Verizon wireless V3c software question/ comparison

to make a long story short, I have a v3c Motorola razr cell phone. I go to school five hours away from home and my cell phone was constantly in roaming down here. I went into the local store and they said that they did not have the software to upgrade my phone and that they would get back to me when they did. A couple weeks went by and nothing…
I tried the *226 (whatever the code is) and it didn’t work for an upgrade, I received an error message.
I then contacted customer service. The bottom line that is a manager sent me a phone which is considerably different than my original. I could tell the software on the new phone was not as good (at least I think, this is where you all come into play).

So, here are the specifications of the phones. Can someone compare and let me know if I got screwed over with a lesser phone? Differences? Newer or older dated phone? anything that you would want to know if you were in my “Did I get screwed over” position.

old phone (seems like the better one to me):

Tech 800/1900
cdma 1x-evdo
s/w version:GATW_03.16.10P

ERI: 100

BREW Ver: 3.1.2

I’m pretty sure that the SID number deals with security, so I’ll keep that once myself.

channel: I’m not sure this deals with security, but if not, and it helps to diagnose the phone… I’ll be happy to post

it is data ready and all that good stuff, great phone but always in roaming

new phone sent to me:

Tech 800/1900
cdma 1x-evdo

s/w version:GATW_01.0F.03

ERI: 4

BREW Ver: 3.1.2
of course the PRL is different. The phone is also data ready. However, the reception is much better on the old phone than the new phone… we’re talking four bars of difference…

I’m under the impression that the PRL can be changed…
I have the USB software as well as the program phone tools so that may be a solution to the problem of not being able to dial *226 (I think it is)
regardless, please let me know the differences, major or minor, anything else you want to throw in there… feel free!

thanks!!!

I’m not sure which ROM version is newer, but GATW_01.0F.03 does seem as recent as Feb, 2006.

Instructions for updating your PRL (Preferred Roaming List):
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/howTo/prlHowTo.jsp

Power on your phone within any Verizon Wireless digital service area.
Dial *228 and then press SEND (this call is airtime free).
When prompted, press option 2 to update your phone’s roaming capabilities
(the update may take up to 2 minutes).
Once completed, a confirmation message will appear to inform you that your phone has been re-programmed with the new PRL.

ERI: Enhanced Roaming Indicator.
http://www.phonescoop.com/glossary/term.php?gid=111

A handset/PRL feature to indicate to a participating customer whether they are on a home system, a partner network, or a foreign (roaming) network. ERI capable handsets, when loaded with the proper software and PRL, will illustrate the home or roam condition using a banner with text on the handset display. While many phones can indicate home vs. roaming via an icon, ERI phones can clearly indicate the third “partner network” status, which may carry a different rate schedule.

Brew:
BREW is an application development platform created by Qualcomm for CDMA-based mobile phones. Standing for Binary Runtime Environment for Wireless, it is a software that can download and run small programs for playing games, sending messages, sharing photos, etc

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