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All posts tagged "reviews"


Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Illuminating the Lumia -- The Nokia Lumia 900

Posted by Don Tolson in "Nokia Windows Phones" @ 08:00 AM

Product Category: Windows Phone 7 Smartphone
Manufacturer: Nokia
Where to Buy: Expansys [affiliate]
Price: $765 USD (unlocked, no contract)
System Requirements: Comes with Windows Phone 7 Mango+ (8107) installed.
Specifications: 1.4Ghz single core CPU, 16Gb internal storage, 512Mb SDRAM; 4.3in WVGA (480 x 800) Super AMOLED screen; Quad band (850/900/1800/1900) GPRS, Tri band UTMS (900/1700/2100), HSPA+, LTE 700, 1700/2100; GPS; 8mp rear colour camera w/autofocus + LED flash, 1mp front-facing camera, 720p HD video recording; BT 2.1 EDR; 802.11b/g/n; 3.5mm stereo audio jack; microUSB 2.0; G-Sensor; 128mm (5.03in) x 69mm (2.7in) x 12mm (0.47in); 160g (5.6oz). Full specs are available at the Nokia site.

Pros:

  • Rogers first LTE-capable WP7 phone!
  • Solid construction and feel;
  • Call quality is excellent.

Cons:

  • No replaceable battery;
  • Access to the microSIM card is difficult.
  • Wi-Fi doesn't see the 5Ghz band;

Summary: There has been a lot of buzz (and sales activity) about Nokia's introduction of their premiere WP7 phone to the US marketplace, the Lumia 900. I was fortunate to pick one up the second day they came available through Rogers here in Canada. Now, after a week or two of working with it on a day-to-day basis, let's see how it stacks up. Read more...


Monday, January 16, 2012

Samsung's 2nd Gen Focus - the Focus S

Posted by Don Tolson in "Samsung Windows Phones" @ 08:00 AM

Product Category: Windows Phone 7 Smartphone
Manufacturer: Samsung
Where to Buy: Expansys [affiliate]
Price: $775 USD (unlocked, no contract)
System Requirements: Comes with Windows Phone 7 Mango (7720) installed.
Specifications: 1.4Ghz single core CPU, 16Gb internal storage, 1Gb RAM; 4.3in WVGA (480 x 800) Super AMOLED screen; Quad band (850/900/1800/1900) GPRS, Tri band UTMS (900/1700/2100), HSPA+; GPS; 8mp colour camera w/autofocus + LED flash, 720p HD video recording; BT 2.1 EDR & A2DP; 802.11b/g/n; 3.5mm stereo audio jack; microUSB 2.0; G-Sensor; 124mm (4.96in) x 66mm (2.6in) x 8.4mm (0.33in); 110g (3.9oz). Full specs are available at the Samsung site.

Pros:

  • Large, bright screen with amazing contrast;
  • Light weight, but solidly built;
  • All round, an amazing phone!

Cons:

  • Positioning of the power button makes it easy to 'accidentally' hit and turn it on/off when not intended;
  • A keyboard slider version of this phone would be a big bonus;
  • Sorry, it only comes in black :-).

Summary: The original Samsung Focus, despite some niggling flaws, multiple versions, and difficulties with upgrades, has been the Windows Phone 7 'phone to beat' almost from the day it arrived. While the HTC Titan and HD7 have been making inroads, the Focus still holds a significant portion of the Windows Phone 7 user community. Now, Samsung has issued the successor in two slightly different models - the Focus S with better specs and screen, and the more budget-minded Focus Flash. While not quite the massiveness of the HTC Titan, Samsung has again shown that it can 'lead the pack' in design and features with the Focus S. Read more...


Tuesday, April 19, 2011

We Want You: Thoughts Media Review Team Seeking Writers

Posted by Jason Dunn in "Thoughts Media Status Updates" @ 09:00 AM

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 hardware, software, and accessories then give their honest opinions about them.

Our areas of focus include laptops, netbooks, slates, tablets, Windows Phones, the Microsoft Zune, Android phones, the iPhone, iMacs, Macbooks, iPad, and other digital devices such as digital cameras, video cameras, photo editing software, printers, scanners, video editing software...and pretty much anything else related to creating, editing, and sharing anything digital. Oh, and don't forget about headphones and nearly any other gizmo out there from portable batteries to memory cards to power bars. We focus on the Windows and OSX platforms, along with Windows Phone, iOS, and Android for mobile platforms.

If it's technology-related, odds are good that it can be covered on one of our sites - and that means you can write about it. It's important to understand that you won't be writing for a single site - you can review any product you want as long as it fits into one of the areas of focus that our network covers. That gives you a lot of freedom to cover exciting stuff!

We're looking for people with a solid grasp of the English language, but you don't have to be the next John Grisham to qualify. Impressive writing skills are less important than having an appetite for thoroughly testing technology and sharing your thoughts with others. Part of the review team application process is writing a trial article, and we'll get a good feel for your writing ability from that.

Interested? We have more information on this page, including a FAQ that's worth looking at. I'm looking to add at least a dozen new faces to the review team, so if you're interested, please apply! I'm also happy to answer any questions you might have that aren't covered in the FAQ, so please post them here and I'll respond.


Monday, April 11, 2011

To Swype or Not to Swype ? Is That The question ?

Posted by Chris Hordley in "Android Software" @ 08:00 AM

Product Category: Keyboard app (for Android and Windows Mobile touchscreen devices)
Manufacturer: Swype Inc.
Where to Buy: Pre-installed or Beta release from www.swypein.com
System Requirements: Android, Windows Mobile platforms and certain new Nokia smart phones, but not on iOS devices as at time of review. It requires 500k to 900k depending on options.

Pros:

  • The original slide/trace touchscreen keyboard for Windows Mobile and Android platforms;
  • Can enable faster and more flexible input, especially on phones in portrait screen orientation;
  • Good interactive tutorial and support on website (which is professional and on-going).

Cons:

  • Still only available as a beta release for many phones and not at all for iOS devices;
  • Rival slide/trace keypads available;
  • Many people do not see any reason to change from tapping.

    Summary: Swype is a slide-to-type touchscreen keyboard, installed on devices such as Galaxy Tab and My Touch 4G and available again (as of December 2010) in beta version for many others. First released a year ago, it is designed to work on a wide variety of devices. It was hailed (or was it hyped?) as the input software that would revolutionize the way we use touchscreens and the first beta release was over-subscribed and closed until recently. World record texting speeds were set using Swype, yet, many have still not heard of it and it is only in beta version for most of us. So, the question is to Swype or not to Swype ? I hope that this review will help you to answer it. Read more...


    Friday, March 25, 2011

    HTC Arrive on Sprint - Comprehensive Review by PhoneArena

    Posted by Nelson Ocampo in "HTC Windows Phones" @ 11:00 AM

    http://www.phonearena.com/reviews/H...e-Review_id2693

    "Windows Phone 7 launched last fall, but without CDMA support a vast majority of users in the US have yet to be exposed to the complete overhaul of Windows Mobile. This drought has come to the end with the launch of the HTC Arrive for Sprint. Though this is the first CDMA Windows Phone 7 (WP7), it is middle of the pack in terms of features. That said, all WP7 devices are generously spec’d so the Arrive is hardly underpowered. Featured specs include a 1GHz Snapdragon processor, a crisp 480x800 3.6” display, 16GB of storage and a 5 megapixel camera with flash capable of recording 720p HD video. The HTC Arrive also comes with the latest version of WP7, allowing users to copy and paste. Included with the Arrive you’ll get a 1500mAh battery, microUSB cable and AC wall adapter."

    PhoneArena does a great job at explaining the pros and cons of the HTC Arrive. The review is very positive overall, with compliments on the phone's build quality as well as the smooth and snappy operating system.In the beginning of the review, comparisons are made the the HTC Shift because they are similar looking devices from the same manufacturer. PhoneArena concludes that while the HTC Shift is a very solid device, the build quality of the HTC Arrive is superior. The Arrive also offers a screen capable of displaying 16 million colors as opposed to the Shift's 65 thousand.Check out the link for the detailed review. Will you be picking up an Arrive?


    Thursday, March 17, 2011

    Review: Sprint HTC Arrive

    Posted by Danny Simmons in "HTC Windows Phones" @ 09:27 AM

    http://www.bgr.com/2011/03/16/htc-arrive-review/

    "HTC often likes to highlight "firsts" in its marketing messages. While the days leading up to the launch of HTC's Arrive are noticeably devoid of any relevant advertising, Sprint and HTC could have easily kept the "first" theme alive had they chosen to raise awareness. The Arrive is Sprint's first device to run Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 mobile operating system. In fact, it's the first modern Windows Phone in the world compatible with a CDMA network. Finally, HTC's Arrive is also the first phone to launch with Microsoft's "NoDo" update for Windows Phone 7 - a prerequisite for CDMA compatibility. But do all these firsts add up to a first-class smartphone experience, or are Sprint customers better off waiting to see what's announced next week at CTIA before making any buying decisions?"

    The wait for Windows Phone 7 is nearly over for all you Sprint users out there! Are you excited? Zach Epstein at BGR put together a pretty good review here. He goes into pretty good detail on the hardware, and talks about some of the changes in the 'Nodo' update. Some good, some less than good. But overall, he really likes this phone. Does he recommend that you get it? Well, I guess you'll just have to read his review...

    I'm very excited to finally see CDMA devices for WP7, and we expect to see Verizon jump on board in the next few weeks. But I'm concerned that Sprint has chosen a physical keyboard for their only option. Most people love the onscreen keyboard in WP7 and are looking for smaller, slimmer devices. I can only hope that they quickly add other options to their line-up very soon. People like variety. I think that's been the biggest problem with T-Mobile's rollout. Just one option in the HD7. Kudos to AT&T for bringing in three different manufacturers with HTC, Samsung, and LG and a variety of form factors. This leaves me asking two questions. Is there a need for a physical keyboard anymore? If so, what do you primarily use it for? If not, does Sprint have another Windows Phone coming down the pipes? Tell us what you think.


    Tuesday, February 1, 2011

    We Want You: Thoughts Media Review Team Seeking Writers

    Posted by Jason Dunn in "Thoughts Media Status Updates" @ 10:00 AM

    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 hardware, software, and accessories then give their honest opinions about them.

    Our areas of focus include laptops, netbooks, slates, tablets, Windows Phones, the Microsoft Zune, Android phones, the iPhone, iMacs, Macbooks, iPad, and other digital devices such as digital cameras, video cameras, photo editing software, printers, scanners, video editing software...and pretty much anything else related to creating, editing, and sharing anything digital. Oh, and don't forget about headphones and nearly any other gizmo out there from portable batteries to memory cards to power bars. We focus on the Windows and OSX platforms, along with Windows Phone, iOS, and Android for mobile platforms.

    If it's technology-related, odds are good that it can be covered on one of our sites - and that means you can write about it. It's important to understand that you won't be writing for a single site - you can review any product you want as long as it fits into one of the areas of focus that our network covers. That gives you a lot of freedom to cover exciting stuff!

    We're looking for people with a solid grasp of the English language, but you don't have to be the next John Grisham to qualify. Impressive writing skills are less important than having an appetite for thoroughly testing technology and sharing your thoughts with others. Part of the review team application process is writing a trial article, and we'll get a good feel for your writing ability from that.

    Interested? We have more information on this page, including a FAQ that's worth looking at. I'm looking to add at least a dozen new faces to the review team, so if you're interested, please apply! I'm also happy to answer any questions you might have that aren't covered in the FAQ, so please post them here and I'll respond.


    Thursday, December 23, 2010

    Give up! We have you (HTC) Surrounded!

    Posted by Don Tolson in "HTC Windows Phones" @ 08:00 AM

    Product Category: Windows Phone 7 Smartphone
    Manufacturer: HTC
    Where to Buy: Expansys [affiliate]
    Price: $589 USD unlocked (my unit was $450CAD from Future Shop with no contract)
    System Requirements: Windows Phone 7. You'll need a Windows Live account to take full advantage of the social media and marketplace.
    Specifications: 1Ghz CPU with 512MbROM, 488MbRAM, 16Gb internal storage; 3.8 WVGA (480 x 800) screen; Quad band (850/900/1800/1900), GPS, 5mp colour camera w/autofocus + flash, 720p HD video recording; BT 2.1 w/A2DP, 802.11b/g/n; 3.5mm stereo audio jack; microUSB 2.0; digital compass and G-Sensor; 120mm (4.7in) x 62mm (2.4in) x 13mm (0.5in); 165g (5.8 oz). Full specs are available at the HTC site.

    Pros:

    • It's Windows Phone 7!;
    • Comes with 16GB of user available storage;
    • Very useable, high quality phone and multi-media device.

    Cons:

    • The slide-out speakers are gimmicky and don't really improve the sound;
    • Overall build quality is a bit 'soft' especially around the screen edges and the fit of the back cover;
    • The available applications are clearly lacking some polish.

    Summary: The HTC 7 Surround is among the first of the Windows Phone 7 smartphones to appear on the market, and clearly HTC is aiming this one toward people who like to share music and videos with others (or don't want to bother with earbuds :-). But how does it fare as an actual phone? ... and does the addition of extra speakers and Dolby Surround Sound (TM) really create a '...richer listening and viewing experience'. Let's take a closer look (or listen). Read more...


    Sunday, November 28, 2010

    HTC Surround Review

    Posted by Ed Hansberry in "Windows Phone Articles & Resources" @ 08:00 PM

    http://www.anandtech.com/show/4015/...-pocket-boombox

    If a good audio experience is high on your list of features to have with your phone, the HTC Surround should certainly be on your short list.

    AnandTech has a full review of the device. Check it out and see if the device AnandTech calls a "pocket boombox" is worthy of your money.


    Monday, November 15, 2010

    Faceoff: iPhone 4, HTC Desire, HTC HD7

    Posted by Brad Wasson in "Windows Phone Talk" @ 06:30 PM

    http://www.smartphonegurus.com/foru...sire-v-htc-hd7/

    "One evening in the week I was talking to a colleague and he was asking which machine I preferred using between the iPhone 4, the Desire and the HD7. At the moment I'm of course using the HD7, but even using that I tend to lose some of my usual functionality. I therefore decided to put together a basic spreadsheet concerning my uses and clock up which device gets the best score. The scoring is generally a '0' for a missing feature, a '1' for a feature that it has, but for some areas where there is a greater difference than a plain yes or no then a score has been allocated."

    Well, it's of course quite subjective, but Daron Brewood, CEO of Smartphone Gurus, has developed a matrix that compares three current smartphones: the iPhone 4, the HTC Desire, and the HTC HD7. What makes this a quite an interesting read is that he compares the devices on a variety of different application usage and/or functionality scenarios. For example, he includes the following in his comparison:

    • multiple Exchange accounts
    • RSS Reader
    • spoken term GPS navigation
    • eBook reader
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • notification system
    • quick camera operation
    • speed dials
    • and many more...

    Again, these are his opinions, but it gets right at the hear of the user's total experience (see the article on TXI in an earlier post). A little suspense - you'll need to click over to the article to find his conclusion.


    Monday, November 8, 2010

    We Want You: Thoughts Media Review Team Seeking Contributors

    Posted by Jason Dunn in "Thoughts Media Status Updates" @ 09:00 AM

    Help! We have more products to review than we know what to do with! 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 hardware, software, and accessories then give their honest opinions about them.

    Our areas of focus include laptops, netbooks, slates, tablets, Windows Phones, the Microsoft Zune, Android phones, the iPhone, iMacs, Macbooks, the iPad, and other digital devices such as digital cameras, video cameras, photo editing software, printers, scanners, video editing software...and pretty much anything else related to creating, editing, and sharing anything digital. Oh, and don't forget about headphones and nearly any other gizmo out there from portable batteries to memory cards to power bars. We focus on the Windows and OS X platforms, along with Windows Phone, iOS, and Android for mobile platforms.

    If it's technology-related, odds are good that it can be covered on one of our sites - and that means you can write about it. It's important to understand that you won't be writing for a single site - you can review any product you want as long as it fits into one of the areas of focus that our network covers.

    If you have a Windows Phone 7 phone, or are planning on getting one soon, we're especially interested in you because we want to start offering regular reviews of Windows Phone 7 applications. The same goes for iPhone and Android apps.

    We're looking for people with a solid grasp of the English language, but you don't have to be the next John Grisham to qualify. Impressive writing skills are less important than having an appetite for thoroughly testing technology and sharing your thoughts with others. Part of the review team application process is writing a trial article, and we'll get a good feel for your writing ability from that.

    Interested? We have more information on this page, including a FAQ that's worth looking at. I'm looking to add at least ten new faces to the review team, so if you're interested, please apply! I'm also happy to answer any questions you might have that aren't covered in the FAQ, so please post them here and I'll respond, or drop me a line directly.


    Wednesday, November 3, 2010

    IGN Reviews Windows Phone 7 Games

    Posted by Adan Galvan in "Windows Phone News" @ 07:00 PM

    http://wireless.ign.com/articles/11.../1131710p1.html

    The Games Hub with Xbox Live integration has been widely recognized as one of the biggest Windows Phone 7 advantages over its rivals. That being said, the platform will need some great games to attract and appease demanding consumers. IGN has begun to provide reviews of some of the first games to hit the platform. Specifically, they have reviewed Earthworm Jim, de Blob: Revolution, CarneyVale Showtime, and Glow Artisan. IGN will be adding reviews each day as the launch approaches.

    Tags: games, ign, reviews

    Sunday, October 31, 2010

    HTC Trophy Impresses Despite Small Size

    Posted by Brad Wasson in "Windows Phone Talk" @ 04:00 PM

    http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/29/...-trophy-review/

    "Yet even with middling hardware and a brand new version 1."0 Microsoft OS that is clearly lacking the maturity of iOS or Android, it's simply hard to resist this sleek little lightweight gem of a handset running a very promising -- and dare we say fun -- take on the mobile OS experience. Try as we might, we can't put it down even though we have an iPhone 4 and Galaxy S at our immediate disposal. The HTC Trophy may not be our smartphone champ but it's definitely a winner."

    While it may not have as large and visually enticing screen as some of the 4.3" behemoths out there, the somewhat more diminutive HTC Trophy has been packaged in such a way that Thomas Ricker over at Engadget really liked his evaluation unit. The Trophy's specs can be summarized as:

    • 480 x 800 pixel resolution capacitive screen measuring 3.8"
    • 1GHz Snapdragon (QSD8250) processor
    • 802.11n
    • WiFiBluetooth 2.1 with EDR
    • GPS
    • FM Radio
    • 1300mAh battery
    • 8GB of fixed flash storage, 512MB ROM and 576MB RAM
    • 5 megapixel autofocus camera with LED flash
    • 720p video recording capability

    While not all that different in spec from most of the Windows Phone 7 handsets that have already made their way to market, it is the total packaging of construction quality, feel, performance, custom HTC apps, and, well, the total user experience, that tipped his impression to the favorable category. It's a nice review of a phone that may just be the sweet spot for a number of potential purchasers.


    Wednesday, October 20, 2010

    Hands-On with the HTC 7 Mozart

    Posted by Darius Wey in "HTC Windows Phones" @ 11:30 PM

    Choice is good. No, choice is great! But in looking at HTC's Windows Phone 7 devices, you could be forgiven for thinking that the paradox of choice is entirely applicable. Specs-wise, they're almost the same. That makes decision-making inherently tough. But there are features that differentiate each from the other, and perhaps the most defining features on the HTC 7 Mozart is the 8-megapixel camera with Xenon flash and the 3.7" display, which, being the second-smallest of the bunch, makes for some pretty impressive pixel density. How does this beast look and feel in the flesh? Read on to find out!

    Read more...


    The Windows Phone 7 Samsung Focus Review Round Up

    Posted by Jason Dunn in "Samsung Windows Phones" @ 06:30 PM

    Curious how the Samsung Focus ranks in the hands of reviewers? I wasn't fortunate enough to get my hands on one - I'm working on that - but so far here are the reviewers that have, and here's what they thought:

    pocketnow.com Review: "So here we have it: Microsoft's attempt at making a modern smartphone. What's the verdict? From a hardware perspective, the Focus is a huge win. It's fast, has a beautiful screen, and it represents Windows Phone 7 very well."

    phonescoop Review: "The Samsung Focus is a wonderful piece of hardware. The screen is superlative, among the best I've used on a mobile phone, and the build quality and design are excellent. The phone sounds great during calls, gets good cell reception and snaps fine pictures. Battery life could be better, but it wasn't the worst I've seen by a long shot."

    SlashGear Review: "Underneath that 4-inch WVGA capacitive touchscreen display, you'll find Qualcomm's 1GHz Snapdragon processor. The camera on the back is highlighted with a LED flash, and the back of the device is slightly curved. Overall, the Focus feels a lot like the Samsung Vibrant, in that there's an obviously plastic look-and-feel to the device. But, it does still feel solid in the hand, and even if AT&T is saying that it's the slimmest Windows Phone 7 device, it still feels good in the hand."

    PCMag Review: "The Samsung Focus is probably the best of the Windows phones, although I have five more reviews to go before I can really decide that for sure. But the more practical question is: How does this phone compare with the other top handsets on AT&T The Focus strikes hardest at the Samsung Captivate ($49.99-$199.99, 4 stars), AT&T's best Android phone-and at Android in general. The Captivate is a terrific phone, but Windows Phone is like a manicured garden where Android is running a little wild. It looks like updates will come more promptly for the Focus, and e-mail compatibility is even better. Especially if you like the Zune syncing experience, the Focus can offer a more elegant, more orderly (if less flexible) option."

    ZDNET Review: "The Samsung Focus reminds me a lot of a Galaxy S Android device with its large 4 inch Super AMOLED display, black glossy plastic finish, and sleek form factor. It is large, but thin enough that it still feels good in your hand and is easily pocketable."

    Gizmodo Review: "Samsung's incredibly rich, deeply contrast-y and saturated Super AMOLED screen is a perfect visual delivery mechanism for Windows Phone 7's black backgrounds and loud, basic colors. The size-4 inches-and resolution-800x480-are just right, even if it doesn't match the titanic 4.3-inch HD7 or the iPhone's 960x640 display. The touch response, tuned by Microsoft's deep testing for Windows Phone hardware, is top notch, especially paired with the WP7's second-to-iPhone keyboard."

    Myself, I'm leaning toward getting the Samsung focus - the ability to pop in a 32 GB microSD card to get 40 GB of total memory is tempting, and the big, bright screen looks fantastic. And, even better, my wireless carrier (Rogers) is actually going to be selling the phone so I can have a "sanctioned" experience with it. What are your thoughts on the Samsung Focus?


    Tuesday, July 27, 2010

    Should You Bother Looking At Windows Phone 7?

    Posted by Ed Hansberry in "Windows Phone Talk" @ 04:00 AM

    http://www.networkworld.com/news/20...question-1.html

    "Windows Phone 7 is shaping up as the most innovative mobile UI since, well, since the iPhone introduction three years ago. In July, Microsoft released for developers the "Technical Preview" version of WP7, along with the first prototype handsets. The early reviews, from a user viewpoint, corroborate many positive things that developers have been discovering since they got their hands on the initial developer release in March. The first handsets, from LG, Samsung, Asus and others, are expected to be unveiled sometime this fall, along with carrier service plans."

    I'd say that the UI is the chief factor driving buzz around Windows Phone 7. There are concerns, of course, about what the platform will lack, at least a launch, like multi-tasking and copy-and-paste functionality.

    NetworkWorld takes a look at the overall platform. It is clear Microsoft is serious about it and while it doesn't have everything its competitors do, it does have enough, as well as some unique features of its own, that it is worth a serious look when it ships.

    Tags: reviews

    Thursday, July 22, 2010

    We Want You: Thoughts Media Review Team Seeking Contributors

    Posted by Jason Dunn in "Thoughts Media Status Updates" @ 03:04 PM

    http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/reviewteam.php

    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 hardware, software, and accessories then give their honest opinions about them.

    Our areas of focus include laptops, netbooks, slates, tablets, Windows Phones, the Microsoft Zune, Android phones, the iPhone, iMacs, Macbooks, iPad, and other digital devices such as digital cameras, video cameras, photo editing software, printers, scanners, video editing software...and pretty much anything else related to creating, editing, and sharing anything digital. Oh, and don't forget about headphones and nearly any other gizmo out there from portable batteries to memory cards to power bars. We focus on the Windows and OSX platforms, along with Windows Phone, iOS, and Android for mobile platforms.

    If it's technology-related, odds are good that it can be covered on one of our sites - and that means you can write about it. It's important to understand that you won't be writing for a single site - you can review any product you want as long as it fits into one of the areas of focus that our network covers.

    We're looking for people with a solid grasp of the English language, but you don't have to be the next John Grisham to qualify. Impressive writing skills are less important than having an appetite for thoroughly testing technology and sharing your thoughts with others. Part of the review team application process is writing a trial article, and we'll get a good feel for your writing ability from that.

    Interested? We have more information on this page, including a FAQ that's worth looking at. I'm looking to add at least a dozen new faces to the review team, so if you're interested, please apply! I'm also happy to answer any questions you might have that aren't covered in the FAQ, so please post them here and I'll respond.


    Monday, July 19, 2010

    Engadget Describes Their Experience With Windows Phone 7 Hardware Reference Device

    Posted by Brad Wasson in "Windows Phone Talk" @ 05:30 AM

    http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/19/...-depth-preview/

    "What we've been presented with here doesn't exactly feel like a complete mobile operating system in many ways. Some parts of Windows Phone 7 are more like a wireframe -- an interesting design study, an example of what a next-gen phone platform could be. That's both good and bad. On one side, we're still really excited by the prospect of Metro as a viable, clean-slate approach to the mobile user experience, and there are lots of smart moves being made that could lead to greatness. On the other side, Microsoft has to turn this into a viable retail product that can hang with the fiercest competition in the history of the cellphone in just a few months' time, and there are some serious issues that need to be addressed. Frankly, it's a little scary."

    The last few days have seen a plethora of blogs and tech sites describing their impressions and experiences with recently distributed Windows Phone 7 prototype devices from Microsoft. Engadget received a not-for-retail Samsung model called the "Taylor" for their test, and there's no question they gave it a very thorough review. For the most part I found their review stuck to facts, figures, and even-handed commentary, and overall was pretty objective. They have pointed out some of the truly unique aspects of the phone (the Metro user interface and the manner in which social media has been integrated, for example), and have pointed out weaknesses and missteps (for example, search is not universal, while Office integration is pretty seamless, but weak on document editing features). They have also indicated where holes exist due to the beta nature of the device's software (in the XBOX integration, for example). Read more...


    Wednesday, June 30, 2010

    Panoramic Guitar Suite 1.3.0 Reviewed

    Posted by Adan Galvan in "Windows Phone Software" @ 03:00 AM

    http://www.bestwindowsmobileapps.co...dows-phone.html

    “Panoramic Guitar Suite is a very straight-forward app that a potentially invaluable tool for guitarists (or players of a few other stringed instruments). The program includes a metronome, tuner, and chord library. Several options are available for these features, including a tap-to-set metronome with different sounds, languages, and even different background images for the simulated fretboard.”

    The reviewers over at Best Windows Mobile Apps had some glowing remarks for Guitar suite 1.3.0. The suite of tools looks like an invaluable addition for any aspiring guitarist/windows mobile user. They did have some trouble with the tuner on their Sprint Touch Pro 2, which they were able to improve after adjusting the input sensitivity. The app is available in the Windows Marketplace for $3.99. Hit the link for an entertaining video review.


    Monday, June 28, 2010

    Take a "Wordly" Break and Enjoy This New Game

    Posted by Brad Wasson in "Windows Phone Software" @ 10:00 PM

    http://www.wmexperts.com/marketplac...rts+(WMExperts)

    "This is a highly addictive, enjoyable and often humbling game. I didn't experience any bugs, hang-ups or problems running Wordly. The only restriction with Wordly is that it is currently only available for Windows Phones with 480x800 screens. Hopefully, it will be available in the future for smaller screens and make the transition to Windows Phone 7."

    George Ponder from WMExperts gave Martin Harte's new Windows Mobile word puzzle game called Wordly a test run and liked what he experienced. In fact, he commented that if you try it you might quickly be hooked. Windows Mobile users can head over to the Windows Phone Marketplace and give it a try. Note the restriction to screens with 800x480 resolutions.


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