Gadget Blog for the Mobile World

Well, if anyone of our devoted readers has been paying any attention, then you would already know that I am a huge fan of BlackBerry.  I desperately want one.  They can do everything!  And I mean everything (well not literally, they can’t care for my children, but maybe someday there will be an app for that too).  But now there is news that a UK band called Underworld streamed live footage of their concert tonight right to the iPhones of their fans who were unable to make it to the live performance in Oakland, California.  Unable to pay for airfare and tickets?  Doesn’t matter, just point your iPhone browser here or there and get the live concert for no cost.  How amazing is that?  Now if only Bright Eyes would do the same…

While the United States Government continues to restrict the border between the United States and Mexico, AT&T is helping keep the lines of communication open between the NEIGHBORING countries, at least via their phone service.  AT&T is wisely appealing to the ever growing Mexican-American community by offering a special cell phone service that allows for a more affordable option for calling between Mexico and the United States.  There are no international long distance charges, 1000 Nights and Weekend and Anytime Minutes, and any unused minutes can be rolled over.

Rates begin at $55 for individual and $85 for family.  Mexican friendly consumers can’t have it all with this international outreach though; International Messaging rates still apply and the data rate from Mexico to U.S. is around $5 per megabyte..OUCH!

Nonetheless we’re glad to see that AT&T is giving the Mexican-American pupulation serious marketing consideration.  Just one question:  What about them Canadians, eh?

Jump over the paragraph to read AT&T’s news release. (…Read Some More…)

The “go green” movement is picking up speed as well as different industries. That’s right my tree-hugging, Earth loving brother, Sprint and Samsung are offering their first eco-friendly offspring available August 15^th, the Reclaim.

The Reclaim has a full qwerty keyboard making texting a breeze; 2.0 mega pixel camera with 3x optical zoom and camcorder to capture your amazing outdoor adventures; boasts One Click giving you instant access to fellow beatniks via Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and YouTube so you can virtually bond over that fresh cup of joe; Sprint Navigation with Search making it simple to find your way to the nearest art festival; and has its very own integrated Web Browser to give you access on the go.  (…Read Some More…)

BlackBerry this, BlackBerry that. Maybe you know them by name, maybe you know them by model number , however you know them, I’m sure you’re well aware that all of a sudden there’s an overwhelming abundance of new BlackBerry devices. If you’re not as confused as I am, then bravo. But if you happen to be a mere mortal and are at a loss as to which is the “newest” BlackBerry device, jump on over for the lowdown. (…Read Some More…)

That’s not a question I have the answer to, but even if your child is too young for their own, or heck too young to read and write for that matter, there are iPhone apps that youngster!  For $2.99 you can download the ABC Animals application.  With that your child can scroll through the letters of the alphabet, chose one, and a “flashcard” will appear with an animal that starts with that letter.  The application will let your child know what letter he/she has chosen, as well as the name of the animal.  Double tap the card and there is space for your youngster to trace the upper and lowercase letters for some practice with writing.  I’m not sure about you, but I don’t think I’d spend big bucks on the iPhone just to let my child who is young enough to still be just learning the alphabet to manhandle  it…

What are they thinking? Another Palm Pre ad hit’s the airwaves, and this time it’s even more bizarre than the last one. Who is behind this marketing and what sort of drugs are they taking? I understand the “artistic” vibe they are going for, but they are way off mark. Check out this awful thing for yourself.

For a while it seemed as if cell phone makers thought there were only two sorts of smartphone consumers; those who like touch-screen and those who prefer a QWERTY keyboard.  They were neglecting those of us who prefer to have it all.  The Palm Pre already had that concept with the Palm Centro but that phone, in no way, could compete with the “all-mighty” iPhone.  Things didn’t look that good for Palm for a while ago but things didn’t look quite good for Apple before the iPhone.  Some will argue that the iPhone saved Apple and many will say that the Palm Pre will save Palm.  Whichever’s the case, we can all say that the Palm Pre helped save us from an iPhone dominated smartphone world.

The Pre comes with a new Linux based operating system dubbed, WebOS.  Switching between applications on the screen is as easy as switching cards in your hand and so the coined term “cards” is used to name that feature.  The feature called Synergy is also a great feature that allows the Palm to stand up confidently alongside the iPhone.  However, just like the iPhone, carrying it around makes you worry about breaking with one little, “oops.”  Maybe it’s just the thought of having something of this magnitude in our hand.  You better have insurance on this one, buddy.  The Price, after rebate and contract with Sprint, is $199. (…Read Some More…)

Verizon Wireless has apparently confirmed, according to Yahoo!, that it will be getting the Palm Pre sometime in early 2010.  Naturally, there are no exact dates or prices.  Those tricky phone carriers like to build up the tension.  For Verizon subscribers, the release of that tension will be as enjoyable as letting the buckle go on the belt after Thanks Giving.

I just wonder why does AT&T get the exclusive with the iPhone but Sprint is only able to hold on for a measily year?  Perhaps Pre’s financial troubles it had gotten into forces them into a more broader market for the Pre.  That’s okay with me.  I’m a Verizon Customer.  I was going to update my phone for nursing school but now I think I’ll wait and use the ‘ol pharmacology book instead of a smartphone…until the Pre comes out anyway.

Kusho is offering an additional $100 off already low prices on their BlackBerrys.  The unlocked BlackBerrys being promoted are the BlackBerry Curve 8310/8320, Bold, and Pearl 8100.  They do offer prices that are below the MRSP and with the promo code, BB_BLOWOUT, you get that $100 you’ll be needing for coal for the winter.  This sale ends 8/5/09. (…Read Some More…)

Dr. Daniel Fletcher, who is an Associate Professor at the University of California Berkley’s Department of Bioengineering, worked with undergrad and graduate students to develop a fluorescent microscope camera to be put onto a cell phone that can take a picture of bacteria that may be swimming in a sample of blood.  This capability could then be used by field doctors and nurses in developing countries infected by Malaria and Tuberculosis, providing them with a mobile means of diagnosing an infection. (…Read Some More…)

AT&T and Sony have meddled together and come up with a flip-phone for those that have a passion for music and won’t settle for a measly MP3 player.  For those music enthusiasts they released the Sony Ericsson W518a Walkman phone.  Some nice Music features include:  FM radio, Bluetooth A2DP, Walkman Player 3.0, and XcrossMediaBar (say cross for the X) player.  This slimster flip-phone comes with other standard features like a 3.2 megapixel camera, GPS, Video Share calling, and CV on-demand video.  Currently the price at AT&T is $199, with contract.   Hop over the jump for the review. (…Read Some More…)

The LG enV has made a steady, progressive evolution throughout its existence and has served Verizon Wireless well.  It has always been a powerful messaging machine with the ever  loving music playing capabilities.  Now LG decides to have the enV join the touch-screen phenomenon with the LG enV Touch VX11000.  They didn’t betray the QWERTY loyalists, a smart move, and kept the keyboard while giving the user the option of using the touch-screen for the situations that make it too inconvenient to open up the phone.  They’ve done well with the display and kept its multi-media and messaging stature but there are a few shortcomings in regards to its lack of ability to connect to social networking sites and less than optimal browsing.  Let’s take a look-see at what this phone has to offer. (…Read Some More…)

Reviews can often be biased and based on one person’s opinion and preference.  Reviews can also be influenced on a site’s affiliation with a certain company.  A review site could also just be more of a fan of one brand over another.  It’s like going to a Democratic blog; you can be damn sure there will be nothing good written about any Republican.  So what are reviews good for and how can consumers get the most out of the reviews they do find? (…Read Some More…)

It was only time that Samsung jumped on the mini laptop bus to get their share of the market.  For those who primarily use their laptop for surfing and music then what’s the use of having a 17” display when you have your flat screen HDTV on your wall for movies?  What they offer is the Samsung NC10 with a 10.2” display, a not-so-mini keyboard, and a plain Jane design.  Hey, we don’t care much for sparkly sprinkles; we want performance.  Here’s a quick review of the NC10. (…Read Some More…)

Motorola has proven to the mobile world that cell phone technology can be a bit earth friendly.   The plastic parts of the Renew W233 are made out of recycled water bottles.  The Renew also claims a 9 hour talk-time and an 18 standby time on its battery thus requiring less frequent charges – a feature that can only be more energy efficient if the cell phone owners remember to unplug the charger between charges.  The reduced carbon emissions and waste from the use and manufacture of the Renew apparently required reduced features.  Nonetheless it is still a decent phone for the modest cell phone user with a message that mobile convenience and earth-friendly can go together. Read on for the full review. (…Read Some More…)

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine – and how.  The LG Shine does exactly what the name suggests with its metallic glossy finish and a display that’s also a mirror.  If you’re an ugly duckling there’s no worry about the mirror breaking as this phone is solid.  Of course we won’t be fooled by pretty phones.  It’s not always what it looks like on outside; it’s always how it performs on the inside.  Let’s scrutinize… (…Read Some More…)

So…the difference between normal text and bold text is that bold stands out. The same thing goes for the BlackBerry Bold 9000; it stands out from the rest of the BlackBerry phones.As far as standing out from the rest of the cell phones in the market, you can be the judge.

Now even though it’s bolder than the other BlackBerry phones, it’s still a BlackBerry after all. It still functions like the others but with its own tweaks and updates. The boldness of it is first the price – $640 – $999 unlocked. Now, now, get those eyeballs back in your head and let’s just go over the features and specs before we dismiss this as another overpriced phone.  Read on for the full review. (…Read Some More…)

The LG Venus was apparently named in attempt to equal the glamour and awe of the planet, Venus, and the goddess, Venus.  With CDMA technology, this slider phone, with its metallic, mirrored, front-side shine, and its soft gripped back, is sure nice to look at.  But as we pound this in again and again, it’s not just how it looks; the functionality must match the glamour. (…Read Some More…)

This phone just may take you on a Voyage to dream land with its modern style, nifty touchscreen, great resolution and clarity, and reasonable price for the features it holds.  It is a phone with CDMA technology and high-speed EVDO, for data transmission, that offers Internet using 3G.  The style is similar to that of the enV with features and quality comparable to the iPhone.  To keep with the tradition of being corny; go on a mobile dream voyage with the LG Voyager VX10000!  (Corny joke IS very neccessary.) (…Read Some More…)

If you’re a fan of the LG Rumor but aren’t a Sprint fan and don’t mind Alltel then you should take a gander at the LG Scoop AX260.  The features of this phone are magnified when the price is considered- $9.99 with a mail-in rebate and an Alltel plan.  For the modest cell phone carrier, this phone will make the most frugal buyer be without regret. (…Read Some More…)