Posts Tagged ‘mobile phones’

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Is The Blackberry Curve Worth Buying?

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

Smartphones are changing on what seems to be a daily basis. Manufacturers must adapt or risk being left in the dust. Phones don’t necessarily need a complete makeover when a quick freshening up will do. If a phone already performs above the competition, it is beneficial to keep what works and make some adjustments. Research in Motion took this approach when developing the Blackberry Curve 2.

The Curve 2 is basically an update to the Curve 8520. As a matter of fact, the shell is the same, the only change to be found on the back of the handset. It is a smooth, checkered pattern that gives the Curve 2 a slick feel, but not so much that it feels as if the phone can be dropped at any time. The device is also a mite thinner than its Curve cousins with a thickness of 0.5 inches, down from 0.6. The keyboard configuration is nearly identical to the Bold, something that will please users of previous that phone. Although the QWERTY keyboard is on the small side, it still outperforms other handsets, so that is of little concern. The camera shutter and volume buttons are located on the right side of the Curve 2 and the camera lens is found on the back. SIM and microSD card slots can be found under the battery cover, but there is no need to remove the batter to access them.

The Blackberry Curve 2 can be used in a larger number of areas because it is a GSM quad band phone. Anywhere in the world that GSM is found, the Curve 2 will operate. There is a speakerphone installed, but UMA calling is one of the Curve 2’s best features. UMA refers to calls made on WiFi networks, and with the Curve 2, users can set the handset to automatically hook up to UMA service on available WiFi. Transitions to GSM are very smooth if the WiFi signal fades. In addition to UMA calling, the Blackberry Curve 2’s WiFi 802.11 b/g connection makes for effective internet browsing. The phone operates on OS 4.6, which is the same as the Bold, but Curve 2 loads web pages better. The Curve 2 is powered by a speedy 512 MHz Xscale CPU. And what would a Blackberry be without push email? The Curve 2 accommodates both BES and BIS services, allowing for companies possessing Blackberry servers to operate or for users who want their carrier to provide Blackberry services.

By combining and adjusting all of the best aspects of prior Blackberry devices, RIM has made a familiar yet thoroughly modern handset with the Blackberry Curve 2. The company took a “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it” approach to please customers who liked what was already available. It is a terrific next step for Blackberry smartphones.

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Is The Samsung Galaxy Worth Buying?

Monday, August 30th, 2010

It is fairly obvious that most smartphone manufacturers have decided that the Android operating system is the future. Many of them place the OS on almost every device they release. Samsung is one of those companies who has taken Android technology and run with it. It hopes to maintain its status near the top of the market with the release of the Samsung Galaxy.

People are constantly on the go and do not want to feel weighted down by their smartphone. Samsung is not ignorant of this fact and crafted the Samsung Galaxy to be slim and slender. It is a touch smaller than similar handsets with dimensions of 122.4 x 64.2 x 9.9mm and it weighs only 119g. Some users will be reminded of the iPhone 3GS with the Galaxy’s black plastic and metal look. This should not cause customers to run away from the phone, but some might like it to be a little more distinct in its appearance.

Samsung certainly set the Galaxy apart from the competition, however, with the 1 GHz Hummingbird processor. Not very many smartphones can claim speeds of that caliber. There are 8GB of internal storage available on the Samsung Galaxy that can be expanded to 32GB for those who need a little more. The 8GB of storage break down to about 6MB for media and 2GB for applications. Connectivity on the Galaxy is triband 900/1900/2100 HSDPA/HSUPA. Add to that Bluetooth 3.0 and a microUSB 2.0 port and you have a handset at the front of the curve.

Though the Galaxy certainly does not lack in the speed department, the phone truly excels with its display. The screen itself is a huge, 4-inch capacitive touchscreen that responds very well. It offers 800 x 480p resolution with Samsung’s Super AMOLED display, already a better option than the standard AMOLED and LCD displays of previous models. Super AMOLED also provides much better viewing on the Samsung Galaxy in direct sunlight than many other smartphones.

Samsung includes its own TouchWiz user interface on the Galaxy on top of Android 2.1. There might be a small learning curve for users familiar with the regular Android 2.1 interface, but TouchWiz has its own perks such as improvement to the notification bar. It maintains persistent shortcuts that allows users to toggle between vibrate and silent modes, Bluetooth, and WiFi. And the Samsung Galaxy puts its own spin on social networking with Social Hub. This function places Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter messages into one stream.

The Samsung Galaxy will surely continue Samsung’s fine legacy of Android smartphones. Placing somewhere near the top of the market, the phone is cutting edge and user friendly. The Samsung Samsung Galaxy will please consumers looking for the newest and best in Android technology.

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Is The LG Optimus Worth Buying?

Monday, August 30th, 2010

One might think that all smartphone manufacturers have long been placing the Android OS in their handsets. Not so with LG, but the company has taken its time and produced a phone that is versatile and practical at the same time. It is the LG GT540, also known as the Optimus for marketing purposes. It takes the place of the GW620, and since it is the next logical step, development costs have been kept low, savings that are passed on to the customer.

The Optimus now features a QWERTY keyboard, a feature that people who don’t like T9 and word functions will be happy with. This causes a need for slightly larger construction, but the Optimus is still modestly sized at 109 x 54.5 x 12.7mm and fits in any small pocket users desire. The handset is fashioned from lightweight plastic that is sturdy in structure and features smooth, sleek curves cut from the shell that gives the phone a sleek appearance.

A 3-inch touch screen covers the front of the handset. A resistive touch screen instead of capacitive, it is still incredibly accurate and produces far fewer mistakes than those who are apprehensive would believe. The screen carries HVGA resolution with a TFT display, rendering images that are quite sharp for a phone in the middle price range. Resolution found on the Optimus is rated at 320 x 480 pixels and 256K colors are displayed.

The LG Optimus provides customers with two types of home screens. Those familiar with the Android OS will recognize one, while the other is customized by LG. The one created by LG allows customizable buttons found at the bottom of the screen that grant access to shortcuts, widgets, and folders. Messaging is instantly accessible from this screen as well. Three to seven home screens are available and the theme can be completely changed.

The issues caused by short battery life in previous LG models are a thing of the past. The Optimus sports a 1500mAh lithium-ion battery that gives the consumer 7 hours and 20 minutes with which to talk or about 500 hours of standby time. Almost no other smartphone can boast such numbers.

Other enhancements found on the LG Optimus include both alarm and world clocks. Users who have left pencil and paper behind will find the voice recorder and organizer quite handy. Anyone seeking to kill time with some fun will enjoy the dedicated Youtube plug-in. A PDF viewer is another nice addition amongst many other application available.

Although it is LG’s first attempt at using Android technology, they have created a user-friendly experience with the LG Optimus. Users already familiar with Android smartphones will not be insulted and new users will not cry out of frustration. The Optimus offers a good balance of complexity and simplicity.

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Is The Nokia N8 Worth Buying?

Monday, August 30th, 2010

Smartphones evolve and develop at an unbelievable pace. Manufacturers are forced to stay ahead of the curve or get lost in the shuffle. Nokia has released their new smartphone, the N8, and erased any thoughts of the company being shoved aside. The N8 has not only avoided being placed at the back of the pack, it is one of the leading lights in the industry. The handset combines the latest in functionality and entertainment abilities, making for an experience like no other.

Cell phones are no longer used simply to call grandma, especially smartphones. They now perform the tasks of computers, televisions, and daily organizers. These duties require a screen that ensures that the results of the task are seen clearly and capably. The Nokia N8 has this under control with a 3.5-inch OLED touch screen display. A beautiful image is created because it supports over 16 million colors. There is nary another phone available that presents photos, wallpapers, and videos so brilliantly. A 12-megapixel camera takes photos worthy of the display in quality that mirrors that of high-end point-and-click cameras. 16 GB of installed storage provides plenty of room to store photos. This can be enlarged to 48 GB with a micro SD card. There are no worries about being stuck without enough room for just one more picture.

Videos are sharp and clear on the Nokia N8 with the help of 720p, HD recording. An expansive editing suite is included so that the user can do whatever he needs to add a professional touch to his movies. Effective playback controls are a necessary aspect of any recording equipment. On the large touch screen, the N8’s controls handle playback more capably than most.

The N8 furthers the popular idea that there is an app for that. On Nokia’s new handset, there is a dedicated WebTV application on which one may view all sorts of news and entertainment programs. Viewing never sounded so good as on the Dolby Digital Plus surround sound. If you want to experience the programs on something a little more ambitious than a cell phone, the N8 may be connected to a home theater system for the ultimate audio and video.

Entertainment is handled beautifully by the Nokia N8, and practicality is as well. Operating on the Symbian^3 platform, the N8 presents new features like multi-touch for functions such as pinch-to-zoom. Walk and talk navigation is also available on the handset which can be used with free OVI Maps to keep you on track. The maps are free forever and are supported in over 70 countries which makes for peace of mind while traveling away from home.

Nokia has shot to the top of the cellular heap with its Nokia N8 handset. Other manufacturers would be wise to take note on how to balance entertainment and practicality so well. Customers who already know the N8 couldn’t ask for anything more.

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How Will Mobile Phones Change In The Future?

Sunday, August 29th, 2010

It seems everyone has a mobile phone these days – they have become an incredibly common sight wherever you go. It is almost unbelievable that just a decade again mobile phones were a luxury. Back then they were huge bricks and not very convenient to carry. It makes you wonder what sort of advancements mobile phones will see in the coming decade and beyond.

Appearance – Designs and screens will continue to change as technology progresses. One advancement that is not too far off is the use of flexi screens in mobile phones. These incredibly thin screens can be integrated into a number of things – they could be put on clothing or even objects like eyeglasses or jewelry. These communication devices may not even need keypads to operate as they may instead use advanced voice recognition.

Battery Life – Battery life is one of the biggest concerns when it comes to mobile phones; nothing is more frustrating than having your phone go dead when you need it most. Soon people will be able to wirelessly charge their mobile phones, with hot spots similar to wireless internet spots available for charging in public. Not only will these batteries be able to charge faster, but future phones will have increased battery life that will last for weeks as opposed to days before needing a charge. Wouldn’t it be nice to kiss wall plugs and other primitive chargers goodbye?

Entertainment – Right now you turn on your television and you can choose from hundreds of channels. Some cable companies offer thousands. The mobile phones of tomorrow will make these channels available on your phone as well. The phone’s capability to live stream will make watching television on your phone easy and pleasurable. Your phone will have the gaming capability of a Wii or an X-box. Your phone will serve as your personal music player with high quality speakers. In short, the mobile phones of tomorrow will be an entertainment mega-source.

Everyday Life – No doubt that mobile phones have changed people’s lifestyles. It is easier than ever to stay connected these days. As if mobile phones are not used enough, in the future it is likely that they will be used even more. It is likely that payments will be able to be made via mobile phone, so it could be possible to place orders for food and pay for it all from your cell. You are also likely to be able to control your home from your mobile phone. Controlling the heat, air and electric usage from your mobile phone is not too far off in the future. Mobile phones are sure to offer much more to people in the future and become an even bigger part of everyday life.

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Is The IPhone 4 Worth Buying?

Friday, August 27th, 2010

Apple has usually been able to run alone when setting the standard in the world of smartphones. In recent years, however, other companies have caught up with their own research and development of handsets and put some pressure on Apple. The iPhone, Apple’s bread and butter, continually receives updates to keep the company ahead, and it has been released as the iPhone 4 to an eager public.

One of the changes found in the iPhone 4 is on the inside of the phone. The iPhone 4’s predecessor, the 3GS contained a Samsung-based Cortex CPU. This has been replaced by Apple’s own A4 chip, the same one used by the iPad. The iPhone 4 does not quite speed along at the same rate as the 1GHz available to the iPad, but it is still more than fast enough. It brings up graphics quickly and navigates seamlessly. Those who find it too slow are likely looking for something to complain about.

Viewing those graphics is accomplished on a 3.5 inch screen. Though not as large as screens found on some comparable models, the iPhone features what is known as the Retina Display. It boasts 960 x 640 pixel resolution and an incredible 326 ppi pixel density. So named because it reportedly displays images in more detail than even the human eye can distinguish, Retina more than makes up for any lack of screen size. Due to the incredible resolution, blurry and pixilated images are of no concern at all. Many testers of the iPhone 4 claim that they have never seen images so clear on any other handset.

The iPhone 4 also takes advantage of its Retina Display by improving on the meager 3 megapixel camera found on the 3GS. A new, 5 megapixel camera replaces the old and includes a backside-illuminated sensor more sensitive to light. The LED flash, like most flashes of its size, can over-illuminate the photographs, but the iPhone is adept at producing high-quality photos without flash and at low light.

Multitasking finally makes an appearance on an Apple smartphone with the iPhone 4. Technically, the phone doesn’t offer true backgrounding, but it does allow a few APIs to operate at the same time that imitate backgrounding. For those who are looking for typical use, it presents no problem at all. Apple claimed that their reluctance to embrace multitasking abilities was due to the battery strain it would put on the phone. iPhone 4 users will not find battery life a problem at all, as some tests have produced nearly 40 hours of regular use on one charge.

The iPhone 4 has placed Apple at the forefront of smartphone technology once again. Featuring a Retina Display unmatched in the industry and improved performance over older models, Apple’s iPhone 4 is a standard setter. Customers will be thankful for the efforts.

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Is The Motorola Milestone XT720 Worth Buying?

Friday, August 27th, 2010

Motorola has done it again and has achieved another great Milestone! One of the nicest features of the new Motorola Milestone XT720 is that is no longer has a complete QWERTY keypad attached to it. This made its previous model really cumbersome and hard to use. The dimensions of the Milestone XT720 are similar to the model before, but thanks to the missing QWERTY keypad, it is close to 3 millimeters skinnier. Motorola put in a 1390 mAh power supply, so you are looking at getting close to 5 hours of communication time and almost 2 weeks of standby time.

The internal mechanics of the XT720 feature a 550 megahertz core processor with 256 megabytes of ram. Obviously, this is not on par with some of the more expensive smartphones, but compared to the phones of the past, this is an awesome little phone. It is cheaper than the Google Nexus One or the HTC Desire, but then with those phones you are getting a faster processor. For all of your communication needs, the Motorola Milestone XT720 will not slow you down!

The XT720 has a great looking front display which features a full 3.7 inches and 854 x 480 pixel output. Motorola kept this feature from the previous Milestone model which makes it very easy to use and to see. The display itself might not be as sharp as what one would find in an HTC Desire, but because it is a different technology, it is easier to see the display when you are outside.

One of the best improvements that Motorola has made is the 8 megapixel camera. It now comes with a xenon flash and autofocus feature, a much desired improvement over earlier models. The outward appearance has also been redesigned; the Motorola Milestone XT720 has a much more appealing, sleeker digital camera look to it than the old clunky Milestone. It can also capture video up to 720 x 480 pixels, which can be played back over any compatible HD TV using the built in DVI port.

Motorola uses the Android 2.1 for the XT720’s operating system, which lets the user tap into the impressive array of Android software and the continuously growing Google App marketplace. The high resolution display makes a great venue for web browsing, which is easier with their included, highly efficient browser. Users will not be disappointed with multimedia options either, which include an FM radio and support for a wide range of file types, like WMA, MPEG4, MP3, AMR, and AAC. In addition, the handy 3.5mm audio output allows the user to listen to their favorite tunes with any standard pair of headphones.

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Is The Blackberry Bold Worth Buying?

Friday, August 27th, 2010

Most people know that a Blackberry is a business mobile, and while it’s not a criticism, it’s one of the reasons Blackberry have found it hard to really compete in the non-business smartphone market. Without abandoning their roots, they have made some improvements to the new Blackberry Bold, which will hopefully win it some more fans who see it as the ideal smartphone for work, and play.

In fairness to Blackberry, they have stuck to the kind of style and design that has won them plenty of business customers, and looked at ways to make this appeal-able to the consumer market, rather than try and create a non business version of their phones. The improvements to the new Bold have created a sleeker, good looking smartphone, its just a question of whether you are a fan of the QWERTY keyboard, or not. One of the benefits of the Bold being slightly wider (even after the recent reduction in its dimensions) is the decent sized display, with widescreen proportions. The resolution is high enough to make watching movies and viewing images enjoyable, and the text in emails, messages and on webpages is clear and crisp.

As you’d expect from a smartphone manufacturer that keeps the business world in touch with itself, the Bold has the full range of connectivity options, with 3G data handling, as well as EDGE and GPRS. There’s the latest Bluetooth and WiFi, and you also get GPS, although Blackberry Maps isn’t likely to have Google too worried. With a 3.2 megapixel camera that can record HVGA video as well as taking still shots, the Bold will have most image capture situations covered, especially as it also has auto focus, a 2x digital zoom, and an LED flash.

As well as a new shape and look, the new Bold also has Blackberry’s latest operating system, Blackberry 5 OS. With an updated appearance, and better usability that will appeal to the consumers that Blackberry is trying to win over, it runs well thanks to the powerful processor in the Bold, which copes well with the demands placed on it. These include the Bold’s more integrated handling of music and media, and the web browser, which works well for most sites. Communicating is something Blackberry phone were designed for, so whether is keeping in touch by text, email or using apps like Facebook Connect, the new Bold will be loved by those who like to stay in touch.

With improved looks that will help the Bold’s unique look appeal to a wider audience of non-business users, and a better user interface that will be more in keeping with what the majority of smartphone users are looking for, the latest Bold could have what it needs to convince people it’s not all work and no play.

Continue : Blackberry Bold Deals

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Is The HTC Desire Worth Buying?

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

HTC released the Legend, an Android powered smartphone, to mostly positive reviews. It has now unveiled the Desire, a phone that HTC hopes will continue to stake the company’s claim as a leader in Android devices. There has been frequent mention of the handset’s resemblance to the Nexus One, but this is not a case of cloning or inferiority.

The HTC Desire separates itself right out of the box with a greater usability thanks to the inclusion of HTC Sense. It is ever so slightly larger than the Nexus One, measuring 119 x 60 x 11.9mm. This is still obviously not huge by any means, and offers an adequate housing for the roomy 3.7-inch, OLED capacitive screen. An AMOLED display delivers 800 x 480 pixel resolution, placing it at the top of the Android field.

This high quality display should of course be partnered with a camera capable of utilizing its abilities, and the HTC Desire provides a 5-megapixel camera. Although that is not a change from the Legend, the Desire shows images at an aspect of 5:3. On smartphones nowadays, a video recorder is always coupled to the camera, and Desire’s recorder shoots video at 800 x 480p resolution. This is an improvement over the Legend and the related Nexus One. Frame rate is reduced when recording in low light on the Desire which is most likely to compensate for a dark setting and provide extended exposure time.

HTC, as previously mentioned, has placed their Sense user interface on the Desire in addition to Android 2.1. Features such as the weather effects found on it allow the display to really show what it can do. Sense provides the user with seven homescreens and unveils the Live View, a feature that displays the seven panels as thumbnails. Applications are a vital component of any smartphone, as is the ability to perform tasks simultaneously. The Desire comes equipped with a breathtaking 576MB of RAM, allowing it to handle all the apps a time you could possibly want. New to the Desire is Friend Stream, basically the HTC equivalent to Motoblur, which pulls Facebook, Flickr, and Twitter updates into a single timeline.

Made up of the best aspects of its predecessor, the HTC Desire has polished and updated all that is good about the Legend. By using what works and what customer’s like, HTC has taken the next logical step with its Android program. The Desire is a testament to the company’s success.

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Is The Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Worth Buying?

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

Nearly all smartphones that are released these days are powered by the Android operating system. When consumers think of the Android OS, they think of speed and functionality. Because of its popularity, smartphone manufacturers often turn to Android technology to power their phones. Sony Ericsson has finally entered the fray by releasing the Xperia X10.

Sony Ericsson’s Xperia X10 is a wonderful model that certainly makes the company’s presence felt in the cell phone market. Found in rather plain packaging, the X10 offers the user more functions than the simple box hints at. Although the handset is replete with the features with which many Android users are familiar, it is not difficult to master. As a matter of fact, the X10’s Android OS is the 1.6 version rather than the newly launched 2.1. Those customers looking for a familiar interface will welcome this aspect. Those who are concerned about an outdated smartphone need not worry, however, because Sony Ericsson fully intends on providing the X10 with 2.0 family compatibility. X10 users will find the familiar three homescreens found on Android operating systems, all of them fully loaded with the folders, widgets, and shortcuts they are used to. The interface is customized by Timescape and Mediascape. The main menu can be found at the bottom of the screen as needed, another feature that users will find pleasing.

Covering the majority of the front of the phone is the voluminous screen. Coming in at a full 4 inches, the screen requires that the X10 be created somewhat larger than other smartphone models. This should in no way diminish the enjoyment to be had while reading the screen in direct sunlight, because this phone performs that task better than many similar models. In order to accommodate the large screen, the X10 is 119 x 63 x 13mm. It weighs considerably less than other models this size because of the sturdy plastic from which it is constructed. The X10’s screen is also full touch and boasts a resolution of 854 x 480 pixels. The aforementioned Android 1.6 platform is somewhat limiting with its 65K colors, but it really does not hinder typical use. And don’t forget that Sony Ericsson has stated that 2.1 is coming for the X10, complete with 16M colors.

Every smartphone nowadays comes with a camera, and the X10’s 8 megapixel version is found on the back of the handset. The lens is exposed, so one must be careful not to scratch it. It is, however, recessed, so that helps prevent damage. An LED flash is useful for close photography. Sony Ericsson’s Xperia X10 has accomplished the task of making the company a worthwhile smartphone manufacturer. The idea with the X10 was not to create a leading edge phone, but to establish one that performs all of the tasks of similar models with ease and quality. To that end, the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 is a success.

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