Cell phones, smart phones, and PDAs

Children who use cell phones are at no greater risk of developing brain tumors, the latest paper in a series of epidemiological studies suggests.

The study, which was conducted in Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Switzerland, was recently published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. It surveyed almost 1,000 children between ages 7 and 19. The group looked at children who had been diagnosed with brain tumors between 2004 and 2008, as well as a control group drawn randomly from the general population.

Subjects were asked about how often they used their cell phones for voice calls. Some … Read more

With the next version of the iPhone just around the corner, some Google Android owners are having smartphone envy.

Last week in Ask Maggie I detailed the ins and outs of ditching the iPhone for an Android smartphone. This week, I explain how to make the switch in the other direction. The good news is that it may be a little less painful for most users.

I also offer some advice to a T-Moblie USA subscriber about upgrading and renewing his contract in light of the impending AT&T merger. And I explain to another reader how he can … Read more

Are you thinking of giving up your Apple iPhone for a new Google Android smartphone?

If the answer is yes, there are a few things you should consider. In this week's Ask Maggie, I explain how iPhone users can transfer iTunes music to a new Android phone, and why you can't take your apps with you.

Also in this week's column, I explain why most of Verizon's current 4G LTE phones won't support the new Voice over LTE technology expected next year. And I explain the difference between 3G HSDPA and HSPA+ on AT&… Read more

The unlimited data buffet enjoyed by many smartphone subscribers in the U.S. is ending. So now what?

As Verizon Wireless ditches its all-you-can-eat data plans, fear has spread among many smartphones users. People are scared that without unlimited access, they are doomed to pay more each month for data service.

In this week's Ask Maggie, I try to allay those concerns by offering some insight on typical data usage, as well as, some advice about how to use data more efficiently.

I also offer a college-bound freshman some advice from my friend and colleague Dan Ackerman on the age-old question: Mac or PC?

Ask Maggie is a weekly advice column that answers readers' wireless and broadband questions. If you've got a question, please send me an e-mail at maggie dot reardon at cbs dot com. And please put "Ask Maggie" in the subject header.… Read more

Starting July 7, new Verizon Wireless customers can kiss unlimited data plans good-bye. But what do the pricing plan changes mean for existing customers? Can people really live without unlimited data?

It's been no secret that Verizon has planned to eliminate the unlimited data plan. The company's executives have been saying it for months. So it was no shock when last week word leaked of the company's new plans. The only real news was when it would happen. Since then, my inbox has been flooded with questions from desperate and confused smartphone customers asking me what they … Read more

The Ask Maggie column is a year old this week. And the No. 1 question I consistently get is about the next iPhone. So it was only fitting that for the first anniversary of this column, I highlight yet another "When is the next iPhone coming?" question.

In this week's Ask Maggie, I help one reader decide if he should wait for the next-generation iPhone or buy the iPhone 4 before Verizon Wireless gets rid of its unlimited data plan. I also explain to another reader when I think more Windows Phone smartphones will hit the market. … Read more

The iPhone is unlocked and set free in the U.S. So does this mean that T-Mobile and Sprint Nextel customers, who have been awaiting an iPhone to call their own, will finally get their hands on one?

In this week's Ask Maggie column I answer this very question. I also offer some advice to another reader about whether he should ditch his T-Mobile plan for the AT&T iPhone. And finally I offer some suggestions to a third reader looking for advice on a basic feature phone.

Ask Maggie is a weekly advice column that answers readers' … Read more

The summer is quickly approaching and Apple fans are asking when the new iPhone 5 will be out and what new features it will support.

Since 2007, when the first iPhone hit stores, fans of the device have come to expect a new version every year in June or July. But some reports are suggesting that the device may be delayed until the fall. In this week's Ask Maggie, I look at some of the recent rumors surrounding the iPhone 5 to help readers plan and plot their purchasing strategies for the latest iPhone.

I also offer my perspective … Read more

Federal prosecutors are looking into whether mobile application makers, advertisers, and mobile app store owners are violating the law when it comes to transmitting users' personal data. But what's it all mean for average consumers?

The music service Pandora disclosed in a U.S. Securities Exchange Commission filing recently that it has been subpoenaed by a grand jury to provide information about how its mobile app collects data.

The investigation appears to be prompted by a report published by The Wall Street Journal in December that evaluated 101 popular mobile apps. The newspaper said in that article that more … Read more