guys think but the 903 has a very slow shutter speed. All pics come out blurry if either something moves in the pic, or the photographer moves a little as well. Getting kinda annoyed of the 3.2 mp camera.

Posted by: benguboy

Hi guys playing around with my phone more. Sometimes all of a sudden, without doing anything special to recreate the condition the phone doesnt ring. No sound output from the phone. The ringtones in the data folder dont play, incoming calls dont play, event light doesnt flash. Changing modes doesnt seem to help. Sometimes going in and playing a mp4 from the media player puts it back on track otherwise no and have to turn off and turn back on. Anybody else have this problem. Pressing the side buttons dont seem to be working for me, do I need to enable something somewhere ?

Posted by: ironleung

Looks like someone performed a master rest on the phone, might need to get it reflashed.

Posted by: yis903unposubl

if ur photo is blurred, mess around with the shutter speed, it's not that bad.

Posted by: Timsta

Quote:

Originally Posted by ironleung

Not sure what u guys think but the 903 has a very slow shutter speed. All pics come out blurry if either something moves in the pic, or the photographer moves a little as well. Getting kinda annoyed of the 3.2 mp camera.

yah. it does blur up if u don't let it focus properly cause it doesn't have image stabilizer built in... so like as in any other camera phone... hold your hand steady. u probably don't notice digital cameras blur up as much when your hand slightly shakes.. but remember.. those are true cameras.. these are just camera phones... don't expect so much out of them.

Posted by: Timsta

Quote:

Originally Posted by benguboy

Hi guys playing around with my phone more. Sometimes all of a sudden, without doing anything special to recreate the condition the phone doesnt ring. No sound output from the phone. The ringtones in the data folder dont play, incoming calls dont play, event light doesnt flash. Changing modes doesnt seem to help. Sometimes going in and playing a mp4 from the media player puts it back on track otherwise no and have to turn off and turn back on. Anybody else have this problem. Pressing the side buttons dont seem to be working for me, do I need to enable something somewhere ?

looks like u got a poor man's version of the beta unlock. get it reflashed.. or relocked. ur problems should be solved.

Posted by: ironleung

Ive been using a k750i for a while now and now using a 903sh, the k750i does not blur up whatsoever.

Posted by: Timsta

all the cameras blur at times man.. i've owned pretty mcuh every se, sharp and nokia and other camera phone up to date. .. pretty mcuh every camera phone blurs... it blurs on the xcute dv2, the w800i, v802se.. k750i. 902sh. 903sh, 8801,

Posted by: ironleung

The k750 is way less sensitive to blurs the the 903sh

Posted by: Timsta

yes that is true. but the quality fo the pictures is alot better. i think its all due to the sensors and such. besides.. k750i uses cmos lens.. we have ccd lens.

Posted by: ironleung

Yes you are right, quality is great once the pics dont blur. Think im gonna carry a mini tripod around...lol. Guess i just have to get use to it. I just love the style of 903sh over the k750i anyday