phones

Won't someone think of the children?!

ABC's Ashley Phillips says iPhone fever: Not everyone buys hype.

But some critics believe that the "early adopters" who wait anxiously in line next week outside Apple and AT&T stores... could be in for a nasty surprise.

Really? Which critics think Apple and AT&T's customers are ignorant idiots who know nothing of the product they're going to stand in line for hours and sign away two years of their cellular lives to get?

According to industry analysts, some of the drawbacks are the lack of built-in GPS, which is already widely … Read more

All questions shall be answered! All shall be revealed!

Well, maybe not. But Apple's published a 20-minuted guided tour of the iPhone (tip o' the antlers to Daring Fireball).

iPhone's keyboard is the big 'if'

As stylish as the Prada phone is, the touch screen problem I wrote about earlier hasn't gotten better. It's often frustrating.

I say this because of all these great iPhone ads we're seeing on television. When I look at the keypad displayed, I wonder if it's all going to be as simple and perfect as they make it look.

I'm skeptical. It seems as if it would be very easy to overlap onto a different key. At least on the BlackBerry, you know when it happens. It's a matter of feel. You immediately know … Read more

LG's new clamshell: speakers

As noted bluntly here before, mobile phone makers have come up with some pretty ugly speakers as they attempt to morph their products into the ultimate combo music devices they hope they'll eventually become. While they continue to flail about for the right answer, LG has decided to make a pair that goes back to its cellular roots with a clamshell design.

From a distance, one might actually mistake its latest Verizon Wireless stereo speakers for the handset itself because of their hinged design. MobileWhack says the speakers, which will work with most of Verizon's V-Cast phones, are … Read more

The iPhone line starts here

Eight days! In only eight days (after this post) the iPhone will be released to the technology-loving public. The thing I'm most amazed about is the hype this thing is generating. I'm definitely excited and have been a supplier of hype myself in this very blog, but I wasn't prepared for the sheer volume of information and rumors surrounding a phone that hasn't even seen the light of day yet (unless you count those lucky Apple employees). The hype is reaching such a feverish pitch at this point that some Mac rumor sites, like the appropriately named MacRumors.com, are offering buying strategies to obtain an iPhone.… Read more

Online retailer promises unlocked iPhones

One of the most popular questions regarding the Apple iPhone asks whether Apple will sell unlocked models. So far, the consensus has been that such a move is unlikely, but much to our amazement, we noticed today that PureMobile.com, a online cell phone retailer, is touting unlocked iPhones on its Web site. It appears to be the 8GB version of the phone in black (is there any other color?).

Now before you whip out your credit card, we have to stress that PureMobile won't allow you to buy anything at the time of this writing. It only says … Read more

The Onion's favorite iPhone features

Since Apple has yet to reveal all the features of its upcoming iPhone, the satirists over at the Onion have taken it upon themselves to fill in the blanks.

Peruse their selections over here, but I did want to call out a few of my favorites to give you a taste.

• When moved from hand to ear, makes Lightsaber sound effects. • Has way, way more PRAM than the last thingy. • Comes with an iPhone hat, so people know you own an iPhone during the brief periods you're not using it.

Apple and AT&T will … Read more

AT&T calls for backup on iPhone Day

Eight days before the iPhone arrives, AT&T is planning for extra security and a flood of customers next Friday.

The company has hired 2,000 temporary workers to help keep things rolling on iPhone Day (previously known as June 29th), according to CNN. It doesn't sound like these folks will be pressed into explaining the intricacies of AT&T's monthly data plans or selling Bluetooth headsets, but instead they'll help make sure rabid iPhone fans don't bum-rush the doors in hopes of securing an iPhone.

A report yesterday said AT&T plans … Read more

Still mobile, Sanyo unveils Sprint handsets

Despite earlier speculation that Sanyo may shut down its mobile division, it looks like Sanyo and Sprint are trucking on with brand-new handsets.

Today Sprint announced the Sanyo SCP-3200, a fairly basic clamshell with Bluetooth, GPS, a speakerphone, a VGA camera, Web and e-mail access, plus voice-activated dialing. Available colors include Midnight Black, Playful Pink, and Atlantic Blue. You can get it for $200 retail, or as low as $50 if you're willing to sign a two-year agreement with Sprint.