Cell Plan Blog

What Can the Galaxy S8 Do That the iPhone can't?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 21:50:00 +0000

Our series on the excitement for the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S8 release continues as today we take a look on what exactly the S8 has that the iPhone doesn't.

When it comes down to choosing between iPhone or Galaxy, the features are really where it's at and it seems that Samsung understood that they had to go above and beyond in this area if they wanted to lure away any loyal Apple followers; whether they accomplish their goal or not remains to be seen, but they have definitely upped their game as the S8 features a few things that may have customers asking "can your iPhone do that?"

So below is the list of awesome things and features the S8 has that the iPhone doesn't, at least not yet:

1. Bigger screens - if you like a lot of screen, the S8 will beat the iPhone 7 with almost an inch more space depending on the version.

2. Wireless charging - that's right, you can charge the Galaxy S8 wirelessly with a wireless charging pad; fast charging is an option as well.

3. Unlock your phone with its iris scanner - gone are the days of fingerprint scanning, as the Galaxy S8 will be able to unlock by looking into your eyes!

4. Unlock with a "selfie" - don't prefer an iris OR fingerprint scan? The S8 has you covered as facial recognition lets you unlock with a selfie.

5. Samsung Pay can make payments on standard credit card readers.

6. Standard headphone jack - miss the days of just plugging in a pair of headphones without hassle? The S8 brings this back after Apple famously removed it with the iPhone 7.

7. Virtual reality software - as mentioned in our original Galaxy S8 post, customers who preordered the phone will get a VR headset, and the software for it will be ready to go.

8. Plug the S8 into a monitor, keyboard, and mouse and run a desktop version on a computer.

9. Built-in heart rate sensor - no need to buy an Apple Watch or any other accessory to get your heart rate, the S8 has the sensor right on the back of the phone!

10. Bixby - We mentioned the new AI-voice assistant "Bixby" before, and it just seems to sound better and better. Taking a picture of an item to bring up more information, shopping links, and locations is something Siri can't do (yet) and will likely set a new standard for AI-voice assistance.

So there you have it, if you're on the fence on switching over to the Samsung Galaxy or waiting it out for the release of the iPhone 8, we hope these features will ultimately help you make your decision.

Source: Business Insider

How to Get the Galaxy S8 Even If You Can't Afford the Price

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 21:59:00 +0000

The excitement for the upcoming release of the Samsung Galaxy S8 continues today as various carriers have released information on how you can get the phone even if you can afford it's hefty full price. As we reported, the S8 is going to run about $720 while the S8+ will go for approximately $840 if you plan on buying upfront - not pocket change by any means. Thankfully, there will be other options if you don't have that kind of cash lying around.

Sadly the days of free upgrades with contract renewals are gone, but now payment plans have taken their place and here is the rundown of what kind of deal each major carrier is offering on Galaxy S8 upgrades:

AT&T - ATT is offering a buy one get one deal on the S8 and S8+ with monthly charges ranging from $28 to $36 depending on the length of the installment plan. Here you can also pick up the Gear S3 for $50 with your S8 purchase if you sign a two-year agreement. On top of all this, if you're getting a service agreement, you can get the Galaxy Tab E or Gear S2 for just 99 cents.

T-Mobile - With T-Mobile, you can pay $30 a month for the S8 and $30 a month for the S8+ as well if you do a $130 down payment.

Sprint - If leasing a phone is the best option for you, Sprint is the way to go as they will offer S8 leases for $31.25 a month for 18 months or the S8+ for 35.42 per month for 18 months. On top of that, you will be eligible for a phone upgrade after 12 payments. If you will be preordering the phone and do so with Sprint, you will be entered into a sweepstakes for various prizes.

Verizon Wireless - Finally, Verizon may be the place you can save the most money as they're offering the S8 and S8+ for as low as $15 a month if you have an eligible trade-in. Without the trade-in, you can pay $30 a month for the S8 and $35 for the S8+ for 24 months.

So there you have it, if you don't have a big budget to help you get your hands on a Galaxy S8, one of these installment plans will be your best bet to get your hands on the phone when it arrives on April 21st.

Can the Galaxy S8 Redeem Samsung? Will It Surpass the iPhone?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 00:23:00 +0000

We recently posted on the red iPhone craze and how Apple has been able to dominate the smartphone market since the iPhone's inception overall; but not EVERYone is a devoted Apple follower and many have been just waiting for another company to come along and develop a phone that goes beyond the iPhone's capabilities. Samsung has been gained momentum over the years and their Galaxy smartphone has gone toe to toe with the iPhone for the past few years; now the forthcoming Galaxy S8 has a chance to possibly outdo Apple, at least for the short term.

No favors were done for Samsung after the controversy surrounding the Note 7 models catching fire, so the brand has to work extra hard to get the word out to consumers that the problems have been addressed and will not carry over to the S8. Beyond that, the S8 is packed with features that are sure to grab attention and likely bring back customers that were leery of choosing a Galaxy model after the Note 7 mishaps.

There was a great on USA Today that runs down all the features of the Galaxy S8 and it does sound like it will be a big draw on its April 21st release date. The phone will of course be water and dust resistant, will come in multiple colors, and will feature a new AI-voice assistant "Bixby," and it sounds like Bixby will be able to a lot of interesting things such as recognize books, wine, and other products.

Preorders for the S8 actually begin on March 30th, and a major perk of preordering is you will also get a free version of Samsung's new Gear VR headset. The Samusung Galaxy S8 is set to start at $720 and if you prefer the bigger S8+ you'll be looking at about $840.

This might be the big home run for Samsung as the Galaxy S8 looks like it will be an attention grabber right off the bat, and it will be even more interesting to see how Apple responds with their next round if iPhone technology.

Excited About the Red iPhone 7? Be Prepared to Pay the Price

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 21:22:00 +0000

The iPhone craze has been going on for many years with many consumers ready to buy every new model as soon as it hits the market; after so many years of popularity, it has to be hard for Apple to deliver any major changes to their formula that already works, but that's exactly what they've done with the new red model.

With a new hot model, of course a bigger price tag comes with it as the red iPhone will be available for $750 and the red iPhone Plus will be $850. So $100 more than the normal cost just because of a color? Well, not exactly. The new red iPhone is only available with 128GB or 256GB models, meaning the cheaper models won't be seeing this special red edition.

So besides wanting to look like one of the coolest iPhone owners, the next question is, do you need that much storage in this day and age of cloud and streaming services? I'm willing to bet many won't take this into consideration until after their purchase, because, new iPhone after all!

The new red special edition iPhone is available today, and we're willing to bet Apple Stores across the country will be packed throughout the weekend and beyond with dedicated Apple fans who want to get their hands on this model. Is it worth the price tag to you? We look forward to seeing how big the red iPhone hype gets and if it causes Apple to continue their special edition releases.

Lifeline Free Government Cell Phones for Low Income Consumers

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Foster) — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 21:37:00 +0000

Cell phones are an essential part of life in 2017!

The Lifeline Program Provides Free or Reduced Cost Government Cell Phone Service

Cell phone ownership is necessary as we become a society that depends on being connected on the phone and online. According to Pew Research Center, as of 2015 nearly two-thirds of adults owned a smartphone and almost 20% rely on a smartphone to connect to the internet. Surely, these numbers have only gone up!

Fortunately, the Lifeline Program exists to provide free or reduced price phone service. Consumers who qualify may choose landline or cell phone service, but not both. Only one member per household is eligible. Eligibility depends on income or participation in other federal programs. If you receive SNAP (also known as food stamps), Medicaid, or Section 8 housing, you may be eligible. You may also qualify if your household income is below poverty guidelines. Currently, this means you can make up to 135% of the poverty level income for your household size.

The phones themselves (and service) are provided by third party wireless companies that have been authorized by the government. The federal government provides subsidies to the states. Depending on your location, you may have a wide selection of companies to choose from. These vendors often have local booths or kiosks and allow you to signup online.

A lot of people have criticized the Lifeline Program, usually to score political points. We've all heard about the "Obamaphone" myth. Critics have labeled President Barack Obama as "the welfare President," a guy handing out phones and other "free stuff" for votes. The fact is, the Lifeline program started long before President Obama. The Universal Service Fund fee on phone bills goes to help low income consumers with their phone service. These days, most people use a cell phone as their primary phone line. It just makes sense. When a wireless phone is the standard basic communication device, having a cell phone is more of a need and less of a luxury.

When is the last time you applied for a job or setup an interview without a phone or the internet? The fact is, low income consumers need phone access to apply for jobs, set up interviews, and conduct essential personal business. Those without a phone or internet have a harder time banking, paying bills, and securing steady employment. Shouldn't we want everyone to have access to employment and the American Dream? In addition, millions of people are disabled, retired, or otherwise get by on a fixed income. It is important for everyone of all ages and abilities to be connected to loved ones and the world around us. The cost of the program is a small price to pay to help keep us all connected.

Sources:
https://www.lifelinesupport.org/ls/
https://www.pewinternet.org/2015/04/01/us-smartphone-use-in-2015/

Sprint Acquires Stake in Tidal, Cell Phone Exclusives Promised

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Foster) — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 02:56:00 +0000

Having previously partnered with Sprint to release his last album, Jay Z is no stranger to cell phone exclusives.

Now comes word that Sprint has acquired a 33% stake in Tidal, Hov's streaming platform. Of course, Tidal has been in the news a lot. Recently, they added a service that lets users edit some aspects of songs. In addition, higher quality audio tracks have been added.

Despite star power and recent efforts, Tidal has been through it's share of negative publicity and feedback, as well. You know, like that time Prince's estate sued Roc Nation over Tidal streaming rights. So, while Prince's masters may not have been left safe and sound, this Sprint partnership may yet bring Tidal all the way up.

Look for Sprint to offer exclusive material from Tidal owner-artists, which is an impressive list of names in multiple genres.

Considering the Apple Upgrade Program? Make Sure You Know the Actual Cost

noreply@blogger.com (D. Mueller) — Sat, 26 Sep 2015 04:06:00 +0000

The Apple iPhone caused a craze when it was first released years ago, and these days every time a new version is released, we revisit a similar craze.

Yes, some customers simply cannot stand that they don't have the latest version of the red hot phone, and carriers have been aware of this fact which has caused them to offer numerous upgrade plans.

Now Apple itself is jumping into the upgrade game by offering their own Apple Upgrade Program which allows customers to get a new iPhone every year regardless of your carrier, but the real costs may not be completely clear.

Basically the way Apple explains it, you can get the iPhone 6s for about 32 bucks a month, with the option to upgrade after 12 months...sounds fair enough, but what they don't make clear is that you also have to purchase "AppleCare+" for $129 which covers two years of hardware repairs, software support, and up to two incidents of accidental damage.

Now all of that sounds pretty standard since you aren't paying full price for the phone up front and you also get a new iPhone every year, but by reading the information on the Apple site you would think that AppleCare+ is included in the Apple Upgrade Program cost but it's not.

What it boils down to is your personal preference when it comes it comes to iPhone upgrading; if you love being the first person to have the latest version, the iPhone Upgrade program may be for you. If you don't mind being a couple of versions behind, an upgrade though your carrier might be the better option.

In the end, regardless of how you upgrade, be sure to read all the fine print because you want to have a good understand of exactly what you're paying and what you're paying for.

iPhone 6 vs. iPhone 6 Plus - Which is Best for You?

noreply@blogger.com (D. Mueller) — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 19:44:00 +0000

The iPhone 6 is obviously the hottest item on the market right now as Apple fans scramble to get the latest model, but this time around they've got options as the "iPhone 6 Plus" is also available and offers a bit of a different experience.

So what are the major differences between the 2? Mainly it all goes back to size. If you want your smartphone to be something bigger and don't mind having a near tablet sized phone, the iPhone 6 Plus is up your alley. But that's not all; as described in this article on popularitybar.com, the iPhone 6 Plus packs the power that is needed to handle a bigger phone. The batter on the Plus is bigger and keeps things running with a longer life than you'd expect.

So continuing with the size, the bigger phone also equals a bigger screen; the 5.5 inch screen is very tablet like, but it's great for those of you who really prefer a larger screen. The regular iPhone 6 still provides a 4.7 inch screen that is still a bump up from previous versions.

Of course cost is usually a factor when it comes to purchasing a new phone, and of course the physically bigger iPhone 6 Plus does cost a bit more. Depending on the memory size, the regular iPhone 6 runs from $199 to $399 while the Plus version ranges from $299 to $499.

Finally, the camera on the iPhone 6 Plus does exclusively feature hardware image stabilization, so the bigger version will also be your best choice if taking photos is one of the major points when making a decision on which phone is best for you.

Basically what it boils down to is if you don't mind carrying around a bigger and heavier phone if it means a better overall experience, the iPhone 6 Plus is probably for you. If you want the more traditional iPhone experience (and a bit lighter price as well,) the regular iPhone 6 will work just fine.

iOS 8 - What's New and What Might Be Ruining Your Life

noreply@blogger.com (D. Mueller) — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 06:22:00 +0000

iOS 8 is officially available, and it's release has garnered so many opinions that it's hard to tell if it's a success or a failure just yet. Of course any time a new iOS is released there is a mad dash for everyone to get it and begin diving in head first to see what's new and what is complaint worthy. iOS8 has provided a little bit of both apparently, so we're going to take a look at what the buzz is all about.

Let's start out with the good; in this great article from Huffington Post they list 5 of the coolest new things about iOS, they include:

1. Easier E-Mailing

2. Improved Autocorrect

3. Voice Texting

4. Better Group Messaging

5. Improved Fitness Tracker

Sounds awesome enough to make us all want to hop right on and download iOS8 and start enjoying - but there lies the problem; as pointed out on Mashable.com, when people have been going to download the new iOS, the realization that it requires an astounding 5 GB on the iPhone has been smacking users in the face and hence "ruining their lives" in the process. Having to delete games, videos, pictures etc. just to make room can pose quite the problem.

So do you absolutely love iOS 8 or have you been unable to get it at all due to the space requirements? If you do have it, has it lived up to the hype or is there even more work that should be done? The iOS8 buzz is huge but it's still hard to figure out if that's mostly good or bad.

Cell Phone Plan Reviews- Verizon Wireless Share Everything Plans

noreply@blogger.com (G.C.) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 04:50:00 +0000

One of the things Cell Plan Blog has become known for is our extensive coverage of cell phone reviews, whether it is reviewing phones on our own cell phone blog, or linking to other sites such as CNET and commenting on reviews by G4 such as the Droid Review video.

One thing that occurred to me recently is that in addition to reviews on equipment, consumers also would like reviews on the cell phone plans themselves. Many of our early posts focused on cell phone plans, especially how to save money on cell phone family plans and cell phone upgrades. However, the blog received very little reader traffic at the time. With all that said, I think it's time to go ahead and post some Cell Phone Plan Reviews from major wireless carriers.

For my first cell phone plan review, I am going to discuss my own personal phone plan, the Share Everything Verizon Wireless phone plan. As reviews go, I am biased. I have been a Verizon Wireless family plan customer since 2000. I have spent enough on Verizon phone service to purchase a small house or mid-luxury vehicle. Suffice it to say I have been very happy with their service. Here is my take:

Verizon Wireless Cell Phone Plan Review-
Nuts and Bolts: Here is how it works. Verizon Wireless replaced their old plans recently with a new Share Everything plan. The pricing has been simplified, but this plan might not be the best deal for everyone. Instead of cell phone plans that provide a certain number of minutes, adding phones at a flat monthly rate, and then subscribing to text and data plans for each phone line, each phone now has a flat charge for calls and texting. Then a data plan is shared. For example, my iPhone 4 for Verizon costs $40 per month. This includes unlimited calls and texts. Each additional smartphone is another $40 per month. Each non-smartphone is $30. Then you add a data plan that is shared. The minimum data plan for sharing between 2 smartphones is 1 GB for $50/mo. So on my family plan with 2 smart phones and one basic phone, I pay $40+40+30+50= $160 plus taxes and fees.

Under the old family plan structure I had 3 basic phones, which started at $79 per month for a plan that included 400 shared minutes and free nights and weekends. I don't think I used more than 100 minutes in any month over the last 10 years. I later adding unlimited texting for $30, bringing my cell phone plan to $109 per month. So I basically was paying the same per month then if I take away the data. What changed? I got 2 smartphones. Most cell phone plan providers are pushing the conversion to smartphones. Basic "feature" phones are not widely available. Smartphones have come down in price, after contract subsidies. If you don't want to use a smartphone with data, the new pricing structure is probably not ideal, but I think making the call and text prices all-inclusive is the way to go. I think the data pricing could be improved however.

Stay tuned for future cell phone plan reviews.

ATT Wireless Home Phone and Other Wireless Home Phone Services

noreply@blogger.com (G.C.) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 03:04:00 +0000

It is a known fact that there has been a decline in the number of people who are using a landline & home phone services in the present times. There is an obvious and sudden shift in the trend with most people preferring mobile & wireless phones, as they consider these services more reliable. Hence they feel no need to maintain the home phone or landline anymore.

But wouldn’t it be great if you could get both the home phone and wireless plan all packed in one solid plan? Though, these combined offers have their own pros and cons. But still, there are many plans which you can use both in your professional as well as personal arena.

Numerous wireless carriers such as Verizon, AT&T provide you with a combined home phone options along with their wireless plans. Such plans often have stand alone services for your home and you also have the provision for add- a line option on the family plan which you may use. This is suitable when you wish to opt for a second home line.

Almost all of them try to bridge the gap; however they are yet to taste complete success. AT&T and other similar companies still vouch about the workability of these plans and believe that the people will never write off the need of using home phone services.

Moreover, AT&T home phone provides you with plugged phones which you can plug in the cellular hub of your house. You will have to pay for unlimited calls all over US & other international options. In fact using your mobile phone as your land line will help you save a lot of money. Besides this you even get the benefits of both the mobile & land line services. You simply need to unplug the phone and use it as a regular cell phone.

The telecom industry is evolving rapidly and hence the home phones and landline services seem to be an outdated concept. However these service providers are trying to revive the interest of the end users by providing them both the services at a fairly low price.

Cell Phone Upgrade Deals Relaunch Press Release

noreply@blogger.com (G.C.) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 06:07:00 +0000

We previously posted that parent site UltraCellSaver has relaunched and added a new official Facebook page.

We are delighted with the Facebook reception, as UCS already has over 1000 fans!

In addition, we commissioned the following Press Release to announce the re-launch of the website and reinforce the focus of the business, which is to specialize in helping existing wireless customers upgrade their cell phones with the service of their choice (existing or porting), while keep their numbers.

Release:

UltraCellSaver.com Relaunch Cell Phone Upgrade Deals

Ultra Cell Saver.com announce the re-launch of their new and enhanced cell phone comparison website. Since their site first launched, Ultra Cell Saver have been empowering consumers who are looking to upgrade their cell phones without losing service quality and pricing. Now, in an attempt to better serve their visitors, they have re-designed the website to show all of the information in an easily viewable manner. Their front page lists all of the information visitors need to know about getting better cell phone upgrade deals. Currently, UltraCellSaver.com actively collects and scours the internet for the best deals. They list opportunities where consumers can pick up completely free phones – including smartphones with most carriers.

Because Ultra Cell Saver works with all major providers, they are able to present and display the best cell phone deals from around the United States. As their website explains, consumers are able to order premium ATT phones for as low as $0.01 when coupled with a 2-year agreement.

To learn more about UltraCellSaver and browse their selection of cell phone upgrade deals, head over to: http://www.ultracellsaver.com/

UltraCellSaver.com Relaunches and Debuts Official Facebook Page!

noreply@blogger.com (D. Mueller) — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 03:18:00 +0000

Just a quick update for our Cell Plan Blog readers to let you know that our parent site - UltraCellSaver.com - has officially relaunched and has also debuted an official Facebook page. Ultra Cell Saver has been the leader in cell phone discounts and savings for over 8 years now, and continues to deliver the best deals from AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Sprint, T-Mobile, and more. Whether it's a new plan, prepaid, family plans, or upgrade, UCS can customize to suit the deal you need.

The launch of the official UCS Facebook will allow even more interaction with customers as well as the ability to provide readers with the latest news and releases from the cellular world. We have already invited some of our regular customers to join us on Facebook and would now look forward to connecting with others interested in saving money on their cell phone plans and equipment.

Black Friday Cell Phone Deals 2012

noreply@blogger.com (D. Mueller) — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 19:09:00 +0000

Black Friday is here once again, and stores are going to war to get customers to choose their store over the competition's. With many stores now opening at 8 P.M. THURSDAY, Black Friday is beginning to take over Thanksgiving as the main focus of the day. But if you aren't into standing in line for hours or sprinting into stores to be sure to get what you need, there are deals online that are just as good if not better in many cases. Today we wanted to let you know about some amazing Black Friday cell phone deals that are up to 70% off the normal price and can be ordered from the comfort of your home.

Amazon is running Black Friday Lightning Dealsall day and customers are "virtually" lining up every hour to grab these deals. The deals are only available in limited quantities and you have to join a waitlist after they are gone to still have a chance to get the deal....that's how hot these deals are.

Below we have listed just a few of the super deals on individual phones for Black Friday with some going for as low as a penny! Check out phones like the Motorola Droid RAZR MAXX, Galaxy S 3, Nokia Lumia 920, and many more. Of course there are deals for all major carriers including AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Spring, T-Mobile, and many others. Keep checking back for even more deals as this is only the beginning of the sales weekend and cell phone deals won't get any better than this time of year.

UltraCellsaver.com Updated Cell Phone Sales Website and Customer Service

noreply@blogger.com (G.C.) — Wed, 04 Jul 2012 19:30:00 +0000

Friends at http://www.ultracellsaver.com/ pass along this new post on their official blog about the Updated UltraCellSaver Website and Mission Statement. In short, owners of UCS, which has focused on cell phone upgrades and helping customers transition to new AT&T Wireless plans over the last 6 years, have recognized some issues with the quality of their website recently and are working hard to improve the experience of their users. In addition, they want to re-dedicate their mission to customer service.

We have sent plenty of traffic to UCS over the years and will continue to do so. In the world of big online cell phone dealers, they have always stood out in providing unique service to their visitors. For example, if you go to many of the top online cell phone sites, AT&T phones just disappeared without a trace. UCS worked to continue to offer information and resources for ATT customers and continue to offer ATT upgrades. They also provide information on specific types of plans and features instead of just trying to sell cell phones without regards to the needs of customers. I also know that the owners will personally take time to answer inquiries and put together customized wireless package quotes.

I hope the website update goes well.

ATT Lumia 900 Phone Out of Stock with Amazon and AT&T

noreply@blogger.com (G.C.) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 22:29:00 +0000

Update: The Black Nokia Lumia 900 for AT&T IS in stock ( see bottom of post).

This article refers to a report that the CYAN model is selling out. The new AT&T Lumia 900 smartphone made by Nokia for use on ATT Wireless service has been all over the radio and tv commercials lately. It looks like all the promotion of the Lumia 900 is working. It looks like the Nokia Lumia 900 for AT&T is selling so well it is already out of stock with Amazon wireless and directly from AT&T wireless.

One big different between the Nokia Lumia 900 and a lot of the other hot new smartphones, the Lumia 900 for AT&T is a Windows based phone on the Windows OS operating system. As Matthew Miller of ZDNET wrote this morning, the Lumia 900 looks like a success for Nokia. He also has a lot of good things to say about the Nokia Lumia 900 in particular as well as Windows Phone software in general. He believes that as more people try out Windows Phone, they will that they really like it.

Over at Amazon Wireless, the Cyan model of the Nokia Lumia 900 4G Windows Phone AT&T is currently backordered, with availability expected in 8-9 days. However, the BLACK Lumia is in stock. See below for more phone details and ordering information.

Tablets vs. Smartphones: Where is Technology Headed?

noreply@blogger.com (D. Mueller) — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 07:13:00 +0000

All the current buzz about the iPad 3 got me thinking about technology and how all these devices have become a part of most people's every day lives. The iPad really got the whole tablet movement going, but now there are plenty of alternatives out there when it comes to tablets.

All of this doesn't mean smartphones have slowed down in the least, as iPhones are also just as hot and almost every other company has tons of smartphone options that are huge sellers. Being tablets are pretty much a hybrid of a smartphone and a laptop, where do these devices stand as technology continues to advance?

To me it has always seemed that tablets were just bigger versions of smartphones. Same touchscreen, same basic functions, just a larger screen that made games and videos/movies more appealing. Now there are keyboards and stands that turn tablets into laptops basically, so tablets have really turned into "everything devices." The main factor here is size. Tablets are great to pull out a home or any place where you can sit down and relax for a while, but when someone is on the go, the smartphone is still the go-to device when it comes to convenience.

It seems like the size factor will be the main reason tablets don't fully take over as the top media device. The main improvement of the iPad 3 that I've heard about is how vibrant the screen is, which makes it appealing for customers that enjoy throwing a movie on anywhere in your house or a hotel, but it's still too big to haul around and use in the car or while walking around a public place. While the size factor is there, it does seem like the iPad is moving toward being as smartphone-like as possible, even adding features such as a camera on later versions.

Maybe I"m wrong, maybe there is a hybrid device that will come along and do away with the need for a phone, laptop, tablet, PC, etc. I don't think the tablet is it, not yet at least. Phones are the option for needing something portable, but can't deliver the big screen for movies that is the appeal of tablets. Tablets do lack the one basic thing that started it all, which is talking. No one is going to hold a tablet to their ear and try to have a conversation with anyone, so phones still have that over tablets, but then again we are inching closer and closer to a world that only communicates through texting/Skype/Facebook etc.

What device do you use/prefer? Do u still see a need for both a smartphone and a tablet?

Verizon Droid Cell Phone Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (G.C.) — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 04:54:00 +0000

Since starting this blog, we have noticed a great deal of interest in cell phone reviews. Our old wireless commerce site specialized in Cingular, which became AT&T Wireless. We intended to use this blog to highlight online deals on AT&T phones and service plans.
Over time, the focus of wireless providers has changed. AT&T has focused on the Apple iPhone and its subsequent updates- like The iPhone 4s. Of course, that makes a lot of sense. Millions of people have iPhones, and it will probably always be the "cool" phone to own. However, Apple's exclusive arrangement with AT&T and focus on developing a handset that was much more than a phone led to innovation within other manufacturers and carriers. While the old BlackBerry smartphone has declined in popularity, especially for personal use, the Droid line of smartphones has become quite a success. Verizon Wireless has led the way in this regard.

Now the majority of our visitors are not just looking for good deals- they are looking for Cell Phone Reviews. And more times than not, they are looking for reviews of Verizon Cell Phones and/or Droid smartphones.

Our most recent review post here was a Motorola Droid Razr Review.

Here are some other online Droid reviews that might be of interest to our readers:

Droid RAZR Maxx Review at TechCrunch
( We hear it has quite the battery life)
and
Motorola Droid 4 Verizon Review
(The battery isn't great and neither is the camera, apparently)

Take a look at those links for some recent Droid Cell Phone Reviews.

Verizon Droid RAZR Buy One Get One Free Sale

noreply@blogger.com (G.C.) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 02:41:00 +0000

Verizon Wireless has been running a Buy One Get One Free Droid Razr or Droid Razr Maxx deal on their website.

What are the specifics? Is this a good deal? Let's take a look. The new Droid Razr has been in the news a lot over the last 3-4 months and we have posted about the return of the razr, the attack of the show droid razr review, the release of the Motorola Droid Razr, and the one penny Droid sale.

Through the Verizon Wireless website right now, you can buy one Droid Razr and get one free. The cost of a Droid Razr Maxx is $299.99 and the Droid Razr 16 GB is $199.99. So you have a choice of purchasing 2 Droid RAZR MAxx phones for $299.99 or 2 Droid 16 GB for $199.99. If you need 2 phones for your family plan, that works out to $150 per Razr Maxx or $100 for each Razr 16 GB.

Is it a Good Deal? Well, if you need 2 phones and normally buy directly from Verizon Wireless at their store retail price, you are essentially getting a free phone. The only question is if you can get a better deal somewhere else on the total cost of 2 Droid Razr phones. Source: Verizon Wireless offer: http://youreguide.vzw.com/so/droid-razr-bogo/

Penny Droid Razr Sale- Black Friday One Cent Droid Razr Verizon Wireless

noreply@blogger.com (G.C.) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 03:13:00 +0000

If we've been posting about the Droid Razr 4G a lot, it's because it's a really hot cell phone right now, one of the most popular smartphones on the market. Our first real sale offered the Droid Razr 4G on Verizon Wireless for only $111.11 on Veteran's Day. Many places were offering the Droid Razr for $299, with some suggested retail equipment prices as high as $799. After that sale, the price went up sharply to $199+. Well now Amazon Wireless is offering the Droid Razr as part of its one penny smartphone sale, for as low as one penny with activation on Verizon Wireless.

Still not convinced? Check out our Motorola Droid RAZR Review, with AOTS video.

Motorola Droid Razr Review on AOTS

noreply@blogger.com (D. Mueller) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 21:47:00 +0000

The Motorola Droid Razr has been the hottest cell phone topic for the past few weeks. We announced weeks ago that the Razr was returning in Droid form for Verizon Wireless, and since it was released on 11/11/11 it has remained the most talked about phone this month.

Of course with most every hot phone, G4's Attack of the Show has reviewed the Droid Razr on their show and ran down everything you need to know about the phone. They also give us a side by side speed comparison of the Droid Razr and the iPhone 4s. Check out the full video review, as it's another good unbiased opinion of the phone that gives us the many great features of the phone along with a couple of things they would like to see improved.

The Droid Razr 4G for Verizon Wireless is Available Now!

noreply@blogger.com (D. Mueller) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 20:58:00 +0000

The date is 11/11/11, and at 11:11 A.M. this morning it was the culmination of the clever marketing campaign by Verizon to unveil the all new Droid Razr 4G. Last month we reported that the Razr was coming back as a droid phone, and now the phone is available after a ton of promotion from Verizon.

In the newest Droid Razr commercial below, it seems Verizon somehow found the 5 or so people in the entire country that still own the original Razr and went and gave them the Droid Razr....or at least that's what they want us to believe. They main idea is that they took the slim design of the old school Razr and have reinvented it with all the power of a smartphone. The Droid Razr is the newest and hottest phone on the market, so we're sure you'll be hearing a ton more about this phone throughout the holiday season.

The Motorola Razr Returns in Droid Form

noreply@blogger.com (D. Mueller) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 05:29:00 +0000

Droid Razr will once again innovate as it will be labeled "the world's thinnest smartphone" at 7.1 mm thick. The phone will also feature a stainless-steel core, Gorilla Glass screen, and a splash guard that will even protect the inside of the phone. The screen will be a 4.3 inch with HD resolution that will make for richer colors and higher contract than even the almighty iPhone 4s. Motorola also added in that the Droid Razr will be the first device to download HD movies from Netflix.

This mega upgrade from the old days of the original Razr's is evident in each and every way. The phone will even have the capability to save battery life by turning off features you may not be using at the time. Finally they announced the Droid Razr's "most important feature," known as "MotoCast," which will allow users to stream content from their personal computers directly to their phones.

For now it appears that Verizon Wireless will be the first carrier to get the Droid Razr, but I'm sure if the popularity of the phone skyrockets we will see it offers by other carriers eventually as well. Will the Droid Razr bring the Razr back to prominence and give the Apple iPhone a run for it's money? It sounds like it's packed with features that will definitely grab some attention and at least make it at the very least a contender.

Carriers Will Soon Send Usage Alerts to Help Avoid Overage Charges

noreply@blogger.com (D. Mueller) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 03:10:00 +0000

Have you ever experienced "bill shock?" I really had not heard that term before today, but after reading the description I believe we have all experienced it at some point or another. It's when you open a bill (your cell phone bill in this instance) and are shocked to see a huge amount that is way over your usual monthly cost. This can occur when you don't realize you were over your allotted minutes, texts, or data for the month. Unexpected charges for the extra usage can really make your bill sky rocket, but today the CTIA Wireless Association unveiled new guidelines that should help with the matter.

Carriers will now send usage alerts to customers when they are approaching their monthly limit on minutes, texts, data, international roaming etc. Within the next 18 months cellular carriers should be adhering to these new guidelines, which should make a significant difference when it comes to unexpected overage charges or "bill shock." Cell phone carriers have NO problem about notifying you 50 times if your bill is late, so it's nice to see that moves are being made to make just as much effort in helping customers manage their monthly billing as well.

The iPhone 4s is Now Available for ATT, Verizon, and Sprint

noreply@blogger.com (D. Mueller) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 22:25:00 +0000

Well the big day if finally here for iPhone fans, the iPhone 4s is now available to AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint customers. Now just because it's available doesn't mean you can get on easily, as preorder records were set and stores had lines outside in the early morning hours waiting to be the first to get the 4s. There were even people across the country that camped outside of stores in order to ensure they would get one. Was it worth all the effort? Well let's take a look at what changes iPhone 4s is giving us.

While the iPhone 4s hasn't been regarded as a HUGE upgrade from the iPhone 4, but the fact that it will be available on 3 top carriers which means just about anyone can grab one. *Note - If you are still having trouble finding where you can get an iPhone 4s, Amazon has them readily available at the link below:

Although there aren't a huge amount of changes, the iPhone 4s does offer a faster dual-core A5 chip and an 8 mega-pixel camera that can shoot 1080p HD video as well. Those seem to be the 2 big differences in this new version of the iPhone, which may or may not be enough to make you want to buy one. If you don't have an iPhone, or maybe haven't had a new one in a few years, this phone might be a good purchase. If you own a more recent iPhone, it might not be enough to buy.

Some people are rushing to stores to try to grab the iPhone 4s, while others are waiting on the iPhone 5 in hopes of getting a major change. Here is a good video which covers the changes you will find in the iPhone 4s, and may help you decide if you are on the fence on deciding if the time is right for an upgrade.