Orange SPV M3100 Review (Part 1) |
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EDIT: More photos added!
INTRO
It's been a long time since I have seen so much interest and excitement about a new handset release. In fact I didn’t think I would see this kind of 'mobile euphoria' again.
Before the MoDaCo summer event I wondered what all the fuss was about. Several people said to me that they couldn't wait to get their hands on the HTC Hermes. I even joked that I was surprised that so many people were interested in a device that sounded like a sexually transmitted disease!
During the MoDaCo summer event held at Orange's office in Paddington I finally had a chance to play with their version of the HTC Hermes, the Orange SPV M3100.
Just looking at the device you know it's going to be a bit special. The dark case design works exceptionally well. The black case with silver-grey buttons is a welcome departure from the recent all silver devices. The shiny gun-metal colour strip around the top, bottom and right of the screen really set it off.
Even with the limited time I was able to use the demo device I knew that it would be the phone that would replace my ageing, and failing, HTC Wizard. I could now see what all the fuss was about!
Since then I have been regularly pestering contacts at Orange, asking (begging) for a device to review before release and asking all sorts of questions. Most of which have understandably been answered with 'Orange are unable to comment on devices that have not been officially announced'.
Finally, after weeks of nagging I got nowhere and so borrowed an M3100 from someone else!
This review will be pretty short by my normal standards due to the time constraints placed upon me as the SPV M3100 is just a loaner but if/when Orange send me my own M3100 I’ll update and expand upon!
Packaging (What’s in the Box)
I must say that upon arrival even the box seemed impressive!
In the box you'll find the usual accessories – The charger, case, manual, headphones, spare stylus etc. You don’t get a docking station though, just a sync/charge cable.
Despite the Orange M3100 having a strange looking USB socket the sync cable is a regular Mini-USB. Good news that we'll all be able to use existing cables and car chargers. This was one thing that concerned me when I first saw the device.
No supplied memory card!
The manual covers the basics of getting the phone up and running and explains how to use activesync and email but it is quite lightweight and misses out key things, such as WiFi, completely. Other than that it’s pretty much the standard Orange offering, not that most people will read it!
Hardware
The M3100 looks similar to the HTC Wizard variants. The joypad (which is a 5 way) is similar to that found on the SPV M600 and is surrounded by 6 other keys. In addition to the Make and End Call and the 2 soft keys there is a Windows Key and an OK key. These were missing from the Wizard devices. Also included above the display are the usual Email and Internet buttons. Finally there is a button just below the screen which serves as the video call key.
There is also a camera on the front of the device. This is a low resolution camera used for video calls.
General
At 112 x 58 x 22mm the Orange M3100 is slightly bigger than the HTC Wizard that I have been using for the past 9 months. That said, the case design is squarer than the Wizard which makes the M3100 feel smaller in the hand. In terms of weight the 10g difference between the Wizard and the M3100 isn't noticeable!
On the left side of the device, in another break from the norm, the volume slider has been replaced by a scroll wheel. This is pretty similar to the wheel you find on Blackberry's. You’ll also find another OK button and the voice command button here. Below these buttons is the MicroSD card slot.
On the right there are buttons for power, Comm Manager and the Camera.
You wont find a 2.5 or 3.5mm headphone socket on the bottom of the SPV M3100. Instead HTC have opted to use a proprietary USB socket for the headphones. More on this later.
The SIM card sits neatly under the battery as you would expect. The battery has a slightly higher capacity than the Wizard at 1350mah, compared to the 1200mah in the Wizard. Orange claim that the battery is good for 6 days on standby. In practice the combination of calls and data usage led to me having to charge it after about 2 days - about the same as the Wizard.
Screen
The screen on the M3100 is the same as you would find on the M600 or Wizard type devices. The resolution is 240 x 320. The backlight seems a little brighter than the M600 but still suffers from a slight yellow cast.
A lot of people have reported screen alignment problems with the HTC TyTN. I was a little worried that the M3100 would have the same problem, especially as the main reason I wanted to get rid of my Wizard was that I had to realign the screen on it about twice a day! In the few days that I've had the M3100 on loan I'm pleased to report that I have seen no such problems.
Keyboard
The keyboard on the M3100 is similar in design to the M5000 although it has fewer keys, there isn't a dedicated row of number keys but numbers are accessed through a shift function on other keys.
In practice the keyboard is much easier to use than the keyboard on the Wizard. The keys are bigger and feel much more positive in their action.
WiFi
I’ve never been a big WiFi user but was keen to see if the 802.11g connection speed made much difference or if the device itself was slower than the network.
I have been quite impressed with the speed of the WiFi and the signal strength seems very good, I can pick up the WiFi signal from a house a few doors away where the Wizard could not. Speed is also good, streaming MP3's and videos from a desktop PC without a problem.
As I said earlier, the manual doesn’t cover the use of WiFi at all well. Perhaps Orange think that if you know what it is you should be able to set it up. Setup was pretty easy but it would be nice to see this covered in more detail in the manual, especially if you had connectivity issues.
Camera
Again I'm not a big user of phone cameras, typically they are pretty poor and the 'flash' leaves a lot to be desired.
The 2 mega-pixel camera on the M3100 is pretty decent for a phone based camera but certainly wont replace your digital compact camera.
The front mounted camera on the M3100 is a low resolution (0.3mp I believe) digital camera which is used exclusively for video calling, although I'm sure that some clever individual will find a way to use this in other software.
As a user of MSN Messenger it would be nice to see MSN Mobile support the front facing camera. However MSN Messenger isn't even included with the M3100. If you want to use IM you'll have to opt for a third party application like Agile Messenger.
Battery
The battery in the M3100 is nothing special. It has a higher capacity than that found in the Wizard but it's only around a 10% increase. I’d say that the claimed talk and standby times really are pushing the phrase 'Under Optimum Conditions' to the limit though and it would seem that the days of having two batteries bundled with a device are long gone!
Performance
I really noticed the difference in performance over other devices that I have used. The 400mhz Samsung processor copes very well with most things that you throw at it. Listening to MP3's while browsing the internet really isn't a problem for it.
Another place where you notice the performance difference is when you are switching the screen between portrait and landscape when you open and close the keyboard. On the M5000 and the HTC Wizard for example switching could take a few seconds sometimes whereas the M3100 switches instantly every single time.
The M3100 also benefits from the larger 128mb of onboard rom. There were lots of issues with earlier devices that had only 64mb. Take the M500 for example, it really did seem a strange decision on Orange’s part to ship their version on the Jam with only 64mb as you would have thought the cost saving would be minimal. The lack or memory meant that the M500 was, and still is, plagued by call handling issues, especially when handling multiple calls. Fortunately I’ve not experienced any of these issues on the M3100.
As a phone the SPV M3100 performs very well. The in-call sound quality is very good which is probably due to the larger earpiece. People that I have spoken to have also said that the quality is good at the other end.
Software
Software wise there isn't really anything new or exciting to play with. The installed applications are the usual WM5 fare.
One thing I did notice about the M3100 is that the PhonePad input method is now missing! I think this is going to upset a fair few people!
However it does ship with the new AKU2.3 Rom installed which has some bug fixes over AKU2 and incorporates stereo audio over Bluetooth support.
Conclusion
So far the Orange M3100 really is looking like being a winner. I'm sure that it will be successful both as a business and a consumer phone.
The keyboard improvements make it a pleasure to use. It's small enough to be a device you can carry every day yet large enough to be practical to use.
The Orange SPV M3100 is definitely the best Mobile Device that I have owned to date. I would recommend it to anyone. Now we just need some decent data tariffs, especially a sensibly priced all you can eat package and HSDPA. I can’t wait to see that in action!
See Part 2 of the review.
I'd like to say a big 'thank you!' to Paul Evans and Jeremy Bown for the additional Pics.
Matt
[Technorati tag(s): smartphone, Pocket PC, MoDaCo, Orange, M3100, HTC Hermes, HTC TyTN, SPV, Orange SPV M3100]
Permalink125 comments
Comment from: Matt [Visitor]
Good news. Just ordered myself one, really looking forward to Tuesday when it's delivered.
I know a lot of people complain about the clarity of phone calls on PDA phones. How did you find making calls on this model?
Not that i make all that many calls on my mobile, but if it was bad it would do my fruit.
Either way, still looking forward to getting my hands on one.
I know a lot of people complain about the clarity of phone calls on PDA phones. How did you find making calls on this model?
Not that i make all that many calls on my mobile, but if it was bad it would do my fruit.
Either way, still looking forward to getting my hands on one.
11/08/06 @ 15:05
Comment from: Mike [Visitor] · http://www.psychosis.co.uk
Like Matt, I have just ordered one on upgrade direct from Orange...
Having just sold my m5000, which I actually found horrendous as a phone (although the call quality was passable, the handling was ridiculous, it really didn't hold up to multiple calls), I am looking forward to the smaller device, but am a little worried about the lack of PhonePad input...
I will try it for 7 days and make my decision.
Having just sold my m5000, which I actually found horrendous as a phone (although the call quality was passable, the handling was ridiculous, it really didn't hold up to multiple calls), I am looking forward to the smaller device, but am a little worried about the lack of PhonePad input...
I will try it for 7 days and make my decision.
11/08/06 @ 21:11
Comment from: Kam [Visitor]
Hi...I notice the speaker is on the back, how loud is the ringer? The only reason I sold my HTC Prophet & went back to the Wizard is because I was missing calls due to the fact that I couldn't hear the phone ringing. When the phone is place on a table naturally with the screen face up is the speaker muffled or can the sound be heard loud & clear? I'll also be using it for satnav so speaker loudness is very important for me. Thanks
12/08/06 @ 13:46
Comment from: John [Visitor]
Hi,
I've just ordered mine from Orange and paid £49 pounds for it - I'm on 18 month £25/month tariff - how much hav other people paid, according to the Orange website they should have charged me £149 - perhaps I got an incorrectly priced handset?
Cheers,
John
I've just ordered mine from Orange and paid £49 pounds for it - I'm on 18 month £25/month tariff - how much hav other people paid, according to the Orange website they should have charged me £149 - perhaps I got an incorrectly priced handset?
Cheers,
John
14/08/06 @ 15:38
Comment from: Jools [Visitor]
I got mine today. I was on a £55 orange premier tariff. Upgrade was free, and I have moved to a select 750 tariff £35 for 750 minutes.
Not sure I like windows on my phone though. I might sell it and continue use my p910i. Looks nice however.
Not sure I like windows on my phone though. I might sell it and continue use my p910i. Looks nice however.
14/08/06 @ 16:05
Comment from: vee [Visitor]
I've just got spv m3100 for 89 pounds on my upgrade contract for 35 pounds a month 18mths contract, and I get 2500 mins Xnetwork anytime, unlimited text, 60mins a month video call for 12mths, magic number, 1000mb for 3mths then 4mb there after @ 4 pounds a mth + 5 pounds insurance allllll for 35 pounds
14/08/06 @ 23:48
Comment from: vee [Visitor]
bought spv m3100 £35 mth for 18mths and I get 2500 xnetwork mins anytime, unlimited texts, 60mins of video calling a mth for 12mths , magic number, free broadband for home, 1000mb data for 3mths then £4 mth 4mb + £5 insurance standard
15/08/06 @ 00:08
Comment from: lee [Visitor]
if you buy the m3100 on the orange website with panther 45 (18 month contract)it will cost you £49.95. however you can get the same deal from buymobilephones.net with 3 months free line rental (cash back claim) and 3 months free insurance (£5.99 a month thereafter or cancel) and the phone is free. Does anyone know about the legitimacy of this website?
15/08/06 @ 16:10
Comment from: Si... [Visitor]
I am an Orange non business user. I've just got off the phone with Orange upgrades. The SPV M3100 are still out of stock and no idea when they will return. My upgrade is one in the Outbound Team's queue.
For info if you are upgrading to a Racoon deal, at the moment the terms and conditions on the website say you get free Orange Care insurance on a 18 month contract. Orange forgot to remove this offer but will do very soon. After a long 'chat' I managed to convince them to honour what they publish!
Look up Racoon terms and conditions on the Help and support section.
In reality the Racoon £35 deal is good.
I managed the upgrage for £9.99 with
Unlimited Landline mins, 550 any network mins, 200 text, 500kB/month data, Free Answerphone calls, Orange care for 18 months (see above), Traffic TV for 3 months (what is Traffic TV??), Magic numbers offer.
Just waiting for the Outbound Team to call to arrange delivery now!
For info if you are upgrading to a Racoon deal, at the moment the terms and conditions on the website say you get free Orange Care insurance on a 18 month contract. Orange forgot to remove this offer but will do very soon. After a long 'chat' I managed to convince them to honour what they publish!
Look up Racoon terms and conditions on the Help and support section.
In reality the Racoon £35 deal is good.
I managed the upgrage for £9.99 with
Unlimited Landline mins, 550 any network mins, 200 text, 500kB/month data, Free Answerphone calls, Orange care for 18 months (see above), Traffic TV for 3 months (what is Traffic TV??), Magic numbers offer.
Just waiting for the Outbound Team to call to arrange delivery now!
16/08/06 @ 10:34
Comment from: Neil [Visitor]
Hi there. Thanks for the review of the M3100. very comprehensive. I was wondering, though, how is the camera in the dark (i.e. using the flash)? Do you have any sample pictures with a flash?
Thanks a lot,
Neil :)
Thanks a lot,
Neil :)
16/08/06 @ 19:05
Comment from: Shane [Visitor]
Cannot believe my luck! had a call from the outbound team yesterday saying that the M3100 was back in stock and would be delivered out to be for today... waited in expectantly for delivery and finally gave in to calling Orange to find out if was actually in a van or not on-route. Was told that the phone would not be in van because there was no stock and the order was stuck becasue of this! Surely they shouldn't have taken money from my account for the phone they couldnt deliver?! They can't even tell me when I might expect it to be delivered. Dissapointment this time with Orange for this poor show.
24/08/06 @ 16:43
Comment from: Garry Ladd [Visitor]
I've put an order in for one of these on an upgrade path (free, on £40/month ackage 200 any network min, 200 texts, 4mb traffic).
The orange operator said it had syncML, but I haven't seen this in any reviews
I really want/need over-the-air synchronisation
does anyone have info on whether syncML in oboard, or can be added?
The orange operator said it had syncML, but I haven't seen this in any reviews
I really want/need over-the-air synchronisation
does anyone have info on whether syncML in oboard, or can be added?
30/08/06 @ 15:59
Comment from: Duncan Smith [Visitor]
I regularly use the SPV C550 "home screen" and "previous screen" action keys; however I can't find any evidence of that functionality on my M3100.
Would a wise sage out there, care to tell me whether these functions exist.
Would a wise sage out there, care to tell me whether these functions exist.
03/09/06 @ 19:05
Comment from: Jigs [Visitor]
I just got this phone yesterday. Got it as an upgrade for £19.99 on a 12 month contract for £25 per month I get 500 xnetwork minutes, 100 text and free insurance. Plus 1000mb of data for the first three months. Even though the phone is great and packed full of features, I miss using my C600 purley because of the size and some of the functions. I may go back to it and just use this occasionally as a phone and more for Sat Nav. Has anyone else found any decent free applications for this phone yet??
Here's all i've found so far: http://www.modaco.com/Pauland39s-must-have-FREE-Hermes-software-t243906.html
Here's all i've found so far: http://www.modaco.com/Pauland39s-must-have-FREE-Hermes-software-t243906.html
07/09/06 @ 09:05
All pocket PC software should work on the M3100. Have a look at Handango or google for Pocket PC apps.
M
M
07/09/06 @ 09:11
Comment from: Paul Hughes [Visitor]
I got one of these on an upgrade from my local orange shop. I eneded up going through 3 handsets all with the same fault despite the claim from orange that they test their phones before launch.
The phone would not take photos outdoors in areas that contained high detail (such as trees) in 1 or 2mp res and super fine mode.
The phone would not take photos outdoors in areas that contained high detail (such as trees) in 1 or 2mp res and super fine mode.
26/09/06 @ 12:14
Comment from: Bruce Henry [Visitor]
Thats for a great review. I have used a conventional phone for years, but now looking at a PDA phone. The choice is between M600 and the M3100. Can you help??
27/09/06 @ 07:18
Comment from: jonathan fryer [Visitor]
Well, I am really really dissapointed with our M3100's. In fact, I am trying to either source software upgrades or they will have to go back. If some-one can point out what either we're doing wrong, or where to go for software upgrades, then please email me!!!!
I'm not sure if this an 'orange' conflict, but we'll see.
Major major issue. The device has the most comprehensive alarm interface, with 3 different alarms with different rings, with the function of setting them for the forthcoming week, repeating the settings week after week. However, if you use the quick button on the side of the phone which directs you through to the 'comms' settings, ie where you quick turn the phone to 'silent', ie as you go into a meeting, or before you go to sleep, this renders ALL alarms including meeting reminders silent too!! Imagine that you're in a different time zone, and don't want to be disturbed by a call from UK, you turn phone on to silent...but then miss your alarm in the morning!
2nd major fault. The bluetooth connectivity only can be used for communicating to a headset. Data, whether it be a contact, or data file, photo, word doc, excel sheet, whatever, cannot be sent via bluetooth!!!!! It allows you to 'beam' via infrared, but that's it!!!! Beyond crapness!
Also, the camera is not good at all, in fact it's crap.
Very very dissapointed..makes my blood boil that an operator can release hardware like this before it's ready! If some-one's got some help, please mail me!!
I'm not sure if this an 'orange' conflict, but we'll see.
Major major issue. The device has the most comprehensive alarm interface, with 3 different alarms with different rings, with the function of setting them for the forthcoming week, repeating the settings week after week. However, if you use the quick button on the side of the phone which directs you through to the 'comms' settings, ie where you quick turn the phone to 'silent', ie as you go into a meeting, or before you go to sleep, this renders ALL alarms including meeting reminders silent too!! Imagine that you're in a different time zone, and don't want to be disturbed by a call from UK, you turn phone on to silent...but then miss your alarm in the morning!
2nd major fault. The bluetooth connectivity only can be used for communicating to a headset. Data, whether it be a contact, or data file, photo, word doc, excel sheet, whatever, cannot be sent via bluetooth!!!!! It allows you to 'beam' via infrared, but that's it!!!! Beyond crapness!
Also, the camera is not good at all, in fact it's crap.
Very very dissapointed..makes my blood boil that an operator can release hardware like this before it's ready! If some-one's got some help, please mail me!!
04/10/06 @ 17:43
Comment from: shahar [Visitor]
Hope you can help me to use my new Spv M3100
1. While talking on the phone I tried to type a number on the screen- it doesn't save it unless going to contact or notes.
2. From Call History- how do I copy and paste a number to an existing contact without going to "Save it to contacts" as a new contact?
Thaks
Shahar
1. While talking on the phone I tried to type a number on the screen- it doesn't save it unless going to contact or notes.
2. From Call History- how do I copy and paste a number to an existing contact without going to "Save it to contacts" as a new contact?
Thaks
Shahar
05/10/06 @ 12:44
Comment from: matt [Visitor]
i have got a m3100 and i cant get tom tom to run on it could anyonele please help???
07/10/06 @ 14:46
Comment from: Mick G [Visitor]
Hi, Really liked the look of the M3100 but are you saying the m3100 bluetooth will not connect to a GPS receiver or another mobile?
10/10/06 @ 12:36
Comment from: Aaron Hudson [Visitor]
I've bought one myself about 2 weeks ago. Despite some initial clumsiness getting used to it I'm now loving it!
Add the microsoft voice command software (free 5 day trial) and you won't look back. The hardest thing of this phone is looking up contacts without a stylus - no more probs!
Also it seems to use 3G for internet before wireless - need to keep on top of it to stop paying huge phone bills!
Add the microsoft voice command software (free 5 day trial) and you won't look back. The hardest thing of this phone is looking up contacts without a stylus - no more probs!
Also it seems to use 3G for internet before wireless - need to keep on top of it to stop paying huge phone bills!
19/10/06 @ 16:46
Comment from: Phil [Visitor]
Well I spoke with Orange yesterday about an upgrade and they said they were out of stock and not sure when, or even if they would be getting any more in. On pressing them as to why they weren't sure if they were going to be gettgin any more of a phone that they had just launched they finally admitted to having a major software issue with the phone that was causing it to crash. Orange and Microsoft were working on the problem but if it couldn't be resolved then orange would discontinue the handset.. Brilliant!
20/10/06 @ 10:37
Comment from: Beejay Bhatt [Visitor]
I have the spv m3100, i got it free with a very good tarrif from orange, i must say that its much better than the m5000, which as a phone was hopeless! there were times when i wanted to smash the phone to pieces! the m3100 is very good! i could have had the p990i but after weighing things up decided against it. I would recommend the phone without hesitation!
24/10/06 @ 20:06
Comment from: Samuel [Visitor]
Whatever you do make sure this handset does not drop onto the floor / carpet. I bought this on Wednesday on Friday it dropped and the LCD cracked!
I've unfortunately sent it off for repair at a whooping cost!!!.
Doesanyone know of a decent case one can use with this product? The letter casing provided to my experience is simply not practical. Please advise
I've unfortunately sent it off for repair at a whooping cost!!!.
Doesanyone know of a decent case one can use with this product? The letter casing provided to my experience is simply not practical. Please advise
01/11/06 @ 14:09
Comment from: Patrick [Visitor]
Received my M3100 a few days ago. Have not registered it yet. However, using the same connector for charging, Data and headset cannot be good. The memory card sits on the side as if it was added as an after-thought. I've loaded some music on the memory card externally as it seemed too much trouble to find out how to do it while connected via the data cable. Sound quality is not good at all, but then the supplied headset is not meant for music enthusiasts. But... where do I find a headset with a mini-usb connector. Will a bluetooth music headset deliver the quality I'm after? Next, a 64k screen on a high-end device? I bought the Sanyo S750 for £38 more than a year ago and it had a 262k screen. Otherwise (ha ha ha) it has all the goodies (office suite, keyboard, transcriber, wifi, etc.) I was looking for in one device.
01/11/06 @ 20:31
Comment from: Steve [Visitor]
I have been waiting for over 9 weeks to upgrade my present M2000 to the new M3100. Each week I phone and get told the same answer 'sorry out of stock, you are on back order' This week I spoke to an orange operator who during our conversation admitted there was a big problem with the M3100 and the phone had been taken off the orange list of phones available and there were no plans as yet to re-stock. Have you any information or heard this before?
07/11/06 @ 09:58
Comment from: kizer [Visitor]
had a night of hell but finally got tomtom to work, had 5.21 for my nokia n70 ,downloaded navigator exe with crack put it all together and it works,tt 5.00 wont recognise your com ports (8) for outgoing
07/11/06 @ 23:12
Comment from: easwara [Visitor]
hey, spoke to orange. idiots that they are. told im on a back order and will hopefully get my m3100 in two weeks. was told the phone is back in stock and should get a call soon. so any of you thats already on a back order should get it soon.
does anyone know what memory limit this p[hone has, thinkning of buying a 2gb or 4gb micro sd card on ebay but thought best check its limit. bought a 1gb one for my p900 years ago to discover it doesnt support it so dont want to make that mistake.
got offered two tariffs, 1: 1500 xmins, unlimited texts, magic number, orange web n surf thing free fir two months, web tv thing, free broad band, 18 month contract, £30 a month and the phone free and even a £40 credit!!!
so in effect costing me like £28 quid a month.
and then paying £10 to o2 and getting unlimited off peak mins to anynetwork!!!! and i get 2 sim cards each with unlimited xnet mins off peak! sorted!
offer 2 by orange which one of the retention people really over offered i was told and since offered they said cud have was, 1200 mins xnet, 650 texts and all the rest. stuipd thing is i told them if they could drop the unlimited orange to orange off peak biut and increase my mins but they said no, and few days later some guy saying they over offered cos most of my spending off peak says i'll have trpuoble getting the offer so how about offer 1 - increased xnet mins to 1500 and unlimited texts. idiots lol they didnt know i getting o2 for my unlimitedand now no more extra spending!! lol sorted!
1500 xmins, unlimited texts, web mobile free surfing off peak fr aditional £5 a month, free m31000, £40 credit, and the rest.... and on o2 xnet unlimited off peak mins.
all for £38 (£40)per month!
if anyone can get back to me about the memory limit wud be great!
easwara@hotmail.com
does anyone know what memory limit this p[hone has, thinkning of buying a 2gb or 4gb micro sd card on ebay but thought best check its limit. bought a 1gb one for my p900 years ago to discover it doesnt support it so dont want to make that mistake.
got offered two tariffs, 1: 1500 xmins, unlimited texts, magic number, orange web n surf thing free fir two months, web tv thing, free broad band, 18 month contract, £30 a month and the phone free and even a £40 credit!!!
so in effect costing me like £28 quid a month.
and then paying £10 to o2 and getting unlimited off peak mins to anynetwork!!!! and i get 2 sim cards each with unlimited xnet mins off peak! sorted!
offer 2 by orange which one of the retention people really over offered i was told and since offered they said cud have was, 1200 mins xnet, 650 texts and all the rest. stuipd thing is i told them if they could drop the unlimited orange to orange off peak biut and increase my mins but they said no, and few days later some guy saying they over offered cos most of my spending off peak says i'll have trpuoble getting the offer so how about offer 1 - increased xnet mins to 1500 and unlimited texts. idiots lol they didnt know i getting o2 for my unlimitedand now no more extra spending!! lol sorted!
1500 xmins, unlimited texts, web mobile free surfing off peak fr aditional £5 a month, free m31000, £40 credit, and the rest.... and on o2 xnet unlimited off peak mins.
all for £38 (£40)per month!
if anyone can get back to me about the memory limit wud be great!
easwara@hotmail.com
08/11/06 @ 05:39
Comment from: alan [Visitor]
Having been told by Orange upgrades that they were out of stock of the M3100. I then looked on the Orange web site and then spoke to Orange NEW Connections found that it was in stock. It appears that it was only in stock for new customers. Upgrades told me it was not in stock and that it came from a different location (crap)and they did not have any for at least 3 weeks or more. The answer my friends if you do not want to wait is to simply call DISSCONNECTIONS and ask to leave Orange after the normal info they give they will then ask.....why do you want to leave orange.....tell them that you have seen it available as a NEW customer and have been told by UPGRADES it is NOT available and you are PISSED OFF and will not be treated that way.............Miaculusly the disconection person will say not only is it available but they £49.99 fee and they gave me not 500 or 550 mins on dolphin 35 but 600 mins per month so a result. If you are waiting go try it I made the call monday 3pm and the phone arrived at 12pm lunch time wednesday.......WHAT A RESULT.
08/11/06 @ 14:37
Comment from: Iain (visitor) [Visitor]
Well I went for it and bought a brand new M3100 on ebay (foolish maybe but it really is new!) however I am really dissapointed.... for a start, the WiFi is rubbish. I am an IT consultant and both I and my colleague have literally spent the whole day trying to make it work with three different wireless access points. Sure it connects to them, but there is no Internet! Really pulling our hair out now and will almost certainly go back to our P910s because they just work! If anyone has experience of setting up WiFi please post - we have followed the limited instructions from Orange to no avail! Very dissapointed with the phone in general...
08/11/06 @ 21:31
Comment from: Paul [Visitor] · http://techboy.co.uk
My M3100 keeps turning itself off (and the only way to power it up is to reet it with the stylus). It most often powers off when it is being charged. This is really annoying because I was charging it overnight and the phone crashed - then the alarm didn't sound in the morning so I overslept and was 10 minutes late into work!
The sound quality is much better than my old XDA IIs, but still not fantastic. I don't really like the stylus (too short).
Excel has crashed once.
Changing the camera mode from sport to standard to video, etc. is annoying - it should be a drop down menu. The delay when taking a photo is far too slow.
ActiveSynch doesn't synchronise 100% of the time.
I am disapointed with the lack of software that comes with it (my XDA IIs had e-wallet password management software, etc.).
I have a 2GB Micro SD card which works fine.
WiFi works fine, first time every time I have tried it and is very fast to pick up the signal - but it is very annoying that it sometimes picks up next doors wLAN signal (which is encrypted so I can't use it anyway) and I can't tell it to perminantly ignore it, so I keep getting a popup message.
Overall I am happy with it, but will be looking out for a firmware upgrade to fix some of the bugs.
The sound quality is much better than my old XDA IIs, but still not fantastic. I don't really like the stylus (too short).
Excel has crashed once.
Changing the camera mode from sport to standard to video, etc. is annoying - it should be a drop down menu. The delay when taking a photo is far too slow.
ActiveSynch doesn't synchronise 100% of the time.
I am disapointed with the lack of software that comes with it (my XDA IIs had e-wallet password management software, etc.).
I have a 2GB Micro SD card which works fine.
WiFi works fine, first time every time I have tried it and is very fast to pick up the signal - but it is very annoying that it sometimes picks up next doors wLAN signal (which is encrypted so I can't use it anyway) and I can't tell it to perminantly ignore it, so I keep getting a popup message.
Overall I am happy with it, but will be looking out for a firmware upgrade to fix some of the bugs.
09/11/06 @ 11:13
Comment from: Mark [Visitor]
Finally got one from Orange via upgrades dept. Not bad but software poorly thought out and it does not map all audio through bluetooth headset or car kit so voice dial is useless cos you still have to talk into handset mic, so if its in your pocket you cant voice dial using bluetooth. anyone got a fix for this PLEASE HELP.
12/11/06 @ 01:31
Comment from: Danep [Visitor]
Have the orange SPV M3100 for about a month now in the UK. Spent about £50 on additional software to spruce it up. (SPB apps-Diary, Pocket plus,GPRS monitor and Backup. MSN messenger,Skype,F-secure Anti Virus, VM netbrowser, Pocket Controller Pro, Movie to Memcard and others). Got GPS on it using a Bluetooth SuperIII receiver and Destinator. Absolutely superb phone/PDA. Even use it to make a call now and again! Active sync works flawlessly(once advanced network controls turned off), wireless great, GPRS or G3 when it's around. Got a docking cradle for it as well which works fine to sync and charge. Pocket Controller Pro means I can use my Desktop PC mouse and keyboard with it when docked or on wireless.
Problems: Turns itself off sometimes, usually when I'm travelling and it's in it's case. Not sure if it's the button getting pressed by accident or something else.
Other than that nothing much else. It has replaced my Laptop completely.!!!
Problems: Turns itself off sometimes, usually when I'm travelling and it's in it's case. Not sure if it's the button getting pressed by accident or something else.
Other than that nothing much else. It has replaced my Laptop completely.!!!
16/11/06 @ 19:25
Comment from: Amherst [Visitor]
Great to hear comments on something before committing to 18 months!
Upgraded from a Treo 650 to the M3100 yesterday - and 24 hours in I'm very impressed with it's functionality, although Orange retentions team are pleasant enough, they haven't got a clue when it comes to lead times. 2 days turned into 10 - and got it yesterday.
I think the review sums it up - so I'll save you the waffle - but suffice to say it does everything most would need. Camera is excellent. 3G network aqisition is very fast at my office (very marginal area).
Wifi (WM5 just being a little rubbish) config is useless. Thankfully I won't need but they need to get it more akin to XP (sp2)'s Wifi Manager in terms of "I want to see what networks are around and connect to that one". It's all round the houses with WM5 - unless I'm missing a trick!
One thing I wanted to share was the deal that Orange Gave me (non-business). I was on Premier 600 (@ 45 per month incl insurance)....and 6 months out of contract. After calling threatening to leave (oh yes, that ole chesnut) - although partly serious cuz the new Treo 750 seems only on Voda - they won me over with this deal:
M3100 for £49 upgrade fee
18 month contract
200 txts
2900 (no typo...just under thirty-nine hundred) anytime anynetwork mins per month
free insurance
for £45 per month incl VAT.
I talked to a senior account manager at Vodafone - offering him my business - and he said he couldnt touch it with a barge prodder.
Sorry to sound smug - but I've not seen this kind of deal (or even close) anywhere.
Cheers Y'll
Tris
Upgraded from a Treo 650 to the M3100 yesterday - and 24 hours in I'm very impressed with it's functionality, although Orange retentions team are pleasant enough, they haven't got a clue when it comes to lead times. 2 days turned into 10 - and got it yesterday.
I think the review sums it up - so I'll save you the waffle - but suffice to say it does everything most would need. Camera is excellent. 3G network aqisition is very fast at my office (very marginal area).
Wifi (WM5 just being a little rubbish) config is useless. Thankfully I won't need but they need to get it more akin to XP (sp2)'s Wifi Manager in terms of "I want to see what networks are around and connect to that one". It's all round the houses with WM5 - unless I'm missing a trick!
One thing I wanted to share was the deal that Orange Gave me (non-business). I was on Premier 600 (@ 45 per month incl insurance)....and 6 months out of contract. After calling threatening to leave (oh yes, that ole chesnut) - although partly serious cuz the new Treo 750 seems only on Voda - they won me over with this deal:
M3100 for £49 upgrade fee
18 month contract
200 txts
2900 (no typo...just under thirty-nine hundred) anytime anynetwork mins per month
free insurance
for £45 per month incl VAT.
I talked to a senior account manager at Vodafone - offering him my business - and he said he couldnt touch it with a barge prodder.
Sorry to sound smug - but I've not seen this kind of deal (or even close) anywhere.
Cheers Y'll
Tris
21/11/06 @ 13:34
Comment from: rob [Visitor]
After being pushed in to a corner at work, i have had to upgrade to the m3100 (its coming tomorrow) I paid £49 for it, plus the upgrade fee (work funded) £200 because the phone i have is only about 2 months old.
It was a toss up between the m3100 and a blackberry...but the pearl isnt available on orange yet. I gotta say though, i hope its worth the money! im going to use pocketmac pro to sync it with my mac.
It was a toss up between the m3100 and a blackberry...but the pearl isnt available on orange yet. I gotta say though, i hope its worth the money! im going to use pocketmac pro to sync it with my mac.
22/11/06 @ 14:04
Comment from: Patrick Solomons [Visitor]
I've found some 'nice' freeware at freewareppc.com. Playing around with different programs on my M3100. Eventually found good (Koss) headphones, cut the plug and connected it to the mini-USB plug of my M3100 headset. The Comm button seems a waste of (only switches to comms manager, but cannot close comms manager with the same button) and no way to reassign most buttons. Anyone knows of a little program that can help with this? Is there any way I can put my icons on my desktop like in XP for example? Some of the features need rethinking and a bit more freedom with reassigning buttons would be good. The keyboard sliding mechanism feels very fragile and why 3 OK buttons? And as someone else said, the wifi should be able to exclude networks one does not want to use. I'm very disappointed in the battery power. Mine lasts one day per charge in spite of making 2 calls and receiving 2 calls (total talk time less than 20 minutes) played 3 songs and a bit of texting and messing around. Surely this is pityful.
23/11/06 @ 00:49
Comment from: Danep [Visitor]
Hi Patrick
Perhaps you havent charged the battery fully? I have had mine running bluetooth GPS full on for 4 hours with talking instructions, made calls, checked email, played video and still only used about third of the battery power. I have never run it down yet but this is because I also dock it with a cradle that charges it.
I use SPB Pocket Plus for puting icons on today screen, and spb Diary for emails, tasks, notes and Contacts(with photos) on Today screen. The built in facility to re-assign buttons seems okay to me. Once you have relevant apps installed(spb PP gives some good short cuts to system functions etc) it's easy to assign them to the buttons.
Wireless is a bit tricky I must admit but then it always has been. The keyboard sliding seems fine to me, solid, smooth and works well.
Now if only it could take a decent photo indoors!
Perhaps you havent charged the battery fully? I have had mine running bluetooth GPS full on for 4 hours with talking instructions, made calls, checked email, played video and still only used about third of the battery power. I have never run it down yet but this is because I also dock it with a cradle that charges it.
I use SPB Pocket Plus for puting icons on today screen, and spb Diary for emails, tasks, notes and Contacts(with photos) on Today screen. The built in facility to re-assign buttons seems okay to me. Once you have relevant apps installed(spb PP gives some good short cuts to system functions etc) it's easy to assign them to the buttons.
Wireless is a bit tricky I must admit but then it always has been. The keyboard sliding seems fine to me, solid, smooth and works well.
Now if only it could take a decent photo indoors!
26/11/06 @ 23:54
Comment from: Greg [Visitor] · http://www.ga-training.com
I have just been given an SPV m3100 on trial for a month from Orange Business and had a question re battery life. It is the bain of my life that batteries on mobiles never seem to lastas long as I am told they would. Also for the all important first charge it never seems to be clear how long is needed. On the standard Nokia's on my account the 158 team told me it would need 16 hours and on the SPV they said 8 hours for initial charge. I did this to the minute but used the phone for the firsttime yesterday and it is already out of juice today and needs re-charging. I had no bluetooth on and the phone was set to switch off after 2 minutes of inactivity. the usage was very limited during yesterday - about 5 calls - one website, one picture and a couple of texts. Yet still I have yet another device that despite me charging it for the amount of time specified by Orange it still doesn't last longer than a day. I am exasperated because this seems to happen to me with every device I have and I look after 10 phones for my company. I charge them for the right amount of time and then get constant complaints from all at my company that the battery is not lasting longer than a day. I feel like Orange, Nokia etc are having a joke with me or that I must have very weak power coming through my walls (in both my office and at home!!). HELP.
03/12/06 @ 14:24
Comment from: Danep [Visitor]
Hi Greg,
I suppose as I am one of the few who is getting good battery life I should probably explain that I charged it much longer than 8 hours. This was mainly due to switching my number over from Vodaphone, which meant I couldn't use the phone for about 10 days. So obviously the phone got a good charge to start with, probably in excess of 16-20 hours. I also keep it cradled and charging when at my desk.
So I can only suggest that owners who acquire their new phone do the same.
I suppose as I am one of the few who is getting good battery life I should probably explain that I charged it much longer than 8 hours. This was mainly due to switching my number over from Vodaphone, which meant I couldn't use the phone for about 10 days. So obviously the phone got a good charge to start with, probably in excess of 16-20 hours. I also keep it cradled and charging when at my desk.
So I can only suggest that owners who acquire their new phone do the same.
04/12/06 @ 13:53
Comment from: Stu3kim [Visitor]
Has anyone resolved how to use tom tom on the m3100?
08/12/06 @ 18:23
Comment from: Zav Nomlee [Visitor]
I was using Sony Ericsson P910i, and got this phone as an upgrade. I am very impressed so far, but few things would like to mentioned here, battery life is short, need to charge almost everyday. Camera is okay and video quality is poor.I have used it's WiFi, it really good. No problem with tapping alignment.
If you are looking for more pocket pc than a camera, mp3 video player then here is the device.
If you are looking for more pocket pc than a camera, mp3 video player then here is the device.
11/12/06 @ 14:33
Comment from: ew [Visitor]
Window Media can't read storage card to update the library, but File Explorer can read storage card. Please help!
14/12/06 @ 23:20
Comment from: Danep [Visitor]
Hi All
I have finaly sussed how to take a decent photo indoors with the M3100. Just underneath the exposure - and + arrows there is another box, tapping that changes the light sensitivity and lo and behold indoor photos are now much better exposed. Combined with the flash, if cose up, then dark areas are also filled out much better. This also improves Video indoors as well.
I have finaly sussed how to take a decent photo indoors with the M3100. Just underneath the exposure - and + arrows there is another box, tapping that changes the light sensitivity and lo and behold indoor photos are now much better exposed. Combined with the flash, if cose up, then dark areas are also filled out much better. This also improves Video indoors as well.
16/12/06 @ 15:01
Comment from: Tim [Visitor]
Noting the comment in the review that WiFi set up is not easy to use, I've really struggled with it and cannot seem to connect for some reason despite trying various WLANs. Should the arrows on the wifi logo at the top of the screen stop moving when connected? Is there a source of information that can help idiots like me work it out step by step?!
22/12/06 @ 10:04
Comment from: Jason [Visitor]
Window Media can't read storage card to update the library, but File Explorer can read storage card.
Has anyone found a solution to this as well as i am also experiencing the same problem on a 1gb card?
Please help!
Has anyone found a solution to this as well as i am also experiencing the same problem on a 1gb card?
Please help!
22/12/06 @ 16:39
Comment from: Jason [Visitor]
Window Media can't read storage card to update the library, but File Explorer can read storage card.
I found the answer to the Prob
Solution!
Delete the MSMETADATA folder on the root of the card.Then go back to Windows click on Library then update and watch all your files get updated.
Just another Windows bug....
I found the answer to the Prob
Solution!
Delete the MSMETADATA folder on the root of the card.Then go back to Windows click on Library then update and watch all your files get updated.
Just another Windows bug....
22/12/06 @ 16:50
Comment from: Adrian [Visitor]
Could anybody tell me what the Power Saving Mode actually does in Settings |
Wireless LAN | Power Mode ?
I found that if it's set to Best Battery mode it allows me i.e. to connect to one website and then when I type another web address, it can't connect to the site (the same problem with outlook - can check email for the first time and when attempt to do that
again, it can't connect - must turn wifi
off and turn it on again in order to be able to check mail/www).
Thanks
Wireless LAN | Power Mode ?
I found that if it's set to Best Battery mode it allows me i.e. to connect to one website and then when I type another web address, it can't connect to the site (the same problem with outlook - can check email for the first time and when attempt to do that
again, it can't connect - must turn wifi
off and turn it on again in order to be able to check mail/www).
Thanks
23/12/06 @ 22:08
Comment from: Tom [Visitor]
I have just bought a SPV M3100 off ebay for £230 offline & i must say it's fast on the net.
I have just unlocked the phone using a free unlocker!
Now i'm stuck with receiving emails, can anyone help me?
I need to set the outlook email on my phone so i can receive my emails from my hotmail account.
Can anyone help me?
Thanks
I have just unlocked the phone using a free unlocker!
Now i'm stuck with receiving emails, can anyone help me?
I need to set the outlook email on my phone so i can receive my emails from my hotmail account.
Can anyone help me?
Thanks
27/12/06 @ 16:00
Comment from: adam [Visitor]
i got the same deal as a upgrade, when my 12 month casback contract came to a end.
my avg bill for the 12 months was around 25 pounds.
well they offerd me the m3100 for free on a 18 month contract
on the dolpin 35
550 min any time any netwok
wid 2000 bouns mins
All for 35 pounds a month.
my avg bill for the 12 months was around 25 pounds.
well they offerd me the m3100 for free on a 18 month contract
on the dolpin 35
550 min any time any netwok
wid 2000 bouns mins
All for 35 pounds a month.
03/01/07 @ 18:13
Comment from: Richard [Visitor]
I'm looking to buy this phone but the internet charges Orange provide are astronomical compared to tmobile who charge £7.50 for unlimited use.
Has anyone been able to barter with Orange for an internet bargain?
Has anyone been able to barter with Orange for an internet bargain?
09/01/07 @ 18:15
Comment from: Sion [Visitor]
Hi Richard. As with T-Mobile, you can get a whole days use for £1. They also have an Orange extra for £4 which gives you 4MB and lasts a month.
12/01/07 @ 16:33
Comment from: Leith Williams [Visitor]
I have been very pleased with my M3100. I did have to threaten to disconnect from orange to get one but it worked.
I agree that the alarm function would be better if it stayed on even when the phone is set to silent - I have woken up late because of this.
I have just installed TomTom Navigator6 which works OK but I cannot maintain a connection between the M3100 and my bluetooth GPS (RoyalTek Mini Xtreme). They do recognise each other but then they disconnect. SatNav is not much use without the sat.
Is this a flaw with the M3100? Danep seems to have his BT GPS working OK. Any ideas?
Leith
I agree that the alarm function would be better if it stayed on even when the phone is set to silent - I have woken up late because of this.
I have just installed TomTom Navigator6 which works OK but I cannot maintain a connection between the M3100 and my bluetooth GPS (RoyalTek Mini Xtreme). They do recognise each other but then they disconnect. SatNav is not much use without the sat.
Is this a flaw with the M3100? Danep seems to have his BT GPS working OK. Any ideas?
Leith
14/01/07 @ 22:13
Comment from: Dave [Visitor]
I have the M3100 on the same deal as amherst and for 45 quid I think it is great. Also you get a magic number which you can ring for up to 3 hours a day and do not get charged, so even for me I cannot use up my talktime.
I am currently waiting for my replacement 3100 to be delivered, the bluetooth is very patchy at best, about as reliable as my N80 before the software upgrade. Whenever you make or recieve a call, you have to look at the phone to check that it is still paired up, and in the first month of having it it has left me holding the phone to my ear on quite a few occasions, which is ultimately not good enough.
My only other gripe is that MSN messenger is missing. I hear on the grapevine that orange are going to release their own messenging feature, but unless it integrates with msn it will be useless, and it frustrates me greatly to think that I might have to pay £10.99 to get what other HTC users get for free.
Also I cannot work out if say I pay for the prog from microsoft, then the phone goes kaput and I need a replacement, do I have to pay again? There is an article somewhere on the net about putting msn onto phones that do not have it as standard, but I have tried that and it has numerous faults, ad it seems to really struggle when other people log in, forcing you to soft reset regularly.
Anyone out there know of a reliable solution to the MSN issue?
I am currently waiting for my replacement 3100 to be delivered, the bluetooth is very patchy at best, about as reliable as my N80 before the software upgrade. Whenever you make or recieve a call, you have to look at the phone to check that it is still paired up, and in the first month of having it it has left me holding the phone to my ear on quite a few occasions, which is ultimately not good enough.
My only other gripe is that MSN messenger is missing. I hear on the grapevine that orange are going to release their own messenging feature, but unless it integrates with msn it will be useless, and it frustrates me greatly to think that I might have to pay £10.99 to get what other HTC users get for free.
Also I cannot work out if say I pay for the prog from microsoft, then the phone goes kaput and I need a replacement, do I have to pay again? There is an article somewhere on the net about putting msn onto phones that do not have it as standard, but I have tried that and it has numerous faults, ad it seems to really struggle when other people log in, forcing you to soft reset regularly.
Anyone out there know of a reliable solution to the MSN issue?
20/01/07 @ 09:13
There is an alternative to MSN Messenger called Agile Messenger. This used to be free but now you have to pay for it, although it't not expensive. Agile works with MSN, Yahoo, AIM and ICQ so that you can have your contacts from multiple services in one place.
In general, if you have software on a device that you have to return you can normally install it on the replacement device without charge. Sometimes you have to contact the developer.
HTH,
Matt
In general, if you have software on a device that you have to return you can normally install it on the replacement device without charge. Sometimes you have to contact the developer.
HTH,
Matt
20/01/07 @ 09:58
Comment from: Danep [Visitor]
For those having problems with Wireless connections. When you turn on wireless you need to then go to Setting / Connections / Network Cards.
This will show the Wireless Networks in range, ones you hve connected to before and wether you want ad hoc, access point or all available. Select the type you want to connect to so that other known connections are not shown. Then tap the connection you want and enter the pass code.
You might also want to turn up the power of the wireless if you are not getting a good signal. Do this via Conections/ Wireless Lan / Power Mode.
The GPS receiver I have does not lose connection at all with phone. Loses the satalite connection now and again when in tunnels or surrounded by high buildings.
This will show the Wireless Networks in range, ones you hve connected to before and wether you want ad hoc, access point or all available. Select the type you want to connect to so that other known connections are not shown. Then tap the connection you want and enter the pass code.
You might also want to turn up the power of the wireless if you are not getting a good signal. Do this via Conections/ Wireless Lan / Power Mode.
The GPS receiver I have does not lose connection at all with phone. Loses the satalite connection now and again when in tunnels or surrounded by high buildings.
24/01/07 @ 23:45
Comment from: Danep [Visitor]
Re Hotmail..
For this you just need to get MSN messenger. It costs about a tenner and installs hotmail folder and stuff as well in your main email folders on the phone.
Oh, people that complain you cant turn off the connections button easily should just press the okay button on the other side, which minimises it.
To conserve battery power make sure you dont have things running you dont need, such as GPRS or wireless.
I have found video playback to be quite okay. Does though lose lipsync now and again which is annoying, This is usually due to other stuff in main memory. I found skype was a bit of a hog. So for video, try to keep your main memory as clear as possible, 20MB+ free would be good.
Get a 2GB micro SD card and re-install all programs to that except those that need main mem to run well. Try and get a fast card, so that video will run well. Also defrag the memcard now and again. Just take it out, put it in PC reader slot. Go to My Computer, select the drive and properties and do a defrag on it. This wil also help with video playback.
For best video results run in `flight mode' so that all other stuff is off.
For Video encoding SPB have recently released a program called SPB DVD Mobile. Which works great, is fast, does cropping, rips straight from DVD and is quick.
I have found that the phone is fine to use in the car hands free without any earpiece. Just taking loudly seems to be okay when the phone is in it's cradle on the dash. Just tap to answer call, then tap speaker on, to hear all and chat away...(put your speaker sound up before travelling cos it's a bugger to do when you are driving..)
If you have this phone you MUST MUST get the cradle for it. Remember it's more a PDA than a phone so treat it like one and keep it charging at your desk.
For this you just need to get MSN messenger. It costs about a tenner and installs hotmail folder and stuff as well in your main email folders on the phone.
Oh, people that complain you cant turn off the connections button easily should just press the okay button on the other side, which minimises it.
To conserve battery power make sure you dont have things running you dont need, such as GPRS or wireless.
I have found video playback to be quite okay. Does though lose lipsync now and again which is annoying, This is usually due to other stuff in main memory. I found skype was a bit of a hog. So for video, try to keep your main memory as clear as possible, 20MB+ free would be good.
Get a 2GB micro SD card and re-install all programs to that except those that need main mem to run well. Try and get a fast card, so that video will run well. Also defrag the memcard now and again. Just take it out, put it in PC reader slot. Go to My Computer, select the drive and properties and do a defrag on it. This wil also help with video playback.
For best video results run in `flight mode' so that all other stuff is off.
For Video encoding SPB have recently released a program called SPB DVD Mobile. Which works great, is fast, does cropping, rips straight from DVD and is quick.
I have found that the phone is fine to use in the car hands free without any earpiece. Just taking loudly seems to be okay when the phone is in it's cradle on the dash. Just tap to answer call, then tap speaker on, to hear all and chat away...(put your speaker sound up before travelling cos it's a bugger to do when you are driving..)
If you have this phone you MUST MUST get the cradle for it. Remember it's more a PDA than a phone so treat it like one and keep it charging at your desk.
25/01/07 @ 00:04
Comment from: PATRICK WARD [Visitor]
IS ANYONE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE SCREEN CONSTANTLY FADING M3100,HOW TO RESOLVE & WHATS WRONG WITH IT
26/01/07 @ 22:39
Comment from: Kirit [Visitor]
Got the SPV M600 on trial. Having problems downloading email. error keeps saying check settings. Orange can't sort it out. Any ideas what the problem could be. Need to be able to recieve attachments, transfer file to laptop, edit it, transfer back to pda to email back.
28/01/07 @ 13:12
Comment from: David leebody [Visitor]
great phone i think. have had it now 2 weeks and love it alot smaller than all the others and alot sexier looking and all this can be done in 1 hand unlike the rest of the bricks.
great phone and stylus
30/01/07 @ 16:51
Comment from: Chets [Visitor]
Hi jason, thanks for that comment with the Windows Media files not being able to update the Libary, it was so annoying!!!
Also, I can't remember if it was on this website but TOMTOM 6 works perfect with SPV M3100. Simply COPY ALL contents from original TOMTOM SD CARD to the Micro SD card (FYI DO NOT NAME A NEW FOLDER as I did :0) ).
Also, I can't remember if it was on this website but TOMTOM 6 works perfect with SPV M3100. Simply COPY ALL contents from original TOMTOM SD CARD to the Micro SD card (FYI DO NOT NAME A NEW FOLDER as I did :0) ).
31/01/07 @ 15:37
Comment from: David Field [Visitor]
I want to transfer files between my pc (XP) and the M3100 without requiring MS ActiveSynch software on the PC. Will a microSD card reader allow me to do this, and will it recognize the folder structure I have setup on the card?
05/02/07 @ 11:31
Comment from: David Field [Visitor]
Problem with my Orange SPV M3100:
When listening to MP3 I and I put it in the belt holder, buttons -phone ect invariably get pressed. This keeps the screen on (battery runs down) and runs programs I don't want - eg make a phone call. Orange support kept me on line for 28 mins and told me they could not help.
Does anyone out there have a solution to this??? (a coworker has the t-mobile predecessor to this and it's an option on the front screen).
When listening to MP3 I and I put it in the belt holder, buttons -phone ect invariably get pressed. This keeps the screen on (battery runs down) and runs programs I don't want - eg make a phone call. Orange support kept me on line for 28 mins and told me they could not help.
Does anyone out there have a solution to this??? (a coworker has the t-mobile predecessor to this and it's an option on the front screen).
27/02/07 @ 13:29
Comment from: Andy [Visitor]
Hello folks.... When I change the battery on the M3100, will I lose any setup like Tom Tom, my calendar info etc? Or is there some small backup battery to hold things until th main battery is re-inserted?
I suppose my next question is related to first. When I am overseas and don't take the phone, even with it switched off, will it run down the battery and lose stuff, like a handheld PC?
I suppose my next question is related to first. When I am overseas and don't take the phone, even with it switched off, will it run down the battery and lose stuff, like a handheld PC?
27/02/07 @ 21:42
Comment from: Stuart [Visitor]
I have M3100 and loving it greatly.. Even after the first annoying issue of having to buy MSN!! However it is lacking the ability to send files by bluetooth. The device has the equipment to do it as i installed resco Explorer and it works but does anyone no of a simpler way to send files via bluetooth?
04/03/07 @ 20:00
Comment from: Peter Green [Visitor]
I have just brought my SPV M3100 from Ebay. New Phone with 2Gb and 512Gb Micro SD, GPS receiver, Destinator 6 GPS software, car cradle and desk top cradle for £260. Just got rid of of my dreadful Nokia N80 Smartphone and SPV is a direct replacment on Orange network. Very impressed with the SPV but having difficulty getting a Bluetooth connection with the GPS receiver. Am a bit of a tecno novice so anyone any ideas what I may be doing wrong?
05/03/07 @ 10:31
Comment from: yaz [Visitor]
TO PETER GREEN
pair gps and the phone then go into bluetooth settings and create a new outgoing port to the receiver. make sure it is not a secure port as it will not work.
once done. tomtom gps settings will allow you to connect via the new port, use the other gps reciever options and elect port usually com 6 or 7.
let me know if it works for you.
pair gps and the phone then go into bluetooth settings and create a new outgoing port to the receiver. make sure it is not a secure port as it will not work.
once done. tomtom gps settings will allow you to connect via the new port, use the other gps reciever options and elect port usually com 6 or 7.
let me know if it works for you.
11/03/07 @ 09:33
Comment from: baggy [Visitor] · http://www.thepropertybuyers.co.uk
This phone has done my 'head in' - it lacks the power I want. I wanted to have a phone where I didn't need to take my camera and something I could draft notes on readily. After three months I say to yee all - ditch it - don't touch it. It crashes, it misses calls. I am now on my third spvt*@t now and not impressed - unless someone konws how to tweak it so it does speed up. I have googled and oogled but not found any anwers.
11/03/07 @ 19:42
Comment from: yaz [Visitor]
Baggy
Get your phone flushed from the orange shop or whatever your service provider is they will charge about 10 pound for this but it works. the other cheaper option is to take the handset in store and tell them to do a software upgrade. it will work. and this is for free
Get your phone flushed from the orange shop or whatever your service provider is they will charge about 10 pound for this but it works. the other cheaper option is to take the handset in store and tell them to do a software upgrade. it will work. and this is for free
12/03/07 @ 08:52
Comment from: Andy [Visitor]
Love the phone....lots of features over the M1500 which i still love to bits however the bluetooth keeps dropping out when paired with my Parrot 3100 bluetooth car kit. I have to keep re-starting the bluetooth on the phone. Has anyone else experienced this and/or does anyone know of a way of stopping the bluetooth from "timing out" and turning off?
So far the most used button on this phone for me is the comms manager!!! to keep resetting the bluetooth!!!!!
So far the most used button on this phone for me is the comms manager!!! to keep resetting the bluetooth!!!!!
21/03/07 @ 23:17
Comment from: rose [Visitor]
How do i store data onto my memory card rather than phone memory ? Been messing with it for some time but just can't seem to figure it out ! At the moment everything am trying to install has failed because it keeps telling me that memory is low ! I need to switch over to my card but how ?
22/03/07 @ 09:52
Comment from: Peter [Visitor]
Problem with my Orange SPV M3100:
when i get a text or a missed call buttons on the handset invariably get pressed. This keeps the screen on (battery runs down) and runs programs I don't want - eg make a phone call. I called my partner 5 times in as many minutes. Is there a function i'm missing, i have de-activated all of the buttons i.e. buttons 1-5, but the phone still goes live in my pocket or the belt holder.
surely this has happened to other SPV users, can anyone advise?
Peter
when i get a text or a missed call buttons on the handset invariably get pressed. This keeps the screen on (battery runs down) and runs programs I don't want - eg make a phone call. I called my partner 5 times in as many minutes. Is there a function i'm missing, i have de-activated all of the buttons i.e. buttons 1-5, but the phone still goes live in my pocket or the belt holder.
surely this has happened to other SPV users, can anyone advise?
Peter
26/03/07 @ 08:23
Comment from: jeanette thomas [Visitor]
Hi,
just got my SPV 3100 and its great, problem is the software it came with doesn,t tell me how i can use saved media as ringtones, all it says is refer to the active sync website for more info, i am now at the end of my tether, would you be able to cast some light on the subject as i am running out of ideas. I have synchronised with windows media player as i have an external sd card too but i am stuck from there
brgds
jeanette
just got my SPV 3100 and its great, problem is the software it came with doesn,t tell me how i can use saved media as ringtones, all it says is refer to the active sync website for more info, i am now at the end of my tether, would you be able to cast some light on the subject as i am running out of ideas. I have synchronised with windows media player as i have an external sd card too but i am stuck from there
brgds
jeanette
26/03/07 @ 11:53
Comment from: Geoff [Visitor]
I can't get my Microsoft Outlook 'Contacts' on my PC to ActiveSync with the M3100 'contacts'.
In the options menu on the handset the 'contacts' box is grey hashed & will not let me tick the option for 'contacts'.
However, the calendar, e-mail & tasks boxes can all be ticked or unticked.
Has anyone else had this problem & how do I resolve it?
12/04/07 @ 12:00
Comment from: Rob [Visitor]
Had my 3100 for a couple of months now and everything has worked perfectly. Have email, contacts etc syncing with my office email over wireless and 3G, plus have managed to get the DirectPush email working with Exchange server 2007. I have also installed TomTom 6 which is working great with Bluetooth GPS.
All I need now is a car cradle that can charge the phone which can be permanently fixed in the car. Anyone know where I can get one?
I'm not sure if this is possible but can a wired GPS reciever be used with the phone. I have installed in my car at the moment a serial (RS-232) GPS reciever which connects to the cradle I use for my iPaq and works very well. It would be very useful if I could use this same setup with a permanent cradle and the M3100. Anyone have any ideas?
All I need now is a car cradle that can charge the phone which can be permanently fixed in the car. Anyone know where I can get one?
I'm not sure if this is possible but can a wired GPS reciever be used with the phone. I have installed in my car at the moment a serial (RS-232) GPS reciever which connects to the cradle I use for my iPaq and works very well. It would be very useful if I could use this same setup with a permanent cradle and the M3100. Anyone have any ideas?
13/04/07 @ 10:26
I would personally recommend the brodit car holders as they are dead easy to fit and do not require any drilling of holes or screws. You may want to see this post: http://www.tracyandmatt.co.uk/blogs/index.php/2006/11/12/brodit_car_kit_for_mda_compact_and_m3100
I dont think you'll have any luck with your wired GPS as the connector on the M3100 doesn't support a serial profile. Only way you might be able to do it is if the GPS manufacturer have a serial to Bluetooth adapter?
Matt
I dont think you'll have any luck with your wired GPS as the connector on the M3100 doesn't support a serial profile. Only way you might be able to do it is if the GPS manufacturer have a serial to Bluetooth adapter?
Matt
13/04/07 @ 10:59
Comment from: jack scott [Visitor]
I have had this phone and the parrot hands free kit for a couple of months now and have nothing but trouble with it.When I saw it in the shop I was impressed, but the reality is very different. Here's my list of problems:
IT used to sync with the pc. When it did, it reversed all the contacts and lost (yes lost) any new ones put into the phone - imagine this with a woman/guy you've just met, or a business contact!! Now it won't recognise it's connnected at all!
The parrot car kit - can't get a list of previous calls at all. Voice commands call anyone but the person you want. Drops calls. Has to be run with teh battery save off, so you HAVE to charge the phoen every day. THere is no charger for the car either so you have to remember to do it before you leave the house.
IT used to sync with the pc. When it did, it reversed all the contacts and lost (yes lost) any new ones put into the phone - imagine this with a woman/guy you've just met, or a business contact!! Now it won't recognise it's connnected at all!
The parrot car kit - can't get a list of previous calls at all. Voice commands call anyone but the person you want. Drops calls. Has to be run with teh battery save off, so you HAVE to charge the phoen every day. THere is no charger for the car either so you have to remember to do it before you leave the house.
19/04/07 @ 09:30
Comment from: jack scott [Visitor]
REading some comments about software upgrades - orange told me to ring SPV - they said there is no upgrade yet and that this is Orange's responsibility! SPV say orange are working on it! So I'm stuck with teh syncing problems.
19/04/07 @ 09:50
Comment from: Andy [Visitor] · http://oneSearch.mobi
will tomtom navigator 6 work on the spv m3100 as its states the software comes on a mini sd card not a micro sd card.
any help would be great
thanks
any help would be great
thanks
26/05/07 @ 12:45
TTN6 will work fine on the M3100 but you'll have to copy everything from the miniSD they provide the software on to a microSD card.
Matt
Matt
26/05/07 @ 13:26
Comment from: Tim Gingell [Visitor]
JASON - many thanks for the SD card fix - brilliant that I can now use the library.
cheers
cheers
31/05/07 @ 10:46
Comment from: Glen Roberts [Visitor]
Hi guys,
Fantastic site and review.
on the SPV M3100 how do I send photos and soundclips to my friends via bluetooth??
Tried "send" and "beam" but neither of them has an option to send via bluetooth.
I have paired the device with a friends but cannot send.
Any Ideas
Glen
Fantastic site and review.
on the SPV M3100 how do I send photos and soundclips to my friends via bluetooth??
Tried "send" and "beam" but neither of them has an option to send via bluetooth.
I have paired the device with a friends but cannot send.
Any Ideas
Glen
05/06/07 @ 09:10
Comment from: Kit Norriss [Visitor]
Hi Everyone,
For some strange reason my device keeps turning its self ON!!! I leave it on the table and all of a sudden it turns on just as if I had pressed the power button. Its fine when its on the table but if its in my pocket and doing it, I end up calling/emailing all sorts of people. Not aware of any pattern to it yet, its quite random. Also, does anybody know how to stop it displaying the on screen keyboard all the time. I don't mind it doing it when the device is closed but when I have the keyboard out it seems a little pointless and gets very annoying having to keep close it all the time.
Thanks for your help
Kit
For some strange reason my device keeps turning its self ON!!! I leave it on the table and all of a sudden it turns on just as if I had pressed the power button. Its fine when its on the table but if its in my pocket and doing it, I end up calling/emailing all sorts of people. Not aware of any pattern to it yet, its quite random. Also, does anybody know how to stop it displaying the on screen keyboard all the time. I don't mind it doing it when the device is closed but when I have the keyboard out it seems a little pointless and gets very annoying having to keep close it all the time.
Thanks for your help
Kit
07/06/07 @ 00:09
Comment from: Maria [Visitor]
I have WMDC on Vista lap top which has synced perfectly-until now. My device has lost its sync partnership and now it isn't recognised,regardless of uninstalling devices etc.and following microsoft help instructions. It indicates that my device has malfunctioned-is this possible?
Grateful for any ideas.
Maria
Grateful for any ideas.
Maria
14/06/07 @ 15:13
Comment from: Tim [Visitor]
Is there GPS in the Orange 3100 as with M700
Many thanks
Many thanks
18/06/07 @ 19:03
Comment from: JASON [Visitor]
can anyone advise on how i can view the following webpage on my M3100?
http://www.netdania.com/QuoteList.asp
ALL i want is to be able to see the live updates at the mo i am unable to. do i need to install a software? please advise all.
http://www.netdania.com/QuoteList.asp
ALL i want is to be able to see the live updates at the mo i am unable to. do i need to install a software? please advise all.
19/06/07 @ 23:30
Have you tried using Opera browser? That normally perfors much better than IE.
Matt
Matt
20/06/07 @ 06:20
Comment from: Mark [Visitor]
Had the phone for about 6 weeks now and for the most part absolutely love it.
The phone simply has everything and functionality is excellent.
The one gripe I have is that the phone is power hungry and will only last 36-48 hours for average use. But because you can do so much with it - don't be surprised if you need to charge every 24 hours.
Had the P990i for a few months and was very dissapointed, functionality is poor and menu system is all over the place.
The phone simply has everything and functionality is excellent.
The one gripe I have is that the phone is power hungry and will only last 36-48 hours for average use. But because you can do so much with it - don't be surprised if you need to charge every 24 hours.
Had the P990i for a few months and was very dissapointed, functionality is poor and menu system is all over the place.
22/06/07 @ 00:28
Comment from: Tom [Visitor]
Great blog with loads of good info on this phone.
I bought this phone mainly because of the great keyboard but I find it as a phone really poor. I need handsfree so I paid
£600 for bluetooth handsreef in my ne Audi A6. The connection is really bad and drops in and out every 5 mins.
Has anyone had any experience of this before and if so what is the fix?
I bought this phone mainly because of the great keyboard but I find it as a phone really poor. I need handsfree so I paid
£600 for bluetooth handsreef in my ne Audi A6. The connection is really bad and drops in and out every 5 mins.
Has anyone had any experience of this before and if so what is the fix?
23/06/07 @ 20:14
Comment from: Jonathan [Visitor]
I've had this phone for over 10 months now ... or should I say i'm just about to get my FOURTH replacement. Yes, the phone is full of lovely features but the big problem is Windows OS 5 - buggy as hell. Keeps crashing, bluetooth works when it wants, stops incoming calls when it wants and is overall undependable especially for business use.
My advice is to get rid of it ... and Orange because their customer service is pathetic (don't go for 'free' broadband either, crap too).
The big problems with review like this is they don't have time to actually test it on a daily basis.
Anybody else think the same or different?
Jonathan
My advice is to get rid of it ... and Orange because their customer service is pathetic (don't go for 'free' broadband either, crap too).
The big problems with review like this is they don't have time to actually test it on a daily basis.
Anybody else think the same or different?
Jonathan
10/07/07 @ 08:22
Comment from: David Akers [Visitor]
I have had my M3100 since Feb 07 no problems until the alarm function didn't work. I upgraded to the latest ROM - the alarms work fine - the only one problem now are that I can't get the phone to sync (even upgraded to latest active sync) - no luck - I have tried all sorts. - any ideas?
David
David
12/07/07 @ 11:33
Comment from: Tom [Visitor]
Well finally managed to get Orange to call me back two weeks after I reported the fault. I have a new handset so lets see if that is any better.
13/07/07 @ 16:54
Comment from: John [Visitor]
For those with Active Sync probs:
Try doing a soft reset on the phone before hooking it up to the PC via cradle or lead, this generally sorts out the active sync connection probs.
Try doing a soft reset on the phone before hooking it up to the PC via cradle or lead, this generally sorts out the active sync connection probs.
18/07/07 @ 21:20
Comment from: Sumit [Visitor]
Good phone. But need to be patient to run features in the phone.
Not the quickest phone out there, but Orange have a winner on their hands.
Got mine on £25 plus £5 for insurance, for 600 any time any network minutes on a 12 months contract, and a free upgrade to my Treo 650.
So, can't complain with the deal. Voice quality for a smart phone is AWESOME. Wifi IS a bit pants but it still works much better than any other wifi phone out there.
Not a stable phone by any means, but as with everything Windows, keep updating the software, and you would be fine.
Never go for a 18 months contract, as u end up paying too much for the handset. And no matter what u get for upgrade n how good the phone is, it looks dated within 6-9 months.
Orange is STILL the best company over all,i had a pixel not working and they sent me a brand new phone next day before 12pm. So except the phone,
Not the quickest phone out there, but Orange have a winner on their hands.
Got mine on £25 plus £5 for insurance, for 600 any time any network minutes on a 12 months contract, and a free upgrade to my Treo 650.
So, can't complain with the deal. Voice quality for a smart phone is AWESOME. Wifi IS a bit pants but it still works much better than any other wifi phone out there.
Not a stable phone by any means, but as with everything Windows, keep updating the software, and you would be fine.
Never go for a 18 months contract, as u end up paying too much for the handset. And no matter what u get for upgrade n how good the phone is, it looks dated within 6-9 months.
Orange is STILL the best company over all,i had a pixel not working and they sent me a brand new phone next day before 12pm. So except the phone,