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Featuring CNET Editor Bonnie Cha

CTIA: smart phones edition Session has ended.

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.

Latest questions and answers

Q: [in reply to "from your current opinion"]

by soccerman44 - 4/10/08 11:54 AM

I forgot to mention I use ATT :)

A: The pressure!

by bonnie.cha - 4/10/08 11:59 AM

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.

Q: The Million doller question.

by pupster2 - 4/10/08 11:48 AM

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?

A: Oofta

by bonnie.cha - 4/10/08 11:56 AM

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.

Q: From your curent opinion

by soccerman44 - 4/10/08 11:49 AM

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

A: Hee hee

by bonnie.cha - 4/10/08 11:52 AM

Other than making your friends jealous, do you have a preference in carrier?

Q: Hey there.

by pupster2 - 4/10/08 11:31 AM

What do you think is the best iPhone alternitave?

A: Here are 5

by bonnie.cha - 4/10/08 11:51 AM

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.

Q: Just wondering

by cardfan1212 - 4/10/08 11:41 AM

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?

A: Possibly with Android

by bonnie.cha - 4/10/08 11:49 AM

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!

Q: $Peria1 + Android + Recommendation

by Cheit - 4/10/08 11:26 AM

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?

A: Many short answers

by bonnie.cha - 4/10/08 11:45 AM

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.

Q: Tethered modem

by pdxstoney - 4/10/08 11:32 AM

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.

A: Not currently but good idea

by bonnie.cha - 4/10/08 11:40 AM

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!

Q: Nokia N95

by techpriest - 4/10/08 11:36 AM

Is the Nokia N95 really as crash-prone as it's made out to be? what are its main limitations in your opinion.

A: Sometimes slow but not crash prone

by bonnie.cha - 4/10/08 11:39 AM

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

Q: Smartphone for Verizon

by Zeno1300 - 4/10/08 11:24 AM

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

A: Samsung SCH-i760

by bonnie.cha - 4/10/08 11:36 AM

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.

Q: Hi again

by jamiegorkow - 4/10/08 11:23 AM

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...

A: Recommendations

by bonnie.cha - 4/10/08 11:33 AM

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.

Q: Sprint 8830 vs new curve

by dashingemt - 4/10/08 11:19 AM

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

A: Go with the new!

by bonnie.cha - 4/10/08 11:29 AM

Howdy!

If you don't need the world phone capabilities of the 8830, I say go with the new Curve. Simple as that. :)

Q: HTC Touch Dual Vs Sony Xperia

by gbsolo - 4/10/08 11:23 AM

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.

A: Waiting on the final Sony Xperia

by bonnie.cha - 4/10/08 11:28 AM

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.

Q: Is there an industry standard definition for "smart-phone"?

by skreenaime - 4/10/08 11:18 AM

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

A: Thank God for high school keyboarding class

by bonnie.cha - 4/10/08 11:26 AM

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.

Q: first smartphone

by jamiegorkow - 4/10/08 11:10 AM

I am currently lookin gfor my first smartphone. Any preferences in blackberry curve, iphone, treo, etc... Thanks for your help

A: What do you want to use it for?

by bonnie.cha - 4/10/08 11:20 AM

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.

Q: Tilt & WM6.1

by landand - 4/10/08 11:12 AM

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.

A: They're saying Q2

by bonnie.cha - 4/10/08 11:18 AM

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!

Q: T-Mobile and HTC Touch Dual

by JoeGayle - 4/10/08 11:12 AM

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!

A: T-Mobile is a remote possibility

by bonnie.cha - 4/10/08 11:17 AM

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.

Q: Why a smartphone?

by KBurke02 - 4/10/08 11:00 AM

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?

A: Good question

by bonnie.cha - 4/10/08 11:14 AM

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.

Q: J.F

by fraziej - 4/10/08 11:01 AM

Whats the skinny on the new cdma Blackberry.I know you are a fan. I love them too.

A: I am a fan!

by bonnie.cha - 4/10/08 11:10 AM

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.

Q: Wich Touchscreen phone is better?

by Difatality - 4/10/08 11:01 AM

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

A: Hard to say

by bonnie.cha - 4/10/08 11:06 AM

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.

Q: XV6800

by danwelch99 - 4/10/08 10:59 AM

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!

A: A minor problem

by bonnie.cha - 4/10/08 11:03 AM

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!

Q: XV6800

by danwelch99 - 4/10/08 10:59 AM

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!

A: A minor problem

by bonnie.cha - 4/10/08 11:03 AM

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!

Q: IPhone

by JKDELAS - 4/10/08 10:51 AM

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?

A: I think so

by bonnie.cha - 4/10/08 10:55 AM

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.

A: Welcome everyone!

by bonnie.cha - 4/10/08 10:52 AM

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

Incoming questions

All Out Favorite
Hey, Bonnie -- love your reviews! Do you have an all out favorite Smartphone or you deal with so many that it makes it hard for you to have one true love?
by michaelmos - 4/10/08 12:02 PM
What is 3G anyway?
What is the difference between this 3G and 2G thing?
by merk850 - 4/10/08 12:01 PM
Smart Phones and Mobile Phones
Dont you think, that in the future smart phones and mobile phones would be merged together?
by Trisilav - 4/10/08 12:01 PM
Just telephone?
Is the non-data plan (thus lower cost) on the extinction list? Will we soon see all cell plans include data services?
by CyteShoppe - 4/10/08 12:01 PM
Possibles on the newest iphone.....
I'm a pretty tech savy guy and I usually stay away from Gen 1 products so most of the bugs get worked out. I've restrained from buying the iphone (I did break down and buy the 16GB touch though) in hopes of a better iphone this summer. How close to the SDK 2.0 release in June/July do you think the newer version iphone will come out? I know 3G is the big buzz and was wondering if GPS might be another bonus. With all this new wonderfull possible add-ons, I'm a bit worried about battery life. I know how quickly the battery gets chewed up on the ipod touch....I can only imagine how often you would need to recharge the new iphone unless they increase how thick the phone is to accomodate the battery. Any ideas if they will offer it in the 32GB and 16GB setups like the ipod touch?

Thanks much! Keep up the great job updating us with all the coolest and latest things!
by lancerobbins - 4/10/08 12:00 PM
iPhone 2
Whens the iPhone 2 (with 3G) coming out???

Will the price be lower (maybe a prepay version)?

Thanks Bonnie!
by mattburley1993 - 4/10/08 12:00 PM
Verizon Smartphones
I know that the XV6900 is soon to come out; I like the design , but no qwerty keyboard. Any insight on other verizon samrtphones in the works?
by benelj89 - 4/10/08 12:00 PM
Cell phone to sync contacts with Mac.
Hi,

This may not be a smart phone question, but I have an LG 8350 phone on verizon. I would love for it to sync contacts with my Mac address book. Can that be done? How about GMail contacts. I wish phones were more universal for contact sync.

That would make my "regular" phone "smart".


Thanks,

Wayne
by merk850 - 4/10/08 11:58 AM
J F
Blackberry vs voyager. What is the difference and which is better in your opinion for texting and email.
by fraziej - 4/10/08 11:55 AM
[in reply to "from your current opinion"]
I forgot to mention I use ATT :)
by soccerman44 - 4/10/08 11:54 AM
lg voyager
Would you consider the Voyager a smartphone? What is your opinion of it? I moved over from the Motorola Q..What a breath of fresh air.
by jameshc - 4/10/08 11:51 AM
From your curent opinion
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
by soccerman44 - 4/10/08 11:49 AM
The Million doller question.
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?
by pupster2 - 4/10/08 11:48 AM
motorola qm or env2?
hi, I am switching to verizon in a month or two and was wondering which you would recommend between the motorola qm or env2. I plan on using them or surfing web and texting, maybe light documents, but very seldem. I have heard that the qm is kinda slow, but will the savings be worth going with the older phone?

Thanks
by acrampton - 4/10/08 11:45 AM
Note to menotbug: please stick with the topic
Thank you for your cooperation.

-Lee
CNET Community
by Lee Koo (ADMIN) - 4/10/08 11:42 AM
Why are they called Smertphones?
Is it because they know your name? or because they get your email? Or do they know everything?
by pupster2 - 4/10/08 11:42 AM
Just wondering
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?
by cardfan1212 - 4/10/08 11:41 AM
Q: what is a smart phone
A: A smart phone is a phone that does more than just be a phone. That is where the name came from.
by menotbug - 4/10/08 11:38 AM
Nokia N95
Is the Nokia N95 really as crash-prone as it's made out to be? what are its main limitations in your opinion.
by techpriest - 4/10/08 11:36 AM
Verizon xv6900 or BB Curve?
Hey Bonnie, I'm wondering if you can help me decide between the xv6900 or the BB Curve for Verizon. My last experience with windows (on treo 700w) was horrible, but 6.1 has me considering trying it out again. I currently have the BB Pearl for Verizon, and Love it, but the new TouchFlo looks "sexy" and it's new. Any info will help. Thanks
by Tech4don - 4/10/08 11:34 AM
Tethered modem
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.
by pdxstoney - 4/10/08 11:32 AM
Hey there.
What do you think is the best iPhone alternitave?
by pupster2 - 4/10/08 11:31 AM
Is the new sony smart phone worth waiting for
My contract is up with ATT and want a new smart phone. I need it for simple calendar events, contacts, but not push mail. I would like to have GPS, and wi-fi and a good media player. The carrier doesn't matter. Looking at i760 and iphone or any other suggestions.

Thanks,

Greg
by yogmuney07 - 4/10/08 11:29 AM
$Peria1 + Android + Recommendation
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?
by Cheit - 4/10/08 11:26 AM
Smartphone for Verizon
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
by Zeno1300 - 4/10/08 11:24 AM
HTC Touch Dual Vs Sony Xperia
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.
by gbsolo - 4/10/08 11:23 AM
Hi again
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...
by jamiegorkow - 4/10/08 11:23 AM
Palm or Windows Verizon Smartphones?
Hi Bonnie! I have been a PDA user for a longtime, Plam OS, and I am on the fence about whehter to upgrade to a Windows smartphone or a Palm OS smartphone with Verizon. I have read a number of positive and not so positive reviews on Palm phones and them locking up and needing frequent resetting, but I like the Plam OS. I also use and am familiar with the Windows OS for my job and like Windows mobile 6 on touchscreen units, but what is the better option? I hae heard really good things about the Samsung i760 and the XV6800, but is the change to windows worth the cost? Thanks.
by benelj89 - 4/10/08 11:22 AM
Verizon Samsing SCH-i760
Will the i760 get the Windows Mobile 6.1 update? If so, when?
by skerns - 4/10/08 11:21 AM
Sprint 8830 vs new curve
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
by dashingemt - 4/10/08 11:19 AM
Is there an industry standard definition for "smart-phone"?
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
by skreenaime - 4/10/08 11:18 AM
What about the Mobile Velocity phones?
Hi - what is your opinion about the soon-to-be-released Mobile Velocity phones? Would they compare favorably to an iPhone? Thanks!
by jomeyertons - 4/10/08 11:15 AM
Blackberry Curve randomly erases messages...
Hi Bonnie!

I love your columns! I have a question about my 6-month old AT&T BlackBerry Curve. Every few weeks, it randomly erases my entire call log, unsaved SMS text messages and emails. This has happened 5-6 times already. At first I thought it was due to low system memory, so I purchased a 4 GB microSD flash card to supplement the phone's internal memory, but still, every 4 weeks or so, my messages get cleared!

Do you know if this is a common phenomenon among Crackberry Curve users? Are others reporting the same? Are there any firmware updates for the Curve that could help?

Thanks for your advice,
Frustrated with the Curve
by tuong.ta - 4/10/08 11:15 AM
What smart phone do you carry today?
Whichever smart phone you use today, I want.
by menotbug - 4/10/08 11:21 AM
Transferring contacts
Hey Bonnie,

I got an iPhone when it came out and I still haven't transfered all my contacts from my Sidekick III over cause i have over 600. Is there an easy way of doing this? I'm pretty popular so i need to keep everyone I know updated.

Thanks!
by REL rel - 4/10/08 11:12 AM
T-Mobile and HTC Touch Dual
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!
by JoeGayle - 4/10/08 11:12 AM
Tilt & WM6.1
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.
by landand - 4/10/08 11:12 AM
at&t 8525 vs tilt
besides the tilting screen, are there any other significant differences that make tilt better than 8525?
by dhuang72 - 4/10/08 11:11 AM
first smartphone
I am currently lookin gfor my first smartphone. Any preferences in blackberry curve, iphone, treo, etc... Thanks for your help
by jamiegorkow - 4/10/08 11:10 AM
Online security for phones
Can you recommend precautions to avoid ID theft for mobile phones? Specifically I am looking your thoughts on safe practices to use on the phone - for accessing web info like online banking or using WiFi on unsecure networks. I've been thinking about using tools like online Quicken and BOA but hesitate since I haven't read much on effective safeguarding practices.

Thanks.
by archerfish678 - 4/10/08 11:08 AM
Verizon Wi-fi smartphones
I've been waiting for a new wi-fi enabled smart phone from verizon that isn't completely touch screen on the outside so you can quickly/easily dial a regular phone number but has a slider keyboard for easy text messaging. Know of one coming out anytime soon? Verizon really doesn't want people to have wi-fi do they!?
by andrewpwalker - 4/10/08 11:07 AM
Smartphones and Skype
Could you please tell me if there is one type of smartphone which can be used with Skype to a better degree than other phones? Are there features one should get (or avoid) to ensure that I can use Skype successfully?

I have heard that it is necessary to use a WiFi phone that will allow the use of responses via a menu system (for entering passwords) but am not sure of how this translates into a good phone physically.

Many Thanks!
by UncleAl77 - 4/10/08 11:03 AM
J.F
Whats the skinny on the new cdma Blackberry.I know you are a fan. I love them too.
by fraziej - 4/10/08 11:01 AM
Wich Touchscreen phone is better?
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
by Difatality - 4/10/08 11:01 AM
Why a smartphone?
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?
by KBurke02 - 4/10/08 11:00 AM
XV6800
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!
by danwelch99 - 4/10/08 10:59 AM
IPhone
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?
by JKDELAS - 4/10/08 10:51 AM
Bonnie Cha, CNET mobile tech editor Live!
Ask the Editors Live! event. Topic: Smart phones

Got smart phone questions? Need some buying advice on them?

Well, you've come to the right place. For one whole hour on Thursday, April 10, from 11 am to noon Pacific Time (2 pm Eastern), CNET senior editor, Bonnie Cha will be here to answer all things about smart phones, ranging from buying advice, to what's new on the CTIA show floor, to post purchase quandaries!

So if you got questions about smart phones, Bonnie has answers! Don't miss out on this special live chat event!

Click here for upcoming Ask the Editors Live events and past transcripts of events.
by Lee Koo (ADMIN) - 4/9/08 10:27 PM