U.S. NOOB with Some Questions

[Guest Lament]

Hi All

Noob here with some questions. I just recently read about the soon to be SPV E200 scheduled for release soon. Needless to say, I WANT ONE. One problem however, I reside in the U.S. and it seems it is not coming here anytime soon.

So, I have done some research and need some more clarification. Luckily I found my way here where it seems there are numerous knowledgeable folks! :lol:

As said before, total noob here so I need you to tell me if I'm WAY off and out of my mind.

From what I read today the E200 is a GSM network phone, meaning that it will work on any GSM compatible network / carrier. SO, would it be feasible to import the E200, sign up with a GSM carrier and get the phone to work? I also read that I would have to some how "unlock" the phone (SIM unlock AND Application unlock) and replace the SIM card. So the action flow would be somewhat like this:

1. E200 released

2. Import it to US!!

3. Sign up with GSM compatible carrier

4. Unlock E200 (Help me!) - How?

5. Replace SIM card (Help!) - Where do I get this?

6. Enjoy!

OK, am I way off here? Am I missing any steps? CAN I enjoy the E200?!

If you guys can help me out with these steps I will be more than happy to document every step here with PICS!! for the good of all the noobs that want to get into the smartphone community. Thanks in advance for being patient with a newcomer. :wink:

Lament-

[Guest awarner [MVP]]

Welcome to the site :lol:

1, soon but you also have the option to get the Qtek 8080 (this can be found SIM unlocked) ;)

2, Fine but will not be cheap initially

3, There are plenty of US members who can recommend a sutable carrier.

ask encece I'm sure he will help you there :(

4, If you choose the E200 it would be best to have it SIM unlocked before you recieve it, also it may take a while before this is possible.

5, You should be able to get the SIM card from the carrier you choose to use.

6, Definately :)

[Guest Lament]

Thanks for fast reply awarner! :lol:

Are there any differences between the Qtek 8080 and the E200? If not, and the Qtek is easier to get ahold of then that makes me Happy! ;)

I can specify that I want it unlocked whenever I order either? I read the "SIM Unlock" thread you linked to, however, when I click to download the file I'm "Forbidden" :x

Also one more question you may know, I currently use Sprint as my carrier, do they have a GSM network? I could not find a direct answer to this while researching today so I am assuming not.

Thanks again.

EDIT: OH, it seems that the text SIM Unlock gets a link applied automatically.

Lament-

[Guest nickcornaglia]

Lament:

Since the e200 is not out yet, there will be no definite way to unlock the phone until someone here assures it can be done with a proven method.

GSM carriers upon new activation will provide you with a SIM card to place in your phone yourself, since you are not buying one of their phones. All GSM phones use SIM cards.

Non-GSM carriers include Sprint and Verizon. They are both on CDMA Networks. Therefor you will not be able to use an e200 or any other GSM phone, locked or unlocked on their networks.

So far...

Verizon has the Samsung i600 Smartphone

AT&T have the MPx200 which can be unlocked to use on any GSM carrier in the US. (Cingular, TMobile, AT&T)

Rumor is that T-Mobile may have the e200 model in their lineup...but that is just rumor.

Sprint has nothing yet.

You can also get an SPV(canary) or Tanager model unlocked to use on US GSM carriers.

Which Carrier is best for you? Depends on where you live. I'm in the Philadelphia Area and Verizon CDMA is the best service by far around here. I used to use TMobile and their service leaves much to be desired in this area...that goes the same for the other GSM carriers in the area as they probably share the same towers.

Good Luck in your decision.

[Guest awarner [MVP]]

Correct about the link :lol:

The Qtek will have a slightly different OS to the E200 but basically for you

they will be the same as you would not be using the Orange network.

It's unlikely that Orange will unlock the phone from you so it depends if you wish to buy new or secondhand. If second hand then you would need to request that it be unlocked.

As for srint I do not know sorry.

[Guest Lament]

Great Info, This helps a lot. It looks like the way to go, in the US anyway, is to get the qtek. Glad I asked. On to do more research. 21 more days before launch....

:lol:

Lament-

[Guest Rickalicious]

There are no unlock codes available that I have found yet. I am in Chicago, IL and am going to buy one from Orange directly that is already unlocked....

Here is the link:

https://www.ora.co.uk/orangeSPV/#

mind you, it is a bit pricy. it comes out to around $750 with shipping, but that is completely unlocked and ready to grab a SIM card from verizon or T-mobile.

I think I am going to go with t-mobile as you can get unlimited internet for $20 over the cost of your regular minutes plan. it comes out to around $100 a month for me. not a bad deal considering you get unlimited connectivity to your office.

You can pick up a 512 MB SD card online for about $130, bluetooth wireless headset for around $100, and there you go, you are a leam mean smartphone using machine. :lol:

Let me know if you guys know of a better way to get the e200 working in the states.

Rick