The rumour mill has been churning, pictures and specifications leaked and finally THE handset is distributed for its first review. You rip open the box with excitement, in partial disbelief that you have your hands on the next big thing… You turn it on and well the rest is a blur.
Most reviewers have experienced it, watched the handset hype, maybe even add to it, only to be let down at the final hurdle. It takes more than just a pretty design to make its way up the smartphone rankings. Here are a few of those phones that didn’t quite live up to expectations.
HTC G1 - Designed by HTC, working a Google OS and eagerly anticipated by smartphone fanatics everywhere. HTC promised to deliver “the next generation in mobile technology with the AndroidTM powered G1″, it didn’t. The harsh reality was that the HTC G1 = all-round disappointment. Below are just a few areas where the G1 fell flat:
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- No Exchange: The lack of exchange server support put the G1 behind the rest of the smartphone pack.
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- 3.5mm Audio Jack: A vital addition missing from the handset. With only the USB port for access, it means users have to buy specific headphones.
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- No Desktop Synching: As with the absence of exchange support, the lack of Desktop Syncing makes it difficult for users to connect to email software.
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- Insufficient Storage: 1GB internal memory would keep you occupied for maybe a day. 8GB externally doesn’t do much more, especially when competitors offer up to 16GB internally.
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- Battery Life: The battery life was a massive let down. Whilst the G1 can manage about 5hours of talk-time, standby’s a mere 130 hours. (The iPhone delivers 300hours!) (more…)
Post from Dial-a-Phone, UK's no. 1 for Mobile Phones.
Tags: blog, cell phone news, discussion, mobile
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26Nov
What Phones Are We Carrying and Why?
Thanksgiving 2009 Edition
Two questions we get asked all the time: 1) What's the best phone? and 2) What phone do YOU use?
The answers we usually give? 1) Depends on what you want to do with it, and 2) We test so many phones, it changes all of the time.
Now we can't really give you a better answer to #1, though we can help you sort out which phones might best serve your needs, wants, and budget. We can, however, do a little with #2. While all of us here at PhoneDog are constantly testing and reviewing new phones, we of course also have our personal devices and personal favorites. Since most of the review phones are loaners we have to send back after a few weeks, we'll sometimes wind up carrying devices around as our "personal phones" only to have to move on when the PR company wants 'em back.
So here's our current list of What Phones We're Carrying and Why, as of Thanksgiving Day 2009.
Sydney Arnold, Video ReviewerCurrent Device: HTC Droid Eris and Samsung Rogue (Verizon)
I'm picking two phones because not everyone will want to pay the extra money for a smartphone and the monthly data plan it would require. If you don't mind the bills, I pick the HTC Droid Eris for my overall favorite. I love HTC's Sense UI. It's the most accommodating UI I've used and it makes everything so easy and fun. Whether you're checking the weather, checking e-mails, sending a text, or setting up a meeting, Sense pretty much organizes everything for you. There are so many little features that you wouldn't even think of to add or notice at first, but once you really get to the guts of the phone, you'll be blown away. Not only that but the screen is capacitive, it has one of the best virtual QWERTY keyboards available, and it's on a great network (Verizon). For budget users I'll pick the Samsung Rogue. Samsung's TouchWiz user interface is so fun and smartphone-esque that you almost forget it's not one. Also, since this phone is also on Verizon, VCast has several services similar to those that come with a smartphone, so you won't feel left out. A responsive touchscreen, an awesome slide out QWERTY keyboard, and a very nice outer design make it a winner for me.
Second Choices: BlackBerry Bold 9700 (You can't really go wrong with a BlackBerry), Palm Pre, LG Chocolate Touch
Rebecca Atwood, Business Manager Current Device: Palm Pre (Sprint)
I used to be one of "those" people who always told everyone "Oh I don't need anything more then this basic flip phone. All I do is text and make calls. I would never use my phone for anything else." Boy was I wrong! When I became a smartphone owner for the first time this summer (on June 6th, to be exact) I realized what I had been missing. With the Palm Pre's WebOS, I am constantly amazed at how much power I have in my hands. I have synced my work and personal accounts - including e-mail, twitter, facebook, and google calendar - so I can stay on top of things wherever I am. The major staying point for me is the easy to use QWERTY keyboard, and multitouch screen (pinch to zoom as I like to call it). So I have a feeling me and my Pre will continue to be great friends for a long while to come.
Second Choices: I wanted to like the Samsung Moment, but it was too big for me and there's no pinch-to-zoom on the touchscreen.
Can't Wait For: The next full QWERTY multitouch device
Aaron Baker, News Editor; Managing Editor - BBerryDog.comCurrent Device: BlackBerry Bold 9700 - T-Mobile
Prior to the Bold 9700, everything I've appreciated about BlackBerry devices was scattered across various units. I preferred the battery life from the Curve 8900, the keyboard and screen from the Bold 9000, the trackpad from the Curve 8520, and the general appearance of the Tour 9630. The Bold 9700, available as of last week on T-Mobile and this week on AT&T, takes all of the features I desired and places them into the perfect BlackBerry form factor. With a gorgeous screen, OS 5.0, Wi-Fi (with UMA on the T-Mobile version), 3.2-megapixel camera, roomy keyboard, and trackpad in place of the trackball, I'm not sure how RIM will one-up this device when the time comes (unless the revision has a better web browser). It's worth noting that this is what I'm carrying today - ask me again next week, as I'm sure it will have changed a few times.
Second Choices: Apple iPhone 3GS (AT&T), HTC Hero (Sprint), BlackBerry Storm2 (Verizon)Can't Wait For: Nokia N900, BlackBerry Pearl "Stratus" 9100
John Ashton Edgar, Online Community ConsultantCurrent Device: Motorola Cliq (T-Mobile)
The phone I am carrying as my daily driver may surprise you. My latest personal phone purchase was a Motorola Cliq. Catherine Zeta-Jones is a very persuasive salesperson and I did save some pennies opting out of my contract for the new Even More Plus unlimited plan. However, the main reason for purchasing the Motorola Cliq was simply that it is an Android phone from Motorola. I love Android, but the keyword is Motorola. The Motorola that has their global headquarters in Schaumburg, Illinois, developed communications for the Apollo Space Program, and has a mobility and networking facility right down the street from me. Admittedly, I had challenges with the Cliq when I first got it. I soon figured out that the Happenings widget is responsible for the inadequate battery life and the in-your-face assault from social media. A simple long press and drop in the trash solved my two biggest frustrations with the phone, allowing me to enjoy and appreciate the better aspects of the MotoBlur UI. When all is said and done, I supported my neighbors and acquired a solid smartphone.
Note: If my European Hero (HTC G2) had 3G compatibility in the U.S., there would be some serious sibling rivalry in the house.
Second Choices: White HTC G2 (T-Mobile U.K.), Motorola Droid (Verizon)
Can't Wait For: "Google Phone," Sony Ericsson Xperia X10
Carlos Graves, Teen EditorCurrent Device: HTC G1 - (Unlocked running on AT&T)
I have gone from phone to phone, looking for that one right device and platform. I have spent a lot of time with Apple products, in this case the iPhone 3G. My main reasoning for getting an iPhone 3G was for hacking it to make it a more open-source device. Sadly, it can only be hacked to a certain extent, and I needed something more friendly to what I enjoy doing with a mobile device. Already familiar with Linux operating systems on my computers, I bought an Android device - an HTC G1. I have since fallen in love with it (while still keeping a place in my heart for my iPhone, I must mention). My favorite feature (besides Android) on the G1 is its use of MicroSD cards. This comes in handy when putting multiple files and ROMs on your device but still wanting to stay organized. Which brings me to my second favorite feature - the ability to flash ROMs onto the G1. In my opinion, there is nothing like being able to make a phone exactly what you want it to be, and with my G1, I can do just that. While I can't officially recommend this for legal reasons, it's cool to think that If I am in a Hero mood, I can simply flash a HTC Sense UI ROM onto the device; if I'm in a Cliq mood, I can flash the MotoBlur ROM onto it, etcWith the HTC G1, I can do what I want and be able to do those things without being frowned upon by the makers of the device (*cough* jailbreak *cough*).
(Editor's Note: PhoneDog does not endorse or condone any end user practices that violate software copyright agreements or other laws. Jailbreaking, ROM flashing, and other phone hacking may be a violation of your device's warranty and/or End User License Agreements and, well, could result in a bricked, useless device. That said, I personally support Carlos' DIY spirit, especially since I know he's only flashing ROMs to learn about how such things work. Right, Carlos?)
Second Choice: iPhone 3G (16GB - AT&T)
Can't Wait For: HTC "Dragon" Android Phone
Noah Kravitz, Editor-in-ChiefCurrent Device: HTC Touch HD2 (Unlocked GSM)
The day after I wrote a blurb about why I carry an iPhone 3GS, the powers that be conspired to change my pick to HTC's Touch HD2. First, the FedEx guy delivered an HD2 to me and I got to actually spend some time with the thing (as opposed to the pair of too-quick encounters I'd previously had with it). Second, I injured my foot, which means no running for a few days, which means I can afford to put iPhone and its RunKeeper Pro app on the shelf for a bit. Good thing, too: HD2's hardware is absolutely insane. The front panel of the phone is almost entirely screen, and that screen is huge, gorgeous, and capacitive/multitouch-capable. And the phone is so thin that it's easily stashed in a front jeans pocket despite its enormous footprint. HTC Sense on Windows Mobile 6.5 is really a work of art, though I wish HTC had been able to install a custom Mail app on the device. WinMo Mail is a huge letdown when you pop into it after skimming through Sense's fun, pretty widgets. Am I going to switch to the HD2 full-time? Likely not. Am I going to keep it as my daily device long enough to decide if it's worth getting hyped up about the mythical HTC Dragon (an Android device with HD2-style hardware)? Absolutely. Using Touch HD2 makes me feel like I'm peeking into the near-future where always-connected tablet computers bridge the gap between smartphones and laptops.
Second Choices: Apple iPhone 3GS (AT&T), Palm Pixi (Sprint), HTC Droid Eris (Verizon)
Can't Wait For: HTC Dragon, Sony Ericsson Xperia X10
Adriana Lee, iPhone & Mobile Lifestyle EditorCurrent Device: Apple iPhone 3GS (AT&T)
Well, it's right there in the job title, so it shouldn't be a shock to anyone that my primary handset is the iPhone 3GS. I'm a sucker for simplicity, and major features like taking vids, autofocusing the camera, correcting text and downloading apps are just beautifully executed. So it may not do everything I want, but it does most of what I need easily and elegantly. (As an amateur nerd, I have a tendency to take things apart to "see what's in there" or rig things around my house, so it's actually nice to have a device that "just works" for a change.) Even if I were shopping around for another handset, many of the apps that have become essential in my life just aren't available for other platforms. Plus, I just can't wait to see what Apple has up their sleeves next. Will it be an iPhone 4G? A mini iPhone? A tablet? The suspense is killing me.
Second Choices: HTC Hero (Unlocked GSM), Palm Pre (Sprint), Nokia Twist (Verizon)
Can't Wait For: HTC Passion, Sony Ericsson Xperia X10, Apple Tablet/iPhone 4G
John Walton, Smartphone Editor; Managing Editor - DroidDog.comCurrent Device: HTC Droid Eris (Verizon)
Although I've been spending a lot of time playing with MOTOBLUR and enjoying all of the fun packed into Motorola's Cliq, the Eris has been my daily driver as of late. I was a big fan of the GSM Hero, and really liked the Sprint version - though it wasn't as visually stunning. Eris may be more about subtlety than somewhat gaudy flash, but its lines have bested the European and Sprint Heroes in my mind. It's so small, so slim, that I can hardly feel it in my pocket. It brings Sense and everything I love about it: the widgets, the social network integration, and that lovely, lovely keyboard. What is it missing? Speed. After handling the Droid for a couple of weeks, I'm not so willing to go lenient on the lag seen in all three Heroes. Things have gotten better with updates, but I don't think any of us will know what Sense is truly about until we see it running on a Snapdragon processor. I'm overlooking the phone registration problems I've had with Verizon's network with Eris because It's a free account. If I had to pay for this, I'd likely look elsewhere.
Second Choices: Motorola Cliq (T-Mobile), Motorola Droid (Verizon)
Can't Wait For: HTC Passion, Sony Ericsson Xperia X10
Tags: blog, cell phone news, discussion, mobile
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26Nov
You run out of milk, so you nip to your local supermarket, and there, sitting between the bread aisle and the dairy fridges is the most powerful smartphone to date… confused? I am.
Tesco has announced it will be stocking the Apple iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS before Christmas. A great catch for Tesco mobile, but what does this mean for the iPhones credibility?
The Apple iPhone has always been THE luxury smartphone. The end of O2’s exclusivity saw the beginning of a crumbling reputation. Ok, so the iPhone hasn’t got any less powerful, it can still do everything that sets it apart from the rest but picking it up along with your weekly shop doesn’t exactly cry out sophistication.
Maybe it’s the natural move, Apple want to make more money and providing it to a wider audience will do just that. It’s already available from a wide range of mobile phone dealers - Orange, Vodafone (in 2010), Phones 4u, Carphone Warehouse, DialaPhone and now Tesco.
The BBC’s technology editor Rory Cellan-Jones claimed that a price war is “looming” when he broke the news on Twitter. Doubtful, unless you can start using those clubcard points you’ve clocked up to bag yourself the latest iPhone, but I can’t see that happening, can you?
Post from Dial-a-Phone, UK's no. 1 for Mobile Phones.
Tags: blog, cell phone news, discussion, mobile
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26Nov
Thank you.
You don't need me to tell you that 2009 has been a rough year for many an industry, business, family, and individual here in the U.S. and all over the world. The global economy is fighting its way towards stability, but plenty of people have lost plenty of money and plenty of jobs this year - not to mention those who never had enough on their plates to begin with.
The world of wireless tech certainly hasn't been immune this year's economic troubles - several big-time companies reported enormous losses throughout 2009, and many smaller technology companies and industry publications have been forced to cut way back or fold entirely. But as a whole, wireless has fared much better than many other industries throughout the financial turmoil.
So on behalf of the entire PhoneDog Family, I just want to thank you for enabling us to keep doing what we do. Whether you're a phone fanatic, budget-minded consumer, industry professional, or Web surfer just stopping by, without you there'd be no point to our company, our site, or our videos, tweets and Facebook posts. Again, in all sincerity, thanks.
All of us at The Dog are incredibly excited to spend our working hours bringing you our take on the ever-changing world of wireless technology. The growth of our family, both in terms of people (Now there's Aaron and Adriana and Sydney and Carlos ...) and Websites (... On DroidDog! On BBerryDog! On that iPhone site we might launch!), is a testament to our commitment to bringing you the best articles, reviews and videos we can and to your involvement in reading, commenting, posting to the forums, and following us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and elsewhere across the Net.
We work hard, yeah, but it's fun work and we're grateful to have it. I've long worked as a freelance tech journalist (I used to be a teacher, believe it or not, and covered tech on the side), but my time with PhoneDog has obviously evolved into so much more than "a steady freelance gig" over the past three and a half years. I get to work with an incredible group of people within PhoneDog, another incredible bunch of folks across the wireless biz, and perhaps the most diverse and opinionated group of "colleagues" imaginable in you, the readers and viewers. While it's easy to get dazzled by and caught up in the geeky glamour of FedEx boxes full of unreleased smartphones appearing at my doorstep every morning, it really is you guys and gals that make this so worthwhile. Even when you're calling me all sorts of names by way of defending your smartphone platform of choice.
And hey, for as much as we all like to talk about the cool hardware and neat apps that form the fabric of our personal relationships to technology, let's not forget about the vast industry that swirls around wireless communications. Hundreds of thousands of people have jobs and can support families thanks to this business, and millions more use their phones to stay in touch with friends, colleagues, loved ones, and business associates on a daily basis. It truly is amazing.
Thanks to the engineers, software designers, cell tower technicians, retail salespeople, telephone tech support reps, quality assurance testers, fellow journalists and bloggers, and all of those other people who make this industry churn. It's because of them that all of us enjoy and prosper from ceaseless and mind-blowing advances in consumer electronics and wireless technology. Technology alone is never the answer, but when people put incredible tech to good use, that's where the magic happens. And so long as someone keeps building it, we'll keep reporting on it. Then it's up to you to make magic with it.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving Day, wherever you are and however you spend it. Me, I'll be saying an extra round of thanks to the folks like you who have helped make this a year for all of us at PhoneDog to truly be grateful for.
And may you get through on the first time when you hit your friends and family up on their cellies during the Thanksgiving calling frenzy ;-)
Tags: blog, cell phone news, discussion, mobile
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