tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-199883342011-12-14T21:11:35.009-06:00Adventures and travels with T-Mobile and Samsung's t809 cell phone -- EDGE Internet, Bluetooth support, great screen and battery life!A. B. Dadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02445545079716916849noreply@blogger.comBlogger321100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19988334.post-1143565751157669862006-03-28T11:00:00.000-06:002006-03-28T11:09:30.936-06:00

I use my laptop tethered to my Samsung t809 cell phone via Bluetooth for almost all my Internet operations. I publish all my blogs on-the-go this way, and check my e-mail and do my billing. I love my EDGE connection as it gives me a very consistent and quick access to the web without the need for broadband.In some areas, I get really bad connection speeds as the EDGE speeds aren't available.

A. B. Dadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02445545079716916849noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19988334.post-1143507916647826512006-03-27T19:05:00.000-06:002006-03-27T19:05:17.830-06:00

I don't have anything except my trusty Samsung t809 cell phone -- I relieved myself of the burden of having a landline at home. Although there are laws and regulations about calling cell phones, I still tend to get unwanted phone calls from companies who received my number due to me giving it to them. Usually it is not a nuisance other than getting phone calls when I really don't want to deal

A. B. Dadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02445545079716916849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19988334.post-1142344836333040932006-03-14T08:00:00.000-06:002006-03-14T08:00:36.720-06:00

An e-mail from a reader:Just one question though. Anyway to make it louder? The volume key is set all the way to five but when I test it it is way to low? Any suggs?The best way to make a ringtone louder is to take your MP3 or other file, import it into an audio editor, and adjust the volume there. I like to use a free audio editor called Audacity which is great for working with cellphone ring

A. B. Dadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02445545079716916849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19988334.post-1142099213276665382006-03-11T11:45:00.000-06:002006-03-11T11:48:39.996-06:00

I apologize for the lack of posts and e-mail replies -- I have been in Europe and Asis for almost a month, not including preparation time beforehand. Over the last few weeks I've worked more on the Samsung t809 cell phone, and will start posting regular updates and FAQ changes over the next week or two. I will also be turning off comments for the board and instead using my forum for questions,

A. B. Dadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02445545079716916849noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19988334.post-1138806626364835072006-02-01T09:04:00.000-06:002006-02-01T09:12:11.810-06:00

It looks as though Mini Opera is not going to receive support on the Samsung t809 cell phone from Opera as the Mini browser isn't a paid-for-product. If we had more t809 users ask Opera for help, I bet we'd see some movement in making a signed app, but I don't see it happening, unfortunately. I'm lucky to have a PDA and a laptop that I bluetooth tether to my t809 and I use them constantly, all

A. B. Dadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02445545079716916849noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19988334.post-1138143751248078512006-01-24T16:49:00.000-06:002006-01-24T17:02:42.110-06:00

I've received a few e-mails regarding the EDGE availability on T-Mobile's branded Samsung t809 cellular phone. EDGE is the faster replacement of T-Mobile's previous (and still used) GPRS network.EDGE stands for Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution. It is a digital technology which works to replace the previous GPRS technology -- it is available on any network that has GPRS, if the network

A. B. Dadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02445545079716916849noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19988334.post-1138077161516909012006-01-23T22:30:00.000-06:002006-01-23T22:32:41.806-06:00

I'm going to be traveling to Europe and Asia in February and March and would love to get some input on using the phone in different markets. I'll surely be taking notes on where it works with T-Mobile and what carriers it has worked well with.I also want to get the Internet support set up in the FAQ for EVERY provider. If you're using the Samsung t809 cellular phone on a non-USA-TMobile network

A. B. Dadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02445545079716916849noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19988334.post-1137521644339218332006-01-17T12:12:00.000-06:002006-01-17T12:14:04.443-06:00

I've updated the FAQ today and will continue to do so. I'll likely have quite a bit more information to add, so if you're watching it, take a look at the end of today. I'll also try to get a PDF version of the FAQ online so you can download and print it.Thanks for all the help and comments, I'll be going through ALL the comments today in the entire history of this site and making sure all your

A. B. Dadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02445545079716916849noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19988334.post-1137211719524387532006-01-13T22:00:00.000-06:002006-01-13T22:08:39.970-06:00

I've been getting SO MANY MP3 questions in e-mail, I decided to make a simple batch file to help those who are having problems.Download this file directly into the folder with the MP3 files you want to put on your phone. I recommend copying your MP3's into a temporary file to rename them. Double click the batch file, it takes about 1/2 second to run (you will get no message that it ran). Hit

A. B. Dadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02445545079716916849noreply@blogger.com63tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19988334.post-1137085786541857602006-01-12T11:07:00.000-06:002006-01-12T11:09:46.973-06:00

I received my phone back this morning -- my tech friend didn't want to take it apart. He said it is definitely more complicated, and while it can be done, it will likely be damaged by MOST users. As such, he's recommending sending any phone with dust problems back for repair or replacement. Since I didn't want a $300 brick, I'm going to wait until used phones are available cheaply before I go

A. B. Dadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02445545079716916849noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19988334.post-1137032535465803632006-01-11T20:19:00.000-06:002006-01-11T21:05:01.703-06:00

Just a few minutes ago, users in New York and Chicago have started to experience an outage for data services with T-Mobile.If you attempt to use WAP from your t809 (or any cell likely), you may get a "Error: Network unavailable" message. You are not alone -- calling T-Mobile will likely not expedite anything.Some have said they can connect through Bluetooth modem -- I've confirmed that it IS

A. B. Dadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02445545079716916849noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19988334.post-1136834348701893082006-01-09T13:15:00.000-06:002006-01-09T13:19:09.016-06:00

Over the weekend, I put my t809 in my jeans pocket every minute I was out (and some time at the house). I received ZERO additional dust. The solution? Plugging the hole under the swivel-camera. It is a GLARING mistake that Samsung should have not released.My "date" in the clean room is postponed for a few more days -- I will have the phone apart hopefully by Wednesday with photos, sorry for

A. B. Dadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02445545079716916849noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19988334.post-1136655257788591882006-01-07T11:32:00.000-06:002006-01-07T11:34:18.186-06:00

I receive a few e-mails every day regarding cell phone accessories for the t809 and haven't really seen a single source of information for what works and what doesn't.If you've tried certain items (cell phone cases, cell phone screen protectors, cell phone Bluetooth handsfree headsets, etc) and they worked or didn't work, let me know. I'll be starting a separate FAQ next week and will keep it

A. B. Dadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02445545079716916849noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19988334.post-1136567365532344402006-01-06T11:05:00.000-06:002006-01-06T11:09:25.853-06:00

This phone is like an iPod: nearly impossible to take apart to clean. Compressed air is a failure -- using a 5000psi compressed air bottle outputting 850psi I was unable to get the dust out. I was able to get it to clump a bit to one side, so my problem is "fixed" temporarily. Since the one day I jeans-pocketed the phone and got the dust, I haven't added any as the phone now stays in its

A. B. Dadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02445545079716916849noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19988334.post-1136484714257909242006-01-05T12:08:00.000-06:002006-01-05T12:16:28.746-06:00

Seems like Samsung announced yesterday another version of the t809 for the T-Mobile market: the t709. It looks to be similar to the t809 with the addition of WiFi. Looks to be released the second quarter of 2006.PC Magazine also throws up an article today about Samsung's latest releases. They also bring in a question I was asking myself: will the t709 allow Voice over WiFi?

A. B. Dadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02445545079716916849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19988334.post-1136388560941242822006-01-04T09:28:00.000-06:002006-01-04T09:31:13.120-06:00

A few hours ago, Samsung announced the D807 -- a version of the t809 for other carriers. The t809 is a T-Mobile branded phone, the D807 will be released initially to Cingular in the second quarter of 2006.Another article with more Samsung phones is available here.

A. B. Dadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02445545079716916849noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19988334.post-1136305719783845062006-01-03T10:24:00.000-06:002006-01-03T10:28:39.793-06:00

While this information is in the manual, I am still seeing 2 or 3 e-mails a day regarding setting up a custom picture and ringtone for a particular caller.Once you have their number saved in your phone book, you can customize their calling options easily.Click the Phonebook button (right side top button), select 2 Contact list, and scroll to find the saved phonebook listing. Click Options -> 1

A. B. Dadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02445545079716916849noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19988334.post-1136227151734208322006-01-02T12:36:00.000-06:002006-01-02T12:39:11.776-06:00

I've received numerous e-mails and comments regarding which screen protectors fit the t809. Up to now, I only cut my own (pain in the rear).I ordered a bunch of different ones to find the best one -- should receive them this week. My sources tell me the t809 has the same size screen as the Samsung i600, A760, and D415/D410, but I'll know this week and hopefully have some links up for others.If

A. B. Dadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02445545079716916849noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19988334.post-1136150832825879092006-01-01T15:26:00.000-06:002006-01-01T15:27:12.826-06:00

I'm off today, taking care of cleaning up the house -- if you're new to this blog, check out the FAQ I've put together. I'm going to do some updates on it tomorrow, so stay tuned.The link to the FAQ is in the sidebar on the right, under links.

A. B. Dadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02445545079716916849noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19988334.post-1135960645887356952005-12-30T10:34:00.000-06:002005-12-30T10:37:25.906-06:00

I'm setting aside a few hours today to look into how to solve the screen dust problem -- or at least how to remove the dust. I'm going to research not only the compressed air solutions, but also how I might be able to attract the ionized dust into a larger clump that might be easier to remove. I may even go as far as try to disassemble the phone (I have a few extra dollars left over if I need

A. B. Dadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02445545079716916849noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19988334.post-1135866750158320582005-12-29T08:27:00.000-06:002005-12-29T08:32:30.173-06:00

I get a few dozen e-mails every day (keep sending them, I appreciate every question!) regarding some basic tasks or questions regarding what a certain setting does. Even if you're familiar with the phone, you may have missed some common settings.In Menu -> Settings -> Display Settings -> Main menu style you have two selections of Block menu and Flash menu. I prefer the Flash menu as it shows

A. B. Dadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02445545079716916849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19988334.post-1135778653693637402005-12-28T07:59:00.000-06:002005-12-28T08:04:13.706-06:00

I'm looking for some battery saving tips from other Samsung t809 users. So far, I have tested (and verified) the following ways to conserve the precious battery life:* Turn down your LCD brightness to the very minimum. It is still VERY bright. You can adjust the brightness by going to Menu -> Settings -> Display settings -> Brightness control and set it to 1* Turn down your Backlight timing so

A. B. Dadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02445545079716916849noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19988334.post-1135698473614543202005-12-27T09:37:00.000-06:002005-12-27T09:47:53.636-06:00

I received my first dust specks under my screen on my Samsung t809 yesterday. It was in my pocket in my jeans all day -- the first time it wasn't in my satin lined pocket of my jacket. We hit almost 45 degrees in Chicagoland so the jacket wasn't needed, and the dust appeared. This helps to confirm (slightly) that the dust may come from pocket use.It doesn't bug me. The dust isn't visible (yet

A. B. Dadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02445545079716916849noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19988334.post-1135524412563534692005-12-25T09:22:00.000-06:002005-12-25T09:26:52.570-06:00

(or another holiday!)If you're new to this blog, check out the links to the left: Howard Forums, Phone Scoop and the FAQ that I'm putting together with information gathered from using the phone and from posts everywhere.If you have a question, feel free to post on these forums or post a comment on my blog. I access my blog from my t809 daily, and get updates to my t809 when someone posts a

A. B. Dadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02445545079716916849noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19988334.post-1135438449526022252005-12-24T09:31:00.000-06:002005-12-24T09:56:43.156-06:00

T-Mobile Samsung t809 Accessories WebsitePrices look good:Samsung t809 Battery - $29.99Samsung t809 Headset - $19.99Samsung t809 Travel Charger - $19.99Samsung t809 Car Charger - $24.99They also sell a 512MB SD card, but for $69.99 it isn't such a great deal.Missing? I want to see an adapter to let me use my own headphones. Also missing is a carrying case, they're still offering the RAZR one --

A. B. Dadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02445545079716916849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19988334.post-1135436755205006582005-12-24T08:59:00.000-06:002005-12-24T09:05:55.230-06:00

I use the Bluetooth support on my Samsung t809 cell phone every day for various things -- I use it to wirelessly copy files, ringtones and images, wirelessly connect to the Internet (via EDGE/GPRS) and use a bluetooth headset.If you don't authorize your devices, you'll be bothered with a prompt from the phone to accept the connection. I'm not as security conscious about my telephone data, so I

A. B. Dadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02445545079716916849noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19988334.post-1135292511615800782005-12-22T16:54:00.000-06:002006-01-13T22:11:08.723-06:00

*** I added a simple batch file "program" at this link to help with this process ***Many users are mad that copying MP3's to their phone won't let them use it as a ringtone. It seems the t809 requires DRM (Digital Rights Management) on the MP3 in order to play it as a ringtone.Some users found a great work around -- rename the MP3 on your computer before copying it over to your phone. The

A. B. Dadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02445545079716916849noreply@blogger.com56tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19988334.post-1135213953721312562005-12-21T19:00:00.000-06:002005-12-21T19:12:33.740-06:00

I was afraid I scratched my t809 display today, but a little wiping with a soft lens cloth and it looks fine. The phone is so tiny and light I'd hate to much that up with a leather case, but I may have to (if they ever release a quality one). Had another 3 or 4 people stop me today in the airport and ask me what phone it was. I realized what makes it stand out -- the color. The thing is just

A. B. Dadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02445545079716916849noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19988334.post-1135173715357041742005-12-21T07:46:00.000-06:002005-12-21T08:33:21.590-06:00

The first 3 days of using my t809 cell phone have been really enlightening in how powerful my h6315 used to be as well as how weak it was. I'm happier and more productive now with 2 devices than I was with one, but I find myself using the phone more than I had expected.The built in WAP browser combined with Google's "PDA-izing" feature allows me to browse a considerable amount of news websites

A. B. Dadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02445545079716916849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19988334.post-1134964598164118422005-12-18T21:44:00.000-06:002005-12-18T22:40:22.223-06:00

I charged my t809 for the first time -- the charging plug is tinier than my old HP iPAQ connector, which (for me) is bad. I break everything. Why can't these people get mini-USB ports like Motorola and Blackberry have? Proprietary connectors offer higher margins for sales people in selling accessories, but it still makes life hard.I turned on Bluetooth, powered up my laptop (using a D-Link DBT

A. B. Dadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02445545079716916849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19988334.post-1134963429179886902005-12-18T21:28:00.000-06:002005-12-18T21:43:46.090-06:00

What a crazy weekend.Last week, I broke my HP iPAQ h6315 Pocket PC Phone. The phone was my lifeblood -- I blogged from it, I read all my e-mail from it, and I browsed every website. While on business in Vegas, I broke the charging port straight out. Game over.T-Mobile no longer offers the device, so I started my hunt for a solution. I can't wait 3 months for the new HTC Wizard (although I

A. B. Dadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02445545079716916849noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19988334.post-1135439503822621942005-12-12T14:00:00.000-06:002006-01-17T12:12:10.533-06:00

BASIC QUESTIONSHow do I put my phone into Silent mode?Press and hold the # key until it switches. You can switch back to normal mode this way too.How can I copy files to my phone?You must make sure your phone is in Mass Storage USB mode:* Menu -> Settings -> Phone settings -> USB settings -> Select Mass Storage* Plug your USB cable into your PC and it will work as a USB hard driveHow can I watch

A. B. Dadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02445545079716916849noreply@blogger.com102