The LG PM-325, Sprint's new cellphone with Bluetooth
by Peter Rojas 
posted Dec 2nd 2004 at 12:30PM
It didn't make it out before the Treo 650 like we thought it might have, but
Sprint did start carrying the LG PM-325 today, a
slider-style phone we probably normally wouldn't waste your time with if it wasn't one of the very few handsets Sprint
offers that comes with built-in Bluetooth. We won't get into the whole thing (again) about how Sprint (and Verizon)
have dragged their feet when it comes to carrying phones with Bluetooth, and then usually crippling the Bluetooth on
the phones that do have it, so instead we'll just mention how the PM-325 also has a 65,000 color LCD screen, a
VGA-quality digital camera, and can be had for as little as fifty bucks after rebate.
Filed under: Cellphones
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
chris @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
Just bought the PM-325 yesterday at radio shack. The Bluetooth is ridiculous at best. My mac can see, it but thats it. Cant transfer files, pictures, or anything for that matter. Hopefully Sprint will update these phones so the advertisment for BT is true.
darkstar m3 @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
The best explaination I have read to date: http://www.burningdoor.com/steve/archives/000977.html
Vinay Pallekonda @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
I have also made the mistake of getting this phone in hopes of using it with my new palm T5. After reading many exchanges on many forums, i think that BT on various phones is a concept used by phone companies to sell their phones. They stand to loose too much money if they do not "cripple" the BT technology. I have been at it for 2 days, which i will have you know was an utter waste. I am sure that there are many out there whose time is as precious as mine. Bottom line: the phone compaines have the capability/technology to make the BT easy to integrate with devices but they won't. All about the bottom dollar.
neofreez @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
Hey, I dont know if this is what youre looking for, but Ive had pretty good luck with Mobile Phone Tools. Might be late to help you, but might help someone else. You can connect to you laptop with your mobile phone. You can check it out here: http://www.bvrp.com/link_mobile_phonetools.htm.
Hope that helps.
--Neo
neofreez @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
Hey, I dont know if this is what youre looking for, but Ive had pretty good luck with Mobile Phone Tools. Might be late to help you, but might help someone else. You can connect to you laptop with your mobile phone. You can check it out here: http://www.bvrp.com/link_mobile_phonetools.htm.
Hope that helps.
--Neo
neofreez @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
Hey, I dont know if Data Pilot has what youre looking for, but Ive had pretty good luck with Mobile Phone Tools. You can connect to you laptop with your mobile phone. You can check it out here: http://www.bvrp.com/link_mobile_phonetools.htm.
Hope that helps.
--Neo
John R @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
Note on the T608 availability...
Guys for those of you that had broken t608's swapped out for sprint's new bluetooth you were hoodwinked... Just had my defective t608 swapped out for anotherone at a sprint store....from their warehouse...
The t608 is still available from sprint if you buy it from their business accessory line...(little known fact) and it is fully syncable with your computer ... dun also works... has speakerphone capabilities... INCLUDING voice commands... calander, addressbook sync and tons of hidden functions...
If you do buy a t608... make sure that it has the latest firmware revision.... as the initial firmware had a few bugs... This sprint pcs phone can also be bought on ebay.
cheers
Vantur
Bing @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
Here's one for you. Can someone explain to me how to dial a number on the phone, then enable my bluetooth headset to carry the conversation? I got my headset to pair just fine with the phone. I can pick up calls using the BT headset. I can make calls via voice dial using the BT headset. But I simply cannot figure out how to dial a number, not already programmed into the phone, and talk using the BT headset. So far, calls to tech support of Sprint, LG, and the maker of the BT headset have come up with nada! I assume this is a standard usage of the phone. Help!
Mr. Pope @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
GOODDAY DEAR SELLER,
CALVARY GREETINGS TO YOU AD YOUR FAMILY.AM PASTOR MR. POPE DESTINY, AM THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF LIME STORES AND THE ASSITANCE PASTOR OF LIGHT OF GOD CHURCHES.
AM VERY MUCH INTERESTED IN PURCHASING YOUR ITEM LISTED ON ENGADGET,I WILL LIKE TO PURCAHSE IT FOR A MY JUNIOR PASTOR IN LAGOS NIGERIA ON HIS WEDDING CEREMONY COMING UP VERY SOON.
I WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PAYMENT VIA POSTAL, I WIL LIKE YOU TO
GIVE ME YOUR FULL NAME AND ADDRESS INCLUDING THE TOTAL AND SHIPING
COST TO LAGOS NIGERIA, FOR ME TO GO FOR THE PAYMENT ASAP.
BELOW IS THE SHIPPING ADDRESS WHERE THE ITEM WILL BE POSTED TO AFTER PAYMENT.
SHIPPING NAME:MOSH-ONE KOLAWOLE
SHIPPING ADDRESS: 58, APATA STREET SHOMOLU
YOUR RESPONSE IS HIGHLY WAITED FOR.
THANKS
GOD BLESS.
Chris C. @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
LOL, what a clown.
srutledge @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
To get my lg 325 to pass conversation to the bluetooth head set is, when you answer the call and have the phone slider all the way down, it should give you the option to "transfer audio" and that should tranfer the audio to your bluetooth headset.
Matt311 @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
I got my LG325 a week ago... I upgraded the firmware to V19 and everything is working great! I use it for a modem on my AXIM X30 PDA and it works great with my Scala 500 .. great phone I dont know why all these people are complaining.. yeah it kindof sticks that the bluetooth is crippled in a few ways... but its a great phone in every other way .. I think a few of the Bugs just needed to be ironed out with the older firmware.. always check for updates!!..
Josh Davis @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
Just bought the LG PM-325 and am highly disapointed. I am returning the phone today. Does anyone know if Sprint carries a blutooth phone that will work with iSync on my Mac? Let me know ASAP cause I am returning it tomorrow. Thanks.
Kevyn @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
The LG-PM325 with sync with a palm with no extra software tewwks. i set up my zire72 with my PM-325 in about 20 seconds and view the internet. When you set up a connection between the phone and the PDA in the Palm bluetooth setup, select the model as Siemens model S56. The profile with associate with the LG chip and allow you to connect with no errors. ENJOY! cuz I AM!!
pchas @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
Still can't upload the phonebook to my Prius - Guess Sprint didn't think their Bluetooth phone would be used in cars...
Sean @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
Anyone have a link to where I can buy this phone... and find that rebate? I went to SprintPCS.com and found no mention of this phone anywhere.
Sean @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
Nevermind:
http://www1.sprintpcs.com/explore/PhonesAccessories/PhoneDetails.jsp?navLocator=&selectSkuId=lg32
Josh @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
You can't buy it online yet, that I know of. You have to call 1-800-PCS-AUTO to buy it through telesales.
Fine James @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
That thing be FUGLY
Bubba @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
You're FUGLY Fine James. Lol
Jody @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
I ordered mine! Weeee!
-Jody-
Josh @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
Oops - I meant 1-866-PCS-AUTO. Sorry.
bobby @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
I ordered it on 5th and today sprint confirmed the order and then I get an email from them that it is on back order!!!!
bobby @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
I ordered it on 5th and today sprint confirmed the order and then I get an email from them that it is on back order!!!!
Tate @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
I ordered it from SPrint and later said it was on back order. I called LG and they told me that the LG-325 has not been formally released yet. Sounds like LG and Sprint have communication problems.
Laura @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
I also ordered on the 6th, and then got an email on the 7th saying the phone is on backorder.
Does anyone know of another source for the LG-325? There are a few up on ebay but only for new SprintPCS contracts, not people who already have accounts and just want to upgrade their phones.
DaveR @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
If any Mac folks on here get their hands on this phone, can you let us know how well it works with Mac OS X? My housemate has the Sony T68i and it works great with OS X (10.3) and I'd love to hear how the PM-325 stacks up. Thanks!
bakeem lloyd @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
Has anyone tested the LG PM-325 to see if the phone is compatible with iSync? I have been saving my pennies for a bluetooth phone from Sprint and I have not seen one review that confirms or denies that it works with iSync. If anyone knows I would greatly appreciate it.
Bobby @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
I have been given many shipping dates by Sprint sales reps over the phone but none of them has materialized yet. I got an email from Sprint that they are expecting the phone shipment to them on Dec 20th.
BSteely @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
I have the PM-325. I got it through Sprint telesales by calling the day it was released. The BT implementation is not all it could be. It does not work with iSync because it does not have OBEX, which is required for this type of data exchange. Furthermore, DUN (dial-up networking) isn't working right. It's not just for Mac users that it isn't working right. It affects everyone and every device. The good news about DUN is that LG knows there are problems and a firmware upgrade is rumored to be in the works to correct it. But OBEX is not one of the advertised services, so it is doubtful that iSync will ever work with this phone. Too bad.
J brown @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
Got mine today from radio shack down the street, with rebate attached. Go to radioshack.com and look up the phone. it will say there out at radioshack.com but then it will give you an option to check local stores do that I found 4 out of 12 stores close to me had them
BSteely @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
I have the PM-325. I got it through Sprint telesales by calling the day it was released. The BT implementation is not all it could be. It does not work with iSync because it does not have OBEX, which is required for this type of data exchange. Furthermore, DUN (dial-up networking) isn't working right. It's not just for Mac users that it isn't working right. It affects everyone and every device. The good news about DUN is that LG knows there are problems and a firmware upgrade is rumored to be in the works to correct it. But OBEX is not one of the advertised services, so it is doubtful that iSync will ever work with this phone. Too bad.
Greg @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
Yea, I wish I knew that this phone wasn't compatible with iSync. Sprint had to replace my broken SonyEricsson T608 with the PM-325 because they said they didn't have anymore... As said above, DO NOT BUY THIS PHONE IF YOU'RE ON A MAC. sorry guys.
Daniel @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
I just got this phone as well. Yeah, none of it's features will work with OS X. I can't even file browse the phone. Has anyone been able to even do that? It would be nice to at least be able to drop files onto it from my Mac. Really disappointing. This is my first bluetooth phone and first bluetooth device and it's really really lame.
david Garda @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
I've got the PM-325... like the phone (it feels great in your hand, good signal strength, the slide closed features protects the phone) BUT for now OBEX is not implemented so the MACINTOSH CAN NOT SYNC with this phone NOR CAN A PC... what a dumb implementation of bluetooth for a tech company... SPRINT... when will you learn what customers want matters???? You put out a phone to support car support and lose the support of every pc on the market...
I loved my Sony Erickson t608, but when the keypad stopped working they had no choice but to swap me out with the LG pm-325... Help... When will sprint release a bluetooth phone that will run bluetooth application? (salling clicker, etc)??? and one that simply supports OPEX...?
Does anyone know the developers site for LG? I'd like to find out for all of us if the PM-325 is capable of OBEX, but that sprint's firmware is simply preventing access.... HELP techies out there... many of us are stuck on the SPRINT network and can't get the company to respect the future edges of technology... HELP!!!
Dave
Sherille @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
I went to Sprint yesterday and they actually had this phone (after calling every Sprint in the SoCal area.) I was all ready to buy it when the sales rep said that the Bluetooth on the phone doesn't work with the Bluetooth on a PDA, particulary the Palm Zire. She said that it is only good for the headset...Is this true? I don't know much about this Bluetooth technology, so who am I to argue.
Bobby @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
I got 2 PM-325. I am returning one to Sprint. I got excited over Bluetooth but Sprint has killed it. And it should not advertised as such. It should be called bluetooth headset ready. Disappointed on BT front but in general happy with the phone functions.
Eric @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
Where did you find the phone? I cannot find it anywhere, especially for current Sprint customers. There are websites that will jump at the opportunity to sell one to a new user, but not to an existing one.
Sounds like I need to call other states to find one. They are on eBay, but the prices are being jacked up since they are hard to find.
Eric @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
Where did you find the phone? I cannot find it anywhere, especially for current Sprint customers. There are websites that will jump at the opportunity to sell one to a new user, but not to an existing one.
Sounds like I need to call other states to find one. They are on eBay, but the prices are being jacked up since they are hard to find.
M.Carlstedt @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
Thanks all for the information on this phone. Are there any Bluetooth phones out there with any service that work as they should with OSX? Is the PM-325 the only bluetooth phone currently offered by Sprint? We currently have Sprint.
Don @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
The phone is fairly tough to get. I did notice it is now available on Sprint's website. That might be a good sign the stores will soon have more. I got the last one on Dec 23 at the La Harbra Sprint Express Store. Apparently stores only received 5-8 units each. I live in Colorado and none of the stores have receive any yet. The phone is decent. The size and functionality go unmatched. The keys automactially lock when u close the phone -which was a huge worry for me. I don't have a MAC so the disabled OBEX API isn't that big of deal. I do like the fact about having a wireless DUN, I'll just have to get a bluetooth USB adapter for my laptop for this to work.
Don @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
Found some info on the OBEX protocal. I think if we could get a copy of the firmware application the java can be manipulated to support OBEX. Just to be brief...there are 8 basic operations of the OBEX Protocal: CONNECT, SETPATH, GET, PUT, CREATE-EMPTY, DELETE, ABORT, and DISCONNECT. I would be interested to see if any of these operations are included in the script. Maybe...I have no idea what I'm talking about.
http://www.commsdesign.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=53200223
Justin Garcia @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
Good find. I hope that someone comes up with a hack soon!
Justin Garcia @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
To follow up the link posted above, there is a Java API with allows programmers to write an application for Bluetooth phones that conform to the OBEX protocol.
This package appears to include this API, among others:
http://java.sun.com/products/j2mewtoolkit/download-2_2.html
So one could, presumably, write an application to conform to OBEX, which would allow the phone to behave just like a Bluetooth phone that natively supports OBEX. Perhaps someone will get a hold of the code that implements OBEX for another phone and port it to Java using this API.
roland rhodes @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
Sprint just lost a 5+ year customer because of their lack of quality bluetooth technology. The only decent phone (Sony Erikson T608) has been discontinued. If you have serious bluetooth needs, especially with Mac, do not get this phone. I've had the phone for 5 days, and it's already performing very inconsistantly in other functions as well. The menu options are quite vague, and the signal quality is poor. There are also unexplained quirks. For example, I attempted to erase one picture and the phone cleared my entire picture library. Besides clearing up their communication problems, I suggest LG and Sprint to go back to the drawing board. Shame on you for touting this as quality product.
roland rhodes @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
Now that I've issued the scathing critic, Do you still want this phone? There should be a brand new one available on ebay in the next few days.
roland rhodes @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
I mean critique
Manya88 @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
I just bought a Palm Tungsten T3 and have Sprint PCS Service. My Sanyo PM 8200 just quite and I need to replace it. I'm wondering if the LG PM-325 (bluetooth) will integrate with the Palm Tungsten T3? Can anyone help with this question? Thanks!
Don @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
www.sprintusers.com has been a good resource for me regarding LG PM325. Based on some forum responses, the LG PM325 will support DUN via Bluetooth with PDAS and PCs. It has been a little buggy, but some people have had success. As for transferring contact list, etc no firmware update available to make the OBEX function enabled.
Pat Gilbrough @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM
Anyone make this phone (PM-325) work with a bluetoothed equiped car like the BMW X5 ?