No idea if Colin McRae Dirt 3D works with the i600 but JBlend has 3D support and works with a lot of games although there is no sound.

Yes, I kinda expected that all the posts would have at least been deleted as soon as a Mod noticed Was surprised to find it all still there this morning with more content having been added overnight.

I can see exactly the same crap from my desktop and Samsung i600!

Ak oh cool, just posted those screen shots during your reply.



LOL, I'm a respectable upstanding member of the community with no interest in the kind of smutty, sleazy filth peddled by spam meisters.

And besides, most of the links were dead

Ok, full screen dumps of the Submit News area attached. I'm not logged in, neither am I a mod and get the same results regardless of the browser. Does nobody else see this?

My understanding of the Submit News forum is that you can only see your own posts that are pending approval.

I haven't put anything in and wasn't logged in either! It was like this last night at around 1am but I thought it was just a glitch.

I'll log back out, take a screen shot and then post it back here.

What on earth is going on with MoDaCo? The submit news area has been flooded with spam and porn!!!

Have been messing around with Opera Mini of late and only just noticed that the TAO Intent MIDlet manager can't handle special characters or and symbols on the i600. Once you choose a character or symbol, the screen goes black and the only way out is to return to the home screen and then switch back to TAO Intent. Once there, it picks right back up where you left it minus any special characters or symbols that you tried to select previously. Obviously, this is a real pain for example, with email addresses or websites that use the _ character which is not on the i600 keypad.

Therefore, I've had a snoop around the various other flavours of MIDlet managers available and tested how they work with the i600 for Opera Mini and the odd game. My i600 runs the generic version of WM5 and it's also worth reading the excellent and very informative Java MIDlet Bible for any further info required.

TAO Intent MIDlet Manager 10.1.7.561 Build 20060726
Installs perfectly but can't handle any special characters or symbols as per above. Otherwise, it works well with Opera Mini but launching the manager and any installed Java apps is far slower than with other MIDlet managers plus it doesn't play hardly any games. Apps can be installed locally or via the Web and the security model is per session.

Aplix JBlend 3.2.8 20061016c
Prompts you during install saying it's for a different version of WM although I believe this is the preferred MIDlet manager that Samsung ships with some of its handsets. Handles special characters and symbols and has no screen formatting problems plus it also plays the widest range of games (no sound though). However, Opera Mini usage is completely ruined by the oneshot security model that means it asks you *every* time you load a webpage whether it's ok to do so. On top of that, it takes a fair while to load Opera Mini and apps can only be installed through the Internet which rarely works or by executing them in the File Manager that requires the correct file association if you have more than one MIDlet manager installed.

Esmertec JBed 20070802.2.1 (Cloudyfa version)
Prompts you during install saying it's for a different version of WM. Handles specials characters and symbols but the bottom of the screen is chopped off in Opera Mini and the games I tried meaning you can't see the content there. Otherwise, it's quick and plays games well with sound. Apps can be installed locally or via the web and the security model is per session. JBed seems to be the preferred MIDlet manager of choice for most people.

Esmertec Jeodek 20070425 (dFine version)
Prompts you during install saying it's for a different version of WM and crashed the first time I ran it. Handles specials characters and symbols but unfortunately, it places a useless command bar at the bottom of the screen for the standard soft keys which is pointless as each app has its own use for this area. For example, Opera Mini places its own soft keys above the standard ones that are displayed that is a real waste of screen real estate. Does play quite a few games with sound though and is very quick in launching both Java apps and the manager itself. The security model is per session.

Esmertec Jeodek 20070312-116861.2.1
Prompts you during install saying it's for a different version of WM but installed fine first time unlike the dFine version. Handles special characters and symbols AND has no screen formatting problems AND has session level security model AND even plays games well with sound albeit a small number (but no less than the dFine version for the games I tried). It's lightning quick, stable and for me, definitely the one to go for if you want both proper Opera Mini support plus the odd game.

Just realised that I have .NET 1.0 installed on my Samsung i600/Blackjack as part of the generic WM5 ROM. The latest version of Windows Live Search requires .NET Compact Framework 2.0 and I was wondering what benefits this upgrade will bring, if any.

I've not got any other software that requires .NET 2.0 and my bread is buttered on the side of "if it 'aint broke, don't fix it". Hence, I'm thinking that it's not really worth the bother to install .NET 2.0 just for Live Search, especially since Windows upgrades of any flavour tend to add chipshop grade bloat.

I understand .NET 2.0 improves speed of applications (allegedly), however, will I actually notice any real world difference, good or otherwise, in everyday use of WM5? Is it worth the upgrade? Does it "do" anything else beneficial? Any pros and cons of upgrading?

Regards,

Dark Horse

Yep, many thanks for clarifying

Hi Ian,

No probs, there are a number of boxes you can buy, including all-in-one routers with VoIP and wifi. I think it's worth sticking with separates though, just like you would for good audio and hifi kit

If you do get a PAP2T, make sure it's a fully unlocked model (most are) as you'll be able to use it with any VoIP provider then. There are instructions floating around on the Web to unlock the boxes yourself but it relies on a particular firmware as LinkSys have been clamping down on this.

You can get the PAP2T from a number of online retailers, try broadbandbuyer.co.uk or broadbandstuff.co.uk. Make sure you get the telephone adaptor with it though, this converts an ordinary UK plug into the smaller US plug that the LinkSys has. Both of the retailers above sell it for a few quid with the box but it costs a lot more on the high street.

One last thing, the PAP2T has sockets for 2 phone lines so if required, you can connect 2 separate telephones with different numbers or 1 telephone and a fax machine

Regards,

Dark Horse

Agreed, the service itself is fine, I rarely have probs with their broadband and this is back from the days when it used to be TeleWest but their charges for both broadband and phone have been steadily creeping up and are no longer competitive.

Support-wise, Virgin Media are kinda OK as long as you call them during business hours. Get through to their UK call centre during the day and they can sort you out most of the time but the out-of-hours offshore call centre is useless.

Hi Ian,

I'm very pleased with the service and have been using it heavily, both nationally and abroad. It's everything I expected it to be, especially the call quality that is second to none. For any UK calls (point-to-point or PSTN), you won't notice the difference at all from a conventional PSTN line and neither with your caller. For calling abroad however, whilst point-to-point is crystal clear, PSTN to VoIP depends on the latency of the overseas user's connection to the DrayTEL servers. If it's patchy, the call quality isn't great and you end up mising half a second of conversation every now and then which isn't really a problem (I've had far worse with MSN et al). In this way, it's no different to online gaming where you play against someone abroad, it all depends on their connection to the servers.

Reliability from DrayTEL has been superb. There have been only 2 occasions in the last month when the DrayTEL servers were down and both of those occurred late at night for a few hours only. By next morning, the service was back up and running and DrayTEL had identified that the fault only affected certain users. In any case, as a backup, you always have your moby for emergencies.

DrayTEL email support is quick and very helpful. Rather than fob you off with "have you tried switching it off and on again?", you get a detailed and technical reply from someone knowlegeable which is a real change from the usual Bangalore muppets that Virgin Media employs who would have difficulty understanding how to boil water.

Downsides? Well, it's not really a service for anyone who's a technophobe. There's a degree of getting your hands dirty to configure the box but no more than might be required to configure a Wifi connection or router. Once the box is configured that takes all of 5 minutes, you're up and running but you do need to be comfortable in messing around with IP's and server configurations. Also, email support whilst quick and informative is the only method of getting support. There are no numbers you can dial but having said that, I have always gotten a reply within 24 hours.

The only other thing I would mention is that its worth looking into the whole VoIP thing with other providers too to ensure you get the one that best meets your needs. Like you mentioned, I was fed up of having to pay line rental plus broadband plus call charges and all the extortinate charges that go with it. For me, I wanted a no frills service that is reliable, cheap, doesn't tie me into a contract, gives free VoIP calls to other SIP users worldwide and offers a geographical number for free (very important!) along with easy account management. To this end, DrayTEL was the only choice, especially as I can call abroad for free to other SIP users. Additionally however, DrayTEL's UK call charges are way better than Virgin Media et al and of course, there's no line rental! On top of that, there are lots of extras that you get for free such as group calling, call divert and voicemail (messages can be emailed to you as a WAV file).

Other companies such as Vonage charge you a low line rental with free local calls and subsidised boxes but you are tied into a contract with hefty termination fees. So really, you need to look into what you will be using VoIP for and go with whatever provider will accomodate your requirements. Do you make many UK calls for example? Do you need calls to the US in particular (these are very cheap)? Do you need a geographical number? Do you prefer post or prepay services? (DrayTEL is prepay)

The great thing about having a geographical number is that it follows you around the world. I travel abroad often and just take the box with me to plug into a broadband router wherever I am staying. Whoeever then needs to call me from the UK just pays for a normal UK call to my geographical number regardless of whether I'm in Denver or Dubai.

The other thing is that if you are a heavy torrent user (I'm not), quality will not be great on a 2MB connection unless you close/pause your torrent client during a call. The reason for this is because the 192KB upstream limit on a 2MB Virgin Media connection will be shared equally between your torrents and VoIP call. Upstream speeds are more important than downstream speeds for VoIP so whilst you can get away with downloading a file during a call, anything being uploaded will impact the quality. If you already have broadband and are thinking of getting VoIP as an addition to your existing broadband service, check your upstream rates first!

There is another alternative to VoIP too though and that's to just go with someone like Tiscali or PlusNet who offer a phone line with broadband with no line rental. I didn't go down this route however because some of them have usage allowance or require a 12 month contract whilst others are not competitive enough. No point shelling out £20 per month for broadband with a free phone line when a Virgin line can be had for as little as £10 per month (for the first year, £17 thereafter) with which you can get VoIP. More importantly, none of them are able to offer free worldwide calls!

Hope this helps, feel free to ask anything else

Regards,

Dark Horse

See my guide at http://www.modaco.com/content/i60x-i60x-mo...-your-wm5-i600/ for flashing with i600XXGD1 and dealing with the spinning numbers.

I never had this problem with a C500 or C550 hence why I thought it might be device specific

The very same thing happens with my Samsung i600 running WM5, maybe it's the same with all their devices?

The Expansys servers have ground to a halt, can't get anywhere near them to even see the offer

Anyone else getting Server is too busy messages?

Edit: Ok, I guess they've changed the rubber band on the server now, it's back up

Can't stand Lewis, he's a swaggering, whiny imbecile who needs a passport for his ego. Everyone bangs on about him being a great driver, stick him in a Force India and then lets see how good he is. Agree he was hard done by though, that decision was ridiculous and Lewis should have got the 10 points.

That's a good deal you got there!

If you have any interest in video editing or music, the Mac is really good for both of these (also good for imaging but you'll need to have a goatee for that )

For video editing, there's a software package called Final Cut which is very good. For music, try Sound Studio or Audacity which is free.

If you're into emulation, try MacMAME or Sixty Force which is a Nintendo 64 emulator that plays very well on a PowerMac G4. If you want a decent torrent client (ahoy there shipmates), try Transmission or xTorrent that has an integrated search.

Finally, for a cool application launcher, take a look at Quicksilver.

Regards,

Dark Horse

What Virgin Media broadband connection do you have? I didn't realise they throttle bandwidth but an absolute minimum of 64k upstream should be sufficient for ok call quality.

Sure, here's what you need to do:

1. Connect the Linksys PAP2T telephone adaptor to a spare port on the router, connect the analogue phone to line 1 on the PAP2T (using the adaptor if required) and power up.
   
   
2. Pick up the phone and dial **** (4 times).
   
   
3. Dial 110# to get the IP number of the PAP2T.
   
   
4. Enter http://<IP number>/admin/advanced into your Web browser to show the Linksys PAP2T configuration screen.
   
   
5. Click on "Line 1".
   
   
6. Enter the following in the Proxy and Registration section:
   
   Proxy: draytel.org
   Outbound Proxy: nat.draytel.org:5065
   Use Outbound Proxy: Yes
   
   
7. Enter the following in the Subscriber Information section:
   
   User ID: Your DrayTel username/account number
   Password: Your DrayTel password
   Auth ID: Your DrayTel username/account number
   
   
8. Enter the following in the Audio Configuration section:
   
   DTMF Tx Method: INFO
   
   
9. Click the Save Settings button to reboot the PAP2T.
   
   
10. Click on "Regional" and enter the following in the Distinctive Ring Patterns section:
    
    Ring1 Cadence: 60(.4/.2,.4/2)
    
    
11. Enter the following in the Ring and Call Waiting Tone Spec section:
    
    Ring Waveform: Sinusoid
    
    
12. Enter the following in the Miscellaneous section:
    
    Set Local Date (mm/dd): <current date in mm/dd/yyyy format)
    Set Local Time (HH/mm): <current time in hh/mm format)
    Time Zone: <local time zone>
    
    
13. Click the Save Settings button to reboot the PAP2T once more. You should now hear a dial tone and be able to make and receive calls.

Steps 10 and 11 are not required but give a nice UK ring if applied, the default Linksys one is a bizarre affair that sounds like a bad cough

Regards,

Dark Horse


Edit: Added steps to change date, time and time zone

Hi,

If you send me a copy of the HTML, I'll take a look for you.

Regards,

Dark Horse

Hi Ryan,

You haven't mentioned which version of Opera you're trying to download. I have a Samsung i600 too and have the generic advanced MIDP 2 version of Opera Mini v4 installed which works great with eBay and other sites, mobile or otherwise. You can download by going to http://www.operamini.com/download/wap/gene...dvanced_midp_2/ on your phone. Bear in mind though that you will also need to install a Java client to run Opera Mini as it's a Java app. I use TAO Intent Java MIDlet Manager on my i600 (see http://www.modaco.com/content/smartphone-g...a-midlet-bible/ for more details about Java MIDlet managers).

If you want a native Windows Mobile Opera browser, there isn't a free one available. You can download a 30 day trial version of Opera Mobile 8.65 for Windows Mobile 5 for Smartphones here (this is for the CAB file and is the latest version of Opera Mobile for Windows Smartphone 5).

I found the free Opera Mini far quicker and more flexible as the web pages are compressed at the server end before being sent to your phone but it does require a Java MIDlet manager. You may prefer Opera Mobile as it's a native Windows Mobile application and doesn't require anything else.

Oh, and both will also work just fine across wifi

Regards,

Dark Horse

Just to add to that list, Virgin Media is also outsourced to India (mainly evenings and weekends) and I'm fully prepared to comment, it's complete cack!