Well, yeah, I am not a Nokia Phone fan, but Nokia N900 will be my next phone (I’m addicted to mobile phones ok lol). Nah! I have been using a basic phone since last year, this is to accommodate my dual sim need.

But I guess using 2 SIMs at the same time is not that practical at all. So I decided to cancel one of the network’s plan that I am using as soon as it expires.

My need right now, is a smart phone that is capable of anything online . A fast machine that will keep me organized and will keep me connected to the internet whenever I need to, and a lot of things of course

I guess my intro is long enough lol! yeah, I have been eyeing on the Nokia N900. This is the first ever Nokia phone that I intent to buy, and I will buy it soon!!!!!

Why Nokia N900?

Nokia N900 Features and Specifications

(will update this post later)

So How much does Nokia N900 costs here in the Philippines? I already went to two stores so far, and here are their prices:

(Will update the store name later)

Store 1: Php27,000

Store2: 28,000

All in cash basis

Why buy the Myphone Q22 Qwerty Phone?

This is a cheap phone. If you are on a tight budget yet you want a dual SIM qwerty talk and text phone, then this phone is for you. As I mentioned earlier this is a super cheap phone, so don’t expect it to do a lot of things except for talk and texting (and then some).

I’m really sorry for the delay, my camera and video camera were stolen.
To be updated later……

But in case where the settings are not installed, you can get the settings here

To check if the settings are installed, go to Main menu – > Services -> Data Account – >GPRS

Basically, you should see entries like Smart MMS,Smart GPRS,myGlobe MMS,myGlobe GPRS etc etc…..

Assuming you have installed the correct settings, go to Main Menu -> Services -> WAP -> (Sim 1 or Sim2) – > Settings -> Edit Account -> (Sim 1 or Sim2) -> Select the appropriate settings for that SIMs network. (i.e. If Globe is installed on SIM slot 1, you should select myGlobe WAP) etc.

Do the same for SIM2

To test,Go to Main Menu – > Services -> WAP – > Sim 1 or Sim 2 -> Homepage. This should display the WAP homepage of that particular network.

For GPRS/MMS activation, please call the respective customer service of your SIMs network provider

The pinoy contents is supposed to have the following:

• Prayers
• Alam mo ba?
• Great Filipino Quotes
• Bugtong
• Salawikain
• Joke Joke Joke
• Famous Movie lines
• OPM
• Sing -a – long
• Tunog Pinoy
• Pinoy Library
• Pinoy Gallery

Just tonight, I received an email from the admins of myphone duality forum (i believe), giving links to download the pinoy contents for free. So I am really happy. I am downloading the contents right now.

If you want to download Pinoy Phone contents, click here

I’m not sure on up to when this will be available, so download now!

My comparison is based on the features that I had tried so far. Will update this post as soon as I encounter something that is worth posting here lol.

Price Comparison:

Myphone Q21 costs around Php4700.00 while Myphone Q22 costs Php 3540.00.

Physical

In my opinion, the manufacturer spent more on Q21′s physical construction, mostly on the materials used, thus the price difference. Well, that’s just my observation and opinion. Q21 feels solid, looks elegant (I only have the black one, so I can only speak for that particular unit). On the other hand, Q22 looks cheap at first glance,but it is still ok for me. it feels like a creaky plastic, plus I hate the Philippines map at the back cover (duh!)

Features and Menu

Features are almost the same. The arrangement of Icons in the main menu is different on both phones. There are extra icons in the Q22 main menu. These are mainly links to several sites like Yahoo, facebook, twiter, friendster among others, which I find really annoying.

Q21 Menu displays basic icons which you usually access, which I prefer.

Illustration:

Magic Voice

No Magic voice is installed in Q22, while it is found at Q21′s general call settings. What is Magic Voice? The very basic and simple way to describe it is, even when you are a girl, your caller can hear a man’s voice if magic voice is activated (depends on setting). I find this useful when I received some ‘makulit’ callers lol.

Earphones

Myphone Q22 earphones is really improved.

Sounds

Both deliver quality sound when the built in speaker is activated

Keypad and texting

Texting using Q21 is really hassle free. Characters are displayed on the screen as you type them, no delays. This is also true with Q22.

What I noticed though in Q22′s keypad, there are some awkward keys (i don’t know how to describe this lol). This is mostly on the function keys. See marked areas in the picture below. Though, when you get used to it, it will not be your concern anymore.

‘Period’ (.) has its own key in Q22, unlike in Q21 that you need to press Alt M, or select in the list of symbols.

Just recently I noticed this, Myphone Q22 keypad is softer than Q21, thus giving me a more comfortable feel while texting.

Final Notes

If you are on a very tight budget and you want a qwerty phone, with basic functionality, and you don’t mind not having the magic voice, well Myphone Q22 is the one to buy. If you find the physical a bit cheap, you can always opt to dress it up with cellphone skin. I had seen the white one, and its quite elegant, you can choose to get this  instead.

Otherwise, go for Myphone Q21. I prefer to have this personally

But, with some improvements in Q22, I believe the next Qwerty phone from Myphone would be next to perfect! waaaaa I hope they’ll give me one!!!! lol! (wishful thinking)

I bet the manufacturer of these phones is tired of hearing  about Myphone being a ‘China Phone’, that’s why most of their newly released phones, including Myphone Q22 are shouting, ‘This is a Pinoy Phone’ lol! You can even see the words ‘Wala ka sa phone ko’ written in the box

Anyways, yes, this is not a China Phone, This is a Myphone Phone lol. I guess you’re not gonna call a Nokia Phone that is made in China a China Phone, It is still a Nokia Phone, so as Myphone Phones lol.

Myphone Q22 Features and Specifications:

• Type: Dual SIM Qwerty Phone
• Data Connection: GSM / GPRS
• Frequency Range: 900/1800/1900 MHz
• Display: 2.2″  220 x 176 TFT
• Browser: WAP 2.0
• Messaging: SMS, MMS, EMS, Chat, Email
• Ringing Melody: MP3, True Tones, MIDI
• Connectivity: Bluetooth with A2DP / USB
• Imaging: 1.3 MP Camera
• Phonebook: 1000 Entries
• Card Slot: Micro SD / T-Flash up to 8GB
• FM Radio

MyPhone Q22 Unboxing Pics

What’s in the Box?

Price: Php 3540.00  @ EdgeCom

“Wala ka sa Phone ko!”

I love the features, but I hate the look!  Solution? GMASK

Just click on the thumbnail to see bigger view, sorry for poor quality images though hehe

Gmask branch: Robinson’s Place Ermita

Also, I would like to thank the staffs for texting me informing me that I forgot my change (Php455.00). They are very honest and accommodating. Your boss should give you an award or something

Price: Php 1545.00

How to connect your myphone Q21 to your PC?

1. On idle screen, plug in your phone to your PC using the provided USB cable.
2. Phone:  you will be asked for the USB configuration, just select ‘COM PORT’
3. Install the USB Cable driver on your PC (also provided in the CD)
4. PC: Go to Control Panel – > Device Manager
5. Check entry for ‘Ports (Com and LPT1), USB Modem Driver (COM<n>). Take note of the Communication port specified (e.g. COM13).
6. Run Phone suite application.
7. Go to Settings. On the General Tab, select mobile phone type (176×220 or 220×176 doesn’t matter I think). Then, select the COM port defined in the device manager.
8. Go to Create Connection Tab. Click the [Create] button. Modem in Com Port 13 should be added in the list.
9. 
10. PhoneSuite should then be able to connect with your phone and the message ‘Connected’ should be displayed at the lower right corner of your screen.
11. If not, disconnect the USB cable and reconnect.
12. Done. Pardon for some grammatical errors and cluttered display, this is a quick post

Why buy My Phone Q21 Duo?

You maybe wondering why I bought this phone instead of some known brands. I choose my gadgets based on my needs and considering what I can afford or how much I am willing to spend.  I believe that not all latest and known brands really can answer what I really need. I also take risks on some new brands, like my Neo Laptop, which is now over 2 1/2 years, alive and kicking .

Update: I bought this phone the week of August 14 more or less. Performance never changes as of today 01-06-2010

Myphone Q21 Duo What’s in the box

Package contains the following:

• Q21 Duo Unit
• Battery
• Charger
• Manuals
• Earphones
• PC Sync Software Mini CD
• Warranty Card

I will compile all your questions on my previous post, and will try to answer them here. Please direct your questions about My|Phone Q21 Duo in this post

Myphone Q21 Duo Question and Answer area:

Menus and screens: I have posted a video displaying Myphone Q21s Menus and screens. Please check if out

Where to buy Myphone Q21 Duo?    – I bought mine at Compex, SM San Lazaro Branch. I assume that most of the Compex Branches carries the said phone.
You can try to look at the ff. shops, I saw the Myphone Q21 or at least a Myphone brand on their display  (All at SM):

• ADI telecom
• Wellcom
• DGD Trading

I’ll update this list as soon as I noticed new shops carrying Myphone units

How Much? – Got mine for PHP4750.00. It was on sale then. Less 200 if I remember it right.

Does it have WI-FI? – No, it doesn’t have wi-fi features. You can connect to the internet using GPRS. MMS and GPRS settings for Globe,Smart and Sun Cellular are already configured in the phone. Just double check if they are correct . Settings can be found at Myphone Q21 page at the myphone site.

Firmware Upgrade – It is advisable to upgrade Myphone Q21 Duo’s firmware. If your firmware is dated earlier than [BUILD TIME] 2009/05/27 16:16, you should go to any MyPhone Service centers.  Just bring your receipt and warranty card, no other requirements. Firmware upgrade is free as long as it’s still under warranty. It only takes about 15-20 minutes.

What’s new on the latest firmware [BUILD TIME] 2009/05/27 16:16:

Update (01-06-2010): I have been reading about build time later than specified above but with prior version of the firmware. I guess this is not the basis. One thing  for sure is to check if you can change your text message alert tone. If not, you have the old version.

• You can now change the Message/SMS alert tone

• Magic Voice

• Improved Display (I barely notice though lol)

• Added save and send option when replying to a message

• MSN already installed in Java and Games

<will update later>

How to check firmware version – Press  *#8375# scroll down and you will see the [BUILD TIME] entry.

What type of  Software was installed? – This I don’t have an answer yet

How in install PC Suite - Copy all the files from the CD. Run application. that’s it. No installation needed. I have a new post on connecting your phone to a PC using the PC Suite. Please check.

Does it have lock function where only me can access the phone? – Nope. Just the usual key lock function.

Do you find it easy to type long texts in myphone q21? - Yes typing long text is just the same as typing short ones and of course, texting in a a qwerty keyboard is much much easier than multi tap. Others are concerned about the period key not directly available in the keypad. Its a matter of getting used to it actually. I use the [sym] key in inserting period. Period is the first entry in the list so its just easier to use that ( for me) than pressing [alt][M].

Is it easy to browse all messages you’ve stored in the phone (like drafts)? – hmm drafts or unsent messages are saved in the the outbox.  For drafts, all you can see when browsing messages is the word ‘No Number’. So I guess its hard to identify which is which.

Battery Life – Approximately 2 days (heavy texting, maximum  1hr call)

Charging Time – Approximately 2-3hrs?  I’ll try to set a timer later haha

Any problems with charging or convenient naman? USB charging is possible, right? Yes, USB charging is possible. The travel charger serves like a AC/USB Adaptor? where in the USB cable can be detached when you want to connect/charge the phone using your computer.

How to open the back cover? -  Simply push / slide the cover down. As in the picture  below

Phone Message Capacity (update 01-06-2010): I believe 500 messages for each SIM. For When 1 SIM reaches 500, that’s the time I was informed about the space problem.

Can the phone Record and Play Videos? Yes, it can record videos. The video format saved is .AVI. It can play videos of several formats, but I haven’t tried playing them all. I only tried playing the AVI file. Though, it is reported (from one of my readers ), that the phone is not capable of playing MP4 files. I still need to confirm this.

Update (01-06-2010):  One of the commenters also has problem playing AVI files. I’m not sure if this phone is just limited to certain version of the format.

Does my myphone Q21 captures high quality pictures? NO. (Wag na po umasa lol)

Memory Expandable? - Yes. Up tp 2 GB

Is there a way to change the theme or font color? – Nope. You can change only the wallpaper. Maybe on the next upgrade. who knows

Available colors (Update: 01-06-2010): Originally, black only, but other users reported other colors such as Yellow Ninoy Version, White, Red and Pink. Though I haven’t seen these new colors yet lol.

Does  myphone Q21 duo has a “Send to Group” or “Mark” function?- Yes on both. In using the send to group function, just make sure that your contacts are saved in the ‘Phone’ for it to work.

Update (01-06-2010): I had encountered some problems in the send to group functions, in cases where I changed the phonebook information and that particular entry is in a particular group.

Sounds and Music Capability: The phone produces a very loud sound that is smooth, not ‘basag’ hehe, when the built in speaker is used .   I can give this phone a 9.0 grade with 10 is the highest in this category.  But don’t expect much with the included headset. The headset produces low quality sound.

How to adjust volume of Audio Player?:  Just press the  ‘+’  (plus) key to make it louder, the ‘-’  (minus)  key otherwise.

Can this phone read microsoft word, notepad, powerpoint, ebook documents? : The only format that it’s capable of reading is the text  format (.txt files)

Does it have FM Radio?: Yes

Can you set different ringtones for different contacts? Yes

Where to find the Magic Voice? Main Menu -> Call Center -> General Call Settings -> Magic Voice

Do you know if there are already accessories available like car chargers? - Try to visit any Sony Service center, or those listed on their site

Are you still satisfied with the phone? (02-11-2010) YES.

INFORMATION FROM OTHER USERS:

• From VJ: This is not a comment but more of an info to everybody who has been using My Phone Q21 for awhile.  I just experienced a problem on its screen display recently. It displayed vertical bars accross the whole screen which made it hard to read text messages then after a while of being idle, the screen becomes blank (white). I got this phone last Aug. 7, ‘09. The symptom of the problem started in Jan. 2 ‘10. I already planned to visit the service center though. I really loved this phone as it has performed according to my expectations and needs so far before this problem showed up.
• From MyMaria:  Sometimes when I take a picture, it gives an error that the photo can’t be saved… or something like that. they said it’s a hardware thing so they’ll just replace it… the thing is, we have to wait 2 months or so to order the camera parts… toink!