Is De-branding what i'm really looking for?

I'm pretty new to the world of de-branding.. i was gonig to debrand my SE W580i useing wotan. I would enjoy full use and customization of my phone. But i was wondering if there are any draw backs to this? and if i debrand my phone and dont like it is there a way to get it back the way it was? Also since i never done this before.. is it an intense process or could I do it? i can sort of computer savy but i've never done anything like this before, and are there any risks of my phone just becoming a paper weight after? i just bought it so i would hate it if i just screwed it all up from the get go.. Thanks..

As with everything in the world, there's always a risk. But in order to use the 'full function' of your phone, you're probably looking at getting it debranded as I assume your operator as used their branded firmware and limited functions (ie. Rogers not allowing MP3 ringtones without DRM). There are many guides around here, look through them, familiarizes yourself with them, and then you should be set.

Thanks, i've found a way around the Mp3 ringtone by just switching the file to a wav. But to get new flash themes my only option is de-branding?

the enable flashthemes and mp3 ringtones r in the custpack if u edit the custpack change mp3 ringtones to true and flashmenus to true

Hey, let us know how it goes! I'm considering doing the same thing with my w580i. There's not much info out there yet on the w580i... :(

Hah yeah thats why i'm considering waiting a bit.. I'm with rogers(sigh) and they have the phone pretty basic.. its just not right that i pay for my phone and my phone plan.. i should be able to get full customization and function of my phone!

I just debranded mine and some functions that came with the phone dont work anymore such as internet and some other applications that came with the phone.

I remember reading that the internet settings may get hosed when flashing firmware but you can get them back by going to a page on SonyEricsson's website and filling in a form. The settings will be sent directly to your phone. I don't have the URL handy, but you can find it if you poke around these forums.

As for the applications, which applications are you talking about? The branded firmware will have different apps than the generic firmware, so this should perhaps not be surprising. What carrier was your phone branded with?

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Originally Posted by letmein

I just debranded mine and some functions that came with the phone dont work anymore such as internet and some other applications that came with the phone.

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or you can just manually enter the internet connection details into your phone by hand afterwards. Personally i think debranding is the way to go since it gives you FULL ACCESS to ALL the functions that your phone has been designed with. As an example... a 3 branded phone will not allow you to choose 2G over 3G network as doin so would mean that they will have to pay more for your 2G network coverage etc. However, with the generic firmware you CAN tell your phone to use 2G network exclusively. On my phone at least this results in longer battery life. Internet connection doesn't seem to be affected by this change either so it seems like the best of both worlds

And yeah as said before all you have to do fill out your carrier, country and phone number and they send the mms settings aswell as internet right to your phone! and if your still having problems you can always call sony (i find them more helpful than your phone company)