Tuesday, 13 March 2012

Motorola RAZR XT910


What’s the big deal?
Remember back in 2010 when the RAZR made waves in the phone industry? Well, it is back and back with a few punches.

Who’s the phone for?
If you want the best of the Anroid world, along with Motocast (it allows you to access your computer from your phone) and want the slim design to fit into your tightest pair of jeans.

The important stuff…

This device includes:
Operating system: Android 2.3.5
Display: 4.3 inch 540 x 960 pixels, Super AMOLED Advanced
CPU: Dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9
Memory: 16 GB internal with microSD up to 32 GB
Camera: 8 MP with Flash
Talk time: up to 600 min.

Our 2 cents worth…
Motocast leaves us gobsmacked, but the screen interface can is not the best.

Monday, 6 February 2012

Nokia Lumia 710


What’s the big deal?
Nokia bravely continues to make strides forward in the smart phone market, dominated by Apple, BlackBerry and the android operating system on many other devices.

Who’s the phone for?
If you want a smart phone and like the Nokia brand, you can do no wrong with this one.

The important stuff…

This device includes:
Operating system: Windows Phone “Mango”
Display: 3.7 Inch 16 Million Colour AMOLED Touch Screen (480 x 800 Pixels), ClearBlack and Anti Glare Screen
CPU: 1.4GHz processors
Memory: 8GB of flash memory, 512MB RAM
Camera: 5MP camera
Talk time: 7.6 hours on 3G

Our 2 cents worth…
We really like the swappable back covers and the powerful operating system, but it can feel a bit more solid, especially considering Nokia's older, but durable phones.

Monday, 23 January 2012

BlackBerry Torch 9810


What’s the big deal?
BlackBerry has gone under the hood to make this phone more powerful, even though it looks pretty much the same as its predecessor.

Who’s the phone for?
The huge BlackBerry market in the country will no doubt be pleased with this phone.

The important stuff…

This device includes:
Operating system: BlackBerry 7 OS
Display: 3.2 inch, 480 x 640 pixels, 250 ppi pixel density with TFT capacitive touchscreen
CPU: 1.2 GHz single-core processor
Memory:  8 GB storage, 768 MB RAM, with microSD, up to 32 GB
Camera: 5 MP auto-focus camera with LED flash
Talk time: Up to 308 hours on 2G, up to 300 hours on 3G

Our 2 cents worth…
It may look the same as the older version of the phone, but we enjoyed the faster processing and better display.

Wednesday, 11 January 2012

Parrot Minikit Slim Bluetooth Car Kit


What’s the big deal?
Spending long hours in the car does not mean you need to miss out on important business calls. Be smart and use a hands free kit, like this Parrot Minikit Slim Bluetooth Car Kit.

Who’s the gadget for?
If you're always on the phone, and still need to be on the phone while driving. Be responsible with this nifty device. And you do not have to pay that much - the RRP is R899.

Our 2 cents worth…
It has a slim and stylish design that clips easily onto your visor. There is automatic Bluetooth pairing. While the audio is rather good, noise cancellation did not work all that well. 

Wednesday, 28 December 2011

Samsung Galaxy Note GT-N7000


What’s the big deal?
This phone falls firmly in the grey area between a tablet and a smart phone. Hey, it had to happen at some point...

Who’s the phone for?
If you wanted a tablet, but having a phone and a laptop has stopped you from buying one. And if you can afford the R8000 price tag.

The important stuff…

This device includes:
Operating system: Android Gingerbread 2.3.5
Display: 5.3 inch screen (it is supposed to be the middle ground between the 4 inch smartphone and the 7 inch tablet)
CPU: Dual-core Cortex-A9, 1.4 GHz ARM
Memory: 16GB Internal memory, microSD up to 32 GB
Camera: Back - 8 MP; Front  - 2 MP
Talk time: Up to 820 hour talk time (3G)

Our 2 cents worth…
Even though it is bigger than an average smart phone, it is still quite easy to handle. The phone's performance is phenomenal and it has excellent video capabilities. That said, we would prefer the 10 inch tablet considering the very pricey price tag.

Monday, 12 December 2011

Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman


What’s the big deal?
If you're the post Walkman generation, think of a Walkman as the iPod of the 1980s and 1990s. This device doubles up as a great phone, and a nifty portable music carrier.

Who’s the phone for?
If you like to listen to music on the go, at the gym and everywhere else and do not have an iPod, this is your jackpot!

The important stuff…

This device includes:
Operating system: Android 2.3.4 with Timescape skin
Display: 3.2 inch, 320 x 480 pixels, 180 ppi pixel density with Capacitive touchscreen
CPU: 1 GHz processor
Memory: Internal Memory 320MB storage, 512 MB RAM, microSD card with up to 32 GB sized cards supported, 2 GB card included. Very handy for all the tunes you can store on it.
Camera: 5 MP auto-focus camera
Talk time: Up to 14 hours and 15 min (2G), up to 6 hours and 42 min (3G)

Our 2 cents worth…
The Sonys xLOUD Experience speaker enhancements really gives your ear great listening time! The phone has the latest version of Android and we dig the panoramic photo taking ability. However, direct sunlight causes a bad glare on the screen. Bummer...

Wednesday, 23 November 2011

Vodafone 555 Blue


What’s the big deal?
Remember we reviewed the HTC ChaCha, which had a dedicated Facebook button, a few months ago? Here is another phone punting great Facebook capabilities.

Who’s the phone for?
This phone is extremely affordable (R749 on prepaid or R99 per month on contract) so if you're looking after your budget, this is the phone for you!

The important stuff…

This device includes:
Dedicated Facebook integration
Display: 2.4 inch, 320 x 240 pixels, TFT, 256K colours
CPU: 200 MHz MTK 6235 processor
Memory: 40 MB with microSD card slot up to 16GB
Camera: 2 MP
Talk time: Up to 3 hours

Our 2 cents worth…
We really dig the price, but find it strange that in this day and age, the phone has no Wi-fi capabilities.