Why send it back for a firmware update, If you have a proper computer (unlike those plastic toys that apple makes), then head over to XDA-Developers and download the latest radio rom. less than 10 minutes and you have the updated firmwares. Easier than putting the kettle on.

Yes the whyphone very appropriate, why buy one when you can get a decent Motorola, or Samsung or Nokia, that will do everything the whyphone does, and if you really want an Apple product get a 160GB iPod, it's got a massive amount more space than the whyphone and it's cheaper - around £200 at Scan\Amazon. So for £200 quid you've got yourself everything the whyphone does and some, plus a cheaper contract probably.

Just had a read through the forums that were linked in the article. Can't help thinking that Apple buyers are a strange breed. A lot of them think it's probably O2's fault despite having other handsets on O2 that have full signal. Hey Apple fans! It's faulty, take it back and get another one! If the replacement is faulty aswell, get your money back and wait for them to fix the problem.

I've had to send mine back. (It's my second; my first died completely in under a month.) At home, I'm lucky to get 2 bars of reception on it. Usually it's just one and it'll cheerfully drop the line completely mid-call.

The cheapo Motorola loan phone I'm using while the Vario II is in for repairs? I see -- wait for it! -- *four* bars!

I've read online that the MDA Vario II (a.k.a. "HTC TyTn") reception issues can be improved upon through a firmware upgrade, but having to lose my phone for 2.5 weeks while that happens is a royal pain.

(Incidentally, the T-Mobile shop's manager's original "solution" was to force the phone into GSM mode. Which would be cool and all, but why, then, am I expected to pay full whack for a 3G-capable phone and tariff?)


What about Germany? I do NOT hear complaints from there. What is different then?

I have a few name suggestions when refering to this device.

cryphone (for those who are miffed)
wiphione (why phone anyone with it)
diephone (you may want to if you adopted early)
liephone (did you read the small print ?)
spiphone (did you read the small print ?)
hiphone (you would have to be)
skyphone (apples share price)