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Mobile Gadget News :: Making Your Mobile Life Simpler _ HTC Hurricane, Robbie & Tornado _ New Cingular 2125: Questions

Posted by: Eddyj90 Dec 18 2006, 07:12 PM

What is the best way to maximize battery life?

What are some good sites to find downloads? Especially free ones.

What music file formats can I put on my phone?

What video file formats can I put on my phone?

Thank you for all the help!!

Posted by: runningtiger Dec 18 2006, 09:26 PM

QUOTE (Eddyj90 @ Dec 18 2006, 11:12 AM) *
What is the best way to maximize battery life?


Make sure that under settings/connections/beam "receive incoming beams" is not checked. To maximize your battery make sure that setting is UN-checked otherwise you'll drain your battery much faster.

Things that drain the battery fast are listening to music, playing videos, and internet usage. Of course BT and wifi (not an issue on your phone) also drain the battery faster. So, limit all those things and your battery will last the longest.

But, all those things are what you got your phone for! At least I did!! So, I just make sure I have a car charger and the ability to charge at work and at home. I was out shopping yesterday and listened (via BT headset) to music all day (and I mean all day - from 9am until midnight) by charging my phone in the car as I drove from store to store. By the end of the day my phone was down to 60%. Without the additional charging it would last about 5 hours of straight listening to music. Personally, if I couldn't charge so often, I'd carry an extra battery. An extra battery is much lighter and less bulk than carrying around a stand-alone MP3 player. IMHO.


QUOTE (Eddyj90 @ Dec 18 2006, 11:12 AM) *
What are some good sites to find downloads? Especially free ones.


Check out http://surrealnetworks.com/mpx/SDAapps.htm for some good utility freebies. They are for the T-Mobile SDA specifically, but that's your phone's cousin. I think with exception of the ClearVue Suite they should work on your phone too. As always, proceed at your own risk.

Other sites that have more than just utilities is http://www.modaco.com (go to the downloads section) & http://www.airfagev.com/

Make sure if you download anything that it is for your operating system. There are apps there for older OS and they might not work right on your phone.

There are other places, but these are known to be reliable and should get you started.


QUOTE (Eddyj90 @ Dec 18 2006, 11:12 AM) *
What music file formats can I put on my phone?


What music formats you can play depends on what player you are going to play them with. By default, wmPlayer is what you get and it'll play MP3, WMA, and WAV formats. Other players are capable of more.

QUOTE (Eddyj90 @ Dec 18 2006, 11:12 AM) *
What video file formats can I put on my phone?


Same deal with video as music. It totally depends on your player. A good free app to play many formats is called TCPMP (The Core Pocket Media Player). It's a favorite of many.

QUOTE (Eddyj90 @ Dec 18 2006, 11:12 AM) *
Thank you for all the help!!


You're welcome. wink.gif And, welcome to MGN! Glad you're hear and posted. Have fun & good luck!

Posted by: Eddyj90 Dec 18 2006, 09:34 PM

Thank you so much, that was great help. Here are a few more questions smile.gif Of course, if you don't mind...

I had a Sony Ericson W600i. Probably the best part of the phone was that the screen was practically unscratchable! Is it the same with this phone?

I have an MP4 of a video. I want to transfer it to my phone. I tried doing it already but it was converted to a music file. What can I do here?

Posted by: runningtiger Dec 18 2006, 10:48 PM

No, unfortunately, the screen is not practicably unscratchable. I prefer flip phones 'cuz the screen is more protected. BUT, the one's I've had the keypad has left marks on the screen. This kind of phone is open to everything (anything you have in the same pocket). So, either get a good case or one of those thin clear screen protectors to keep your screen in really good shape. Or, just go for it. If I turn my phone sideways in just the right light, I can see little imperfections in the screen. None of these keep me from being able to use my phone. It's really up to you and what your level of being able to stand imperfection is. wink.gif Now, that's all about scratches. As far as just being strong, I'd say the screen would take a lot of force to break. But, I haven't tested that! biggrin.gif

To keep files from being converted when you use ActiveSync to move them to your phone, go to (in ActiveSync) tools\advanced tools\edit file conversion settings and un-check "convert files when synchronized, copied or moved" on the first tab. This way when you move the MP4 video to your phone it will remain in that format.

Posted by: runningtiger Dec 18 2006, 10:50 PM

and...if the MP4 doesn't play on your phone with the current player you'll either need a player that plays MP4s or convert the file to another format. I don't know the details of either of those situations so I can't give you specifics. Use the "search" feature in the upper right hand corner of this window (blue bar...not the google search, though that could be helpful as well) and search your terms. I'm sure you'll find some interesting stuff.

Posted by: Eddyj90 Dec 18 2006, 11:08 PM

Well my dad put a lil' plastic thing over the phone, so I guess that will do for the protection.

Thanks for the MP4 comment.

Posted by: runningtiger Dec 18 2006, 11:15 PM

btw...I looked and TCPMP does allow itself to be associated with MP4 files so they should play with that particular player if not the default wmPlayer. Good luck!

Posted by: Eddyj90 Dec 19 2006, 01:34 AM

QUOTE (runningtiger @ Dec 18 2006, 03:15 PM) *
btw...I looked and TCPMP does allow itself to be associated with MP4 files so they should play with that particular player if not the default wmPlayer. Good luck!


Well its just 1 specific file... I can't find it on Google Videos anymore, and YouTube doesn't let you download it.

Posted by: Eddyj90 Dec 20 2006, 03:43 AM

I just found out about holding down the END call button, resulting in Locking the keys. Great trick smile.gif

Does anyone have another trick they can show me?

Posted by: runningtiger Dec 20 2006, 07:25 AM

There are a few more keys with secondary functions. Let's go around the horn...

A quick press of the power button brings up the "quick list" where you can choose to turn the phone off or, put it in flight mode. You can also lock your device or change the profile from here.

After you've started the camera (either by using the dedicated camera button or via the start menu) pushing the camera button will snap a photo or begin video recording (depending on what mode your camera is in). If in video mode, another press of the camera key will stop recording.

A long press of the volume down key brings up the voice recognition program.

A long press of the comm manager key brings up the voice notes program.

And, a short press of the green "dial" key brings up the most recent numbers you've dialed.

Set up speed dials for the programs you use the most and you'll limit the amount of times you have to go into your start menu to actually start a program. For instance, I "speed dial" file manager by pressing 36. I chose that location 'cuz the "f" key is 3 and the "m" key is 6. This way makes it very easy and intuitive to remember where your program speed dials are located.

That's it for the buttons. Here's two tips I would not want to be without...

App unlock your phone (if it isn't already) so you can add the programs you'd like and then you can also rearrange the start menu in a way that's meaningful to you by creating folders and grouping programs together how you want.

Here's the instructions to app unlock your phone:
http://wiki.spv-developers.com/index.php/HTC_Application_Unlock_Guide

With a reg editor, you can also put the folders and apps on your start menu in the order you want by going here:
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Shell\StartMenu\Order]
and replacing the default order with your preferred order. The original order might look something like this:
Internet Explorer.lnk
Tasks.lnk
Windows Media.lnk
Calendar.lnk
Messaging.lnk
Contacts.lnk
ActiveSync.lnk
Call History.lnk
Settings.lnk
Games
Voice Notes.lnk
Pictures & Videos.lnk
Accessories

My preferred order looks like this (with two new folders I created beforehand using ActiveSync and creating them directly on the phone):
Messaging.lnk
Contacts.lnk
Calendar.lnk
Games
Accessories
MIDlet Manager.lnk
Task Manager.lnk
Internet
Utilities

Putting the "Accessories" folder right there puts in in the center and that is the default position of the "selected" folder when you access your start menu. Put whatever folder you want (use the most) in that position to limit key pushes.

At least, that's how I like my phone setup. You'll come up with your own way...whatever works best for you!

Posted by: Eddyj90 Dec 20 2006, 05:11 PM

Wow thanks alot!! Don't you ever get tired of writing so much for this many people?

Posted by: runningtiger Dec 20 2006, 09:07 PM

So many questions get asked that I have no clue about. When one comes along I can answer, I let it rip! That you found it helpful, makes it worthwhile.

Good luck with your new phone!

Posted by: Eddyj90 Dec 21 2006, 01:36 AM

Thanks so much.

Oh god, what is RAM? It says 76% used... how do I clear this!?

Posted by: smeg36 Dec 21 2006, 03:07 AM

The RAM is the phone's storage space. It's used by both the phone's OS and programs running, and storage for programs and files. If you have programs, pictures, videos, and ringtones stored on the phone, it will be using up the RAM. If you have a storage card many of these things can be stored on it instead, freeing up the phone's memory.

Posted by: Eddyj90 Dec 21 2006, 04:57 AM

I do have programs, around 4. If I were to move these to the smartcard, would I have to adjust anything to get to them like i regularly do?

As for pictures, videos, etc... no, nothing! This is what it says:

"TOTAL MEMORY 66MB
Programs: 47% (20.98mb/45.1mb used)
RAM Storage: 12.25mb/20.9mb used)"

Oh dear... am I making a big fuss about this when I shouldn't be?

Posted by: runningtiger Dec 21 2006, 06:34 AM

Be clear that you can't just "move" the programs from your phone's memory to your storage card. You'd need to uninstall the program via ActiveSync or through the settings/remove programs menu. Then, re-install the program and when it asks, choose to install it on the storage card. Not all programs give you a choice though. For those, you're just stuck. And, even though a lot of programs will let you choose to install to the storage card they still dump a certain amount of stuff onto the phone's memory. That's just the way it works and you can't change it. So, I hope you have a really big storage card 'cuz your phone's memory will fill up fast! I've got 2G and only have it half full and I've got a TON of stuff on it.

Your question was would you have to do anything different to access your programs on the storage card and the answer is no. If you do it like I just said, the installation will create an icon on the start menu pointing to the appropriate place.

As far as the amount of memory you have left, as you can see you've only installed four programs and you're about half full. But, it really depends on how you're going to use your phone. If you like to load a lot of applications then you better have a large storage card and start installing to it everything that you can. If on the other hand, the phone right out of the box meets most your needs and you're not gonna add much you might be just fine as is. Time will tell...

I put everything I possibly can on my storage card and still my phone is running out of memory. I just set up a Cingular 3125 (to give as a gift) and the phone doesn't need much added to it so I've stored everything on the phone. It's got a lot of memory and so it's OK. It's just the way it is. Bottom line, you're not making a big fuss you're just learning. We all started at the beginning where you're at now. Have fun!

Posted by: Eddyj90 Dec 22 2006, 01:52 AM

Ok thanks.

And I feel, all of a sudden, thats when I type on this phone, its just strange... this isn't a very easy phone to type on, is it?

Posted by: runningtiger Dec 22 2006, 02:23 AM

No, not really. But, it's all relative. Easier than what? I hear my phone's keypad is worse than yours! Harder than what? A QWERTY thumbpad? Have you tried some of those?!? You'll get used to it and it'll get easier. You won't write a novel, but it's easy enough to compose an email or text message with. Are you using the T9 feature? Getting used to that can really speed things up.

If you haven't found it already, press and hold the * key until a menu pops up where you can choose what input method you want to use. Symbols and 123 are self explanatory. Abc is the method where you have to press the "2" key three times to type a "C". T9 English is where you press the "2" key just once followed by your other letter keys and the phone guesses the word you're meaning to type - or, will offer you choices if there are several words it could be. It's actually very easy to do and to get used to. You'll be surprised how well it does at picking the right word. Plus it learns! If you enter a word it doesn't know it'll let you save it to your personal dictionary and the next time you type that sequence of letters it'll get it right.

While we're at it...when texting, if you press and hold the # key it'll bring up a bunch of "Symbols" in case you need something other than a letter. Once you choose the symbol you want it automatically returns you to what you were typing. And, lastly, I said if you press and hold the * key you'll get the menu to choose your input syle. If you just press (don't hold) you'll toggle either into capitilization mode or cycle through the input methods. Play with it so this will make sense to you.

Back to keypads...the keypad on the Cingular 3125 (in my opinion) is VERY easy to type on. I can T9 as fast on that thing (two thumbed) as I can on a full-out qwerty thumbpad. But, I'm pretty good on my iddy-biddy keypad too...now. It took some time. wink.gif

Posted by: Eddyj90 Dec 22 2006, 02:37 AM

Thanks for those tips. Very helpful. I think I got to get things speeded up. I could compose so quickly on my other phone.

As for T9, I have a bit more trouble with that. Is it worth getting used to?

Runningtiger, I have to thank you so much for everything you are helping me with!!

Posted by: runningtiger Dec 22 2006, 03:24 AM

Glad to help and T9 is very worthwhile IMHO!

Posted by: Eddyj90 Dec 22 2006, 04:22 PM

Yeah I am using T9 right now. It actually is pretty good. But the problem is sometimes, I write texts in french. What do I do in that case? Just switch to ABC?

Posted by: runningtiger Dec 22 2006, 08:26 PM

You could do that. But, also, check to see if your phone has T9 French on it. Press and hold the * key (like you could do to switch between T9 mode and Abc) then look further down the list for "T9 Languages". Mine has 10 languages built into it and French is one of 'em. After I selected it, position number 4 now says T9 French instead of T9 English.

I just tried typing "raison d'etre" (since I just used that term in another post) and I typed r-a-i-s-o and then the phone figured out to add the "n". LOL But, very cool, was when I typed etre...it knew to put the ^ over the "e". All the accents are there for you - automatically. The ` is there too.

Bon chance, mes amis! wink.gif

Posted by: Eddyj90 Dec 23 2006, 01:59 AM

No, I don't seem to have the French option.

I bought the Smartphone notes program for my phone. How do I get it to sync with outlook?

Posted by: runningtiger Dec 23 2006, 06:12 AM

I don't know. I've never used that app. Use the "search" feature in the upper right hand corner of this window (not the Google search - although, that might be helpful too). Once the "search" page comes up enter what you want to search for and you might come up with the answer you're looking for. You'll probably see other things of interest to read up on while you're there.

If you search and can't find your answer, then make a new post like you did for this thread. Make the subject clear/specific what you need help with and hopefully you'll get a response. Don't simply say something like "help". Say "how do I get Notes to sync?"

Drag that your phone doesn't have French built-in. So, yes, you have to switch to Abc mode and tap it out manually. dry.gif

Posted by: Eddyj90 Dec 23 2006, 10:14 PM

Thank you so much for your help. As soon as I have a question, I know where to come smile.gif

Posted by: lil14kid Dec 25 2006, 09:02 AM

is theRe a ram cleaner programs for smartphones like the 1 for computers

Posted by: runningtiger Dec 25 2006, 06:31 PM

Have you checked out CeleTask? I think it does what you want it to do and you can use it to easily remap the right soft key to CloseApps (a free download from Oxios - their Memory programs). Or, you can just use it by itself to manage memory.

Posted by: Eddyj90 Dec 25 2006, 08:30 PM

I was talking to my dad. He has a BlackJack. Both of our phones have a plastic screen, making it scratchable. We both use cases. He doesnt use screen protectors because he likes the beauty of his screen, and sees that theres no risk when its in a case. Is my dad crazy? Or is it worth removing my screen protector?

Posted by: GrYph0n Dec 26 2006, 05:47 AM

T9 is a Godsend for text imput. It will even auto add words to the dictionary. It makes life so much easier when composing a quick email or an SMS.

Posted by: runningtiger Dec 26 2006, 07:19 AM

Eddyj90- does the screen protector on your phone now bother you in some way? Why would you take it off if all it's doing is protecting your phone's screen? If the protector is an issue, don't be bashful, post the brand name so those of us in the market to purchase screen protection (like me!) know which one to avoid.

Another thing to consider is the better condition your phone is in - the better resale value it will have when/if you decide to sell it and move on to a different phone (theoretically).

Gyryphon- a 3125 is now part of our family wink.gif and the thing that surprised me the most was how fast I can "type" on it! Due to the flat keypad I can use both my thumbs like I would on a device with a qwerty keypad. Add that to T9, and the thing flies! Have you noticed the same thing? I was not expecting this at all and have been really pleased with this aspect of the phone.

On the subject of screen protection...do you have one (actually, two - one inside and one outside) on your 3125? Those of us who had the MPx200 and 220 probably all recall the keys self-marring the screen. Clearly the 3125 doesn't have "keys" but I can see the keypad defined on the screen sometimes - presumably just in the residue from face oils. It wipes off cleanly - so far. The 3125 has the best (by far) screen that I've seen and I really want to keep it looking great. I know I want protection for the outside screen for sure (we still have the protection on it that it shipped with) but am not sure what to do with the inside one? Will protection take away some of the WOW that it has now (like Eddyj90's dad thinks will happen to his Blackjack) or is there really a product out there that protects and is basically invisible?

Posted by: Eddyj90 Dec 27 2006, 02:08 AM

Well, I'm only 16, and I'll probably get an upgrade or buy myself a new phone (working right now at William Sonoma). But its just that the screen is probably so nice without the screen protector.

Posted by: runningtiger Dec 27 2006, 02:37 AM

The screen protector is removable and re-useable if you want to see what it looks like off and then want to put it back on. Ain't nobody gonna tell you what to do, you have to decide what it's worth to you. The phone you're using is already not a new phone (though, still desireable) so by the time you get done using it - how much will it be worth? Who knows? But, it will always be worth a bit more with a scratch free screen compared to one with scratches. But, if when you're done using it you just put it in a drawer and forget about it and aren't concerned with resale - or, what might happen to it while you're still using it - then remove it.

There's no right or wrong answer, only choices and acceptance of the consequences (if there are any). Using a case is good protection. Using a case and a screen protector is even better protection. Or, is it overkill? You decide.

Posted by: Eddyj90 Dec 27 2006, 03:29 AM

Yeah. Well, I'll see. Thanks.

Posted by: GrYph0n Dec 27 2006, 11:21 PM

I got a 3 pack off of ebay and they are completly invisable if applied properly. I have both internal and external protected with screen shields.

Posted by: lil14kid Dec 28 2006, 06:05 AM

i bought a 650 for my pops 4 xmas it came with a really good screen protector that i cut out to fit my 2125 im sure u can get at least 6 good screen protector cuts from that sheet if any1 wants to check it out

Posted by: runningtiger Dec 28 2006, 09:08 AM

Got links?

Gryphon & lil14kid...do you have the name of the brand you used or, a link to a site that sells what you bought? I can't tell from either post which one you have that you like so much!

Posted by: lil14kid Dec 29 2006, 12:37 AM

its palm brand im sure u can get 1 at staples or best buy its good tho its impossible 2 tell its on

Posted by: GrYph0n Dec 29 2006, 07:45 PM

Got mine from an eBay seller by the name of ScreenPatronus. I think they are generic as they didn't come in any real packaging but they weren't expensive (I think like $10.50 for a 3pack) and they work great. Here is what they claim: Crystal Clear, super thin, non-adhesive, washable / reusable, color / image enhanced, touch screen optimized, scratch resistant, anti-dust, bubble free, residue free, waterproof, and 99% UV reduction.

Here is a link to the auction I did. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110043443432

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