The LG PM-325, Sprint's new cellphone with Bluetooth
By Peter Rojas 
posted Dec 2nd 2004 12:30PM
posted Dec 2nd 2004 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.
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.
The best explaination I have read to date: http://www.burningdoor.com/steve/archives/000977.html
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.
Hey, I don’t know if this is what you’re looking for, but I’ve 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
Hey, I don’t know if this is what you’re looking for, but I’ve 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
Hey, I don’t know if Data Pilot has what you’re looking for, but I’ve 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
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
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!
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.
LOL, what a clown.
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.
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!!..
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.
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!!
Still can't upload the phonebook to my Prius - Guess Sprint didn't think their Bluetooth phone would be used in cars...
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.
Nevermind:
http://www1.sprintpcs.com/explore/PhonesAccessories/PhoneDetails.jsp?navLocator=&selectSkuId=lg32
You can't buy it online yet, that I know of. You have to call 1-800-PCS-AUTO to buy it through telesales.
That thing be FUGLY
You're FUGLY Fine James. Lol
I ordered mine! Weeee!
-Jody-
Oops - I meant 1-866-PCS-AUTO. Sorry.
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!!!!
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!!!!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Good find. I hope that someone comes up with a hack soon!
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.
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.
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.
I mean critique
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!
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.
Anyone make this phone (PM-325) work with a bluetoothed equiped car like the BMW X5 ?
You can find the phone at radioshck, but beware, the bluetooth is nothing more than a wireless headset service. I just bought the new LG-PM325 srpint bluetooth phone, I already have a pocket PC with bluetooth (HP ipac 4155). I was able to pair the two and the go to my phonebook in pocket pc and click on number and select "dial via bluetooth" which then gives me the option of which device to use and I select the PM-325. Then it says dialing on the pocket pc, the phone lights up, recieves the number and acts likes it dialing but then usually disconnects after a few seconds. If it hit the "ok" button on the phone while it is trying to dial it will continue to dial and then the number being dial will ring (I tested it on my home phone) and I can connect but cannot hear anything from either phone. In addition the LG phone displays "PPP[QNC]" then 2 small icons "TX" and "RX". What does all this mean? I called Sprint, they have no clue what I'm talking about. What do I need to do to make it work? Please help, Thanks
here's some linkage to a possible DUN fix to connect to PC's and PDAs
http://www.sprintusers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=57061&highlight=pm325
More linkage regarding the Tungsten, but would think its the same concept.
http://www.sprintusers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=56040&highlight=pm325
Anyone know if this phone is compatible with bluetooth 1.2?
just go the "new blootooth phone" sprint can kiss it after gettingoff the phone w a rep they said that the dun function of the phone cannot be used unless the phone is set up for a data contract only ,, like the wireless cards they supply for the laptops and such,, so for every poor soul that bought the phone like i did sorry you get nothing except a freaking headset w/o wires and a hole in the wallet , im taking mine back,, hope others have better luck
I wish I read this before I bought the phone. I naively assumed that because it had BT that it would enable contact db synching. That's like THE ONE feature I wanted. Also, no file transfers, like the pictures it takes. I think its a marketing ploy to get you to go to their website to share the pics. Somebody please tell me I'm wrong...ed_waitkaitis@yahoo.com.
just to stir the pot here...i really want to make this phone use OBEX. There was recently a contest to make the Motorola v710 OBEX enabled see article here...
http://www.nuclearelephant.com/papers/v710hackers.html
The contest failed to produce fruit even with $3000 as the kitty.
I spoke to a level 2 techie at Sprint who told me there is no OBEX and no plan to roll it out for the pm-325 phone. I think it can be done though. Here's a way to get on the phone and peek around....
http://www.futuredial.com/FDCart/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=754&cid=50
There are firmware IDE's out there like this one...
http://www.microchip.com/stellent/idcplg?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=1406&dDocName=en019469
A circuit diagram for the phone would be nice, specifically what chip holds the firmware?
It's likely in assembly code, c'mon how hard can this be ;) I just ordered my USB cable
Please help. Just bought the PM-325 today, with hopes that it would work with my new Lexus LS 430. I was able to get the phone to communicate with the navigation system, but cannot get the phonebook from the phone to transfer to the car. Any ideas? tia.
Scott,
I spent 3 hrs on the phone today trying to find out if this phone will work with the LS430,which I taking delivery on in 2 weeks! Bottom line is Sprint has no answers most of the Reps don't even know how to research questions like this or hand you off to someone that does! What I did find out (and maybe between the both of us we can get the PM 325 to work) I've been with Sprint an have a sweet deal with them and would like to stay with them, but also want the bluetooth in my 430 to work also!
I finally found a site called Lexus Telematic @ 866-727-2886, they told me that the LG 325 currently is not listed as compatiable with the LS430, they said in a few months it may be?? They also said that it might work?, but that due to the way Lexus programed their bluetooth that "NO" phone system no-matter who makes it will transfer more than 1 phonebook number to the car, as their are only 18 memory slots!! Is yor PM325 transfering at lease the 1 number from phonebook to car, the profile thats needed to transfer info from phonebook is called OBEX, and that its up to Lexus to correct the problem in the future if they choode too??
You said in your post that you can place calls but (as I understand) but can't take a number say, from your phonebook and select that to dial thru the LS430??
Ben Ricciardi
WWW.SPRINTUSERS.COM
VERY RESOURCEFUL SITE FOR YOUR LG-PM325 WOES. JUST SEARCH FOR YOUR TOPIC IN THE FORUMS PAGE
I work for Sprint and bought the LG-325 thinking it would be cool to synch up with my ipaq 5500. It might be - if I could ever get any info on how. The manuals for both products are very vague on the subject.
But more importantly there is a KNOWN BUG in the software that ships with the phone (version pm325v16) that causes the following problems:
1. Deleting 1 picture can cause all the pictures to be deleted.
2. You can't setup Vision picture mail
Who knows what else is wrong with it...
Anyway, you are supposed to be able to get the v17 software at your local Sprint store, but I've been told there is a bug in the uploader and they can't get it to work right now. (Mid Jan-2005) Sprint is rolling out software fixes over the PCS network in the near future, so you should be able to download it yourself - but Sprint phone tech support is VERY IGNORANT about this particular new phone.
I think Sprint has many good products, and they will fix this one. I apologize for the poor service they've offered with this particular product, and am doing everything I can to help get it fixed from the inside of the company. I - like all of you - want this phone to be as cool as the advertising would have me believe.
If anyone is looking for a cost effective wireless headset, go with the Cardo Scala 500. I've used both the Motorola and Jabra and this one kicks ass. The wind proof technology is awesome - especially riding my mountain bike. The clarity goes a bit further than my Jabra before it gets staticy. The best part, ecost.com has it for $39.95 shipped!
After having a Samsung 3500 for 4 years, the PM 325 is a resfreshing change. This phone is great for basic calling functions. I understand most people who buy cells for Bluetooth and other advanced technology features may not enjoy the use of this phone, but I love my cute new phone. It's simple to use and have loads of nice features.
Good luck to those who are experience BT woes...hopefully a solution is on the way with a service upgrade that Sprint offers from time to time.
Does anyone know what the software base is on this phone? Is it Symbian? Palm? LG proprietary?
I have having the same problem with my phone : 2005 Lexus owner, wanted bluetooth to work, got this phone, no luck. Basically, as written above, you cannot transfer the phone book, you cannot therefore dial while driving. There is a great deal of echo when i do speak using the speakerphone function (only time i can dial from the onboard key pad is when at a stop light or on the side of the road while not moving). I am very disappointed with this phone. Also, if you have big fingers forget about it. The keys are too small.
Any headset ideas out there ????
does anybody know if the PM-325 allows you to connect to your mac through bluetooth as a bluetooth modem so you can connect to the internet in the car or away from home?
thanks.
and - has anybody figured out how to get OBEX on the PM-325
On an HP IPAQ 2215, I found it to work fine to get pop3 mail using WebIS Mail and to sync AvantGo. I could not get it to browse the web yet using PIE.
Using a Belkin bluetooth adapter and PM-325 for DUN with my generations old Compaq Armada Laptop. Works awesome! 119kbps!
I bought the (much coveted over the holidays) LG PM 325 mainly for its Bluetooth tech. in early Jan. from a Radio Shack (Encino, CA) only to find out that it does not work with my new Powerbook G4 w/ Mac OSX. But since I just renewed w/ a 2-yr. contract w/ Sprint, and they are in the process of sending my $150. rebate, I decided to keep it (total cost will be about $70.)
Also, I've purchased the Cardo Scala 500 and am curious about Don's post on Jan. 28th because I've gotten nothing but complaints about static, echo and poor sound quality everytime I've used the headset. Was thinking about returning it to ecost.com, until I just read their restrictive 30-day return policy. So... guess I'm stuck with all these less than perfect gadgets. (The Powerbook rocks though!)
Can anyone make any suggestions for the phone/Bluetooth combo?
Anyone know if this phone will simply work with the Parrot Bluetooth hands free unit? The one that just plugs in to the laptop/lighter socket in your car? Thanks for any info...
Anyone know if this phone will simply work with the Parrot Bluetooth hands free unit? The one that just plugs in to the laptop/lighter socket in your car? Thanks for any info...
I have the LG PM 325, bought it at Radio Shack last december when my old Sprint phone died. It connects to my Toyota Prius for the hands-free quite successfully, but I can't find a way to transfer the phone book. I can set up the car to receive, but can't get the phone to send. Any suggestions? Will the new v17 software make a difference? Can it be passed through a PDA or something?
this phone is awkward to use and carries a user interface apparently designed by a somewhat stupid 12-yr old. (one example: it takes a minimum of 10 keystrokes to BEGIN the process of sending an "instant" SMS!). the ONLY reason to buy it is if you're desperate for Bluetooth and stuck in one of Sprint's long term contracts. note that Sprint starts this phone @ $229 before discount while it can easily be found online for < $30 (much closer to its real value).
I received my PM325 just before Christmas. I bought it to go with my new iPaq 3115. The two work together just fine; I can check my email, surf the web, and so on from anywhere using the phone to connect to my Sprint PCS Vision service. I suspect there are a few bugs in the implementation (both the phone and the iPaq have crashed a few times while trying to BT together) but it's still very workable.
The "dial via Bluetooth" function on the iPaq returns an error. :( And no, I haven't figured out how to sync the notes, contacts, etc. on the phone. It would be *great* to be able to do that. If anyone knows how please let me know.
Best Regards,
Kip
I need the refund for the pm-325 slider phone with vision. thank you
Loality Customer Deborah Moriarity
I need the refund for the pm-325 slider phone with vision. thank you
Loality Customer Deborah Moriarity
Would you please send me a refund I can print it out. my phone is terrible. debindavisjct53@yahoo.com
Would you please send me a refund I can print it out. my phone is terrible. debindavisjct53@yahoo.com