Latest update 25 August’09 – Review @ LetsGoMobile

The ‘S’ in iPhone 3GS stands for speed and according to Apple, users will not be disappointed. On the outside the 3G S looks like its predecessor the 3G, but, the real differences are on the inside. Tasks on the 3GS operate faster thanks to a speedier processor, it is also capable of speeds of up to 7.2Mbps on cell networks. New features include the ability to shoot video, 3 megapixel camera, users can edit photos, “in-frame” touch focusing which allows users to merely touch an area of the photo and the 3GS automatically adjusts focus and exposure.

» Review Index – (updated 25 August’09)

LetsGoMobile
“Personally, I find it a pity that the new Apple iPhone 3Gs offers little innovation; yes, it is faster, it has gained some small additions, but the design itself remained completely untouched.”
Rating:  

Trusted Reviews
“The iPhone 3GS is the fastest, most feature rich model so far, and if you don’t already have a iPhone 3G it’s well worth the money. If you do have an iPhone 3G though, it’s not quite so cut and dry. The 3GS may be faster than the 3G when it comes to rendering pages and general operation, but the O2 data network makes the faster 7.2mbps HSDPA support moot, while the inconsistent Wi-Fi performance is also a bit of a worry.”
Rating:  

New York Times
“So the iPhone 3G is a nice upgrade. It more than keeps pace with advancing technology, and new buyers will generally be delighted. But it’s not so much better that it turns all those original iPhones into has-beens. Indeed, the really big deal is the iPhone 2.0 software and the App Store, neither of which requires buying a new iPhone.”


PCWorld
“Although the iPhone 3GS offers some compelling improvements for heavy users, I’m disappointed that Apple didn’t build more innovations into the handset, to differentiate itself from the pack. Some areas are still lacking, and there’s still no true multitasking (you can’t log into instant messaging while surfing the Web, for example).”


DigitalCameraInfo
“Discussing it solely as a camera, not as a phone, its biggest problem is the lack of control. Everything is stuck in auto mode. You can’t change the white balance, ISO, resolution, set a timer or any of the other controls you’d usually find on even a budget camera. In terms of its performance testing it did quite well. It had good color accuracy and resolution, though while it had very good distortion, the sharpness was low. The noise was above what you’ll usually see in a camera, but wasn’t too bad. The video performance was respectable for an SD camera, especially the excellent color accuracy.”


MobileTechReview
“If you have an iPhone 2G (the first model) run, don’t walk to get the 3GS. This is a darned fast computer for your pocket that’s also the easiest to use and the camera is a big step up. If you like new toys and want to upgrade your 3G there are enough excuses to do so: faster performance (especially in demanding games and big web page download times), VGA video recording with YouTube uploads, faster graphics CPU (some detailed 3D games in the future may only be compatible with the 3GS). Voice dialing is also invaluable for those who make calls on the go (stop looking at your iPhone and drive!). And HSDPA 7.2Mbps doesn’t mean much today but you’ll notice the improvement when it comes to your area.”
Rating:  

Register Hardware (As compared to Palm Pre)
“In the test 18 categories, the iPhone 3GS came out on top in 10, the Pre in five, and three ended in a tie. There are two reason to not give the iPhone the victory in this smackdown strictly based on the number of categories in which it rules.

Reason #1: Not all categories are equal. The Pre’s multitasking capability is obviously more important than the iPhone 3GS’s ability to record voice memos. Reason #2:: As I said at the beginning, webOS is in version 1.0x. Expect the Pre to gain in capabilities as its operating system matures – and expect updates to be free, as have been the iPhone’s.”


Datamation
“Clearly, the iPhone 3G S is a worthwhile new addition to Apple’s lineup. But if you’re already an iPhone user, it’s hard to say whether the extra speed and new features are worth the extra price, especially if you’re in the middle of your AT&T contract and have to pay a premium over the standard $199 for the 16 GB model or $299 for the 32 GB version.”


GSMArena
“It’s true that the iPhone 3GS brings over only incrementing changes, there’s nothing ground breaking about it. But before everything else, the newly introduced changes on both software AND hardware level will make the new iPhone 3GS a more balanced smartphone most of all. That will give it some more charisma and it will hopefully lure some new users and get most current iPhone 2G users trade in their devices for a piece of Apple’s latest tech.”


CNET
“The iPhone 3GS doesn’t make the same grand leap that the iPhone 3G made from the first-generation model, but the latest Apple handset is still a compelling upgrade for some users. The iPhone 3GS is faster and we appreciate the new features and extended battery life, but call quality and 3G reception still need improvement.”
Rating:  

Sydney Morning Herald
“Despite conceding its technical advantage and failing to address some avoidable deficiencies, the iPhone 3G looks set to advance Apple’s penetration of the mobile phone market. The support for corporate email systems and the App Store will extend the phone’s appeal to new markets and while it still has many elements of a versatile consumer gadget, it looks to also have a greater practical utility that will make it more of a work horse and less of a show pony.”
Rating:  

LapTopMag
“The $199 iPhone 3G S is a superior smart phone because of its improved speed, video recording capability, and vast iTunes App Store. We wish this device were available through more carriers, and that you could do more with its Voice Control feature, but even with its occasional network issues, this smart phone trumps the competition.”
Rating:  

T3
“Overall, the iPhone 3G S as a standalone phone is a great piece of kit. The improved processor can definitely be felt on the internet and opening new applications, as well as helping speed things up on photography. The new camera was pleasing, if not a killer feature, and video recording is certainly good enough for the odd candid movie here and there.”
Rating:  

Gizmodo
“The iPhone 3GS is not an insignificant step forward in the iPhone family. The Nike+ support, magnetometer (compass), video recording, voice command, better camera, better battery life and faster data network are all improvements nobody would call a step backwards. But the biggest day-to-day improvement over the 3G is undoubtedly the increased processing speed, which is why Apple called this phone the 3GS (with the S standing for super fast) in order to designate that it’s basically the 3G, but better.”




Engadget
“So while it’s tough to argue with the package Apple has put together (a stellar device with just enough new to make it nearly perfect), we couldn’t help feeling a bit let down by the 3GS. Maybe we’ve been spoiled by devices like the Pre and Ion (and it’s possible we’re a little numb to OS 3.0 since we’ve played with the beta for a while now), but the additions of video recording, a compass, and a speed bump just don’t seem that compelling to us.”


InfoSync
“The iPhone’s 3.5-inch, glass display is still the most responsive in the smartphone field, but we wish Apple had upgraded the screen hardware. We’re seeing phones with bright, low-power OLED displays, reaching resolutions in excess of 640 by 480 pixels (VGA), so we’d like to see Apple catch up, especially considering the phone’s impressive video and gaming prowess.”
Rating:  

ITPro
“The 3GS is still the boss, with its ease of use still unparalleled and its feature set ably boosted by the iPhone 3.0 OS update. The faster speeds and increased memory make it even better to use, while the camera quality and video capability are welcome, if long overdue additions. Whether it will has pulled far enough ahead to remain top dog until next year’s model though remains to be seen.”
Rating:  

Guardian
“In short, the 3GS is triumphantly the product of a company at the absolute top of its game, their best device yet. If it were a BMW car it would be badged as the “M” version. Power and performance can be considered a luxury until you try them and realise how much more functionality, ease of use and productivity they can deliver.”


Wired
“WIRED – Faster. More storage. Better camera, with video recording capability. Search encompasses more data, not just one app at a time. Voice navigation. Feature-rich iPhone 3.0 software is free to current iPhone users.

TIRED – Multitasking still limited. No tethering or MMS support yet for AT&T users. Recent iPhone 3G customers must pay a fortune to upgrade.”
Rating:  

Brighthand
“The iPhone 3G S isn’t perfect — and to be honest is far from perfect, but that perfect phone doesn’t exist and probably never will. When I don’t have my iPhone and have to use a different phone temporarily, it really is difficult. I’m so used to having GPS, and easy texting, and all my music if I needed something to listen to. It’s like I’ve grown accustomed to the iPhone.

Just understand though this model still lacks things like MMS (for America), voice navigation, background applications, a front facing camera, e-mail body searching, text message searching, haptic feedback… I could go on.”


Internet News
“At first, I wondered why anyone other than a hiker would care about the iPhone’s new compass — until I tried pressing the compass button within Google Maps and noticed that it orients you based on the direction you’re moving. I’m sure other application developers will also find a way to use this feature.”

» Apps

» Tips

iPhone 3GS Movie Making Basics @ The Digital Story

» Specifications

Wow, are times changing! Looks like the iPhone’s is considered a VERY popular camera. In fact it pushed the Canon Rebel XTi over and took the number one spot on Flicker as the most popular camera. Even with its meager two-megapixel capability it has climbed to the top of Flickr’s charts.

Read the full story at LA Times here.

Program Note : A new transportation study reveals the dangers of cell phone use while driving.

Original post: The dangers of texting while driving

Last update 27 July’09 – Review @ ‘DevHardware

Palm Pre is a multimedia smartphone with a multi-touch screen and a sliding keyboard. The phone was launched on June 6, 2009, and is the first to use Palm’s new Linux-based operating system, webOS. Functions include a camera phone, a portable media player, a GPS navigator, and an Internet client (with text messaging, email, web browsing, and local Wi-Fi connectivity).

Reviews & Previews – (updated 27 July’09)

DevHardware
“In terms of sheer volume, the Palm Pre is lacking in terms of its applications currently available. This is one area where the iPhone leaves the Pre in the dust. The selection of apps currently available for the Palm Pre is small, but the ones that are available work well. You can download the apps to your Pre quickly via the Sprint 3G network. Some of the more basic apps that come already loaded on the Palm Pre are the DataViz DocView which is useful for viewing Microsoft Office documents, a PDF viewer, Google Maps, YouTube viewer, Sprint TV, clock, calculator, notepad, and a task list.”
Rating:  

Gadgetnutz
“I’m curious if there was an user manual that came with the Pre. Mine didn’t have one, and this is probably the first gadget I’ve ever owned that didn’t have a nice fat manual. Maybe it’s expected that you will download a PDF off of Palm’s website. I really feel that a lot of the apps were rushed to get the Pre out the door. I really hope to see that vast improvements in features in coming updates. Battery life, it’s pretty bad. If you talk on the phone a lot at least. I’ve been charging my phone overnight, and then also once in the middle of the day.”


PCMag
“It’s far cooler than any other phone on Sprint, or even any phone on Verizon Wireless—although you may still want to stick with a less-exciting but more reliable BlackBerry Curve. Since we’ve already heard about Palm’s second and third webOS devices, we’re optimistic that this platform will grow and fill in the gaps in third-party software and Synergy that we’re seeing at launch.”
Rating:  

Digital Trends
“Palm has put together perhaps the best assault on iPhone supremacy we’ve seen yet. A series of unique additions make the phone stand out from and even trump the iPhone in some ways. A hard QWERTY keyboard and the ability to run multiple apps simultaneously stand out as the most potent arrows piercing Apple’s armor. But don’t consider the iPhone slayed just yet.”
Rating:  

InformationWeek
“The Pre from Palm gets most things right. The hardware itself isn’t great, but it isn’t terrible either. The design is pretty, but could have been executed slightly better. The display is excellent, though the QWERTY keyboard my frustrate some. As for managing user contact data, it gets everything right. Synergy is excellent, a model for the industry. Messaging needs are well in hand. Multimedia capabilities are taken care of in good order, with only the lack of video capture standing out.”


Boy Genius Report
“Once all the hype, smoke and mirrors are clear though, we can see Palm being pretty successful moving forward. Palm has converted tons of people into raging Pre fanboys before they could even see the phone in person! Very Apple-esque. More carriers will get the Pre, more handsets will be released and WebOS could very well keep things interesting even if the hardware is lacking.”


Walt Mossberg
“All in all, I believe the Pre is a smart, sophisticated product that will have particular appeal for those who want a physical keyboard. It is thoughtfully designed, works well and could give the iPhone and BlackBerry strong competition — but only if it fixes its app store and can attract third-party developers.”


InfoSync
“If you thought the Palm Pre had some cool tricks up its sleeve before, in terms of music, it performs something short of a miracle. The Palm Pre convinces iTunes that it’s an iPod. You don’t just get second-stage media sync, like RIM offers with their Media Sync app that also draws from your iTunes library. You get full fledged, potentially automatic sync with iTunes, including music, videos and photos.”
Rating:  

Gizmodo
“Think of it like this. The software is agile, smart and capable. The hardware, on the other hand, is a liability. If Palm can get someone else to design and build their hardware—someone who has hands and can feel what a phone is like when physically used, that phone might just be one of the best phones on the market.”


ArsTechnical (Part 1)
ArsTechnical (Part 2)
“But this isn’t to say that Palm’s new handheld and platform are without their flaws. The webOS in particular is unfinished, in that Palm hasn’t given nearly enough thought to necessary refinements like email search, and some amount of user control over alerts. So right now, it’s obvious that Pre is a 1.0 product, but it’s also clear that it’s a fantastic start. If Palm can continue to refine webOS and to offer new models in different form factors, then the sky’s the limit for where this platform can go.”


PalmCentral
“Palm got this whole smartphone game going in earnest with the Treo. They essentially won the world series of phones back with the Treo 650. Since then, well, Palm hasn’t exactly been in the playoffs lately. Now they’re back in it and swinging for the fences. I’m not going to attach a star rating here, but I will say this: Palm has hit a home run with the Pre. Probably not a grand slam, but a definite home run.”


Engadget
“Ultimately — carriers and developers notwithstanding — what Palm has done is a major feat for a company of its size (and its dire position), and we think it’s an important step in the evolution of mobile computing. Just like the iPhone’s notches up the ladder, and the G1’s contributions, the Pre moves the game forward in a very real way. We know this won’t be the last of the webOS devices, and we know that as Palm improves its products, so will Apple, RIM, Microsoft, Google, and the rest of the smartphone gang. Unfortunately for them, their work just got a little bit tougher.”

Specifications

[Pre Specs at Palm]

Applications

[Applications]

No question about it, consumers prefer smartphones and the new BlackBerry Curve 8520 will be able to convince a lot more people to rethink their current phones limitations.

Originally posted here: T-Mobile USA and RIM Announce the BlackBerry Curve 8520

Last update 21 July’09 – Review @ Pocket-lint

» Review Index – (updated 22 July’09)

CNET UK
“The HTC Hero smoothes many of those rough edges, with a shiny new UI that covers Android in widgety goodness. Additions like multitouch zoom, lovely Flickr and Facebook integration and a great keyboard make the Hero the best Android phone yet, especially since it’s not as ugly as we feared. In fact, we’ve grown to like its jutting jawbone. If only it were slightly faster and slicker, we’d consider it an iPhone killer. As it is, we’ll class it as an iPhone peer.”
Rating:  

Pocket-lint
“We love the design and the build too, and the flexibility of an open source operating system like Android excites us: the community is there, making applications to enhance the experience so the phone can give that seamless integrated experience. It’s not perfect and it’s the room for improvement that really excites: you know the Hero can get better, and with a few software tweaks no less. We’ve waited a long time for a smartphone to be confident about challenging the iPhone as number one, and finally the HTC Hero arrives as a viable contender.”
Rating:  

Slash Gear
“Best of all, HTC’s dedication to developing Sense and treating UI as a long-haul process rather than a short-term prettification exercise gives us hope that the few shortfalls and omissions we’re currently seeing in version one of the Hero will be addressed over time. It’s reassuring to know that not only is the Hero a great smartphone but that it’s only likely to get better as HTC continue their tweaks. It’s safe to say that, in the HTC Hero, Android has come of age.”


TechRadar
“We’re very impressed by the whole UI, especially as we are such big fans of the TouchFLO 3D interface, even though it’s a little surprising that HTC didn’t decide to make a bigger deal about the fact the new skin is so closely linked. The model we got our hands on was a pre-production model, which made the whole process a little slow, and resulted in a considerable amount of judder when accessing some screens or scrolling through the device.”


Gizmondo
“Far from the horrible carrier interface overhauls we’re used to seeing on featurephones, the facelifts given to Windows Mobile over the last few years, courtesy of HTC and Samsung, have been the only thing keeping that tired OS alive. Now Android’s getting the same treatment. The difference is, customization is easier, the changes are deeping, and Android is a good, modern OS in the first place.”

Heads up! Apparently Palm Pre owners have voiced their opinion concerning virtual verses actual keyboards, they want both. Yep!

Excerpt from: Survey Reveals Palm Pre Users Want Virtual Keyboard Too

Last update 21 July’09 – Review @ SiliconBeat

The T-Mobile myTouch 3G is the follow-up to the T-Mobile G1, the first Google Android device. Included with the Google services is the latest Android software, T-Mobile has included the ability to customize wallpapers, menus, icons and more. With literally thousands of Android applications to choose from, the myTouch 3G lets users customize their handsets inside and out.

Overall Rating:

» Review Index – (updated 21 July’09)

SiliconBeat
“The screen. The trade off of having the myTouch be smaller than the iPhone is that it similarly has a smaller screen. Indeed, the screen on the myTouch is about the same size as the one in the Pre, which is an even smaller device. But right now, while the myTouch is much nicer than the G1, I’d still rank it far below the iPhone 3G S and the Palm Pre.”


InfoSync (Hands On)
“All in all, we were very impressed with the T-Mobile myTouch 3G, but there were a few things that irked us. HTC is still excluding a 3.5mm stereo jack, which is ironic because we think most of the active users they’re targeting with this phone would enjoy using their own earbuds. We also found the landscape keyboard to be a little finicky to use, and less responsive than we would have liked.”
Rating:  

PCWorld
“In my opinion T-Mobile is offering too little, too late. Unless you are a die-hard Android fan, you would be better off with buying a Palm Pre or an iPhone 3Gs (you get more features for your buck, plus multi-touch). Or alternatively, wait until the Samsung Galaxy comes in the US.”

» Specifications

More bad views for Palm’s Pre. It appears there is a flood of Palm Pre returns which indicates poor manufacturing techniques. While this is pretty bad nes in and of itself the word-of-mouth is spreading and experts indicate all these returns are putting the Pre’s sales into the skids.

Go here to see the original:
Are Palm Pre Returns Slowing Growth?

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p>Everyone speculates about how dangerous driving and talking on a cell is, however, experts agree… Talking on your cell while driving is a dangerous activity. Drivers who use their cells are 4 times as likely to cause an accident as other drivers.

Read the original article: Driving and Talking on Your Cell Is Like Driving Drunk