Data Plan-less Vogue

[blueblur1986]

I got an HTC Touch from Verizon because I wanted to get away from the clutches of Verizon's lousy software they cripple every phone with and it was the cheapest WinMo phone they sold (I got it for $40.) I got the phone and stuck with my current plan ($10 add-on line on family plan.) I am cheap, my family is cheap, so we have no data plan. We can't afford a data plan, so gettign one is not an option (sorry, maybe someday in the future.)

Is there anything good I can do with my HTC Touch that doesn't require data? Is it worth flashing to a custom firmware? Is it worth installing Android? Or should I just forget it all and stick with the stock configuration?

[derekwilkinson]

I got an HTC Touch from Verizon because I wanted to get away from the clutches of Verizon's lousy software they cripple every phone with and it was the cheapest WinMo phone they sold (I got it for $40.) I got the phone and stuck with my current plan ($10 add-on line on family plan.) I am cheap, my family is cheap, so we have no data plan. We can't afford a data plan, so gettign one is not an option (sorry, maybe someday in the future.)

Is there anything good I can do with my HTC Touch that doesn't require data? Is it worth flashing to a custom firmware? Is it worth installing Android? Or should I just forget it all and stick with the stock configuration?

Without data, you can text, call, listen to music, take pics, and download movies to the SD card from your computer.

[mfpreach]

Is this guy slow or something. You can do anything that doesn't use data, so the obvious things it can do were mentioned by the previous user. C'mon man, what a waste of time.

[t1mman]

Well, actualy, pretty much anything "Android" is needing data, so stick with WinMo.

And then, you still has a GPS with Camera, music and video capacity. Pretty neat on it's own!

[craig0r]

Well, actualy, pretty much anything "Android" is needing data, so stick with WinMo.

And then, you still has a GPS with Camera, music and video capacity. Pretty neat on it's own!

Well, the GPS isn't much good if you can't download maps.

[t1mman]

You can still use it with TomTom or Garmin.

[blueblur1986]

Ok, Android is out of the Question due to it's heavy reliance of data.

Is there a better Camera or video recording app than the one included? It takes decent photos, but the gallery is pokey. Video recording is lousy quality no matter what setting I put it on (hoping to get QVGA resolution at 15-25fps.)

If I want to use GPS, is TomTom or Garmin better? Which flash file is best for allowing use of GPS without Verizon navigator or some add-on service.

Also, is there any flash that helps to minimize memory card corruption? I have an 8GB microSD card and it seems to corrupt anytime I write files through the phone. I can take it out and use an adapter to load music and movies, but installing apps is usually the death of the card.

Sorry if I sound like a rookie, I have messed with RAZR flashing and game console soft-modding, but not much Windows Mobile experience.

[jadesse]

Ok, Android is out of the Question due to it's heavy reliance of data.

Is there a better Camera or video recording app than the one included? It takes decent photos, but the gallery is pokey. Video recording is lousy quality no matter what setting I put it on (hoping to get QVGA resolution at 15-25fps.)

If I want to use GPS, is TomTom or Garmin better? Which flash file is best for allowing use of GPS without Verizon navigator or some add-on service.

Also, is there any flash that helps to minimize memory card corruption? I have an 8GB microSD card and it seems to corrupt anytime I write files through the phone. I can take it out and use an adapter to load music and movies, but installing apps is usually the death of the card.

Sorry if I sound like a rookie, I have messed with RAZR flashing and game console soft-modding, but not much Windows Mobile experience.

I am with you brother as VZW BLOWS!!! Unfortunately that is who my work plan & I don’t have a choice. I was going to buy a Touch Pro without a data plan but the pricks wouldn’t activate the phone without a data plan which I still fail to understand.

I believe that NFSFAN’s 6.5 ROM does have a slightly better camera & video camera option. It is the same software & only the registry settings are tweaked.

GPS is whole another issue & be prepared to do a lot of reading. Again you are going to want to use NFSFAN’s ROM for GPS. Just trust me on this one. GPS will work with the stock ROM but you will have to soft reset your phone every time you want to use it. These threads should help you out.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=4082403&postcount=1

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=537360

I have not had any memory card issues. I take mine out & put it back in all the time. I could be just that you have a bad card. Some of the Kingston cards do have this issue.

Also note that flashing a custom ROM will void whatever warranty you may have.

[blueblur1986]

I'm not too worried about the warranty, if I was I wouldn't be here!

Anyhow, sounds like I will get the best mileage out of flashing the NFSFAN WinMo 6.5 ROM and then activating the GPS ala instructions found on this forum and a wiki page I found while searching around.

I still need to read up a bit about the flashing process. I flashed a few RAZRs to play around, but they weren't activated and the process for WinMo is quite different.

[lotherius]

For very cheap you can also get a usb bluetooth for your computer, then setup activesync via bluetooth, which will provide you pass-through internet over bluetooth while in range and connected to activesync via bluetooth. That means while in your home (generally in the same room) as a the bluetoothed computer, you will be able to use any internet services on the phone as well.

[blueblur1986]

Is there a guide to setup passthrough internet via bluetooth with ActiveSync?

I already have bluetooth built into my laptop (it's a Macbook Pro, running Windows 7 for for ActiveSync and gaming) so essentially it would be free, but I don't want to accidentally go on Verizon's data (I am on the pay-per-MB plan because I signed up online and couldn't choose no data.)

[neurocutie]

I got an HTC Touch from Verizon because I wanted to get away from the clutches of Verizon's lousy software they cripple every phone with and it was the cheapest WinMo phone they sold (I got it for $40.) If you're willing to come off of VZW, another possibility is PagePlus. It is prepaid and uses the VZW network. You can stay on it for as little as $4/mo.

As far as data... You can do pay as you go for data, OR, the service gives you free QNC (free slow data), but you have to figure out how to get your device to use QNC (14kbs). People have successfully used PP QNC with Treos, Moto Q's and HTC 6700's.

[radar5]

I believe there is an app that allows you to toggle data usage on your phone so you can avoid getting charged by accidentally using data. I believe it is linked in Codybear's FAQ and you may need a custom ROM for it to work.

[EnterpriseNX01]

Is there anything good I can do with my HTC Touch that doesn't require data? Is it worth flashing to a custom firmware? Is it worth installing Android? Or should I just forget it all and stick with the stock configuration?

I am in the same situation! I purchased the phone 2 months ago and I just wanted a smartphone i.e. something to download programs on to that I don't have to pay for. I really like NFSFAN's winmo 6.5 ROM. The latest version is very good and I would consider flashing. Btw Stock config really sucks at least flash to something aesthetically pleasing! :D

[craig0r]

Btw Stock config really sucks at least flash to something aesthetically pleasing! :D

You mean like Android? :D (No, android isn't flashable yet, but it can be booted from any GPS-enabled WM ROM.)

[TheKartus]

Android is good, I'm running it on my Vogue. I don't have a data plan either... and Android really makes you wish you had one.

A good program for WinMo for those without data plans is SmartTouch. It gathers all sorts of SMS services into one and does all the Google SMS stuff, Facebook, IM, Yellowpages, etc. I have unlimited texts and no data so when I was using WinMo I relied on that a lot.

[blueblur1986]

You guys are gonna kill me, but I don't have texting either. I got to choose the phone and have no say over the plan. I have pay-per-text and pay-per-data. My plan is the standard $10 add-on line for FamilyShare 700min basic plan. We have 5 lines total, so we are pinching pennies hence no text or data.

On a side note, I seem to be having trouble finding a guide/sticky on how to flash NSFAN's 6.5 ROM and setup my phone after the upgrade to use it on Verizon (I know with RAZRs you had to do some crazy crap with reprogramming and Seem edits and such, which I never did get since I only flashed a de-activated phone.) I know it deals with something RUU or RRU or something. Any pointers are appreciated!

[jdm4life]

For very cheap you can also get a usb bluetooth for your computer, then setup activesync via bluetooth, which will provide you pass-through internet over bluetooth while in range and connected to activesync via bluetooth. That means while in your home (generally in the same room) as a the bluetoothed computer, you will be able to use any internet services on the phone as well.

how can i do this!? my phone only need bluetooth correct? because the sprint vogue "doesn't have" wifi

[HIYinOR]

You need to buy a USB "Bluetooth Dongle" for your PC. This will allow your PC and phone to connect via the PAN (Personal Area Network) capabilites of the Bluetooth stack.
Bluetooth dongles are incredibly cheap thru Amazon. It is a little quirky to set up but works great.
Buy the dongle and install the drivers.
Install ActiveSync.
Turn on the your phones Bluetooth and make it visible.
Go to ActiveSync on your phone and under "menu" select "connect via bluetooth"
Now you may need help figuring out how to make it all connect, but do the above first... then ask questions if you are unable to get it to setup correctly.:)

I have this setup working flawlessly on my Samsung i760...
I will admit I am having trouble getting the Vogue to connect "flawlessly", but that is likely due to the "quirkiness" of this kind of connection.

[jdm4life]

You need to buy a USB "Bluetooth Dongle" for your PC. This will allow your PC and phone to connect via the PAN (Personal Area Network) capabilites of the Bluetooth stack.
Bluetooth dongles are incredibly cheap thru Amazon. It is a little quirky to set up but works great.
Buy the dongle and install the drivers.
Install ActiveSync.
Turn on the your phones Bluetooth and make it visible.
Go to ActiveSync on your phone and under "menu" select "connect via bluetooth"
Now you may need help figuring out how to make it all connect, but do the above first... then ask questions if you are unable to get it to setup correctly.:)

actually i dont have activesync i have mobile device center because i have windows vista [windows 7] they are both the same....could you help me to use it?

[HIYinOR]

Is there a guide to setup passthrough internet via bluetooth with ActiveSync?

I already have bluetooth built into my laptop (it's a Macbook Pro, running Windows 7 for for ActiveSync and gaming) so essentially it would be free, but I don't want to accidentally go on Verizon's data (I am on the pay-per-MB plan because I signed up online and couldn't choose no data.)

If you are on an Americas Choice Family Plan as opposed to a Nationwide Plan you can request a Data Block for this phone line only and you won't need to worry about accidental charges. The only catch is that you will only be able to send PURE txt msgs or SMS, no MMS which includes music and pictures. It is the compromise I was willing to make to get my WinMo phones, but I do miss sending MMS messages.
If you are using WiFi or Bluetooth to connect you are NOT using Verizon's network so you should not see charges from either of these connections.

[HIYinOR]

actually i dont have activesync i have mobile device center because i have windows vista [windows 7] they are both the same....could you help me to use it?
I am still in the "Dark Ages" of XP so I would not know where to begin, but I think Mobile Device Center is actually better at getting the "quirks to work":D
Then again I have not used it so maybe it is really worse.

The place to start is getting the "Bluetooth Dongle" first... not to be rude but any help before then is pointless.

[grantemsley]

I think data is the reason a lot of us got this particular phone. Without it, you might as well have a regular cell phone.

Bell lets you get $10 unlimited data on it :)

[jdm4life]

I am still in the "Dark Ages" of XP so I would not know where to begin, but I think Mobile Device Center is actually better at getting the "quirks to work":D
Then again I have not used it so maybe it is really worse.

The place to start is getting the "Bluetooth Dongle" first... not to be rude but any help before then is pointless.

i have a bluetooth usb can u tell me if this will work??
http://www.iogear.com/product/GBU221P/
it has pan as a feature so i believe it should work =]

[HIYinOR]

i have a bluetooth usb can u tell me if this will work??
http://www.iogear.com/product/GBU221P/
it has pan as a feature so i believe it should work =]
I think it should be fine, but just to let you know I paid less than $10 for mine (with shipping), online through Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/USB-Bluetooth-Dongle-Adapter-10M/dp/B000JFHA6I/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1250113335&sr=8-10
***Important side note***
I am continuing to have trouble getting the Vogue/Touch to make the PAN connection??? I have an iPaq and my Samsung that connect just fine but this phone is not cooperating... so be forewarned... I know the process works because of the 2 devices I have working now, but something is not right with my phone possibly, and I am not sure what it is.

Edit
I finally got the Vogue/Touch/XV6900 to connect via PAN to my PC and successfully searched Google thru Opera on the phone.
This is the Quirkiness I mentioned earlier... I simply tried over and over again to get the PC and phone to acknowledge each other and connect. I don't know why they have problems but I do know (NOW personally verified) that the Vogue/Touch/XV6900 will connect via Bluetooth PAN to a PC.

[HIYinOR]

I think data is the reason a lot of us got this particular phone. Without it, you might as well have a regular cell phone.

Bell lets you get $10 unlimited data on it :)
Data is a great reason for this phone... but there is a price you pay for Data and it is a price I simply can't afford... even $10/month, and that is reality for many in this economy.
BUT like many of the new owners I understand the incredible value of having a WinMo phone even without Data. No "dumb phone" even comes close. And if you can get one with a keyboard and wifi for $30 or without a keyboard and wifi for $10 dollars... why would you choose a "dumb phone"?
The greatest part is my latest is an HTC so I can finally go crazy with all the ROM's etc. and maybe even get to brick my phone.:):eek::o...:D

[jdm4life]

Data is a great reason for this phone... but there is a price you pay for Data and it is a price I simply can't afford... even $10/month, and that is reality for many in this economy.
BUT like many of the new owners I understand the incredible value of having a WinMo phone even without Data. No "dumb phone" even comes close. And if you can get one with a keyboard and wifi for $30 or without a keyboard and wifi for $10 dollars... why would you choose a "dumb phone"?
The greatest part is my latest is an HTC so I can finally go crazy with all the ROM's etc. and maybe even get to brick my phone.:):eek::o...:D

talk about economy.... i could afford $10 a month....
but sadly i believe the unlimited internet is a whopping $20 a month! =x
and as far as i know thats the most expensive for internet ?

[jdm4life]

I think it should be fine, but just to let you know I paid less than $10 for mine (with shipping), online through Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/USB-Bluetooth-Dongle-Adapter-10M/dp/B000JFHA6I/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1250113335&sr=8-10
***Important side note***
I am continuing to have trouble getting the Vogue/Touch to make the PAN connection??? I have an iPaq and my Samsung that connect just fine but this phone is not cooperating... so be forewarned... I know the process works because of the 2 devices I have working now, but something is not right with my phone possibly, and I am not sure what it is.

Edit
I finally got the Vogue/Touch/XV6900 to connect via PAN to my PC and successfully searched Google thru Opera on the phone.
This is the Quirkiness I mentioned earlier... I simply tried over and over again to get the PC and phone to acknowledge each other and connect. I don't know why they have problems but I do know (NOW personally verified) that the Vogue/Touch/XV6900 will connect via Bluetooth PAN to a PC.

well yesterday i got my vogue to connect to the internet via usb cable [it was quite slow] but i cant find any guides that will teach me how to connect using vista....

this is what i have:
HTC VOGUE nfsfans 6.5
Windows 7 RC 7100 [vista guide will work]

[HIYinOR]

well yesterday i got my vogue to connect to the internet via usb cable [it was quite slow] but i cant find any guides that will teach me how to connect using vista....

this is what i have:
HTC VOGUE nfsfans 6.5
Windows 7 RC 7100 [vista guide will work]
USB through your PC... correct? It is the same process for Bluetooth just a different "type" of connection, and it will probably not be any faster:(... The thing I like about the bluetooth PAN connection is the ActiveSync connection so that my calendar, contacts, and favorites can easily be synced... even more useful is the ability to transfer files to the SD card without removing it.

I am impressed that you have already Flashed to nsfans 6.5 ROM. I am still reading up and have not taken that jump yet... also reading up on the GPS activation which is a bit confusing at this point in time (a lot has happened since this phone came out... it now comes with WM6.1 which some have claimed shut down the GPS fix... maybe...)

[jdm4life]

USB through your PC... correct? It is the same process for Bluetooth just a different "type" of connection, and it will probably not be any faster:(... The thing I like about the bluetooth PAN connection is the ActiveSync connection so that my calendar, contacts, and favorites can easily be synced... even more useful is the ability to transfer files to the SD card without removing it.

I am impressed that you have already Flashed to nsfans 6.5 ROM. I am still reading up and have not taken that jump yet... also reading up on the GPS activation which is a bit confusing at this point in time (a lot has happened since this phone came out... it now comes with WM6.1 which some have claimed shut down the GPS fix... maybe...)

hmmm maybe i should jus get the unlimited data huh?
but as for the 6.5 roms its totally workth it.. only problems i have that dont bother me is the video camera is choppy when it plays back and there is no mic support for the wired headset =[ here's a screenshot of my phone =]

main menu
http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa170/bigl922005/sshot003.png

and start menu
http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa170/bigl922005/sshot004.png

[HIYinOR]

hmmm maybe i should jus get the unlimited data huh?
but as for the 6.5 roms its totally workth it.. only problems i have that dont bother me is the video camera is choppy when it plays back and there is no mic support for the wired headset =[ here's a screenshot of my phone =]

main menu
http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa170/bigl922005/sshot003.png

and start menu
http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa170/bigl922005/sshot004.png
I like the looks of 6.5... alot!
If you can swing the Data Plan... all I can say is I would if I could no hesitations. I'm stuck with wifi when I can find it, and Bluetooth PAN at home. This is the future...
the internet in your hand to search, find, learn and do what you want where you want and when you want. Nobody really thought Everybody would have cell phones 18 years ago when I got my first Motorola Brick. 10 years from now (probably less) most people won't question the cost of data anymore than they do now for cell service. It will be less and it is a premium now, but this is the future starting today.
But the future can wait for me it isn't worth going into debt... further into debt:rolleyes:

[jdm4life]

I like the looks of 6.5... alot!
If you can swing the Data Plan... all I can say is I would if I could no hesitations. I'm stuck with wifi when I can find it, and Bluetooth PAN at home. This is the future...
the internet in your hand to search, find, learn and do what you want where you want and when you want. Nobody really thought Everybody would have cell phones 18 years ago when I got my first Motorola Brick. 10 years from now (probably less) most people won't question the cost of data anymore than they do now for cell service. It will be less and it is a premium now, but this is the future starting today.
But the future can wait for me it isn't worth going into debt... further into debt:rolleyes:

lol
well yeah windows mobile 6.5 also has its own slide to unlock like the iphone and it has the passcode lock aswell.
i will take shots of the internet as soon as i get it running =]