Dunno if you have a Sharp or whether this works for you, but we old-timers with 903, 803, 802, 703 etc. used to convert to full screen with "Hikarikit" Locate easily with Google.

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Japanese 2G phones are being phased out this year, so my prepaid will be totally cancelled, and I have to get a new phone and number.

Any advice from all of you? Shall I continue Softbank or change to Docomo? Which might work better with a hyperSim if a suitable SH model brought back here?

Also, those of you with old style SW unlocked 70- 80- 90-'s : better not play with the +POWER presses. I believe mine got into infinite recyling mode after doing that.

Found out Docomo no longer has prepaid. Softbank now only has 2 models -- both lousy low-tech few-featured Samsungs -- not even Japanese!

I don't want to spend on those, think I'll just wait and see if they extend the service anymore. If not, let it go and rent/borrow while on trips. Renting SIM is costly, but most J-phones can email so frenz can send to my wi-fi phone, I guess. I can call back on a public phone to avoid roaming. Seems like Japanese communication going backward. Too bad.

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Do you mean this? http://mb.softbank.jp/en/prepaid_service/model/707sc2.html

Maybe there's a model without the (II). This one cannot use any SIM card. Not very hi-tech.

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It probably does not have a USIM. Directly wired to lock into Softbank and might be able to roam on one of the local 3G services but COSTLY. You'd have to be registered for internet credit card top-up to keep paying for it. Can you call the Jphone from a local one while in Malaysia?

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Has anyone tried taking one of these DoCoMo's back to Japan to use there? What happens?

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Further note, the SB page says no Global Roaming, which means no 3G, which further means no USIM, so no slot to put any bypass.

PS: Pls also check your PM for my message.

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Oh, very interesting.... Does that mean I could transfer the USIM from a cheap JP prepaid into a better model keitai and it would work the same way? How about SB USIM into a DoCoMo handset? (of course bought from vodafone!)

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904 also needs hypersim, right? Does it have advantages over newer ones like Docomos for example?

BTW I've seen many older models in Taipei, both new and used.

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Girl gets a demonstration of new FLIP OPEN DEVICE -- she says, it's a portable convenience (KEITAI ni benri) !
The guy is a Marathon world champion, guess what event?

WARNING: Rating PG for the Japanese language content !



This post has been edited by oneeleven: Mar 23 2010, 12:01 AM

My favorite, 802, same problem. Reflashed many times in KL and BKK but reverts to same problem.

Stab in the dark -- maybe try with a hypersim?


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Can anybody figure out if the new J-Androids will be easy to use outside of Japan?

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Some have ways to get J-phones through traditional channels in Japan but also many J-phones gotten through non-traditional means. Despite Android being pretty common, these handsets still have something unique and attractive to offer.

What I am wondering is whether these have a USIM slot, need HyperSIM, can be jailbroken, can switch to English Android, loaded with proprietary interface, etc.

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Be sure to try using the the keyboard for English SMS. For many models it is a real @ss pain! Also many "every sentence" Chinese characters not supported.

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Similar situation here. J-friend going for home visit. I'm thinking if he would get an unlocked Android smartphone to use while in Japan he could Skype on a prepaid SIM then bring the phone back to Malaysia for local use (or sell to me).

Any recommendations for which model to select?

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Loved my 802 but it had a similar problem after using two years. Reflashing several times in KL and BKK (where I bought it) had it working for a day or two, then back to the same. I spent quite a bit of money for reflashing. If you decide to try, get a money-back guarantee if possible. I hope you have better luck. At least I believe 903s still have a high resale value, even if only as a source for spare parts.

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JIC anyone needs this, Japan SIM Pack info:

http://softbanksucks.blogspot.com/2011/06/...obile-sims.html

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Hmmm... for me, smaller screen and keypad not an improvement over old-fashioned ones. Qwerty would make more sense, or better, slide touch 9 key for kana and romaji, where you have 5 directional choices for each button.

Seems that unlocking is possible!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJMevU84gvQ


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Not entirely so. Older unlocked flip models OK but those are very few now, becoming collector's items.

Two Vodafones !