Posted by Muhammad-Oli
Satio really isn't worth the $500 extra that you pay over Aino in my opinion. 8 mega pixels is enough, and if you need a smartphone, there are cheaper options. Cheaper touch screen Symbians too if that's what you're into.
Can't wait to finish work and go home and try out remote play with my Aino and PS3.
Posted by carkitter
On 2009-10-20 00:48:09, Muhammad-Oli wrote:
Aino arrived!...
Sent the G705 off to it's new owner today...
Sold for $255.
Definately the best SE I've owned but some features were so far behind the iPhone as to be embarrassing. Looking forwards to your comments on the Aino. I think the half touchscreen UI is an inspired idea.
[ This Message was edited by: carkitter on 2009-10-20 11:33 ]
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
Any reason for the avatar carkitter? I almost didn't recognise you.
So far Aino has been great. You may have seen I was a bit disappointed that mine seems to be one of a few that doesn't for whatever reason have the conversation style text messaging that is present in other Aino models. I'm confused about that one.
Otherwise I have no complaints. The slider is solid, the camera is awesome, the touchscreen is very responsive and fast, unlike prototype videos I saw. I experienced a bit of slowdown yesterday while running music at the same time as using other features, but it wasn't unusable or anything. I've been using a bit more internet on it now that I have a big screen and Wifi, but I've also been using Vodafones $1 data deal.
Last night I was at Westfield shopping mall in Riccarton, Christchurch and I went into the Sony shop with Aino out. One of the Sony guys immediately spotted it and questioned me on what it was, where it was from and how much it was. I ended up showing him all the main features and telling him about Expert Infotech (he went on one of their laptops and looked it up while I was there). He seemed very happy.
He also said he preferred Nokias so I recommended he keep a watch on Satio for the price to go down!
[ This Message was edited by: Muhammad-Oli on 2009-10-22 21:31 ]
Posted by Evilchap
Im gona ask a stupid question, Oli : in regards to the conversation style, di you go into messaging > inbox > then push to the right. if the handset supports conversation style you should have a speach bubble as a tab at the top.
Posted by carkitter
On 2009-10-23 06:09:29, Evilchap wrote:
Im gona ask a stupid question, Oli : in regards to the conversation style, di you go into messaging > inbox > then push to the right. if the handset supports conversation style you should have a speach bubble as a tab at the top.
You couldn't have said that a week ago when I still had the G705 could you?
I was wondering why I couldn't find the conversation style text feature also. 
@ Muhammad-Oli
I have a couple of non-functioning V800's ATM but no working
phone since I sold the G705, only the iPhone so I changed to the default avatar for the time being. Anyone have any other ideas?
Perhaps you should alter the first post to reflect I no longer have the G705?
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
On 2009-10-23 06:09:29, Evilchap wrote:
Im gona ask a stupid question, Oli : in regards to the conversation style, di you go into messaging > inbox > then push to the right. if the handset supports conversation style you should have a speach bubble as a tab at the top.
Yeah mate, it's not there. But thanks for trying anyway.
My girlfriend has it on her XT W508a and I really liked it, so a bit disappointed. Maybe it will show in a firmware update but I'm not hopeful.
@carkitter: Sure I'll change the first post when I get home tonight.
Posted by carkitter
I was walking through St Lukes mall yesterday and the was an Ovi display there!
Nokia had a couple of people there to explain what Ovi was all about and how it's new cloud based services can sync with a Nokia phone.
The chap I spoke to was obviously pleased I knew about Ovi, cloud services, MobileMe etc, and when I said I was keen to replace my iPhone with an Android device he suggested I check out the new applications on Ovi. Nokia seem to have added quite a lot of services recently and are pulling out all the stops to become the Online Mobile Services provider of choice.
Nice to see Nokia increasing the profile of cloud sync services for mobile, I hope they can persuade Vodafone to allow more call/txt/data plans for manufacturers other than Apple and HTC. 3GB of Mobile Broadband included in a $40 per month plan for a N96, N97, Moto Cliq/DECT, Aino, Satio or Rachael device would be awesome for accessing and syncing with online content.
BTW, Vodafone have reduced its iPhone prices (increased subsidies for 24 month plans) meaning a 3G 8GB can be had for free on a $130 monthly plan. That is quite competitive worldwide I believe, and makes buying on prepay and signing up to XT uneconomic.
Vodafone's 21Mbps upgrade is out, but only for a limited number of customers (which doesn't include me...
) wider availability will come in 2010, while XT has claimed it will have 21Mbps widely available before Xmas. Looks like Vodafone might have been bluffing, when claiming in the media to be ahead. We'll see.
Xtra landline speed at my place in West Auckland this morning:
This is the fastest 3G speed I've ever had here:
(landline here sometimes tops out at 9Mbps)
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
Sounds interesting. You weren't tempted over to Nokia's side were you?
Also, is 21Mbps HSUPA? I noticed Aino that has HSUPA but I didn't think those speeds were available here. I suppose even if 21Mbps is HSUPA, I can't have it yet anyway!
Speaking of Aino, here she is:
Yes it's a she.
Posted by yea g
How does aino work with ps3 remote play compared to a psp? Have you tried yet?
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
Remote Play is good. I'm testing it right now playing back some music encoded at 256kbps and it sounds great. The picture has a bit of noise where on the PSP it would be clear, but I imagine it wouldn't get in the way of watching a video or something. It is very very slightly laggy while browsing my PS3, but not so much as to bother me.
Ok I just tested a video and the playback is very good. Still that slight bit of noise, but it definitely wouldn't ruin watching a blu-ray or anything. It's what you might be used to with streamed playback of movies online. No skipping or bad frame-rates to speak of.
EDIT: Just tested it using my PSP for a comparison and my PSP was skipping while playing music. So I actually think Aino is better in regards to sound. The PSP wins on image quality though.
[ This Message was edited by: Muhammad-Oli on 2009-10-24 08:11 ]
Posted by yea g
Try adjusting the video quality. That will get rid of those artifacts. On psp press home (or maybe select) and turn video quality down to stop audio skipping.
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
Ah ok, didn't know that.
Ok I have just done an update of the first post. Carkitter, your phones have been changed to show just your iPhone and V800s and no more G705. I also added three G900 photos by K71 to our New Zealand map. Thanks K71.
Rotorua Museum: http://www.esato.com/phonephotos/viewphotos.php?pid=21696
River Through Katikati: http://www.esato.com/phonephotos/viewphotos.php?pid=21695
Overlooking Island Bay and Lyall Bay, Wellington: http://www.esato.com/phonephotos/viewphotos.php?pid=21694
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
Just looking at Aino's supported bands:
GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
UMTS/HSPA 850/900/1900/2100
This means it works on XT as well right?
Posted by yea g
yep, xt is 850 UMTS/HSDPA, vodafone extended 3g is 900 and vodafone 3g is 2100
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
Sweet, I'm sorted.
Posted by carkitter
HaHaha... not quite.
Itll be either 900 2100 or 850 1900 2100, in other words 850 is an 'a' model. I don't think any phone in the world yet supports both 850 and 900 3G.
Posted by yea g
From the bottom of the aino sony ericsson page:
Networks: UMTS HSPA 850/1900 only available for phones sold in Americas and New Zealand. UMTS HSPA 900 not available for phones sold in Americas. UMTS HSPA 2100 available worldwide.
Posted by carkitter
Finally managed to get access to my iPhone Apps again. Still waiting for them to show up on the iPhone...
Posted by carkitter
They are back.
It took a phone call to Apple and a whole afternoon of searching and downloading one by one.
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
Sounds like a pain in the bum. Remind me what happened to your iPhone, I'm not actually sure if I was told.
Posted by carkitter
The saga goes:
-Buy Compaq Notebook in 2005 with iTunes pre-installed. Ignore iTunes.
-Eldest son buys iPod Nano 3 in mid 2008 (I recommended a Sony
but kids never listen), download iTunes 8.0, start using iTunes occasionally. Find it awkward and confusing.
-Buy iPhone in October 2008, really don't like iTunes or storing my Credit Card details online in iTunes Store.
-Finally get iTunes working well and photos/video/music on iPhone - happy.
-Compaq Notebook dies Dec 2008
, buy Vaio in Jan 2009. 
-Can't sync photos/video/music to Vaio from iPhone, annoyed
. Pay service centre to recover info from the Compaq HDD.
-Have to authorise another computer with the account, get most data back into iTunes but video is too time-consuming to do a second time. First sync wipes the iPhone of previous data.
-Download iTunes 8.3, restart of iTunes wipes the library. All subsequent restarts wipe the library. Stop syncing contacts, pictures and music.
-Record crucial interview for important Uni assignment on the Voice Memo app (a new addition with firmware 3.0), unable to retrieve interview due to common bug in app.
-Download firmware 3.1, 3.1.1, no change to Voice Memo Bug. I look like a dick among my assignment group members and assignment grade is badly affected.
-Download iTunes 9.0 (library is wiped) locked out of all but 12 apps. Change my email address on iTunes Store and locked out of my account.
-Plan a gruesome death for the iPhone that involves You-tube, a Sledgehammer, and a courier parcel addressed to S. Jobs - feel better.
-Grudgingly install the crappy iTunes 9.0 onto the magnificence that is Windows 7 Professional on my Vaio. Basically I'm sick of retrieving my music from the Vista partition.
-Today: Feeling good with the impending announcement of Xperia Infinity (it'll always be Rachael to me
) I ventured into the iTunes store again to fix the problems.
-No luck, rang Apple NZ's overseas service line. Am told my Apple support has run out (1 year only - Vodafone contract is 2yrs). It's suggested I reauthorise iTunes on Vista and download apps on by one on iPhone. Have already authorised iTunes on W7.
-Download firmware 3.1.2, still no fix for the Voice Memo app. Remaining 12 apps wiped.
-Still locked out of my account. Try the iForgot password function which works this time - showed and error every other time.
-Able to access my account.
I find my purchase history but copy and paste doesn't work in this window. Have to write all apps down by hand.
-Search for and download apps one by one. Sync across to iPhone, I'm late to evening class by 10 mins as I just couldn't stop now that things are working.
-Still locked out of my account when connecting from iPhone. Had a brainwave and checked settings menu. Reset saved account settings. Fine tune app positions on 6 menu screens.
-All downloaded apps are wiped of information but at least they are back.
Four and a half hours wasted on this BS today.
-Can't wait to get my hands on Rachael! (or the money to buy it)
I'm even seriously considering a Moto Cliq after the iPhone experience; needless to say I won't be purchasing a Mac in future. If the iPhone behaves, it might escape the Sledgehammer and perform active duty for my lovely girlfriend Jill. She is quite impressed by it...
Sorry for the long post...
[ This Message was edited by: carkitter on 2009-10-28 13:09 ]
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
Haha, probably the most smilies I have ever seen in one post! But seriously that sounds like quite a mission you've been on, and I wouldn't blame you if you still went through with the Youtube/sledgehammer/Steve Jobs courier delivery idea.
Personally I think Apple owe you something for messing you around with bad software like that, especially messing up your assignment!
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
W995a has $400 off on XT and is now $599. Pretty good deal in my opinion!
Posted by carkitter
That's because they have Aino 'a' arriving for $999 very soon.
$599 is an absolute bargain for W995. Even EI is $612-$622.
B+W have some cheap entry level plans here.
[ This Message was edited by: carkitter on 2009-10-28 21:07 ]
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
How did you find that out? That's pretty quick for a New Zealand network if true!
Posted by carkitter
On 2009-10-29 00:45:09, Muhammad-Oli wrote:
How did you find that out? That's pretty quick for a New Zealand network if true!
"New Sony, Samsung phones for XT
Telecom has also announced several new phones for its 3G network including the Sony Ericsson Aino U10a ($999) and Samsung S6700 ($499).
The Sony Ericsson Aino U10a has an 8.1 megapixel camera and 3-inch screen, and can be used as a remote control for a PlayStation3.
The Samsung S6700 has 3 megapixel camera and support’s Telecom’s new mobile TV service."
source
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
Thanks for the link.
I really should read NBR more often.
Posted by soane28
hello again
Good on you Oli for getting the Aino, had to make a very hard decision between Aino and LG Arena, but went with Arena. Way cheaper and now used to LG. The renoir is getting ridiculously slow to operate now, waiting 2-3 seconds for messaging to come up from the main menu
How have you found it so far? Im interested to know. Read abit about user experiences, many are saying its great.
Posted by carkitter
I liken iTunes to the Customs procedures at the airport; everyone is a potential offender until cleared by the officials. Likewise, iTunes puts you through a rigorous procedure to make sure your not doing anything untoward with your iPhone. I don't download music illegally on principle (as such my music collection is piddling compared to most peoples) but if iTunes is going to treat me like a criminal anyway and be obstructive every time I want to sync something then what have I got to lose. Recently a classmate added another 700MB to my dance and techno collection; and I feel good knowing that iTunes can't do anything about it.
Posted by soane28
i hate itunes! Y does it have to make everything so difficult?? (IMO) And not to mention the bloody iphone! Sick of apple. Rachel will be a good alternative i think carkitter!
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
On 2009-10-29 05:49:59, soane28 wrote:
hello again
Good on you Oli for getting the Aino, had to make a very hard decision between Aino and LG Arena, but went with Arena. Way cheaper and now used to LG. The renoir is getting ridiculously slow to operate now, waiting 2-3 seconds for messaging to come up from the main menu
How have you found it so far? Im interested to know. Read abit about user experiences, many are saying its great.
Yeah I'm really happy with my Aino. So far so good. I think you would probably prefer your LG coming from a full touch phone previously, but for me coming from my C902, Aino is great. I don't think I ever want to go full touch to be honest, I'll always want a hardware keyboard somewhere on the thing.
The camera is a little worrying on Aino. Its quality is good, better than my C902 but not Satio great. It just doesn't have any EV or WB controls which, while not a big problem for me, means that some photos come out over-exposed. Also it takes a while to save photos, but I am told the latest firmware update fixes that quite dramatically so I'll update soon.
Otherwise, no problems. The touch screen media section is very responsive and nice to use. The rest of the phone is standard A2 but on a big bright screen. I'm enjoying having WiFi and GPS on a phone for the first time and am using them more than expected.
So yeah, very pleased with Aino. I know it's hypocritical of me because after my W910i I swore never to buy a slider again, but I am loving having a slider back. I didn't know what I was missing.
In regard to iTunes... I don't mind it so much, but I don't think I could stand using it to transfer everything to my phone. I only use it for occasional podcast and music listening and CD conversion.
[ This Message was edited by: Muhammad-Oli on 2009-10-29 23:26 ]
Posted by yea g
I don't use iTunes at all. Last time I tried to use it I got BSoD. Winamp now suits all my needs, and I now like it better.
As for the iPhone thing, I say after all apple has put you through, jailbreak the damn thing
Posted by soane28
Interesting Oli about the camera of the Aino - SE are doing some strange things lately, the Satio having no equalisers for music as an example! They seem to have vastly improved in other areas but left important features which they were so good at previously (music and camera features)
At times i do wish i had a hardware keypad also, prob one of the reasons y i was so close to buying the Aino. Wondered about the screen and wheter id be tapping at it and getting frustrated
Im still awaiting for the LG Arena to arrive, if its slow and sluggish like the Renoir ill opt for an Aino and give it a whirl.
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
It is definitely weird what SE have done, but in saying that, Aino's camera still isn't bad. It is very good, just lacking in some departments. Anyway good luck with your Arena, hopefully we'll see some photos from it?
Posted by soane28
I quite dig the quality of Ainos camera, a huge improvement from the purple fringing, oversharpening days!
Will do
just had a look at LGs new android phone on youtube, quite impressed! Looks like a good allrounder with decent web browsing and social network abilities. Ill be interested to hear from carkitter what android is like if he gets X10
Posted by carkitter
So...
As of tomorrow (Nov 1st) handheld use of cellphones while driving is banned in NZ. As I have a HBH-PV705 bluetooth headset and a Nokia 7W carkit in the car I'm not particularly worried, but I'll probably ask people not to txt me if they think I might be driving but to call me instead.
It'll take a while to wean people of txt I expect. Perhaps this is the boost that 2Degrees needs?
Posted by carkitter
@M-O
Have you installed your carkit yet?
I can install it for you when you arrive in Auckland next year if you want...
Posted by yea g
Can't you just use the corded headset that comes for free with the phone? Is it just the people selling BT headsets that make it seem like you can't, or is it part of the new law?
Posted by chunkybeats
Since im in the kiwi section I have a poser for you all. Im in Wellington and I just acquired a W995a. Brilliant phone to be honest but its an XT network branded handset. Im using 2Degrees through it at the moment so thats cool.
Now 2 things I have noticed and Im needing a bit of advice on them. First of all, 3G doesnt exist on this handset, I have no coverage with 2degrees, is this because this is a W995a? should I have a w995i instead?.
Next thing is Wifi, I have all the connections set up and all working well, until I try to stream through Youtube and it doesnt work. Also with internet in general (In this case Tworld) it again ignores my wifi and uses the standard mobile network connection, I have set up the wifi as High priority but still it doesnt recognise or use it for streaming and browsing. Any ideas how I can tackle this problem? Do I need to debrand the handset? or is this impossible with it XT network dependent? Thanks guys!!!
Posted by yea g
1. No, 2degrees doesn't have a 3g network YET, however, they are apparently going to be upgrading to 3g in 2010 sometime. The reason you have no 3g is simply because there is none for your phone to find.
2. Hmm.... that does sound like something that the branding would do. In network connections, have you tried turning allow local connection to on if its not already?
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
On 2009-10-31 21:26:03, carkitter wrote:
@M-O
Have you installed your carkit yet?
I can install it for you when you arrive in Auckland next year if you want...
Not trying to sound ungrateful about the carkit, I am grateful, but no I haven't installed it.
It;s still in its box because to be honest all that pulling apart of my car was a little off-putting, having no experience at all with it. So yeah that would be great if you'd be keen to do it next year.
Posted by carkitter
That's no problem whatsoever. I figured it might seem a little daunting.
@chunkybeats
yea g is spot on with the 2Degrees 'no 3G thing', try again mid 2010. You will be able to pick up 3G on Vodafone's UMTS/HSDPA 2100 band if you buy a Voda SIM.
The wifi issue is normal. I had the same problem for a few days with my G705. Just go through all the settings and make sure you have everything switched on and authorised, auto connected etc, etc. Give it a few days to sort itself out. Mine seemed to come right by itself. If in doubt, delete the network and start over.
@yea g
No, you can't use the corded headset. Even further, the phone (if not in your pocket or in a handbag) must be secured in a purpose built holder and if you dial out you must do it by one-touch ie: speeddial or redial, not by selecting from the contact list.
For a low price option go for a Sony Ericsson BT headset. My HBH-PV705 cost me $59 2yrs ago which made it the cheapest around at the time, even cheaper that the no-name brands. And I got it from Sony Style Newmarket too!
Skip the sunvisor mount kits, they are a waste of time and will get stolen in a trice. Don't even start on the cigarette lighter plug in carkits, they are rubbish. Spend a bit extra and go for a full installation kit with an LCD screen and stereo mute function. Some of these even stream audio (A2DP). Another good option is a BT enabled Headunit but check the pairing instore first to check it works with your device. I've had trouble pairing the iPhone to a particular Pioneer headunit.
Finally, some late model cars have BT built in, these are usually temperamental when it comes to pairing and stability. Most do not stream A2DP and it's much less likely the service department will know anything about it, updating firmware, phone compatibility, etc.
[ This Message was edited by: carkitter on 2009-11-01 10:49 ]
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
Cheers carkitter.
W595 $200 off on Vodafone til the end of March next year.
Aino U10i $999 in black on Vodafone. But wait for it...
Aino U10a $999 in white on Telecom. Interestingly Telecom calls it Aino and Vodafone doesn't.
Aino looks stunning in white so I reckon Telecom got the better deal. I'm kinda annoyed that my phone won't be so stand-out now.
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
On 2009-11-01 13:35:46, Muhammad-Oli wrote:
Cheers carkitter.
W595 $200 off on Vodafone til the end of March next year.
Aino U10i $999 in black on Vodafone. But wait for it...
Aino U10a $999 in white on Telecom. Interestingly Telecom calls it Aino and Vodafone doesn't.
Aino looks stunning in white so I reckon Telecom got the better deal. I'm kinda annoyed that my phone won't be so stand-out now.
Actually, that W595 price looks permanent. It has free MusicStation until the end of March though.
Posted by carkitter
That W595 price is probably part of a 'range realignment' by SE brought on by the arrival of Aino and Satio. You could hardly sell both W595 and W995 at $599. The W595 doesn't receive UMTS/HSDPA 900 so a smart buyer would get a W995a and use it on Vodafone instead of purchasing a W595. SE prices have certainly sharpened up in the last year. I wonder if thats due to manufacturer discounting or access to excess stock from other markets (dumping)?
Posted by chunkybeats
Thanks guys on the advice. I tried the wifi and its working but I have to wait for Tworld to stop and give me the error and then have to enter an address or bookmark to use the wifi. Streaming through wifi doesnt work (ie Youtube), It does go into Youtube and I can search videos etc I have it all set up the same but still doesnt stream videos. Any thoughts?
Yeah I can wait for 3g, I think 2degrees runs off EDGE anyway as my old W810i used it and it was great!!
Posted by soane28
The LG Arena has arrived
Well, an interesting phone i have to say. Completely different to the Renoir, Completely different. I wouldnt even notice that it was an LG based on what i already know with the Renoir. Incredible changes, gotta give it to LG, they have been working very hard
Music quality is good once you sort out a decent pair of headphones, the ones in the box distort as soon as you put on a bass equalizer. Its rather close to my sony mp3 player i used to have, although they need to tone down the treble just a tad (im extremely fussy when it comes to music so bare with me).
S class is very nice, like the graphics and pleasing looks that it has, much better than the boring Renoir UI.
Need to get used to a capacitive screen, its quite different compared to resistive. No need to press hard to get results.
Ill post photos soonish, still have much to look at....
Posted by yea g
Oh, the streaming through wifi thing is very router specific IIRC. Some routers will just do it out of box, some need settings changed and some wont do it at all
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
@chunkybeats: This might be a dumb question, but before you attempt to use Wifi, do you press the activity menu button, select 'Wifi', then 'turn on'? On my Aino which should be the same, I turn the Wifi on first and then it always connects using Wifi before asking to try 3G/GPRS.
@soane28: Good to hear you're enjoying your new phone. That S-Class UI does look tasty, so I look forward to hearing more comments on it from you.
Posted by soane28
After a longer time with Arena...
LG need to sort out their web browsing! Very clunky when moving around the pages, text never got the right zoom or fit perfectly within your screen.
I do like the new camera look and UI much better than the Renoir. Photos are not as bad as expected, same goes for the video quality, was pleasantly surprised.
Music has changed so much - hugest improvement ive seen from LG. Decent settings and layout and looks great.
At times it can be abit jittery for example looking through the gallery. Not as fluid as some phones out at the moment.
LG definitely have the visual appeal, although they have to make sure that their phones are fast enough to process the UI