The Cell Phone Junkie

Yes, the Galaxy Nexus is here…again. Originally released as an unlocked HSPA device in November of 2011, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus went on sale in the US through Verizon in December.  Following an ad that ultimately announced the device, Sprint revealed during CES that the Nexus would be coming sometime during the first half of the year. We also summarized at that time that we’d see the phone for $200, which indeed came true. Comparing the three models, most of the specs are the same, including a 4.65-inch HD display, 1.2 GHz dual-core processor, and 1GB of memory.  Available through Sprint for $199.99 with a new two-year contract.

What’s in the Box

• Samsung Galaxy Nexus
• 1,850 mAh lithium ion Battery
• AC phone charger with USB cable
• 3.5mm stereo headset with microphone
• Various documentation

Specifications

• Technology/Frequencies: CDMA 850/1900, LTE 1900
• Weight: 150 grams (vs. 135 in the HSPA model)
• Operating System: Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
• Processor: 1.2 GHz dual-core Texas Instruments OMAP
• Display: 4.65-inch HD Super AMOLED at 1280 by 720 resolution (note, not SAMOLED+)
• Memory: 1GB of RAM
• Internal Memory: 32GB of internal storage (vs. 16GB in the HSPA model)
• Battery: 1850mAh battery (vs. 1750mAh in the HSPA model)
• Rear Camera: 5.1MP with LED flash
• Video Camera: 1080p at 30fps
• Front Camera: 1.3MP
• Headphone Jack: 3.5mm
• Bluetooth 3.0
• USB 2.0
• 802.11 a/b/g/n on 2.4 and 5GHz
• No microSD support
• NFC
• Accelerometer
• Compass
• Gyroscope
• Light/Proximity sensor
• Barometer

Speed

Unlike the blazing fast LTE speeds of Verizon, or the acceptable HSPA+ tests done on AT&T and T-Mobile, Sprint now feels downright archaic. Going from 5 mbps or more to less than 500 kbps as the norm is a shock. It’s the same shock you get when you’re used to a cable or fiber connection, and then have to struggle with a standard DSL line somewhere. The overall result is that the experience of using the Nexus feels hampered, and I found myself constantly trying to connect to WiFi wherever I was to ease the pain of the poky network. Granted this concern goes away when LTE comes online later this year.

Hardware Overview

The overall look of the Sprint model is largely the same as the Verizon version.  The color is the same, the materials are the same, (save for a slightly different texture on the back cover) and looking at the devices from the front, you’ll see no distinguishable variance.  Like the Verizon model, Samsung got the extra curves in the right places with the LTE variant, and between the two, I’d rather have the thickness and weight for my day to day device.

Yet even with the slight improvements in size and weight, 4.65 inches feels pretty big for a phone. Though, after using bigger devices more frequently through the last six months, I’m pretty much resigned to the fact that this is just how its going to be for the foreseeable future for Android. My primary concern when using a phone is one handed usage, and the Nexus is not an easy device to use with just one hand.  I have formed some strong opinions that a 4-inch phone is the optimal size.  If I really want more screen real estate, I want to have much more, not just a little.  This means a tablet for me, and not just another inch on the phone.

Thickness

Like the Verizon LTE-enabled version, the Sprint Nexus is thicker than the unlocked GSM model.  Though there’s an interesting comment about this, it makes the phone more comfortable to hold and use.  The thinness of the HSPA model certainly is striking, but as I mentioned multiple times during my review of it, doesn’t translate to comfort.  The added depth of the Verizon model is welcomed, and I am happier with the feel.

Data Usage and Battery

The nice thing about having an Android 4.0 device though, is that the Data Usage menu allows for easy tracking of where your data is going, and you can plan accordingly. After a few weeks of use, I never once ran out of power by the end of the day, and the included 1,850 mAh battery is going to be fine for most people.

WiFi Connectivity

WiFi connectivity is present in the form of dual-band WiFi: 802.11 b/g/n at 2.4 GHz and 802.11 a/n at 5 GHz.  WiFi works fine on 2.4GHz but the 5GHz is just not good.  The coverage is poor, and I wasn’t able to move more than two rooms away from my router before the signal dropped out or was unusable.  This is the exact same issue I experienced on all other Nexus devices, not to mention the Sprint Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch. Seems that phone WiFi power isn’t enough to make the higher frequency worth using.

Phone

The Galaxy Nexus is likely a device you’ll be using more for data than voice, but as a phone, you’ll be just fine.  The device is large, so holding it to your head feels a bit strange at first.  However, like the Nexus S before it, the curved glass screen feels very comfortable on your face, and I was able to quickly adapt in the few test calls I made.  Sound quality was clear, and the dual-microphones work well for cancelling out noise.

Front: 4.65-inch HD Super AMOLED display.  Speaker, light sensor and 1.3MP camera are at the top.  LED is at the bottom.  No buttons are on the front face, as the software buttons of the OS appear as needed.

Left side: Volume rocker keys

Top side: Blank

Right side: Power/unlock button with 3 contacts for charging or car docks.

Bottom side: 3.5mm headset jack, microphone and microUSB port

Back side: 5.1MP continuous auto-focus camera with 1080p video recording and LED flash.  Speaker at the bottom.

Under the cover: 1850 mAh battery

Camera

Matt Miller said it best – “Have to say that the Galaxy Nexus camera impressed me…in typical photo situations.”  I won’t be replacing the iPhone 4S with the Nexus for camera use anytime soon, but in most situations, you’ll be just fine.  Below are a few photos taken with the Nexus, including the street sign which is zoomed in all the way.  Click through on each to see them full size.

Software/Features

After three years of Android, version 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich bridges the gap between the Honeycomb tablet OS, and Gingerbread on the phone.  There are a number of things you’ll immediately notice, including the lack of physical capacitive buttons, and a missing applications button.  Across the bottom of screens when you need them now are: Back, Home and Multitasking buttons.

The old app button has been replaced by an app icon in the middle of the 4 customizable buttons on the bottom.  A nice addition too is the ability to make folders, which when in use, show small icons of the apps inside, cascading backwards from newest to oldest.  Roll all this in with the new Roboto font, and the look of ICS is much different and refined.  Finally, the speed of the OS is quite nice, taking full advantage of the 1.2Ghz dual-core processor inside.

Though, it’s still not perfect, and there are small things that still lack consistency.  For example, the menu/settings are now represented by 3 dots.  These dots either show up on the top right of the navigation bar, or sometimes at the bottom.  There are multiple ways to do things too, that may not make things easier.  Like, when using the notifications bar that swipes down from the top, you can either hit the “X” to clear all notifications, or swipe each one away individually.  Then there’s the multitasking.  It’s nice to be able to swipe apps out of the list, but I was a bit surprised to see that it doesn’t actually close the app.

Google Wallet

As with other Google Wallet devices, Sprint customers who activate a Google Wallet account within a week of activation of their Galaxy Nexus will not only receive a $10 instant credit to their account but also an additional $40 credit within three weeks.

Overall

The Samsung Galaxy Nexus is still my favorite Android device to date.  At $200, the Nexus is the same as the iPhone 4S, with similar or better specs. While I can’t help feeling hesitant about recommending the device due to the 3G speeds, with LTE built in, you’ll be future-proofed for when the network rolls out later this year.

Full Gallery

When Sprint first announced its new CDMA-based Direct Connect service back in July of 2011, the Push-to-Talk over EVDO sounded intriguing. The aging iDEN network from the Nextel purchase has been set to shut down for the past few years, which at its peak had over 20 million users calling it home. The need to re-purpose the iDEN spectrum has become increasingly apparent, and customers are now demanding more features from their devices. Sprint knew they’d need to come up with a way to retain customers that use the PTT service and offer more choices, and the move to the CDMA Direct Connect has begun.

With more than three times the coverage of the current iDEN network, the CDMA-based Direct Connect service offers the same push-to-talk features, including interoperability with existing users. As part of the launch, three new devices were announced, the Kyocera DuraMax, the Motorola Admiral, and the Kyocera DuraPlus. For this review, we’re looking at the DuraPlus, and how it functions on the Direct Connect service. The DuraPlus is available for $70 after two-year agreement. The device used in this review was provided by Sprint.

Kyocera DuraPlus Video Overview

About the DuraPlus

The DuraPlus is an ultra-rugged feature-phone with military-grade durability, a 1650mAh and a built-in flashlight in a candy-bar form factor.

Sprint says the DuraPlus is the ideal device for use in the construction, public safety and utility industries. Features include:

DuraPlus Impressions

The DuraPlus is a beast, plain and simple. It has an exterior that reminds me of a Pelican Case, and requires a screwdriver to get inside. The phone itself is a basic feature-phone with no frills, as the most exciting feature is the Sprint GPS navigation. And while it won’t win any awards for swiss-army functionality like today’s high-end smartphones, its core functionality is done very well. The DuraPlus is a rugged voice communication device. Whether you’re a construction worker, a trolly driver, or just someone that doesn’t care about much other than voice communication, the DuraPlus is there for you.

Durability

This is the point where Sprint closes their eyes, and skips to the section. This is a review device, meaning after a couple weeks it goes back to Sprint. The industrial design exterior just begs to be tested for durability, and I couldn’t help but give a couple drop tests. In fact, one of the first things I did was to drop it off a counter at 48 inches to watch it bounce off a tile floor. Now, I didn’t go too crazy with it since I don’t want a dinged-up device being sent back Sprint.  However,  I did give it enough drops on surfaces that would have completely shattered an iPhone to know that the Duraplus will stand up in rough situations just fine.

Push to Talk

The main reason I wanted to check out the DuraPlus was for the Push-to-Talk functionality. When the Admiral came available for review, Joey snatched it up, and we knew it would be the perfect time to look at the PTT service. Over the course of a week, we used our devices multiple times to communicate back and forth walkie-talkie style. As with the old Nextel iDEN PTT, the service is quick, efficient, and relatively reliable. We found less than 1 second latency when connect from one device to another, and calls sounded as clear as a phone call. What’s more, it was easy to call each other for a quick comment, and you cut through all the phone call niceties and protocol.

As with normal cellular calls, we did notice when service was low, the quality got a little garbled and digitized. The calls after all are being sent via data on the EVDO Rev-A network. Though, poor-quality was the exception, and for the majority of our chats, audio came through clear and intelligible, and the quality is a step up from what we’re used to on iDEN.

Overall

The best thing about Nextel was the no-frills, get-it-done communication between users. The Kyocera DuraPlus from Sprint fulfills many of the same needs, and does so with a network three times the size of iDEN’s coverage. Making the move to PTT over CDMA was a very smart move on Sprint’s part, keeping the functionality there for the users that need it, but offering choices in handsets for those that were ready to move on. If durability, PTT functionality, and communication are your primary needs in a handset, the DuraPlus is a solid choice.

Full Gallery

In a world of black slabs the Motorola Admiral stands out as a unique device.  Front facing QWERTY keyboard and hard-hitting rugged build with all the fun of a typical Android device sets this device apart.  The Admiral is a very similar product to Sprint Motorola XPRT we reviewed last year but it represents a substantial upgrade in almost every way.    It represents the perfect blend of  Android, a BlackBerry, and a typical Nextel phone for business and commercial use.    A well designed BlackBerry-style keyboard for easy-to-use messaging and mil-spec build quality with Sprint’s new walkie-talkie service gives this device a clear advantage for road warriors and commercial users.  Granted, the  3.1″ screen is a bit smaller than many Android devices currently on the market, but that is completely negated by the fact there is no onscreen keyboard consuming half the display.  And even further, the Admiral has an impressive, high pixel density display with a 258 DPI retina-like quality (just a few points below an iPad 3rd Gen).    Pair this wonderful screen with the silky-smooth 1.2 GHz processor you have a perfect Android device.  Gone is the ultra-laggy and slow response the XPRT gave me during the review.   The  Admiral even puts my own Nexus S 4G to shame with a  message notification light, razor-sharp color accurate screen but it also includes a much smoother interface.

Keyboard

While most Android phones these days use the onscreen keyboard there are a few physical keyboard options.  Most of those devices have cumbersome landscape sliders, but the Admiral has the other more rare alternative, the portrait orientated front-facing QWERTY keyboard  like a BlackBerry.  This form-factor is my second favorite (behind a clamshell, of course), no mechanical slide to manipulate and screen stays in the email-friendly portrait orientation.  This keyboard provides traditional BlackBerry users a comfortable migration to an Android device with a few changes to the typical BB keyboard layout, the numbers are on the top row and a no-ALT-required period.  The buttons on the keyboard have a scalloped design with an easy-to-press action.   Like other Android devices, words are spell checked and suggestions appear on the touch screen while typing.

Mil-spec ruggedness

Taking a chapter out of the Nextel playbook (not that PlayBook), Motorola went back into their history and built a device that can be used in a harsh environment day-in and day-out.  Meeting seven tests of the military standard 810G (dust, shock, vibration, solar radiation, low pressure, high and low temperatures) means you can trust this device will hold up to heavy use. Even the screen is made from the gold-standard in tough and scratch resistant Corning Gorilla® Glass!

Direct Connect

Again, from the Nextel playbook, the Admiral features the new walkie-talkie DirectConnect service that runs over the EVDO Rev A network.  Sprint partnered with Qualcomm back in 2006 to bring QChat  to the Sprint network.  In 2011, QChat was updated to improve features (up to 200 chat participants) and reduce call setup time.  The Sprint DirectConnect network has a claimed three times larger footprint and is compatible with all existing Nextel iDen phones as well.    To access the DirectConnect feature you have to be at the home screen (why?) and then press the blue button on the left side of the device.   From that screen you choose the contact(s) for the chat.  The blue button flashes during a session making it obvious when a chat session is active.   Chat calls were almost as good as a Nextel device, but did suffer from some brief digital dropouts.  Most of Sprint’s network is QChat compatible, but I did find some areas where an icon on the status bar indicated that DirectConnect was not available.

Android

Gingerbread 2.3.5 is the stock operating system with the Motorola Blur front-end.  While this isn’t the latest available operating system from Google, there is something to be said for a device that was designed for and released with the same operating system.   As mentioned above, the 1.2 GHz processor really makes this OS shine with smooth finger tracking and quick response.  Motorola Blur includes a few business upgrades over stock Gingerbread like enhanced Exchange corporate email (with search and folder support, a la Ice Cream Sandwich) and encryption options.  Normally I would prefer not to have MotoBlur running, but the Exchange email upgrades makes it worthwhile on the Admiral.   Motorola includes the Quickoffice app for creating and editing standard Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents.    The Admiral is the twin brother of the Motorola Pro+ device, and while Motorola has not ruled out an Ice Cream Sandwich update, they have not committed to it.  Top that with the Sprint specific apps and the DirectConnect app the likelihood of an upgrade is very slim.

Camera

Typical 5MP camera with a single LED flash.  Pictures are decent, but nothing extraordinary.   Refer to the photo gallery to see of a few sample  shots from the camera.   Welcomed on the Admiral is a dedicated camera button on the right side of the phone that acts as a launcher at any time when the phone is unlocked and a shutter button within the camera app.

Cons

While the Admiral is a major upgrade to the XPRT, it surprisingly does not provide global GSM roaming like the XPRT.     The Admiral is also a typical Sprint phone with a handful of applications you do not want or need running in the background taking up valuable memory and CPU cycles.   For most people, the onboard 4GB of memory will be sufficient but it is a bit lacking compared to most phones on the market, luckily there is an empty microSD slot ready for a 32 GB card.  The plastic bezel surrounding the keyboard and screen appears to be very soft as it was easily dented by a one foot drop.

Conclusion

The Admiral has a stylish Art-deco accent that flows from the keyboard around the display proving this business-class device isn’t only for working.  With plenty of games and Netflix support (nice, loud front speaker) this phone is fun, too!   Call quality is great with a front mounted microphone and a loud speaker phone designed suitable for louder environments.    My Nexus S has been mighty jealous these past two weeks with me reaching for the Admiral every time a notification hit!

$99 with contract and after a $50 rebate. Review unit provided by Sprint.

Full Specifications

• ANDROID™ PLATFORM - Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)
• CDMA 800/1900, CDMA EV-DO Release A
• QWERTY BAR
• Camera - 5 MP with Digital Zoom & LED Flash
• Video Camera – DVD Quality 720P up to 30fps
• Video Playback - AAC, H.263, H.264, MP3, MPEG-4, WAV, WMA9, eAAC+, AMR WB, AMR NB, AAC+, WMV v9, MIDI
• TALK TIME (CONTINUOUS) – up to 9 hrs.
• STANDBY TIME – up to 79 hrs.
• BATTERY TYPE – 1860 mAh
• WI-FI – 802.11 b,g.n 2.4 GHz
• BLUETOOTH® TECHNOLOGY - Stereo Bluetooth, Version 2.1 + EDR (support profiles, A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HID, HSP, OPP, PBAP)
• 3G MOBILE HOTSPOT- Be a mobile hot spot for up to 5 other devices
• USB CONNECTOR TYPE – Micro USB 2.0 High Speed
• DLNA (DIGITAL LIVING NETWORK ALLIANCE) – Share content wirelessly with other DLNA equipped devices
• GPS AND LOCATION SERVICES - aGPS (assisted), sGPS (simultaneous), Google Maps™, Google Maps™ Navigation, Google Latitude™, Google Maps Street View, eCompass
• HEADSET JACK – 3.5 mm
• HEARING AID COMPATIBLE - Rated M4, T3
• TEXT TELEPHONE (TTY) COMPATIBILITY
• DEDICATED KEYS - Speakerphone, Volume control, Back, Search, Menu, Power/Lock, Direct Connect®, Home
• MEMORY – 4GB storage, 512MB RAM
• DISPLAY – 3.1 inch 640 x 480 TFT, 16M colors, 258 ppi pixel density, Corning Gorilla Glass
• PROCESSOR – 1.2 GHz Scorpion
• CHIPSET - Qualcomm MSM8655 Snapdragon
• GPU - Adreno 205
• SENSORS – Proximity, accelerometer, ambient light and eCompass
• SIZE - 61.95 x 118.95 x 12.15 mm  (H X W X D)
• WEIGHT – 134 grams

Signal boosters are one of my favorite things to review. They provide enhanced service to our phones, and if designed and installed correctly, bring you from frustratingly low service to full-bar utopia. Over the last few years, I’ve become very familiar with Wilson Electronics products, producing reviews of the AG Pro 75, Sleek 4G-V, Wilson Sleek and Wilson SignalBoost DT.

When we stopped to chat with Wilson at CES this year, the AWS 70 caught my attention. Designed much like the AG Pro 75, the AWS 70 looks more like a car amplifier than a traditional consumer unit. However, that design worked out quite well for the Pro 75, and I’m hoping it will do the same for the AWS 70.

I’ve been using a prepaid T-Mobile SIM off and on in my Galaxy Nexus since December. Both my house and office, I have terrible 3G/4G reception, even letting the service lapse at one point the coverage was so bad. But then i figured, since the deal I have with them is so good, it’s time to take things into my own hands and enhance the signal myself.

The Wilson AWS 70 is available online from various retailers starting at $299.  The products used in this review were provided by Wilson.

In the Box

The Wilson AWS 70 comes with

• AWS 70 amplifier
• 2 lengths of coax
• Outside omni-directional antenna
• Inside broadcast antenna

Specs

Description/About the AWS 70

The new ‘AWS 70’ from Wilson Electronics is an indoor signal booster that provides consumers a strong signal and larger coverage area for devices operating on the Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) 1700/2100 MHz band. This device features adjustable gain controls – one for the uplink (device-to-tower), and another for the downlink (tower-to-device), allowing the installer to optimize the unit’s gain to match the requirements of the building in which it is deployed. The adjustable gain feature also simplifies installation by making antenna placement less critical.

Delivering gain up to 70 dB, the ‘AWS 70’ is the most powerful consumer AWS booster available, with an indoor coverage area more than double the size of that of any competing booster. This makes it ideal for multi-story buildings. This device supports multiple simultaneous connections. Wilson signal boosters feature cell tower protection technologies developed over more than a decade of research and development. These protections, many of which are not provided by competing boosters, give peace of mind to installers and customers who don’t have to worry about this booster causing cell tower interference.

Features

• Most powerful and affordable AWS booster on the market
• Provides a strong, reliable signal even in weak signal areas
• Separate adjustable gain controls for uplink (device-to-tower) & downlink (tower-to-device)
• Configurable with a variety of Wilson antennas to fit virtually any building installation
• Supports all devices – including smart phones, data cards, tablets, mobile Wi-Fi hotspots – and technologies operating on AWS 1700/2100 frequencies
• FCC type accepted, Industry Canada certificated

Installation

Installation takes a few hours, and access to the building’s roof, ceilings and chases is required.

To maximize the effectiveness of the system, I chose to put the antenna on the top of a commercial building, attached to the side of a AC line-set chase.

The coax was then run through the chase down into the ceiling of my office two floors below.

Unfortunately, because the coax was only just long enough to make it from the roof into my office area, I had to install the actual amplifier in the ceiling, powering it and making all the connections there.

Once installed, 100% of the system is hidden, and does not require any user intervention.

AWS 70 Installation Guide

Use and Results

As I mentioned, the 3G/4G reception for T-Mobile had been terrible in my office. I found myself regularly with signal worse than -105 dBm, leading to sluggish data, missed calls and delayed SMS delivery. Since I already have a few signal boosters installed in the building, the 1900MHz (2G/EDGE) service is great, and the phone occasionally would switch over to that. I do have WiFi in the office as well, but it is a woefully slow DSL line and shared by dozens of devices. Using the T-Mobile 3G signal is crucial to really get the most out  of the device.

Like the AG Pro 75, the AWS 70 has two dials on the front. But rather than dialing in the gain of the 850MHz and 1900MHz bands, the AWS 70 dials in the uplink (2100MHz) and the downlink (1700MHz).

Because of the dedicated enhancement capabilities, it’s much easier to isolate these frequencies to ensure it’s working to its fullest potential. Since the service is so poor, I was able to leave both at a 70 dB gain without any issues.

Once installed, i immediately saw the bars on the Galaxy Nexus jump to full, and the indicator showed me HSPA type 11, indicating HSPA+ at -61dBm. This massive jump in signal was validated by speed tests, showing the device able to pull down an average of 3 and 4Mbps in my congested area, even maxing out over 7Mbps. Upload speeds hovered around 1Mbps, but peaked at nearly 3Mbps, and ping times were around 200ms.

The area covered by the AWS 70 is around 2000 sf, and allows for me to roam freely around my 8 person office without so much as a bar drop on the device. In 5 days of testing, the phone has been reliable, speeds have been consistent, and no longer is network switching an issue.

Overall

Today’s prepaid service providers have really stepped up their game in recent years providing data and smartphone options like BlackBerries and Android based devices. Typically the devices offered are not the best and fastest out on the market, but are often very compelling for the price. Over the past two weeks I have been able to try out Sprint’s prepaid Boost service with the LG Marquee. Boost mobile uses the native Sprint network to provide coverage.

The LG Marquee provides a fully modern smartphone experience with the benefits of the prepaid service, namely no contracts and very competitive service rates. Jumping into the hardware itself, my first impression of the device is that it is very lightweight and easy to grip. Even though this is a typical Android “black slab” device, there is a subtle flowing edge design to give the body some style. Now while my main personal device is a Sprint Nexus S 4G, the Marquee is basically the same device. Both have 1 GHz single core processors and 4″ high-end displays with capacitive buttons below the screen. I can’t help but be impressed that such a device is available on prepaid because it represents the latest technology from just one year ago.

Anyone that listens to the show knows that I am a huge fan of the “stock” Android experience that is typically reserved for Nexus phones. While the Marquee is not a Nexus phone, this is the next best thing as there is no manufacturer front-end software! This means that you can expect the best performance and better app compatibility. And while there has been no announcement for an official update to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, this device has a chance of getting the upgrade.  With capable hardware and a posting on LG’s Facebook page, the Marquee is listed as a “maybe” for getting the new operating system.   However, Boost mobile may not roll out the update if it ever becomes available from Lucky Goldstar.

Software Highlights

• Android – The Marquee comes with Android Gingerbread 2.3.4 with very little customizations and no front end.  Also included is a Boost Zone mobile application to manage your account and the Sprint ID service to easily theme the operating system. 

• Google Navigation – Google provides a full-fledged GPS navigation program that requires a data connection.  Navigation provides real-time traffic and voice turn-by-turn directions.  My favorite part of using Navigation is Google StreetView picture of the destination is shown when you reach your destination (when StreetView is available for that area).
• Netflix – Netflix plays great on the Marquee, battery life on 3G does take a big hit.  The speaker is a bit quiet but louder than my Nexus S.
• Polaris Office – Includes the ability to edit and create Word, Excel and Power Point presentations
• Adobe Flash – Comes pre-installed for a full web experience.
• Swype keyboard – I was surprised to see the highly-rated Swype keyboard included.  This was my first experience with Swype and it was very easy to type by swiping my finger around the keyboard. Personally, I am so used to typing with two fingers swiping was a difficult transition, but the keyboard also acts like a normal two finger keyboard.

Hardware Highlights

• Size – The Marquee is a lightweight and thin phone.  Makes my Nexus S 4G feel heavy and thick in comparison. Very easy to grip and hold, despite a lack of a rubberized coating this device does not feel like it is going to slip right out of my hands.

• Screen – The screen is very bright and high quality, still decent in direct sunlight.   The image easily exceeds the quality of the SuperAMOLED display on my Nexus S and solid colors do not have the grainy look like they do on the Nexus S.
• Battery – Ran more than four days on cell standby with wifi on.  This test was performed with no app or email syncing.  With my normal GMail account and Exchange account running,  the battery life was similar to my Nexus S, meaning over a full day of normal use.
• Vibration – Has a traditional vibrator motor opposed to the weak linear oscillating vibrator found in some newer devices.
• Capacitive buttons – Keeping a smooth front panel, the Marquee features capacitive buttons with a very nifty color changing back light that turns blue after a press allowing you to see what button you activated.
  
• Front Camera – 2 megapixel camera allows video chats with Google Talk, Skype and easy self portraits.

Device Low-lights

• Uncomfortable for phone calls -  The top edge is sharp and the earpiece is located at the very edge. In order to hear the other party, you need to have the sharp edge pressed against your ear.  Not pleasant.  Otherwise, phone calls were normal.
• Heat – When using or playing Netflix, the device back does gets warm. Not hot, but a lot warmer than my Nexus S.
• No tethering – Being a prepaid service, it is not surprising that wifi tether is not included, but there is no option to purchase it.

Specifications

• Camera – 5.0 Megapixel Autofocus Camera and Camcorder
• Music Player – MP3, WMA, WAV, MIDI,Unprotected AAC, Unprotected AAC+,Ogg Vorbis, and M4A Formats
• Smartphone – Andriod™ 2.3 OS
• Speaker Phone – One-Touch Speakerphone
• Bluetooth – Version: 3.0 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
• Screen – 4″ 16M Color TFT, 480 x 800 Pixels LCD IPS  NOVA Display Capacitive Touchscreen
• Processor – 1 GHz TI OMAP3630 Cortex-A8 Processor
• Frequency – 1.9 GHz CDMA PCS EVDO Rev A
• Dimensions – 4.80″ (H) x 2.52″ ( W ) x 0.36″ (D)
• Weight – 3.95 oz.
• USB – 2.0 MicroUSB port
• Talk Time – up to 5.5 hours
• Standby Time -  up to 348 hours
• Internal Memory – 512MB RAM, 2GB ROM
• microSD™ Memory Slot – 2GB microSD card included, up to 32GB memory card can be installed

The Boost LG Marquee is available for $279.99 with no contract. The device used in this review was provided by Sprint.

Sample Pictures from Camera

Full Gallery

For music lovers and those who like interactive games, Guess Your Songs is a new social app for the iPhone and iPad. The app plays a short clip of one of the songs, then offers three choices from which you guess what was just played. The social aspect comes when you connect the game with other players, where you compete on points, badges and achievements. The game is free, and available in the iTunes App Store.

Features

• Play against your own iTunes library
• Connect via Facebook to challenge friends
• Extend the fun by playing song challenges posted by the community
• Discover new music by playing public or head-to-head challenges
• Win prizes by influencing music purchases when you challenge others
• Reach milestones to unlock achievement badges
• Make family road trips more fun when you connect to your car audio

How to Play

In each round, you listen to a short clip of a song, then select your answer from one of three choices. Pick the correct song and score points and unlock badges. At the end of a round, you can listen to the full song or move on to the next.

Should you be looking for more of a challenge, play against the library of your friends, and go head to head to see who knows more about music. If you hear something you like, purchases are available via an iTunes link on every song.

Guess Your Songs is a simple, fun and addictive game for any music lover. Offered for free on iOS, it’s a fun way to pass the time and learn more about your music collection.

Download: iTunes App Store

Press Release:

Recently, I’ve spent time seriously considering how someone could replace their laptop with a tablet.  I’ve seen a lot of Bluetooth keyboards, but I always go back to “if I’m going to carry around a separate keyboard, I might as well just carry a laptop.”  Case in point, I have an Apple Bluetooth keyboard that collects dust in my drawer because I refuse to carry one more thing when going places.  It’s a compact device for a reason, and I don’t want to be encumbered with another piece.  So when I met with ZAGG at CES this year, the ZAGGfolio for iPad 2 caught my eye.  The all-in-one keyboard/cover/stand from ZAGG is ideal for use on the go.  It provides functionality, protection, and a comfortable working experience, all in a single package.

To really put the ZAGGfolio to the test, I wanted to create, edit and post this entire review exclusively on the iPad.  That means all text, formatting and media insertion would be happening right here using the keyboard.  Basically, the ability to do everything I do for a full review right on the tablet.  I’ll reveal at the end if I was able to achieve this goal.  Available directly from ZAGG for $99.99 in multiple color options, the device used in this review was provided by ZAGG.

Manufacturer installation demonstration video

In the box

• ZAGGfolio for iPad 2 with removable Bluetooth wireless keyboard (battery included)
• USB to microUSB charging cable
• Various documentation

Specifications

• Weight: 19 ounces (539 grams)
• Keyboard only: 11.5 ounces (326 grams)
• Folio only: 7.5 ounces (213 grams)
• Length: 9.75 inches (247 mm)
• Width: 7.625 inches (193 mm)
• Depth: .9 inches (23 mm)
• Works with Apple iPad 2
• Battery Type: ZAGGfolio Bluetooth 3.0 keyboard uses a 510 mAh rechargeable lithium polymer battery.
• Battery Duration: battery will last several weeks of normal use without charging.

Full list of features (from ZAGG)

Setup

As with most Bluetooth devices, the setup is fairly simple. Turn on the folio and press the connect button to put it into pairing mode.  Then, go into Bluetooth settings on the iPad and select ‘ZAGG Keyboard’.  Type in the unique code shown on the iPad screen, and paring is complete.  Since the folio is used as a case, the iPad slides in with minimal effort.  A center groove in the folio lets the iPad rest securely while in use, and rubber bumpers around the metal keyboard keep the iPad screen safe while the folio is closed.

Battery

The ZAGGfolio uses a long-life, lithium-polymer rechargeable battery that offers several weeks of normal use with just 510 mAh. The keyboard goes into sleep mode if it’s left on and not being used. Press any key and wait a second or two to bring the keyboard out of sleep mode.  The battery has no memory, so ZAGG says you can charge it at any time.  Of course they recommend you turn the keyboard off when not in use, but with the low power consumption, it really doesn’t matter.  A status light on the keyboard lets you know when you’re down to approximately 20% battery remaining.  This means not hours, rather, you’ll have 2-4 days before it shuts down.  Clearly the power-users dream battery scenario, honestly, you’ll never find yourself worrying about the battery.

Special Function Keys

Upon inspection of the keyboard, I noticed a lot of special function keys, mostly on the top row.  From the cut/copy/paste buttons to the Home and Lock keys, ZAGG took care to put on options that would be the most used, and most practical for the iPad specifically.  The lock button in particular was very nice to have, as I regularly turn the screen on and off during the day, and a dedicated keyboard button made this particularly easy.  Also, the search button made launching of apps nice and quick, with the spotlight search is my preferred way to find and launch my program of choice.

Use and Results

Using the ZAGGfolio is where things get interesting.  When I first opened the package, I was surprised at how relatively heavy it felt.  The keyboard is a solid piece of aluminum and the case is a soft touch ABS hard-shell case wrapped in leather with a microfiber interior lining.  At 19 ounces, the ZAGGfolio nearly doubles the iPad 2′s weight of 21 ounces when attached.  This is often one of the downfalls with any iPad case, and something to consider when purchasing.  You’ve got this sleek, light tablet that is completely vulnerable to drops.  Start thinking about protection, and you’re going to cover the whole thing up and make it feel like a book with a case.

Once I had the keyboard paired and the iPad slid into the folio, I realized two things.  First, the iPad is now very well protected.  With a smart cover from Apple, you’re only covering the screen.  Using the ZAGGfolio, the entire iPad is now wrapped, and is well protected.  The second observation is  that you’re pretty much now restricted to use in landscape mode.  Basically, you’re not going to be doing ebook reading in bed with the ZAGGfolio attached, and simple “tablet” use is too unwieldy with a full physical keyboard.  Though, my purpose of this review was to determine if it would be possible for someone to use the iPad as a laptop replacement.  Plus, the iPad slides in and out fairly easily, so, I didn’t have too many reservations about this setup, just something to consider.

Regarding the keyboard itself.  While the keys are smaller than on a laptop, the spacing is such that it’s still quite decent.  In fact, the black chiclet keys reminded me of the MacBook Air, and even a closeup image of them (below) has even me doing a double take when I see it.

In my day to day use, I found I was using the iPad much more than I had in the past.  Whether it was processing emails, corresponding over iMessage, or just using it while in meetings, the full keyboard was a nice thing to have.  However, as soon as I got home, my use plummeted.  I rarely considered pulling it out, as the mental block about having the keyboard on it had me thinking “do I really need a full keyboard right now”, and I’d reach for a smartphone instead.  Sure, it’s easy enough to remove the iPad from the folio, but then, I’d want to put my snap on case back on it to protect it from the mayhem that is my life.  This seemingly minimal inconvenience tells me something about my use of a tablet.  I’d much rather have the keyboard during the day for getting work done, but when 5pm hits, a plain tablet is more my speed.

Overall

After a few weeks of using the ZAGGfolio, and composing this review while using it, I’m happy to say it easily met my expectations of what I need out of a laptop.  At the beginning of this review, I said I wanted to complete the entire thing from the iPad.  Well, I made it about 95% of the way.  Thanks to the WordPress app on the iPad, the text entry and media insertion were a breeze.  Further simplified with PhotoStream, I took all the photos with my iPhone 4S, and then selected them for insertion on the iPad.  What I couldn’t easily do was the insertion of bullet points and the YouTube video at the top.  Though, this clearly is a limitation of the app, not the ZAGGfolio.

Most of what I do while on the go is text based, and a full qwerty keyboard of the ZAGGfolio makes the iPad as useful for 90% of the tasks as my MacBook Air.  Further, I love the instant-on abilities of a tablet, and think that for the vast majority of people, a tablet makes much more sense than a laptop for their next purchase.  Truth be told, the ZAGGfolio had me reconsidering the need for my laptop, as I was able to connect remotely to a desktop for the times when I needed a full desktop app experience.  The bottom line is if you’re trying to figure out what your next computer purchase will be, but web based services and internet browsing are going to be your primary uses, a tablet with the ZAGGfolio is a better option.  Offering protection, efficiency and utility, the ZAGGfolio for iPad 2 provides you with it all.

Full Gallery

The high costs associated with cellular voice minutes are at the top of consumer complaints when it comes to monthly phone bills.  The carriers know that the lowest tier, typically around 450 minutes, is not enough for the average person, so you’re forced to buy up to something with more minutes.  Naturally, this next tier offers way more minutes than you actually need, so you lose unused minutes the end of your cycle.  And while more cost-effective VoIP services like Skype and Truphone have been around for years, they never caught on with the mainstream consumer as a good day to day usage option.  Toktumi’s Line2 service has set out to change that, with the ability to make and receive unlimited calls and texts to the US and Canada by way of a traditional phone number.  Line2 lets you use your carrier’s minutes, or through VoIP with either a cellular or WiFi connection.  Line2 offers a free trial, and standard plans cost $9.95 per month.

How it works

Line2 works by assigning you a phone number in the area code of your choosing, including the option to port in a number you already own.  Use occurs over one of the free Line2 mobile applications, including options for the iPhone, iPad and most Android devices.  Other enhanced features such as 20-person conference calls and visual voicemail also come with the service, virtually adding a second phone line to your existing hardware.

Plan Options

Line2 compared to other services

Use and Results

I’m not someone that uses a lot of voice minutes, but when I do, it’s typically on lengthy calls catching up with family and friends.  Most of the time, these calls occur in an area where I’ve got a solid WiFi connection.  I’ve tried various VoIP services, but have never landed on one that I’ve stuck with and used.  I met Line2 CEO Peter Sission at CES, who took the time to explain the product to us in an interview for on TCPJ Unlocked Show #106, and offered us a trial of the service.

Since Line2 provides a traditional landline phone number, I was able to integrate it for both calls and texts into my Google Voice account.  The applications for the iPhone, iPad and Android platforms let me install and test the service across multiple devices.  While you can’t be logged in on multiple devices at the same time, this flexibility let me choose the most convenient platform for me, which surprisingly was often the iPad.

Making and receiving calls is as easy as using the built in phone app.  Running on iOS 5 or Android, the app is always connected in the background, so is extremely reliable, and I never missed a call during my testing.  Sound quality is great, as referenced by this test call using on the iPad 2:

Line2 Test Call.WAV

It should be noticed that if you use 3G on an iPad or smartphone to make your calls, you’ll still have a decent experience, but the quality is not quite as good as over WiFi.  Also, depending on your internet connection, the application does a great job of dynamically altering the quality of the call to the speed of your connection, but this could force it at times down to something that sounds worse than a call over the traditional circuit-switched cellular network.

Overall

Line2 offers plenty of of features and value for its $1o per month starting price.  With unlimited calls and texts on top of a simple interface and a traditional phone number, Line2 sets itself apart from the straight VoIP services.  If you have multiple devices that support the use of the apps, you can switch your account between them depending on your needs.  And because Line2 gives you a phone number, the flexibility to use it with services such as Google Voice or even forward all calls to a separate number make it one of the best options out there for anyone looking to add another line to their device, or simply save money on their phone bill.

Full Gallery

Wilson Electronics announced the Sleek 4G-V at CES this year, the world’s first 4G LTE signal booster. The unit is specifically designed to boost the strength of Verizon Wireless’ LTE service, along with conventional 2G and 3G signals on the 700, 800 and 1900 MHz bands. The Sleek 4G-V will sell for $150 and while designed for use in a vehicle, can be used indoors with the optional accessory pack. The Wilson 4G-V will be available in the second quarter from most Wilson resellers.  The device used in this review was provided by Wilson.

Manufacturer installation demonstration video

In the Box

• Wilson Sleek 4G-V Universal Cell Phone Signal Booster
• DC Power Supply
• Mini-Magnet Mount Antenna
• Vehicle Dash Adhesive Mounting Bracket

Optional Home/Office Accessory Kit

• Adjustable desktop Cradle Mount
• Antenna Window Mount
• AC Power Supply
• Carrying Case

Full Description (from Wilson)

The Sleek 4G-V – Get peak cellular performance in your vehicle for all phones including Verizon Wireless® LTE devices.

Now there’s a mobile signal booster for those using Verizon Wireless® LTE devices – the Sleek 4G-V from Wilson Electronics. This powerful signal booster helps you stay connected by providing a strong reliable signal in weak-signal areas, reducing lost connections and speeding data rates. It boosts both voice and data communication – making it perfect for phones and wireless WiFi hotspots like the Verizon JetPack™.

The Sleek 4G-V works with all devices on all conventional 2G and 3G networks,* as well as the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network. Wilson signal boosters feature cell site protection technologies refined over more than a decade of research and development. Optional indoor accessory kit allows use at home or in the office. FCC type accepted.

Specifications

Installation

Installing the Sleek 4G-V in a vehicle is a 3 step process.

First, install the outside magnet mount antenna.  The location should be in the center of the vehicle’s roof, 12 inches away from other antennas, and at least 6 inches away from the side windows or sunroof.  Route the coax cable from into the vehicle through a door, trunk or tailgate opening, running it under the door seal if possible for less wear and tear on the cable and a more professional look.

Next, choose a location inside your vehicle where you’d like to mount the cradle/signal booster.  Use the included mounting bracket (or optional accessory kit) to adhere the cradle to your chosen location, using the alcohol prep pad to clean the area before installing.

Finally, attach the coax cable, and mini USB power adapter and ensure that the green light on the left side of the Sleek 4G-V is on.  This light ensures that the booster is functioning properly.

Installing in a home or office is fairly similar, it just requires the use of the optional accessory kit.

First, mount the suction cup bracket to a window or some sort of structure located as close to an exterior wall as possible.  I chose to use the side of my desk next to a window.

Next, place the cradle mount in a convenient location, such as on your desk or a cabinet.  Hook in the Sleek 4GV cradle and connect the antenna and power cables.

Finally, place your phone, USB stick, or MiFi in the cradle, and watch as bars rise!

Use and Results

Through the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to test out a number of signal boosting products from various companies.  Wilson continues to be at the top of my list of recommendations for reliable, consistent products that are fairly easy to install, but more importantly, work well.  The 4G-V is no different.  I’ve been using the original Sleek in my personal vehicle for the last 15 months, and without it, I wouldn’t hold phone calls or keep data streaming on my iPhone.

Now, with Verizon’s new 4G LTE network maturing throughout the Phoenix area, I have been looking for a solution to increase my data speeds on my USB modem.  The Wilson Sleek 4G-V fills this need perfectly with ability to use it either in my office, or in my car.  Thanks to its simple 3 part system, it can also be moved from place to place, and even comes with a travel carrying case.

In recent testing, I’ve found that the LTE signal in my office is not very strong.  dBm readings on pretty much any device hover in the mid -100′s, and occasionally devices will fall back to the Verizon 3G network.  Testing out the Sleek in this same area, my signal strength shot up to a very respectable -74dBm using the Sleek connected to a Cradlepoint to create a hotspot.

Plugging the USB modem directly into my laptop typically shows 2 bars.  Above is an image of the VZAccess software without the 4G-V.

Immediately upon putting the USB modem into the cradle, the bars jump to 3 (as seen above).

For speedtest comparison purposes, the top 2 tests (at 7:27pm) were done without the 4G-V, and the bottom 2 tests (at 7:25pm) were with it.  Note the delta between the first and last is 6Mbps on the download side, and 1.5Mbps on the upload.  Yes, 10Mbps is still very good, but a 50% increase makes it great.

Overall

Like the original Wilson Sleek, I’m happy to recommend the Sleek 4G-V as an economical and effective passive signal amplifier for either in-vehicle or home/office use.  The easy installation and universal nature make this a good option for most people, and the 4G amplification for Verizon LTE bands makes this the first of its kind in the market.

Full Gallery

Charging phones while in a vehicle is something many people do each day, but the introduction of tablets brings another factor to the mix, higher amperage requirements. Devices such as the Apple iPad and BlackBerry Playbook need 2.1AMPs to charge, and most car chargers max out at 1AMP. With the Monaco 3.1AMP Extreme Charge Car Power adapter, you plug the adapter into your vehicle’s DC power outlet, and can charge 2 devices via USB at the same time. The first port offers 2.1AMPs for fast charging for phones, and enough to top up your tablet. The second delivers 1AMP, and charges most phones, including iOS, Android and BlackBerry devices*. The product used in this review was provided by, and is available for $14.95 on WirelessGround.com.

Usage

Driving up to Las Vegas for the 2012 Consumer Electronics show was the perfect time to try out the adapter as we traversed the Arizona desert. Between two of us, we had 2 iPads, an iPhone, a Nexus S, an HTC HD7, a BlackBerry and an iPod Touch. Keeping the iPads topped up was the primary focus, and the Extreme Charge worked perfectly. Plus, we were able to swap the phones out with usb cables to keep each of them charged along the way. Charging of the iPad seemed about 20% slower than with the OEM provided charger, but this is about the same as the experience charging it with the 2.1AMP ZAGG Sparq.

Overall

The Monaco 3.1AMP Extreme Charge Car Power Adapter is perfect for someone that needs to charge more than one device at a time, including a tablet such as the iPad. Never worry again about running out of power on your iPad while on a roadtrip, or charge it back up quickly as you head from one site to another.

*The Monaco 3.1AMP Extreme Charge Car Power Adapter is compatible with the Apple iPad, iPad 2, iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, Motorola Xoom, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Galaxy Tab 8.9, Galaxy Tab 10.1, BlackBerry PlayBook and most other USB supported smartphones, tablets and handheld devices.