Nokia 6280 - Problems, Problems, Problems

[Hands0n]

I was seriously considering the Nokia 6280 on T-Mobile's Flext + Web 'n Walk until I spent some time with my local mobile phone dealer, who's advice I tend to trust reasonably as it has borne out when checked. He gave me a big steer away from the 6280 - but being a stubborn chap I persisted. To cut a long story short, he advised me to go do some digging around the Internet before coming back to him. If I absolutely insist, then he will sell me one :-)

Having done my bit of research .... I rather think that a Nokia 6280 will be one of the last handsets that I would ever consider ..... unless the situation with it changes, by which time there will be other more interesting handsets on the market.

Read on ...

The Nokia forum thread for the 6280 (http://discussions.nokia.co.uk/discussions/board/message?board.id=phones&message.id=2095&view=by_date_ascending&page=1)is buzzing with users from all over the world complaining about the handset resetting and other problems. The bulk appear to be on the 3 network - but there is also talk appearing later on in the thread which relates to the 6280 on Vodafone also. Other networks may follow as the thread matures - 3 had exclusivity on the 6280 briefly and that may explain the reason why the bulk of complaints relate to the handset as supplied by them.

One disgruntled owner posted the following ....

Nokia is well aware of the problems with the 6280, a friend of mine works for Vodaphone and has been told that nokia is working round the clock to solve the problems with the phone. This type of problem should of been solved by now OR a recall of the phone. watchdog have been in touch and they told me that they have had thousands of emails, phone calls & letters regarding the nokia 6280. so hopefully will be on TV soon. very bad news for Nokia. well i am NOT going to get another nokia phone as this is totally unbeliveable for this problem.


Another wrote .....

Hi all, Just to let you know, I've just called the Nokia Support Department (0845 045 5555 - options 1 then 1 then 1 if you are a Club Nokia member) The nice guy said that:
Nokia were aware of the problem with the 6280, however there is no fix available at this time.
I should call again in a couple of weeks.
There is no suggested date of a firmware release.

I complained about the issues:


Phone (intermittently) resetting itself when changing profiles
Phone (intermittently) resetting itself when Downloading video clips
Phone (intermittently) resetting itself when playing games
Phone (intermittently) resetting itself when playing certain tracks through the media player
Dust under the cover - It's imrpactical taking it to a Service Dept every 3 weeks to get cleaned
That other owners have reported the issue to Watchdog which is of great concern to
the reputation of Nokia



And another wrote ... (which suggests version and mobile operator firmware mods + branding can be a root cause - 3 are really taking some flak for this)

Hi, I have a 6280 on Vodafone with firmware version 3.6. This by no means fixes the issues everyone is having as i still have many of the issues that everyone else has. This includes the reseting issue, the reseting of profiles so it reverts to default ring tone, completly freezing etc, etc. What with all the problems with this phone i can't understand why we can't have the original firmware that nokia designed for the phone installed, i can't be that different from the operators version.
Its all very well saying call nokia but whats the point if they can only install the firmware that the operators have released?


Finally a later firmware is released but ...... as one hapless soul found out

Hi Everyone

Just an update on my 6280 and upgrading the firmware issue.

I have a 6280 V 3.36 on the three network

I called my local nokia service centre and they said, "no probs, bring the phone in and we can upgrade the firmware to 3.60"

Excellent so far,.....

However when the phone is connected to their computer they cannot upgrade the software, a phone call is made to nokia tech support and they advise the following

"Yeah we know about that problem, the V3.36 firmware on the 6280 is faulty and will not allow the handset to be upgraded by a service centre computer!, it needs to be sent off to a level 4 repair centre (whatever that is!)

So in short if I want to fix my problems with the spurious resets and other problems I have to send my phone off to this level 4 centre and wait for approx a week!.


And ........ from the same poster .....

Hi Karim

Thanks for your message, I'm afraid I have already tried contacting Nokia in the UK directly, with frankly little joy.

As you can see from my post ( 149 of 242 ) on this thread, I tried calling my network provider, they said I could return the phone to themselves or directly to nokia.

I then called nokia with my club nokia membership details and the guy was really friendly and tried to help, he said nokia were very aware of the "dust under the screen problem" but said nobody else had complained to them directy about the spurious resets of the phone when switching between profiles and at other random times when using the music player etc, however he did suggest I visit my local nokia service centre.

My last post was relating to the visit to the nokia service centre when the staff confirmed they had the updated firmware available for the 6280 and would be able to reflash my phone, which subsequently proved impossible without returning my phone to a level 4 centre. The service centre manager was again very kind and helpful but said that I would be looking at a week to 10 days without my phone, she said she could have given me a loan handset but they didn't have any suitable for using on the three network.

Hence my decision to raise these issues with Watchdog, if nothing else perhaps it will encourage those users who are experiencing problems to get in touch with nokia, so something can be sorted out.

I am not knocking nokia, I have used their handsets exclusively since the late '90's, but I do dispare when problems arise that nobody is able to solve.





You can trawl through the full thread at this location --> here (http://discussions.nokia.co.uk/discussions/board/message?board.id=phones&message.id=2095&view=by_date_ascending&page=1)

[Ben]

Oh dear :(

Well, firstly, thank you for taking the time to compile that information.

I was unware of the scale of the problems still persisting with the 6280 to this day. I remember Bleubean returned his 6280 on Three, but that was some time ago now and I'd assumed everything would have been promptly sorted out.

I feel for Nokia. They looked like they were having a massive revival when the NSeries was announced, and when they finally came up with a Series 40 3G handset you've gotta hand it to them - we were all impressed. However, being the biggest is clearly taking its toll now. They just aren't dynamic enough to get their act together on 3G. I'm still on my SE W900i and I've never been happier with a handset, and that's something coming from somewhat of a Nokia fanboy.

So, I guess it's buyer beware on the 6280 for now. Lets hope the N80, sticking to their until-now successful S60 formula, can somehow save the Finnish from falling from grace. Though already the thought of returning to S60 is making me roll my eyes...

[getti]

i had one on 3 and sold it on. Mine had reboot problems but more than that was the bad build quality.

After having the phone in my room for 30min and making 1 call there was already dust on the screen behind the cover.

In total i had the phone for 1 week and i had to take the front off 4 times to clear the dust out.

Was not impresed

[Hands0n]

Further reading from the Nokia website where they created a specific thread relating to the well known 6280 problems (http://discussions.nokia.co.uk/discussions/board/message?board.id=phones&message.id=1871&view=by_date_ascending&page=1)

But then one can create as many threads as possible - the answers do not seem to be forthcoming for the 6280 owners, other than get those handsets back to your mobile operator and select something else. Once they and Nokia have a warehouse full of unwanted 6280s they may actually get the message and stop faffing around the Customer with "Oh, we've not had any complaints about the 6280 before".

As one of the disaffected closed off

"Nokia, after all my experiences over the years with quality products, the 6280 seems like a bad 'un."

[Hands0n]

Had an interesting conversation [today] with the chaps at the Bluewater T-Mobile store (a franchise not T-Mobile themselves it seems). Their 6280 handsets are coming with firmware V3.6 fitted - I got the guv to pop one open and check it out (*#0000# gets the display up if you want to check yours).

I asked about returns on the 6280 and he and the other assistant said that they "have not had any come back" to them - now I'd almost expect that response, but its offered here for what its worth.

Of course, the only sure way of finding out is to take one for a drive for a few days - but that means setting up a contract, which means a Credit Check being performed and if you get too many of those within a short period (i.e. 3 mths) it could ruin your credit rating for a while.

In summary then - there is a very definite risk with the quality of the firmware of the 6280. Certainly 3 seems to have the lions share of problems, and this could be attributable to them having first go, having a launch version of the Nokia firmware and clearly having some problems and issues interworking with Nokia in respect of getting firmware upgrades with 3 branding incorporated. Other mobile ops now have the 6280, and these are reportedly not immune to the well documented issues of that handset. The latest version of the firmware - at the time of writing this - is 3.6 and that is what T-Mobile (at least) are shipping. Some reports on the Nokia website suggest that 3.6 does not solve all the problems - but it is not clear if this is restricted to an individual mobile op or if it is across the range of them.

As always the "Caveat Emptor" [or Buyer Beware] applies - very strongly to the Nokia 6280 handset.

[Bleubean]

Just had a quick glance on the -T-Mobile website there, and the Nokia 6280 has "mysteriously" disappeared. This is surely not a good sign, its only been out a week or two on -T-Mobile.

[Hands0n]

I think its only a temporary situation regarding stock.

According to T-Mobile (see my other posting about the 6280 not being available on their Web 'n Walk service https://talk3g.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2376) they have had such a run on the 6280 via the online store that they've temporarily withdrawn it from the website. It is, allegedly, still available in their stores on that tariff.

Also, on Sunday I was in the Bluewater T-Mobile shop (a franchise I think and not one of their own) they were selling the 6280 with Flext + Web 'n Walk.

[Bleubean]

Ive taken a risk and bought a 6280 on Flext 50 with Web&Walk. And i must say its like a different phone from the one i had on Three. All of the annoying ringtone/wallpaper links are now gone, the phone operates at a much fast speed, themes now completely cover every part of the phone, and there are many new options available.

No problems so far.

:)

[Ben]

Sounds excellent, and well done for trying out Flext! I'd be really interested to hear how you get on with both the phone and Flext so keep us all posted! :)

[Bleubean]

Well ive already noticed some subtle changes within the phone. Battery life, altho ive only had it a few hours, seems much better. With my old handset i could only take a few pics/vids then would have to stick it on charge. This is not the case with the new handset.

[Hands0n]

Funny coincidence that :D, I have just today had a play with my eldest's 6280 on 3 - she has the original buggy version (03.36) of the firmware and can confirm that the faults reported on the Nokia site are reproducible on hers. But as she does not mess around with flipping profiles she does not get affected much if at all. She's delighted with the handset so much so that she refuses to take my advice to get it to CPW for a reflash to the latest and greatest version of the firmware (03.60 at the time of writing).

I think that the physical build quality is very un-Nokia, it is quite flimsy to feel. The slider seems to have more lateral movement than I would have thought reasonable, although it is not vast it does rather distract from the handset quality. Electronics quality is superb, the screen is wonderfully clear and vibrant. Finding the way around the S40 OS was a snap, it is not a world away from S60 or any other smartphone. Audio quality is good, and boy is that loudspeaker loud!! Clear also, unlike my 6680 which gets all cr*ppy at louder volumes.

I am very tempted to go for a 6280 on Flext 35 with Web n Walk and know that I can pick one up at Bluewater instantly, subject to the usual credit checks etc... But it really is the word on the Nokia site that Nokia are producing re-vamped 6280s that makes me hold fire a bit longer (damn, at this rate I'll miss T-Mobile's 25% for life discount!!). But I can confirm that the OS in the T-Mobile handsets is 03.60 (if the shop is to be believed that T-Mobile have standardised on that version) which means that the main bugs should be out of the handset.

Do let us know how you get on with the "enhanced" :D 6280 on T-Mobile.

[Ben]

I think that the physical build quality is very un-Nokia, it is quite flimsy to feel. The slider seems to have more lateral movement than I would have thought reasonable, although it is not vast it does rather distract from the handset quality.
I'm yet to find a dummy handset of the 6280 on display that is still in one piece. Every single one I have seen in a whole range of shops in Canterbury and Bluewater has been in two halves! Still, I'm guessing that's mostly due to the dummy handset build quality, but it's not inspiring.

[Bleubean]

So far im much more impressed with the "new" 6280. A lot of the quirks have gone from its UI. Also, -T-Mobile have installed a Web & Walk option in the menu, which when pressed, opens up the internet with this message...

"T-Mobile will soon be launching Opera-mini to enable better browsing of the Internet on your mobile phone. Please return to this page for the latest information on launch date."

[Hands0n]

Hi Bleubean - one of the problems associated with the 6280 seemed to be its [relatively] tiny on-board memory

Up to 70MB memory
Up to 6MB internal memory available for video, audio, images, and other files


This allegedly caused issues with the handset becoming unstable for instance when storing a certain number of SMS text messages (sent and received), i.e. when the user is not pruning the message store regularly. Perhaps also when storing media items in the on-board memory.

I'd be very interested - cos I am seriously considering following your path :D - in finding out if the T-Mobile variant of the 6280 has these problems also. It could be, I suspect, that the 3 branding ate into the limited on-board memory and thus exascerbated any instabilities. It does rather sound, from what you say, that T-Mobile have been less aggressive with their branding. Although the cynic in me :D ..........I am somewhat concerned that Opera-mini will reside on this memory footprint and thus introduce stability issues.

[petencl]

Just thought i'd add to this thread. Got a couple of T-Mob 6280s on Flext for me and missus on Thursday. Firmware 3.60 and no probs I can see so far. Slider seems fairly solid to me, will wait and see if it stays like that after a few months of use!

So nice going back to a Nokia UI after a couple of years of not having a Nokia phone - it's certainly something they're best at.

[Bleubean]

Hands0n, i would probably say that the -T-Mobile variant has more memory than its Three counterpart as my old Three variant constantly had memory issues and ran very slowly. However my new one runs much faster and there is no lag when using the phone.

So far im impressed.

[Hands0n]

Newsflash: I now have in my hands a brand new T-Mobile 6280 on Flext 35 + Web 'n Walk - boy was that a bit of a marathon run getting that :)

I went to the official T-Mobile store local to me. The manager told me that he could not connect the 6280 on to Web 'n Walk as it was not allowed until approx 7 May when the service is officially opened for that particular handset. That will explain the message that Bleubean gets when he tries to activate it on his 6280 (I get the same).

I explained that I would be quite happy to walk away unless something could be done, which I would, and the manager put his thinking cap on and came up with a scheme. They would register me with an N70 and then exchange it for a 6280 - seemed easy and logical enough, and indeed it was, just adding about 15 mins to the overall buying process.

Shop assistant asked me if I'd like the handset set up in the shop to which I said "Yes" - I hate getting broken stuff home and this is a long weekend of the shop being closed.

She assembled the 6280, powered it up and .................... the handset said that it was IMEI Blocked! Wow :eek: Brand new, out of the box, seals intact, in front of me ............ IMEI Blocked. We all agreed that we'd never seen anything like that before :p And so another handset exchange, and another 15 minutes going through the check in and check out procedure.

Not bad really, 3 handsets on a brand new contract within the first hour and having not even left the shop - can anyone beat that (throws down gauntlet).

So thats it - 6280 on charge, impatience growing exponentially with every minute that passes. It is a rainy day, but a good one nonetheless :D

[Ben]

Congratulations!

Lets hope these 'new' 6280's that are flying off the shelves are everything that the 6280 was originally intended to be.

Flext is a superb arrangement, especially with the unlimited data add-on, and I'm very pleased to see people 'congratulating' them on their efforts by purchasing. I'd be queueing up for the combo myself if I wasn't so happy with what I'm already getting.

As always I'll be very interested to hear how the '3.6' handsets, and T-Mobile themselves, perform as time goes by.

[Hands0n]

Oh yes, I'd forgotten to mention that the firmware is indeed 03.60, I checked this in the shop before leaving.

Just got my PAC from 3 ....... once the 6280 is charged I'll give T-Mobile's CS a bell.

Reports on the 6280 will certainly be forthcoming .... So, we currently have experience on Talk3G of the 6280 on the 3 network, although I'd like to hear some more recent stuff such as have 3 remedied the faults or are folk living with them on that network (my daughter is happy to bear with the faults in 03.36 firmware!!!). Also I invite comment of 6280 ownership on the other networks, Vodafone, Orange, O2 - how are they doing? Or have T-Mobile stole a march on everyone else by being the last to bring the 6280 to market?

[Bleubean]

Welcome to The Club Hands0n!!

I must say i admire your will power by letting your handset charge first.....something i NEVER do.


Ive checked my firmware and mine is 3.60. I was under the assumption all -T-Mobile variants were 3.60 and not 3.36? Perhaps im wrong....could anyone clarify??


Anyways, give us your first impressions of -T-Mobile!

[Hands0n]

Sorry - daft me, the firmware is of course 03.60 and not 3.36 as I posted above - I've corrected the typo.

The phone has just said that the battery is fully charged (!) so its off for a little play around with the phone and the network.

First observations from a few mins ago.

Voice calls are quick enough to set up and receive.
MMS was a snap, just have to remember to send one first to activate MMS with T-Mobile.
Videocalling is a bit odd though - I can make Videocalls from the 6280 but at the moment I cannot receive any. The "foreign" non-T-Mobile cannot reach the number (for instance, on Vodafone my handset reports "Number Error") but the same number is reachable for Voicealls - anyone come across this before? Videocalling is rather new so it may be something trivial!


The 6280 itself has a rather better build quality than my daughter's 3-supplied 6280, none of this wobbly slider thing at the moment. The T-Mobile home screen is uncluttered. I quite like the Active Standby already, very easy to flick around and access the most used bits of the handset. And I especially like the ability to customise it to my needs.

The camera is delightful - I just used it to generate an MMS picture for sending - I took the pix at the highest 2Mpixel resolution, and the 6280 auto-rerendered it for MMS transmission down to 70Kbytes. It looks good on the receiving handset also, even scaled down. My daughter had sent me a few MMS last week and they came out great on the PC when transferred over, you'd not necessarily know they'd been reduced from a higher resolution image.

Speed of operation on the 6280 is very good. I'd have to say that it does rather put the 6680 to shame in this area. Maybe it is just because S40 OS is simpler than S60.

I'd have to say that my initial impressions are highly favourable towards the 6280. Not unlike many of my other new handsets I must say. But considering the early bad press on the 6280 I had anticipated being not quite so impressed. Clearly the latest 03.60 firmware is the key factor.

I have yet to get around to the connectivity I need, particularly Bluetooth for headset use and desktop integration (I prefer that to cable unless large files are being transferred when USB is unbeatable).

Time for a play methinks :D

[Orwell]

I'm waiting to upgrade and for sometime have been looking at which handset to go for and after a stint with samsung handset have now written this brand off.

The main 2 contenders that I have been watching is the 6280 and the N80
I spoke to o2 who were due to lauch the 6280 on their network on the 6th April 06 but this has been put back to the 17th as they have been unhappy with the firmware they have been testing.
The question is and i intend to find out is are the looking at an advance on the 3.60 firmware update.

well i'm watching this space.

[Hands0n]

Hi Orwell, welcome to Talk3G.

I was playing the same waiting game between the 6280 and the N80 - impatience finally won out :D and I went for the 6280 after a good read up around the forums, particularly the Nokia one.

I cannot vouch for O2's implementation of the 6280 firmware, and it does seem possible for operator branding to have a significant effect, especially where it is heavily disruptive to the OS. But from my readings and finally experience of the 6280 in version 03.36 on the 3 network and 03.60 on the T-Mobile network I can say that the latter firmware is stable, at least on that network.

The probability is that the initial release of the N80 will be somewhat buggy. To what extent is up for wild speculation, but to be fair the 6280 launch was mired with delays because of software issues from what we read at the time.

The N80 is rumoured to be out in May sometime, so your wait should not be quite so long. These two handsets are very different in many ways though. If I wanted/needed what is in S60 then the 6280 would not be a contender at all. However, the S40-based 6280 is a very capable handset.

Good luck with your quest - do let us know what you choose and how you get on. Particularly if you do go for the N80, you could be first on here to share your observations :)

[Hands0n]

@Orwell - further to the above .... A recent posting on the Nokia forum makes mention of O2 and hardware problems, thought it may be of interest.


As i have said before the first batchs of the 6280 have hardware problems. 02 confirmed that, saying they have taken the phone off sale due to hardware problems.

There are a few people who have the 3.60 firmware and dont have any problems, this will be due to new phones. with the hardware problem fixed.
Is there any way you can find out when the phone was made Not the firmware date the actual date the phone was made and give that info here. just people who have the 3.60 and either have had problems or not state that u have a problem.

We all might get to the problem.

I have not got the phone anymore but i am very interested in finding out the truth regarding this phone.



Item link : http://discussions.nokia.co.uk/discussions/board/message?board.id=phones&message.id=3578#M3578

[Hands0n]

Well, here's half of day two gone - and the 6280 is still going strong. Not a single glitch or reset.

I have been playing around with its connectivity today.
First up was USB and Nokia PC Suite. Nice. I already have this on my machine servicing the 6680. Adding the 6280 was a snip. A few clicks of the mouse and PC Suite was recognising the 6280 and doing all the things that it should. I explored the handset folders (on board and memory card) and exchanged a few files. I backed up the handset to the PC in moments. I also went through my Contacts and cleaned them up - transferring them one at a time from handset to handset was a chore, and not without some loss of information! I also used PC Suite to send and receive a few SMS messages via the 6280 - a nice way of doing this.

I linked the 6280 up to the PC and Nokia PC Suite using Bluetooth - which again was a snip to do. All of the functionality was there, albeit at a slower transfer speed for the larger files.

A word of warning - it is all too easy to drop stuff into the handset's onboard memory, and it would not take long to fill that up. You have to make sure you're putting the files and stuff into the memory card - even themes.

Next up was a bit of a play around with themes - I visited a number of websites and grabbed hold of a number of themes for the 6280. I'm not a big user of these, but it is always nice to customise the handset up a bit. These themes loaded into the memory card and were accessible to the handset easily. They installed faultlessly, and the handset continued to function normally - no problems there then.

Audio quality is rather astonishing, for a Nokia. The "Spatial Sound" field it chucks out is incredible, and especially so as it appears to be coming from a single source at the left hand side of the handset. The only thing is, given the small memory capability (up to 70MB according to their website specs), this would seem to be a bit of a waste. Half a dozen MP3s and that would be your lot! Pity then you can't equip the 6280 with half or even a gig of miniSD :( which would do justice to the excellent built in media player app.

No Web 'n Walk just yet - but then I knew that at the time of buying into it. This is due mid-May so I can wait patiently, the phone is ready for it to be released.

In conclusion then, I would have to say that the 6280 as supplied by T-Mobile is as rock solid as any of my other smartphone handsets (A1000, 6680, SPC C-500 and the lad's N70). Who could ask for more :)

NB: If you are into such things, Nokia produce the splendid Nokia Series 40 Theme Studio (http://www.forum.nokia.com/main/0,,034-601,00.html)which is a bit of a blast to play around with and make your own themes. Perhaps the family, the pets, the girlfriend/wife/mistress even? Its on a 14-day trial, but if you register with Nokia as a home user they'll give you a key to unlock it for permanent use. Enjoy.

[Hands0n]

Mobile life with the 6280 just gets better each day :)

Those boots were made for walking!
Bleubean and I have established that we are indeed able to use our Web 'n Walk entitlement on T-Zones (old WAP access) while we wait until mid May when the Opera mini browser is enabled on the 6280. Its a nice and fair compromise, which means we are also able to access the Internet subject to the W 'n W fair use policy. Damn! No 24-hour surfing!!

Next up - intelligent handsets? The 6280 has already been heavily criticised, and fairly so, for its absolutely tiny on-board memory footprint of 6MB. Really, in this day and age of memory production 6MB may as well be 6KB. So the need for additional memory is an absolute must on an S40 handset with the [multimedia] capabilities of the 6280.

I must admit to having been confused by the information on Nokia's website that said the 6280 had a maximum memory capacity of 70MB. I took that to mean 64MB via SD plus 6MB on-board. But at a local computer fair today I tried out a 256MB SD in the 6280 and it recognised it immedately, so I bought it (£11.50). The 6280 is quite happy with it as I have transferred a number of themes and tones that I'd accumulated over the past few days.

Being a multimedia handset I decided to Bluetooth over a 5MB MP3 (Bump It by BEP) to see what it would do. The 6280 normally received "New Files" to its on-board memory in a folder called "Gallery Files". But with less than 4MB left I did wonder what it would do. Crash? Reject or ignore the file transfer? None of the above, it did surprise me when it automatically selected the root of the SD card, logging it in as a "New File" which I could then preview before moving to a more appropriate folder. Pretty smart and well thought out methinks.

FM Radio
The built-in FM radio is active when the Noka-supplied headset is plugged in and the radio application is run. It works quite well, the FM arial is built into the headset wiring and is not at all directional. Radio pick up is quite good, the signals need to be strong and there is no squelch between stations, so the untuned hiss can be rather loud and distracting. The headset's earphones are permanently wired in, there is no possibility of substituting your fave set - unlike the SE W900i which allows almost any headset to be used. It is a very reasonable tool built into the 6280 though, and could be handy at times.

Audio quality?
Just a closing thought on the Nokia 6280 multimedia. Some of you will know that in December I acquired the Sony Ericsson W900i on Vodafone, and raved about it then. I still do, it is a very capable handset, if not a little large. The Nokia 6280 has a built in Media Player that will play almost all sound file types. But how does it compare with the SE W900i? In two words "it doesn't". That is not to be disparaging to the 6280. But it does take some achievement to match a SE Walkman at the best of times. Nokia haven't cut it this time, and so the W900i continues to hold pride of place for those times when only the best [sounds] will do :)

Now for some unlimited Webbin an Walkin :D

[petencl]

Just run into my first 6280 bug! When I switched the phone on this morning, it said "handset locked" or similar (ie the message you get when you try to put a non T-Mob SIM in) even though my original T-Mob SIM was still in there. Had to take SIM out and power cycle the phone without a SIM inserted to get it back to normal again.

[mambo_italliano]

D'oh! Wish I'd seen this forum before! Got impatient waiting for the N71, which has been on the website so picked up the 6280 from Vodafone yesterday. And NOW I see this forum! Well, I've had two 6230's (first one was stolen) and they were both buggy as anything, similar to the bugs I've seen reported here. I hope the new one won't be as bad since I'm guessing it's updated.

Just wanted to add something about the maximum size of miniSD cards, I noticed some confusion in an earlier post. I *think* the 6280 will take 2GB miniSD... the nokia website says the N71 can take 2GB, nothing mentioned about 6280. But the nokia online store has a 1GB card under 6280 accessories, and the guy in the vodafone shop said it'll take 2GB (but they don't sell them). I'm going to order one and let you know if it works!

[Orwell]

The 6280 has a new stable mate as o2 have now lauched thier 6280 today. But..... after reading this forum and talking though with o2 i'm hanging out as the N80 is due out with them first 2 weeks of May and If i'm going to have bugs i might as well try out the bugs on that!!!

[mambo_italliano]

Well, here's something I don't like.. the PC connectivity. Tried the CD Rom and it got stuck on the accept license agreement page, i.e. no button to accept it. Clicked on a button type thing but it didn't seem to do anything. Got the occasional message to download acrobat reader, but I've already got it. So I downloaded it from the Nokia website... it did claim to be for the 6280 but I thought it was hopeless. Contacts didn't seem to follow the format on the phone (now that I come to think of it, maybe it used the SIM rather than the phone contacts... but that's also dumb cos the phone is set to use phone contacts, not SIM). Tried the Nokia Audio Manager to transfer songs... it only recognised a fraction of the music files on my PC, and when I tried to transfer them, they all cancelled for no apparent reason. In the end I treated it as an external hard drive and it looks like all the music files i transferred have worked apart from the .wma, which I believe isn't supported anyway.

Hopefully getting the 2GB card tomorrow so I can put more than 5 songs on the phone!

[Hands0n]

Hmmm, I didn't have any of those problems with Nokia PC Suite - although I believe that my daughter has had some installation problems with her 3-supplied 6280. I havent been able to have a look-see what the problem is. But at the moment she has no PC connectivity :(

Sometimes on the "accept license" page you have to scroll down to the bottom of the agreement before the "OK" button appears. This is supposed to make you read the entire agreement, yea right, before signifying your acceptance. I think the notion is that it makes it harder for you to say that you hadn't read it if it came to a case of law action!

Using PC Suite to transfer music and other multimedia files over to the 6280 was a snap - if the file is too big for the phone's memory it automaticaly selected the memory card, which is nice.

I'm wishing I'd bought a larger memory card when I was out shopping on Monday, but then again £11.50 for a 256MB card isn't so bad :)

[mambo_italliano]

No, I tried scrolling down the license page but it wouldn't scroll. Might be my screen resolution or something and they expected it all to fit on one page. Oh well, more playing this weekend :)

[Hands0n]

Try 1024x768 or higher if you think it may be screen resolution :) The PC Suite works very well with the 6280 over USB and Bluetooth - I was able to do everything that I should have been able to. Hopefully encouragement for you who are having probs with it.

[JiBBaMan]

Hey, I've had the 6280 on 3 v3.36 for a month now. There are a few things i'm having trouble with.

The backlight going off every 10seconds. Can you increase the time?

Internal memory. I've taken every possible moveable item from phone memory, yet still only have around 3Mb free memory. I have a 1Gb memory card but whenever I try to recieve a file by bluetooth, it uses phone memory so am restricted to 3Mb. Can you change the default memory for recieved files?

.3gp files. Videos that i record are .3gp files. Other phones don't accept the files when I send them. Can I set it to record vids as MPeg4? Or can I convert them?

The handset resets quite a lot. Having read through your forums, I assume thats because of the software version. How do I go about updating it? Bought the phone from Phones4u, do i go there? Or contact 3? Is it free?

I like the phone despite the problems. I do sort of miss my Motorola E1000 though! Wish I had waited for the N80, I might have a look at selling this and getting one of those - would it be financially viable? How much extra would I have to pay? Is there any way of swapping it? I'm nearly a month into my contract.

Thanks in advance for any help with these matters. Really like the site, really informative. All you guys seem to give genuine and helpful advice.

Cheers :cool:
Jake

[Hands0n]

Hi there Jake, welcome to Talk3G and glad you like it so far :) Spread the word ;)

I'll try and answer a few of your questions.

1. Backlight timer - there does not seem to be a way to alter it. It is the same on my T-Mobile 6280.

2. Internal memory - I have around 3.5MB free and this is largely attributable to T-Mobile's branding and Theme are smaller than 3's (the latter is some 800KBytes! I am informed). But I am surprised at what you said because I have found the 6280 has some quite smart memory management. I sent via bluetooth a 5MB MP3 file which the handset automatically delivered to the 256MB memory card I have fitted. Try making sure that you have matching folder names on the memory card as to the main memory, it may help. However, with 3's more aggressive branding it may well be that they have restricted access to the memory card to safeguard their content (they've done this with other handsets of theirs).

3. .3gp video files - that is a standard for video files, and as far as I have observed these will work on [typically] other 3G handsets. For example, I have been able to view a 6280 3gp video on a Sony Ericsson K608i. But I suspect that older handsets or even 2G handsets may not have the necessary codecs. You can convert them on the PC and will need a software utility to do so. Try doing a google on "3gp to mp4 convertor" (or the English spelling of the last word).

4. Handset firmware - as far as I read at the moment there is no later version of firmware available from 3 than 03.36, which is a shame. You could try Carphone Warehouse who are an authorised Nokia repair centre. All that 3 will do is take the handset back, reflash it and/or replace it for another with the same firmware and problems! These repairs/reflashes are all provided under warranty so no charges to you.

5. Swap out to N80? - As you've gone past the initial 14 days 3 will hold you to your contract. They may allow you a paid-for upgrade later in the contract, it won't be cheap. But it will be worth asking the question. SIM-free financially viable? That all depends on your specific circumstances I'd say. For sure the N80 is not going to be particularly cheap on SIM-free for the first several months, although the initial price will drop it wont be by any huge amount for quite a while. Its affordability is going to be a very subjective decision. You will definitely be out of pocket compared to acquiring an N80 on contract - although others may disagree :D On another part of the forum (or maybe this thread even) I did a quick comparison of costs on theN80, have a bit of a dig around, its on here somewhere and may help you decide.

HTH.

[Hands0n]

Referring to my previous post - I've just read that a later version of 6280 firmware is now available from the CPW Nokia Repair Centres and/or 3's own repair centre.

Source: http://discussions.nokia.co.uk/discussions/board/message?board.id=phones&message.id=3901#M3901

If anyone has this update please post their experiences here.

Note, this is for 3-supplied handsets only that are on firmware version 03.36 (check yours by entering the code *#0000# )


From the Nokia forum:

There is a new version out for Three variant phones (club Nokia also confirmed they were informed yesterday of the new update).



If the version of your phone is ABOVE 03.36 then a service centre can update it.

If the version of your phone is 03.36 then a service centre can NOT update it. it will have to be sent back to Nokia. This is expected to take 7-10days!


Also, you are advised to back up the phone before sending it away because it'll come back blank.

Any software/games/etc that you have bought that is copyright, (i.e. you cannot transfer to PC) CANNOT BE BACKED UP!

[petencl]

Anyone know if 3.65 is out for T-Mob 6280s yet?

[mob453]

3.65 is available for both 3 uk and t-mobile.

[MikeZ]

I got my 6280 about a month ago due to a free upgrade from 3, i was considering upgrading my phone anyway at the time to replace my ancient LG 8120 flip-phone.

I'm happy to say I haven't yet experienced any of these problems some people have had, but I imagine that mine is a newer firmware to the early models (dunno what, is there a way to check it?)

I'm very keen on the design and ergonomics of the phone, and believe me I was not a fan of slide-phones before this thing. Screen resolution is great, and the camera ain't half-bad for a lens the size of a pin-head.
Images are quite grainy in dark areas, even with the flash, but in a well-lit enviroment they are pretty good. (obviously it doesn't hold a candle to my old 2MP Cannon Powershot A60, but for a phone its very good).

Connectivity is great, im impressed that you can plug it into your pc and use it as a storage device a-la USB stick, this makes transferring files a lot easier meaning you dont have to go through the tedious and often bloated software that all phones have these days.
I have just ordered a 1GB Mini SD card for it so I can play around with it more, haven't really tried its video capabilities yet.

From a calling point of view (yes I do actually make phone calls on my moblie believe it or not! :eek: ) the sound definatly seems much clearer than my old LG, but then I would expect that from Nokia!

It seems pretty robust too, I have accidently dropped it a few times already and its still in one piece :rolleyes:

Good stuff!

[Hands0n]

Hello MikeZ, welcome to Talk3G. Good to see you are enjoying the 6280 on 3. There were problems with the first release from 3 and these are allegedly resolved in a later release of the firmware.

You can check yours by typing in *#0000# and the handset will tell you all :)

Would you be kind enough to let us know on here what your problem-free handset version is.

Cheers

[MikeZ]

ooh thanks, right here we go....

and its version 3.70, that explains a lot I'd imagine?

[Hands0n]

@MikeZ - Yup, you're on the latest and greatest from Nokia and 3. If your 6280 is behaving more reliably than those who have been on the Nokia forums (see link earlier in the thread) then you are one of the luckier ones to get the fixed up version.

Thanks for letting us know the version number. Anyone who has a 3-supplied 6280 would be well advised to get it reflashed (by 3) to resolve the known issues.

[mob453]

Mine's 3.70

3.81 is apparently out

[Hands0n]

The versions seem to vary depending on which mobile network operator you are with. Something to do with the customisations specific to them, Nokia apparently do not hold the MNO code, only their own factory code!

[TailGater]

Good day!

This is a great forum! Very helpful people around here... seems to be a very warm place ;)

I recently purchased a Nokia 6280 here in the Philippines. My unit is running v3.60 and no unusual problems have occured (except for that instance when I tried to download a blank operator logo.. wanted to remove the operator's name on the main display screen! It caused my unit to hang..)

My girlfriend also has a Nokia 6280 but it was her relatives in Europe that bought it for her. It has "3" written all over the casing as well as the software. It is running v3.7 and no problems too with that phone (but the slider mechanism is somewhat flimsy... probably due to "shipping and handling" :lol: ) Though it works with our local networks here in this really hot country, I was wondering if there would be a way to "debrand" the mobile phone. I have been researching online and so far I am getting the impression that a Nokia Care reflash will do the trick. I called up the local Nokia Care store and could not confirm if it will indeed remove the 3's branding on the phone and he even added that there is a chance that the Nokia 3.65 software will cause the phone to "die" due to incompatibilities (50% chance, according to him).

I am not sure if this is the correct thread / forum to post this message... please do move my message to the appropriate thread / forum if it is not in the correct place!

I hope to hear from you guys soon! TIA!

[Hands0n]

Hello TailGater, welcome to Talk3G and thank you for your kind comments.

With regard to your girlfriend's 6280 with 3 branding. You could have a read through this thread on Talk3G ( https://talk3g.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2512 ) and see if you fancy your chances at upgrading the handset yourself. Towards the end of the thread, on page 2, there are links that if you follow them will get you the firmware for the 6280. You have to follow the instructions to the letter, and of course noone [including Talk3G] can take any responsibility or liability if things go wrong. But some of our members have managed to upgrade the firmware on their N70 and N80 handsets.

Thinking about the Nokia Care store - if they undertake to reflash your gf's 6280 they must also take responsibilty to get it working regardless of the 50% chance of it failing. If they are Nokia then they should have access to Nokia's upper level technicians who can do things that the front-line engineers cannot. You should insist on some kind of warranty for their work if you choose to use them.

3's software for the 6280 seems to be dedicated to 3, and Nokia earlier claimed not to have the ability to merely put on a more current version without loss of the 3 branding. So reversing that logic suggests that if you get a Nokia original version of the 6280 firmware you should lose all the 3 branding that is in the 3-version.

Do let us know what you decided on and how it went for you.

[mob453]

Found latest firmware 3.81
http://rapidshare.de/files/23579638/RM-78_dp_v_188.0_mcusw03.81.rar.html

[Hands0n]

That is the MCU software, excellent. However, it won't get rid of the branding though. For that we need the CNT (Contents) file - i.e. (for the 6230i = rm72_73_11003.40.ucp_o2uk_bis )

[mob453]

rm7830003.81.image_tmo_uk_fifa
would you look at that :D

rm783003.81.ppm_c ppm file

rm7830003.810.mcusw mcu file

my link is a full .exe

[TailGater]

Wow.. thats great! Ill try to update my 6280 first before doing it on anyone else's ... :)

Does that firmware include network branding? Or is it a generic 6280?

Hmm.. the megaupload link doesn't work anymore, though... (edit: got another source.. thanks! hehehe)

[Hands0n]

@mob453 - *blush* I didn't download the .RAR file, just went by its own title, doh! :D

Edit: Now I have downloaded the RAR file, it is as you say the complete update - all languages and operators. ..... Now I just need to work up the courage :eek: to upgrade my fully working v03.60 T-Mobile 6280 with 03.81. Just have to get over the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" syndrome :D :D

[TailGater]

Im posting this using my 6280 on my local network's 3G service... And im using Opera Mini hehehe... Ü ill volunteer my handset for the upgrade... Will inform you of results asap ... Cant wait to get home already and do this thing! 3g + traffic mix very well...

[TailGater]

Success :) Now I need to reinstall Nokia PC Suite to restore my stuff... hehehehe... used "rm7830003.810.mcusw" for Image file, "rm783003.81.ppm_t" for PPM file, and "rm7830003.81.image_globe" for the Content File :)

[Hands0n]

Excellent result - glad it all worked out okay for you with the upgrade. :)

[mob453]

Does that firmware include network branding? Or is it a generic 6280?

branding all depends on the image/cnt file.

[chagle]

@mob453 - *blush* I didn't download the .RAR file, just went by its own title, doh! :D

Edit: Now I have downloaded the RAR file, it is as you say the complete update - all languages and operators. ..... Now I just need to work up the courage :eek: to upgrade my fully working v03.60 T-Mobile 6280 with 03.81. Just have to get over the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" syndrome :D :D

Hi there.

Me again. I'll be watching this thread and your results very closey!! :D I'll let you break your T-mobile 6280 before I decide whether I should break mine! :o

G.

[Hands0n]

I'm gonna have to build an entirely fresh PC to try this out - my main machine has all sorts of stuff that I cannot/will not remove to put Phoenix on exclusively *searches for XP install disk* :p

[TailGater]

I tried doing the same thing with mr GF's 6280 and it worked but there are certain things missing. The games and applications are all gone. The configuration of our local networks are not built in (unlike my 6280 after flashing) and I still cant force 2G or 3G with the phone. At least all branding has been removed.

[TailGater]

UPDATE: Reflashed the phone and I got some features up and running again. This site has been of great help... I will certainly recommend this place to fellow mobile users here in the Philippines! :)

[chippee_uk]

Hi i have a sim free model and am using an orange usim card ,my sim free nokia 6280 is currently v3.60 and i have noticed some issues like the media player resetting when playing music.

Anyone know if theres a newer firmware available other the 3.60 for sim free models?
Ive only had the phone for 5 days.

[Hands0n]

Hello chippee_uk, welcome to Talk3G - 03.81 is [allegedly] the latest and greatest firmware for the 6280 at this precise moment. If you are having issues then Nokia (via CPW) will reflash for you as a repair work.

[chagle]

I've seen 3.7x around which fixes a few things.

UPDATE on my phone. Called T-Mobile today, still getting reset problems on my second handset. They are sending me a new handset tomorrow, this will be the 3rd in less than 3 weeks!

Trouble is, I do like the 6280....

[chippee_uk]

Hello chippee_uk, welcome to Talk3G - 03.81 is [allegedly] the latest and greatest firmware for the 6280 at this precise moment. If you are having issues then Nokia (via CPW) will reflash for you as a repair work.

what do you mean by (via cpw)? carphonewarehouse?
thanks

[Ben]

Yes, Carphone Warehouse, if that's your local Nokia Service Centre. You can find your local one here: http://www.nokia.co.uk/nokia/0,,77483,00.html

[Hands0n]

UPDATE on my phone. Called T-Mobile today, still getting reset problems on my second handset. They are sending me a new handset tomorrow, this will be the 3rd in less than 3 weeks!

Trouble is, I do like the 6280....

Good Heavens! What are you doing with it? Dropping it into your soup? :D Mine hasn't missed a beat! Not once!! Not ever!! No sir!!!

As Mr Kipling might have said "It is an exceedingly nice phone" :)

[maven]

My new 6280 is using 3.7 - is that good?

[mob453]

My new 6280 is using 3.7 - is that good?

same as mine, aiming to update to 3.81 tomorrow

[Hands0n]

iirc, 3.7 was the last version of 3's that fixed a ton of problems in their initial version of the firmware - the early posts on this thread refer to the Nokia forum which was a litany of problems with the 6280 as delivered by 3.

I can't see why not just update the MCU and PPM files, leaving the customisations (branding) intact. That should get you to 3.81 - but if the handset is working okay for you I'd not recommend a change!

[mob453]

Some times the content can differ in size or be redone and not compatible with newer firmware unless reflashed

[Hands0n]

The Nokia 6280 forum pages would seem to support that in relation to 3's own version of the firmware - all or none!

[maven]

So can the 6280 be unlocked?

[Hands0n]

Errr, well, ummm ..... if it's not BB5 then the answer is probably "Yes" although I've really not looked into it - really should ....... Been busy, constant phone calls, lots of people visiting, lots of places to go, gotta grease the cats boil ... and all other such lame excuses :D

If I find anything I'll let y'all know.

[Hands0n]

If this blogspot is anything to go by then the 6280 is indeed a BB5-protected handset and therfore can only be unlocked by the originating Network Operator

URL: http://nokia-codes.blogspot.com/2006/06/bb5-handset-saga-continued.html

[mob453]

6280 is bb5, 3 uk image corrupt so on generic instead, no protected files on internal memory.

and nokia.co.uk has the correct settings for 3 to send via sms, everything but streaming.

[maven]

So having it flashed wouldn't unlock it? Bugger :(

[TailGater]

iirc, 3.7 was the last version of 3's that fixed a ton of problems in their initial version of the firmware - the early posts on this thread refer to the Nokia forum which was a litany of problems with the 6280 as delivered by 3.

I can't see why not just update the MCU and PPM files, leaving the customisations (branding) intact. That should get you to 3.81 - but if the handset is working okay for you I'd not recommend a change!

Yes. I will not recommend a change either. Been getting random problems with our phones lately (mostly random restarts, saved messages showing up in the inbox and then deletes itself, etc.)

v3.6 is the best and finest ;) wahahhahha...

[TailGater]

If this blogspot is anything to go by then the 6280 is indeed a BB5-protected handset and therfore can only be unlocked by the originating Network Operator

URL: http://nokia-codes.blogspot.com/2006/06/bb5-handset-saga-continued.html

Hmm... this is interesting. A lot of the models posted on that blog are easily unlocked here. I have seen a lot of 3's 6280s and (smuggled) N70s running around malls using Globe's, Smart's, or Sun's networks.

[Hands0n]

Hmm... this is interesting. A lot of the models posted on that blog are easily unlocked here. I have seen a lot of 3's 6280s and (smuggled) N70s running around malls using Globe's, Smart's, or Sun's networks.

That's even more interesting :) How are these 6280s being SP unlocked from the originating network? If not by the originating network?? Has a workaround been discovered?

[TailGater]

That's even more interesting :) How are these 6280s being SP unlocked from the originating network? If not by the originating network?? Has a workaround been discovered?

I really wouldn't know since I have never tried to unlock a BB5 phone. My GF's phone is a 3 6280 yet it was already working with our local networks here when it arrived.

Wow, just a few moments ago I met a friend of mine whose N70 was just previously unlocked by one of those illegal merchants around town. I failed to ask how they did it since we only met momentarily.

[chippee_uk]

Got my nokia 6280 updated yesterday and its now 3.81 ive noticed that the phone freezes sometimes but its not all bad the media player problem has been fixed with the update so far and the phone hasnt reset as of this moment.
On the whole its so far so good lol

[chagle]

Where did you get it reflashed? Thinking about doing the same myself - I'm on 03.65 on T-mobile.

This is my third phone that has the same "bugs"

[Hands0n]

3rd phone, same bugs, sez it all really. Defo a version fault.

You're on a later T-Mobile version than I am (03.60 10.02.06) and my 6280 is rock solid stable, everything working as it should! I wonder if Nokia introduced one or two bugs in the update you are on, possible fixed in even later revs.

[chagle]

Well my previous phone's were 03.60.. so it's strange huh? Although as much as it's a pain, I love the 6280 and wouldn't want to go to another handset.. unless they offer a free N80 of course! :-)

Might call into Carphone Warehouse tomorrow and see what they say..

[mob453]

Changes/improvements made from MCU SW version 3.60 to version 3.65:
- Call and network management
- Selecting either of the options "Set Contrast" or "Video Motion" during
a video call improved
- Receiving an incoming call from Samsung SGH Z300 improved
- Connectivity
- Activation of stream link improved
- Streaming (on demand) resume improvement after rejecting incoming
video call
- Improvement when user browse to some specific streaming page
- The streaming is not paused when entering the options menu, but
keeps running in the background
- MMS
- Receiving of MMS improved
- Handling of the corrupted 3gp video files improved
- Messages having undefined length are not saved to the inbox
- E-mail
- Retrieving E-mails improved
- Disconnecting after retreiving E-mail improved
- Applications
- Changing to full-screen during streaming improved
- Playing music files (AAC) in Music Player improved
- Support for .3ga files added
- Synchronization in calendar improved
- Receiving multiple AAC frames improved
- Audio can be heard again also after pausing and resuming video
streaming
- Handling of the downloaded Real tone improved
- When an incoming call is interrupting a streaming video session, the
video counter is reset when streaming is resumed
- SIM
- SATK: sending service messages improved
- When using USIM cards without the EF LI file, text “SIM language not
available. Insert USIM card” is changed to "SIM card does not support
SIM language"
- Memory allocation optimized when the text has a maximum length of 2000
characters
- Opening some specific Web pages improved
- Message alert tone volume is improved
- The icon is displayed when Voicemail is received
- Video ringingtone text changed
- JVM improvement with Opera Mini application
- Contact can be saved from missed call logs
- Updating header text when renaming profiles improved
- Operator list updated



Changes/improvements made from MUC SW version 3.65 to version 3.81:

- Call and network management
- Dialling *188 for video conference service improved
- Improvement for a waiting call sound when used in the speaker mode
- "End active call and answer video call" is displayed when received a waiting video call
- Improvement when a voice call is rejected while streaming
- Streaming
- Activation of video stream links improved
- Synchronization of voice and video optimized
- Improvement when starting a streaming session from HTTP URL inserted in a MMS
- Messaging
- Message is marked as "received" as soon as it is saved in inbox and the indicator is not displayed
- Resending of SMSs improved
- Improvement when receiving advertisement message
- MMS Forwarding improved when MMS received from Samsung ZV10
- Improvement when Bluetooth activated and it is tried to compose a MMS with a big video clip
- Improvement when downloading MMS's composed on Samsung E700 containing a picture, sound and Hebrew text
- IM Invitation improved
- XHTML
- The search function for some web pages improved
- SIM
- Using of SIMT ATK Application over SMS class 2 improved
- Handling of SIM card improved enabling to switch profiles when Push to Talk activated
- Audio recording improved when the phone’s memory is totally full
- Improvement in a file handling of voice recorder
- Saving of selected 'video motion' values improved
- Saving of new bookmarks improved
- SW support for new RF component added
- Operator name list updated

found the changelog

[delanz]

Hello all. I am a owner of 6280, living in Malaysia. After browsing, found this forum. Would like to share some of my experience using this handset for a month and a half now. Well, in Malaysia, the handsets sold normally unlocked, free from any branding, which means that any SIM card will work with the phone from any operators here. My 6280 have 3.60 firmware version dated 10.02.06. So far, it never crashed once. Problems like resetting when changing profile through the power button, while playing mp3's for long hours or by just browsing the phone never occur on me. I just put in Kingston 1GB MiniSD card, and accessing the picture gallery is actually faster than the original 64MB card supplied. Well, I think buying this phone is a combination of luck and timing. I myself was scared prior to buying this phone because of the problems I read across the Internet. But, I actually glad that I bought this phone to replace my 3200. A great phone indeed.

[mob453]

how to properly flash using phoenix

scan product
open product
flash
firmware update not sw update

if blank go to tools options and click apply

should choose correct variant for your phone and flash a lot easier than the pick the update way

[BippyM]

Hi

I have just purchased a 6280 on Orange firmware details:

Nokia 6280
V 03.65
22-03-06

Now for some reason I cannot view any of the MP4 video or any of the aac audio that came with the phone (Not tried others yet).

The phone says "File Format not supported"

Does anyone have any ideas/solutions?

[TailGater]

how to properly flash using phoenix

scan product
open product
flash
firmware update not sw update

if blank go to tools options and click apply

should choose correct variant for your phone and flash a lot easier than the pick the update way

Tried your setting but the only option I get is auto detect.

[TailGater]

Yep... still auto detect.

I reinstalled the phoenix and all the other software (i started from scratch) and installed the RM78 data package but it seems that Phoenix doesn't identify it as a data package.

My friend's 6280 doesnt turn on anymore and I thought a dead phone usb flash would help do the trick but I cant get Phoenix to identify the data package (hence, the auto detect option)

[mob453]

Tried your setting but the only option I get is auto detect.

go to the options menu and change the default root to something else, then change it back to default, to make it work

[maven]

Does anyone know how to save words in the T9 dictionary? When I enter a word it doesn't recognise I have to spell it and press 'save' but it's never actually saved - is this a software issue?

[Hands0n]

Hmmm, I get that too maven. Sort of lived with it to date, it is annoying everytime I think of it:confused:

[mob453]

mine saves words you add.

[phil_me40]

Hi there guys.

New to the forum, and just been reading up on the 6280 problems.

I have a 6280 on 3, had it re-flashed by 3. a couple of weeks ago to the 3.7 version firware, and the phone is still crashing!!

It's going back again this week, i'll see what firmware is on it when i get it back. (Should get it back for the weekend!)

If its the same one, i'm gonna ask for a N80 instead, or tell 3 to cancell my contract!!

Thanks for all the info, wish i'd seen it all before though lol.

Phil

[Ben]

Welcome to Talk3G!

Thanks for sharing your experience so far, we'd definitely be interested to hear what the firmware version is when you get your phone back.

Of course it's possible that your problems go beyond software. Most companies will agree to product replacement after three or more 'repairs'.

[mob453]

nothing newer than 3.81...

i want version 4.xx:mad:

oh does it seem weird that 6280 has fw 3.70 and 6233 launches with 3.70...

[Hands0n]

Daughter just got her 6280 back from 3 with 3.81 installed.

The Dictionary bug is still there (it wasn't in the buggy first release of firmware which she has just upgraded from - now she's pi55ed at Nokia and 3 for breaking it as she uses T9 exclusively).

Is version 4.xx out from Nokia yet, even if not on 3 branding?

[delanz]

HandsOn, is the still picture quality of the camera improved with the new firmware?

[Hands0n]

I'm not sure if "improved" is at all apparent. I'd say no different really.

[delanz]

Thanks Hands0n. So for me there is no need to update the firmware if there is no 'improvement'. The phone is working well anyway. Nokia newer model that is 6233 does produces much better photos than 6280.

[mob453]

Thanks Hands0n. So for me there is no need to update the firmware if there is no 'improvement'. The phone is working well anyway. Nokia newer model that is 6233 does produces much better photos than 6280.


though both phones manufactured at this point in time, probably have the same 2mp camera hardware on their circuit boards

[superfakename]

Has anyone had a problem whereby when you slide the phone, whether open or close, quite quickly that the phone switches off? Is it more a case of dodgy mechanism than firmware (3 branded 3.70)?

Thanks

[delanz]

Hands0n, does the new 3.81 firmware on 6280 adds the capability to the phone to play wma files?

thanks...

[mob453]

posted by mobilextreme

Major Data Package
RM-78 dp v 206.0 (MCU SW 5.53) only for O2 Germany
Date: 01 August 2006 Size: 26.4 MB

Minor Data Package
RM-78 dp v 220.0 (MCU SW 3.81) only for O2 UK
Date: 01 August 2006 Size: 140.9 MB

Major Data Package
RM-78 dp v 214.0 (MCU SW 3.81)
Date: 01 August 2006 Size: 54.5 MB

5.53 already out

[6280problems]

Hi, I have a 6280.

Trying to Flash it.... I have the firmware and have installed the firmware, however when I go to phoenix and do an "open product", a list of products appears, but not RM-78 which is the 6280 one.

I've tried going to options and changing the directories,,,, thousands of times.... and still cant get it to see it.

I was told that since its s40 that scan is not for it, but I tried it anyway, and it gives a message saying rm-78 not recognized.

Any help.....is appreciated.

If you know how to flash this particular phone 6280 successfully (vodafone spain ) without special hardware, please email me.

Thanks
[email protected]

[6280problems]

I'm such a newbe.... Does flashing, unlock the phone??

[3g-g]

I'm such a newbe.... Does flashing, unlock the phone??

We all gotta start at one point! :D

No, flashing won't unlock the phone, it only places the most recent (if it's available) version of software on the handset.

[mob453]

Here are the original content from fifaphone:
http://rapidshare.de/files/28277190/FIFAWC3D_Nokia6280_CONTENT.zip.html (http://rapidshare.de/files/28277190/FIFAWC3D_Nokia6280_CONTENT.zip.html)

EA Fifa 2006 Game for Nokia 6280
EA Fifa 2006 Theme for Nokia 6280
Original Nokia Games for 6280

Enjoy!

found this

[mob453]

http://rapidshare.de/files/34367180/6280_RM-78_dp_v_325.0_mcusw05.92.exe

[TailGater]

So what are the changes in this major update?

[mob453]

the 6280 original product code 0529992 (same as imei sticker) come with v3.81 (HK 3G Hutchison)

then i use HWK flash with v5.92 (after flash is 6280)

when i flash with phoenix 2006, 0540384 RM-78_APAC-S_STR_BLACK_CTV_MY become 6288

now i've try flash with hwk=6288

try 0529992 Nokia 6280 Hong Kong Hutchison 3G variant=6288

[garunkel75]

Hi everyone,

My wife's had a 6280 on T-Mobile Flext for 4 days, and it seems fine so far. The only thing that's bugging me about it is the slider part of the phone seems quite loose and wobbly. When you press the menu and navigation keys you can feel the two parts of the phone moving together. This has suprised me a bit because in the past the Nokias we've both owned have been very well built. Does anyone know if this is a design fault with the whole range, or just this particular model? I've had a look at a few forums today and it seems that some people have had this problem whilst others have said that their phones are fine.
Also, does anyone know T-Mobile policy for changing phones? Could we take the phone back and get a replacement or change it for a different model? The salesman said that they would change it if there was a technical fault. Does this also apply if we are unhappy with the build quality? Up to now we always had pay as you go phones. Sorry for rambling on a bit. Thanks for your help

[Ben]

Hello, welcome to Talk3G!

Most 6280's I've held have been a bit 'loose'. It doesn't bother me, but if you're not happy with it then I'd suggest taking it back for a brand new replacement. As you're within 14 days of a new contract you can actually cancel for any reason should you not be completely happy with the salesperson's handling of the situation, so don't let yourself go outside of that 14 day period without being completely satisfied.

Likewise, if all their 6280's are 'wobbly' and it's a dealbreaker then ask for a different handset instead. You will, of course, be asked to pay any extra if you opt for a more expensive handset and should be refunded for anything you pick that is less expensive. If an exchange is not forthcoming then cancel the contract and start over.

I'm a real fan of the 6280, though I don't own one, and I'd be tempted to keep the handset provided the looseness isn't too serious. Nokia's are covered by a two year warranty, so should the sliding mechanism break you'd be able to send it off to a Nokia service centre for repair or replacement.

Enjoy your phone, you made a great choice in your combination of handset, network and tariff!

[garunkel75]

Cheers, thanks for the advice

[Hands0n]

I've had my 6280 on T-Mobile for many months now and am quite happy with it all in all. The "wobbly bits" do not bother me at all, although like garunkel75 says it is very un-Nokia in terms of build quality. But then Nokia's quality issues extend to beyond build these days, early softwares are increasingly buggy at launch, taking several revisions to stabilise.

Unless it bothers a great deal I'd recommend to stick with the 6280 - of course the T-Mobile 12-month cover and Nokia's own two-year warranty will cover for any situation of poor build.

[dombuz]

hi new to the forum but been on plenty of others trying to sort out this damn phone! Nokia have blown it with me, honestly. Anyway, has anyone got any ideas on when an update more recent than 3.81 will come along? I have had mine updated to 3.81 by a moody nokia service centre employee whos english was limited at best, and then again by vodafone when my screen broke 'all by itself'. Neither time fixed the mp3 player resetting and after the last time, the phone loses signal and doesnt regain it unless its restarted. All vodafone have said is theyll send it away again, but that will mean a reflashing with the same awful software. Im just about ready to put the heal of my boot through it!! :mad:

p.s. anyone wanna swap my 6280 for a Sony Ericsson K800i??? huh huh?

[3g-g]

...and then again by vodafone when my screen broke 'all by itself'. Neither time fixed the mp3 player resetting and after the last time, the phone loses signal and doesnt regain it unless its restarted. All vodafone have said is theyll send it away again, but that will mean a reflashing with the same awful software. Im just about ready to put the heal of my boot through it!! :mad:


Hiya dombuz welcome to Talk3G! :)

It most certainly sounds as if you've been having a nightmare with your 6280! If one of the guys that have regular dealings with SW flashing knows of a newer version they'll definately tell you about it, but to have it worked on and come back with similar or more problems would perhaps point towards a hardware issue? Is it the same handset that's coming back to you? How long have you had the phone? Could you put it to Vodafone that they've been unable to fix the handset and that you want a different handset type as a replacement? I suppose worst case scenario you could flog it on eBay and put the cash towards buying a replacement from eBay or a Vodafone PAYG handset and place your own SIM into it, just a thought if it does come to the end of the road!

Let's see what the other guys have to say here, I'm sure between all of us we'll help you get it sorted!

G

[Hands0n]

If it is repetedly going wrong insist on a replacement not a repair. The ops will give it to you, but you have to be polite but insistent. I agree that it is most likely a hardware issue at source.

[fusionblue]

Hey! I found this thread by google.

I'm on T-Mobile, on flext, have a 6280 with firmware version 3.6. There is an ongoing issue with people with the same phone who are having these issues:


Random inability to receive incoming calls (the number is not recognised)
Web'n'Walk does not work
3G Dual Mode does not work (i have to switch the phone for 3G/UMTS for video calling and on 2G/GSM for all else), else incoming calls will come through to silence; no ringing, no voicemail... nothing!


What can i do about resolving this issue?

Any advice is appreciated!

[Hands0n]

Hi fusionblue - welcome to Talk3G.

My first thought is for you to take the handset back to T-Mobile store and get it repaired/reflashed with the latest version of the Nokia firmware. I am running 03.60 firmware and do not experience any of the problems you describe, my handset is around 7 or 8 moths old and in daily use, so it could be an issue with the specific building of your handset. It is not a generic 3.6 firmware issue that you describe.

The Nokia 6280 has been plagued with quality control issues - on every network it has exhibited flaky behavior in some, and rock solid performance in others!

Go back to T-Mobile, be firm and insistent, but also very polite. Have in mind clearly what it is you want before you make the call. Repair or replacement.

[fusionblue]

I have sent a complaint to tmobile about this yesterday as i feel that i shouldnt pe paying £26/month (i'm on flext 35) for a service which they know may be affected because of a dodgy phone.

I believe the issue to be more widespread than just myself coz i know two other people who are having identical issues, and having called tmobile have been told the same thing (switch phone back to GSM).


What is the newest firmware version anyway?

[miffed]

just acquired one of these myself :(

It seems there is no Hard reset option ?

Surely this isn't true ?

[Ben]

Not sure what the latest firmware available is, but you should definitely push for a replacement fusionblue.

[fusionblue]

I decided to go for an upgrade of the firmware: the newest version is 3.65.

The only change i know is that web'n'walk still does not work.
The other two i mentioned (number not recognised, dual mode causing calls to wobble) i don't know because people have to call in to know when it's not working.

I will advise if they continue to muck about :)

[Hands0n]

If the firmware reflash does not work then suspect the hardware and insist on a replacement handset.

There is no "hard reset" on the 6280 - not sure why, somewhere I did read that it was a S40 issue, but don't hold me to that!

[fusionblue]

I have got web'n'walk fixed; the settings were incomplete!

Regarding my incoming call issues, i will have to see over the next week or so to find out. T-Mobile customer services keep telling me to put the phone back to GSM. By doing that, it defetats the point of having a 3G phone!

I'm doing to leave it on dual mode and see what happens.

[delanz]

I trying to set up email (Gmail) tru my fone. All GPRS and 3G are go, but when accesing email tru the java mail client on the fone, it keeps asking to 'subcribe to packet data first'. How to do this?

TQ.

[SuperFlyTmobileGuy]

What is the newest firmware version anyway?


If you're still interested, the latest firmware is 5. something - but this only seems to apply to Nokia dealers - I took my 6280 in to have a few things done under warranty and the guy told me he's been instructed by Nokia to add this latest version on all 6280s brought in for repair.

[Aimee]

does anyone else get problems with charging the 6280? about two months or so of having the phone i had to wiggle the wire around loads to get it to charge, until one day when it just wouldn't charge at all. so i bought another for about £15. next thing i know this one does exactly the same after a few months. so last week i bought another. ive just been too busy to get the phone seen to properly, but as getting a new charger each time seemingly solved the problem, i assumed it wasn't the phone. i was wondering if anyone else had like the same problem. a friend of a friend did too, but hasn't as of yet done anything about it. do you think it'd be worth me seeing someone proper about it, or is it a fault with this type of phone? any suggestions much appreciated! =)

[Hands0n]

I'd suggest getting the phone looked at, it is under Nokia's 2-year warranty in any event. You shouldn't be going through chargers like that - it does suggest a physical fault with the handset that is making the chargers go flaky.

The charging contact in Nokia handsets has been getting smaller and smaller - my lad broke the pin on his charger by a bit of heavyhandedness, not something you'd expect with the older [and larger pinned] charger!

Do please let us know how you get on.

[cjb]

Good news people! Just to let y'all know, the Nokia 6280 can FINALLY be updated by Nokia Software Updater (http://www.nokia.co.uk/A4176089)! :)
It's listed as Nokia 6288, and it should (I think) update to version 5.92 of the software. I wouldn't know though, firmware for my O2 model isn't up there yet but check yours, it may work! Just type your product code into here (http://www.nokia.co.uk/A4305060). Post back if it works!

[Hands0n]

That is indeed good news. The bad news is that there are no firmware updates on there for the 6280 from T-Mobile or 3 - as stated by the product codes entered. Maybe not too long to wait!

[digitaltoast]

Here's my view on the 6280

I once read someone asking "What is 3g"?
The answer given was "It's an effective way of reducing your battery life by 40%".
Yes, yes it is. That's all I'll say on that! If you like a battery life of under one day if you even think about doing anything remotely 3g-ish, even when the battery's fully conditioned, then 3g is for you!

The build quality of the phone is quite poor - I found myself back in the store within 20 minutes as, the first time I tried to slide the back of the phone off, the tacky silver coloured bit of plastic that covers the camera pinged off.

Also, the phone doesn't feel like it slides open properly, and doesn't leave enough room to press the top row of keys easily, so if you have large hands texting is no fun.

It crashes. Lots. The screen blanks for a second, then it comes back asking for pin code.
Nokia know about this - there's no fix.

The backlight only stays on for 10 seconds. There's NO way to fix this, and Nokia say this is due to some bizarre EU law that they can't tell me about and

no-one's ever heard of, about backlights being on for more than 10 seconds in case it's distracting in a car.
This is daft - you're driving along, the radio's on, the dashboard lights are on, you've got your eyes open for bright yellow speed cameras, other cars with lights on are whizzing by, your brain's processing object and hazards...but somehow you're gonna crash because the backlight goes off after 30 seconds instead of 10!?!?
Don't believe it for one moment - there's a bug they seemingly can't fix, and this is a weak cover-up.

When you send an MMS to many people at once, each recipient can see the other recipients when they do a reply via "reply all".
Potentially a security problem, or very embarrassing!
There's no documentation to tell you this and apparently no way of stopping it.

If you create an MMS and add a sound to a slide via "new sound" option, every other sound in that message will actually be the first sound. In other words, you have to record and save all your sounds first, and then add them to the message later. Definite bug.

The video player doesn't have fast forward or rewind, even though there's a setting for fast forward and rewind interval.
The Audio player has fast forward and rewind, even through there's no setting for the fast forward and rewind interval.

I learnt that an MMS can contain as many object as will fit in 267k.
I sent 6 pics and a sound clip to several people. Works fine.
Although, one time when it fell back from 3g to "normal", it took nearly 3 hours sending the MMS as a series of texts! Of course, it doesn't use the text allowance, but it's annoying having the "me me-me me me-me me" sound that radios pick up, all that time!
It seems totally random as to how much will arrive at the other end before it gets cropped - mostly, people get the first few pics, then something telling them to visit a website to see the rest.

You can't save MMS messages to the PC.
You can't save messages onto the memory card.
You can't use a Three sim in any other type of phone, or those SIM copier/backup gadgets.

The camera's not bad - for some examples of "second highest" quality see either
http://www.mythreewebsite.co.uk/36810
or more here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/digitaltoast/sets/72157600007407996/

Video calls are shocking - one to my brother had the sound out of synch (late) by nearly 50 seconds! Waste of time. As is mobile TV. The novelty very, very quickly wears off.

------------------------------------------------------------
When Things Go Wrong:

I was bluetoothing some stuff and the phone was starting to play up.
So, I turned it off, left it a minute, and turned it back on. It asked me for the pin, then as soon as it got to saying "enter keypad security code" (or

something) that was it. The phone became totally unresponsive. If I rang the phone from another phone, I could hear the "ring ring" down the line, but the phone did nothing. But it DID keep the time correctly. I turned it off, took everything out - sim, memory card, battery..left it out for 20 mins, put it back...just the same.
It seemed to freeze right after the bluetooth symbol came on.
And the battery drained from full to near empty in under 2 hours.

So, I phoned up Three's customer service department.
Shradeep in Bangalore diligently regurgitated a script and then I explained carefully that as soon as I'd entered the pin, the phone would freeze and the keypad did not work.
"OK please sir please, if I can please ask you please to please enter *0000#".

Deep breath. I tried so hard not be rude.

Once I'd ever-so-slowly explained that frozen phone and non-working keypad made this tricky, he told me that I should get it couriered away for a firmware

upgrade.
I said that this would be great as I didn't know there WAS a firmware upgrade, as I'd been told v5.92 was the latest.
It was, he said, and then we went through a cyclical argument until I got bored and gave up.

So then I phoned the place I bought it from.
"Duh" reached a new level.

I explained carefully that as soon as I'd entered the pin, the phone would freeze and the keypad did not work.
I also explained that I'd contacted Three's customer services.

"You need to dial 3333 from your handset to get the phone repaired".

What, on the handset I'd just explained didn't work? Classy.

Eventually, I ended up in a Nokia service centre.
Apparently, it can take "up to 28 days".

No, I don't get a replacement phone.
No, the account isn't put on hold.

I'm really not enjoying the experience so far!

------------------------------------------------------------
Useful links

Top tip - synch your mobile with the internet and
Google Calendar - VERY VERY useful:
https://zyb.com/
http://www.gcalsync.com/

Links to forums:
Reviewcentre Three forum:
http://www.reviewcentre.com/forum210.html

3g Forum's Nokia 6280 forum
http://www.3g.co.uk/3GForum/forumdisplay.php?f=496

Nokia Support Forums phone forum
http://discussions.nokia.co.uk/discussions/board?board.id=phones

Talk 3Gs 6280 forum
https://talk3g.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=106

I also found this comprehensive forum post listing more problems with the 6280
https://talk3g.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2381

How to convert movies onto a mobile
http://mediacoder.sourceforge.net/
http://mediacoder.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php?title=MediaCoder_Mobile_Phone_HOWTO
http://osnews.com/story.php/16983/Tutorial-Get-Your-Movies-on-Your-Cellphone/

The gmail mobile app is great, but on the 6280 it just wasn't working. The error was:
"Sorry, the Gmail mobile app will not work on your phone. Your phone doesn't have the appropriate certificate to communicate with Gmail. Try accessing Gmail on your mobile browser at http://m.gmail.com"
Eventually, I found this blog:
http://tiensoon.blogspot.com/2006/11/gmail-mobile-app-is-great-but-doesnt.html
which in turn told me to point my phone at
https://www.verisign.com/cgi-bin/support/rootcert/getrootcert.cer
And this made the gmail mobile app work

Something I've not found yet is an nbu decoder - so I can actually make some use of the backup files!
I've found and nfb decoder here: http://engo.de/nfb_decode.htm but Nokia decided to completely change the format and make it not backwards compatible (much to the annoyance of Nokia users upgrading their phones)

Phew! I think that covers it - any questions?!?

[Hands0n]

So let me see, you're not entirely happy with your 6280 then? :D

Seriously, some of the actual Nokia faults I have seen with my T-Mobile 6280, especially the "crashing to black" syndrome. It is annoying but does not happen very often. Apart from the software limitations you've mentioned I really have not experienced half of what you have on my 6280. MMS work absolutely fine in 3G or 2G. Battery life goes on beyond a day of moderate use, but as with all my phones ever I always keep a car charger with me - or one in the office. I regularly have phone calls that can last up to an hour or more! The 6280 has not let me down once in the 13 months I've had it on the go.

3's Customer Service response is absolutely to be expected and no surprises there. Three also bu99ered around with the 6280 firmware and has always been buggy as hell, faults appearing that simply do not on other network brands of the same handset. My daughter is on a 6280 with 3 and she just cannot wait to get away from the company and go back to a mobile network operator that actually supports its Customers effectively rather than that sham operation in Mumbai. I would not hold out hope to anyone with a 3-issued handset when things go wrong, they really are on their own. Even 3's repair oufit (and outsource) has a very poor reputation and seem to actually cause damage in the repairs which they blame on the Customer (water damage is a good one!).

Gmail works 100% on the 6280 (on T-Mobile), but then 3 are data-averse and really any data offerings they are now making are contrary to their policies when they started. Quite possibly the reason that you don't have the certificates in the phone to handle the java applet. No such issues with T-Mobile's 6280 at least - and I suspect that only 3 took the Draconian action of stripping out the necessary certificates. Of course, now it will be near-impossible to get them back without a new firmware which they won't do on such an "old" handset! Way to go 3, good forward planning.

I seriously can recommend the Nokia 6280 for anythingh that an OS40 handset should be able to do. It is not bug-free, but then again not much else from Nokia is these days. Even their flagship N80 turned out to be a bit of a lemon! Maybe Nokia will retrieve their reputation for quality handset, the N73 seems to be pulling in rave comments. But others of their brand persist to cause problems.

These problems are compounded when an network intensively brands the manufacturer software, stripping out original features and changing how what is left actually works. 3 seem to be the worst offenders in this respect with O2 and T-Mobile offering the minimal amount of such branding.

Great posting of yours, not exactly an advertisement for the 6280 or 3 but in context not at all unexpected.

[digitaltoast]

Seriously, some of the actual Nokia faults I have seen with my T-Mobile 6280, especially the "crashing to black" syndrome. It is annoying but does not happen very often. Apart from the software limitations you've mentioned I really have not experienced half of what you have on my 6280. MMS work absolutely fine in 3G or 2G. I only experienced that "fallback" issue once. Mind you, I ALWAYS fill my mms messages to the full 267k. If there's space, I fill it with something...anything!Most people seem to only include one image. I'd still like to work out who I can send complex MMS to though!Battery life goes on beyond a day of moderate use, but as with all my phones ever I always keep a car charger with me - or one in the office. I regularly have phone calls that can last up to an hour or more! The 6280 has not let me down once in the 13 months I've had it on the go.And I agree - I did say, however, that it's when you think about doing anything 3g-like (video etc) that it can last sometimes a few hours. On standby with the odd short call, I've had it least nearly 3 days. Still doesn't compare too well with my old phone which, even after 3 years, would go 10 days or so.

[bsrjl1]

Good news people! Just to let y'all know, the Nokia 6280 can FINALLY be updated by Nokia Software Updater (http://www.nokia.co.uk/A4176089)! :)
It's listed as Nokia 6288, and it should (I think) update to version 5.92 of the software. I wouldn't know though, firmware for my O2 model isn't up there yet but check yours, it may work! Just type your product code into here (http://www.nokia.co.uk/A4305060). Post back if it works!

Only if you have >v3.60 on it - the previous ones don't support USB flashing & need to be done by a NSC.

[Hands0n]

@digitaltoast - my above comments should be taken strictly in the context of my own experience of the Nokia 6280 from T-Mobile. My daughter has had far worse with her 6280 from 3, much of which echoes your experience. I do believe that it is 3's heavy-handed branding that has caused most of the issues. Shame on Nokia for letting them do this to their, otherwise, very reasonable handset.

Re battery life - there is a lot of discussion all over the place about 2G vs 3G battery life, and it is for sure that there is more power used in a 3G handset, even for basic telephony. However, given that context, I, personally, do not subscribe to the comparison between the two, they are strikingly different technologies, one being very much newer than the other. For example, I clearly recall 1G and 2G handsets of their day having battery life of less than a working day! In the next few years it is entirely reasonable to anticipate 3G handsets catching up in that respect as the technology is scaled down, as happened with 2G etc. Already we are seeing more compact 3G handsets, unthinkable at launch.

I am, generally, loathe to compare my 2G and 3G handsets in any respect really - they really are different beasts.

[DustyJaneway]

Hi all. I'm a newbie :p

I've recently taken out an 18 month contract with 3 with the Nokia 6280 handset. I know this phone has a reputation for being bad (I've found out alllllll too late!), but my only problem is the signal - I either have one bar or nothing at all and then I can't text, ring, whatever...!

I live in Birmingham, so being inner city, the signal quality should be very good (I always have excellent full signal with my Nokia 6230i on O2). I have spoken to 3 and they have told me that there isn't a signal problem in the area I live in and have told me to 'manually' select the network on my handset instead of 'automatically' doing it. I've tried this and it does not help.

Am I wasting my time sending this handset in for repair, or should I ask 3 for a different model phone straight away? (I'm still within 14 days of taking the contract out).

My software details:-

V 05.92
07-09-06
RM-78
(c) Nokia

[Ben]

If you're within 14 days I'd personally recommend cancelling the contract altogether. Then you can start over, with a different handset, and have a new cooling-off period just incase you have problems that are network - not just handset - related.

Have you considered other networks? What made you pick Three? Perhaps we can help find you something :D

[getti]

Problem is the handset has been used so therefore cant be cancelled. If you ask in store they should be able to swap for another due to a fault (or phone CS if you ordered online)

[DustyJaneway]

Ah see well here we have a problem. Let me tell you my 'tale of woe'...

I was on an 'archaic' BT Genie contract. That was £10 a month with unlimited free text messages. It was a fantastic contract, the only downside was that I couldn't use MMS or any other kind of 3G services and that used to really frustrate me. I'd been looking to upgrade for a long time, but didn't want to pay £30 or £40 pm with hardly any free texts (I'm a textaholic :p ).

So when I saw that 3 was doing a free handset for £15 pm for life, I thought this was my opening into the world of 3G!

A company called Communications Direct happened to call me up whilst I was at work last Tuesday and they talked me into having a contract with 3 on their Direct Texter plan. This was a free Nokia 6280 handset, costing £17.50 pm for the first 15 mths and £35 for the last 3 mths. I got 1000 free texts pm + 300 free mins + other stuff. I thought this was a really good deal...I did want to go home and check out the deals on the 3 website, but the lady on the phone said she couldn't call me back later, that the deal would go, and I had to take it there and then. I foolishly went through the application process. I successfully passed their Credit Check (which shocked me, as I have a really poor credit rating) and I agreed to take out the contract.

Then I got home and saw that 3 were actually doing the same deal for the full 18 mths - and with other handsets! I felt cheated and rang the company up straight away. They said I could cancel that contract and have the better deal on another contract, no problem. I felt relieved.

But yes there was a problem...my Credit Check for the 'second contract' failed. Not wanting to lose out on a 3 deal altogether, I ended up keeping the initial contract and the services were activated yesterday.

I had great reception to begin with and there weren't any problems with the Nokia 6280 handset. In fact, I was pretty pleased.

Then last night, I went to call someone and I got an "error connection" message. I then saw that I had NO signal on my handset.

So this morning (still with no signal, even after switching the handset off and on again), I contacted 3 as mentioned in my post above...and that's my current situation.

What do I do?

Am I eligible to cancel the contract within 14 days IF I have sent and received text messages and phone calls? I'm sure I read somewhere that I can only cancel the contract if the phone has not been used :(

I would like to stay on 3...as long as I have signal! Do you think it is a handset problem, or a problem with the 3 network?

My hands are tied as well because I can't take out another contract, due to me failing the Credit Check. So I guess I'm either looking at:-

1) Staying on 3 and trying to get the issue with the signal resolved.
2) Trying to cancel the contract altogether and sticking to BT Genie and not being able to do anything...

...what would you do?

Many thanks for your help!

[DustyJaneway]

Problem is the handset has been used so therefore cant be cancelled. If you ask in store they should be able to swap for another due to a fault (or phone CS if you ordered online)

Sorry to double-post, but had just seen getti's reply.

I thought I wouldn't be able to cancel the contract, seeings as I'd used the phone.

I purchased the contract over the phone. Do you think 3 CS will let me swap for another make/model, or will they make me keep the Nokia 6280?

I feel very let down by Nokia, I must say. I've always had Nokia handsets and have never had a problem with them. So when I got no signal with this 6280, I thought it would be a fault with the 3 Network as opposed to a problem with the handset(?).

[Hands0n]

How do you know you failed a credit check? Sorry to sound cynical but you've only the word of the dealer who originally sold you the handset/contract. And it would not be in their interests to lose you to 3 direct! Personally, I think that they've had you over.

The UK Distance Selling regulations apply whether the handset is new or used - there is no exception. You are entitled to return the goods for a full refund, minus any call units used. Noone can take that entitlement away from you, it is written into UK law. Your cancellation takes effect immediately you notify them of it - not when they deem to have accepted it, or by procastinating take you beyond the 14 days. But you have to move quickly if you are not to get locked in.

3 will not be sympathetic to your plight - they will [rightly] tell you that your relationship is with the dealer and not them. They are only the airtime provider to the dealer contract. If you deal with 3 direct then the relationship is completely tied in with the comany itself.

I think you handset is faulty - even if it is refurbished you are entitled to a replacement - if you accept a repair you lose many of your rights under the UK Sale of Goods Act. Only accept a repair if you clearly understand that once you do you are no longer entitled to replacement or refund!

You have to stick to your guns, most traders in the UK know their legal obligations only too well - but they count on you, the Customer, either not knowing or not being too forceful about your entitlements. Unfortuantely, it is not illegal for companies to behave like that, and so they do. They will throw up a cloud of FUD (Fear Uncertinty and Doubt) so that you don't really know if you're right or wrong. But don't get mislead by them - you have clear legal protections, for a limited period of time, don't let that time pass if you are unhappy with your service.

[3g-g]

Exactly what Hands0n has said, if I were you I'd get out while you can, there's time to resolve everything else after, you've only the 14 days to deal with this. You've managed to get in touch with who sold the contract once, so I imagine you shouldn't have too many problems doing it again. That's at least a positive note. Don't let them bully you into staying or fobbing you off with some lame excuses, inform them from the off that you are well aware of the UK distance selling legislation and want to cancel. I'd be wary of a company who're obviously looking just for connection numbers and not out to make sure you get the best deal.

I'm not 100% sure, but if Three have accepted you as a customer, you cancel with them, have no outstanding monies owed, then I can't think of a reason as to why they wouldn't take you back again. And if Three is the network you want to go with then I'd get into a Three store, or order direct from their website, at least you get straight to the horses mouth should any problems arise.

Worst comes to the worst, there are actually a lot of good PAYG deals on the market at the moment, magic numbers from Orange, stop the clock from Vodafone as well as others offering silly amounts of texts for topping up a minimum amount per month. There'll be something to suit you out there and there are plenty of folk on here willing to give a bit of advice should you need it.

Keep us informed of how you get on.

[ccsnet]

All,

Hope you dont mind me cross posting but it seems to all be related.

I've just got direct from Tmobile a 6288 which seems to have the 6280 firmware on it !!

Heres the link and text from my post over at 3g.co.uk...

http://www.3g.co.uk/3GForum/showthread.php?p=306369#post306369

:eek: Brand new & direct my Nokia 6288 ( says on the box and the IMEI sticker so I'm not been daft - plus diffrent case & so on.... did a *#0000# ( Other halfs got probs so thought I'd try mine first ).

It says...



I'm not happy this is less than two weeks old.......

TerranTIA

Terran

[Ben]

Have you tried the Nokia Software Updater? It could simply be an error in the version reporting...

The 6288 is a relatively minor update. Are you experiencing any particular problems, or just worried you haven't got what you've paid for?

[Hands0n]

Yes, the firmware for the 6280 and 6288 is identical - when I put my 6280 through the updater it showed up as a 6288, looking at the firmware numbers they are identical on both handsets. Therefore the 6288 is only a hardware update on the 6280 - although I can't recall what exactly they changed apart from cosmetics

[mob453]

stereo bluetooth is the only major addition

[ccsnet]

Yes, the firmware for the 6280 and 6288 is identical - when I put my 6280 through the updater it showed up as a 6288, looking at the firmware numbers they are identical on both handsets. Therefore the 6288 is only a hardware update on the 6280 - although I can't recall what exactly they changed apart from cosmeticsYou'd still expect them to change the firmware number though....

I spoke to TMobile because I ran the update up to 6.10 and it killed all my 3G stuff and WnW apps etc and they are sending a new one out.

How ever....... I then decided to try my other halfs 6280.... bad move.

Half way through it rebooted then could not be seen again. Running the updater picked it up as a 6288 ( what a mad world ) - I later read on the Nokia site this is one of those with the Faulty NSU chip.

My other half did not know last night its got to go back to Nokia.... she does now :o

Terran

[Ben]

Oh dear, I bet you're popular today! :p

Fortunately on all the S60 handsets I've updated it has been a breeze... S40, not so much it would appear!

[ccsnet]

Oh dear, I bet you're popular today! :p

Fortunately on all the S60 handsets I've updated it has been a breeze... S40, not so much it would appear!I was :D

How ever visited Lancaster Telecom ( http://www.fixaphone.co.uk/ ) who had some more advanced kit than normal Nokia shops and who managed to rescue it from the dead... NSU chip or not :)

And as an update - got my new Tmobile 6288 and guess what - says 6280 firmware.

I'm not going to play for the mo but will visit LT in a few months to get the right updated firmware when the bugs are sorted.

Terran

[digitaltoast]

Since updating to v6.10 on Three, I've reset multiple times, formatted the memory card, done everything I can think of, but I keep getting problems with the MSN Messenger app I downloaded - it says there's a conflicting app, I click on "show" but it just shows a blank line.

Secondly, since updating the firmware, I've been unable to add apps to the shortcut bar and nav key, as it says that "application list is empty" - even though I have 7 apps in memory card and 7 on phone!
Very very annoying missing the app shortcuts.

Also, the "Scrabble" game I paid to download crashes the phone every time (they refunded me on this) and the Mobilcast application is very slow to start downloading and it stutters.

Also, the radio "up/down" keys are upside down (down goes up!) and there's no fast forward or rewind in the video player.

Any ideas?

[miffed]

you could try 6.43 ? I have it running on my 6280 and it seems fine - doesn't appear to be on NSU yet though

[Hands0n]

Feck! Its been a bad week. NSU just killed my 6280 - upgrading from 3.10 to 6.10 :( Oh well, its a trip down to the T-Mobile store tomorrow .....

[digitaltoast]

you could try 6.43 ? I have it running on my 6280 and it seems fine - doesn't appear to be on NSU yet thoughSo, er, where do you get this 6.43 from?

[miffed]

So, er, where do you get this 6.43 from?


http://rapidshare.com/files/31347151/RM-78_dp_v_345.0_mcusw06.43.exe

[Hands0n]

Oh well, the 6280 is gone! Dead as a very dead thing after NSU had done its stuff :( I really can't see why it went wrong as I have used NSU on the 6280 before to update it successfully. This time it got 3/4 the way through, went into a reboot and never came back. The battery was fully charged although I did not run the handset on mains power while using NSU. Previous times I did. Maybe that was it, who knows.

Not to worry, I took it in to the T-Mobile store (not a franchise) and they very expertly took into their care to be repaired - probably with a full reflash with the latest firmware. That should do the trick. The 6280 will be away for 14 days at least, so for now my T-Mobile SIM is resident in a SE K600i from O2 that never worked on their network but is 100% solid on T-Mobile's, reminding me exactly why we left O2 and its sucky signals - but thats another tale altogether.

[miffed]

Unfortunately , NSU is well known for bricking 6280's , I think you'll find that if you go to Nokia Software update page ,they don't advertise it anymore (although NSU DOES contain 6280 updates - I may be wrong on this , but have a look ,I think this is the case )
I did exactly the same as you (the phone would not even switch on) but was able to Dead phone flash it with Phoenix

For me it was a helpful exercise - learning that I could bring back a dead phone has made me far less weary of all things NSU

[Hands0n]

My little baby returned yesterday. I'm happy again :)

While on holiday I received a text from T-Mobile, within days of my posting above, saying that the handset was ready for collection. I'd say that they'd turned it around within seven days! But as I was away I couldn't pick it up until yesterday (2/6). The 6280's Flext35+Web 'n Walk Plus has been resident in a Nokia N93 for the past week and a bit - another story that I've made comment on elsewhere on T3G.

Anyroadup - I nipped into town to the T-Mobile shop (not a franchise) and picked it up, all shiny and looking rather good. It has had a brand new motherboard installed - new IMEI - and it really has been given a bit of a spruce up, not that it was untidy in any way, I tend to keep my handsets as near mint as possible. But this looks like it is brand new out of the box!

The 6280 has been returned with 06.10 firmware dated 12-12-06. That is, as far as I can tell, pretty much the last edition of firmware that the 6280 had issued to it. The OS does look a bit busier in places, new menus and the branding is still as tidy as T-Mobile seem to make it, minimal.

I'm impressed with the repair service, the first time since a very unsettling and ineffective experience with 3's repair team three years ago. By that comparison T-Mobile's repair was quick, effective, without quibble and free within the warranty terms.

Now the question is .... WTF was it with NSU that blew up the mobo in the 6280? Gawd, that is a real liability. Although, given the age of the handset now (14 months) it is unlikely that there will be any future firmware updates on it. So the chances of this happening again for that particular reason are slim.

The 6280 has turned out to be one of Nokia's more fragile handsets - I don't imagine that the 6288 has fared much better. It seems that 2005/6 was not the best period for robust Nokia devices (I'm thinking of the N80 and all that turned out not to be as another example).