Comments on: Treo GPRS Software Patch Available Now (Updated)
GPRS is the next generation of GSM, offering 144 Kbps connections. One user of this update confirmed that GPRS connections stay active even when the device is turned off. In addition, the network connection stays active when the device ID off. This allows users to intermittently use their Treo without having to frequently go through the slow process of reconnecting to the network.
Update: In an official statement, Handspring says that this upgrade has been released only for Singapore and New Zealand and urges users in other countries to wait to upgrade their Treos until a version is released for their home country.
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RE: Yay!
-------------- huggy ---------------
RE: Yay!
RE: Yay!
Firstly the Treo is GSM 900/1900. This means it works in the USA and about half of all EU carriers, because about half use GSM 1800. For example in the UK T-Mobile and Orange use GSM 1800, so you can't use the Treo on either carrier.
Then there's actually buying them... mmO2 have sown up the EU supplying rights pretty much... so you'll need to find an mmO2 company most likely to buy them.
As for when the GPRS Upgrade will be available in Europe? No idea... whenever HS and mmO2 are ready I guess. In the meantime you can upgrade a regular EU Treo with the GPRS patch on HS's Asia site and use GPRS now (assuming you've got GPRS setup on your account)
---
russ@russb.fsnet.co.uk
RE: Yay!
Did you get one of the early models? Handspring released an update May 1 that really improved the battery life of the Treos that had been made up to that point. Later Treos came with this patch already applied.
Read whether it will do you any good
www.palminfocenter.com/view_Story.asp?ID=3398
RE: Yay!
RE: Yay!
It's got a cell phone in it, and it's one of the smallest palms out there. Don't expect anything unrealistic... just plug it in each night when you go to sleep, and surf and email all day to your hearts content. I only come close to running out of power if I'm doing a LOT of Internet stuff AND forgot to charge it the night before. I'm using the 270 with GPRS in Singapore. ;)
grandtech
RE: grandtech
RE: grandtech
Also, when I asked a retail store in Indonesia, if they could replace the unit for me, they replied that the only thing they can do is to help me send the unit to Grandtech, since I didn't buy the unit in Indonesia.
Just want to straighten out how credible Grandtech is.]
I believe they're based in Hong Kong, but have offices in Taiwan and Singapore too.
Now, anybody in Asia tried this one out yet???
I'm kind of concerned with the statement that it can't be undone...
RE: grandtech
You'll see you end up at the GrandTech website.
I met these guys at Singapore Comex last week, installed the GPRS patch, and it's great. I had trouble connecting initially, did a hard reset, then everything's been great since.
You connect once, but then the connection stays on even when you turn off the Treo. WWW and mail is much faster, and you can continue to take calls and receive SMSs while surfing. GPRS is only charged for the data you actually download. I use my Treo to administer unix networks remotely, and have telnet, ping and FTP clients for the device... it is pretty nice.
Just a quick point: Compared to the XDA PocketPC smart-phone that one of my colleagues bought recently, the Treo is in an entirely different game. The PocketPCs lose their GRPS connection when the device is turned off, cannot match SMS numbers to your address book, and cannot wake up and beep you if you have mail, like the Treo can... ;)
push mail?
no need to set anything, it just works like that! awesome... :)
However, I still haven't figured out about the push email. how do i get notifications that an e-mail has been sent? I'm using multimail pro on my 180.
Is it dependent on the mail software we use? which mail programs support this push email?
Another thing I found, I can receive and make phone calls while connected, and also can receive sms. However, I can't send sms while connected, because the phone detected that I'm in the middle of a data call.
source?
...it's gotta be a boo-boo.
RE: source?
If this is a mistake, it is possible this is a beta version of this upgrade. Use with caution.
---
News Editor
RE: source?
Backup your treo first if you wanna try it.
Grandtech semi annouces this beta in an exhibition Comex 2002 at Singapore.
Website ->
www.sicec.com/Calender_eventinfo.asp?which=463&CurMonth=8&CurYear=2002
RE: source?
GPRS - Finally
IMHO, this patch really completely transforms this device(s) from a simple "Palm glued to a phone" into a true communicator.
I just hope it's not too late...
---
Wooo!
not next generation, an addition to GSM
The next generation after GSM will be UMTS.
RE: not next generation, an addition to GSM
RE: not next generation, an addition to GSM
WCDMA is not in the GSM family. WCDMA is an ITU (IIRC) standard based on Qualcomm's proprietory CDMA standard. CDMA is 2G and WCDMA is 3G. CDMA doesn't need a 2.5G because it had packet switched data from day one.
---
russ@russb.fsnet.co.uk
RE: not next generation, an addition to GSM
What people commonly refer to as "CDMA" today, is actually IS-95a or IS-95b over a CDMA air interface.
Just as what most people refer to as "TDMA" is actually IS-136. GSM, GPRS, and EDGE all share a TDMA air interface and a 200KHz carrier. AT&T's IS-136 network and iDen are also TDMA air interfaces.
GSM is on the migration path to WCDMA (UMTS), but that's an evolved GSM working over a 5MHz carrier CDMA air interface to make use of it's advantages and efficiencies.
In fact already back in '98, Vodophone was working with Qualcomm and made test calls using GSM switches, and IS-95 (CDMA) air interface. http://www.qualcomm.com/press/pr/releases1998/press966.html
Wideband CDMA/UMTS is the evolution of GSM, in many cases with stops at GPRS, and EDGE alone the way.
CDMA2000 is the evolution path of IS95 (what people often refer to as CDMA today.) Interim stops along the way to full CDMA2000 are:
-CDMA2000 1xEV-DO (1x Evolution Data Only)
-CDMA2000 1xEV-DV (1x Evolution Data and Voice
-CDMA2000 3x (uses 3 1.25 MHz channels to approach the performance of WCDMA/UMTS single 5MHz channel)
In the 3G realm we have the same GSM or "CDMA" debate. It just takes on new names. Who will prevail... WCDMA/UMTS or CDMA2000.
In the 3G realm all roads lead to CDMA, but only on the air-interface. A bit like today's ethernet. You can still run your choice of TCP/IP, AppleTalk, Netbeui, or IPX/SPX over that wire.
-Craig Bowers
RE: not next generation, an addition to GSM
You did neglect CDMA 1xRTT as used by Verizon and Sprint with their wireless modems (Sierra Wireless Aircard 555). This slips in before the 1xEV-DO, and is an evolutionary step towards 1xEV-DO.
Unfortunately, despite standards converging towards a common bearer, it is a shame that frequencies allocated at an international level are not consistent. We are going to continually run into the triband GSM type of problem. Easy problem to articulate, much more difficult to resolve (without extra hardware in each handset).
Token
RE: not next generation, an addition to GSM
Service Question.
I have a Treo 180 with service from VoiceStream. When the GPRS patch becomes (officially) available will I need to upgrade my service with VoiceStream to allow me GPRS access, or is this something thatcomes along for free on a GSM network?
RE: Service Question.
---
russ@russb.fsnet.co.uk
RE: Service Question.
RE: Service Question.
RE: Service Question.
6+MB?
RE: 6+MB?
RE: 6+MB?
RE: 6+MB?
RE: 6+MB?
www.palminfocenter.com/view_Story.asp?ID=3844
---
News Editor
RE: 6+MB?
How did the GPRS Upgrade Go?
Thanks!
RE: How did the GPRS Upgrade Go?
IMPORTANT PREREQUISITES TO GPRS UPGRADE:
I. You must have subscribed to and activated GPRS data services
with your mobile service provider.
II. Your Treo’s battery must be full.
III. You must have 6.5MB or 6,700K of free memory on your device to
temporarily accommodate the Upgrade program.
*Turn off all system hacks on your device as they will
interfere with the Upgrade.
If your battery is not full or you do not have 6.5MB of free memory,
do NOT install the Treo GPRS Software Upgrade program onto your
device.
You can return to the installation program at any time once you have
fully charged your Treo’s battery or removed programs to free
up memory. The 6.5MB is needed only temporarily to accommodate the
Upgrade program on your device. Once the GPRS Upgrade is complete,
the program will automatically be deleted from you device and the
6.5MB will, once again, be available for other programs.
How do I know if my Treo's battery is full?
1. Press the PhoneBook application button on the front panel of
your Treo.
2. Note the battery icon in the top, right corner of the screen.
If it is not full, connect your Treo to its charger to charge
the battery.
How do I know how much memory is available on my device?
1. Go to the Application Launcher area of your device and
launch the Menu.
2. Select App/Info. You must have 6.5MB or 6,700K of "Free
Memory" for the Treo GPRS Software Upgrade program to run on
your device.
How do I free up memory on my Treo so I can run the GPRS Upgrade
program?
1. Go to the Applications Launcher area of your Treo and launch
the Menu. Select App/Delete.
2. Make a note of and delete those applications that amount to
6,700K of Free Memory. The amount of Free Memory is indicated at
the top of the Treo screen and will increase as you delete programs.
IMPORTANT: make a note of those applications that you delete!
3. Perform a HotSync operation to delete these applications
from your device. The deleted applications are not lost; they are
stored in the Archive folder under your User_Name folder.
C:\Program Files\Handspring\User_Name\Archive, or
C:\Program Files\Palm\User_Name\Archive
4. Run the Treo GPRS Software Upgrade program from start to finish.
You will perform one HotSync operation to install the Upgrade program
to your Treo. You will perform another HotSync operation to install
GPRS settings and restore your data - less the applications you deleted.)
5. Once the GPRS Upgrade process is complete and you have exited the
installer, you can restore the programs you deleted from your device
using the Install Tool.
Launch the Install Tool from the Start menu,
Program Files\Handspring\Install Tool. Click Add. At the "Look in:"
pull down list, browse to locate the Archive folder and select those
applications you wish to restore to your device. Click Open and Done.
The applications will be restored to your device the next time you
synchronize.
Some applications may need to be reinstalled using the original
installer program. (Ex: Vindigo, AvantGo, Treo Mail, etc.)
For more details, please see: http://support.handspring.com
RE: How did the GPRS Upgrade Go?
---
News Editor
How To Install This Upgrade
First, backup your Treo's HotSync folder. Download this file, CurrentCarrier.PDB and put it in your HotSync Backup folder. Then run the GPRS upgrade application. This file makes the program think you are using SingTel-G9, a provider that supports GPRS.
You can find CurrentCarrier.PDB at:
www.treocentral.com/notresponsible/CurrentCarrier.PDB
You can find more about this work around at:
www.treocentral.com/content/Stories/143-1.htm
RE: How did the GPRS Upgrade Go?
As far as I have tested, the GPRS service works great.
Good work Handspring!
RE: How did the GPRS Upgrade Go?
When I tried to use main menu (I tried to delete application) my treo reset.
I think these two errors disturb me sometimes, but overall, I am VERY SATISFIED with its GPRs functions. I also subscribed to handspring e-mail, and it is also great. I can check e-mail from my treo, even I comment this I am using treo.
Great Job Handspring
RE: How did the GPRS Upgrade Go?
I still can't use it because the TREO has problems with my dual Movistar (Telefonica) SIM card (one sim linked to two different phone numbers) and I cannot switch to the GPRS activated line.
But I can appreciate some improvements in several aplications (Phone, SMS, Blazer ...)
One thing I didn't know: the GPRS upgrade has also added to the TREO ISDN connectivity as well
GREAT!!!
RE: Treo 90?
What patch are you talking about?
RE: Treo 90?
.exe file????
RE: .exe file????
Treo's lame
RE: Treo's lame
RE: Treo's lame
The Treo is avalailable NOW. It is the only Palm-based Smartphone I'm aware of that uses the GSM network (king in the California Bay Area). The Kyocera Smartphone, while undeniably cool-sounding, is still Vapor-ware. The future, yet non-existant, hardware will always be better. When the Kyocera phone arrives, there will be people saying that it sucks compared to the new Palm SmartPhone in the works.
We finally have a combo Palm-based GPRS communicator. You bet that's news! Personally, if the Treo just had an interchangeable battery, I'd be sold. Oh well, my Visorphone is doing just fine for now.
-------
James Sorenson
RE: Treo's lame
Can you elaborate on "uses the GSM network (king in the California Bay Area)" please?
I'm in the California Bay Area, and looking for a GSM network with a GSM phone. Which phone company has a good GSM network?
Thanks.
T
RE: Treo's lame
> for a GSM network with a GSM phone. Which
> phone company has a good GSM network?
Cingular (formerly Pacific Bell Wireless) is the
primary GSM provider in the SF Bay Area.
VoiceStream/T-Mobile just launched in this area,
but they picky-back on the Cingular network, i.e.,
you should get the same coverage.
AT&T Wireless also has a GSM network here but isn't
marketing it. If you have a GSM phone from an area
where they've rolled out (sell) GSM service, you can
apparently use it here.
Now, as far as "good GSM network" is concerned...
well, compared to Europe for example the coverage
in the US overall is poor. If you just drive a bit
north of SF, you will lose coverage and won't get
it again until you hit Portland, Oregon. Sigh!
Oliver
GPRS Upgrade and Mute Function for Treo
RE: GPRS Upgrade and Mute Function for Treo
i use ONE (Connect Austria) but my GPRS service gets activated at 0:00 tomorrow. cant wait :-)
GPRS upgrade in NZ
While the installation recognises Vodafone NZ initially, it then struggles and can't get the info necessary to complete the upgrade and can't connect to the internet for further info.
GPRS Patch working fine in Thailand
In a nutshell - wonderful, changes the experience of using the Treo completely!
- Phone more stable than before and less prone to self generated crashes
- Few appreciated tweaks like speaker phone can be enabled before person answers and a mute button etc.
- Once online, stays on line quite well even overnight. So far it breaks connection in 2 circumstances - poor signal areas and after not using the ICQ program for a while. Apart from that, all other numerous online programs (eg. browsers and email programs) work fine.
I don't have to gather content into the Treo each morning anymore. Sites that publish movie times, news articles that I used to have to push into the Treo using programs like Avantgo or iSilo or HandStory isn't necessary anymore. Surfing live when I require it is acceptably fast and so far reliable.
Noticed many people say GPRS is expensive - not so in Thailand. US$2.40 for 1meg of data which through Xiino or Blazer is a lot of data since the proxy servers compress the pages to small footprints. If surfing without graphics, a typical page is only 3-20k which is $0.0072-0.048 per page.
And checking email takes (in my case) 3 button presses and around 10 seconds from reaching down my pocket for the Treo till the first message headers start showing on the screen!
And how about sending SMS messages through ICQ for (more or less) free....
Truly amazing!
RE: GPRS Patch working fine in Thailand
RE: GPRS Patch working fine in Thailand
Also, a previous post mentioned a mute function. Thank you!! I feel like an idiot when I'm in the car on a conference call generating ton's of background static and feedback. This is a simple cell phone feature they completely missed when the Treo first came out. Great post, please share more as you know and learn more with those of us who are still waiting for the the upgrade.
Thanks...Ravi
Cool sight. Can't figure out why, but I seem to be adicted to wireless convergence devices. P.S. Please don't share my e-mail address, I get too much spam already. Thanks, Ravi
RE: GPRS Patch working fine in Thailand
There is one negative aspect of the GPRS upgrade - the SMS program seems to run much slower now to the extent that typing is faster then the letters showing up on the screen. This makes problems during capitalisation where the second or third letter is also capitalised when they shouldn't be.
When will they launch in US?
I've read a statement from Handspring posted at TreoCentral that says soon, but they've been saying that since the first quarter when they launched the Treo 180.
Thanks for any info,
Ravi
Cool sight. Can't figure out why, but I seem to be adicted to wireless convergence devices. P.S. Please don't share my e-mail address, I get too much spam already. Thanks, Ravi
RE: When will they launch in US?
How about VisorPhone users?
RE: How about VisorPhone users?
Can someone tell me how to apply that update and circulate the network detection and later manualy setup GPRS
RE: How about VisorPhone users?
RE: How about VisorPhone users?
RE: How about VisorPhone users?
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Yay!
Anybody knows when this will be available in Europe?
J.