Mobile/Wireless

Mon, April 12, 2010 - With a better design and stronger specs, the Kin Two (Verizon; price TBA) outshines its sibling, the Kin One. But it isn't perfect: Limitations and omissions within the software keep it from being a threat to lower-priced smartphones on Verizon.

Fri, April 02, 2010 - For the un-initiated, the term Easter eggs is geek parlance for secret gags and goofs buried deep inside software. Google's been laying Easter eggs for years. Now as cell phones have hit mass appeal, perhaps it's no surprise that Easter eggs have snuck into our handhelds.

Thu, March 04, 2010 - At first glance, Motorola's second Android phone on Verizon, the Devour ($150 with a two-year contract from Verizon; price as of 3/3/10) looks a lot like the Droid. But after spending some time with the new model, I realized that it couldn't be more different from its older sibling. There's a lot to like about the Devour, especially its social networking features, intuitive user interface, and sturdy design, but it also has some shortcomings.

Wed, March 03, 2010 - Android's openness, flexibility, and Java foundation make it the best choice for many developers and the businesses that depend on them

Wed, January 20, 2010 - A grab bag of handy productivity apps that can make your iPhone as useful as can be. Enjoy!

Wed, January 13, 2010 - The coveted "Google phone" is finally here, but the HTC Nexus One ($180 with a two-year contract with T-Mobile, or $530 unlocked; prices as of January 12, 2010) isn't quite the superphone that Google intimated it would be. It lacks some valuable features--like multitouch and Outlook calendar syncing--that we've seen on competing models, and the Android keyboard can be difficult to use. That said, the Nexus One's speedy Qualcomm Snapdragon 1GHz processor definitely sets it apart from the Android pack in performance.

Tue, January 12, 2010 - So you've joined the growing ranks of the unemployed. Obviously, you're not alone. You need to find a job soon, though, because you need to pay your monthly data charges and, unfortunately, you cannot eat your iPhone or your iPod touch. Turns out, you don't have to. But you can look for gainful employment. The beauty of job-finding applications for your handheld is you can hunt for a new gig while you're waiting in line at the unemployment office.

Thu, January 07, 2010 - Two new smartphones demonstrated at the CES show this week offer a glimpse into some of the fascinating features to come to Android devices.

Mon, November 30, 2009 - BlackBerry users searching for smartphone cases that offer both a high level of protection and unique style will find a friend in OtterBox's Commuter cases--though they're not for everyone. The rigid, rubber-and-plastic cases prove to be quite durable, but they significantly alter the look and feel of your device.

Mon, November 23, 2009 - This Thursday will mark the ninth year I've handled the cooking duties on Thanksgiving. I'm not complaining--I enjoy cooking, I like the challenge of putting together a meal for half-a-dozen (or more) diners, and it gives me the opportunity to rule over my kitchen like an iron-fisted dictator.