How to Turn Off 3G and Still Get Text Messages on a Dell Aero
Any cellphone that has Wi-Fi and is capable of installing applications can receive text messages without 3G. The problem with the Dell Aero is that it runs on old firmware -- specifically, Android 1.5, which is not compatible with the app that provides texting functionality. Android 2.1 is required, and once you install it, you can send text messages through a Wi-Fi connection that won't count toward your plan.
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Instructions
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Firmware Update
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1
Connect your phone to an available USB port on a computer using the cable that shipped with your phone.
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2
Tap "Mass Storage" on the pop-up that appears on the Aero's screen.
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3
Click "Start," "Computer" and double-click "Removable Disk."
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4
Open the folder entitled "Dell Desktop Suite" and double-click the setup file inside.
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5
Follow the instructions on the screen to install the PC Sync Tool. If you have an older version of the software, it may be called "Dell Desktop Suite."
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6
Disconnect the cable from the computer and reconnect it to the USB port.
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7
Tap "Sync Mode" when prompted to choose a USB mode. The sync tool detects the device automatically and begins installing the most recent update.
Installation
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8
Tap "Market" and then "Search."
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9
Enter "Textfree" in the search box and press "Enter."
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Tap the first result that should say "Pinger Textfree."
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Tap the word "Free" and then "OK" to begin the installation.
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12
Tap "Open" and drag down the notification bar.
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13
Tap "Wi-Fi" to turn the 3G off, and wait while it connects. You must be within range of a wireless signal, and will have to enter the code if the network is secured.
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14
Push the notification bar back toward the top and fill in the boxes in the Textfree app to create an account.
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Accept the Terms and Conditions on the next page and tap either "OK" to import your regular messages into the app, or "Not Now" to decline.
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Tap the icon that looks like a pad and pencil to compose a message. If you want the receiver to be able to respond to a real number instead of your Textfree email, tap "Menu," "Settings" and "Get Number."
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Tips & Warnings
Use your finger to swipe to the third home screen and tap "Settings" and "About Phone" to see what version your firmware is.
As long as you stay connected to a Wi-Fi network, the texts won't count toward your messaging plan.
Click "Device" and "Check for Phone Update" to check for updates manually if the sync tool doesn't do it on its own.
