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Author: The Editor

  • Nokia C1-01 Review

    hyp4mhz
    Welcome to the Nokia C1-01 review and information page. Released in mid-2010 the C1-01 is another entry level mobile phone.  Strangely despite the C1 tag it does not have much in common with the previously reviewed C1-00. We did not expect to many additional bits of functionality apart from the basics so you shouldn't either.  However once again we where and so will you be surprised at that is included. Technically it is a GSM only phone but has the ability to access data though the rudimentary GPRS standard.  Other features include a VGA camera, bluetooth and even microSD card expansion. Until we can test one for real we can't really say much more. So far the C1-01 is definitely going to be one of the best price GSM only phones with functionality that will keep quite a number of people happy for at least 12 months before wanting more. Specifications
    • Nokia C1-01
    • Network Dual-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 (dependent on country)
    • Design Candy bar
    • L108 x W45 x D14 mm Weight 79 grams
    • Display/s 1.8 inch TFT 128 x 160
    • Camera 640 x 480 pixels
    • Video Camera 128x 96 pixels @ 10FPS
    • Connectivity Bluetooth V2
    • CPU ???Mhz
    • Memory Up to 10Mb available to user Up to 32Gig microSD card
    • Ring tones MIDI, MP3, vibration and others
    • Features Music and Media player Organiser/Calender SMS, MMS, IM, Email JAVA MIDP 2.0 FM radio with RDS Speaker Phone/Hands free BL-5c 3.7V 1020mAh Up to 22 days Standby Up to 10.6 hours Talk Time
    • Price history Under $100 AUS 2010 (Outright)

  • Nokia C1-00 Review

    hyp4mhz
    Welcome to the Nokia C1-00 review and information summary. To be released in late-2010 the C1-00 is Nokia's first official dual-SIM mobile phone!  Since it is a low end phone you should not expect much additional functionality beyond talk and SMS. However as usual Nokia has included some essential features for the target market - read on! Dual SIM mobile phones are not common in many parts of the world - yet there is definitely a market for them.  Let's be realistic, most of us (in industrialized countries) have a work phone and a personal mobile.  As a result many of us often carry around two mobile phones.  On a personal level there are many of use who like to take advantage of different call charges offered by various networks and of  course the coverage area for some networks are better than others.  So there are plenty of reasons to have at least 2 different mobile numbers - the list goes on! Despite the dual-SIM ability the C1-00 is a rather basic mobile phone.  Mind you most dual SIM phones are pretty basic anyway.  The C1-00 is the cheapest of the range and offers only the ability swap between the two numbers rather than having both on stand by. As a result the phone has an amazing stand by life of up to 48 days! Other interesting features include a 3.5mm headphone socket, FM radio, speaker phone and a flash light. Incidentally it runs the ancient but low power S30 operating system! Until we get one to assess its construction quality it is clear that the C1-00 is going to be a welcome addition to many people who want dual-SIM capability and most of all a very long battery life regardless of what sort of country you come from. Specifications
    • Nokia C1-00
    • Network
    • Dual-band GSM 900/1800
    • Design Candy bar
    • L107.1 x W45 x D15 mm Weight 73 grams
    • Display/s TFT 128 x 160
    • Camera N/A
    • Video Camera N/A
    • Connectivity N/A
    • CPU ???Mhz
    • Memory Up to ??Mb available to user Up to ??Gig microSD card
    • Ring tones MIDI, vibration and others
    • Features Music and Media player Organiser/Calender SMS FM radio Speaker Phone/Hands free BL-5c 3.7V 1020mAh Up to 48 days Standby Up to 13 hours Talk Time
    • Price history Under $100 AUS 2010 (Outright)

  • Samsung i617T Review
    Welcome to the Samsung i617T Blackjack review.  The i617T released in 2008 is a version specific to the Telstra NextG network.  As we are writing this in 2010 you should know that this is one of the last remaining Windows 6.1 based smart phones that you can still buy. In terms of construction the i617 is a very solid phone, feeling sturdy and looks like a business style paper weight. However start to use it and it becomes clear that the fiddly Windows mobile OS is confusing.  That said once it has been set up you will probably be happy if your are comfortable with the Windows XP environment.  Mind you the 6.0 version was incredibly unstable so make sure it is the 6.1 version if you really want one. In terms of functionality the i617T is a bog standard Windows Mobile 6.1 phone.  If it is business functionality that you want than this is the phone to get.  It comes with the usual Word, Excel, Powerpoint and PDF apps to keep you busy and Activesync and exchange server compatible. Like other Windows phone of its generation it is not the most stable phone either. The fast processor (in its day) was quite good although the interface was still sluggish to use.  It's media player and its screen quality does not impress which seals its fate. Unfortunately you really need additional apps to maker you of the hardware, a proper web browser would be a good start and access to online app store would also be nice. Along with Wi-Fi and A-GPS would be good inclusions too.  It is an old phone so forgivable. In conclusion the i617T is an old phone and certainly shows it.  Try the Palm Treo Pro if you can get one instead. Specifications
    • Samsung i617T
    • Network Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 Tri-band 3G 850/1900/2100 (Dependent on country) HSDPA 3.6 Mbits data speed (download)
    • Design QWERTY based
    • 114 x W60.9 x D12.8 mm Weight 114 grams
    • Display/s External TFT 320 x 240
    • Camera 2MP
    • Video Camera 176 x 144 video call 15FPS
    • Connectivity Bluetooth V2 Micro-USB
    • CPU ARM9 260Mhz
    • Memory Up to 128MB Up to 4Gig microSD card
    • Ring tones MIDI, MP3, vibration and others
    • Features Activesync/Outlook Music and Media player Organiser/Calender SMS, MMS, IM, Email JAVA MIDP 2.0 Speaker Phone/Hands free 3.5mm AV/headset 3.7V 1700Ah Up to 14 days Standby Up to 8.5 hours Talk Time
    • Price history Under $500 AUD MID-2010 (Outright)

  • Nokia X2 Review
    Welcome to the Nokia X2 review. Released mid-2010 we think the X2-00 is another model targeted at the sweet spot between the low and mid-range end of the mobile phone market. The only major feature missing is 3G data capability.  We don't expect Wi-Fi capability at this price range so does not count against it.  The X2 also has a number of cool features that will probably make it highly desirable in 'emerging' markets like India, Africa, China and  South East Asia where 3G data is not so important. The X series Nokia phones are music and media orientated so if that is what you are looking for in a phone then this is a good model to consider. In terms of functionality the X2-00 has basically all the functionality in higher end 3G phones like the 6700 Classic but in a GSM only version.  In additional to the usual stuff it has an inbuilt FM radio antenna, and decent 5PM camera.  With full Bluetooth functionality, 3.5mm headphone socket, stereo speakers and capable of playing all common video formats and a microSD memory card its works very well as a portable media player too! Construction quality is very good for a relatively cheap mobile phone with a variety of colours to choose for you to choose from, what more can you ask for in this price range? The Nokia X2 -00 runs on the Nokia S40 operating system and the latest JAVA version of 3rd party apps and games.  It also uses the latest FLASH Lite 3 so all our animated clock wallpapers and screen savers will work on them! It is a relative cheap GSM only phone and definitely one you should consider if you needs are talk, SMS and emails. If considering a pre-paid package also consider buying one of these outright and just a SIM card from the network you want. It is also perfect for those who are shopping for their first mobile phone yet want something with a bit more than the basic without the price tag. Specifications
    • Nokia X2 - 00
    • Network Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 GPRS & EGPRS (Data)
    • Design Candy bar
    • 111 x W47 x D13.3 mm Weight 82 grams
    • Display/s External 2.2 inch TFT 240 x 320
    • Camera 5MP
    • Video Camera 320 x 240 pixel video camera 18FPS
    • Connectivity Bluetooth V2 Micro-USB
    • CPU ???Mhz
    • Memory Up to 70MB available to user MicroSD up to 16Gig
    • Ring tones MIDI, MP3, Video, vibration and others
    • Features Stereo speaker Integrated FM radio antenna FM Radio with RDS JAVA Apps Music and Media player Organiser/Calender SMS, MMS, IM, Email JAVA MIDP 2.0 Speaker Phone/Hands free 3.5mm AV/headset BST-4C 3.7V 860mAh Up to 22 days Standby Up to 12.7 hours Talk Time
    • Price history Under $179 AUD MID-2010 (Outright)

  • Motorola DEXT Review
    Welcome to the Motorola DEXT/CLIQ review. Released early 2010 the DEXT along with MILESTONE and BACKFLIP are the latest Google Android operating system based mobile phones by by Motorola.  Using Android as the basis for their mid-range and up phones was probably one of the best moves by the company since the V3.  As a result their phones now have a consistent, stable, fast and customizable and supportable user interface as well as all the latest functionality. The design of the DEXT and CLIQ is as a typical QWERTY slider but with touch screen functionality as well.  The design works really well when typing emails and BLOG entries.  There is absolutely nothing wrong how the phone works once you get used to the operating system. The MOTOBLUR system does make your life easier if you want to remain connected to every major social network site on the Internet. It basically brings up 'widgets' for all the different networks so you can see what everyone is up to.  It does work well.  The only issue we have is that if your phone network provider has poor internet connectivity you will encounter updating issues.  Since this phone is available though OPTUS at present (2010) it is a  hit an miss when accessing the internet. I don't like the idea of syncing with all your online data since many do not put in their up to date or correct details due to privacy concerns - especially in Facebook! Network signal strength based on using the Optus carrier is good likewise battery life.  However like all smart phones these days the Cliq's battery life is not exceptional reportedly lasting the usual 12 hours or so with moderate usage.  Since it seems that this is normal for this type of mobile phone it is no longer complaint worthy 2010.  However this sort of battery life is poor considering that the latest Nokia smart phones for example have at least a full 24 hours before wanting to be charged with needing a bigger capacity battery. In terms of functionality the DEXT has the lot, everything you could need in a mobile phone in 2010.  It is a high end phone except...although well constructed it does not feel like a must have phone. It needs better looking materials or design as opposed to better quality because the quality is fine.  The Motorola V3, V3XX, V8 and V9 where lovely phones to look at and touch the DEXT is the almost the complete opposite.  I wouldn't say it ugly - more inoffensive I guess. There's not much else to say really.  The DEXT has all the stuff you could want in a 3G internet connected phone.  It works really well. Specifications
    • Motorola DEXT
    • Network Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 Tri-band 3G 900/1700/1900/2100  (Dependent on country) HSDPA 7.2 Mbits data speed (download)
    • Design Touch screen QWERTY slider
    • 114 x W58 x D15.6 mm Weight 163 grams
    • Display/s External TFT 320 x 480
    • Camera 5MP
    • Video Camera 640 x 480 pixel main video camera 15FPS 144 x 176 video call 15FPS
    • Connectivity Bluetooth V2 Micro-USB
    • CPU Qualcomm MSM7200A 528Mhz
    • Memory Up to 256MB available to user MicroSD up to 32Gig
    • Ring tones MIDI, MP3, Video, vibration and others
    • Features Android 1.5 OS A-GPS Wi-Fi Motoblur integration Accelerometer Proximity sensor Light Sensor Magnetometer (Compass) Music and Media player Organiser/Calender SMS, MMS, IM, Email JAVA MIDP 2.0 Speaker Phone/Hands free 3.5mm AV/headset 3.7V 1420mAh Up to 14 days Standby Up to 6 hours Talk Time
    • Price history From $xxx AUS 2010 (Outright)

  • Motorola BACKFLIP Review
    Welcome to the Motorola BACKFLIP MB300/ME600 review. Released early 2010 the BACKFLIP along with the other Android based phones by Motorola.  Using Android as the basis for their mid-range and up phones was probably one of the best moves by the company since the V3.  As a result their phones now have a consistent, stable, fast and customizable and supportable user interface as well as all the latest functionality. To prevent too much repetition from the Motorola DEXT/CLIQ review, the BACKFLIP is the same phone in a different case. The design of the BACKFLIP is different.  The keypad is always on the outside of the phone and to use it just flip it to the correct angle.  It is different but it does work.  The keypad being on the outside will be subject to rough surfaces but from the materials used it should remain scratch-less for some time. In terms of battery life - we do not really know but signal strength appears to very good. (We couldn't test the phone for long!) The screen itself is on par with any other smart phone certainly the same as the benchmark iPhone 3. In terms of functionality the BACKFLIP has the lot, everything you could need in a mobile phone in 2010. It is also a design statement yet works.  You will stand out from the crowd in a good way and worth the questioning looks and comments.  However the only thing that does not attract up to the phone is the chunky design.  Better looking materials would help! There's not much else to say really.  The BACKFLIP has all the stuff you could want in a 3G internet connected phone.  Like all the latest Motorola phones based on the Android OS it works really well. Specifications
    • Motorola DEXT
    • Network Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 Tri-band 3G 900/1700/1900/2100 or  (Dependent on country) HSDPA 7.2 Mbits data speed (download)
    • Design Touch screen QWERTY slider
    • 108 x W53 x D15.3 mm Weight 163 grams
    • Display/s External TFT 320 x 480
    • Camera 5MP
    • Video Camera 640 x 480 pixel main video camera 15FPS 144 x 176 video call 15FPS
    • Connectivity Bluetooth V2 Micro-USB
    • CPU Qualcomm MSM7200A 528Mhz
    • Memory Up to 256MB available to user MicroSD up to 32Gig
    • Ring tones MIDI, MP3, Video, vibration and others
    • Features Android 1.5 OS A-GPS Wi-Fi Motoblur integration Accelerometer Proximity sensor Light Sensor Magnetometer (Compass) Music and Media player Organiser/Calender SMS, MMS, IM, Email JAVA MIDP 2.0 Speaker Phone/Hands free 3.5mm AV/headset 3.7V 1420mAh Up to 14 days Standby Up to 6 hours Talk Time
    • Price history From $xxx AUS 2010 (Outright)

  • Apple iPhone4 signal strength problem

    We really find Apple’s explanation of the signal strength problem in the iPhone 4 is quite silly.

    They are now blaming the formula used to calculating the number of bars to show inaccurate.  However if you just think ever so briefly about it that fact that the signal strength indicator does drop when holding it the way anyone would hold a mobile phone indicates that there is a problem regardless.

  • Apple iPhone OS4 update

    Like every tech BLOG the Apple iPhone gets free publicity here too!

    We haven’t sampled the latest iPhone 4G yet but we have managed to upgrade our existing iPhone 3G and iPhone3 GS with the lastest OS4 – and here are our views!

    The much complained about unified email box is excellent!  It also allow you to individually check each mailbox that you have specified and also individual mail box settings.  Clearly certain ‘reputable’ new sites have not actually tried one yet.

    If you have the original iPhone 3G you should not bother with the upgrade – it does work but none of the new features can actually be used. Do not do it!

    If you have a iPhone 3GS the upgrade to OS4 is worth the effort!  The phone is faster and most of the new features can be used.  The changeable backgrounds and the calculator icon are the most noticeable changes.  Multitasking is a bit of joke really.  It is activated by double clock the home button which is a pain. An onscreen button or gesture would be much more convenient, or another button on the side.  Finally the ability to create folders for sorting apps is also a feature log over due.

    Both upgrades where performed on a Apple Mac and updates where downloaded first before performing the Sync and then the update.  We did not encounter any problems.  It took about 1/2 hour to download the nearly 400Mb file and 1/2 hour to then complete the software update to the phone.

    A few of the older Apps no longer work but overall much better if you have a 3GS.

  • Nokia 2690 Review
    Welcome to the Nokia 2690 review. Released in mid-2010 the 2690 is another one of Nokia's cheap mobile phones.  Priced around the $100 AUD outright it is a bit high considering you can get other better phones as pre-paid but network locked package with a even better phone for the same price.  However it does have a quad-band receiver so it will work on all GSM networks like Vodaphone Virgin, Optus and Telstra. Examples of other pre-paid packaged phone for about the same price include, Samsung S6700 and Nokia 5130 or even the Sony Ericsson Naite. The 2690 is a quad-band GSM only phone and as a result will work on almost any country you go to.  So if you want to stay in touch and don't want to bring your expensive smart phone in public then this is yet another good phone to buy.  It has certain features of more expensive models like micro SD-card expansion up to 32G and bluetooth.  It will do basic internet based communication like email but that's it.  Otherwise a well rounded talk and text focused phone.  If you are planning to get emails you probably need a data pack with your plan so why not get a more functional phone? The design has clues of other popular Nokia phones like the 6300 and 6700 and even the latest C5.  Overall looks OK  but not a classic like the original 3120! The 2690's construction quality is again good for a basic phone. Likewise the screen quality good for the price but it is relatively small and low resolution. Since we often judged the desirability of a phone this doesn't rank highly due to essentially older but better specified Nokia models.  The keys inexpensive feel but have a nice click to them. The user interface is standard S40 Nokia so easy enough to use.  Surprisingly it has Flashlite 3.0 so can run our free software and animated wallpaper thus we can recommend 2690.  Apart from that we really can't say much more! To conclude we think that the 2690 is yet another decent basic phone but with the features you could actually use but when deciding to purchase consider new but older models that have been around for at least 12 months.  Mobile phone manufacturers seem to bring out similar looking new models that have so many missing or included functionality that people do not know which one to choose. Nokia needs to reduce their variants or bring back changeable covers or something like that.  We grow tired to trying a new phone only to realize that they are just like any other Nokia but with a different case.  Nonetheless the 2690 is a decent phone for those who mainly use it for talk and text and a little email. Specifications
    • Nokia 2690
    • Network Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 (Based on country)
    • Design Candy bar
    • L107.5 x W45.5 x D13.8 mm Weight 81 grams
    • Display/s TFT 128 x 160
    • Camera 480 x 640 pixels
    • Video Camera 128 x 96 pixels @ 15FPS
    • Connectivity Not included
    • CPU ???Mhz
    • Memory
    • Up to 15Mb available to user Micro-SD expansion up to 32G
    • Ring tones MIDI, MP3, vibration and others
    • Features Music and Media player Organiser/Calender SMS, MMS, IM, Email JAVA MIDP 2.0 FM radio Speaker Phone/Hands free BL-4C 3.7V 860mAh Up to 13 days Standby Up to 4.5 hours Talk Time
    • Price history Under $100 AUD Mid-2010 (Outright)