thanks for the info from everybody.
it seems that i have done enough research on this.
i have review all the models mentioned in this thread.
I have always use Nokia. I have the similar model like the 6600 or what ever model # when i was in Switzerland. (been there 4 years) it works very well, but personally i just think it is way to big. i have that phone since 2000 it should not be that size by now.(2003???)
Sony's t610 is my best bet now. from the design, size, functions it is the almost perfect model.(since i still miss the european and asian models, which is much better than here)
I have been a big sony fan, from camera,pc,laptop to pda. I do know about the quality issues in sony products. they look nice and always have the top tech in it, the only problem is not last long.
but until i found another phone, i think i would have to go sony t610!

Service provider is my other concern. t610 is for singular and t-mobi right? does verizon has it?

 

i think that's it!
I will buy the sony ericsson T610.
it has every single fuction i want except the camera(i have a sony p10 and clie nx70) so i dont really need one. I think i might return my clie to the store to get a smaller one without camera.


Nowwwwww! New topic!!
Which provider should i choose from. Singular? ATT? T-Mobile? i think that;s the only three major provider for this model!
I'm in Atlanta GA! anyone can help??

 

anyone?? :???:

 

Definately T-Mobile. ATT sucks. Have this phone and had ATT, I got NO SIGNAL most of the time. Switched to T-Mobile much better.

 

Ants this is really interesting to me, I have never heard anything good about t-mobile, until this thread (are you still in NY BTW?).
Anyway, I have been researching new phones and service lately too, and I was leaning towards cingular or att. Verizon has been gold for me - I was able to get through everytime during the blackout, and during 9/11 - and this makes me reluctant to switch. The reason they are so good is because they use both digital and pcs networks, which is the same with ATT, if you don't get a GSM phone. Here in lies the complication, the GSM phone's are the fun phones (Sony T616, T306, Nokia 3650, 7210 etc.), and GSM technology, from what I've read, is not as up-to-date here as it is in Europe. From what I hear, you shouldn't be able to expect your GSM phone to even work in doors, for at least three more years. Cingular, supposedly has more GSM towers or whatever, than ATT so they are supposed to be the better option of the two. But maybe T-mobile is even better, I'm not sure?

 

Chris,

I am in Atlanta as well. I have T-mobile and am very happy with them. While ATT and Cingular are getting into the GSM market in the US, T-mobile has been in the US with GSM for many more years. They were originally Powerstream, then Voicestream and now T-mobile. They have significantly better nationwide coverage than the other two providers. While Gabe made a good point about coverage in certain cities, it is my personal opinion that T-mobile still has better overall coverage, and they do have better coverage in Atlanta.

I would recommend getting an unlocked version. You can purchase them from many websites, such as Expansys at http://www.expansys.us/. This will allow you to switch providers much more quickly and still keep the same model phone. You had stated that you wish there was more availabilty of GSM phones in the States and from providers. While the providers do not carry many of the cool models, you can purchase any unlocked GSM tri-band phone and connect it with a GSM provider in the US. I haven't tried every phone, but I have never had a problem hooking up a European tri-band phone to T-mobile. I have done it quite a few times with phones that aren't even sold in the States.

Also, Gabe stated to purchase prepaid SIM cards in Europe. Sometimes that is a good alternative and sometimes it is not. Depending on the provider and the country it can be more expensive and more trouble than it is worth. If you are going to be over there for an extended period of time it may make sense. The nice thing with keeping your own card is that you keep the number and you sometimes have more coverage with your own card. I am not sure if you are going to be travelling a lot, but I have been to every Western European Country and most of the Eastern European countries and have never had a problem with my T-mobile service, and the cost is cheaper than ATT.

You can PM me if you have any questions about T-mobile and getting it hooked up in Atlanta. I have heard a lot of good reviews about the Sony. Even though I am a big Nokia fan, I think it will be a great phone. Good Luck!

 

TMobile is a great GSM network, cool phones too! I"m not a big fan of Tdma or cdma phones since you are tied down to a small subset of phones and tied down to one provider. I've recently moved to cingular, it's cheaper than T mobile, the phones are cheaper and cooler, and the phone that I have, Sony Ericsson t616 is awesome. Cingular provides GSM coverage on the 850 network, but this phone also works on Tmobiles US network (1900) and most international locations (1800). The phone also has an internal bluetooth which is awesome....


Verizon's game is nation wide coverage but they are more expensive and limiting. You can always buy an unlocked GSM phone on Ebay, stick the sim card in and away you go! :smile:

 

Handspring is getting ready to introduce the new Treo600 next month. Have you given any thought to a phone like that?

 

i think i would go with singular with the t610, i dont think buying a unlock phone is a good idea, since the phone changes very fast i have never use same phone for more than one year. when i was in Switzerland i change phone every six months. of course it is a lot of cheaper to buy phone over there too.(almost the only thing cheap in Switzerland except watch)

I would change another one after the contract ends with any company!

But do they offer one year contract? One of my friend got six months contract with his t-mobile. what about singular??

Is it depend on the area i am?

I might just ask my friend to buy a phone for me in NY!(only if is cheaper or shorter contract)