Cell phones, smart phones, and PDAs

LTE may be the global standard for next-generation wireless networks, but that doesn't mean you can take your 4G Verizon Wireless phone abroad and expect to roam on other 4G networks.

In this edition of Ask Maggie, I explain the sad reality of why you can't take a U.S. 4G LTE phone and expect to use it in Europe or anywhere else in the world where LTE is available. I also explain the difference between LTE and LTE-Advanced, and why it's not necessary to wait for the latest version of the technology to be deployed to … Read more

LAS VEGAS--The Consumer Electronics Show is the big coming-out party for the U.S. launch of Nokia's new Windows Phone smartphones.

On the CES stage Monday afternoon here, Nokia CEO Stephen Elop said the handset maker will start selling the Lumia 710, which Nokia introduced in December, with T-Mobile USA on Wednesday. He and others spent the remainder of the press event focusing on the unveiling of the Lumia 900 for AT&T's network.

The 900, the first LTE 4G device running the Windows Phone OS, is designed for people who want a rich-media experience. Equipped with … Read more

The promise of super-fast 4G wireless broadband sounds enticing, but what happens when you can't actually get the 4G service? That's the question one reader who just got the new 4G LTE-enabled Samsung Galaxy Nexus is asking.

No 4G service. Should I keep the Samsung Galaxy Nexus?

Dear Maggie, Four days ago I took delivery of my new Samsung Galaxy Nexus. I rarely get a 4G connection. Searching the Web about this problem, I see that lots of other people have had a similar problem.

I have 15 days to back out of my purchase. Time is running … Read more

Christmastime is a time of giving. So it's natural that if you got a shiny new smartphone, you'd want to give your old one away to a friend or family member. But be careful to whom you bestow this present. If the lucky recipient of your generous gift doesn't already have a smartphone and a smartphone data plan, you may be saddling him or her with a higher monthly bill.

In this edition of Ask Maggie I clear up the confusion around whether a smartphone can be used for voice service only. I also offer some advice … Read more

Did you get a notice recently from AT&T stating you use more than your fair share of wireless data? Ask Maggie explains why this is happening and offers some advice to help you keep the data flowing. Ask Maggie also offers some advice on deciding between an iPad and a MacBook.

Throttled by AT&T

Dear Maggie, I have an unlimited data plan on AT&T. I've been with AT&T for a few years. But just recently I received an e-mail from AT&T saying that I'm in the top 5 … Read more

When you sign a new wireless contract and pay $200 for the latest smartphone, you expect that device to last at least until the end of your two-year contract. Right?

Unfortunately that's not the case for many smartphone subscribers. If your device has issues within the first year, consider yourself lucky since the repair is likely covered under the manufacturer warranty. But if it craps out 13 months into your contract, you may be screwed. Ask Maggie offers some advice for how to protect yourself. And in a second question, there's some advice for keeping an older iPhone … Read more

The trickiest thing about technology is that six months after you buy the hottest gadget, another product is introduced that makes your once-cutting-edge device look like yesterday's news.

And in the smartphone world, it seems like that cycle of hot-to-not is rapidly increasing. So what's a cell phone aficionado to do?

The perfect smartphone

Dear Maggie, I need your help. I'm a Verizon Wireless customer, and I'm in the market for a new smartphone. My contract is up next month. I was wondering if you think the Samsung Galaxy Nexus is the best choice for someone … Read more

You finally know which gadgets you're buying for friends and loved ones this holiday season. But now you're stumped about whether to shell out the extra bucks for features like 3G on the Kindle Touch or higher resolution on the Roku video-streaming box. Have no fear; Ask Maggie is here to help.

Kindle Touch: 3G or Wi-Fi-only?

Dear Maggie, My sister wants an e-reader for Christmas. I am going to get her the Kindle Touch. But I'm not sure if I should spend the extra $50 to get her a 3G version of the device. She has … Read more

Sprint Nextel customers had been waiting for years for the iPhone to come to the carrier. And it finally arrived this fall. But will the iPhone be the only important device Sprint promotes from now on?

Is Sprint a one-trick pony with the iPhone?

Hi Maggie, I see Verizon Wireless and AT&T releasing new phones like crazy. I'm a Sprint Nextel customer, and I haven't noticed Sprint announcing the same number of new devices. I know they now have the iPhone and that's a big deal for them. But I'm not an iPhone fan. … Read more