The arrival of Samsung’s Galaxy Nexus will bring a whole new era to the Android-based smartphone market, specifically the beginning of the Android 4.0 era that’s been nicknamed Ice Cream Sandwich. It’s been talked about for months as the replacement, or really upgrade, to the current OS system for Androids 2.3.4 Gingerbread, and the Nexus will be the first phone to done the highly anticipated operating system. As the newest phone to come onto the scene of the already oversaturated Android smartphone market within the past three months, the Nexus is pegged to be the “iPhone Killer,” but will it really kill the iPhone 4S’ popularity? Here’s a helpful comparison that might help you decide whether or not to ditch the Apple and head on over to the Android side or stay an everlasting Apple fan.

Size

The iPhone 4S fits some pretty big features into a small package with its latest smartphone that measures in at 115.2 mm x 58.6 mm x 9.3 mm (H x W x D) and weighs only 140 grams. The Samsung Galaxy Nexus sports some heftier dimensions of 135.5 mm X 67.94 mm X 9.47 mm and is only 10 grams heavier than the iPhone at 150 grams.

Winner: Apple’s formula can’t be beat on size as the iPhone 4S is lighter, smaller and thinner than the new Galaxy. While both can be easily maneuvered with one hand, the iPhone’s compact dimensions are a highly desirable quality since it can also easily fit into a small purse, a back pocket and more.

Appearance

The iPhone 4S is sleek thanks to its glossy exterior that was carried over from the last model and still comes in black and white color options. In the looks department, the Galaxy Nexus looks like a grand competitor for the iPhone, but is really more of a coy given its cheap plastic feel. However, it does sport a gentle curve on its body that does give it a bit of style.

Winner: Apple really knows how to dress up its gadgets and the iPhone 4S is no exception with its glossy and sleek exterior. While it’s not always about looks (remember, you can’t judge a book by its cover), sometimes cheap plastic doesn’t always get you a great first impression.

Display

The Galaxy Nexus may be larger than the iPhone 4S, but it’s for a purpose, which is a larger screen that measures 4.65 inches compared to 3.5 inches that Apple place on the latest version of its popular phone. But Apple also added a 640×960 Retina display that sports 330 ppi on the iPhone 4S, while the Nexus has a 1280×720 HD Super AMOLED contoured display (curved glass, really) with 316 ppi.

Winner: While both will provide crisp and sharp images, the iPhone’s 330 ppi seems to still reign higher. 

Operating System

The centerpiece of the Galaxy Nexus is that it will ship with Ice Cream Sandwich or Google’s Android 4.0 that’s supposed to represent a huge leap forward for the highly popular OS system. Said to bring an entirely new look and feel to Android phones with simple layouts, subtle animations and an entirely revamped home screen, web browser, email and everything in between. But this still in the beginning phases and the kinks haven’t been worked out yet (or really seen), leaving the iPhone 4S’ iOS 5 still easier to use. It also has 5 GB of free cloud storage so that you can sync your photos, contacts and more with your other Apple products.  The Nexus has Google’s Gmail and its cloud services, so it’s a win-win situation there.

Winner: Until it’s been tested, the iOS 5 still seems to be easier to use since it’s been proven. But this can always change as more and more Androids upgrade to the new OS.

Processor

Both pack some powerful dual-core processors, so neither smartphones will be slow. The iPhone 4S has Apple’s A5 1 GHz processor, while Samsung’s phone carries a 1.2 GHz from Texas Instruments (the first time Samsung’s used such a processor. It also has 1 GB of RAM, while the iPhone 4S only has 512 MB of RAM.

Winner: Samsung’s 0.2 GHz is a bit more than the iPhone’s and that’s enough to beat it out on this category!

Storage

Both phones feature 16 GB and 32 GB internal storage options, but the iPhone 4S comes with a 64 GB option. Neither come with a SD Card slot.

Winner: The iPhone 4S has that 64 GB option, making it the winner here.

Wireless Connectivity

The iPhone 4S can still only get 3G, while the Galaxy Nexus will sport 4G speeds thanks to its LTE status since it’s debuting on Verizon. So the Nexus will have faster download speeds. They’re both Bluetooth-enabled with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n.

Winner: The Galaxy Nexus’ LTE status says it all!

Camera and Video

The iPhone 4S packs a 8 MP rear camera and is capable of 1080p video. It can also produce high quality images in medium to low lighting with its f/2.4 aperture and features face detection and image stabilization The Nexus only has a 5 MP rear camera and boasts Panorama photos, zero shutter lag, and “silly faces” (think Apple’s Photo Booth software on the Mac and iPad).

Winner: The iPhone 4s’ camera is the clear winner here.

Battery Life

The Nexus sports a standard li-ion 1850mAh battery that has up to 270 hours of stand-by time and up to about 18 hours of talk time. The iPhone 4s claims 8 hours of talk time on 3G or 14 hours on 2G.  They say it will standby for up to 200 hours, will playback video for 10 hours and you can surf the web for up to 6 hours on 3G and 9 on Wi-Fi thanks to a 1432mAh battery. But remember that 4G is a battery drainer, so expect a lot less from the better connectivity.

Winner: Since the Nexus has a 1850mAh battery vs the iPhone’s 1432mAh one, we gotta give it to Samsung’s newest smartphone.

Carriers

Verizon will be the first to carry the Galaxy Nexus while the iPhone 4S is already available on Verizon, AT&T and Sprint.

Winner: More customers can enjoy an iPhone since it’s on more carriers.

Extras

The Galaxy Nexus come equipped with Android Beam, which allows you to share contacts, web pages, videos, directions and more just by touching two NFC-enabled Android phones back to back. The phone also introduces a new way to unlock your phone with its Face Unlock. The facial recognition feature lets you turn on your phone with your smile. On the other hand, the iPhone 4S features Siri, the “smart assistant” that helps make life a bit easier thanks to its useful information and quirky sayings.

Winner: The Android Beam is pretty cool and beats Siri for now, given Google is probably working on their own voice app comparable to Siri.

Price

The iPhone 4S is priced according to its GBs, with the 64 one the most expensive. So The 16 GB is $199, the 32 GB is $299 and the 64 GB is $399. Samsung’s Galaxy Nexus is said to debut at $199.99 and will require a two-year contract with Verizon.

Winner: Since the iPhone 4S is price according to its storage, the price differences makes it more affordable for those with varying incomes.

Overall Winner

One of the best Androids on the market, definitely. An iPhone killer, not this time. Sorry Samsung, looks like your Galaxy Nexus didn’t exact have the gusto to take out the iPhone (at least not yet, anyways). While it may sport some very impressive abilities and be the beginning of a new generation of Android phone, it still didn’t make the cut standing up against the highly popular iPhone 4S.

Amazon Wireless is basically giving away this Samsung Galaxy S II Epic Touch 4G!

So you want a phone that can do everything but without the incredible price traditionally seen? Amazon Wireless has you covered and with a contract on this new Samsung Galaxy S II you can get it for $100 with an included free $100 gift card for Amazon. The Galaxy S II includes a large 4,52-Inch touchscreen with unrivaled Super AMOLED Plus technology for 50% more pixel density than competitors. It also includes a super fast 1.2Ghz dual-core processor which can easily handle all the games and HD videos you throw at it. 16Gbs of internal memory is includes here, with MicroSD compatibility for more, as well as a 8MP Rear facing camera with 1080p HD video capture. Stereo Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity is also available, as is super fast 4G Network access, Wi-Fi and of course GPS navigation making this phone your one stop solution for pretty much anything. Check this deal while it lasts!

Sign a 2-year deal with Sprint and get this Smartphone for $99.99.  But that’s not at all.  Amazon will also give you $100 gift card good towards any item on Amazon, making the final price effectively $0.00.

It seems that the plot thickens in the race for smartphone superiority with the entrance of a new challenger, the HTC Rezound. With some pretty stiff competition in the marketplace, the Rezound boasts some pretty cool capabilities and specs, but how does it measure up amongst Apple’s still popular iPhone 4S, who entered the market strong with its release last month, but still disappointed many when it wasn’t the highly anticipated (and rumored) iPhone 5? Here’s how these smartphone titans size up amongst each other!

Size

The iPhone is the smaller and lighter of the two, weighing in at 140 grams and measuring 115.2 mm x 58.6 mm x 9.3 mm (h x w x d), while the Rezound is 164 grams and 129 mm x 65.5 mm 13.65 mm (h x w x d). However, keep in mind that the Rezound boasts a bigger screen, which means a larger overall form factor and generally speaking more weight. But since this category largely relates to portability, the iPhone wins without question.

Winner: The iPhone is tiny and fits easier into pockets, purses and tight places. It’s also thinner and lighter.

Appearance

The iPhone 4S is practically a split-image of the iPhone 4S, with its black and white color options and sleek, glossy exterior. The iPhone is looking as sophisticated as always with its minimalist exterior. The Rezound seems to share this with the iPhone, supporting minimal button/port placement and a black exterior. However, where the iPhone is sleek on both sides, the Rezound features a sleek top and some soft-touch plastic on the battery cover. While soft to the touch, it does make one worry less about scratches to both sides and makes it more grippable. But some can also see this as cheap, preferring the exterior of the iPhone 4S because of its sleekness.

Winner: It really comes down to personal preference on this one, so it’s a tie. Having a sleek exterior like the iPhone 4S has both good and bad traits. Sure it looks great, but it’s easier to scratch and the appearance of fingerprints can by annoying without a cover. The Rezound sports a soft-touch plastic back, which eliminates the aforementioned nuisances.  But they both are sleek and let’s be honest, you know you’re going to probably get a cover for either, so really, does it matter?

Display

Given that the Rezound is larger than the iPhone 4S it might be bad in the size department, but it’s a major plus in terms of display. The iPhone 4S has a 3.5-inch 640×960 Retina display, while the Rezound has a 4.3-inch 1280×720 Super LCD HD screen. Where the iPhone boasts that it features the highest pixel density and resolution despite having a small display, the Rezound can now take that claim away since it beats the iPhone 4S with a 12-point difference with its 342 ppi against the iPhone’s 330 ppi, so the Rezound has a higher pixel density.

Winner: The Rezound’s 342 ppi knocks out the iPhone’s 330 ppi and does so with a larger display, making for a quite amazing viewing.

Operating System

It’s another Android vs OS challenge. The Rezound sports Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread with an HTC Sense 3.5 skin (but can upgrade to 4.0).  The iPhone runs iOS 5.0, Apple’s latest and greatest operating system. The HTC Sense 3.5 has come along way and features stuff you won’t find anywhere else on Android-based phones. When Ice Cream Sandwich becomes available next year, expect a significant upgrade to the Android platform in terms of features. But many find apple’s iOS to be easier to use and its 5.0 version is definitely the most advanced yet. And let’s not forget that iOS 5 includes 5GB of free cloud storage allowing you to sync your photos, contacts and more.

Winner: Since the iPhone 4S’ iOS 5.0 is easier to use and includes 5GB of free iCloud storage, Apple takes this one.

Processor

Both feature a dual-core processor but the Rezound’s 1.5 GHz Qualcomm MSM8660 processor beats the iPhone’s 4S by 0.5 GHz. The Rezound also has more 1 GB of RAM besting the iPhone 4S’ by 512 MB.

Winner: Ummmm, the numbers don’t lie.  The Reszound’s chip is 50% faster, thus providing faster browsing speeds and multitasking compared to what the iPhone 4S offers.

Storage

The iPhone 4S comes in three options: 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB with no extra SD cards allowing you more. So as you go up in storage, you go up in price, too. For the Rezound, it comes with 16 GB of internal memory, but you can get a microSD card to provide you up to 32 GB of additional space.

Winner: Sorry Rezound, but the 64 GB option can’t be beat for many who like to have the biggest storage capacity available for all their apps, games, files and stuff. That built-in storage capacity plus that iCould service provided really can’t be beat.

Wireless Connectivity

So the Rezound is capable of true 4G speeds thanks to its LTE status, where as the iPhone 4S is technically 3G only. They’re both Bluetooth-enabled, though the iPhone boasts version 4.0, and the Rezound V3.0. The iPhone 4S is a world phone so it can work anywhere you go and has Wi-Fi a/b/g/n.  The Rezound isn’t a world phone and is capable of  two frequencies(850/1900 MHz) and single-band LTE (700MHz) with the same Wi-Fi capabilities as the iPhone 4S.

Winner: 4G speeds on the Rezound make it the definite winner.

Camera and Video

So this is a tough one.  Both smartphones include an 8 megapixel camera and can capture 1080p video.  While we have yet to test out the Rezound, we do know that the iPhone 4s takes stunning photos and video for a handset device.  But based on numbers alone, the Rezound does have two up on the iPhone 4s, which is a larger, 2mp front facing camera and a bigger f-stop of 2.2.

Winner: We’re gonna go on numbers alone on this one since we haven’t had a chance to get a hands on with both handsets.  So the Rezound is the winner in this bout.

Battery Life

This bout is moving target since it largely depends on how you use your phone.  Also, keep in mind that 4G is a huge battery suck when compared to 3G, but at the end of the day we have to look purely at specs.  The iPhone 4s claims 8 hours of talk time on 3G or 14 hours on 2G.  They say it will standby for up to 200 hours, will playback video for 10 hours and you can surf the web for up to 6 hours on 3G and 9 on WiFi.  The Rezound however claims a standby time of 261 hours, besting the iPhone 4s by 61 hours and 404 minutes of “usage.”

Winner:  Again, without real world testing we can only gauge this one objectively, and since the Rezound sports a 1620mah battery vs iPhone’s 1432mAh battery, we gotta give it to the Rezound. Furthermore, the Rezound’s battery is user replaceable.

Carriers

The iPhone 4S is available on Sprint, AT&T and Verizon.  The Rezound will be the first smartphone to hit the U.S. market with a true 720ppi screen on Verizon. But since it’s on Verizon, it will compete with not only the iPhone, but with the new Galaxy Nexus and Droid RAZR.

Winner: For those who aren’t part of Verizon can’t get the Rezound unless they break their contract with one of the other carriers or are on a month-to-month plan, making the iPhone 4S the winner here since has more carrier offerings.

Extras

The iPhone 4S come with Siri, which is a pretty advanced and unique voice activated system that’s witty and useful. It’s what’s really making the iPhone 4S as popular as it has become since it first dropped. But the Rezound has some extra goodies, too, boasting some awesome sound quality thanks to optimized hardware that has Beats by Dr. Dre (software AND some expensive ass headphones that are free with the phone). This is great for music lovers who really want to have amazing sound when listening to music from their phone.

Winner: We gotta give it to the Rezound.  Nothing beats (pun not intended) a pair of quality headphones included in the deal and chances are Google will roll out a comparable voice app very soon.

Price

The Rezound will set you back $300 bucks, while the iPhone 4S varies in price, making it a bit more flexible. The 16 GB is $199, the 32 GB is $299 (about the same as the 16 GB Rezound without the extra microSD card) and the 64 GB is $399 (but this all depends on contract status and goes higher when you’re not eligible for an upgrade).

Winner: The iPhone’s price flexibility is still pretty cool, making it available to those at different income levels, while the Rezound is $300 off the bat. This makes the iPhone 4S the winner here.

Overall Winner

Sorry Apple, it seems your iPhone 4S has some stiff competition with the HTC Rezound that boats a number of impressive capabilities like its display, processor, camera and video, price and more. It seems to be the Android that could really cause a dent in Apple’s iPhone 4S sales and popularity. While once a Mac lover always a Mac lover, those who want the latest and greatest will definitely want to top for the Rezound that has a better overall package.

bidallies via eBay has a super discount on this Sprint Samsung Galaxy 16GB 7-inch Android Multi Touch Tablet!

It’s savings time once again, and now you can rock this feature packed Samsung Galaxy Tab at a whole new low price! This tablet includes connectivity through both Sprint 3G and Wi-Fi so you have the flexibility you need to access the net anywhere you go. In addition its powered by an A8 Cortex 1Ghz processor and has 16GBs of internal memory so you have the room and speed you need for the best access all around. A large 7.0-Inch display with high definition resolution gives you plenty of space to carry out any net tasks and even indulge yourself in High Definition videos and games. Finally you also get a rear-facing 3.0MP camera along with a front facing 1.3MP camera for web chatting.

Take your websurfing with you for a decent price.  You can score this Tablet for $274.95.  S&H is free and there is no contract required.

The iPhone 4S has barely been out not even a full month and it already has loads of competition, with HTC’s 4G LTE smartphone Vivid its newest opponent. For devoted Apple heads, the iPhone 4S can do no wrong, even if it wasn’t the 5 version everybody hoped and wanted. Since both smartphones are offered via AT&T, they’ll be going head-to-head in new costumer showdown and for those on the cusp of an upgrade. See how each size up against each other as they fight to become the carrier’s top seller this holiday season!

Size

HTC Vivid weighs 135 grams and has a dimension of 135.5 x 67.9 x 8.9 mm. On the other hand, iPhone 4S comes with measurements of 115.2 x 58.6 x 9.3 mm and weighs 140 grams. with that said, both are about equal with the Vivid being a bit taller than the iPhone, which usually means a larger screen, which isn’t always a bad thing.

Appearance

Like any other iPhone version, it’s available in either black or white and are know for being sleek and shiny. However, the Vivid will also be available in both colors, but the glossy plastic around the sides and back of the phone might turn some fans off, given HTC has used a lot of soft-touch rubber-feel materials or aluminum on some of their past phones and the changes are quite noticeable to those HTC fans.

Display

The Vivid features a 4.5-inch Super LCD (updated per the comments) multi-touch display with a resolution of 540×960 pixels and has a Proximity Sensor, Accelerometer sensor for UI auto-rotate and an ambient light sensor.  The  SuperAMOLED allows users make better use of 4G network to browse the web or watch videos online and the multi-touch screen sports the HTC Sense 3.0. This touch interface supports many functions, such as multiple  unlock modes with gorgeous dynamic effect; new improvement on the aspect of weather display; different voice background and excellent animation effect.

While the iPhone 4S has a slightly smaller screen at 3.5 inches, but boasts a Retina multi-touch display of 960×640-pixel resolution at 326 ppi. The retina display is actually supposed to be highest-resolution phone screen ever, with the  pixel density is so high that the human eye is unable to distinguish individual pixels. The iPhone also features fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating on front and back.

Operating System

It seems that Apple’s iOS is, once again, up against the latest and greatest Android OS, with the HTC Vivid running off of Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS with HTC Sense UI on top of it. However, after the holidays are over, it’s supposed to have an OS upgrade when Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich is released. Apple’s iPhone 4S has on the newest iOS 5 that packs 200 new features that include an improved Notifications System, Newsstand, iMessage and the much talked about Siri.

Processor

The iPhone 4S, which comes in an A5 chipset, is powered by 1GHz dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 CPU, PowerVR SGX543MP2 GPU. This means more power and faster graphics, making the iPhone 4S pretty quick and responsive if you’re one of those who like to launch all sorts of apps at once. On the other hand, Vivid has a 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor that also boasts optimum performance and quick response times just like Apple’s. Wireless devices built with Snapdragon, like the HTC Vivid, maximize 3G or 4G wireless network technology to deliver the best the Web has to offer. Here, both are pretty even.

Storage

While the iPhone 4S has various GB models, with the cheapest coming in at 16 GB and the most expensive being 64 GB, the Vivid will include 16 GB of on-board memory, and a microSD memory card slot means this can be expanded up to 48 GB. Not too shabby for those who would love to buy the 32 GB iPhone 4S but can’t afford it.

Wireless Connectivity

The HTC Vivid is one of the first smartphones able to utilize both LTE and HSPA+ 4G speeds, which allow owners of the smartphone reliable connection in both areas where applicable. A major plus for those looking for some fast connections. Up until now, Verizon has been the only major carrier with the “true” 4G technology, but AT&T will begin its 4G LTE coverage in cities such as Boston, D.C., and Baltimore next week, expanding to 15 markets by the end of the year. With both technologies, devices stand to be always tethered to an optimal connection. It also has Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Wi-Fi hotspot.

The iPhone boasts 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology and is truly a global phone, so you can use it almost anywhere. Whether you’re a GSM or CDMA customer, you can roam GSM networks in 200 countries around the world.. It’s the first phone  phone to intelligently switch between two antennas to transmit and receive, so call quality is better. Depending on what carrier you get it on will also determine what type of network speeds the phone will get.

Camera and Video

The Vivid’s 8-megapixel rear-camera with dual-LED flash with a f2.2 28mm wide angle lens for low-light photos and is also capable of capturing 1080p video at 60 frames per second, while its front-facing camera features 1.3MP. So the iPhone 4S sports what Apple claims to be the “best camera ever on a phone.” It now features an f/2.4 lens and 8-megapixel resolution, which is way better from the iPhone 4, with HD video recording, up to 30 frames per second with audio. Other cool features include: LED flash, video stabilization and a front camera with VGA-quality photos and video at up to 30 frames per second

Battery Life

The iPhone 4S has a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery and has a talk time of up to 8 hours on 3G, and 14 on 2G (GSM). Its standby time is up to 200 hours and with Internet use up to  hours on 3G, up to 9 hours on Wi-Fi. For video playback expect up to 10 hours of use. The Vivid has a removable and rechargeable lithium-ion battery, 1620 mAh.

Carriers

Apple’s iPhone is now on Verizon. AT&T and Sprint, with the HTC Vivid on AT&T, which is where the competition will really heat up!

Price

The long-awaited 4G LTE smartphone HTC Vivid is not available on AT&T and be available starting November 6 at stores and online for $199 under a two year contract. The iPhone is priced according to how many GB you want.  It starts at $199 for the 16 GB, then goes up to $299 for the 32 GB and finally $399 for the 64 GB. But this all doubles in price when you don’t can’t upgrade and don’t want to wait until you can to get the new iPhone.

Winner

The latest smartphone from Apple received an overwhelming positive response and sold 4 million units during the opening weekend. But as many expected the iPhone 5, only the  iPhone 4S was left in its place and actually missed some prominent specs like edge-to-edge design, a larger display, 4G LTE and Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. But you really can’t knock a lot of its upgrades that really do make a difference to iPhone users and Apple lovers, so you can’t really complain too much. Besides, the iPhone 5 is probably dropping before we know it.

But the Vivid is claimed to be “a powerhouse in your pocket,” and it actually lives up to HTC’s statement given the impressive specs that pretty much competes on the same level as the iPhone 4S. So what it really comes down to is if you’re a iOS person or an Android fan. Whichever phone you choose, you’ll most likely be just as content with one or the other!

Size

The iPad weighs in at 1.33 lbs., while the Kindle Fire is only .09125 lbs., so the Fire wins here. But it’s smaller, with size specs that look like: 7.5 x 4.7 x 0.45. The iPad measures in at 9.5 x 7.31 x 0.34. Amazon’s claim to fame here is that it’s “easy to hold in one hand, so it’s small enough to fit anywhere….but so is an iPad, really.

Appearance

Apple likes black and white, so guess what? Those are the two colors available for the iPad 2! Amazon kept it simple and left the Kindle Fire in only a black option. But it did give it a sleek appearance that somewhat resembles the iPad 2.

Display

Amazon didn’t want to make the Kindle Fire too big, so it opted for a pretty standard 7-inch 1,024 x 600 touch screen. On the other hand, Apple’s iPad 2 boasts a 9.7-inch screen that’s almost about the same in terms of resolution, coming in at 1,024 x 768. But Amazon is claiming that its Fire display is state-of-the-art and is “chemically strengthened to be 20 times stiffer and 20 times harder than plastic,” making it very durable. Another feature worth mentioning is that the Kindle Fire and an IPS display while the iPad is LED Backlit AND IPS. This IPS screen allows you to lay the Fire down and still be able to look at it from the edge and see everything clearly since IPS screens have a 178-degree viewing angle.

Operating System

Amazon’s Kindle Fire is Android-based, running a customized version of the OS, but it’s unknown just how customized it is. It has a proprietary web page processing system that’s part of the OS though. So everybody knows that Apple’s stuff runs off of the iOS, so knowing that fact puts the iPad 2 over the Kindle since there are no surprises when it comes to the OS. Also, iOS is a lot easier to navigate and is much more user friendly. But Amazon does have some cool web processing stuff going on with its new Kindle Fire thanks to its “Amazon Silk.” It’s claim is that it’s a “revolutionary, cloud-accelerated browser” that uses a a “split-browser” architecture, which leverages the computing speed and power of Amazon’s Web services cloud. It also learn which sites you visit most and saves them, sort of like how Amazon stores what you look for and then suggests things to based on what you buy most. Oh, and it supports Adobe Flash Player, too!

Processor

Like most of Apple’s products at the moment (or at least their latest ones), the iPad 2 features an A5 process. Amazon decided to put a dual-core TI OMAP 4 processor in the Kindle Fire. Really, both are based on the same dual-core ARM processor, so it’s pretty even here.

Storage

Well, Apple is known to have various options when it comes to storage capability for its devices and its iPad 2 is no different. It comes in various versions, including 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB options. The Fire has only 8 GB of internal storage (with no micro SD slot to ad more, which is a bummer). However, you might not be able to save that much stuff on the tablet itself, but Amazon is offering unlimited storage on its cloud service, but you’ll need Wi-Fi to access it though. With that said, the Kindle Fire has 16,683 apps available, while the Apple iPad 2 has a whopping 500,000 with 90,000 made for the iPad alone!

Wireless Connectivity

The Kindle Fire is Wi-Fi based with no 3G option. Apple offers BOTH a Wi-FI and 3G option on all of its iPad 2 GB models, but the 3G ones increase the price. Both have Wi-Fi specs of 802.11 b/g/n. Oh, and if you’re wondering about Bluetooh ability, the Fire has none while the iPad is Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR.

Camera and Video

Sadly, Amazon skipped putting in a camera so that obviously means no video, either. The iPad 2 has a front and rear camera, allowing you to take pictures and more. The back camera has HD video recording (720p) up to 30 frames per second with audio, as well as a still camera with 5x digital zoom. The front camera features: Video recording, VGA up to 30 frames per second with audio; VGA-quality still camera.

Battery Life

Amazon made its Kindle Fire have an 8-hour battery life, but the iPad boasts up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching video or listening to music.

Carriers

So far, Verizon and AT&T are the only carriers for the iPad 2, with Sprint later jumping on now that they offer the iPhone so who knows. But, with carriers, there is extra data plans, which means more money to your monthly bill! There’s no carrier for the Kindle Fire, with Amazon being the main and only place that can light your Fire…literally. But Amazon offers this “Prime” membership ting where Kindle owners can enjoy: unlimited instant videos, Kindle Owners’ Lending Library and more for a yearly price of $79 a year and a one-month free trail.

Price

Amazon has priced its Kindle Fire reasonably low at only $199 for a tablet of its caliber, which features a heavily modified version of Android, can download books from Amazon’s huge store and is designed to be an e-reader and more! Although Apple has been dropping its prices on many of its older gadgets, the iPad 2 didn’t get that price drop and goes for $499 all the way up to $829 depending on the size of GB you want and if you want it to be 3G or Wi-Fi.

Winner

The iPad is by far a more impressive tablet, but that doesn’t mean anything to a lot of users. For those who want an e-reader disguised as a tablet, the Kindle Fire will rock your world! But for those that want more from their tablet, might still want to ask Santa for the iPad 2. The Kindle Fire ships November 15, but it’s now available for pre-order now.

The iPhone 4S is the talk of the town right now, but a new challenger has emerged on the latest and greatest smartphone scene. With more than 4 million units sold in the first three days, it seems as if Apple is the big winner when it comes to smartphones. But meet the Droid Razr, Motorola’s new device begins pre-order today at Verizon stores and online. While many Android lovers might be very excited at the new Droid offering, the question is if Motorola ‘s Razr can compete against the almighty iPhone 4S? Here’s a nice comparison to help you weigh the pros and cons if you should splurge for the new iPhone or go for the good old Android-based new Razr.

Size

The new iPhone measures in at 4.5 x 2.31 x .37 (all inches, HxWxD) and weighs 4.9 ounces. But Motorola is claiming that its Droid Razr is the thinnest 4G LTE smartphone, coming in at only 0.28-inches thick. It’s also 2.71-inches wide and 5.15-inches in height. It’s a bit taller than the iPhone 4S, but it’s a lot thinner, setting a new standard for slim smartphones. It weighs in a 4.48 ounces, which is lighter than the iPhone.

Appearance

The iPhone 4S looks exactly like the regular 4 version, but features some new enticing features and a new OS which means it comes in both white and black options, with a flashy premium finish that sports a glass front and back. Apparently, the new Razr is also a revamp from the original one, but now flaunts a stunning design with stainless steel, some Kevlar backing and sculpted glass, making it quite a beauty. Did we mention it’s also equipped with water-resistant material? Major plus for all those clumsy peeps, but that’s not all. It also sports Corning Gorilla Glass that defends the screen against scrapes and scratches.

Display

The Razr’s 4.3-inch Super AMOLED qHD screen is super slick and vibrant images. Movies, photos and more look crisp and clean thanks to its 960×540 resolution and 256 pixels per inch. So the iPhone 4S features a 640×960 resolution, creating a pixel density of 326ppi on it’s 3.5-inch (diagonal) widescreen multi-touch display. It also sports a retina display and fingerprint –resistant oleophobic coating on the front and back.

Operating System

The iPhone 4S’ iOS 5 (and dual-core CPU) is zippy and very responsive, meaning no lag when it comes to games, videos and the like. The new OS has new upgrades and features like:  iMessage, Twitter integration, camera enhancements, better photo editing options, PC free, and Siri, the voice-control feature that’s selling buyers on the new iPhone.

It seems like the Razr will be getting the new Ice Cream Sandwich OS, but in early 2012. Originally designed with the Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread OS, the company will update it to the new ICS at the start of next year.

Processor

The Razr is piloted by a 1.2GHz dual-core processer, which allows you to blast your music, check your email and more…all at the same time without any delay. The 1 GB of RAM keeps you rocketing through all that multitasking on the Razr, making for a very fast and reliable phone. As for the new iPHone, Apple provided its new version with an A5 dual-core chip that provides 800MHz.

Storage

The Razr comes with 16GB of internal memory and a preinstalled 16GB microSD card, providing 32 GB of storage for your convenience. As for the iPhone 4S, it comes in three different capacity versions: 16GB, 32GB and 64GB, with each a bit more expensive than the next. The Razr clocks in at only 32GB for one price!

Wireless Connectivity

The Razr come with a mobile hotspot support for up to eight Wi-Fi devices. It also sports a free MotoCast app from Motorola that lets the phone stream your music, pictures and documents from your home or work computers — virtually anytime, anywhere — so your content is always within reach. No uploading to a third party means no wasted time, and everything stays protected, right on your computer.

The iPhone’s wireless abilities include being able to print wirelessly and wirelessly stream what’s on your phone to your HDTV and speakers via Apple TV, due in part to Apple’s AirPlay and AirPrint.

Camera and Video

Motorola is allowing you to create some cinematic awesomeness of your own with an 8MP rear camera and 1080p HD video recording that it’s built into its Razr. Ready for all conditions, the phone has image stabilization technology for less blurry videos, too!

One big change from the 4 to the 4S is that Apple upgraded the iPhone’s rear-facing camera, which has been increased to 8MP from 5MP, and it also has a custom lens with a larger f/2.4 aperture. Cool features include: tap to focus, autofocus, face detection in still images, LED flash and more!

Battery Life

For the Razr, battery talk time is up to 12.50 hours of 3G talk time, 8.9 hours of video playback with stand-by time clocking in at 204 hours on average. Thanks to some software tweaks and the ability to accommodate a larger battery for its size and has 30% more battery life than its competitors.

The iPhone 4S has a talk time of up to 8 hours on 3G. Standby time is up to 200 hours, while Internet use is up to 6 hours on 3G and up to 9 on Wi-Fi. It also feature video playback is up to 10 hours and audio playback is up to 40 hours.

Carriers

The iPhone 4S is now available on AT&T, Sprint and Verizon, while the Droid Razr is only on Verizon. This means customers can have more of a choice in terms of carriers with the iPhone 4S.

Price

The Droid Razr smartphone will be available in the U.S. for $299 from Verizon Wireless with a two-year contract and devices shipping no later than November 10. The iPhone 4S starts at $199, but gets more expensive as you increase GB, with pricing at $299 for the 32GB and $399 for the 64GB.

Winner

For the price, the new Razr sounds like a steal, given all its new features, its new appearance and the fact that it’ll be getting an even better OS come early next year. By that time, Apple’s iOS 5 will be yesterday’s news! But its only downfall is that it’s not offered on many carriers, so the iPhone still provides more users to switch over from their Android phones if they have Sprint and AT&T.

With Google’s announcement of Android 4 (Ice Cream Sandwich), users are now chomping at the bit to update to the latest OS. And while Google did say that that most if not all phones with Gingerbread would see an upgrade to Android 4.0, it’s not a given. So, here is our concise “How-To” on getting you a scoop of Ice Cream.

1. Have the right phone

The rule of thumb here is that the newer your phone, the more likely you’ll get it – and you should definitely be running vs. 2.3 (Gingerbread). Here is the list of phones that should, however, be upgraded: HTC Amaze 4G, HTC Droid Incredible (maybe), HTC Droid Incredible 2, HTC EVO 3D, HTC EVO Shift 4G, HTC G2, HTC Inspire 4G (maybe), HTC Sensation 4G, HTC ThunderBolt, LG G2x, Motorola Atrix 4G, Motorola Atrix 2, Motorola Droid 3, Motorola Droid Bionic, Motorola Droid RAZR, Motorola Droid X2, Samsung Galaxy Nexus (out of the box), Samsung Galaxy S II – (Galaxy S II, Epic 4G Touch), Samsung Infuse 4G, Samsung Nexus S (Nexus S 4G), and the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play.

Now, of course, this largely depends no your air carrier and if your phone has an overlay like Motoblur or TouchWiz. Usually, this causes delays in rolling out these updates and as such, it could be later than sooner that your phone gets upgraded. And if your phone isn’t on the list because it’s too old, then it becomes less likely you’ll get Ice Cream Sandwich if you haven’t been given Gingerbread yet. So now may be the time to look for a new phone if your contract is up.

2. Do nothing, be patient

But the good news is, that if your phone is on the list above, sooner or later you’ll get an over the air update to Android 4. That’s because Android phones have the benefit of having their updates done automatically. You wake up one morning and you find that your carrier stocked your phone’s freezer with Ice Cream Sandwich while you were sleeping. And that’s cool. All you will need to do it confirm the installation and let it go. Once installed, you can confirm by going to your phone’s device information screen to see that the latest version of Android is now on the phone.  BTW – it’s always a good idea to back up your phone first, just in case, and to plug in your phone via USB or AC adapter during the upgrade.  The last thing anyone wants is for their update to go bad because the phone battery died.

3. Do it the hard way

If you’re impatient and want to know if your phone’s update is available, you can manually check for Android updates. Do this by pressing the “Home” key, then the “Menu” button and go to the “Settings” option. In settings, you’ll see the option “About phone” near the bottom. From there, select“System updates” and your phone will look for any new Android updates to download and install. To streamline this process, download the app ANYCUT and you can create a shortcut on your main screen which will do all that with a quick tap.  Another way to find out when updates are available is to follow your handset manufacturer and wireless carrier on Twitter.  They will usually announce dates so you can be on the lookout.

4. Getting to the root of the matter

Finally, if your phone is too old, or your carrier doesn’t think you should get Android 4 Ice Cream Sandwich, or if you’re just too impatient to get it, you can always “root” your phone and download a custom ROM of Android 4 once it becomes available. Rooting means you get administrator access to your phone and can customize it’s functions. There is a very active community of Android fans who are constantly working on versions of Android – called ROMS – which make a new version or Android available to phones that don’t get them, or that streamline the OS – taking out overlays like Motoblur or TouchWiz. A good place to learn more are the XDA Developer Forums. There you can get custom ROMs, Boot Managers, and there’s a very helpful community who are happy to answer any questions and help you troubleshoot should a root and rom go dreadfully wrong.

Wirefly is offering some big savings on this HTV EVO Design 4G for Sprint!

If you’ve been looking for a tech overload that goes with you wherever you go then check out this new discounted price applied to a brand new HTC EVO Design! This 4G phone comes with a large 4.0-Inch qHD display for perfect Web Browsing along with a super fast 1.2Ghz processor which combos well with its 4G connectivity. The Android 2.3 Operating System provides access to over 250,000 different apps along with fully featured Web Browsing that includes support for flash 10. It also comes with a built-in front-facing 1.3MP Camera and a Rear-Facing 5MP camera with HD recording. Bluetooth and GPS connectivity are all in check as well, along with 3G/4G mobile hotspot with up to 8 other devices at once for shared connectivity.

This $600 phone sells for $49.99 if you sign a new 2-year contract.  S&H is free

The battle of the smartphones continues as the highly anticipated iPhone 4S goes head-to-head with Samsung’s latest and greatest Android, the Galaxy S II. For those looking to upgrade their phones or just want to know how each of the top smartphones (at least “top” for now given how fast upgrades are made), here’s a helpful comparison of the two!

Size

The Galaxy S II is one of the thinnest Androids out there, measuring 5.11 x 2.71 x .37 (all inches, HxWxD) and weighing in at 4.77 ounces. The new iPhone, on the other hand, measures in at 4.5 x 2.31 x .37 (all inches, HxWxD) and weighs 4.9 ounces. The Galaxy S II is considerably larger because of its display but it is lighter.

Appearance

Both share similar features in the looks department. They both come in white and black options, but the iPhone 4S does sport a premium finish with a glass front and back, while the Samsung Galaxy S II has a very thin and sort of flimsy plastic rear case…but this is what makes it so light, so it’s not necessarily such a flaw.

Display

The Galaxy S II has a larger screen than the iPhone coming in at 4.52 inches compared to 3.5 inches (but remember that the S II is lighter). So the iPhone 4S boasts a 640×960 resolution, creating a pixel density of 326ppi, while the Galaxy S II has a bright AMOLED display but it has 480×800 resolution, which means it has a pixel density of 216ppi. Looks like the iPhone wins here, but really, both are awesome touchscreen displays.

Operating System

Obviously, the iPhone 4S runs on IOS 5 and the Galaxy S II on Android. But all the hoopla with the new iPhone was about a new operating system and the latest version is touted as the “world’s most advanced mobile operating system,” as well as the easiest to use. New features with the upgrade include: notification center, iMessage, Twitter integration, reminders, camera enhancements, better photo editing options, PC free, Safari, Newsstand and Siri, the voice control feature that everybody’s taking about. The Multi-Touch interface in the new OS is easier since it was “designed for your finer,” making it finger friendly. But it still lacks flash support, which is a major downer!

The Samsung Galaxy S II runs Google’s Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS with its own Touchwiz interface. It’s claimed to be “more refined and polished,” which basically means a more intuitive user interface.

Processor

The iPhone 4S has received a processor upgrade, which is an A5 dual-core chip, clocked in at 800MHz and Apple says you’ll notice the upgrade with it’s faster responses that make all the difference when you’re launching apps, on the web and doing everything else you do on your smartphone these days. And because the A5 chip is so power-efficient, iPhone 4S has outstanding battery life (but more on that later).

Since the Galaxy S II has a wider screen, it was given a Qualcomm Snapdragon S3 Processor with 1.5 GHz dual-core CPUs so that it wouldn’t freeze while running multiple apps.

Storage

Storage is worth a quick mention with a new maximum capacity of 64GB available on the Iphone 4S. The Galaxy S II maxes out with just 16GB, and but it does redeem itself with the inclusion of a microSD card slot that can take a further 32GB, adding more storage for those who like to keep everything on their smartphones. This totals 48GB, so comes but it still comes in short of only 16GB of its rival.

Wireless Connectivity

They are both world phones, so globetrotters will be satisfied with both. The Galaxy S II is built and engineered to run on 4G networks, making it super fast, which means no waiting even when you have tons of apps open. Thanks to AllShare, you can also wirelessly share and stream videos, photos and music between your phone and TV, laptop and audio system. With a 4G connection you get up to 42 Mbps down speed and it’s Bluetooth 3.0 compatible.

The iPhone 4S also has WiFi abilities thanks to AirPrint and AirPlay, which allows you to print wirelessly and wirelessly stream what’s on your phone to your HDTV and speakers via Apple TV. It also boasts faster connections since Apple says that the new phone is the first to intelligently switch between two antennas to transmit and receive, making call quality better.

Camera and Video

Other than Sira, the other significant iPhone 4S upgrade is its rear-facing camera, which has been bumped up to 8MP from 5MP, and it also has a custom lens with a larger f/2.4 aperture. But the Galaxy S II 8MP camera matches that of the new iPhone 4S, making them even in this category. The details continue to be the same across the board with an LED flash, auto focus and digital zoom. The two are neck-to-neck on video abilities, too, with HD 1080p at 30fps. Both also come with software for photo and video editing.

Battery Life

Apple placed a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery in their new iPhone, with a talk time of up to 8 hours on 3G. Standby time is up to 200 hours, while Internet use is up to 6 hours on 3G and up to 9 on Wi-Fi. Video playback is up to 10 hours and audio playback is up to 40 hours.

Samsung added a rechargeable 1850 mAh lithium-ion battery with talk time pretty much the same with the iPhone so expect 8 hours to be the maximum.

Carriers

You can get the iPhone on AT&T, Sprint and Verizon, while the Galaxy S II is available on T-Mobile, AT&T and Sprint.

Price

The iPhone 4S will put you back $199 for the 16GB, $299 for the 32GB and for those big spenders, $399 for the 64GB…but this is for new contracts or those eligible for upgrades. Price jumps between $600-$800 depending on the carrier and GB variant.

With AT&T, the Galaxy S II starts at $199.99, while T-Mobile has it for $299.99. Sprint is carrying it for 199.99 also (all with a new contract).

Winner

Really, it’s a tie. Both the iPhone 4S and Galaxy S II sport the latest and greatest tech when it comes to smartphones and share a lot of the same features. So it really depends on whether you’re a devoted Mac fan or an Android lover. But whichever one you opt for, you’ll end up with an awesome smartphone that will entertain you for hours and/or  help conduct business when you’re away from the office. It’s a win-win situation!

Still mulling over that smartphone purchase?  Well, not to confuse you all the more, but Sprint just dropped the HTV EVO Design 4G into the mix.  Design 4G what?  Okay, naming convention aside, this handset actually is looking pretty tasty considering the price.

At the center is a 4-inch qHD (960540) touchscreen, supported by HTC Sense UI, which is laid on top of Android 2.3.  The phone’s processing is powered by a 1.2Ghz Qualcomm MSM8655 CPU and while there is no mention of on board storage or RAM, we do know it sports two cameras (a 5-megapixel for capturing HD video and another for video chats), 4G connectivity, world phone support and mobile Hotspot functionality.  All this is wrapped inside of an aluminum unibody, though HTC hasn’t made mention of the slimness in the press release and rightfully so, since the DROID RAZR has set a new bar.

The HTC EVO Design 4G hits Sprint retails outlets (web and stores) on October 23rd for $99.99 after a 2-year contract and $50 mail-in-rebate.

Sprint Expands Award-Winning HTC EVO Family with HTC EVO Design 4G, First EVO with World Phone Capabilities

HTC EVO Design 4G debuts Oct. 23 for less than $100 – offering high-end 4G capabilities at an easily affordable price

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., & SEATTLE (BUSINESS WIRE), October 19, 2011 – Sprint (NYSE: S) continues the award-winning HTC EVO™ family legacy with the addition of HTC EVO Design 4G™, the first EVO family member touting World Phone capabilities. HTC EVO Design 4G boasts many of the “must-have” features of its predecessors, including Sprint 4G and a large touchscreen display, while sporting a slim, pocket-friendly aluminum unibody design at an easily affordable price.

HTC EVO Design 4G goes on sale Oct. 23 for just $99.99 (excluding taxes) with a new two-year service agreement or eligible upgrade and after a $50 mail-in rebate via reward card1. It will be available in all Sprint sales channels, including Sprint Stores, Web Sales (www.sprint.com) and Telesales (1-800-SPRINT1).

“Priced at under $100, HTC EVO Design 4G is the perfect device for consumers looking for both the benefits of 4G and the latest in device style,” said Fared Adib, Sprint vice president-Product Development. “When matched with one of the Sprint Everything Data plans, our customers will unlock the value of unlimited without worrying about the cost or surprises on their monthly bill.”

Designed for customers who want to stay connected and be entertained, HTC EVO Design 4G combines the acclaimed HTC Sense™ experience with a stylish and robust feature set to make the 4G experience more accessible than ever. Other key features include:

* Android™ 2.3, Gingerbread

* HTC Sense – Award-winning user experience taking social networking, navigation and customization to new levels

* Aluminum unibody design gives HTC EVO Design 4G a slim, streamlined profile –guaranteed to get attention and is nicely compact in your hand, pocket or bag

* 1.2GHz processor

* 4-inch qHD capacitive touchscreen display

* Dual cameras: 5MP rear-facing camera/camcorder with flash and HD video recording and 1.3MP front-facing camera for video chat

* World Phone capabilities to make and receive calls and texts, and to access email and news from locations around the globe

* 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot, supporting up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices on the Sprint 3G or 4G network

* Wi-Fi® b/g/n capable

“With HTC and Sprint working together, the smash-hit HTC EVO 4G introduced the world to the possibilities of 4G,” said Martin Fichter, vice president, product management, HTC America. “With the introduction of the fifth addition to the EVO family – HTC EVO Design 4G – HTC is expanding its diverse portfolio of 4G smartphones on Sprint’s powerful 4G network.”

Sprint Expands Award-Winning HTC EVO Family with HTC EVO Design 4G, First EVO with World Phone Capabilities
HTC EVO Design 4G debuts Oct. 23 for less than $100 – offering high-end 4G capabilities at an easily affordable price
OVERLAND PARK, Kan., & SEATTLE (BUSINESS WIRE), October 19, 2011 – Sprint (NYSE: S) continues the award-winning HTC EVO™ family legacy with the addition of HTC EVO Design 4G™, the first EVO family member touting World Phone capabilities. HTC EVO Design 4G boasts many of the “must-have” features of its predecessors, including Sprint 4G and a large touchscreen display, while sporting a slim, pocket-friendly aluminum unibody design at an easily affordable price.
HTC EVO Design 4G goes on sale Oct. 23 for just $99.99 (excluding taxes) with a new two-year service agreement or eligible upgrade and after a $50 mail-in rebate via reward card1. It will be available in all Sprint sales channels, including Sprint Stores, Web Sales (www.sprint.com) and Telesales (1-800-SPRINT1).
“Priced at under $100, HTC EVO Design 4G is the perfect device for consumers looking for both the benefits of 4G and the latest in device style,” said Fared Adib, Sprint vice president-Product Development. “When matched with one of the Sprint Everything Data plans, our customers will unlock the value of unlimited without worrying about the cost or surprises on their monthly bill.”
Designed for customers who want to stay connected and be entertained, HTC EVO Design 4G combines the acclaimed HTC Sense™ experience with a stylish and robust feature set to make the 4G experience more accessible than ever. Other key features include:
* Android™ 2.3, Gingerbread* HTC Sense – Award-winning user experience taking social networking, navigation and customization to new levels* Aluminum unibody design gives HTC EVO Design 4G a slim, streamlined profile –guaranteed to get attention and is nicely compact in your hand, pocket or bag* 1.2GHz processor* 4-inch qHD capacitive touchscreen display* Dual cameras: 5MP rear-facing camera/camcorder with flash and HD video recording and 1.3MP front-facing camera for video chat* World Phone capabilities to make and receive calls and texts, and to access email and news from locations around the globe* 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot, supporting up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices on the Sprint 3G or 4G network* Wi-Fi® b/g/n capable
“With HTC and Sprint working together, the smash-hit HTC EVO 4G introduced the world to the possibilities of 4G,” said Martin Fichter, vice president, product management, HTC America. “With the introduction of the fifth addition to the EVO family – HTC EVO Design 4G – HTC is expanding its diverse portfolio of 4G smartphones on Sprint’s powerful 4G network.”

The new iPhone has finally been released. While it wasn’t the iPhone 5 everybody wanted, the new iPhone 4S still boasts some cool qualities. One being that it’s now going to be offered by Sprint. If you’ve been wanting to leave your other carriers now’s a good time to head over to Sprint. You can score the new Apple iPhone 4S and some more great deals!

5. Google Voice

Sprint is a Google Voice partner, which means a number of things. First, your number can ring on up to six phones, there’s transcribed voicemail and even online voicemail that can be accessed via Gmail, cheap international calls, and you can screen callers so that you can listen in on a voicemail and join the call at any time. Users don’t have to port their number, either, so they can use their existing one without the transfer! It’s now free to all Sprint customers and used to cost $20.

4.Great Service

Since Sprint is trying to up its place among the rankings, new customers who switch over for the iPhone will probably be treated to top-tier. We all know what a pain it can be tying to deal with service or phone problems, so Sprint’s customer service might be super great since they’re going to want to work harder for your business…in the beginning anyways.

3. Threaten your Current Carrier About Switching

Since Sprint entered the game, you can threaten your current carrier that you’ll be switching over to Sprint and see what discounts they give you to stay and keep you as a customer. You might even want to bring some negotiations to the table like a discount on your next handset or a discounted rate on your monthly bill for a few months. Hey, it’s worth a try and you never know what you might be able to get away with!

2. Cheaper Introductory Packages

Sprint’s intro plan is just $69.99 with 450 minutes and unlimited data, with the Simply Everything unlimited calling and data running you $99.99. AT&T offers a $15/month plan that Verizon doesn’t, Sprint charges just $10 for unlimited data, and AT&T’s 2GB/month plan is $5 less than Verizon’s identical option.

1. Unlimited Data Plan

Newcomer Sprint has a major advantage over AT&T and Verizon since they’re the only ones that will offer an unlimited data plan to new iPhone 4S customers. So that means you’ll be able to tether, stream and download as much as you want without having to worry about how much you’ll be charged, going over your limits or having to upgrade in data plans because one month you’ve decided to go crazy in your streaming. With the other two carries, fees start kicking in for overage at 2GB.

AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint iPhones Compared

Sprint is the newest player in the iPhone game now that it will carry Apple’s latest version, the iPhone 4S. Before, only Verizon and AT&T were the two that carried it. Now that Sprint has it, you might be wondering if you should jump ship at one of the other carriers and sign up with them, right? Well, here are 5 reasons NOT to make the switch.

Update: Checkout out our complimentary article which provides 5 reasons to BUY the iPhone 4s on Sprint.

5. No Insurance

The iPhone is a costly device so insurance is usually a good thing, especially if you’re prone to losing things or breaking phones. AT&T and Verizon both offer insurance plans, but Sprint doesn’t seem to offer one for the iPhone at all, instead suggesting that customers buy Apple’s $99 AppleCare Plus Extended Warranty.

4. Headaches of Switching Carriers

Switching carries might not always be that easy. There’s early termination fees to think about, whether or not you want to take your old number to the new carrier and if you don’t, you’re going to have to alert all of your contact of the new number and so on. If you’ve been living with a month-to-month plan this won’t be a problem but those who want to jump ship for the Unlimited Data Plan will have to think about all this.

3. Trouble Providing Advertised Speeds

If Sprint does lure all these customers away from AT&T and Verizon, Sprint’s network might not be able to handle it all and might actually have trouble providing the speeds they advertised for the iPhone 4S.

2. Less Than Great 3G Coverage

Many have argued that Sprint has the worst 3G coverage from all three of the iPhone carriers, which might bother some costumers, especially if they switch over from either Verizon or AT&T. With that said, the Unlimited Data Plan that they’re offering might not be that great without better than average 4G coverage. Thanks to having less coverage in some areas it means that the iPhone experience on Sprint might be slightly worse than the iPhone experience on Verizon and actually a lot slower than the experience for folks using AT&T’s upgraded HSPA+ network.

1. Unlimited Data Plan Lure

While an unlimited data plan sounds great, it might just be way to lure customers away from AT&T and Verizon and then later to the data tier, putting you right back where you started or even worse, given you might be paying more in the long run. So even though it might seem like a great deal in the beginning, you should think about long-term effects. AT&T and Verizon first offered unlimited data plans in the beginning so Sprint might also repeat history.

AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint iPhones Compared

2.5 out of 5 stars

RIM just hasn’t been able to make an all-purpose touch-based handset. They tried with the Storm, the Storm II, and the Torch (and subsequent models), but each new offering has failed in halting the shift of users leaving Blackberry for an iPhone, Android, or even Windows Phone 7 devices. The company once exalted by everyday consumers and businesses alike is giving it another go with the Blackberry Torch 9850, one of the company’s first phones running the latest operating system BB 7.0. Does the aging OS have what it takes to take on the relatively recent newcomers, or is RIM only beating a dead horse?

As one of the oldest cellphone manufacturers, RIM has produced hundreds of phones and has become exceedingly efficient at it. The hardware they design is rarely below average, though it simultaneously lacks the artistry and finesse seen in some handsets. The 9850 has a sleek, curved design with no sharp edges and is made to be held in the hand for long periods of time. Just like Blackberry owners expect and desire.

The front face features a 3.7” display with a bezel that curves carefully off the sides, connected to a reflective bezel which in turn connects to the removable battery panel on the back. Four buttons on the right side are easy to feel, yet difficult to spot, and manage to stay out of the way when in a pocket or in the hand. There is no accidental button pressing here. On the left is the micro-USB connector, and on the top is the lock key shaped like part of the phone, not like just another button. Four face buttons and a touch-sensitive button rest below the screen.

One notable aspect, which is true of many Blackberry devices and, sadly, not many other smartphones, is the removable battery panel. It has a simple one-button mechanical lock, where when pressed the aluminum panel comes off and reveals the battery, micro-SD card and SIM card. The micro-SD can be taken out without removing the battery. And, reflectively, it’s nice to see such a clean design on the inside of the phone. Most phones I test are a maze of circuitry and off-color panels, whereas the 9850 is crisp, simple, and to the point. Above the panel is the 5MP camera and LED flash.

Brightness on the display is good; the screen is visible in direct sunlight, though in general color depth and contrast is lacking. The 840×400 screen is dense and pictures are accurate, but because of the color issues they don’t have the vibrancy found on some displays, notably Samsung’s OLED-ready phones. Besides for excellent brightness, the display is average.

Touch sensitivity has been more problematic, though it’s unclear whether this is a software or hardware issue. In my testing I gave up on using the screen to click on links or words, instead using the touch-sensitive mouse nub as Blackberry users so often do. Unfortunately the touchscreen just isn’t perfectly suited for the finger, and I’d mostly use it for scrolling up and down emails and web pages, but little else.

That’s where the 9850’s greatest fault is: its keyboard. With no physical QWERTY, users must type away on the screen, and with poor touch accuracy, typing even tweets or text messages is a chore. In an awful twist of irony, I discovered Blackberry’s most attractive features (BBM, chat, email) and couldn’t make the best use of any of them. Typing on the keyboard is an exercise in futility; the faster you type, the more frequent and terrible the errors become. Blackberry’s aren’t made for slow thumbs, but with this virtual keyboard, answering emails, chat messages and texts will either force you to type with a turtle-like speed or spend equal time typing and correcting errors.

The hardware specs alone show a slightly different story from the handset itself: 1.2GHz dual core CPU; 768MB of RAM; 253ppi display; seven hours of talk time and six hours of video playback; 5MP camera with 720p video recording. These parts, however, don’t make the whole. Instead, they are limited mostly by a poor, repressed OS which RIM has refused to seriously change in a world that has already moved to touch-only smartphones.

In West LA Sprint’s network held up well, and making calls and sending and receiving data is fast. The 9850 connects quickly to the network and calls are clear. Driving around in both residential and commercial areas the 9850 maintained a solid connection, though in less populated areas and smaller roads the once dominant cell network now regularly drops calls and is as stable as the rest of the big four. Locally, however, Sprint’s network has deteriorated in Los Angeles county as a whole.

The 9850 atop the HTC Evo 3D, a significantly larger phone. The 9850 is pretty small compared to today’s smartphones

What I’m both surprised and dismayed about with the 9850 is that while it’s a 3G handset , what you can do with Sprint’s network is limited to the phone only. There is no hotspot connectivity, which for an enterprise-ready phone can be a death sentence for business users. The way Blackberry works, the BB Store only downloads via 3G and not through Wi-Fi, which considering the poorer status of Sprint’s network, as well as the overwhelming difference between Wi-Fi and 3G, makes me question the fundamental design of the phone.

Browsing the BB Store and installing applications isn’t nearly as easy as it should be. It’s a slow process. Too many applications require accepting their specific terms and conditions. There is no true multitasking. Switching from one app to the next is slow. Installing apps, and then installing updates for those apps, is painfully slow. Finally, plenty of cross-platform apps are very clearly worse on Blackberry.

Battery life on the 9850 is what I’ve come to expect from today’s smartphones, about a day with moderate use. In poor connection areas the battery drain is terrible, where some of the other handsets I currently have in testing can sit for days with low- or no-connectivity.

The camera is fairly good, though it tends to take grainy photos which are then post-processed to sharpen them. Viewing pictures taken with the 9850 directly on the phone looks great, but on a computer screen or blown up they are mediocre at best. The flash is powerful, and tends to wash colors out, but it’s the only way to take low-light shots. The plethora of shooting modes is good, though the automatic mode shoots the best and has in nearly every shot used the proper settings. Close shots automatically go to macro, night shots switch to the night mode, and even the neat text mode automatically detects properly. Sample shots below.

Video quality on the 9850 is very good. The microphone does a great job at picking up audio from the front and back, while also minimizing the sound of oncoming wind. At full 720p videos aren’t as clear as they could be, and the camera frequently has trouble focusing, while simultaneously switching between light and dark spots quickly. It’s overall a good camcorder, but there’s no tap to focus feature.

RIM, out of all the other smartphone manufacturers, has the biggest opportunity to make it right. They produce so many phones, have so many users worldwide, and have enterprise wrapped around its finger. That’s been changing thanks to iOS and Android gobbling up RIM’s market share, and phones like the Torch 9850 aren’t helping. The phone is a legacy device, not different or upgraded enough from its predecessors to put a dent in its main competitors. Add onto that an inaccurate touchscreen and you have a Blackberry, with everything a Blackberry is good for, sans keyboard. The 9850 is a device I really want to like, but RIM just makes it too hard.

Bottom line: It’s a Blackberry, with all the good except for a working keyboard. Interested buyers need to seriously consider if they want a Blackberry that’s no good at typing, that isn’t really business ready, and already feels outdated.

Pros:

• Solid build with a removable battery panel, which everyone should copy
• Blackberry’s revered email and instant services work marvelously

Cons:

• Touchscreen is inaccurate, makes typing a headache
• No hotspot or 3G-sharing supported
• App store needs a complete overhaul

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Would you believe it?  Sprint, to date, has launched 24 4G compatible devices.  And today the company announced the 25th, the Samsung Conquer 4G.  We’re still not sold on the whole 4G experience since it’s a massive battery drain, and even though we don’t own a device that supports the network, or run with the likes of the “Now Network”, it’s by our best estimate that the service still isn’t consistent or that much faster than some 3G connections.  Course, all of that is changing, and hopefully once the folks that wear white lab coats and glasses get their act together, we’ll have battery tech that is powerful enough to go more than a few days without a recharge, even from the most demanding of handsets.  Nonetheless, we digress.

The Samsung Conquer 4G is by far and away Sprint’s cheapest 4G compatible smartphone.  It costs $100 after a 2-year contract and $50 mail-in-rebate. But there is a caveat to going cheap.   You’ll be left with a rather run of the mill handset, though by all accounts it ain’t that bad.  Well, actually, the camera is pretty piss poor by today’s standards, boasting just a 3.2 megapixel sensor.  Surprisingly, there is a front facing 1.3-megapixel camera.  We’d gladly sacrifice the front facing shooter for a higher rez rear camera.  Under the hood is a 1Ghz processor.  There is a 3.5-inch touchscreen, WiFi b/g/n, GPS, a microSD card that supports up to a 32GB card and it ships with Android 2.3.  Other features include a Mobile Hotspot that supports up to 5 devices, stereo Bluetooth, a 1500 mAh battery and a 4.1oz weight.

You can expect the Samsung Conquer to arrive August 21st.

3.5 out of 5 stars

For me, a full blown tablet is nice real estate wise, but it can be tedious to type on. By contrast, a smart phone is nice and handy for thumb pecking out email and posts to Facebook, but the screen is so darn small. If only there could be something in the middle which would offer larger screen real estate and still let me type on the go. Enter the Sprint/Kyocera Echo.

The Echo is an interesting, dual screen smart phone, with twin 3.5” WVGA screens which separate thanks to an ingenious hinge, allowing for single screen phone use or dual screen tablet mode (where it stretches out to 4.7 inches square). And I have to say that the hinge had me a bit worried when I read about it. I had this ugly image of the hing breaking after a few months use, leaving angry users stuck with an expensive repair or replacement bill because they aren’t eligible for a new phone. But Kyocera has made the hinge design pretty robust and after a few months of daily use, it isn’t even loose. Hats off for making a tough design.

In addition to the tablet mode and single screen mode, there’s also a SimulTask app, which allows you to use the screens independently, or in concert with one another. This is easily seen with the Billiards game app which shows an overhead view of the pool table on one screen, and the playing view on the other. Or the YouTube screen which gives you the video on one screen and a list on the other (YouTube can also play in Dual Screen mode). When in dual screen mode, the Echo enjoys a full 960 x 800 screen resolution keeping it in league with its big brother tablets running Android 3 (Honeycomb). But in full screen mode, users do have to accept that line of separation in the middle between two screens.

The Echo uses Android 2.2 (Froyo), and that’s where there’s a bit of a drag. It’s an older version of the Android OS, and that makes it feel a bit like last year’s news since the world has moved on to vs. 2.3 (Gingerbread) and beyond. Even though it’s powered by a 1GHz Snapdragon processor with 1GB of RAM on board, it still doesn’t have the latest Android software update – which it is by no means alone. In a rush to get phones out, manufacturers have been willing to go with last year’s OS with the promise of an eventual update. But even then, updates like Gingerbread are being stalled by carriers who are skittish about being in the rapid fire update cycle that is Android.

On the other hand, the Echo’s advantage is that it’s pretty close to a pure Google experience. It isn’t bogged down with annoying overlays like TouchWiz. But frankly, as an Apple snob, I’m still not an Android fan. I can see how others are, mind you, Android is to PC as iOS is to Mac. But for me, the iOS interface is simply more elegant and intuitive. Still, the Android OS and its market downloads work well, and with its market saturation, it will take over the smart phone world. And that’s OK by me, as it will leave me and my precious little iPhone right where we belong, in the niche market.

Another lagging indicator is that unfortunately, the Echo is a 3G phone – meaning it won’t work on Sprint’s emerging Wimax 4G universe. Therefore, speed wise, it’s definitely in an “also ran,” second tier category. No real need to go into details here. If you have 4G now, you know. If you don’t, then you don’t really know what you’re missing. But since the Echo came out about the same time as 4G, I’m a bit puzzled as to why Sprint didn’t ride the unique train one stop further and push for 4G in the Echo. But I would have a hunch that battery life is at least part of it since 4G users complain they can’t get through the day. Add a second screen and the Echo at 4G would be abysmal.

Other features include a single, rear facing 5MP camera with flash, auto focus and a 2x digital zoom that shoots HD video in 720p. Again, this is where the Echo feels like yesterday’s news as it won’t be able to enjoy one wireless’ growing new applications – video chatting. Without a front facing camera, a user is simply left in the dark being unable to do video Skype or Tango with their friends and family. Digital stills with a 5MP camera are marginal in an 8MP+ world, which is really too bad. But at least its a camera that can capture that “Kodak moment” when it comes, and you can’t juggle the phone to dig the still camera out of your bag. But you’ll be wishing you had, as the Echo’s camera provides picture quality that’s just OK. Last year, it would’ve been tops.

As for battery life, here’s where things get interesting. When we first saw the Echo unfold and turn on (which takes longer than we had hoped, BTW), we were convinced it would suck the life out of its 1370mAh battery faster than a 10 year old downing a Slurpee from 7-11. After all, running dual screens should mean twice as fast. But we were surprised that with modest use, (checking your email, doing some surfing, and then a session or two of Angry Birds just to break the day up) the Echo could last the day. But with heavy use (like when I gave it to my son Cody and told him to play games and watch videos till it was dead), it ran out of battery life by lunchtime making heavy use of the dual screen for entertainment albeit guaranteeing you’ll be plugging it in to recharge at least once throughout the day. Or, you can use the backup battery unit that Kyocera includes which plugs directly via microUSB (a rather quirky option) and also doubles as a charger. And what I like about this addition is that while phones like the HTC Thunderbolt lived in denial about its bad battery life until it was forced to provide an extended life battery (at an additional price, mind you), Kyocera is up front about it saying with a dual screen … it is what it is.

So, what is there to say about the bottom line of this odd little duck? Well, to be frank, it’s more a toy than a phone. It works fine as a phone, but it seems to me that makes for a better mobile media/gaming device than a workhorse smart phone. But that isn’t all bad. If you definitely like the eclectic, like the idea of a larger screen when you need it and longer battery life when you don’t, the Echo gives you the best of both worlds. But if you want speed, higher performance from your camera and options like video chat, then it’s time to move on to a 4G phone with dual cameras, not dual screens.
Pros:

• Dual WVGA Screen that can be used in tablet mode or separately.
• Collapsible for regular phone calls and to fit conveniently in purse or pocket.
• Slim in dual screen mode, but bulky folded up.
• Standard MicroUSB charge/sync cable
• Extra battery unit

Cons:

• “The line” of the dual screen
• Android. 2.2 makes it yesterday’s news (update: 2.3 is now available)
• As does its single 5MP rear facing camera.
• Not 4G
• Battery life, depending on if you’re a heavy user or not (but at least you get a backup battery)

Sprint unveiled the Motorola Photon 4G last month providing everything but the release date.  However, yesterday the carrier said that the phone will be arriving on the Now Network on July 31st for $199.99 with a 2-year contract.  You’ll of course need to select an applicable everything plan to achieve the carrier’s discounts, which start at $69.99.

The Photon 4G is a Tegra 2 powered smartphone running the Android operating system.  It sports a 4.3-inch qHD touchscreen, 16GB of built-in storage, an 8 megapixel camera, and 3G/4G connectivity.  When it ships later this month, a number of accessories will be available for the handset.  The HD station is a remote and HDMI cable allowing you to plug the handset into your HDTV and control your stored media, surf the web or attach up to 3 USB devices for $99.99.  There is a full sized keyboard that costs $69.99 and a vehicle navigation dock that is probably nothing more than a glorified mount for $59.99.

Starting July 18th, Sprint will let you register to win a Photon 4G or a trip for 2 to Live Nation concert.

Full press release after the ‘leap’

Motorola PHOTON 4G Debuts on July 31 for $199.99

Sprint ID just added to impressive list of features for Sprint’s first international 4G smartphone

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – July 13, 2011 – Offering a phone packed with a powerful balance of features to complement a consumer’s personal and professional life, Sprint (NYSE: S) and Motorola Mobility, Inc. (NYSE: MMI) today announced the July 31 availability of Sprint’s first international 4G smartphone, Motorola PHOTON™ 4G. Motorola PHOTON 4G, featuring a 1GHz dual-core processor, will cost $199.99 (excludes taxes) with a new line or eligible upgrade and two-year service agreement1.

Sprint Premier Customers will have the opportunity to purchase Motorola PHOTON 4G – online only – three days before the national launch, while supplies last. Customers who have elected to receive email notifications from Sprint will be notified of the details on July 28. Premier customers can also log on to their account at www.sprint.com on July 28, click “show me my rewards” and then “Sprint Premier Community” for additional details.

“Sprint is thrilled to build on the strength of our relationship with Motorola by bringing customers Motorola’s first Sprint 4G device with a dual-core processor,” said Fared Adib, vice president-Product Development, Sprint. “Motorola PHOTON 4G brings our customers the latest in Android technology combined with enterprise-quality security for business users and international GSM capabilities for those who travel abroad. It is spectacular to bring yet another Sprint 4G device to our customers.”

Announced in early June, Motorola PHOTON 4G has already received praise from well-respected device critics:

“I dig the way the PHOTON looks. The qHD screen is very nice indeed. Colors are rich, and the resolution was very good.” – PC World
“It’s big, it’s businesslike…. Sprint’s brand-new Motorola PHOTON 4G will face down the HTC EVO 3D this summer in a battle of the high-end Android super-phones.” – PC Magazine
“It’s a strong competitor and one that seems aimed equally at business customers as it is to regular consumers.” – GigaOm
Making Android Easy

Motorola PHOTON 4G is Sprint’s seventh Sprint ID-capable device. Sprint ID delivers a variety of apps, widgets, shortcuts, ringtones and wallpapers – designed to meet users’ specific mobile needs and interests – in a few simple clicks. Sprint ID packs are free to download with an Everything Data plan, and users can download five at once – including Professional (features tools to help busy professionals with travel plans, organization, communication), Green (tips to live a greener lifestyle), MTV Music ID (mobile music experience), HSN (shopping on the go) and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series ID Pack. To see all Sprint ID packs, visit www.sprint.com/sprintid.

Built with Android 2.3 Gingerbread, Motorola PHOTON 4G, combined with Sprint’s 4G network, lets users browse, download and multitask at maximum speeds to support their busy lifestyles. Motorola PHOTON 4G provides an array of versatile tools, such as the Motorola webtop application, allowing users to access and create content from a larger screen while connected to a Motorola HD Station dock (available for purchase following device availability).

Additional features include:

Dual-core NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor with each core running at 1GHz and 1GB of RAM
Large 4.3-inch touchscreen with qHD (Quarter High Definition) display
Supports critical IT device policies commonly requested by enterprises and governmental entities, including integration ease, cost-of-management and data security concerns
Dual cameras – 8-megapixel, dual-LED flash camera with front-facing webcam and VGA front-facing camera for video chat
Android Market™ for access to more than 200,000 useful applications, widgets and games available for download to customize the experience
16GB of onboard memory, support for up to 32GB SD Card, for a total of up to 48GB
Worldphone capabilities to access emails, calendars and news from anywhere around the globe
3G/4G Mobile Hotspot capability, supporting up to eight devices on the Sprint 3G or 4G networks
Robust Accessory Ecosystem

Customers will appreciate the wide variety of Sprint and Motorola exclusive accessories available to customize their Motorola PHOTON 4G experience. Options include

Paired with the HD Station, which includes a Wireless Remote and HDMI Cable, users can do more than ever on a larger screen. When docked, the Motorola PHOTON 4G launches the Webtop application, providing users with instant access to full Firefox® multi-window browsing capabilities. Additionally, users can connect up to three USB peripherals, such as a keyboard, mouse or memory stick to be even more productive at home or on-the-go. The HD Station will be available when the device launches for $99.99 (excludes tax).
The full-size Wireless Keyboard allows Motorola PHOTON 4G users to work faster with Bluetooth® technology and a super thin design. The Wireless Keyboard provides quick access to Android® apps using dedicated shortcut keys and navigate through Web apps powered by Android in a snap. Available when the device launches, the Wireless Keyboard will retail for $69.99 (excludes tax).
Hitting the open road for summer vacation? The Vehicle Navigation Dock for Motorola PHOTON 4G is the ultimate travel companion providing users with easy access to maps, favorite contacts, hands-free calling, music, turn-by-turn navigation and more. Equipped with integrated Motorola ESP technology to automate the screen preferences, and allows streaming audio & music via the 3.5mm audio jack through the vehicle speakers. The Vehicle Navigation Dock will be available when the device launches for $59.99 (excludes tax).
When it comes time to recharge Motorola PHOTON 4G, Sprint offers a wide variety of power solutions, including a Battery Only Charger and Battery Bundle. This high performing, 1700mAh Lithium Ion replacement battery gives the device the power to talk, send texts, take pictures, or just be on standby. The bundle includes a battery-only charger, providing users the option to charge the spare battery separately and is available on August 21 for $49.99 (excludes tax).
Sprint offers a variety of cases, skins and gels to protect Motorola PHOTON 4G and other devices from inevitable nicks and scratches. Sprint offers the following phone covers and wraps for Motorola PHOTON 4G. Each of the accessories below will be available on July 31.

A Holster and Shield Combo make a nice protective cover to prevent scuffs and scratches. This cover and holster combination carry solution provides convenient protection for the Motorola PHOTON 4G device. It is available for $24.99 (excludes tax).
The protective Gel surrounds Motorola PHOTON 4G like protective gloves with precision cut-outs for access to the device’s bright screen, control buttons and keypad. It’s available in purple and retails for $19.99 (excludes tax).
The two-piece Phone Cover for Motorola PHOTON 4G slides together easily to protect the top and bottom of the device. Available in gray with black leather inlay, the phone cover will retail for $21.99 (excludes tax).
Additional accessories will be available after launch. Customers seeking more information can visit their local Sprint store or www.sprint.com/accessories.

Motorola PHOTON 4G requires activation on one of Sprint’s Everything Data plans plus a required $10 Premium Data add-on charge for smartphones. Sprint’s Everything Data plan with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM includes unlimited web, texting and calling to and from any mobile in America while on the Sprint Network, starting at just $69.99 per month plus required $10 Premium Data add-on charge – a savings of $39.99 per month versus Verizon’s comparable plan with unlimited talk, text and 2GB web or $9.99 per month versus Verizon’s 450-minute plan with unlimited text and 2GB web. The Mobile Hotspot option is available for an additional $29.99 per month supporting up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously. (Pricing excludes taxes and surcharges.)

Sprint was unbeaten among major wireless carriers for customer satisfaction according to results from the 2011 American Customer Satisfaction Index. In addition to tying for first place among wireless carriers, Sprint was also the number one most improved company in customer satisfaction, across all industries, during the last three years, according to the survey.

As the first national wireless carrier to test, launch and market 4G technology, Sprint made history by launching 4G in Baltimore in September 2008. Sprint currently offers 4G service in 71 markets in 28 states. For more information, visit www.sprint.com/4G.

Networldoverstock via eBay has a very low price going for this Sprint Motorola 4G Clear Desktop WiFi Aircard Modem at only $28.99 + Free Ship = $28.99

Give yourself speedy Internet connectivity on any computer anywhere you go! This Motorola 4G Modem works with any Sprint Wireless contract that includes 4G, and with a simple activation to your plan you can now obtain blazing fast Internet speeds for any laptop or computer running on any Operating System. It’s more than 10 times faster than 3G which means your video calls will go unhindered and your network will operate seamlessly. It’s very portable and easy to use while hiding within dual antennas with the best in class radio performance. All of this at a super low price anyone can afford!

In partnership with Sprint, Motorola today unveiled the Photon 4G, a Tegra powered Android smartphone.  This power house of device is said to deliver video game cosole graphics in a hand held form factor thanks to the embedded 1Ghz dual-core Nvidia Tegra 2-powered chip.

The feature set includes a 4.3-inch qHD (960×540 resolution), metal kickstand, HDMI out, 1GB of RAM, an 8 megapixel camera with dual LED flash, 16GB of storage (expandable) and 4G connectivity.

Die hard gamers will be able to connect the Photon 4G to their favorite HDTV using an HDMI cord and utilizing a Bluetooth compatible controller play games as if it were a stand alone video game console.

The Photon 4G will ship with Android 2.3 and hit Sprint sometime this summer (no price or launch date was announced).

Sprint’s Photon 4G Joins Tegra Super Phone Family
By Will Park

Today, Motorola and Sprint introduced the Photon 4G, as the first Tegra-powered super phone on Sprint’s 4G network. This big-screened multimedia monster boasts a 4.3 qHD high-resolution (960×540) multitouch display, metal kickstand, HDMI-output support, an impressive 1 GB of RAM and Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS.

The Photon 4G takes mobile computing and entertainment to another level. Sure, you can surf the web, check email and even stream HD video from YouTube and any video-streaming websites using Adobe’s Flash technology. But, it’s the Sprint Photon 4G’s ability to play optimized, console-quality games from Tegra Zone (which you can find in the Sprint Zone) that makes this Tegra 2-powered handset a veritable gaming console in your pocket.

Thanks to the NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual-core processor and GeForce GPU, the Photon 4G is capable of running multi-platform, console-class Android OS games with the kind of experience you expect from a game console. You can play games on the handset itself, or use HDMI-out to play the game on a big-screen TV. But, it doesn’t end there.

The Photon 4G supports Bluetooth game controllers that allow you to play Tegra Zone games, like Riptide GP, with the tactile feedback that only gaming controllers can deliver.

At work (hopefully on your lunch break), simply prop the phone against integrated kickstand, kick up your feet and play games on the high-res qHD display. How about at home? Well, you can turn the Photon 4G into a gaming console. With HDMI-out and a Bluetooth controller (like the Wii game controller), you can get your game on with Riptide GP on your HDTV. It’s all about options, and the Photon 4G offers them in spades.

Video Embed Link:

A quick recap of the Photon 4G:
· The first Tegra-powered super phone on Sprint’s 4G network
· 3G and 4G capable, international GSM capabilities
4.3” qHD (960×540) high-resolution screen
Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)
8 MP auto-focus, rear-facing camera with dual LED flash and front-facing camera for video chat
· HD video capture and playback
· HD video, web browsing and gaming via HDMI out to your HDTV
1GB RAM
3G/4G Mobile Hotspot capability
Bluetooth controller support
· Ability to utilize the webtop application while connected to an accessory dock to open, view, edit and send Microsoft Office documents using cloud-based web apps through the full Mozilla Firefox browser
· Access to more than 200,000 useful applications, widgets and games on Android Market

Wirefly is offering a super low price on the Samsung Epic 4G!

If you’re looking to get your hands on a super powerful smartphone without spending tons of money then check out this offer! The Samsung Epic 4G lives up to its name and offers an array of features which make it very powerful. It begins with the Android UI which gives you limitless customization, smooth speeds and full flash enabled browser and continues on to a large 4.0-Inch touch display and use of either a virtual keyboard or physical slide-out QWERTY keyboard for super speedy typing. It is powered by a lightning fast 1Ghz Hummingbird processor as well and includes other features such as a built-in GPS functionality, 5MP camera and HD recording and 3G/4G mobile hotspot for up to 5 other devices.

You can grab this Samsung Epic 4G Android Phone for Sprint on contract for just $79.99 + Free Shipping = $79.99!