TechImpact / it happens there first

The Nexus One Dock arrived via my friendly Fed Ex delivery person a short while ago, and after playing with device for an hour or so my initial impressions are positive. Included in the now familiar white "Nexus One Style" box were the dock, a 3.5mm-to-RCA cable, and the power cable. Installation was non-existent: plug the power cable into the dock and set the Nexus One in the cradle. The phone automatically pairs with the Bluetooth receiver when placed in the dock and prompts you as to if you wish to use the dock for audio playback. Your selection can be modified from the 'Dock' option under 'Settings' if you change your mind later. Even if you have Bluetooth disabled, playback through the dock's audio output will still function while the phone is in the cradle. The dock also functions as a Bluetooth audio device when the phone is removed from the cradle (when Bluetooth is enabled obviously). When set into the cradle, the phone automatically launches the 'Clock' application, with accompanying screen saver and simplified menu options along the bottom of the screen. Charge times with the dock appear as fast if not faster than when using the wall charger.

A few notes about the cradle: The fit is very tight and there isn't much room for positioning the charging contact points along the bottom, so the dock will probably not be usable with any form of case and will most definitely not work with any extended battery that adds bulk to the phone such as the Innocell 2800mAh Extended Life Battery. Even slightly leaning the phone forward while in the cradle was enough to break contact with the dock.

The power connector in the back of the device appears to be a standard micro USB port, but the instructions clearly state that the device can not be plugged into a PC and isn't intended for data transfer. I wasn't about to risk burning out the USB port on any of my devices to test if the device can be powered from a PC USB port. I bought the dock to use on my night stand in the bed room away from any PC, which seems more like the intended purpose.

Was it worth the $45.00 USD + shipping and taxes? The dock functions as advertised, but the inability to use any kind of case or extended battery is something of a concern. Those looking for a desktop dock to be used near your computer will want to look elsewhere as well for a dock that also offers data transfer.

by Jerry Gamble

To not be accused of misleading anyone, this blog entry features an iphone game series that my company makes and sells.

When I started working on the iPhone platform, it was to add it to our product line for our consulting business. Many may question why an internet marketing company would build iPhone apps, other than the obvious "to make money". The answer is just as simple -- because we build marketing solutions for the web. Yes I said it, iPhone apps are a part of the web. At least, the new web. The internet has left our PC's stored in our tiny little cubicles, and is now wondering the streets in the palm of our hand.

by Chris Gamble

A summation of my thoughts after 2 days hands-on with the Nokia N97.

I wanted to like this phone. First, I spent a lot of money to buy it. I could have bought a new IPhone 3G S and paid AT&T's early termination fee for what the N97 costs. Second, though I had some reservations about a few features I thought should have been part of the phone, I was a fan of my Nokia N95.

Foreshadowing complete, I can't recommend the Nokia N97 right now—to anyone.

by Jerry Gamble

here I am, in the magical world of Disney after a 3 hour flight with my 2 year old daughter. I was initially going to blog about the less than warm welcome, capturing images of cast members who obviously hate their job. Then I recalled that iPhone safari lacks an upload control. Not devastating, but in this age it's a terribly annoying non feature

by Chris Gamble

I think Nokia must be allergic to success.

And this time I am not referring to the lack of support for obvious features of a smart phone missing from most of their devices, or the fact that it will be 2009 before the company finally releases a touch phone (way to "get there first and take the high ground", Nokia).

This time I am referring to the many things that you CAN get on the Nokia N95 (and other Symbian 3rd Edition) phones.

by Jerry Gamble

After reading the numerous complaints on the internet about how the 2.0.2 update took too long, and did nothing to fix the "real" problems with the platform, I installed it anyway.

by Chris Gamble

Nokia announced yesterday that they will be acquiring the remaining shares of Symbian and releasing the OS as open source under the newly founded Symbian Foundation.

by Jerry Gamble

The UnOfficial Ericsson Blog slips hot off the press. The amazing cameras from Sony have made their way into a phone with GPS, 8.1 megapixel camera, LED and xenon flashes, TV out, Wifi, Newest BlueTooth and 3G network (in the HSDPA flavor) -- all in the CyberShot name.

Of course, being on Windows Mobile gives it another HUGE advantage. You can put custom software on it without massive licensing and profit sharing deals granted to the lucky few on "someone elses" phone. Sip client, VPN, SSH, or a client for WoW? If your on Windows Mobile, its probably out there somewhere.

by Chris Gamble

Back in April I purchased a new Nokia N95 8GB from Dell for around $630. I was content in knowing that while I was most likely overpaying for the device, I could at least be smug about the 3G support and other features that made my phone clearly superior to the IPhone everyone else was toting around.

Fast forward to three months later. Apple announces the IPhone 2.0, leaving me wallowing in gadget envy and despair.[Read More]

by Jerry Gamble

According to details at Wired News, several chips already exist in the iPhone armor for the soon to arrive 2.0 mobile handset.

First, data plans are $30/mnth for personal and $45 for business phones. Seems they were a bit cheaper last year.

Second, NO buying online, and NO self activation. To pick up your new iPhone or get any service you will need to visit one of the select brick and mortars, and expect to bring a sleeping bag. Not that any of us need to be at work to earn the iPhone tax.

Lastly, and most painfully, Apple was not able to snag its wander deal of profit sharing from income. What that means to you and me -- expect to pay for the software upgrades that actually make the phone work.

Good luck on July 11

UPDATE 9:59 pm Engadget refutes this last point by indicating that Apple's accounting procedures are in-line to make this not necessary. Essentially, the cost of the phone is recognized over a term. Of course this doesn't make up for the fact that REAL money will no longer be given to Apple, but I'll leave the speculation to your comments.

by Chris Gamble