Gx-32

[Ack]

Is coming to H.K. soon......$4680 HKD/$606 USD.

I will have to stop by the Smartone shop and check it out on my way home..........

[carsmovies]

So did you? Review please.

[Ack]

I didn't get a chance today.......tomorrow I promise...

[carsmovies]

Great, I'm getting mine next week. Can't wait.

[Ack]

I am hoping you can transfer files/sync via bluetooth...otherwise I will have to cross it off of my list.

[carsmovies]

Originally posted by Ack
I am hoping you can transfer files/sync via bluetooth...otherwise I will have to cross it off of my list.

I know you can't with the GX30 so i wonder if you can with the GX32?

[Ack]

O.k. I stopped by and picked up a brochure.

The phone is super nice. The screen is like looking at the LCD (if you have one) on your desk.

Keys had a nice feel to it.

Sorry, I couldn't check out the camera because the language was in Chinese while I was playing with it.

I guess the the flash for the camera has 7 different colors and has a disco mode.

And something else new to me was that it's a quad-band GSM (850/900/1800/1900).

But the guy said the bluetooth is only for the headset. That would be the only thing that would stop me from getting this phone........that and the fact that right now its going for $4600+ HKD or almost $600 USD!

[Michael]

In general it appears to be a nice handset, as far as I can tell. Have not tested the Bluetooth yet, but the display is superb.

[carsmovies]

Originally posted by Michael
In general it appears to be a nice handset, as far as I can tell. Have not tested the Bluetooth yet, but the display is superb.

When's your review coming Michael?

[Michael]

I dunno. I have access to a GX-30 already, but just don't have the time. I have a lot of catching up to do due to my trip to Australia and the CeBIT trip.

I'll get to it eventually, for certain.

[carsmovies]

Originally posted by Michael
I dunno. I have access to a GX-30 already, but just don't have the time. I have a lot of catching up to do due to my trip to Australia and the CeBIT trip.

I'll get to it eventually, for certain.

Thanks. Can you give us a indication of the RF and sound quality now? Also is the menu system quicker than the GX20 was?

[dee]

dude....

This phone is AWESOME. why is there so little excitment about it? I dont understand why the 6230 gets so much attention. The GX-32 beats the pants(and underwear for that matter:) ) off the 6230. its got even more features and a KILLER screen. I want it BADDDD. (pity theres no Symbian though....)

[Michael]

Originally posted by carsmovies
Thanks. Can you give us a indication of the RF and sound quality now? Also is the menu system quicker than the GX20 was? Nope, I can't. I have not made a phone call on one yet.

[johanness]

I've got an idea! How about not reviewing what may or may not be coming up in the next 6 months to a year, and focusing on a great phone that has already BEEN released! I'm sure i'm not alone when i ask why sites like this one, Infoseekworld, Mobile-Review etc haven't had the 'time' to review a phone that likely a lot of us want to go out and buy. It certainly outperforms 90% of what's out there today. And while there are lots of good units supposedly coming out b4 the end of the year... that's a long time to wait. I just hope the in depth review of this phone doesn't take that long as well.

:confused:

[johanness]

Oh, and btw... I'm talking about the Sharp GX32. Not the 22, not the 30. Lets deal with the latest shall we?

:o

[Michael]

Originally posted by johanness
I've got an idea! How about not reviewing what may or may not be coming up in the next 6 months to a year, and focusing on a great phone that has already BEEN released! I'm sure i'm not alone when i ask why sites like this one, Infoseekworld, Mobile-Review etc haven't had the 'time' to review a phone that likely a lot of us want to go out and buy. It certainly outperforms 90% of what's out there today. And while there are lots of good units supposedly coming out b4 the end of the year... that's a long time to wait. I just hope the in depth review of this phone doesn't take that long as well. Because as far as the world market goes, Sharp is very small time potatoes. There are a ton of phones out there, and we review what we can. Reviewing phones takes a lot of 'time'. I often spend 12+ hours on a single review anymore. And as long as you aren't paying me for my time, I'll spend it on the devices that suit me.

And how exactly do you know that the GX-32 outperforms 90% of the phones out there? If you knew how it works already, what the hell are you whinging about? You obviously don't need advice from the likes of me.

And what the heck are you talking about with sites reviewing phones that "may not be coming up in the next 6 months to a year?" We certainly don't do that, and neither does InfoSync. Mobile-Review does from time to time, but they are the exception. Most sites review only phones that are available, because reviewing prototypes is of only superficial use.

If you don't feel that MobileBurn suits your delicate sensibilities, I invite you to go elsewhere.

[marqiuz]

Hi all,

from Hong Kong and been holding the GX32 for about a week now. For Johaness' benefit, the GX32 and GX30 should be one and the same phone, only catering to different markets. I note that SHARP is using mainly an exclusive sales strategy for the phone with one single network. FYI, I got the phone for HKD3990 with a 1 year closed contract with the network.

a few observations only as I have yet to completely go through the features of the handset.

FEATURES
uhm, most of the 6230 features save the radio and then some - a fine grained internal display (speced at 262k, although its really 64k with extra fine pixels); and the main seller the 1 megapixel camera (you'll need to wait at least 3 months for the next one)

BLUETOOTH
First of all, and probably the most dissapointing thing of the handset is that the bluetooth function as it is only works with headsets or car handsfree. I do note however on the manual (which incidentally should be the same as the GX30 - which comes with an additional 32 (or is it 8) mb sd/mmc card and cd(??), of a reference to 'hiding' your handset against other GX32s...maybe the original design was for linkage between handsets aka SONY-ERICCSON ones? I only hope that this is a current firmware / OS design that can be updated at a later stage (tough chance...).

The bluetooth function thus cannot pass data to and fro your PC or another handset.

I am currently using the i-tech touch bluetooth headset. Connection is on average very good with clear reception on both ends of the line. The only issue I have encountered is no speech on first phone call after connecting with the headset - still checking this. One other thing is the mobile sometimes identifies itself as linked to a ar handsfree and not headset, but ambiguous here.

RECEPTION and SOUND QUALITY
Is excellent as far as I have experienced. The one issue, for which I don't know if it relates to the network (Smartone) is long period required for reconnection to the network after e.g. going into a lift; my previous Phillips 330 was slightly quicker in that respect.

The sound quality is EXCELLENT - very clear and loud sound. The speaker is not the best but more than acceptable. You can only use .smaf or midis as ringtones and not MP3s. I note that the*.smaf formats I get by downloading from the network are non forwardable nor cannot be copied to the expandable memory card, which apparently makes it a copyright protection type file format. For some reason, Smartone only provides these files for d/ling on the GX32, using a motorola, I can get a midi type file of the same ringtone.

MENU
To my experience, the menu is very quick and very responsive. I have not tried the GX22 so have no terms of reference to that, but safe to say, the menu system is on par for speed with nokia types - I may daresay its even quicker. The menu is well structured, with most features accessible within 2 steps. There really is nothing one can argue about regarding the menu really.

PHONEBOOK
My GF had the GX12 (traded for the GX32 too, making her price at HKD3200!!), and she had a hell of a time copying each number individually from the handset to the sim card. Unfortunately, there is still no option to 'copy all' from handset to sim card. There is now a 'backup' function available but I haven't tried it yet.
With the GX32, you can assign pics and even specific ringtones to an individual, the picture viewable on the second ring on the external view (256k only...). Access to the phonebook is easy, and you can save email addresses to the individuals too. A few things to note, the photos used for the phonebook must be plaed in the handset memory and not the expandable.

THE CAMERA
Picture and video taking. This is my first phone with a camera so I can only say its GREAT GREAT GREAT. You can print v. good 2Rs with this mobile. For photos, you have options for the size of the pictures (from 120X160 - 858X1144) and quality (norm or fine). You can take self portrait like the GX22. There is an additional ability to have the camera set fo portrait or macro shots - it does work. The light will blink and a shutter sound will appear when after each shot, so no one can safely take pics under ladies' skirts, you get what I mean. The Video is ok (what do u expect?), but is somewhat stuttery, you get options for quality (norm or fine) and length (norm at 80k or extended at 400k), with the smaller file size MMS capable. You can choose to have photos or videos to be saved to the expandable memory card. And the video will record sound too.

MP3
Not tested yet - I still need to get a headset (wired only) for listening to mp3. Do note that you can only listen to mp3 via cabled headset and not the bluetooth (I hear this is available for 6230).

EXPANDABLE MEMORY
I have a Lexar 128 SD Card in the mobile. The mobile will automatically create 3 - 4 folders in the card, one photo, one video, one sound i think (forgot, and can't check this at the mo). so far I have only copied midi files to the card and then to the handset memory for ringtones, and the quality is quite acceptable.
Once I can fiddle more with this I'll update u guys.

JAVA
The 2 JAVA games included are only demos / trail versions...a bit cheap for SHARP to do this...

PROFILES
You are limited to what is in the PROFILES menu, can't change names as such. There is no 'ascending sound volume' available, but other than that its fine, with a variety of options to choose.

WAP / GPRS Browser
not attempted in detail yet, but speed is ok to my experience (again, first phone of such type for me, so no terms of reference).

OTHERS
Well, battery life on the mobile could be better...using bluetooth (may have been the factor...) intermittently, the battery only lasted a bit over 36 hours. Definitely need an extra pack here.
You can choose not to pick up the phone by pressing and holding down the volume buttons on the left of the phone for some seconds.

The package for Hong Kong was not very good, only a wired headset and nothing else. I have to buy the data cd, the usb cable as accessories...and thinking of d/ling the one available on the www.sharp-mobile.com website to play around with - but dunno if its compatible (regional settings?) with my GX32 (GX30 in europe).

You have a lot of options for Alarm (9 alarm settings to save). The calender and notes taking is rudimentary but I suppose its acceptable. There is a voice recorder to use. You can make ringtones, although you'll need to understand your musical chords.

That's really it folks.

For a bit of history here, my GF and myself were walking along Causeway Bay when we saw the Smartone Booth selling the GX32 on the day of their launch in Hong Kong. MY GF was immediately caught, but I remained a writhing fish on the hook for the duration that my GF had to go through the sales procedures. I had been waiitng for the 6230 for over 2 months (having to borrow friend's phones for 2 months as my Phillips 330 was broken). At the end of the day (literally), I went for GX32 as the price would be similar anyway, and other than the radio in the NOKIA handset, there wasn't much going for the 6230 anymore (other than size and the NOKIA menu). Frankly, I like my decision, as I understand that the 6230 is on preorder for HKD4280, which is a tad bit higher than what this cost me. The 1 megapixel cam and screen are the main factors that allowed SHARP to eventually pull the line in with me at the end of it.

The GX32 was launched one wek AFTER the Nokia 7200 and supposedly one wek before the 6230 launches in Hong Kong (unsure about this, but seems to be this week...). All I can say is good timing Smartone.

One thing for sure, this handset here beats the NOKIA 7200 out of the sky (handsdown, pants down whatever!!). NOKIA should be ashamed of selling that poor excuse of a clamshell phone for the same price (HKD3980 on preorder) with none of the features comparable, and that ultra small screen (for clamshells).

I would hope Mobileburn makes the review for this handset soon, as I believe it to be the best in the market today and for the coming 3 months features wise in its class (what class??). It is true though, that SHARP is small potatoes as they only produce one phone each round for the world market, and frankly, I hadn't learnt of the phone's features until that day at the booth...hands down hands down pants down

Regards

Marq

[Sharp_GX32]

Hi Marquiz

Glad to learn that you are a Hongkonger and I am from Singapore.
Fyi no local operator "endorse" Sharp mobile phones thus I am really taking great risk in purchasing the GX32. However I never regret my decision and am looking forward to GX42!

You arent biased in your comments on this phone. It is really a GREAT phone but with minor flaws. There are some points which I'll like to highlight:

1. I dont know why you claimed that it has only 65K colors though speced at 262K. I have friends who bought the GX22 and upon comparison we preferred the GX32 display as it is more vibrant.

2. We may have been shortchanged since no CD nor SD Card is included :D

3. I read somewhere that up to 2GB of memory is supported.

4. MA-620 IrDA adapter is fully compatiable with GX32

Cheers

:)

[smile859]

I would like to ask if I can buy the Sharp GX32 in Hong Kong and use it in United Kingdom using an United Kingdom mobile phone network e.g. vodafone, orane, O2, T-mobile etc? Because the Sharp GX32 is locked to a Hong Kong mobile phone network called Smartone.

[Sharp_GX32]

Originally posted by smile859
I would like to ask if I can buy the Sharp GX32 in Hong Kong and use it in United Kingdom using an United Kingdom mobile phone network e.g. vodafone, orane, O2, T-mobile etc? Because the Sharp GX32 is locked to a Hong Kong mobile phone network called Smartone.

Yes ... you can buy the GX32 which is 100% unlocked otherwise how can I use it in Singapore (SmarTone is an operator in Hong Kong)? With GX2 you can learn to SMS in Chinese too ... ;)

[smile859]

Where in Hong Kong did you get your Sharp GX32 from? The only place that I know where to get the Sharp GX32 is from Broadway and Smartone but from both of these shops the Sharp GX32 is still locked to Smartone. Is your Sharp GX32 still locked to Smartone but able to use in Singapore?

Thanx

[Sharp_GX32]

Originally posted by smile859
Where in Hong Kong did you get your Sharp GX32 from? The only place that I know where to get the Sharp GX32 is from Broadway and Smartone but from both of these shops the Sharp GX32 is still locked to Smartone. Is your Sharp GX32 still locked to Smartone but able to use in Singapore?

Thanx

Erm ... I bought my phone in Singapore (i.e. it is an export set) but it bears the SmarTone logo on outer casing and manuals are SmarTone exclusive. However my GX32 is not locked by SmarTone.

:)

[Ack]

The phones aren't locked here. You only pay a higher price for the phone if you're not a subscriber. You save around $700 HKD if you get a new line with the GX-32.

It will have the Smartone logo on the outside and whatever custom job they had Sharp do to the menu.

[marqiuz]

To: Smile 859
Mobile phones in Hong Kong have not been locked for a long time. In order to buy the GX32 at a lower price, you however need to subscribe with a locked contract to the network operator, Smartone. The mobile itself, whilst having that Smartone logo, can be used by any other network anywhere (as long as its GSM based).

To Sharp_GX32

Well Sharp is shortchanging Hong Kong then; the USB cable and the cd added together as accessories cost HKD180...should consider pirating lol. Nice to meet you - never been to Singapore (other than via to the UK trip on Singapore Airlines

Thanx for your comment. As I said previously, the only phone I had in mind before meeting the GX32 was the 6230; the latest info I have puts it at HKD3690, which is 300 cheaper than what I paid for this phone. In any case, the main reason I chose this was
1. My GF was getting one and we wanted to use the same phone - I only know that she won't be choosing the NOKIA phones
2. The phone had a 1 megapixel camera and other than the missing radio and limited bluetooth functions, had all the features the 6230 has.
3. Holding the latest phone on the day it launch justs gives you some sickening pride.

In response to your comments

Didn't know that 2gig is supported...don't need that much either. As I understand it, the mp3 device is really rudimentary, you can play a song or choose which song to play, the player will move to the next song after the finish of the first, you can't skip.

I am wondering whether the mobile can play diff. sorts of movies, there is some mention of storing data onto the card such as...divx etc., and I cannot confirm whether they are just noting its possible to put sorts of data onto the card or whether it can be used...

With regard to the 64k claim, quite frankly, I dunno where I got that idea from, I remember reading it from somewhere...and always considered the cause of the vibrant screen was the CGSilicon used that produced finer pixels.

In any case, the GX32 is GREAT and absolutely recommended to anyone and everyone - SHARP should make more of such similar phones...already hearing rumors of the GX42 coming out 2/3rd quarter...would suck there - but is a similar cycle to the GX12/ 22.

I am continually having some issues with bluetooth usage - stuttering occuring...

[johanness]

Originally posted by Michael
Because as far as the world market goes, Sharp is very small time potatoes. There are a ton of phones out there, and we review what we can. Reviewing phones takes a lot of 'time'. I often spend 12+ hours on a single review anymore. And as long as you aren't paying me for my time, I'll spend it on the devices that suit me.

And how exactly do you know that the GX-32 outperforms 90% of the phones out there? If you knew how it works already, what the hell are you whinging about? You obviously don't need advice from the likes of me.

And what the heck are you talking about with sites reviewing phones that "may not be coming up in the next 6 months to a year?" We certainly don't do that, and neither does InfoSync. Mobile-Review does from time to time, but they are the exception. Most sites review only phones that are available, because reviewing prototypes is of only superficial use.

If you don't feel that MobileBurn suits your delicate sensibilities, I invite you to go elsewhere.

Actually, Michael, I quite value your in-depth reviews. That's the reason I took the time to register and leave the post. Given, I might have been at the end of a long day of sifting through 'possible' releases over the next year, as well as reviews on phones that are missing at least a few features that a top of the line phone should have. It would be nice to see one that actually puts it all together. The GX32 'is' available right now, so I didn't think a review of it would be too much of a stretch. Having said that, I'm sure I could have asked for it in a much more palatable way in my initial post.
I enjoy your site, keep up the good work.

[johanness]

I wont begin to respond to KillKylie's remarks as I'm sure he/she has his/her own issues.
I would like to thank Marqiuz, however, for taking the time to fill us in on the GX32's workings. Thumbs up.

[carsmovies]

Originally posted by Sharp_GX32
Hi Marquiz

Glad to learn that you are a Hongkonger and I am from Singapore.
Fyi no local operator "endorse" Sharp mobile phones thus I am really taking great risk in purchasing the GX32. However I never regret my decision and am looking forward to GX42!

You arent biased in your comments on this phone. It is really a GREAT phone but with minor flaws. There are some points which I'll like to highlight:

1. I dont know why you claimed that it has only 65K colors though speced at 262K. I have friends who bought the GX22 and upon comparison we preferred the GX32 display as it is more vibrant.

2. We may have been shortchanged since no CD nor SD Card is included :D

3. I read somewhere that up to 2GB of memory is supported.

4. MA-620 IrDA adapter is fully compatiable with GX32

Cheers

:)

You say it's fully compatible with the MA-620 IrDA adapter. Do you mean that you can both u/l and d/l ringtones, wallpapers, etc? Also, does this mean that you can communicate from the GX32 to other phones using Ir?

[smile859]

Thanx Marqiuz and Ack for your information!

[marqiuz]

Hey guys,

always glad to help - not many chances for that as I am sure not going to be changing phones for a loooong time :rolleyes:

:eek: looks in empty wallet...

Sheesh and I need to get that usb cable...or is the Irda Adapter cheaper?

Marq:D

[Sharp_GX32]

Originally posted by carsmovies
You say it's fully compatible with the MA-620 IrDA adapter. Do you mean that you can both u/l and d/l ringtones, wallpapers, etc? Also, does this mean that you can communicate from the GX32 to other phones using Ir?

As far as I am concerned I used it to transfer pics, contacts and videos between my Gx32 and PC and it worked like a whiz! I didnt try to transfer ringtones though. May give a shot later ...

;)

[Sharp_GX32]

To Marquiz

I think the story is like this:

GX20 is and will always have 65K colors though it is a CG Silicon Display.

GX22 has been modified with a so-called "dithering algorithmn" that "enhanced" the GX20 display to "possess" 262K colors.

GX30 and GX32 genuinely have 262K colors QVGA display

:D

There a few issues I would like to check with you:

1. Is it possible to download CJSP games from SmarTone wap site in Singapore? I think access is allowed for HK subscribers only, am I right?

2. Can I disable the bar at the bottom of the screen? It appears that wallpaper gets crop because of it ... and I would really love to see the entire display.

3. Any wap sites that offer GX32 games? GX20 and GX30 games wont work on the GX32 :mad:

4. Is HK selling any GX32 accessories? I need a higher capacity battery and the stereo earphones!

Thx!

;)

[marqiuz]

Hey Guys,

a bit of an update on the use of MP3 on the GX 32.

I played what mp3 I could get to work on the speaker, and the sound is acceptable for such an item.

I have found that not every mp3 out there will work with the handset.

Having fiddled around a bit, my current understanding is that the GX3s won't play mp3s above 128kbps...still checking of course. No VBR type too. The mobile can recognise the file but won't play it - there are 2 ways of playing sounds, via the mp3 player or the sound player in the sound gallery.

One thing I am sure is that mp3s created through the Real Jukebox - and I am talking the old type - not RealOne, work on the handset. However, mp3s using the Acoustica Converter will not work. Still investigating, I need to know this as I do plan on using the handset as an mp3 player too...

If anyone has any insights towards what software can produce readable mp3s on the handset, please do post it here.

MArq

[gsm1]

Has anyone been able to beam info (contact, picture, ringtone, etc.) between another phone, like Nokia or SE? Not talking about to PC/laptop. Thanks.

[kisember]

Originally posted by Sharp_GX32
3. Any wap sites that offer GX32 games? GX20 and GX30 games wont work on the GX32 :mad:


The GX-22 ones at www.kisember.com works on GX-32 too.

[marqiuz]

Sharp_GX32,

hmmm, so I wasn't entirely wrong in my undrestanding...just for the wrong phone heh.

I cannot answer your query about d/ling in Singapore, will try and ask about this. Regardless, I can't tell much about the java function as I have yet to fiddle with it much...

GX 32 accessories have unfortunately, still to appear - I need adamn case for it, and stereo headsets...that extra battery would come in handy too...I was wondering whether the items available for GX30 would be compatible, but coming from Europe, they are bound to be more expensive...

check them out at www.smart-mobile.com if you haven't already.

Note, the larger capacity battery would entail a larger phone since the website above gives indication of included battery cover...

Sheesh

Mark:eek:

[Sharp_GX32]

Hi Marqiuz

Thanks for your info but the website you gave is in Thai :(

Anyway I managed to play a MP3 song (recorded in 160Kbs) via the GX32.

As the GX32 has a fantastic large screen display it is a disappointment if I cant download the CJSP games ...

:mad:

[marqiuz]

:rolleyes: Hit's head with hammer:p

Should be www.sharp-mobile.com...

blind:cool:

Marq

[blue2th]

I am dying to get my hands on one of these. However when I can, I just wanted to know this, if I get one thru Vodafone how can I get it unlocked to use other SIMs on other Networks? As I travel alot.

I would really appreciate it if you guys could advise website or such.

I was in one of the Vodafone outlets, hunting for the Gx30. But instead only got a chance to play with them, so I was trying to send the nice image of the woman with the Tattoo :-D to my P900 just to see quality and couldnt do it using Bluetooth. Any idea if that works? I mean it really sucks if you cant transfer those really cool pics.

[carsmovies]

Originally posted by blue2th
I am dying to get my hands on one of these. However when I can, I just wanted to know this, if I get one thru Vodafone how can I get it unlocked to use other SIMs on other Networks? As I travel alot.

I would really appreciate it if you guys could advise website or such.

I was in one of the Vodafone outlets, hunting for the Gx30. But instead only got a chance to play with them, so I was trying to send the nice image of the woman with the Tattoo :-D to my P900 just to see quality and couldnt do it using Bluetooth. Any idea if that works? I mean it really sucks if you cant transfer those really cool pics.

Unfortunately you can't transfer stuff between phones either by BT or IRDA. You can transfer them to your pc through IRDA with the handset manager software or the easiet way that I use is with a card reader/writer.

[raphal]

Got a GX-30 today from Vodafone here in Holland, and I'm reasonably happy so far. Higlights:

Plus points:
- the screen: it really is incredible. I mean, everybody's said it before, but damn, it's baffling.
- photos: beautiful (I was using a P800 so far), nice features, good interaction.
- physical interaction for common operations: pretty good
- SD card: with a card reader in my laptop, transfering photos and music is very easy.
- browser: pretty decent, nicely degrading cleanly coded web sites. Most (regular web) pages remain very legible.

Min points:
- bluetooth: could have done without imho, if it can't be used fully (sending a vcard to another phone for instance, haven't tried synching yet but I don't think it works either, from what I've read here)
- vodafone: the menus are laced with options that launch vodafone live, and the live button can't start anything else than the live service. Pretty annoying, but I didn't find them a friendly company in the first place so well... The "increase the per-subscriber revenue" greed is very visible and rather irritating, but that's to be expected from a phone heavily customized for a network.
- alarms: you can set up 8 alarms and configure them in a variety of ways, but it seems to lack the "weekdays only" setting I had (and used) in my P800
- manual: very, very useless (only describes how to operate each menu, by printing the keys you have to press, I can't follow such instructions), and only in one language (Dutch, impractical when the phone is set in another language)
- browser: it seems to me the interface was designed for fewer pixels and they just scaled up the default text size, but not the rest of the UI, the borders of the buttons for example, so it's not always elegant, sort of like when you set a very big font for buttons in Windows, a bit akward and less polished than the rest of the phone's interface

Not quite there yet:
- I haven't figured out how to easily send a snapshot to an email address (used to do that a lot). MMS won't work (might be my settings), and the "send as email" function of the P800 isn't there of course, so I'm a bit lost.
- haven't tried synching with my PC yet

Note: I've given a bit of detail about the min points, because I want to give as clear an idea about what I dislike, not because I'm unhappy with the thing!

[raphal]

Couldn't install a Java app downloaded from somewhere else on the web. I tried to get MujMail from http://www.luzanky.cz/mujmail/english.html and the download did work, the .jad file was recognized (the phone gave me some detail about it and gave me the option to get it or not), then I had an error screen telling me it wasn't authorized.

Detail:
- go to URL http://luzanky.cz/m/MujMail-0.02en.jad
- view detail (name, version, vendor, size, description)
- punch "get"
- wait for the "downloading" window
- error message: "Download terminated. Permission Denied." with OK and Back

How disappointing! I wish I could find a way to bypass this...

[raphal]

Woops, it might have to do with the URL I gave above, because downloading EmailViewer from http://www.reqwireless.com/download-emailviewer.html (or more directly via http://www.reqwireless.com/wap) seems to work.

[raphal]

Just to keep you posted: EmailViewer can send messages all right, but can't attach photos, and I couldn't get it to pickup any mail. Hmpf.

[raphal]

My whole contact list got transferred to the GX-30, real easily: it can import from Outlook and Outlook Express. The infrared connection just worked (although Windows did complain about not having the proper software to handle the "new hardware", but that didn't prove to be a problem), and the overall speed was reasonably fast (about 120 contacts tranferred in less than a minute).

The manager is a nice program, a bit overkill to my taste but efficient.

Update on the Java front: I tried several .jad (various apps, some games) from www.midlet.org, and many of them yield the same error I described above (MujMail), I suppose the phone can detect some characteristics and reject them. Overall, very poor offer, I was only half-convinced by Solytare (http://www.geocities.com/michaelgpearce/), the others are useless. None can handle the large screen, and I still don't have a mail app that can send attachments...

[marqiuz]

Sharp_GX32

The website has to be accessed by a Smartone Subscriber...I tell you, it's really costly. Smartone has resorted to a "monthly" subsription for games brands - NAMCO, SEGA, etc. That's not only it. You are given only 4CREDITS to play each game - to illustrate this:

You subscribe to one of the brands (HKD28 per month)
You download any game and any number of games you want (GPRS connection cost excluded)
When you access that game on your handset, it has to link up via GPRS with the Smartone Server; Then credits you handset with 4 units;
I.E. you are only given 4 chances to play the game, 1 chance being you enter the game and end the application after gaming.
Once the 4 credits are used up, your handset will contact the server before another 4 units are credited to your handset.
This is valid for ALL games.

I haven't checked yet, but I have a fishy feeling that the games are constrained also by the sim card in use, i.e. I would consider it not possible to place a valid sim card in a friend's handset and d/ling games, then having 4 credits loaded onto the handset, then switching sim cards to allow the handset to play games - only to be checked that the sim card does not have 'permission' to play the game.

SO DAMN Smartone knows how to earn their moeny...

You mentioned accessories:

HKD 198 for usb cable, CD, stereo headset
HKD 288 for extra battery (not higher capacity type) plus table battery charger.

Nothing else and they haven't stocked up yet.

Marq
p.s. GAMING IS FUN AND COOL...pity can't transfer it...probably the reason why they chose only to implement the bluetooth as headset only -

[Sharp_GX32]

Originally posted by marqiuz
Sharp_GX32

The website has to be accessed by a Smartone Subscriber...I tell you, it's really costly. Smartone has resorted to a "monthly" subsription for games brands - NAMCO, SEGA, etc. That's not only it. You are given only 4CREDITS to play each game - to illustrate this:

You subscribe to one of the brands (HKD28 per month)
You download any game and any number of games you want (GPRS connection cost excluded)
When you access that game on your handset, it has to link up via GPRS with the Smartone Server; Then credits you handset with 4 units;
I.E. you are only given 4 chances to play the game, 1 chance being you enter the game and end the application after gaming.
Once the 4 credits are used up, your handset will contact the server before another 4 units are credited to your handset.
This is valid for ALL games.

I haven't checked yet, but I have a fishy feeling that the games are constrained also by the sim card in use, i.e. I would consider it not possible to place a valid sim card in a friend's handset and d/ling games, then having 4 credits loaded onto the handset, then switching sim cards to allow the handset to play games - only to be checked that the sim card does not have 'permission' to play the game.

SO DAMN Smartone knows how to earn their moeny...

You mentioned accessories:

HKD 198 for usb cable, CD, stereo headset
HKD 288 for extra battery (not higher capacity type) plus table battery charger.

Nothing else and they haven't stocked up yet.

Marq
p.s. GAMING IS FUN AND COOL...pity can't transfer it...probably the reason why they chose only to implement the bluetooth as headset only -

Hi Marq

Thanks for the detailed response.

SmarTone really know how to capitalise on the situation ...

Sigh ... those games from Japanese vendors were top-notch (in terms of graphics & playability) and I cant lay my hand on them ...

:(

[shaheen]

hrrrm, for the aussies out there, the 7610 has 997 ---pixels, gx30/32 about 988 --- pixels, and the 7610 has bluetooth, and a 64rsmmc card, plus all that delicious editing software, and u know wat? its gona be the same price as the gx30 from vodafone at 899!..it was proven in the newspaper today, like i sooo wana get the gx30 cause im dying to have an excuse to get the flipphone but if for the same price i get something with so much mb memory and goodies and more pixels for same price.....well i dono..i might just give in to temptation and buy the gx 30...we'll see we'll see..

[Sharp_GX32]

Originally posted by shaheen
hrrrm, for the aussies out there, the 7610 has 997 ---pixels, gx30/32 about 988 --- pixels, and the 7610 has bluetooth, and a 64rsmmc card, plus all that delicious editing software, and u know wat? its gona be the same price as the gx30 from vodafone at 899!..it was proven in the newspaper today, like i sooo wana get the gx30 cause im dying to have an excuse to get the flipphone but if for the same price i get something with so much mb memory and goodies and more pixels for same price.....well i dono..i might just give in to temptation and buy the gx 30...we'll see we'll see..

Hahaha ... thanks for the bedtime joke ...

I got 10 good reasons why Nokia 7610 is inferior:

1) 65K TFT screen (vs 262K CG Silicon display)

2) 64MB RSMMC (vs 2GB SD/MMC)

3) 176 x 208 resolution (vs 240 x 320)

4) RSMMC slot under battery (vs SD/MMC slot at side of GX30)

5) 4x digital zoom (vs 20x digital zoom)

6) 1 Megapixels CMOS (vs 1 Megapixels CCD)

7) no flash (vs with bright flash light)

8) no IrDA (vs with IrDA)

9) buggy Symbian OS (vs stable proprietary OS)

10) awkward keypad + kiddy design (vs classic keypad + stylish design)

Please bear in mind that GX30 is already a 1 year old phone in Japan ...

Cheers

;)

[kisember]

Hahaha...

Can you really compare the "stable proprietary OS" with Symbian??? Did you heard about multitask?
What about that ugly windowing technique?
IrDa restricted only for PC communication.
Full bluetooth vs bt-audio profile
Java MIDP 2.0 vs 1.0
Symbian apps
Thousands of Java games
...

The display of GX-3x is really beautifull, but thats all.

[commedecargons]

Originally posted by Sharp_GX32
Hahaha ... thanks for the bedtime joke ...



7) no flash (vs with bright flash light)

8) no IrDA (vs with IrDA)

9) buggy Symbian OS (vs stable proprietary OS)

10) awkward keypad + kiddy design (vs classic keypad + stylish design)

Please bear in mind that GX30 is already a 1 year old phone in Japan ...

Cheers

;)




hehehe the last 3 reasons seems a bit... being squeezed out... he had better go for " I've 6 reasons why ....bla bla"

[StiLLo]

Newbie here...:D Is it possible,the gx 32 bluetooth to transfer a data ? Or is it only for handsfree bluetooth?:D

I really love this phone,but ...damn...!!! NOT AVAILABLE in my country. I'd loved to buy....but where to buy?:) Anybody...:confused:

[Ack]

No such luck. BT is only for the headset only at this time. Otherwise I would've bought the phone already.

[goodguy215]

Does anyone know where i can get the internet setting for cingular wireless. My phone only has the smartone profile, and it doesnt work here in the us.