T-Mobile Pulse Android phone

[mike557]

Just received a new T-Mobile Android Pulse phone on PAYG for a cost of £91 plus £10 Top Up Sim. By using Topcashback hopefully this will reduce by a further £15

The phone uses Google Android which is Googles new "open" operating system for Mobiles.

The Pulse is comparable to the iphone both in size and facilities and less than a quarter of the iphone price !!!

Wi-fi with wpa encryption configuration was easy and meant that I did not have to use mobile internet.

The first app (application) that I wanted was SIP so I headed over to Downloads - sipdroid - Project Hosting on Google Code using the phones built in browser. All that was needed was to download the app and Android recognised what it was and after some warning messages sipdroid was installed

Setting up Sipdroid with an Asterisk server was simple, just the usual details were required i.e. account (sip extension), password and domain.
When sipdroid is configured, Android will ask if you wish to allow sipdroid to intercept calls - this means that your calls will be made over sip / wi-fi rather than the more expensive mobile network. Sipdroid works with Sipgate but betamax needs a bit of 'fudging' using pbxes.org are the relay.

In a matter of minutes, I now have a really good mobile phone which when brought home automatically detects my wi-fi and logs in via sip as an extension phone. When outside I can use any wi-fi hotspot and my extension works. I can use mobile data but this of course is at a cost.

There are so many apps available for this phone - apart from sip, I particularly like shop-savvy. This allows you to scan a barcode, uses GPS to work out where you are and then goes online to find cheapest local and online prices!!

This really is the way all sip phones should work.

If anyone is thinking of buying a cordless sip phone I would strongly suggest looking at an Android phone.

With a bit of luck T-Mobile will have a sale and this phone will be down in price again (currently £138)....

[Satsearching]

Originally Posted by mike557

I particularly like shop-savvy. This allows you to scan a barcode, uses GPS to work out where you are and then goes online to find cheapest local and online prices!!

Now that is a cool feature

SS

[renwich]

I can run android on my touch diamond , but dunno bout installing and running extra apps, the only android phone I've seen is the HTC hero, but it dosnt look that nice

[mike557]

Originally Posted by renwich

I can run android on my touch diamond , but dunno bout installing and running extra apps, the only android phone I've seen is the HTC hero, but it dosnt look that nice

I would say - if you have the apps you need then stick with them. However if you are like me, then learning (by playing) is worth it provided you have the time.

Android is so flexible and there are so many free apps. For £86 (with cashback) I do not think this phone can be beaten. It is a very responsive touch screen once the screen protector is removed.

The only down sides that I have found are -
I can only get the alarm to work when the phone is turned on.
T-Mobile signal is crap in doors.
No decent cases for the phone yet.

[mike557]

Android is a winner with me.

I was working away from home and staying in a hotel last week and the phone really did perform.

Using Sipdroid and registered directly on my Asterisk server. The call quality over wi-fi was excellent and of course free. Over 3G the quality was just as good but I did suffer from delays. Again the call was free so I am not about to complain.

Provided I have 3G or wi-fi my mobile phone responds to its asterisk extension number so anyone calling home, calls the mobile. Plus the phone is a normal mobile.

If anyone is interested, I have switched to GiffGaff which is a low cost spin off from O2. Currently unlimited 3G data is FREE until end of May and calls cost 8p and 4p for text. GiffGaff to GiffGaff calls are free.

If anyone would like a free SIM sent drop me a PM - we both benefit by £5 and I will donate to ukcvs. Just PM any requests otherwise it just clutters up the thread.

Here are some screen shots which I hope shows how you can tailor the look and feel.

The 4 'pips' on the corners are slide bars which are pulled out and give access to any other programs I wish to add.