Samsung i780 - WM6.0

[fozzie3ear]

hello everyone,

just thought i'd share my initial views on this new device from Samsung.

i've been waiting for this quite long time liao, and bought it yesterday on a whim. it runs WM6.0 (no threaded SMS), 624mhz processor, GPS, wifi, HSDPA, 256rom, 128ram. all in all, the specs on this machine quite loaded.

it has an interesting new input method - there is no 4-5 way navigator ala most smartphones, but instead has a mini touchpad which can be used 2 ways - as a finger mouse, and as a 4-way navigator. finger mouse method quite weird, as you basically finger the touchpad to move a mouse pointer around to click on items/programs/etc. not very intuitive if u are used to clicking up-down, left-right with physical buttons. as for 4-way navigation, you swipe up, down, left, right on the touchpad to move the highlighted item, just like you would click on a 4-way navigator. only problem with this method is you can't simulate holding down a particular direction, so you have to swipe many many times if you want to scroll down various items. i've tried both methods yesterday and today, and i prefer the 4-way swipe method - more intuitive in my view.

the screen resolution of 320x320 also creates a few problems - most programs will be able to adjust to the square size (most progs are written with 240x240 reso in mind, thanks to the Treo 750), but the higher reso means that some programs and the font sizes all look slightly out of whack, and in some case, drop down lists don't appear, but are actually there if you swipe down the list.

games generally don't work at all, since most are hard-coded into a particular resolution, although i haven't tried many games.

because of the higher reso, Samsung saw it fit to make the default font size quite big, which takes away from the advantages of a higher reso - ie more stuff on screen. there also doesn't appear to be any way of changing the fonts sizes either, so the menu fonts don't look similar to the Start Menu fonts for example, and this makes for a rather unbalanced GUI in my personal view.

other than the aforesaid complaints, this is a very very well-stacked device. very fast, all connectivity options loaded (GPS in a 13-14mm thick device!), very classy design, and most importantly for me (being a ex-Treo user) a physical qwerty keyboard. i've been using a HTC Touch Dual last few months, and whilst that is one heck of a device, nothing beats a physical keyboard in my view.

only a minor complaint - the keyboard keys can be a little stiff when pressing, not as smooth as the Treo keyboard.

will go and try out my GPS software now and update everyone later.

highly recommend this device. can't wait for someone to hack WM6.1 onto this baby and my life will be complete... until the SE Xperia X1 that is... :)

:)ac

[TheSaint888]

so lich... can buy on a whim.... must be elite boy II

[ajedi72]

alvin, no camera right>>>


hello everyone,

just thought i'd share my initial views on this new device from Samsung.

i've been waiting for this quite long time liao, and bought it yesterday on a whim. it runs WM6.0 (no threaded SMS), 624mhz processor, GPS, wifi, HSDPA, 256rom, 128ram. all in all, the specs on this machine quite loaded.

it has an interesting new input method - there is no 4-5 way navigator ala most smartphones, but instead has a mini touchpad which can be used 2 ways - as a finger mouse, and as a 4-way navigator. finger mouse method quite weird, as you basically finger the touchpad to move a mouse pointer around to click on items/programs/etc. not very intuitive if u are used to clicking up-down, left-right with physical buttons. as for 4-way navigation, you swipe up, down, left, right on the touchpad to move the highlighted item, just like you would click on a 4-way navigator. only problem with this method is you can't simulate holding down a particular direction, so you have to swipe many many times if you want to scroll down various items. i've tried both methods yesterday and today, and i prefer the 4-way swipe method - more intuitive in my view.

the screen resolution of 320x320 also creates a few problems - most programs will be able to adjust to the square size (most progs are written with 240x240 reso in mind, thanks to the Treo 750), but the higher reso means that some programs and the font sizes all look slightly out of whack, and in some case, drop down lists don't appear, but are actually there if you swipe down the list.

games generally don't work at all, since most are hard-coded into a particular resolution, although i haven't tried many games.

because of the higher reso, Samsung saw it fit to make the default font size quite big, which takes away from the advantages of a higher reso - ie more stuff on screen. there also doesn't appear to be any way of changing the fonts sizes either, so the menu fonts don't look similar to the Start Menu fonts for example, and this makes for a rather unbalanced GUI in my personal view.

other than the aforesaid complaints, this is a very very well-stacked device. very fast, all connectivity options loaded (GPS in a 13-14mm thick device!), very classy design, and most importantly for me (being a ex-Treo user) a physical qwerty keyboard. i've been using a HTC Touch Dual last few months, and whilst that is one heck of a device, nothing beats a physical keyboard in my view.

only a minor complaint - the keyboard keys can be a little stiff when pressing, not as smooth as the Treo keyboard.

will go and try out my GPS software now and update everyone later.

highly recommend this device. can't wait for someone to hack WM6.1 onto this baby and my life will be complete... until the SE Xperia X1 that is... :)

:)ac

[fozzie3ear]

2.0 mpx camera. functional, quality on par with most cameraphones, ie nothing to shout about.

:)ac

[cyfer33]

Im actually seriously considering this phone. Pretty nifty & fast, looks cool and probably the only other brand phone I will consider switching to. I do hope that more apps, an update to the fonts issue or even a WM6.1 update will be made available soon.

[Ddeath]

I bought one too, and you don't have to be lich!! Only $498! I signed up mobile broadband, and another $100 off! So I paid only $398!! That's cheap for a pda phone with wifi, bt, gps (map included), hsdpa, camera etc. It even have a camera infront so that you can do real video calls, unlike the 750v. :D

Better than ANY palm expensive offerings. Even comes with 2 batteries!!

[fozzie3ear]

i had a samsung i600 before, and they are not too good at updating their software, so don't look for WM6.1 anytime soon.

[fozzie3ear]

tried out the navfone gps software yesterday on way home and it was quite accurate. maps included the new KPE exits, so shd be quite up-to-date.

gps signal pickup was also quite fast, and setup was straightforward. includes also malaysia maps - will be trying this out end of the month when i go to malacca.

:)ac

[TheSaint888]

heh heh... lich or not... me considering the TyTn II. But waiting for June when can do handset upgrade and hopefully get a disc. The review for the samsung i780 has some issues with the qwerty keys being too close and diff toclick. But otherwise quite a goood review.

[Levite]

I bought one too, and you don't have to be lich!! Only $498! I signed up mobile broadband, and another $100 off! So I paid only $398!! That's cheap for a pda phone with wifi, bt, gps (map included), hsdpa, camera etc. It even have a camera infront so that you can do real video calls, unlike the 750v. :D

Better than ANY palm expensive offerings. Even comes with 2 batteries!!
hey DD, so I see tt u hv choosen this instead of HTC... (as for me enjoying n discovering wat my TREO750v can do...) I think s780 is a better choice wif the built in keybd than HTC. I personally don't think I can live wif one tt doesn't hv one. any addon review?

[Ddeath]

Much cheaper than htc touch cruise definitely. It's $300 difference! And yes, the keyboard is a big factor in choosing this over the cruise. Can't seems to live without one after the treos. :p

Now at singtel shop getting my set changed. Got problem with the gps. Can't get a lock no matter what I do. Tried all the advices given to me in ppcsg but still the same.

[cyfer33]

Much cheaper than htc touch cruise definitely. It's $300 difference! And yes, the keyboard is a big factor in choosing this over the cruise. Can't seems to live without one after the treos. :p

Now at singtel shop getting my set changed. Got problem with the gps. Can't get a lock no matter what I do. Tried all the advices given to me in ppcsg but still the same.

Thats cool DD. I always knew you will be getting it somehow. :vhappy:

[AKA Lance]

I'm quite keen on getting one as well, Can anyone share about the pros and cons of the GPS function?

[Ddeath]

tried out the navfone gps software yesterday on way home and it was quite accurate. maps included the new KPE exits, so shd be quite up-to-date.

gps signal pickup was also quite fast, and setup was straightforward. includes also malaysia maps - will be trying this out end of the month when i go to malacca.

:)ac

Bro, can't seems to get my gps to work with the navfone. What settings you do for the phone? :(

[fozzie3ear]

Bro, can't seems to get my gps to work with the navfone. What settings you do for the phone? :(


hello ddeath, my apologies, cannot remember, plus my navfone software now cpcb-ing (see below).

i remember i just connected via the navfone software, and it was quite straightforward iirc. just leave the GPS option on auto select, rather than having to choose the baud rate, or port number.

i switched my programs over to a new 8gb sdhc, but now the navfone software refuses to start, saying incorrect licence number - i suspect its because the machine id changed when i switch the sd card - i'm sure navfone could have come up with a better way to protect their IPR. this sucks. am gonna shoot them a nasty email tomorrow if they refuse to give me a new activation code.

...ac

[fozzie3ear]

on the unbalanced UI, large font size issue, i managed to find a solution.

google for a program called Real VGA available on XDA - i just installed the 96dpi respack, and everything works perfectly.

now, at least everything looks back to normal size - to me at least. i can imagine it may still be too small for some people.

:)ac

[cyfer33]

Wah! Starhub just also launched their offering of the i780 and they're going for only $280!

[Ddeath]

hello ddeath, my apologies, cannot remember, plus my navfone software now cpcb-ing (see below).

i remember i just connected via the navfone software, and it was quite straightforward iirc. just leave the GPS option on auto select, rather than having to choose the baud rate, or port number.

i switched my programs over to a new 8gb sdhc, but now the navfone software refuses to start, saying incorrect licence number - i suspect its because the machine id changed when i switch the sd card - i'm sure navfone could have come up with a better way to protect their IPR. this sucks. am gonna shoot them a nasty email tomorrow if they refuse to give me a new activation code.

...ac

Same problem here. Changed to a 2GB card and now become incorrect license number. W t f, does this means we cannot change to a bigger capacity card? Lousy piece of sw.

[aCiDz]

Wah! Starhub just also launched their offering of the i780 and they're going for only $280!
I don't have the newspapers, is that a promotion? The online shop states $288 for high-end plans only. The usual contract price is $488.

[Ddeath]

Should be high end plan only I think.

[fozzie3ear]

real vga - here's the link.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=327830

the software is in the first post.

:)ac

[Ddeath]

Just got an email from Agis that the license is tied to the memory card, thus you will need a license reset when you change memory card. They can reset for us but this is only done once. Thus it means you can only change your memory card once before this is invalid. :(

[fozzie3ear]

hi ddeath - yes, i got the same email. got my licence reset also. i asked them about the one-time reset, and they assured me that unless i change my memory card too often, they will reset my licence in future if need be.

i can understand their point of view on this- if you change m.card every other week, then it will be a problem for them also.

:)ac

[fozzie3ear]

just to start a list of WM programs that work / don't work based on my own testing.

working

1. google maps
2. ereader
3. isilo
4. magicall
5. memmaid
6. metro
7. opera
8. resco explorer / registry
9. resco photoviewer
10. skype
11. spb insight
12. spb traveller
13. spb pocket plus
14. tiny stock manager
15. pocket street directory (mighty minds)
16. navfone GPS (bundled software, so must work, rite?)

not working

1. spb mobile shell (damn...)
2. most, if not all, games i've tried so far, usually because of the screen reso. will have to wait for updated versions from developers.

that's what i've tested so far. those of you trying out others, please feel free to add to this list.

one caveat - most of the working programs i've listed above are because i've changed my screen dpi down to 96dpi using RealVGA program listed in one of my posts above. afaik, at least one of the above programs (spb pocket plus) will not work with the default resolution. the rest i installed after i changed reso.

:)ac

[tcs]

yo, another i780 user here! i used realvga but the connection tab of samsung today home plugin is not display correctly. the phone icon, mail icon and etc...icon are too large.

anyone experience this also?

[fozzie3ear]

the samsung home tab won't work well with Real VGA installed, cos the icons sizes are out of whack. why not try other third party alternatives? am sure you can find other software to do what the home tab does. mebbe you can try googling for the hacked HTC home tab, which is available on some websites.

:)ac

[fozzie3ear]

i've tried some of my older games from PDAMill eg Arvale, GameBox Asia etc and they work fine with Real VGA activated, but it's still 240x320, so you'll have one side which is blank. but the games work fine.

also, you may want to try out these games from Mobile Stream, who informed me that they have ported some of their games over to 320x320 reso. check them out at http://www.mobile-stream.com/wm320games.html

:)ac

[shawntim]

hi fozziebear,

you can try http://www.pocketcm.com/contact.php

it is free for personal use, and has threaded sms

[fozzie3ear]

thanks for the heads up shawntim - i don't really like the look of the pocketCM UI, prefer something simpler like the Treo 750 sms program, but i just cannot find anything similar out there, whether paid or not.

oh well, wait for WM6.1 then... ;)

[spacebar]

thanks for the heads up shawntim - i don't really like the look of the pocketCM UI, prefer something simpler like the Treo 750 sms program, but i just cannot find anything similar out there, whether paid or not.

oh well, wait for WM6.1 then... ;)

Hope they release the 6.1 update for the i780....

[fozzie3ear]

i won't hold my breath, cos samsung is not known for releasing updates at all (in the case of the i600, it's still running on WM5).

microsoft also announced that the blackjack II (not available here, but it's the sequel to the i600 in the US) will be updated with WM6.1, but no news that the i780 will be updated also.

so i'm not too optimistic about this. will have to rely on "other sources" for this update, if it ever happens.

:)ac

[chrisoyh]

i won't hold my breath, cos samsung is not known for releasing updates at all (in the case of the i600, it's still running on WM5).

:)ac

Actually there is an update to WM6 for the i600, but you have to do it at the service center at Plaza Sing, I think.

So you can still hold your breath after all ... :sweat:

[fozzie3ear]

thx for pointing that out chris, my bad. :)

having said that, samsung definitely can learn a thing or two from HTC on the frequency they update their devices.

:)ac

[joemama]

thanks for all the good info fozzie -

like you I'm a Treo user and not quite willing to give up my threaded smsand now it seems silly to buy this without 6.1 - CNET says it will become available from Samsung in August

so, when 6.1 does become available, would they charge for it?

I've been waiting for this very phone for almost a year, but I'm on the fence given the font issues and loosing the thread functionality, plus my 750 still works fine.

It is however a very nice phone.

[AKA Lance]

thanks for all the good info fozzie -

like you I'm a Treo user and not quite willing to give up my threaded smsand now it seems silly to buy this without 6.1 - CNET says it will become available from Samsung in August

so, when 6.1 does become available, would they charge for it?

I've been waiting for this very phone for almost a year, but I'm on the fence given the font issues and loosing the thread functionality, plus my 750 still works fine.

It is however a very nice phone.

Better to stick with Win Mobile 6 I reckon. Cause everytime MS launches something new, its super buggy!

[Ddeath]

It's your decision joemama. The 750v is pretty good, but I feel the i780 is better as it has better functions, form and price. The only thing I missed is the threaded sms but that can be fixed with software.

[Evirobie]

Me waiting for the red version + wm6.1

Samsung did a update for its i600 from wm5 to wm6 though the device was like out for almost half a year or maybe close to 1 yr. So there is still hope for wm6.1 and on one of the recent show they have where by MS showcase its wm6.1 and the update Explorer. i780 is one of the devices used.

[cheelonk]

i got my i780 last weekend, and installed realvga with 96dpi... it looks pretty after that but the largest font still too small for me. so i removed it and back to 128dpi. but i just found some software already updated to support 320x320, like astraware bejeweled2.. (unfortunately only this game that has been updated, the rest still not supporting 320x320)...

any other apps that supports 320x320? :spin:

[spacebar]

There is a whole list of compatible apps at: http://www.ppcsg.com/index.php?showtopic=98420&st=0

[cheelonk]

There is a whole list of compatible apps at: http://www.ppcsg.com/index.php?showtopic=98420&st=0

thanks for the link... some of them require realVGA 96dpi to run though....

[n1cha]

Hi,
do you know when will the red i780 be released? thanks!

[TreoBest]

Used i780 for 1 day & still find Treo 750 is easier and better becos:

1) The build is not as plastic as i780. The Treo Skin is really nice to hold unlike i780, it's so easily scratch.
2) Most of the current WM6 softwares are able to install & used.
3) Though processor & RAM are more inferior than i780, its response time does NOT lag behind i780
4) As for the built-in GPS is usually more inferior than the external GPS BT receiver, I prefer to use the external GPS with my Treo. And there is no need to carry have the built-in GPS smart phone because the need of GPS is only when you are driving
5) i780 Wifi feature is the only factor why I 'hate' my Treo 750 for.
6) The touch pad is really a 'nuisance' to me than a help. By using my little finger on the screen, it is so much better & faster than it.
7) Lastly, the Treo 750 is solid like a rock...seldom need SOFT RESET.

I really hope the leak on the Treo 800 in July 08 is true.... ;)
And I am waiting patiently for it...

[Ddeath]

Coming from a ex-750v user, I find the i780 has its advantages. It's has better hw features like wifi, gps, higher resolution (better picture and document viewing), and a superb pricing (RRP$828 all the features, 2 batteries(!) and a not too shabby screen protector).

Most of the sw will be converting to 320x320 sooner or later. Don't forget 800w is also 320x320. And there are also new models coming out with this resolution. The 240x240 on the 750v is a pain seriously, after coming from the Treo 650.

Yes, Treo 750v is solid like a rock, including it's weight and big shape. The i780 is much slimmer and lighter so it is definitely easier to carry around in your pants pockets.

I hardly soft reset the i780, unless you install lotsa funny stuff.

The touchpad definitely isn't as easy to use as a physical d-pad but after a while you get the feel of it and navigating isn't a big issue at all.

The faster processor and bigger ram is a big plus. At least you will not get bogged down with opening too many apps. With the 750v costing so much at it's initial launch price, it's a wonder why Palm is so stingy with the memory and not including wifi. But hey, that's Palm.

The threaded sms is something I missed.... and that's it. Nothing else. With wm6.1 coming with inbuilt threaded sms, this will be fixed. If not, I'll just install a 3rd party threaded sms app.

[weimeng]

wm6.1 threaded sms have no smilry support....

[spacebar]

Must say I miss the Treo smileys... even the hidden ones like :! (Which I think it's the smoking emoticon..)

Ddeath, I am using Vito SMS-Chat and it's quite cool. You may want to try that one!

[cyfer33]

Darn! Just when I was about to get one, both Starhub and Singtel ran out of stock! :bugeye:

Treobest, no matter what the shortfalls are, the i780 with a faster processor and more Memory is always a better option than the Treo 750. One of the things I hate about my 750 is its limited memory no matter how you tweak it.

[Ddeath]

Yup, seems like it is out of stock everywhere. Deal's too good to be missed. Maybe they are updating the rom to include wm6.1 and hard reset. Read in ppcsg that some of the roms from other countries can do a hard reset.

[ekin101]

Treo 750 screen and color is terrible. It would be best they include WM6.1 upgrade soon so that SMS chat would be in.

[cyfer33]

New stocks from Singtel just in!

Link: http://www.singtelshop.com/store/product/mobile_view.asp?productnm=Samsung+i780+(3.5G)+Tri-Band+(Singtelshop)

[wanwei]

just got one yesterday in the roadshow...

[mcmc]

Hi Guys,

I also got myself an i780 today.

One question though. Can anyone teach me on how I can view and type Chinese sms on the i780? Would prefer to use PinYin method.

Thanks!

[Ddeath]

You would need to install a 3rd party chinese input software like CEstar.

[iamblurblur]

so.... anyone knows how and where to get CE star? just bought mine today... loving it... :cheers:

[mcmc]

I'm currently using PlumSIP. Pretty good for Pinyin input.

[Ddeath]

Just want to bring up something here since it was not mentioned. You can now upgrade your ROM (i780DXHC1) at the Samsung service center. This will now have the hard reset function by pressing the red, green and power button plus other enhanced features.

[fozzie3ear]

also, i think from cnet asia that the official wm6.1 upgrade will be coming in aug 08.

:)ac

[cyfer33]

Just want to bring up something here since it was not mentioned. You can now upgrade your ROM (i780DXHC1) at the Samsung service center. This will now have the hard reset function by pressing the red, green and power button plus other enhanced features.

DD, is it a firmware upgrade only? No WM6.1?

[Ddeath]

Nope, only upgrade of rom, no wm6.1 yet. So no hurry unless your set needs a hard reset now!!

[Trolls12]

Just want to bring up something here since it was not mentioned. You can now upgrade your ROM (i780DXHC1) at the Samsung service center. This will now have the hard reset function by pressing the red, green and power button plus other enhanced features.

Well, I bought mine on ebay, and seems to be for the US market. However, the Samsung service center in Australia said they do not have access to software running on Australian handsets. This is a lot of b.s.!!

Anyone know where to get a hold of this upgrade?

[cyfer33]

Nope, only upgrade of rom, no wm6.1 yet. So no hurry unless your set needs a hard reset now!!

Thanks DD, Ill wait a while then and see if there's a newer release that hopefully will include WM6.1.

The only cooked ROM Ive found on the net is the i780MSHC3 from XDA Dev. Seems to me that gr+red+power button combination for hard reset is not included.

Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=388067

[Ddeath]

Threaded sms finally working properly in i780, with bigger fonts (adjustable) and MMS. Check out the thread in ppcsg. Working fine on mine. :D

http://www.ppcsg.com/index.php?showtopic=98856&view=findpost&p=708457

[Choon_Lye]

Damn suay today!

Sent my i780 to Samsung Service Center at Causeway Point this morning to upgrade the firmware. When I tried to collect my phone the first time, they told me to return in 30 minutes. 30 minutes later, I was told that the system was down and asked to return the next day.

Instead, I asked for my phone back and traveled to Plaza Singapura branch. The staff there was kind enough to put me on express processing, knowing my experience at Causeway Point. When I returned an hour later, I was told that the motherboard was damaged after Causeway Point team attempted to upgrade the firmware. (Come to think of it, that's probably the reason the customer service lady at Causeway Point was spending over 10 minutes in the back room during my two trips to collect my phone)

Anyway, Plaza Singapura staff will put the phone in for motherboard replacement but I am trying to tell them, they should do a one for one replacement since they damaged the motherboard of my 3 days old phone :(

[Ddeath]

Wah... sibei suay!!! That's why I was contemplating whether to upgrade or not. 3 days old only? How come no D1 rom inside?

[Choon_Lye]

Dunno leh. Maybe because I bought from Mobilesquare and the stock there a little older :(
Think upgrading should be easy lah but better send to Plaza Singapura. It's like going for lasik, you do not want to go to a clinic that does not have many patients :D Anyway, I am still wondering what could go wrong in a plug the phone and run application method of firmware upgrade.... Maybe Samsung phone upgrade more tedious

[cyfer33]

Wah... That is quite bad! Upgrade firmware = mobo spoilt??? They really should have offered you a 1-to-1 replacement.

The thing I hate about Samsung is that you have to send in your set for firmware upgrades, even minor ones.

Why the hell cant they just offer it thru their support site in the 1st place! :complain:

[Choon_Lye]

Wah... That is quite bad! Upgrade firmware = mobo spoilt??? They really should have offered you a 1-to-1 replacement.

The thing I hate about Samsung is that you have to send in your set for firmware upgrades, even minor ones.

Why the hell cant they just offer it thru their support site in the 1st place! :complain:

Haha, yeah, that shocked me as well. I would expect us to spoil the mobo instead of them doing it for us :D

They probably is not there yet in terms of software technology. The other big players like Nokia, SE and even HTC has already allowed downloading from their support site. Maybe Samsung firmware update is more difficult than the rest. Imagine their staff can brick my phone, wonder how many non-technical user would brick their own phone if they do it themselves :rotfl:

[fozzie3ear]

Threaded sms finally working properly in i780, with bigger fonts (adjustable) and MMS. Check out the thread in ppcsg. Working fine on mine. :D

http://www.ppcsg.com/index.php?showtopic=98856&view=findpost&p=708457

yup, got it working on mine too.

hopefully, this will work on the new WM6.1 update when it comes out. i prefer the Palm version rather than the 6.1 threaded sms.

:)ac

[Ddeath]

Yeah man, maybe just upgrade to D1 enough liao and still have this threaded sms in it. :)

[Choon_Lye]

Damn suay today!

Sent my i780 to Samsung Service Center at Causeway Point this morning to upgrade the firmware. When I tried to collect my phone the first time, they told me to return in 30 minutes. 30 minutes later, I was told that the system was down and asked to return the next day.

Instead, I asked for my phone back and traveled to Plaza Singapura branch. The staff there was kind enough to put me on express processing, knowing my experience at Causeway Point. When I returned an hour later, I was told that the motherboard was damaged after Causeway Point team attempted to upgrade the firmware. (Come to think of it, that's probably the reason the customer service lady at Causeway Point was spending over 10 minutes in the back room during my two trips to collect my phone)

Anyway, Plaza Singapura staff will put the phone in for motherboard replacement but I am trying to tell them, they should do a one for one replacement since they damaged the motherboard of my 3 days old phone :(

Status update:

Samsung called me up today. The Plaza Singapura branch replaced the motherboard for me but the Causeway Point branch will also do a one for one exchange when the i780 stock arrives.

When I went over to Plaza Singapura to pick up the repaired phone, I could not get my Singtel SIM card connected. They tried to use their SIM card but failed, so at the end, they had to change the antenna as well.

Overall, the customer service is excellent and I do sympathized with them for having to face grumpy customer like me when their technical service team failed to do a proper job (like not testing a phone after the replace motherboard to find out whether it is working) :faint:

Anyway, I have my phone back with some minor scratches and will update all when I get my one for one exchange. :cheers:

[Ddeath]

Great bro! At least you get a new set back in exchange! :)

[Choon_Lye]

Fingers crossed until I get the replacement. After so many screw ups, I will hold back until I get my set replaced with a new set :)

[cyfer33]

Good luck bro. Hope you get your set soon.

I still though think they should have replaced a new set immediately when they broke it.

[Evirobie]

Fingers crossed until I get the replacement. After so many screw ups, I will hold back until I get my set replaced with a new set :)

Hope you get ur replacement soon...

Me eye-ing on the velvet red one but waiting for FNP to kick in for some price war to take place. I think i want to switch from the red camp to the green camp.

[Choon_Lye]

Hope you get ur replacement soon...

Me eye-ing on the velvet red one but waiting for FNP to kick in for some price war to take place. I think i want to switch from the red camp to the green camp.

Yeah, the red one is not too bad. :thumb: It's not as obvious as the Treo 680 red :D.... More like maroon.

[fozzie3ear]

the battery life on this thing really sucks. plus, it's not quite accurate in its 'reporting' either.

e.g. my i780 was on a full charge this morning at 8am. i've used it, so far, at 1:10pm, to take 3 calls lasting about 5-10 mins each, sent about 10 SMSes, and connected to BT activesync for the last 30 mins. other than that, i've intermittently fiddled with my device to switch off sound, press buttons, etc, etc, such that the backlight is on for at most another 30 mins.

the battery counter now shows 50%.

from past month or so's experience, this will drop to 30% by 3pm, so that the irritating low batt notification will come on. by 5-6pm, depending on my further usage, this will drop further to 10%, and my backlight will be permanently set on low (another irritating thing).

i bring along my 2nd batt, but it's inconvenient to change battery everyday. more so when i charge it to full each night.

the WM6.1 upgrade had better squeeze more life out of these batteries, man...

:/ac

[cyfer33]

Hope you get ur replacement soon...

Me eye-ing on the velvet red one but waiting for FNP to kick in for some price war to take place. I think i want to switch from the red camp to the green camp.

Starhub (https://secure.starhub.com/shop/jfn) new stocks are just in!

[g00ndu]

For those who wants to run spb ms 2.1 and realvga together on their I780, please refer to the following thread:

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=2216732#post2216732

[fozzie3ear]

thanks very much for the effort, g00ndu. will try it out and let you know how it works out.

:)ac

[g00ndu]

I believe it should work for you as well. :)

Let me know how it turns out, will do a specific theme the next time round. :)

[fozzie3ear]

yes, it works very well after following your step-by-step instructions. there are one or two things out of alignment but otherwise, a very good job. thanks for the effort!

and i'll look forward to your new themes as well if you can manage one. :)

[kllee]

Hi everyone! I just bought the i780 yesterday, and I realised that whenever I got a call, the default was to group the 1st three numbers, assuming that they're area codes. How do I get rid of that grouping? Tried looking around in phone settings but can't find the option.

Thanks in advanced!

[Evirobie]

Hi everyone! I just bought the i780 yesterday, and I realised that whenever I got a call, the default was to group the 1st three numbers, assuming that they're area codes. How do I get rid of that grouping? Tried looking around in phone settings but can't find the option.

Thanks in advanced!

Go to Regional Settings and change it to English (Austrailia). Now it should be in English (U.S.)

[g00ndu]

Just to share with the people here, this is my I780 + RealVGA + SPB MS2.1

[Choon_Lye]

Status update:

Samsung called me up today. The Plaza Singapura branch replaced the motherboard for me but the Causeway Point branch will also do a one for one exchange when the i780 stock arrives.

When I went over to Plaza Singapura to pick up the repaired phone, I could not get my Singtel SIM card connected. They tried to use their SIM card but failed, so at the end, they had to change the antenna as well.

Overall, the customer service is excellent and I do sympathized with them for having to face grumpy customer like me when their technical service team failed to do a proper job (like not testing a phone after the replace motherboard to find out whether it is working) :faint:

Anyway, I have my phone back with some minor scratches and will update all when I get my one for one exchange. :cheers:

Status update:

Finally, after a few phone calls and e-mail follow up, they agreed to change the phone for me.

Since they do not have stock for Valentine Red, I took the new set and replaced the original Black case with my existing Valentine Red case. At least it allows me to continue to use my Martin Field screen protector......

Overall, a painful process that requires frequent and multiple follow up to get them to honor their promise and glad that this is resolved :getlost:

[g00ndu]

@Choon_Lye,

Glad that your episode is over. Hope you enjoy your new I780.

P/S: Is your new set comes with the latest firmware (E1)?
P/P/S: Where did you get your Martin Fields screen protector? Did you order online from Doml?

[Evirobie]

@Choon_Lye,

Glad that your episode is over. Hope you enjoy your new I780.

P/S: Is your new set comes with the latest firmware (E1)?
P/P/S: Where did you get your Martin Fields screen protector? Did you order online from Doml?

Erm, for martins field SP, you can get it at mobile square (far east) or DOML at Chinatown the CK building there.

DOML actually has a shop front, can call them to check for stock then go down, will have pple to put it on for you. For Mobilesquare, also got pple to put for you nice but need to call to check on availability before going down

[Choon_Lye]

@Choon_Lye,

Glad that your episode is over. Hope you enjoy your new I780.

P/S: Is your new set comes with the latest firmware (E1)?
P/P/S: Where did you get your Martin Fields screen protector? Did you order online from Doml?

Yup, it comes with firmware E1 out of the box. Thank god it wasn't Samsung Causeway Point that upgraded it :D

Got my Martin Field when I bought my original set from MobileSquare. The screen protector comes with front screen and camera surface protector. :thumb:

[g00ndu]

When I got my I780. I went down to Funan and tried to hunt for a MF SP. I couldn't find it and instead bought a generic SP. The person also did it for me, and also the camera protector. Wasn't that bad, but eventually would still wanna get a MF. Gotta protect your investment... hehe...

[Ddeath]

Installed the Diamond theme. Very good g00ndu!! :thumb:

[wanwei]

just upgraded my i780 to e1 firmware. have to agree that CWP service sucks

[Choon_Lye]

just upgraded my i780 to e1 firmware. have to agree that CWP service sucks

Thank God your phone is still working :D

[benlhy]

Just curious... do they check for receipt when you present your warranty card for the firmware upgrade?

[Choon_Lye]

Did not check for receipt. Did not even check for my warranty card.
Guess they have use the manufacturing when you do not present the documentations, which might then shorten your warranty period.

[wanwei]

Thank God your phone is still working :D

1st time they have changed mainboard for my set...

[Ddeath]

Hi g00ndu, I realized that when I set the menu layout to 'One by one', it cannot display the sixth apps link. Which means if I have 12 apps in e.g. My Menu, the sixth and twelveth apps is not displayed in the window. Only can view them if I set to 'Grid'. Anyway, it is a great Diamond theme. ;)

[Evirobie]

Final, got myself this phone at 288 from starhub...

Reallie loving it except for the touch screen, abit insensitive especially on the right side.

[spacebar]

Hey HongJia.. I had this problem as well but when I went back to Singtel to change the phone (for another problem) the second unit had not such problem and is sensitive uniformly throughout. If your phone is a couple of days old I'd suggest you swap!

[Choon_Lye]

One thing I realized about this i780. It slows down when roaming.
Anyone else encountered this?

[Choon_Lye]

By the way, anyone know where to buy head phone converter and how much does it cost? Planning to use my normal headphone, not the Samsung out of the box ear phone.

[Evirobie]

By the way, anyone know where to buy head phone converter and how much does it cost? Planning to use my normal headphone, not the Samsung out of the box ear phone.

Maybe you would like to wait a while.

Cos i think Omnia comes with a earpiece which u can put on ur own earphones. Wait for that spare to come on sales.

Cos the port looks the same to me.

[Choon_Lye]

OK, thanks. Will wait for a while. Did not get the chance to shop around in HKG with the heavy rain...

[wanwei]

One thing I realized about this i780. It slows down when roaming.
Anyone else encountered this?

nope... no such issues for me... maybe, u might want to upgrade the rom to the latest version, E1, if you have not done so.

[Jamez-san]

Hi guys, how do you install app into the hp? im trying to get goggle map in, know where i can get it?

i found the 3.5mm Earphone Adapter on ebay.Not too ex, do you think anywhere else in SG selling too?

http://cgi.ebay.com.sg/3-5mm-Earphone-Adapter-f-Samsung-i560-i568-i780-J708_W0QQitemZ120273598926QQihZ002QQcategoryZ20336QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Ddeath]

How to get it? Just google for it loh.

http://www.google.com/gmm/

There are two ways to install apps. One is to download the installer which require you to connect your i780 to your pc and activesync. Another way is to download *.cab files which you can transfer to your mem card, open your file explorer on your i780 and click on the cab file to install.

You can get the adaptor from the Samsung shop in Suntec (near escalator, above Giordano). Not sure if they still have stock.

[Choon_Lye]

Anyone can help guide me on the calendar? When I create a new event, I get the pull down menu to select the start and end time. The time is in normal format (not 24 hours), so if I want to select start time at 6:00 pm, the event tend to get created for 6:00 am.

Anyway to change the time on calendar or the phone to 24 hours format?

TIA

[Evirobie]

Anyone can help guide me on the calendar? When I create a new event, I get the pull down menu to select the start and end time. The time is in normal format (not 24 hours), so if I want to select start time at 6:00 pm, the event tend to get created for 6:00 am.

Anyway to change the time on calendar or the phone to 24 hours format?

TIA

Go Settings > Regional Settings > Time

You can change time to 24 hours format from there. Not sure if it would help with your calendar problem.

[Choon_Lye]

Go Settings > Regional Settings > Time

You can change time to 24 hours format from there. Not sure if it would help with your calendar problem.

Thanks again Hong Jia. Did not realized the latest firmware allows this. When I tried setting that in the older firmware, it did not allow me to change the time format. :)

[Jamez-san]

Cant get the googles map working....maybe someone can help me step by step? By the way i cant find any freeware, care to share anyone?

[llarry]

Cant get the googles map working....maybe someone can help me step by step? By the way i cant find any freeware, care to share anyone?

googlemaps is freeware, no?


On my dopod, to install googlemaps:
* right click, down load to pc
* after downloading, right click on file, send to, bluetooth reciepients. Take note of where file is downloaded
* after downloading to phone is done, use file explorer to go to where file was downloaded.
* tap on file, answer yes to install.
* in my case, install to phone.
* wait until done
* start, programs, googlemaps, opens up with my location, in Rawalpindi! Ok, reset maps, then menu, my location, and all is well...

[rexwrx8]

hi i'm newbie to this forum and to the i780 phone.

few beginner questions:

> how do i change my resolution to 'real vga' ??

> how and where can i install spb pocket plus to enhance the today screen? looks crappy now with the default theme.

THANKS!!

[dracoid4]

Cant get the googles map working....maybe someone can help me step by step? By the way i cant find any freeware, care to share anyone?

I think you need to enable the enhanced GPS for google map to work. I didn't not get it work until i enable it.

The step are

1) Settings->System->Enhanced GPS

Put XTRA Enable to enable but put Auto download to Disable.

This part should be done for all map program to work:
2) Settings->System->External GPS->Program
Put GPS program port: COM8

3) Settings->System->External GPS->Hardware
Put GPS hardware port: COM9
Put Baud rates: 4800

4) Settings->System->External GPS->Hardware
Checked Manage GPS Automatically (recommended)

Not sure necessary just in case
5) Restart your i780.

Under Google's GPS setting, just use System setting.

[dracoid4]

hi i'm newbie to this forum and to the i780 phone.

few beginner questions:

> how do i change my resolution to 'real vga' ??

> how and where can i install spb pocket plus to enhance the today screen? looks crappy now with the default theme.

THANKS!!

For real vga, you need to install both realVga and also respak96dpi.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=327830

I got problem running spb pocket plus with realVga where the touchscreen become inactive, I think i read somewhere that the autoscrolling must be disabled.Never try it.

[swooshy]

is there a 3g / airtime charge when the gps / google map is in use?

[dracoid4]

is there a 3g / airtime charge when the gps / google map is in use?

well google map work by downloading the map when in usage. So it is either wifi or 3G.

[mrjgx]

hello guys im new here..juz wanna ask...

is the sgh i780 have hot swap features of its micro sd card?
it seems that whenever i eject the micro sd, and insert it again...my i780 turns to be very lag and not responsive. I have to soft reset it.
The same goes to whenever I plug in my i780 as a removable disk to laptop using usb. after ejecting the usb, my pda will freeze.
anyone having the same problem with mine? how to solve this issues.

the phone is great, only those two matters annoyed me really much. sigh...

[Ddeath]

I don't have an issue with my set on this. I think most if not all don't have this problem. There may be some problem with your i780 or the memory card. Try using another micro sd first. If still cannot, try a hard reset and see if the problem is still there.

[davidb]

Me too. I don't have that mentioned issue on my i780.

[roychang]

Now $38 with Classic plan from Singtel. Now its worth getting. :)

[Ddeath]

Yup, singtelshop online price. Lotsa people took it up that it was out of stock. And comes with wm 6.1 now.

[koktong]

Yep, I ordered one and will receive it next week. After using my Nokia E51 for 1 year plus, I seems to miss some of the "PDA" functionalities. Nowadays, I seldom jot down notes on my phone due to difficult text entry (especially with symbols). I don't check off todo also because it can't handle repeated to do, I have to check it off in Outlook.

However my E51 is a very solid phone and I don't have issues like phone hang when receiving call or drop call that I have with my treo 680. Let's see how WM fare.

[Choon_Lye]

Just upgraded to WM 6.1. Realized that I cannot seem to use my old ActiveSync profile and new profile automatically created using my laptop device ID :(

[Ddeath]

Hope you like the i780. It is a pretty good wm 6.1 phone for this kinda price. I know I love mine. :)

[cyfer33]

Hope you like the i780. It is a pretty good wm 6.1 phone for this kinda price. I know I love mine. :)

Definitely! Just bought my 2nd one for $38 only from SingTel. :sweatsm: