Whirlpool

Hi All!

I've been reading up on the new Next G Handsets that are going to be released and Apparently Telstra are releasing a new handset:

LG TU550

Does anyone have any information on this phone and how it's a change from the TU500?

Any information would be great!

Regards,

Clunk

The fact that google and Wikipedia had nothing on it I'll say its a typo

Have Cingular got it?

I have been advised via my DealerNet that it is to be released by June/July.

Also to be released with the Samsung A801 and Motorola V3xx.

It IS a typo that numerous sites have incorrectly written CU550 instead of CU500 (for the Cingular version).

No new handset here..... please move along.

Some of new NextG phones, the LG TU550 is definitely there, along with Samsung A411, Telstra T852, Telstra T152. I can't tell more details about them unfortunately.

Thanks for the back-up.

You will find that it will be released. It is different to the LG TU500.

I will almost guarantee that the TU500 will be released as a Prepaid unit soon.

Alas, the TU550 will replace it. Just wanting to know if there was any information that I couldn't find.

If I find anything I will keep you posted.

Clinton

Then talk to telstra, as painful as that might be, they should have the info.

LG TU550 is here: www.lge.co.kr/cokr/main/MainCmd.laf

DeathSta writes...

LG TU550 is here: www.lge.co.kr/cokr/main/MainCmd.laf

I actually cant see it is it the phone on top.

yup we just got some promo stuff for this phone from LG yesterday.

rep confirmed the lauch will occur around when TU500 goes $299 on prepaid.

The TU550 is a new model and not a typo. It will fit the same car kit as the TU500.

Expect some minor new functionality and thats about it. Its also got a new colour housing.

Any Photo's or articles on this?

I struggle to find anything anywhere.

Has anyone also found much about the Samsung A801?

regards,

Clunk

1.6mbps for this one

no thanks on the LG. I'll stick to the n95.

no thanks on the LG. I'll stick to the n95.

The N95 is all very well and good. But alas, it has no Next G.

That is the drawcard about this unit. Seeing as the two handsets are aimed at a different audiences I'd hardly call them a fair comparison.

Regards,

Clunk

Mr Murano writes...

The TU550 is a new model and not a typo.

Try doing a search on LG CU575

Hi All,

I read somewhere that this tu550 phone might have a physical connection for the external antenna on the car kit. Does anyone know of thats true or does it still have the passive connection like the tu500?

I need to upgrade from my dieing kyocera CDMA in the next week or 2, but I want a nextg phone with good external antenna capability. The Kyocera has been great, maybe I should just get a tu500 with a patch lead if the tu550 is a while off. Any thoughts on this welcome. Regards,

Peter

oznuggets writes...

I read somewhere that this tu550 phone might have a physical connection for the external antenna on the car kit. Does anyone know of thats true or does it still have the passive connection like the tu500?

the TU500 doesn't have a passive connection... it have an Active connection (it has a physical connection for an antenna)

Hi,

I have seen a friends tu500 that has a small antenna connector on the back of the phone but that isn't used on the car kit. Is the RF signal going out through one of the other connectors? I tried to find the pinouts of the connectors on the tu500 but not managed to find them to figure that one out, regards,

Peter

The changes are mainly cosmetic. Silver in colour, Same carkit, New cradle is being made with a direct antenna connecter. The old one was passive so is 3db down(50%) on direct coupled antennas .New cradle will fit the tu500 as well

TU550 does have a direct antenna connection (not passive coupled as with the TU500) with it's car kit. The TU500's patch lead connection (which is not used by default on the existing car kits, although you can manually plug it in in the back) is supposed to just be a test port and by using it you invalidate the warranty on the handset.

Other than that, I dont think there are too many differences to the TU500.

Most phones have test points that we use in Oz for external antenna connecters
The Motorola v6, the palm 750 , The Samsung 501 has one too behind the batttery. External antennas are not required over seas since they have higher population densities, thus many more cells closer together. Most antenna patch leads are designed and build after market and are technically not covered by warranty but Telstra are covering warranty on antenna port failure due to the fact they realise they must have this ability to equal cdma range.

The reason that Next g does not have equivalent range to next g, handheld is that the internal antennas are now situated in the lower part of the phone to avoid radiation to the brain via the ear. The Samsung 501 is the best for handheld range due to it a least having a short stubbie antenna at the top but there is still a long way to go before we have cdma equivalent

Hopefully we will start to see pullup antennas again in next g phones. Hopefully the Nokia due July will have as good a range as their cdmas did.

its coming out late may..about a week or two

I have a TU500 and am quite disappointed to be frank!

I bought the phone which was already $550 or something around there, then on top had to buy the SanDisk Memory card becauase the phone has hardly any memory (8mb i think).

After all this, i find out u cant even set the songs i managed to put on as Ringtones... stupid LG programed designed it in a pathetic way that it gives me errors saying it is Too LArger File!! then i do a whole lot of changes, re-recording's, numerous changes to a small file size, only to be given ANOTHER error saying 'Not accepted Content'. Even though its an mp3 file!!!! and i mad it 25kb in size!

I got a mate to send via bluetooth a ringtone, and guess wat! NOT ACCEPTED CONTENT, very disappointing.. having the same ringtone all the time or choosing another crappy LG one. WOOOPEEEE!

Im continuing to this day to get Error's with actions i perform on this phone and i would say to anyone, SAVE the money and buy a Razor or somthing which is half the price!

I want a refund but all i could possibly get is it fixed under warrenty. And a fat load of use that is! lol

If LG is listening,, GIMME A REFUND PLEASE!!!!! or an upgrade will do, lol

Got word today that telstra has put TU550 into the phone lineup so should be hitting stores shortly, i guess 24th to coincide with prepaid launch

mobilesforU writes...

Got word today that telstra has put TU550 into the phone lineup so should be hitting stores shortly, i guess 24th to coincide with prepaid launch

I would say that remaining TU500 post paid stock will be used to promote the Telstra MRO (MRO of around $15 to make it total over 24 months $360 which is just $11 more than the prepaid (after $40 unlock fee) $49 cap plan.

Telstra need something to fight Optus black and white advetising the $49 cap plan over the $40 phone plan.

And that would be a somewhat perfect fit for Telstra to fight Optus in that current round of the battle.

Have Cingular started selling the CU500 yet?

Netstats writes...

MRO of around $15 to make it total over 24 months $360
There's no way the TU500 will be made available for $360 rrp.
Unless you mean a subsidised cap plan with a partial MRO, in which case, that might happen, but I wouldn't hold my breath on it.

Intar-webs writes...

There's no way the TU500 will be made available for $360 rrp.
Unless you mean a subsidised cap plan with a partial MRO, in which case, that might happen, but I wouldn't hold my breath on it.

did you read what I typed?

or is it a case of selective reading again by I(heart)Telstra ... LOL

I said:

MRO of $15 per month over 24 months which is $360

Telstra $49 cap over 24 months = $1176

Total over 24 months:$1536

that would be comparable to the LG TU500s (yes there is an s in the model name which probably means subsidised :-) )

on prepaid which is $299 LOCKED or $349 (after $50 unlock fee prior to 6 months active account) on the $49 cap plan (which is still available right now when you activate NextG prepaid)

So if you want post paid this would be a good entry point for Telstra to fight back against Optus and its $49 cap plan and PROMOTE THE HELL out of coverage against Optus.

In other words the $15 MRO you pay buys you peace of mind that you have 3G coverage to 46% of the Australian population than optus does not provides you with with their 3G free $49 cap phones ...

Gees do i have to do all Telstra's marketing :-)

Netstats writes...

did you read what I typed?

Yes - you just don't seem to understand what I've written.

There's a difference between a subsidised MRO and a full MRO.

yes there is an s in the model name which probably means subsidised
Telstra doesn't change the model names for subsidised handsets.

Netstats writes...

Have Cingular started selling the CU500 yet?

CU500v has video sharing or something like that release about the 4th

mobilesforU writes...

CU500v has video sharing or something like that release about the 4th

its basically the same handset as the CU500 though.

Nothing major, but it does have flight mode option and also EDGE over 850 and 1900 GSM networks.

That said, they have also enabled FOTA upgrade.

FOTA stands for:

Firmware Over the Air upgrade.

so the CU500 owners over their can virtually upgrade their firmware to CU500v spec.

I doubt Telstra will introduce that technology for just 1 handset.

Intar-webs writes...

There's a difference between a subsidised MRO and a full MRO.

Hi,
I just upgraded? from 6 years postpaid CDMA to the tu500 on a $49 cap. My MRO is $23 a month for 24 months. Seems as though I got absolute zero from Telstra, I at least would have thought I'd get some other incentive for jumping on my own accord. Maybe I didn't jump high enough, or I haven't had enough dropped nextg calls.... yet :) Peter

oznuggets writes...

I just upgraded? from 6 years postpaid CDMA to the tu500 on a $49 cap

should have waited heard that telstra is launching possible $49 cap(internet or something) with full subsidised handset, i heard that it does exist within certain channels, but seeing this is a thead about <edit>TU550<Edit> i doubt this is the right thread. i posted something in another thread awhile ago do a search and you might find something.

putting a tu500 on a $49 cap seems like the most impractical thing you could have done, UNLESS you absolutely needed a phone with an active antenna port.

for an extra $7 a month, you could have got the samsung A701 with $550* worth of calls.

*rargh!

I've only heard the f252 on the 49 cap for free, but only via certain channels. No lg.

Two Handsets on the $49 cap:

- 252 I belive can be found for free at 125 111 if you get someone that knows about it.

- F150 is free for NEW connections only in specific regions that where delivered a brochuer and GIVE the brocher the the t-shop.

Netstats writes...

on prepaid which is $299 LOCKED or $349 (after $50 unlock fee prior to 6 months active account) on the $49 cap plan (which is still available right now when you activate NextG prepaid)

LG TU500 Unlock fee is $100
ZTE F256 Unlock fee is $150

within 6 months.

mobilesforU writes...

possible $49 cap(internet or something) with full subsidised handset, i heard that it does exist within certain channels

Only though the customer retention team when it is felt that the customer is of extreme high value. If you ever want to leave Telstra give cancellations a call and be put through to the retentions team to see what sort of deal they can do for you.

why is the tu550 twice the price of the tu500? As far as I can tell with a quick look and not reading much of this forum is that it has a different antenna and a shiny case.

johnyd writes...

why is the tu550 twice the price of the tu500?

I doubt anyone here can tell you that.

They are very similar. :)

I asked the question to a Telstra rep - Do some Next G handsets have better coverage than others. He said yes, the new TU550 coming soon has a 'chipset' that enhances reception. Could be propaganda but I know the guy so I will assume this to be correct for now.

I was looking at getting the TU550 with the direct wired car-kit. I went into a T-Shop and they tried to sell me the TU500 car kit with obviously no external direct connect car kit socket.

Others in this thread have mentioned that there is a new cradle to go with the TU550 - can anyone give me any specifics on exactly how I can get Telstra to supply me with the correct car kit that supports the external car kit direct wired (non passive) car kit cradle? (By direct connect I also do not refer to the patch lead option that was available with the TU500 - I want a kit I can just drop the phone into and it connects to an external antenna without needing additional patch/fly leads).

I do a lot of country travel and a direct connect car kit is the only option I have to maintain coverage equivalent to my current (nearly dieing) CDMA handset.

wirelessnetnut writes...

Others in this thread have mentioned that there is a new cradle to go with the TU550 - can anyone give me any specifics on exactly how I can get Telstra to supply me with the correct car kit that supports the external car kit direct wired (non passive) car kit cradle? (By direct connect I also do not refer to the patch lead option that was available with the TU500 - I want a kit I can just drop the phone into and it connects to an external antenna without needing additional patch/fly leads).

It's an entirely new kit which is available from the CLOC (formerly the RFO - Telstra's Retail Fulfilment Operation). But it has only been on the price list for a week or so which is why you might have trouble getting it from stores. The product code is 123064 and it's listed as the "LG TU550 car kit" although it will fit the TU500 as well. Also some dealers/shops may be trying to sell out of the old kits before they order the new ones so that may be another reason you haven't seen them.

We have ours on order... will post here when we have them. If you have no joy getting one locally then I can certainly supply them as soon as they get here.

NB as I have not seen the kit yet I am entirely reliant on the information given to me by people higher up within Telstra but they've all assured me that it does in fact have a direct antenna connection, and apparently the kit is not even made by LG, it's something that has been sourced elsewhere for exactly that purpose.

diallerdave writes...

He said yes, the new TU550 coming soon has a 'chipset' that enhances reception. Could be propaganda but I know the guy so I will assume this to be correct for now

and what chipset is that?

They run the same Qualcomm WBCDMA chipset as the Tu500 does.

So it should be strong in fringe regions.

Heading out to regional NSW central west town of Burcher (which should be nice and cold) for a 4WD & Hunting adventure :), hopefully the AWD Territory will handle it :0 well in any case we have a few Landcruisers & Partols in the group plus my brothers Mazda Tribute (which has done the job plenty of times out there) will be there as well.

Am taking the TU500 and also my LG 330W CDMA and doing basic testing.

Lets see how the TU500 car kit works out there.

Imate jasjam and tu 500, have the slightly extended coverage. If you go to the telstra website and look at each nextg handset info, you see it states what areas telstra reccomends that handset best for.

Had telstra rep on my back again yesterday arvo trying to sell me phones that are no good to me. When you do find out about the tu550 car kit could you please let me know. Can't seem to get the message to telstra reps that a phone without a full wired car kit is no good to me.
Regards Gra

Telstra have TU550 for sale in our area. Knew nothing of them until i got the Fone Zone leaflet. It appears that this model is specifically aimed at Regional and Country users who are reluctant to give up their CDMA. It is supposed to have the best reception capabilities of all the NextG models. This i will have to wait and see..
I havent found anything to surpass the reception of my Nokia 6385 CDMA . Although the Samsung A501 is pretty good, possibly because of the extrenal mounted Antennae. Anyone who has tested the 550, please inform us of your results?

The phone is basicly the same as the TU500, but it's silver, it's sides are slightly bent inwards, and has a more cleaner look, but still can see it's a better looking brother to the ugly TU500.

It's MRO handset approved only at the moment, meaning, you can't get it on a subsidized $30 plan, like the TU500 is. Telstra is planning to put this junk on a $80 phone plan.. LOL.

Forlorn writes...

It's MRO handset approved only at the moment, meaning, you can't get it on a subsidized $30 plan, like the TU500 is. Telstra is planning to put this junk on a $80 phone plan.. LOL.

It IS on an $80 Phone Plan. ;)

oscyaki writes...

It IS on an $80 Phone Plan. ;)

hrm, my bad, didn't know the schedule was out yet.

Still, it's hilarious that Telstra is thinking they can get away with this. It's a crime, I'd say.

oscyaki writes...

It IS on an $80 Phone Plan. ;)

It doesn't pay to take that phone on an 80 Phone Plan. Simply doesn't make sense.

Assuming handset is ~$600
MRO - $80 Member - $15CR + $25MRO = $90/month including $80 of calls

Phone Plan 80 - $80 including $70 of calls

Further, the Phone Plan isn't flexible. Pen2 if you want to drop below 80. No thanks.

Forlorn writes...

didn't know the schedule was out yet

As of 4th of June you'll find it.

I've had people buy a Moto V6 Maxx on an $80 Phone Plan. They want the phone to be included and their usage justifies the high phone plan. I do tell them that they can get JasJam, Treo, etc instead but they just want a good phone that works instead of a sophisticated PDA all-in-one solution.

oscyaki writes...

I've had people buy a Moto V6 Maxx on an $80 Phone Plan. They want the phone to be included and their usage justifies the high phone plan.
Haven't you heard of an MRO?

Intar-webs writes...

Haven't you heard of an MRO?

I sure have. :) As you would know there is a big push for MRO's. Some customers will take my advice, others won't.

oscyaki writes...

Some customers will take my advice, others won't.
It's very easy to sell MRO once you've had a few angry customers go nuts over their insanely high Pen1 amounts on their phone plans......

Intar-webs writes...

It's very easy to sell MRO once you've had a few angry customers go nuts over their insanely high Pen1 amounts on their phone plans......

I actually explain the ETC's for the specific plan before finalising the provisioning in MNC. Haven't had someone say no at that point yet... So they are informed. :)

i wouldn't DARE put customer's on a $80 phone plan, that would be harsh. I would only if the customer requests it. But more than often you see customers that have lost or want to get a new phone and the pen1 fee on an $80 is something like $47.00 a month. Which is ridiculous.

MRO all the way. Even though you're paying $90 a month, like Intra-web pointed out, you're also getting $10 more in calls, (which works out even) and the flexibility say if you did break your phone, you can upgrade to another one, without penalty, and have the freedom to change plans (as long as you're not breaking your min commitment) eg. Member plan to Cap Plan for example. Since the Phone and the Contract are separate they're are no nasty surprises. and believe me, the customer thanks me later.

oscyaki writes...

I actually explain the ETC's for the specific plan before finalising the provisioning in MNC. Haven't had someone say no at that point yet...
I've also pointed out the part that says Telstra may vary this contract at any time, yet people still sign. Perhaps how you're drawing their attention to it can be improved?

oscyaki writes...

I actually explain the ETC's for the specific plan before finalising the provisioning in MNC.

People don't remember this. People sometimes get all warped up into getting a new phone, they forget their contractual obligations. No one understands what "Just to let you know your maximum ETC is $1800".. really means.

Forlorn writes...

want to get a new phone and the pen1 fee on an $80 is something like $47.00 a month. Which is ridiculous.
It is possible to make money out of Telstra's silly ETCs sometimes though. They've been known to make phones available that if you Pen2 from day one is actually less than the RRP of the phone. Incredible.

As a general rule, unless you know what you're doing, and can guarantee that cheap crappy phone is going to last 24 months without being dropped/liquid damaged/stolen/etc, go for an MRO. Just don't get stung by some shonky mob that have ridiculously high mark-up on phones.

Forlorn writes...

"Just to let you know your maximum ETC is $1800".. really means.

"If you were to cancel your contract with us your plan has a base ETC of $X. The ETC payable is calculated so that the base ETC is multiplied by the number of months remaining and then divided by 24, the number of months of this contract. So, for example, if you were to cancel in 12 months your ETC would be $Y."

I think that's very clear. :)

Intar-webs writes...

As a general rule, unless you know what you're doing, and can guarantee that cheap crappy phone is going to last 24 months without being dropped/liquid damaged/stolen/etc, go for an MRO. Just don't get stung by some shonky mob that have ridiculously high mark-up on phones.

Yep. Absolutely. All my phones are on MRO.

oscyaki writes...

I think that's very clear. :)
Yep - and as an experiment, let's see how many customers you can also include the sentence "If you deactivate the service, Telstra WILL take your first born", and see how many customers even flinch.

Seriously. They won't even notice. I've tried it.

Intar-webs writes...

Seriously. They won't even notice. I've tried it.

I know. The only thing you can do is try.

With my last $80 Business Phone Plan customer (with V6 Maxx that I mentioned earlier) I went through the Business Get Connected Plan (currently $45/month) and the Business Member Plan 80.

It's their choice in the end.

oscyaki writes...

With my last $80 Business Phone Plan customer (with V6 Maxx that I mentioned earlier) I went through the Business Get Connected Plan (currently $45/month) and the Business Member Plan 80.

This is getting O/T - but it'll hopefully give people an idea what plan to put their new TU550 on... (hint: if the consultant offers you a Phone Plan 80 first off, run a mile).

a) There's no Business Get Connected Plan - it's either Get Connected or Business Talk

b) You went through all those plans with the poor customer? Check mica, check their call patterns, long calls are generally best suited to a Get Connected/Bus Talk if MNET/PSTN. Short calls - look at a Cap/Member. You know the drill.

Intar-webs writes...

it's either Get Connected or Business Talk

Which are ending/suspending by this month......

(thank the lord..)

Forlorn writes...

Which are ending/suspending by this month......
Nah they're not. They're being renamed and modified. Telstra. Tell me again how it's "making life easier".

Intar-webs writes...

b) You went through all those plans with the poor customer? Check mica, check their call patterns, long calls are generally best suited to a Get Connected/Bus Talk if MNET/PSTN. Short calls - look at a Cap/Member. You know the drill.

Lol. To try and get them off the idea of the Phone Plan. ;)

I meant the Business 25cents Untimed Plan. $45 includes phone and fantastic call rates but he was very adamant. Anyway, as you said this is OT.

MRO is certainly the way to go with the TU550 and if you get any decent consultant they should be able to knock off at least $2 (monthly) off the MRO.

oscyaki writes...

they should be able to knock off at least $2 (monthly) off the MRO.
Why do that? Just offer the right plan. It's going to save them far more than $2/month in MRO. No one really cares about $48.

$45 includes phone and fantastic call rates
On a Business Talk 60 Phone Plan, less your $15 credit on selected handsets, oh, and a *MASSIVE* Pen1. No thanks.

Fone Zone have this on a $20 plan with $28 MRO fo 24 mths.
Total, $48 pm. Can also buy the LG Carkit and get free installation. Only available to current CDMA customer upgrades, including prepaid. Includes previous contract cancellation

Up Bland Creek writes...

Fone Zone have this on a $20 plan with $28 MRO fo 24 mths.
Total, $48 pm.

Which equals $679 for the handset.

RRP on the phone (according to the Telstra website) is $619 and I've been selling them for $559 to business customers.

Don't get ripped off peoples - shop around.

Free installation... woohoo... when it's already factored into the price, it ain't exactly free! And anyone can get their CDMA contract waived so that's nothing special either.

Dont worry CDMA is not dead yet?

"In a sign of fresh hostilities between the Government and Telstra, Communications Minister Helen Coonan yesterday signalled she could use ministerial powers to force the telco to provide equivalent coverage on the Next G network before closing the old CDMA service."

quote "The Age" 13-6-07

Up Bland Creek writes...

Dont worry CDMA is not dead yet?

"In a sign of fresh hostilities between the Government and Telstra, Communications Minister Helen Coonan yesterday signalled she could use ministerial powers to force the telco to provide equivalent coverage on the Next G network before closing the old CDMA service."

quote "The Age" 13-6-07

please don't make this another CDMA thread. :/ We've heard enough honestly.
CDMA is a dying network, and no one is fixing it.

Up Bland Creek writes...

Dont worry CDMA is not dead yet?

Give up, its dead in the water, you can guarantee telstra will kill CDMA off at all costs by Feb 08. Stop wasting your breath and move to the new network, or to another carrier.

So has anyone with the TU550 been able to use it in an area where the TU500 did not work?

Info that has slowly being released is that it still has the same range in fring areas as the Tu500 does at hand held levels.

They really need to bring back external antenna, maybe the ZTE rep will read this and provide feedback to his employer that people need the extendable external antenna that have at least minimum 3dB gain which will boost the siognal by at least 15% (or approx 5 to 10 km in good conditions)

I wasnt advocating CDMA, just showing that the Govt is trying to force Tesltra to honour its commitments to roll out NextG coverage equivelant to CDMA. Yes I have moved on and got me a Samsung A501, which is reasonably good. The external mounted antennae does help on this model, but i am keen to hear of reports on the TU550 coverage.

Netstats writes...

They really need to bring back external antenna, maybe the ZTE rep will read this

Why are you leaving messages for the ZTE rep in an LG thread? O/T much?

My experience with the TU550 so far:

1) Battery life really sucks - 48 hours on standby is about it so far - though I have only cycled the battery a couple of times so hopefully this will improve.

2) Software won't run on Vista

3) The supplied 512MB mini SD card still doesn't work properly

4) The bluetooth connectivity is really hit and miss - sometimes it connects and sometimes not.

Overall I have been utterly underwhelmed with LG.

:(

And the Hands Free Car Kit is NOT a genuine LG Car Kit!

wgt007p

Has n e one been able to put songs on and set them as ring tones??? wuld love to know how how.... this is on the TU500.

cheers

Afternnon

Has anyone seen the 'new' car kit with the directly connected antenna?

I asked to see one in a Telstra shop today and it had no antenna connection

This page www.telstra.com.au/mobil...?phones_id=38510 says

Car Kit ( does not support direct connection of antenna to phone)

Very confused,

S.

Got connected to one today. Antenna spike on car kit plugs into back of phone.Now have service in areas I had none with CDMA.

Have had the tu-550 and car kit for 2 weeks now and i have a lot more coverage than my old cdma. No problems as yet and still setting phone up and find it simple to use. Not 100% happy with car kit, direct antenna connection in back of phone is good but still have to have extra plug for speaker. Advised manufacturers that this needs to be looked at and am waiting for an updated car kit.

mine hooks directly into car audio.no problems as yet.

lugg0 writes...

Has n e one been able to put songs on and set them as ring tones??? would love to know how how.... this is on the TU500.

Yes on the tu550, just use the data cable put the mp3 (has to be short or you get an error about to large a file) on the phone. Go to sounds-options-set as-ringtone.

Also does anyone know how to download games across the data cable, my phone keeps putting them in the other files folder and they are unusable. The games are supposedly supported by the phone.

I have a TU550 supplied by work.

Overall I'd say that the phone isn't too bad, but a couple of things annoy me though.

Can't have an MP3 as a ring tone if its longer than 30 seconds.

The PC software that comes with the phone is about as basic as it gets.

And the absolute total pain in the backside is the stupid annoying ascending ring tone 'feature' that LG forced on people, I want to turn it off as do the 15 other TU550 users in my company but it is hard on and I can't find the off option for it anywhere. I contacted LG about it and got the 'this is a feature of the phone blah blah blah' response.
Anyone know of a hack etc that will let me nail this annoying 'feature'.

I personally wish the bosses had waited for some NextG Nokia handsets.

neeko73 writes...

stupid annoying ascending ring tone 'feature'

I may have a fix for that. I'm not confident that it will work as i haven't had time to play with mp3's to check but, if you were to make the start of the mp3 really loud and then descend to offset the ascending volume it might work.

Can somebody set me straight on which is the best car kit for the TU550? ie which is the most reliable with the least issues? The LG model HFI-TU500 or the Accessory Warehouse model HFLGTU500? Is there another one that I don't know of that is better?

PC User put out a great little application called PC User i Tones a couple of months ago. It lets you capture up to 30 second of any piece of music. Then just load into your TU500 (you need the Mini SD card installed). Then just select the MP3 file you loaded in the TU500 menu, select "Set as Ringtone" and your done !! Works well. As for the TU500........I'm not impressed. Nowhere near as good as my CDMA LG TD6100 !

Balance writes...

Can somebody set me straight on which is the best car kit for the TU550? ie which is the most reliable with the least issues? The LG model HFI-TU500 or the Accessory Warehouse model HFLGTU500? Is there another one that I don't know of that is better?

Anyone?

neeko73 writes...

stupid annoying ascending ring tone 'feature' that LG forced on people, I want to turn it off

I got a TU 550 this week and have spent many hours educating on the finer points. I work outdoors and need the loudest, most annoying ringtone, LG supplies both. If you go to settings menu, then profiles menu. select a profile, some of them can be edited with the left soft menu eg general, outdoor, user defined 1 & 2. Then select alert type and choose max ring and vib. Page 33 of the manual gives a general outline of available options. Hope this helps.

Balance writes...

Anyone?

The current carkit that Telstra Shops sell is the best one.

From someone who has over 30 LG TU500/TU550's in trucks around NSW I've had a lot of feedback come through.

The latest one with the directly couple antenna is better for reception (obviously) doesn't cause the "menu" problem like the older carkit has - as well as from reports the older carkit has issues inregards to people being able to hear others.

From all reports of said customer - the latest is indeed the greatest :)

faithjunkie writes...

choose max ring and vib

The ringtone still gets louder as it goes when someone rings you. At the menu it appears that it is max ring straight away but when called it's not.

I downloaded wave pad and then from that you can pick out the bit of song you want as a ringtone from any music CD and it saves to mp3 when you save it this is the link to it www.nch.com.au/wavepad/index.html
Good Luck

you can set the ringtone to full volume straight away... go to profiles, select the profile to change, select edit, select alert type, then choose full volume. the basic LG ringtones are actually ascending in their recordingtoo, so it appears not to change it, but if you put in your own ringtone that is flat volume level it works fine. I did all that and then found how goodthe ascending ringtine is and went back to it.

also any ringtone can be inserted.. it's not length that's restricted, it's file size... save your mp3 as a lower resolution file and it'll be fine. I've made about 30 ringtones from some favourite songs and all is fine, even one banana, two banana, three banana, four!

Went onto Bigpond's music site and downloaded some legal songs to play on the 550 over the weekend so the wife can listen whilst she jogs.

Naturally, the phone won't play them :|

Spoke to Telstra who stated that the TU550 software is stuffed and it won't play all downloaded music files . I was able to manually upload some mp3's which it played but it is kinda ironic that I can't put "legal" music on the phone and I can't use Vista to do it with.

I also noticed that by default any bluetooth or internet downloads to the phone go into the 32MB inbuilt memory, not the SD card, and as a result the phone memory fills up almost instantly. I can't figure out how to make the SD card the default storage location, anyone?

LG TU550 Internet Connection Details

LG Internet Kit
Error Message = TE Connection Fail

Dialup Networking
Error Message = Error 619

So your tearing your hair out trying to get your TU550 to be your Internet connection modem and Telstra or LG are no help! Below is a high level procedure to get you up and going...

Summary:
Must add Extra Initialization Commands to your LG modem
command = +cgdcont=1,"ip","telstra.datapack"­

XP Details:
1) Start/Control Panel/Phone and Modem Options
2) Select Modem Tag, select LGE Mobile USB Modem (if not there, install your LG phone software)
3) Select Properties, select Advanced
4) In the Extra Settings field, add +cgdcont=1,"ip","telstra.datapack"­
5) Select OK, Select OK
6) Start/Connect To/Show all Connections
7) Select Create New Connection, on the top left
8) select Next, select Next, select Set up my connection manually, select Next, select ONLY (ticked) Modem - LGE Mobile USB Modem, enter ISP name of Telstra Internet, enter phone number *99#, select Next, no username or password, untick default Internet connection, select Finish
9) select Dial
10) You should now be connected to the Internet.
11) Open your Internet Explorer and go to www.abc.net.au
12) If this does not come up, make sure no proxy server is on. select Tool (try ALT-T keys if no menu), Internet Options, Connections, LAN settings, make sure nothing is ticked and then OK all the way back.

I have just bought the LG TU550 carkit from Telstra and had it installed however when my LG TU550 is in the car kit I can't choose the "car" profile. It stays on the "headset" profile.

Can anyone help with this?

Thanks

I have just got TU550 and car kit. The coverage is on average 1 bar of signal strength better than without external antenna.
Annoying things:
Ascending ring volume
Not able to change Call Diversion No Answer delay timer
Car Kit. You need to jiggle the phone to get it in the cradle properly and then try to clamp it down on the antenna connection!
Not able to personallise Silent or Vibrate profiles
I hate the ring tones. What happened to "ring ring, ring ring"? I dont like all these wanky tones.

I do like to MP3 player though, so does my daughter!

Nick

nickj2411 writes...

Ascending ring volume

Go to Settings 9-1-1-2 (personalise)
Select 1- Ring alert, select 7 (max Ring)
Select 2- Ringtones, select 1- Voice Call Tone , (select Old Ring mp3)
(can do the same for Video call)
Select 5 Volume, 1- Ringtone, (select Max)

Just wondering if anyone is having problems with the radio mute on these new after market tu550 car kits. I have fitted 9 this week and starting to get calls from customers saying the radio mute activates randomly when driving along. After a bit of playing around l found if you tapped the black box the mute activated. Thinking it would be a dry joint l had a look inside one but discovered that they all do it when tapped lightly.

Paul! writes...

LG TU550 Internet Connection Details

Dialup Networking

For those wanting to use the 0198308888 Telstra Dialup (landline) during "my Hour" on the TU550.

You need to force your phone onto the 2G network. To do this go Menu > 9 > 5 > 3 > 2 > 2. (Network Mode) Select Telstra "2G Only". You should then be able to use the dial-up internet number. After you have finished, repeat the above to go back to the "Dual Mode" selection.
Also, before dialing, choose your "connectivity" method, from menu 9>5>6>1 for USB or 2 for Bluetooth.

.."I have just bought the LG TU550 carkit from Telstra and had it installed however when my LG TU550 is in the car kit I can't choose the "car" profile. It stays on the "headset" profile. "...

Have the same issue. I find the car kit quite flimsy also, plus it would be nice if the front screen stayed on whilst the phone is in the holder so one can see it in the dark. Still prefer the old Samsung Car kit...much better quality. It would appear that LG don't actually make the car kits themselves?

I would also like to ask a question of the 'techies' in relation to antennas for next g operation. .... I was at my local comms shop getting a plug crimped for the external antenna, after fitting the kit and the tech stated that I would be better off getting a 'quad-band' antenna for next g to maximise coverage. All the posts and info I have suggests that the existing CDMA antenna is OK for next g. 850mHz. He suggested that as the phones 'switch' between 3G, GSM, and Next g that an antenna which covers the various bands (800-850, 900/1800-1900 etc ).

Would be interested in comments on the above.

Cheers,

Mark

LG TU550 (Acquired Fri 24 Aug 2007)

Does anyone know what the icon is that sits at the top of the screen, it looks like a pair of scissors with a line threw it ???

It sits between the signal strength meter icon and the battery power icon.

It's not in the manual, I checked.

Thanks...

LG TU550 (Acquired Fri 24 Aug 2007)

Does anyone know what the icon is that sits at the top of the screen, it looks like a pair of scissors with a line threw it ???

It sits between the signal strength meter icon and the battery power icon.

It's not in the manual, I checked.

Thanks...

andrewinbrisy writes...

Does anyone know what the icon is that sits at the top of the screen, it looks like a pair of scissors with a line threw it ???

Thats the Bluetooth activity icon. It changes with connections to devices..

Thanks

LG TU550 Next G (Fri 24 Aug 2007)

I have a Kingmax 512mb SD micro in the phone, it came supplied.

Can anyone tell me why auto play will not come up when I connect the phone to the PC ???

* I've used all six USB ports on my PC with the same result
* Auto play is selected in the 'Removable Disk Properties'.
* I can access the drive via 'My Computer'.

Any suggestions ???

Thanks
Andrew...

andrewinbrisy writes...

Can anyone tell me why auto play will not come up when I connect the phone to the PC ???

Have you checked USB Mode?

Select 9-5-2-1 Select "Mass Storage" for SD Micro

Up Bland Creek writes...

Have you checked USB Mode?

Select 9-5-2-1 Select "Mass Storage" for SD Micro

Yes ...

LG told me that one...

Have you tried Acce