mobile telephones and cellphones

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When Pantech unveiled the original Pursuit messaging phone a few years back, I was hooked. I liked its unusual shape and colorful design. And I liked its unique shake feature, which let you control some of the phone's functions just by shaking it.

So I had high hopes for the next generation of this phone, the Pantech Pursuit II. This messaging phone for AT&T shares some of the same features as the original Pantech. But overall, it simply lacks the pizzazz and punch of its predecessor. Find out more in my full review of the Pantech Pursuit II.

Photo © AT&T

Review: The Pantech Pursuit II originally appeared on About.com Cell Phones on Tuesday, November 1st, 2011 at 10:56:20.

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">Review: The Pantech Pursuit II

When Pantech unveiled the original Pursuit messaging phone a few years back, I was hooked. I liked its unusual shape and colorful design. And I liked its unique shake feature, which let you control some of the phone's functions just by shaking it.

So I had high hopes for the next generation of this phone, the Pantech Pursuit II. This messaging phone for AT&T shares some of the same features as the original Pantech. But overall, it simply lacks the pizzazz and punch of its predecessor. Find out more in my full review of the Pantech Pursuit II.

Photo © AT&T

Review: The Pantech Pursuit II originally appeared on About.com Cell Phones on Tuesday, November 1st, 2011 at 10:56:20.

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It's official: Pantech truly has crossed over into the smartphone arena. The company, best known for its excellent line of feature phones, is preparing for the launch of the Pantech Pocket. This Android smartphone (pictured here) will be released by AT&T on November 6.

The Pantech Pocket will feature a 4-inch SVGA touch screen and an unusual square shape. Additional features include Android version 2.3, 4G support, and a 5-megapixel camera. Pricing for the Pantech Pocket has not yet been revealed.

With those specs, the Pocket is a step up from the Pantech Crossover, which was the company's first Android phone for the U.S. market. The Crossover's specs are decidedly less flashy, as it runs an older version of Android, features a smaller touch screen, and sports a 3-megapixel camera. But the Crossover is available for free when you sign a two-year service contract with AT&T. For more information, read my full review of the Pantech Crossover.

Photo © Pantech

Pantech Crosses Over Into Smartphones originally appeared on About.com Cell Phones on Tuesday, October 25th, 2011 at 11:48:44.

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">Pantech Crosses Over Into Smartphones

It's official: Pantech truly has crossed over into the smartphone arena. The company, best known for its excellent line of feature phones, is preparing for the launch of the Pantech Pocket. This Android smartphone (pictured here) will be released by AT&T on November 6.

The Pantech Pocket will feature a 4-inch SVGA touch screen and an unusual square shape. Additional features include Android version 2.3, 4G support, and a 5-megapixel camera. Pricing for the Pantech Pocket has not yet been revealed.

With those specs, the Pocket is a step up from the Pantech Crossover, which was the company's first Android phone for the U.S. market. The Crossover's specs are decidedly less flashy, as it runs an older version of Android, features a smaller touch screen, and sports a 3-megapixel camera. But the Crossover is available for free when you sign a two-year service contract with AT&T. For more information, read my full review of the Pantech Crossover.

Photo © Pantech

Pantech Crosses Over Into Smartphones originally appeared on About.com Cell Phones on Tuesday, October 25th, 2011 at 11:48:44.

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It's easy to overlook BlackBerry phones. After all, they're usually not as flashy as the newer, speedier Android devices. And they don't get all the hype reserved for Apple's iPhone.

But BlackBerry phones are some of today's best smartphones. Find out which models have earned a spot on my newly-updated list of Today's Best BlackBerry Phones.

And if you're interested in the BlackBerry Torch, find out more about it by reading my complete review of the BlackBerry Torch 9810.

Photo © RIM

What Are Today's Best BlackBerry Phones? originally appeared on About.com Cell Phones on Thursday, October 20th, 2011 at 16:24:03.

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">What Are Today's Best BlackBerry Phones?

It's easy to overlook BlackBerry phones. After all, they're usually not as flashy as the newer, speedier Android devices. And they don't get all the hype reserved for Apple's iPhone.

But BlackBerry phones are some of today's best smartphones. Find out which models have earned a spot on my newly-updated list of Today's Best BlackBerry Phones.

And if you're interested in the BlackBerry Torch, find out more about it by reading my complete review of the BlackBerry Torch 9810.

Photo © RIM

What Are Today's Best BlackBerry Phones? originally appeared on About.com Cell Phones on Thursday, October 20th, 2011 at 16:24:03.

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Apple has released the next version of its iOS software, version 5. iOS 5 will ship on the upcoming iPhone 4S, and is now available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch owners.

To get the software on your device, you'll need to connect it to iTunes. For complete instructions, see How to Update Your iPhone's Software.

And make sure you have a compatible device. iOS 5 works with the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4, the third- and fourth-generation iPod touch, and both versions of the iPad.

Photo © Apple

How to Get Apple's iOS 5 Update originally appeared on About.com Cell Phones on Thursday, October 13th, 2011 at 12:03:00.

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">How to Get Apple's iOS 5 Update

Apple has released the next version of its iOS software, version 5. iOS 5 will ship on the upcoming iPhone 4S, and is now available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch owners.

To get the software on your device, you'll need to connect it to iTunes. For complete instructions, see How to Update Your iPhone's Software.

And make sure you have a compatible device. iOS 5 works with the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4, the third- and fourth-generation iPod touch, and both versions of the iPad.

Photo © Apple

How to Get Apple's iOS 5 Update originally appeared on About.com Cell Phones on Thursday, October 13th, 2011 at 12:03:00.

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Well, that was fast: Pre-orders for the new iPhone 4S surpassed the 1 million mark in just 24 hours, Apple says. According to Apple, that's a new record, topping the 600,000 pre-orders received for the company's iPhone 4 in one day last year.

"We are blown away with the incredible customer response to iPhone 4S," Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, said in a statement issued Monday. "The first day pre-orders for iPhone 4S have been the most for any new product that Apple has ever launched and we are thrilled that customers love iPhone 4S as much as we do."

The iPhone 4S will be available on Friday, October 14 in Apple stores and at carrier locations. For more information about ordering the new phone, see How to Pre-Order the iPhone 4S.

And for more information about Apple's new smartphone, see Apple iPhone 4S: A Complete Overview and How Much Does the iPhone 4S Cost?.

Photo © Apple

Apple iPhone 4S Pre-Orders Smash Records originally appeared on About.com Cell Phones on Monday, October 10th, 2011 at 14:12:21.

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">Apple iPhone 4S Pre-Orders Smash Records

Well, that was fast: Pre-orders for the new iPhone 4S surpassed the 1 million mark in just 24 hours, Apple says. According to Apple, that's a new record, topping the 600,000 pre-orders received for the company's iPhone 4 in one day last year.

"We are blown away with the incredible customer response to iPhone 4S," Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, said in a statement issued Monday. "The first day pre-orders for iPhone 4S have been the most for any new product that Apple has ever launched and we are thrilled that customers love iPhone 4S as much as we do."

The iPhone 4S will be available on Friday, October 14 in Apple stores and at carrier locations. For more information about ordering the new phone, see How to Pre-Order the iPhone 4S.

And for more information about Apple's new smartphone, see Apple iPhone 4S: A Complete Overview and How Much Does the iPhone 4S Cost?.

Photo © Apple

Apple iPhone 4S Pre-Orders Smash Records originally appeared on About.com Cell Phones on Monday, October 10th, 2011 at 14:12:21.

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Apple Co-Founder Steve Jobs has died at the age of 56, Apple said in a statement on Wednesday. Jobs, who was the tech visionary behind devices such as the iPhone and the iPad, resigned from Apple in August, citing health issues.

To read more about the life, career, and death of Jobs, see:

• NYTimes.com: Steve Jobs of Apple Dies at 56
• NYTimes.com: Apple's Years With and Without Steve Jobs
• Apple.com: Remembering Steve Jobs
• PCWorld.com: Steve Jobs at Apple, in Pictures

Photo © Apple

Steve Jobs, iPhone Creator, Dies at 56 originally appeared on About.com Cell Phones on Wednesday, October 5th, 2011 at 20:34:55.

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">Steve Jobs, iPhone Creator, Dies at 56

Apple Co-Founder Steve Jobs has died at the age of 56, Apple said in a statement on Wednesday. Jobs, who was the tech visionary behind devices such as the iPhone and the iPad, resigned from Apple in August, citing health issues.

To read more about the life, career, and death of Jobs, see:

• NYTimes.com: Steve Jobs of Apple Dies at 56
• NYTimes.com: Apple's Years With and Without Steve Jobs
• Apple.com: Remembering Steve Jobs
• PCWorld.com: Steve Jobs at Apple, in Pictures

Photo © Apple

Steve Jobs, iPhone Creator, Dies at 56 originally appeared on About.com Cell Phones on Wednesday, October 5th, 2011 at 20:34:55.

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If you were expecting the iPhone 5 -- as many people were -- then you might be disappointed by the phone that Apple announced today. Instead of a radically redesigned iPhone 5, Apple instead unveiled the iPhone 4S.

It's not the drastic overhaul that some folks expected. But the iPhone 4S is a thoughtful update to Apple's impressive iPhone 4. It keeps the same excellent design and the same pricing, but adds a more powerful processor, an improved camera, and a new carrier option.

For more information about Apple's new phone, see my complete overview of the iPhone 4S.

Photo © Apple

Apple Introduces the iPhone 4S originally appeared on About.com Cell Phones on Tuesday, October 4th, 2011 at 20:41:30.

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">Apple Introduces the iPhone 4S

If you were expecting the iPhone 5 -- as many people were -- then you might be disappointed by the phone that Apple announced today. Instead of a radically redesigned iPhone 5, Apple instead unveiled the iPhone 4S.

It's not the drastic overhaul that some folks expected. But the iPhone 4S is a thoughtful update to Apple's impressive iPhone 4. It keeps the same excellent design and the same pricing, but adds a more powerful processor, an improved camera, and a new carrier option.

For more information about Apple's new phone, see my complete overview of the iPhone 4S.

Photo © Apple

Apple Introduces the iPhone 4S originally appeared on About.com Cell Phones on Tuesday, October 4th, 2011 at 20:41:30.

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iPhone 5: Rounding Up the Rumors.

And, after Apple's event, check back for all the details about the new iPhone.

iPhone 5 to Debut Today? originally appeared on About.com Cell Phones on Tuesday, October 4th, 2011 at 10:54:08.

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">iPhone 5 to Debut Today?

At long last, it's iPhone day: Apple reportedly will unveil its next-generation iPhone, rumored to be called the iPhone 5, at a press event to be held this morning in San Francisco.

We don't know for sure what the phone will look like, what kind of features it will offer, what it will be called, or when it will be available. So, now is your last chance to get your guesses in. And if you're looking for a little inspiration, check out iPhone 5: Rounding Up the Rumors.

And, after Apple's event, check back for all the details about the new iPhone.

iPhone 5 to Debut Today? originally appeared on About.com Cell Phones on Tuesday, October 4th, 2011 at 10:54:08.

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If you're itching to get your hands on a smartphone that supports today's high-speed 4G networks, you should be prepared to shell out big bucks, right? Not necessarily: the Samsung Conquer 4G is now available from Sprint for less than $100 when you sign a two-year contract.

You will make some trade-offs to get this phone at a bargain price. It lacks the big screen and the top quality camera that other 4G phones, like the HTC EVO 3D and Motorola Photon 4G, offer. But the Samsung Conquer 4G does pack in plenty of cool features, including the latest version of Android, plenty of multimedia options, and an attractive design.

For more information, see my full review of the Samsung Conquer 4G.

Photo © Sprint

Review: Samsung's Affordable 4G Phone originally appeared on About.com Cell Phones on Tuesday, September 27th, 2011 at 11:25:42.

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">Review: Samsung's Affordable 4G Phone

If you're itching to get your hands on a smartphone that supports today's high-speed 4G networks, you should be prepared to shell out big bucks, right? Not necessarily: the Samsung Conquer 4G is now available from Sprint for less than $100 when you sign a two-year contract.

You will make some trade-offs to get this phone at a bargain price. It lacks the big screen and the top quality camera that other 4G phones, like the HTC EVO 3D and Motorola Photon 4G, offer. But the Samsung Conquer 4G does pack in plenty of cool features, including the latest version of Android, plenty of multimedia options, and an attractive design.

For more information, see my full review of the Samsung Conquer 4G.

Photo © Sprint

Review: Samsung's Affordable 4G Phone originally appeared on About.com Cell Phones on Tuesday, September 27th, 2011 at 11:25:42.

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AllThingsD blog.

Citing sources "close to the situation," AllThingsD reports that Apple's new CEO Tim Cook, who replaced Steve Jobs after his high-profile departure from the company, will unveil the new iPhone. The report also says that the new phone will be available "within a few weeks" of the announcement.

While we await the official confirmation of that news from Apple, rumors are again swirling that Apple may unveil more than one new iPhone model next month. These rumors, which have surfaced in the past, gained momentum last week when former Vice President and Apple board member Al Gore said that the company would be unveiling the "new iPhones" next month. Gore did not elaborate on why he used the plural form, but news reports were quick to jump on his choice of words.

For more information about what to expect from the next-generation iPhone, see iPhone 5: Rounding Up the Rumors.

Apple to Unveil iPhone 5 on October 4? originally appeared on About.com Cell Phones on Sunday, September 25th, 2011 at 14:29:25.

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">Apple to Unveil iPhone 5 on October 4?

Apple plans to unveil its long-awaited iPhone 5 in early October, multiple reports suggest, including one published on the Wall Street Journal's AllThingsD blog.

Citing sources "close to the situation," AllThingsD reports that Apple's new CEO Tim Cook, who replaced Steve Jobs after his high-profile departure from the company, will unveil the new iPhone. The report also says that the new phone will be available "within a few weeks" of the announcement.

While we await the official confirmation of that news from Apple, rumors are again swirling that Apple may unveil more than one new iPhone model next month. These rumors, which have surfaced in the past, gained momentum last week when former Vice President and Apple board member Al Gore said that the company would be unveiling the "new iPhones" next month. Gore did not elaborate on why he used the plural form, but news reports were quick to jump on his choice of words.

For more information about what to expect from the next-generation iPhone, see iPhone 5: Rounding Up the Rumors.

Apple to Unveil iPhone 5 on October 4? originally appeared on About.com Cell Phones on Sunday, September 25th, 2011 at 14:29:25.

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