I am looking to buy a bluetooth phone for the first time to use with my new X50V. I like some advice because I have the opportunity to start with a clean slate. After doing some reading here, I figured that being in Toronto, I could connect to the internet using a BT cell phone and a Rogers wireless plan. I a light cell phone user and I only have a modreate amount of emails. I still have a bunch of related questions that I've collected here. I'd specially love to hear from other Rogers customers:
First of all I decided on Rogers because they already provide my cable TV and internet so I can get the advantage of bundling. From their selection of phones, I figured on the Nokia 6620. Also I figured I'd start with a voice (150 anytime) and data (3Mb) plan for $45/month.
Here are my questions:
1) Are Rogers cell phones unlocked? That is, if I travel, or move to the U.S., will I be able to use my phone with other providers? (One of the reasons I am ditching Bell is because of their locked phones)
2) Would I be better off my a Pay as you go plan? (after reading one of Gigi's replies)
3) If I were to get a BT headset like the Motorola HS810 or HS820, will I be able to also use this directly with the Axim? For example, I'd like to use it to listen to audio books, record voice memos, perhaps use Skype.
4) Are there any guides written on how to establish an internet connection via the phone? Will I be able to use PIE? How about the built-in email program?
5) What other cool things can you do with the Nokia-Axim combination?
7) Any other tips on email or web browsing that will help me get the most from my limited 3Mb? Does an account to skweezer.net pay for itself?
Your questions are some that I've had regarding Bluetooth phones, however I'm surprised that you can't get a Bell phone to work in the States.
I've travelled quite a bit with my Bell phone and never had a problem.
The few small places where I didn't have any service was because Bell in Canada didn't have any agreements with the providers in that area.
Never heard of locked phones.
Ok, The only thing here I know is that the phone from Rogers is LOCKED. So, say if you want to insert a SIM card from Verizon into the Rogers phone, it will not work.
1) Are Rogers cell phones unlocked? That is, if I travel, or move to the U.S., will I be able to use my phone with other providers? (One of the reasons I am ditching Bell is because of their locked phones)
Rogers cellphone are locked. However, if you are on a postpaid plan (i.e., NOT Pay as you go), you will be able to ROAM in the U.S., which means you are borrowing service from US providers and rates will be much higher. If you get the phone unlocked, then that means you can use your phone with any GSM provider in the world (including the US of course) at local provider rates (while using their SIM card).
Originally Posted by jmckie
2) Would I be better off my a Pay as you go plan? (after reading one of Gigi's replies)
I prefer PayGo because I don't use my phone much at all and prefer the option of having my unused minutes carry over each month. Paygo also allows data useage; the charges are just deducted from your balance as you use it.
For those who need the minutes, I would not recommend the PayGo plan. You will end up paying more each month because the rates are considerable higher than monthly plans. Another disadvantage of PayGo is that you cannot ROAM outside of Canada. If you really need to use your phone when away, you should unlock it.
Originally Posted by jmckie
3) If I were to get a BT headset like the Motorola HS810 or HS820, will I be able to also use this directly with the Axim? For example, I'd like to use it to listen to audio books, record voice memos, perhaps use Skype.
Yes, you can use BT headsets with both your phone and your Axim. I have done this with the Bluetrek G2. Keep in mind most BT headsets are mono and therefore not good for music.
Originally Posted by jmckie
4) Are there any guides written on how to establish an internet connection via the phone? Will I be able to use PIE? How about the built-in email program?
I frequently use my Moto v551m phone to connect to PIE and MSN messenger with no problems. You should also be able to connect to email but I have personally not done so. Take a look at these guides:
Note that you will need the settings specific to Rogers. I have them if you need them.
Originally Posted by jmckie
5) What other cool things can you do with the Nokia-Axim combination?
I haven't explored this too much.
Originally Posted by jmckie
7) Any other tips on email or web browsing that will help me get the most from my limited 3Mb? Does an account to skweezer.net pay for itself?
I would disable the images in PIE since those can take up a lot of bandwidth. I would also try to stick with mobile friendly websites. Skweezer is good too, you can sign up for free. :approve:
Gigi, are you sure the rogers phone is unlocked? I have rogers phone on a monthly plan and it is a locked!. Roaming is different from locking. If you have a locked phone, you will still be able to use it outside canada, but you will not be able to use other company's SIM card.
Gigi, are you sure the rogers phone is unlocked? I have rogers phone on a monthly plan and it is a locked!. Roaming is different from locking. If you have a locked phone, you will still be able to use it outside canada, but you will not be able to use other company's SIM card.
OOPSSS bad proofreading...yes you're definitely correct, they are LOCKED!!! :hide: Thanks for pointing that out, beetle. :)
The phones from Rogers/Fido are locked... however, it not too difficult to unlock them yourself (or pay someone to do it for you). Do some research on the internet and you'll know what I mean.
Thanks for the replies! And I knew Gigi would come through. :)
To avoid the locking issue altogether, what if I buy an unlocked phone in the first place? Can I take that to Rogers and use it with their service? If not Rogers, would anyone else like Fido do it? (Where does one buy an unlocked phone in Canada anyway?)
Quote:
I have done this with the Bluetrek G2. Keep in mind most BT headsets are mono and therefore not good for music.
I was thinking more of audiobooks so sound quality is not a big concern. How about the microphone? Has anyone tried recording voice memos using the BT headset's mic?
Yes, you can certainly buy an unlocked phone to use with Rogers. I would check independent cell phone stores (i.e., not those affiliated with Rogers, Fido, etc.) as well as Ebay. www.howardforums.com is also a great resource for everything related to cell phones. If you decide to go with an unlocked phone, make sure the phone is suitable for 850MHz. Lots of unlocked (including those formerly with Fido) only have the 900MHz band and this is not ideal for Rogers.
For example, as per the link above, say I went for the 33c/min anytime plan. While connected to the internet, would I also be charged 33c per minute, or would there be additional data charges?
For example, as per the link above, say I went for the 33c/min anytime plan. While connected to the internet, would I also be charged 33c per minute, or would there be additional data charges?
No, you are not using any voice minutes, just data. Last that I had heard, it was $1.00 to connect and then $0.05 per kilobyte. I cannot find this anywhere Rogers on the website so this may not be entirely accurate, but at least you get an idea. Best that you check it out to make sure.
Thanks Gigi, I'll ask them for the rates. Assuming those rates, it seems like you could IM for a long time after paying that loonie and some change. Correct ?
Well, I don't know what's been going on...but I have found that I haven't been charged much and I've been using the service quite a bit. :hide: For me, this is the best solution since I don't use my phone to talk that much. :approve:
All these threads about communication and I still don't have or own a cellphone. I never wanted to get one to avoid the Compagny that I work for to call me at anytime they wish. I work for IT and it could be a nightmare.
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All these threads about communication and I still don't have or own a cellphone. I never wanted to get one to avoid the Compagny that I work for to call me at anytime they wish. I work for IT and it could be a nightmare.
You could get one but not tell work! You're missing out on all the fun!
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bad proofreading...yes you're definitely correct, they are LOCKED!!! :hide: Thanks for pointing that out, beetle. :)
Addicted Member
You're missing out on all the fun!
