Update, I called 6 Phoenix stores and Customer Care twice, and finally drove halfway across Phoenix to get the firmware updated. The tech was worried about losing the phone, so must've had experience with the upgrade , but he got'r done. I tipped him $10 because he stayed later than closing and good service (or even just decent service in this case!) should be rewarded!
Sprint Store
2340 West Bell Road Suite 139
Phoenix, AZ 85023
(602) 789-7700

OK, so my friendly tech at Arrowhead Phoenix tells me they don't have the software, but I can download it from the web and sync to update myself.




No way. Find a decent store.


BB

__________________
That'sssssssss all folks!

not that I've seen (it's not available online..)

I tried to update my phone 3 times; no luck (different stores..)

my new refurbished phone came w/ the update (my hinge broke...)
-m

__________________
mvgals.net [MV Galleries] - Clublife, Revisited.

I went to my local sprint store and was told that this new firmware has a bug in it and sprint advertise having it. I had to talk through a middleman, so I couldn't get the exact bug.

Did anyone have this experience?

My current firmware is WK19...Is this serviceable or will I have problems in the near future?

WK19 is the one with the bug. If you don't mind your vision connecting hanging each time the idle timeout hits, then don't worry about WK19.

The last time I updated my firmware (in september) the tech erased ~everything~ on my phone. Even the call history.

So, two questions: If I updated in Sept, is there a newer firmware I need?
And, is total erasure a typical side effect, or the result of a sloppy instalation?

Thanks!

Getting new firmware installed is like doing a hard reset. Everything will be gone. Make sure you hotsync before you go to the store.

Do you need newer firmware? Who can tell! What does anyone really need?

Putting aside the philosophical comments, if you aren't at XG23, then there is newer firmware you can have installed. Check the version on your phone.

But, if **you** aren't having any problems, don't bother having the firmware changed. I'm a firm believer in "if it isn't broken, don't fix it".

I had WK19 before. When I asked for an upgrade, they gave me WF30, which I thought was okay (30 > 19 :p).

Anyway, the only thing I noticed is that my slim battery lasts longer with WF30 than WK19.

It's just too much a hassle. I'll just keep it as it is.

Hong.

__________________
i have great faith in fools -- self confidence my friends call it. -- edgar allan poe

Thanks jlv...I just got my I500 monday, so I haven't played with it yet. I will bug sprint some more once I start having problems. I need to prepare for a battle like that.

You can live with 30 unless you want to IR sync with IBM Thinkpads or want better pick-up from your mic. 19 is fatal with its net hang-ups.

It also "seems" the 23 works faster on the net; but no one is sure of that.

BB

__________________
That'sssssssss all folks!

If you have WF30, and you aren't having a problem (i.e., do you have a Thinkpad?), then be happy!

WF30 worked great for me and I never really noticed the mic improvement in the newer firmware. I only needed the upgrade because my replacement i500 has WK19, and having the network hang all the time took away most of the value of having a networked phone!

Check out this exchange with Sprint Customer Care after my local Sprint Store lied to me about upgrading my firmware:

From: meast@tourtek.com
To: ecare@cc.sprintpcs.com
Subject: ID # 20050129074943
Body:

Question:I walked into the one and only Sprint Service Center in San Diego tonight to have my Samsung SPH-i500 firmware upgraded to the latest (XG23) version. After waiting a half-hour, I was told they didn't have the firmware (which has been out for months now!) and that I could download it on "either the Sprint site or the Samsung site). I have now confirmed with multiple parties that the firmware is not available for download anywhere and that, even if it was, I wouldn't have the proper cable to do the upgrade. So, to sum up: (A) Your service center is not properly equipped to handle even the simplest request and (B) your staff has apparently been trained to lie to the customer even when they know it can't be the truth.

Now then, HOW DO I UPGRADE MY PHONE???

========================================================================

From: Sprint Customer Solutions [mailto:ecare@cc.sprintpcs.com]
Sent: Sunday, January 30, 2005 11:38 AM
To: Mark East
Subject: RE: ID # : 20050129074943 (KMM9841452I123L0KM)

Dear Mark,

I am sorry to know that you are unhappy with our service.

I understand how frustrating and upsetting this experience must have been for you. We pride ourselves in being focused on customers like you who make our company successful. I apologize that your experience with us has not been consistent with that philosophy.

I hope that you will consider this error as just an aberration and give us another chance to serve you better.

Please know that the software of the phone is only upgraded at the Sprint Store or through the Web site. Currently, the software of the Samsung SPH-i500 phone is not available in the market. You will be able to upgrade the software by visiting the Sprint Store, once the software reaches the market.

I will request you to keep patience till that time and cooperate with us.

Your understanding and cooperation in this regard will be appreciated.

Andrew
Sprint Business eCare

========================================================================

From: meast@tourtek.com
To: ecare@cc.sprintpcs.com
Subject: ID # 2005