Thoughts on the Nexus One and the T-Mobile 3G situation

3G…it should be one of those services that works where you need it, and you don’t have to think about it. With my use of the 4 major carrier’s 3G networks over the past few years, I have come to expect certain things from each. Verizon and Sprint seem to have the most robust coverage, while AT&T can easily peg the meter with the fastest speeds. T-Mobile has largely been an afterthought as their 3G network began its rollout in the fall of 2008. Because of this, I haven’t had many opportunities to test out the service, and thus, have kept pretty quiet about it.

Then along comes the Nexus One. Finally, a powerhouse of an Android phone, with AWS (1700 MHz) support for 3G…this must be the phone that T-Mobile has been waiting for! On paper, the Nexus one has a form factor that rivals anything out there, and has specs that make it a leader in what we’ve come to expect out of our smartphones. With a 1GHz Snapdragon processor, 512MB of ROM and RAM, Quad-band EDGE with 1700MHz and 2100MHz HSPA+, 3.7 inch AMOLED Capacitive Touch Screen and a 5MP camera…with a flash! Not to mention all of today’s standards such as a 3.5mm headphone jack, industry standard micro-USB jack, microSD card support, WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS. Really, this phone should be everything the Cell Phone Junkie could ever ask for in early 2010.

Sure there are some small things that may annoy the biggest of power users. The battery life on the device starts out quite poor, leading the user to think that it will only last a few hours on a charge. But then you realize it takes a few days to get up to full capacity, and I ultimately found it to be on par with the iPhone – meaning 14-16 hours before it needs charging. The on screen keyboard isn’t quite as good as the iPhone, but the unique voice transcription may allow you to use different methods to enter your text. Throw in a service like Swype, and the traditional methods of text entry almost feel clunky when using such a stylish device. And though the 3rd party application store isn’t 150,000 strong, I did find 75% of the apps that I use regularly on the iPhone in the Android marketplace, and even a few jems that the iPhone doesn’t have, like the ability to scan a bar code to install an app.

There is however a very large issue that needs immediate attention from HTC, Google and T-Mobile – Radio Issues

Now, it wouldn’t be so bad if the device simply switched back and forth between T-Mobile’s 3G and EDGE networks occasionally, I mean, what can you expect from an 18 month old network? The issue though goes deeper, much deeper. Here are 5 examples of the issues facing the Nexus One and T-Mobile.

3G switching and EDGE
This is what most users are currently talking about, and waiting for a quick fix. An update was rolled out in early February to supposedly address the problem, but most contend that it still remains. The issue is very inconsistent, and quite annoying. Looking at the phone, the 3G signal fades in and out, from full strength to nothing, to EDGE, to 3G, to GPRS and back around. The “bars” on the phone bring a very uneasy feeling to the phone’s owner, and at the very least, should be toned down to not bounce around quite as much. But, bars don’t mean much, and are truly just a graphical interpretation of the phones’ dBm signal strength. Someone clued me in to checking out the Testing menu, which has the information to see the actual signal level. Watching this screen was interesting. The phone itself is susceptible to all sorts of factors that are part of normal use. The position of my hands was one of the biggest.

Radio location issues
In order to create a great looking phone like the Nexus, a certain amount of creative problem solving is needed due to the amount of metal around the phone. If you look at the back of the device, there is a metal band that wraps around the entire face about ¼ of the way from the bottom. The entire area above this band is filled with the battery and camera, so the only area to place the radios is under this band. On the front face of the phone in the same area is the bottom of the capacitive glass screen, and another metal band that houses the trackball. Because of this design, the radios are forced to transmit through this bottom portion of the back. If the user happens to place a hand on the bottom of the phone while talking (like most people do), the signal is quickly degraded, and problems ensue. This video is a good example of this location issue.

Phone call problems
Due to this radio location issue, data is not the only problem a user may encounter. This is a phone after all, and through testing of the T-Mobile service, I found that when on a call, the phone must be held in such a way to not block the bottom, or the signal starts to cut out, even in areas with strong T-Mobile coverage. I also found that even when starting a call on 3G, the vast majority of calls will switch over to EDGE, or even GPRS during the call, negating one of the benefits of having a phone with 3G, simultaneous voice and data.

Poor Wi-Fi signal strength
Further issues can be found in the Wi-Fi implementation. Since the 2.4GHz antenna is also in the bottom section of the phone, it has pretty poor reception when not in the immediate area of your router. I’m not saying that I need to roam hundreds of feet from my router, but when I’m sitting on my couch, and it can’t get a strong wifi signal from my router in the den 30 feet away, I’m not happy.

What about using a signal booster?
While this may not be an issue across the board, the zBoost amplifier I am using in my office does not support the AWS (1700MHz) band. Thus, while I can happily surf on my iPhone via 3G on the 1900MHz network, the Nexus stays stuck on EDGE until I leave the office and walk outside. Hopefully this is isolated to the zBoost, and other amplifiers can assist with the AWS spectrum.

Final Comments
There are rumors that we may see an update to address the still persistent radio issues in the coming days/weeks ahead. However, a device that comes out, directly from Google, certainly should not have these issues. There have been plenty of Android devices out on T-Mobile that have not seen these problems. The T-Mobile G1 and myTouch 3G are both very solid devices, and have no problem taking advantage of the T-Mobile 3G network. At this point, if a fix does come out, it may be enough to save the device and the sales once it hits Verizon. However, if these issues continue to fester, it may be time to move beyond a design that not only looks good, and have Google launch something that is actually reliable in the real world.

iHound Review

iHound Review

Say you have an iPhone, but don’t want to spend the $100 per year for a Mobile Me subscription because you don’t think you need it. One of the great features that comes with Mobile Me is Find my iPhone, allowing you to track your phone when it has been lost or stolen. The folks at iHound software have come up with an app for that. iHound helps recover a lost or stolen iPhone and/or iPod Touch using the GPS and/or WIFI signal built into your device to determine its location. Using iHound Software’s tracking website, you can track the approximate location of your iPhone and iPod Touch when the iHound application is running. The software used in this review was provided by iHound, and it can be purchased from the iTunes app store for $2.99, which includes the first 3 months of service. Additional subscriptions are available for 2 years at $19.99, 1 year for $10.99, 6 months for $5.99 or 3 months for $3.99.

How it works
Say you’ve lost your iPhone. Head over to iHound Software’s website and sign in.

You’ll then see a screen that has all your registered device information.

You have 2 choices, either Track your device, or send an alert. Note that when you click Track Device, it shows you only the last known location of the iPhone when the app was last launched.

Also note that you can zoom around on the map, and select the time of the tracked location you want to view.

If the app hasn’t been launched since your iPhone went missing, you have the option to send an alert to the phone. The alert can include an alarm and a message if you’d like.

Here are the 6 sound selections. Use either a loud 30-second alarm, or an authoritative voice. Alarms are loud even when one’s ring volume is set low.

Don’t know what to say? Use one of the canned messages to send.

Once you’ve selected what you want to send, click the green “Send notification to Device” button.

The phone now gets a push notification with the text, and a very loud alarm (if you’ve chose this).

Once view is clicked, the phone launches the iHound software, and by default shows this screen.

Once the app is launched, the software pulls the location information, and sends it back to iHound, allowing you to track it’s location. But what if you don’t want the person who launches the app to know what’s happening? iHound has thought of this, and allowed the user to set the screen of the app to a “Spoof Screen”. This covers up the main iHound screen so people don’t know the software is running and sending your location. Here is one of the screens you can choose which looks like the phone has locked up.

You can also choose to have the phone continuously send it’s location at set intervals as long as the app is running. This is nice if the device is on the move. Once you’ve found the location of the device, you can make your way to that spot, and hopefully find your missing device.

Overall
iHound is a unique and relatively cheap application that can provide piece of mind for an iPhone user that is concerned about losing his/her device. While not a perfect real time tracking option for a device that is abandoned, it certainly can assist in situations where someone can interact with the phone.

AT&T Blackberry Bold 9700 Review – via Crackberry

Check out my full review of the AT&T Blackberry Bold 9700, over at Crackberry.  Here’s a little snippet, with a link to the full review.

After testing out numerous different Blackberry devices over the past few years, I always find myself with “one more thing” i wish the device would have included. With the Tour it was Wi-Fi, with the CDMA Curve 2 it was a higher resolution camera, and with the 8900 or Pearl Flip it was 3G. Finally, I can say that RIM has “checked all the boxes” with the introduction of the Blackberry Bold 9700, AKA the Bold 2. Add in the change from the trackball to an optical trackpad, and the Bold 9700 has been the Blackberry I’ve been waiting for. The Bold 9700 used in this review was provided by RIM, and has service with AT&T. It is available for $99 with a 2 year contract after mail in rebate.

Read Full Review >>

Palm Pixi Review

For over a decade, Palm has created mobile devices to help people manage their lives. I started out with my first Palm Pilot (the Palm III XE) in 1999, and used it for 5 years to keep myself organized and information in sync while on the go. But while I remained faithful to my monochromatic XE, Palm kept innovating. In 2002, Handspring (later to be acquired by Palm) came out with the Treo line of devices, which combined the PDA functionality with the phone. This front facing QWERTY keyboard style device proved to be a very successful combination for many years, and Palm led the market in converged devices. After a few revisions, the Palm Operating System began to grow long in the tooth. A foray into Windows Mobile helped as a stop gap for those looking for added features, but it just didn’t feel like Palm. In early 2009, Palm introduced it’s webOS, and set the stage for some new devices that would hopefully take it into the future. The Pre was the first device, which launched to much hype and optimism for Palm. Yet, there were still those that missed the form factor of the Treo and the small size of the centro. In November of 2009, Palm released the Pixi, a sleek and sophisticated looking device that packs tons of features into one of the smallest full QWERTY keyboard devices on the market. With the webOS in hand, the Pixi could be the upgrade path for many diehard Treo users. However, the lack of some features found on other high end smartphones may deter the power user from making the jump. The Palm Pixi used in this review was provided by Sprint. It is available for $99.99 with a 2-year agreement and applicable rebates.

In the Box

• Palm Pixi
• MicroUSB Cable
• Rechargeable 1150mAH Lithium Ion Battery
• AC Phone Charger
• Printed Materials

Specs

• Technology: CDMA/EVDO Rev. A
• Frequencies: 850/1900
• Weight: 3.51 oz
• Size: 4.37″ x 2.17″ x 0.43″
• Cubic Volume: 4.08”
• Screen: 320 x 400 pixels at 2.6″
• Camera: 2.0MP
• Headphone Jack: 3.5mm

Hardware/Sound/Signal Strength/Usage
From a hardware perspective, there is a lot to love about the Pixi. First, the size. The phone itself comes in a slim 4.08 cubic inches, and at just over 3.5 ounces, it feels amazing. There are few smartphones out there today that can inspire the user to it’s small size quite like the Pixi. Palm has taken a very minimalist view to the styling. Looking at the front, you have a full QWERTY keyboard along 4 rows. Above the keyboard is a 2.6″ capacitive touch screen that supports multi-touch throughout the OS.

I found the keyboard to be surprisingly useful. If you’ve used any of the Palm keyboards recently, you’ll find the size of the Pixi to be close to that of the Centro, but styled more like the Treo Pro. The keys do not have the grippy feel like those of the Centro, and click very nicely when pressing. The user will know when each key has been depressed, and speed is gained rather quickly after just a bit of practice. On the left side of the keyboard is a small hole for the microphone port. This placement allowed for clear calls that were easily controlled, eliminating quite a bit of background noise. Overall, the signal quality of the Pixi was on par with that of other Sprint phones. That is to say, fair coverage, but not great. I seem to be finding that with the majority of the phones I use on Sprint, coverage at my home and office are lacking. However, the service that Sprint provides in the majority of the Phoenix metro area is decent, and data speeds are good.

On the right side of the device, you have a magnetic access flap covering the microUSB port. While a great design, unless you have long enough fingernails, this flap is very hard to open. Above that are the volume rocker, and signature ringer on/off switch.

On the top of the device is the 3.5mm headphone jack and the power button.

The left side and bottom of the device are clear of any buttons, holes or ports.

The back has 2 speaker grills, although only one of them seems to be used for emitting sound or the speakerphone. The 2MP camera with flash are centered on near the top of the phone. Finally, a metallic Palm logo is in the middle, and a lanyard loop port near the lower right corner. The additional back cover for the Touchstone charger is shown in this photo. More on that in just a bit.

To help show off the small size of the Pixi, here are a few comparison photos. From left to right, HTC Touch Diamond, Palm Pixi, Apple iPhone 3GS

Palm Pixi vs. the Blackberry Curve

One of the unique features of the new webOS line of phones is the option to add inductive charging to the phone through a product called the Touchstone.

The Touchstone is about the size of a golf ball, and has a grippy surface on the bottom that temporarily secures it to any non-porous surface.

You simply set the phone on the Touchstone, and it immediately begins charging through electromagnetic induction. This type of technology isn’t new (think of an ultrasonic toothbrush), but is new to wireless. As I mentioned earlier, the charging port on the right side is covered by a magnetic flap that can be difficult to get open unless you have longer fingernails. If this is an issue for you, then you may find the Touchstone as a good accessory investment. In order to take advantage of the Touchstone, you also need the back cover that accompanies the accessory. There are special contacts on the underside of the Pixi, as well as inside the additional back cover that allow for energy to be transferred from the cover to the battery.

Very sophisticated, yet elegant.

Software
With this new hardware comes the addition of the webOS. Here is a rundown of the features you will find in this new Operating System.

• Combined IM, MMS and SMS messaging
• All in-one calendar
• Integrated contacts from multiple sources
• Linked Contacts and Layered Calendar
• Created to include use of the Capacitive Touchscreen
• Music applications
• Sprint TV
• GPS Navigation
• Email across multiple protocols and services
• Bluetooth Wireless
• Universal Search – Simply start typing to begin searching your contacts, applications, Google™, Google Maps™, Wikipedia and Twitter.
• Full HTML Web browser

Now, all of these features make for a very nice looking OS, but how does it function in the real world? Well, here is where the introduction of a slower processor really comes into play. When launching and closing multiple applications in the OS, the system can be fairly unresponsive and laggy. In fact, for those that have used Windows Mobile, it’s kind like that. Where you think you may have pushed a button, and then push it again because nothing happens after a few seconds, you are met with 2 of whatever you were trying to do. Also, launching and responding to email should be a relatively easy thing to do, but the Pixi makes it a chore. The HTML based email app certainly displays content well, but it takes a long time to pull up. And if you have multiple email accounts set up on the phone, it takes even longer to get to and read your email. There are certain things that I can tolerate slowness in, such as the web browser, but the email client is not one of them. Throw in the fact that the Pixi does not have Wi-Fi, and you start to realize that this is definitely more of an entry level smartphone, rather than one for the power user.

Customizable Home Screen

Multiple Card View

Programs Menu

Email Client

Facebook Application

Phone Dialer

Camera
The camera in the Pixi is another disappointment with the phone. While the Pre has a 3.2MP unit, the Pixi relies on an antiquated 2.0MP version. When using it side by side with the iPhone camera and a Sony Cybershot, you can see the difference in quality, especially when in low light.

Cactus Photo – Pixi vs. iPhone 3GS vs. Sony Cybershot

Fish Photo

Overall
For those looking for an entry level smartphone, the Pixi starts at $99, and can be found for less online. The webOS is new, up to date, and fun to use. However, the slow performance, lack of Wi-Fi, and low quality camera may deter some power users from making the Pixi their next phone.

About Palm
At Palm, we’re focused on creating instinctive yet powerful mobile products that enable people to better manage extraordinary lives on the go. Our goal is to deliver products that implement technology in a truly useful way. We innovate. We create and define categories. Expect not just more, but better. Not just faster, but more useful. Today, Palm products for consumers, mobile professionals and businesses include Palm Treo and Centro phones, as well as software, services and accessories. Palm products are sold through select Internet, retail, reseller and wireless operator channels throughout the world, and at the Palm Store.

BodyGuardz Review

Back in March of this year, we looked at the Invisible Shield from Zagg as a lightweight way to protect your device.  I have long been someone that promotes the use of protection for handheld devices to keep them looking their best, but am not a big fan of the bulk.  So when BodyGuardz reached out to us to take a look at their products, I thought it would be a great opportunity to not only see another product, but to compare it to the Invisible Shield.  Like the Inivsible Shield, the BodyGuardz is a lightweight film that is installed directly to your phone, creating a barrier between the easily damaged surface of your device and the world.  The products used in this review were provided by BodyGuardz.  The BodyGuardz can be purchased from www.BodyGuardz.com for $24.95.

In the Box

• 2 complete sets (2 full body protectors and 2 screen protectors)
• Installation squeegee
• Application solution spray

Installation/Thoughts/Comparison
The first thing that I noticed when I opened the package was the 2 full sets of protectors.  Compared to the Invisible Shield that only gives you one, having 2 full sets gives you the piece of mind that if you screw up the installation, you always have another set to use to try again.

Actually installing the protector is essentially the same as the Invisible Shield.  You peel the shield from a backing, spray it down with a solution made up of water and a light soap, place it on the device, and start squeegeeing to remove the solution from between the device and the film.  The entire installation process takes about 30 minutes, and definitely requires a steady hand and a bit of patience.  In the end though, the results are pretty good.  The main difference as I see it between the Invisible Shield and the BodyGuardz is the texture of the material.  While the Invisible Shield has an orange peel look, and tacky finish, the BodyGardz is very smooth, and gives the device an almost naked feel.  Also, the coverage on the corners of the device seems more complete with the BodyGuardz, providing 95% coverage even on the rounded edges of devices.

While installation is moderately difficult, and takes quite a bit of time, the results are pretty nice.  However, you may find that if you don’t get every corner lined up exactly as the cut of the protector intended, that some of the corners may peel.  Joey and I have only had these installed for about a week, and I am already seeing a few of the corners peel.  This isn’t surprising, as I have come to expect this with these “invisible” cases.  However, the good thing is that once I get fed up with the installation, I can easily peel this one off, and install the other one that is waiting for me in the box.

Photos of the BodyGuardz on the iPhone 3GS

Photos of the BodyGuardz on the Palm Centro

About Bodyguardz
BodyGuardz scratch-proof transparent skins are designed to custom fit each particular device for full body and screen protection. BodyGuardz protectors are made from the same material that is used to protect the front of automobiles from stones and other abrasive elements. Tough and durable, you can be assured that your device is protected by BodyGuardz.  BodyGuardz protective film is the toughest film on the market today and requires no special care or maintenance. Each pack includes TWO complete BodyGuardz PLUS lifetime replacements, providing you a spare just when you need it.

Wilson Electronics SignalBoost DT Review

At the CTIA Fall 2009 convention in San Diego this October, I ran into the folks of Wilson Electronics.  If you remember, they previously provided us with the review unit used in the Wilson iBooster Review.  This time, they asked if I wanted to check out one of their in-building systems, and I jumped at the chance to use the SignalBoost DT.  The DT is a dual band amplifier kit designed for home and office use.  The kit can provide up to 2,000 sq ft of enhanced coverage, and is designed to work with all major networks (except Nextel) for both voice and data connectivity.  Wilson has been making antennas and other signal enhancement products for more than 40 years, and has spent the last 10 focused on cellular.  With this experience, they have been able to bring reliable and powerful products to the market to meet the needs where signal enhancement is necessary.  The Wilson SignalBoost DT can be found online for around $300.

In the Box

• Wilson SignalBoost DT 55dB Amplifier
• Wilson SignalBoost DT Panel Antenna
• Wilson SignalBoost DT Internal Antenna/Base Unit
• 20 and 30ft RG6 standard satellite-type coaxial cable
• Cable connector
• Amplifier wall bracket
• Pole Mount
• Wall Mount
• Window Mount
• AC Power Supply

Technical Specifications

• Frequency: 824-894 MHz (Cellular) / 1850-1990 MHz (PCS)
• Gain: 55 dB at 800 MHz/1900 MHz
• Max Output Power: +35 dBm
• Noise Figure: 3.5 dB nominal
• Flatness: ±2 dB
• Isolation: > 90 dB
• Power Requirements: 110-240V AC, 50-60 Hz, 0.6 A Max
• Connectors: TNC Female and F Female
• Dimensions: 6.2 by 4.2 by 1.5 inches
• Weight: .64 pounds

How it Works
The Panel Antenna is placed in an area of solid (or at least reliable) signal strength.  The best place to mount this is on an exterior wall of a building, or as close to outside as possible.  It then receives the signal, and sends it through a coax cable to the pre-amplifier. The pre-amplifier boosts the signal before sending it to the amplifier. The main SignalBoost DT amplifier boosts the signal further, and then sends the boosted signal through a cable to the inside antenna.  This provides an area of improved signal that can be used by up to 15 phones or data cards simultaneously.

Installation

Installation of the product will vary depending on your environment.  I chose to locate the Panel Antenna in the back room of my office, which has an exterior wall and relatively good cellular reception.  I then placed the base unit on my desk, to give me the maximum signal strength while working.  To connect the two, I cut a hole in the wall of my office, ran the coax cable up and above the drop ceiling, and across to the mounted location of the Panel Antenna, this entire run was about 45 feet. Routing the cables can take some time, especially if you don’t want any of them to be seen.

The Base Unit is the amplification piece of the system, that looks very similar to a network router. Physically, it has 3 ports, and 1 light.  To use the base, you simply connect the AC adapter, coax leading to the Panel Antenna, and smaller antenna to the unit once everything is installed.  Then it instructs you to position the on-board antenna behind, not over the amplifier.

Without this step, I found the unit would not operate properly, and signal enhancement would fail.  I found it took various trials and multiple test locations, to find the area best suited for installation.  Make sure you take the time to do so as well to maximize efficiency.  Mounting is easy, and the kit comes with 3 different types of mounts.  It only takes about 3 minutes once you know where you want to permanently install the antenna.

The front of the Base Unit has 1 light, which indicates whether the unit is functioning properly.  The green light illuminates when the unit is powered and working properly.

The orange light indicates the amplifier has cut back the gain by either 4 dB or 8dB due to oscillation.

The red light indicates the downlink signal on either or both bands is overloading the amplifier.

Again, the difficult part was getting the unit to properly display the green light.  Depending on where you have your Panel Antenna, it can pick up too much output from the Base Unit, and cause this oscillation issue.  In the long run, I found a sweet spot in the office, that allowed the unit to function properly.

Then, a coax antenna is run between the base and the antenna.  Like I mentioned, I cut a hole in the wall behind my desk, routed the cable through it, and then up above the drop ceiling.  After everything is installed, simply plug in the ac adaptor and watch to see if you get a green light on the base, indicating that your installation is successful.

Use and Results
Using the SignalBoost DT is as simple as using your phone. The unit can cover approximately 2,000 square feet based on signal level, placement of the antennas, and building construction. My tests seemed to substantiate this claim, and gave my 1500 square foot office good coverage throughout.  For testing, I used the AT&T iPhone 3GS, Verizon Blackberry Curve, T-Mobile HTC Diamond and Sprint Palm Pixi.  While bars are not necessarily a good indicator of exact signal strength, I did see more on each device while using the SignalBoost.  Calls on each network were clear and without dropouts.  This is a marked increase from the service without the booster, where I have poor service and dropped calls on each network running on 1900 MHz (AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile).  My Verizon service has always been solid, but the dB level has increased from -90 to -78 with the SignalBoost.

Overall
For around $300, the Wilson SignalBoost DT is a good home or office solution for poor service and dropped calls.  As long as you take the time to install the unit in a way that allows it to perform to it’s peak abilities, you will have increased reliability and service from the unit.

About Wilson
For more than 40 years, Wilson Electronics has remained a leader in wireless communication technologies. For the past 10 years the company has focused on helping cellular users improve their cellular service and reduce dropped calls. The company designs and manufactures easy to install antennas and amplifiers that improve a cellular phone or air card’s performance. Wilson bi-directional amplifiers deliver higher power and have better receiver sensitivity than competing solutions currently available. The result: Wilson Electronics’ cellular amplifiers and antennas empower users to stay within reach in both building and mobile environments.
Wilson pioneered cellular handset signal enhancement and has consistently led the industry in performance standards. Wilson holds a number of patents including the industry’s best and most reliable method of oscillation prevention and carrier cell site protection, an area where most competitors fall short. The company’s designs consistently outperform the competition in specifications as well as real world performance.
Wilson’s U.S. based design and manufacturing allows the company to maintain the highest standards of quality. All products undergo 100 percent automatic testing, with real time test results monitored by our engineering department. Wilson is so confident in their products performance that the company offers customers a money back guarantee.
For more information about the company visit www.WilsonElectronics.com

Sprint Novatel MiFi 2200 Review

For the past few years, the best way to get connectivity on the go has been the mobile broadband card. Sure, many phones make it easy to tether to your laptop, but it just isn’t ideal. There are a number of manufacturers out there making cards for USB, Express or PCMCIA slots that work great for one computer on the go, but what if you have more than one device that you want connected? Enter the MiFi by Novatel Wireless. The MiFi 2200 is an intelligent mobile hotspot, allowing you to extend your Mobile Broadband (EVDO Rev A) experience beyond just your laptop to any Wi-Fi enabled device such as a camera, mobile phone, music player, personal media playes or portable game console. It supports up to 5 devices at a time, so you can share your high-speed connection with whomever you choose. The best part is, there are no cables, no software, and truly no hassle to get up and running. Just push a button and you’re ready to surf. The Sprint Novatel MiFi 2200 used for this review was provided by Sprint. The MiFi is available on Sprint for $99.99 with a 2-year contract.

In the Box

• Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200
• AC Charger
• Standard 1150mAh Lithium Ion Battery
• Carry Pouch
• Getting Started Guide

Specs

• Technology: CDMA/EVDO Rev. A
• Frequencies: 850/1900
• Weight: 2.05 oz
• Size: 3.50″ x 2.32″ x 0.35″
• Cubic Volume: 2.84”
• Talk Time: 4 hours of connectivity

Software
The MiFi does not come with any software, and all administration is done through a web interface at 192.168.1.1 once you power the device on and connect to the open network it creates. There is a printed user guide that walks the user through the activation process. From the time I turned it on until the network was secured and I was surfing was less than 5 minutes.


Hardware
There are a few different models of the MiFi currently available. Here in the US, currently, there are 2 models, one for Verizon and one for Sprint. The Sprint version that we are reviewing has a brushed metal top with a rubberized plastic bottom. Compare this to the Verizon counterpart which is a glossy plastic top (image courtesy of Slashgear).

Functionality aside, there is a definitely size benefit to this type of device vs. a PCMCIA card. Below, the Novatel Wireless Merlin S720 on top, MiFi in the middle, and Sierra Wireless Compass 597 on the bottom.

However, compare these 3 devices to each other on the side profile, and you’ll see just how small the MiFi is. At about an 1/8th of an inch taller, and the same width of a credit card, it’s .3 inch thickness is just about perfect to throw in a briefcase or shirt pocket when on the go.

When powered on, the MiFi has 3 lights that illuminate. There is a solid yellow one on top under the Sprint logo, a solid green light under the power button, and a blinking green one on the side that notes the device is sending and receiving data.

The only port on the device is the microUSB charging port on the front edge. It should be noted that the device does not come with a microUSB cable for USB charging, however, you can use any cable to do so, however, the device will then only function on the single device it is connected to.

Under the battery cover is the 1150mAh battery.

Speed
Speed was relatively consistent, and I felt speeds were consistent to those of the other Sprint cards I have used. Here is a photo of 4 speed tests that were performed. Download speeds were between 600-800kbps, and upload speeds ranged from 200-300kbps.

Experiences
I had the opportunity to travel with the MiFi while reviewing it, and found it to be very solid while in major metro areas. However, like any other Sprint device, once you leave the city, your service can drop down to the older 1XRTT network. This is where the Verizon version of this product excels. The Verizon 3G network is the largest and most widespread of any here in the US. So, if you need to ensure you have 3G coverage in the most places, the Sprint version may not be your best choice.

So when is 3G over Wi-Fi better than built-in 3G on a device? When you have an iPhone of course! The iPhone’s diverse range of applications makes it one of the most powerful handhelds on the market. However, Apple has limited many applications to only run on Wi-Fi networks in an effort to not overload the HSPA and EDGE cellular networks. Well guess what, when you connect your iPhone (or any other Wi-Fi enabled phone for that matter) you can take advantage of full application functionality. One example of this is the application SlingPlayer. Those that listen to the podcasts know that I am a fan of Sling, and have 2 boxes in family members homes in other states. This allows (among other things) for me to watch sports events of the teams that I follow both at home on my PC connected to my TV, but also on my phones wherever I go. Because SlingPlayer on the iPhone is limited to only function on Wi-Fi, the MiFi is great to have, by creating hotspots wherever you go, allowing for TV viewing anywhere. This may sound like a lot of work to go though, but if you are in a spot where you want to catch something being broadcast live, it is a functional workaround.

One thing while using the device while moving around though is that unless you have a browser window open to the configuration page, you don’t know how the service level is.  The Sprint connection manager that you can use when you have a PC card allows for easy viewing of the network connection and throughput.  Not a big deal, but something to note.

Overall
The MiFi is definitely the future of mobile broadband. If you want to choose a way that you can connect any device to the internet while on the go, the MiFi can’t be beat. The universal nature of Wi-Fi, coupled with the ability to connect up to 5 users at a time makes it attractive to a wide range of applications.

Dexim P-Flip Overview

Dexim P-Flip Overview

Whether you can’t make it through an entire day on your iPhone battery, or you just want to stay charged up at all times, there are many reasons to have an extra battery with you while on the go.  But what if you want to dock your iPhone at the same time?  Or how about have a stand to watch media on it while charging?  The Dexim P-Flip Foldable Power Dock is your answer.  With its 2000mAh Lithium Plymer battery, you can get 1.5-2 times of additional battery life for your iPhone 3G/3GS or iPod Touch 1G/2G.  The product used in this review was provided by P-Flip.

Product Overview

Dexim’s P-Flip is a foldable, portable, multi-functional and rechargeable power dock compatible with the latest iPod and iPhone models. The P-Flip is capable of extending talk time up to eight hours, video time up to 15 hours, or audio playing time up to 80 hours. Users can flip the compact dock horizontally or vertically for hands-free video viewing or position it to slimly fold for easy storage while ensuring your device remains charged.

Features

•    Compatible with the first, second, and third generation iPod Touch models and both the 3G and 3G S iPhone
•    Mini USB cable (1.5 M) allows you to charge and sync your device with the PC or MAC
•    Advanced technology and components of 2000 mAh lithium polymer battery ensure your device will never be over/under charged
•    Uses 3 LED’s to indicate battery life – LED switch button allows you to see charging status of both the P-Flip dock (blue LED lights) and your mobile device (red LED lights)
•    Compact and lightweight design makes the P-Flip perfect for fitting into a pocket, purse or briefcase
•    Price: $54.95

Product Images

Sprint Samsung Intrepid Review

Sprint Samsung Intrepid Review

October 6th was the official launch day for Windows Mobile 6.5, and the same day Sprint announced the Samsung Intrepid.  This touchscreen front-facing qwerty world phone is a nice addition to the Sprint lineup, and reminds me a lot of the Blackjack or Ace.  For all it’s improvements over the predecessors, don’t plan on being blown away by this phone, as it doesn’t bring anything to the smartphone table that you can’t already find.  The Intrepid used in this review was provided by Sprint.  It is available for $149.99 with 2-year contract.

In the Box

• Samsung Intrepid with Stylus
• 1 Standard 1480 mAh Lithium Ion Battery
• Sprint SIM card
• MicroUSB AC Charger
• 3.5mm Stereo Headset with microphone
• MicroUSB Sync/Charge Cable
• 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 oz
• Size: 4.6″ x 2.6″ x 0.5″
• Cubic Volume: 5.98”
• Screen: 320 x 240 (QVGA)
• Camera: 3.2MP
• Headphone Jack: 3.5mm
• 150MB of RAM after reset
• 260MB of storage space
• 528MHz processor

Phone/Data
As I have come to expect with most Samsung devices on the CDMA side, the signal strength is decent.  The quality of sound on both ends of the conversation was clear, and the typical great Sprint connection was there.  However, it did seem that in comparison to a Sierra Wireless USB stick, the phone did lose service in areas with weaker signal.  I had the opportunity to travel with the device, and found that the the Voice and 3G were solid in and around the Phoenix and Chicago areas.  Also, Wi-Fi worked great when connecting to hotspots as I went.  There is a nice option to toggle the radios on and off through the use of the dedicated key located on the lower right corner of the keypad.

One of the nice things is the Global Network capabilities of the Intrepid. 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 Intrepid on HSPA 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 use here in the US.
Hardware
If there is one thing that could be changed right off the bat about this device, it would be the screen.  The 320 by 240 resolution seems very “fuzzy” by current smartphone standards, and the 2.7 inch screen is cramped compared to the almost inch larger one of the new Touch Pro 2 devices also running Windows Mobile 6.5.

The Intrepid hardware looks like a blend of the Samsung Ace and a Blackberry.  The front-facing qwerty is very comfortable to use, and the keys are spaced very well.  There are dedicated keys for the speakerphone, voice command, email and the comm manager.  Each is also customizable, and can perform other functions per the direction of the user.
As a comparision, here is the Intrepid compared to other smartphones.

T-Mobile Touch Pro 2 vs. Intrepid vs. HTC Diamond

Intrepid vs. iPhone 3GS

Intrepid vs. Blackberry Curve 8330

Front

Left side. The Intrepid has a volume rocker switch and access to the microUSB charging/syncing port.

Top side. Intrepid has access to the 3.5mm headphone jack

Right side. Intrepid has the often hard to push power button, reset hole, dedicated camera button and stylus

Bottom side. Just the microphone port

Back side. Intrepid has a 3.2MP camera, however no flash. There is also a self portrait mirror, and a speaker for the ringer and speakerphone.

Also, the back cover of the device slides off to reveal the battery, which unfortunately must be removed to access the SIM and microSD card.

Software/Features
All you need to say…Windows Mobile.While Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional is an upgrade to the 6.1 revision of the software that has been out for the past year, besides the Marketplace and the honeycomb Start menu, there is little difference to the user.

While many “under the hood” improvements have certainly been made, the fact is, this device still feels like something you could have purchased 2 years ago.  My experience with the Treo Pro 1 year ago, rivaled the experience with the Intrepid.  Not a good thing in a mobile world that is passing Microsoft by rapidly.

The 3.2MP camera on the Intrepid has so-so photo quality.  When compared to the HTC or Blackberry 3.2MP shots, it seems a bit grainy and washed out.  The auto focus helps create clear shots, but it just doesn’t impress like some other smartphone cameras these days.

Here are a few photos showcasing the quality of the camera.

Overall
If you are looking for a low priced front facing qwerty smartphone with the latest Windows software, then the Samsung Intrepid will not disappoint.  Samsung has improved many things over the Ace/Blackjack line that keep the die-hard fans going.  However, if innovation is what you are looking for, move along, the Intrepid simply blends into the crowd.

Smartphone Experts Accessories Quick Look

Smartphone Experts Accessories Quick Look

While at the CTIA conference in San Diego this month, I stopped by the Smartphone Experts booth and talked with Chris Kingree, Director of Wholesale Operations and Business Development about the new accessories they have available.  SPE has long been a good place to pick up aftermarket batteries, cables and cases for your devices, but they have now ventured into the world of their own branded items. We had a look at the iPhone sidepouch, microfiber cloth and screen protectors.

The SPE iPhone holster is a stylish way to protect your device without a full on case.  The dual-color Red-Brandy leather side pouch keeps the phone safe and secure on your side, with a look that stands apart from most typical holsters.

The soft interior fabric keeps from scratching the phone.

The clip on the back secures the case to your belt.  There are cases available for many different phones, and can be found at the Products page of the Smartphone Experts site.