July 24th, 2009 | Camera Phones, Mobile Phone Reviews, Samsung, Touchscreen
Samsung’s new Tocco Ultra ushers in a new generation of slide phones. Just when slide phones seem to have reached their maximum potential, Samsung unveils another innovation. Aside from a slide design, the Tocco Ultra also features a touchscreen interface.
One of its highlights is its pioneering screen. It is known as the Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode, or AMOLED. The screen’s amazing, simple performance belies the complicated science behind it. It also has a high resolution of 240 x 400 pixels. It has a display size of 2.8 inches across.
Another distinguishing feature of the Tocco Ultra is its 8-megapixel camera. The Tocco Ultra’s camera is packed with features, such as an efficient LED flash, autofocus, and smile detection. The photos taken with the phone are of excellent quality. Another feature of the camera is high-speed and high-resolution video recording.
The Ultra Tocco is also equipped with a useful media player. The player supports most music formats, and videos in XviD and DivX formats can be played as well. Unfortunately, the phone doesn’t have a 3.5-millimetre audio jack; you will need to use the stereo headset supplied with the phone. The Ultra Tocco also has very limited built-in memory – 80MB – and can only carry a few tracks of music. However, you can use a memory card with a maximum memory of 16GB.
The phone also gets high points for its design. It is only 12.7 millimetres thick and it feels like a top-of-the-line phone with its brushed metal exterior. For its price, it’s definitely a steal.
July 21st, 2009 | Mobile Broadband, Mobile Phone Networks, mobile technology
The big 5 mobile phone service providers in the UK offer the best mobile broadband packages because they use the latest mobile networking technology. These networks include O2, Vodafone, 3, Orange, and T-Mobile. These networks also form the Mobile Broadband Group, whose task it is to work with consumers, regulators, and government to bring about the best regulatory environment across a range of issues in the UK.
You should consider three factors in choosing a mobile broadband network: coverage, speed, and reliability. Vodafone offers the best mobile broadband coverage in the UK, whether you are using a dongle at home or on the move. It also claims to have the fastest ‘up to’ mobile Internet speed currently available in the UK, at 7.2Mb, although there is no actual evidence of its superior performance over other mobile broadband products tested. It is about the only choice at the moment for overseas mobile.
O2 Mobile Broadband gives you access to their data network, which is sometimes referred to as GPRS, 3G, or HSDPA. It also includes unlimited access to over 7,500 hotspots in the UK with The Cloud and BT Openzone.
In 2008, the 3 Company signed an agreement with T-Mobile, a rival network, to combine their 3G access networks. The agreement made to improve both quality and coverage across the network, and impact on the quality of its mobile broadband service.
Orange became the new player back in 1994, and was taken over in 2001 by France Telecom, along with the company’s internet branch originally known as Wanadoo. In December 2008, Orange started selling subsidised ‘free’ laptop deals with its mobile internet service.
July 18th, 2009 | LG, Mobile Phone Reviews, Mobile Phones
The LG KG130 is a mobile phone which provides functionality without becoming complicated or difficult to use. LG has done a great job of providing a device that is stylish and fairly compact as well. Users will enjoy a number of the customizable options on this device like downloadable ringtones.
The KG130 from LG is 103.4 mm long by 44.1 mm wide and it is 18.4 mm thick. This mobile phone weighs 76 grams. Battery life on this LG mobile phone is not particularly great. Users can expect around 3 hours of talk time or 200 hours on standby out of the battery that is packaged with this device.
There is a VGA quality camera integrated into the LG KG130. This is great for capturing a few photographs for fun but it is not meant for video capture. Users should be aware that there is only 2 megabytes of internal memory to store these photographs on so pay attention to the available capacity. Unfortunately, no expansion slot is provided so users are stuck with the limited memory of this mobile phone.
If you enjoy sending SMS, EMS, or MMS messages, the LG KG130 can easily handle this. This device also utilizes T9 predictive text so typing your messages will be much quicker.
This device only provides support for GSM 900/800 MHz networks. This means that it might be difficult for users to travel with this particular mobile device as service might not be available. This device does not support 3G networks either.
July 15th, 2009 | Blackberry, Mobile Phones
The Blackberry 7130g is one of the smaller smart phones offered by RIM. It has all of the great functionality that many users are looking for including excellent email and organizational features. Included with the device is the SureType Keyboard application which makes data entry much easier on this device.
The 7130g from Blackberry is 115 mm long by 56 mm wide and it is 18 mm thick. This mobile phone weighs 120 grams. Users can expect up to 4 hours of talk time or 430 hours on standby from the included battery.
To make this device really useful, a Document Viewer is provided which will allow users to open up Microsoft documents like Word and Excel. This Viewer will also enable users to view PDF documents as well.
One thing that this device is missing is an integrated camera. Many users will be disappointed that this fun feature has not been included. As a result, this particular Blackberry mobile phone might be better suited for a business professional.
Along with the great email features that the 7130g provides, users will also be able to send regular SMS and MMS messages. Instant messaging is also supported on this device. To store some of these messages, the Blackberry 7130g has 64 megabytes of internal flash memory. There is no expansion slot provided on the 7130g.
The Blackberry 7130g is quad band and supports GSM networks in the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz frequencies. Support for 3G networks was not included with this device.
July 13th, 2009 | Camera Phones, Mobile Phone Reviews, Sony Ericsson
The Sony Ericsson W610i is another entry into the popular Walkman series of devices. This is a great device for anyone looking to combine their digital music player with their mobile phone. Why carry around two devices when the W610i can fulfil both needs. The W610i is available in a few different colour selections which enhances the overall appeal of the device.
The W610i from Sony Ericsson is 102 mm long by 46 mm wide and it is 14 mm thick. The overall weight of this device is 95 grams. Despite its small size, the included battery is excellent. Users can expect up to 7 hours of talk time or 350 hours on standby.
The display that is featured on the W610i mobile phone is nearly 2 inches in size. It supports up to 256k colours which will come in handy when you personalize things like wallpaper and a screensaver on the device.
Integrated into the Sony Ericsson W610i is a 2 megapixel camera. Features like flash and auto focus are also included. This camera will capture video clips as well.
As this is a Walkman phone, several popular music formats are recognized on this device. You can store your music on the 64 megabytes of internal memory or take advantage of the Memory Stick Micro expansion slot. Sony Ericsson provides users with a 512 megabyte card. Integrated into the device is an FM radio which includes RDS. Several fun music applications such as TrackID are also included with the W610i.
July 9th, 2009 | LG, Mobile Phones
The LG KS360 is ideal for those who are looking for a variety of text messaging features. The phone is equipped with a QWERTY keyboard, which allows for faster texting. It also offers threaded SMS, which enables users to follow their conversations with friends and business associates.
The LG KS360 also comes with a relatively large display, polyphonic and real music for ringtones and Bluetooth. Those who are looking for impressive camera features will be disappointed, as the phone only offers a 2 megapixel camera and there is no flash or LED photo light. The phone also does not have an FM radio, but it does offer video recording and music playback.
The impressive features can mainly be found in the text messaging section of the phone. As well as the new keyboard, the LG KS360 also offers a multi-media text messaging service. There is also an internet browser. In terms of memory, the phone only offers 15MB internal memory, but there is microSD card support, meaning that memory can be expanded.
For those looking for a phone packed full of features, the LG KS360 is not an ideal choice. It focuses mainly on the text messaging side of mobile phones and is therefore most suited to keen texters. Those who are in search of a phone with an impressive camera should avoid this phone. Those who are tired of using a standard keypad and want something that allows them to speed up their texting should definitely consider buying the LG KS360.
July 7th, 2009 | Mobile Phone Reviews, Nokia
The Nokia 3120 Classic is a basic mobile phone that will satisfy most users. It comes in a familiar package as many Nokia mobile phones before it were styled in a similar way. The five direction navigation button in the centre of the phone allows for easy use of the device and anyone familiar with previous Nokia mobile phones will likely recognize it.
This mobile phone from Nokia is quite small. It is 111 mm long by 45 mm wide and it is 13 mm thick. The 3120 Classic only weighs around 85 grams so you will hardly even notice it in your pocket. Battery life for this mobile phone is estimated to be around 3 hours and 30 minutes of talk time or 290 hours on standby.
Users will be happy to know that the Nokia 3120 Classic comes with an integrated 2 megapixel camera which can capture video as well. A second camera is integrated into the front of the mobile phone which allows video calling.
The Nokia 3120 Classic provides support for several messaging formats including the popular SMS, MMS, and Email. Instant Messaging is also supported by this device as well. The reliable T9 predictive text method is included for added convenience.
Along with several types of messaging, this Nokia also supports several different music formats. You can listen to MP3, AAC, AAC+, and even MP4. A microSD expansion slot is provided for those that want to store a decent amount of music on their device.
July 3rd, 2009 | LG, Mobile Phones
The LG U8380 is a clamshell styled mobile phone. It has two displays with one on the outside of the clamshell so you can see who is calling you without ever having to open the device. The inside display is a little over two inches in size and is capable of displaying 256k colours. The design of this particular LG mobile phone is quite pleasing as it incorporates a pattern that uses two shades of gray.
The device is small thanks to the clamshell design but it does weigh a significant amount. Overall the U8380 is 95.7 mm long by 49.5mm wide by 23.7 mm thick. This mobile phone also tips the scales at around 139 grams. Users can expect to get around 3 hours of talk time and up to 165 hours on standby out of the battery that is included with the device.
The U8380 does have an integrated camera although it is only 1.3 megapixels which some might find to be inferior to many other mobile phones that are currently available. To make up for this, the camera does have flash. There is a second camera that is built into this device which can be used for video calling.
Many will want to use this mobile phone as a digital music player as it is fully capable of playing MP3 and AAC music files. You can store your music on microSD cards that are up to 256 megabytes in size as the LG U8380 does have a compatible expansion slot.
June 29th, 2009 | Mobile Phone Reviews, Samsung, Touchscreen
The Samsung Tocco F480 offers a sleek design and a variety of impressive features. The phone’s most notable feature is the touchscreen, which is now much easier to use and gives a much faster response than the touchscreens on Samsung’s previous phones. The phone’s display is 2.8 inches. Icons are clear and colourful, making the screen both attractive and easy to use.
Another great feature for the Samsung Tocco F480 is that you can personalise the home screen by dragging applications and grouping widgets. Grouping widgets allows users to easily access the features that they use the most, such as the phone’s music player or games. The phone’s 5 megapixel camera also has a great variety of features, including face detection, smile detection, an LED photo light and a 4 X Zoom.
Users who like a phone with lots of storage space will not be disappointed. The Samsung Tocco F480 offers 223 MB internal memory, which can be expanded using a microSD memory card. Ringtone selection is good, with a choice of polyphonic, monophonic and real music tones. The phone also offers Bluettoth and USB for file sharing and an FM radio. Also available are the usual useful features, such as an alarm clock, calendar, short messaging service and multi-media messaging.
Unfortunately, there is no GPS receiver, but the large variety of other features makes up for it. The Samsung Tocco F480 is the perfect phone for those who are looking for a light, attractive handset that is packed full of impressive features.
June 26th, 2009 | Blackberry, Mobile Phones
The Blackberry Pearl 8110 smart phone is a great device for anyone looking for a great deal of functionality without the burden of a large package. Unlike most Blackberry mobile phones, the Pearl 8110 is very compact but does not deprive the user of key features like an excellent organizer and the ability to get email while you are on the go.
The Pearl 8110 from Blackberry is only 107 mm long by 50 mm wide and it is just 14 mm thick. The device weighs a reasonable 91 grams but it still feels durable in your hand. The battery that comes with this smart phone will provide the user with a little more than 4 hours of talk time or around 360 hours on standby.
While many Blackberry devices do not have an integrated camera, the Pearl 8110 does not disappoint users. It has a 2 megapixel camera which has a flash capability to ensure that even in poor lighting, quality pictures can still be captured. The camera can also capture video clips as well.
To help users from getting lost while on the go, the Blackberry Pearl 8110 has a built in GPS system. This device also has a document viewer that is compatible with popular Microsoft file formats like Word and Excel. It also has the capability to view PDF’s as well.
Along with email, users can use this Blackberry for SMS and MMS as well as instant messaging. There is 64 megabytes of internal memory for users to take advantage.
