Kian Hean » iphone

Update to Singtel Reception issues in SMU + SOLUTION

kianhean — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 17:41:04 +0000

: Image via Wikipedia

I have written a formal letter to singtel reporting the problem as well as working with them to narrow down the problem. They have been very responsive to my emails and took only 1 day to reply.

The solution to solving the lack to reception seems to switching off 3G and using the 2G network as highlighted by a few of my friends.

this can be done easily on the iphone. settings->general->network->use 3g OFF

I and a few others have tried this and it seems to work, the trade off is that you dont get 3G speeds when using the internet on your phone. You can switch back on 3G when you leave SMU.

Possible Problem

The increased popularity of singtel as well as the use of 3G enabled phones with 12 GB plans seems to be putting the 3G network of singtel at the breaking point. Especially in the area of SMU where there is a disproportionately large number of 3G users. The solution works as the 2G and 3G network exist separately and switching from a crowded network to a less crowded one will definitely improve performance.

The important question is how long will singtel take to rectify the problem and will other service providers experience the same problem once users start to use the 3G network infrastructure more heavily.

Seemingly Sporadic Handphone Connection Problems in SMU

kianhean — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:16:27 +0000

: Image via Wikipedia

At first i thought it was the iPhone antennagate problem that has somehow infected my iPhone. But soon i noticed these following features of the problem.

Symptoms

Areas of the library would bring my reception to NIL
Some SRs would also do the same.
Sometimes calls cant be made with “FULL” signal.
SMSs would be delayed up to a few hours even after being in locations with better reception.

Observations

Other people too had the same problem.
They were using other brands of handphones and other versions of the iPhone.
It seems to have only happened starting last week and this week.
Only Singtel users seems to be affected.
The rest observed symptoms described above.
Even after user a bumper case, my problems were not solved.
Only areas in SMU are affected.

Does anyone else observe the same or other problems with connection recently?

Some updates on Various Configurations

kianhean — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 07:20:19 +0000

: Image by goobimama via Flickr

iPhone/iTouch Auto Config

*UPDATE*

I have reports of it this config (particularly the wifi part, the VPN seems fine) not working.

If it doesnt work for you please use

*update 21st aug* long link given earlier

http://www.kianhean.com/smu/the-definite-way-to-connect-to-wlan-student-on-an-iphone-2/761/

and for people using @live email (2010 intake and some seniors) use

http://www.kianhean.com/smu/get-your-smu-email-the-live-one-on-your-iphone/1062/

this auto config wont work for you.

SMU Mac Config

My printer settings wont work as the printer network location has been changed. Please use

smb://seng-city-ps/MonoPCLA4 instead of the old addresss.

my config guide is out of date at this moment because of this. The guide by Macness has the up to date settings for printer.

SMU Macness Guide

Just got an iPhone 4? Not sure what apps to download?

kianhean — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 17:36:25 +0000

: Image by marcopako ? via Flickr

Heres a great list of apps from lifehacker!

http://lifehacker.com/5607809/lifehacker-pack-for-iphone-our-list-of-the-best-iphone-apps

Heres my own short list (Singapore)

Auto Config your iPhone to WLAN-Student and SMUVPN

kianhean — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 14:32:59 +0000

: Image by mrdoubtfire via Flickr

I have created a script to auto configure your iphone to WLAN-Student and SMUVPN!

Requires iPhone/iTouch with iOS 3.0 and above. Tested on iPhone 4 running iOS 4.0.1 only. If it works perfectly for you please let me know!

This Script will auto configure your iPhone/iTouch to work with SMU WLAN-Student and VPN.

Instructions

Navigate here with iPhone/iTouch, enter username and install the script. The script will later ask for password for WLAN-Student and VPN, note that they are the same.

http://www.kianhean.com/iphone.php

*UPDATE*

I have reports of it this config (particularly the wifi part, the VPN seems fine) not working. if it doesnt work for you please use

http://www.kianhean.com/smu/get-your-smu-email-on-your-iphone-4/901/

and for people using @live email (2010 intake and some seniors) use

http://www.kianhean.com/smu/get-your-smu-email-the-live-one-on-your-iphone/1062/

this auto config wont work for you.

iPhone 4 Review Update

kianhean — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 10:32:30 +0000

: Image by Patrick Hoesly via Flickr

After a few more days of using this gadget here are my thoughts

Calls can be dropped by holding it the “wrong” way but it only happens in low signal strength areas (my room). Not all the time though.
Battery life is not that great, it sure can last for an entire day out with heavy use (gaming, music, 3g) but 2 days is pushing it.
Camera is so so, even with 5MP night shots are not very impressive. Otherwise its a good portable camera.
Speed of the device is insane, even users who used 3Gs were impressed. Loading of 250 page pdfs are quick and navigate without lag.
Singtel’s 3G network is fast, but did encountered places with no coverage and slow load times.
It is impossible to use finish a 12 GB dataplan, unless u tether on a regular basis.
4square is a retarded mobile game.
WLAN, VPN settings for the iPhone 4 work and were posted earlier.
Bought my first app. Whatsapp. Was so simple to buy that it scared me. Just 1 click and 99 cents USD is gone.

Singapore has the one of the cheapest iPhone prices in the world

kianhean — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 02:55:14 +0000

Complied by

http://www.iphone-ticker.de/2010/07/31/import-kauf-ubersichtliche-grafik-zu-den-gerate-preisen-im-ausland/

that is quite surprising…

*thought update*

This this mean we have one of the most open and competitive telco markets? Are the telcos in Singapore not colluding with each other at all and actually trying to kill each other? Could it be the strong SGD against the EURO?

Auto Sync and bring all your Notes with you with iPhone and DropBox

kianhean — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 01:12:15 +0000

: Image by yto via Flickr

This tip is for the muggers out there!

Read your notes anywhere and everywhere. You will always have them by yourself while traveling to school or waiting for a friend.

The beautiful iPhone 4 retina display makes reading on a small device so enjoyable that i may read notes everywhere i go!

First get a DropBox Account and get the dropbox app for mac/windows so that you can sync files from your laptop to the server.
Create a link from your notes folder to your drop box folder.
Go here for more info on how to do that
http://lifehacker.com/5154698/sync-files-and-folders-outside-your-my-dropbox-folder
Download and install the dropbox app for iphone and key in your login details

DONE!!!

Now you have your notes everywhere! (with Data plan connection that is) and it auto syncs to any changes u do to them!

Exchange Survival Tip #1 : Pimp Your iPhone/iTouch

kianhean — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 10:33:34 +0000

I am starting a new series in my blog.

Exchange survival tips will be added as i learn new stuff from the international exchange to Paris i am involved this semester!

A quick search on itunes will reveal many apps that are mostly free and would help u on your journey.

Apps which i found helpful in france range from metro maps to language help (free versions of paid apps) to mini pocket guides.

Below is a screenshot of some of the apps i am using currently.

Many of us forget the power of our iphone/itouch when overseas so this is a reminder not to leave your apps at home!