Phones


Posted by flung in BlackBerry and Mobile Phones and Smart Phones and Verizon Wireless21 Nov 2008 03:04 pm

BlackBerry Storm

Since today’s the launch day for the new BlackBerry Storm (available exclusively at Verizon Wireless), I thought I’d compile a list of the early reviews that have been flowing in from around the world. Let’s get to it.

MobileBurn doesn’t have a full review up but they do have a preview video of the Storm here:

PhoneScoop has a full review up – here’s their verdict:

“There were definitely some bugs with my review unit. Lag was a recurring issue all over the place. Perhaps Verizon Wireless and RIM will be able to fix the lag with a firmware update, but perhaps not. That’s something you might want to ask of your local Verizon retailer.”

The Boy Genius Report posted their look at the Storm yesterday. Here’s what they had to say about the Storm:

“This isn’t a cookie-cutter device, and it’s not for everyone. That said, we’re sure these things are going to fly off the shelves at Verizon stores on Friday, we just have a feeling there will also be a lot of returns.”

CNET’s review is here and here’s their bottom line:

“The RIM BlackBerry Storm may blow in a frenzy for Verizon Wireless subscribers wanting a touch screen similar to the Apple iPhone. However, die-hard texters, e-mailers, and corporate users may be better served with the BlackBerry Bold or other QWERTY device.”

Engadget published their review a few days early (I thought there was an embargo? Hmm):

“Going into this review, we really wanted to love this phone. On paper it sounds like the perfect antidote to our gripes about the iPhone, and in some ways it lives up to those promises — but more often than not while using the Storm, we felt let down or frustrated. Ultimately, this could be a great platform with a little more time in the oven, but right now, it feels undercooked — and that’s not enough for us.”

Wow.. it sure doesn’t sound all that positive at this point. Here’s hoping that RIM will release updates to the phone as soon as possible. This also makes what Apple did even more incredible. Sure the first gen iPhone had it’s problems but overall – it was incredibly well received. Perhaps our expectation levels are now out of whack.. (or perhaps they’re just simply raised.. which isn’t a bad thing either).

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Posted by flung in Computers and Laptops and Smart Phones and Windows Mobile19 Nov 2008 04:07 pm

redfly terminal

[Reprinted from NetbookTech.com]

At first glance, you might think this is a netbook system. It is in fact the REDFLY - a portable terminal device designed to connect to Windows Mobile smartphones using either a USB cable or a wireless Bluetooth connection.

So why are we talking about it at NetbookTech.com? Because it leverages a similar form factor and it’s another way to look at small inexpensive mobile devices for those on the go.

What makes the REDFLY so unique is the fact that it leverages your existing resource – your Windows Mobile based smartphone (assuming you have one of course). Using the USB cable or Bluetooth connection, the REDFLY “extends” your Windows Mobile interface to the larger notebook platform – providing a bigger display and keyboard than what a smartphone would provide.

The company has two new models of the REDFLY – there’s the Model C7 and the Model C8N. Here are the general specs:

Model C7:

  • 7 inch 800 x 480 display
  • VGA out
  • 5 hour 2000 mAh battery
  • 1.46 lbs
  • 2 USB ports
  • MSRP of $229

Model C8N:

  • 8 inch 800 x 480 display
  • VGA out
  • 8 hour 4500 mAh battery
  • 2 lbs
  • 2 USB ports
  • Media port (NTSC/PAL video in with optional cable)
  • MSRP of $299

Does the REDFLY make sense for consumers? probably not since full featured netbook systems are nearly as cheap as the 8 inch C8N. However for business users with Windows Mobile smartphones and high speed mobile broadband plans, the REDFLY just might make sense – since you have effectively a single platform for checking email, reading attachments, surfing the web etc.

[Check it out via PC World]

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Posted by flung in AT&T and LG Electronics and Mobile Phones and Smart Phones and Windows Mobile19 Nov 2008 12:47 am

Incite_front

The new LG Incite Windows Mobile handset is now available exclusively in the U.S. for AT&T wireless customers. The handset features support for AT&T’s 3G network, built-in aGPS, 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0, and a three inch touch-screen display. Users of the Incite can choose from two on-screen virtual keyboards – a full QWERTY keyboard in landscape mode, and a 20 key keyboard in portrait mode. The display also supports haptic technology which allows users to feel vibration feedback when pressing the virtual keys.

Other specs to the LG Incite include:

  • 3 megapixel camera and camcorder
  • AT&T Navigator with turn-by-turn voice and on-screen directions
  • Business and personal e-mail access via Microsoft Direct Push and AT&T Xpress Mail service
  • IM, and AT&T Mobile Music service
  • microSD slot
  • Bluetooth 2.0
  • AT&T Video Share
  • Supports Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008
  • Windows Media Player Mobile 10 with support for MP3 +AAC + eAAC+. EAAC+ WMA, WAV
  • Built-in FM radio
  • Customizable equalizer
  • MusicID support
  • Web browser
  • Quad-band GSM support
  • Hands-free speakerphone
  • Measures 4.21 x 2.2 x 0.55 inches and weighs 4.23 oz
  • 256MB ROM, and 128MB RAM
  • 3 inch 240 x 400 wQVGA display with support for 262K colors

The LG Incite is available now for $199.99 along with a new two year agreement and after a $100 dollar mail-in rebate.

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Incite_front_landscape

[Check it out]

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Posted by flung in BlackBerry and Cases and Smart Phones19 Nov 2008 12:28 am

BB9000-see-pnk1

Speck announced today that their SeeThru hard shell case is now available for the BlackBerry Bold handset. The case features and ultra-slim on/off two piece design, a removable holster, and a 360 degree swivel belt clip. You can buy it in clear, red, pink and black for $24.95.

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[Check it out]

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Posted by flung in Mobile Phones and Samsung and Smart Phones and Verizon Wireless and Windows Mobile17 Nov 2008 09:52 pm

AT&T wasn’t the only carrier to introduce new Samsung handsets last week. Verizon Wireless also introduced two new handsets from the company – the Samsung Renown and the Samsung Saga. Both handsets would be available this month with the Saga available now via business sales channels. Here’s what you need to know about the two handsets.

Samsung Saga:

Saga_H4Web

  • 2.55 inch touch-screen display
  • Full QWERTY keyboard
  • Quad-band GSM/GPRS capability
  • Optical mouse
  • Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
  • Opera Mobile Web Browser
  • Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
  • 2.0 megapixel camera with NightShot
  • microSD slot
  • Built-in stereo Bluetooth® wireless technology – supports profiles: mono and stereo headset, hands free (car kits), serial port, object push (vCard only), file transfer, basic print, phonebook access and human interface device
  • Microsoft’s Voice Command technology for speech recognition
  • Customizable user interface
  • Voice Memo
  • Windows Media Player Mobile
  • Organizer – alarm, calculator, calendar, notes, task list and today screen
  • TTY-capable
  • Dimensions: 2.44” x 4.88” x .53”
  • Weight: 4.59 ounces
  • Display: 320 x 320 pixel, 65K TFT, 2.55” active screen area and touch-sensitive LCD display

The Samsung Saga will be priced at $199.99 with a new two year agreement and after a $70 mail-in rebate.

Samsung Renown:

samsung renown samsung renown - 2

  • Flip phone design
  • 2.0 megapixel camera with NightShot with camcorder, and video, picture, text, and mobile IM
  • Supports V CAST Music with Rhapsody and V CAST Video services
  • Global Mode – including Quad Band GSM capability
  • Multiple messaging options (text messaging only for use abroad)
  • 2.0 megapixel camera with NightShot
  • Media Center-capable – downloadable games, ringtones, wallpapers, location-based services and more
  • Visual Voice Mail
  • Built-in stereo Bluetooth wireless technology – supports profiles: mono and stereo headset, hands free (car kits), serial port, object push (vCard only), file transfer, basic print and phonebook access
  • Organizer – Alarm Clock, World Clock, Calendar, Calculator with Converter, Stop Watch, Notepad
  • microSD expansion memory up to 8 GB (card purchased separately)
  • TTY-capable
  • Dimensions: 1.95” x 3.87” x .69”
  • Weight: 4.05 ounces
  • Display:
    • Main LCD: 240 x 320 pixel, 262K color TFT
    • Sub LCD: 96 x 96 pixel, 262K color TFT

The Samsung Renown will be priced at $179.99 with a new two year agreement and after a $50 dollar mail-in rebate.

[Check it out]

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Posted by flung in AT&T and Mobile Phones and Samsung and Smart Phones and Windows Mobile17 Nov 2008 09:29 pm

samsung eternity Samsung and AT&T announced last Friday the availability of the new Samsung Eternity touch-screen smartphone for AT&T wireless customers. The Eternity features a large 3.2 inch touch-screen display, a full touch QWERTY keyboard, one-touch access to AT&T Mobile TV, and Samsung’s new TouchWiz user interface with customizable widget oriented interface.

Here’s the spec list for the Eternity:

  • Full QWERTY keyboard
  • 3.2 inch 240 x 400 touch-screen display with haptic support and TouchWiz user interface
  • Three dedicated keys
  • Built-in accelerometer
  • 3 megapixel camera with 3x zoom
  • Live video capture and playback
  • Built-in music player with support for MP3, AAC, Real , WAV, WMA file formats
  • Messaging support includes text messaging, IM, mobile email, and video sharing
  • Web browser, MEdia Net for wireless web access, Cellular Video, and Mobile TV
  • Quad band GSM
  • Stereo Bluetooth support
  • Hands-free speakerphone
  • microSD slot
  • Measures 4.3 x 2.2 x 0.5 inches and weighs 3.88 oz

The Samsung Eternity can be purchased for $149.99 with a new two year agreement and after a $50 dollar mail-in rebate.

[Check it out]

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Posted by flung in Mobile Phones and Nokia and Smart Phones and Symbian OS14 Nov 2008 12:37 am

Nokia-E63_01_lowres

The new Nokia E63 is the company’s latest Eseries handset designed for a broader market thanks to the suggested price of EUR 199. The E63 builds on the flagship E71 handset and features a QWERTY keyboard, Wi-Fi connectivity, Mail for Exchange support, and dedicated key access to contacts, calendar, and email.  Other specs include:

  • CSD, HSCSD, GPRS, EDGE, WCDMA support
  • 2.36 inch 320 x 240 (QVGA) display with support for up to 16 million colors
  • Two customizable home screens – switch between a business mode to a personal mode
  • Speaker dependent and speaker independent voice dialing
  • 2.0 megapixel digital camera
  • Built-in video recording and playback
  • Built-in music player
  • Voice and audio recording
  • Micro-USB connector, full-speed
  • microSD memory card slot
  • 110 MB internal memory
  • SMS, MMS, email, Web Browser,
  • Nokia Music Store support
  • 3.5 mm audio jack
  • Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
  • Speakerphone, Push to Talk, VoIP support
  • Files on Ovi – allows you to get remote access to their PC files
  • 1GB of online file storage for free
  • Symbian S60 3.1 edition
  • Measures 113 x 59 x 13 mm and weighs 126 grams

The E63 will be available in ruby red or ultramarine blue.

Nokia-E63_03_lowres

Nokia-E63_08_lowres

[Check it out]

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Posted by flung in AT&T and Mobile Phones and Nokia and Symbian OS14 Nov 2008 12:14 am

nokia 6650 AND finally, the new Nokia 6650 clamshell handset will be available starting today (Friday) to AT&T customers for a price of $69.99 with a new two year agreement and a $50 mail-in rebate. The 6650 handset, powered by the Symbian S60 platform features the following specs:

  • 2.0 megapixel camera with integrated flash and 4x zoom
  • Live video capture and playback
  • Brushed metal fold design
  • Internal 2.2 inch QVGA display with support for 16 million colors
  • External 1.36 inch display
  • Support for AT&T Navigator, AT&T Video Share, and AT&T Mobile Music
  • 3G network support
  • Built-in music player with support for MP3, MIDI, AAC, AAC+, AMR
  • Streaming Radio, MusicID support
  • Text messaging, IM, Email, Web browser
  • Quad band GSM support
  • microSD slot
  • Measures 3.93 x 1.86 x 0.64 inches and weighs 3.95 oz

The Nokia 6650 is available now in red and silver.

[Check it out]

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Posted by flung in AT&T and HTC and Mobile Phones and Smart Phones and Windows Mobile14 Nov 2008 12:01 am

htc fuze The new HTC FUZE Windows Mobile handset is now available at AT&T for a price of $299.99 with a new two year agreement and a $50 dollar mail-in rebate. The FUZE has both a touch-screen display utilizing HTC’s TouchFLO 3D user interface as well as a QWERTY keyboard. Features include:

  • Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
  • 2.8 inch 480 x 640 VGA touch screen with support for 262K colors
  • Built-in aGPS for use with AT&T Navigator
  • Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g support
  • Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
  • AT&T Video Share support
  • Push to Talk support
  • 3.2 megapixel camera with live video capture and playback
  • Music player with support for MP3 +AAC + eAAC+. EAAC+ WMA, WAV
  • MusicID support
  • Text messaging, IM, Email, Web browser support
  • Quad band GSM support
  • Measures 4.02 x 2.01 x 0.71 inches and weighs 5.82 oz

[Check it out]

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Posted by flung in AT&T and Mobile Phones13 Nov 2008 11:45 pm

attquickfire AT&T announced on Monday that the new Quickfire handset developed by Personal Communications Devices (PCD) is now available for $99.99 after a new two year agreement and a $50 dollar mail-in rebate. The Quickfire is yet another quick messaging handset featuring:

  • Quad-band GSM support
  • 2.8 inch display with 240 x 320 resolution and support for 260K colors
  • 3G data support
  • 1.3 megapixel camera with 4x zoom
  • Video capture and playback
  • Built-in music player with support for MP3, MIDI, AAC, AAC+, AMR
  • Streaming Radio and MusicID support
  • Text messaging, IM, and mobile email support
  • Web browser
  • Bluetooth 1.2 support
  • microSD slot
  • Measures 4.3 x 2.2 x 0.7 inches and weighs 4.8 oz

The Quickfire is available in a variety of colors including silver, orange, and lime.

[Check it out]

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