Missed this live event? No worries! Each Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon PT, we'll give you the chance to chat live with a CNET editor. We'll cover a new topic each week, from cell phones to TVs. Get those burning tech questions ready! Click here for the Ask the Editor Live event calendar.
Dang it! My hour's up. You guys asked some great questions today and I'm going to try to come back and get the remaining questions answered for you. But thanks so much for joining me today and be sure to tune in next Thursday (4/17) when CNET News.com Editor Michael Kanellos talks about flash versus hard drives. You can find the event here:
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-12548_102-0.html?forumID=136&threadID=290808
Thanks again!
Cheers,
Bonnie
I forgot to mention I use ATT ![]()
Soccerman44, you picked a good group of devices and it's hard to pick.
Well, for complete wow factor, the LG Vu and the Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 would do it. However, they're not available yet SO based on your criteria, I'd say either the Samsung BlackJack II, since it's got 3G, e-mail, etc.
Is the iPhone worth it's big price tag? What do you think is the best alternative to the iPhone? What can't the iPhone do that other smartphones can do?
You do indeed ask the million dollar question. Ok, so here's my take. The iPhone doesn't do anything other smartphones can't (in fact, it's missing some things) BUT what the iPhone has going for it is that it does it all well. Apple really nailed in on the interface and just general user interaction.
For my money, I'm going to wait till the iPhone 2 comes out to see if it's worth plunking down my hard-earned cash for it. I want 3G, plain and simple. As for alternatives, I answered another reader's question about that just a few minutes ago but for now, I'd say the Nokia N95 or LG Voyager.
Which is better?
LG Vue
Sony Xperia
samsung blackjack
any of the blackberries?
???
i just need basic emailing, some heavy web surfing (3G greatly appreciated) and something that would make my friends jealous
Other than making your friends jealous, do you have a preference in carrier?
Hi there,
My dear colleague Kent German has put together a lovely little roundup of iPhone competitors, which you can check here: http://reviews.cnet.com/4321-13935_7-6610677.html
If I had to choose one (ok, two), I'd say the LG Voyager or the Nokia N95.
Do you think this will be the year finally that a company comes out with an OS that passes up the Palm OS?
Taken as a whole, ease of use, features, etc, they all pale in comparison, especially the iphone.
Will Apple or Microsoft get it right finally with their scheduled upgrades?
Hello,
I know Palm gets a lot of flack for having such a stale OS and just lacking innovation in general, but I will give them credit for ease of use. I know plenty of people who have made the jump from Palm to Windows Mobile and then back to Palm because Windows Mobile is so difficult to operate.
So that said, I think the Google Android platform could certainly shake things up. And I think Apple has also shown great promise in that area, so stay tuned!
Hello Bonnie:
I love your reviews but hope it could be more of them.
Many short questions
+ With Xperia coming, how much you think it will cost? sure it will be mass produced and that will keep price low but you think this will get cheaper than the Imate Ultimate 9502?
+ Whats your though about Google Android? would this be another alternative or a better one than WM?
+ Last one, Whats better? Nokia N95 8G, SE Xperia1 or Iphone?
Alrighty, here we go:
- Yes, I think the Xperia X1 will be cheaper than the Ultimate 9502. With so much buzz around this phone, a carrier just has to pick up this smartphone. If not, frankly, that's dumb. If I had to give a price range right now, I'd say maybe in the $200-$300 range.
- I absolutely welcome Google Android. It's already changed the way the industry is thinking, and it's all benefitting the customer, in my opinion. And I do think it will be easier than Windows Mobile.
- Oh boy. Can I get back to you on that? I'm getting the 8GB Nokia N95 next week for review and well, got a long time coming for the Xperia X1. Sigh.
Do you test the tethered modem capablites of the smart phones you review? I travel for my job and I really like the ability to use my Motorola Q (Verizon) as a modem if Wifi is not available or costs too much. I need to replace my current phone I want to be sure that what I replace it with works well.
We don't test the dial-up netowrking capabilities of smartphones right now, but that's definitely a good idea. I know a lot of people are interested in this capability, so we'll definitely look into it!
Is the Nokia N95 really as crash-prone as it's made out to be? what are its main limitations in your opinion.
Hi there,
I haven't really experienced any system crashes with the Nokia N95, but I will say performance can be sluggish at times. The experience was definitely better on the Nokia N95 North American Edition, and I just got word from Nokia that they're sending me the 8GB N95, so look for a review of that soon!
And the biggest limitation of the N95? The ridiculously high price tag! :P
Hello Bonnie,
I was wondering if you could give me some advice on purchasing a Smartphone or Blackberry from Verizon. It seems as though most of the other carriers have better ratings and I am sort of torn on which phone would be the best purchase from this carrier. I like all the features on the Samsung SCH-i760 but I am not big on it size and like the slender proportion of the Blackberry Pearl. I was wondering offer some insight on which phone would be the best for emailing, document modifications, organization and keeping track of appointments?
Thanks
Hello,
I know the Samsung SCH-i760 is a beast in size, but if you're looking to do document modifications, it will probably be the better choice for you. If having a compact phone is a key factor though, you might also want to check out the HTC SMT5800 from Verizon: http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/htc-smt5800-verizon-wireless/4505-6452_7-32815505.html. You won't get the touch screen but you'll have better document management with that smartphone than the Pearl.
I will be using it for web browsing, texting, some personal emails (don't have a computer at home).
No need for editing documents or tons of emails though.....
I am currently with Verizon and tried the Curve with AT&T and found the EDGE network to be too sloew for me...
Okeedoke. Based on your needs, I would say the Apple iPhone or the Palm Centro. You're going to run into the same EDGE problem with the iPhone, though you have Wi-Fi as an alternative. Either way, both devices are easy to use and good for first-time buyers.
I had to jump on the 8830 BB when it came out to replace my Nextel BB and now I see they are introducing a Curve. I have no need for the world *********, so I am wondering, which is the better BB function wise. I have no complaints...but I am always all about the NEW.
Thanks
Howdy!
If you don't need the world phone capabilities of the 8830, I say go with the new Curve. Simple as that. ![]()
Having had a chance to see both of these recently, how would you compare them? Would you recommend on over the other? Thinking of switching from my Curve 8310 to Windows Mobile.
Hello,
I saw both of these devices at CTIA, and I can't really make a recommendation right now because the Sony Ericsson Xperia that I saw was very much a beta model. The software was super buggy so it's not really fair for me to judge the device right now. However, I will say that it looks pretty darn cool. They're doing great stuff with the interface so if you can hold out a bit, I might wait until the Xperia X1 is finally released.
Hi Bonnie,
What features constitute a smart phone? I went to Wikipedia, and it says there is no set definition.
Also, when do you think smartphones will become a standard?
Thanks! You type fast
Hee! I've always prided myself as a fast typer, so thanks for saying that. Hopefully, there aren't too many spelling errors in my messages.
Anyhoo, CNET defines smartphones as any device with a third-party operating system. For example, Windows Mobile, Palm, BlackBerry, or Symbian. And I think smartphones are quickly becoming standard now. With the launch of more consumer-centric devices, like the Palm Centro and BlackBerry Pearl, I think a lot more people are catching on and purchasing smartphones. In fact, I'm always amazed at the number of people with smartphones when I'm walking around San Francisco.
I am currently lookin gfor my first smartphone. Any preferences in blackberry curve, iphone, treo, etc... Thanks for your help
Hi Jamie,
If you give me a little more information about what you want to use it for (e-mail, Web, multimedia, etc.), I can give you better recommendations based on that. Just hit me back and I promise to answer your question.
I had read before that the AT&T Tilt is among the group of currently released phones which will be graced with a Windows Mobile 6.1 update. Is this correct and are there any indications of when 6.1 will officially be released? Thanks.
Hello,
Yes indeedy. The AT&T Tilt is one of the lucky models that will be eligible for the Windows Mobile 6.1 upgrade. Sadly, I don't have an exact date for the software update but I've been told that it will be in Q2 sometime. I'll definitely keep everyone posted as the software updates come out!
Hi Bonnie! I am wondering if T-Mobile will pick up the HTC Dual Touch. I really like the design and its functions, but I don't want to pay the price if I purchased it unlocked from Best Buy. Also, do you know if T-Mobile will have any more smart phones in the near future. Thanks!
Hi Joe,
Hmm, if I had to choose between GSM carriers, I'd say the HTC Touch Dual would go to AT&T first, only because they have their 3G network rolled out already and the Dual is 3G capable. Unfortunately, I don't know when and if that is going to happen. T-Mobile claims it will have its 3G network out by summer, but we're a little skeptical since it's been delayed so many times. Sorry, I know that may not be the answer you were looking for.
But don't worry, T-Mobile will definitely have more smartphones coming out in the future. I have a feeling they'll be a little more consumer-friendly too just based on T-Mobile's customer base.
Hi Bonnie,
First, I am glad your wallet came back--the nerve of those guys:)
My question is why would someone like me need a smartphone? I have been to several stores and they keep pushing them on me and I don't know why. I don't text that much. Email is nice to have but I don't use that much either, but I am a web addict. Would it be worth it to you?
Hi Kris,
Good to hear from you and. I know you're a frequent visitor of the Dialed In forums and thanks for the note about my wallet. I just keep thinking ... bad karma for the thieves. ![]()
Anyway, you ask a good question. It doesn't really sound like you need a smartphone per se, but the one thing you would get from such a device is a bigger screen, which makes the Web surfing experience better. However, that's changing a bit with the iPhone and the barrage of new touchscreen phones coming out, like the Samsung Instinct and LG Voyager. So if you don't need a phone for staying on top of your e-mail, office documents, and such, I'd take a look at some of the more consumer-focused touchscreen phones like the ones mentioned above.
Whats the skinny on the new cdma Blackberry.I know you are a fan. I love them too.
Hi there,
I assume you're talking about the new CDMA BlackBerry Curves that were announced for Verizon Wireless and Sprint, right? And yes, I am excited that CDMA customers can now know the love that I have for the Curve.
Actually, I'm a little jealous because you guys get EV-DO, whereas the GSM versions have yet to get 3G. Anyway, they both have integrated GPS as well and will work with the carriers' respective navigation services. I'm still trying to nail down availability dates, but both are expected in April. Verizon's will cost $269.99 and Sprint's will be $179.99.
Hello, i was thinking of buying one of this nice phones, but in specs they are all around the same. Wich one would you say is the best phone?
1)iphone 2) Nokia Tube 3)Samsung f480
Hi there,
This is bit of a tough question since I haven't had any hands-on time with the Samsung F480 or the Nokia Tube, which is just coming to light. I will say this. Having seen the Samsung Instinct (http://reviews.cnet.com/cell-phones/samsung-instinct/4505-6454_7-32909837.html), the new iPhone competitor, in my opinion, the iPhone still wins. There's just something about the fluidity of the iPhone's interface that makes it so attractive and easy to use.
Hi Bonnie! i was considering getting the Verizon XV6800, I read your review on Cnet (ty by the way) and was concerned about the volume on the phone now too. I know you said it was a little low, I was hoping you could let me know how much of an issue it was during the review? Also would you happen to know if it is easy to install extra programs onto the phone? Ex. google Maps, instant messenger. Many thanks!
Hi Dan,
Yeah, I was a little disappointed with the volume levels on the XV6800. I mean, it wasn't so bad that I couldn't carry on a conversation, but it may be an issue if you were ever in a really noisy environment. I'm not sure if you're completely set on the XV6800 but if not, I'd also recommend the Samsung SCH-i760 (http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/samsung-sch-i760-verizon/4505-6452_7-32177475.html).
And adding extra programs is pretty easy. Depending on the program, you can do it over the air or via desktop download. CNET Download.com has a ton of suggestions, so check them out!
Hope that helped!
Hi Bonnie! i was considering getting the Verizon XV6800, I read your review on Cnet (ty by the way) and was concerned about the volume on the phone now too. I know you said it was a little low, I was hoping you could let me know how much of an issue it was during the review? Also would you happen to know if it is easy to install extra programs onto the phone? Ex. google Maps, instant messenger. Many thanks!
Hi Dan,
Yeah, I was a little disappointed with the volume levels on the XV6800. I mean, it wasn't so bad that I couldn't carry on a conversation, but it may be an issue if you were ever in a really noisy environment. I'm not sure if you're completely set on the XV6800 but if not, I'd also recommend the Samsung SCH-i760 (http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/samsung-sch-i760-verizon/4505-6452_7-32177475.html).
And adding extra programs is pretty easy. Depending on the program, you can do it over the air or via desktop download. CNET Download.com has a ton of suggestions, so check them out!
Hope that helped!
I would like to know if you think that the wait is worth it for the 3g chip that is supposed to be in the IPhone starting in June?
Absolutely. The iPhone already has an excellent browser and Web surfing experience in general, so the 3G boost is only going to make it better ... and of course, faster. It's basically the reason I've been holding out on the iPhone. Call me spoiled I guess, but after experiencing the faster speeds of 3G, I have hard time dealing with EDGE.
Hey guys! I'm here and ready to answer any burning questions you have about smartphones. I'm happy to dish about devices that debuted at CTIA too because there were a lot! Looking forward to the next hour and chatting with you.
Cheers,
Bonnie