Mobile Technology Tips

MTN Share and Sell: Credit Transfer Service from MTN Nigeria

2012-03-02T07:30:00.000+01:00

MTN Share and Sell is a credit transfer service provided by MTN Nigeria. It allows you to send calling credit from your prepaid MTN account to another MTN customer's prepaid account using SMS or USSD.

How to Set Up MTN Nigeria Share and Sell Service

MTN Nigeria Share and Sell is protected by a default password of 0000. Therefore, it is necessary to change the password before using the service to forestall unwanted use by a third party.

Changing Your MTN Share and Sell Password

This involves sending an SMS command to 777. The SMS should be in this format: "Default PIN [space] New PIN [space] New PIN" (without the quotes), and sent to 777. Assuming you want to change your PIN to 3245, compose a text like this, 0000 3245 3245 and send it to 777. You can also change your PIN using USSD like this: dial *601*default PIN*New PIN*New PIN# Send/Ok, for example, *601*0000*3245*3245# Send/Ok. When the default PIN has been changed to your new PIN, you will receive a message informing you that your PIN was changed successfully.

Transferring Credit on MTN Network

MTN Share and Sell SMS command code looks like this: Transfer [space] MTN Number [space] Amount [space] Password. For example, to transfer N120 to subscriber to 0803 1111 222 and your password is 3245, compose Transfer 08031111222 120 3245 and send to 777. Within seconds, you should receive a notification prompting you to confirm the transaction. Send the word, Yes to 777 to confirm the transfer. You can also transfer credit using USSD like this: dial *600*Recipient’s Number*Amount*PIN#, for example, *600*08031111222*120*3245#. When the transfer has been completed, you will receive a message informing you that the transfer was successful. You can transfer a minimum of N50 and a maximum of N6,000 per transaction. You can transfer a cumulative amount of N50,000 per day.

This service can also be executed from MTN SIM Plus menu.

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7 Things to Check Out When Buying an Original Mobile Phone

2012-02-06T06:00:00.000+01:00

Previously, I published a post on how to identify an original Nokia phone. Later, I made a post, giving general guidelines on how to buy genuine mobile phones. In this post, I am going to talk about what to look out for when buying a mobile phone, given that you have already spotted an original one, to ensure it is working optimally before concluding purchase or payment.

The fact that a mobile phone is original does not mean that it couldn’t come with some defects; hence, it is not surprising that responsible phone makers usually give warranty or guaranty on their products. This warranty normally has a one-year validity. The essence of the warranty is to cover defects that might have arisen from error during production process. Warranty does not cover defects that arise from misuse. Always read the manufacturer’s policy to ascertain what defects are covered by the warranty.

Having stated that an original mobile phone could come with some defects, it is advisable to check any phone you want to buy or have paid for before leaving the phone store. Some phone stores insist that you pay before they let you inspect the phone. However, they are willing to change the phone if you discover any defect(s). Other stores could let you inspect the phone before paying for it.

In this paragraph, I will outline some elements to look out for before leaving the phone store. They are:

Press all the buttons to ensure they are responding well and showing the corresponding letter, figure, punctuation or character when pressed.
Insert a SIM card in the phone and dial the number of a friend or anyone else. Confirm you could hear them and that they could hear you. This way, you can be sure that the mouthpiece and earpiece are in order.
Have someone call you to confirm that the phone rings and vibrates properly.
Connect the charger to the phone and ascertain if it is charging the phone.
If the phone comes with earphones, plug it in, play music, ringtones, radio and make calls to be sure it is working.
If it is a dual SIM phone like Samsung C5212, Nokia C2-00, or a double SIM phone like Nokia C1-00, make sure that the two SIM slots are functional and working as stated.
Generally, browse through the phone menu.

When you get home or office, fully charge the battery before use. However, you can use the phone before charging it, but make sure the battery does not run down completely before charging it fully. Ignore the instructions of some non-knowledgeable sellers or persons who would ask you to charge the battery for an inordinate number of hours, say, 7 or 8 hours. Unplug the charger whenever the battery indicator or a text shows that the battery is fully charged.

If you can think of any other thing(s) I should add, why not use the comment box? It will be appreciated.

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Airtel BlackBerry Internet Services (+ BIS Complete)

2012-02-04T07:00:00.000+01:00

See BlackBerry wireless solutions.

BlackBerry Internet Service from Airtel

Airtel supports BlackBerry Internet Service on their network and offers a range of BlackBerry devices such as BlackBerry Gemini 8520, BB Bold 9000, BlackBerry Bold 9700, BlackBerry Storm 9520, etc., to their subscribers. To acquire a BlackBerry device, simply walk into any Airtel shop across the nation or visit an authorized Blackberry dealer. It may be cheaper to purchase your device from a retailer, but the advantage of buying from your service provider is for technical support. However, BB devices bought from a service provider always come locked to the network, that it, it cannot be used on other networks unless it has been unlocked. To acquire an unlocked BB, get it from an accredited Blackberry dealer.

Airtel's BIS Package, Activation Codes and Prices

To activate Airtel's BIS:

Airtel BIS Daily (24 hours) - Text BISDAY to 440 to activate. N200 is deductible.
Airtel BIS Weekly (7 days) - Text BISWEEK to 440 to activate. N1,000 is chargeable.
Airtel BIS Monthly (30 days) - Text BISMONTH to 440 to activate. Service fee is N3,000.

Airtel also offers BlackBerry Enterprise Solution.

The above stated BlackBerry plans offer full BlackBerry wireless solutions. Airtel has introduced certain types of truncated Blackberry plans termed BIS Complete. The new plan supports access to BlackBerry Messenger (BBM), BlackBerry Email and Instant Messaging with Google Talk and Yahoo Messenger. Included is full access to browse the internet, BlackBerry App World, Social Networking such as Facebook, Twitter and MySpace and one Web-based Email Account such as Yahoo, Gmail or Hotmail.

To activate Airtel's BIS Complete:

Airtel BIS Complete Day (24 hours) - Text bbd to 440 to activate. N100 is deductible
Airtel BIS Complete Weekly (7 days) - Text bbw to 440 to activate. N400 is deductible
Airtel BIS Complete Monthly (30 days) - Text bbm to 440 to activate. Service fee is N1,400

For more information on BlackBerry from Airtel, visit Airtel website.

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6 Ways to Make Your Smartphone Run Faster

2012-02-03T07:00:00.001+01:00

It pisses anyone off to see their smartphone load so slowly that they could get in the bathroom, do their bath and come out, and their phone is still loading to start the activated application! I bet you know that's an exaggeration, but at least you got the gist.

In this post, I will highlight some actions you could take to minimize the incidence of your smartphone loading so slowly or crashing. Here are 6 tips to help speed up your phone!

Install Only Compatible and Trusted Applications

Not all applications are compatible with your smartphone. Check the devices and the models the application supports. Some phones can actually warn you that the application you want to install is not compatible. If you installed an application that is not fully compatible with your phone, you may experience the following:

Some features of the applications are not working
The application cannot be uninstalled and would require formatting to be removed
The application almost always causes the phone to freeze
The application does not run

Install applications only from trusted sources.

Shut Down No-longer-needed Applications

This is corollary to avoiding over-multitasking. Many of us, maybe due to ignorance, run multiple applications in the background. After using an application, make sure you exit it. In some phones such as Nokia, you could exit an application by pressing the exit button or the red button. This applies to most other phones. If you open an application and then press, for example, the Menu button, the application will go out of view, but will still be running in the background thereby eating into the processor power. To view the applications that are running in the background, long-press the Menu key, a notification box will reveal them. To turn off each one of them, navigate to the application using the direction keys and then press the (c) or (<) button. A prompt will appear, asking if to exit the application. Choose "Yes". Note that you cannot deactivate the Standby and/or Home application.

Protect Your Smartphone With Antivirus

True, viruses and malware targeted at smartphones are few compared with those of a regular PC. However, it is in order to protect your smartphone with applications such as F-Secure, AVG, NetQin Mobile Guard. Most of them are premium products. I love NetQin because it is free. Use only one antivirus or malware-protection application at a time. Do not install two or more!

Avoid Animated Wallpapers and Screensavers

They look beautiful, but you should know they are also a drain on battery and processing power.

Avoid Having Too Many Email and Text Messages

I was going through my close friend's Nokia E7-00, I was surprised to see his inbox message to be as many as 286! I told him most of the messages were no longer relevant, yet he still kept them. You should try saving your SMS and email messages to your mass memory, not your phone memory. You should delete irrelevant messages. You can also erase your messages after safely backing them up elsewhere.

Remove Unneeded Applications

Your phone may come with some applications. You can consider uninstalling the ones you don't use.

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BlackBerry Wireless Solutions

2012-01-01T06:30:00.000+01:00

BlackBerry devices are a range of smartphones developed by Research in Motion (RIM), a Canadian company. BlackBerry devices are known to offer secure wireless connections in the presence of mobile network service coverage and/or Wi-Fi connectivity.

BlackBerry was originally developed to send and receive Internet emails while on the go, but has since become a reliable integrated wireless communications platform. They support a large array of instant messaging features, including BlackBerry Messenger, a software for sending and receiving instant messages via BlackBerry PIN. BlackBerry smartphones also access normal phone services like calls, SMS, and MMS, hence you do not need to carry another phone.

Every BlackBerry has an ID called a BlackBerry PIN, which is used to digitally identify the device. The consumer BlackBerry Internet Service is available in 91 countries worldwide on over 500 mobile service operators using various mobile technologies. Research in Motion, the brain behind BlackBerry, has said that it has reached more than 10 million subscribers worldwide. Nigeria is not left out as all the major GSM companies in the country support BlackBerry phones on their networks.

There are two communication solutions provided by BlackBerry, namely, BlackBerry Internet Service (BIS) and BlackBerry Enterprise Solution (BES).

BlackBerry Internet Service (BIS)

The target market of BlackBerry Internet Service is the private consumer. BlackBerry Internet Service is a communication solution developed to meet the Internet needs of the average consumer. BlackBerry Internet Service allows POP3 and IMAP email integration for an individual personal user. BlackBerry Internet Service allows up to 10 email accounts to be accessed, including many popular email accounts such as Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo and AOL. BlackBerry Internet Service also allows for the function of the push capabilities in various other BlackBerry. With push technology, a BlackBerry device is always online. Once an email or message is sent to your normal email address, it is pushed to your BlackBerry device so that you can access it from anywhere without any need for a computer. Expectedly, BlackBerry Internet Service also provides access to Web browsing.

BlackBerry Enterprise Solution (BES)

BlackBerry Enterprise Solution is BIS plus. While BIS is meant for the average consumer, BES is specifically meant for corporate institutions. Organisations that desire to use BES will require a BlackBerry Enterprise Server for secure communication between mobile BlackBerry devices and company network infrastructure. The BlackBerry Enterprise Server is required to integrate BlackBerry devices into an organisation's email infrastructure. While individual users may be able to use a wireless provider's e-mail services without having to install BES themselves, organizations with multiple users usually run BES on their own network. BES acts as an e-mail relay for corporate accounts so that users always have access to their e-mail. The software monitors the user's local Inbox, and when a new message comes in, it picks up the message and passes it to RIM's Network Operations Center (NOC). The messages are then relayed to the user's wireless provider, which in turn delivers them to the user's BlackBerry device.

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What You Probably Didn't Know About Nokia

2011-12-28T06:25:00.000+01:00

Nokia is a Finnish multinational communications corporation currently based in telecommunications, Internet and computer software. Nokia was founded by Fredrick Idestam (Finnish) and Leo Mechelin (Finnish) in 1865 in Tampere, Finland, but was incorporated in 1871 in Nokia town in Finland. Nokia has its headquarters in Espoo, Finland.

Nokia has gone many transformations through its long history. The mobile phone giant you know today as Nokia started as a paper-making firm in 1865 by Fredrick Idestam. It was located in Tampere. Later in 1868, Idestam built another mill somewhere close to the town of Nokia in Finland. Leo Mechelin joined the business in 1871, and working with Idestam, they renamed and transformed the business into a share company and called it Nokia Company. Nokia later included electricity generation in its line of business in 1902.

After the First World War, Nokia Company was in dire financial distress and was about to go bankrupt when Finnish Rubber Works, a business which specialised in the production of rubber products and had been using the power provided by Nokia Company’s generators, acquired Nokia Company. In 1922, Finnish Rubber Works also acquired Finnish Cable Works. The latter specialised in the production of telephone, telegraph and electrical cables. So, these three companies, Nokia Company, Finnish Rubber Works and Finnish Cable Works, are at the root of the telecommunication giant known as Nokia Corporation today. Finnish Rubber Works was founded by Eduard Polón in 1898.

Nokia Corporation has, at one time or the other, produced car and bicycle tires, chemicals, footwear, televisions and other consumer electronics, communications cables, personal computers, robotics, capacitors, military equipment, plastics, aluminum and electricity generation machinery.

Around 1900s, the company started streamlining its activities in favour of telecommunications. In 1979, Nokia and Salora were merged. The merger led to establishment of Mobira Oy. Mobira Oy was into the development of first-generation mobile phones and associated gadgets. Nokia later acquired Mobira Oy. In the 1970s, Nokia built a digital switch for telephone exchanges. On 1 July, 1991, the world’s first commercial GSM call was made over a network supplied by Nokia. A new name, Nokia Telecommunications, was adopted in 1992 as other divisions on cable, consumer electronics, etc. were gradually sold off.

Nokia launched its first GSM phone, Nokia 1011, on 10 November, 1992. Nokia has continued to add new product features, introduce new models and services, and acquire or partner with technology providers. Nokia products and services are used by millions of customers around the world to stay connected to the people and content that matter most throughout their day.

Here are some of Nokia handheld products:

See more.........

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Using the T9 Text Input on Mobile Phones

2011-12-26T06:10:00.000+01:00

T9 is an acronym for Text on 9 keys. It was developed by Tegic Communications, now part of Nuance Communications, to facilitate text input. If you use LG, NEC, Nokia, Samsung, Siemens, Sony Ericsson, Sanyo, Sagem, etc., it's most likely you have come across T9 text input. See also SureType text input.

Let me give you an informal behavioural definition of T9. It is that type of text input on your phone that underlines your text as you type and often seems to show you a character different from the intended one. I can tell you it is a great and fast way of composing text and chat messages. Many people don't know how to use it. I, myself, didn't know how to use it. I would say to myself, "What sort of rubbish is this?", "How on earth do they expect me to type that word?" I said these because as I pressed the keys, they seemed to turn up unintended characters. For example, if I wanted to type consult, before I could finish, such meaningless word as accommon might turn up, leaving me frustrated. I had to turn off the feature and adopt the traditional, multi-tap ABC. Then out of curiosity, interest and trial and error, I was able to learn the T9 feature. Very simple. Today it is about the only text input method I use on my mobile phones.

How to Turn the T9 Feature On and Off on Mobile Phones

T9 seems to be on by default on newer mobile phones. However, if it is not activated, you can turn it on through the Message menu. Generally, T9 can be turned on by opening the text input environment on your phone, clicking Options, scrolling to Dictionary or T9 and selecting a desired language (English). It can also be turned on by pressing the hash key (#) severally until its indicator is shown (the text input environment has to be on when pressing the # key). Its indicator often looks like a double line under a pencil and the letters Abc or ABC to the right of the pencil.

Let me use Nokia 1280 as an example: To activate the T9 feature, go to Menu > Messages > Select > Create Message > Select > Options > Scroll to Dictionary > Select > English > OK. The shows T9 Dictionary On and the T9 indicator appears. It can be turned off by using the format: Menu > Messages > Select > Create Message > Select > Options > Scroll to Dictionary > Select > Dictionary Off > OK.
Depending on the phone you are using, the diction and order may be different, but the principle is the same.

How to Use the T9 Feature

T9 is predictive in nature as it attempts to anticipate what you want to type based on your key presses. It allows words to be entered by a single key press for each letter. T9 makes use of an updatable dictionary. It looks up in the dictionary all words corresponding to the sequence of your key presses and orders them by frequency of use.

Let me offer some examples: if you use the traditional Multi-tap ABC and you want to type the word, Mobile, you normally press Key 6 (mno) once for letter M, the same Key 6 three times for letter O, Key 2 (abc) two times for letter B, Key 4 (ghi) three times for letter I, Key 5 (jkl) three times for letter L and Key 3 (def) two times for letter E. But for T9, if you want to type the word, Mobile, press Key 6 (mno) two times, Key 2 (abc) one time, Key 4 (ghi) one time, Key 5 (jkl) one time and Key 3 (def) one time. If you want to type the word, Any, press Keys 2 (abc), 6 (mno) and 9 (wxyz) once each. The explanation is found in the fact that, in a basic phone keypad, the letters A, N and Y are printed or engraved on Keys 2, 6 and 9. During the input, just ignore whatever letters or characters the display shows. After the input, the T9 feature, using its internal dictionary, will predict the intended word based on your key presses. If it happens that the shown word is not what you intend, you can browse through alternative words by repeatedly pressing the * Key until the desired word is shown. In the case of the word, Any, pressing the * Key could turn up such words as Boy, Box, Bow, Cow, Cox, Coy, etc. The group of words may be called textonyms. This is because you pressed Keys 2, 6 and 9 and all the letters of the listed words are associated with the keys. Letters A, B and C are found on Key 2, letters M, N and O on Key 6 and letters W, X, Y and Z on Key 9. They are produced by the same combination of key presses.

In some cases, the intended word is not available in the T9 dictionary. Fortunately enough, the dictionary is updatable. You can add words to it so that such words could now be shown based on your key presses. Still using Nokia 1280 as an example, if you attempt to enter a number that is not currently in the dictionary, it will attach a question mark to the word and the option Spell appears on the phone screen. Select Spell and enter the word using the traditional Multi-tap. Press OK after that. The word is now is added to the dictionary. Next time, the newly added word could turn up as you press the * button to browse through possible words based on your key presses. You can also enter word when you are in the environment for typing messages by going through Options > Scroll to Insert Options and select it > Scroll to Insert Word and select it > Enter the word and press OK.

In the case of a compound word such as fast-track, enter the first part of the word (in this case fast):

Press

Key 3 (def) once
Key 2 (abc) once
Key 7 (pqrs) once
Key 8 (tuv) once (if fast is not showing up, repeatedly press the * Key until it turns up)
press the forward-direction key (>) once
long-press the * Key to reveal a list of symbols and punctuations
scroll to - and select Use

now enter the last part of the word (in this case track)

Press

Key 8 (tuv) once
Key 7 (pqrs) once
Key 2 (abc) twice, and
Key 5 (jkl) once

If you encounter any problem while using the T9 feature, drop your questions in the comment box below.

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GSM Recharge Cards: Airtel, Etisalat, Glo and MTN Nigeria

2011-12-22T09:30:00.000+01:00

Recharge cards are the most conventional means of topping up GSM lines in Nigeria. Even though there are other options of recharge such as VTU, ATM top-up, online top up, transfer, etc., the rate at which recharge cards are used may be greater than the rates of usage of other recharge means put together.

What is a Recharge Card

A recharge card, in the sense of GSM telephony, is a physical card that contains a Personal Identification Number (PIN). A PIN is a secret numeric figure that establishes communication between a user and a computer system, and is used to verify the authenticity of the user to the system. Recharge cards usually have their PINs hidden under a covering. The user is expected to scrape off the covering to have the PIN revealed.

Basic Functions of a GSM Recharge Card

GSM recharge serve three main purposes, namely, calling credit build up, validity enhancement and provision of access to certain services.

Calling Credit Build Up: An essential function of recharge cards is provision of calling credit. SIM cards may come with credit, but this calling credit is depletable. Recharge cards provide the means by which GSM subscribers top up their accounts. A subscriber purchases a recharge card, scratches off the covering hiding the PIN, and then incorporate the PIN in an USSD or voice command to have their account topped up with a specified airtime value.

Validity Enhancement: SIM cards of networks in Nigeria have phases. If a subscriber neither recharges their account nor makes a call/send SMS for a specified period, their SIM card could have reduced functionality such as being able to receive only calls and SMS, but not make a call or send SMS. If the subscriber still does not top up their account or make a call or send SMS after some months, the SIM card could fall into permanent deactivation and the subscriber will have to buy a new SIM card if they still want to continue to enjoy the service. So, recharge cards impart validity to SIM cards.

Provision of Access to Certain Services: Some services offered by networks in Nigeria would require subscribers to have a specified minimum account balance to qualify to enjoy the service. A good example is MTN Nigeria Happy Hour Call (Free Night Call). To enjoy MTN Nigeria Happy Hour Call, a subscriber must have a minimum balance of N100 on their account. In the event that a subscriber's account balance falls short of N100, they will have to top up, not necessarily to acquire calling credit, but to qualify to enjoy the service.

How to Use Recharge Cards on Nigerian Mobile Networks

Nigerian networks have various denominations of recharge cards. Recharge cards' values are expressed in Naira.

MTN Nigeria

MTN Nigeria recharge cards are yellow in colour. To recharge an MTN SIM card, a subscriber incorporates the recharge PIN in the following USSD format: *555*PIN# Send/Ok. MTN Nigeria' recharge card PIN has 12 digits. If the PIN is 2345 5478 1110, input *555*234554781110# and press Send or Ok. Dial *556# to verify account balance.

Etisalat Nigeria

Etisalat Nigeria recharge cards are black in colour and contain a 15-digit PIN. To recharge an Etisalat SIM card, a subscriber incorporates the recharge PIN in the following USSD format:
*222*PIN# Send/Ok. If the PIN is 580 389 318 308 778, input *222*580389318308778# and press Send or Ok. Dial *232# to check account balance.

Airtel Nigeria

Airtel Nigeria recharge cards are red in colour and contain a 16-digit PIN. To recharge an Airtel SIM card, a subscriber incorporates the recharge PIN in the following USSD format: *126*PIN# Send/Ok. If the PIN is 2345 5478 1110 9999, input *126*2345547811109999# and press Send or Ok. Dial *123# to check account balance.

Glo Nigeria

Glo Nigeria recharge cards are green in colour and contain a 15-digit PIN. To recharge a Glo SIM card, a subscriber incorporates the recharge PIN in the following USSD format: *123*PIN# Send/Ok. If the PIN is 2345 5478 1110 777, input *555*234554781110777# and press Send or Ok.
Dial #124# to check account balance.

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Some Free Internet Browsing Packages in Nigeria

2011-12-20T07:40:00.000+01:00

While there are paid Internet subscriptions available from all the GSM networks in Nigeria, there are still some form of free Internet browsing packages offered by nearly all these networks. One merit of these free offers is that they somewhat dampen the zeal to look out for illicit ways of trying to gain free Internet access, which has being on in Nigeria for a while now, popularly known as "cheats". Notable in these free Internet access offers are Etisalat, Glo and Airtel. To the best of my knowledge, MTN is yet to introduce any real free Internet packages in the same pattern as offered by the other GSM networks. However, it offers a ridiculous 4MB on a nightly basis (12:30am to 4:30am) to subscribers on Funlink Reloaded.

15 Weekly Free MB from Etisalat Nigeria

Etisalat, on a monthly basis, offers a total of 60MB, free of charge, to all her subscribers on the Easy Cliq package. See 15 Weekly Free MB from Etisalat for more details on the offer.

Check out premium Internet and BlackBerry offers from Etisalat

10 Weekly Free MB from Airtel Nigeria

Subscribers to the Airtel Club 10 plan are entitled to 40 monthly free MB. Check Airtel Club 10 for more info.

Check out premium Internet and BlackBerry offers from Airtel

Glo Mobile Unlimited Free MB

Glo offers free 25MB per N500 recharge. For more information, read Glo Free Browsing.

Check out premium Internet and BlackBerry offers from Glo Mobile

4 Nightly Free MB from MTN Nigeria

This offer is not really in the same category as offers from the other networks mentioned above, because, for example, Airtel subscribers on Airtel Big Family Xtra still enjoy a similar nightly offer. This free Internet offer is available to MTN subscribers on the MTN FunLink Reloaded package. Check MTN FunLink Reloaded for more information.

Check out premium Internet and BlackBerry offers from MTN

Types of GSM Mobile Phones

2011-12-17T07:25:00.000+01:00

GSM mobile phones may be categorised according to various index; they could be grouped according to operating system, according to input method, design, manufacturer, function, and so forth.

Types of GSM Mobile Phones According to Operating System

An operating system (OS) is a set of programs that manage computer hardware resources and provide common services for application software (Wikipedia). An operating system is somewhat comparable to the foundation of a house - the type of foundation you build will determine the pattern of house you erect. For example, .sis files run on Symbian operating system and cannot run on Android. Non-self booting applications cannot run on a device without an operating system. Major operating system used on mobile phones include Symbian, BlackBerry, Android, Windows Phone, iOS, Meego, Maemo, Bada, Series 30, Series 40, and so forth

Symbian-powered mobile phones: Most Symbian phones are Nokia. They include Nokia N8, Nokia E7-00, Nokia N97 Mini, Nokia C6-00, Nokia X7-00, Nokia 6760, Nokia C7-00, etc. Non-Nokia Symbian phones include Sendo X, Panasonic X800, Samsung SGH-i450, i560, etc.

BlackBerry: The operating system of nearly all BlackBerry phones is also known as BlackBerry. BlackBerry is owned by RIM. Here are some BlackBerry phones: BlackBerry Curve 8520, BlackBerry Curve 8900, BlackBerry 3G Curve 9300, BlackBerry Bold 9000, BlackBerry Bold 9650, BlackBerry Bold 9700, BlackBerry Bold 9780, BlackBerry Storm 1, BlackBerry Storm 2, BlackBerry Torch 9800, BlackBerry PlayBook, BlackBerry Bold Touch.

Windows Phone: This operating system is owned by Microsoft. Phones that run Windows Phone include Nokia Lumia 710, Lumia 800, Samsung Omnia i8000, Samsung B7300, Samsung B7610 OmniaPRO, etc.

Android: Android operating system is owned by Google. All Samsung Galaxy phones such as Samsung Galaxy Nexus, Samsung i7500, Samsung Galaxy S are Android-driven. Others include Huawei Gaga, Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo, Motorola Droid X2, etc.

Maemo: Developed by Maemo community. Nokia N900 runs it.

Meego: Developed by Linux Foundation, Intel, Nokia, Novell, AMD. Nokia N9 is Meego-driven.

Bada: Bada OS is owned by Samsung. Samsung Wave 3, Samsung Wave Y, Samsung Wave M all run Bada.

iOS: iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, etc. iOS is owned by Apple.

Series 40: Nokia X3-00, Nokia C2-01, Nokia C3-00, Nokia X3-02, etc. all run Series 40 which is owned by Nokia.

Types of GSM Mobile Phones According to Input Method

An input method is a method of feeding information into the phone system. Touchscreen and keypad-based input are examples of input method. A touchscreen is sensitive to touch. If you want to launch any application on a touchscreen, you directly press the related icon on the display of the phone. Some touchscreens also have a physical keypad, for examples, BlackBerry Bold Touch, Nokia C6-00, Nokia 6760, Nokia N97, etc. Phones such as Nokia C6-01, Nokia 603, Samsung Galaxy S II, Huawei Gaga, not having a physical keypad. If a phone has a physical keypad, you can feed data into the phone system by pressing its buttons. Non-touchscreen phones that have a pysical keypad include Nokia C3-00, Nokia C2-00, Bold 9000, Samsung B5702, and so forth.

Types of GSM Mobile Phones According to Design

By design, I mean the physical structure of the phone. Some questions asked under this categorisation would be, "Is it a slide phone?", "Is it candybar?", "Is it swivel?", "Is it a flip phone?" Candybar is a most traditional design for phones. Examples include Nokia 1280, Samsung E2152, Phones based on candybar are cuboid-shaped, and usually have screen and keypad all on one face. A flip phone has two or more sections held together by hinges, so that the phone can fold. Example, Sony Ericsson W980. A slider phone, like flip, has two or more sections. These sections slide past each other on rails. Examples of slider phones are Nokia 6760, Nokia C6-00, Samsung C6112, BlackBerry Torch 9800, etc.
A swivel phone consists of two or more segments, which swivel past each other about a central axle. Example of a swivel phone is Motorola Flipout

Types of GSM Mobile Phones According to Manufacturer

As the name implies, this categorisation is based on company which manufactures the phone. Mobile phones may be grouped on the basis of their manufacturers irrespective of their design, operating system, input method, and so forth. All BlackBerry phones are made by RIM, all Nokia phones are built by Nokia Corporation, all Samsung phones are developed by Samsung Mobile, and so forth.

Types of GSM Mobile Phones According to Function

Functionally, a mobile phone may be a basic phone, a feature phone or a smartphone.

A basic phone is designed to provide only the most basic features of a phone such phone calling, text messaging. The features of a basic phone cannot be expanded by way of downloading applications. If the manufacturer has not included a feature in the phone, you cannot add it. Basic phones usually offer very durable battery power and lack Internet connectivity and other forms of connectivities such as Bluetooth, WiFi, etc. Examples of basic phones include Nokia 1800, Nokia 1280, Nokia 1616, Nokia C1-00, Samsung 1360, Samsung E1080T, Samsung E1085T. Manufacturers such as BlackBerry, Apple have no basic phones.

A feature phone is a mobile phone whose features can be expanded by downloading the relevant application, but whose operating system is NOT any of the followings: Symbian, BlackBerry, Android, Windows Phone, iOS, Meego, Maemo, Bada. All Nokia S40 phones are feature phones. Nokia C2-01, Nokia C3-00, Nokia 2700, Nokia X2-03, Nokia X2-00 are all feature phones. With improvements in technology, the line between a feature phone and a smartphone is becoming blurred.

Any mobile phone whose operating system is Symbian, BlackBerry, Android, Windows Phone, iOS, Meego, Maemo or Bada is a smartphone. Smartphones have near-computer capabilities with sophisticated specifications. Read the Types of GSM Mobile Phones According to Operating System section above for examples of smartphones that fall under each of the stated operating systems. One thing which I have noticed that distinguishes a smartphone from a feature phone is multi-tasking. Smartphones can multi-task, that is, more than one application can be running at the same time. With a smartphone, it is possible to have your mobile browser, phonebook, messages, phone settings, etc. all open at the same time. The active application will be on the screen, to see the applications running in the background, using Nokia C6-00 as an example, long-press the Menu button. You can press any of the background applications to start using it.

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4 Factors to Consider Before Choosing a GSM Network

2011-12-08T14:15:00.000+01:00

Coverage: This is about the most important factor to be taken care of before deciding which network to choose. Of what use is it to go for a network whose service signal is either weak or non-existent in your area? In fact, this factor is a given. If, for example, you are in an area covered by Etisalat, but not by Airtel or any other network, no one needs to to be told that if you must use a GSM phone, you must go for Etisalat. No matter the cost of their service and other considerations, you have no other choice but to go for Etisalat. In a case where at least two GSM networks have active strong signals in your area, that is when you will think about other factors.

Cost: If you have, say, two service providers that have signals in your area: One network is X, while the other network is Y. Network X charges 30k/sec, whereas Network Y charges 20k/sec. All other things being equal, you will choose Network Y because they charge a lower price for the same service. Consider subscribing to this website so you will have up-to-date information on tariff structures of GSM networks in Nigeria.

On-net and off-net considerations: On-net calling is when you call another subscriber in the same network as you. Off-net calling is when you put a call through to a subscriber on another network. Infact, any telecom transaction, be it call or SMS, that you conduct between another subscriber who is on a different network is off-net. Networks usually run a price discrimination regime which is in favour of on-net calls. For example, if you are on Airtel Club 10, calls to non-club Airtel lines are charged at 20k/sec while calls to other local networks are placed at 30k/sec. If most of your friends and family, or those you regularly call, are on a particular network, you can enjoy some on-net call and SMS benefits if you choose the same network.

Freebies: Freebies may include free calls, free SMS/MMS, free data resource, and so forth. Most networks in Nigeria offer some freebies. Some examples: Etisalat has their weekly 15 free MB and MMS, free calls and SMS, and so forth. Airtel has weekly 10 free MB, free calls, SMS, and so on. When MTN started their free midnight call, many people were attracted to the network. MTN offers free MB and a host of other incentives. Glo also offers various incentives. The main reason I bought an Etisalat SIM is because of their free weekly data resource. I hope you have seen how freebies offered by service providers can attract subscribers!

Can you think of any other factor that you influence your choice of network? Feel free to drop it in the comment box below.

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What Type of Phone Should I Buy?

2011-12-05T19:07:00.001+01:00

There are various types of phone in the market. They are differentiated based on the manufacturer, form, platform, input type, and so forth.

On the basis of manufacturer, there are Nokia, BlackBerry, LG, NEC, Samsung, Siemens, Sony Ericsson, Sanyo, Sagem, etc. With respect to form, there are flip (e.g, Nokia 6760, Nokia C6-00, Samsung C6112), downward-slider (BlackBerry Torch 9800), side-slider (Nokia N97 Mini), regular (Nokia C1-01) and so forth. With regard to platform, there are Java, Symbian, BlackBerry, Android, Meego, iPhone, etc. Talking about input type, there are QWERTY, touchscreen and the traditional 12-button keypad.

Personally, I think none of them is the best. It all depends on what you want. If you are so much interested in chatting on BlackBerry Messenger, then you should consider buying a BlackBerry phone. Note that you can still chat using other phones on 2go, Nimbuzz, WhatsApp. With WhatsApp, you can ping across Nokia, BlackBerry, Android and iPhone. If battery life is your preoccupation, you should consider a Nokia phone. Samsung phones are also good when it comes to innovation and beauty. I use Nokia 1202, which is much similar to Nokia 1280. It serves me well with its long battery life and quick access to basic phone functions. But it cannot serve my mobile Internet needs. So, I considered and purchased Nokia C6-00 after seeing a friend who uses it. I have not acquired a BlackBerry phone because I have not seen any real need for it. I have very little interest in chatting relative to browsing. I have friends who use BlackBerry phones and the phones serve them well. All phones from reputable manufacturers are OK. The one you choose may depend on your preference, budget and bandwagon effect, that is, buying a particular phone because your friends and/other people are using it.

Before buying a mobile phone, consider what features you want to see in the phone. You can search search this web log for phones to know their price, features and specifications. Put a box here. You can also use GSM Arena or the website of the phone manufacturer. If a friend of yours has a phone, you can check it out to know if you like it and possibly buy a similar brand and model.

I would like you check out these posts:

In conclusion, buy phones that meet your needs. It doesn't make sense to buy phones with fantastic features, but which you wouldn't or couldn't use. Why buy a mobile phone because it has 32GB internal memory when you know that your data need cannot consume up to 3GB?

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Between SIM and SIM Cards

2011-12-04T15:50:00.001+01:00

Introduction

A SIM card is a card that holds information regarding Subscriber Identity Module or Subscriber Identification Module (SIM). A subscriber identity module is a circuit or a microchip that stores all the details about a subscriber on a mobile telephony. These details include network-specific information used to authenticate and identify subscribers on the network. Specifically, these details may include unique serial number (ICCID), internationally unique number of the mobile user (IMSI), security authentication and ciphering information, provider name, message centre number, temporary information related to the local network, a list of the services the user has access to, PIN, PUK, value-added services codes, and so forth. Let me use an analogy to explain some facts: A SIM card houses Subscriber Identity Module (SIM). The relationship between a SIM card and Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) could be compared to that between the body and soul as believed in some religions. Subscriber Identity Module could be referred to as the soul, while SIM card is the body. The SIM card, which is tangible, holds some information which cannot be physically seen, but electronically analyzable. This information is what constitutes the Subscriber Identity Module.

SIM Card Sizes

SIM cards are available in three standard sizes; full-size, mini-SIM, and micro SIM. There is no basic difference among them. The difference among them is minimal and usually those of size.

Full-size SIM cards are the first SIM cards to be introduced. It was introduced in 1991 by Giesecke & Devrient. Full-size SIM cards have the same dimensions as a credit card at 85.60 mm × 53.98 mm × 0.76 mm (Length x Width x Thickness). If you have not seen a credit card, I am sure you have seen or even have an ATM card; it is of the same size as a full-size SIM card.

Mini SIM cards are about the most used type of SIM card in Nigeria. All networks in Nigeria, namely, Airtel, Etisalat, Glo and MTN offer mini-SIM cards. That normal type of SIM card you inserted or have inserted in your Nokia 3310, Nokia 1280, Nokia C6-00, BlackBerry Bold 9700, BlackBerry Curve 8520, Samsung B5702, Samsung C5212, etc., is a mini-SIM card. A mini-SIM card measures 25mm x 15mm x 0.76mm (Length x Width x Thickness).

Micro SIM card is the smallest type of SIM card. They are specially built for such devices as Apple iPad, iPhone 4 and other compatible devices. A micro SIM card measures 15mm x 12mm x 0.76mm (Length x Width x Thickness). MTN Nigeria offers micro SIM card. Glo Nigeria has also introduced the 15mm x 12mm x 0.76mm SIM card.

Information Held by the SIM

Recall that it is SIM card that houses the SIM. Information embedded on a SIM may include, but not limited to the following:

International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI): This is what you usually call "phone number". IMSI is what you dial on your phone to reach another subscriber.

Operator Name: You might have noticed that when you insert a SIM card into a phone, the phone shows, in standby, the name/logo of the network the SIM card is associated with.

Personal Identification Number (PIN): A PIN is a secret numeric figure that establishes communication between a user and a computer system, and is used to verify the authenticity of the user to the system. When the PIN on a SIM is activated, you will be required to enter it when you turn the phone on or before you could use certain services. Most SIMs come with a default PIN of either 1234 or 0000 or any 4- 0r 8-digit code as may be defined by the network.

PIN Unblocking Code (PUC): For security reasons, when the PIN is entered wrongly, three times in a row, the SIM will be blocked. PUC or PIN Unblocking Key (PUK) is a code used to unblock the blocked SIM.

Authentication Key (Ki): This is a unique key used to verify the genuineness of the SIM on the network. Theoretically, this key cannot be seen using the SIM interface. If it is possible to get the Authentication Key of a SIM, then the obtained Key could be used to clone a SIM, that is, produce another SIM that has the same digital structure as another SIM (duplicate SIM). SIM cloning may be illegal.

Message Service Centre: This code serves as an electronic post office. When you send a text message, it is this code that first receives the message and then attempts to send the message to the intended recipient.

Integrated Circuit Card Identifier (ICCID): This is a sort of the SIM's account number. Now get your SIM card to see its ICCID; it is that long figure of numbers/letters you see engraved or printed on the SIM card body. SIM cards are internationally identified by their ICCID.

Contacts and Messages: SIM has space for messages and contacts. The number of contacts and messages that could be stored depends on the SIM.

Value-added Services Codes: SIM could also contain a menu of services offered by the network. Examples include MTN SIM Plus, Glo Magic Plus, and so forth.

Uses of SIM Cards

Without SIM cards, it is impossible for a GSM network such as MTN, Etisalat, etc., to operate. All the services provided by GSM networks are available through the SIM card.

Satellite phone networks also use SIM cards.

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Uninformed GSM Customer Care Unit Agents

2011-12-03T10:42:00.001+01:00

The essence of customer care unit in any establishment is to keep in touch with customers, inform them and answer their relevant questions politely and correctly. However, this cannot be said of any customer unit of the 4 GSM networks in Nigeria as their mission seems to be to misinform subscribers who have complaints or who want to inquire about their services. I decided to put up this write-up after reading an article on Mobility.

I can boldly say that the average customer care agent in any GSM outfit in Nigeria does not possess reasonable and sufficient information about the services of the network that employ them. Any tech-savvy Nigerian likely knows more about the available mobile services than the customer care agents who are supposed to inform users about available services and how to use them. Heart-breaking enough, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a GSM subscriber to put a successful call through to the customer care line of GSM service providers in Nigera (Airtel: 111, Etisalat: 200, Glo Mobile: 121 and MTN: 180). If you ever manage to get them on line and ask them a simple question, it is likely that the agent won't know what you are talking about, or worse still, they will give a misleading information.

I don't want to appear as if I am making unfounded claims against or detracting from the reputation of the customer units; hence, I think I should give some real-life examples on what I am saying:

When MTN was running XtraCool, they normally gave 10 free on-net MMS on a monthly basis provided you made at least one minute of chargable call in the month. At that time, if you checked your account balance and assuming you had N456 and 7 free on-net MMS, your phone display would show, "Your XtraCool balance is 456NGN. MMS is 7." Later, they stopped showing the MMS balance aspect when you checked your account balance. However, XtraCool subscribers were still entitled to the MMS freebie, just that it no longer showed when you did balance inquiry. So, I was curious to know my MMS balance. I called MTN customer care line (it was easier to get them on line those days) and inquired what my MMS balance was. To my utter surprise, the agent who answered my call told me that MTN was not giving free MMS to XtraCool subscribers or any subscriber for that matter. I told her that even before I called them I had sent some free MMS. She couldn't give me any tangible answer.
MTN recently introduced some new Internet plans, including a 1GB monthly option. I wanted to subscribe to the 1GB option, so I sent 111 to 131 on several occasions without success. I called MTN customer care line and told them I was having problems subscribing to the plan. To my utter disbelief, the agent informed (or should I say misinformed) me that they didn't support such plan. Could you believe that I made this post using the IGB data resource option which an MTN agent had told me didn't exist?
Yomi Adegboye of Mobility told of how a Glo customer care agent told him that his Nokia 9500 Communicator could not receive fax. Meanwhile, he had been receiving fax on the Communicator. He was also told that GloFlat Internet settings were meant for PCs and therefore would not work on mobile phones. But they were wrong because millions of Glo Internet users continue to browse on their phone using the said settings.

The Way Forward

Regular Information: As networks introduce new services, they should inform their customer care agents to that effect. Changes or modifications to any existing service should also be communicated to agents.

Tech-savvy Agents: Employees in the customer care service should, in addition to being polite, be the tech-savvy type who have passion for technology stuff. That way, they will naturally be involved and interested in trends on mobile technology.

If you have ever been misinformed by a GSM customer care agent, why not share your experience in the comment box below?

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Credit (Airtime) Transfer: MTN Share and Sell, Glo and Airtel Me2U, Etisalat Easy Transfer

2011-12-02T20:40:00.001+01:00

Transfer is one of the means of topping up your GSM line. In transfer, a subscriber utilizes any of the means of recharging a GSM account, but then goes on to allocate a portion of the calling credit to another subscriber on the same network. The four major networks in Nigeria, Airtel, Etisalat, Glo and MTN, all operate transfers under various terms. MTN calls theirs Share 'n' Sell. For Glo and Airtel, it is Me2U and Etisalat Easy Airtime Transfer. Other recharge options include recharge cards, online top-up, ATM, VTU.

Airtime Transfer allows you to transfer part or all of the balance airtime in your prepaid account to another prepaid account without burdening yourself with an immediate expense.

It is convenient, as you do not have to go and look for a recharge card and input the long Recharge PIN before sending it to the recipient. It is flexible, as you are not constrained by the fixed denominations of recharge cards. You can recharge with such irregulars denominations as N56, N87, and so forth. It is secure, as the transfer transaction is PIN- or password-protected.

MTN Share and Sell

MTN Share and Sell is a credit transfer service provided by MTN Nigeria. It allows you to send credit from your prepaid MTN account to another MTN customer's prepaid account using SMS or USSD.

How to Set Up MTN Nigeria Share and Sell

MTN Nigeria Share and Sell is protected by a default password of 0000. Therefore, it is necessary to change the password before using the service to forestall unwanted use by a third party.

Changing Your MTN Share and Sell Password

This involves sending an SMS command to 777. The SMS should be in this format: "Default PIN [space] New PIN [space] New PIN" (without the quotes), and sent to 777. Assuming you want to change your PIN to 3245, compose a text like this, 0000 3245 3245 and send it to 777. You can also change your PIN using USSD like this:
Dial *601*default PIN*New PIN*New PIN# Send/Ok, for example, *601*0000*3245*3245# Send/Ok. When the default PIN has been changed to a new PIN, you will receive a message informing you that your PIN was changed successfully.

Transferring Credit on MTN Network

MTN Share and Sell SMS command code looks like this: Transfer [space] MTN Number [space] Amount [space] Password. For example, to transfer N120 to subscriber 0803 1111 222 and your password is 3245, compose Transfer 08031111222 120 3245 and send to 777. Within seconds, you should receive a notification prompting you to confirm the transaction. Send the word, Yes to 777 to confirm the transfer. You can also transfer credit using USSD like this: Dial *600*Recipient’s Number*Amount*PIN#, for example, *600*08031111222*120*3245#. When the transfer has been completed, you will receive a message informing you that the transfer was successful. You can transfer a minimum of N50 and a maximum of N6,000 per transaction. You can transfer a cumulative amount of N50,000 per day.

Visit MTN website for more info.

Airtel Me2U: Transfer Credit

Instead of using a physical recharge card, online top-up, VTU, etc, you could consider Airtel Me2U. Airtel Me2U is a system developed by Airtel Nigeria that allows her subscribers transfer airtime value on-net, that is, an Airtel subscriber A can transfer a portion of their airtime to Airtel subscriber B.

How to Step Up Airtel Me2U

The default PIN is 1234. I recommend changing your PIN/password to avoid unauthorized transfer of airtime from your account.

Changing Your Me2U

You will be required to send an SMS command to 432 to have your Me2U password changed. To change your Me2U password, send the SMS command, "PIN [space] 1234 [space] New Password" to 432. Your composed text should have this form: "PIN 1234 7892" (without the quotes). 1234 is your default password. 7892 is the new password you want to change to. After sending "PIN 1234 7892" to 432, you will receive a notification that goes this way: "You new password is 7892".

Transferring Calling Credit on Airtel Network

To transfer airtime, send an SMS command in the following format: 2u [space] Airtel Number [space] Amount [space] PIN to 432. Assuming you want to transfer N150 worth of airtime to 0802 122 1333, SMS 2u 08021221333 150 7892 to 432, where 7892 is your new password. The Airtel beneficiary will receive a notification that their account has been credited with the relevant amount of airtime from your number. You will also be alerted to the success of the transfer.

What You Should Know About Airtel Me2U

You will be charged the cost of an off-peak SMS rate (N10 at the time of publication of this post) for each successful transfer.
Transfers must be on-net, that is, effected within the Airtel network.
Limitless number of transfers is feasible
You can also prompt other Airtel subscribers to send you airtime using the Credit Me service by dialing *141*8*recipient's number#. The recipient will receive an SMS from your number which reads: "Please Credit Me".

Visit Airtel website to get more details.

Glo Nigeria Me2U

With Glo Me2U, you, as a Glo subscriber, can transfer airtime to another Glo subscriber. Glo Me2U is just another recharge option.

Setting Up Glo Me2U

Glo Me2U requires activation before use. Activation involves sending an SMS code to a specified number and setting up a new password by executing a USSD command. The default Glo Me2U password is 00000. To actvate Glo Me2U, SMS the word, "Act" to 131. You will be notified that the service will be activated within a day. When it is activated on your line, you will receive an alert that your line has been activated. It is time to set up a new password.

Setting Up a New Glo Me2U Password

Like earlier pointed out, the default Glo Me2U password is 00000. Changing your password is highly recommended to prevent unauthorized use. To change your password, execute the USSD command, *132*00000*New Password*New Password# Send/Ok. If you want to change your password to 73859, for example, input *132*00000*73859*73859# and press the Send or Ok button. You will be informed that your password change was successful.

Transferring Calling Credit on Glo Nigeria Network

To transfer airtime, use the USSD command, *131*Glo Number*Airtime Amount*Password# Send/Ok. Glo number represents the beneficiary Glo subscriber number. You may want to input it without the leading zero (0), that is, 805, 807, 707, etc. instead of 0805, 0807, 0707, etc.

An Example

To send N200 to subscriber 0805 123 123 1, input *131*8051231231*200*73859# and send, assuming your password is 73859.

Visit Glo website for more information.

Etisalat Easy Airtime Transfer Service

Etisalat Easy Airtime Transfer allows subscribers on the Etisalat network to electronically transfer airtime from the existing credit on their prepaid account to another prepaid account.

Setting Up the Etisalat Easy Airtime Transfer Service

Activation involves executing an USSD command. The default password is 0000. However, to change yours, dial: *247*0000*New Password# Send/Ok. For example, to change your PIN to 2354, input *247*0000*2354# Send/Ok. This password is also used to protect your transactions and special services such as call barring.

How to Transfer Credit on Etisalat Network

To transfer credit on Etisalat the easy way, use the USSD command, *223*Password*Amount*Phone Number#. To transfer N350, for example, to subscriber 0809 111 9999, input *223*2354*350*08091119999# and press Send or Ok. Note that you must have at least 10 Naira balance remaining after subtracting the amount you wish to transfer for the credit transfer to work.

Visit Etisalat website to get further details.

Finally

Airtime transfer is not reversible. Recall that all the above instructions are just examples. You can use any 4-digit number as your password or a 5-digit number in the case of Glo. Just choose a number that is difficult for others to guess, but easy for you to remember. Once you have changed your password, the new password should be used for transfer transactions. You can always change your password if you feel it has been compromised. In the event that you want to change your password, your current password will assume the place of your default password in the format given for each network for password change. For example, if you have already changed your MTN Share and Sell password from the default 0000 to 3245 and you want to edit it again to 5671, compose a text like this, 3245 5671 5671 and send it to 777, not 0000 5671 5671 this time because your current password is no longer 0000. This principle also applies to other networks. Airtime transfer services provided by all the networks are also accessible via their Service Menu on the phone.

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Send Free SMS to Mobile Phones

2011-12-01T05:30:00.001+01:00

Not long ago, it was all email. Yahoo!, Hotmail, Excite, etc. were among some of the popular free email services enjoyed. All that a person had to do was to sign up for an account and then log in to the account and send email messages to any person who also had an account, not necessarily with the same provider as the sender. The beauty of it all was that it was free!

Today, email is becoming less popular even though it is still generally free. Short Message Service (SMS) and Instant Messaging (IM) are taking the centre stage. SMS is one of the most popular means of communication today. In fact, text messaging is the most widely used mobile data service, with 74% of all mobile phone users worldwide, or 2.4 billion out of 3.3 billion phone subscribers, at the end of 2007 being active users of the SMS. Even though, it is generally a paid service, people still use it more often than they use email which is generally free. More and more people are getting accustomed to SMS. Some providers in Nigeria offer limited free messages to their subscribers when certain simple conditions are met.

However, you can now send free SMS with your computer or mobile phone. In this post, we present to you 5 web-based free SMS providers. Their platforms could be used to send free SMS internationally. Not all countries are supported, however. Therefore, check to confirm that the country to which you want to send the message is listed and supported. When you send a message that is not supported for the free SMS, you may be billed. In addition, don't forget to study the terms and condition of the free SMS service to ensure your data are safe. Make sure your free SMS provider is trusted. Some unscrupulous free SMS providers use the free stuff as a bait to get your phone number, age, sex, and other details so that they can use the information to send you targeted advertisements and/or scams, or they can sell it to advertisers.

Free SMS is Free to you, but not to the Free SMS Provider

The free SMS service provided by some websites serves as a marketing tool. They also have premium services. They hope that as you use their free services you may find their non-free services appealing and therefore ask for them. They are also involved in advertising. So, the essence of the free services offered is to expand traffic, sales and patronage from advertisers. To reduce the cost of your SMS, free text messaging services buy cheaper bulk SMS from different network providers upfront, enabling you to send SMS free as part of their bulk account with the service providers. Therefore, although you get it free, the free SMS provider pays for it but at a cheaper rate because they buy the SMS in bulk. Little wonder, some of them impose a limit on the number of free SMS you can send per day, per week, or as the case may be.

Some of the well-known free SMS providers include:

text4free (This service is free only to Glo Nigeria subscribers)
Wadja
Wadja Mobile
SMSFree4All
mjoy

So, feel free to try out any of these services.

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MTN Global Top UP: Send Airtime from Europe or America to Nigeria

2011-11-30T05:00:00.000+01:00

It is usual for MTN subscribers to top up their GSM account using recharge cards which are locally bought, but with MTN Global Top UP, friends and relatives living or roaming in the UK, USA, Canada or Europe can recharge the GSM account of their loved ones living in Nigeria.

According to MTN, Global Top Up is accessible and can be used across all the MTN Operations through its Trade Partner network. The product is available on-line and in over 30,000 PayPoint outlets in the UK, Ireland and Italy as well as 6,200 7-Eleven outlets in America. MTN Global Top Up is also available in thousands of local calling card retailer outlets in UK, USA, Canada and Europe. To purchase MTN Nigeria Top Up, contact Trade Partners.

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Which of the New MTN Tariff Plans Should I Choose?

2011-11-29T05:30:00.000+01:00

MTN, to mark her 10th year in Nigeria, recently introduced a total of three new tariff options, namely, Funlink Reloaded, MTN Family and Friends Xpanded and Super Saver. A postpaid version of Super Saver was later added. Before the new plans, some of the existing and still functional plans were PayGo, TalkOn, etc.

Now you may be wondering which of the new plans best suits you. That is why I decided to come up with this post. I will try to give you some clues which will guide you adopt a suitable plan. I notice that Nigerians prefer making on-net calls, that is, in this case, they prefer making calls to MTN lines using an MTN line. This behaviour is equally applicable to other networks. Since chances are that you make a relatively high number and volume of local, on-net calls, I will base these guidelines on local calls.

How Do I Choose?

Funlink Reloaded is best suited to callers that make long- or short-minute calls to a large base of MTN subscribers. If the number of MTN numbers you regularly call is greater than 10, and that you call these lines during the day (before 4:00pm), then MTN Funlink Reloaded is best for you.

Family and Friends Xpanded is for users that make long-minute calls to a narrow base of MTN subscribers. If the number of MTN numbers you regularly call is not more than 8, I think you should consider the Family and Friends Xpanded option.

Super Saver is for users who make long- or short-minute calls to a large base of MTN numbers. But, unlike Funlink Reloaded, the time of the calls is not particularly important. Super Saver also has a postpaid version.

Read About the New Plans in Detail Here.

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Using SureType Text Input on BlackBerry

2011-11-28T06:00:00.001+01:00

SureType text input technology, developed by Research in Motion, is usually found in some BlackBerry smartphones such as BlackBerry Pearl 3G 9105, BlackBerry Storm 1, BlackBerry Storm 2, and so forth. In a previous post, I talked about how to use the t9 text input.

What is SureType?

SureType is an innovative keyboard technology that allows you to quickly and accurately compose messages without the limitations of traditional mobile phone keypads. Using an integrated keyboard and software system that recognizes 35,000 words, SureType effectively combines a traditional phone keypad and a familiar QWERTY-based keyboard to allow an efficient and familiar typing experience. SureType technology is designed to predict words as you type them.

When you use SureType technology, you press the letter key for each letter in a word once. For example, to type run, you would press the ER key once, the UI key once, and the BN key once. As you type, a list of possible letter combinations and words appears on the screen. SureType technology selects letter combinations or words from the list based on context. If you type a word or letter combination (for example, a web address or an abbreviation) that SureType technology does not recognize, you use the list that appears on the screen to build the word letter by letter. SureType technology is designed to "learn" new words or letter combinations that you type and add them to a custom word list.

When you use the multi-tap input method, you press a letter key once to type the first letter on the key and twice to type the second letter. For example, to type run, you would press the ER key twice (for r), the UI key once (for u) and the BN key twice (for n).

More Information from Using SureType by Research in Motion, 2005.

How to Type Using Your BlackBerry

As an example, begin typing the word lunch without looking at the screen or making corrections.

1. Press each key on the keypad once for each letter. When you are finished typing:

• Press the SPACE key as you naturally would to accept the word and insert a space, or
• Roll the trackwheel or press the Next (symbol) key to select lunch from the suggested word list. Click the trackwheel or press the SPACE key to accept the word.

2. Press the SPACE key twice at the end of a sentence to add a period and a space. The next letter will automatically be capitalized.

3. Try typing several sentences without looking at the screen or making corrections. You will discover that SureType almost always selects the words you want.

Spelling Acronyms, Email Addresses and Uncommon Words

SureType has many acronyms and names saved in its 35,000 word list. SureType is designed to recognize these words plus the names and addresses in your Address Book when you are typing. However, it may not know unusual words and acronyms.

For improved speed and accuracy, follow these steps the first time you enter unique words and email addresses:

1. Use the trackwheel to select the correct letters after you press each key.

2. Press the SPACE key after you have typed the complete word, acronym or email address to allow SureType to learn that letter combination. If the letters you want to type are not appearing, press the DEL key until you reach the last correct letter. Resume typing the word, acronym or email address and use the trackwheel to select the desired letters as you type.

Switching Between SureType and Multi-tap

When entering email addresses, URLs or uncommon words, you may want to switch from SureType to the multi-tap input method. With multi-tap, press each key repeatedly until the desired letter appears.

To switch to multi-tap:

1. Press and hold the * key in a text input field to activate multi-tap. The ABC symbol appears to show that you have switched to multi-tap.

2. Press and hold the * key again to re-activate SureType.

SureType technology is the default input method for most fields. Multi-tap is the default input method for phone number fields and password fields. If you switch from using SureType technology to using the multi-tap input method, a typing indicator appears in the upper-right corner of the screen to indicate the current input method.

Using the Custom Word List

Edit the custom word list any time you want to change or delete the words that SureType has learned.

To edit the custom word list:

1. Use the trackwheel to navigate to Tools > Settings > Language.

2. Use the trackwheel to select Input Options. The Fast Options screen appears.

3. Click the trackwheel to open the menu.

4. Select Custom Word List and click the trackwheel. The custom word list appears. From here you can add and edit words in the list.

Reference(s):

Research in Motion. 2005. Using SureType. Canada: Research in Motion
Research In Motion. 2011. SureType Keyboard (Online Resource)

Tips: Identifying and Buying an Original Mobile Phone

2011-11-27T10:20:00.001+01:00

It is no longer news that most Nigerian markets are replete with fake mobile phones, most or all of them from despicable Chinese factories. The Nigerian markets contain both original and fake mobile phones. One thing that has particularly made the fake mobile phone market flourish is that original, sophisticated phones are not within the budget of some people. Ignorance also plays a role. In addition, the government is yet to seriously tackle the madness.

Most fake mobile phones are advertised to have advanced features such as 3G, Bluetooth, hi-megapixel lens, media player, etc., yet their prices make one to wonder - unbelievably cheap. When bought, the advertised features, most likely, are non-functional or faulty, leaving you frustrated.

In this post, I will outline some tips that will be helpful to ensure you buy original mobile phones and avoid fake.

Patronize Accredited Dealers

It is advisable to purchase your mobile phones from an authorized dealer. It is about the easiest way to guarantee that you are buying an original mobile device. You are hardly at risk of buying a fake phone if you purchase from an authorized dealer. Every mobile phone brand accredits specific dealers to sell their products. Therefore, executing your purchases in an authorized dealer shop amounts to buying directly from the manufacturer. In addition, you are most likely to get a one-year warranty on any mobile phone you buy from an authorized dealer store. You may also be treated to free technical support.

Check newspapers and magazines for accredited dealers of the mobile phone you want to buy. Another option is to browse the Internet for accredited mobile phones dealers in Nigeria. Visit websites of phone makers and look for dealer’s link, if it is available. You may also search with a search engine like Google. For example, if you are interested in buying a Nokia phone, you can enter the search term "Nokia dealers in Nigeria" on your favourite search engine for a suggestion of websites that may carry such information. For now, I have posts on Official Nigerian Blackberry Dealers, Some Authorized Nokia Device Dealers in Nigeria and Some Accredited Samsung Mobile Phone Dealers in Nigeria. If you cannot find an accredited dealer in your location, here are more tips to help you buy genuine phones when you are not sure of the dealer.

Verify Model Number

Most fake mobile phones are designed to look like well known brands such as Nokia, BlackBerry, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Motorola, LG, etc. In some cases, manufacturers of fake phones do not attempt to imitate model number (not always true), so if that is the case, that is, if the model number of the phone you want to buy does not belong to a known design of the brand, then it is probably a fake.

But it may not be feasible for you to know all model numbers of a brand. A way out of this is to first browse the Net for phone model numbers of the brand you want to buy and then make a list of the ones you may buy. Another option is to go to the market first and note mobile phones models that are available and then go online to confirm that they are models produced by the phone maker. Then you can go back and buy only authentic models. Make sure you are armed with information before going to buy a mobile phone. Fake mobile phones dealers thrive on your ignorance, if you are not well informed you will be conned easily.

Price and Specifications

What is the quoted price of the phone? What are its specifications? Does it seem almost like a free lunch? Does the phone promise sophisticated features, such as, > 3 megapixels of lens, 16 million colours, mobile TV, 3G, etc., yet the price seems unbelievably low? If you notice a phone promises lots of features at a very cheap price, you suspect such phones as fake. As a rule, the more features a mobile phone has, the more expensive it gets. If the deal is too good to be true, it probably is.

Physical Analysis

Physically inspecting a mobile phone may reveal its weaknesses. The packaging may look so sub-standard, there could be some unforgivable misspellings, the seal, if available, may be broken, the manual may be written in a non-English or non-indigenous language. If you are not comfortable with the packaging, the phone or the seller, just walk away.

Demand Receipt

Do not forget to collect a receipt. Even original phones can develop faults and your receipt entitles you to a warranty if anything goes wrong. Assuming the phone you bought is fake, your receipt can serve as a valid evidence that you had a transaction with the seller, and with that, you could seek redress in a responsible market association or Consumer Protection Council (CPC).

Informed and Trusted Friend or Relative

The more informed about phones you are, the less likely you are to buy a fake mobile phone thinking it is original. If you have doubts about your ability to distinguish between original and fake mobile phones, I advise you meet a friend or relative who is informed and trusted. You could go to the market with them.

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Etisalat Voice BlackBerry and Complete Plans

2011-11-26T18:15:00.001+01:00

Recently, Etisalat doled out their 3.75G network and its associated Internet plans.

Now they have added something to the repertoire of their BlackBerry solutions, namely, Etisalat Voice BlackBerry Plan.

Traditionally, BlackBerry plans are meant for IM and chat, social media access, email and Internet browsing, but Etisalat Voice BlackBerry Plan goes further to have a bearing on call tariffs. When you subscribe to Etisalat Voice BlackBerry Plan, calls to all local networks are charged at 20k/sec. You not only enjoy super-speed 3.73G connectivity, but also you are treated to discounted call rates with no daily access fee.

Etisalat Voice BlackBerry Plan is available in full BlackBerry Internet Service and Social Plan.

How to activate Etisalat full BlackBerry Voice Plan

Etisalat's Voice BIS Package, Activation Codes and Prices

Etisalat Voice BIS Daily (24 hours) - Dial *499*5# to activate. N250 is deductible
Etisalat Voice BIS Weekly (7 days) - Dial *499*6# to activate. N1,000 is deductible
Etisalat Voice BIS Monthly (30 days) - Dial *499*1# to activate. Service fee is N3,000

Etisalat's Social Voice BIS Package, Activation Codes and Prices

Etisalat Social Voice BIS Daily (24 hours) - Dial *499*2*2# to activate. N100 is deductible
Etisalat Social Voice BIS Weekly (7 days) - Dial *499*2*1# to activate. N400 is deductible
Etisalat Social Voice BIS Monthly (30 days) - Dial *499*2# to activate. Service fee is N1,300

According to Etisalat, these business rules are applicable:

When you migrate from a current Blackberry plan to the Voice Plan in the middle of your cycle, you forfeit the remaining days on your current plan.
When you migrate or activate the voice plan, you lose all existing freebies on your line (Bonus on Incoming Calls, You & Me, Free Data, free Midnight Calls, SMS, etc).
If you fail to renew your subscription on your anniversary date, your voice unlimited calls get charged at 50k/sec until you renew. Upon renewing, you immediately have your voice calls charged at 20k/sec
In order to get the maximum benefit from this plan, you must carry a Blackberry device

Etisalat has also introduced certain types of truncated Blackberry plans termed Complete BlackBerry Plan. The new plan supports 1 email account ( e.g. Google, yahoo), 1 Blackberry email account, BBM, Internet access, Social Networking, BlackBerry App world, Instant Messaging on yahoo messenger, MSN messenger, google talk.

To activate Etisalat Complete BlackBerry Plan:

Etisalat BIS Complete Daily (24 hours) - Dial and send *499*3*2# to activate. N100 is deductible
Etisalat BIS Complete Weekly (7 days) - Dial and send *499*3*1# to activate. N500 is deductible
Etisalat BIS Complete Monthly (30 days) - Dial and send *499*3# to activate. Service fee is N1,500

Also, read

and

MTN BlackBerry Internet Service (+ BIS Complete)

2011-11-25T20:55:00.001+01:00

You may want to read BlackBerry wireless solutions.

BlackBerry Internet Service from MTN

MTN supports BlackBerry Internet Service on their network and offers a range of BlackBerry devices to their subscribers. To acquire a BlackBerry device, simply walk into any MTN Store across the nation or visit an authorized Blackberry dealer. It may be cheaper to purchase your device from a retailer, but the advantage of buying from your service provider is for technical support. However, BB devices bought from a service provider always come locked to the network, that it, it cannot be used on other networks unless it has been unlocked. To acquire an unlocked BB, get it from an accredited Blackberry dealer.

MTN's BIS (Complete) Package, Activation Codes and Prices

To activate MTN's BIS:

MTN BIS Weekly (24 hours) - Text Bbweek to 21600 to activate. N1,000 is deductible
MTN BIS Monthly (30 days) - Text BIS to 21600 to activate. Service fee is N3,000
MTN BIS Quarterly (90 days) - Text BBQ to 21600 to activate. N8,000 is chargeable

Note

Subscription to MTN BIS Monthly and MTN BIS Quarterly would also ensure your MTN-to-MTN calls are charged at 17k/sec from the very first minute and off-net calls at 35k/sec. You are automatically migrated to your default tariff plan on the expiration of your BlackBerry plan.

The above stated BlackBerry plans offer full BlackBerry wireless solutions. MTN has introduced certain types of truncated Blackberry plans termed BIS Complete. The new plan supports 1 email account ( e.g. Google, yahoo), 1 Blackberry email account, BBM, Internet access, Social Networking, BlackBerry App world.

To activate MTN's BIS Complete:

MTN BIS Complete Weekly (7 days) - Text BBCweek to 21600 to activate. N500 is deductible
MTN BIS Complete Monthly (30 days) - Text BBC to 21600 to activate. Service fee is N1,500

You can also dial *123# and follow the SMS prompts to activate your desired Internet plan. You are to text Status to 21600 to check expiry date of their BlackBerry Service Plan.

BlackBerry Curve 8520, BB 9700, BlackBerry Torch 9800, etc, are available from MTN Nigeria.

For more information on BlackBerry from MTN, visit MTN website.

Why not also read?

BlackBerry Torch 9850 and 9860 Overview

2011-11-24T20:55:00.000+01:00

BlackBerry Torch 9850 and BlackBerry Torch 9860 feature a 3.7-inch touch screen at a WVGA (800×480) resolution with 253 DPI which represent the biggest screens ever by a BlackBerry phone as at the time of publishing this post. BlackBerry PlayBook has a 7-inch display, but it is actually an Internet tablet, not a smartphone. Unlike BlackBerry Torch 9800, which has a touch screen as well as a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, everything about the new BlackBerry Torch 9850 and BlackBerry Torch 9860 is touch. Remarkable about BlackBerry Torch 9850 and BlackBerry Torch 9860 is the incorporation of the latest BlackBerry operating system, BlackBerry 7 OS with its Liquid Graphics that promises a faster performance and improved user experience. BB 7 OS offers ease of use and faster performance when swiping, zooming and scrolling around apps and websites will be fast and easy. The major difference between the Blackberry Torch 9860 and Torch 9850 is that the BlackBerry Torch 9860 is a Tri-Band WCDMA/HSDPA phone with Quad-Band GSM/EDGE support, while BlackBerry Torch 9850 is a Dual-Band CDMA/EVDO Rev A, Single-Band WCDMA/HSDPA, and Quad-Band GSM/EDGE phone. Other features include a 5 megapixels camera, 1.2 Ghz, 768 RAM and 4GB of internal memory and up to 36GB expandable memory with MicroSD card slot. BlackBerry Torch supports Wireless LAN Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, MicroUSB and GPS navigation with Blackberry Maps, BlackBerry Messenger, Social networking, Instant messaging, push email, and so forth.

General

2G Network: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 (9860), CDMA 800 / 1900 (9850), GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 (9850)
3G Network: HSDPA 900 / 1700 / 2100 (9860), HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 / 800 (9860), HSDPA 2100 (9850)

Display

Type: TFT capacitive touchscreen, 16M colours
Size: 480 x 800 pixels, 3.7 inches
Optical trackpad
Multi-touch input method
Proximity sensor for auto turn-off
Accelerometer sensor for auto-rotate

Size

Dimensions: 120 x 62 x 11.5 mm
Weight: 135 g

Memory

Internal: 4 GB storage, 768 MB RAM
Card slot: microSD, up to 32GB

Data

GPRS
EDGE
3G: HSDPA 14.4 Mbps, HSUPA 5.76 Mbps; EV-DO RevA 3.1Mbps
WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth: v2.1 with A2DP

Camera

Primary: 5 MP, 2592?1944 pixels, autofocus
Features Geo-tagging, continuous auto-focus, image stabilization, face detection
Video: 720p

Features

OS: BlackBerry OS 7
CPU: 1.2 GHz processor
Messaging: SMS, MMS, Email, Push Email, IM, BBM 6
Browser: HTML
Colour(s): Black
GPS: A-GPS support
NFC support
Digital compass
Social feeds
BlackBerry maps
Document viewer (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Media player MP3/WMA/eAAC+/FlAC/OGG player
Video player DivX/XviD/MP4/WMV/H.263/H.264

Battery

Stand-by: Up to 330 h (2G) / Up to 320 h (3G)
Talk time: Up to 4 h 40 min (2G) / Up to 6 h 50 min (3G)
Music play: Up to 44 h
Stand-by: Up to 320 h (9850)
Talk time: Up to 6 h 50 min (9850)
Music play: Up to 50 h (9850)

Price and Availability

BlackBerry Torch 9850 and BlackBerry Torch 9860 were released third quarter of 2011. The price for BlackBerry Torch 9860 is N85,000 (not 100% correct).

It is advisable you get your device from an authorized dealer so as to enjoy some associated benefits such as confirmed genuineness, etc. Check Official Nigerian Blackberry Dealers and Tips on Buying Mobile Phones. You can also get your BlackBerry device from service providers.

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The Smart Nokia 603

2011-11-24T08:07:00.001+01:00

Nokia 603 is a Symbian Belle-powered smartphone available in numerous beautiful colours. Nokia 603 has a scratch-resistant front window made from toughened glass. Nokia 603 sits on a powerful 1GHz processor, equipped with 512 RAM, separate 2D/3D graphics processor, free Ovi Maps, 5 megapixel camera and 3.5-inch capacitive touchscreen. Nokia 603 has an internal memory of 2GB and is expandable by up to 32GB via microSD card. Nokia has support for high-speed Internet and flaunts business applications such as Microsoft Communications Mobile, Adobe PDF Reader.

Technical Profile

System: WCDMA 850/900/1700/1900/2100, GSM/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
OS: Symbian Belle
Dimensions: 113.5 mm x 57.1 mm x 12.7 mm (LxWxT)
Weight: 109.6 g
1 Ghz processor
Display: 3.5 inch nHD capacitive touch, 640x360 pixels, 16M colours
Memory: 2GB, memory card support up to 32GB
Video capture: HD video, 720p 30fps

Connectivity

NFC
WLAN 802.11 b/g
HSDPA cat 10 up to 14.4 Mbps,HSUPA cat 6 up to 5.7 Mbps
Bluetooth 3.0
A-GPS
Micro-USB connector and charging
3.5mm Nokia audio connector

Operating Times

Talk time: (GSM/WCDMA) up to 16 h/up to 7h
Standby time: (GSM/WCDMA) up to 460h/up to 490h
Music playback: up to 75 hours
Video playback: up to 10 hours

Colours

Front: Black, White
Back: Black, White, Fuchsia, Green, Yellow, Blue

Nokia Standard Sales package includes

Nokia 603 handset
Nokia Battery BP-3L
Nokia Charger AC-10
Nokia Stereo Headset WH-207
Connectivity Cable CA-179

Price and Availability

Nokia 603 was released in the last quarter of 2011. The estimated retail price in Nigeria is N44,000 (not 100% correct).

It is recommended you get your device from an authorized dealer so as to enjoy some associated benefits such as confirmed genuineness, etc. See Some Authorized Nokia Device Dealers in Nigeria and Tips on Buying Mobile Phones

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Bada OS Samsung Wave 3 S8600

2011-11-23T23:00:00.001+01:00

Samsung Wave 3 S8600 is one three Samsung phones announced together which feature Bada 2.0 as operating system and 1.4GHz processor. Samsung Wave 3 S8600 features a 5-megapixel camera with HVGA video recording, an LED flash, geotagging, and auto focus.
Other Wave smartphones announced alongside Samsung Wave 3 are Samsung Wave M and Samsung Wave Y. Samsung Wave 3 S8600 has a large 4-inch super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen.

General

2G Network: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G Network: HSDPA 900 / 2100

Size

Dimensions: 125.9 x 64.2 x 9.9 mm
Weight: 122 g

Display

Type: Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen, 16M colours
Size: 480 x 800 pixels, 4.0 inches (~233 ppi pixel density)
- Gorilla Glass display
- Accelerometer sensor for UI auto-rotate
- Multi-touch input method
- Proximity sensor for auto turn-off
- TouchWiz UI
- Handwriting recognition
- Smart unlock

Memory

Phonebook, Photocall
Internal: 3 GB storage
Card slot: microSD, up to 32GB

Data

GPRS
EDGE
3G: HSDPA, 14.4 Mbps; HSUPA, 5.76 Mbps
WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi hotspot
Bluetooth: v3.0 with A2DP
USB: microUSB v2.0

Camera

Primary: 5 MP, 2592 x 1944 pixels, autofocus, LED flash
Features geo-tagging, face, smile and blink detection, image stablilization, touch focus
Video: 720p@30fps, video light
Secondary: VGA

Features

OS: Bada OS, v2.0
CPU: 1.4 GHz processor
Messaging: SMS (threaded view), MMS, Email, Push Email, IM
Browser: WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML
Radio: Stereo FM radio with RDS
Games: Yes + downloadable
Colour: Black
GPS: with A-GPS support, Samsung Mobile Navigator
Java: MIDP 2.1
- Samsung ChatON
- Digital compass
- TV-Out
- MP3/WAV/WMA/eAAC+ player
- MP4/MKV/H.263/H.264/WMV/Xvid/DivX video player
- Organizer
- Music recognition
- Document viewer
- Image editor
- Voice memo
- Predictive text input (T9 Trace)

Battery

Standard battery: Li-Ion 1500 mAh
Stand-by: Up to 480 h
Talk time: Up to 8 h 30 min

Price and Availability

Samsung was released in the third quarter of 2011 and currently priced at around N60,000 in Nigeria (please note that prices of phones fluctuate up and down depending on market conditions, therefore, stated price cannot be 100% accurate).

Get your device from an authorized dealer so as to enjoy some associated benefits such as confirmed genuineness, etc. See Some Accredited Samsung Mobile Phone Dealers in Nigeria and Tips on Buying Mobile Phones.

Feel free to like, share, tweet and +1 this post using the relevant buttons on top, beside or below this post. In addition, visit my Facebook fan page to like it so my updates appear on your News Feed and follow me on Twitter.

Click Subscribe to subscribe to my blog so you get my updates even when you are not online. After subscription, check your email to confirm the subscription (no updates, no email). Thanks.