The Official T-Mobile MDA/SDA Thread!

[jonazen]

comparing my MDA with my friends SDA has revealed a few things to me today. MDA keyboard is key feature that I need, but the SDA fits better in my pockets.

PDA Usability wise the MDA wins hands down for me (since my fat fingers have a hard time punching the buttoms on the SDA).

Phone wise the SDA is the winner. RF signal is better, call quality sounded better and easier to use.

He loves the SDA because he uses the phone much more and likes its size. I like my MDA because I dont always have my laptop with me and like the PDA aspects better. I have to admit that the screen on the SDA looks nicer to me... dunno why, but it just seems a tad more crisp and bright. Also in the same location he was pulling in a extra bar compared to my MDA (but dunno how much the bars mean since every phone is different).

Total guess here...but I'll bet that a new firmware release may address some of the issues you've raised re: the MDA...depending, of course, on how much the software affects sound, RF, etc. But there could, for example, be modifications in software settings that control color saturation and contrast on the screen (and you might find manual settings to change this as well), and software changes could affect the degree to which RF signals are amplified (could be a phone setting that manages the trade-off between amplification and power management), and there might even be firmware tweaks that adjust tonal balance in the speaker and earphone.

I will generally use the phone more than the PDA, but having it all will be tremendously valuable for me. I'll be adding voice command and using bluetooth with this, so I expect that the MDA may wind up spending a lot of time in its case or my pocket when I'm calling. I'm guessing that getting 100% comfortable with this is more a matter of learning curve than any insurmountable issues...

[Matt114]

comparing my MDA with my friends SDA has revealed a few things to me today. MDA keyboard is key feature that I need, but the SDA fits better in my pockets.

PDA Usability wise the MDA wins hands down for me (since my fat fingers have a hard time punching the buttoms on the SDA).

Phone wise the SDA is the winner. RF signal is better, call quality sounded better and easier to use.

He loves the SDA because he uses the phone much more and likes its size. I like my MDA because I dont always have my laptop with me and like the PDA aspects better. I have to admit that the screen on the SDA looks nicer to me... dunno why, but it just seems a tad more crisp and bright. Also in the same location he was pulling in a extra bar compared to my MDA (but dunno how much the bars mean since every phone is different).

Regarding the RF, have you dropped any calls with the MDA where you wouldn't have with the SDA? Is it possible the signal strength bars on the MDA are not as high as the SDA but reception in reality is the same?

[Wanderer1]

So what's your verdict having used both devices? MDA or SDA? Which do you prefer and why?

MDA, unless like me you own a Dell Axim x50v, an OQO handheld PC, and a full laptop. If you don't have two out of the three, get the MDA.

There are terrific apps on the PocketPC platform, apps like Agile Messenger, Acrobat Reader, and for those of us in New York, Vindigo (a restaurant and general city guide,) which either won't run well on the SDA or require a keyboard. Agile has a smartphone beta, but messaging on a numeric keypad is tough.

On the other hand, the SDA *IS* a solid phone if you plan on using it for Edge, for music (I also have an iPod, but the iPod isn't always in my pocket,) for checking your mail (but not necessarily composing lengthy replies,) or checking weather.

The only gripe I have about the SDA at this time is that it takes *FOREVER* to find a cell signal. Motorolas have the ability to trim out the bands you don't use which speeds the search (that I can tell,) and it would be nice to have a similar shortcut on this device. My T616 does not take as long, for example, to locate T-Mobile from power on-state.

[SAVAGE WAYZ]

I posted earlier that I wound up ordering my MDA from CC this morning - just before noon after it became clear that none of the three T-Mobile stores in my area would have one available for an upgrade. UPS Ground would have been free, but I opted to pay a bit extra for "express shipping", and was told that it might take up to three days. Well...

I just tracked the pkg at UPS, and it's already within about 35 miles, and scheduled for delivery tomorrow! Wow! Better clear my afternoon schedule, cause I'm gonna be busy once this gets here.

My new data plan isn't set to start until the 23rd, so I'll be a bit limited for half a day, but I can live with that. Can't believe it'll be here tomorrow! Yippee!

That's quick....how much did u end up paying total?? Any MIR included??

[jonazen]

That's quick....how much did u end up paying total?? Any MIR included??

I didn't do my homework on pricing for the phone...could have done better if I made a fuss and went through retentions, but I ordered before I read about so many others getting the phone for $239, so I wound up getting the phone for $299 (after the instant rebate) - 2 year commitment.

However I WAS focused and persistent on the $19.99 internet add-on plan, and nailed that, so I'll at least save $120 over the next year over taking the $29.99 plan. Of course it would have been best to get the phone for $239 and still get the $19.99 internet add-on, but the overall deal wasn't too shabby.

The expedited shipping cost another $15. I really didn't expect the phone the next day, so the speedy shipment is a bonus for me. Can't wait to get it!

[terryjohnson16]

I got CC to give me the $19.99 T-Mobile Internet Plan after the Corp Store already signed my up for the $29.99 Internet/HotSpots/300 SMS plan.

The CSR lady told me the $19.99 plan only came with 100 MMS, and no SMS. Then, I found this web page:

http://www.t-mobile.com/business/sol...mparepopup.asp

Can anyone tell me what the $19.99 plan is supposed to have, or more specifically, what does your $19.99 plan have?

Thanks.

How did you get the $19.99 data plan from CC? Do you mean retentions?

[g_bruin]

I just called and said that I was thinking about cancelling my account once my contract was up next month and I was wondering if there was anything they could do to keep me from leaving. The nice CC guy said the best he could do given the circumstance was 289.99. with a 2-year contract.

Given that I would have had to wait till at least March 31st before I could actually look at other options, I was pretty pleased to say the least!

Props to T-Mobile.

[olouie99]

anyone use a BT keyboard with the MDA? I was thinking about getting one so that I wont need to lug my laptop on trips with me. Would save a nice 6-7 lbs to lug around.

[Dezl0ck]

I just picked up my MDA today and was hoping that it supported IMAP IDLE. In my old HP 6315 there was an option to connect to an IMAP server as well as send/receive, though apparently IDLE wasn't implemented. In the MDA I only see Menu-> Send/Receive. I did do an inital send/receive to open a GPRS connection and leave it open. I did get several emails on my desktop PC but there was no notification on the MDA so I had to do a manual send/receive. It's kind of a let down that Microsoft apparently made the Exchange Push a priority while leaving out IMAP IDLE.

[jnyepu]

How did you get the $19.99 data plan from CC? Do you mean retentions?

Nope. Talked to a CSR. I started the conversation by telling her that a couple of weeks ago another CSR told me the $19.99 plan would be available. She gave me the party line about only having the $29.99 plan available. I said I've been a good customer, stuck with you guys because CC has been good to me, could I speak to a supervisor. Put on hold, came back to say she was discussing my account with a supervisor, then came back on and said because I've been with them going on 4 years, "loyal" in her words, they would give me the $19.99 plan.

But then she told me about the 100 MMS no SMS with the $19.99 plan. I wanted to get while the getting was good, so I took what I got and hung up. But I thought other folks on here who have the $19.99 plan have 300 SMS & unlimited MyEmail.

Can anyone shed some light on this for me?

Thanks.

[tontondavid]

Hey guys,

I just talked to the retention Dep. and was told that if you get it through them, they DO NOT give mail-in rebates! Which means that the lowest it can go is $289.99!

So I am very curious to hear if those who say that they got it for $239 will actually get their rebates! Please update us!!!

Cheers!

[terryjohnson16]

Wow. Thats bad. Atleast there is a 14-day trial period.

[mmeyer4663]

Hey guys,

I just talked to the retention Dep. and was told that if you get it through them, they DO NOT give mail-in rebates! Which means that the lowest it can go is $289.99!

So I am very curious to hear if those who say that they got it for $239 will actually get their rebates! Please update us!!!

Cheers!

I was just offered $239. Went with the $349 so I did not get locked into 2 year contract.

[Ruskastud]

Hey guys,

I just talked to the retention Dep. and was told that if you get it through them, they DO NOT give mail-in rebates! Which means that the lowest it can go is $289.99!

So I am very curious to hear if those who say that they got it for $239 will actually get their rebates! Please update us!!!

Cheers!

I got it for $239 this morning with no rebates. Just $239.....

[dallastt]

Mine w/ Tax and Shipping was $271 I think after Taxes and express shipping. I was OUT of contract. They offerd this to me Because I really was about to leave over other problems.