The Mobile Gadgeteer

September 7th, 2008

Review: Aerovation Checkpoint Friendly Laptop bag simplifies security process

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 6:30 am

Categories: Ultra portable PC, On the road, Review

Tags: Security, Transportation Security Administration, Laptop Computer, X-ray, Aerovation Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Bag, Notebooks, Hardware, Notebooks & Tablets, Matthew Miller

If you read my post on “checkpoint friendly” bags back in July you may be wondering what is going on with this program. Starting on 16 August, the TSA announced they were ready allow compliant “checkpoint friendly” bags through the X-ray machines while remaining in the bags. The TSA always has the option to check any back going through the machines, but this new program should help in many cases. I was sent an evaluation bag from Aerovation and then made a trip to Singapore in late August that served as a perfect test trip for the bag and I am happy to report it made it through the system just as intended. Check out my image gallery and the YouTube video they posted below.

	Image Gallery:Check out product photos of the Aerovation Checkpoint Friendly bag.

As I stated in my July post, the TSA is now allowing people to keep their laptops in the bag when going through the x-ray machine for compliant “checkpoint friendly” bags. They will not certify bags or specifically state what bags are allowed to pass through the machines and they always have the option to ask you to remove your laptop. However, there are now companies Read the rest of this entry »

September 6th, 2008

MobileTechRoundup show #146, MSI Wind, OMNIA, and HTC Dream desires

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 9:30 pm

Categories: Windows Mobile, Smartphone, Ultra portable PC, MoTR podcast, HTC, Open Handset Alliance, Netbook

Tags: MobileTechRoundup, High Tech Computer Corp., James, Podcasts, Internet, Matthew Miller

Listen here (MP3, 31.7 MB, 34:30 minutes)

Subscribe to the show with this link (RSS)

Kevin started off MobileTechRoundup show #146 by talking about his newly arrived MSI Wind and after hearing some of his thoughts I am seriously considering this device as a replacement for my Fujitsu U810. I also picked up a couple devices in Singapore, but one is already on the auction block. James is pretty excited about the HTC Dream rumored to be coming soon to T-Mobile and I have to agree with him that I will definitely be purchasing it, even if other existing devices have more features and functionality. We also talked a bit about Dell’s new netbook and how the market is getting flooded with these small notebook devices.

If you enjoy listening to the MobileTechRoundup podcast, please vote for us at Podcast Alley. Also, please let me know if you have anything you would like us to cover and discuss on the show and I’ll try to work it into a future podcast.

September 4th, 2008

Qik streaming service comes to HTC Windows Mobile devices

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 10:11 am

Categories: Windows Mobile, Mobile software, mobile services, HTC

Tags: High Tech Computer Corp., Device, Mobile, Qik, Web Site Development, Web Technology, Digital Video, Advertising & Promotion, Internet, Personal Technology

I started using Qik on Nokia Nseries devices, then tried it on the Blackjack II, and finally on my original Apple iPhone. I just received a note that Qik’s live video streaming service is now available on several more Windows Mobile devices from HTC. The particular devices listed include the Touch Dual, Touch Diamond, TyTN II, Tilt, and SE XPERIA X1.

While I enjoy using Qik, I also use multiple devices from different operating systems and don’t like that I have to deactivate and then reactivate each time I switch devices. I think a large number of people using Qik at this time are early adopters who tend to have multiple devices and hope that better support for multiple devices comes in the future.

While not officially listed, I tried to test Qik out on my new Samsung OMNIA and the Palm Treo Pro (HTC is the manufacturer) and a message popped up in the browsers that said my device was not yet supported.

September 3rd, 2008

Windows Mobile 6.1 update for Blackjack II now available

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 8:01 am

Categories: Windows Mobile, Mobile software, Smartphone, Wireless carriers

Tags: Microsoft Windows Mobile, Windows Mobile 6.1, Microsoft Windows, Operating Systems, Handhelds, Software, Hardware, Matthew Miller

I took a look at the Blackjack II running WM 6.1 back in July and now everyone can finally update their device to the latest Windows Mobile operating system. Simply visit the Samsung Blackjack II (SGH-i617) update site and follow the instructions to update. Windows Mobile 6.1 is a great improvement on these non-touch screen devices and I recommend every Blackjack II owner update their device.

Some of the most significant upgrades include:

• New Sliding Panel Home screen
• Improved GPS navigation
• Threaded SMS
• Internet Connection Sharing (extremely easy way to tether)
• Voice Command

Thanks to PhoneScoop for the heads-up on the release.

September 2nd, 2008

Will Google Chrome be the Android’s mobile browser?

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 2:01 pm

Categories: Mobile software, Ultra portable PC, HTC, Open Handset Alliance

Tags: Google Inc., Mobile, Web Browser, Web Browsers, Internet, Matthew Miller

The talk of the internet today is the launch and availability of the new Google Chrome web browser. As a mobile enthusiast, I immediately asked myself if it is possible that the Chrome browser would be coming to mobile platforms and after reading that the new Chrome browser is based on the WebKit open source project like the Nokia S60 and Apple iPhone browsers I think it is very possible that it will be coming to the mobile space and may actually be the browser that we see launched on the Google Android devices in the next month or two. We know that the Google Android, aka Open Handset Alliance, browser is also an open source browser based on WebKit, but I can’t find any information on the actual name of the browser.

I downloaded the Windows PC version of the Chrome browser and see that is has quite a simple interface, which is what appeals to most people about the Google search engine. It seems that this kind of browser is perfect for ultra portable devices and may be a contender in the mobile space. There hasn’t been any information provided that Chrome is coming to mobile devices, but I am now even more curious to check out the browser on a Google Android device from T-Mobile that I will by buying as soon as they are available.

September 2nd, 2008

Samsung OMNIA first impressions show that Windows Mobile can beat the iPhone

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 4:30 am

Categories: Windows Mobile, Mobile software, Smartphone, On the road, Review, Microsoft, iPhone

Tags: Apple iPhone, Device, Microsoft Windows Mobile, Mobile, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Headset, Stylus, Samsung OMNIA, Center Button, Microsoft Windows

I wrote about my Samsung OMNIA buying experiences in Singapore and wanted to post a first impressions article as I continue to work on a full review of the device. I purchased the 16GB white colored device and think it may be my new preferred Windows Mobile device. Like the HTC Touch Diamond, the Samsung Omnia is quite a departure from a standard Windows Mobile device and with the large 3.2 inch display it looks a lot like a direct iPhone competitor, but with far fewer limitations. The only thing lacking so far is 3G support for the US, but it does have a quad-band GSM radio and works with EDGE (2.5G) here in the US. I found two specific capabilities over the last couple of days that have me quite excited about the device and my T-Mobile SIM has now moved from my BlackBerry Curve to the Samsung OMNIA (SGH-i900) for the indefinite future.

The Samsung OMNIA was launched in Singapore in June and is still only available in a few select countries. Since there is no word yet of it coming to the U.S. I went ahead and paid about US$675 to pick one up in Singapore this past week. I do hope a version that supports 3G networks in the U.S. is launched, but we’ll have to wait and see what happens. In the meantime, check out my first look image gallery and thoughts down below.

	Image Gallery:Check out product photos and screenshots of the Samsung OMNIA (SGH-i900).

In the box: The Samsung OMNIA comes in an attractively designed compact retail box and includes the device, battery, A/C adapter (foreign plug), USB cable, wired stereo headset with 3.5mm end, handy headset cable/dongle and spare headset earplugs, stylus, 1GB microSD card with local navigation program, Samsung CD, and documentation. I want to write just a bit about a couple of these included accessories that offer a unique experience for the Samsung OMNIA buyer.

The first is the included stereo headset cable/dongle that connects to the Samsung proprietary port and ends in a standard 3.5mm headset jack. The 3.5mm headset plug goes into the port that also has a shirt clip and microphone so you can use any headset you like with this as a phone headset. I was very pleased to see this accessory since I have hated seeing the HTC proprietary port on their devices without this accessory that limits what headset I can use with those devices. While the preferred solution would be to include a 3.5mm headset jack on the device like many Nokia Nseries devices and the iPhone, I can live with proprietary ports if a solution like this cable is included.

Another accessory that is unique to this device is the external stylus. Now, all Windows Mobile touch screen devices come with a stylus, but they include an on-device silo that holds the stylus in place. Most all of these stylus pens are junk due to the reduction is weight and length to get them to fit into the device. Samsung seems to think you should use the OMNIA primarily with your finger and thus there is no stylus silo on the device. The included stylus actually looks a bit like a compact mascara tube (I do have a wife and three daughters so I am familiar with these.) and has a lanyard on the cap so you can attach it to the OMNIA with a lanyard. The stylus actually feels great in my hand and has a good length and at this time I actually do have it attached to the lanyard. While I was in Singapore I saw just about everyone having some kind of bling attached to their mobile phone so I guess it isn’t that unique to attach something like the stylus to the OMNIA. I’ll comment more on this usage after I have had more time to test out the device.

Specs: The Samsung OMNIA is one of the most powerful Windows Mobile devices available with specifications that rival the more expensive and much larger HTC Advantage devices. Specifications of the Samsung OMNIA include:

• Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
• Quad-band GSM and single band HSDPA (2100 MHz)
• 128MB RAM and 256MB flash ROM
• Marvell PXA312 624MHz processor
• 8GB or 16GB flash drive (I bought a 16GB model)
• 3.2 inch 240×400 high resolution display
• Haptic feedback support
• Integrated 802.11 b/g WiFi radio
• Integrated Bluetooth 2.0 radio with A2DP
• Infrared port
• Integrated A-GPS receiver
• 1440 mAh Lithium ion battery with reported 5 hours 50 minutes of talk time
• microSD card slot with microSDHC support
• 5 megapixel camera with image stabilization
• TV out support
• FM radio with RDS support
• Weight of 4.30 ounces
• Size of 4.41 x 2.24 x 0.49 inches (iPhone is 4.5 x 2.4 x 0.46 inches and 4.8 ounces)

While I continue to work on testing out the device functionality and software included with the OMNIA, I’ll take you on a quick Read the rest of this entry »

September 1st, 2008

Real live photos of the T-Mobile Google Android device surface

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 4:00 am

Categories: Rumors, Wireless carriers, HTC, Open Handset Alliance

Tags: T-Mobile, Photograph, Matthew Miller

Garett mentioned about some of the mock-up drawings of the rumored HTC Dream Android device, but this weekend we saw Engadget post live photos of the T-Mobile-branded Open Handset Alliance device. These photos help to solidify the rumor that T-Mobile will be launching it sooner rather than later. The display looks to slide up similar to the new T-Mobile Sidekick slider devices and I am sure this will be a point of concern for many folks.

It is nice to see there are left and right shift keys and a full number row on the keyboard with a good sized space bar. It is always tough to judge devices by the photos alone and I know there have been a couple of devices I haven’t fully appreciated until I was able to get my hands on them (such as the T-Mobile Dash) and if this is coming to T-Mobile soon I WILL be purchasing one as soon as they are here.

Do you like the looks of the upcoming T-Mobile Google Android device?

September 1st, 2008

MobileTechRoundup show #145, Traveling in Singapore, Nokia announcements, WiMAX features

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 1:21 am

Categories: Ultra portable PC, Nokia, MoTR podcast, On the road, S60, Nseries, Open Handset Alliance

Tags: MobileTechRoundup, Nokia Corp., Podcasts, WiMAX, Internet, Wireless, Matthew Miller

Listen here (MP3, 31.2 MB, 34:30 minutes)

Subscribe to the show with this link (RSS)

It turns out that the air conditioning unit in my hotel in Singapore was cranking and I didn’t realize it as we recorded MobileTechRoundup show #145 a couple of days ago so I am sorry for the background hum that still remains a bit in the audio file. We did talk about a few new devices that were announced, including the N79 and N85. Kevin ordered a MSI Wind that should be coming soon and I also just ordered a Kindle at a great price. James, Kevin, and I talked a bit about WiMAX and our hopes that it launches soon since it will supposedly allow multiple devices on the same account. Android is getting an application market store, similar to the Apple iPhone.

If you enjoy listening to the MobileTechRoundup podcast, please vote for us at Podcast Alley. Also, please let me know if you have anything you would like us to cover and discuss on the show and I’ll try to work it into a future podcast.

August 31st, 2008

Some tips for the mobile phone buyer traveling abroad

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 1:06 pm

Categories: Windows Mobile, Symbian, Smartphone, On the road

Tags: SIM Card, Phone, Device, Mobile, Credit Card, Retail Company, Cell Phone, Electronics, Singapore, Samsung OMNIA

I just returned from a short business trip to Singapore and knew before I went out there that it might be trouble for my credit card because Singapore is known for their electronics stores and malls dedicated to electronics. After a couple days of work, it turned out my trip was shortened so I tried to find the first flight out. All flights were full until Sunday so I had a couple of days to see some sights. I also discovered that the COMEX 2008 event was being held this weekend and it was free to attend. In addition to the shopping I did (and devices I bought) I learned quite a bit about shopping for mobile phones and wanted to share some experiences and tips in case you end up traveling to Singapore.

If you have listened to any of our latest MobileTechRoundup podcasts you may have heard me talking about how my two oldest daughters are saving up their money for some kind of laptop/netbook device. My initial plan was to look for these at discounted prices in Singapore. I also was chatting with my Mobius buddy Shane from PPCSG.com (who ended up taking me to an excellent Singaporan dinner) and found out that the Samsung OMNIA (aka SGH-i900) was actually released first in Singapore about a month ago. Thus, I had a couple of things to keep a look out for in Singapore.

The first shopping trip out took place in the area of Ngee Ann City and I found a device that I enjoyed discovering at MWC 08 earlier this year. I was at the Sony Store and found that they had the black and red SE G900 UIQ-powered device. The G900 is a candy bar form factor phone with a 5 megapixel camera, Bluetooth, WiFi, and touch screen display. You would never guess the device has a touch screen and it is pretty impressive. It does have 3G, but only for Europe and not for the U.S. I figured that was OK since the phone was available for just under US$400 in a SIM-unlocked configuration. After a few more questions and trying out the device Read the rest of this entry »

August 29th, 2008

Windows Mobile magazine ends, but iPhone Life launches on September 9th

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 3:18 pm

Categories: Windows Mobile, Apple, S60, iPhone

Tags: Apple iPhone, Microsoft Windows Mobile, Mobile, Magazine, Smartphone, Pocket PC, Handhelds, Operating Systems, Cellular Phones, Microsoft Windows

While I get the majority of my news and content online, I still do subscribe to a few magazines including MacWorld, Laptop, and Smartphone & Pocket PC Magazine. I am very saddened by the news that there will be one final issue of Smartphone & Pocket PC Magazine. As you can read in the press release they are working to make the final issue a “keeper” with lots of Windows Mobile reviews, new tips and how-tos, a guide to best accessories, software, and much more. The final issue will be on newstands in November.

I started reading this magazine many years ago and looked forward to reading each issue. I found the reviews to be very informative and the magazine served as a great reference resource. They also ran the Best Software Awards and I was honored to participate the last several years as a member of the Board of Experts in judging software. Hal presents the reasons for having to suspend the magazine and I wish him all the best.

The good news is that Hal will be launching iPhone Life on September 9th and it will be a whopping 100-page premier issue. Many of the same folks who wrote for Smartphone & Pocket PC Magazine will be coming over too. You can subscribe now for just US$25 to receive all issues through 2010 which includes the premier issue and at least 4 issues in both 2009 and 2010, plus a digital edition readable on the iPhone. I already subscribed and highly encourage my readers to as well. I can’t wait to check out the first issue and hope this magazine does as well as the iPhone. You will also find it on newstands everywhere if you don’t want to subscribe.