quote:

---

> I have a couple of startacs with the atest firmare. About the only
> thing the latest version does is add movile web and ext meassaging
> capability.The web is way to hard to read on the phone and the test
> messaging output doesn't have an kind of T-9 predictive test input,
> which means it's very slow and pinful to send a test message.
>
> I've taken my startacs out on numerous occaision to fringe areas and
> modern phones have much better digital reception. As far as analog my
> Audiovox 9500 is just as good if not better.
> The only thing about the startac that is better is the voice quality,
> since it is pre 1xrtt and the form factor.
>
> If you hunt carefully among some of the more modern phones, you can get
> a phone with nearly as good analog reception and a much better digital
> reception and a whole lot better screen and feature set.
>
> Many more modern handsets still have an external antenna adapter which
> will provide excellent analog fringe performance in a pinch.
>
> I loved my startac, but after LOTS of side by side reception with many
> more modern phones. My Audiovox 9500 is still better, the v60i is just
> about as good.
>
> Digital reception, for the Startac has been eclipsed by most modern
> phones as well.
>
> In short a firmware upgrade isn't going to add a lot more to the 7868
> useability.
>
> It's probably cheaper to buy a 7868 refurb, than find a VZW store to do
> an update. The Canadian made Timeport is another good option, instead
> of the Chinese built 7868. The keypads on the 7868 are one of the first
> parts to fail in my experience.
>
> Forget the milliwatt ratings and try a real comparison with some
> friends current model cell phones in a fringe analog area. You might be
> surprised how little difference the specs makes.
> AN unactivated phone can still be used to call 611 for test calls.
>
> Sure there are some real dog analog performers, just about any phone
> with a stub antenna will be poor.
>
> Generally, the longer antenna the better the fringe analog reception.
>
> -
> David
>

quote:

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>I did some reading that said that the newer firmware did some other
> improvements as well- something about it's 'sleep' function or whatever.
>
> but basically, you're right- I just want to update it "because I can...!"
>
> are there other flip-phones besides the Audiovox 9500 you'd recommend? I
> like thin and small, w/a real (retractable) antenna.... and I care not a
> lick for color screens, other features like that. I have a Palm Pilot,
> and
> a computer for that other stuff!
>
> ~R.
>
>
> "David L" <davlindi@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1116982766.259204.55350@o13g2000cwo.googlegroups.com...
>
>

quote:

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> Another solution--I started accumulating StarTacs a couple of years
> ago from friends who "upgraded" their phones, and I went a little
> overboard. I have 4 or 5 of them in excellent shape, all with the
> newer firmware, so they are able to do 2-way SMS. You can buy one for
> about the same as they will charge you to upgrade, and you'll have a
> spare phone.
>
> Dean
> _