Time to keep an eye on new smartphone prices

I've decided that it's time to replace my XV6800 over the next few months. I could replace it now, but I'd like to wait. I'm going to keep my eye on smartphone prices and then I'll make the switch when prices near $99 (the BlackBerry Storm is currently $99 because the Storm 2 is coming out this fall).

Getting another XV6800 replacement

The keyboard on my XV6800 has developed a defective problem yet again. Hence, I am requesting another replacement from Verizon Wireless. The last time this happened, I received a replacement which was defective.

HTC makes great devices, but what is it about the Titan keyboard that causes these issues? Spacing too tight? Dust? My next phone won't be a slider and it may not even have a hardware keyboard. I may end up with the Samsung Omnia or the BlackBerry Storm (although there are newer versions of each of these phones that will be appearing later in 2009 and in 2010).

HTC Hero running Android

The HTC Hero runs Google Android. Is it the best phone out there running Android? It may be for now, but the hardware has to improve in order for this phone to really live up to its value. Faster speed often means reduced battery life. Since phones are being made so thin these days, we're seeing phone manufacturers balance the delicate need for performance with battery life. Well, maybe the HTC Hero 2 will be a winner when it comes out in a few years.

Double letters with a single key press

I've heard others have the same problem. You press a key once and you see two or three letters (the same letters) appear. Is this a hardware problem or a software problem? If the key is getting "stuck," then it's obviously a hardware issue. Do you have this issue with repeating key strokes? I've changed my "Buttons" setting and the "Delay before first repeat" is set to "Long."

Is the keyboard on the XV6800 poorly designed? Looks like HTC revised the keyboard for all future sliders, so I hope they've made some design improvements.

Verizon unlocks the GPS on the Samsung Omnia

A software update released by Verizon Wireless now unlocks the built-in GPS in the Samsung Omnia running Windows Mobile. It's about time!

I've had to hack, I mean "modify" my XV6800 so that I can use the built-in GPS chip. Why do you have to disable these Verizon? If the phone manufacturer included a feature like an internal GPS chip, then we (as consumers) should be free to use it. Don't you think?

The HTC Touch Pro now also has an unlocked GPS chip. Users of the Samsung Saga still need to wait. To get the update, visit the Samsung website and look for the CF03 Software Upgrade. Or, visit this link.

Skyfire 1.0

I've been using Skyfire on my XV6800 and it's probably the most reliable mobile browser that allows me to easily zoom in and out on this device. Other browsers were OK, but I often encountered "memory out" problems.

For the first time ever, on your phone, you can watch any video, connect with friends, listen to music, shop, and browse the web using the full-featured PC versions of your favorite websites. With Skyfire, mobile browsing just works - speedy page loads, full video, images and audio.

So what are you waiting for?

Verizon Wireless XV6800

Samsung Omnia for Verizon Wireless

Here's an interesting video of the Samsung Omnia.

Still using my XV6800 as a GPS navigation device

I've had many opportunities to upgrade my phone on Verizon Wireless. However, I'm still using my XV6800 as a smartphone, wireless modem (tethering), and GPS navigation device for driving. I don't know when I'll be upgrading, but I'm trying to wait as long as possible.

The XV6800 has been reliable and although it's a bit on the slow side and it lacks enough RAM to run Opera Mobile, it's still a very good phone.