No - not the bruce willis hero flick, but a new phone we are looking at. You can view more here.
The link above shows the phone being washed in a sink, and also be driven over by a car and still working!
We have had several people in our company (who are probably as heavy as a ford focus) to stand on the phone, so we can also testify to its toughness in this respect.
We are now looking at other ways to test how tough it is. Will let you know how we get on. Its tough at the top!
Thursday, 4 October 2007
Wednesday, 19 September 2007
Sony Ericsson W850i
At this time last year I knew very little about mobile phones, luckily this has now changed. I could see the salesman smiling with glee when I wandered (in a slightly bewildered fashion) into the phone shop and announced that I wanted a pretty phone that wouldn’t break when I drop it. It turned out this salesman did me a favour because he suggested the Sony Ericsson W850i.
Besides from being pretty and fairly indestructible, this phone has really impressed me. Of course it has all the standard features like Bluetooth, 3G, FM radio and a camera which I personally expect from a modern phone, but with the 1GB memory card included I have 500+ photos saved and a few albums worth of music, with plenty of memory space to spare. I'm the kind of girl who likes to have my phone, camera and MP3 in the same device. My handbag has more than enough rubbish in it to be messing around with separate items, and this phone fills all my requirements of modern life with ease.
My favourite thing about the W850i is the MP3 player, which after all is the main selling point of this handset, accessed using the flashy bright orange navigation key. The whole display lights up orange when the walkman is activated. The whole feel of the phone is quite snazzy, there are several preinstalled themes where you can change the graphics used in the menu. The phone has a 2 inch TFT display which is great for viewing pictures, but recently I have started using the phone for its web browsing capabilities, and I have to say I am pleasantly surprised. I can easily check the news or my emails on the large clear screen. I was slightly concerned about having a slider style phone but the slider is secure with, in my opinion, just the right amount of “give”.
On the downside, I’m a little disappointed with the camera. Its 2MP copes well in good conditions, but as soon as the lighting is too bright or dark, it struggles a little bit and a lot of photos come out blurry. If you were keen on having digital camera quality images I would suggest looking elsewhere. The only other gripe I have with it is the “toolbar” button on the main screen. This button gives you access to shortcuts, but by the time you’ve pressed 3 buttons to select what you want, you may as well have gone through the main menu. It seems a bit redundant to me.
If you can live with slightly awkward navigation, you will have a phone with a cracking MP3 player which I think at the end of my 18 month contract will still be able to compete with the new models coming out. A year after my experience in the phone shop, my handset has suffered from very little wear and tear and has never broken or stopped working. I have been delighted with my first venture into the world of Sony Ericsson; I can honestly say I think I've found a phone manufacturer I will stick with.
Besides from being pretty and fairly indestructible, this phone has really impressed me. Of course it has all the standard features like Bluetooth, 3G, FM radio and a camera which I personally expect from a modern phone, but with the 1GB memory card included I have 500+ photos saved and a few albums worth of music, with plenty of memory space to spare. I'm the kind of girl who likes to have my phone, camera and MP3 in the same device. My handbag has more than enough rubbish in it to be messing around with separate items, and this phone fills all my requirements of modern life with ease.
My favourite thing about the W850i is the MP3 player, which after all is the main selling point of this handset, accessed using the flashy bright orange navigation key. The whole display lights up orange when the walkman is activated. The whole feel of the phone is quite snazzy, there are several preinstalled themes where you can change the graphics used in the menu. The phone has a 2 inch TFT display which is great for viewing pictures, but recently I have started using the phone for its web browsing capabilities, and I have to say I am pleasantly surprised. I can easily check the news or my emails on the large clear screen. I was slightly concerned about having a slider style phone but the slider is secure with, in my opinion, just the right amount of “give”.
On the downside, I’m a little disappointed with the camera. Its 2MP copes well in good conditions, but as soon as the lighting is too bright or dark, it struggles a little bit and a lot of photos come out blurry. If you were keen on having digital camera quality images I would suggest looking elsewhere. The only other gripe I have with it is the “toolbar” button on the main screen. This button gives you access to shortcuts, but by the time you’ve pressed 3 buttons to select what you want, you may as well have gone through the main menu. It seems a bit redundant to me.
If you can live with slightly awkward navigation, you will have a phone with a cracking MP3 player which I think at the end of my 18 month contract will still be able to compete with the new models coming out. A year after my experience in the phone shop, my handset has suffered from very little wear and tear and has never broken or stopped working. I have been delighted with my first venture into the world of Sony Ericsson; I can honestly say I think I've found a phone manufacturer I will stick with.
Review Nokia 1600
This handset is small, lightweight and great value for money.
It has a simple interface that even my mum can use, colour screen, built in handsfree and polyphonic ringtones are just some of the inclusive features.
Being a Nokia this is one durable handset, although not recommended, my handset has bounced from the floor a few times and still works perfectly.
If your looking for a simple to use, great value handset, this one's a winner
It has a simple interface that even my mum can use, colour screen, built in handsfree and polyphonic ringtones are just some of the inclusive features.
Being a Nokia this is one durable handset, although not recommended, my handset has bounced from the floor a few times and still works perfectly.
If your looking for a simple to use, great value handset, this one's a winner
Wednesday, 5 September 2007
What phone does Peter Jones have?
We get asked this allot.
For those who are not sure, Peter Jones is the big-boss of the group of companies that Virtual Phone Store resides. So naturally, the phone he chooses should be one of strategic influence, or have some sort of corporate agenda...
The reality is, as I am sure you are aware; Peter is sent phones from all manufacturers for him to 'test'. Even companies you have never heard of, like Bosh phones or something (!?!).
However, to answer the question:
As of 3.07pm and 31 seconds on Wed 5 Aug, Peter Jones is sporting the Samsung G600. And rather nice it looks too.
For those who are not sure, Peter Jones is the big-boss of the group of companies that Virtual Phone Store resides. So naturally, the phone he chooses should be one of strategic influence, or have some sort of corporate agenda...
The reality is, as I am sure you are aware; Peter is sent phones from all manufacturers for him to 'test'. Even companies you have never heard of, like Bosh phones or something (!?!).
However, to answer the question:
As of 3.07pm and 31 seconds on Wed 5 Aug, Peter Jones is sporting the Samsung G600. And rather nice it looks too.
Watch this watch...
We tested some Bluetooth watches last week from Sony Ericsson - just one word: Absolutelyawesome.
The new models are coming out soon which are a bit pricey, but they look stunning. More of a watch than a bluetooth device - if you know what I mean. We have the MBW-100 on the site already, but you can find more information on the newer ones on the Sony Ericsson UK Eshop.
The watch's stylish face displays and manages details for incoming calls. Additionally it will notify of incoming text messages, control your phone's music player and warn you if you are out of range of your handset, should you leave it in your bag or jacket. Its also waterproof for up to 30m... so its ok for a deep bath then.
If you are a gadget fan, this is the mecca.
Steve.
The new models are coming out soon which are a bit pricey, but they look stunning. More of a watch than a bluetooth device - if you know what I mean. We have the MBW-100 on the site already, but you can find more information on the newer ones on the Sony Ericsson UK Eshop.
The watch's stylish face displays and manages details for incoming calls. Additionally it will notify of incoming text messages, control your phone's music player and warn you if you are out of range of your handset, should you leave it in your bag or jacket. Its also waterproof for up to 30m... so its ok for a deep bath then.
If you are a gadget fan, this is the mecca.
Steve.
Tuesday, 21 August 2007
Nokia Batteries OVER HEATING
Being a proud owner of the Nokia E50, I was slightly concerned to hear wind of a fault on Nokia batteries overheating. This reportedly affects the Nokia BL-5C battery which is present in quite a few of their handsets. Luckily, after checking the serial number of my battery, mine hasn’t been affected but if it had been; Nokia it seems would send a replacement battery and a prepaid envelope to post back the old one which I guess isn’t too bad.
Anyway, have a look at http://batteryreplacement.nokia.com/batteryreplacement/en/ if you think yours could be affected. Alternatively call Nokia Customer Services on 0845 0455555. Let us know how you get on if you experience difficulties.
Anyway, have a look at http://batteryreplacement.nokia.com/batteryreplacement/en/ if you think yours could be affected. Alternatively call Nokia Customer Services on 0845 0455555. Let us know how you get on if you experience difficulties.
Nokia 8800 Sirocco
What’s there to say about this phone that you haven’t already heard? I’ve had mine for over 8 months now and I love it!
Often the object of ridicule for my choice of ‘style’ over ‘substance’, I am more than comforted by the fact that it does exactly what I wanted my mobile phone to do which is make calls! Personally the option to have a phone with GPS, 2MP, MP3 makes me feel like the quality of the components is somewhat compromised even if it does stop me having to wear combat trousers with 15 pockets everywhere I go!! The fact that the sleek Nokia 8800 has one included is merely an unused bonus.
I personally prefer to have an iPod for my music, a Sony 8 MP camera for picture and a Nokia 8800 Sirocco because they all do what they are meant to, brilliantly!
The choice is yours but with the introduction of the new Nokia 8600 Luna, the price of this modern classic should now be that little more affordable.
Often the object of ridicule for my choice of ‘style’ over ‘substance’, I am more than comforted by the fact that it does exactly what I wanted my mobile phone to do which is make calls! Personally the option to have a phone with GPS, 2MP, MP3 makes me feel like the quality of the components is somewhat compromised even if it does stop me having to wear combat trousers with 15 pockets everywhere I go!! The fact that the sleek Nokia 8800 has one included is merely an unused bonus.
I personally prefer to have an iPod for my music, a Sony 8 MP camera for picture and a Nokia 8800 Sirocco because they all do what they are meant to, brilliantly!
The choice is yours but with the introduction of the new Nokia 8600 Luna, the price of this modern classic should now be that little more affordable.
Wednesday, 13 June 2007
Diary Review – One week with a K810i
K810i Diary, Day 1:
My shiny new K810i has just arrived from the chaps at Sony Ericsson; let’s see what it comes with…
Phone (I’d have been disappointed if it had come without this!)
128MB M2 Memory Stick
Charger
USB Data Cable
Battery
Headphones
Software Disk
Manual
No big surprises there then… Though the K800i lacked a bundled memory stick, so the 128MB card included here is most definitely a welcome addition.
K810i Diary, Day 2:
Filled my phone book up – well, I say ‘filled up’… I don’t think I could ever hope to fill up the 1000 phone entries it allows for! Hmm, my ‘Surname, Forename’ entry format is automatically reversed when I go back in to search for names, but only on the contacts I inputted manually – how inconvenient! Oh I can change that in advanced options… Oh wait, no I can’t as all the contacts I bluetoothed across from my old phone are now listed in ‘first name’ order. Guess I’ll have to re-input ALL the numbers manually.
Sent texts to my friends notifying them of my new number – this is an excellent phone for texting, as the buttons are nicely spaced apart.
K810i Diary, Day 3:
Put phone through paces – made a few phone calls to check the audio quality: much louder & clearer than I’ve become accustomed to with mobile phones; had to drive too, so connected a Bluetooth headset for the journey – took me a while to work out how to disassociate it from my old phone, but once that was done, connecting them up was simple
Made my first video call – remembered how paranoid I was when it comes to being ‘on film’ – was cool, but I think I’ll be making just regular phone calls from now on;
K810i Diary, Day 4:
Working in London… Test out the camera and music playback whilst walking along the Thames; excellent camera image allowing for a resolution of 2046x1536, though its no step-up from the K800i. The following is a cropped and scaled-down picture of one of Antony Gormley's 'Event Horizon' statues:
...And a zoomed in crop of the same image:
My shiny new K810i has just arrived from the chaps at Sony Ericsson; let’s see what it comes with…
Phone (I’d have been disappointed if it had come without this!)
128MB M2 Memory Stick
Charger
USB Data Cable
Battery
Headphones
Software Disk
Manual
No big surprises there then… Though the K800i lacked a bundled memory stick, so the 128MB card included here is most definitely a welcome addition.
K810i Diary, Day 2:
Filled my phone book up – well, I say ‘filled up’… I don’t think I could ever hope to fill up the 1000 phone entries it allows for! Hmm, my ‘Surname, Forename’ entry format is automatically reversed when I go back in to search for names, but only on the contacts I inputted manually – how inconvenient! Oh I can change that in advanced options… Oh wait, no I can’t as all the contacts I bluetoothed across from my old phone are now listed in ‘first name’ order. Guess I’ll have to re-input ALL the numbers manually.
Sent texts to my friends notifying them of my new number – this is an excellent phone for texting, as the buttons are nicely spaced apart.
K810i Diary, Day 3:
Put phone through paces – made a few phone calls to check the audio quality: much louder & clearer than I’ve become accustomed to with mobile phones; had to drive too, so connected a Bluetooth headset for the journey – took me a while to work out how to disassociate it from my old phone, but once that was done, connecting them up was simple
Made my first video call – remembered how paranoid I was when it comes to being ‘on film’ – was cool, but I think I’ll be making just regular phone calls from now on;
K810i Diary, Day 4:
Working in London… Test out the camera and music playback whilst walking along the Thames; excellent camera image allowing for a resolution of 2046x1536, though its no step-up from the K800i. The following is a cropped and scaled-down picture of one of Antony Gormley's 'Event Horizon' statues:
...And a zoomed in crop of the same image: 
Sightseeing over, music playback is hampered by an inferior headset to the W-series, but quality was passable – Biggest problem was only being able to fit a couple of dozen songs on the slightly stingy memory card.
K810i Diary, Day 5:
Another day in London, and so another train journey… I listen to the radio (much less limited), which gives a good clear signal, and while away the hours playing the pre-installed games on the phone – its no PSP but they’re entertaining enough! That said, there’s only so much ‘Quadrapop’ one can take, and fast-paced games like the WTA Tour tennis game don’t really lend themselves to be easily controlled via the keypad
I try to use video camera function to capture some street performer in Covent Garden – It has to be said, considering the quality of the static camera images, the video playback is pretty terrible. I didn’t try uploading to my PC though…
K810i Diary, Day 6:
Right, now I’ve had this phone for a while I’ll get some things off my chest:
Much like the K800, the lens cap slider is enormous (though not nearly as prominent as before) – it’s not like the lens itself is particularly big, so I fail to understand why they’ve stuck to this sort of design. I find myself catching it and accidentally activating the camera far too frequently.
I personally find the keypad a little frustrating too – but, it does grab the eye I suppose
Charge phone at end of day – the first re-charging I’ve had to do: pretty good battery life it would seem.
K810i Diary, Day 7:
Well being a Sony Ericsson, this was inevitable: my text message memory is full, why do they persist in allocating such a measly amount of space to text messages, rather than limiting it by flash memory available?!?
My score – 4.5 out of 5:
If you’re a fan of Sony Ericsson, you’re unlikely to want to switch to a different manufacturer anyway, but regardless of this you won’t find many better-equipped phones on the market.
All in all, this is definitely a worthy update to the K800, though not quite the update I’d hoped for: The music playback is marginally better, and the camera quality is still unquestionable.
Hubbcap
Friday, 8 June 2007
News - 'Mobile' Awards
Last night and earlier this morning, we ventured to the Mobile Awards. We did'nt pick up any gongs but many of our friends in the industry did.
Omid Djalili kept us entertained throughout, and dished out awards to all the sponsors, I mean, winners.
In all honesty it was a fantastic night. We caught up with many of our friends across Sony Ericsson, Nokia, Vodafone and loads more. Vodafone actually won 3 awards, and was nice to get a wave from a couple of the gang whilst up on stage collecting their well-deserved awards.
From memory Vodafone gongs were:
Omid Djalili kept us entertained throughout, and dished out awards to all the sponsors, I mean, winners.
In all honesty it was a fantastic night. We caught up with many of our friends across Sony Ericsson, Nokia, Vodafone and loads more. Vodafone actually won 3 awards, and was nice to get a wave from a couple of the gang whilst up on stage collecting their well-deserved awards.
From memory Vodafone gongs were:
Blogging for an Oscar
I would like to officially open our very own blog by way of a virtual champagne celebration! In typical Internet fashion, it really is a spectacularly under-whelming launch party but, nevertheless, will continue unabated.
We are currently recruiting editors for our blog by way of Dragons Den-esque selection process. Peter Jones would be proud of our vigiliance to our objective - "Direct, but random, with a hint of irony".
Our friends at Vodafone will form part of our editorial committee, so will our very own staff. Soon after, expect feature editors from phone manufacturers, and industry guru's.
Is there an oscar for blog entries? Probably not. We expect success, but demand useful information. Lets hope our readers agree, and not get bored.
Cheers, and good health! Steve.
We are currently recruiting editors for our blog by way of Dragons Den-esque selection process. Peter Jones would be proud of our vigiliance to our objective - "Direct, but random, with a hint of irony".
Our friends at Vodafone will form part of our editorial committee, so will our very own staff. Soon after, expect feature editors from phone manufacturers, and industry guru's.
Is there an oscar for blog entries? Probably not. We expect success, but demand useful information. Lets hope our readers agree, and not get bored.
Cheers, and good health! Steve.
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