Mobile Phones
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Uncommon Custom iPhone Case
I've gone through several different types of iPhone cases to protect my handheld investment, but none are more unique than the Uncommon iPhone case I created for myself. A "custom" iPhone case, you ask? Yup... and you can do it too! Uncommon utilizes their proprietary 3D TATT™ (Thermo-Active Transdermal Technology™) process to embed the colors into the plastic for a long-lasting, durable finish. With their iPhone cases, you can choose from their vast array of existing artwork or upload your own. I went the for the upload route to see how the process works and the result was fantastic. The imagery is clear and crisp and I've now got a great iPhone case with a beautiful, personal photo on the back. The process is simple:
- Create an account at GetUncommon.com
- Upload your photos or artwork
- Preview the photo on a simulated case
- Place the order
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T-Mobile myTouch Google Android-based Smartphone Announced
While I must admit that I'm fully enamored by the iPhone 3GS, the fact that I have to commit to using AT&T has me running in the other direction as fast as I can. Their plans are expensive and I've had poor customer service in the past. So, I keep looking on the horizon for an alternative in T-Mobile land while I wait out Apple's exclusivity agreement. Every provider has its drawbacks (T-Mobile's is lack of coverage), but the quality, US-based customer support provided by T-Mobile has won me over. Add on top of that more palatable service plans and I'm staying put... at least with T-Mobile. Coming July 8, T-Mobile is releasing the all-new myTouch Google Android-based phone to current subscribers. The phone is a sleeker and simpler design to the T-mobile G1 and looks a lot more promising for most users. While the G1 remains in the lineup as a powerhouse, the new myTouch looks more refined and sports a more iPhone-like form factor (minus the buttons at the bottom). I'm looking forward to seeing the T-Mobile Android myTouch in person once its released. Here are a few features of this new smartphone:
- 3.2" touchscreen (320 x 480 resolution)
- Faster 3G network
- WiFi connectivity
- Personalization features
- Photo and video capability (3.2 mp camera)
- Full Google application suite
- Touchscreen QWERTY keyboard (landscape or portrait modes)
- Form-factor smaller than an iPhone (don't let the stretched image to the right fool you)
- Price: $199 w/2-year agreement
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G’zOne Boulder Cell Phone
Though not exactly the first thing that pops to mind when I think of gear, I've come to realize that my cell phone is pretty high up on my list of things I value function in when playing outside. Recently, I got a new G'zOne Boulder cell phone, and I've been nothing but impressed, so I felt I'd pass along the info. Let's preface this article with some background information. I am ridiculously hard on equipment. My laptop has a plastic cover AND a case it travels in. I went through 4 cell phones within the course of 12 months. The inside of my truck needs a permanent scotch-guard bath. Not a day goes by when I don't leave the house with a dog leash, coffee, school books and a bagel teetering in one hand, and my cell phone, keys and jacket in the other, and my backpack full of everything else hanging on my side. I drop things. Frequently. That having been said, G'zOne markets their phone as being "tough" and ready to "withstand the elements." I figured that if anyone could break that sucker, it'd be me. With claims such as the phone being dust proof, shock proof and water resistant, I was skeptical, but interested to try it out, and see if the phone was "Claire-proof."
Key Features of the G'zOne Boulder
- Phone is coated in a silicon rubber, which is basically a built in case, adding durability
- Water resistant- The G'zOne is marketed to be water resistant for up to 30 minutes submerged up to 1 meter. Don't believe me? Here's a true story for ya... A friend who also has the G'zOne called me about 6 months ago, and I heard an odd background noise. I asked her what she was up to, and she informed me that she was multitasking- showering and making phone calls. Yes, she called me from the shower. Creepy, yes. Sweet feature of the phone, definitely! Her phone is still working like a champ, 6 months and many wet phone calls later. Also humidity resistant.
- Shock resistant- It's true. Having had the phone only 2 weeks, its taken a dive down my concrete front steps, and off the front seat of my truck more than once. I can happily report that after these occurrences, the phone looks as good as new, and is in fine working order.
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Snocator iPhone App for Snow Junkies
Anymore it seams that Apps for the iPhone are almost as valuable as the phone itself. Skiers and snowboarders who are also owners of the iPhone have at their fingertips a number of snow report and other ski resort related applications. One of the standouts that I've found recently is one called Snocator which uses interactive trail maps to show you where you are on the mountain with all lifts, runs and features included. It also provides the latest snow reports, weather conditions, mountain cams and up-to-the-minute forecasts. Pretty much there's no reason for getting lost, cold, hungry, etc. Nearly every major ski area in North America is covered by Snocator, and it features mountain cams for resorts throughout the world. More resorts are being added each day. On mountain features:
- see your current location on a map and what trail you're on (note: this will be less accurate for non-GPS iPhones)
- Plan your next runs using interactive trail maps
- Find the nearest spot to warm up, grab lunch, or get a hot drink
- Find your friends – a feature that will be coming soon
- Track your runs, speed, and vertical (and coming soon you can show it off on a map)
- Check the latest weather forecasts
- Get snow reports: search resorts in order of largest snowfall and proximity to you
- Check out views of the mountain from real-time mountain cams
- Keep a list of your favorite resorts
- Find the nearest resorts to you
- Track your progress en-route to the slopes and see how far away you are
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T-mobile G1 Google Phone vs. AT&T iPhone 3G
Looks like T-mobile will be carrying google's new "Android" phone, the G1. I just checked out the rock-and-roll demo of the phone and at this point it looks ho-hum. I mean, the music is hot, but the phone looks clunky. Admittedly, I'm a huge Apple fan, but I haven't yet jumped on the iPhone 3G bandwagon. My biggest reason is AT&T... their lackluster customer service and expensive services plans have soured my drive for the iPhone. I do have an iPod Touch and completely enjoy the interface and user-experience. It's so easy to use that I find my 3-year-old writing email and browsing YouTube or watching The Incredibles on it all the time. Her favorite YouTube video to watch is Crazy Horses by the Osmonds (it's bookmarked as it should be). Thanks to the new iPhone/iPod 2.1 software update, I've now disabled YouTube so she can't happen upon someone's soft porn unknowingly... phew! I digress... back to the T-mobile G1. I think it misses the mark and definitely will not be an iPhone killer. I venture that this particular version with be a flop and here's why:
- The form-factor looks HUGE
- Where's the bling? Nothing on this phone breaks new ground
- The design looks like it was built by the miltary
- The upturned button area adds to the awkward form-factor
- Google is not know for their interfaces... these guys are engineering-driven and we all know how well engineers design interfaces
- Full QWERTY keyboard, but the slide-out design may be problematic
- It's not on AT&T
- T-mobile's customer service is great