New phone but no internet?

[Rileylou]

Hi,just had a VM560 today on the simply 8p pay as you go tariff and I'm having trouble getting the internet to work - I just get a white screen.

I was sent a MMA picture message,but I had a text message telling me to retrieve it,with the URL and a retrieval code,which isn't at all how this used to work on my old phone (used to come through like a text message but with picture),but since the internet doesn't work I can't retrieve it.

Still cost me 50p just for attempting to get to the internet though...

How do I get my MMA message?Why doesn't the internet work?...and why did they charge me fifty pence?

[Bofrok]

Before you can receive a picture message you have to send one - from the VirginMobile website:

"To start receiving picture messages direct to your phone, you’ll first need to send a message to another phone or email address."

Hope this helps.

[Rileylou]

Originally Posted by Bofrok

Before you can receive a picture message you have to send one - from the VirginMobile website:

"To start receiving picture messages direct to your phone, you’ll first need to send a message to another phone or email address."

Hope this helps.

Well that's a bit odd,but I'll give it a try...

---------- Post added at 14:51 ---------- Previous post was at 13:23 ----------

My wife and I had one of these VM560 phones each,I've managed to send an MMS to her phone,which can't be retrieved because her phone is unable to send an MMS.
Neither phone will connect to the internet,but VM are happy to take our 50p if we attempt to connect.

I guess that for ten quid each I shouldn't expect much,but why pretend it's an internet phone when it doesn't work?

I find it interesting that the phone comes with a camera,but apparently has no means to transfer any photos taken to any other device - what's the point?

Are these phones known for being a bit rubbish,or have we just been unlucky?

[Blackened]

Originally Posted by Rileylou

I find it interesting that the phone comes with a camera,but apparently has no means to transfer any photos taken to any other device - what's the point?

A quick Google suggests the handset will accommodate a Micro USB card (up to 8GB) so I'd presume you can transfer the pictures to that OR configure the handset to take pictures and store them on the card rather than it's internal memory. There's also Bluetooth connectivity.
Reviews also suggest there is 3G internet connection.

But yeah, essentially it's a pretty basic & cheap handset.

[Rileylou]

Originally Posted by Blackened

A quick Google suggests the handset will accommodate a Micro USB card (up to 8GB) so I'd presume you can transfer the pictures to that OR configure the handset to take pictures and store them on the card rather than it's internal memory. There's also Bluetooth connectivity.
Reviews also suggest there is 3G internet connection.

But yeah, essentially it's a pretty basic & cheap handset.

I thought Bluetooth was just for those silly earpieces - can I use that to transfer photos and music to and from phone to pc?I can get a USB bluetooth adapter from eBay for less than two quid.

[Bofrok]

Now you've sent a picture message any sent to you should be received ok (it was the same with my HTC and confused me at first) just unfortunate you sent to a phone with same problem as yours. You could check by sending a picture message from your wifes phone to yours (or get someone you know with a mobile to send you one) - if that doesn't come through okay then something is wrong with the phone.

Bluetooth is okay for transferring files. Haven't used it myself so cant say what the speed is like.

Would suggest you phone 789 from your mobile (free call) about not being able to connect to the Internet from both phones.

[Blackened]

Originally Posted by Rileylou

I thought Bluetooth was just for those silly earpieces - can I use that to transfer photos and music to and from phone to pc?I can get a USB bluetooth adapter from eBay for less than two quid.

Well, technically you can use Bluetooth to transfer photos but don't take my word for it on that particular phone being able to do it. I'd hazard a guess at the MicroSD card being the best (and *possibly* the only) way to do it. You have to bear in mind if you spend money on a Bluetooth adaptor and it doesn't work, then you'll be after a MicroSD card to try - and by the end of it you might as well have spent the extra layout on a phone that's not so bereft of features and connectivity. It's also got a 2MP camera, and while I'm not a megapixel snob, I'm going to bet the pictures aren't that great.

The VM560 is an Alcatel phone - part of the 'One Touch' range.
You could have a look HERE and see if you can spot your phone - it may be there. If so, you can download the manual.
Quick look suggests it might be the 506/506D on page 3. If so, then Bluetooth is an option according to the 506 manual.