Samsung Omnia i910

[357]

Does anyone have this phone? If so, what carrier (Not sure if Verizon is the only one)? And, would you recommend it? The specs look so good, but I value the opinions of the folks here and will take that into consideration.

I am a current Verizon customer and I can get the promo pricing which brings the cost down to $99. My current phone is 3 years old and starting to flake out. The speaker works only when it wants to. Anyway, if I do buy it, this will be my first smart phone, first Windows Mobile device, first touch screen phone, etc. I have tried and do not like BlackBerrys. I also want a good camera. This one has a 5MP camera plus another one on the front so you can do webcam style chat.

More info: I also would like to use Active-Synch so I can get my Exchange e-mail from work, and I already have an unlimited data plan so there will be no additional cost there.

I do have some concerns with the touch screen qwerty keyboard. My fingers aren't exactly small. I wear a size 12 wedding ring.

Here's a link to the specs on Verizon's site.

http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=phoneFirst&action=viewPhoneDetail&selectedPhoneId=4366&changingCompletedOrder=

Thanks,
Mike

[smokeyandthebandit05]

My cousin actually just got it last week. Its a really really really cool phone and it almost like a black berry. It has alot of windows apps, opera browser, uber fast internet (I think you need to sign up for the internet just to use the phone) and somethin like a 5.3mp camera. The only thing I dont like is it takes a bit to get used to the interface. I have the LG dare and love the touch screen and after playing with the Omnia I kinda want one lol. I think the only carrier for now is verizon and I suggest playing with it alot before making the decision.

edit:My fingers arent the smallest either, Im not sure about the keyboards but the dare has 2 options. One keyboard for when its in the vertical mode and is like a regular phone and when u turn it horizontal it goes to a qwerty keyboard and I can use both fine. The qwerty is just more a pain to use so I only use it when Im on the internet

[Stogeyfish]

Got one a couple of weeks ago. My first smart phone - so I'm getting used to it. It's working a lot better than my Razr.

It comes with a couple of browsers (Opera and IE) and works pretty fast. Still getting used to the small typing space, even when in landscape mode.

One downside is there are a limited number of downloadable ringtones.

[357]

My cousin actually just got it last week. Its a really really really cool phone and it almost like a black berry. It has alot of windows apps, opera browser, uber fast internet (I think you need to sign up for the internet just to use the phone) and somethin like a 5.3mp camera. The only thing I dont like is it takes a bit to get used to the interface. I have the LG dare and love the touch screen and after playing with the Omnia I kinda want one lol. I think the only carrier for now is verizon and I suggest playing with it alot before making the decision.

edit:My fingers arent the smallest either, Im not sure about the keyboards but the dare has 2 options. One keyboard for when its in the vertical mode and is like a regular phone and when u turn it horizontal it goes to a qwerty keyboard and I can use both fine. The qwerty is just more a pain to use so I only use it when Im on the internet


This is good news. My wife has an LG Dare and I like it, but it's not Windows Mobile, and it doesn't support Active Synch. I like the LG Dare for it's feel and function. I love it's 3.2 MP camera, and that's one thing that caught my eye about the Omnia. Most other smart phones only have a 2MP camera.

I'm glad to hear it's fast. That was one concern since it has a little less RAM then some of the others. I hear it's CPU is pretty stout though.

Thanks

[357]

Got one a couple of weeks ago. My first smart phone - so I'm getting used to it. It's working a lot better than my Razr.

It comes with a couple of browsers (Opera and IE) and works pretty fast. Still getting used to the small typing space, even when in landscape mode.

One downside is there are a limited number of downloadable ringtones.

My current phone is a Razr V3m. I believe you can jam a 16GB micro SD card into the Omnia. I'm not sure if you can load it up with mp3s and then use them as ringtones or not. That's one nice thing about the V3m, it's easy to hack so you can upload your own mp3 ringtones.

Thanks for chiming in. Keep me posted as you get more familiar with it.

[357]

Bump...

[King James]

here is a review:

http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/samsung-omnia-verizon-wireless/4505-6452_7-33399472.html

[357]

Thanks Jim. I read the entire thing. Pretty informative.

[King James]

no problem, I don't know much about the omnia...but cnet is generally pretty reliable to turn to for reviews.

[357]

Well, I get paid tomorrow and my current phone is getting worse. 60-75% of the time the phone speaker doesn't work and I can't hear who I'm talking about. So, unless I hate the look and feel of it, I'm probably going to be picking one of these up tomorrow.

[skullnrose]

check out phonescoop.com they usally have good user reviews

[357]

I picked it up today on lunch. I'll post my opinon as I learn.

[neoflex]

Please let us know what you think. Like I mentioned in the other thread on this phone I am debating whether to get this phone now or wait for the new Blackberry which is supposed to be out sometime Quarter 1 and will pretty much be a smaller version of the Bold. On the phone forums it is known as the Niagra. Good news is Verizon employees that I spke with are no longer acting like they never heard of it. Looking forward to your feedback. The one thing that kind of makes me leary of this phone is the Windows Mobile but than again I am judging it on the old @ss phones at work which have to be 3 years old by now so it's probably not a fair judgment.

[Jason]

Please let us know what you think.

I too am looking forward to seeing what you have to say after a weekend of using the phone... how's it going?

The one thing that kind of makes me leary of this phone is the Windows Mobile but than again I am judging it on the old @ss phones at work which have to be 3 years old by now so it's probably not a fair judgment.

WinMobile hasn't changed a lot in the last 3 years. Not sure what you have a problem with but SPB Software makes some great shells and extensions that help a great deal with interface issues
http://www.spbsoftwarehouse.com/products/mobileshell/
http://www.spbsoftwarehouse.com/pocketpc-software/pocketplus/

[357]

So far I'm am impressed. I love the way I can choose different front-ends, or interfaces. The default was called Samsung Widget. I turned that off and switched to Samsung Today and I like that better. I've read on HowardForums.com that you can install the HTC interface, or even one that mimics the iPhone. I'm happy with it now, but I will be playing around with it a bit.

Tranfering files to and from has been a snap. Active-Synch works great. I get alerted and receive all my work e-mail (exchange) and I can add my yahoo/g-mail accounts too, although I haven't yet. I also haven't used the FM tuner feature yet. The camera works well too. Browsing the internet, texting, and sending e-mail is easy. I occasionally press the wrong letter on the touch screen qwerty keyboard. I have fat fingers, literally, but the more I use it the better I get at it.

I bought some accessories online but haven't gotten them yet. I bought a silicone case and screen protector cover for $8. I also ordered a wall charger, car charger, and data cable for $8. Both orders were aftermarket from eBay. I then ordered a Kingston 16GB microSDHC card for $52 and it came with a USB microSD reader.

Cons: The apps don't close when you click the "X" in the top right corner. I have to end-task them in Task Manager. The only other one is that VZAppZone doesn't list my model phone yet so I'm not sure if I download their apps that they will work on my phone.

I've read there is a fix for the issue with having to end-task your apps. I think it's a registry tweak. Basically turning a 0 into a 1 at a certain location.

I'll post more when I can.

[Jason]

Cons: The apps don't close when you click the "X" in the top right corner.
...
I'll post more when I can.

The links I posted above will address deficiencies of the winmobile interface, pocket plus specifically handles the app closing and switching issues beautifully.

I would love to see a photo, not necessarily a 5mb shot but something to demonstrate color and clarity if you can swing it.

Thanks man!

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

You might want to check out this phone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWjjj0iPPZQ

[357]

Here's a pic I took of my son. It will probably by downsized from the full 5mp by Photobucket.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v139/357magnum/Malachi/SNC00007.jpg

[Jason]

I appreciate the help Mr 357. I got mine today and am absolutely happy with it. I had a windows 6.1 touchscreen with full keyboard (HTC) but need a camera that didn't suck and ended up going for this phone.

It's blowing me away with the performance and openness all around and I haven't even gone tweakin at it yet. The ROM is built with a sh8load of software I wish I could remove and the Samsung home screen stuff is not that useful, it will be tweaked.

One thing I've found of note, I moved a divX movie over to the phone via Windows Media player sync funtion. It converted it to lawd noes wot but it was 1/4 or 1/3 the file size, nasty dithering though. I went immediately to the file browser and drag/dropped the full divX DVD rip onto the phone and was much happier with the product, this will make a HUGE difference when running tv out to my wall mounted flatscreen with it (nothing but a satelite coax through the wall to that tv, nice little side benefit of this phone!).

good lookin kid there!

[357]

I appreciate the help Mr 357. I got mine today and am absolutely happy with it. I had a windows 6.1 touchscreen with full keyboard (HTC) but need a camera that didn't suck and ended up going for this phone.

It's blowing me away with the performance and openness all around and I haven't even gone tweakin at it yet. The ROM is built with a sh8load of software I wish I could remove and the Samsung home screen stuff is not that useful, it will be tweaked.

One thing I've found of note, I moved a divX movie over to the phone via Windows Media player sync funtion. It converted it to lawd noes wot but it was 1/4 or 1/3 the file size, nasty dithering though. I went immediately to the file browser and drag/dropped the full divX DVD rip onto the phone and was much happier with the product, this will make a HUGE difference when running tv out to my wall mounted flatscreen with it (nothing but a satelite coax through the wall to that tv, nice little side benefit of this phone!).

good lookin kid there!


I have done quite a bit of tweaking myself. I have not installed any new interfaces other than the Samsung Today 2 which only had to be enabled via registry entries. I use the Samsung Today (non-2). I'm happy with it so far, but may get the itch to install HTC's TouchFlo 2D. I will throw some useful tweaking links up for you. I'm not sure how savvy you are, but I'm a windows server guy. So, I'm very comfortable modifying windows and the registry. I've registered with HowardForums.com and Madoco.com. That plus the links below will allow you to download all the files you need.

Please let me know what kind of cable you have/made to do the TV out.

Please let me know if you find any cool new tweaks or need help with any. I've done a dozen or so, so I might have done the one you're looking at already.

This is a good condensed list of common tweaks found on other threads. It's specific to the i910.
http://knguyentu.com/wordpress/2009/01/verizon-samsung-omnia-i900-unleashed/

This is a huge list for both i900 and i910. Be careful as there are quite a few that are for the i900 that will not work on your i910.
http://www.samsung-omnia.org/how-to/howwhatwherewhichwhywhen/msg15635/#msg15635

Slide 2 Unlock version 2. This is an app that allows unlocking your phone similar to the iPhone. It seems to have some issues still, but tons of people us it. I haven't installed it yet. Not sure if I will.
http://www.ac-s2.com/

Free software download sites. Many of the .cab files you need can be downloaded at these two sites for free. No warez, just freeware.
http://www.freewarepocketpc.net/

http://www.1800pocketpc.com/


Howard Forums - i910 Hacks/Tips/Tricks
http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=1467787

Modaco - i900/i910 Thread
http://www.modaco.com/category/342/i9x0-omnia-http-omnia-modaco-com/

Samsung-Omnia.org - i900/i910 Thread
http://www.samsung-omnia.org/how-to/howwhatwherewhichwhywhen/msg15635/#msg15635

Another excellent forum I use to find more tweak info:
http://www.xda-developers.com/

Have fun,
Mike

[gettysburgfreak]

I really wanted this phone but didn't get it as they make you get the monthly internet package. Got the LG Dare instead which is still a cool phone but doesn't have the capabilities as the Omnia.

[357]

I really wanted this phone but didn't get it as they make you get the monthly internet package. Got the LG Dare instead which is still a cool phone but doesn't have the capabilities as the Omnia.

My wife has the LG Dare. I like it, but you're right. It doesn't have the same capabilities. Being a Windows guy now having purchased and tweaked my first Windows based phone I doubt I will ever go back. Active Synch with Exchange e-mail alone is enough reason for me.

The Dare is one of the better non-WindowsMobile phones IMO. It's very easy to use, touchscreen, and has a 3.2MP camera.

Nothing against those who like them but, I can't stand BlackBerry phones. Work makes us pass one around for on-call. What a turd. I know it's not the latest hardware, but that's not the biggest problem. The menus and settings are counter intuitive. I would expect settings for something to be in on place and it takes me 10 min of screwing around with it to find it's real home. It drove me crazy whenever I had to carry that thing. Now I just forward it to my personal phone as well as the special e-mail notifications for on-call. *Rant Over*

[smokeyandthebandit05]

I still love my Dare. Everyone told me I would get tired of the touch screen after a few weeks of playing with it. Ive had it since I guess August and still love it. I wish I waited and got the Omnia just because I feel its better. I couldnt believe how fast the internet was on the Omnia compared to the Dare

[Jason]

I've registered with HowardForums.com and Madoco.com

I'm registered at modaco as yayson I believe, never was a regular poster, just registered when trying to mod an earlier winmobile device

Please let me know what kind of cable you have/made to do the TV out.

http://cgi.ebay.com/AUDIO-VIDEO-TV-OUT-AV-CABLE-GPS-SAMSUNG-i900-Omnia-i908_W0QQitemZ250393996547QQcmdZViewItemQQptZPDA_A ccessories?hash=item250393996547&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72:1234|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318|301:1|2 93:1|294:50 There is another cable out there that is a junction hub for USB, tv out and headphones, may be a better idea (charge while you watch a movie)

Please let me know if you find any cool new tweaks or need help with any. I've done a dozen or so, so I might have done the one you're looking at already.

The links I posted previous to the SPB software really are outstanding. Samsung's ROM has improved a lot of things like finger gestures and stuff that have made winmobile more touch friendly so there's some standard SPB stuff I don't think I'll need. So far I have just installed MOBILE SHELL (much better today(now)screen, speed dial and menu shell) and WALLET (256bit encrypted wallet that syncs with desktop). I think that these 2 are going to cover the majority of my useability needs in tandem with the samsung improvements but SPB has a ton of other great winmobile software. Phone Suite and Pocket Plus are really useful as well but some of the features overlap between all the stuff I have going now


This is a huge list for both i900 and i910. Be careful as there are quite a few that are for the i900 that will not work on your i910.

actually ended up getting the 900

Another excellent forum I use to find more tweak info:
http://www.xda-developers.com/

That is a GREAT place for HTC stuff, I got the Custom Schaap ROM for my HTC Hermes there, best rOM for a touch screen phone ever, best today screen anyway, everything I wanted right there and beautiful still

Being a Windows guy now having purchased and tweaked my first Windows based phone I doubt I will ever go back. Active Synch with Exchange e-mail alone is enough reason for me.

you can actually do some admin with winmobile and wifi on windows domains, you're hooked for life



this thing is like an iPhone, only useful!

[Jason]

I've been using finger suite (http://www.freewarepocketpc.net/ppc-download-fingersuite.html) for a few weeks now and it's really nice, specifically the Windows menus augmentation, a lot fatter touch areas

I have this phone loaded down already, it's crazy how many functions it performs for me nowadays. Still cannot heat a room or inflate a tire though =\

[357]

Well my i910 GPS was disabled by Verizon unless you paid $10/month for their Navigator service. They released a statement that they would unlock in the first half of 2009. Well the ROM was leaked, I loaded it and now my GPS works. Woohoo!!!

I downloaded FingerSuite, but I haven't tried it yet. Thanks for the opinion on it. I will give it a try. Have you loaded Advanced Configuration Tool? It allows you to modify the scroll bars and arrows for all WinMo windows. You can do it manually in the registry, but its easier in the GUI. If you search HowardForums or MoDaCo you can find it easily. It does 100s of commonly modified settings all in one GUI. It's a great freebie tool.

[357]

ROM leaked by Verizon includes unlocked GPS. AGPS is not working so it takes a little while to get a good lock. I also have toyed with tethering, which is sharing your phone's data connection to your PC/laptop. It works like a champ with a certain cab file install and you don't have to pay VZ $15/month for it.

If anyone has one of these phones and needs info on how to do this stuff, shoot me a PM or post here in this thread. I'm lovin my Omnia (i910).

[Jason]

I've had a bit of a bother with this thing and was about to start looking for a solution or hack:

bluetooth, my previous HTC could bluetooth files automatically (it would turn bluetooth on when needed and off when finished transferring).

I'm forever bluetoothing files on this i900 only to realize that I haven't turned the bluetooth on, d'oh! This is irritating according to the habits I'd formed from my previous phone.

I have found out that I can leave the bluetooth on all day long and it doesn't eat 10% of the battery. Nice to know and didn't have to add anything on top to solve the problem.

FYI

[357]

I've had a bit of a bother with this thing and was about to start looking for a solution or hack:

bluetooth, my previous HTC could bluetooth files automatically (it would turn bluetooth on when needed and off when finished transferring).

I'm forever bluetoothing files on this i900 only to realize that I haven't turned the bluetooth on, d'oh! This is irritating according to the habits I'd formed from my previous phone.

I have found out that I can leave the bluetooth on all day long and it doesn't eat 10% of the battery. Nice to know and didn't have to add anything on top to solve the problem.

FYI

If you use the "Samsung Today 2" today screen, it has a settings button that gives quick access to BT, Wireless, Flashlight, etc. It's not listed in the today items by default, but it is installed. You have to add a few registry entries and then it'll show up. Modaco has instructions, or I have a reg file if you want to try it.

Mike

[Jason]

If you use the "Samsung Today 2" today screen, it has a settings button that gives quick access to BT, Wireless, Flashlight, etc. It's not listed in the today items by default, but it is installed. You have to add a few registry entries and then it'll show up. Modaco has instructions, or I have a reg file if you want to try it.

Mike

SPB Mobile Shell (my preferred GUI) gives quick enough access, it's just not like me old phone that spoiled me by requiring no input from me at all! Next best think I know of is a registry tweak to toggle BT tied to a hardware button.

but really, leaving it on at all times is perfect. Never seen a phone where it didn't consume a lot of battery tho, this one it does not!