Considering getting an M3100 off eBay...is it still worth it?

[AsGF2MX]

I have a Wizard (XDA Mini S) and O2's Trion doesn't seem to be to appealing seeing as how much it could cost me (not to mention lock me into another contract).

After poking around on eBay, I see M3100s going for 50 to 150++ and it is very tempting to get one as Kaiser seems far off. To my knowledge the M3100 has autofocus (some like the Qtek one don't?) and I also like the black body and key layout (no other reason for this specific variant).

I am just curious whether or not it's still worth going for one (if I can get it on the cheap) and what is drawing me to the hermes over the wizard (I love the keyboard and the rest of it):

- 3G
- Speed (apparently the samsung can be overclocked?)
- Better camera (Wizard's lack of macro makes it a pain to photograph chip markings)
- Jog dial

The nice to have GPS and FM radio are hard to find and the Kaiser will have a high markup (I am not looking for the latest and greatest right now as I waiting for something newer before I drop a lot of dough). So will the Hermes suit me and will an investment of around 100 pounds be a sound one (is it too much and also seeing as I can unlock it myself...I should have no problems right?)

One thing bugging me is the screen alignment issue but if it's a recent one I doubt it should be there and warranty for stuff off eBay (how do I deal with this?)?

[mccreath]

The alignment issue is not persistent in all devices, I've just had my Vario II replaced and there is not sign of it so far (touch wood).
When the issue was there it was bareable...

Also worth baring in mind that the Vario II/ 3100 is still less than 12 months on the market, so it would be under manufacturers warranty = just walk in the shop and let them sort it out....

Personally It's a cracking unit, and if you can get a good deal off e-bay it'll last you a long time.

Personally I wish I'd found this forum sooner as I've been a long time smartphone/ pocket PC owner, there are loads of excellent resources here mate.

UPDATE:
MDA Vario II @ 400MHz (no over-clocking for me thx)
WM6-Professional (CE OS 5.2.968 (Build 17736.0.2.0)
ROM 3.23.0.2
Radio 1.40.30.00
HERM300

[AsGF2MX]

I have been looking around a fair bit but I'm a little lost why some eBay sellers say the Vodafone V1605 doesn't do 3G sims. I know it supposedly needs a firmware update to get HSDPA but except that is there any issue with the 3G uSIM?

Has the Hermes really been on the market for under 12 months? It feels like I've seen it around for ages. The one thing pushing me towards the M3100 is the color (really don't want another siliver one) as I said but I can't seem to find a detailed list of differences between the various models (checked wiki and there's no mention of the 3G thing above or for that matter differences in camera if at all).

Funny thing is, I'm normally the type to patiently wait and then buy something but after going on eBay, that patience has vanished...also the numerous v1605 units going on the cheap are pretty tempting. I will also probably end up buying a black silicone case as well so I'm not too sure if the color will be a major issue.

[unwired4]

There are no real differences between any of the variants. The camera is the same, the processor is the same, etc etc.

Yes the 3100 is the best looking one. I would go for it.

[AsGF2MX]

Thanks for the heads up but the M3100s seem fairly pricey (at least most start high...) maybe I'll strike a deal somewhere...some how. Oh well, keep looking...44 items being watched on eBay :D

[arghness]

To my knowledge the M3100 has autofocus (some like the Qtek one don't?)

No autofocus on either, afaik. It does have the lens slider to switch to macro though.

The camera is "okay". I recently took it on a skiing holiday where it got completely confused with the white balance and all the pictures came up with a very strong blue tint.

In general use, apart from exposure issues when there is high contrast and the flash being near-useless (I'm sure it's mistimed with the exposure), it takes a reasonable picture. Certainly no substitute for a dedicated camera though, imo.

[stryker1355]

Hey i recently[09/04/07] got an Orange SPV M3100 + 2GB card + BT gps + extra screeen protector + cradle + extra battery for 240 quid (pounds sterling) including first class next day shipping off Ebay UK. Unfournately i recieved a unit with the screen allingnment issue and was totally unware about it being a common problem till i read you post... anyways still love the device and if your in a area that recieves HSPDA coverage its well worth it!

Yes black does feel very sleek, compared to my silver vario !


UPDATE [ i am reading the wiki and working on my options :) ]

[AsGF2MX]

No autofocus on either, afaik. It does have the lens slider to switch to macro though.

The camera is "okay". I recently took it on a skiing holiday where it got completely confused with the white balance and all the pictures came up with a very strong blue tint.

In general use, apart from exposure issues when there is high contrast and the flash being near-useless (I'm sure it's mistimed with the exposure), it takes a reasonable picture. Certainly no substitute for a dedicated camera though, imo.

Aww man, the autofocus thing would be handy but well, macro shots are little important to me and as for dedicated camera, I don't have one on me right now but looking at what some people have taken, I doubt I'll be complaining about it for now. If it beats my wizard, I'm sold.

Hey i recently[09/04/07] got an Orange SPV M3100 + 2GB card + BT gps + extra screeen protector + cradle + extra battery for 240 quid (pounds sterling) including first class next day shipping off Ebay UK. Unfournately i recieved a unit with the screen allingnment issue and was totally unware about it being a common problem till i read you post... anyways still love the device and if your in a area that recieves HSPDA coverage its well worth it!

Yes black does feel very sleek, compared to my silver vario !


UPDATE [ i am reading the wiki and working on my options :) ]

Well some of the sellers don't reveal the serials...at least I've had no luck and mind you, I'm trying to score one for under 100 - because I can't just spend and spend (have one wizard housing and silicone case on the way). Based on the fact that all these M3100s/V1605 are supposed to be under warranty, a walk into Orange/Vodafone should resolve such issues, However one thing I am hesitant about is how do I register the phone under my name once I acquire it?

Also does the GPS in the radio chip stand any chance of working? I've seen the the engineering thread and based on the pin setup (the fact that pins are tied to ground and such to disable the GPS portion) of the hermes, it doesn't sound practical but on the other hand I've seen one or two odd posts that it is only a crippled antenna.

[leo-chan]

Also does the GPS in the radio chip stand any chance of working? I've seen the the engineering thread and based on the pin setup (the fact that pins are tied to ground and such to disable the GPS portion) of the hermes, it doesn't sound practical but on the other hand I've seen one or two odd posts that it is only a crippled antenna.

Got my v1605 for 175 quids, sim-free.

I wouldn't bother too much about the GPS hype, it isn't worth the trouble.. No screen alignment issues for me. Used the stock ROM for a couple of weeks and upgraded to numerous roms since.

Currently on Black v2.0 (WM6) and lovin' it. Yes, the TyTn is indeed a wise choice. I live in an area with full HSDPA coverage and I have since disconnected my ASDL broadband service (HSDPA seems to be wayyyyy faster).

I have push e-mail and other pop-access accounts. This device is indispensable for me as I travel a whole lot.

Cheers from Frankfurt.

[AsGF2MX]

175 from where? I know my price point maybe a little low but since it's eBay, I suppoe there's a chance but I do see some of them who have one bidder raise the price 3 times or more in a row (i.e from 50 pounds to 150) and now that bothers me.

[stryker1355]

[QUOTE=AsGF2MX;1219847]

Well some of the sellers don't reveal the serials...at least I've had no luck and mind you, I'm trying to score one for under 100 - because I can't just spend and spend (have one wizard housing and silicone case on the way). Based on the fact that all these M3100s/V1605 are supposed to be under warranty, a walk into Orange/Vodafone should resolve such issues, However one thing I am hesitant about is how do I register the phone under my name once I acquire it?

Hey with regards to the warranty issue, i am gona have a go at it (since i am experiencing the sreen alightment issue). I will message my ebay seller and ask him if he can spare me the original reciept so i can possibly make a warranty claim at a orange shop, dont know if its gona work though.

[AsGF2MX]

Now this is an issue, how does one register a change of ownership of the handset? Well I am looking forward to you updating this thread with what info you get and also what did Orange say?

[stryker1355]

Now this is an issue, how does one register a change of ownership of the handset? Well I am looking forward to you updating this thread with what info you get and also what did Orange say?

Sorry the ebay seller wasnt kind enough to send me the receipt or he may have "Lost" it. Did follow the steps of loosening screws and the screen alignment issue is much better now