GearBits: PalmCorner Weekly Feature: Sony Ericsson T610 and Palm Tungsten T3

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December 02, 2003

PalmCorner Weekly Feature: Sony Ericsson T610 and Palm Tungsten T3

A few days ago, I wrote a brief article about my new combo gadgets -- not one gadget but a combination of two gadgets. I now use the Sony Ericsson T610 and the Palm Tungsten T3 instead of the Handspring 180.

There has been a lot of noise in the industry about the proliferation of smartphones and the bleak prognostication for the stand-alone PDA device. I for one do not believe it's going to happen. Yes, I have to agree that carrying one device is much more convenient than carrying two devices, but what if you have to compromise how you work in order to do carry one device. To me, that is not an ideal solution and so far not acceptable.

Having separate devices offers certain advantages that all-in-one devices cannot. Each device can be selected for its features without making compromises. Also what happens if you want to replace one device in your chain? Well, you can simply replace one without replacing the other.

I do however believe the key to carrying separate devices is integration. If you want the separate cellular phone and the PDA, then both need to be seamlessly integrated that it feels like you are using one device, not two.

After having used the Tungsten T3 and the Sony Ericsson T610, I can now tell you this is one combination that offers the seamless integration and simplicity.

As far as setting up the combination, it couldn’t be easier. You just go into the Phonelink application in the T3 and select your model and the network service you currently use. In my case, it was the T160 and T-Mobile GPRS. When you hit “connect,” the T3 will seek out the T610 via Bluetooth and then you just need to follow the instructions to set up the Bluetooth connection. It is easier if you put both devices as trusted devices so that all your future connections are done automatically. Well, I hate to stop here, but that’s it. That’s all you have to do to set up both devices. How simple can it be?

Now you are ready to use your T3 and T610 combination. You can use Dialer in the T3 to place a call, or use Quick Connect from your Contact program to place a call as well. Just hit the number you want and the T610 will place the call. So, you don’t need to carry all your phone numbers in the T610. However, if you want to keep certain phone numbers in the T610, you can simply transfer the number from the T3 via Bluetooth. Nothing could be easier and no more manual double entries (entering the same number in each device).

You can also send/receive your SMS from the T3 as well. You can both send and check your messages from the T3, and it’s a lot easier entering messages using Graffiti than the numeric keypad in the T610. Although T610 offers T9 text entry system (I call it smart entry), it is still not as convenient as using a keyboard or Graffiti.

You can now surf the Internet or send/receive e-mails using the latest Palm Web browser and SnapperMail in the T3. Now the T3 will automatically connect to the GPRS network using the T610 as the conduit. Of course, you can now use the beautiful T3 320x480 screen to browse the web. I typically use the landscape mode and it’s so much easier to read the web pages. I use SnapperMail (the latest beta has the T3 full screen mode) to send/receive my e-mails. I haven’t tried the Treo 600; so, I can’t tell you how fast it is, but this combination beats my old Treo 180 hands down.

It has been a great experience so far, and I believe the reason for that is the seamless integration between the two devices. I have been a skeptic as far as Bluetooth technology, but now I’m a converter. If you want to go with the separate-but-better route, I don't think you will be able to find a better combination than the T3 and the Sony Ericsson T610 (now new model is called T616, but it’s pretty much identical to the T610). Oh, did I tell you the T610 is small and light as well?

Posted by Ken | Permalink

Comments

I have been using the exact same setup since the T3 was released. Previous to the T3, I had a T|T with the T610, and prior to the T610, I had a T68i. All the while with T-Mobile GPRS. It's the best setup I've used yet. Even better than my BlackBerry 6710 which I swore by for a long time.

Posted by Roger at December 2, 2003 09:30 AM

I agree with the two separate devices solution. In addiction to your motivation, I take always with me my mobile, while I don't always get my Palm (for example going to the beach!). The PDA is much more expensive and contains important data.
I use a Nokia 6310i (european model) and way of operating and performance are exactly the same.
I'm very satisfied with it.

Posted by Stefano at December 3, 2003 05:35 AM

Does anyone know a solution to synch the phone numbers from the TT3 to the T610?

Posted by Bruno at December 3, 2003 09:23 AM

I think there is a way to transfer the whole category from the T3 to the T610. If you assign all your phone numbers to one category and then send it via BT from your contact program, it should transfer.

Another way is if you have the BT capable computer/laptop, you can sync the T610 to Oulook (sync the T3 to Outlook first though).

Posted by Ken at December 3, 2003 09:46 AM

I'm another advocate of the 2-piece setup for mobile connectivity (and have been for a the last year+ ).

I've been using the earlier T68i cell phone with a progression of:
m505+BtSDIO > Tungsten T > Zodiac 2

And yes, the treo 600 does look to be a very compelling all-in-one.

- Dan

Posted by Dan at December 3, 2003 05:08 PM

I have a T3 but (believe it or not) no mobile phone. I'm now planning to correct that deficiency and am wondering what model to buy. I note your comments about the ease of use of the T3/T610 combination, but have a question: Is there any point in having such a sophisticated phone with its pda-type applications when you have the cutting-edge pda as well? Surely a monochrome mobile phone would be just as good, since you're not going to be using it for PIM applications or web surfing?

Posted by BasilC at December 3, 2003 07:59 PM

You don't need a fancy color phone, but make sure the phone has BT so that you can go wireless with the T3. There are a number of phones that have BT; so, your choice is not limited to the T610.

Posted by Ken at December 3, 2003 11:06 PM

I seem to have problems sending sms messages from my t3. Using the dialer is ok the t3 connects to my s e t610 no problem. When sending a sms message from the t3 to the se i get a message "Incorrect response from phone, please make sure you are using the right driver for the phone." I have downloaded updated software from the palm site but still have the same problem.
can any one please help?

Posted by mark mapp at December 27, 2003 08:48 AM

Two things to try.

1. soft reset Palm and try to connect again (make sure you turn off BT in the phone and turn it on again).

2. If that doesn't work, try resetting T610. You can get to master reset via settings.

That should work for you.

Posted by Ken at December 27, 2003 12:52 PM

Can you recomend a phone for us Verizon users with bluetooth that doesn't have the unnessary pda stuff that the t3 already has?

Posted by roy at January 1, 2004 07:59 PM

I'm not sure if Verizon offers any Bluetooth phone. Last time I checked they didn't. There is a rumor that they might be supporting one soon, but it's a rumor. For BT, I will stick with either Sony Ericsson or Nokia.

Posted by Ken at January 2, 2004 07:40 AM

how can i send the midi data from palm t for t610

Posted by CHIMUN at January 18, 2004 12:08 PM

I am having the same problem as Mark Mapp (Dec 27). Soft reset T3 didn't work. Master reset T610, setting or all?

Posted by Ari at January 21, 2004 08:56 AM

Try setting first and then if it doesn't work try all.

Posted by Ken at January 25, 2004 12:31 PM

I just recently bought Sony Ericsson T610 and Palm Tungsten T3.

I am unable to send SMS from Plam T3 via T610 using bluetooth. After stting up the connection and tried by pressing TEST button in palm it gives me an error "Test failed. Current settings may not be compatible with your phone. For best results use the driver for your phone. Response from phone : SONY ERICSSON "

Can any one kindly help me to fix this problem??? I did try to find the driver for T610 in SonyEricsson webpage. It seems like they don't have it.

Greatly appreciate for your pompt reply.

Best Regards

Posted by Prasad K.N.G at February 5, 2004 10:25 PM

I am a recent dual-device advocate, and i stumbled my way into a t3/t616 combo. My choice of handhelds was a "well i may as well spring for the larger, cooler model while i have at least some of the cash" rationalization, and the decision of the phone was limited by my service provider, and their selection of bt enabled devices. I have to say though, that the t3 continues to surprise me with functionality, and with my recent purchase of the t616, i see limitless possibilities. Integration was fairly simple, and i'm excited about the options that these two devices offer when paired with each other.

Posted by Kevin at February 6, 2004 12:56 AM

Same problem as above between T3 and T68i. Everything working ok (sms retrieval, dial, test driver, adresse transfer...) EXEPT SENDING SMS . It gives incorrect response from your phone.
Anyone found a turn around ?
thanks

Posted by harold at March 4, 2004 04:39 PM

I have a T616 and a Tungsten T, and I can't get them to connect through BT. A few sites say that they should connect, a few say they don't. Does anyone know a sollution?
(my web site is in a testing phase: send suggestions!)

Posted by Brian at March 18, 2004 11:24 PM

I have a T610 and have recently acquired a T3, almost everything seems to work well-EXCEPT the SMS-I keep getting the "incorrect response from phone----"message.It looks as though it is not an uncommon problem.Does anyone know how to remedy this without having to reset the T610?cheers

Posted by sam at April 10, 2004 07:37 AM

Never had the same problem. You might want to reset your T3 first and see if that helps. If not, you might need to reset your T610--try reset settings, not reset all.

Posted by Ken at April 11, 2004 09:56 PM

I recently got my T3 and I LOVE it. I bought a T616 several months back and have just been dying to use the BT. I got a BT headset almost a month ago and now with the T3 I'm a walking wireless network. I couldn't agree more too with regards to multiple devices which each serve their purpose (I must admit though, I was a bit stoked when I first saw the XDA II $$cha-ching$$).

My phone is now a just a device... I leave it in my jacket or in my bag and just toss on the headset, punch up who I'm looking for in my palm, and quick as that I'm talking to them on the headset.

Same thing for SMS. When I hear my phone chime with an incoming message I just have the T3 bring up the message and I fire back a reply without so much as undoing the keylock.

If you thought WAP was cool from the phone... surfing from the palm is a freakin' 1000 times cooler. I find that I can jump to the info I want while on the go much easier. Phone numbers (forget the 411 charges), movie times and listings (when we're out with that boring couple), directions, etc...

Oh and my personal favorite: imdb.com

<neuroses>
A peeve of mine is being drawn into the hemming and hawing speculation, struggling, and gnashing associated with trying to recall what actor was in such-n-such or "oh, what other movie was that guy in?". The answer is only a few key strokes away but were not around a 'puter!. I used to just say "We'll look it up when we get home, I don't want to do this exercise any longer." Oh, but no longer!
</neuroses>

I'll already drooling over my next phone (Sony-E k700) which will just be a drop in replacement... or I can upgrade my Palm if need be. Compared to the XDA II ($1000+), the component approach offers a lot of flexibility for a lot less money. (T3 + T616 today runs about $350)

Posted by -void- at April 13, 2004 07:30 PM

I just bought a T616 because of all that I have heard about their ability to sync with the palm and I am about to upgrade my old Vx to a T3, but I have not been able to get a real answer on this: I only carry my cell phone on weekends so I need all of my contacts in my phone and I want them to continuously update (The way my computer does with hotsync). I have seen this work with a Mac but I have a PC.
The individual number transfer is nice, but not an ideal solution. Anybody know anything about this?

Posted by Kyle at April 16, 2004 06:27 PM

Hey, can anyone tell me WAP settings for the T610 mobile I have been having a lot of trouble of trying to connect. Without having to delete any pictures how can I fix my settings? If anyone could give me step-by-step details on the WAP settings and how to make picture msging work. I have asked customer service and they can't fix the setting without deleting all the pictures in my phone in the process, Much appreciated.
Thank you.

Posted by Tina at April 21, 2004 09:09 PM

I have had similar problems that others have had in this post with my T3/T616 connection. I can dial from my T3, but I cannot dial into my ISP, send, or receive SMS. The soft reset/master reset option has not worked. Any suggestions? I am really anxious to get surfing the net on the T3! Help!

Posted by Geovanni at April 22, 2004 10:14 AM