vB Easy Archive - Is it worth it?

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Is it worth it?
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Posted by: manchuia

I have been on these forums for the ast couple of days trying ot get as much information about the Sharp 903sh before I decided to part with $500 - 600 US to get one. I have noticed something that I haven't seen in a lot of the other forums. This phone seems to take a LOT of work to initially get it setup, and then additional hours to get everything from MP3 unlock to file recognition off the MiniSD to work right. I have stuck primarily to Nokias, but am familiar with a number of other phones and I don't think I have seen so many threads dedicated to getting a phone to work "right".

I don't have a question about the merits of the phone (nice style, great camera, etc.) I just want to ask the owners "is it worth it". I have done my fair share of setting configuration (my last 4 phones have been imports) but in all honestly the elbow grease associated with getting the 903sh to work in the US seems a bit excessive.

After paying the large sum for the phone and then going through the hours (maybe days/weeks/months) of getting it to work right, does the phone meet your expectations? How many of you have really had a hard time getting the phone to work right, or is this just a vocal minority?

Somehow this all reminds me of the late 80s mid 90s Jaguar. When it ran it was a fairly decent car, but the mechanic saw it more than you ever did.

This isn't an attempt to bash the phone as I am seriously considering purchasing the unit. I just wanted to get impressions from those who still own and love (or hate) the phone at the end of the day.

P.S. - The basic answer "well I (we) wouldn't still have the phone if we didn't like it" is not that great of an answer as a lot of people don't have the funds to just up and get a diffrent phone after spending so much money on this one. Some people also don't like getting rid of a troublesome phone because they view it as a fault of themselves for not getting the best out of the technology instead of just understanding that the phone is really not meeting their needs. I am trying to get an idea from people who have given up on the phone entirely (too difficult, too expensive, ooh something new and shiny over here), or people that have toughed it out and feel they have the best phone on the market (and why).

Posted by: xdrifter

I too was hesitant at first but after using it for 10 days now, it is hands down the best phone I have ever used and hands down the best camera phone on the market. Other than the size, I am 100% satisfied with the phone. Just make sure you get it flashed with the proper firmware for your personal usage/tastes.

Remember, the japanese firmware has 3 themes, can hide provider name, but cannot play mp3 ringtones and has no T9.

For me personally, the hybrid Taiwan firmware works best for me because it plays mp3/mp4 ringtones, has T9 for text messages and has chinese support. but cannot hide provider, and has only one theme.

Hope this helps.
S

Posted by: echau

i only spent about 2 hours configuring it...

basically was 2 hours of sorting the phonebook by reading since i had the beta unlock.

but it was worth it...i never had to worry about it since! the mp3 restriction isn't a big deal since i don't mind spending the extra 10 seconds of my life to change it into AAC.

trade offs are really worth it...camera is the best out there...screen is AMAZING.

of course, if little things annoy you...you can always get it flashed...

IMO it's the best phone out there function-wise...i love mine...except for the lack of the 850 band for us cingular users...however, the antenna is quite superb compared to other 900/1800/1900 phones.

Posted by: RUF993Turbo

Good screen, but I'm not a big fan. Didn't turn out to be what I had expected, JMO. You could buy mine if you decide to move forward with this decision.

Posted by: BMWFilms

I like the UK version because it has the Euro languages, direct MP3 playback and for some reason mine hides the network logo. I wish I had the answering machine and 3 themes of the Japanese FW but it'll come in time I'm hoping. The Sharp didn't take me that long to hook up initially. I just copied contacts over from my SIM and pictures and MP3s via the MiniSD and I was off. It certainly didn't take hours. The UI is a bit tricky if you're coming from a Series 60 or 40 background or even SE but anybody can master it within days. There's probably only one thing that stumps me and that's how to customize the home timezone in the World Clock. I made a custom timezone for the bottom world time but can't find a way to rename or just make Toronto be the home timezone.

Posted by: Timsta

i like the 903sh more than the 902sh, 8801, w800i and k750i. i dunno why. but this phone is just more appealing.

Posted by: BMWFilms

the 8800 reminds me of a gussied up 6230

Posted by: manchuia

Thank you everyone for the replies. The comments on the phone (in the forum) make it start to look like the nokia 6230i(b). There are setting on that phone that can be confusing or difficult to setup but overall the phone itself is not difficult to import and setup. I have contacted a few of you about the phones you have available. Please feel free to continue to comment about the phone, as I am sure I am not the only one with these doubts and concerns. Thank you

Posted by: echau

i agree with timsta...the 903 is more appealing due to it's functions.

obviously, it has much more functions than the 8801, while still maintaining an appealing design.

as for the k750i/w800i...the camera on the 903 is much better...and it's always better to have a bigger screen =)

Posted by: Blt4424

I was hesitant too, as I never had anything special for cell phones, but all the features appealed to me greatly. When I dropped $400 on my black 903SH, it was well worth it, no doubts. The camera is awesome, the screen is amazing, and the overall phone is just plain sexy.

Posted by: echau

wow Blt4424 you got a great deal on yours =)

Posted by: Blt4424

That I did, after it dropped substantially, and before it started to rise again.

Posted by: echau

isn't it interesting how the price fluctuates?...great timing on your part!