Archive for September, 2008|Monthly archive page
Sanyo Katana Eclipse Review
Comments (1)Sanyo Katana Eclipse
The latest addition to the Katana line keeps all the features of the prior versions, plus a more music centric design and ambient lighting to the sides. Features include A2DP Bluetooth for Stereo listening wirelessly, Micro-SD card slot, 1.3 MP camera and a unique color-changing light-up sides. It is available on Sprint for $99.
In the Box
· Sanyo Katana Eclipse handset
· 1 Standard Lithium Ion Battery
· MicroUSB AC charger
· MicroSD Card (256MB)
· Various guides and CDs
Specs
Technology: CDMA with EVDO Rev. A Data
Frequencies: 800/1900
Weight: 3.4oz
Dimensions: 3.6″ by 1.9″ by 0.7″
Hardware
The successor in the Katana lineup, the Eclipse brings some nice touches to the existing popular brand. Call quality on the device was good on the receiving end, but I found the speaker on the device a bit tinny. Illuminating lights on either side of the device are a nice touch for those looking for something a little more flashy. As is the mirrored finish on the front, making the user continually wipe it to keep from showing finger prints. A MicroSD card slot is good for those that prefer to listen to music on their phone, and can use either a 2.5mm headset or Bluetooth A2DP to do so. Music controls on the front of the phone making skipping through tracks easy and quick. The angle of the flip is such that it is comfortable to hold and talk on. When compared to popular smartphones, the Katana Eclipse is a great size and those that are looking for a slender flip will appreciate its thin profile.
The camera is a 1.3MP model that lacks any decent definition for anything more than quick shots to friends. Battery life was good, lasting about 3 days with minimal use, allowing for a weekend trip and leaving the charger at home.
On the front of the device, you’ll find the music controls, 1.0 inch screen and 1.3MP camera.
On the left side, a covered MicroUSB charging port, volume rocker, external speaker grille, 2 strips of LED indicators and a dedicated camera button.
On the right, a covered 2.5mm headset jack and covered MicroSD card slot.
On the inside is the 12 key keypad which I found a bit slick to use. Above that, the send, end and speaker keys, plus the 5 way navigational pad, another camera button, Back key and 2 soft keys. On the top half of the flip is a 2 inch screen.
Software/Features
The software on the phone is fairly standard for Sanyo, meaning it’s easy to navigate and figure out what you’re doing. The phone has access to Sprint TV, the Sprint music store and also sports GPS for turn by turn directions.
Overall
For someone that is looking for a middle of the road flip phone on Sprint with some added multimedia features, the Katana Eclipse certainly fits in with what you’re looking for.
The Cell Phone Junkie Show #119
The Cell Phone Junkie Show #119 1:22:30
Show Notes
AT&T’s data service knocked out in the Northeast, a $20,000 cell phone bill and you’ve answered my call to action with some great questions and comments.
More S60 and E71 discussion
Test call audio quality of the TM506
News
AT&T knocked out in the Northeast
Symbian phone sales continue to slow
Symbian still king
3G acceptance on the rise
Metro PCS distribution deal with Best Buy
XOHM milestone
First-Gen iPhones rise in price
New iPhone price plans coming to Rogers
$20,000 AT&T Bill
Verizon strong in J.D. Power survey
Devices
Nokia N96 on sale
Motorola i365 and v950
Blackberry 8320 coming to AT&T
iPhone to be sold by 2 Russian companies
iPhone now available at Best Buy
2 new Samsung clamshell phones on Sprint
New Samsung clamshell on Verizon
2 new Centro colors
Motorola Q11
Vodaphone and RIM announce Bold in UK
Treo Pro gets Blue Tick from Telstra
HTC Touch Diamond on Sprint 9/14 for $250
Extended Palm Centro battery
Prada II specs
Samsung i900 Omnia coming to US
Blackberry Bold on AT&T update
AT&T Fuse confirmed
Tagheuer Meridiist
Software
Blackberry OS 4.5 coming to AT&T is Sept.
Xperia panel interface SDK
Butler Version 5.0 released
Qik for HTC devices
IMAP email now pushed to BB devices
New N95-1 Firmware
Questions/Comments
Question from Mat
Comment from Andreas
Voicemail from Soren
Comment from Liban
Comment from Jared
Question from Jim
Comment from Tony
Comment from Robert
Question from Lance
Question from Scott
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Sony Ericsson TM506 Review
Sony Ericsson TM506
After a couple years of being the only major mobile phone provider in the United States to not have 3G, T-Mobile has finally started to roll out their own high speed data (HSDPA) network. While only in a few cities at this time, and on the proprietary 1700 MHZ AWS spectrum, it’s a start, and the Sony Ericsson TM506 is the first handset to take full advantage of it.
In the Box
Sony Ericsson TM506 Handset
1 Standard 950 mAH Lithium Polymer Battery
Proprietary Sony Ericsson AC charger
Handsfree Headset
Various guides and CDs
Specs
The TM506 is a standard flip style phone that started shipping in early September, 2008. The phone is the first on the T-Mobile USA network with this particular functionality. All prior 3G handsets had the slower UMTS standard, and while good, is limited to 384 kbps versus the 1mbps+ speeds of HSDPA. While there are hundreds of phones that operate on HSPDA, T-Mobile has opted to run it’s network on the 1700 MHZ AWS spectrum. This means that all current HSDPA enabled devices either on the current AT&T 3G network (operating on 1900 and 800 MHZ) or unlocked devices from other parts of the world (on 2100 MHZ) will not be able to take advantage of this higher speed network. Also note, the new network is currently only available in New York, Las Vegas, San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, Houston and Minneapolis. I was fortunate enough to be taking a trip to Minneapolis over Labor Day weekend, so I used the phone while there to test out its capabilities.
A 2MP camera, GPS, Stereo Bluetooth and a video/music player give this entry level phone some advanced features that the average user will appreciate. The phone has 3 GSM bands (800, 1800 and 1900) and 2 HSDPA bands (1700 and 2100) allowing the phone to operate on networks around the world. The phone is available for $80 with a new 2 year contract on T-Mobile.
Phone
The sound quality of the phone was very good. However, there didn’t appear to be any noticeable difference when using the phone on HSDPA vs. GSM. I did however find the service on the device very good using the T-Mobile network. Even on the new HSDPA network which I figured would be spotty, while traveling through the Twin Cities area, I found no areas where the phone struggled to get a connection. Good news for those looking to make the switch. Battery life is fantastic, and I was able to get through many days without charging.
Data/Internet
When I initially asked T-Mobile for a 3G device to review, I was hoping for something a little more robust. However, the TM506 operates nicely for those that are looking for a quick experience in the T-Zones application. Using the phones web browser was a tad difficult because of the lack of a qwerty keyboard, but those that know t9 will be fine. The difference between the speed of the EDGE network and the 3G network is quite large. Those that have been using T-Mobile for an extended period of time will note that the speeds of the new service are much faster on all internet enable applications. The ability to receive email messages while on phone calls is also something the email junkies in us appreciate.
Hardware
The standard flip style design is certainly still appealing. The front of the phone has a decent monochrome display that shows signal strength, ringer status, time and battery level.
Above the screen is the 2.0MP camera that shoots decent shots for emailing or posting to web sites. Low or bright lighting did cause some distortion in the shots, but nothing of much concern. Also, the photos seemed to provide a decent amount of detail.
On the left side, houses the M2 Memory stick slot.
On the right is the volume rocker switch.
On the inside is a 12-key keypad with 2 soft buttons, send/end keys, 5-way directional pad and a power button. The keypad surface is a flat aluminum with cutouts that allow for decent tactile response when pressed.
Software/Features
The software on the phone is the proprietary Sony Ericsson OS that is easy to learn and navigate. Along with the standards, there is a media player to access your photos, music, videos, games and even web feeds. RSS readers have been in smartphone OS’s for quite some time, but this one impressed me. It was easy to setup, and fast to scroll through. I use Google Reader for all my feeds, but someone who wants to get their news on the go will be able to configure this to their liking.
The GPS using TeleNav’s system works like a charm. The HSDPA really assists with downloading data quickly, keeping your maps loading as they should. Under the Entertainment section, there are “DJ” services for your videos, music and photos that allow you to edit your media on the fly. I would prefer to do so on a desktop, but in a pinch, adjusting light levels can be handy.
Overall
The Sony Ericsson TM506 brings together the flip form factor that many want with some of the features of a smartphone. The first HSDPA enabled phone for the T-Mobile USA network brings GPS, Stereo Bluetooth and a 2MP camera to the table.
The Cell Phone Junkies relaxing on the boat
The Cell Phone Junkies relaxing on the boat
Originally uploaded by gt2697
Joey and I are out on the boat in Minnesota, of course talking about our
phones.
test image of the e71 camera usimg autofocus and flash in low ligh t
test image of the e71 camera usimg autofocus and flash in low ligh t
Originally uploaded by gt2697
Photo quality of the E71
By request, here are some sample photos of the quality of the shots taken by the camera of the E71.
GPS data while flying
GPS data while flying
Originally uploaded by gt2697
I finally was able to get the e71 to lock on to a gps signal to see how the gps would react while in flight. A couple interesting stats, the plan is going a little over 500mph and is at almost 38000 feet.
Cool!
The Cell Phone Junkie Show #118
The Cell Phone Junkie Show #118 1:25:45
Show Notes
Photos of the new Android phone get leaked, a new date for the Blackberry Bold in the US and Windows Mobile 6.1 hits multiple devices. It’s great to be together to record a show!
Sony Ericsson TM506 on T-Mobile
News
Why the iPhone 3G has been dropping calls
T-Mobile has sold 120,000 iPhone 3G’s
Swedish site says iPhone 3G reception is fine
Wired.com’s iPhone 3G survey results
AT&T adds 2 international plans for iPhone
iPhone 3G sales top original in 7 weeks
Telus pushing unlimited mobile data users out
Orange confesses to low caps on 3G
Nortel hands off LTE call at 100kmh
ETF class action hits T-Mobile
Sprint WiMax launching next month
WiMax will have location based services
Qualcomm violates Broadcomm ruling
Cricket adds $5 video download service
Smartphone sales will jump 52 percent this year
Mobile phones see slower growth
Europeans lower roaming charges
Rogers announcing new data plans in October
Devices
Nokia announced NAM version of N96
Blackberry Thunder is Blackberry Storm
Blackberry Bold pushed to October
Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 coming out later this year
Rogers Blackberry Kickstart 8220 gets pricing
FCC approves HTC Touch Cruise with NAM 3G
Photos of HTC’s Dream revealed
Leaked Sprint Roadmap reveals Touch Pro and Diamond dates/pricing
Software
AT&T Tilt WM 6.1 software upgrade
Verizon WM 6.1 software update for XV6800
Samsung Blackjack II gets WM 6.1
Docs to Go Premium for Windows Mobile
See your free space on Windows Mobile
AT&T offers premium pocket express free
Questions/Comments
Voicemail from Jeff
Question from Bob
Question from Greg
Voicemail from Josh
How to Contact us:
questions@thecellphonejunkie.com
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Boating on the St. Croix
Boating on the St. Croix
Originally uploaded by gt2697
Out on the St. Croix river today while up here in Minnesota. Nice to get out and about while here.
