Dual-band Touchpoint phone info
Last updated: 5-25-00
What is the "Software" installed on the Phone?
The software installed on the Touchpoint (TP) phone controls most of the phone's function. Periodically, the makers of the Touchpoint (Denso) will provide updates to the software. The only way to install the updates on your TP, is to take your phone to the nearest SprintPCS Service Center (It usually takes about 20 minutes for the installation).
The latest
software version as of Feb 2000 is:
What
is the "PRL" installed on the phone?
PRL stands for "Preferred Roaming List", which is used by the phone to locate different cell systems. The PRL is a list of bands and channels in order of preference which the phone uses when it attempts to locate and connect to a cell system, such as when you first turn the phone on.
There are two methods for updating
the PRL on your phone:
The latest PRL version for the
TP phone as of Feb 2000 is:
How
do I find out the version of Software and PRL installed on my Phone?
From the main menu on your TP phone, Select "Display->Version". From there, you can select either "Software" or "PRL" to find the current versions installed on your phone.
Is there software available for my PC to easily manage the phone numbers, scheduling, etc. on my TP phone?
Yes, there is! The software
package is called SyncIt!, and it contains a serial cable which attaches
your phone to the COM serial port on your PC. See the following web
page for details on the SyncIt! software:
Judging by the number of newsgroup messages pertaining to a crack on the TP antenna housing, it appears that this is a legimate defect in the TP phone. Sprint seems to quitely acknowledge this defect, and has (on most occasions) replaced the TP phone with a cracked antenna with a new (or sometimes refurbished) TP phone. I have heard that TP phones which have a 4-digit number (found inside the battery compartment below the "DC 3.6 V" label) lower than "2400" will be replaced by Sprint. I took my 3-month old TP phone (with a cracked antenna) into the local SprintPCS Center and they replaced it with a brand new phone no-questions-asked!
[update 5-25-00] - I noticed another hairline crack at the base of the antenna stub again. This time, I'm going to wait and see how bad it gets before asking for a replacement.
Can I use my TP phone to connect my PalmPC device and/or laptop computer to the Internet?
Yes, you can if you sign up for the Wireless Web plan with Sprint. See my "Connecting my Palm V to the Internet using a SprintPCS TouchPoint phone" web page for details.
What's the best way to protect the large LCD screen from scratches?
I personally
prefer to not put my TP phone in a leather case as many people do.
Instead, I have chosen to use a very simple method for keeping the LCD
scratch-free. I use a piece of clear packing tape as a see-thru protectant
for the LCD screen. Specifically, I use the following clear tape:
Apply the
tape carefully, using your finger to rub out the air bubbles as you apply
it. Next, take a small Exacto knife and cut around the screen bezel.
Now, use your finger to rub off the thin protective coating on the top
surface of the tape. Your view thru the LCD screen should be crystal
clear!
Can I install different ring tones on my TP phone?
Yes, you can.
You will need the SyncIt! software and serial cable described previously.
Check out this web site for a few unique ring tones: