Ericsson Sat Phone
Submitted: Tuesday, May 25, 2004 at 22:58
ThreadID:
13163
Views:
1603
Replies:
5
FollowUps:
2
This Thread has been Archived
Member - Bob-h(QLD)
I have the opportunity to buy a 2nd hand Ericsson R290 satphone from some friends who have travelled oz for the last 6 mths. It's as new, cost about $1800-1900.
Any suggestions on value?
How does Vodafone Globalstar compare?
Thanks guys n' gals
Bob
Up the mighty Maroons!!!!!
Reply By: John - Wednesday, May 26, 2004 at 01:21
Wednesday, May 26, 2004 at 01:21
People have been buying them on Ebay for about $500 I believe.
AnswerID:
60186
Follow Up By: Member - Mike H (VIC) - Wednesday, May 26, 2004 at 05:00
Wednesday, May 26, 2004 at 05:00
$ 530.00 including postage & handling.
FollowupID:
321753
Reply By: Rosco - Bris. - Wednesday, May 26, 2004 at 07:01
Wednesday, May 26, 2004 at 07:01
Bob
The prices quoted above are correct. As for differences between the networks, it seems to be similar to the old nissan/toyota crap.
We are on Globalstar and so far it has worked faultlessly, however we have only used it on a few occasions.
Cheers
AnswerID:
60193
Follow Up By: sean - Wednesday, May 26, 2004 at 08:58
Wednesday, May 26, 2004 at 08:58
Rosco
I had 2 globalstars for 3 years. Wait until the nearest groundstation is down for maintenance and then try to make a call. Then you will start to understand the limitations of globalstar. Drive into one of the blackspots and try to hold a connection.
It is wishful thinking to say its the old toyota/nissan thing. There is a fundamental difference between the technologies.
There is nothing wrong with globalstar if that is the level of service, reliability and system that best suits your needs. But in my experience Globalstar will not deliver reliable comms which is my requirement. Not being able to make a call for 24 hours, while there is downtime on a groundstation, does not suit my needs.
It is important that people understand that there is a difference, so that they can make an informed decision based on their own needs.
Sean
FollowupID:
321763
Reply By: Peter McGuckian - Wednesday, May 26, 2004 at 09:30
Wednesday, May 26, 2004 at 09:30
The R290 works fine for me. The phone is no longer made and so the value is set by the ebay price.
Peter
AnswerID:
60207
Reply By: Ian (Qld) - Wednesday, May 26, 2004 at 10:18
Wednesday, May 26, 2004 at 10:18
Hi Bob,
I paid $700 for a R290 about 9 months ago. Going rate of $500-550 sounds right to me.
Mine ended up comimg from the UK when I thought it was coming from
Perth. I really like the combined GSM / satellite service. Downside is the satellite aquistion. If you are in open or high unobstructed country it is fine, but has lots of limitions in obstructed /canyon country. Even tucked behind the dunes on Fraser caused reception problems. I have a $30 month plan that suits me.
My opinion.
Regards
Ian
AnswerID:
60213
Reply By: Member - Bob - Thursday, May 27, 2004 at 09:55
Thursday, May 27, 2004 at 09:55
Bob,
they are $500 brand new on ebay so I reckon a used one might come in at 300-400.
Globalstar is fine. Works everywhere I've tried it between
Canberra and
Broome. No dropouts, no down time (unlike my Telstra service at
home).
AnswerID:
60392