Monday, December 31, 2007

Palm Treo 680

Since it's the end of the year, I thought I'd get your mobile juices flowing with mobile devices I reviewed during 2007. See the posts that follow below.

Considering the proliferation of "smartphones" in the market, many now touting WIFI, 3G network speeds, thin form factors and now the Apple iPhone, one would think Palm Treos are dead. While I must admit, my first experiences with the Treo 650 were disasters--5 of them kept power-cycling off-and-on--the 680 is a dream.

The screen display is bright and easy to read 9 point type, the keypad is comfortable for typing quick emails and texting, the layout of the control keys is logical and easy to press and, finally, a phone manufacturer created a solid feeling metal and plastic PDA. Amazing. As RIM, Motorola, Samsung and others have downsized their phones and added more plastic, Palm's Treo 680, though bigger, fits comfortably in the "palm" of your hand, the stub antenna is gone and it sports a 300+mhz processor speeding up program loading and browser operation.

The Versamail email client is quick to program and use on POP3, IMAP and Exchange Server/Lotus Domino servers, there's additional internal memory--more than the 650--plus the usual memory card expansion slot.

Only a couple of complaints. You need to press the center D toggle button straight in to engage it without errors. And Palm decided to use a less powerful, thinner battery to make the 680 slightly thinner than the 650. Charging it overnight, however, is not a major drawback, plus Palm's new cradle charges a second battery and the phone simultaneously. I didn't test the phone on my Mac but you can sync your 680 to either a PC or Mac.

So, while the current Apple crowd drools over the iPhone--and interviewers proclaim the death of the Treo--I say get yourself a Treo 680. You won't be disappointed.

Sony Ericsson K790i/K800

The Sony-Ericsson K790i is the upgraded version of SE's K750i now sporting EDGE technology, a 3.2 mega-pixel camera with Sony's Cybershot technology and a browser that reformats web pages to conveniently fit the screen. Responsiveness to phone commands is outstanding and reception of this tri-band phone (900/1800/1900mhz) here in the San Francisco Bay Area is excellent.

This is the first integration of Cybershot technology into a mobile phone, clearly distinguishing Sony-Ericsson as the leader in small, compact multi-media phones. The camera and video controls are hot. You can set everything from resolution (1 to 3 mega-pixels), to indoor/outdoor lighting to special effects, such as inserting a frame around a picture. Best Pics allows you to press the camera button once and choose from up to 10 pics taken simultaneously.

There's additional audio and video software built into the phone so you can compose multi-media shows. Be prepared to purchase a larger M2 (mini-micro chip) if you serious about taking lots of pics, videos, saving audio files or using the multi-media software. The megabytes get eaten up quickly; so you probably want to pick up either a 512MB or 1GB chip.

As typical with smaller form-factor phones, compromises have to be made. One example: the Internet button is positioned close to the left activity button. If your finger slips a bit, you've launched the browser. A minor snafu. This is the first EDGE phone I've tested with an Opera-like screen reformatting browser. Like a BlackBerry, text, graphics and pictures wrap automatically so you never need to scroll left or right. There's much more to tell, but suffice it to say, SE has done it again with the integration of audio, video and phone functions in a compact design.

Sony Ericsson Z710i

I've been using one of the latest mid-priced ($250 or so) smartphones from SE of late. I'm very impressed with the compact clamshell form factor, the sound clarity, excellent reception--probably due to the antenna bult into the top of the phone like a Walkman--and 2mp camera.

But do you know what the BEST feature is? It's easy to operate. While BlackBerry users struggle to keep their devices from falling out of the hands (the same can be said about Nokia's "N" series--wow, what bricks), I flip my phone open on T-Mobile and read my mail, place a phone call, shoot a pic, attach it to an email and send it off, flip the phone shut and I'm done. I haven't even tried the music player yet, but I can already see how easy it's going to be.

The Z710i has the audio player controls on the top of the front flip--similar to an LG 8300 from Verizon. SE's sharp looking charcoal case is smoothe to the touch, avoids scratching and has a sturdy built hinge that's the best I've seen on flip phones. (Take that BlackBerry oyster--I mean Pearl). I bought the phone from Phonesource-USA on eBay, one of favorite, most professional sources. They claim to operate out of Las Vegas but I've received quick shipments from Hong Kong. Although the inventory isn't large, they usually have an assortment of the latest smartphones.

MOTORIZR

Motorola finally released a compact phone that's powerful and reasonably priced--very similar to the KRZR but in a candy bar form factor. Like Samsung phones, the RIZR has a non-standard port for charging the phone or connecting an ear piece or a USB cable to your computer.

The Moto RIZR Z3 packs a lot of functions into small dimensions--about the size of a Nano Ipod--touting a brilliant, colorful screen and very loud and clear speakerphone. The music player loads slowly and is simplistic, but the sound quality is superb through the speaker on the back of the phone or using an ear piece.(Distortion occurs when using the speakerphone on phone calls.)

The 2mp camera/camcorder sports a light for indoor shots but is hampered by a 1X zoom lens. You'll get your best shots typically outdoors, although the phone has control settings under options. Running on T-Mobile in the San Francisco Bay Area, signal strength and call quality is excellent, even indoors, the RIZR showing full signal strength much of the time. This is not always the case with T-Mobile on other phones. Battery life under normal usage is good (3-4 hours) but drains quickly when you use Bluetooth to transfer files to-and-from a computer.

The supplied USB cable permits easy media file exchange by dragging files from window to window. But if you want to sync your contacts, calendar and notepad with Outlook, for example, you'll need the latest version of Motorola Phone Tools. (For some reason, the RIZR will not sync if you have either media edition of Windows Vista or XP.)

The voice button on the right side of the phone easily and accurately allows making calls or opening applications by speaking a number or name in your phonebook or giving a command to start an app. The RIZR lacks an email client, unfortunately, although Phonescoop and other mobile phone site reviews claim it exists. The keypad is stiff like a RAZR making texting harder.

If you're planning on accessing the Web, get a good pair of eyes. The type size is very small. T-Mobile re-arranged the T-Zones home layout screen with a search screen at the top and three small tabs underneath for WEB, DOWNLOADS and MY ACCOUNT. If you use the T-Zones menu to read news, sports or check the weather, the text is larger and very readable on the RIZR's screen.

Downloading with EDGE technology is slow. As more users acclimate to 3G and EVDO networks, EDGE will increasingly appear sluggish. Mechanically, the slider is smooth and easy to push up and down, but the left and right edges of the center D button, larger than most Samsung, Nokia and Sony-Ericsson's, is very close to the T-Zones and Clear buttons. If your finger gets too close, you may unwillingly cause the phone to jump to an unwanted screen.

Finally, despite this very attractive phone with its blue and black finish, the screen appears smudgy and needing cleaning. So keep a small cloth handy. All-in-all, the Motorola RIZR is a well-designed, powerful mobile phone with excellent features for its cost--$99 with a one year T-Mobile contract or around $200 without a contract on eBay. If you want a compact multi-media phone with a good camera lens, music player and excellent sound and reception, the Moto RIZR is an excellent choice.

Samsung SGH D900

In the past year or so we’ve read about the growth of obesity in America and around the globe. Fat is out and thin is in. Mobile telephony is experiencing a similar health problem. Since Motorola released the Q offered by Verizon, mobile phone manufacturers have designed and marketed the thinnest mobile phones possible deploying current technology. Just as anorexics starve themselves into non-existence, Samsung, Motorola and Rim, among many companies, compete to produce mobile phones less than 50mm’s wide with less powerful batteries, reducing talk time and data use. Samsung’s Blackjack, released by Cingular, even includes one extra battery. Running on its 3G network drains the Blackjack faster. T-Mobile’s Dash is slightly better on talk time while RIM’s BlackBerry Pearl provides better-than-average talk/data specs. Even Palm’s Trep 680, the upgraded version of the popular 650, requires daily charging. In fact, Palm recommends “topping off” your battery daily.

The Samsung SGH-D900, a quad frequency smartphone for worldwide use, continues the trend. It’s rated at 6.5 talk time hours; however, combining average data and voice use, I clocked about 3 hours before the battery drained, similar to the Nokia N80 superphone and most Verizon and Sprint CDMA phones. The new Ultra edition 12.9 offers an exceptionally gorgeous display. This slider phone fits easily into your pocket or purse and resembles Samsung’s Blackjack with its ergonomic,textured backing. Fitting comforably in your hand, the
D-900's 80MB of internal storage plus a memory chip expansion slot is quite sufficient. The slider smoothly opens to reveal the numeric keypad and offers easy access to every menu function by pressing no more than three keys, while the center D button offers quick access to three apps plus a short-cut menu. The latter menu accesses up to nine applications. The stereo speakers on the front of the phone are loud without distortion. Reception is excellent. The music player is decent and the camera’s 3.1MP lens with auto focus and fast zooming, combined with built-in picture editing software, takes excellent pictures and videos. On the other hand, the Openwave browser lacks true HTML. The single proprietary port for power charging and a mic/headset is inconvenient but acceptable. The built-in email client restricts downloads to 300Kb—sufficient for person-to-person emails but insufficient for lengthier messages. One caveat: My unlocked D900 roamed consistently off T-Mobile’s network to Cingular, T-Mobile’s roaming partner. This is only a concern if your carrier charges extra when roaming. In sum, the Samsung D-900 has many admirable qualities. If you're looking for a mid-priced smartphone and email and internet browsing are not high on your list, the D-900 is an excellent choice.

BlackBerry 8830

The RIM 8830 is the best BlackBerry I've tested to date. While the stalwart 8700 model offered by all of the major carriers is an outstanding BlackBerry, the 8800 series from RIM is a new line of BlackBerry's touting multi-media viewing (music, pictures and streaming video) and GPS in a thin form factor. Emulating the Moto Q, iPhone, Blackjack and other GSM and CDMA phones, the BlackBerry 8830, running on Sprint's EVDO broadband network, offers lightening fast HTML browsing and the usual calendar, tasks, address book and memopad interface. If you've used BlackBerry's before, you'll have no problem learning how to use the 8830.

The is the first CDMA/GSM quadband phone, meaning it will operate worldwide. Sprint has already inserted a GSM SIM. But there's room for another SIM using a carrier of your choice. So if you plan a trip outside the U.S., you add international coverage through Sprint or a third-party carrier, reducing your per minute charges when roaming off of Sprint. This capability resolves a problem faced by international travelers, who need to purchase a SIM card when switching to a GSM network, the world standard for cellular networks.

BlackBerry Messenger is built-in for instant messaging and I found the Password Keeper very handy. It's password protected so you can store your myriad passwords in one place and never worry about someone accessing them. A search function on the 8830 makes it easy to locate files in messages, calendar, address book, memopad and tasks.

Managing your network and bluetooth connections is easily accomplished in a separate program on the 8830. Speaking of Bluetooth, I experienced excellent call quality and signal strength when I paired the 8830 via Bluetooth in my Prius. In fact, the 8830 delivered the best sound quality I've experienced using handsfree in my car.

During my recent trip to Minnesota, I tested Sprint Navigation with the built-in GPS and was quite amazed at how well it identified and tracked farm country roads. The Sprint signal remained strong from the Twin Cities airport through central Minnesota with a few drop-offs here-and-there.

While the GPS won't replace my Toyota Prius' GPS, it's quite powerful and also offers turn-by-turn voice directions as well. The mapping program is also excellent.

BlackBerry email clients, unlike Palm Treo's and other smartphones, have always been problematic when encountering HTML. Sending and receiving text email is not a problem. However, if you subscribe to the online versions of the New York Times, Wall Street Journal or other publications in HTML, you'll see numerous HTML links and, perhaps, some text. Clicking on the correct link opens the browser, but you have to know which link to choose.

Fortunately, a company called Empower offers an HTML Mail viewer for only $10 that turns the BlackBerry HTML links into readable text immediately upon opening an email. It's extremely fast converting HTML links into readable emails. Check it out at Handango: http://www.handango.com/PlatformProductDetail.jsp?siteId=1&platformId=5&N=5%2096515&R=209518&productId=209518.

Overall, I'd rate the BlackBerry 8830 "good"--only knocking it down a notch from excellent due to the email client. Otherwise, RIM is finally offering BlackBerry's that are useful for more than just email. Great mobile device.

Monday, December 24, 2007

Twas the Night Before Christmas 2007 Cell Phone Review

Twas the night before Christmas when all through the realm
Not a Samsung was stirring not even a twelve-nine.
The iPhones were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Steven soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug with their phones,
While visions of Motos danced in their tones.
And mamma with her widget and I with my jack,
Had just settled down to play with our crack.

When out on the lawn there arose such a chatter,
I threw down my smartphone and sought out my fatter.
Away to the window I brought out my flash.
Tore open the shutters and threw out the Dash.

The tune in my breast as the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects that GO.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear
But a moguled Android and eight tiny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so googled and knoogled
I knew in a moment he must have been snoogled.
More rapid than nanos his courses they zuned
And he whistled and shouted, and called them ituned!

Now Dasher! now Dancer!, now Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet!, On Cupid!, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of Redmond! to the top of Mountain View!
Now crash away! crash away! crash away all!

As dry leaves that before the wild tornado fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew
With a sleigh full of Toys, and St. Steven too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The ringtones and vibrations of each little hoof
As I drew in my head, and was churning around, 
Down the chimney St. Steven came with an iphone.

He was dressed all in denim, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all covered with logos and loot.
A bundle of Ipods he had flung on his back
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes how they twinkled, his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, he nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly.
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, 'ere he drove out of sight,

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Googling and Knolling on Your Mobile Device

Current blog and media reactions to Google's announced Wikipedia-like encyclopedia (Knols) is causing great concern about Google's motives. In an age of global information, commercial enterprises that control access to human knowledge can dominate the Web and other communication channels.


Mobile telephony is one of Google's main targets as mobile users become more reliant on information content--text, audio, video or multi-media. Using the web on your mobile device will increase as global carriers deploy 3G and 4G mobile broadband services and devices, based on Open Handset Alliance standards.



Take a peak at my vision of Google Enterprises in 2012 and the ideal Android-enabled mobile device.

Monday, December 3, 2007

Talk to Your Telephone: Sprint's Touch Superphone

The Sprint HTC Touch is the best voice-controlled smartphone I've tested to date. While other mobile devices limit you to "dial Ernestine at home," the Touch has ample memory and excellent speaker-dependent voice recognition to launch applications and call anyone via voice. Chosen as the model for my ideal Android phone, the Touch responds quickly to any voice command. Check out other cellular info on my mobile marketing site.