December 29th, 2008

For the 2nd year in a row iPhone and HTC coverage topped the charts

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 4:00 am

Categories: Apple, HTC, Review, Windows Mobile, iPhone

Tags: Apple iPhone, High Tech Computer Corp., Microsoft Windows Mobile, Mobile, Apple iPhone 3G, HTC Diamond, 3G, Microsoft Windows, Advertising & Promotion, Handhelds

Looking back at my 2007 end-of-the year wrap-up post for this blog we saw that the iPhone and HTC posts were the most discussed and most popular of 2007. Interestingly, the iPhone and HTC devices again dominated the most popular categories here on this blog for 2008. In September, ZDNet split off the mobile phone topics of this blog to my new Smartphones and Cell Phones blog so at the end of 2009 we will see quite a different list of most popular and most discussed posts here on this blog as I try to focus on mobile gear to go such as GPS, digital media players, portable gaming devices, and other gadgets.

The iPhone 3G and 2.0 firmware update took 4 of the top 10 most popular posts, HTC devices took 3 spots, while the REDFLY, OMNIA, and Treo 800w each took one of the top 10 spots in popularity. Here are the results for most pageviews in 2008:

1. Congratulations Apple, you made the iPhone less stable than Windows Mobile
2. The new iPhone 3G data plan/monthly fee will rise $10/month on AT&T
3. Can the REDFLY Windows Mobile Smartphone Companion succeed where the Foleo couldn’t?
4. The HTC Diamond takes Windows Mobile to the next level
5. Samsung OMNIA first impressions show that Windows Mobile can beat the iPhone
6. Review: HTC Advantage X7510 with 16GB flash drive, haptics keyboard and Windows Mobile 6.1
7. What is the best method for picking up an iPhone 3G on July 11th?
8. Sprint announces HTC Touch Diamond and Touch Pro, is there really going to be a Touch HD?
9. Updated my iPhone to firmware 2.0 and setup hosted Exchange account
10. First impressions of the Palm Treo 800w with integrated WiFi and GPS

The same post topped my most viewed and most commented on for 2008. iPhone related topics were 4 of the top 10 most discussed, my XPERIA X1 coverage at Mobile World Congress secured 2 of the top 10 spots, and various other topics took the other 4 spots. Here are the results for most discussed posts in 2008:

1. Congratulations Apple, you made the iPhone less stable than Windows Mobile
2. One week with the HTC Touch Diamond; panoramic photos, VGA, and more experiences
3. Lame hands-free law goes into effect in WA State on 1 July 2008
4. Samsung OMNIA first impressions show that Windows Mobile can beat the iPhone
5. The iPhone 3G honeymoon seems to be over for some folks
6. MWC08: Sony Ericsson announces XPERIA X1 Windows Mobile device
7. iPhone 3G announced for July 11th availability, but lots of questions remain
8. What is the best method for picking up an iPhone 3G on July 11th?
9. MWC08: The XPERIA X1 is one slick Windows Mobile device!
10. What’s up with the MacBook Air single USB port and where is the flash card reader?

Please feel free to chime in and let me know if you had any personal favorites in 2008. Also, I would love to know what you would like to see covered or reviewed here in 2009.

December 22nd, 2008

MobileTechRoundup show #158, Wrapping up 2008 and predictions for 2009

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 7:17 pm

Categories: Gadgets, HTC, MP3 players, MoTR podcast, Netbook, Nokia, On the road, Ultra portable PC, Windows Mobile, Wireless carriers, iPhone

Tags: MobileTechRoundup, Podcasts, Internet, Matthew Miller

Listen here (MP3, 47.7 MB, 41:30 minutes)

Subscribe to the show with this link (RSS)

Kevin, James, and I decided to make MobileTechRoundup show #158 a bit longer since it will be our last one of 2008. You can listen to our thoughts on what we thought was the best of 2008 in the mobile space. We also offered up some predictions for 2009. Look for shorter, more focused podcasts in 2009 too since we realize that people’s time is precious and 30 to 40 minutes per show may be too much for casual listening. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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.

October 15th, 2008

Full review of the T-Mobile G1 consumed most of my week

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 10:01 pm

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

Tags: T-Mobile G1, Blog, T-Mobile, Blogging, Microsoft Windows CE, Handhelds, Internet, Operating Systems, Microsoft Windows, Software

I have to say sorry to any readers who have been wanting to see more posts here on my blog, but my last week has been consumed by the T-Mobile G1 as you can see in my review with over 260 images and 5 videos posted over on my Smartphones & Cell Phones blog. I wanted to mention it here since my other blog is still quite new and many readers here may not have yet subscribed to my other blog. I also wanted to mention it here because I think the Google Android OS will go further than just the mobile phone with talk that it could challenge the embedded Windows CE OS seen in enterprise and other devices.

The T-Mobile G1 is not perfect, but it is one dang good first generation device and I am impressed that HTC was able to work with T-Mobile and the US regulatory agencies to get a device to market first just like they promised us last year. I love many more things than I don’t like on the G1 and cannot wait to get my own black one I preordered back on launch day. If you are into mobile devices like me then I recommend you check one out soon.

September 24th, 2008

Will a 6600 mAh battery convince you to buy an HTC Shift?

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 7:07 am

Categories: HTC, Microsoft, Tablet PC, UMPC, Ultra portable PC

Tags: High Tech Computer Corp., Battery, Engineering, Matthew Miller

On my recent trip to New York to cover the T-Mobile G1 Android launch I traveled with just a backpack and used my Fujitsu U810 to write on the road. It was adequate, but the keyboard is quite small and limits how fast I can type. I reviewed the Sprint version HTC Shift back in March and one of the major flaws for me was the poor battery life. Paul at MoDaCo just posted a review of a new 3rd party 6600 mAh battery for the Shift that has me thinking about the device again. This whopping battery (compared to the minimal 2700 mAh battery loaded in the device) is priced at US$239.95.

I see that an open box 3G version (compatible with US 3G on AT&T) is available on Dynamism for US$999 and I am tempted to sell my Fujitsu U810 and pick up the Shift. Then again, this battery adds some considerable size to the device with a nice new cover provided by Mugen Power.

It’s not just the battery that would improve the device, but Paul also posted on how to enable GPS and Windows XP is almost up and running on the device as well. I know I should probably stick with something like the MSI Wind for much less cost and am looking at that device too (I may have an eval unit soon) since it has a much more usable keyboard and better specs.

September 16th, 2008

Google Android device will be announced by T-Mobile on 23 September

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 12:07 pm

Categories: HTC, Open Handset Alliance, Wireless carriers

Tags: Google Inc., Google Android, T-Mobile, 3G, Telecom & Utilities, Cellular Phones, Wireless, Consumer Electronics, Personal Technology, Matthew Miller

We have seen rumors of an Android device launching on T-Mobile in September or October and now according to the Wall Street Journal T-Mobile USA will announce it on 23 September. Invites are going out that ask press to attend the NY event at 10:30 am on the 23rd, although I haven’t received mine yet ;)  UPDATE: I’ll be flying out from Seattle on Monday to attend the event on Tuesday because I want to get some actual hands-on time with the device and plan to shoot photos and video, as well as cover the event live on my blog. The HTC Dream device should then be available in stores before the end of October. As a T-Mobile USA customer who has patiently been waiting for a decent 3G phone and someone who enjoys using Google products I will definitely be buying one of these devices.

The WSJ sources state that HTC predicts they will ship 600,000 to 700,000 Dream phones this year, which is pretty incredible given that T-Mobile is the smallest of the four major U.S. carriers and they only have 2 months to sell that many. It will be very interesting to see if it is just the mobile phone and Linux geeks that go after this device or if your standard consumer will be aware of it and look to purchase one. I know when I went to purchase the T-Mobile Shadow last year that I was quite surprised by the demographics of the people coming into the store seeking the device and plan to swing by a few local T-Mobile stores to observe a bit when the Android is launched too. T-Mobile needs some kind of unique device, like AT&T with the iPhone, to really get people excited about their late 3G launch and I hope the Android lives up to the anticipation.

September 15th, 2008

MobileTechRoundup show #147, New MP3 players, new HTC devices and more

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 12:39 pm

Categories: Apple, HTC, MP3 players, MoTR podcast, Netbook, Nokia, Nseries, Ultra portable PC, Windows Mobile, Wireless carriers, Zune, iPhone

Tags: MobileTechRoundup, High Tech Computer Corp., MP3 Player, MP3, Podcasts, Internet, Matthew Miller

Listen here (MP3, 31 MB, 33:40 minutes)

Subscribe to the show with this link (RSS)

We wished our local podcast co-host James the best of luck as he was just about to get hit by Hurricane Ike as we recorded MobileTechRoundup show #147 and he had all of his gear powered up and ready to go. There were lots of announcements made in the last week, including new Zune hardware and software, new iPods, new iTunes, and a new iPhone update. Sprint also announced the long rumored HTC Touch Diamond and Touch Pro. I talked about how I am dropping one device for another one I enjoy using. We talked about an HTC rumor that turned into reality today with the new HTC announcements. Dell netbooks are arriving, but Lenovo’s seem to be delayed. Nokia is also offering a sync solution for S60 owners that you may want to check out.

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 15th, 2008

HTC announces 3 new TouchFLO Windows Mobile devices

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 9:08 am

Categories: HTC, Smartphone, Windows Mobile, Wireless carriers

Tags: High Tech Computer Corp., HTC Touch, 3G, Chipsets, Cellular Phones, Microsoft Windows, Operating Systems, Wireless, Consumer Electronics, Personal Technology

Last week, the rumor mill started churning about the HTC Touch HD and today HTC confirmed that it is indeed coming out with this device, along with a couple more Touch devices to satisfy a range of customers. We will soon see the HTC Touch HD, Touch 3G, and Touch Viva. You will see in the current specs that there is no 3G radio shown for the U.S. so I am not sure which of the devices will be coming and if they will be GSM or CDMA variants. Official pages on HTC will be updated soon with all of this information and more.

The HTC Touch HD (Blackstone) sports a large 3.8 inch WVGA display, 3.5mm audio jack (thankfully the rumors were spot on here), and a 5 megapixel camera so it looks like HTC just one-upped the Samsung OMNIA. The device will be available in Europe in the 4th quarter of 2008 and in other markets after that. No pricing information is yet available.

Specifications include the following:

• Size: 115 x 62.8 x 12 mm
• Weight: 146.4 grams/5.164 oz with battery
• Connectivity: Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900 MHzWCDMA / HSPA: 900/2100MHz. HSDPA 7.2 Mbps
• Software/Operating system: HTC TouchFLO 3D with Windows Mobile® 6.1 Professional
• Display: 3.8 inch Wide Screen VGA screen (480 x 800 WVGA)
• Camera: 5.0 megapixel with auto focus, Second Camera: VGA
• Internal memory: 512 MB flash; 288 MB RAM
• Memory card: microSD memory card (SDHC capable)
• WLAN: 802.11b/g
• Bluetooth®: 2.0 with EDR
• GPS: GPS/AGPS
• Battery: 1350 mAh
• Chipset: Qualcomm® MSM7201a 528 MHz

The HTC Touch 3G (Jade) will come in four colors and looks like an update to the HTC Touch device with many of the same specifications.

Specifications for the Touch 3G include:

• Size: 102 x 53.6 x 14.5 mm
• Weight: 96g
• Connectivity: GSM/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz & WCDMA / HSPA: 900/2100MHz. HSDPA 7.2 Mbps
• Software/Operating system: HTC TouchFLO with Windows Mobile® 6.1 Professional
• Display: 2.8 inch QVGA screen
• Camera: 3.2 megapixel
• Internal memory: 256 MB flash; 192 MB RAM
• Memory card: microSD
• Bluetooth®: 2.0 with EDR
• GPS: GPS/AGPS
• Battery: 1100 mAh
• Chipset: Qualcomm® MSM7225 528 MHz

The HTC Touch Viva (Opal) is designed to be a less expensive TouchFLO device with no 3G radio and a more basic processor.

Specifications for the Touch 3G include:

• Size: 104.5 x 59 x 15.75 mm
• Weight: 110g
• Connectivity: GSM/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
• Software/Operating system: HTC TouchFLO with Windows Mobile® 6.1 Professional
• Display: 2.8 inch QVGA screen
• Camera: 2 megapixel
• Internal memory: 256 MB flash; 128 MB RAM
• Memory card: microSD
• WLAN: 802.11 b/g
• Bluetooth®: 2.0 with EDR
• GPS: GPS/AGPS
• Battery: 1100 mAh
• Chipset: TI OMAP 850, 201 MHz

Both of these devices are scheduled for an early October release in various markets. No pricing information is yet available.

September 11th, 2008

Manage your calendar and team members with Franklin Covey FCmobilelife on your phone

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 5:30 am

Categories: BlackBerry, HTC, Mobile software, On the road, Windows Mobile, mobile services

Tags: Team, Phone, Team Member, Post Functionality, Team Management, Management, Matthew Miller

Nokia just made their Sync on Ovi service available for those of you with S60 devices who want to sync you PIM data (calendar, contacts, tasks, etc.) to a server and have it backed up and secure. You also have the choice to use an Exchange, or hosted Exchange service, or a BlackBerry service for this functionality. I was reading Mobility Site and the words Franklin Covey caught my attention since I used these planners for years before discovering my first Palm Pilot. I am not sure how long Franklin Covey has been offering this server sync/backup solution, but they now have a free version that is limited to yourself and one team member.

The FCmobilelife solution models the old paper planners I used to use with the ability to manage your schedule, tasks, goals, and team members. The software works with both BlackBerry and Windows Mobile 5/6 devices. The solution is completely separate from your system PIM data though so you have to use this system to enter in your calendar if you want to take full advantage of this planner system. With the price of free, it looks to be a great alternative to syncing and backing up your data, especially if you are a Franklin Covey fan.

In addition to accessing your data on a mobile device, you can go to the web browser version on any PC, Mac, or Linux box to manage your data as well.

The Post functionality allows you to communicate with team members through a private system where you can send voice, text, and photos to others. If you want more than one person on your team, you need to look at the subscription options that have monthly (US$9.95) or yearly (US$99.50) fees with unlimited team member support.

Have any readers tried using this FCmobilelife solution?

September 11th, 2008

First impressions of the Sprint HTC Touch Diamond

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 4:30 am

Categories: HTC, Review, Windows Mobile, Wireless carriers

Tags: Sprint Communications, Sprint HTC Touch Diamond, 3G, Engineering, Cellular Phones, Wireless, Consumer Electronics, Personal Technology, Matthew Miller

I’ve had my ups and downs with the early GSM version of the HTC Touch Diamond, but the current ROM is rocking along and performing well. However, it doesn’t yet support 3G in the U.S. and is not carried by any carrier. Sprint just announced that the HTC Touch Diamond will be coming later in September with the Touch Pro in October. I was sent an evaluation unit for a couple of weeks and shot a short video to show off some aspects of this newest version of the HTC Touch Diamond. I’ll follow up within 2 weeks with some further thoughts and an image gallery of the device.

The Sprint HTC Touch Diamond is very similar to the GSM variant I tested out and the specifications include:

• EV-DO Rev. A/CDMA radio
• Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
• Qualcomm MSM7501A 528 MHz
• Integrated GPS/A-GPS reciever
• 802.11 b/g WiFi
• Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
• 2.8 inch VGA (640×480 pixels) touch screen display
• 256MB internal flash ROM memory and 288MB RAM to run applications (less actually available to use)
• 4GB internal flash drive for storage
• 3.2 megapixel camera with no flash
• Stereo FM radio receiver with RDS
• Proprietary HTC ExtUSB headset jack (also used for charging and USB 2.0 connectivity)
• 1340 mAh battery

Dimensions:
• Weight: 4.1 ounces
• Length: 4.0 inches
• Width: 2.00 inches
• Thickness: 0.6 inch

Differences between the GSM version and this new Sprint version include the missing front video conferencing camera on the Sprint model, the new soft-touch back and more rounded edges on the Sprint version, several Sprint services/utilities, larger battery on the Sprint model (1340 mAh vs 900 mAh) that makes the device a bit thicker too, and colored stylus. The Sprint box is a more traditional square box while the Diamond I checked out had a cool pyramid-like shape and design.

I think overall the Sprint version offers some good improvements (larger battery is major) over the previous model and if you are a Sprint customer this looks like a great device to pick up at a fairly reasonable US$249.99. If you are like me and want a physical keyboard, then the Touch Pro should be out in a month or so for US$299.99. I am still waiting to see the Touch Pro in 3G GSM in the U.S. before I pick one up for myself.

September 10th, 2008

Sprint announces HTC Touch Diamond and Touch Pro, is there really going to be a Touch HD?

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 10:39 am

Categories: HTC, Rumors, Smartphone, Windows Mobile, Wireless carriers

Tags: High Tech Computer Corp., Sprint Communications, HTC Touch, GPS, Wireless, Consumer Electronics, Personal Technology, Matthew Miller

I have been enjoying my experiences with the HTC Touch Diamond and U.S. customers will finally get the chance to get one of these devices from Sprint as announced today. Sprint will be bringing both the Touch Diamond and the Touch Pro (the model with the slide-out QWERTY keyboard) to you in September for US$249.99 and US$299.99, respectively, after rebate and a two-year contract. There are also rumors of a newer HTC Touch device with an even larger display.

The Touch Diamond should be available sometime this month with the Touch Pro coming on 19 October. FedEx just dropped off the Touch Diamond for me to evaluate for a couple of weeks so stay tuned for a more in-depth look at it soon. Hopefully we will see these coming to other U.S. wireless carriers soon as well.

Paul at MoDaCo has some photos and details of the rumored HTC Touch HD that brings you a WVGA display in a possible 3.2 inch size. Rumored specs also include a 528MHz processor, 512MB ROM, 256MB RAM, GPS, 5 megapixel camera, microSD card slot, 3.5mm headset jack, and minimal buttons. I sure do hope that the 3.5mm headset jack is true as this feature is becoming a new standard for me when I purchase devices.