t-zones question

[Guest greencow]

Hey all, been trolling for awhile, and I think I'm about to actually buy this phone, so I just had a few questions for you guys.

Firstly, its hard to get a straight answer from any t-mo rep about this, but with t-zones, are you able to use the web browser in the shadow? Or would I need their unlimited internet add-on? What about email as well? Can you use the built-in email client, or would it just be internet-based email with t-zones.

I've had a SK2 for the last part of a year, and its time to move to something a little more, "Grown-up", problem is now, all these options overwhelm me. I love the fact that all they have for the sidekick is an all inclusive data plan. 20 bucks and you get unlimited data, email, text, etc... Its simple and easy. Now I'm confused as to what I really need to just get internet and email. t-zones would be great if I could use it for that, or is it just some dumbed down mobile web portal? I don't really want to pay 20 bucks for internet, and then have to pay another 5+ for text.

Alright then, thanks for the help in advance, and great forums you guys have here, lots of good info!

-Paul

[Guest Bwana The Iguana]

Can't help you on the t-zones thing Paul, I never use it. But let me give you some insight anyway.

I think you will enjoy the Shadow should you decide to buy it. This is my third PDA phone and I must admit that I have never had a PDA for the internet browsing capabilites. In my opinion internet browsing on a PDA, even one as neat as the Shadow, is highly overrated. The screen is too little, there too much information coming at ya on too little of a foot print. Clicking on links is cumbersome also.

Mind you, you are talking to a guy that's used to a PC setup with two monitors, a 19 and a 21 inch screen. I love space to work!

Personally I don't have the 20 dollar data plan either. I jump on unsecured WIFI networks as I find them and you will find that pretty soon you will have a cache of open access wireless routers around your regular hangouts that will help you get your data/information fix. Coffeeshops, supermarkets, unsuspecting neighbors, stores, hotel lobbies, city sponsored networks, even the secured networks at work, they are all yours to use with the Shadow. Once connected to a WIFI network you can easily access email and browse the internet at high speed.

Don't forget about http://www.t-mobile.com/messaging should you decide to go with the internet plan. They will let you SEND messages for free.

Good luck.

PS: Somewhere online I read that T-Mobile is already thinking about a SHADOW V2.0, with a more productive scroll wheel. Maybe a reason to hang on just a bit?

[Guest kopp0041]

Just bought my wife a Shadow for the holidays and got it yesterday. Ordered the 5.99 T-MobileWeb option. Haven't set it up yet, but found this awesome site that describes how that option works. Sounds like you get get your browsing on and email accounts. Great instructions for setting it up. If you beat me to it, let me know hw it goes. http://www.gruups.com/tzones/

[Guest greencow]

Hey guys, thanks for the fast replies! I managed to stop by a t-mo store today, got my first look ( and play :( ) with the shadow. I couldn't resist, renewed my account and got it right there. I didn't sign up for the t-zones however, based on the fact that I didn't know for sure yet if you could get "full" internet with it. The rep made it sound like you couldn't, of course, which is to be expected.

My impressions of the phone thus far are fantastic. Great little device. I love the Wi-Fi (another reason I haven't yet signed up for t-zones), connects without a hitch to any of the non-encrypted networks I've tried so far. I've got wi-fi at my house, and also at my work, so right now the only reason I'd need mobile web is when I'm out and about.

Bwana - I can relate, went from 19" widescreen to a 32" haha. For the most part though, I agree, mobile surfing is over-rated. Whats the point really, when we have so many easily available access points to the internet? On the flipside, however, there is a few times that I'm glad to have it, google maps on the shadow is actually a joy to use, especially connected to wi-fi. Being able to easily find directions no matter where (almost where) I'm at is a great thing to have. Also, I generally use the web on mobiles more so for email and instant messaging. The field of work I'm in, requires me being easily contacted, so those two features are a blessing (and a curse sometimes, haha).

Kopp - Thanks for the link! After reading, seems easy enough, especially on smartphones. Let me know how it fares for you, if all goes well, I might just have to add it on, heck, 6 bucks isn't bad to be able to access those features on the road.

-Paul

Edited December 2, 2007 by greencow

[Guest jennyfur]

Hrm I just switched from the T-Mobile web plan to the Total Internet plan because there were too many sites/programs I couldn't use with it.

[Guest chaznet]

They've been chipping-away at the free-ride full internet via T-Zones for a couple years now, it's stopped working for me over a year ago. Some users claim it still works for them -- wish I were one of them :( With each new smartphone, they seem to be closer to enforcing service levels -- more users posting issues with full connectivity. Your best bet would be to add T-Zones, see if those proxy-settings work for you -- then you'll know if you require the Total Internet package.