The OFFICIAL Sony Ericsson Equinox Thread (Ask questions HERE!)

[mahadragon]

Q4 Jet1000: what effect will the AT&T merger with TMobile have on this phone? Will the lack of 3G make internet slower? I like my phone, don't wanna sell it. I don't use internet much, only for Google Maps to see the traffic condition. I will pay only $6 for my use of internet this month (I have the cheap-o data plan $2/mb).

[jet1000]

Q4 Jet1000: what effect will the AT&T merger with TMobile have on this phone? Will the lack of 3G make internet slower? I like my phone, don't wanna sell it. I don't use internet much, only for Google Maps to see the traffic condition. I will pay only $6 for my use of internet this month (I have the cheap-o data plan $2/mb).

AT&T won't shut down the T-Mobile 3G bands for at least 18 months, so you still have some time to use the device. But yes, after that time, the internet could be slower as you would only be getting Edge speeds.

However, AT&T will give you a new device for free when they turn off T-Mobile 3G. Alltel customers that AT&T acquired received a device comparable to what they currently own. Or you can keep using your current phone at the slower speeds.

As for data, if you've been with T-Mobile for awhile, you can call the retention department and get the $5 Preferred Feature Phone data plan. This will give you unlimited data, for $5 per month. And if you get it now, when the merger happens, you'll be able to keep that same price on AT&T.

[cmac2012]

My TM506 is showing some hiccups in performance. Sometimes a call will freeze up and it takes a minute or two for it to respond to the 'end call' key. Then when it finally does, it goes down the list of every button I may have pushed during the freeze up and about the time my caller calls back, the phone is kind enough to reject the call.

Oh well, it's about 18 months old - I'm seeing them on eBay for $40 to $60 but I'm such a old fart that I'm not sure what I need to look for. I'm seeing 'new in box unlocked' quite a bit. Any tips on that?

I'm on T-Mobile with the unlimited web feature which I imagine will be unavailable when my contract comes for re-up in August.

[jet1000]

I'm seeing 'new in box unlocked' quite a bit. Any tips on that?

New in box is usually a pretty good way to go. Just review the sellers feedback. You're safer with sellers who have good feedback on previous sales of the same item you're trying to buy. A lot of sellers buy the devices in bulk and that's what they specialize in.

Good luck.

[mahadragon]

Hey Cmac, you do realize this forum is for the Sony Equinox (TM717), not the TM506 correct? Unfortunately I can't help you with your problem cause it's a totally different phone. I would consider this phone (Sony Equinox) as a replacement as the delay between button pressing isn't nearly as bad, in fact, not really an issue at all. 'Unlocked' means that the phone can be used on any other GSM carrier which means you can use it on the AT&T network if you have a plan with them.

As far as your data plan goes, you can do what I just did. Btw- 1 million thanks humble Jet1k for your suggestion. I just called retention and had them add the $5/mo unlimited data plan but I had to sign up with a 2 yr contract. I didn't even get a free phone out of it, but I have the cheapest plan and from my last check, they didn't offer any new phones with the cheap-o plan, only the more expensive plan. I can't complain, my phone bill will only be about $48/mo with taxes and all for unlimited data. I think that's pretty good, even with my limited internet usage.

I'm skeptical AT&T would give us new phones. I never even heard of Alltel, they couldn't have had that many customers. It probably cost AT&T a couple thousand to buy those customers new phones, it would probably cost substantially more (probably millions) for T-Mobile's base. But if they did, that would be great. I would be all for that. I'd like to stick with Sony Ericcson, I don't know if AT&T have Sony Ericcson phones.

[mahadragon]

Q4Jet: I tried to tell other ppl about this deal for $5/unlimited data usage. But they say that the Equinox does not get 3G speeds. They say that our phone is Edge+2G is this correct? How is the d/l speed when you tether this phone to a laptop? Are the speeds good?

I guess that would bring me to this question: Is the $5/mo unlimited internet only for Edge speed? Maybe I'll call to find out.

[jet1000]

Q4Jet: I tried to tell other ppl about this deal for $5/unlimited data usage. But they say that the Equinox does not get 3G speeds.

Equinox gets 3G speeds. See the official specs on T-Mobile's website which says that the device is 3G capable:

http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/phones/...nox-Ocean-Blue

The $5/mo unlimited internet includes 3G speeds as well. It's not restricted to EDGE. But T-Mobile has to have 3G towers in your area.

And even though you extended your contract for two years, that doesn't affect in any way your eligibility to get a free phone. You will be eligible for a full discount after 22 months have passed from the last time you got a phone discount. Doesn't matter when your contract now expires.

[mahadragon]

Now that I have the unlimited data use plan is it possible to purchase a smartphone like Nexus 1 and use it? Would I have to adjust the APN numbers or anything? Someone mentioned having a $5 unlimited Web2go plan and using their Nexus 1 with it for unlimited data. I did not think this was possible since you still have to have a monthly data plan with Tmobile. Here's what he did with his APN which apparently wasn't even a Tmobile phone to begin with:

"change APN:
go to wireless & networks in the settings list. Then go down and select mobile networks, then Access Point Names. Change the APN name to internet2.voicestream.com and APN type to default,supl "

From feedback I've received, it sounds like I really lucked out. They say the offer I just signed up for ($5 unlimited data) has been dead for 2 or 3 years now and only legacy customers can possibly qualify for it.

Much props to you Jet1k, I hope I am lucky with this plan.

[jet1000]

Someone mentioned having a $5 unlimited Web2go plan and using their Nexus 1 with it for unlimited data.

You Nexus One will work. You can check out the wiki for other devices that will work with this plan.

http://wiki.howardforums.com/index.p..._Accessibility

Also devices that can be used with the cheap plan are talked about here:

http://www.howardforums.com/showthre...ions-Here-ONLY

Even though the thread title says tzones, the information on what devices will work applies to your data plan as well.
You will have to use the APN internet2.voicestream.com for the smartphones to work on the plan you have.

[mahadragon]

I'm looking at my phone now and it says "web2go" so I guess I don't have tzones. The Nexus 1 would probably still work anyways I'm assuming, it's on the list you provided.

[cmac2012]

Hey Cmac, you do realize this forum is for the Sony Equinox (TM717), not the TM506 correct? Unfortunately I can't help you with your problem cause it's a totally different phone. I would consider this phone (Sony Equinox) as a replacement as the delay between button pressing isn't nearly as bad, in fact, not really an issue at all. 'Unlocked' means that the phone can be used on any other GSM carrier which means you can use it on the AT&T network if you have a plan with them.

As far as your data plan goes, you can do what I just did. Btw- 1 million thanks humble Jet1k for your suggestion. I just called retention and had them add the $5/mo unlimited data plan but I had to sign up with a 2 yr contract. I didn't even get a free phone out of it, but I have the cheapest plan and from my last check, they didn't offer any new phones with the cheap-o plan, only the more expensive plan. I can't complain, my phone bill will only be about $48/mo with taxes and all for unlimited data. I think that's pretty good, even with my limited internet usage.

I'm skeptical AT&T would give us new phones. I never even heard of Alltel, they couldn't have had that many customers. It probably cost AT&T a couple thousand to buy those customers new phones, it would probably cost substantially more (probably millions) for T-Mobile's base. But if they did, that would be great. I would be all for that. I'd like to stick with Sony Ericcson, I don't know if AT&T have Sony Ericcson phones.

Uhhh, crap. I couldn't readily find the last e-mail in my account so I did a search on HF and I definitely entered my phone and I could have sworn I saw TM506 at the top of the page.

Carn-sarn-it with this new-fangled interwebs. But I appreciate your advice nonetheless. I like the camera on this phone and it's pretty lightweight but the delay thing is getting way old.

CM

[jet1000]

I'm looking at my phone now and it says "web2go" so I guess I don't have tzones. The Nexus 1 would probably still work anyways I'm assuming, it's on the list you provided.

Well, the phone says web2go, but that doesn't refer to a data plan. They also called the portal that you go to when you press that button "web2go", that shows the links to the various sites.

Your data plan is not tzones, but it basically does the same things as tzones. The only difference is to use a smartphone with your plan, you usually have to set the APN to internet2.voicestream.com. The same devices will work with either plan.

[cmac2012]

I would consider this phone (Sony Equinox) as a replacement as the delay between button pressing isn't nearly as bad, in fact, not really an issue at all. 'Unlocked' means that the phone can be used on any other GSM carrier which means you can use it on the AT&T network if you have a plan with them.

I might do that. I'm finding some good prices on new Equinoxes on eBay and the reviews sound decent enough. I like the boost from 2.0 to 3.2 on the camera. I did see on one review site complaints about so-so speakerphone and outside display, I hope it's better than the weak speakerphone on the TM506. I like the ext. time display on the TM506, is the Equinox at least that good? One line was in the 'oh ouch' category:

Yet, it also suffers from Sony Ericsson's signature design missteps.

That there's some fancy English.


Read more: http://reviews.cnet.com/cell-phones/...#ixzz1KxIxMa4f

[jet1000]

Yet, it also suffers from Sony Ericsson's signature design missteps.

I think they were mainly complaining about the fact that the phone uses a special memory card whereas they want to use a micro sd card. I can get the m2 cards on ebay easily enough, so it has never bothered me.

The front display is like the TM-506 except turned on it's side. It's not quite as bright because of the glass above it, but it's usable enough.

The interior display is larger than the TM-506 which is nice. It comes with Google Maps 3.0 built in which works great with the GPS.

[cmac2012]

^ ^ Thanks for all the good advice. I almost owe you dinner by now. I'm just about to spring for one. eBay has a number of new ones for around $100, one that was all but new for $60, probably not worth the gamble for a mere $40 savings.