Gadget Inspector

One Touch and I'm Taken with RIM's BlackBerry Torch

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:54:32 -0500

Summer blessed us with some seriously cool phones - some of the best I've seen all year.

Sprint's "4G" debut - the HTC EVO 4G- is incredibly fast. The iPhone 4 is incredibly user-friendly to the data lover. And the Droid Incredible by HTC gives the iPhone 4 a run for its money, with social-network-focused interfaces and cool applications. The Droid X sports a big screen and faster speeds than the original (You've come a long way, Android).

But it hasn't been all sunny skies. Summer's seen its fair share of shortages (the Sprint EVO and HTC Incredible come to mind.) and network reception issues (ahem, iPhone 4!!).

Still, part of me was a little bit sad that of these cool phones fit the bill for me -- I love my BlackBerry's QWERTY keypad and the clean texts it produces.

Sure, I want the vivid touchscreen interface, and the ability to quickly download movies - or at least see the graphics in my Gmail inbox. But am I willing to go the iPhone/Droid X route of touchscreen conformity? Not even close.

That's why I got super jealous when I came back from my Belize honeymoon to discover that TMC's gadget-girl-partner-in-crime Erin Monda snagged the new BlackBerry Torch 9800. It's the first smartphone with a touchscreen, slide-out QWERTY keyboard from Research in Motion.

Guys, this thing is AWESOME. With the touchscreen interface, you get one-finger access to loads of features - mobile banking, social networking and Google's search engine. And then all you have to do is slide out the little keypad to type. It feels just like a Curve.

I didn't get much time to fiddle with it today (deadlines suck!), but I'm psyched regardless. The Torch is the first launch that features the much-hyped BlackBerry 6 operating system.

Briefly, I did get to check out the intuitive messaging capabilities - and could instantly see Erin's top Gmail and Facebook messages plus relevant RSS feeds.

Other notable features include easy access to the BlackBerry Messenger, Facebook and Twitter. It apparently includes a dedicated YouTube app and Podcasts app, though I didn't see either on the home screen. It's available now through AT&T. Which begs the question: Am I ready to leave Verizon for this baby?

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Verizon Offering R2-D2 DROID 2!!

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:21:30 -0500

So, by now you know Verizon Wireless is offering the Droid 2. That's great, but I can't believe they reserved the most exciting news for the end of the press release:

"In honor of the iconic Astromech Droid from the Star Wars™ Saga, Verizon Wireless will offer a limited-edition R2-D2 version of the DROID 2, available only online in September. The special version of the phone will feature exclusive Star Wars content and external hardware designed to look like the trusty Droid from the film saga. Visitors to the upcoming Star Wars Celebration V inOrlando, Fla., can see a preview of the limited edition phone and sign up to receive alerts when the phone is ready for sale."

Here at TMCnet, I'm totally psyched to see (and hear) this one! C-3PO and Chewbacca would totally approve.

]]> Tags: DROID Related tags: limited edition, verizon wireless, droid, verizon, improve, phone
, Droid 2, Verizon Wireless, DROID

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What Does Droid Do? The Test Begins ... - Nov 12, 2009

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Why You Should Say Yes to the X

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:42:45 -0500

Tornados that threatened Fairfield County, Connecticut, last week didn't do a shred of damage to my after-work, five-mile run.

But my phone, a pink BlackBerry Curve I've had for 11 months, drowned in the parking lot of a pal's apartment complex. Though wind didn't do it in, those torrential downpours killed the keypad. (Unfortunately, they didn't kill the alarm, which went off at 6 the next morning. I actually had to physically remove the battery to kill that!).

Lucky for me, I test new smartphones as a perk of my job and - lo and behold! - I found myself alone with the highly coveted, wannabe iPhone killer: The Motorola Droid X. After those folks at Verizon said they'd have to order me a new BB Curve, a real test ensued.

Now, it's only in times of desperation - when you have no other active phone in your pocket or purse - that you can TRULY test a new handset. It's not a real test if you don't ditch all other forms of communication.

So I'm happy to say, the X hit the spot perfectly. I was able to use the GPS "Maps" section with ease to navigate my way to and from the nearest Verizon Wireless store. And the text messages were awesome! There was no cutoff after I put in too many characters; text messages appeared with the Facebook profile photo and inside little, fun-to-read bubbles.

I loved that I could get my Gmail messages (along with the photos in them). I also loved the big 4.3-inch screen and 8-meg camera (though I didn't get a chance to test to HD video feature).

What was kinda hard, however, was adapting to the Droid X's touchscreen interface. Apparently, there's all kinds of research that says consumers are migrating to the touchscreen. This consumer won't be one of those anytime soon.

I have some options, though, should I want to go Android. The original Motorola DROID, brick of a device that it was, had both a touchscreen interface and a slide-out keyboard.

But when I got my trusty little new BlackBerry I thanked the heavens I could text with speed again. Though I must admit, I sure miss the Android marketplace.

]]> Tags: Droid X, Motorola, Verizon Wireless Related tags: motorola droid, touchscreen interface, though, women, droid, touchscreen
, Droid X, Motorola, BlackBerry, Verizon Wireless, Gmail

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What Does Droid Do? The Test Begins ... - Nov 12, 2009

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Dispatches from a Colocation Facility Virgin

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 17:36:33 -0500

It's been a while since I posted anything. (Sorry, I've been busy keeping the Droid X to myself, though I let Rich fiddle with it for five minutes the other day!). I've also been busy going on various adventures to deep, dark places underground.

Okay, I'll be honest: When I attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, July 1, at a colocation interconnection facility known in the industry as the "Long Island Data and Recovery Center," I thought I was going to explore something really dark and undergraound. But instead, officials with ancotel GmbH sent me to the second floor of the building, not some basement cavern.

Still, it was pretty cool. While perusing the grounds, I was shown racks, pipes and what looked like big cable boxes. Some aisles were chilly; others were warm. I snapped a few pics, too.

Check 'em out!

]]> Tags: ancotel, colocation Related tags: boots, while
, colocation facility

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Comments on this Entry:

(From Valisere on Sep 28, 2010 11:25 PM)

Now you can leave your friend's dog alone, grab your iPad and go out. This new toy attracts so much attention, so I guarantee that you would be surprise how popular you are! But you have to get iPad right now, who knows how quickly the novelty will wear off!

Jabra's New Stone is White-Hot Summer Sidekick

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 15:37:43 -0500

Chances are, you've seen a lot of headsets.

But really - does yours look sleek and chic - or is it a freakish extension attached to your ear?

Just in time for summer, Jabra has release a white hot Bluetooth wireless headset, its followup to the black Jabra stone that came out last fall.

Not only is it easy to put together and charge, but it looks fantastic in your ear, on your desktop or in the palm of your hand.

Let's revisit some of the Stone's stellar qualities:

1. It comes with up to 12 days of standby time;

2. A feature called "StatusDisplay" measures battery power levels;

3. It gives you eight hours of talk time;

4. It's comfy and cute;

5. It can connect to two devices at the same time.

We found that the STONE lived up to its promise of crystal clear sound and voice, however, I couldn't get it to sync with my BlackBerry Curve. Not sure why. (The Curve does pick up the Sound ID 510 Bluetooth headset, which has recently become my favorite). I'm looking into the matter now and will hopefully have more information in a future dispatch. Until then, if you're planning on picking one up at an AT&T store where it's on sale for $129 (a lot cheaper than the new iPhone 4!!), you might want to test it out first to make sure it's a winner.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you can only use the Jabra Stone in the right ear - so if that doesn't work for you, there are plenty of other headsets that will.

]]> Tags: bluetooth, headset, jabra, Jabra White Stone, Sound ID 510 Related tags: jabra stone, stone, jabra
, Jabra, Stone, white, bluetooth, headset

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Comments on this Entry:

(Pierre Biorkman on Sep 27, 2010 2:54 AM)

Thus politically correct. I saw that affirmation while it certainly not being a big deal laughing at a few shades. The reason why aren't able to most people claim nearly anything presently devoid of them getting hateful, racist, sexist and so on ..

HTC Makes Another Incredible Smartphone

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:02:56 -0500

Perhaps you've been eyeing the new iPhone, or Sprint's sexy new EVO piece.

But before you shell out the big bucks for something that promises 4G speeds and such, let's take a look at third phone that came out a little more than a month ago and has delivered on its word: the HTC Incredible.

When the phone arrived at TMC's Norwalk, Conn., offices, I was skeptical at first. After all, not many gadgets carry such a big name.

But it didn't take long to see that the Incredible is definitely worthy of it.

Whereas the Motorola DROID was a huge chunker - thanks to the weight of a slide-out keyboard - the easy-to-navigate Incredible is a nice and lightweight 4.6 ounces. That said, I was a little frustrated that the touchscreen interface, which lends itself to typos, required me to slow down my made-for-BlackBerry texting speed.

Still, this baby is loaded with goodies.

These include an 8.0-megapixel camera, a wide selection of interactive widgets and instant weather news for wherever you are (I'm training for a marathon so the feature helped me plan this week's 12-mile run!).

The screen is 3.7 inches wide, so it's easy to tuck into the back pocket of my bootleg jeans (without adding too much unflattering baggage).

And unless you're in a city where you can take advantage of Sprint's 4G network, you won't lose sleep over lack of speed. Which for me, would be something "incredible" indeed!

]]> Tags: 4g, droid, htc, HTC Incredible, motorola Related tags: incredible
, Sprint, HTC, Incredible, Verizon Wireless, 4G

What Does Droid Do? The Test Begins ... - Nov 12, 2009

Verizon Offering R2-D2 DROID 2!! - Aug 10, 2010

Why You Should Say Yes to the X - Jul 27, 2010

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Gadget Review: Sound 510 Bluetooth Headset

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 08:43:38 -0500

Wearing headsets isn't a pain in the butt. What is? Putting them on in the first place.

Moments after I tore into the sample kit for Sound ID's 510 Bluetooth headset - an elongated piece of black plastic that came with its own clip-on carrying sleeve - I had a devil of a time trying to adjust the little ear piece so it would slide into my ear.

But it was worth it! On my way home from work, I enjoyed the cool oh-so-relaxed feeling of not having a cell to my (and I almost forgot I was wearing what looks like a skinny flash drive pressed against my right ear).

The next morning, however, it took me more time to adjust the thing into my right ear than it did to brush my hair - and I have hair that's more than a foot long! But I didn't give up. After all, one of the selling points of this headset is its "lightweight, ergonomic in-ear design" for a "comfy molded fit." Also, the 'set, which became available on June 6, is designed to offer the latest advances in sound engineering in addition to comfort, according to Mountain View, Calif.-based Sound ID.

Being that I get my music through my iPod Touch, but not my phone (I'm still a BlackBerry Curve girl), I wasn't the ideal tester. Still, I did enjoy the fact that all you have to do to adjust the volume is slide your finger up or down the length of device. Another bonus: an On/Off Switch helps to conserve battery life and eliminate pocket dialing.

The Sound ID 510 headset also comes with a small, energy efficient Universal AC travel charger, USB charging cable, clip holster carrying case, three sizes of RealComfort EarLoops and an Ear Hook for an alternative over-the-ear wearing option. It's available for $129.99 at AT&T nationwide and at www.soundid.com. The Sound ID EarPrint App is available for free from the App Store on iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G and iPhone at http://www.itunes.com/appstore.

]]> Tags: AT&T, Bluetooth, Headset, Sound ID 510 Related tags: secret manufacture, tomorrow detail, bluetooth headset, sound, headset, iphone
, Sound ID Bluetooth Headset AT&T

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Comments on this Entry:

(Robert Mashall on Aug 25, 2010 11:48 AM)

I know its my first post here, but ive been reading for a while and really enjoy it

(Burton Z. Haynes on Sep 26, 2010 2:14 PM)

i think differrent but this review is seems OK but some secret that Manufacture didn't tell cuz the true about this i will back tomorrow with detail ,THX

(Andrew Z. Pelt on Sep 26, 2010 2:14 PM)

but this review is seems OK but some secret that Manufacture didn't tell cuz the true about this i will back tomorrow with detail ,THX

iPhone Coming to Verizon - Could it Really be True?!

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 09:21:09 -0500

Most of you know I've rhapsodized on the joys of my BlackBerry time and time again on this blog, while many of my friends have espoused the merits of their iPhones.

And while I've considered ditching my pink 'berry for a Motorola DROID (the voice-activated navigation feature is awesome, by the way!), I've never even considered an iPhone. You'd have to pry me away from Verizon Wireless, which I switched over from Sprint in 2003 because it was the only network that wouldn't drop calls made while riding the Metro in Washington, D.C.

Still, I must grudgingly admit my ears perked up when I heard, on NPR this morning, that Verizon could very soon be carrying the iPhone.

According to an article published by the Wall Street Journal, Apple plans to begin producing this year a new iPhone that could allow U.S. phone carriers other than AT&T to sell the phone.

What's more, the new iPhone would work on CDMA, the network technology used by Verizon Wireless!

Could this really be true? I rushed into work this morning to make some calls - albeit, a bit distracted by personal thoughts like, "should I switch to the iPhone after all?" -- to Verizon, AT&T and Apple a few minutes ago. A spokesman from AT&T returned my call within minutes.

He couldn't tell me very much. AT&T "doesn't comment" on how many of its smartphones sold are iPhones, or whether the iPhone is more popular than other smartphones, like the BlackBerry Bold. He also couldn't comment on whether and when the Apple's exclusive U.S. contract with AT&T to sell the iPhone would expire.

Hmm. If and when this contract does expire, and iPhone comes to Verizon, will I stay loyal? Sometimes relationships need to be tested - and even if it isn't true love with me and the BlackBerry Curve (though it is true love with me and Verizon), it'll be interesting to see if an infatuation with the iPhone on my network will be enough to make me stray.

]]> Tags: blackberry, curve, droid, iphone, motorola, sprint, verizon, wsj Related tags: thank sharing, verizon wireless, iphone, verizon, network, blackberry
, iPhone, Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Apple

Related Entries

HTC Makes Another Incredible Smartphone - Jun 14, 2010

What Does Droid Do? The Test Begins ... - Nov 12, 2009

Verizon Offering R2-D2 DROID 2!! - Aug 10, 2010

Why You Should Say Yes to the X - Jul 27, 2010

Go Ahead, Cozy Up to iPad - Jan 28, 2010

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Planning a Wedding with My BlackBerry: Not Happening Yet

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:49:00 -0500

Planning a wedding in the Internet era is so easy, it's no wonder so many non-celebrity wedding planners are out of work.

In fact, you could plan TEN weddings at once using the Web, doing everything from dress shopping to booking a honeymoon. Even my engagement ring was fetched online, via BlueNile.com.

Some other examples:

1. I found cards I liked on WeddingPaperDivas.com and -- via an instant chat application -- was able to ask "Gina" whether the price included envelopes, or if I could order two sets of save-the-date cards (my family doesn't like the ones of my fiancé passed out in my arms at 2 a.m. after a friend's wedding!).

2. I found wholesale craft depot that would sell glass container centerpieces at a fraction of the cost florists would charge.

3. I found 10 versions of "the perfect gown," and the stores near me where to try them on.

4. Google docs is making it ridiculously easy input and sort everyone I'm invited. I can share my files with my fiancé, too, so I don't have to do all the work (technically not, at least). And soon, this feature will help me track presents.

But because my Internet time is usually accounted for by other activities - as only the under-employed and paid bloggers have time to blog after breakfast - I would love nothing more than to be able to do more wedding stuff on my BlackBerry 8330 smartphone.

I've tested wedding-centric activities - like browsing bridesmaid dresses - with much success on the Motorola DROID. And the Droid Eris helped me find my way to more than one bridal boutique in Connecticut.

But I've had quite a bit of trouble trying to access The Knot's mobile site on my BlackBerry (though there's an awesome-looking iPhone App The Knot keeps telling me about). I'd love to do number crunching on the Metro North train, traveling to dress fittings in Manhattan without having to lug my Macbook along.

So, what should I do? It's not like I'm gonna throw in the towel and get an iPhone like my fiancé and millions of other people I know - just because I want to use my smartphone to help plan my wedding. But I must admit that I feel, as wireless gadget reporter girl, I'm entitled to a mobile app that lets me plan my wedding!

Ideas?

]]> Tags: Related tags: wedding, found, blackberry, fiancé
, BlackBerry, The Knot, wedding, iPhone

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Comments on this Entry:

(Jamal Lovfald on Sep 26, 2010 8:05 AM)

Lately, Rush played out stuff of President obama and Hillary Clingon and other Dems after which it played segments from Ahmadinejad’s address and remarked that they both equally repeat the same things each time discussing U . s and capitalism.

(Ruthann Golen on Sep 29, 2010 11:35 PM)

Excellent performance by Jennifer Grey upon "Dancing with the Stars"! Emotional moment when talking about Meat Swayze! We all miss him!

Gadgets over Godiva? Not on My Valentine's Day!

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:42:49 -0500

As a member of the "fairer" sex, I'm a sucker for red roses, nice dinners and sappy text messages. Especially in bitter-cold February.

Thank God my paramour knows better than to bring me a cold, non-floral high-tech trinket in lieu of the boring, predictable - but beloved! - batch of long-stem red roses.

In an informal poll of my female tech-writer coworkers, three out of four said they would prefer roses and dinner on Valentine's Day over the iPod Nano. Even those who would opt for the Nano don't consider Apple's mini MP3 player romantic.

But if you're a nuts-and-bolts kind of guy who insists that getting something electrical for your lady in waiting, make sure it comes with a candlelit dinner.

And if you're short on ideas, consider a few of the tech industry's 2010 V-Day marketing ploys that push gadgets over Godiva.

Apple's promoting its iPod Touch through the "Love at First Touch" campaign. And apparently, iPod Nano "Captures Hearts. And Video."

Verizon has this funny new commercial that centers on a male and female silhouette: The guy shadow gets on one knee and pulls out a phone with lackluster 3G coverage. The female shadow, infuriated, storms off. Then, in another scene, Mr. Shadow Man gives her a Verizon phone with (supposedly) excellent 3G coverage. All is well, and we see the happy shadow couple rejoice over cell phone service.

If giving a phone's a little too personal (or not personal enough), consider giving your honey a heartwarming book to re-kindle the flame.

Tonight, head to Amazon.com and click on the "Kindle, the gift they'll love" link. You'll get a free two-day shipping in honor of Cupid.

Of course, if you're like some of the men I know, you could just head to the supermarket early in the morning and try your luck at a few thorny red ones. Sure, they'll die within a day or two - but at least you won't be construed as practical, but unromantic.

]]> Tags: Related tags: gadgets godiva, phone, roses, shadow, female, blemishes
, Valentine's day, iPod, Apple, Verizon, 3G, Kindle

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Comments on this Entry:

(Mitch on Feb 10, 2010 12:59 AM)

Why can't we have both? I love chocolates and roses but then I love cool gadgets too to go with them. Thanks for sharing your interesting insights here.

Go Ahead, Cozy Up to iPad

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:23:17 -0500

Are you supposed to cradle it against your chest? Or, pop it in your man-bag to pull out on the subway in lieu of your iPhone?

A gazillion stories about Apple's new iPad hit the wires yesterday and this morning. Unless you've been sucked into watching video clips of President Obama's State of the Union address, you know Apple's new 9.7-inch touchscreen tablet can do so many things, even give you a 3G connection.

Sure, there are concerns about lack of Flash and a higher-than-Kindle price tag ($499 and up!). But -- being the first cousin of the iPhone, iTouch, iPod and i-everything else Apple-invented - it's still supercool.

You know you want one. And after reading those gazillion stories (and writing one of my own), so do I.

But the tidbit that sent me rolling on the floor this morning was a story in Wall Street Journal, where a reporter who attended the launch event speculated how to handle the new gadget.

"At Apple's event, reporters waited in a line outside the door for the chance to touch the iPad," Geoffrey A. Fowler wrote. "Some journalists laid out their Amazon Kindles and Sony Readers on the table to compare the two. No one seemed quite sure how to hold the Apple device, with some cradling it and others gingerly setting it on the table."

As someone who has been known to accidentally fall asleep and wake up hugging the book I read the night before (or, more often, the remote), I wonder if the day I cozy up to an e-reader is coming. I predict that over time, the increasing popularity of the iPad will make going to bed with your gadget a little bit less taboo.

Now the only question is whether I'll be saving up for one of these babies in lieu of a Kindle.

]]> Tags: 3g, apple, iPad, iphone, ipod, kindle, obama, president Related tags: gazillion stories, reading books, kindle, apple, reading, iphone
, iPad, iPhone, Apple

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Comments on this Entry:

(Ferdinand Havir on Oct 11, 2010 6:47 PM)

I like reading and at the beginning I did miss a bit on the feeling of reading books. But now I love to hold the Kindle, the e-ink seems to work very well, it is really like reading books... Now I often read with the Kindle for several hours but I don't feel tired... And I now prefer to manage all books inside the Kindle rather than my never big enough bookshelf... And like to do bookmarking, annotation, dictionary lookup without any additional thing but a Kindle.

Google's Got a New Phone! Should I Rush Out and Get One?

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 15:50:12 -0500

The big benefit of being a gadget writer is that I get to carry around a pile of phones in my big purse. I learn the most about myself observing my own cell-phone behavior (like reaching for a Motorola DROID over my very own BlackBerry Curve when I need instant directions somewhere).

But would I pay a stiff several-hundred-dollar fee to switch to the DROID?

Probably not, though the last time I tried typing in a request for directions last-minute on my pink BlackBerry proved a bit frustrating.

So when analysts and media types debate whether Google's new Nexus One, unveiled just hours ago, will be the "iPhone killer," what they're really debating is whether cell subscribers at the end of their contracts will opt to upgrade to Nexus One. Or, if those of us stuck on another plan will be persuaded to switch.

But if you're like me and get attached to things, even the most killer of iPhone killers might not carry much weight.

See, I like a lot of things about Google's first Google-branded smartphone. It's super-skinny, at 11.5 millimeters, weighing just 130 grams. Second, it's got technology that makes it super-fast, in the form of Qualcomm Snapdragon 3G QSD8250 chipset, delivering speeds up to 1GHz. Third, it's not an iPhone. I'm honestly sick of hearing iPhone lovers rhapsodize about its out-of-this-world qualities, while ignoring sucky battery life and other issues.

Perhaps what I like most is that Google seems to be thumbing its nose at the idea that to get a super-cool phone, you need to be stuck with a particular carrier (a la AT&T and the iPhone).

Through the web store found at www.google.com/phone, consumers can buy the Nexus One without service (meaning any GSM network SIM card can be inserted into the device), or purchase the phone with service from one of Google's operator partners, Google said in a press release.

"As new phones come to market through this channel, consumers will benefit from the ability to match a phone of their choice with the service plan that best meets their needs," Google continued. "Operator prices and plan details will be featured on the site."

But as more than one media outlet pointed out, Nexus One uses GSM technology, which is more common in Europe (most phones here in the States are CDMA-based). Therefore, choices appear to be limited to AT&T and T-Mobile.

My BlackBerry, and the LG handset I had before it, I got from Verizon. And I've always been happy with Verizon. So happy, in fact, that I didn't even give the iPhone a second glace in 2007 when it came time for me to shop for an upgrade.

I've come around since: The iPhone does have some awesome apps, once you get used to using the touchscreen interface. But am I ready to jump ship and leave Verizon just to experience it? Not quite.

So until there's the definite option to use some version of the Google Nexus One but not abandon Verizon, I'm much more likely to choose a DROID. Of course, I'd have to give up my BlackBerry, and that might be just too traumatic a compromise (even if I never make it anywhere on time).

]]> Tags: Related tags: google, iphone, phone, nexus, blackberry, verizon
, GPS, Nexus One, Google

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Motorola DROID is a Beast; Droid Eris is a Beauty

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:16:44 -0500

Having HTC's Droid Eris is like having a little computer -- or a slightly cooler-looking iPhone.

But I wouldn't have known this hadn't a friendly Verizon Wireless PR rep suggested that I check it out (after asking for me to give back the Motorola DROID I borrowed).

See, when Verizon Wireless released both gadgets in early November, a flurry of media write-ups and advertising campaigns crowned Motorola DROID the Alpha Male of the handset market (targeting non-princess types through questionably sexist commercials). Still, the hefty cell phone with both touchscreen widgets plus a tangible keyboard sported some seriously awesome features - like voice-activated GPS and the best-looking Gmail interface I've ever seen.

If the Motorola DROID is a beast, then the Droid Eris is a beauty, with a smooth, black/soft black exterior and bright, app-happy color screen. I love the little retro clock on the home screen and Eris' lightweight feel (plus, it actually fits into my princess-jeans pockets without making me look pudgy).

Still, I wondered, putting the pretty phone into my pants pocket, how could this gadget offer anything the iPhone doesn't? Soon, on the snowiest night of the year, I would learn that this little Droid did.

My hour-long train ride into New York City was MUCH more entertaining than it would've been with my standby BlackBerry. Checking out news headlines and YouTube feeds was easy and fun (though the network speed was a bit slower than I'd hoped). Getting exact location information of my Saturday night party was easy, too. While there, I snapped some photos, which looked as good as any iPhone shots I've seen. (Did I mention Droid Eris is much prettier than the iPhone?)

That's not to say device didn't have its negatives.

It was a bit confusing to navigate, and oftentimes I felt like I had to push the menu button several times before the page would change. And had I not been a loyal Verizon subscriber already, I'm not sure this phone would've made me switch to Verizon. But should I grow weary of my BlackBerry Curve's keypad, it's nice to know I have another option (in addition to the BlackBerry Storm 2, of course!) that looks good when I'm going out, entertains me when I'm bored and wouldn't be confused for a big clunky brick.

]]> Tags: Related tags: motorola droid, blackberry curve, verizon wireless, beast droid, droid, verizon
, Droid, Eris, DROID, Motorola, Verizon, iPhone

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Comments on this Entry:

(Trevor on Jan 8, 2010 10:23 PM)

I just got the Eris and cannot get it to receive emails through my Cox provider. I can send email, but cannot recieve. I've talked with both Verizon and Cox reps and they can't get it working either. Help!!!!!! This is very frustrating as that was a major reason for getting this phone. I changed from a Blackberry Curve which could get the email but not the true view web. I love the Eris but need the Cox connection. Thanks for any help. Trevor

For the Ski Lover: Satsport GPS

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:45:30 -0500

If freezing temps make you want to hit the slopes when your pals reach for hot chocolate, perhaps it's time to treat yourself to a special kind of GPS system. You know, one that's made for skiers and snowboarders.

Though it's a bit pricy at $490, Satsport GPS - a multi-sport, interactive, all-weather GPS system - is loaded with bells and whistles galore that'll truly enhance the experiences of the road warrior/winter adventurer.

Sporting a 2.7-inch touchscreen, SiRF Star II antenna, Samsung 400 Mhz processor and micro SD card slot, the handheld gadget combines true, real-time interactive navigation for skiers, snowboarders, golfers, runners and cyclers. And it does this through PC software that syncs GPS data with Google Earth to replay in 3D.

Throw in an extra $65 for an optional SD card to turn the device into a voice-activated street navigator.

It's available at ski resorts worldwide, so you can try one out instantly -- on slopes or in the ski lodge, hot chocolate mug in hand.

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Comments on this Entry:

(offsite backup services on Jan 14, 2010 10:59 AM)

This is a terrific little place, I can not believe I didn't find it sooner!

Skiff: Not for Town & Country Types

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 18:31:20 -0500

It's no secret the magazine industry is having a hard time staying afloat, as major titles folded by the dozen in 2009. And though Hearst made ears perk up when it said that it would launch Skiff, an e-reader service of sorts, in 2010, a lot of questions remain.

The publisher of Harper's Bazaar and O, The Oprah magazine said that Skiff brings magazines to smartphones and Kindle-like devices. Plus, the Skiff service and digital store will feature a selection of newspapers, books and magazines.

Still, it's unclear whether I'll be able to download rival publications (those from Conde Nast, like Vogue), through Skiff.

Even though Skiff will be ad-supported, who will use it?

Although digital media is cheaper to produce than print, there's "no proof" something like Skiff "is going to sell products," Steve Cohn, editor-in-chief of magazine industry publication Media Industry Newsletter, remarked during a recent phone conversation with me.

"It might be very good for Cosmo," Cohn said. "But for something like Bazaar that has great photography, are you going to want to read it on an e-reader? I couldn't see it being for Town & Country or Harper's Bazaar. Both have older audiences and I don't know if they'll embrace this technology."

We'll just have to wait and see!

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, Skiff, Sprint

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