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SLOG DUMP

Originally uploaded by gt2697

Maybe I’m a bit childish, but this screen capture made me laugh…

TCPJ Unlocked Show #020

The winner of our biggest Cell Phone Junkie contest Nate joins us for the show this week.  Nate took the opportunity to ask us questions, and it was great to have him on!

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The Cell Phone Junkie Show #152

The Cell Phone Junkie Show #152 57:55
Show Notes
More support for the MicroUSB standard, talk again about Obama’s Blackberry and how you can talk where the buffalo roam.

Thanks to our sponsor – Netflix

Otterbox Impact Series case giveaway for the iPhone and Blackberry Curve

News
Samsung says smartphones will be 29% of market by 2012
DC to be test area for free Mobile TV
Future phone to edit music
Starbucks offering free Wi-Fi for iPhone users in the UK
Bluetooth SIG announces BT 3.0
Broadcom first to have BT 3.0
Yellowstone completes Wi-Fi and cell phone plan
Ontario bans cell phone use while driving
T-Mobile bills customer for texts with unlimited plan
EU says yes to Roaming caps
CTIA endorses MicroUSB standard
Qualcomm looking to possible settlement
Clearwire customers sue over bad service and ETF’s
Obama to get a secure BB 8830
Finland chooses 1800 MHZ for LTE
iPhone/iPod touch dominate mobile web traffic
Apple’s Q2 earnings
Apple looks to no changes to the iPhone exclusivity
Apple hits 1 billion app downloads
AT&T announces solid Q1
1.6M iPhone 3G’s activated
AT&T 3G upgrades underway
And possibly moving to HSPA+
Sprint gets $7M grant for hydrogen fuel cells
New embedded SIM cards for T-Mobile
T-Mobile UK announces pay once plan for BB
MetroPCS intros calling plan to Mexico
Cricket launches phone recycling plan

Devices
Refurbished 16GB iPhones on AT&T for $150
Palm Centro’s for $200 Unlocked
HTC Touch Pro now at US Cellular
HTC Touch Diamond 2 Review
Photos of HTC Touch Pro 2 on T-Mobile
Blackberry Pearl Flip comes to Alltel
Blackberry 9630 to be known as Tour
Nokia reveals CDMA dual slider
Nokia E71x coming to AT&T May 4th
Nokia 6216
T-Mobile sells a million G1’s in the US
Sony Ericsson CS8 coming to T-Mobile
Sprint launches Sierra AirCard 402
Jawbone headset sale
Alphia Jawbone Prime
Samsung Trance
Samsung U350

Software
2 official updates for HTC Touch Diamond
Windows Mobile 6.5 out by Q4
Details about Apple voice control
SPB Mobile Shell v3
Facebook v1.5
TripIT for iPhone
Verizon releases My Verizon app on Blackberry
Google intros new shopping tool for Android and iPhone

Questions/Comments
Comment from Andreas
Comment from Matt
Question from David
Share on a Mac
Various EVDO routers
Novatel
Voicemail from Emily

How to Contact us:
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HTC Touch Diamond2 Review

Chris over at Mobile Tech Addicts has put together one of the best device reviews I have read in a long time.  The number of hardware and software shots is staggering, giving a fantastic overview of what you can expect from the newest device from HTC.  Here is a sample of the review:

When HTC announced the refresh to the original Touch Diamond back in February it looked like a major update with some great new features especially the hardware. Well here we are a few months later with the device in hand and we have spent a few days testing it and trying the new features so sit back and read on for a full and detailed review with lots of pictures and screenshots.

If you want to read the rest of the review, click through to the link to check it out. http://mobiletechaddicts.com/2009/04/21/htc-touch-diamond2-review/

Thanks Chris and great job!

TCPJ iPod courtesy of Skinit.com

TCPJ iPod courtesy of Skinit.com

Originally uploaded by gt2697

The Cell Phone Junkie Show #151

The Cell Phone Junkie Show #151 1:20:15
Show Notes
AT&T looking to extend iPhone exclusiviity, the Pre shows up in the wild, and the winner of our biggest cell phone junkie contest.

Netflix promotion

Want to help edit a book?
T-Mobile Blackberry Curve 8900 Review
Otterbox Impact Series Review
Wilson iBooster for the iPhone Review

Winner of the TCPJ Unlocked contest – Nate Gillette

News
AT&T sabotage plot thickens
Top mobile operators
EU could compel carriers to support VOIP
Blackberry BIS down again
Mexican government to document cell phone use
Why its dumb to steal cell phones
LG sells 20 million handsets through 2008
Nokia profits drop 90%
Sony Ericsson posts losses
AT&T seeking to extend iPhone exclusivity
AT&T rolls out familymap locator
Global expansion and iPhone possibly in future
Verizon issues first set of LTE specs for vendors
Sprint Warranty changes
Changes to T-Mobile Plans
Cricket offering service on Subways of Chicago
Sony may issue more than 2000 pink slips in 2009

Devices
Apple prepping suppliers to ship 4M iPhones
Touchstone to be an entire product line?
Starting at $70?
Pre spotted in the wild
Touch Diamond 2 and Touch Pro 2 retail pricing
Samsung Propel Pro now at AT&T
Unlocked Treo Pro at Amazon
OTA updates coming as well
HTC Maple passes FCC with 1700mhz
HTC Touch Diamond 2 now in stock
Cameraless Blackberry Curve 8350i
N97 confirmed on Vodafone in July
5800 to get a capacitive display?
Nokia E63 for $200 at Dell
HTC developing Fiesta
HTC Magic arriving in UK on May 5th
GSM pen
T-Mobile Sidekick LX 2009
$200 Sidekick if you pre-order
T-Mobile April 21st event focused on new Sidekick
Instinct S30 at Best Buy for $50
LG Secret details

Software
Windows Mobile 6.5 coming May 11th
Sprint Diamond ROM upgrade
Google maps update for Windows Mobile
Android 1.5
PDAnet for Android
Podtrapper for Blackberry
Low memory an issue for Blackberries
AT&T pushing out weird apps to Blackberries
Apple shipping Beta 3 of iPhone 3.0 to developers
Quickoffice for iPhone
Quickoffice for iPhone video review
Cinder Mobile OS
Feedback from early WebOS developers is good

Questions/Comments
Question from Roger
Comment from John
Comment from Tim
Question from Greg
Voicemail from Scott in Australia
Question from Johnny
Question from Krys

How to Contact us:
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questions@thecellphonejunkie.com
206-203-3734
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Joey Twitter
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Wilson iBooster for the iPhone Review

Wilson iBooster for the iPhone Review

It’s happened to all of us.  We’ve been driving down the road, having a pleasant conversation with someone, and all of a sudden, you realize you’ve been talking to yourself for who knows how long.  Dropped calls are still a part of the mobile phone experience, even 25 years after the technology was invented.  Every phone and carrier is susceptible to this issue, as RF is just something that never will be perfected.  However, if you are someone that is looking to do something about it, Wilson Electronics may have your answer with the newSignalBoost iBooster Wireless Amplifier line of products.  Specific models include the iPhone or Blackberry Curve, while a universal model is also available.  For this review, I will be using the iPhone model which is available for around $230 at various Wilson Electronics retailers.

In the Box
The Wilson Electronics iBooster amplifier kit includes:

• All-in-one amplifier, charger and cradle combo
• iPhone case adapter
• 2 adhesive mounting clips
• Outside vehicular magnet-mount antenna
• Cigarette lighter power adapter
• Installation guide
• 30-day, money-back guarantee and limited one-year product warranty

Specs
With 20 times the power to the cell site of a cell phone alone, the iBooster features a built-in antenna, battery charger and works with Cellular (800 MHz) and PCS (1900 MHz) frequencies.

• Frequency 824-894 MHz / 1850-1990 MHz
• Gain 40 dB / 42 dB
• Max Output Power 2000 mw
• Max RF (downlink) -20 dBm
• Noise Figure 3.5 dB nominal
• Flatness ±4dB
• Isolation > 90 dB
• Power Requirements 12V
• Connectors SMA Female
• Dimensions 2 x 4.75 x 1 (inch)  5.1 x 12.1 x 2.5 (cm)
• Weight 3 (oz) / 0.09 (kg)

About the Product
The iBooster and its external vehicular antenna increase the phone’s output power to the cell site and improves the phone’s ability to hear signals in weak signal areas.  TheiBooster helps users stay connected by reducing dropped calls, increasing data rates and allowing the completion of calls from those dreaded “dead spots”.  TheiBooster is designed for simple set up and can be easily moved from vehicle to vehicle.  At the heart of the iBooster is Wilson’s bi-directional Smart Technology® signal amplifier with battery charging circuitry, designed around a convenient, phone specific ‘slip in’ cradle.  A magnetic vehicular antenna is included with the kit.  The cradle allows for hands-free operation when used with a phone compatible headset or Bluetooth® device.

Installation
Installation of the product is not difficult, but for a professional looking installation, plan on about an hour.  The actual amplifier cradle can be mounted using 1 of 2 adhesive mounting clips that come in the package, or as I have done, use a 3rd party universal mount to hold the cradle.  The connection between the mounting clip and the cradle is not impressive, and the mount feels unstable unless force is used to push the cradle onto the mount.

After attempts to make the adhesive clips work, I finally gave up and chose instead to use the windshield mount solution seen in these photos from iGrip (www.igrip.us).  This mount is universal, so I was able to pop the cradle in the mount, and squeeze the sides together to hold it in place.  If need be, the removal is easy and clean, and I can use the mount for any other use in seconds.

Next is the power supply, which is a cigarette lighter adapter with a rather long cord.  I was able to use the lighter in the back of my vehicle, and ran the cord under the seat and mats and into the glove compartment, virtually keeping this cable out of sight  This power supply feeds the cradle with the required current to amplify the signal being picked up, giving you the needed boost for your phone.  This also allows for the phone to be charged while in the cradle as well, something that you obviously expect from this type of install.

Then, the magnet mount antenna needs to be installed.  This is the most time consuming and thought inducing part of the install.  The cord on the antenna seems just short enough to either require a non-professional looking install, or being placed in an odd area on the vehicle.  Optimally, you want this antenna to be placed on the roof of the vehicle to maximize the performance.  However, this is not easily done when your vehicle is an SUV or truck and you want to have the cords hidden.  I opted to install the antenna on the hood of the vehicle, on the far right nearest to where the hood meets the windshield.  This allowed me to run the cable in a way that is not seen, and the antenna looks somewhat natural.

Finally, if you have the ability to connect your iPhone to your car stereo, the amplification cradle has a port on the bottom that allows for connections ofiPod dock connector cables.  My Honda Ridgeline has such a cable in it, so I simply plug this into the bottom of the cradle, and my iPhone’s audio is sent through the speakers of the vehicle.

After everything is installed, I found myself looking at all these cables, and wanting something that looked cleaner.  I simply took some wire loom and wrapped it around these 3 cables, and am happy with the results.

Use and Results
Using the iBooster is as simple as inserting your iPhone into the cradle.  The unit is automatically powered when you turn on the vehicle, and the audio starts streaming through the cars speakers in seconds. Note:  With my particular model, to activate the iPod for use, I receive an error message that is cleared by holding down the home button for 5-7 seconds.  Once the message is cleared, all functionality of the phone is available.

To test out the effectiveness of the amplifier, I have forced the phone into Field Test Mode (simply type *3001#12345#* and hit call and your phone will show the debug screen where the EC/I0 can be found in the form of a negative dB reading).  Here are 2 screen shots taken with the phone out of the cradle while in a stationary position, see the top left corner of the screen for the signal reading.

And one showing the phone’s reading while in the cradle.

The difference is noticeable, about 20dB.  This difference can mean either being able to make a call or not.  In the real world, I found that I now have a constant 5 bars of service shown on the handset.  In Field Test mode, the phone is regularly in the -80’s or better.  Calls arenoticeably stronger, with no dropped calls over the course of a week of testing.  Also, the data connection seems much better, and a speed test while driving yielded these results.

Finally, the signal amplification extends beyond the cradle, and gives other phones in your vehicle enhanced service when within a few feet of the cradle.  I found that my Verizon Wireless Blackberry 8330 now will function in an underground parking garage where no service wasavailable before.  This proximity amplification is particularly beneficial if you are someone that has multiple devices.

Overall
For under $250, the iBooster from Wilson Electronics is a good in-vehicle solution to poor service and dropped calls.  I have tried signal enhancing products in the past, and been disappointed.  However, theiBooster lives up to its claims, and performs as advertised.  While the installation takes some time, and the included mounts are poor, taking the time to install the cradle properly will yield a nice looking install that works well.

Otterbox Impact Series Review

Otterbox Impact Series Review

The great folks at OtterBox have supplied us with some of their Impact Series cases to check out and review after a great conversation that Joey and I had with them at CTIA.  The Cell Phone Junkie in each of us is always on the look out to protect our devices from harm, and most of us rely on cases to do the trick.  Historically, OtterBox has made high impact cases known as their “Defender” line to protect your device from just about anything you can throw at it. OtterBox has made a deviation from this style to bring a smaller, yet highly durable solution to the market with the Impact Series.  The Impact series of skins are available for dozens of devices, and I’ve been testing them out for the iPhone 3G and Blackberry 8300 series.

Features

• Durable silicone with impact absorption
• Coring on the inside corners add extra strength and protection to the skin
• Provides open access to all functions of the device
• Screen protector included for the Blackberry 8300 case

Overview
On the front of each, you can see there is a cushioned earpiece area that makes use of either devices for talking very comfortable compared to use without the case.

On the back, there is a raised area of silicone that provides for additional protection on the back of the device.

On the sides and other areas of the device, you find that the switches, holes and buttons are either cut out to expose them for use, or there is an icon in the silicone denoting their existence, a nice touch.

From the OtterBox website, the about us section includes the following excerpt:

“Our cases are dedicated to all the klutzy, spontaneous, chaotic, graceless individuals who have broken a device or valuable due to their active lifestyle. Like our customers, we’ve been there too! From the beginning, we have protected valuables through innovation. This “innovative spirit” has allowed evolution in our product lines to safeguard the hottest technologies such asiPod’s, smartphones, PDA’s, Tablet PC’s, laptops and other devices. We take the idea of a protective case to the next level so customers can find the ideal solution for any work environment or adventure!”

As an active person that loves taking my phones and other devices with me all the time, I can certainly relate to this.  Having protection on your investment is something that is very important,

Overall
At $19.95, the Impact Series of cases from OtterBox is less then half of their more expensive Defender line, and also cheaper then most other retail cases you’ll find for these devices.  The overall quality of the products are good, but not perfect.  If there is one flaw in the design, the thin silicone around the screen is flimsy, and feels a bit cheap.

However, if you can get past this small detail, the value you get for the cost is high.

Blackberry Curve 8900 Review

Blackberry 8900 Review

When most people think of RIM, the first thing that comes to mind is email.  Over the past decade, the Blackberry has become the champion device for email while on the go, with millions of users coming to know and love these tiny keyboard devices asCrackberries .  In May of 2007, RIM launched their newest device, the Curve, which dropped the scroll wheel on the side in favor of the popular Trackball of the Pearl.  Finally, RIM had a phone that would not only be used by business professionals around the world, but began to penetrate the consumer market.  Then in May of 2008, the Blackberry Bold was announced, and brought an all new bright vibrant screen to the new line of devices.  Users loved the new functionality, but the size of the Bold was close to the 8800 series devices.  Enter, the Blackberry Curve 8900, which keeps the size of the original Curve, but adds some styling changes that are well received.  The Curve 8900 is available on T-Mobile for $149.99 with 2-year contract.

In the Box

• Blackberry Curve 8900
• 1 Standard 1400 mAh Lithium Ion Battery
• 256MB MicroSD card
• T-Mobile SIM card
• MicroUSB AC Charger
• 3.5mm Stereo Headset with microphone
• MicroUSB Sync/Charge Cable
• Carrying Case
• Various guides and CD’s

Specs

• Technology: GSM/EDGE
• Wi-Fi with UMA calling
• Frequencies: 850/900/1800/1900
• Weight: 3.87 oz
• Size: 4.29″ x 2.36″ x 0.53″
• Cubic Volume: 5.36”
• Screen: 480 x 360 (HVGA)
• Camera: 3.2MP
• Headphone Jack: 3.5mm

Phone/Data
As a phone, the quality is as good as any other Blackberry.  I’ve never felt them to be exceptional, but it sounds fine, and didn’t have any complaints for callers. As with other T-Mobile Blackberries, since the phone isUMA compatible, calling over Wi-Fi networks is possible.  Pairing the phone to recognize both home and work Wi-Fi networks was simple, and using the service then becomes seamless.  Anytime the phone is within range of one of the hotspots , it automatically connects and routes all data and voice traffic through the connection.  The result is clearer conversations, and faster web browsing.  The T-Mobile Curve with theUMA technology was the first Blackberry to do simultaneous voice and data connections at the same time.  Because the phone isn’t running over theGSM network, you are able to switch over to the web browser or other applications that use data while on a call and use them.

Signal quality with the phone was great on the T-Mobile network, and i had no issues when out and about making calls.  One additional item to note, when using the phone overWi-Fi, power consumption increases, and the phone battery will drain quicker.  Using the phone with UMA constantly on had me struggling to get through 2 days before charging.  Use with EDGE only gave the phone 3 days of use.

Hardware

The Curve 8900 hardware looks like a blend of the Curve 8300 and the Storm, with it’s sleek rounded corners.  On the front is the beautiful 480 by 360 display, plus keyboard, Trackball and standard send, end, Blackberry, and back keys.

Compared to the original Curve.

Compared to the HTC Touch Diamond, Apple iPhone 3G, and Verizon Blackberry 8330.

Side comparison to Diamond, iPhone and 8330

Showing a profile view, the 8900 is a tad thinner.

Closeup of the keyboard

Closeup of the screen

Slingbox on the 8900

On the left side is a user definable button.

On the right side are the 3.5mm headset jack, volume rocker buttons, user definable button, and microUSB jack.

On the top are dedicated lock, and mute buttons.

On the bottom is the microphone port.

The back has the 3.2MP camera with auto-focus and LED flash as well as a release switch to remove the brushed aluminum cover for access to the battery, SIM card andmicroSD card.

Software/Features

The Curve 8900 comes with the latest 4.6 version of the Blackberry OS.  The new version 4.6.1.114 is very fast, and new styling of icons make more sense than 4.5 and earlier software.  Along with the standardPIM applications you expect on every smartphone, the 8900 comes Word To Go, Sheet To Go and Slideshow To Go from Documents To Go.  These applications allow you to open and view your Word, Excel and Powerpoint files.  A premium edition is available for purchase for $49.99 for one year or $69.99 for life that enables features such as creation and editing of these files.  Also, Instant Messaging applications have been added to the suite of messaging functionality with AOL, Google,ICQ , Yahoo and even Windows Live Messenger.  Blackberry Messenger is still of course on the phone, one of my personal favorites.  Email integration is done either through a corporate Blackberry Enterprise Server, or the Blackberry Internet Service.

RIM’s recently introduced App World brings the Blackberry into the world of easy to download apps directly to the phone.  By heading to blackberry.com/appworld users can now download the application to their device that allows them to load applications easily and quickly to the device.  A few notable ones that I installed to test were Slacker Radio,Viigo and Twitterberry.  Of course I had to try out the new Slingplayer client as well on the device, which gives a great viewing experience over Wi-Fi and decent quality over EDGE.

The 3.2MP camera on the 8900 steps up quality big time over previous Blackberries.  The autofocus definitely assists in the resolution, and in both indoor and outdoor conditions, it is arguably a point and shoot replacement.  Here are a few photos taken with the 8900’s camera on the highest resolution setting:

Outdoor landscape photo

Outdoor closeup photo

Indoor photo with flash

Indoor photo without flash

Overall
Original Blackberry Curve owners that are looking for an upgrade to their current hardware should seriously consider the 8900 as a worthy upgrade, if you can handle an EDGE only device on the T-Mobile network.