The HTC Desire S Smartphone

June 17th, 2011 | Google Android, HTC, Mobile Phone Reviews, Touchscreen

The HTC brand of smartphones has a new member in its ranks, the Desire S, which is part of the Sense line.  But just what is HTC Sense?  In simple terms, HTC Sense refers to a user interface that people see and interact with when they are on their Android, Brew, or Windows Mobile phones.  The Desire S offers consumers an upgraded version of HTC Sense technology.

The new Sense interface builds on its predecessors, keeping many of the popular features that users have come to depend on from HTC.  These common features include both a weather app and a clock app that updates automatically if the phone enters a different time zone.  Maps are also a popular Sense feature that can be accessed instantly and at no cost to the user.

The HTC Desire S improves upon web browsing, a key component of smartphones.  This phone is a solid choice for people who want to be able to quickly browse the Internet for access to destination websites and driving directions.  The Zoom function of the Desire S can be executed easily by pinching the screen.  Users can even highlight specific bits of text and then pull up a corresponding reference in Google, Wikipedia, or YouTube. 

Browsing is not the only function that is enhanced through the HTC Desire S.  The phone has a camera that allows for increased mobility, and both the camera and HD video recorder can capture images and video at a moment’s notice.

Add a Comment

Compare Broadband Service Providers

June 13th, 2011 | Broadband, Mobile Broadband

Getting Broadband: First Steps

The first step in getting broadband is to compare broadband internet service providers (ISPs) active in your area.  As broadband is a private service, there is no guarantee (such as there is with most state provided services) that it is available where you live.  In many rural or otherwise remote areas, for example, broadband can be very difficult to find.

You can compare broadband services offered by the different ISPs.  This is commonly done using an online checker in which you can type your post code and telephone number.  This checking service is free and does not oblige you to buy a broadband package.

Broadband or Dialup

Broadband is commonly advertised as a fast and reliable service.  It is contrasted to dialup, which tends to be slower to connect to the internet.  Before deciding whether or not to choose broadband, you should consider the differences between the two as sold by different ISPs.

Broadband tends to be sold as a package deal.  Charges are typically levied on a monthly basis, in contrast to the common pay-as-you-go model used by dialup services.  Also, broadband is normally charged at one rate, meaning you can stay on the internet for as long as you need to without thinking of the cost per minute or hour as with dialup.  Dialup tends to use the main telephone line, whereas broadband is on an external line, allowing you to use the telephone without stopping internet access.

Getting the Best Deal

Whether you choose broadband or dialup, it is advisable to check the deals offered by the different ISPs.  Many special deals are offered by providers on a regular basis.

Add a Comment

The LG Optimus 2X Smartphone

June 8th, 2011 | Google Android, LG, Mobile Phone Reviews, Touchscreen

Consumers had to wait a long while for the debut of the LG Optimus 2X smartphone. Though many LG Optimus 2X reviews were quick to point out just how long this wait was, in the end, the overall impression is that the result was well worth the anticipation.

The major innovation that delayed the release of the LG Optimus 2X was its dual core processor.  This model was the first and only smartphone with a built-in dual core processor, a feature that greatly interested impatient people who were ready to find LG Optimus 2X deals.  Lauded as a new step in smartphone technology, this dual core allows for tremendously fast multi-tasking and browsing.  In fact, the feature is so efficient that it may get overlooked by Optimus 2X users who simply have no need for quite that much speed and power in their mobile phones.

This LG mobile also has other noteworthy features for consumers to enjoy.  An 8-megapixel camera is built into the phone, allowing users to take high-quality photos and videos.  As a bonus, the lens of the camera is protected from external damage by a special glass cover. 

Overall, the LG Optimus 2X phone is easy to use and boasts a good amount of impressive technology.  Beyond that, it is user-friendly, whether one is making use of the powerful dual core or just texting friends.  This phone can do it all, from fast Internet browsing to recording videos to displaying high-quality images.

Add a Comment

BlackBerry Apps – which ones are the best?

June 4th, 2011 | Blackberry, Mobile Technology

Just what is a BlackBerry phone?  For many people, the BlackBerry serves as a work phone used primarily for business interactions.  Others also appreciate using this mobile device for light-hearted entertainment purposes.  As with other smartphones, the BlackBerry can host a range of applications, from the career-oriented to the more playful.

On the business end of things are apps such as Open Calendar.  Business professionals whose calendars are so jam packed that they need alerts and reminders will find a lot of convenient features in the inexpensively-priced Open Calendar.  This app allows a person’s calendar to be accessed from anywhere, even third-party applications such as Facebook, Twitter and Music.  The app is also practical in that it does not waste battery life by running in the background.  With one click, this easy-to-use app connects business professionals to their calendars.

In terms of personal use, one of the favourite paid apps of BlackBerry users is the MP3 Ringtone Creator.  This app allows users to create their own ringtones simply by choosing a song and a starting point within that song.  More advanced users can do other things, such as choosing the end point of a song as well.  The app even allows for music to fade in or out.  Additionally, the MP3 Ringtone Creator is not confined to just ring tones; it also works for alerts.  However, users do have to provide their own music.  The app does not come with any songs of its own and only MP3 files are supported.

So, what is BlackBerry?  It is an all-around phone with applications that are great for both business and pleasure.

Add a Comment

Smartphones from Samsung

June 2nd, 2011 | Google Android, Mobile Phone Reviews, Mobile Technology, Touchscreen

Samsung mobile phones are able to fit just about any consumer’s needs.  A well-known company, Samsung produces a wide array of smartphones and mobile devices, for both the business-minded consumer and for people just looking for a fun, cool new phone.

The Droid Charge Smart Phone is among the trendiest of Samsung’s mobile phone models.  The slim design is streamlined and sleek, making the phone look modern and fresh.  This phone is extremely powerful, featuring 4G-speed for fast browsing and app use.  The device also has a variety of great features.  The Samsung Media Hub, which is located directly on the phone, contains a library of movies and TV shows.  Video games can also be played on the Droid Charge.  Plus, the expansion slot allows users to up the phone’s storage capacity to 32GB, plenty of space for movies, songs, and games.

Then there is the Samsung Galaxy S, which many consumers feel lives up to its name.  This phone comes equipped with the Android 2.1 Platform, which gives users access to the Android Market.  The market is full of both fun and useful apps, from games to travel guides to financial tools.  This phone also has 4G, making web browsing, mail, and app use move at a fast speed.  The touch screen is also “epic,” featuring a bright and spacious AMOLED display.  It is anti-reflective, anti-smudge, and anti-scratch.  Samsung is even on the cutting edge of green technology, offering an environmentally-friendly way to view its user guides by providing these online.

Add a Comment

Motorola Atrix Review

May 28th, 2011 | Google Android, Mobile Phone Reviews, Motorola, Touchscreen

Overview

The Motorola Atrix is a 4G handset which closes the gap between a computer and a phone.  Motorola accomplishes this by combining the dual-core handset with one of three docks.  The Desk Dock is a ramped up version of a charger, while pairing the handset with either the Laptop Dock or the HD Multimedia Dock mimics the functionality of a computer.

The Handset

The Motorola Atrix runs the Android 2.2 operating system and weighs just 135 grams.  Enhanced by an HD screen, the 4-inch screen has a resolution of 960 x 540.  The handset is also equipped with a fingerprint reader, an NVIDIA Tegra 2 Core 2 Duo processor, a micro-SD slot, a 1930mAh battery, a Bluetooth keyboard with Android keys, a 5-megapixel camera and a camcorder shooting 720p videos.

The Desk Dock

Motorola designed the Desk Dock for bedside/office use.  It charges the handset while displaying weather widgets, or programs the screen for darkness in bedside docking.

The Laptop Dock

More functional than the Desk Dock, the Laptop Dock has an 8-hour battery, 11.6-inch screen, track pad, keyboard and stereo speakers.  The Laptop Dock has two USB ports, a track pad, and a Chiclet keyboard.

The HD Multimedia Dock

The multimedia dock for the Motorola Atrix features three USB ports, an HDMI mini, infrared remote and a power connector that turns it into a PC/multimedia centre.  The real power lies in the Webtop app with a full version of Firefox with Flash 10.1 support and Citrix remote desktop support.  Perhaps the most singularly solid feature is the ability to undock the Atrix without losing anything.  The Atrix boots up exactly where it left off when last undocked.

Add a Comment

How HTC Sense Works

May 26th, 2011 | HTC, Mobile Technology

What is HTC Sense?  You have probably wondered about this if you use a mobile phone on a regular basis.  HTC Sense is a graphical user interface, or GUI.  It is commonly found on mobile phones made by HTC that use the Windows Mobile or Android operating systems.

Windows Features

When used with Windows Mobile, HTC sense takes the form of a Today screen.  It is accessed by touching an icon, and the various features are found under tabs.  The main Home tab shows information such as the date and time, as well as links to other important tabs.  The People tab displays a record of all recent calls, messages and emails.  This allows you to track your most recent contacts more easily.  There are also tabs available for documents stored on your phone, your collection of downloaded music, and Twitter.

Android Features

Features for Android take the form of apps and widgets.  A Friend Stream allows you to stay updated on what is happening with your friends.  Your camera settings and photo gallery are easily accessed, as well as the music player and any downloaded music collections.  Several widgets help make things easier.  One of the widgets allows you to store favourite internet bookmarks in an accessible place.  You can also synch your various email, messaging and social networking accounts.  All of these programs help you to accomplish tasks faster.

Add a Comment

The Sony Ericsson Arc Features New Technology

May 21st, 2011 | Mobile Phone Reviews, Sony Ericsson

This newer addition to the Sony Ericsson mobile phones line-up offers some of the most updated video technology available in the market.  The phone reflects some of the newer technology that is currently being used in mobile devices.  Users will find this phone to be useful for a number of purposes.

Size and Appearance

The phone is a compact size, and it is also slim.  The backlight shows up easily at night, allowing the device to be used in the dark.  The buttons have a subtle design that doesn’t detract from the phone’s appearance.  The touch screen measures 4.2 inches.

Speed and Storage

Unlike many other devices, the phone uses a single-core processor.  However, the processor is able to handle multiple apps and programs at once.  The battery has quite a bit of power and recharges fairly quickly.  An 8 GB SD card can be added for better storage capacity, which is especially helpful for major music and video fans.

TV and Media Capabilities

The display screen, which has full television capabilities, uses the Sony BRAVIA engine for a better display.  A camera is built in that provides an 8.1-megapixel resolution.  The pictures can be easily viewed after being taken.  FM radio stations, a music player and YouTube are easy to access with a few clicks.

Apps

The phone can handle several apps for social networking, weather and other needs.  The processor allows several to work at one time. 

Add a Comment

Common Features of Mobile Broadband

May 19th, 2011 | Broadband, Mobile Broadband

Mobile Broadband

Mobile broadband is a technology that enables you to access the internet from your laptop, providing there is a mobile telephone signal.  Mobile broadband is enabled by either a built-in SIM card that connects to the mobile telephone network or by use of a portable modem or USB stick/dongle.  Mobile broadband is a popular option for business people who have to travel a lot or for anybody who needs or desires broadband access on the move.

Speed and Download Allowances

When mobile broadband first appeared, it was typically slower than regular broadband.  Nowadays, there is little difference in speed on average, although mobile broadband can still slow during periods of heavy usage by others on the mobile network.  Download allowances have also increased in recent years.  It is advisable to check for the best options as some providers will offer greater download allowances than others.
 
Signing a Contract

When first introduced, mobile broadband contracts were usually for a long period of time.  A length of two years was not uncommon, making the contracts some of the longest in duration in the industry.  Nowadays, you can buy a mobile broadband package that runs month to month, or longer.  Some providers also give you the option to opt out of a contract before it has run it full course.  If you are unsure if you need mobile broadband for longer than a few months, you should select a short-term provider.  There are always different packages, deals and discount deals on offer.

Add a Comment

LG Optimus One Smartphone Overview

May 17th, 2011 | Google Android, LG, Mobile Phone Reviews, Touchscreen

Consumers who need a reliable but relatively inexpensive smartphone may like to consider the LG Optimus One.  LG Optimus One reviews highlight several features indicating that the LG Optimus One is more of a budget phone than a high-end luxury phone.

One indicator of this is the screen.  At just over 8cm, the screen is slightly smaller than a high-end smartphone.  In fact, the entire phone is smaller than a fancier smartphone, like the iPhone4, by about 5mm.  The screen is also made of plastic, rather than glass.  However, the phone itself is simple, easy to hold and not unattractive in design.

The LCD panel screen displays 320 x 480 pixels.  This is pretty respectable.  It is lower than some higher-end phones, but about equal to some of the cheaper Android options. Taking into account the size of the screen, the image is very clear and sharp.

The phone comes with a nice array of options and apps.  There are the standard messaging, calendar and weather applications that most phones have.  They are not particularly sophisticated, but reviewers have been satisfied with these features overall.

The phone can also handle music.  There are an mp3 player and FM radio on the phone, though it will not support any music formats more complicated than that.  Video does not get as much play on this phone but if you are looking for something simple and affordable, this is a nice option.

Add a Comment

« Previous Entries   Next Entries »