Posted by carkitter
3000th post!
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
Woohoo! Took us a while this time, but we got there.
Posted by carkitter
On 2011-05-18 11:23:22, carkitter wrote:
3000th post!
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
On 2011-05-19 11:31:07, carkitter wrote:
On 2011-05-18 11:23:22, carkitter wrote:
3000th post!
Ah so we actually got there 4 days earlier! Hahaha. Let's see if we manage another thousand... Could be a while now!
Posted by citysoldier
On 2011-05-04 07:36:22, yea g wrote:
Got myself a Motorola Milestone 2 about a month ago. Android ftw
I'm looking at getting this as my next phone. Don't think you can get it here from vodafone yet if at all. I hear the firmware is not going to be upgraded in NZ either. So if I get a unlocked phone from somewhere does that let me update to the lateast android firmware manually by myself? Any lost features if not bought from vodafone officially?
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
Sorry mate, I'm not really sure how Motorola roll with updates. You definitely won't lose any features by not buying from a carrier though... and will probably actually have a nicer experience with importing anyway, due to the fact you won't have nay horrible branding. I would never buy a phone from a network ever again!
Vodafone have never sold the Milestone here anyway, just Telecom have sold it. Make sure you get a Milestone compatible with the Vodafone network if you do plan to use it with Vodafone.
Posted by citysoldier
lol yeah that one of the reasons I bought my k750 from parallel imported as I didnt want vodafones crapy branding. I bought the motorola milestone 2 in the end. Great phone.
[ This Message was edited by: citysoldier on 2011-06-14 09:08 ]
Posted by chunkybeats
happy days x10 2.3 upgrade is here, how is everyone finding the update? I havent got hold of a new se, just bought my other half an x10 which needs upgrading from 1.6 so will bring that up to speed!!
Posted by carkitter
I got my white X10 from Expert Infotech and it already had 2.1 on it. Updated to 2.3.3 last night, still coming to grips with it. Looking forward to using the wifi hotspot feature at long last.
Posted by chunkybeats
So 2.3 has arrived here? I have an x10a is that supported yet? probably be the x10i would be support first then eventually Telecoms x10a handset? Can anyone confirm that yet? Looking forward to 2.3, still plenty of life left in the old girl yet!!
Posted by carkitter
On 2011-08-06 01:43:21, chunkybeats wrote:
So 2.3 has arrived here? I have an x10a is that supported yet? probably be the x10i would be support first then eventually Telecoms x10a handset? Can anyone confirm that yet? Looking forward to 2.3, still plenty of life left in the old girl yet!!
You can check whether an update is available from the phone: Settings > About phone > Software update. The update is not available OTA only via USB connection through PC Companion. May sure you back up your phone first as everything in the phone memory will be wiped. If you use your phone as an alarm clock as I do then make sure that you reset the clock correctly and not while your half asleep as I did...
Have you noticed the rumblings online recently?
First some background: Vodafone have Smart plans for smartphone owners; these have superceeded the iPhone plans so that Android and WP7 customers are included. To ward of competition from XT and 2 Degrees in 2009, Vodafone released a promotion for 3 months adding 3GB of mobile broadband and 1000 pxt to the plan. This is a boon for the lower plans which only included 250 or 500 MB per month. The promo was so popular that Vodafone extended it 'until further notice' and said that it would go one day and they would give us 30 days notice.
Well, 2yrs later and they decided to withdraw the promo. Aware that this would cause problems, they gave us six months notice and released some information they wouldn't normally release. They said that data usage by customers had increased over the last 12 months from 60 TB to 135 TB and that the top three sites were Facebook, TradeMe and a porn video site. Fifty per cent of the data traffic is Facebook. I guess this was to show that the traffic was frivolous and the stresses on the network unnecessary, yet Vodafone's marketing encourages this type of usage. They also hinted at future positive changes to plans but didn't say what these were or when they were coming. A date of Aug 23 for non-availability of the promo may be a substantial hint though.
So all hell broke loose. Vodafone got it in the neck from customers who've had reception issues (especially with iPhones) who now feel further aggrieved because the 3GB promo was the only thing they were still hanging around for. They got it from new customers who felt tricked (because store staff forgot to mention it was a promotion and not a permanent feature) but most of all they got it from customers who are sick of billshock. Several Vodafone staff who commented about most customers not using anywhere near their 3GB missed the point; customers LIKE the reassurance that the will likely never reach the 3GB cap. It gives them the confidence to use their smartphones anytime, anywhere.
I commented on the fact that the promotion was being withdrawn with no firm info from Vodafone about a replacement option. This I said would lead to a slow drain of their high-value smartphone customers to the opposition over the six month notice period. Vodafone seem to have agreed because they gave the promotion back to existing customers for the life of their plan and to new customers who sign up before Aug 23.
So Vodafone have listened and acted.
If you want a Smart plan including 3GB of data per month, 1000 pxts, 2500 txts and double your mins for the life of the plan, get in quick before the 23rd. Otherwise 'watch this space' as mentioned by Vodafone on their forum.
So what could be happening after Aug 23rd?
- Smart plans could be having their data allowances increased as has happened to Vodafone Home Broadband plans recently.
- Smart plans could be allowed the option to share data between two or more nominated phones, the same concept as Vodafone Family which is an overseas invention.
- A future change could be tied to an announcement of the iPhone 5 which is coming soon, probably Sept.
- A future change could be tied to an announcement of a range of WP7 phones from Nokia which are expected before Xmas.
Any other ideas?
[ This Message was edited by: carkitter on 2011-08-08 11:16 ]
Posted by chunkybeats
Im still waiting to update to Gingerbread, it appears its not available to the x10a yet, of course this is telecom as usual, although i have a 2degrees sim in it. They better not take too long with this. How are you finding the update? much smoother? How is the battery life?
Posted by carkitter
Battery life is great.
There is no guarantee that a Gingerbread update is coming to a Telecom-sourced X10a. The update is for generic spec X10's like mine and 'some' operated-sourced models. You would be best to enquire with a Telecom dealer or Sony Ericsson NZ as to whether the update is compatible with the XT customisation.
You can use this flashtool to update to 2.3.3 generic firmware.
Posted by chunkybeats
Thanks Carkitter I contacted Telecom and of course they have no clue about Gingerbread coming to x10 although they mentioned was Eclair which of course happened ages ago. I did find a website stating a roll out to all networks and Telecom NZ is on the list but way down the list so could be on of the last (probably similar to the Amercian CDMA networks). If it doesnt arrive then I might have to resort to the flash tool. How are you finding the update? any better than Eclair?
Posted by carkitter
Both the Sony tablets are coming downunder! The Tablet S (S1) in November and the Tablet P (S2) in early 2012.
I may have to start saving my pennies.
http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/[....]-heading-nz-dont-open-ck-99875
[ This Message was edited by: carkitter on 2011-09-02 10:41 ]
Posted by chunkybeats
yeah they look good the Sony Tablets, although they are going to be a bit pricey but will be interested to see how they perform.
Just a quick heads up guys, I got my other half an xperia x10 a while back for a good price (pre gingerbread update) and now im looking to get a xperia x10 but the prices on trademe have shot up due to the update, anyone know where i would get a decent price x10. I would love one in white. It will be sad to see the w995 go but i need email and use AutoCAD WS for my work.
Posted by carkitter
I got my white X10i from here for $503 brand new with Android 2.1 pre-installed.
As a generic firmware version, the 2.3.3 update is instantly available.
However, the same place has the Xperia ray for $494, Xperia Play in white for $514 and the Xperia Arc for $547, all of which run Android 2.3 out of the box and will be further upgradeable unlike the X10i.
If you can afford to it would be worth waiting for the new 1.4GHz Xperia Arc S to arrive.
Posted by chunkybeats
Hey guys just ordered a xperia neo v at a very good price brand new for $400! can anyone let me know (if they have one) what their experience has been like? Im excited!!!
Posted by carkitter
Sad, but since the announcement of Sony buying
I can't see me buying any more phones and certainly not any Sony phones. 
iPhone, Samsung Galaxy S II and HTC Sensation are the phones that interest me at present. I was looking at the Arc S for my GF for Xmas but since the buyout news it looks like a dead end and servicing product is already a joke her in NZ, looks like it's set to get harder. 
Planning on getting her an iPad 2 instead since the iPhone 4S is not an option here yet.
Have you seen Telecom's Smartphone $100 plan?
300mins, 300txt and 2GB data per month and a SGSII or HTC Sensation for $0 up front on a 24 month contract. 
That equates to $10 per week for the phone and $55 per month for the plan, not bad at all and similar to what I'm paying now. With Vodafone dropping the 3GB/1000pxt promotion for new customers and reducing the iPhone subsidies on the $40 plan from $480 to $150, this Telecom plan is the new Best Deal IMHOand leaves Vodafone looking uncompetitive in the smartphone market, especially since they don't have the iPhone 4S yet and may never have it. 
Posted by chunkybeats
Yeah Carkitter i saw that, but the 2011 Xperia lineup will still be supported, I dont think Sony are that stupid not to let their existing customers down. I also think the CEO Howard Stringer will remain as CEO but of the mobile division of Sony. I think it will be pretty exciting to be honest because i have had a play with the Sony tablets they have brought out already and they are a really competitor to the ipad, especially its design and ergonomics. Maybe get your girlfriend a Sony tablet?
Posted by carkitter
We went to the Youbee store in Newmarket yesterday followed by the Sony Store specifically to check out the tablets at both places. The iPad has far better build quality than the Sony Tablet S but you are right about the S having better ergonomics - it's lighter and the offset weight is pure genius. The iPad gave me sore wrists from it's weight after just a minute of holding it. However, the iPad has endless accessories for docking and angled support so in the end it won't be that big a problem. The UI is faster on the iPad, much simpler and more coordinated. The Android 3.2 UI was just a mess and it didn't help that the staff member setting it up and adding apps and content had placed random and useless stuff all over the place. I did like the infa-red remote feature of the S and having gone off Apple sometime ago and gotten really keen on Google's cloud features, I could see me getting the Sony Tablet S one day, when the price comes down. If the iPad is a $799 device the the S is only worth $600 IMHO.
Since I'm buying for my GF and not for me, it's iPad all the way (16GB wifi only in white). Should have it by the weekend.
Posted by chunkybeats
Yeah your right Carkitter, that Android version is a bit of mess. Honestly Honeycomb is a mess in general, hopefully ICS will address some issues. Just got my white Neo V and its gorgeous, very sleek and looks thinner as it does in the photos. Love the Bravia display engine especially, so just going to have lots of fun setting it up and getting some decent apps and music on it!! Happy Shopping Carkitter!!
Posted by chunkybeats
ok guys need a bit of help, the xperia neo v i got doesnt seem to work too well. I have tried to set up the phone for mobile internet and wireless but it doesnt seem to work. I tried to go through the 2degrees website but they dont have the neo v on yet. Also the phone has been imported from hong kong so im not sure if it will be work here, will it?
Posted by chunkybeats
panic over guys! it was the wireless router messing me around so all good! , Loving the new gesture input it's so easy! I love this Sony Ericsson great handset!,:-D
Posted by carkitter
Congrats on your new phone!
We bought the iPad yesterday. Quite nice to use but as usual, setting it up via iTunes can only be described using words unsuitable for the forum. I was surprised to find that it was running iOS 4.3.5 and not v5 but oh well, a 707MB(!) download soon fixed that. I'm certainly missing the extra buttons that Android has though; I've quite gotten used to having the Back and Options keys.
We also picked up a white rubberised Kensington cover to protect the back, an Apple smart cover in pastel blue for the front and against my better judgement a pack of two screen protectors so the final bill was boosted by $127 over and above the cost of the iPad. They tried to sell us Apple Care too but I said no.
Staff in the Youbee store in Newmarket were exceedingly casual. Sure it was a Saturday, but congregating in groups with backs to customers gives a poor impression, especially in a flagship store.
[ This Message was edited by: carkitter on 2011-11-06 10:51 ]
Posted by chunkybeats
Next thing im due to get is this baby, http://www.expansys.co.nz/son[....]ock-multimedia-station-221384/
Wow i have downloaded game emulators and i really hate the touchscreen joypads so this should help me use proper joypads. I was going to get a Xperia Play but really need something thats easier & lighter hence the Neo V. I cant wait for this bad boy really will change how i use my phone now!!!
Posted by chunkybeats
oh great just went to order the item and expansys mysteriously remove the docking station. Does anyone know where else I can get this? It is pretty awesome and because its any other company, no one takes interest in it. My other option is to get it shipped as a gift from the UK as they sell heaps there. not a happy person today
Posted by Evilchap
Hi guys long time no see
For the dock you should try Mobile Fone Rescue on 0800 021 222, they may be able to assist with this.
Posted by K71
I've got a gold Ray heading my way from HK via. ebay. Hopefully it will work like a charm! Played with one a few times in the vodafone store and decided it will do for me, smaller screen than Arc (my other option), but looks and handles great, and cheaper too. I'll never do alot of net surfing on it anyway (most likely always at home), although i could still read the text on screen fairly easily with surfing on the store Ray. Will be my first Android, will be upgrading from my G900, so will have to learn a bit about apps and widgets etc!! It will be nice too to load up the 32GB card i got for it with lots of music, as i only have an 8gb card in the G900!! 8GB doesn't fit enough MP3 albums on it @ 320kbps!!
Posted by K71
Wow!! I've had another photo hit the top of the charts!! that makes 2 chart toppers so far. Will be interesting to see how long that lasts!! I also killed this thread by visiting it after so long away. Typical!!
Posted by chunkybeats
Thanks Evilchap I have the live dock comign as a xmas present from the UK so thats all good!!! I just need to buy a micro hdmi and a game pad and its all great for some amazing gaming on my HD tv!!!
@K71 I have my 32gb class 10 microsd card for my neo v and wow i have over 3000 mp3s on it and still got 10gb left which is awesome. I used to have 8GB on my w995 and really i did fill it up. What i did to get more on my old w995 was convert my mp3s from 320 to 160kps. Its still great quality and will reduce your file size. I have a mixture of 320 and 160kps so if your not going to upgrade your card then do that i highly recommend it!!!
@K71 Thats great news, will have a look at your photos now!!!
Posted by carkitter
I have some big news...
My GF and I have switched to Telecom XT and have bought 2 new phones - a 32GB iPhone 4S for her and an LG p500H for me, both in white.
The LG is an interim phone while I sell my Zylo and Xperia X10 and use the incoming funds towards what I really want, an HTC Sensation XL with Beats Audio (with a 4.7" screen).
Here's a pic of all our toys currently:
Posted by Evilchap
Congrats, very shiny indeed
Posted by carkitter
Have you guys seen this?
Link text...
It's a Windows Phone 7 UI emulator for use on touchscreen devices. I tried it on our iPad and must say, I like the style of WP7 a lot. I'm seriously considering a WP7 device now as an alternative to the HTC Sensation XL with Beats Audio (yes, that's it's full name
) and the best of them at present is Nokia's Lumia range. 3.8" is a little small for a screen for a premium phone IMO but after using the LG with it's 3.2" screen I'm sure I'll find it okay.
Posted by chunkybeats
the x10 looks the most sexiest there
not bad for a over a year old phone!!
Posted by carkitter
On 2011-12-04 23:09:41, chunkybeats wrote:
the x10 looks the most sexiest there
not bad for a over a year old phone!!
Posted by chunkybeats
yeah my girlfriend has a x10a and really was stuck on 2.1 with no thanks to telecom not doing well with the updates. So i decided to have a go at flashing the international version myself and yeah it works really well with 2.3.3, it lags a little if i have a few apps running but then the x10's snapdragon chipset is slower than the 2011 xperias. Still for an early 2010 handset and run the almost latest os is an impressive stat!!!
Posted by chunkybeats
its gone awfully quiet in here, must be all that last minute xmas shopping you lot are doing!!! What are your plans for xmas & ny?
Im heading up north then whangamata for a couple of days then back down to Welly over to the Wairarapa for New Years and a chilly bin of beer!!!
hope you all have a good xmas and roll on the summer!!!
Posted by chunkybeats
hello is there anyone there? is this thread dead?
Posted by K71
mostly lurk. enjoying my Ray so far. haven't really done anything too it. but so far, so good.
Posted by carkitter
On 2012-01-19 02:23:40, chunkybeats wrote:
hello is there anyone there? is this thread dead?
anymore.
Some of the newly announced SE phones look okay but it's more likely my next device will be an HTC on Android or a Nokia on WP7. There's no compelling reason to get a
phone these days and I'm not convinced I need a SONY branded one either.
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
Hello everyone, thought I might drop in and say hi.
I'm still running my X10 and still enjoy it for the most part. But I know my next phone will be an iPhone of some sort, that is definitely for sure. Sony Ericsson, or Sony as it is now, phones barely interest me and I'm a bit over Android. The apps on the iPhone seem much better and interest me a lot more. The only app I'll miss is Twicca, my Twitter app!
In other self-related news, a truck crashed into my car and wrote it off, so I bought a BMW 318i and I'm still in Auckland studying! I'll try to keep checking in here to see how people are doing. I'm keen to catch up with the few people that still visit this thread.
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
Nobody around huh?
To be honest I'm quite tempted by the Sony Xperia S now! I like the way import prices drop like flies too... I'll be able to afford one within a few months I think!
Posted by tranced
Guess so
How you've been?
This phone has been a success. We'll wait till you get your phone then. Good luck.
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
Hey Tranced, nice to see you in here! I've been good... Definitely miss the old days of Esato though!
I'll be sure to come and post about the Xperia S if and when I get one!
Posted by chunkybeats
I think the SG3 is the phone to beat now, really going to be tough for anyone to match it as Samsung do most of their manufacturing. Apple are seriously losing track, even the next iphone wont even beat the Xperia S I reckon! I cant wait to have a play on the SGS3! HTC One X is also quite nice. Local apps for Android are finally getting some recognition too just cant wait to try 4G out!
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
Properly interesting promo from Vodafone for the SGS3 too. A trip to Space worth $260000! Too bad you have to buy a $1000 phone or go on an expensive contract to get in the draw.
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
As of today I am now the proud owner of an Xperia S. God the screen on this thing is stunning! Will post impressions in a bit...
Posted by chunkybeats
Congrats Muhammed, it is a beautiful screen!!
I just say this bad boy pop on trademe the other day, very very tempting at the moment! I havent got much money though
, I would love to know how it works!! Who ever gets it, will get the first one in the country! Now thats what I call exclusivity!
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=482362357
Posted by Muhammad-Oli
Exclusive maybe, but at $200 more than I paid for the Xperia S, hardly worth it. And it won't be exclusive for long! Also, what does it add? The ability to expand the memory with a Micro SD card? Not worth $200 in my opinion!
Also the design isn't as good as the S. The transparent section on the latest Sony phones is the stand-out feature!
[ This Message was edited by: Muhammad-Oli on 2012-06-13 03:58 ]