TCPJ Unlocked Show #031

The next frontier of mobile phones: Data.  We discuss 4 major data topics ranging from how voice has become a commodity, to how net neutrality is affecting how the carriers upgrade their networks.

Visit TCPJ Unlocked and click on “Subscribe to Premium Content” to sign up for the show.

The Cell Phone Junkie Show #174

The Cell Phone Junkie Show #174 1:04:45
Show Notes
Push Gmail is finally out, cheap Palm Pre’s and the iPhone welcomes MMS.

News
China Mobile hits 500,000 subscribers
USB-IF says Apple can block Palm from iTunes sync
Accounting changes could benefit Apple and Palm
RIM revenue up, but outlook disappoints
AT&T wants FCC to probe Google Voice
Details of the AT&T Microcell
Microcell in Charlotte for $150
New AT&T bundled plans
MMS update out for iPhone
MMS outage already?
Verizon to deploy LTE as close to all at once if possible
T-Mobile names more US 3G markets
And 2 more cities
T-Mobile looks for FCC to auction more 700mhz spectrum

Thanks to our sponsor, Netflix

Devices
Palm Pre coming to UK, Ireland and Germany
Pre now $100 on Amazon
Pre down to $80 at Walmart
Omnia II on Samsung support site
Over 30 WM6.5 devices by year end
Blackberry 9700 Review
HTC Hero coming to Cellular South
Samsung Instinct Q
Motorola throwing in apps with CLIQ
Verizon Chocolate Touch
New Samsung Chips
Motorola Entice
Images of Microsoft Turtle and Pure – Pink Phones
Vodafone UK announces new Samsung phones
Samsung adds PRO and TXT
Verizon LiMo devices
Sprint and Samsung introduce the Instinct HD
Google Mobile app updated
Vertu announces Constallation Ayxta Flip

TCPJ Unlocked

Software
Push Gmail finally comes
How to set up Push
Verizon pulls Tour firmware update
Intel will offer apps
Google Enhances Windows Mobile App
AT&T BB Bold software back
Sygic Maps now $40

Questions/Comments
Comment from Joseph
Comment from Charles
Question from Paul
Voicemail from Shawn
Voicemail from Tynan
Question from Danny

How to Contact us:
www.thecellphonejunkie.com
questions@thecellphonejunkie.com
206-203-3734
Facebook
Mickey Twitter
Joey Twitter
iTunes comments

How to Listen:
Subscribe
iTunes
Download the show directly
510-495-6352

The Cell Phone Junkie Show #173

The Cell Phone Junkie Show #173 1:13:50
Show Notes
AT&T will finally see femtocells, problems with the Blackberry Tour and more drama over Google Voice for the iPhone.

News
Casio, Hitachi and NEC agree to merge
Clearwire says it isn’t tied to WiMAX
Clearwire working towards WiMAX global roaming
India’s 3G spectrum auction
Nokia Siemens makes its first LTE call
Voice over LTE spec complete
Palm announces first quarter results
Palm shipments down 30%
FCC to propose new net neutrality rules
AT&T buying LTE spectrum
AT&T soft launching femtocells
Femtocell pricing
Vodafone may sell Verizon stake
Alltel adds unlimited messaging to some My Circle plans
iPCS affiliates take Sprint to court over Virgin acquisition
Sprint not on the table for a purchase
T-Mobile promises national HSPA+ deployment by mid-2010
Rogers launches 21MBPS HSPA in 5 cities
Clearwire announces WiMAX network in Bay area
Telstra told to split
Cricket Unceils New PAYGo plans and new retail footprint
Leap launches new plans

Thanks to our sponsor, Netflix

Devices
Reports of iPhone MMS now working
Full Palm Pixi specs
Palm confirms no more WinMo phones
Palm Pre Autumn launch in Germany
Palm Pre gets Netflix Queue manager
LG GM750 is first Windows Mobile 6.5 phone
Samsung announces Omnia Pro B7330
AT&T to launch Tilt 2 (TP2) on 10/18
HTC Whitestone is now Imagio
Upcoming AT&T Windows Mobile handsets
T-Mobile Blackberry Curve promotion
Blackberry Tour facing 50% return rate
Verizon says trackball issue is addressed
Blackberry 9700 and CLIQ dates revealed
Nokia N900 coming Sept. 27th
Nokia XpressMusic 5130
Nokia N86 available in the US
LG intros first Android Handset
Archos introduces Android powered internet tablet
Motorola DEXT officially announced by Orange UK
MetroPCS plans dual mode device in 2010

TCPJ Unlocked

Software
Nokia 5800 software update
HTC Hero Firmware Update
Google announces Fast Flip to Android and iPhone
Skype to work over 3G in Canada
Android 1.6 “Donut” SDK
iPhone OS 3.1 Jailbreak
Top 3 US carriers ready for Windows Mobile 6.5
Opera announces Mini 5 beta
2TwitMe for Palm
Killswitch and app deleting in WM Marketplace
Microsoft clarifies kill switch
Comcast pushing out TV service to mobile devices
Navigon wants an extra $25 for real-time traffic
Blackberry support coming to the Redfly
NPR News app updated
Google says Apple rejected their Google Voice App
GV rejection came from Phil Shiller
Blackberry BIS 2.8 coming on 9/26
Blackberry Desktop Manager for Mac on 9/25
Palm app catalog getting paid apps on 9/24
Blackberry Tour OS 4.7.1.53
Whatsapp for iPhone

Questions/Comments
Question from Wendy
Voicemail from Rich
Question from Hasan
Question from Krystian
Question from Greg
Comment from Wendy

How to Contact us:
www.thecellphonejunkie.com
questions@thecellphonejunkie.com
206-203-3734
Facebook
Mickey Twitter
Joey Twitter
iTunes comments

How to Listen:
Subscribe
iTunes
Download the show directly
510-495-6352

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, too bad I’m a guy

Back in early June, I posted this post about my experience with sending in my HTC Diamond in for repair. Then 2 weeks later, I posted this after finding out that my Diamond had been misdirected by Fed Ex.  Now, over 3 months later, I have a replacement Diamond from HTC and I can move on with my life. Unfortunately, the road to get to this point has not been easy, and I wanted to share the details of what a horrific experience this has been. For the sake of privacy, all names have been changed, and no personal details will be shared.

April 2009

As I mentioned in my June 3rd post, Starting in the fall of 2008, I began having issues with my HTC Touch Diamond not staying connected to Wi-Fi. Multiple ROM updates, hard resets, and self-diagnosis of the issue yielded no resolution. At the CTIA conference in Las Vegas on April 1st, 2009 I spoke with an HTC representative (we’ll call him Joe) about my issue. He stated that if I sent him an email, he would forward my information on and help me get resolution.

On April 10th, I sent him this email:

Joe,
It was great meeting you at last week’s CTIA, and thanks for taking the time to speak to me on the side about things. Just a reminder, I am still having issues with my Euro-Asian version of the HTC Diamond, and the Wi-Fi not connecting. I have done multiple hard resets, and 2 software updates with HTC’s provided ROM’s and still no dice. Could you put me in touch with someone that may be able to assist with this?
Regards,
Mickey

After receiving no response, I emailed him again on April 16th:

Hi Joe,

Any idea who I may contact? Could this be run through the warranty department?

Thanks!
Mickey

This time, he did reply, just a few hours later:

Mickey, I’ve forwarded your description to our support team. I hope you and I hear back from them on this shortly. I’ve moved it up the priority chain.

Joe

The next day, I received the following email from someone at HTC (who we’ll call Mark) who references another HTC employee (who we’ll call Mary).:

Hi Mickey,

Do you have a number I can call you? Sounds like we will need to have you send it in for repair, can I get your IMEI and part number (P/N) on the back of the device?

Mary,

We might need to send this device to you for repair.

Thanks
Mark

Mary the responds:

Mark,

Once you get the customer information if you could let me know?

Thank you
Mary

I chime in:

Mark and Mary,

I am out of the office today, but will get you the imei and s/n of the
device in the next day. Thanks for your assistance!

Then, the next day, April 18th, I sent them this email, with a picture of the back side of the device:

To ensure there are no errors in the transposing of the numbers, attached is a photo of the info on my diamond. I think I mentioned this to Joe, but this is the Diamond that was provided following an event in May of last year, but I don’t know if that matters.

My contact information is below, and thanks to everyone for your help! I love this device, but with the lack of 3G support in the US and now no Wi-Fi, it makes it difficult to use for data.

Regards,
Mickey

A week later, April 23rd, I had yet to hear anything, so I sent a follup email:

Mark/Mary,

Any word on this, or when I might hear from someone?

Thanks.

Mary then called, and after some phone tag, we set up a time to chat. Ultimately, Mary sent this email as a followup to this discussion:

Mickey,

Thank you for returning my call.

If you would please send in your device to the address listed and provide the address so that I can return the device once repaired back to you.

And include the issue you are experiencing with your device so that are technician can duplicate the issues and correct the issue.

HTC
Attention: Mary
Street Address
Houston, TX

Mary

May 2009

On May 4th, I packed up the Diamond and sent it to Mary, and followed it up with this email on May 6th:

Mary,

This was shipped to your attention on Monday.

Thanks for your assistance.

Mary kindly reponds:

Thank you for providing the information

1 week passes and due to an error on my part, the phone is returned to me. On May 12th, I try to send the device again. On May 23rd, I haven’t heard anything from HTC, so I send this email to Mary:

Did it arrive? Anything you can tell me about service on the device
at this point?

3 days later, on May 26th, Mary responds:

Hi Mickey,

It has arrived and currently having the phone repaired will inform you update once available.

Thank you

4 days later, on May 30th after no response and no phone, I send this email:

Mary,

I didn’t hear from you this week on this, so i am assuming it is still being repaired. Not to be a nag about it, but do you think I can expect to have it back in the next 3 weeks? I have an international trip coming up, and I am really hoping to have the phone back by then.

Thanks again!

June 2009

At this point, I am starting to get nervous. It has now been a couple weeks since I had originally sent the phone, and the communication was not as good as I would like. However, to my delight, on June 1st, this email came in from Mary:

Hi Mickey,

Your unit was repaired and shipped on 5/29 here is the tracking #410169370491

Thank you

Great I thought, the phone should be here in a few days, and I can move on with my life. This is where things started to go from inconvenient to painful. The tracking number was one from FedEx, which allowed me to follow the package’s every move. I noticed that strangely, the package had gone overseas. Here was the information from the FedEx site:

Jun 3, 2009 11:30 AM
Int’l shipment release
BAKU AZ

Jun 3, 2009 11:00 AM
In transit
BAKU AZ
Package available for clearance

Jun 2, 2009 10:54 AM
At dest sort facility
POYLE GB

May 31, 2009 8:44 PM
Arrived at FedEx location
NEWARK, NJ

May 31, 2009 4:59 PM
Departed FedEx location
MEMPHIS, TN

May 30, 2009 4:16 PM
In transit
MEMPHIS, TN

May 30, 2009 9:39 AM
Arrived at FedEx location
MEMPHIS, TN

May 29, 2009 9:10 PM
Left FedEx origin facility
HOUSTON, TX

May 29, 2009 6:53 PM
Picked up
HOUSTON, TX

Looking at the locations, I was very confused as to where Baku, AZ was. AZ is the abbreviation for Arizona, but is apparently also the one for Azerbaijan, a country north of Iran! A little panicked, I emailed Mary on June 10th:

Mary,

I noticed that the phone is now in Baku, AZ which appears to be the
country of Azerbijan, just north of Iran. It shows an arrival date of
the 18th of June to me, but it seems odd that it would take 3 weeks to
get to me, and go through there.

Any thoughts???

Mary responded the next day:

Mickey,

I do not know why Fed Ex would have your package transit this long if you do not get it on the due date please let me know.

Great, I am going to need to wait another 3 weeks before I get my repaired phone because of a FedEx mistake. As I thought about the timing, I had a trip coming up, and really wanted to have the phone with me. Hoping that it would help speed things up, I emailed Mary with a daytime address to hopefully mitigate the issue of a signature required conflict if it was shipped to my house:

Here is the shipping address that I will need the package changed to for a signature required.

Thanks Mary!

Mickey Papillon
Street Address
Scottsdale, AZ

Mary wrote me right back:

Mickey

I did contact fed ex and inform them of the change of address since signature is required for delivery, and Fed ex is inquiry if the new address is a business or residents address? And Fed Ex is not sure as to why package went international.

Fed ex will be calling me in the next few days to confirm business/residents address and estimate of delivery.

5 days later, June 16th, I hadn’t heard anything so I reached out to Mary:

Hi again Mary.

I checked again on the FedEx tracking page, and it still hasn’t been updated since last June 3rd. With the delivery date slated for this Thursday, I don’t thin it is going to make it. Have your heard anything back from Fed Ex about rerouting?

Like I mentioned on May 30th, i am leaving for an international trip next Thursday, and was really hoping to have this phone back by then so I could use it for Wi-Fi, GPS and whatnot with an international SIM. Any thoughts on what we can do?

Mary responds:
Hi Mickey,

Was informed by fed ex that since me changing the address would delay the package

And even fed ex isn’t sure why your package went international?

Again, I asked the question:

Is there anything we can do in the meantime? Is there any way I can get a loaner device to use for the next few weeks until it arrives?

Mary says:
Mickey,

I spoke with Fed Ex once again and your device is on its way to you. When I made the adjustment from your residence to business address it had caused a delay. But you will be receiving device soon. A loaner phone is not applicable since our policy requires repairs only not a loaner phone.

At this point, I did realize that the situation was a FedEx problem, but I really hoped that HTC was going to help me out. Wanting to get some help, I reached out to my original contact Joe on June 19th:

Joe,
I don’t know if you read this string yet, but this response is a bit frustrating. I understand that Mary is just trying to get me resolution, but if you go check out the fedex page (http://www.fedex.com/Tracking?action=track&tracknumbers=410169370491) you’ll see that it is still stuck in Azerbaijan, and there is no update on when it will be released. In fact, the estimated shipping date is now completely removed.

I realize that this isn’t HTC’s fault, and I understand why things have happened the way they are, but I wanted to reach out to you for some help. When i started this process over 2 months ago, i didn’t think it would take this long to get resolution, and wouldn’t have sent in the device at the time. I am headed on an international trip next week, and was hoping to rely on the Diamond to take care of my communication needs. At this point, it doesn’t look like it will make it back to me by next Wednesday (if ever) and so i am wondering if you have any way to send out a loaner device for me to use until mine returns.

As Mary says, this is not part of the process, but this is not a typical request. This Diamond that I sent back was from a conference last year, and provided as a review device. That is how i am hoping you’ll look at a potential loaner device as well. As simply a loaner phone…

If not, I understand, but would hope that based on the circumstances, we may be able to work together.

Thanks for your time, and I hope to hear from you soon.

Mickey

In June 21st, Joe responds:

Mickey, I realize that you would like a Diamond back now, however there is little I can do to make up for the shipping accident. I am already in London preparing for our next launch, and the repair center does not keep a stock of loaner phones. I am sorry that you will have to head overseas with whatever phone you are currently using should the diamond not get back to you in time.

Please understand that typically our review process last 2 weeks. We allowed attendees of the Diamond launch to keep their phones and do with them what they wish, however we considered the review period over quite some time ago. Of course that doesn’t mean we won’t honor the warranty of the phone, we have done everything possible to keep your device running.

I will check back this week to see if your phone made it to you in time.

Realizing his rational explanation, I concede, and respond:

Great point Joe, thanks.

Have a great launch in London this week. I am actually going to be in London, but not until the 26th.

Best regards,

July 2009

At this point, I left for my 9 day international trip. I returned on July 6th with still no phone, and sent Mary another email:

HI Mary,

Have you heard anything about the Diamond? I still have not received it.

Regards,

Mary responds,

Hi Mickey,

I had mentioned to you previously due to changing address and package was shipped international –the package would be delayed.

After going to Fed Ex website your package had cleared the international therefore with the tracking number you will be able to monitor package as it is being returned to the US and will be going to your address that you had provided.

Tracking# Tracking no.: 410169370491

Thank you!

What??? Why would it be delayed another 3 weeks for a simple address change? This didn’t sound right, so I decided to call FedEx myself. After this conversation, I had confirmation from FedEx that they had most likely lost the package, and would need to start a claim. I relayed this to Mary on July 7th:

I just contacted FedEx, and spoke to 2 different people about the shipment. They both confiirmed that due to the length of time since it was shipped, the package is most likely lost, and will need HTC to file a claim with FedEx for the lost package. I would of course be happy to do this, but unfortunately they do require that the shipper do so. It can be done by calling 1800-Go FedEx and asking for a representative.

Can you please contact them, and let me know how it goes? I am really sorry that this who process has been such a mess. You’d think that sending a phone off for a simple repair wouldn’t be such a big deal! Thanks as always for your help.

Regards,

Mary responds:

I will have our customer care file a claim and will inform you once approval has been made

2 weeks later, July 22nd, no word from HTC so I reach out:

Hi Mary,

Just following up on this, any word on the claim?

Thanks!

Mary responds:

Hi Mickey,

Claim has been filed with Fed ex just waiting on Fed Ex end to provide if claim has been approved.

I called FedEx, and got a very different answer, I emailed Mary:

I just talked with Fed Ex, and they stated they are waiting to hear back from a “Jane Doe” that supposedly works for HTC on the contents contained in the shipment before they move forward. If you could pass this on to her, it would be appreciated.

Thanks much.

August 2009

No response from Mary. So, I tried to get in touch with “Jane” to see if I could get some resolution myself. Many attempts to email her all came back undeliverable as I was unable to figure out an email address for her. I called FedEx again, and they told me they were waiting still to hear from Jane to confirm what had been sent. Thankfully, FedEx talked with me, and I was able to provide them with the information they needed on the phone to begin the refund process. On August 5th, I again reached out to Mary:

Hi Mary,

I just got off the phone with FedEx, and they stated that they have approved the claim for the entire amount ($500) and will be refunding the shipping charges to the account. The check was cut on Friday, so whomever in HTC that handles these things should be getting it very soon.

So what are the next steps between us?

2 days later, August 7th still no response from Mary, so I reached out this time to Mark:

Mark,

I haven’t heard back from Mary on the last few emails that I’ve sent. Can you assist? The email string is pretty long, but gives you a good history of what has happened. Also, is there a way you can get me in touch with Jane Doe, as she is the one that i believe is handling this directly now.

Thanks!

No response from Mark, but Mary finally emails me back on August 11th:

Mickey,

Been out of office and will follow up and will advice once our accounting department received check from Fed Ex

Thank you

One week later, no follow-up from Mary. I again reach out, August 18th:

Hi Mary,

Any word from your accounting department? I just got off the phone with Fed Ex, and they said a check was indeed cut for $479 plus shipping on 8/11.

Just hoping to get this resolved, i certainly appreciate your help!!!

Mary responds:

I am currently following up with accounting and our logistic department to have a unit out to you by end of week. And will include next day delivery once confirmed

9 days later, no word from Mary and no phone. My email on August 27th:

Maybe I misunderstood your email about having something by the end of last week, but i still haven’t received it. Do you have any update? What address are you going to send it to?

Mary responds:

I apologize I did have it set for last week although I had to take off Friday and Monday for emergency matter. I am working on it today and really am trying to have it out to you my tomorrow please provide me the address you like to have it shipped to –will include next day delivery

I send Mary my address, and she replies:

Ok I will inform you before I ship device to confirm next day or 2nd day delivery

September 2009

5 days later, nothing from Mary, so another email on September 1st:

Mary,

I am traveling this Friday, and wonder if the phone will make it to me for the trip. Do you think it will get shipped today for delivery tomorrow or Thursday?

Mary says:

I will have an update for you tomorrow in regards of your device

Mary responds the next day as well:

Mickey your replacement is being shipped today and I have included over night delivery – I don’t have tracking # available at the moment but will provide that to you once available

Finally, on September 8th, I came into my office after being gone for a few days, and what is on my desk but a box from HTC! I quickly open the box, finally excited that I will have my phone back, only to have to send this email to Mary:

Hi Mary,

I just got back into the office this morning and the phone was here waiting for me. Thank you!

There is one problem though, when I sent you my original Diamond, it had the stylus, battery and back with it, and the one that was sent to me had none of these with it. Can you arrange to have these three items sent to me?

Thanks much!

Unbelievable, after all this, the phone doesn’t have everything with it that I need to use it! Mary does respond right away:

Hi Mickey,

I am out of office today but will ship out the needed accessories when i return to the office with next day delivery

But, after 3 more days, still nothing from them, so I email Mary on September 11th:

Hi Mary,

Just checking to see if you’ve had a chance to send out the
battery/cover/stylus, and when I should expect them.

Thanks

Mary responds:

Hi Mickey,

I just got all your accessories late in the evening yesterday -therefore I am shipping it out today with 2nd day delivery so you should get it on Monday.

Monday September 14th came, but no package.

Thankfully, the accessories did arrive on Tuesday September 15th, 2009, and the Diamond is back in service.

After a total of 68 emails back and forth and 167 days (5.5 months) I have a fully functional replacement device. I know that this issue had little to do with HTC as it was a FedEx blunder, but the way it was handled seems quite poor. I was the one that was required to do all the followup. I was the one that was required to contact FedEx numerous times to find out what was going on. I was the one that needed to make all attempts to get this resolved. And for what; a phone that was given as a review device, of which I am supposed to use and talk about. Well guess what, in phone years, not having HTC’s device for nearly half a year is about 25% of its expected life.  Add to the matter that a new version of the Diamond has since come out, and my original model is now obsolete. This situation should have been resolved timely by the company if they care about the people that they rely on to talk about their products. I  sincerely hope this was an isolated incident, and hope HTC understands this is unacceptable customer care, and needs to be taken seriously.

Disclosure: Mickey Papillon is the creator and host of the industry leading podcast about cell phones, The Cell Phone Junkie. The HTC Diamond was provided by HTC as a review device.

TCPJ Unlocked Show #030

Steve Litchfield from The Phones Show joins us to talk about the new announcements in the world of Symbian and what’s going on with Nokia.

Visit TCPJ Unlocked and click on “Subscribe to Premium Content” to sign up for the show.

Apple Store iPhone 3G apps

Ever wonder what applications the iPhones at the Apple Store has?  Here are screen shots of the 6 screens of applications that are found on these devices.

The Cell Phone Junkie Show #172

The Cell Phone Junkie Show #172 1:10:50
Show Notes
MMS finally coming to AT&T iPhones, Sprint redefines Mobile to Mobile and Google Voice gives a reason to drop your SMS plan.

DartRage for iPhone Review
Blackberry Tour Review

News
Bluetooth headset useage drops
NTT DoCoMo looks to enter US market
CellControl curbs phone cravings on the road
HD Voice calls
MMS coming to iPhone on AT&T September 25th
AT&T video on 3G rollout and network issues
AT&T adding HSPA 7.2 to 6 US cities
AT&T adds A-list calling feature
AT&T investing $18B in networks this year
AT&T drops paging function from Voicemail
AT&T fires up 850 3G in Oklahoma City
Sprint Any Mobile Anytime announcement
Charlie Rose interview with Dan Hesse
Deutsche Telekom considering Sprint Bid
T-Mobile brings 3G to Indy
T-Mobile withdraws paper billing fee
T-Mobile 3G will hit 21mbps in 2010
Cricket looking to up data plan to 10GB
T-Mobile and Orange merger in UK
MetroPCS expands in Michigan

Thanks to our sponsor, Netflix

Devices
Palm announces Pixi
More details about the Pixi
Pre price drop to $150
LG says 3 new WinMo phones with 6.5
Verizon announces TP2
Comparison of each provider’s TP2
T-Mobile BB Onyx press release image leaks out
Nokia N900 available for Pre-order
Nokia announces first LTE modem
Nokia clarifies Maemo customization
Nokia Twist
Nokia Mural gets pulled by AT&T
Nokia Erdos
Sprint announces HTC Hero
HTC Tattoo
Motorola Cliq
Free on contract
Cliq launching on T-Mobile in October
Save $100 on T-Mobile My Touch 3G
Verizon selling Samsung Rogue
Rogue first Verizon feature phone requiring data plan
No more unlimited feature phone plans on Verizon
Samsung and T-Mobile announce new 3G slider
Alltel Freedom
Samsung Instinct HD outed in Sprint newsletter

TCPJ Unlocked

Software
Apple announces iPhone OS 3.1 and iTunes app management
3.1 features
3.1 breaks iPhone 3G exchange syncing for some
Nokia to reserve Maemo for high end phones
Android 1.6 to bring changes to Android Market
AT&T pulls Blackberry Bold software update
WM devices eligible for upgrade
New features coming for iPhone users?
Official Facebook app available on Android
Pandora comes to Android
Google Voice and Vonage updates
Navigon updates MobileNavigator
Nokia Labs updates IM Beta to 2.0
Motorola announces MOTOBLUR
iPhone OS 3.1 anti-phishing

Questions/Comments
Comment from Roger
Comment from David
Question from Greg

How to Contact us:
www.thecellphonejunkie.com
questions@thecellphonejunkie.com
206-203-3734
Facebook
Mickey Twitter
Joey Twitter
iTunes comments

How to Listen:
Subscribe
iTunes
Download the show directly
510-495-6352

Blackberry Tour Review

Blackberry Tour Review

In mid-July, RIM released the much anticipated and much needed Blackberry Tour 9630 smartphone on both Sprint and Verizon. Prior to the Tour, the Curve was the most up to date front facing qwerty Blackberry you could find with the CDMA technology, so it was time for an upgrade. Coming with the new styling for CDMA carriers, it also has the sleeker and easier to use Blackberry 4.7 OS. With the limited success of the Storm on the Verizon network, it was clear that the majority of Blackberry users love their keyboards, and RIM wanted to take it up a notch. As a device, the Tour takes some of the best hardware features of its GSM cousins the Bold and the 8900 and gives CDMA users a reason to stick with their carrier. However, with many new and positive features it still lacks some essential ones like Wi-Fi. The Blackberry Tour used in this review was provided by Sprint. It is available for $199.99 with 2-year contract.

In the Box

• Blackberry Tour 9630
• 1 Standard 1400 mAh Lithium Ion Battery
• 1GB MicroSD card
• Sprint SIM card
• MicroUSB AC Charger
• 3.5mm Stereo Headset with microphone
• MicroUSB Sync/Charge Cable
• Carrying Case
• Various guides and CD’s

Specs

• Technology: CDMA/EVDO Rev. A with GSM/EDGE/HSPA world roaming capabilities
• Frequencies: 850/900/1800/1900/2100
• Weight: 4.58 oz
• Size: 4.4″ x 2.4″ x 0.6″
• Cubic Volume: 6.33”
• Screen: 480 x 360 (HVGA+)
• Camera: 3.2MP
• Headphone Jack: 3.5mm

Phone/Data
Right up front with with this phone, I realized that something wasn’t quite right. I powered it up and immediately saw that it was on the 1X network vs what I am used to on CDMA devices, 1XEV.

This means that the device was only able to take advantage of the older 1XRTT network for data, and would not be able to get phone calls if it was in a data session. Thinking that it may have been an issue with the device, my first course of action is to always pull the battery and reset the phone. This seemed to clear up the issue initially, but within a few minutes I found the phone had fallen back into 1X.

Of course my location could certainly be a factor, so I pulled out my Sprint EVDO USB card to see what my service looked like. No problems whatsoever for the card.

In fact, after a week of using the device, radio service seems to be a big issue on this device. After doing some searching online, I found many people having similar issues to mine regarding RF. The phone just can’t seem to hold a decent signal and is constantly bouncing between 1X, 1XEV and No service depending on your location. This caused both missed and dropped calls for me, and really forced me to think about whether or not to take a call on this phone. For the areas I live and work, Sprint service has never been an issue. I have tested out many devices from Sprint, and had good results. I also carry a Sprint EVDO card with me all the time, and regularly get great results with coverage and speed. In fact, I like Sprint’s 3G network so much, that I moved away from Verizon for my data uses all together on the laptop and am now Sprint only.

One of the nice things is the Global Network capabilities of the Tour. With both GSM/EDGE in a quad-band configuration, and single-band 2100mhz HSPA 3G, the phone can literally be used almost anywhere in the world. This feature makes the phone much more attractive to those that want to have CDMA service here in the US, but want to take their phone with them when they travel. The phone does come with a Sprint SIM card, but the phone can be unlocked to use with other SIM cards, and the phone will not recognize any other SIM cards until you do so.

Unfortunately, you’re out of luck if you want to use your unlocked Tour on GSM 3G in the United States; neither T-Mobile nor AT&T employ the 2100Mhz frequency for U.S. 3G. So your Tour will be stuck on 2.5G EDGE if you decide to unlock and go the GSM-route–at least in the States.

Hardware
The Tour hardware looks like a blend of the Curve 8900’s styling with the keyboard of the 8830. For comparison purposes, I took 4 different Blackberries together so you can see the differences. From left to right, the AT&T Pearl, Verizon Curve, T-Mobile 8900 and Tour. This is also the order from top to bottom in photos with this configuration.

Keyboard comparison

Left side. The Tour has an external speaker and left convenience key.

Top side. Tour has a lock button and mute button.

Right side. Tour has the 3.5mm headphone jack, volume rocker buttons, right convenience key and microUSB charging and syncing port

Bottom side. Just the microphone port

Back side. Tour has a 3.2MP camera with LED flash. There is also a release switch to remove the plastic cover for access to the battery, SIM card and microSD card.

Pearl vs. Tour

Curve vs. Tour

8900 vs. Tour

Sprint vs. Verizon Tour (courtesy of PhoneScoop.com) On the front is the beautiful 480 by 360 display, plus keyboard, Trackball and standard send, end, Blackberry, and back keys. The keyboard of the Tour is one of the best I have used on a Blackberry. I find the keys very comfortable, although close together. The tactile feedback is great, and I really find myself liking it the more I type on it.

Software/Features
The Tour comes with the latest 4.7 version of the Blackberry OS.

The new version 4.7.1.40 has decent speed, but i did feel it to be a but sluggish in comparison to the Curve 8330 or 8900 . The new styling of icons makes more sense than 4.5 and earlier software.

Along with the standard PIM applications you expect on every smartphone, the Tour 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.

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.

Sports and Entertainment icons are grouped in a separate folder, giving you access to some of the hottest content around with Nascar Sprint Cup Mobile, NFL Mobile Live, MLB.com Mobile Premium, Sprint TV, Sprint’s Music Store, Pandora and Pocket Express.

Social Networking is now integrated into the standard applications, with quick access to Facebook, Myspace and Flickr.

Games are always a fun way to pass the time with your device. The Tour comes with BrickBreaker, Word Mole, Texas Hod’Em, Sudoku, and Klondike.

The Media Player is typical of all Blackberries, with Music, Video, Ringtones, Pictures and Voice Notes. Music sounded great, and the videos played smoothly on the screen.

Maps is a great built-in program to take advantage of the GPS capabilities of the phone. Sprint Navigation is also a very good program that does a good job of getting you where you want to go using the data connection of the phone to pull down maps online.

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, Twitterberry and CaptureIT. Of course I wanted try out the Slingplayer client as well on the device, but unfortunately, the Tour does not have Wi-Fi, and the application will not download from the Slingmedia site. This was a bit of a bummer for me, as I love my Slingboxes, and like to be able to watch them wherever I go.

The 3.2MP camera on the Tour has great quality, and takes similar photos to those of the 8900. The auto focus definitely assists in the resolution, and in both indoor and outdoor conditions, it is arguably a point and shoot replacement. Here is a comparison of a few different phones and cameras taking an indoor photo with florescent lighting.

Sony Cybershot DSCP31

Apple iPhone 3GS

Blackberry Curve 8330 with flash

Blackberry Tour 9630 no flash

Blackberry Tour 9630 with flash

Overall
The Blackberry Tour 9630 from Sprint is a great piece of hardware. It has more memory, a faster processor, and a cleaner UI than it’s predecessor, the Curve. However, the lack of solid signal strength caused me some concern with the phone, and hopefully it is something that Sprint and RIM will be able to solve with a software update in the future.

DartRage Review

DartRage Review

Description
DartRage is a darts simulation game from Raging Skull Productions. I’m not what I consider to be a great darts player, but I do enjoy a good game of Cricket when hanging out with friends. DartRage brings the fun of darts to your iPhone or iPod Touch for only $2.99, and is compatible with all versions of the OS including 3.1. Download DartRage from the iTunes store HERE

Games

• 301

• 501

• Cricket

• DartRage Poker

Features

• Up to 4 players each game. There is the option to play with a combination of both human and computer players to suit preference.
• Each computer players has Easy, Medium, and Hard difficulty settings
• Sound can be turn on/off in the menu for privacy, or with the mute switch
• 7 dart designs
• Swipe or motion throw selectable per player The motion throw uses the accelerometer of the iPhone to throw the dart. Fun in concept, difficult to master.
• Smooth animation, sound and graphics
• The ability to resume your last game after interruption (phone call, home button, power switch, etc).

Experience
I have been reviewing phones and software now for a few years, but this was my first game review. DartRage does a good job of entertaining the player, and with multiple levels of difficulty, allows you to continuously be challenged. For $2.99, this application is definitely worth the money, especially if you are a darts fan.

The Cell Phone Junkie Show #171

The Cell Phone Junkie Show #171 46:35
Show Notes
Smartphones guide your way, rumors of dropped iPhone exclusivity and a confirmed Windows Mobile 6.5 launch date.

TCPJ Unlocked Show #029

News
Man uses iPhone to help catch robbers
Clear’s WiMax service goes live in 10 cities
Highway safety group calls for texting ban
Wireless group wants repeal of cell phone tax law
Smartphones rise above PND’s for GPS by 2014
Canadians can now leave contracts due to material changes
US regulators looking to free more spectrum
AT&T adds 850 coverage in NYC
AT&T adds 850 coverage in CT
AT&T to offer free Wi-Fi to Windows Mobile phones
Wi-Fi specs
Verizon enhanced media phones to require data plans
T-Mobile changing overage, cancel ETF free
Cincinnati Bell bundled data package

Thanks to our sponsor, Netflix

Devices
iPhone coming to other US carriers in 2010?
Sprint launching TP2 on 9/8
HTC OK’s HP iPAQ for AT&T
Obsidian specs
HTC snap comes to Alltel
HTC Touch2 launching 10/6, first with WM6.5
Touch2 specs
Sony Ericsson XPERIA X2 announced
Verizon Blackberry Storm pricing cut to $50
Blackberry Essex
X Series music phones
X6 has capacitive display
N97 Mini debut
Nokia Booklet 3G specs
Nokia and AT&T to introduce Mural Flip
HTC desire coming to Verizon?
Samsung smartphone for kids
Boost deputs Motorola i856
Samsung Kalmia – First LTE Modem

TCPJ Unlocked

Software
Windows Mobile 6.5 coming on 10/6
Samsung Application Store
Nokia pushes comes with music US back to 2010
Facebook 1.7 coming to Blackberry
Apple approves Vonage Mobile VoIP app
Nokia gives messaging app more social media power
Sony launches Panel SDK for devs

Questions/Comments
Comment from Greg

How to Contact us:
www.thecellphonejunkie.com
questions@thecellphonejunkie.com
206-203-3734
Facebook
Mickey Twitter
Joey Twitter
iTunes comments

How to Listen:
Subscribe
iTunes
Download the show directly
510-495-6352