imate SP3i - questions for past i-Mate users

[Guest xerxes]

1. Is the i-Mate version of a phone is compatible with all the same software as the Orange version?

2. Is the i-Mate version application locked? If it is how can I get it unlocked?

3. What do past users of i-Mate phones think of the firmware quality compared to Orange?

[Guest aristoBrat]

On my (now ancient) SPV e100 I tried the Orange, imate and QTEK ROMs. I ended up sticking with imate.

It wasn't application locked, all the software ran the same, the branding was minimal, and it didn't have all of the Orange utilities (which are meaningless unless you're an Orange subscriber).

I'm current running the imate ROM on my AT&T Audiovox 5600 and am loving it, other than the lack of WMP10 (which will be in their next ROM update, according to emails they've sent).

[Guest xerxes]

So if I have the choice of buying an Orange C500 or an imate SP3i I should probably go for the imate, given that they are the same price and I have to use Vodafone anyway.

[Guest aristoBrat]

The imate will be SIM unlocked. If you buy the Orange C500, you'll have to pay additionally to get it SIM unlocked.

The Orange C500 is also application locked, although you can fairly easily unlock it through their website. The imate will not be application locked.

The C500 will come w/ a bunch of applications that you won't be able to use. The imate won't.

The both will run the same software...

If the price is the same, the imate is what I'd go for. :lol: If the Orange was substantially cheaper, I'd probably go that way and deal w/ the stuff above.

[Guest Confucious]

How much are you paying? On contract the C500 TCO is £260 + £20 to unlock a C500. This would give you a SIM with 120 Mins and 30 texts a month which you could eithetr use or not as you chose.

HTH

[Guest xerxes]

That's the thought process I was going through.

I actually have a C500 on 14 days approval at the moment. So far I like the phone but I'm not too keen on the roller bar thingy.

I'm thinking the SP3i might be the way to go, particularly if it doesn't have multi press issues as has been reported on other threads.

[Guest Confucious]

You do get used to the roller bar thingy (or at least I have) and I actually think the C500 in black looks great - but that's personal oppinion so it's up to you.

[Guest aristoBrat]

Yeah, I'm kinda partial to the roller-bar thingy now. I don't play games, so 95% of the time I use it for just up/down when reading emails and webpages. IMO, it's easier on the thumb than the joystick.

But I can totally see where a gamer would feel differently... :lol:

[Guest xerxes]

When I finally settle on a phone it will primarily be for business use but I do spend an awful lot of time in airport departure lounges so the ability to play the odd game will also be appreciated.

I do prefer the phone in black though...

Too much choice...making my head hurt.

[Guest Confucious]

You can play some games on the C500 - i play Ecllipse and jawbreaker.

Get the C500 in black :lol: