Cell Phone Models

The Blackberry 8520, codenamed “Gemini,” is the latest addition to the popular Curve family. The Curve 8520 is intended as a well equipped, but entry-level device that comes in at a slight step below the Curve 8900. In more ways than not, the 8520 is effectively the 8900 trapped in a different body.

Hands-on

Arguably the biggest departure from the rest of BlackBerry’s lineup is noticeable at first glance. The traditional trackball that has graced most every BlackBerry in recent memory has been replaced in favor of an optical trackpad that provides the very same functionality.

As a big BlackBerry trackball fan, I’m sad to see it go, but admit that the trackpad works just as well (though you may have to crank the sensitivity up for a little more pep). Unlike me, those that have had their trackballs break on more than one occasion may take to the streets in celebration.

The Curve 8520 has the standard volume rocker and app launcher keys, defaulted to voice commands and camera as usual. The volume rocker and convenience keys, however, are enclosed in the same rubbery plastic that surrounds the mid-section of the device. As RIM has made a great habit of, the 8520 includes a standard 3.5mm headphone jack and micro-USB port for charging and synching.

On the back of the BlackBerry Curve 8520 is a 2 megapixel camera with video recording capability. Unlike the Curve 8900, the 8520 does not have a flash. You’ll also notice that the charging connectors found on the back of the 8900 are not present on the 8520, making the device incapable of drawing juice from a desktop charger.

Messaging

The Curve 8520 offers BlackBerry’s standard email and messaging prowess. The device’s QWERTY looks and feels almost identical to that of the 8900. Both keyboards are a bit clicky, but offer adequate spacing between keys and a satisfying tactile feedback. There’s support for enterprise email as usual, as well as capacity for up to ten additional IMAP, POP, or popular web email service accounts from providers such as Gmail, AOL, Yahoo and Windows Live. Of course, you can download and view most email attachments on the 8520. The handset is also pre-installed with 6 instant messaging clients, including BlackBerry Messenger, AIM, Google Talk, ICQ, Yahoo! Messenger, and Windows Live Messenger.

Entertainment & Browser

With its newest BlackBerry, RIM has elected to cater slightly more to the media-hungry consumer, adding media controls to the top of the device. There’s a track advance and back button, as well as a play/pause button that also doubles as the mute key. The device has 256MB of on-board memory, but is expandable with support for a microSD card.

Pre-installed games include BrickBreaker, Texas Hold’Em, Sudoku, Klondike and Word Mole. The device also features support for BlackBerry App World, which provides access to thousands more games and applications for the handset.

Like every other BlackBerry of its generation, the 8520 is equipped with a full HTML browser. Pages are navigated using the trackpad to control an on-screen cursor. Of course, pages can be zoomed in and out on the accommodate the device’s screen size.

Wireless

While some purportedly higher end BlackBerrys soldier on WiFi-less, the Curve boasts the ability to browse the web and email over a WiFi network. The handset is also equipped with Bluetooth v2.0, with support for profiles including stereo (A2DP), headset, hands-free, serial port, SIM access, dial up networking, A/V remote control, and phone book access.

User Interface

Running BlackBerry OS version 4.6, the user interface on the Curve 8520 is standard fare. Expect the same minimalistic but sleek interface as found on the BlackBerry Curves, Bolds, and Tours of the the world.

The Bottom Line

Sure, the Curve 8520 is being billed as an entry-level device with an appealing sticker price, but that doesn’t mean that it’s any less of a BlackBerry. The lack of 3G is a disappointment, and the absence of some of the bells and whistles like a camera flash and GPS is to be expected, but the 8520 will surely satisfy anyone looking for BlackBerry’s renowned messaging power along with a solid media experience.

1. Create a list of ten of your most contacted people.
Next to each person on your list mark their carrier unless they have a land line. Tally up because this simple research can save you loads of money over time. Many cell phone carriers offer free in-network calling.

New accounts: The carrier you choose is the most important decision you’ll make. Choosing the right carrier saves you money, time, and will help power any additional services you demand such as web browsing.

Existing accounts: You might want to consider switching carriers if your contract is ending and you are burning up valuable minutes that could be avoided with in-network calling.

2. Research carrier reception in your area.
After all, what good is a cell phone without reception? Dropping calls can be frustrating and not receiving calls can be worst.

New accounts: Use hub sites like http://www.cellreception.com/ to determine the best choice before choosing a carrier.

Here are some other great tools straight from the source:
AT&T Coverage Viewer
Sprint/Nextel Nationwide Coverage Tool
T-Mobile Personal Coverage Check
Verizon Wireless Coverage Locator

Existing accounts: If “dead spots” get in the way of normal use of your phone you should use the tools above to see if another carrier can offer higher quality service in your area. (more…)

What if I told you that you can get the T-Mobile G1 at one of the best prices available on the web?

What if I told you not to push the shiny red button to reveal this outrageous G1 deal?

Would you push it? I did and found out that price is just ridiculous. Wirefly shipping is fasttttt & best of all it’s free so in a couple of days I’ll be the proud owner of yet another fully loaded HTC device (plus Android development will be fun).

The G1 for T-mobile will be available just in time for the holidays at Wirefly! Without a doubt, the T-Mobile G1 is in popular demand, and we’ve confirmed that we’ll be carrying the black, bronze, and white versions.

With the shocking demand for the Android platform, the following manufacturers have recently joined The Open Handset Alliance (the developers of Android) with hopes of supporting the next Android powered device:

1. AKM Semiconductor
2. ARM
3. ASUSTek
4. Atheros Communications
5. Borqs
6. Ericsson
7. Garmin
8. Huawei Technologies
9. Omron Software
10. Softbank Mobile Corporation
11. Sony Ericsson
12. Teleca AB
13. Toshiba
14. Vodafone

The Open Handset Alliance totals in with 47 technology and mobile companies aboard as of 12/17/08. With that kind of buzz we can only expect a slew of new Android supported devices in 2009! Get in on the action today with the T-Mobile G1 and start learning about the first complete, open, and free mobile platform ever created.

Buy the T-Mobile G1 at Wirefly!

(more…)

Holiday 2008 is gearing up to be the season of the Smartphone, touch screeen phone, music phone and other feature driven devices with converged technology, proving that being stylish is simply no longer enough. This holiday season’s real contenders fluidly merge form and function.

Boasting everything from 3G to MobileTV, streaming video, MP3 players, GPS, high-res cameras and beyond, get to know the 10 powerhouse cell phones that have already claimed their spots on Wirefly’s “Top 10 Hottest Selling Phones of the Holiday Season”… (more…)

It’s finally here: the Google phone. As most observers know by now, the “Google” phone is actually just the first of a family of cell phones which will support Google’s new mobile operating system, Android. Since it’s the first, though, it’s certainly the most anticipated. We got our hands on a preview model over the weekend, and offer some thoughts:

Form/Design

The G1’s shape and form factor is… utilitarian. The iPhone proved that simplicity sells, and, in that sense, the G1 succeeds, with one large display, four small buttons, and a trackball on its face. It’s a very clean presentation. But it doesn’t quite grab you. It’s just a little too plain, lacking the glossy finish or unique tapered edges of other devices.

The spring-loaded slider mechanism, however, is excellent. The beautiful screen slips sideways to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard; when open, the display hangs off the body of the phone while still feeling solidly attached. It’s a nicely designed element that leaves the G1 feeling spacious while in use.

The G1 is relatively heavy, weighing in at 5.6 ounces. It’s also fairly thick, thanks to the QWERTY keyboard. Neither of these facts are a strike against it, though; the G1 isn’t intended as a super-slim phone that disappears in your pocket. I rather liked its heft, since this is such a high-functioning device. I’d rather handle a sturdy smartphone than a featherweight.

In the end, the physical look and feel of the G1 is solid, but not nearly as alluring as some of HTC’s other recent efforts, like the Touch Diamond. (more…)

According to news out of the T-Mobile camp last week, the cell phone world will have plenty to talk about tomorrow: that’s when Google is expected to release a slew of details about the first Android-enabled cell phone.

Android is Google’s new mobile platform, which is already generating real excitement among cell phone afficionados thanks to its advertised flexibility and potential support for advanced mobile applications. We expect much of the blogosphere to be focused on this announcement tomorrow, and we’re sure T-Mobile is eager to ride the wave of attention as the first carrier to debut an Android phone. It sounds like we’ll get a release date, pricing and plan details, and some examples of Android-based software.

So, stay tuned for more news sometime tomorrow.