i was told that if i turn off the 3G on my k800i, i will increase the battery life significantly
now i have no idea what 3G is, but i've found the option to have GSM and 3g or just GSM
now i'm also unsure what GSM is
can somebody please tell me what 3G is, what GSM is, will i be missing out on anything by turning 3G off? and would you recommend turning 3G off?
thanks in advance

[Dave964]

Originally Posted by SCAB

i was told that if i turn off the 3G on my k800i, i will increase the battery life significantly
now i have no idea what 3G is, but i've found the option to have GSM and 3g or just GSM
now i'm also unsure what GSM is
can somebody please tell me what 3G is, what GSM is, will i be missing out on anything by turning 3G off? and would you recommend turning 3G off?
thanks in advance

GSM is what most phones for many years have been. 3G has been around for about 7 years and is simply a new way that phones and networks talk to each other.

The main difference between GSM (2G) and 3G is that 3G allows higher data speeds if you are using your phone for data (e.g. internet browsing etc.). If you are not doing that, then 3G will not offer you many advantages. If you are doing that, you may notice a difference in speed.

thanks dave
just out of interest, does anybody know how much battery life it'll add by turning it off, say per day

[james_uk9]

Originally Posted by SCAB

thanks dave
just out of interest, does anybody know how much battery life it'll add by turning it off, say per day

It all depends if you are in a strong 3G signal area. Whenever you are in a borderline weak area the phone searches harder for a 3G signal and this can be very battery intensive.

IMO you will probably add about 25% more to the standby time by turning it off and using GSM.

[supahoops]

IMO best to use 3g when u need to use 3g services such as web browsing, video calling etc. and when u dont need it leave it on gsm. Generally 3g drains more power from the fone but the call quality etc. is the same as gsm/2g infact coverage (if thats an issue) is probably better on 2g.

If you have an unlimited data package i would just leave the 3g on.

[Dave964]

Originally Posted by supahoops

Generally 3g drains more power from the fone

This is actually a bit of an urban myth - although a popular one. The phone will use more battery power if it is trying to switch between 2G and 3G (in whichever direction) and if you are in a borderline area then it is possible it will keep switching between the two which will use up battery power. But (at least for the phones I know in detail) - the battery would last pretty much the same if it was set to 3G only as if it was set to 2G only.

[itsamac]

You will save battery life by using turning off 3G. If, however, you are on 3 UK, you could be barred as they do not like people roaming on 2G excessively

[baldrick]

In my experience of both T-Mobile and Orange in Central London and going out into Kent and Sussex the 3G coverage is pretty shocking, with continual drop outs and rapid battery use!

[Flashy]

^^^I'm in Sussex and the 3G coverage is sporadic at best. Consequently, my Nokia N70 was constantly searching for the network, and killing the battery.

I don't use my phone for web browsing, I don't use it for video calling - so I don't use 3G. Ever. I turned it off and the battery life increased dramatically, and I'm no worse off for doing it.