Gmail on a mobile phone?

November 12, 2007 1:14 PM

I have Gmail on my mobile (Sony Ericsson W850i running on the Vodafone UK network) at last. Hooray! I can read my mail. Hip hip hooray!! When I try to reply or compose a message though I get a Java null pointer message. Boo.

I have tried the Google mobile help centre, have downloaded Java certificates, been on some Sun Systems forums (wish I hadn't) but so far no joy. I know nothing about Java, and next to nothing about WAP. Can anyone please assist me?

posted by Myeral to Technology (9 answers total)

The downloadable version of mobile Gmail may simply be incompatible with your phone. I could never get it to work with my phone. You should be able to use Gmail via your browser though.
posted by COD at 1:32 PM on November 12, 2007

For what it's worth, I have the SE k800i and the Java-based GMail app works fine on my phone...

Try uninstalling it and reinstalling it?

Try getting a firmware update for your phone?

Try complaining directly to Google's help team; they're usually pretty helpful, especially if you're reporting obvious bugs.
posted by disillusioned at 2:07 PM on November 12, 2007

Gmail now supports Imap. Does your phone have a built-in email client?
posted by krisjohn at 3:13 PM on November 12, 2007

I actually get Null Pointer exceptions as well, but I can just click through them and everything works.
posted by jacalata at 5:22 PM on November 12, 2007

Google recently launched a new version of gmail for mobiles, but it seems like a lot of people have experienced problems with it.

I would:
-try completely uninstalling it then reinstall it by going to http://gmail.com/app in your phone's browser
-if that doesn't work, I would try the generic MIDP2 version 1.0 of the app: http://gmail.com/app/v1.0.0/en/gm-Generic-Advanced_MIDP2.jad (again, go directly to the address in your phone's browser). YMMV, but I've had a lot of luck using this version.
posted by jivesoul at 5:40 PM on November 12, 2007

Response by poster: Thanks all.

COD: I can receive mail on the phone just fine, just can't compose, reply or forward. It's as if Java sees the incoming email as a Null value. All that stuff with stacks is driving me crazy! I've been using Gmail at home thru FF for over a year with no problems.

disillusioned: I've posted my problem to the Gmail help boards, but they're a bit slower than MeFi.

krisjohn: My phone does have a built-in email client. IMAP is a syncing tool, right?

jacalata: I can't click the Null Pointer away.

jivesoul: I have been reading a lot of moans about the new mobile Gmail, you're right.

I'm gonna try:
1) using the built-in email app and IMAP. If that doesn't work, then:
2) re-installing the v.1.0.0

Thanks again
posted by Myeral at 2:27 AM on November 13, 2007

There's also a webmail mobile version, at something like m.gmail.com.
posted by Mr. Gunn at 12:16 PM on November 13, 2007

Response by poster: Still no joy. I am in the hands of the Google
posted by Myeral at 1:25 PM on November 14, 2007

IMAP is a protocol for email that resides on the server. Typically where you would select POP3 you would instead select IMAP.

Just try creating a new email account in your email software, while you have the results of searching gmail's help for "imap" on a screen nearby.
posted by krisjohn at 3:18 AM on November 21, 2007