Best cellular phone for use with Mac OS X

A Little Peaved! · 12-13-2002, 01:16 PM

Thus far I have avoided cellular phone dependency and possible brain tumor growth...

...but the time has come where I need to select a phone and service plan.

I LOATHE the nefarious plans and policies designed to extract more money from my pocket on yet another ongoing, regular monthly basis.

But, nevermind that, what phone (and/or service) might make me happy?

Requirements:

* sync names with Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X via USB and/or Bluetooth

* loud volume to hear in loud bars (why o why do so many phones just suck at this task???)

* speakerphone

* can use with headset

* small would be nice

* calendar might be nice, must sync with computer (and not be too craptacular in design, ease of use, etc.!)

* analog for use in remote areas (call for help when stuck in mountain avalanche whle snowboarding!)

* cool looking design

* readily available documentation and SDK for writing custom software (preferably, good existing software already available, PLUS option to write better software, without techincal or licensing barriers!)

Should be easy to find, eh?

Could not find ANY Apple, Macintosh or Mac OS X mention on NOKIA, MOTOROLA, or SONY ERICSSON sites!!!

(My preference would be a Nokia or Motorola phone, for aesthetic reasons mostly)

That is why... I am...

PEAVED!

A Little Peaved! · 12-15-2002, 02:56 PM

hmmm, no replies...

1. At a minimum, I am simply looking for cellular phones which are compatible with Mac OS X, for exchanging name and calendar data.

2. Is Nokia PC Suite software compatible with Mac OS X and Virtual PC?

3. What phone companies provide SDK's or info for developing Mac software to communicate with phone?

thanks...

darkpaw · 12-15-2002, 06:10 PM

If the Nokia PC Suite works on Windows, it will work in VirtualPC. VPC simply emulates the PC's hardware and runs the same operating system that you'd find on a regular PC.

If the software requires your phone to be connected via a serial port, you'll be out of luck since Macs don't have them. If it uses ISB, it should work through VPC since it has good USB device support.

Go to Apple's site to see what phones are compatible with things like iSync and Bluetooth etc.

A Little Peaved! · 12-15-2002, 06:33 PM

Can someone who has actually used Nokia PC Suite under Virtual PC confirm whether it works or not?

thanks

darkpaw · 12-15-2002, 08:18 PM

The Nokia PC Suite is a Windows application. If it runs on a normal PC, it will run on Virtual PC.

Your only query now is knowing how a Nokia phone connects to the computer... A quick check on the Nokia site shows they use either Infra-red (not likely to find that on your Mac as standard) or a serial cable. The Mac doesn't use serial ports, so you wouldn't be able to connect the phone to the computer in the first place (though I only performed a quick scan, so there might be some phones using a USB cable).

The other connection method is via Bluetooth. You need a Bluetooth adapter card installed in your Mac for that to work (I believe Apple are selling one for around $50 on the Apple Store).

You should really look for a phone that has a native Mac OS X synchronisation application. I find VPC is very slow, even on my Dual 867 G4!!! (Apparently, Connectix are working with Apple to fix this.)

Like I said, check out the phones that Apple's Bluetooth software already works with. Here: http://www.apple.com/bluetooth/

HTH.

A Little Peaved! · 12-15-2002, 08:45 PM

darkpaw,

It's really not necessary to repeat yourself.

There are quite a few things wrong about your suggestions.

Thanks for trying to help, though.

Someone else, please?

darkpaw · 12-16-2002, 01:05 PM

Well, I apologise for trying to help you

I went to the Nokia site to find the info for you. I found out which connections were possible under Virtual PC. I found out what connections the phones use. I gave you information on the only other connection method possible (Bluetooth) and a link to Apple's site with the information you need.

What is wrong with the info I gave you?

A Little Peaved! · 12-16-2002, 06:16 PM

darkpaw,

yes, thanks for the effort!

I certainly don't want to sound unappreciative!!!

...but, i'm looking for more specific, accurate information.

here are problems I have with your suggestions... other opinions may differ, but so it goes.

1. You say if software runs on PC, it will run on Virtual PC. FALSE. Virtual PC is not always a perfect substitute. (It is a very good substitute, though.)

2. You say Mac does not use serial ports. FALSE. Older Macs do, and modern Macs have serial port options thay may or may not work, depending on specific use.

3. You say you need a Bluetooth adapter for Mac. FALSE. Some Macs include Bluetooth.

4. You imply that Nokia is infrared or cable only. FALSE. Nokia makes some phones with Bluetooth.

5. You suggest check Apple website for phones with Bluetooth. BAD SUGGESTION. Bluetooth compatibility does not guarantee iSync compatibility.

6. "You should really look for a phone that has a native Mac OS X synchronisation application." uh, yeah, that was the point of my post. But, I have learned, right now it is all very WISHFUL only. Phone manufacturers do not offer such a thing. Apple offers iSync (http://www.apple.com/isync/ lists compatible phones, but there ar every few phones, and I don't like them. Sony Ericsson have very bad reviews regarding signal reception.) Third party Mac OS X phone sync support is very sketchy right now. There are a few apps (see www.versiontracker.com), but they seem to be in early infancy stage, which I find to be to too unreliable for serious professional dependence.

So, there you have it.

But, like I said, I appreciate your efforts and thank you for your time!

Hope this helps...

NOT peaved at darkpaw!

STILL PEAVED otherwise!

darkpaw · 12-17-2002, 11:09 AM

You sound unappreciative in every post! Try not to end them with "STILL PEAVED". It makes you sound angry

We're here to help you

I think you should tell us your system configuration (what machine are you using, do you own VPC? etc.), find all the phones you like, list them here and let people tell you if they work or not. Or better still, contact the phone manufacturers directly and ask them whether their phones work on Mac OS X.

Here is a bit of info on compatible Bluetooth phones and how they connect, if you're interested: http://www.macuser.co.uk/labs/labs_s...s&site=macuser

This info was sent to me today, so it's pretty new and up-to-date.

A Little Peaved! · 12-17-2002, 06:27 PM

i AM angry... at a lousy technology industry that still can't produce the products and services that are effective, useful and affordable for my needs!!!

It's 2002, fer crissakes... how long have cellular phones, PDA's, networking and computers been on the market?

And yet, no easy, simple, effective, widespread, well-supported, well-designed, high-qulaity, good performance, reliable, inexpensive solution for managing contact and calendar data in a cellphone with my Mac.

i spent more than TEN DAMN HOURS to research this topic, and luckily have the resources and knowledge to sift through the fluff to find REAL answers... NO major phone manufacturer has ANY MENTION WHATSOEVER about Apple Macintosh software for their cellphone products.

But, the sad thing is, the answer is that there is no GOOD QUALITY PHONE that supports SyncML necessary for Apple iSync.

That's why,

I AM PEAVED!

at phone manufacturers
at Apple shortcomings
at complacent consumers

but still NOT peaved at darkpaw!

A Little Peaved! · 12-17-2002, 07:03 PM

DAMMIT

from http://www.macuser.co.uk/labs/labs_...es&site=macuser

"once iSync improves the number of phones it can link with"

Macuser UK screwed up. Apple iSync relies on THE PHONE MANUFACTURER TO IMPLEMENT SyncML technology.

What a load of crap article!!!

From the Mac user's perspective, all Bluetooth does is eliminate the use of a cable if you use your phone as a modem for your Mac.

THERE IS NO OTHER INTERCONNECTIVITY!!!

(except perhaps you can SMS ONE DAMN ADDRESS AT A TIME BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN PHONE AND MAC... does that sound like fun or useful to you????)

DOES MACUSER HIGHLIGHT THE FACT THAT ONLY A FEW SONY ERICSSON PHONES, OUT ALL THE HUNDREDS OF MILLION CELL PHONES SOLD ANNUALLY SUPPORT SyncML and Apple iSYNC???

NO. THE SHODDY, DECREPIT JOURNALISM IN THAT TIRED RAG HIDES THE FACT, BY HIGHLIGHTING THE T68i capabilities, INSTEAD.

WHAT HYPE! WHAT FLUFF! DOES THE INDUSTRY PAY MACUSER UK TO PUBLSIH THEIR PR, OR IS MACUSER SUPPOSED TO PROVIDE JOURNALISM AND REPORTING THAT HELPS MAC USERS?????

YOU DECIDE.

OR NOT, AND TOLERATE SUCH RUBBISH.

DAMMIT

I AM MORE PEAVED NOW THAT LEADING MAC PUBLICATIONS FAIL TO ADDRESS PRODUCT AND INDSUTRY SHORTCOMINGS AND TRULY ADDRESS REAL USERS' NEEDS!!!

mervTormel · 12-17-2002, 07:23 PM

perhaps you need a sedative? and perhaps you need to lower your expectations?

ranting here is most likely non-productive. poor darkpaw's admirable efforts have been run through the wood chipper.

the truth is the Mac market is rather small potatoes and perhaps the mfgrs did the math and it just wasn't economical to develop in the Mac direction yet.

i wish you would get a grip; you seem to be coming unhinged.

get a ticonderoga No. 2 and a big chief legal pad and read John Kennedy Toole's "Confederacy of Dunces"

darkpaw · 12-17-2002, 07:24 PM

I think they concentrated on the T68i because it IS compatible with iSync. It wouldn't be very good of them to have said, "Yes, this phone is compatible" and then skipped over what you can expect from it.

Have you contacted the phone companies to see whether they are planning to support iSync and SyncML? I contacted a company a while ago to see if they were going to support my friend's webcam since there was no info on their site. They sent me the link to the latest driver they were working on, which hadn't been released yet. Try it, though YMMV...

A Little Peaved! · 12-17-2002, 07:38 PM

see also:

http://forums.macosxhints.com/showth...?threadid=7838

A Little Peaved! · 12-17-2002, 07:45 PM

mervTormel,

I absolutely, expressed NO CRITICISM of darkpaw, and stated so quite a FEW times!!!

Lower expectations? right. excuse me while I go outside to light some wood for the signal fire, and gather some papyrus to write on.

Go watch Amadeus or something, and root for mediocrity instead of Mozart's work, if it makes you feel good.

yeesh. I don't think ANYONE is here BECAUSE they want LESS from their Macintosh, OR BECAUSE they CHOSE Macintosh BECAUSE it is more mediocre than other platforms.

WHY SHOULD ANYONE SETTLE FOR SUBPAR, LATE-TO-MARKET, LAME PRODUCTS???

Bad advice.

But, maybe the proper medication would do me good. NUMB MYSELF instead of RAISE EXPECTATIONS and MEET CHALLENGES.

mmmyyeah. I'll get right on that.

(Apologizing for "wasting bandwidth", but not apologizing for expressing opinion and promoting RAISING product quality.)

just tired of it all.

A Little Peaved! · 06-03-2003, 11:38 AM

...SIX AND A HALF MONTHS LATER...

A few more phones supported by isync:

http://www.apple.com/isync/

Any comments about using compatible phones and isync?

Craig R. Arko · 06-03-2003, 12:34 PM

None that I can think of.

boobie · 06-03-2003, 01:14 PM

can i suggest the use of _underscores_ instead of capitals. your yelling is scaring me.

darkpaw · 06-03-2003, 03:37 PM

And me. Makes me wanna report every post he makes to the mods...

darkpaw · 06-03-2003, 05:47 PM

The Nokia 7650 works fine with iSync 1.1 (released today) over Bluetooth.

12-13-2002, 01:16 PM	#1
A Little Peaved! Major Leaguer Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 463	Best cellular phone for use with Mac OS X Thus far I have avoided cellular phone dependency and possible brain tumor growth... ...but the time has come where I need to select a phone and service plan. I LOATHE the nefarious plans and policies designed to extract more money from my pocket on yet another ongoing, regular monthly basis. But, nevermind that, what phone (and/or service) might make me happy? Requirements: * sync names with Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X via USB and/or Bluetooth * loud volume to hear in loud bars (why o why do so many phones just suck at this task???) * speakerphone * can use with headset * small would be nice * calendar might be nice, must sync with computer (and not be too craptacular in design, ease of use, etc.!) * analog for use in remote areas (call for help when stuck in mountain avalanche whle snowboarding!) * cool looking design * readily available documentation and SDK for writing custom software (preferably, good existing software already available, PLUS option to write better software, without techincal or licensing barriers!) Should be easy to find, eh? Could not find ANY Apple, Macintosh or Mac OS X mention on NOKIA, MOTOROLA, or SONY ERICSSON sites!!! (My preference would be a Nokia or Motorola phone, for aesthetic reasons mostly) That is why... I am... PEAVED!

12-17-2002, 07:23 PM	#12
mervTormel League Commissioner Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 5,536	perhaps you need a sedative? and perhaps you need to lower your expectations? ranting here is most likely non-productive. poor darkpaw's admirable efforts have been run through the wood chipper. the truth is the Mac market is rather small potatoes and perhaps the mfgrs did the math and it just wasn't economical to develop in the Mac direction yet. i wish you would get a grip; you seem to be coming unhinged. get a ticonderoga No. 2 and a big chief legal pad and read John Kennedy Toole's "Confederacy of Dunces" __________________ On a clear disk, you can seek forever.

06-03-2003, 03:37 PM	#19
darkpaw All Star Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: England Posts: 513	And me. Makes me wanna report every post he makes to the mods... __________________ http://www.keeponfighting.net - Fighting for animal rights http://www.darkpaw.co.uk http://www.needstuff.co.uk - Recycle your unwanted clutter for FREE! (UK only)

06-03-2003, 05:47 PM	#20
darkpaw All Star Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: England Posts: 513	The Nokia 7650 works fine with iSync 1.1 (released today) over Bluetooth. __________________ http://www.keeponfighting.net - Fighting for animal rights http://www.darkpaw.co.uk http://www.needstuff.co.uk - Recycle your unwanted clutter for FREE! (UK only)

12-15-2002, 02:56 PM	#2
A Little Peaved! Major Leaguer Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 463	hmmm, no replies... 1. At a minimum, I am simply looking for cellular phones which are compatible with Mac OS X, for exchanging name and calendar data. 2. Is Nokia PC Suite software compatible with Mac OS X and Virtual PC? 3. What phone companies provide SDK's or info for developing Mac software to communicate with phone? thanks...

12-15-2002, 06:10 PM	#3
darkpaw All Star Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: England Posts: 513	If the Nokia PC Suite works on Windows, it will work in VirtualPC. VPC simply emulates the PC's hardware and runs the same operating system that you'd find on a regular PC. If the software requires your phone to be connected via a serial port, you'll be out of luck since Macs don't have them. If it uses ISB, it should work through VPC since it has good USB device support. Go to Apple's site to see what phones are compatible with things like iSync and Bluetooth etc.

12-15-2002, 06:33 PM	#4
A Little Peaved! Major Leaguer Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 463	Can someone who has actually used Nokia PC Suite under Virtual PC confirm whether it works or not? thanks

12-15-2002, 08:18 PM	#5
darkpaw All Star Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: England Posts: 513	The Nokia PC Suite is a Windows application. If it runs on a normal PC, it will run on Virtual PC. Your only query now is knowing how a Nokia phone connects to the computer... A quick check on the Nokia site shows they use either Infra-red (not likely to find that on your Mac as standard) or a serial cable. The Mac doesn't use serial ports, so you wouldn't be able to connect the phone to the computer in the first place (though I only performed a quick scan, so there might be some phones using a USB cable). The other connection method is via Bluetooth. You need a Bluetooth adapter card installed in your Mac for that to work (I believe Apple are selling one for around $50 on the Apple Store). You should really look for a phone that has a native Mac OS X synchronisation application. I find VPC is very slow, even on my Dual 867 G4!!! (Apparently, Connectix are working with Apple to fix this.) Like I said, check out the phones that Apple's Bluetooth software already works with. Here: http://www.apple.com/bluetooth/ HTH.

12-15-2002, 08:45 PM	#6
A Little Peaved! Major Leaguer Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 463	darkpaw, It's really not necessary to repeat yourself. There are quite a few things wrong about your suggestions. Thanks for trying to help, though. Someone else, please?

12-16-2002, 01:05 PM	#7
darkpaw All Star Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: England Posts: 513	Well, I apologise for trying to help you I went to the Nokia site to find the info for you. I found out which connections were possible under Virtual PC. I found out what connections the phones use. I gave you information on the only other connection method possible (Bluetooth) and a link to Apple's site with the information you need. What is wrong with the info I gave you?

12-16-2002, 06:16 PM	#8
A Little Peaved! Major Leaguer Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 463	darkpaw, yes, thanks for the effort! I certainly don't want to sound unappreciative!!! ...but, i'm looking for more specific, accurate information. here are problems I have with your suggestions... other opinions may differ, but so it goes. 1. You say if software runs on PC, it will run on Virtual PC. FALSE. Virtual PC is not always a perfect substitute. (It is a very good substitute, though.) 2. You say Mac does not use serial ports. FALSE. Older Macs do, and modern Macs have serial port options thay may or may not work, depending on specific use. 3. You say you need a Bluetooth adapter for Mac. FALSE. Some Macs include Bluetooth. 4. You imply that Nokia is infrared or cable only. FALSE. Nokia makes some phones with Bluetooth. 5. You suggest check Apple website for phones with Bluetooth. BAD SUGGESTION. Bluetooth compatibility does not guarantee iSync compatibility. 6. "You should really look for a phone that has a native Mac OS X synchronisation application." uh, yeah, that was the point of my post. But, I have learned, right now it is all very WISHFUL only. Phone manufacturers do not offer such a thing. Apple offers iSync (http://www.apple.com/isync/ lists compatible phones, but there ar every few phones, and I don't like them. Sony Ericsson have very bad reviews regarding signal reception.) Third party Mac OS X phone sync support is very sketchy right now. There are a few apps (see www.versiontracker.com), but they seem to be in early infancy stage, which I find to be to too unreliable for serious professional dependence. So, there you have it. But, like I said, I appreciate your efforts and thank you for your time! Hope this helps... NOT peaved at darkpaw! STILL PEAVED otherwise!

12-17-2002, 11:09 AM	#9
darkpaw All Star Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: England Posts: 513	You sound unappreciative in every post! Try not to end them with "STILL PEAVED". It makes you sound angry We're here to help you I think you should tell us your system configuration (what machine are you using, do you own VPC? etc.), find all the phones you like, list them here and let people tell you if they work or not. Or better still, contact the phone manufacturers directly and ask them whether their phones work on Mac OS X. Here is a bit of info on compatible Bluetooth phones and how they connect, if you're interested: http://www.macuser.co.uk/labs/labs_s...s&site=macuser This info was sent to me today, so it's pretty new and up-to-date.

12-17-2002, 06:27 PM	#10
A Little Peaved! Major Leaguer Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 463	i AM angry... at a lousy technology industry that still can't produce the products and services that are effective, useful and affordable for my needs!!! It's 2002, fer crissakes... how long have cellular phones, PDA's, networking and computers been on the market? And yet, no easy, simple, effective, widespread, well-supported, well-designed, high-qulaity, good performance, reliable, inexpensive solution for managing contact and calendar data in a cellphone with my Mac. i spent more than TEN DAMN HOURS to research this topic, and luckily have the resources and knowledge to sift through the fluff to find REAL answers... NO major phone manufacturer has ANY MENTION WHATSOEVER about Apple Macintosh software for their cellphone products. But, the sad thing is, the answer is that there is no GOOD QUALITY PHONE that supports SyncML necessary for Apple iSync. That's why, I AM PEAVED! at phone manufacturers at Apple shortcomings at complacent consumers but still NOT peaved at darkpaw!

12-17-2002, 07:03 PM	#11
A Little Peaved! Major Leaguer Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 463	DAMMIT from http://www.macuser.co.uk/labs/labs_...es&site=macuser "once iSync improves the number of phones it can link with" Macuser UK screwed up. Apple iSync relies on THE PHONE MANUFACTURER TO IMPLEMENT SyncML technology. What a load of crap article!!! From the Mac user's perspective, all Bluetooth does is eliminate the use of a cable if you use your phone as a modem for your Mac. THERE IS NO OTHER INTERCONNECTIVITY!!! (except perhaps you can SMS ONE DAMN ADDRESS AT A TIME BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN PHONE AND MAC... does that sound like fun or useful to you????) DOES MACUSER HIGHLIGHT THE FACT THAT ONLY A FEW SONY ERICSSON PHONES, OUT ALL THE HUNDREDS OF MILLION CELL PHONES SOLD ANNUALLY SUPPORT SyncML and Apple iSYNC??? NO. THE SHODDY, DECREPIT JOURNALISM IN THAT TIRED RAG HIDES THE FACT, BY HIGHLIGHTING THE T68i capabilities, INSTEAD. WHAT HYPE! WHAT FLUFF! DOES THE INDUSTRY PAY MACUSER UK TO PUBLSIH THEIR PR, OR IS MACUSER SUPPOSED TO PROVIDE JOURNALISM AND REPORTING THAT HELPS MAC USERS????? YOU DECIDE. OR NOT, AND TOLERATE SUCH RUBBISH. DAMMIT I AM MORE PEAVED NOW THAT LEADING MAC PUBLICATIONS FAIL TO ADDRESS PRODUCT AND INDSUTRY SHORTCOMINGS AND TRULY ADDRESS REAL USERS' NEEDS!!!

12-17-2002, 07:24 PM	#13
darkpaw All Star Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: England Posts: 513	I think they concentrated on the T68i because it IS compatible with iSync. It wouldn't be very good of them to have said, "Yes, this phone is compatible" and then skipped over what you can expect from it. Have you contacted the phone companies to see whether they are planning to support iSync and SyncML? I contacted a company a while ago to see if they were going to support my friend's webcam since there was no info on their site. They sent me the link to the latest driver they were working on, which hadn't been released yet. Try it, though YMMV...

12-17-2002, 07:38 PM	#14
A Little Peaved! Major Leaguer Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 463	see also: http://forums.macosxhints.com/showth...?threadid=7838

12-17-2002, 07:45 PM	#15
A Little Peaved! Major Leaguer Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 463	mervTormel, I absolutely, expressed NO CRITICISM of darkpaw, and stated so quite a FEW times!!! Lower expectations? right. excuse me while I go outside to light some wood for the signal fire, and gather some papyrus to write on. Go watch Amadeus or something, and root for mediocrity instead of Mozart's work, if it makes you feel good. yeesh. I don't think ANYONE is here BECAUSE they want LESS from their Macintosh, OR BECAUSE they CHOSE Macintosh BECAUSE it is more mediocre than other platforms. WHY SHOULD ANYONE SETTLE FOR SUBPAR, LATE-TO-MARKET, LAME PRODUCTS??? Bad advice. But, maybe the proper medication would do me good. NUMB MYSELF instead of RAISE EXPECTATIONS and MEET CHALLENGES. mmmyyeah. I'll get right on that. (Apologizing for "wasting bandwidth", but not apologizing for expressing opinion and promoting RAISING product quality.) just tired of it all.

06-03-2003, 11:38 AM	#16
A Little Peaved! Major Leaguer Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 463	...SIX AND A HALF MONTHS LATER... A few more phones supported by isync: http://www.apple.com/isync/ Any comments about using compatible phones and isync?

06-03-2003, 12:34 PM	#17
Craig R. Arko Site Admin Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 3,988	None that I can think of.

06-03-2003, 01:14 PM	#18
boobie Prospect Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 20	can i suggest the use of _underscores_ instead of capitals. your yelling is scaring me.