Tag: cellphone

Buying a “Smart” Phone for the First Time: Which One?

January 18, 2009January 18, 2009 Bob Caswell 6 Comments

g1phone First, I work for Microsoft. But I tend to purchase/use Microsoft products only when they are the best option for me personally (and they often are). In this case, I did actually look at Windows Mobile as my first choice. I’m on T-Mobile and not willing to switch carriers (most of my extended family is on T-Mobile, so I use hardly any minutes and like it that way, plus T-Mobile is the cheapest of all carriers and has been good to me the past few years).

Gadgets, Google, Microsoft, Sony

T-Mobile vs. The iPhone or Hurry Up, T-Mobile!

August 4, 2008August 4, 2008 Bob Caswell 7 Comments

I don’t have a “smart” phone and am in the market. So what logically comes to mind? The iPhone, of course. But I’m a T-Mobile customer and most my extended family are as well, which means we can all talk to our hearts’ content without worrying about minutes. Thus, it’s hard for me to give up the plan my wife and I are on: 1,000 shared minutes for only $50.

But our contract with T-Mobile recently expired, so I thought I’d use that as leverage to see what T-Mobile could offer me to, you know, “retain” me. At the same time, though, I don’t want to admit that I’m mostly happy with their service. What followed was an interesting conversation with a T-Mobile “retention representative” I was transferred to.

Apple, Gadgets, Shopping

Purdue University IT: iPhones Are Cool But Don’t Buy One Yet

February 28, 2008 Bob Caswell 36 Comments

iPhone ITaP (short for Information Technology at Purdue) is offering advice for potential buyers of the iPhone: Wait. According to Frank Wolf, Mac specialist and systems administrator for ITaP:

“The iPhone is still being considered by many to be a revision-one product when thinking about it in an enterprise. I recommend to the people we support that they hold off on getting an iPhone until the next revision is released.”

Here’s more of his reasoning as to why you should wait:

Apple, Gadgets

Google Testing Infrastructure In Case It Wants to Become a Wireless Carrier

November 16, 2007July 13, 2008 Bob Caswell 2 Comments

Google Cellphone The Wall Street Journal has the latest on Google’s cellphone plans via its usual mix of industry analysts and “people familiar with the matter.” Apparently, Google has already erected transmission towers all over its headquarters and is operating an advanced high-speed cellphone network under a test license from the FCC. Prototype cellphones with Android software (Google’s previously announced mobile platform) are currently running on it.

The idea is that Google is actually considering building and operating a wireless network that would provide consumers an option that is faster and cheaper than the AT&T’s and Verizon’s. But, of course, this news comes with all the standard disclaimers revolving around the fact that it’s too early to tell what the search giant will really do.

Google, Internet, Tech News

Even More Gphone News: Google in Advanced Talks with Verizon & Sprint

October 30, 2007August 20, 2008 Bob Caswell 4 Comments

Gphone The latest info from our good friends those “people familiar with the matter” is that Google is in advanced talks with two U.S. cellphone operators: Verizon Wireless and Sprint Nextel. The talks, of course, are revolving around the two companies offering new Google-powered mobile phones. Google has to get some major wireless operators to sign on to this project if it’s to reach its rumor-generated goal of getting Gphones in front of consumers by the middle of next year.

Gadgets, Internet, Microsoft, Tech News, Web 2.0

Google Unveiling Gphone Plans In Two Weeks & Wants to Change the Cellphone Industry

October 29, 2007August 20, 2008 Bob Caswell 37 Comments

Google Cellphone The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) is quoting “people familiar with the matter” in stating that within two weeks Google will announce plans to bring Google-powered phones to market by the middle of next year. Apparently, Google’s goal is “[T]o make applications and services as accessible on cellphones as they are on the Internet.”

Gadgets, Microsoft, Tech News, Web 2.0

The Year of Cellphone Advertising: Paying for Services through “Opt in” Ads

February 14, 2007August 20, 2008 Bob Caswell No Comments

The New York Times has an interesting piece outlining signs that advertising may be coming to our cellphones. The good news: guidelines have been established to limit ads to those who “opt in.” And by choosing to do so, cellphone customers may receive free services in exchange. The guidelines have already been agreed upon by Verizon, Sprint Nextel, T-Mobile, and others.

While some may not be too thrilled by the idea, I’m personally fine with it.

Gadgets, Tech News