GSM/International use with Imagio vs TP2?

blackdognorth · #1 (**permalink**) 02-05-2010, 10:43 PM

Newbie to the ppcg

Anyone care to share experiences with using the Imagio (or TP2) abroad?
This is and the TP2 are a couple of the only high-end smartphones on Verizon's lineup whcih (or course) run CDMA and then jump to GSM when traveling.

You unlock and use a third-party SIM for voice? For data too?
Any comparisons between TP2 and the Imagio regarding this?

liquidi3ladz · #2 (**permalink**) 02-05-2010, 10:54 PM

Dont forget the Storm2!

An unlocked TP2/Imagio will be able to use HSDPA in Europe and Asia and Edge in the States.

blackdognorth · #3 (**permalink**) 02-05-2010, 11:15 PM

HSDPA= Edge-equivalent for data?

So den, Verizon will unlock you for free if your account is in good standing?
Then what, you buy a third party SIM card in the US before you travel?

makryger · #4 (**permalink**) 02-07-2010, 11:49 AM

I used the Imagio in Global mode while I was in Turkey. Verizon has a great plan that is basically $2 a day for unlimited internet abroad. I was worried, because the Verizon map did not show 3G service in Turkey. But as it turns out, everything worked VERY well. Fast enough speeds for all basic activities. I was able to use it via Skype to make phone calls without issue. I was able to tether it to my laptop and get internet on my computer basically anywhere. The most life-saving part was that I was able to use Google maps to navigate the very confusing streets of Istanbul. Everything just worked.

I can't say the same thing about blackberry phones though- other members of my family have the Tour and Storm 2, both World Phones. For some reason, they could not connect to 3G service abroad- the phones ended up freezing every few minutes and had to be restarted. The only way to fix it was to switch the phone to 2G mode.

cslawren · #5 (**permalink**) 02-07-2010, 02:46 PM

I was in the UK and have to agree with the above post...the $2 a day for unlimited data was great. You can call and have them swap that for your data package so you aren't getting charged double. The speed was lightning fast, faster than VZW in the States. I was getting HSDPA signal. I did a speed test and it was comparable to EvDO (3G) speeds here, and in many cases it was faster. Speed tests showed anywhere between 3-7mbps in most cases. As an international device, this thing was completely solid. Highly recommended.