Imate SP5 problems

[Guest c4ndh]

Hi,

I'm a new convert to MS from my trusty SE P900 - I recently took the plunge and got an SP5, but I've got quite a few problems, some of which may well be down to my lack of knowledge of the OS. I'd be grateful for any advice you experts can give!

1. The Wifi and Bluetooth often turn themselves on each time the phone is started, resulting in rapid running-down of the battery. Even if you turn them off, they’re on again the next time you restart the phone.

2. When searching for a contact, the phone searches for numbers as well as names. Effectively, this means that it is impossible to go directly to a contact whose name begins with G, H or I, as this is also the 4 button, therefore all UK numbers are displayed (as they begin +44). Is there a way to disable this "feature"? Every time I want to call "Home", I have to scroll through the entire phone book to get there.

3. The Sync function frequently fails - the computer (XP Pro with all MS updates installed) simply doesn’t recognise that there is a device connected. The only way to rectify the situation is to uninstall and reinstall the Sync software. I've read about problems with firewalls, etc., and they've been disabled.

4. The phone’s buttons do not illuminate until you start dialling, despite the screen lighting up as soon as you unlock it. This means that, at night, you have to take a guess at the first number you press, normally having to subsequently clear the error prior to resuming dialling.

5. The phone regularly crashes, necessitating removal of the battery to reboot.

Any ideas people?

Many thanks,

Nick

[Guest raddaz]

3. The Sync function frequently fails - the computer (XP Pro with all MS updates installed) simply doesn’t recognise that there is a device connected. The only way to rectify the situation is to uninstall and reinstall the Sync software. I've read about problems with firewalls, etc., and they've been disabled.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

i have a similar problem with syncing. The only way i can reliably connect is by disabling the firewall, wait for the pc to try and connect and then force the sync by running the sync program on my sp5.

hope that helps.

[Guest TheFox]

2. When searching for a contact, the phone searches for numbers as well as names. Effectively, this means that it is impossible to go directly to a contact whose name begins with G, H or I, as this is also the 4 button, therefore all UK numbers are displayed (as they begin +44). Is there a way to disable this "feature"? Every time I want to call "Home", I have to scroll through the entire phone book to get there.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Windows smartphones enable you to search for a contact in a predictive T9 sort of way, if that makes sense.

Best way for you to call home is to press 4 (h) then 6 (o) and then 6 (m) again. This should bring the number to the top.

Hope this helps ;)

[Guest gilesjuk]

4. The phone’s buttons do not illuminate until you start dialling, despite the screen lighting up as soon as you unlock it. This means that, at night, you have to take a guess at the first number you press, normally having to subsequently clear the error prior to resuming dialling.

5. The phone regularly crashes, necessitating removal of the battery to reboot.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

4. If you turn off the light sensor in power management the backlight will come on in all situations except when locked and you need to unlock.

5. Dunno, if you aren't installing software to a memory card then now is the time, Windows doesn't like to be low on space. Otherwise, hard reset and see if that helps? otherwise might be a faulty handset.

[Guest chrisc28]

Ok, my imate sp5 is going back to imate. Exactly 2 weeks of use and I'm now affected by the "stuck in headset profile" hardware bug. How unlucky. ;)

[Guest roma0803]

I guess you're stuck with a so called 'monday morning' phone. Do send it back. My experiences with a SP5m are most pleasent, just the ActiveSync issue is one I recognize but that has nothing to do with the phone itself.

[Guest team_edition]

With regards to the issue of contacts I think you'll find this is to do with how you save the name in Outlook.

For example if you have a contact called George Bush when you say it in Outlook you often have the "File As" option and you can save it as "Bush, George" or "George Bush". If you've got this set right (I remember I didn't when I moved from an SE P900 to an i-mate SP3 at the time) then you should be able to press the keys correctly and find the name without any problem.

[Guest c4ndh]

With regards to the issue of contacts I think you'll find this is to do with how you save the name in Outlook.

For example if you have a contact called George Bush when you say it in Outlook you often have the "File As" option and you can save it as "Bush, George" or "George Bush". If you've got this set right (I remember I didn't when I moved from an SE P900 to an i-mate SP3 at the time) then you should be able to press the keys correctly and find the name without any problem.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Mmmm - not sure about that. as mentioned above, I think it's just a "feature" of the OS. At the risk of sounding cynical, maybe it's because it was designed for Americans, who being , shall we say, not so well travelled as us Europeans, probably don't add +1 to the front of their numbers.

If anyone knows the definitive answer, I'd love to know. Sure, I can enter the first few letters of "Home", but it's a bit of a pain when driving for example (as if I would...) ;)