BlackBerry Pearl 8130 Phone, Red (Sprint)

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Product Features

• Slim, powerful Blackberry messaging phone with SureType hybrid numeric/QWERTY keypad
• Access Sprint Mobile Broadband Network via EV-DO connectivity; Sprint TV and Sprint Music Store enabled
• 2-megapixel camera with video capture; MicroSD expansion; Bluetooth connectivity with music streaming
• Up to 4.6 hours of talk time, up to 216 hours of standby time; measures 4.2 x 1.9 x 0.55 inches (WxHxD)
• Includes: Battery, AC Charger,and USB Data Cable

Dimensions

• Size (LWH): 4.6 inches, 2.2 inches, 0.9 inches
• Weight: 4.71992945326279 ounces

Product Features

• Network Compatibility: CDMA

I got this exact phone back in June, and at I LOVED IT! I still love it, I have had a few glitches that I'm waiting on Sprint to fix, every morning, the phone erases all my text messages and unless I reset the phone by removing the battery, all my texts will be deleted upon getting them.
I have no problem with the amount of space on the phone and I haven't put in the media card. I took mine on vacation to the Keys and the camera did very well. My only problem there is you can't send pictures to a phone, they have to go to an email, which isn't as much fun.
I also like all the extras I got from Sprint for free, Including their navigation, Sprint TV, Sprint Music Store. Being a HUGE NASCAR fan, I really enjoy the NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile, also free for Sprint Customers.
The screen is great and everything on the phone is easy to use.

I used to HATE all my Sprint phones, mainly because Sprint Customer Service, was TERRIBLE! But with their new President,CEO, they have been working to fix that and I'm glad.

Overall, other than the text messaging issue, I'm more than pleased with my wee little Blackberry Pearl!

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BlackBerry Curve 8330 Phone, Pink (Verizon Wireless)

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Product Features

• Smallest, lightest BlackBerry with full QWERTY keyboard and packed with rich multimedia capabilities and services
• Fast 3G access using Verizon's EV-DO data network; GPS for VZ Navigator turn-by-turn direction service
• 2-megapixel camera/camcorder; Bluetooth for handsfree devices and stereo music streaming; MicroSD expansion up to 8 GB
• Up to 4.3 hours of talk time, up to 264 hours (11 days) of standby time
• Includes: handset, battery, charger, USB cable, wired stereo headset, quick start guide, VZ Access Manager CD, Blackberry Pocket case

Dimensions

• Size (LWH): 4.49 inches, 2.28 inches, 0.77 inches
• Weight: 5.31252204585538 ounces

Product Features

• Network Compatibility: CDMA

I am an avid BlackBerry user and I love this phone. I recently upgraded from the Pearl to the Curve and I am pleased with my choice. The quality of the phone is superb and the pink phone is very stylish.

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BlackBerry Curve 8320 Phone, Titanium (T-Mobile)

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Product Features

• Smallest, lightest BlackBerry with full QWERTY keyboard--weighs just 3.9 ounces
• Wi-Fi connectivity for Web browsing and access to T-Mobile's Hotspot @Home unlimited calling service
• 2.0 megapixel camera with flash and 5x digital zoom; Bluetooth wireless connectivity with with stereo headset support
• Next-generation media player with audio and video playback in a variety of formats; expandable via MicroSD memory cards
• Includes: Battery, Charger, Stereo Hands-free Headset, USB Cable, Carrying Case and BlackBerry Desktop Software

Dimensions

• Size (LWH): 4.2 inches, 2.4 inches, 0.6 inches
• Weight: 3.91534391534392 ounces

Product Features

• Network Compatibility: GSM

First off, this is a great BlackBerry device that compares with any other BlackBerry device. Let's be honest: What you are interested in is how this phone works with VoIP over Wi-Fi. Okay, T-Mobile does offer the add-on "Hotspot@Home" service that allows unlimited calling when you choose to talk through the Wi-Fi network, but this is purely an option. This phone will still use Wi-Fi (or UMA), at the places you can access Wi-Fi, instead of using the T-Mobile cellular network... you'll just be using your plan minutes if you don't add on that unlimited option.

But, how does it actually work? Think of your home Wi-Fi router becoming another cellular tower. All cell phones "hand off" your call from one tower to the next as you drive down the highway. But with a UMA phone like this one, your home (or work) Wi-Fi becomes yet another available "tower" for your call to be handed to and from. So, start a call on Wi-Fi and walk out to the door, your call is automatically handed off to the T-Mobile tower without you noticing a thing. Started a call in your car on the way home? As soon as you walk in your front door, the call is automatically handed off to your Wi-Fi router seamlessly. As far as the phone and T-Mobile is concerned, it is no different than just driving further down the road to the next cellular tower. Yes, the phone easily connects even if your Wi-Fi requires a login (like most hotels) or the Wi-Fi signal requires WEP or WPA authentication.

I've been using my new phone for about one week and I've already burned through 250 minutes of my unlimited "Hotspot@Home" voice time through Wi-Fi, which before would have counted against my available plan minutes. You can't argue with the bottom line: this phone pays for itself almost overnight!

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BlackBerry Curve 8900 Phone, Titanium (T-Mobile)

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Product Features

• Access all your email and messaging with the sleekest, lightest, thinnest full-QWERTY keyboard BlackBerry yet featuring a high-resolution 480 x 360-pixel LCD screen
• Wi-Fi connectivity for Web browsing and access to T-Mobile's Hotspot Enabled unlimited calling service; unlimited calling to your five most called contacts with MyFaves
• 3.2-megapixel digital camera with flash and video capture; Bluetooth for handsfree communication and stereo music streaming; MicroSD memory expansion up to 16 GB
• Up to 5.5 hours of talk time, up to 360 hours (15 days) of standby time
• What's in the Box: handset, rechargeable battery, charger, wired handsfree stereo headset, 256 MB MicroSD card, BlackBerry Desktop software, quick start guide

Dimensions

• Size (LWH): 4.29 inches, 2.36 inches, 0.53 inches
• Weight: 3.87654320987654 ounces

Product Features

• Network Compatibility: GSM

BlackBerry users are without a doubt a loyal crowd. I had heard from numerous people that this was the phone to get because of it's email capability and fast processing speed. So when the new 8900 came out, I jumped on it right away. At first, I enjoyed it. However, I think I was just more excited by the stunning screen and the fact that I had now joined the loyal BB fold than anything else.

My main grip about this unit is the tiny key pad for texting. I'm not a freak of nature, but I do have fairly large hands. For me, this unit was just WAY to difficult to text on. I was told to use my finger nails by a TMobile salesperson. I'm a guy... I don't have nails.

My other complaint is the image size for web page viewing. You have the option to use a magnifying glass to 'zoom' in while on the web, but it takes awhile and you have to use it just about every time. Just so you know, I'm in my early 40's but scored 20/20 on my last vision exam about a year ago. I don't think my eyes have gone that quickly. And as long as we're on the topic of web browsing, I'm just not a fan of the abbreviated page views. I prefer full web browsing features like I would get on my laptop and/or iPhone.

Finally, no 3G and most of the downloadable applications are fee based. I don't get why TMobile would exclude this phone from accessing their new 3G network.

Pros: Quick email access, high-definition display, very decent audio/media playback, you can upgrade to 16gb of storage, it's a BB.

Since I'm a TMobile customer, I traded my BB 8900 in for the G1 and I love it. Much easier for me to type/text on and I have full web page browsing on the 3G network.

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TMobile cell phone G1 Phone with Google, White (T-Mobile)

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Product Features

• Google Android OS-powered smartphone in white with slide-out keyboard--compatible with T-Mobile's 3G network (available in select markets)
• Wi-Fi networking, Bluetooth for handsfree calls; 3-megapixel still camera; MicroSD expansion; push email from Google Gmail plus instant messaging services
• T-Mobile's MyFaves service provides unlimited calling to your five most called contacts; access to Android Market for downloading applications
• Up to 5 hours of talk time, up to 130 hours (5.4 days) of standby time
• Includes: handset, battery, charger, 1 GB MicroSD card, USB cable, wired stereo handsfree headset, user manual

Dimensions

• Size (LWH): 4.66 inches, 2.2 inches, 0.6 inches
• Weight: 5.6 ounces

Product Features

• Network Compatibility: GSM

The Android platform is the selling point of this phone. Any bugs I had when I initially got this device were resolved with a speed that I've never seen before. Getting involved with the developer/android community is really what makes this device shine. Amateurs and novices in tech really shouldn't be buying this phone. The Hardware is Good, not great. And rumor has it that HTC has already created it's second Andriod device and is currently working on it's third. It's the right buy for early adopters, but unless you need a new device NOW, you might want to wait until Q1 of 2009 for a worth second gen Andriod phone.

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BlackBerry Bold 9000 Phone, Black (AT&T)

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Product Features

• Global Blackberry messaging smartphone with quad-band GSM and tri-band 3G connectivity as well as Wi-Fi networking
• Compatible with AT&T Navigator GPS turn-by-turn directions, AT&T Mobile Music, and streaming video from Cellular Video service
• 2-megapixel camera/camcorder; Bluetooth for handsfree devices; MicroSD expansion (to 32 GB); newly designed QWERTY keyboard
• Up to 4.5 hours of talk time, up to 324 hours (13.5 days) of standby time
• What's in the Box: handset, battery, charger, USB cable, 3.5mm stereo headset, holster, quick start guide and user manual, CD with Blackberry Desktop software

Dimensions

• Size (LWH): 4.49 inches, 2.59 inches, 0.59 inches
• Weight: 4.8 ounces

Product Features

• Network Compatibility: UMTS

I've been using the new Blackberry Bold for three days. I'd previously used nearly all versions of Blackberry's since the old Inter@ctive early days of when these devices were sold mainly as pagers.

For the last year I've been relying primarily on the iPhone for my main phone. That's going to continue but I decided to pick up a Blackberry to see how things have changed and so I could compare the two devices for online reviews.

Here's what my initial reactions are:

First, yes the screen is brighter and bolder than any prior Blackberry.

Unfortunately that (and 3G speeds) is pretty much where the amazement stops with this Blackberry.

Applications on the Blackberry have the same Java-esque "write once run everywhere" old fashioned look to them. Most of the applications on Blackberry seem frozen in time. It's as if once they were done the developers stopped improving on them. Some of that is due to them being written in JAVA to take advantage of multiple device types -- making substantial upgrades difficult.

RIM still has not been able to match the App Store feature from Apple. Instead of having one central place to find applications for the Blackberry I have to browse the web, search through links on the device itself and finally be confronted with a fair number of applications that won't run on the Blackberry Bold.

The Blackberry Bold was delayed past prior rumored release dates. One of the reasons for the delay could have been due to RIM trying to build some type of App store (which is not included on this device). I think RIM is sorely missing a central place for Blackberry users to download applications.

Now on to where the Blackberry Bold nails the iPhone.

The Bold does push email on my GMAIL with minimal setup (type in your email, type in your password and Blackberry does all the setup).

The iPhone cannot get the whole concept of push email right and still offers what I consider to be consumer level email.

Blackberry Bold is a nice device with a pretty good camera. If you're primarily an email user - this is the device for you.

If you are interested in running a lot of different applications and an iTunes integrated media player, you'll be better served to look at an iPhone. (Note: Blackberry Bold media player can transfer songs from iTunes but it will only transfer NON-DRM music -- meaning anything you bought from iTunes with DRM won't transfer).

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Phone BlackBerry Storm 9530 Phone, Black (Verizon Wireless)

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Product Features

• First BlackBerry touchscreen phone packed with messaging, document editing, and multimedia features; international GSM roaming
• Access V Cast, Music and Video services via fast EV-DO data network; GPS-enabled for turn-by-turn directions; use phone as a modem for your laptop
• 3.2-megapixel camera/camcorder, Bluetooth stereo music; MicroSD expansion to 16 GB; access to personal email and instant messaging
• Up to 6 hours of talk time, up to 360 hours (15 days) of standby time
• What's in the Box: handset, removable battery, international charger, USB cable, 8 GB MicroSD card, user manual

Dimensions

• Size (LWH): 4.49 inches, 2.28 inches, 0.77 inches
• Weight: 5.31252204585538 ounces

Product Features

• Network Compatibility: CDMA

If you have been researching this phone you are likely to have come across a lot of negitive reviews comparing it to the iPhone. I must admit that if Verizon had the iPhone I might have chosen it over this (at least until RIM releases a software patch or two). But as it is AT&T service is horrible, so the iPhone os not an option for me and those who prefer Verizon's service. If you want to stay with Verizon this is a great phone. Let me give a run down of its pros and cons.

PROS:

-It has great reception (the most important feature seeing as its a phone).
-Its a touch screen, which can be a pro or con depending on whether you can get used to a touch screen or not.
-Decent internet speed, even indoors.
-Good MP3 and video playing capabilities, on par with the iPhone I tried.
-A great camera as far as phones go. Obviously not a replacement for a stand alone camera, but no phone camera is.
-Unlike my old Curve you can use the built in GPS without paying for VZNavigator.
-Bright, clear screen that is much better looking than the iPhone I tried.
-Sleek look.
-Its a Blackberry, previous and current BB users will find a lot of familier features here.
-Does not require iTunes, but it supports it if you wish to use it.

CONS:
-Its slow. It often freezes while doing the simplest things like turning or switching menus. On the bright side this seems like it could be fixed with a software upgrade.
-Its a touch screen, which can be a pro or con depending on whether you can get used to a touch screen or not.
-Like the iPhone (and any other touchscreen phone), the on screen keyboard can take some getting used to. In this case the SureType feature in particular.
-Typicall early adobter syndrom. If you buy this you know that it is likely an improved version will be released in a year or two. Also as of right now accessories are hard to come by along with apps taylored to the Storm (luckely most Blackberry aps work on it). The last two issues will likely dissapear when the stores stock more accessories and the App Store launches next year (along with more 3rd parties supporting the Storm).

All in all I'd say if you want a an iPhone, without switching to AT&T and their lousy service you won't regret getting a Storm. I love it, and its likely to only get better through software updates. As for the price its basically $30 or $45 (depending on whether you need/want corperate e-mail or not) on top of your regular Voice plan charges, as is the case with all Blackberry devices.

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BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 Phone, Black (T-Mobile)

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Product Features

• Blackberry's first clamshell smartphone with dual LCD screens and SureType hybrid numeric/QWERTY keypad
• Wi-Fi capabilities for T-Mobile's Hotspot @Home service for unlimited nationwide calls; compatible with T-Mobile's MyFaves service
• Connect with up to 10 personal and work email accounts; 2.0-megapixel camera; Bluetooth stereo music; MicroSD memory expansion up to 16 GB
• Up to 4 hours of talk time, up to 360 hours (15 days) of standby time
• Includes: handset, battery, charger, wired stereo handsfree headset, USB cable, Blackberry Desktop software, 256 MB MicroSD memory card, quick start guide

Dimensions

• Size (LWH): 4.2 inches, 2.4 inches, 0.6 inches
• Weight: 3.91534391534392 ounces

Product Features

• Network Compatibility: GSM

upgraded to the flip from the blackberry pearl 8100, which I used for 2 years. After reading a lot of lukewarm and in my opinion, nit-picking reviews on the flip, I bought this phone anyway, and I'm pretty happy with it. I think this is an excellent phone which no one is buying. I upgraded because I had problems with the 8100 trackball, which would pick up a lot of dirt and become unresponsive. Also, I wanted to take advantage of the new blackberry features, such as wi-fi calling, great looking new OS, expandable microSD memory, and 3.5 mm headphone jack, which let me use this relatively small blackberry as my smartphone and mp3 player. Great email control, document editing, functional "leisure" features and small form factor made this the optimum choice for me above phones that were larger (Bold) or were lacking in email capabilities (iPhone). Are there things I wish were better? Sure (web browsing is slow, though better on wi-fi and for playing around it doesn't compare to the iPhone, par for the course with RIM), but overall, this phone has been underappreciated and its "lagginess" has been overstated. Finally, it looks pretty slick--I like the clock that appears on the external screen as well as the ability to preview messages without opening the phone.

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Tivax STB-T8 Digital to Analog TV Converter Box

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The previous reviewer was upset about the high price Amazon charges - not about the converter's performance. I purchased two of these from another online vendor using the coupons and ended up paying an additional $45.00, so about $60.00 a piece. If you want quality, you have to pay for it. This model received high praise from Consumer Reports and I agree with them. The picture is as clear as a DVD and the sound is really good too on most stations. The stations without super sound probably has more to do with the broadcaster than the box. The remote has a number of useful buttons. Very simple to set up. The colors are a bit more intense so you may need to adjust your TV set again. I received about 30 stations initially, but deleted ten or so since they were in other languages. Very happy with my puchase. Highly recommended.

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Apple iPod touch 16 GB (2nd Generation)

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Obviously from all these other reviews this is by far the most functional product out there, and I'm not disputing that at all, I loved my Ipod touch, but they have a ridiculously short lifespan. The kicker is that if you as much as sweat on it or expose it to rapidly changing temperatures (as is common in the upper midwest) your warranty is voided and your Ipod might not last long at all.

I just lost an Ipod touch due to moister condensation from taking it from 30 degree weather to 70 degree weather. That created enough condensation to trip the water marker inside the Ipod which voids the warranty and shorted out the screen. To top it off; that one was actually a replacement for another Ipod touch because the first one I got had a phone jack that broke within a month of normal use, and then this one had a faulty screen due to "water damage" and now Apple conveniently doesn't have to replace it anymore.

Just read some of the discussions on Apples site about Ipods and water damage, it literally takes just one drop of water to short it out and void the warranty.

So if your getting one my advice is to live somewhere that doesn't get too cold or put you in situations that allow moisture condensation to happen.

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Apple iPod shuffle 4 GB Silver (3rd Generation)

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OK, I'll begin by saying that the new Shuffle is, without doubt, one of the smallest, sexiest MP3 players I've ever seen. I love how it looks. It's... compelling. Of course, with this level of form, some functionality is lost. With the 3G Shuffle, it's the buttons (or lack thereof).

Apple decided to move the buttons off the controller and onto the headphone cord. There are two major flaws that I can see:

1. I can't use "any old" pair of headphones anymore. Sure, the music still plays, but if I can't pause, skip, turn the volume up/down, what's the point. I'm now tied into either Apple's headphones or third-party headphones with the controller. Gone are the days of a "headphone catastrophe" where the headphone cord gets pinched while traveling and I have to run out to a store and grab a pair of substitute $10 phones. I now have to either shell out $20-30 and/or find a local Apple store. Not good. (And let's not even talk about using it with my car stereo...)

2. The controls are... in a bad place. It's kind of hard to grab the controller without looking when it's bouncing around near my jaw while running. Today, it took me about 5-6s to actually get a hold of the darned thing and skip ahead. Later in the day, I grabbed it a bit quicker but then accidentally yanked the earbud out. This was obviously designed without testing it "in the field."

To both of the above, some comment: "wait until Apple releases an adapter with controls in a better position that allow you to use normal headphones." Of course, my reply is "I already spent $80 on this thing. You want me to spend MORE?"

In the end, this is one sweet of technology that just screams "impress your friends." Of course, you don't hear it whispering "and secretly dread using me anywhere but in your living room chair."

At least Apple's not discontinuing the 2G Shuffle...

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Apple iPod classic 120 GB Black (6th Generation)

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The updated iPod Classic was probably the least exciting of the new iPods announced in the September 2008 update, but that does not mean it should be dismissed.

I own the 160 GB iPod Classic that has now been discontinued, but there are few differences (perhaps the biggest being the much slimmer shape of this 120 model), and I did get to check this updated 120 GB version out at the store, when picking up the new nano and touch.

Firstly, the 120 GB version is again smaller than the largest capacity available last year, but it is a single platter hard drive, which allows it to maintain the slim shape of the 80 GB version from last year. More storage, a hundred dollars less, and just as small. That is progress despite calls from others that the classic isn't exciting. It still serves its purpose as the original iPod idea. Big capacity in a simple to use device.

Next, the software has been slightly updated on the iPod Classic. It now includes Genius, like iTunes and the other new iPods. This allows you, when on a song you enjoy, to select the genius feature. The iPod will then compile a list of songs (playlist), which goes together with the original song you were listening to. This helps you rediscover music in your library, with a playlist to fit your mood at the time. I have been using the genius feature for a few days now, and it is impressive the way it compiles these playlists. I was skeptical, but overall, it does a good job. Furthermore, as another review mentioned, the iPod does seem more responsive with this update from what I saw at the store compared to my original 160 GB iPod Classic. Some speculation has been that the older iPod Classics will receive the software update of this new one, but I'm not holding my breath on that.

Overall, the original iPod concept was so good, and that is why the iPod Classic is still a solid choice for a music and media player. It will hold thousands and thousands of songs (up to 30,000 according to Apple at 128 bitrate). I also backup some important files to my iPod Classic, in disk mode, so that I have that additional extra copy of my most vital files. When you have such a large iPod, you can do that. It shouldn't be forgotten either that while the display of the iPod Classic isn't as good as the iPod Touch or iPhone, it is still quite good and you can play music videos, TV shows, and movies purchased on the iTunes Store.

Battery life for this new 120 GB model improved over the 80GB model from last year. Apple now estimates it at 36 hours audio and 6 hours video.

I'd recommend the iPod Classic without hesitation, to those who have more than 8 or 16 GBs of music in their iTunes library and want to carry their entire collection. Furthermore, if you have videos and video podcasts you want to always carry with you, again, you can't beat the storage. I have the lower capacity flash devices as well, but the big hard drive based iPod Classic continues to play an important role in my iPod Collection.

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