LetsTalk.com Blog

HTC Droid Eris: How does it stack up against other Android cell phones?

blog@letstalk.com (Joni Blecher) — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 07:11:36 PST

The HTC Droid Eris is available today for Verizon Wireless. The second smartphone running Google's Android OS also sports HTC's Sense experience, which will allow users more customization of the device and the ability to access text messages, e-mails, phone calls and even Flickr streams and Facebook updates from a single contact card. The Google smartphone will also sport a 5-megapixel camera, WiFi, a 3.5mm headset jack, GPS with a digital compass, a pre-installed 8GB microSD card for storing pictures, tunes and more. To get a closer look at the HTC Droid Eris check out Verizon Wireless' demonstration video below.

BlackBerry Curve 8530: Which will you get Verizon's or Sprint's?

blog@letstalk.com (Joni Blecher) — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 11:11:53 PST

Both Verizon Wireless and Sprint announced availability of the BlackBerry Curve 8530. Both models will sport the new trackpad found on the BlackBerry Curve 8520 that's available for T-Mobile. The trackpad is a lot like the touchpad found on laptop computers, so it's different than the trademark trackball. Additionally the new model will be WiFi-enabled, sport a 2-megapixel camera, GPS and everything else you've come to expect in a BlackBerry smartphone. Both companies will offer the BlackBerry Curve in Black and Violet (see below for Sprint's version). While there was no mention of an availability date from Sprint, Verizon Wireless said they would have it on November 20th.

On a separate note, I look forward to hearing the names people think of to call the Violet version. Anyone have ideas, post them below.

Video Review: Samsung Rogue

blog@letstalk.com (Joni Blecher) — Tue, 3 Nov 2009 09:11:25 PST

The Samsung Rogue for Verizon Wireless is one of the first multimedia cell phones to require a data plan. Is it a worthy investment? Watch the review of the Samsung Rogue below to decide for yourself.

Does more than charge: The BlackBerry Desktop Charger

blog@letstalk.com (Joni Blecher) — Mon, 2 Nov 2009 09:11:18 PST

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.

Q&A: Text messaging signatures on the BlackBerry and understanding tech terms

blog@letstalk.com (Michael Cera) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:10:22 PDT

This week our Question and Answer series comes from "Ask a Merchant," a new feature launched on LetsTalk.com that can be found in the middle of cell phone detail pages. This week's featured merchant is LetsTalk's Merchandising Manager for T-Mobile Michael Cera. He answers questions about text message signatures and tech terms. Got a question you want answered? Submit your question here. Got something to add to the answers below? Leave a comment.

Does the BlackBerry Curve 8900 for T-Mobile have text message signature? - Justice

No, there is not a signature for your text message. There is the option to do it for your emails, but not text messages.

I’m looking at the T-Mobile Dash 3G, can you tell me what 3G Data Technology is, what Wi-Fi calling is, what Sync means and it means when a cell phone has Windows Mobile 6.1 OS? – Melissa

3G data technology means you can access the Internet on your cell phone at faster speeds than the normal EDGE network. Wi-Fi calling is very similar to a Voice over IP calling system such as SKYPE. However, for some cell phones that have the ability to do Wi-Fi calling on T-Mobile, you are able to use a T-Mobile Hotspot to make calls using Wi-Fi as opposed to your normal minutes. Lastly, Windows Mobile 6.1 is just the operating system for the phone. Similar to a PC’s operating system, it is a smaller scale operating system set to work on your mobile device.

BlackBerry's case for the Bold does more than just protect

blog@letstalk.com (Joni Blecher) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:10:10 PDT

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.

Sneak Peek at Google Maps Navigation

blog@letstalk.com (Joni Blecher) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:10:21 PDT

Google unveiled Google Maps Navigation, a free turn-by-turn GPS app for Android 2 smartphones - currently that's Verizon's Motorola Droid. It has many of the features found in navigation apps for cell phones plus quite a few additions such as street view -so you can see the street you're turning on (I know landmarks always help me when following directions), satellite view, and the ability to add stops (such as ATMs or gas stations) along the way finding the closes spot along your route. To see it in action watch the Google video below:

The Motorola DROID for Verizon debuts

blog@letstalk.com (Joni Blecher) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:10:22 PDT

The much-anticipated Motorola DROID for Verizon Wireless launched today with an availability date of November 9th, which is less than 2 weeks away. The smartphone, which runs Google's Android v2.0 operating system will sport both a slide-out and touchscreen QWERTY keyboard, 5-megapixel camera, WiFi, 3G connectivity, and 16GB of on-board storage (expandable up to 32GB). Additionally, this smartphone is all about personalization with the ability to customize three home screens where you can add folders, apps and widgets for easy one-touch access. It also comes with Amazon's MP3 store. If you want the DROID, you'll need to subscribe to a nationwide voice plan and an Email and Web for Smartphone plan. Nationwide voice plans begin at $39.99 for monthly access for 450 minutes and an Email and Web for Smartphone plan is $29.99 for monthly access.

To get a better idea of what the DROID has to offer, check out the demonstration video below from Cesar Da Costa, marketing consultant for Verizon Wireless.

Palm Pixi coming to Sprint in November

blog@letstalk.com (Joni Blecher) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:10:21 PDT

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.

Demystifying AT&T's A List Plan

blog@letstalk.com (Joni Blecher) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:10:38 PDT

There have been a slew of new additions for cell phone plans. I sit down with LetsTalk.com Merchandising Manager for AT&T Jack Cooper to learn more about AT&T's A List. Find out if you should add it to your existing plan by watching the video below:

BlackBerry Storm2 available for Verizon this week

blog@letstalk.com (Joni Blecher) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:10:24 PDT

The BlackBerry Storm2 9550 will be available with Verizon service on October 28th. The companies first debuted the first BlackBerry Storm touchscreen phone a little less than a year ago. The new model has a few noteworthy updates - most notable is the inclusion of WiFi. It also has Bluetooth v.2.1 with support for features like phonebook access. The previous version came with 1GB of memory on board, while this model has 2GB of on-board memory and comes with a 16GB MicroSD card in the box. It will also work with BlackBerry Desktop Manager for the Mac as well as PC. Like the 9530, the 9550 Storm2 has a similar form factor, display, GPS, a 3.2-megapixel camera, and is a true world phone with the ability to work on GSM and CDMA networks.

Q&A: Accessing Gmail on the Solstice and using WiFi

blog@letstalk.com (Jack Cooper) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 08:10:48 PDT

This week our Question and Answer series comes from "Ask a Merchant," a new feature launched on LetsTalk.com that can be found in the middle of cell phone detail pages. This week's featured merchant is LetsTalk's Merchandising Manager for AT&T Jack Cooper. He answers questions about GPS and WiFi. Got a question you want answered? Submit your question here. Got something to add to the answers below? Leave a comment.

Can I access Gmail with this phone and AT&T plan? How does GPS work on the Samsung Solstice comparing with iPhone and other similar cell phones? – Xuemie

Yes, you can access Gmail on the Solstice. If you want to use the GPS feature on AT&T, you need to purchase AT&T Navigator, which is $9.99/month. That will provide you with turn-by-turn directions.

With a wireless network set up in my home, can I use the WiFi feature on the BlackBerry Curve 8900 even if I do not get the data package with the phone? – Nathan

Absolutely. That is the advantage of having a device with WiFi built in. You can use it on home, office, and other wireless networks.

What's different about Sprint's BlackBerry Tour

blog@letstalk.com (Joni Blecher) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:10:18 PDT

Both Verizon and Sprint offer the BlackBerry Tour 9630 world phone. However, Sprint's version seems to be a bit more sporty. Watch the video below to see what we mean.

New BlackBerry Bold for AT&T and T-Mobile

blog@letstalk.com (Joni Blecher) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:10:24 PDT

RIM announced the update to the popular BlackBerry Bold, the BlackBerry 9700 with 3G connectivity. The newest member of the BlackBerry family will sport a trackpad for navigation instead of the familiar trackball. It also appears to be a little more streamline and lighter than the original Bold and instead of the entire back of the smartphone covered with a leather-like back, it has some gripping to keep it secure when placed on a table. Additionally, the Bold 9700 will have a 3.2-megapixel camera (an upgrade from the 2-megapixel camera found on the original Bold). While slightly smaller, the display will be sharp and easily readable in direct sunlight. This model will also support WiFi and the T-Mobile version will support calls over a WiFi network. (Think: T-Mobile's HotSpot @ Home). The smartphone will have 256MB of memory on board plus a 2GB microSD card will come in the box and at time of shipment will support up to a 16GB microSD card (32GB microSD card when available). The new model will be available for both AT&T and T-Mobile before the end of the year.

Survey Says: FaceBook a hot cell phone destination

blog@letstalk.com (Joni Blecher) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:10:15 PDT

We asked our blog readers, "Which social networking sites do you access on your cell phone most frequently?" The most popular site by far was FaceBook garnering 59% of the votes. This makes sense to me since out of the options listed it had a mobile application early on and is easily found on many cell phones or can be downloaded. Twitter, however, seems like it should be a popular cell phone app; while it can be found on some phones, if the handset you're using doesn't have a decent web browser it's not the easiest site to manage. Twitter seems like a natural to me especially since leaving a tweet tops out at the same character count as a text message. If anyone has discovered any great mobile twitter apps, let us know. It's a popular topic on twitter. In the meantime, here's a recap of the survey results:

FaceBook 59%

None 20%

Twitter 13%

Other 6%

MySpace 2%

That’s the latest poll results; please participate in the new poll posted on the right.