when do you tink microsoft will finally realese photon?
by gopher767 - 7/10/08 12:18 PM
Featuring CNET Editor
Bonnie Cha
Sponsored by Best Buy
Smartphones Session has ended.
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Latest questions and answers
A: That's a wrap
by bonnie.cha - 7/10/08 12:03 PMOK, guys. That's it for me today. I'm sorry I couldn't get to all of your questions, but I'm sure I'll be around again and you can always send me your questions via e-mail. Thanks for joining me today and be sure to check out our upcoming live chat events. You can find the calendar of events right here: http://forums.cnet.com/4520-12548-6748916.html
Thanks again and have a great week/weekend!
Cheers,
Bonnie
Q: WM 6.1 on a samsung I760?
by t182 - 7/10/08 11:33 AMHi Bonnie! Love your reviews!
I'm relatively new the the smartphone world, and was wondering if Windows Mobile 6.1 has been released as an update for Samsung I760. Is it as simple as a download? Is there a big advantage over Windows Mobile 6? Thanks! Keep up the good work!
A: Minor enhancements
by bonnie.cha - 7/10/08 12:01 PMHello,
I haven't heard that Verizon or Samsung has released an official Windows Mobile 6.1 update for the Samsung i760. I wouldn't say there are any MAJOR advantages of 6.1. You get some minor enhancements to Internet Explorer Mobile and easier set up of Bluetooth devices, e-mail and such. It's really just an incremental update, so you're not missing out on TOO much.
Q: Get iphone3g or wait for xperia x1
by project88 - 7/10/08 11:37 AMI'm debating if i should get the iphone3g tmr or wait for the xperia x1 to come out in september. any suggestions on which is a better phone?
A: On specs alone
by bonnie.cha - 7/10/08 11:57 AMAgain, this is a tough question for me to answer since I haven't had any real hands-on time with either devices. However, if I had to go on specs alone, I would go for the Xperia X1. It offers a lot of the basic features that the iPhone 3G doesn't; plus, it's got a QWERTY keyboard, which I prefer.
Q: What do you use?
by donotblink - 7/10/08 11:41 AMHi Bonnie,
I know yopu get alot of review units at CNET but you have to send them back once you review them an buy your own tech.
I want to know what you and the other editiors chose to use day to day.
Will Nicole Lee, Kent German or you get an iPhone for personal reasons?
Thx,
Andrew
P.S. I really likie your dialed in podcast
A: Speaking for myself
by bonnie.cha - 7/10/08 11:56 AMHi Andrew,
Right now, I own the BlackBerry Curve 8310 and no, I won't be getting the iPhone. Don't get me wrong, I think the iPhone does a lot of things right, particularly Web browsing, but I need a tactile keyboard. I like having actual buttons, so for now, I'm happy with my Curve.
Q: Non-Windows Mobile Smart Phone
by flgguy - 7/10/08 11:49 AMHi Bonnie,
I'm looking for a full qwerty keyboard, connection to exchage, camera, video camera, in that order and no window's mobile. I've had a treo 650 and it was a dud. i've got a blackjack now and i've learned to hate windows mobile. Any suggestions? The iPhone sounded interesting but I hear it doesn't have video. I have a 3 yr old so that's a must.
Thanks!
Roger
A: Maybe a Nokia?
by bonnie.cha - 7/10/08 11:53 AMHi Roger,
You might want to give one of the Nokia N series smartphones a try. The Nokia N85 has GREAT video capabilities, as well as the Nokia N82. It runs the Symbian operating sytem, which I've found pretty intuitive and easy to use. The only problem is that for some reason Nokia smartphones rarely get picked up by U.S. carriers, so you're usually going to have to drop a lot of cash for these devices--usually in the $400-500 range.
Q: Thunder
by nmarott - 7/10/08 11:41 AMAny info on the rumored Blackberry Thunder? I love my current 8830 and have thought about iPhone except I prefer Verizon.
Love what and how you do what you do!
Aloha!
Easthawaiiman
A: I wish I knew
by bonnie.cha - 7/10/08 11:50 AMAloha!
Oh, I wish I had information on the BlackBerry Thunder but they tell me nothing!! 
I'm guessing you know as much as I know, which is that the smartphone will have a touch screen and is rumored to be with Verizon Wireless. I really wish I could tell you more, but all companies are tight-lipped when it comes to future products. Boo hiss! 
Q: smart phone for the deaf
by metalf8801 - 7/10/08 11:43 AMCan you recommend a good smart phone for someone who is deaf?
It needs to have a physical QWERTY keyword and support of instant messaging but call quality doesn’t matter.
Thank you
Dan
A: Any particular carrier?
by bonnie.cha - 7/10/08 11:48 AMHi Dan,
I'd be happy to help. Are you signed with a particular carrier right now or does that not matter? Let me know and I'll send along some suggestions. Thanks!
Q: Switching to ATT from Verizon
by ocissordei - 7/10/08 11:13 AMHi Bonnie,
I am going to switch to ATT from verizon in the near future (maybe even tomorrow). For the past two years i have been using a Moto Q (which i liked even though it was incredibly unstable for the first 3 months) and am thinking of switching to the iPhone 3g when i switch to ATT. The problem is I already have 16gb iPod touch. Do you think the 3g is worth it? Or should i go with the Moto Q Global or some other WM device? Really the most important things to me in a smartphone are the battery life, web, e-mail, texting, phone quality (i couldnt care less about GPS and other crazy apps)
Thanks!
A: Hmm ...
by bonnie.cha - 7/10/08 11:46 AMHi ya,
Tough question, mostly because we haven't tested the iPhone 3G yet. If you've already got an iPod Touch, I'm not sure how much it would be worth getting the iPhone 3G. You're going to get the 3G speeds with the Motorola Q9h, which is a great smartphone by the way, particularly for e-mail and it had great call quality.
Battery life wasn't the greatest, with 4 hours of talk time, and I'm finding that this is the case with most 3G-enabled phones. From the reviews that I've read of the iPhone 3G, it's also an issue there. We'll be posting a review of the iPhone tomorrow, so I'd check back then and see how it fares. And if the results are similar to the Q9h, then it might come down to the question of how important Web browsing is to you b/c then I would say the iPhone wins.
Q: Best Verizon smart phone and best blue tooth to go with it
by docjavie - 7/10/08 11:23 AMI'm interested in buying a smart phone. I like the LG Dare which I know isn't a true smarth phone, and it doesn't have wi-fi. Do you recommend I buy it, or does Verizon have a phone which is better. And which is the best blue tooth I should buy to go with it. I'm out of the house a lot sometimes a day to several days at a time. I need to be able to check my email, sometimes I text quite a bit. I'd like to get real time traffic. I don't use a phone as a music player but it would be nice to have when I don't have my ipod. I'd also like to be able to surf the web, have a good camera. I need to have good call quality and long battery.
Javier
A: Moto Q9c
by bonnie.cha - 7/10/08 11:40 AMHi Javier,
I might suggest the Motorola Q9c. It's definitely not as sexy as the LG Dare, but it meets most of your requirements. E-mail, Bluetooth, and it's got integrated GPS and works with VZ Navigator for traffic updates, directions, etc. As for Bluetooth headsets, CNET editor Nicole Lee might be able to give you better recommendations, but you can also check out our Best 5 headsets here: http://reviews.cnet.com/best-bluetooth-headsets
Q: buy for question
by stringboy - 7/10/08 11:30 AMMy wife needs a smart phone that connects to exchange, has DUN, is a good phone, but does not have a touch screen (unfortunate habit of calling people from her purse). Any suggestions?
A: Two suggestions
by bonnie.cha - 7/10/08 11:35 AMHi there,
The Verizon Wireless SMT5800 might be your wife's best bet. It's small, no touch screen, supports Exchange, and offers DUN capabilities, though she will need to subscribe to a BroadBand Access plan for that. The Motorola Q9c might also be good. It's slightly bigger than the SMT5800, but it's not too bulky.
Q: Samsung Omnia
by cjones2010 - 7/10/08 11:25 AMI was curious if you've been able to handle one and if so, what are your thoughts on the UI? Also, I heard a rumor that this would be coming to AT&T during Q3? Any possibility of that (and would AT&T keep the front facing camera for vid-conferencing)? Thanks!
A: Not yet
by bonnie.cha - 7/10/08 11:32 AMHi cjones2010,
Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get any hands-on time with the Samsung Omnia. I can only drool and daydream at pictures. But yes, there are rumors that it might be coming to AT&T and if it did, I'm pretty sure the video conferencing feature would be disabled, since that technology really hasn't hit the States. That said, AT&T does have its own video conference service called Video Share that might be added to it.
Q: HTC touch Pro to Verizon Date
by justinkaye - 7/10/08 11:25 AMHey Bonnie,
love reading your stuff. Do you have any idea of a date for when/if the HTC Touch Pro is coming to Verizon Wireless.
Thanks
A: No idea but ...
by bonnie.cha - 7/10/08 11:30 AM... if I had to guess, I would say late November and December. I always find that the manufacturers and carriers like to wait till later to drop all their good stuff ... to increase holiday sales, I would think.
Q: HTC Dimond
by donotblink - 7/10/08 11:21 AMis there any way to add more RAM so you wouldn't want to throw it against the wall and could make it a bit faster?
A: Firmware update
by bonnie.cha - 7/10/08 11:28 AMHi there,
There is a firmware update for the HTC Touch Diamond that will apparently improve the performance of the Diamond. I haven't tried it though. Has anyone out there tried it?
Personally, I'm waiting till we get the U.S. version of the smartphone to give the final verdict on the Diamond. I like HTC's products and hopefully they'll fix all the bugs before we get it.
Q: Best Sprint Smartphone???
by JJRS14 - 7/10/08 11:17 AMI'm wondering which phone would be a better purchase the Blackberry Curve or Samsung Instinct. I do alot of texting and calendar scheduling.
A: Tactile buttons vs. touch screen
by bonnie.cha - 7/10/08 11:25 AMHmm, this question depends on whether you have a preference between tactile buttons or a touch screen. Personally, I go for the Curve only because I find it easier, faster, and more accurate to have a tactile keyboard.
Q: Basic Verizon Smartphone
by PenguinZX - 7/10/08 11:16 AMWhich is the best basic smartphone for a non-business user? I mainly need a phone for texting and organizing but other data services and emails really aren't necessary. Right now i'm looking at the Q, the Centro, or the Treo 755p (now that the price is lowered!)
Which is best? Especially for a student?
A: Centro for sure
by bonnie.cha - 7/10/08 11:24 AMHi Penguin ZX,
I'd say the Palm Centro is your best bet. It's essentially like the Treo 755p but smaller and more affordable. Plus, you're getting the advantage of a touch screen, whereas the Moto Q lacks one. The Centro is definitely perfect for students.
Q: Re: AT&T Smartphone
by brewstermax - 7/10/08 11:14 AMI want a good messaging device, with a good QWERTY keyboard, and WiFi, if possible, but its not a priority. I heard that the BB Curve 8320 was coming this month to ATT, but i dont know.
A: Few options
by bonnie.cha - 7/10/08 11:22 AMOK, got it! So based on that then, I would recommend the Samsung BlackJack II or the Motorola Q9h.
There are rumors that the BlackBerry Curve 8320 will come to AT&T but neither companies have confirmed it.
Q: Next Phone
by bhlawson - 7/10/08 11:12 AMI am looking for the best phone that will allow me to combine my current KRZR phone and iPaQ. I want to have one place (device) to manage my contacts, calendar and email with phone functionality. What do you suggest? Web browsing is nice at this point, but not a must have. My current service provider is Verizon Wireless.
A: Couple of recommendations
by bonnie.cha - 7/10/08 11:21 AMHello,
There several good smartphones on Verizon Wireless. I'd recommend the Samsung SCH-i760 or the Verizon Wireless XV6800. They're both Windows Mobile, so you should be familiar with the interface since you own an iPaq. The only downfall is they're both pretty bulky devices. If it's too much for you, you might also want to check out the Motorola Q9c or the Verizon Wirless SMT5800.
Q: 2 iPhone3G or not 2 iPhone3G?
by legend2k - 7/10/08 11:12 AMI really want an iPhone so I can have all in one, but it seems bit off my budget.
so im thinking should I get a new simple phone and ipod touch, but i'm still debating? if so what phone u recommend. I own an old razrv3. I wanted the instinct but it's for sprint and I'm At&t. i'm not under a contract but I'm find with them.
thank you.
A: Do you still want a smartphone?
by bonnie.cha - 7/10/08 11:18 AMHi there,
If you were to get a phone in addition to the iPod Touch, would you still want it to be a smartphone? For example, do you need access to work e-mail, documents, and so forth? If so and sounds like this would be your first smartphone, I would recommend the Palm Centro or the BlackBerry Pearl. I think they're good starters and offer plenty of great features for an affordable price. Plus, they're not bad multimedia players either.
Q: When is the best time to buy?
by Crazy_Bailey - 7/10/08 11:04 AMMy current smartphone (Cingular 3125) is starting to die on me. The back is not being held on with tape. My question is, should I buy something now or is it better to wait until the fall with new phones being released? Is there a certain time smartphones tend to be released by for the year?
A: Fall to winter
by bonnie.cha - 7/10/08 11:14 AMHi Crazy_Bailey,
Oye. It does sound like you need a new phone, if tape is the only thing keeping your phone together. To answer your question, the fall and early winter seasons are when a lot of the new models come out. Part of it is because the carriers are prepping for their holiday rush, so it's not uncommon to find a flurry of smartphones coming out around then. If you can hold us just a bit longer, it's pretty safe to say, you'll see some cool devices coming in the months ahead.
Q: AT&T Smartphone
by brewstermax - 7/10/08 11:07 AMOk, im wanting to get an ATT smartphone, but really dont know what i want, just not an iPhone or the AT&T Tilt. Help!
A: Tell me a bit more
by bonnie.cha - 7/10/08 11:12 AMHi there,
I'd be happy to help, but if you could give me a little more information about what features are important to you (Web, e-mail, etc.) and if you have any design preferences, I can make better recommendations.
Q: Purchasing New Phone
by lpaddikt - 7/10/08 11:04 AMHey Bonnie, first just wanted to say me and my gf really like your style in editing kuz you tell it like it is. My question is, when purchasing a new, expensive, smartphone, is it better to wait for it to be out for some time to work out the bugs or buy it, ie, i was going to buy the xperia x1 but opted to buy the established nokia E90. Thanks.
A: The pitfalls of tech
by bonnie.cha - 7/10/08 11:10 AMHi there,
Thanks for the kind words! I'll always keep it real and tell it like it is.
Anyway, your question is pretty common and it's just one of the pitfalls of technology. There's always going to be something better that comes along right after you've bought something. However, you'll also miss out on some great stuff if you just sit around waiting for the next big thing. A lot of cell phone manufacturers and the operating system developers will release updates to current models to bring you up to speed with the latest tech. Nokia and Symbian are particularly good about that, so I think you're good with the Nokia E90.
Q: Bold or Iphone 3G
by CliffK2 - 7/10/08 11:02 AMHi:
I want to buy a new smartphone. I like the BB Bold and the Iphone 3G. Any features that are show stoppers on either phone? I must have a good phone and need to be able to use it for email.
Cliff
A: E-mail + BlackBerry
by bonnie.cha - 7/10/08 11:07 AMHi Cliff,
I figured this question might come up during the chat sometime today. Right now, I really can't say for sure which one is better since I haven't tested either. That said, here's what I think. The two smartphones are really two different beasts in my opinion. I think for corporate/business users, they'll probably get more out of the Bold. It doesn't have the iPhone's touch screen and you're not going to as great a Web browsing experience as the iPhone, but you'll get great e-mail support in addition to HSPDA, GPS, voice recording, and some features that the iPhone doesn't offer. So I guess it really comes down to what you value most. If it's e-mail, I say the BlackBerry. If it's Web browsing, you'll probably want to go with the iPhone. Hope that helps.
A: Welcome!
by bonnie.cha - 7/10/08 10:58 AMHi everyone,
Surprise! Some of you may have been expecting Tom Krazit this week, but we're pulling a little switcheroo on you. Hope you don't mind. Anyway, feel free to submit your smartphone questions and I'll do my best to answer them all during the hour. Thanks and looking forward to the chat.
-Bonnie
Incoming questions
photon
smart phone for the deaf reply
The carrier doesn’t matter
by metalf8801 - 7/10/08 12:16 PM
Navigeddon
Do any smartphones offer a solid enough gps and map system that it could be used as a primary gps device? Thanks.
by Shoelessjoemac - 7/10/08 12:03 PM
Sidekick LX?
How good is the Sidekick LX? I am going to get one for 50 dollars.
http://www.sidekickskin.net/archives/114#comment-600
Is it worth it?
http://www.sidekickskin.net/archives/114#comment-600
Is it worth it?
by SidekickLover24 - 7/10/08 12:02 PM
Palm Centro Verizon
Hi there,
By the way love your reviews and the CNET crew! I probably go CNET almost daily
I just go the new Palm Centro from Verizon and really like it. I owned the Palm TX before and adored it as a very useful machine. I noticed that in your reviews that the Palm Centro is referred to as "basic" or for "first time users." Why is that? I guess I'm asking because it pretty much does everything a Treo 755 does and my previous Palm TX.
Also, have you heard anything about any new Palm OS phones (e.g., Centro II), hopefully with wi-fi built in?
Thanks,
Kevin
By the way love your reviews and the CNET crew! I probably go CNET almost daily
I just go the new Palm Centro from Verizon and really like it. I owned the Palm TX before and adored it as a very useful machine. I noticed that in your reviews that the Palm Centro is referred to as "basic" or for "first time users." Why is that? I guess I'm asking because it pretty much does everything a Treo 755 does and my previous Palm TX.
Also, have you heard anything about any new Palm OS phones (e.g., Centro II), hopefully with wi-fi built in?
Thanks,
Kevin
by StillH2O - 7/10/08 12:00 PM
Best Phone for Slingplayer
I'm wondering what phone you believe would be best with slingplayer mobile. I'm thinking the Blackberry Bold would be nice, and Blackberry is coming online with Sling Media. Obviously the Iphone would be great, but who knows how long until slingplayer mobile works on this?
by patmadl2002 - 7/10/08 12:00 PM
apps
is the app store worth it?
by gopher767 - 7/10/08 11:59 AM
Sidekick?
How good is the Sidekick LX? I am going to get one for 50 dollars.
http://www.sidekickskin.net/archives/114#comment-600
Is it worth it?
http://www.sidekickskin.net/archives/114#comment-600
Is it worth it?
by SidekickLover24 - 7/10/08 11:57 AM
blackberry os on the bold
1. Have you had an opportunity to review the new blackberry os on the bold? how does it compare with the iphone os?
2. Will the os only be available for the blackberry bold or also for earlier blackberrys (ie the curve)?
3. Finally, is the Blackberry Bold confirmed for Sprint? If so, when?
2. Will the os only be available for the blackberry bold or also for earlier blackberrys (ie the curve)?
3. Finally, is the Blackberry Bold confirmed for Sprint? If so, when?
by diggydrew - 7/10/08 11:55 AM
Are cell phone minutes the way of the past?
Hi Bonnie,
I know all of you @ cent spend alot of time reviewing phones but don't spend much time on plans. Are cell phone minutes the way of the past? With all of the cariers on unlimited everyting plans do you think this will lead to the demise of minutes? How much longer do you think these 5GB data limits will stay on?
Thx.
Andrew
I know all of you @ cent spend alot of time reviewing phones but don't spend much time on plans. Are cell phone minutes the way of the past? With all of the cariers on unlimited everyting plans do you think this will lead to the demise of minutes? How much longer do you think these 5GB data limits will stay on?
Thx.
Andrew
by donotblink - 7/10/08 11:54 AM
MacBook + Bluetooth + Krzr = Fax?
Dear Bonnie,
I'm trying to send a fax with the "Fax pdf..." option in the Mac's print dialog box. It is connected to the Krzr via Bluetooth. I can see the fax number on the Krzr screen. Then the session ends. Any suggestions. Thank you.
I'm trying to send a fax with the "Fax pdf..." option in the Mac's print dialog box. It is connected to the Krzr via Bluetooth. I can see the fax number on the Krzr screen. Then the session ends. Any suggestions. Thank you.
by TampaTekkie - 7/10/08 11:53 AM
addition to the non-windows mobile question
My company also doesn't support blackberry
by flgguy - 7/10/08 11:52 AM
Non-Windows Mobile Smart Phone
Hi Bonnie,
I'm looking for a full qwerty keyboard, connection to exchage, camera, video camera, in that order and no window's mobile. I've had a treo 650 and it was a dud. i've got a blackjack now and i've learned to hate windows mobile. Any suggestions? The iPhone sounded interesting but I hear it doesn't have video. I have a 3 yr old so that's a must.
Thanks!
Roger
I'm looking for a full qwerty keyboard, connection to exchage, camera, video camera, in that order and no window's mobile. I've had a treo 650 and it was a dud. i've got a blackjack now and i've learned to hate windows mobile. Any suggestions? The iPhone sounded interesting but I hear it doesn't have video. I have a 3 yr old so that's a must.
Thanks!
Roger
by flgguy - 7/10/08 11:49 AM
1 more
I need some more specifics, ive seen the Blackjack 2"s jog wheel break, and i like the curve for the UI and everything,
The Q is a great messenging device, but its really wide.
Plus i heard that the BJ 3 will be coming soon, so i need somemore help
The Q is a great messenging device, but its really wide.
Plus i heard that the BJ 3 will be coming soon, so i need somemore help
by brewstermax - 7/10/08 11:46 AM
smart phone for the deaf
Can you recommend a good smart phone for someone who is deaf?
It needs to have a physical QWERTY keyword and support of instant messaging but call quality doesn’t matter.
Thank you
Dan
It needs to have a physical QWERTY keyword and support of instant messaging but call quality doesn’t matter.
Thank you
Dan
by metalf8801 - 7/10/08 11:43 AM
Thunder
Any info on the rumored Blackberry Thunder? I love my current 8830 and have thought about iPhone except I prefer Verizon.
Love what and how you do what you do!
Aloha!
Easthawaiiman
Love what and how you do what you do!
Aloha!
Easthawaiiman
by nmarott - 7/10/08 11:41 AM
What do you use?
Hi Bonnie,
I know yopu get alot of review units at CNET but you have to send them back once you review them an buy your own tech.
I want to know what you and the other editiors chose to use day to day.
Will Nicole Lee, Kent German or you get an iPhone for personal reasons?
Thx,
Andrew
P.S. I really likie your dialed in podcast
I know yopu get alot of review units at CNET but you have to send them back once you review them an buy your own tech.
I want to know what you and the other editiors chose to use day to day.
Will Nicole Lee, Kent German or you get an iPhone for personal reasons?
Thx,
Andrew
P.S. I really likie your dialed in podcast
by donotblink - 7/10/08 11:41 AM
Get iphone3g or wait for xperia x1
I'm debating if i should get the iphone3g tmr or wait for the xperia x1 to come out in september. any suggestions on which is a better phone?
by project88 - 7/10/08 11:37 AM
Another Tethering Question: RE: iPhone
Hi Bonnie,
Do you think there will be any hack out that will enable tethering on the iPhone.
I have noticed that you keep pointing out that the iPhone does not have voice dialing; will this be possible via 3rd party apps or will the sdk not let apps interface with the UI of the phone's apple apps.
Thx
Andrew
Do you think there will be any hack out that will enable tethering on the iPhone.
I have noticed that you keep pointing out that the iPhone does not have voice dialing; will this be possible via 3rd party apps or will the sdk not let apps interface with the UI of the phone's apple apps.
Thx
Andrew
by donotblink - 7/10/08 11:36 AM
multi toouch
why is it that multi touch has not become more prominent in smartphone devices? the system that android was demoed was not multi touch, the htc is not multi touch, and no windows mobile phones are multi touch! if it gives you so much flexibility why is it not more prelevant? (im the same person who asked you the iphone app store question).
by gopher767 - 7/10/08 11:36 AM
Treo 650 Replacement
I need to replace my Treo 650. Here's what I need. I need the organizing/calendar feature. It needs to be a quad band phone. It needs to have a screen similar in size to the Palm 650. It needs to have a camera so it can record video clips and photos. It also needs to send text messages with photos attached (if it cant' send videos, that's o.k.) . It needs a QWERTY keyboard. I'd buy another Treo, but I hear that Windows Mobile 6 works really slowly and is unreliable (at least on the Palms). I've also heard that Treo keyboards tend to die (like mine has). I've definitely ruled out the BB Pearls.
Have I heard wrong about the Treo's? What else is out there that fits my demanding feature list? Thanks GREATLY!!
Have I heard wrong about the Treo's? What else is out there that fits my demanding feature list? Thanks GREATLY!!
by thracker11 - 7/10/08 11:34 AM
BB Curve vs Thunder
Any thoughts on the BB Curve vs. upcoming Thunder for Verizon Wireless users and the target for each. I know RIM is going after a bigger slice of the consumer market. Is the expectation that the Thunder will have the same Curve functionality but with the addiitonal consumer focused peices (interface, web, music etc.)?
by bhlawson - 7/10/08 11:33 AM
WM 6.1 on a samsung I760?
Hi Bonnie! Love your reviews!
I'm relatively new the the smartphone world, and was wondering if Windows Mobile 6.1 has been released as an update for Samsung I760. Is it as simple as a download? Is there a big advantage over Windows Mobile 6? Thanks! Keep up the good work!
I'm relatively new the the smartphone world, and was wondering if Windows Mobile 6.1 has been released as an update for Samsung I760. Is it as simple as a download? Is there a big advantage over Windows Mobile 6? Thanks! Keep up the good work!
by t182 - 7/10/08 11:33 AM
iPhone
do you think it is worth it to sell my 1g iphone and buy an iphone 3g? the 2.0 update will be out soon and do you think that the app store is all its cut out to be?
by gopher767 - 7/10/08 11:32 AM
MobileMe
Off topic a bit, but when the heck is MobilME going to be available for signups???
by HBhawk - 7/10/08 11:31 AM
buy for question
My wife needs a smart phone that connects to exchange, has DUN, is a good phone, but does not have a touch screen (unfortunate habit of calling people from her purse). Any suggestions?
by stringboy - 7/10/08 11:30 AM
Ok, but (Response to Re: AT&T Smartphone)
Ok, i had considered those two, but i didn't like the Blackjack 2's jog wheel, i've seen several people's break, and i also heard that a Blackjack 3 was coming to ATT, but its a rumor, and i can't wait that long, my current phone is broken, but i don't want to get a phone, just to have it outdated in a few months. 
I like the BB Curve's UI and the keyboard, but the Q is more messaging.
I'm not sure, just asking for a little more guidance here on whats best
(P.S. price is a factor because i'm not up for renewal, but the phone i have now i bought unlocked so i can't do much. I dropped it )
I like the BB Curve's UI and the keyboard, but the Q is more messaging. I'm not sure, just asking for a little more guidance here on whats best
(P.S. price is a factor because i'm not up for renewal, but the phone i have now i bought unlocked so i can't do much. I dropped it
)
by brewstermax - 7/10/08 11:29 AM
Tethering
Do you know of any good way to use a Windows Mobile device as a proxy for a computer and not have to pay Tethering fees to a carrier?
by donotblink - 7/10/08 11:26 AM
Samsung Omnia
I was curious if you've been able to handle one and if so, what are your thoughts on the UI? Also, I heard a rumor that this would be coming to AT&T during Q3? Any possibility of that (and would AT&T keep the front facing camera for vid-conferencing)? Thanks!
by cjones2010 - 7/10/08 11:25 AM
HTC touch Pro to Verizon Date
Hey Bonnie,
love reading your stuff. Do you have any idea of a date for when/if the HTC Touch Pro is coming to Verizon Wireless.
Thanks
love reading your stuff. Do you have any idea of a date for when/if the HTC Touch Pro is coming to Verizon Wireless.
Thanks
by justinkaye - 7/10/08 11:25 AM
Best Verizon smart phone and best blue tooth to go with it
I'm interested in buying a smart phone. I like the LG Dare which I know isn't a true smarth phone, and it doesn't have wi-fi. Do you recommend I buy it, or does Verizon have a phone which is better. And which is the best blue tooth I should buy to go with it. I'm out of the house a lot sometimes a day to several days at a time. I need to be able to check my email, sometimes I text quite a bit. I'd like to get real time traffic. I don't use a phone as a music player but it would be nice to have when I don't have my ipod. I'd also like to be able to surf the web, have a good camera. I need to have good call quality and long battery.
Javier
Javier
by docjavie - 7/10/08 11:23 AM
Windows Mobile 6.1 Upgrade for Sprint HTC Mogul
There is a supposedly unofficial official Windows Mobile 6.1 Upgrade for the Sprint HTC Mogul floating around on the net, but neither Sprint or HTC has it posted on their sites. Any idea when this update will be available? Is there any risk to installing this ROM from one of the HTC forums? Anyone out there running the unofficial official Windows Mobile 6.1 Upgrade on their Sprint HTC Mogul? Thank you.
by HBhawk - 7/10/08 11:21 AM
HTC Dimond
is there any way to add more RAM so you wouldn't want to throw it against the wall and could make it a bit faster?
by donotblink - 7/10/08 11:21 AM
Best Sprint Smartphone???
I'm wondering which phone would be a better purchase the Blackberry Curve or Samsung Instinct. I do alot of texting and calendar scheduling.
by JJRS14 - 7/10/08 11:17 AM
Basic Verizon Smartphone
Which is the best basic smartphone for a non-business user? I mainly need a phone for texting and organizing but other data services and emails really aren't necessary. Right now i'm looking at the Q, the Centro, or the Treo 755p (now that the price is lowered!)
Which is best? Especially for a student?
Which is best? Especially for a student?
by PenguinZX - 7/10/08 11:16 AM
Iphone. Is it really worth it
first i always look forward to a phone review by you and your reviews have turned me away from some not so good phones and i thank you for that. My question is I wan a new iphone but i am not so wild about the data plan so is there a smart phone that will give me the satisfying experience of smartphone without an outrageous price. (i am on AT&T and i currently have an old beat up blackberry 7100G)
Thanks
Thanks
by skiingmonkey - 7/10/08 11:16 AM
Re: AT&T Smartphone
I want a good messaging device, with a good QWERTY keyboard, and WiFi, if possible, but its not a priority. I heard that the BB Curve 8320 was coming this month to ATT, but i dont know.
by brewstermax - 7/10/08 11:14 AM
Switching to ATT from Verizon
Hi Bonnie,
I am going to switch to ATT from verizon in the near future (maybe even tomorrow). For the past two years i have been using a Moto Q (which i liked even though it was incredibly unstable for the first 3 months) and am thinking of switching to the iPhone 3g when i switch to ATT. The problem is I already have 16gb iPod touch. Do you think the 3g is worth it? Or should i go with the Moto Q Global or some other WM device? Really the most important things to me in a smartphone are the battery life, web, e-mail, texting, phone quality (i couldnt care less about GPS and other crazy apps)
Thanks!
I am going to switch to ATT from verizon in the near future (maybe even tomorrow). For the past two years i have been using a Moto Q (which i liked even though it was incredibly unstable for the first 3 months) and am thinking of switching to the iPhone 3g when i switch to ATT. The problem is I already have 16gb iPod touch. Do you think the 3g is worth it? Or should i go with the Moto Q Global or some other WM device? Really the most important things to me in a smartphone are the battery life, web, e-mail, texting, phone quality (i couldnt care less about GPS and other crazy apps)
Thanks!
by ocissordei - 7/10/08 11:13 AM
Do all Navigation apps require data plans?
I thought some of them were built into the phones (like TomTom etc.) but maybe that isn't the case. I think the Nokia N95 indicates you don't need a data plan, but I wasn't sure.
I currently do not have a data plan since I didn't want to spend another $30 a month on it, but given the advanced technology maybe it's worth it on my next phone.
I currently do not have a data plan since I didn't want to spend another $30 a month on it, but given the advanced technology maybe it's worth it on my next phone.
by Crazy_Bailey - 7/10/08 11:13 AM
Next Phone
I am looking for the best phone that will allow me to combine my current KRZR phone and iPaQ. I want to have one place (device) to manage my contacts, calendar and email with phone functionality. What do you suggest? Web browsing is nice at this point, but not a must have. My current service provider is Verizon Wireless.
by bhlawson - 7/10/08 11:12 AM
2 iPhone3G or not 2 iPhone3G?
I really want an iPhone so I can have all in one, but it seems bit off my budget.
so im thinking should I get a new simple phone and ipod touch, but i'm still debating? if so what phone u recommend. I own an old razrv3. I wanted the instinct but it's for sprint and I'm At&t. i'm not under a contract but I'm find with them.
thank you.
so im thinking should I get a new simple phone and ipod touch, but i'm still debating? if so what phone u recommend. I own an old razrv3. I wanted the instinct but it's for sprint and I'm At&t. i'm not under a contract but I'm find with them.
thank you.
by legend2k - 7/10/08 11:12 AM
Brian Tong
How do you really feel about his nickname BOOM? Do you know how he came up with that?
by donotblink - 7/10/08 11:11 AM
Sprint HTC on VZW Network
What do I need to do to use a Sprint HTC touch on the VZW network?
by donotblink - 7/10/08 11:10 AM
AT&T Smartphone
Ok, im wanting to get an ATT smartphone, but really dont know what i want, just not an iPhone or the AT&T Tilt. Help!
by brewstermax - 7/10/08 11:07 AM
When is the best time to buy?
My current smartphone (Cingular 3125) is starting to die on me. The back is not being held on with tape. My question is, should I buy something now or is it better to wait until the fall with new phones being released? Is there a certain time smartphones tend to be released by for the year?
by Crazy_Bailey - 7/10/08 11:04 AM
Purchasing New Phone
Hey Bonnie, first just wanted to say me and my gf really like your style in editing kuz you tell it like it is. My question is, when purchasing a new, expensive, smartphone, is it better to wait for it to be out for some time to work out the bugs or buy it, ie, i was going to buy the xperia x1 but opted to buy the established nokia E90. Thanks.
by lpaddikt - 7/10/08 11:04 AM
MMS on Iphone
I know there is not MMS, but couldnt someone make an app for it to be sold through the app store? If its so easy to make the apps like Apple says why hasnt someone done that yet? Everyone would buy it. Can someone even do it or would Apple refuse it?
by coolguy8621 - 7/10/08 11:04 AM
VDog
Have Sprints BB Curve 8330, LOVE IT! Thanks for your recommendation. Can't send MMS darn it! Is there a work around, software, site transfer, etc.? Hate having to send to E-mail or only SMS text.
by VDOG - 7/10/08 11:02 AM
Bold or Iphone 3G
Hi:
I want to buy a new smartphone. I like the BB Bold and the Iphone 3G. Any features that are show stoppers on either phone? I must have a good phone and need to be able to use it for email.
Cliff
I want to buy a new smartphone. I like the BB Bold and the Iphone 3G. Any features that are show stoppers on either phone? I must have a good phone and need to be able to use it for email.
Cliff
by CliffK2 - 7/10/08 11:02 AM
Bonnie Cha, CNET mobile tech editor Live!
Ask the Editors Live! event. Topic: Smartphones
Got smartphone questions? Need some buying advice on them?
Well, you've come to the right place. For one whole hour on Thursday, July 10, from 11 am to noon Pacific Time (2 pm Eastern), CNET senior editor, Bonnie Cha will be here to answer all things about smartphones, ranging from buying advice, to 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.
Got smartphone questions? Need some buying advice on them?
Well, you've come to the right place. For one whole hour on Thursday, July 10, from 11 am to noon Pacific Time (2 pm Eastern), CNET senior editor, Bonnie Cha will be here to answer all things about smartphones, ranging from buying advice, to 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) - 7/2/08 3:21 PM
