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All posts tagged "reviews"


Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Shure SE210 Earphones: Pure Audio Delight

Posted by David Tucker in "Zune Accessories" @ 09:00 AM

Product Category: Earphones Manufacturer: Shure
Where to Buy: Amazon [Affiliate]
Price: $97.78
System Requirements: Any MP3 player with a 3.5mm headphone jack
Specifications: Headphones have a frequency range of 25Hz - 18.5kHz with a 26 ohm impedance. They come in black or white and have an 18 inch cable with a 36 inch extension. The headphones pack up easily in a small travel case and come with a deluxe fit kit of 7 different tips to easily fit almost any ear size.

Pros:

  • Amazing sound, it blew me away;
  • Lots of fit options, ensuring a comfortable, tight seal;
  • High quality construction that should stand up to long term use.

Cons:

  • Somewhat expensive;
  • In-ear design takes getting used to.

Summary: No matter what you use as an MP3 player there is a universal law that applies to your device of choice. The included ear buds suck. Sure, there’s different levels of suck, but in the end they’re all pretty horrible. There was a brief period of time when the Zune came with the premium sound isolating earphones and those were certainly a step up from the usual throwaways you get. Still, to really appreciate your Zune or "other" MP3 player you only have two avenues to really get the most out of your music. Read more...


Friday, March 13, 2009

Unboxing the Pantech Matrix Pro Windows Mobile Smartphone

Posted by Jason Dunn in "Other Microsoft Smartphones" @ 03:28 PM

This is my unboxing and first impressions of the Pantech Matrix Pro, a Windows Mobile 6.1 Standard smartphone offered by AT&T for $179 USD on a two-year contract. This phone has the distinctive feature of having two keyboards (12 key and QWERTY), both hidden away via a slider. It weighs 4.3 ounces, has a 2.4 inch display at 240 x 320, comes with 256 MB of ROM, and 128 MB of RAM. It also features a microSDHC card slot for expandability up to 32 GB. It's a GSM/GPRS/EDGE/UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA phone, functioning on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz bands for GSM/GPRS/EDGE and 850/1900/2100 MHz for 3G data. The battery is 1320 mAh, giving 3 hours of talk time and 10.4 days of stand-by time. More details about the Pantech Matrix Pro can be found on the AT&T Web site. Have any questions about this phone? Post 'em! I'll be following up with a video review once I've had a chance to use it for a bit longer.

Jason Dunn owns and operates Thoughts Media Inc., a company dedicated to creating the best in online communities. He enjoys photography, mobile devices, blogging, digital media content creation/editing, and pretty much all technology. He lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with his lovely wife, and his sometimes obedient dog. He sure dislikes it when phones use proprietary power/connection plugs.

Do you enjoy using new hardware, software and accessories, then sharing your experience with others? Then join us on the Thoughts Media Review Team! We're looking for individuals who find it fun to test new gear and give their honest opinions about the experience. It's a volunteer role with some great perks. Interested? Then click here for more information.


Friday, June 22, 2007

Motorola Q9 Reviews Start to Appear

Posted by Mike Temporale in "THOUGHT" @ 10:15 AM

http://www.mobileburn.com/gallery.jsp?Id=3490&source=HOMETOP

"For the past two days I've had the luxury of playing around with a pre-production Motorola Q9m, a Windows Mobile 6 smartphone destined for Verizon Wireless. After messing around with it and comparing it with the original Q, it seems quite obvious to me that the Q9m is a re-skinned Q with a new OS and a number of software enhancements. This is both good and bad. Physically, the Q9m is a near masterpiece. It is a simple but good looking device. It is very solidly built, and the metal frame around its edges make it look quite rugged."

User submitted image

Reviews are starting to show up all over the place for the new Motorola Q9 models. Mobile Burn has a review of the Q9m Verizon model and Gear Diary has a Quick Look post on the Q9h GSM AT&T model. Personally, I'm pretty interested in the GSM version of this device. If Moto has managed to adjust the battery life then this phone has the best chance of getting me to switch off the BlackJack.


Wednesday, April 25, 2007

The::Unwired Reviews JAVOedge JAVOskin for Samsung's i600

Posted by Mike Temporale in "ARTICLE" @ 06:00 AM

http://www.theunwired.net/?itemid=3789

"The JAVOSkin features strategically placed cut-outs to allow maximum usability. With these cut-outs, using the case would feel as though the case wasn't on the device at all. JAVOSkin is easy on your hands with it's soft texture. Made out of specially blended silicon materials, it can stretch and flex to cushion your device from hard bumps and falls. The EAD (Enhanced Anti Dust) coating gives the JAVOSkin case a softer surface to grab and significantly reduce dust which would accumulate on the surface. With this low-profile case, you get the best of both worlds: the device will remain fully usable, stylish and protected."

User submitted image

On the heels of Jason's post about the horrors of dropping your device, Arne Hess has posted a review of the JAVOedge JAVOskin for Samsungs i600 Smartphone. I used these with my SMT5600 and I really liked it. I haven't bought one for my BlackJack, mainly because they weren't available at the time I got the device. What do you guys think of these silicone skins?


Thursday, December 28, 2006

SvenOnTech Reviews the Motorola Q

Posted by Kris Kumar in "HARDWARE" @ 07:30 AM

http://svenontech.com/reviews/?p=35

"It�s been nearly a year since I first laid my hands on the Motorola Q smartphone at CES. When I did, I was quick to dismiss it and moved on in the DJ music driven Motorola booth bathed in blue lights. But here I am now writing a review on a phone running Microsoft�s Window Mobile that brings to mind; never judge a book by it�s cover. In other words, don�t be so quick to judge something at a trade show.Motorola put a fine looking unit together in the name of the Q. Running with the same formula that brought it such success for the ultra popular clam-shell phone, the RAZR, engineers at America�s number one cellular phone company made the thinnest and lightest smartphone for 2006. But, was Motorola able to bring the same great phone guts that made the RAZR so good into the Q? With over three months of this little guy strapped onto my belt, I was able to ask that question time and time again. The answer surprised me and it may surprise you."

User submitted image

In case you are interested in the Motorola Q, the silver one, then here is a review for you. Wish the review covered the enhancements brought about by the new firmware update; even better if the review had covered the Black Q. I am sure everyone wants to find out how the new Black Q fares when compared with the current favorites, the Dash and the BlackJack.


Monday, December 11, 2006

MobilitySite Reviews the Samsung BlackJack Smartphone

Posted by Mike Temporale in "ARTICLE" @ 01:00 PM

http://www.mobilitysite.com/articles/link.php?id=382

"Is this the Perfect Windows Mobile Phone? No, not yet, but it's close. As with other "Smartphone" reviews I have written, I preface the entire review with the fact that I am more of a "Pocket PC Phone" guy than a "Smartphone" guy. Not this time, I am officially designating myself as a "Smartphone" guy. I guess I have adjusted to not having a touch screen. While reviewing the Blackjack, something happened that I normally do not let happen during a review. I fell in love. I ordered my own Blackjack to replace the review unit I have been using these past few weeks."

User submitted image

Chris from Mobility Site has posted his review of the new must have Windows Mobile Smartphone - Samsung's BlackJack. Chris has a lot to say, and a lot of cool pictures to show, including a comparison between my favourite - Samsung i320 and the BlackJack. I have recently added a BlackJack to my line up of phones, and it's a great phone, but I like the keypad and side buttons from the i320 better. Thanks to the Quad-band and 3G features, the BlackJack is a much better device!


Monday, August 7, 2006

SoloPalmari.com Reviews The HTC Oxygen

Posted by Rocco Augusto in "NEWS" @ 04:00 PM

http://www.solopalmari.com/content/view/2061/39/

SoloPalmari.com has put together a review of the HTC Oxygen. This article is written in Italian but there is a translation button on the top right hand corner. Even after the translation the review was still a little hard to follow, but from what I could pick up, this is one nice entry-level phone. While it is lacking a QVGA screen, it makes up for it with a 1.3MP camera, miniSD expansion slot and sleek form factor :)

User submitted image


Friday, July 28, 2006

The Two Inch View Reviews the SanDisk 1GB microSD Card

Posted by Mike Temporale in "ARTICLE" @ 06:45 AM

http://www.twoinchview.com/?p=51

"See that little black chip near the middle of the hard drive? That�s a 1 GB microSD card, courtesy of Sandisk. It�s sitting on top of a Seagate hard drive, also featuring 1 GB of storage. Isn�t it amazing how things change? Those of us who have seen the evolution of storage over the past decade can still remember a time when 1 GB seemed enormous. The first 1 GB hard drive was introduced to the mass market in 1995 or so, and prior to that I have not-so fond memories of using a DOS program called Stacker to double the space of my then-massive 40 MB to 80 MB�and losing the whole thing when the volume became corrupted. Ah, those were the days. Now I have 1000 MB of storage (well, 968.25 MB to be exact) in a piece of hardware the size of the fingernail on my pinky finger."

User submitted image

Small is powerful! MicroSD is the new up-and-coming memory storage medium of choice for device manufacturers. Thankfully, microSD cards already come in large sizes and are available for a pretty reasonable price. Amazon has the SanDisk 1GB that Jason reviewed for $42. Not like when miniSD hit the market and 256MB was the only size you could get for months. Anyway, check out Jason's review to see just how much you can cram onto this little beauty. :)


Saturday, June 17, 2006

TrustedReviews.com Reviews The Qtek 8500 Smartphone

Posted by Rocco Augusto in "NEWS" @ 09:40 PM

http://www.trustedreviews.com/article.aspx?art=3034

"The handset has clearly been designed with at least half an eye on luring fans of Motorola's RAZR V3. The first, most immediate sign of this is the capitalised vowel free name HTC has given it. The second is that Qtek 8500 is available with a significant portion of the front and back fascia in a shade of pink close to that which adorns a version of the RAZR V3."

User submitted image

Another look at the Qtek 8500. I'm glad phones are starting to move away from the boring dark colors into something a little more fun. Can't wait for someone to make a nice hunter green WM5 Smartphone ;)


Friday, June 16, 2006

PDAToday.com Reviews Ultimate Ears super.fi 5 Pro

Posted by Rocco Augusto in "NEWS" @ 12:10 PM

http://www.pdatoday.com/index.php/weblog/comments/ultimate_ears_superfi_5_pro/

"After reviewing a large number of earphones, my ears were looking forward to a rest until I heard about a small company that specialized in making earphones for professional musicians and engineers. The comments I heard were so good, that I had to check them out. The high-end, custom Ultimate Ear products are used by an impressive list of the top musicians and engineers in the music industry. "

User submitted image

For $249.99 those headphones not only should be spectacular, they should also wash my dishes. ;) In all seriousness though, these do appear to be impressive. There accessory kit alone, which comes with the headphones, goes to show you how serious the company takes sound. Even if you don't buy a pair this is still a good review to read :D


Tuesday, June 6, 2006

Phonescoop reviews the Motorola Q

Posted by Rocco Augusto in "NEWS" @ 01:02 PM

http://www.phonescoop.com/articles/review_moto_q/

"The Q is definitely more pocketable than a BlackBerry, and certainly more versatile than one. With a camera and the ability to load a wide variety of applications, it is clearly not just for corporate users. But Exchange synchronization, the keyboard and the familiarity of Windows will make the Q a strong contender for corporate users as well. While the Q is still a looker, and worth looking at, it is no longer unique. It is a solid phone for many, but with so many similar models, there may be better options out there now - especially if you plan on using the keyboard quite a bit."

User submitted image

Phonescoop has done it again, this time bringing us all a review of the ultra slim Motorola Q Windows Mobile Smartphone. Packed with a 1.3 MP camera, QWERTY keyboard, landscape QVGA display and voice recognition software, this is one sleek little device that should have RIM a little worried ;). All that beauty doesn't come without its own share of drawbacks though. To find out what those are, why don't you take a gander at the article 8)


Monday, May 29, 2006

Mobinaute Reviews the 3G Smartphone HTC Breeze (Qtek 8600)

Posted by Kris Kumar in "HARDWARE" @ 08:40 AM

http://www.mobinaute.com/mobinaute/article.php?id=20060527112211

The folks over at Mobinaute have managed to get there hands on the HTC Breeze, the 3G based Smartphone, which will be marketed as the Qtek 8600. There are lots of good photos in the review and now that I am looking at the real photos, it seems like a pretty decent handset. The thing that bothers me is that the unit is tri-band and it supports only 900/1800/1900 MHz. In the US the 850 Mhz is used by the carriers, so does this mean that HTC will have an 850/1800/1900 Mhz unit as well?

User submitted image

In case for some reason you do not understand French, here is the Google translation of the article. :lol:


Thursday, March 2, 2006

SCI-Tech Today Reviews Cingular 2125

Posted by Mike Temporale in "ARTICLE" @ 10:15 AM

http://www.sci-tech-today.com/story.xhtml?story_id=41843

"The Cingular 2125 is the first Cingular-branded smartphone that features Microsoft's new Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system. Packed with features, the 2125 is designed to cater to road warriors who want to be productive while on the go. Measuring 4.6 x 1.8 x 0.7 inches and tipping the scales at 3.7 ounces, the pocket-sized Cingular 2125 adds an eye-catching metallic blue-and-silver finish to the otherwise standard candy-bar format."

User submitted image

Here's another review of the Cingular 2125. This one lists the lack of a QWERTY keyboard and WiFi as "cons". Now, I can understand being upset that the phone doesn't have them. However, it's hardly a "con" when most other Smartphones don't even have these! I'm sure that the writer must be comparing this to the Treo's and the BlackBerry's of the world. And those phones are not the competition for this device. When will the main stream media learn? :(


Monday, February 27, 2006

Time Reviews T-Mobile SDA Smartphone

Posted by Jerry Raia in "ARTICLE" @ 03:00 PM

http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1160063,00.html

"While mobile e-mail fanatics are discussing the BlackBerry-killer software introduced by Microsoft at the 3GSM mobile-phone conference in Barcelona, I want to talk about an e-mail-ready phone that's just hitting the market � T-Mobile's SDA. The carrier launched it this week, along with a big brother, the MDA Pocket PC. Both phones run versions of Windows Mobile 5.0, though the SDA is no larger than a typical candy-bar phone."

User submitted image

I always enjoy reading the "non-geek" perspectives on our toys. It almost always seems like they have no idea what type of device they are looking at. This one isn't as bad as most. See what you think. The bottom line for us "fanatics" is the more of these that are sold to the "non-fanatics", the better. :)


Monday, February 20, 2006

Mobility Site Reviews the Cingular 2125

Posted by Mike Temporale in "ARTICLE" @ 08:45 AM

http://www.mobilitysite.com/articles/link.php?id=324

"The 2125 WM5 Smartphone by Cingular is their first private label device that definitely hits the target. Picking up where the Audiovox SMT5600 left off, Cingular has upgraded the OS to Window Mobile 5.0 and to a snappy 1.3 mega-pixel camera. Even though my initial reaction was not that good about the 2125, spending a week with it has definitely changed my mind. With the 2125�s EDGE High Speed Data capabilities and Cingular�s unlimited data plan ($19.99 a month), I found that internet browsing was surprisingly fast, including video streaming. I especially enjoyed getting my emails no matter where I was at. Even though I cannot wait to get my hands on the 8125, I still think I will miss the 2125�s great screen quality and form factor. I definitely would recommend this phone to the person wanting to stay connected and better organized, but that does not need to input a lot of data frequently."

User submitted image

Have you read enough reviews on the Cingular 2125 yet? Well, here's another one. Doug, over at Mobility Site, gives the 2125 a 81 out of 100. The 2125 seems to be getting a lot of positive press around the Internet. Which leads me to think all the fuss about the hump hasn't turned anyone off this phone.


Tuesday, February 7, 2006

MobileGadgetNews Reviews CloneDVD Mobile

Posted by Jerry Raia in "SOFTWARE" @ 02:00 PM

http://www.mobilegadgetnews.com/index.php?act=ST&f=102&t=10950&st=0#entry47270

"This is a review of "CloneDVD mobile" by SlySoft. "CloneDVD mobile" will convert feature lenght DVD movies or your home movies into media suitable for a number of Mobile Platforms including our favorites, Windows Mobile Smartphones and PPCs."

User submitted image

This looks like a cool application that you can use to convert those big screen movies you love into formats you can view on your tiny thumbnail size Smartphone screen. I know a lot of folks like doing this. I don't get it.


Smartphones Show Reviews The i-mate SP5 Smartphone

Posted by Mike Temporale in "SITES & RESOURCES" @ 07:15 AM

http://www.smartphones-show.com/

We told you about the Smartphones Show a couple weeks back. Episode 4 has been released and this episode features a review the the i-mate SP5 Smartphone. Overall, the review seems to highlight some of the negative things with the phone. Most of which can be easily corrected. Like the lack or a Mobile Windows suite, and the eTrust AntiVirus warning message. Regardless, if you're looking at getting a SP5, this video would be a good way to see it in action before you put down that hard earned money. :D


Thursday, February 2, 2006

PocketPCItalia.com Reviews ElekTex Fabric Keyboard

Posted by Mike Temporale in "ARTICLE" @ 10:30 AM

http://www.pocketpcitalia.com/Recensioni/Accessori/Tastiere/Recensione%2DEleksen%2DFabric%2DKeyb/

User submitted image

Remember that fabric keyboard from ElekTex that we told you about a couple weeks back? Well, PocketPCItalia.com has written up a pretty nice review of it. Of course, if you don't speak Italian, you'll have to read it using BableFish. Even if you don't want to read it, there's lots of pretty pictures. ;)


Monday, January 30, 2006

PCMag.com Reviews Cingular's HSDPA Network

Posted by Mike Temporale in "ARTICLE" @ 09:00 AM

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1916282,00.asp

"Cingular's new high-speed data network, HSDPA has great potential for international travelers and content producers. But it's not living up to that promise yet. We found it had slower speeds and less coverage than the competing networks from Verizon and Sprint. HSDPA (high-speed downlink packet access) is the next evolution of UMTS, the high-speed network AT&T Wireless built in six cities, but it is still not widely deployed in the U.S. The spec for current HSDPA PC Cards promises theoretical download speeds up to 1.8 Mbps, though Cingular publicly claims only 400 to 700 Kbps."

PC Magazine takes Cingular's HSDPA network for a spin. It doesn't appear to be living up to it's full potential yet - getting a 3 out of 5 rating. Hopefully we'll see some improvements in the coming months and putting a real challenge on that nice EV-DO network. :)

  • Read
  • Discuss [2 replies]
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  • Source: Engadget


Monday, December 12, 2005

Clinton Fitch Reviews PocketBible from Laridian

Posted by Mike Temporale in "ARTICLE" @ 05:00 AM

http://www.clintonfitch.com/spreviews/laridian/pocketbible/default.asp

"Like the Pocket PC version, PocketBible for Smartphone gives you a rich experience of reading, searching and studying the biblical text without having to carry a printed copy of it with you. Given that most people have their Smartphone with them constantly, PocketBible allows you to carry a Bible with you anytime you have your phone with you! PocketBible is installed via ActiveSync and the application itself needs only 600 KB of storage. It is important to remember that this is the Bible �reader� only. The Bible texts themselves � which there are 15 available � need from 2-4 MB of storage and can be stored on a storage card if you have on installed on your Smartphone."

User submitted image

Clinton Fitch has just posted his first Windows Mobile Smartphone review - PocketBible by Laridian. If you like what you read, remember that you can always pick up a copy in our affiliate store.


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