Purpose of cell phone ratings??

Why does CNET issue ratings for cell phones after doing a review. I have only seen reviews range from a 3 star rating to a 4 star rating. Is CNET afraid to provide a truly unbiased opinion. You'll notice that user reviews offer a much wider range of ratings than the professional who is reviewing the cell phone. You might as well creat a 1 star rating and give 1 if you like it 0 if you don't or .5 if you have no idea how to rate it. Better yet just have your staff provide an overview of the features and not let them submit a rating. I'm sorry but I used to enjoy coming to this site much more in the past when this wasn't the case. Please improve on this.

It's official: Android sucks

Yes it has great usability. Yes there are plenty of apps. Yes it's an open platform. So why does it suck?

App updating...ENDLESS app updating. Every day there's at least one nag on my phone telling me to update an app; more often it's a batch of apps that need updating.

Never mind the usual bug fixes that come with programming, never mind the app irritations that need mending with each Android OS refresh that Google occasionally issues; it's worse than that. It seems that with each new Android PHONE there's a ton of updates for almost every app that has to roll out in order to accommodate that new phone. Sure it doesn't really affect a 'grandfather' like my G1, but like do I really have a choice not to update? Not if I want to rid myself of the ever-present nags telling me that there are updates available. And after a while if I don't update each app then it's too easy to lose track of which app update is OS-specific and which is phone-specific. Android has become more work than it's worth.

People grouse about always having to do Windows Updates; at least that's usually only once a month. With Android apps it's become a daily exercise. Sure each app update usually only takes a few seconds, but group a bunch together and it takes several minutes...sometimes about as long as that monthly Windows update. And it requires MORE user monitoring and input than the Windows process. And with my G1, if I'm off the charger at the time of updating, I can ALWAYS count on these eating up a fair chunk of the available charge.

Shouldn't the hardware conform to the OS standards instead of the other way around? Why should I be inconvenienced by the appearance of a phone that I don't even intend on owning?

Reply 1 : It's official: Android sucks

You're right about the great usability and plenty of apps, but, on any of the android phones, it has a feature, if you want it to provide updates for the apps you've already installed, so if you don't want the updates, then just turn the feature off. Hope that provided you with some info.

Reply 2 : It's official: Android sucks

...but so far I've had no luck finding this sort of app update on/off 'switch' on my G1. At least it's not in the App controls within the phone's Settings management app, where it would make sense for it to be.

Every day this holiday weekend I've had at least four apps to update; it does get real tiring. The Droid and Android 2.0 are the biggest causes for these, but a lot of developers are still trying to get caught up to 1.6 which my G1 is running. I don't mind the nags for 1.6 because it is what my phone is depending on, but it's the updates for phones like the Droid that run 2.0 that REALLY drive me nuts. I wish Google had a process that could disseminate which app updates are for which phone and/or OS version, and provide the appropriate notifications to those specific phones and users.

Reply 3 : It's official: Android sucks

You can make all the excuses and explanations for this piece of junk but the truth is it just plain old SUCKS.

blocking a number using my blackberry

somebody is constantly stalking and calling me sprint wont help can i block the # using any features on my blackberry

Reply 1 : blocking a number using my blackberry

Verizon has on the site how you can block a number but it is only for 30 days.
I don't know if Sprint offers this. I recommend you change your phone number. I know this can be a drag,but you can text everyone or email them with your new number. I think this will be your best bet.
I am sorry Sprint is not being more helpful to you.
If they say you have to pay a fee to change your number, ask to speak to a supervisor and request no fee and explain why. Verizon doesn't give problems to changing a phone number.

Maybe you need to switch carriers. I sold Sprint and Verizon and Sprint really needs to come to bat for their customers more.

Reply 2 : blocking a number using my blackberry

DO a search for the blackberry app that blocks incoming calls, there are several.
Also call your local police/ sheriff's department. Stalking, harrasing phone calls are illegal, depending on state you are in will depend on if charge is felony or misdemeanor.

Reply 3 : blocking a number using my blackberry

Hello everybody,
I've noticed that XBLOCKR works much better on my Torch! Moreover, I've found the lowest price for it, check this out:
z1appstore.com/xblockr/

Cell phone as PC Internet Connection Device?

I've got a hair-brained idea and would like input about its workability, please.

I'm considering the purchase of a Verizon (UTStarcom) XV6700 cell phone with a data package. Since I recently broke my PDA, I want to have one appliance for communication and organizing.

To help justify the purchase, I'm wondering if I could also use the phone as a "modem", allowing me to drop my cable modem for Internet access on my home computer. My thinking is that I could have the phone connected to the PC by its synch cord, then access the Internet through the phone.

Is this possible? Has anyone done this?

Thanks for your ideas.

Reply 1 : Cell phone as PC Internet Connection Device?

Answered my own question today. One can, in fact, use a cell phone as a modem. It's called "tethering." Verizon offers a service it calls BroadbandAccess Connect for specific phones only: LG VX9800, Motorola RAZR V3c, Motorola E815, LG VX8100, and Blackberry 7130e. Price is $59.99 for full data access plus the voice plan. Top speed in EV-DO equipped regions is 700 kps. Sprint offers a similar service.

For more info, see this link: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1918150,00.asp

Reply 2 : Cell phone as PC Internet Connection Device?

I saw a bluetooth keyboard/screen that uses your phone as a modem. cool idea. Not sure there's a market...

Reply 3 : Cell phone as PC Internet Connection Device?

well, since you cant refrain from breaking something . i swear you people are like 6 month old babies "i dropped it, i broke it" sheesh..

get a phone with wi-fi . theres a video on cnet that talks about different phones that offer modem connections

Reply 4 : Cell phone as PC Internet Connection Device?

But if you get a phone with WiFi, you only have access in WiFi hotspots. I think the original question was about using his laptop wherever he wanted through his cell phone tether.

Sounds cool, it's good info.

Reply 5 : Cell phone as PC Internet Connection Device?

a bit slow but it's a can do! Top speed with verizon without signing up for a data package is 144Kb not bad for free! I have setup quite a few friends doing just this but have to have a phone that has national access! I have much more info pertianing to but have to move on right now, if want more let me know.

Reply 6 : Cell phone as PC Internet Connection Device?

Please send me information how I can connect my laptop to my Blackberry 7130e. Slow go is better than no go. joe.miles@cox.net

Thanks Joe

Reply 7 : Cell phone as PC Internet Connection Device?

Please email me with info on how to do this, too..kimbercin @ aol.com.
Thanks!

Reply 8 : Cell phone as PC Internet Connection Device?

To use the phone as a modem, say i get all the hardware and connect the phone to my laptop and I am browsing the internet , but how mich is the verizon or cingular charging me?
Is it the number of minutes used( out of the calling plan)
or data charges too..a dollar per KB data sent/recieved?
or something else..

I always had this doubt in my mind, but wanst sure ....

Reply 9 : Cell phone as PC Internet Connection Device?

with sprint EVDO, you can do it for $15 a month with the ppc 6700.

I would do it with either sprint or verison. verison charges allot more , $40+ a month.

check out this message for more details.

http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-7813-0.html?forumID=74&threadID=159621&messageID=1957589

Reply 10 : Cell phone as PC Internet Connection Device?

I have Sprint EVDO on PPC 6700 which allows me to connect with my phone in most areas. How can I use it to connect my Lap Top to the internet without paying extra?

Reply 11 : Cell phone as PC Internet Connection Device?

its easy, what you do is first insert the cd that it came with into your laptop. Then on the phone , go to Start > Programs > Wireless Modem.

In connection type , use USB (i have not tried the bluetooth or IR , and i dont recommend it , since it is benefitial to have the USB charge the phone as you use it) and press start.

With the CD in the drive, plug in the phone via USB, active sync should not come up. Instead your laptop will detect a new software (generic modem) . Till the laptop to search for drivers in specific location and then choose the Cd drives. it will find the drivers on the cd.

Once the new hardware is installed, go to network and create a new dial-up connection. choose ppc6700 as the modem. The number to dial is #777 . leave the username/password blank. make sure it does not dial anything but #777 (no area codes, prefixes or anything). That should be it, you should be connected.

Things to look out for: the drivers get erased frequently, so have the cd handy to reinstall them, or copy them off the cd, i lost my cd and if you can send me a copy of the drivers to xxx_mina@hotmail.com , that would be awesome.

Also, when you unplug the phone , the modem gets switched from ppc6700 to whatever modem you have. Before you dial, make sure that the modem is set to 6700. it gets switched often when your not using the phone as a modem.

Mina

Reply 12 : Cell phone as PC Internet Connection Device?

Thanks for the info but I cannot find the drivers on the CD that came with the phone. any suggestions?

Reply 13 : Cell phone as PC Internet Connection Device?

hey, after i posted this, i went to utstar.com and they had an update to the phone. Its a really good one, you shoud defenetly get it.

http://www.utstar.com/pcd/Downloads.aspx

then i asked them where i can download the drivers and they just e-mailed them to me and i put them on my website

www.outsidersfl.com/files/6700_USB_Modem.zip

also, you should go to utstar.com/pcd and look for the updated user's manuel ... it has exact details on how to use phone as modem

Mina

Reply 14 : Cell phone as PC Internet Connection Device?

Ahhh, good old Verizon, was wondering why the modem function using motorola tools quit, no more, read on. ''IMPORTANT NOTE: This downloadable software is fully supported for Cingular and T-Mobile customers. However, portions of this software's functionality have been disabled for Verizon or Nextel customers, so Motorola Phone Tools will not work fully with phones using those carriers. If you are a Verizon customer, all multimedia and internet connection features in this software will be disabled due to carrier request. Please contact your service provider for further information.'' Post @ http://motorola.handango.com/entertainment/PlatformProductDetail.jsp?siteId=522&jid=X3F752DX783FXBD97FB6F78E45F48DE9&carrierId=2&platformId=6&productType=2&productId=93724. Guessing if want to use cell as modem need to use any listed providers. Cost me $175.00 cause I quit the big V ! Movin' on to ? as of yet! One still might be able to use a cell with Verizon but not using motorola tools. ((Must use a tri mode phone)).

Reply 15 : Cell phone as PC Internet Connection Device?

I would be interested in this information as well.
Norma

Reply 16 : Cell phone as PC Internet Connection Device?

i have done it with the ppc6700 from sprint with the EVDO for $15 a month

I would do it with either sprint or verison. verison charges allot more , $40+ a month.

check out this message for more details on how.

http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-7813-0.html?forumID=74&threadID=159621&messageID=1957589

Reply 17 : Cell phone as PC Internet Connection Device?

if you have a mac you could check out macandmobile.com

Reply 18 : Cell phone as PC Internet Connection Device?

You can but its slower and capped. Ive done it but only in a pinch

Can I use a Straight Talk GSM SIM card for laptop internet?

Hey guys. I had a question about using a GSM SIM card for laptop internet usage. There is a cell phone provider called Straight Talk that is created by Tracfone and is sponsered by Walmart. They offer an unlimited data plan for $45 per month that can run on the GSM network which typically uses SIM cards that are usually removable from the phone itself.

I was wondering if I could order one of these GSM straight talk phones on the unlimited plan, take out the GSM SIM card from the phone, and put it into my air time card reader and have it work to access the internet on my laptop. I have read stories of people having success doing this with another cell phone service provider called T-Mobile.

The exact airtime card reader I am using is a USB device called a 'Model 4597 3G+ Freedom Modem for AT&T and T-Mobile' that is made by a company called Zoom Telephonics. It claims to work on AT&T and T-Mobile GSM services, and it also says "and other GSM cellular data services worldwide". A link to the product page would be here:

http://www.zoomtel.com/products/mobile_broadband_overview.html?gclid=CLX0nKCq2KcCFZFoKgodciSg_A#4597

Will this idea of mine work? Have other people been doing this? The reason I am asking is because when I talk directly to AT&T or verizon they want alot more money per month and they also want me to sign a contract which I don't want. That's the great part about Tracfone Straight Talk - it's the cheapest unlimited plan I've been able to find and it also doesn't require a contract.

Also, it sounds like Tracfone Straight Talk has a soft cap of 5 gigabytes on thier unlimited plan. I guess if a user goes over 5 gigabytes in a month's time, they risk getting thier account shut down, right?

Reply 1 : Can I use a Straight Talk GSM SIM card for laptop internet?

Although I am not 100% certain, it will likely require a separate APN to work. It's not as simple as having a SIM card/GSM technology. AFAIK, that separate APN is not available to you via the Tracfone/Straighttalk SIM card. That's why you get the better deal on the MVNOs sometimes.

A better place to ask and get more granular level information on this subject is Howardforums. There are good prepaid sub-forums you can peruse there too.

http://www.howardforums.com

Reply 2 : Can I use a Straight Talk GSM SIM card for laptop internet?

They went with a Virgin Mobile Android and their 25 unlimited data plan. He installed EasyTether and got online.

Bob

The Blackberry 9650 is Garbage!

I have the Verizon Blackberry Bold 9650. I bought this thinking it would obviously be faster than the older modles, but boy was I wrong. There is so much lag (even with few programs open), and worst of all the touch sensor lags terribly. Also, had many problems viewing youtube videos- specifically switching from desktop view to mobile.

Just wanted to share in case anyone is thinking of purchasing one. Please share your experiences too!

Andrew Sky
http://AndrewSkyMusic.Wordpress.com

Apps for Filmmakers

iPhones seem to have many many apps for the Filmmaker, Cinematographer and Lighting Technician. Anyone care to share what they have found useful on Android?

Reply 1 : Apps for Filmmakers

http://www.theblackandblue.com/2011/02/28/useful-cinematography-android-apps/ was easy to find. The problem I see with the droid marketplace is the search is a little skewed to what's popular today. To find what you want, you have to do some research.
Bob

Reply 2 : Apps for Filmmakers

thank you for the info appreciate for your work

Must pick out new phone from AT&T soon

I live in ND and Alltel is merging with AT&T in Feb. I must pick out new phones to use on the AT&T network. I currently have a 2 year old Blackberry. My free choices are a Blackberry Curve, an HTC Avia or a Palm Pre (which I have eliminated). My primary needs include good picture taking, easy to read big screen, ease of use and email.

If I so choose, I may extend my contract by 2 years and choose between a Blackberry Torch for $100, or a Samsung Captivate for $200. My fear there is I could be stuck for 2 more years if I do one of those and I don't know what to expect from AT&T. My only other carrier choice here is Verizon, but I've been happy with Alltel for many years.

Does anyone have any suggestions for this dilemma? Thanks in advance.

Reply 1 : Must pick out new phone from AT&T soon

I'd buy an unlocked/unbranded or unsubsidized ATT branded handset which does not force you to enter into another contract before knowing what service/reception you will be actually receiving. Since you will not be in a 3G service area, you could grab even a cheap gophone from Target or Wal mart to test out how ATT does in your neck of the woods. Verizon may be a good alternative so you at least wouldn't have to necessarily commit to ATT.

ATT does sell SIM only service, but in your case you will likely have to push hard for this since they want to lock you into some sort of contract.

There will be more info on how to do this over at howardforums.com. Some other folks who were in areas formerly service by Alltel (divested areas now w/ ATT) have commented on their specifics, AFAIK.

Reply 2 : Must pick out new phone from AT&T soon

Are you sure Alltel merged with AT&T? I'm out in CA/AZ and Alltel merged with Verizon here. My ex husband was using Alltel with his school district and is now on Verizon since the merge.

Either way, I think both AT&T or Verizon will prove to be good unless you are in some rural area. I have the Samsung Fascinate and am very happy with it. The Fascinate is with Verizon, but it's almost exactly like the Captivate (on AT&T). The only issues being that it has some gps issues (which I hear will be fixed or better with Android 2.2)...and Android 2.2. Both phones are working off Android 2.1, but from all I hear, 2.2 should be available to the Samsung Galaxy S series phones "soon". LOL

Reply 3 : Must pick out new phone from AT&T soon

Alltel did not merge w/ At&t in any way. Alltel merged w/ Verizon and some markets were sold to At&t because of FCC requirements for the merger. Alltel did have some markets that were GSM-only (most of which At&t gained).

The same thing happened in 2005 when Cingular bought out the original AT&T Wireless and some markets were required to be sold to T-mobile.

Reply 4 : Must pick out new phone from AT&T soon

Actually, Alltel and Verizon did merge, but the FCC did not allow it in ND, SD and Northern Mn due to monopoly issues. So, now, Alltel is merging with AT&T in these areas only, effective late Feb.

So, if I take one of the two choices that allow me to keep my plan as is for now(Blackberry Curve or HTC Aria), which one would you recommend?

Reply 5 : Must pick out new phone from AT&T soon

Personally...I'm an Android fan. I say go with the HTC if you can only choose between the two. Android has a lot of cool features. If you want to see more about the phone or look up more about Android, check out the androidforums.com It's a great resource

Reply 6 : Must pick out new phone from AT&T soon

you can choose one of the free replacement phones that they are offering and keep your plan as is and have upto 30 days to make any changes, if you dont like the phone, plan or service you can opt out with out fear of being charged with and ETF (early termination fee)

Reply 7 : Must pick out new phone from AT&T soon

You have 30 days from the start day of AT&T service to opt out and go with another carrier. That is possibly what I am going to do with my 2 phones.

Reply 8 : Must pick out new phone from AT&T soon

The OP started it in Nov. 2010.

Satelite. Cell. Gps

Hi there, someone enlighten me.
On the today show to day, Monday, March 14th 2011, Ann Curry was over in Japan because of the disaster, she found a person and called their family and let them talk, I thought they have cell there still ? My wife said it's one of them satellite phones.
So it made me wonder, and I can't tell by shopping for phones.
What is the deal between cell, satellite and I guess Gps is satellite, phones, what is the satellite technology refered to as ? is it better than cell ? does it cost the same as cell ?...etc et-cetera..

Reply 1 : Satelite. Cell. Gps

Being a small world, years ago I was on a design team for some comm equipement that was bound for Japan. The equipment was "very well made" to withstand effects such as "a firehose." Enough said about that.

Sat phones if you get the cheap plan run about 5 dollars a minute. I hope this clears that up for you.

My bet is that Japan has the strongest cell system in the world given my experience a few years ago.
Bob

Reply 2 : Satelite. Cell. Gps

Don't forget that a satellite phone might cost $1000 or more.

Reply 3 : Satelite. Cell. Gps

The rate was variable from 20 to 50 dollars an hour!

The wonders of creative accounting.
Bob

Reply 4 : Satelite. Cell. Gps

Should help provide more reading-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satellite_phone

Changing from old to new technology

I have an HP IPAC 2790. I love the Microsoft interface. Don't want to go to Apple. My unit is dying, out of touch, etc. Is there a unit out there that does similar things as an IPOD touch but one that uses Microsoft platform and interfaces with WIFI but one that I don't need to pay for service?

Android OS 1.6 Upgrade

I have recently purchased an Android "aPad","ePad", "WOW-Pad". I have several 3rd party, as well as Android Market Aps (APK) installed. I downloaded the OS update and learned that I will lose all that I have added when I install the update. I therefore need to backup the tablet so that I can restore all the aps. There are no instructions for backing up and I wonder if any other folks can help me out. Thanks.
dixtrix

Android Phone

I purchased my HTC 4G with T-Mobile service for international travel use. Someone mentioned I may experience excessive roaming charges even if I don't use the phone while overseas. Apps might be running even when not in use (email, weather, GPS). I was told to remove the battery. But if I do this, I cannot use the phone to receive or make calls. Is there any remedy to this?

"Unalbe to find requested server" - BB 9330

I have a new BB 9330 and am having a problem with it that's driving me nuts.

When I'm at home connected to my WIFI network, I periodically get the message "Unable to find requested server". The issue is very sporadic, happens when I try to access various websites, and then will magically resolve itself seconds later.

I've searched all over the web and it appears that this has been an ongoing issue with the BBs for some time, and yet, I've found no real solutions.

Additional information:

- Running OS 6.0
- Have tried resetting to factory settings
- Wireless router is a D-LINK DR-615. Have 4 other WIFI devices connected to this router with no issues.
- No issue connecting the BB to the router.

Called tech support who instructed me to do a full reset and if that didn't solve the problem to bring it in for a new device. I did that, it didn't work, and now the new BB is behaving in the exact same way.

I've seen at least one other thread where the "solution" was to try another router - that's not a solution.

Blackberry Bold SIP Client

Is there SIP client available for Blackberry Bold (or any other model), and if not, can we expect one in near future?

Compatable to RIM Blackberrry 8800?

I am now living in New Zealand and lost my Rim Blackberry 8800. I want to replace it with the most similar phone I can find that is sold here (I cant find the same phone here). Can anyone recommend which Blackberry offers the most similar features as the 8800 and IS sold in New Zealand? Bonus if you know where to purchase! Thank YOU.

Two cells useing same phone number?

Is it possible to have two cell phones (one at each end of my house) that use the same phone number?

SAR ratings

Does anyone know how to interpret the FCC's SAR ratings for cell phones? They often differ from those posted by CNET. The FCC site gives 4 different numbers -- two for "Part 22" and two for "Part 24." For instance, CNET posts one SAR of .678 K/wg for the Sanyo 6600 ("katana"), whereas the FCC says this:

Power output listed is ERP for Part 22 and EIRP for Part 24. SAR compliance for body-worn operating configurations is based on a separation distance of 2.2 cm between the unit and the body of the user. End-users must be informed of the body-worn operating requirements for satisfying RF exposure compliance. Belt clips or holsters may not contain metallic components. SAR compliance was evaluated with the integral Bluetooth active. The highest reported SAR values are: Part 22- Head: 0.769 W/kg, Body-worn: 0.416 W/kg, Part 24- Head: 0.882 W/kg, Body-worn: 0.500 W/kg.

HELP!

How to find cell phones with 3.5mm jack for my headset?

I am upgrading my present emergency-use cell phone to become my only phone, cancelling my too-expensive land line. I want to find a cell phone that's easy to dial and use (not necessarily a senior phone), doesn't need to have a camera or keyboard, but it must have a jack for me to use my two-ear Symphony headset. None of those I at Consumer Cellular or else seem to state whether or not they have such a jack and I can't tell from the ilustrations and CC has no kiosk in my area to see the phones in person. How to find this out?

scriabin33@aracnet.com

360 Share

I have had the 360 Share for quite a while now and for some reason, over the past 2 days, I am unable to connect at all. Has anybody had this same problem and rectified it? I have also been unable to make contact with them. They do not seem to have an email address. I would be grateful for any assistance.

Recording Streaming Audio

Would like some suggestions on good recording apps for recording songs off Launchcast preferably free and will tag the mp3 with title and artist.

sprint phone -block an incoming call

Hi,

I have a sprint phone.

I am able to send and recieve most calls with no trouble, however there is one person that I am able to text message, but unable to call. When I call the same # that I text, I get a recording saying that the # is inaccessible.

I know how to block a #, but can you block an incoming call? Is this what's happening here?

If not, any ideas on how to troubleshoot the phone? I was on the phone with sprint for hours last night, but they told me that my problem "wasn't possible."

I'm hoping cnet readers can do better.

Thanks for your help.

Addendum to "Conceding I've lost to WinZip 15 Pro"

In reference to my issue with WinZip 15. Up until I purchased Winzip 15 I never had a problem with zip files, my pc's native program sufficed.(Compaq Presario desktop SR710F running Vista) Well after the download, then prompted to "upload file" or "unzip" depending, when attemting to do so, WinZip sits in its own special folder and if unzips file will create it in a sub folder of it's own. That's why I refer to it as holding hostage because if you attempt to separate the newly created folder contents, it wont release it and it you attempt to take it you succeed in retieving an empty file(s) of which contained all of of the desired downloaded contents. Thank you for your attention in this matter.

Annoying Verizon smart phone data plans

I wanted to buy a verizon cell phone but decided not too once i found out i had to pay atleast 30 bucks a month for the data plan. Even if it has wi-fi. So would i still have to sign up for that damn data plan if i bought a cdma phone off ebay or craigslist for example and activated my phone over the internet? anyway i can get around that stupid data plan?