by Joni Blecher Follow me on Twitter
Friday, November 13, 2009 (permalink)
T-Mobile has always been a fan of WiFi offering cell phones that have the feature as well as a way to make the most of the technology via UMA (a feature that allows users to seamlessly move cell phone calls from towers to WiFi networks) and the company's HotSpot @ Home service. It's no surprise that the recently announced webConnect Jet USB Laptop Stick aims to keep users connected in just about any environment. The USB stick that works with both Macs and PCs is all about getting an Internet connection on the road. The webConnect Jet works with T-Mobile's 3G network, EDGE, or any T-Mobile WiFi HotSpot. Since it's a USB stick you can also use it for extra memory via a 8GB microSD card. You'll need to get a data plan with this device that start at roughly $30 dollars a month. If you travel a lot and need a connection on the road this type of option may end up saving money in the end when you consider the added costs you may incur when connecting at places such as the airport or in a hotel.
| Tags: | In The Know | Cell phone plans | Storage | WiFi |
| T-Mobile | Accessories |
by Joni Blecher Follow me on Twitter
Monday, November 02, 2009 (permalink)
The BlackBerry Desktop Charger for the Bold does more than just charge a cell phone. It has a few other surprising uses. Watch the video below to see what else it can do. Have a different kind of BlackBerry? No worries, there are Desktop Chargers available for a slew of different models.
| Tags: | Phone Smarts | BlackBerry | Smart phones | Accessories |
by Joni Blecher Follow me on Twitter
Thursday, October 29, 2009 (permalink)
Accessories, like cell phones, are personal. Picking one that's right for you isn't always easy. However, you should know that some cases do more than just keep your BlackBerry safe, like this one from BlackBerry for the Bold. (We should note that this case is available for more than just the Bold.) Watch the video below to see what's different about this case.
| Tags: | Phone Smarts | BlackBerry | Smart phones | Accessories |
by Joni Blecher Follow me on Twitter
Wednesday, October 28, 2009 (permalink)
Sprint announced an availability date of November 15th for the Palm Pre's sibling the Palm Pixi. The new model ditches the slider design in favor of an exposed full QWERTY keyboard. Like the Pre, the touchscreen Pixi will run Palm's latest webOS with easy access to information from Google, Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync, Linked In and now Yahoo! The Pixi will also have a new Facebook app that will allow users to see and comment on all updates.
As for the specs, the Pixi will sport a 2-megapixel camera with a LED flash, Bluetooth 2.1, GPS, and 8GB of internal storage space. The new model will also be a bit more customizable with the availability of optionalstylish back covers from a variety of artists.

| Tags: | In The Know | Text messaging | Sprint | Palm |
| Camera | Bluetooth | Accessories |
by Joni Blecher Follow me on Twitter
Friday, October 16, 2009 (permalink)
In this installment of Questions and Answers, we discuss smartphone plans with AT&T and changing Ringback Tones on Verizon cell phones. Got a question you want answered? Submit your question here. Got something to add to the answers below? Leave a comment.
I currently have the Propel with AT&T, but I want to get the BlackBerry Curve. Will getting this cell phone add to my monthly bill? boopbie
In short, yes since youre going from a messaging phone to a smartphone. As of September 6, 2009, AT&T set forth a new mandate that all smartphones must have a data plan associated with them. This mandate applies to both new and existing smartphone users. The minimum monthly data plan for smartphones is $30.
How do I change the Ringback on the Samsung Alias 2? Trinka
If you'd like to change the Ringback Tone on the Samsung Alias 2, you'll need to log onto your account with Verizon Wireless on the web and select Ringback Tones. There you'll be able to change the tones based on songs already purchased or purchase a new one. We should note this is the case for changing the Ringback Tone on most Verizon Wireless cell phones.
| Tags: | Verizon Wireless | AT&T Wireless | Cell phone plans | Samsung |
| BlackBerry | Smart phones | Accessories | Q&A |
by Joni Blecher Follow me on Twitter
Monday, September 21, 2009 (permalink)
Sound ID just announced two new products the Sound ID 400 and the CompanionLink Remote Microphone. The latest Bluetooth headset has many of the features found in previous models such as the ability to connect to two devices simultaneously and NoiseNavigation, a feature that removes background and wind noise while boosting speech for clear conversations. This model now has an Environmental Mode, which lets users hear equally out of both ears in-between calls so you won't actually have to remove the Bluetooth headset to hear people around you better.
The headset also works with a new product from the company, the CompanionLink Remote Microphone. It's an accessory for the accessory. It can be worn by someone you're having a conversation with or just place it by a sound source (cell phone) to enhance the audio even more. For example, if the person you're having a conversation with is in a noisy environment such as a restaurant or trade show, if they're using this device and you're using the Sound ID 400, chances are it will sound like they're right next door.
Both products will be available before the end of the year. The Sound ID will have a suggested retail price of $129.99 while the CompanionLink will cost $79.99.

| Tags: | In The Know | Driving laws | Bluetooth | Accessories |
by Joni Blecher Follow me on Twitter
Wednesday, September 02, 2009 (permalink)
There's no doubting that Bluetooth headsets are popular, but when it comes to listening to music on your cell phone in stereo lots of people still turn to corded headsets. While it's true that cell phones with a 3.5mm headset jack work with your own 3.5mm headset for music, you still won't be able to take a call over them. Stereo headsets that are designed specifically for cell phones allow that functionality. We take a closer look at two such models from BlackBerry - one with an answer/end button and the other with music controls built-into the cord. Both models support a 3.5mm headset jack and ear cushions for extra comfort. Watch the video below to see which model is right for you?
| Tags: | Phone Smarts | Music | BlackBerry | Video |
| Accessories |
by Joni Blecher Follow me on Twitter
Monday, August 17, 2009 (permalink)
When the Palm Pre was first announced at CES earlier this year, it got its fair share of ooohs and aaahs from the audience. But then the Touchstone was revealed and it really got people excited about the idea of the Palm Pre. Watch the video of the Touchstone Charging Kit below to see what we mean.
| Tags: | Phone Smarts | Sprint | Palm | Smart phones |
| Accessories |
by Joni Blecher Follow me on Twitter
Monday, August 03, 2009 (permalink)
Verizon Wireless fans of Pearl Jam can hear snippets of the band's new album Backspacer (available at the end of September) by downloading ringtones and ringback tones (the music that plays instead of a ring while waiting for the person to answer the phone) right to a Verizon Wireless cell phone. Here's a list of songs and availability dates.
· Available Now: The Fixer and Got Some
· Aug. 6: Amongst The Waves
· Aug. 13: Just Breathe
· Aug. 20: Gonna See My Friend
· Aug. 27: Supersonic
· Sept. 3: Force of Nature
· Sept. 10: Speed of Sound
· Sept. 17: Johnny Guitar / Unthought Known / The End
| Tags: | In The Know | Verizon Wireless | Music | Ringtones |
| Accessories |
by Joni Blecher Follow me on Twitter
Friday, June 19, 2009 (permalink)
Like your BlackBerry Curve 8900, BlackBerry Bold, or BlackBerry Storm, but wish it could have a snazzier exterior? Now it can. iSkin has a line of Vibe skins for those BlackBerry models. The come in a few colors and styles for each model and cost about $30 depending on the model you select. The skins go on the back of the device and also add an extra layer of protection. Though, BleckBerry's are pretty durable when it comes to daily wear and tear.

| Tags: | Observed | BlackBerry | Smart phones | Accessories |