Is WiFi function hackable on Sprint Touch?

Procter · #1 (**permalink**) 10-24-2007, 07:57 PM

Based on Cnet's review and many other posts here, Wifi and internal GPS have been taken away from Sprint version of Touch. I'm wondering if this Wifi function can be hacked afterwards so that we can still enable this on Touch. I think lacking of wifi is now the only reason preventing me from getting it.

Thanks.

**Pibe38** · #2 (**permalink**) 10-24-2007, 08:09 PM

I think that by 'taken away' they mean that the actual hardware has been removed. It would make no sense to sell a device with wi-fi functionality locked.

**guitardoc64** · #3 (**permalink**) 10-24-2007, 08:26 PM

Doubtful. The Sprint Touch is based on the HTC Vogue which as far as I've determined approximates the non-WiFi version that came out in Europe last month or so. There are basically 2 versions of the "Touch" the one with WiFI and GPS and a 200MHZ processor, and the one with a 400 MHZ processor and no WiFi or GPS. It's not like Sprint "crippled" any functions. The hardware just isn't there, just like the long-suspected GPS unit supposedly built into the Apache. It's fast processor and large (by PPC standards) memory will be it's heralded features, but personally after owning an Apache for a year with WiFi that I use regularly I'm gonna be a hard sell on a $500 PDA without it. It's a very cool looking little device, but if I went for looks alone I'd have NEVER gotten an Apache. Sorry to disappoint, bit the facts are out now. No WiFi. No GPS. No Sprint Touch in my future.

Arlen · #4 (**permalink**) 11-02-2007, 01:58 AM

Yeah, it is a bad news for Sprint Touch!

saqer · #5 (**permalink**) 11-02-2007, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guitardoc64

Doubtful. The Sprint Touch is based on the HTC Vogue which as far as I've determined approximates the non-WiFi version that came out in Europe last month or so. There are basically 2 versions of the "Touch" the one with WiFI and GPS and a 200MHZ processor, and the one with a 400 MHZ processor and no WiFi or GPS. It's not like Sprint "crippled" any functions. The hardware just isn't there, just like the long-suspected GPS unit supposedly built into the Apache. It's fast processor and large (by PPC standards) memory will be it's heralded features, but personally after owning an Apache for a year with WiFi that I use regularly I'm gonna be a hard sell on a $500 PDA without it. It's a very cool looking little device, but if I went for looks alone I'd have NEVER gotten an Apache. Sorry to disappoint, bit the facts are out now. No WiFi. No GPS. No Sprint Touch in my future.

unless you're at home using wifi to stream music/video over the network, or you have to connect to it at work, why do you all need wifi? I use mobile internet a lot but i find myself using evdo. I rarely turn my wifi radio on. I know some people like to sniff out "free" hotspots, but you never now what you're connecting too for all you know someone's sniffing the data you're sending out/recieving.

Don't you think the Rev. A upgrade will kind of compensate for the whole wifi not being there? I also believe the lesser hardware components in a ppc the lesser the hassle and maintenance needed and maybe even problems you'll run into. Don't get me wrong, I love my 6700, but i would of highly preferred a fully functioning bluetooth radio over a wifi one any day of the week.

IFMISM · #6 (**permalink**) 11-03-2007, 01:27 PM

I use my wifi all the time. It makes it easy for me to get some work done while talking to clients on my phone. I know i drain the battery when i use bt and wifi together, for what I do this works great for me

synaptyc · #7 (**permalink**) 11-04-2007, 02:52 PM

I use WiFi all the time as well. I suppose I am too cheap to cough up the $15 extra a month for EVDO. I am still considering upgrading from my 6700 to the Sprint Touch. I know Bluetooth from my PC is capable of serving the internet to PPC's and other PC's. My house is 2500 square feet though... and there is no way I could get signal coverage on both floors. I guess I'll have to test that out.
I really hope there is a MicroSD WiFi card option for the Touch. That would solve a lot of my reservations.

synaptyc · #8 (**permalink**) 11-15-2007, 12:40 AM

FOLLOW UP:
I did a little research, and it seems Spectec is coming out with a wifi MicroSD card.
It says it's for WM5 though...
Anyone with a Sprint Touch care to try this out when there is an option to buy it?
... If I end up getting a Touch (maybe in a couple weeks) I will buy it from you if you don't really need it and only bought it to test it.
... curious...
~Sy(\)

synaptyc · #9 (**permalink**) 11-15-2007, 10:40 AM

I don't use internet on my phone much at all. Only when I am at home, friends house, hotspots, etc. I really only use it for updating the weather and checking email (and checking ppcgeeks.com). But the cost of the WiFi microSD card could be paid for within 6 months or less of EVDO service. I will just have to see how I like it using Bluetooth at home for my regular services. Maybe when I upgrade my phone/plan I can convince Sprint to throw in PowerVision for a couple months. We'll see.
~Sy(\)

sheureka · #10 (**permalink**) 11-15-2007, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saqer

Don't you think the Rev. A upgrade will kind of compensate for the whole wifi not being there? I also believe the lesser hardware components in a ppc the lesser the hassle and maintenance needed and maybe even problems you'll run into. Don't get me wrong, I love my 6700, but i would of highly preferred a fully functioning bluetooth radio over a wifi one any day of the week.

Not having wifi makes the Touch a nonstarter for me. I live in a Sprint area with no EVDO (and no ETA on getting it) and always leave my 6700 on wifi when I'm at home. Updating weather, RSS, etc., is painfully slow on 1x. - sheureka