Newbie considering a TP2 needs help...

SweepTheLeg · #1 (**permalink**) 12-13-2009, 03:40 PM

Hi all... I've been reading up on the FAQs but I had some ultra specific questions I hoped I could get answered. I'm a smart phone newbie, but it's gotten to the point where I need to upgrade my phone. I was going to get the Droid, but the difficult physical keyboard maybe me look at other phones, which led me to the TP2.

First question - do I need to unlock the phone to add the stealth tethering rom? Do I also need to unlock it to add the HTC wi-fi CAB or the WMWiFiRouter?

Second question - I've seen great reviews for the TP2 on Verizon's site, Google, Amazon, etc... but each time I've gone into a Verizon store, they don't have a phone hooked up, just a dummy demo, and they talk about how it's been constantly returned. If the TP2 for Verizon just came out in September, why are they acting like the phone doesn't exist? Is it a competition issue with the Droid, since the keyboard on the TP2 seems to be superior to the Droids?

Third question - I do a lot of texting. How easy is it to get into the texting functions on the phone? (this goes back to Verizon not having a "live" phone to play with in the store) I played with the HTC Ozone but it seemed like it was like layer upon layer to get into the text messaging functions. (maybe just because I'm used to my dumbphone)

Thanks for your help.

WisdomWolfX · #2 (**permalink**) 12-13-2009, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SweepTheLeg

Hi all... I've been reading up on the FAQs but I had some ultra specific questions I hoped I could get answered. I'm a smart phone newbie, but it's gotten to the point where I need to upgrade my phone. I was going to get the Droid, but the difficult physical keyboard maybe me look at other phones, which led me to the TP2.

First question - do I need to unlock the phone to add the stealth tethering rom? Do I also need to unlock it to add the HTC wi-fi CAB or the WMWiFiRouter?

Second question - I've seen great reviews for the TP2 on Verizon's site, Google, Amazon, etc... but each time I've gone into a Verizon store, they don't have a phone hooked up, just a dummy demo, and they talk about how it's been constantly returned. If the TP2 for Verizon just came out in September, why are they acting like the phone doesn't exist? Is it a competition issue with the Droid, since the keyboard on the TP2 seems to be superior to the Droids?

Third question - I do a lot of texting. How easy is it to get into the texting functions on the phone? (this goes back to Verizon not having a "live" phone to play with in the store) I played with the HTC Ozone but it seemed like it was like layer upon layer to get into the text messaging functions. (maybe just because I'm used to my dumbphone)

Thanks for your help.

1) No you don't have to be unlocked. You can install the cabs just fine, but you'll likely want to HSPL unlock and try out some of the amazing ROMs on this site.

2) I don't trust VZW reps when it comes to knowledge of WM phones. They seem to be farily clueless, so I would take whatever they tell you with a grain of salt.

3) Texting is really easy to get to. You can launch it from a number of different places, but the easiest way is probably via the dedicated key on the keyboard. Open the keyboard, hit the text key and fire away.

I think the most important question though is whether or not you are familiar with windows mobile. It is a great OS and very powerful, but not quite as noob friendly as some of the alternatives.

**[sammich]** · #3 (**permalink**) 12-13-2009, 03:55 PM

[QUOTE=SweepTheLeg;1409876]
First question - do I need to unlock the phone to add the stealth tethering rom? Do I also need to unlock it to add the HTC wi-fi CAB or the WMWiFiRouter?[quote]

You do not need to unlock the phone to install these tweaks. They install like programs do. If you want to flash completely custom ROM, that is when you need to unlock.

Quote:

Second question - I've seen great reviews for the TP2 on Verizon's site, Google, Amazon, etc... but each time I've gone into a Verizon store, they don't have a phone hooked up, just a dummy demo, and they talk about how it's been constantly returned. If the TP2 for Verizon just came out in September, why are they acting like the phone doesn't exist? Is it a competition issue with the Droid, since the keyboard on the TP2 seems to be superior to the Droids?

I'm not sure why Verizon doesn't have it hooked up... It may be true that there is a high return rate, but it is a great phone. If you have the patience to learn how to use it, you will enjoy it.

Quote:

Third question - I do a lot of texting. How easy is it to get into the texting functions on the phone? (this goes back to Verizon not having a "live" phone to play with in the store) I played with the HTC Ozone but it seemed like it was like layer upon layer to get into the text messaging functions. (maybe just because I'm used to my dumbphone)

Getting into the texting function is as easy as sliding to the messaging tab and clicking on a text message to reply. If you want to make a new message, you go to the messaging tab and press Menu>New Message. You can also go into your contacts list and send a message from there. The keyboard takes a few days to adjust to, just like every new phone. If you were coming from a small phone, you will probably enjoy it.

And welcome to PPCGeeks!

Pavels · #4 (**permalink**) 12-13-2009, 04:01 PM

Hi there

First, you need to unlock the phone just once. After it you can flash it using your ROM of preference and keep trying different ROMs until you find the one you like the most. I suggest you to read this post before doing anything. http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=91619
Because flahsing will delete all your personal configurations and data, you may want to try something like Microsoft's MyPhone. With it, you can backup and restore your contacts, txt messages and pics https://myphone.microsoft.com

If you are new to the terms used here, read this glossary http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=72812

I am a Sprint user and in my case, thetering is actually blocked in the Sprint ROM. This is because Sprint is trying to push their customers to use their new MWiFi device. I tested WMWiFiRouster and worked great. However, most of the ROMs found here (if not all of them) will allow you to go steathl for free (of course a donation to the cook is suggested).

To your second question, I love my Sprint TP2. I used to have a HTC Touch Pro before and the TP2 is a great improve. I was very skeptical when I moved to the TP2, but this phone won me. I don't have any experience with the Android so don't know which one if better. In my case I need to stay with a WM phone because of work reasons.

About your third question, it really depends if you use the orginal Windows Mobile interface or if you like the SPBs or Manila interfaces, which are really nothing but nice interfaces that install on top of the original WinMo one. They have good things and not so good things but everything depends on what you feel confortable with. A trade off could be speed... adding these interfaces will take memory from your phone but there are ROMs here that seem to be very good at managing memory. For that, I would suggest you to take the time and read the threads for the ROMs that catch your eye. Takes time but it pays off at the momento of understanding the pros and issues each ROM has.

Hope this helps.

SweepTheLeg · #5 (**permalink**) 12-13-2009, 04:05 PM

Thanks for your help so far.

To be honest, one of the things I am looking to do is "mate" my Ipod Touch with the TP2, so I can get the best of both worlds - Iphone/Ipod functionality with Verizon service. I love my Ipod Touch but I hate the AT&T service and I wanted a QWERTY keyboard because I have Andre the Giant hands. I also want to use SlingBox... I take it I can't use slingbox with a dumbphone, right?

SweepTheLeg · #6 (**permalink**) 12-13-2009, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WisdomWolfX

I think the most important question though is whether or not you are familiar with windows mobile. It is a great OS and very powerful, but not quite as noob friendly as some of the alternatives.

I'm a noob to smartphones but not a noob to technology. I'm an old man, I got my start in messageboard posting via USENET in 94. Ha!

So I am not familar with Windows Mobile but if I read enough, I'll get the hang of it. Perhaps that's the reason why people returned phones - because they weren't as technologically intuitive?

**[sammich]** · #7 (**permalink**) 12-13-2009, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SweepTheLeg

Perhaps that's the reason why people returned phones - because they weren't as technologically intuitive?

Precisely.

SweepTheLeg · #8 (**permalink**) 12-13-2009, 04:19 PM

So then what's the difference between a ROM and a CAB? A cab is a program that you'd use with the OS, where the ROM changes the BIOS and the OS of the phone?

**[sammich]** · #9 (**permalink**) 12-13-2009, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SweepTheLeg

So then what's the difference between a ROM and a CAB? A cab is a program that you'd use with the OS, where the ROM changes the BIOS and the OS of the phone?

Think of flashing a ROM as reformatting your PC and reinstalling Windows. Think of installing a cab as installing a program.

Beejis · #10 (**permalink**) 12-13-2009, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SweepTheLeg

I'm a noob to smartphones but not a noob to technology. I'm an old man, I got my start in messageboard posting via USENET in 94. Ha!

So I am not familar with Windows Mobile but if I read enough, I'll get the hang of it. Perhaps that's the reason why people returned phones - because they weren't as technologically intuitive?

If my dumb arse can figure out WM, I'm darn sure you can. The greatest thing about WM is the customization of it. Whether you want to flash a new ROM (only after you unlock it first), or keep it stock and tweak from there.

I wouldn't call myself a fan of windows mobile, but I like the direction they are heading. I've checked out android and web os stuff and they just aren't my cup of tea.