War of the iPhones: Is AT&T's better or is Verizon's better?

Today, we are going to compare the AT&T iPhone4 to the Verizon Wireless iPhone4. As we all know the iPhone craze started back in 2007. The first iPhone was released on June 29 of that year (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iphone). Since 2007, Apple has released an upgraded model of the iPhone in 2008, 2009, and 2010. There is some talk of the iPhone 5 (possibly the iPhone 4GS) to be released in 2011, but nothing has been confirmed by Apple.

So since Apple makes the iPhone 4 for both AT&T and Verizon, the phones are the same right? Wrong! There are a number of differences between the AT&T version and Verizon version. First let's compare the iPhone from both companies. Both companies carry the 4th generation iPhone (hence the name iPhone 4). In saying that they both have the following: 2 cameras (1 front facing and 1 rear), can be used as an MP3 player, receive email and texts, have the ability to multitask, can record and edit in HD, have GPS abilities, and have access to over 350,000 apps in the Apple App Store.

So what makes them so different? The main difference between the AT&T iPhone compared to the Verizon iPhone if the placement of the internal antenna. When AT&T first released the iPhone 4 in 2010, many people were dropping calls and having horrible connection to their 3G network. The reason for all of this was because the antenna was placed in a bad location; the bottom right side of the phone. Because most people are right handed, this "little issue" suddenly became quiet large. Apple has not fixed the issue, however they have offered free iPhone covers that prevent the signal being interrupted by your hand.

Verizon Wireless was lucky. They did not start selling the iPhone 4 until early 2011. This meant that they were able to look at the issues AT&T customers were having and addressed them before the phone was released on their network. The Verizon iPhone 4 also has the ability to act as a 3G mobile hotspot. This allows 5 devices to connect to Verizon's 3G network via the iPhone (the iPhone acts as a wireless router). According to Cnet.com the Verizon iPhone was faster (See video for testing).

Overall, both the AT&T iPhone 4 and Verizon iPhone 4 are great phones. The iPhone is a popular device and that will not change in the future. I would almost go as far as saying it leads the way in cell phone development. But I am an Android person so I could be a little bias....

Sources/More Information:
Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iphone
www.attwireless.com
www.verizonwireless.com
Comparison Chart - http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2011/02/att_vs_verizon_iphone_-_a_comp.html

Smartphones vs. Not-So-Smart Phones: Which one is better?

As you all know this month is Cell Phone month here on the Digital Lovers Blog. Earlier this week, Jaketha posted an article about the Evolution of Cell Phones. Today, I am going to compare smartphones vs. not-so-smart phones or feature phones. But before I begin, lets look at the definitions of each device.

Feature phone
PhoneScoop defines a feature phone as "Any mobile phone that is not a smartphone. Feature phones have proprietary operating system (OS) firmware." Proprietary operating systems mean that the OS is limited to that device/company only. Often times, feature phones cannot download or access third-party software; commonly called "apps." If so, then they in no way interact with the phone's OS. This means that the phone's hardware or software does not increase the performance of the app. Even thought feature phones have limited or no access to apps, they are still loaded with features. Most feature phones today are "socially" designed. That means that more feature phones are coming with enhanced texting/typing abilities, access to web based email (i.e. Yahoo, AOL, Gmail), updated web browsers, and access to Facebook and Twitter. Of course accessing any type of email or social media will cost. Because feature phones do not require any sort of 3G or 4G connection to work properly, Internet access is cheaper (anywhere from $5 to $15 monthly fee).

Smartphone
PhoneScoop defines a smartphone as "A category of mobile device that provides advanced capabilities beyond a typical mobile phone. Smartphones run complete operating system software that provides a standardized interface and platform for application developers." Smartphone are geared toward the business person; having regular access to the Internet is a must as well as receiving cooperate email or storing multiple email accounts. Smartphone have the ability to download apps via the appropriate "app store" (i.e. Android Marketplace, Apple App Store). Smartphones give the user an enhanced experience surfing the Internet with the ability to view HTML5, Flash, and Java based sites (a.k.a. the fancy stuff). Because smartphones utilize your network's 3G or 4G connection, a GPS feature is always available, up-to-date news and weather can be accessed, and keeping your calendar up-to-date via it's syncronizing feature is available as well. Some smartphones have whats called a GPU or graphical processing unit. This enhances streaming media like YouTube, Netflix, and HDMI videos.

So which phone should you purchase?
My answer to that: Great question!?! :) Feature phones are great for those who don't like change. If all you do is make phone calls and text occasionally, then don't waist your money on a smartphone. If you can't get away from Facebook or Twitter, or you have a constant flow of email, then you probably need to look into a smartphone. I know earlier in the article I mentioned that feature phones are generally cheaper than smart phones, but this is not always the case. Carriers are always changing their plans and costs. You can get a low-end smartphone for FREE when you upgrade your contract or if you catch the right deal. But again, there are more costs associated with the smartphone (monthly data fee, phone insurance, basically anything that isn't considered standard). My wife and I made the switch to smartphones a few years ago and we love our phones. Now if only I can find a way to make the bill cheaper.....

Sources:
PhoneScoop - http://www.phonescoop.com/glossary/
Cnet - http://www.cnet.com/8301-17918_1-10461614-85.html

May is Cell Phone Month

In today's world, nearly everyone, even kids, have their own cell phone. Since the invention of hand-held cell phones back in the early 70s, the mobile phone has come along way. So for the next two weeks, we will explore the world of smartphones and "not-so-smart" phones. As a result, we anticipate discussing the following topics here on the Digital Lovers Blog:

• The Smartphone vs. the Not-So-Smart Phone (Charlie)
• My Move from a Feature Phone to a Smartphone: Was it Worth it? (Charlie)
• My Move from a Blackberry to an Android: Was it Worth it? (Jaketha)
• The War of the iPhones - Verizon vs. AT&T: Which is Better? (Charlie)
• The Evolution of the Cell Phone (Jaketha)

As always we will continue with our regular episode of Tech Tuesdays podcast, which is been rescheduling from Tuesday, May 17th to Tuesday, May 24th. Be sure to check back between 6:00 and 6:30 PM to listen to the show!

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DID YOU MISS LAST MONTH'S DISCUSSION ON TABLETS?

Throughout the month of March, we covered Computers & Printers from desktop, laptop and netbooks, along with tips and techniques for inkjet printers. In case you missed it, check out these links!

1. Tech Tuesdays Podcast #2A - Listen here
2. Tech Tuesdays Podcast #2B (41 mins) - Listen here
3. The History of the Tablet Computer by Jaketha - Read now
4. Are They Tablet Computers or Tablet PCs? by Charlie - Read now
5. Tablet Computers: Overgrown MP3 Players or What? by Charlie - Read now
6. Buyer Research: Apple iPad 2 by Charlie - Read now
7. Buyer Research: Android by Charlie - Read now

eReader Apps

In this post, we will be talking about eReader apps. Apps (or applications) are software that can be downloaded to a smart phone, computer, or tablet (such as the iPad). These apps generally enhance the use of the device. eReaders have become so popular that companies such as Amazon (Kindle) and Barns and Nobles (nook) have developed apps for smart phones, computers, and tablets. This means that you can literally take your books anywhere.

When you purchase a book from Amazon or Barns and Nobles, you have the option to download it to any device that has the eReader app; unless you have downloaded the ebook to the eReader itself. For instance, if I download the Kindle app to my laptop and I login with my Amazon account information, then I can download the book to my laptop and read it. Although these apps are convenient and free, they are not an actual eReader. This means that you cannot utilize everything that makes an eReader unique.

There are many different eReader apps out there for download. Android has an app for almost all of the major eReaders. Simply search for the app in the Android market or go to the eReaders website and download the software. Apple also has its own eReader apps available to download. Just like the Android market, you can visit the App Store to download your eReader’s app. Again, if you do not see your eReader there, then visit the company’s website and try to download it.

This article has covered just a few ways you can access you ebooks via eReader apps. 

Droid 2

This week we will be talking about the Droid 2. This is Motorola’s newest Android phone. It is also one of the most powerful phones on the market. Verizon Wireless is the only carrier that offers the Droid 2. The Droid 2 is equipped with a 1GHz processor. This allows for fast internet surfing and video streaming. It also quicker response time when accessing apps. The Droid 2 supports up to a 32GB removable SD microSD card. This allows for tons of storage for music, pictures, videos, and apps. The Droid 2 is also a 3G mobile hotspot. This allows multiple devices to connect to the phone to gain 3G access to the internet. The greatest thing about the Droid 2 is that it runs Android 2.2 (Froyo) out of the box. The is Android’s newest and fastest operating system. It allows for faster “phone” speed and Flash 10.1. To simplify it, it utilizes the phones core components.Overall, the Droid 2 is a great phone. Until next time, happy teching!

Motorola Droid X

Staying with our Android blogs, this week we are going to talk about the Motorola Droid X. The Droid X is the 2^nd “super phone” released by Motorola and one of the most powerful phones Verizon Wireless offers. Like the previous Android phones we have discussed, the Droid X is great. It comes loaded with tons of features and is one of the fastest phones on the market. The Droid X has a 1GHZ processor and can store up to 32GB of information. The Droid X also has a dedicated GPU. What does that mean? This phone has its own graphics card! This means the videos you watch, the games you play, and the pictures you take will be crisp and unmatched by other phones. The Droid X is also a 3G hotspot. You can connect up to 5 devices (laptops, phones, etc.) to the internet. Not to mention, the Droid X is also wifi capable.

Overall, this is a great phone. With the technology in the Droid X, not many phones can match it? Until next time, Happy Teching!

Motorola Droid

A few weeks ago, we did a blogging series on popular cell phones. There was one model of cell phones we did not cover. This week, we will start our series on Android phones.

Android got its big break in September 2005 when it was purchased by Google. Android was a startup company then, but already had a lot of money invested into it along with some big names to support it. In November 2007, the Open Handset Alliance, OHA, was formed. This increased the popularity of the Android operating system. Some of the members of the Alliance include Google, HTC, Texas Instruments, and Qualcomm. In December 2008, the OHA added 14 members including Sony, Toshiba, and Asustek. I tell you all this so you can understand the interests in open source development for mobile devices. The first release of the os was in February 2009 with Android 1.1.

Android is a Linux based operating system. Linux is a free, open source OS. Because it is available to the public, programmers and software writers are developing new software daily to utilize the power of the Linux kernel. Android is a mobile based Linux OS that can be found a number of devices such as netbooks, tablets, and the purpose of this blog, mobile phones. This week we will be talking about the Motorola Droid which was released in November 2009. The name Droid is a trademark of Lucas Films. Verizon Wireless is the only carrier in the US that carries the Droid. The Droid is loaded with features. The Droid is a touch screen device with a QWERTY keyboard that slides out. The Droid also doubles as a turn-by-turn GPS, which comes standard and is free. Droid was released with Android 2.1, but an update for Android 2.2 was released in early August 2010 for this device. The update increases the phone speed and utilizes its core for better performance. Also, because of the update, the Motorola Droid is also one of the first phones to have Flash 10.1. This is a solid device with virtually limitless capabilities.
Be sure to stop by daily as we give you more info about the Motorola Droid. Until next time, happy teching!

Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_(operating_system)

Christmas 2009

Ok... I know...! It's a little late to be posting a blog about popular Christmas gifts, but if your like me and wait untill the last minute to do all your shopping, then this blog may be what you need for a last minute Christmas gift idea.

Ok, for my first gift I'm going strait to the big stuff; a flat screen LCD TV. Due to the popularity of these televisions, I doubt there will be a shortage in the Shreveport/Bossier area. I will say that you may want to get them now rather than later, because the cheaper ones will sale faster. Plus, the "Big" games are right around the corner (BCS National Championship and the Super Bowl) and store love to play with prices around this time of the year.

For my second recommendation, I am going with a family item; the Nintendo Wii gaming console. I know, it may seem a bit childish, but the Wii will create family togetherness and everyone will have fun in the process. Not only are the "younger" games fun (Mario Kart, Wii Sports, and Wii Play), but Nintendo has released a Wii version of Super Mario Brothers (the popular game in the mid-late 80's). This gaming system is also wireless and can surf the web. NOTE: Since the release of the Wii, they have sold out rather fast. I have a feeling that Nintendo will push out a good amount just in time for the Holiday season.

Another great Christmas gift that is popular every year are laptops/notebooks; especially with the new release of Windows 7 (Released in October 2009). Laptops are great for high school and college students. They are also great for those of you who travel a lot. Dell, Toshiba, and HP are a few companies that will have specials. Check you local Best Buy, Office Depot, or Walmart for the best deals.

Of course, I can't have a Christmas gift list without a few cellphone. And with the choices that are available to you, a new cellphone will not disappoint. AT&T has, the always popular, iPhone made by Apple. AT&T also has the Black Berry Bold. Both good choices for smartphones. Verizon has the Droids (Motorola and HTC). Both phones are touch screens and fast. Another phone Verizon has is the Black Berry Storm. A touch screen black berry that is powerful and rivals the iPhone.

And if there is a female in your life, jewelry will not disappoint. A nice ring or necklace would be the perfect finish to a good year.

As always, all of the items mentioned above are popular items. I cannot say that they will be in the store when you do your shopping, but I can say that each of these items are good gifts and are affordable, especially with the holiday sales.

From the I/T Dept. at the Bossier Parish Library System, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Most Expensive Tech Toys at CES 2009

These most expensive tech toys debuted the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show in January of this year. Ironically, you will need to do your own research to find the true costs of these tech toys.

1. Samsung 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series LCD HDTV w/ LED lighting and Internet connectivity for Yahoo! widgets, faster refresh at 120 Hz (6000 and 7000 series and 240Hz (8000 series only). (pricing: varies)

2. Samsung BD-P4600 Blu-Ray, "thinnest blu-ray player in the world" at 1.5 inches thick, with WiFi capabilities, Internet streaming capabilities (NetFlix), digital media streaming capabilities (Pandora) and touch-sensitive controls. (pricing: varies)

3. Motorola Aura (cell phone) -with a sapphire crystal face and a rounded display screen (pricing: $2,000)

4. JVL Encore - a counter top entertainment system with a 22" screen for gaming and digital music streaming capabilities.

To learn more, please visit http://www.infosyncworld.com/news/n/10064.html