Just Blogging

Caroline Telford asked:




If you are among the millions of professionals around the work at home, either on a full-time or part-time basis - then it is a must for you to have a high-speed connection at home.

Fortunately, there are a lot of Internet connectivity options that you can take advantage of today. Previously, using dial-up modem to connect to the Internet did not have a lot to offer in terms of speed. Also, if you are already using the phone line to connect to the Internet, you will not be able to use your landline phone unless you have a dedicated line.

Now, as the demand for high-speed Internet connection has increased, more and more types of broadband Internet connection are being introduced to subscribers.

A Brief Definition of Broadband and Its Advantages

Before making the distinction between the different types of broadband, let us first take a look at what broadband is all about.

In layman’s term, broadband refers to any type of high-speed Internet connection which should be about 10 times faster than the traditional dial-up modem speed. One of the primary advantages of having broadband connection is that you are connected on a 24/7 basis - unlike with dial-up Internet connections.

Another benefit of choosing broadband over dial-up Internet access is that the former allows you to have an optimal browsing experience. From the loading of the pages, to sending instant messages to sharing, downloading or uploading of files - they will all be performed in a more efficient and speedy manner.

Now that you have an idea about broadband Internet connection, here is a quick list of the types of broadband connections that you can have:
- Cable
- Wireless
- Satellite
- Mobile
- ADSL or Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line
- SDSL or Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line
- LLU or Local Loop Unbundling

Here, we will focus on two of the most common types of broadband Internet connection: wireless and broadband.

All about Wireless Broadband

This type of broadband Internet connection is used in rural areas in the UK where other forms of broadband connection are not available.

If you have a wireless broadband connection , a small antenna will be installed outside of your home. The Internet connection works in a way which is similar to how your television set receives signals from the TV station.

No telephone lines are required - and the broadband antenna is connected to your computer.

How about Mobile Broadband?

On the other hand, mobile broadband can be simply defined as Internet access on the go. Much like checking your e-mail using your mobile phone, mobile broadband allows you to connect to the Internet using your laptop computer.

As long as you have a laptop computer and a network-activated broadband dongle - you can get connected even while you are on the go.

Wireless Broadband and Mobile Broadband: Is One Better than the Other?

When you compare wireless with mobile broadband - you can never really say that one is better than the other in a general viewpoint.

Instead, what you need to do is look at your Internet connection needs. If you are the type who is always on the go and you cannot get through the day without checking on your e-mail messages, then a mobile broadband may be the best option for you.

On the other hand, if any other forms of broadband connection is simply not available in your area but you do need to have Internet access at home, then wireless broadband connection is the solution that you are looking for.

Kely Devon asked:




More than a device that keeps you connected, mobile phones are important utility tools that are technological advanced and feature packed. These latest devices can perform various functionalities with ease. Besides being your companion, it is a fashion accessory, an entertainer and what not. The sleek and stylish handsets are empowered with high-end technologies to cater to the growing needs of people. These devices have enhanced the working styles of the users. Apart from meeting the growing expectations of the people, these gadgets have facilitated the various official and personal tasks of the customers.

The top manufacturers like Nokia, Samsung, Motorola, Sony Ericsson and LG are developing feature rich handsets like Walkman series from the Sony Ericsson, smartphones from Nokia, etc.

The latest mobile phone, Nokia 6500 classic comes with simplistic looks and an alluring design. The various connectivity options let you connect to other devices. Make use of entertainment options like 2 megapixel camera which lets you capture sharp pictures and record videos. at With the FM radio, listen to music and a variety of other radio programs. Experience fast downloads, web browsing, musical entertainment with the handset. The device includes Java Applications with Java MIDP 2.0 which gives you access to all the amazing games and applications.

Another latest handset, Samsung Armani is stylish by nature and is a head turner. The list impressive features include a 2.6 Inch high colour touch screen, qwerty keyboard, built in music player, 3 megapixel camera and Bluetooth technology. The mobile phone attracts the fashion conscious users who want to stand out in the crowd. The 3-mega pixel camera comes with LED photo light on the back allowing you to capture, store & share photos with friends.The 60 MB memory is expandable with a MicroSD memory card. The highly usable technologies and features make the handset appealing to all the users.

The Nokia N95 8GB holds a supreme position in the market with its amazing functionalities. The features that make this mobile phone technically sound are WiFi, WAP, GPRS, EDGE, Bluetooth and Document Viewer. The music player supports popular music file formats such as MP3, AAC, WMA and AAC+. Surf the web pages through the advanced WAP browser feature. Stay connected with your dear ones with the multimedia messaging features.

Rae Edwards asked:




For the longest time, I’ve honestly felt that the Chinese iPhone clones have included every major feature from the original and then some. But, when the Nokia N95 became almost as popular as the iPhone, we were all waiting with baited breath for its clone. That’s because the Nokia N95 has WiFi and GPS. We were hoping that one day these features would become standard in the clones. We already knew that CECT could pull off Windows Mobile because the current HiTune T68 includes it.

However, when the CECT N95 finally rolled out, it was a great phone full of great features and innovative design. In fact, everything was included - except WiFi and GPS. Although we understood that pricing kept some additions out, and we felt the phone was still a contender without them, we were still a touch disappointed.

Finally, though, there’s reason to celebrate. The HiPhone T32 (the very latest version, and sometimes also called The Daxian X999) has finally included all three of these things as standard.

Of course, as always with the HiPhone you can: surf the web; email and text (WAP browsing, MMS and SMS messaging); take photos and video on the digital camera and video cam; enjoy Bluetooth; listen to and watch MP3s and MP4s; and use Java.

The one standard feature this one doesn’t have is dual sim slots. However, it has improved the 2.0 mega pixel camera and added an e-book reader.

With the Windows additions like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as tons more third party software available, this phone has evolved into a little productivity powerhouse. And, in my testing, these additions do not slow the performance of the phone any. It is still zippy and intuitive. After all, it has an expandable memory of up to 2GB to work with.

Of course, we were bracing ourselves for the price. Current comparable clones without these new additions average around $150. So where does that leave this new version? Currently, it’s between the low and upper $300s, depending on where you get it.

This price may fall as more become available, but I suspect that even with this price tag, these will fly off shelves because: the additions are too valuable to pass up; they were long desired; and they really do add so many more possibilities and applications to this phone. So, welcome to the party, T32. It’s about time.

Rae Edwards asked:




There’s very little debate that the iPhone clones are popular because they offer all of the features made popular by Apple at a fraction of the price. These little knock offs are always unlocked, allowing you to use which ever network or carrier you chose without being chained to AT&T. They are usually dual sim, which is really like having two phones for the price of one. And, you can remove the battery yourself with out having to run to the dealer every time the battery dies. In today’s scary economy, every little bit helps, so these things are very attractive to consumers.

But, if there was ever any draw back to the clones, it was that most models mandated you text on a finger touch screen. This works great for some people, but many are used to and prefer texting on raised keys. Luckily, there are a few models that allow this, offering clone features combined with a full keyboard and scroll bar.

Of these texting clones, the N99i (or Nokia N99i as it is sometimes called) is probably the most popular. It’s attractive, fast, user friendly, and sleek. Messaging on it is a nice, quick experience. Better yet, the manufacturers have added an analog TV and an awesome 3.0 MP camera to this phone.

There is one very popular clone with the “TV out” feature (the CECT A988). This means that you can hook the phone up to your television and watch video on the phone on a larger screen. The analog television on the N model is different because you are watching real time local television via antenna. The 988 is also not as finger friendly for messaging.

In addition to this, the Nokia N99i is a very feature rich mobile phone, which includes: a 3 inch, finger touch LCD screen and stylus; full MP3/MP4 capabilities; a very high quality 3.0 mega pixel digital camera and webcam; double Bluetooth; a voice recorder; fm radio; two sim slots; and expandable memory. You can transfer information between your computer and the phone through a USB cable. The phone does not require software and will read your GSM sim card. This one is a tri band.

This one is a very high performing model that you can usually get for under $150 if you know where to look. Considering the very high quality camera (most of the replicas have 1.3 or 2.0 mp cameras) and the analog television feature, this is very reasonable, even for a clone.

Rae Edwards asked:




I’ve had the CECT P168 (aka iClone) since it first came out. I often evaluate and write about Chinese import mobile phones and this one is still among my favorites. Many consumers seem to agree with me too because this phone is now so popular that it’s become almost main stream.

But, not matter how commonplace the P168 phone becomes, I find that I am almost always questioned by people who see me using it. They want to know how hard it is to set it up, how user friendly it is, or if the instructions are in Chinese. The answer is it’s not very hard for most people right out of the box, but if you need help, it’s widely available. Instructions are also available in almost every language.

There are a couple of companies who have either written e-books or compiled software indicating how to use, set up, and sync the CECT P168 for your specific carrier. For example, there are now guides specifically for: AT&T, T-Mobile, Cingular, Roger’s Wireless, Vodafone, CTI, Orange, O2, and Moviestar, to name only a few. I find that typically, if someone is going to have a problem, it’s usually with the MMS. These guides will help you set this up in minutes. (The 168 is tri band and works with most carriers with no installation software needed. However, make sure your GSM carrier users either the 900, 1800, or 1900 Mhz band.)

Additionally, the guides come in just about any language you can imagine, including English, French, Italian, Spanish and German, for starters. These guides which are usually either in PDF (e book), CD rom, or in printed format, and usually only run between $5-$10.

The replica mobile is now so widely available that companies are beginning to generate accessories for it. You can easily get replacement batteries, sim cards, memory cards, cases / skins, Bluetooth headsets, and chargers for this phone, usually for well under $10.

So, there is no need to think that you can’t figure out or buy accessories for the iClone. As I’m sure you know, when a product is popular, a whole industry is going to spring up around it, which is exactly what has happened. From my own experience, this is a very easy phone to own and use.

John Milligan asked:




Sony Ericsson mobile phones are very much at the cutting edge of mobile phone technology with their vast range of features and styles to suit every need, be it for pleasure or business. Let’s take a quick look at them.

These phones are designed to give you a unique mobile experience with innumerable options and are extremely stylish whilst for the most part, feature rich. They are always known for their music quality and performance. The W850i Walkman for example, though it is not a most recent release, is truly superb with it’s sheer ease of use particularly when downloading music itself. If you want loads of songs and other favourites on this phone you can expand it’s memory no problem.

Sony Ericsson phones are known for their excellent performance and it seems that they are always getting better and better. A friend of mine normally uses Nokia phones because they are so easy to use, but on discovery of the Ericsson phones, he is finding that they are just as easy to use, if not easier.

Apparently, owners of Sony Ericsson phones are more than twice as likely to download a mobile game to their phone compared with other handset owners. I don’t know how true that is but these phones certainly make it extremely easy to download games or music for that matter. And don’t forget that with the installation software that comes free with the phones, music can easily be uploaded and played instantly without any fuss or bother.

Sony Ericsson phones are complete power tools for the business as well as the pleasure user with features galore like the music player, radio, camera, video, MMS, instant messaging and Bluetooth to name but a few. They are truly excellent mobiles offering you a lot more than simply communication.

Andrew Mathew asked:




The mobile phones have become a necessity rather than a luxury. The phones are considered as inevitable and unavoidable gadget in an era of IT or information technology. The mobile phone market is flooded with thousands of mobile phone models from different manufacturers. Among thousands of models, it is really very tricky task to choose a good mobile phone. As time is passing by, newer and sophisticated technologies are pouring in form of high-end mobile devices. The excellent sound features have become an integral part in the upcoming phones. Among various top notch manufacturers, Samsung and Motorola are two legends of wireless communication which have been constantly boasting of elegant and powerful mobile phones.

The Samsung is one of the world’s leading brands in the world of high-tech phones. This brand manufactures innovative and cost-effective phones depending upon the demand of its prospective users. The Samsung is well known for a wide range of slider mobile phones. Undoubtedly, it can be said that Samsung is an undisputed king in the sliding mechanism. Some of the best series of Samsung are E, D, U and lots more. The Samsung’s E series phones are known for aesthetically pleasing design. Each handset of this family is unique and iconic in its own style. Some of the highly used features in the E-series are a camera with LED flash, high-end connectivity options, Internet and many more. These all features are packed in a way which make it a high-end phones.

The Samsung U-series going strong with remarkable capabilities in each of its family member. Moreover, among all the series from the lineage of Samsung Mobile, the G-series is latest and advanced which carry a whole new world of opportunities and possibilities ahead and giving a tough competition other contemporaries. Therefore, it can be said that the latest Samsung mobile phones belong to the third generation, as they are powered by 3G technology. The new generation phones come in an array of advanced features which include everything from communication and information access to entertainment. Some of the best launched advanced handsets from Samsung are G600, G800, D900, F700, U600, F480 Tocco and lots more.

On other hand, the Motorola is another big name in the world of mobile telephony. Motorola is the first commercial mobile phone maker in the whole world. The mobile phones from Motorola are equally smart in features and in looks. The phones from this lineage are mostly in form of flip-up or clamshell. After huge success of KRZR, RAZR, ROKR and RIZR range of Motorola, the journey is not stopped. Instead, the company has started focusing on some new technology and techniques to satisfy the users.

The slim, light and powerful handsets from the Motorola are endowed with features including high-performance camera, dedicated music player, vibrant screen, embedded Java games, standard connectivity tools, massive memory and lots more.

Therefore, it can be said that in the enticing and exciting world of mobile phone, Motorola holds a very important position, world over. These power packed devices offer unmatchable style, great sophistication, latest technology, extreme durability, endless entertainment and high functionality without compromising on quality. The latest Motorola phones can help you to shoot great videos, click amazing pictures, download and play most rocking music and communicate with your friends.

To conclude, both the mobile phone manufacturers are offering the best to their prospective users. With their special features and techniques, the mobile phones from both the brands have become the hottest choice among various segment of users. But, if you are looking for slider phone, then Samsung phones boast of wide choice while Motorola is known for clamshell mobile phones.

John Gray asked:




Sony Ericsson has announced two new handsets, the G700 and G900 to be released in 2008. The G700 and G900 names sound like part of the Samsung mobile phone collection, with Samsung having previously released the G600 and G800.

The two 3G handsets look like pretty standard handsets. They both feature a camera (G700 - 3.2 mega pixel, G900 - 5 mega pixel), FM radio, multimedia player, stereo Bluetooth, memory stick micro, 4 hours talk time and 13 days standby in 3G mode, and the G900 boasts WiFi. Both phones weigh in at 99 grams and measure 106 x 49 x 13mm.

The most interesting aspect of the two phones is that they are both touch screen, Symbian smart phones. The touch screen measures 2.4″ and allows the user to scribble notes, surf the web, and select menu items. The handset also comes with handwriting recognition which is handy when writing an sms. Users also have the freedom to add their own applications to their mobile phones.

My personal opinion is why have a touch screen? It creates a slight wow factor about the new phones but it doesn’t really save you any time when using the phone, or make the phone functions work any more efficiently than a standard mobile phone. And of course you need to make sure you don’t lose your stylus! Many people will love the touch screen but I feel it’s a bit of a waste of time.

Whatever your thoughts are about the touch screens the G700 and G900 are two stylish mobile phones. The G700 will be available in silk bronze color scheme and the G900 will be available in dark red and dark brown color schemes.

Rae Edwards asked:




The features of the Chinese iPhone clones can sometimes get confusing. The manufacturers upgrade and roll out new phones at such break neck speed that it’s easy to mistake one model for another. Many people mistake the new CECT P168C (aka the P168++) with it’s inspiration, the P168+ (aka iClone quad band). Or, people confuse the C model with the S model (more about that later). This article will discuss the standard and stand out features of the CECT P168C, so that you can see how it is different from some of the other Chinese quad bands on the market.

The P168C Supports 850, 1800, 1900, and 900 MHZ (Quad Band) But Which You Use Depends Upon Which Country You Live In: Technically the C model support all of the MHZ bands, but usually not all at once. I’ll explain. Typically, when you buy this phone, the seller will set it depending upon the country you are in. So, for example if you live in Canada, North America, or the USA, the seller will go into engineering mode and set the phone to support 850 / 1800 / 1900 MHz. But, if you live overseas, you’ll instead be given a 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHZ.

You can set this yourself, but most times the sellers will do it for you. (I’d recommend letting them unless you absolutely know what you are doing.)

Two Sim Cards Running At Once: Probably the biggest standout of the 168C is the “dual sim active” feature which means that you can really have two sim cards, phone numbers, and plans / carriers running at one time without needing to turn off or shut down the phone and while talking on it. For example, let’s say you are a customer of both AT&T and T Mobile. You would be able to use the phone on AT&T (talking, web browsing, emailing, texting, etc.) and you could then receive a call from your T Mobile sim at the same time. This greatly appeals to many different consumers who use their phones very often or receive a lot of calls, including executives, business owners, students, and even parents.

Standard And Bonus Features (Including Flow Or Multi Touch): Other than the customizable quad band and the dual sim active features, the P168C does have all of the standard and extra / bonus features or the “everything in one phone model” that we’ve come to expect from the clones. In addition to Bluetooth (A2DP), full MP3 / MP4, and the 2.0 mega pixel digital camera and web cam, this one allows web browsing, emailing, and texting (WAP, GPRS, SMS, and MMS). It also has handwriting entry, a voice recorder, and a stylus.

The manufacturer has slightly changed / improved interface. As a result, this phone is often referred to as having “less bugs.” It also includes the flow touch screen (often also called “multi touch.”) It’s expandable 2GB of memory can serve as a mini hard drive as it connects to your computer via USB for easy document and data transfer. It has a standby time of about 150 hours.

I’m surprised that, In spite of the upgrades, this phone doesn’t cost much more than the original iClone quad band (the P168 plus). I almost never see it over $150. More often than not, it’s in the low $100 range, depending upon how much memory is included.

This phone generally does not have the “shake and tilt feature,” (advancing music and media by only shaking the phone). If you’re looking for that feature on this phone, take a look at the CECT P168S, which includes it.

Rae Edwards asked:




The Chinese cell phone / PDAs have been embraced by consumers because of their ability to copy and improve upon popular technology for a low price. It started with the iPhone clones but it has evolved to include clones for most best selling PDAs, pocket PCs, and cell phones.

The HiTune T68 is a great example of this, taking many of its features from the Rim Blackberry and HTC models. This little PDA is loaded with features that make it attractive to executives, students, gamers and texters. But, it is the Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system that ensures its popularity and productivity.

Productivity: The T68 runs all mobile Windows programs, including Word, MSN, Excel and PowerPoint. It also includes Outlook Express and syncs to your network or computer via ActiveSync. This makes it easy to receive, compose and edit documents away from the office or classroom.

Fun Features: This model is a true smartphone with a built in 2.0 mega pixel digital camera and web cam, WiFi, Bluetooth, MP3, Java 2.0, and the ability to download and play Nintendo and Windows PPC games.

Appearance: This clone has a 2.6 inch touch screen and a full keyboard. It is silver and black in color and sleek in design. It looks very similar to a Blackberry or other popular pocket PCs.

This phone is a tri band which means it will work worldwide with most GSM carriers. It is unlocked and reads your sim card without drivers or software. In addition to many standard smartphone features, it has GPS navigation and an e-book reader.

Price wise, this PDA is currently starting at about $175 depending on where you get it. There’s no denying that this clone is loaded with specifications that will likely appeal to a wide range of consumers.