This is the 411, my Q&A column answering all your questions about cell phones and cell phone accessories. I receive plenty of questions about these subjects via e-mail, so I figured many of you might have the same questions, too. At times, I might solicit answers from readers if I'm stumped. Send your questions and comments to me at nicole.lee@cnet.com. If you prefer to remain anonymous, let me know in the e-mail.
The Nokia N86 has Wi-Fi, an 8-megapixel camera, and 30 fps video recording, but is only available unlocked.
(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)I'm looking into purchasing a new phone and possibly upgrading to a smart phone with AT&T. The hitch is that I can't afford a data plan yet. I would like a smart phone with Wi-Fi so that I can take advantage of the capabilities and processing power of a smart phone, but just not web enabled everywhere I go. In reality, most places I imagine needing wireless data, there is an open WiFi network nearby, so 3G connectivity and dealing with expensive data plans isn't totally necessary either. I would also like this phone to have a decent camera (3 to 5 megapixels) and 30 fps video recording. I would also like the ability to view full HTML web pages with zoom capabilities (multi-touch). So what are my best options without buying an unlocked phone? -- Mike, via e-mail.
Unfortunately, you can't get a smartphone without a data plan unless you're purchasing an unlocked phone. This is the same with pretty much all U.S. carriers, and it's regardless of whether the phone has Wi-Fi or not. As for smartphones with Wi-Fi and a 3-5-megapixel camera with 30 fps video recording, I can only think of unlocked models, like the Samsung Omnia 2, the Nokia N97, and the Nokia N86. You could look into getting an iPod Touch or something similar if you just want to use Wi-Fi, but of course you won't get the camera in that case. Readers, let me know if you can think of other solutions.
I have been investigating cell phone options and I am stumped. I am currently a Verizon Wireless customer (no contract) and I need a new phone. I would like to get a phone with email and web access. My husband has an iPhone. We have a Mac laptop at home and subscribe to Mobile Me. An iPhone might seem to be a no-brainer, but I am not sure. My main concern is the network. I have never had service problems with Verizon and the coverage is great, and I hear there are many service issues with the iPhone especially in big cities (we live in Chicago). Do you anticipate improvements to AT&T's 3G network that would make it comparable to Verizon's? Also, how big a deal is it to buy a phone without wi-fi (which most of Verizon's phones lack)? -- Dana, via e-mail.
Since you're concerned about the iPhone coverage in your area, I'm assuming your husband has reported a lack of AT&T coverage. This is, as you might have heard, not uncommon in metropolitan cities like Chicago, New York, and San Francisco. This is not a universal issue by any means--we've heard reports of good coverage as well--but your mileage may vary depending on where you live and work. If your primary concern is voice and data coverage, then a Verizon phone would probably work better for you. You can certainly find a way to get a Windows Mobile or BlackBerry smartphone to work with a Mac (usually via third-party software), and if you can wait for the Motorola Droid, Android phones can sync with a Mac as well. You probably won't be able to use iTunes to sync music or podcasts though (Let us know if we're wrong on this). As for the lack of Wi-Fi, it's not a huge issue as long as you're not downloading big files. You do have to watch out that you don't hit Verizon's monthly data cap of 5GB though.
Could you please help me out? I do appreciate your time!! I am thinking of either getting the Hero or the Touch Pro 2 from Sprint. I will use the phone mainly for messaging,web browsing and utilizing NFL live whenever possible and maybe a word document every now and then but not too often. I like that the Hero has a smaller foot print but wonder if the keyboard on the TP2 is worth the extra size or not? Does the virtual keyboard work very well? Do you like the Qwerty on the TP2 better? If you were to choose one, which one would you choose? Could you please give me your opinion and help me out. I really do appreciate your time. -- Bruce, via e-mail.
It comes down to whether or not you would be comfortable with a virtual keyboard. For me, I'm fine with a virtual keyboard, and the virtual keyboard on the HTC Hero is actually quite usable. Still, it's not quite as easy and intuitive to use as a physical keyboard like the one on the HTC Touch Pro 2. If you think you'll only use the keyboard once in a while, then the Hero might be a better bet. Another thing to consider is that the HTC Hero runs on the Android platform, while the HTC Touch Pro 2 uses Windows Mobile. It sounds to me like you won't be using the Office apps that often, which again makes me think you might be better off with the Hero. Still, I would suggest trying out both phones in your local Sprint shop before you make the final decision.
Welcome to the 411, my Q&A column answering all your questions about cell phones and cell phone accessories. I receive plenty of queries about these subjects via e-mail, so I figured many of you might be wondering about the same things, too. At times, I might solicit answers from readers if I'm stumped. Send your questions and comments to me at nicole.lee@cnet.com. If you prefer to remain anonymous, let me know in the e-mail.
Hi Nicole, I'm thinking of upgrading my mobile phone in the near future. I've been a BlackBerry user for the past couple of years, and I've really given this thing a beating. I have dropped it more times than I can count, sometimes at a great enough velocity to send the battery cover flying well past the rest of the phone. What I am wondering is, how durable are today's touch-screen phones? I've heard that the Pre is particularly fragile. Are the OLED devices any better or worse? Would you recommend someone like me sticking with a non-touch device, since once you crack a touch screen, you are left with an expensive paperweight? -- Jay, via e-mail.
If you abuse your phone that much, I would say touch-screen phones are probably not the best for you. Touch-screen phones usually have a glass surface as the display, which, of course, is particularly susceptible to cracking. You might consider a durable case of some kind to prevent everyday nicks and scratches, though. There are also many manufacturers that make scratch-resistant screen overlays, like the Zagg invisible shields, for example. But if you're truly concerned, then yes, perhaps a more durable phone is in order. You can check out phones like the Sonim XP3 Quest or the Casio Exilim C721, both of which are rugged enough to withstand the elements. Check out our reviews of other durable phones, too, if you want more options.
The HTC Touch Pro 2's keyboard is very roomy.
(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)I am due for an upgrade in October and was seriously considering a BlackBerry Tour on Verizon Wireless. The only thing is that I have big hands and while some people might laugh it makes for an uncomfortable experience on those BlackBerry devices. My question is this: Does RIM have any plans on coming out with a BlackBerry device that has bigger keys? Or am I doomed to never be able to use a BlackBerry device at all? -- Stu, via e-mail
RIM has been pretty consistent with the size and shape of its BlackBerry handhelds, so I don't think RIM will enhance the size of its keyboards any time soon. ... Read more
Welcome to the 411, my Q&A column answering all your questions about cell phones and cell phone accessories. I receive plenty of questions about these subjects via e-mail, so I figured many of you might have the same questions, too. At times, I might solicit answers from readers if I'm stumped. Send your questions and comments to me at nicole.lee@cnet.com. If you prefer to remain anonymous, let me know in the e-mail.
Thanks to Bonnie Cha for her help with the first couple of questions!
I am thinking of getting the BB Tour or the HTC Touch Pro 2 from Sprint. I was wanting to know, if you were going to purchase one of these phones, which one would you choose and why? I know the Pro 2 has Wi-Fi and may offer an OS upgrade later. Do yo think this would make a better phone than the Tour? -- Bruce, via e-mail.
It depends on your preference. For a simple messaging e-mail device, the Tour is probably the better handheld, since the interface is a little easier to understand. The Tour is also better if you want a world phone that you can use in any country on the globe. If you don't plan on using the phone outside the U.S. and you want a smartphone with a little more multimedia power, the HTC Touch Pro 2 is definitely the better of the two. The Touch Pro 2 offers Wi-Fi while the Tour doesn't, and the wider touch-screen interface on the Touch Pro 2 is also more conducive to video playback.
My cousin would like to get the Blackberry 8900 (I'll have to unlock it, of course) to use overseas, so I was just wondering what was the big difference between AT&T's 8900 and T-Mobile's 8900, because there is a $240 difference between the price on Best Buy Web site. Is there really a big difference between them just because AT&T calls theirs the Javelin and T-mobile's the curve? The specs look the same to me? -- Damion, via e-mail.
In terms of specs, both the AT&T and the T-Mobile version of the BlackBerry 8900 are about the same. The only differences are the carrier offerings. For example, AT&T has AT&T Music and AT&T Navigator on the 8900, while T-Mobile's version has UMA support so you can make calls via Wi-Fi if you have a T-Mobile HotSpot @ Home plan. But if you're going to unlock it and use it overseas, then it doesn't matter which one you go with, since you probably won't be able to use those services anyway. P.S. "Javelin" is just an internal code name, I believe.
Any comments on the Jabra Halo? I plan on using it mostly with my iPhone, (for hands-free driving), as well as for music enjoyment when not driving. Would you recommend this stereo Bluetooth device or suggest another? -- Frank, via e-mail.
I have to be honest, Frank: I wasn't a huge fan of the Halo. In fact, I didn't like it much at all. It just didn't sit well on the ears and the call quality was subpar. The best things I can say about it is that it's very attractive; it folds down to a more compact shape; and it does play music as promised. Even if I did like it, though, I wouldn't recommend using it while driving; I think only a mono headset is allowed in that scenario. If you want a headset that can be used in both stereo and mono, take a look at the Samsung WEP870, the Plantronics Voyager 855, or the Jabra BT8010 for starters. Do note, though, that the new iPhone OS does not have full AVRCP (Audio Video Remote Control Profile) support. This means that even though you can stream music from it, you can't control the music playback from the headset--you still have to play/pause and advance tracks on the phone itself.
HTC Touch Pro2
(Credit: Verizon Wireless)On Thursday, Verizon Wireless introduced its latest smartphone to the world, the HTC Touch Pro2. However, it's not so much the product announcement that's newsworthy, but rather the price.
Verizon will offer the Windows Mobile smartphone for $199.99 with a two-year contract and after a $100 mail-in rebate, which is a way better than some of its competitors (cough, T-Mobile, Sprint, cough, cough) which charge $349.99 for the same device.
Verizon doesn't cut back on the features either. The Touch Pro2 offers dual-mode functionality for world-roaming capabilities, Wi-Fi (yay!), Bluetooth, and GPS. In addition, like the Sprint model, the device is equipped with a 3.5 millimeter headphone jack and has a slide-out QWERTY keyboard and a tilting 3.6-inch WVGA touch screen.
Other goodies include a 3.2-megapixel camera, linked contact view (brings a contact's e-mail, text messages, call history, Flickr images, and Facebook updates into one location), and support for VZ Navigator.
The HTC Touch Pro2 will be available for order starting on Friday. Look for our full review soon!
Sprint HTC Touch Pro2
(Credit: Sprint)Start saving your pennies, Sprint customers. The carrier announced on Monday that it will finally release the HTC Touch Pro2 on September 8 through its Web site and telesales, but like the T-Mobile model, it'll cost you a hefty $349.99 with a two-year contract and after a $100 rebate.
The Windows Mobile 6.1 smartphone does offer a couple of advantages over the carrier's other smartphones, however, including the Palm Pre and RIM BlackBerry Tour. For one thing, it has world-roaming capabilities in addition to a brilliant 3.6-inch, WVGA, tilting touch screen.
Plus, the Touch Pro2 also Wi-Fi, a spacious full QWERTY keyboard, HTC's TouchFlo 3D user interface, and Straight Talk Technology. Being a Sprint phone, you also get access to several of the company's services, such as Sprint Navigation, Sprint TV, and NFL Mobile Live, and it supports the carrier's 3G network.
While the price is definitely cringe-worthy, the Touch Pro2 should still appeal to power users and the business set. We were certainly impressed by the smartphone when we reviewed the T-Mobile version and we look forward to checking out the Sprint HTC Touch Pro2 as well.
On Sale Now: $349.99 - $779.99
View the latest prices for HTC Touch Pro2 (Sprint)
Seven months after its official debut at GSMA 2009, the HTC Touch Pro2 is finally stepping out on U.S. soil. The highly anticipated smartphone is now available from T-Mobile for a pricey $349.99 with a two-year contract and qualifying data and voice plan.
While expensive, the Touch Pro2 offers a lot, including HTC's Straight Talk technology for better message and call management and a spacious touch screen and QWERTY keyboard. It also finally replaces the T-Mobile Wing and brings such improvements as a faster processor and HTC's slick TouchFlo 3D interface.
We've had the smartphone for a few days now, and while the handset's larger size is a bit of a turn-off, we think most business users will be quite pleased with the device. To find out more, read our full review of the HTC Touch Pro2 for T-Mobile.
HTC Touch Pro2
(Credit: T-Mobile)On Tuesday,T-Mobile answered the prayers of many smartphone fanatics and officially announced the upcoming release of the HTC Touch Pro2 smartphone. The Touch Pro2 will be available starting August 12 and will come in a mocha finish, but pricing was not revealed at press time.
First announced at GSMA 2009 as the successor to the HTC Touch Pro, the Touch Pro2 will finally bring T-Mobile customers a much-needed update to the T-Mobile Wing, which has been in circulation since 2007.
While the smartphone will still run on Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, it brings a number of notable improvements, such as a brilliant 3.6-inch WVGA tilting touch screen, a touch-sensitive zoom bar, a spacious full QWERTY keyboard, and support for T-Mobile's 3G network. The Touch Pro2 rounds out the wireless options with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS. Other goodies include HTC's Straight Talk technology, which brings enhanced phone features, and a 3.2-megapixel camera.
T-Mobile is the first U.S. carrier to offer the HTC Touch Pro2. We actually got a look at the unlocked European version of the smartphone and were very impressed with what we saw and have also been anxiously awaiting its Stateside debut. We'll definitely get in T-Mobile's version for a full shakedown, but while you wait for the August 12 release, you can get an idea of what to expect here in our full review of the unlocked HTC Touch Pro2.
On Sale Now: $349.99
View the latest prices for HTC Touch Pro2 (T-Mobile)
HTC
(Credit: AT&T could get the HTC Touch Pro2)Though the HTC Touch Pro2 has yet to formerly arrive in the United States, Bonnie Cha tells me it should make the full carrier rounds. We've seen it headed for Sprint and T-Mobile, and now the Federal Communications Commission has approved what appears to be a version for AT&T. A Samsung also made this week's list, along with the Sony Ericsson W518a and TM717.
Because the FCC has to certify every phone sold in the United States, not to mention test its SAR rating, the agency's online database offers a lot of sneak peeks to those who dig. And to save you the trouble, Crave has combed through the database for you. Here are a selection of filings from the past week on new and upcoming cell phones. Click through to read the full report.
HTC Touch Pro2
Huawei 2608
LG UX700
Pantech TXT8030
Samsung GT-B7300C
Samsung GT-M8910
Samsung SCH-R351
Sharp 935SH
Sony Ericsson TM717
Sony Ericsson W518a Walkman
ZTE C70
HTC Touch Pro2
(Credit: Engadget Mobile)This one slipped through the cracks Tuesday with all the Palm Pre madness, but we're pretty sure more than a few phone fans will still find this news of interest.
A Sprintusers.com reader says the HTC Touch Pro2 will be available from Sprint in mid-June and the HTC Snap will arrive a month later. We're not sure of the reader's source, so as always, take this rumor with a grain of salt.
However, HTC did confirm via Twitter that the Windows Mobile smartphone is North America bound and the above picture looks pretty legit.
The HTC Touch Pro2 debuted at GSMA 2009 in February and is the successor to the HTC Touch Pro.
(Via Engadget Mobile)
HTC Snap
(Credit: Bonnie Cha/CNET)The HTC Snap made its debut at CTIA 2009, where we learned that the U.S. will get its own unlocked version of the QWERTY smartphone, called the HTC S522, this summer. However, some blogs are reporting that T-Mobile may just get a model of its own to replace the aging T-Mobile Dash.
According to WMExperts, T-Mobile will offer the Snap/S522, but the smartphone will be stripped of HTC's Inner Circle e-mail feature. This functionality bring e-mails from a preselected group of people to the top of your in-box so you can read and reply to them immediately with a simple press of a button. In its place, T-Mobile will offer an Audio Postcard feature, which lets you can add audio notes to pictures and then send them to friends and family.
This information was submitted by WMExpert reader Conflipper who said he got a peek at the finalized ROM for the device and also mentioned that the internal name for the smartphone is T-Mobile Captain. Adding fuel to the fire, TmoNews reported on Tuesday that T-Mobile's version of the Snap will be released on May 13.
Other rumored devices on T-Mobile's road map? The T-Mobile Sidekick 2009 on May 13; the Sony Ericsson CS8 (possibly Sony Ericsson's Android device?) on June 24; the HTC Touch Pro2 on July 22; and a slew of Samsung phones. Though just rumors, we certainly hope they're true since T-Mobile's been dragging its feet in updating its smartphone lineup, when compared with the other providers.
(Additional sources: Engadget Mobile, Pocketnow.com)
