I have a Kyocera phone which works just fine. It even has the capability (like many others) to let the user download new ring tones or synchronize contacts with a PC.
But the SOBs who designed it decided to use a f**king proprietary cable that costs $30 to use this functionality. No thanks.
So do any manufacturers make phones that use standard (USB->USB) connectors?
Or USB->serial or vice versa?
Not sure what you asking. Are you asking if anyone does phones that actually have a standard usb port in them?
Well yes, I thought that’s what I wrote at the end my post.
I wanted to know if any daring manufacturers have decided to forego proprietary connectors, and allow synchronization/access via a plain old USB->USB or serial->USB connector.
And while we’re at it, just bundle the damn software with the phone.
The reason I asked is because I imagine a full size usb port is rather too big for a phone (imagine a gaping hole in the bottom) so I assume you mean the smaller connector that you often get at the other end of a usb cable for cameras and such.
I am surprised the proprietary cable didn’t come pre-packaged with your phone.
Believe it or not, ringtones are an extremely low priority to many (probably most) mobile phone customers. Why should they pay for the cost of putting a great honkin’ USB (or even FireWire) port in a phone, and bundling the software for it, when they can focus that expense at the gits who want it?
My Nokia 6800 has a proprietary cable available, but there’s an IR thingy built into the phone. As my laptop also has IR functionality, it’s perfect for me. Didn’t have to buy anything at all.
I agree that ring-tones are low prio. But the contact synchronization issue is another matter.
As to a big honking connector, Kyocera saw fit to put a big honking adapter on the bottom of my phone for their annoying proprietary cable; and believe me it’s just as big as a USB connection.
Some Motorola phones use a mini-USB to USB cable. The cable is not included, but you can find them at RadioShack for 18$. Or maybe cheaper if you shop around. The catch is that you will still need some software, and they sell that dearly 
My Kyocera (KE433, Virgin Mobile) downloads ringtones from VM with no cable or anything, the ringtone just “shows up” on the phone minutes after you buy it on the web.
Unclviny
You can download a lot of ringtones from a lot of sites at a premium price just like unclviny said.
You could also google for ToneTools a free software where you can enter your phone details and convert RTTL rones into key strokes for your phone and compose the tones you like for free!
My Nokia 3650 (and several other Nokias, as well as many Motorolas and Sony Ericssons) has Bluetooth, which when coupled with my BT-capable computer allows me to send images and ringtones to and from the phone and the computer wirelessly. In addition, it has an IR port (though my computer doesn’t), and it can receive images and sounds through either multimedia messages or regular e-mail. So yeah, there are cell phones out there that don’t require cables or special software.
Well, they may be a “low priority”, but they’re one of the new and not-insignificant money makers for the service providers. There are even “stand-alone” ringtone companies that are raking it in right now.
If you’re interested, I can get you some data, or check out RCR
Many newer cellphones do, indeed, come with USB ports.
Depending on your service provider, you don’t need any cables to download things to your phone. Fire up that minibrowser.
My Verizon/Audiovox 9600 lets you download software plug-ins (Verizon’s “Get It Now” service), which enables you to download ringtones and wallpapers from various services.
Many thanks to you all for the enlightenment.
This info will come into play when I upgrade my phone!
Uh am I missing something here?
My cell phone doesn’t need any cables at all. I just turn on my web browser and chose the ring tone I want from about a gazillion choices.
I use sprint, no idea what model my phone is. Sanyo I think…
I guess I should clarify; The web browser from my phone that is.
What you’re missing is that I am a cheap bastard who refuses to pay for shitty phone browser services or proprietary connections.
(My phone has a proprietary jack on the bottom that needs a $30 cable to access it; plus $10 for software).
As I am now informed by others, some phones appear to have IR ports;
that appears to be my best bet.
My suspicion is that the celphone makers know that the real money is in corporate customers, where the contract bid will probably specify that only OEM accessories and peripherals will be purchased, so they can name the price for the peripherals. They figure we private citizens all go ahead and buy cheap aftermarket 3rd-party accessories anyway. Or else are willing to shell out extra cash for a BT or IR enabled unit.
As to ringtones: my true annoyance is that these days, the preloaded ringtones tend to be really, really stupid ones.