Author Archive: James Richardson

Three MiFi Review

MiFi from Three has been around for a while now but its only in the last week we have managed to get our hands on one to review. It certainly sounds a good bit of kit but is it a good alternative to using a normal dongle?

Three MiFi

 

The 10 second review:

Device: MiFi

Cost: From £9.50 per month with a contract or from £49.99 PAYG

Summary:  A mobile wireless router that will connect to numerous devices simultaneously.

Buy it now from: Three

Please see Matt’s unboxing video for more details.

 

What’s in the box:

• Device
• USB Charger
• Instructions

 

Review:

If your not totally sure what MiFi is let me give a quick explanation. MiFi is a small device that connects to a laptop/netbook to provide wireless internet access.

You may be thinking that that’s what a dongle does. Well the difference here is that the MiFi is also a mobile broadband modem that acts as a wireless network access point. So. if you are out and about the MiFi will act just like any other Wi-Fi hotspot. You can connect numerous devices to it so both you and your friends can all use the same internet connection. The other use for it may be that you are out, or at home and you have no network coverage on your phone. Connect your phone to the MiFi and use 3s 3G internet instead. Its quite clever but is the device as good as it sounds?

3s MiFi works for sure and im pretty impressed. It does however have a few bad points that hopefully will be rectified in future models.

Connecting a laptop or mobile to the MiFi was my first frustration. There are three buttons on the right side of the device and you need to use all three to get connected. First off is the power button. Then you need to press the Wi-Fi button to activate the wireless connection. Finally you then have to press the connect button to get the device connected to the internet. Each of these presses must be for two seconds. Although this procedure works it was a bit temperamental and I just found it to be a bit of a palaver!

MiFi Right Side

 

The next thing I was not that overly impressed with was its speed. The MiFi can handle a maximum speed of 7.2Mbits/s. Sounds great, but unfortunately the Three network only has a maximum of 3.6Mbits/s.

As you will see in the video below although the MiFi does its job its not always the most reliable.

 

 

Conclusion:

The concept of the MiFi is a fantastic one and the Three one works pretty well although sometimes its great and sometimes its a bit slow. As I said in the video this will be the network and not the hardware. Would I buy one: yes but I would rather get one on another network to be honest. If I was relying on the MiFi on a regular basis I would want its performance to be consistent and it;s not on Three. As you can see from the video above, there are times when it romps away and turns in an impressive performance but then there are others times that it just about works. Comparing that to my Orange connection Orange is much more consistent.

Now I wonder if Three will let me take this over to Mobile World Congress next month for a roaming test?

 

Posted by: James

TrafficTV Mini Review

We tend not to review a tonne of software on tracyandmatt but I have been using TrafficTV for over four years now and as I drive a lot I couldnt or wouldnt want to be without it.

TrafficTV

 

By using the TrafficTV application on your Smartphone it allows you to view any incidents or delays on the UKs major road network.

TrafficTV is now available for Android, Windows Mobile, iPhone and BlackBerry Smartphone’s. I have used the software on WinMo for four years and now on BlackBerry and both platforms work a treat.

TrafficTV from MXData is a requires a paid subscription of either £39.99 per year or £14.99 per quarter and if you rely on driving a lot on motorways and A-roads then its money well spent.

Orange support TrafficTV and if you are an Orange customer you can download a free 30 day trial from them on your device. After that you will be billed £4.00 per month.

Once launched the application revolves around a map of the UK. You can set your home location so when the app is opened its where you want it to be.

TrafficTV Map

 

 

You will see on the image above of London that the map is filled with markers. These are highlighting problems and the colour of the marker dictates how severe the incident is. Red being most severe, Orange is medium and Yellow being minor.

Traffic TV Icons

 

You have the option to zoom into the area you wish to see and this will then show you one of two things. You can either set the icons to show how many minutes delay is occurring (which I use) or alternatively the icon can show the current average speed of the traffic on that stretch of road.

So to give you an example if you see a red 99, this is the maximum delay, and this will mean the road has been closed due to an incident.

 

You will also notice on the maps a lot of small icons with a number inside. These are CCTV cameras and if you wish to you can actually view the cameras. The images are refreshed every five minutes so are pretty accurate. If you think you can use this though to view carnage on the motorways then I’m afraid you are wrong. With very serious road traffic accidents the highways agency move the cameras slightly or switch them off. However you can view many other cameras prior to incidents to see how far back the traffic jam is.

TrafficTV CCTV

TrafficTV Camera List

 

The cameras are listed as above so if you know the area well its pretty easy to find the one you want.

 

You can also view the incidents as text and by clicking the incident TrafficTV will give you further details.

TrafficTV Incidents

 

The user interface on the app is dead easy to use and there are several options within the settings to get the app running just how you want it including different coloured maps.

TrafficTV Settings/Options

 

On the latest version of TrafficTV you will find a menu bar at the bottom of the screen which disappears when not in use. Here you can scroll left or right to the different options within the software.

TrafficTV Menu Bar

 

Conclusion:

TrafficTV is without doubt the one app that I rely on most. Facebook and Twitter are cool but they don’t stop you from spending hours stuck in a traffic jam!

If you drive for a living and you need to get to your destination by a certain time then TrafficTV is a must. I drive between two and six hours a day and I very rarely get stuck in a jam as I check the traffic on a regular basis.

Give it a try.

 

Posted By: James

BlackBerry Storm2 Review

RIMs original Storm was not the best device, although it was the first touch screen BlackBerry. Now that RIM have redesigned a few features, most importantly the screen, will the Storm2 make current BlackBerry users switch to it or entice other platform users to give it a try?

BlackBerry Storm2 9520

 

What’s in the box:

• Device
• Battery
• Wall Charger
• Case
• USB Cable
• Cleaning Cloth
• Headset
• Manual
• Software Disc

You can get an insight into the OS by viewing Matt’s BlackBerry Storm2 unboxing video.

 

The ten second review:

Device: BlackBerry 9520 Storm2

Price: From free with contract

Summary: A touch screen messaging device with all the good bits you would expect.

Best of: Push email, Wi-Fi, 3G, Media

Worst of: Screen is an acquired taste, weight.

Buy it now from: Vodafone

 

 

BlackBerry 9520 Storm2 Specification:

• 2G Network : GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
• 3G Network: HSDPA 2100
• Dimensions: 112.5 x 62.2 x 14 mm
• Weight: 160 g
• Display: TFT capacitive touchscreen, 65K colors
• Size: 360 x 480 pixels, 3.25 inches
• Memory: Internal 2 GB
• Card slot: microSD (TransFlash) up to 16GB
• GPRS: Class 10 (4+1/3+2 slots), 32 – 48 kbps
• EDGE: Class 10, 236.8 kbps
• 3G: HSDPA, 7.2 Mbps; HSUPA
• WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
• Bluetooth: v2.1 with A2DP
• USB: microUSB v2.0
• Camera : Primary 3.15 MP, 2048×1536 pixels, autofocus, LED flash
• Messaging: SMS, MMS, Email, IM
• GPS: with A-GPS support
• Document editor (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF)
• MP3/WMA/AAC+ player
• MP4/H.264/H.263/WMV player
• Battery: Standard battery, Li-Ion 1400 mAh
• Stand-by: Up to 305 h (2G) / Up to 280 h (3G)
• Talk time: Up to 5 h (2G) / Up to 6 h (3G)

 

General:

Located on the top of the BlackBerry is the power and standby mode buttons. These are flush with the casing and if you dont know they are there you may miss them!

BlackBerry Storm2 9520 Top

 

The bottom of the device is bare apart from a tiny microphone.

BlackBerry Storm2 9520 Bottom

 

On the left side of the handset is the MicroUSB port and also a shortcut key. This is pre-set to voice commands.

BlackBerry Storm2 9520 Left Side

 

Over on the right side is the 3.5mm headset jack, the up/down volume rocker and the camera key.

BlackBerry Storm2 9520 Right Side

The rear of the device contains the camera lens and flash.

BlackBerry Storm2 9520 Rear

 

At the top of the front of the Storm2 is a speaker grill and light sensor. At the bottom are the four hardware keys.

BlackBerry Storm2 9520 Front

 

 

Highlights:

• Connectivity
• Multiple Push Email Accounts
• Video Player
• BlackBerry Messenger

 

Lowlights:

• Touch Screen
• Weight

 

Review:

I was pretty excited about getting the BlackBerry Storm2 to review. Firstly because I had not had a go with the original Storm, so I was intrigued, and secondly as I am a BlackBerry user myself and wanted to check out the touch screen action.

Out of the box I was pleased with the look of the Storm2. Its not really different from the first edition but still, its a good looking phone. Its pretty heavy though, weighing in at 160g which is a dammed sight more than my Bold 9700 at only 122g. Size wise its very similar to the 9700, being only slightly bigger in each of the three dimensions.

The device feels extreamly sturdy and I should think so too, due to that weight! The back cover on the Storm2 is made from metal and this gives it a bit more of a robust feel. Its a wee bit slippery though! The buttons on the sides are identical to those on the 9700, being made from a rubbery plastic.

 

The main feature on the BlackBerry Storm 2 has to be the touch screen. The original Storm got some stick, so those issues it had have been sorted now. Originally there was one sensor under the centre of the screen. This has now been replaced with four, giving for a much better typing experience. Before, you needed to press a key and make sure your finger was off it before pressing the next. Now, the Storm can handle pressing two keys at once so typing is more fluent.

Although the screen still clicks when you press it, it does not move around from side to side like on the original Storm. I have had no experience with the Storm1 but I would imagine if the screen was loose it would be prone to getting dust under it. Thank god the Storm2 screen is fixed!

The screen is extreamly sensitive but it takes a bit of getting used to. If you touch an on-screen item it will then appear highlighted. To actually select it you click the screen. Yes its odd, but its a case of adapting to it.

Another feature that is present in the Storm2 which was not on the original is Wi-Fi. Dont ask me why it wasn’t on the Storm1 as many other phones had it, but at least its here now.

If you have used a BlackBerry before then getting to grips with the operating system will be a piece of cake. Its more or less the same as on other BlackBerry devices but just set out slightly different due to having a large touch screen.

The Storm2 also comes with an internal memory upgrade, double in fact. With 2GB now, you will be able to store a decent amount of documents and media files on the device.

If you are going to buy a BlackBerry then messaging is going to be most important to you. Using email and sms is just as easy on the Storm2 as on any other BlackBerry. The only difference is using the onscreen keyboard instead of a hardware one. Being a BlackBerry means you get BBM, BlackBerry Messenger. This is an instant messaging client unique to BlackBerry devices and once you have it, and you have some mates with a BB, its great. I would not want to be without it!

The BlackBerry Storm2 gives you a few different keyboard options to allow you to use the one that is most suited. This is great when using the device one handed in portrait mode. In landscape mode though you really want the full QWERTY.

SureType on BlackBerry Storm2

 

Full QWERTY on BlackBerry STorm2

 

 

Most other things on the BlackBerry Storm2 are more of less the same as on other recent BlackBerry Smartphones.

BlackBerry Storm2 Home Screen

 

You now get eight icons on the home screen instead of six like on the Curves and Bolds. Below these on screen icons are the hardware keys. They consist of call send/end, back and BlackBerry menu. The menu key is used a lot as it not only takes you to the main menu but once in an application it then allows you into the options within that application.

BlackBerry Storm2 Menu

 

One of the first things you need to do when you have your new Blackberry is download Blackberry App World. Although its not on par with Apples iPhone app store its not bad. There is some decent stuff in there and the prices are reasonable. Of course there are loads of free apps as well . Its easy to navigate round App World and you are given a lot of info about the apps before you download, including screen shots. The graphics are not great for gaming but you must remember that a Blackberry is primarily a messaging device.

 

The web browser on the BlackBerry Storm2 is typical BlackBerry and not the best, but it works. Having this nice big screen means a better browsing experience compared to the standard BlackBerry devices. The screen auto rotates on the Storm2 really quickly so you have the option of using the phone in portrait or landscape. Zooming is done one of two ways. Either a double tap on screen or there are zoom in and out buttons at the bottom of the display. Unfortunately I could not get the screen capture software to work on the Storm2 for some reason so I cant show you any images. You will have to watch my BlackBerry Storm2 demo video.

 

 

With built in A-GPS you will never get lost again with your Storm2.

BlackBerry running Google Maps

 

The BlackBerry Storm2 comes with BlackBerry maps pre-installed but you can download Google Maps as well, which I prefer. Although no voice guided turn by turn navigation the maps do look pretty good on the Storms screen.

 

 

The 3.1mp camera on the Storm2 is far from superb but its okay for taking snaps and uploading to Facebook or Twitter. The LED flash is blinding but obviously the subject needs to be reasonably close to get a decent shot in very low light conditions. The camera interface is dead easy to use.  The only thing I did not like was the positioning of the camera button. It just felt a bit strange using it.

BlackBerry Storm2 Camera Samples

 

 

One thing I love about using a BlackBerry is the way I can keep my life organised. The Storm2 will hold an infinite number of contacts and calendar events. I use my BlackBerry as my diary so when I am out, doing what I do in the daytime, I can enter contacts and make appointments straight onto my BlackBerry. When I get home I sync the device with Outlook via Bluetooth and within 30 seconds all my new recorded information is on the PC. I know most other Smartphone platforms do this but I particularly like using it on BlackBerry. Its simple pimple to use!

 

Listening to music on the Storm2 was not at all bad. The external speaker is really loud but you clearly get a better quality when using the earphones. As I have said in previous reviews I really dont like the earphones supplied with BlackBerry handsets but as the Storm2 comes with a 3.5mm jack you can use your own.  The music interface is not the best eye candy but it does the job.

BlackBerry Storm2 Music Player

 

Watching video on the Storm2 is great. The screen is a perfect size and the picture quality is on par with other touch screen devices. If not using earphones the loud external speaker really helps out here. With 2GB of onboard storage available and extra via microSD you can get a lot of movies onto the Storm2, perfect for travelling.

 

The BlackBerry Storm2 has all the usual bits found on most smartphones such as document viewers, calculator, memo pad, voice dialling. The alarm clock is wicked and I use this daily. Still manage to oversleep most days though!

 

 

Conclusion:

My overall impressions of the BlackBerry Storm2 were that its a decent device. I’m not sure if hardcore BlackBerry users will be going out and getting one, just because they love their hardware keyboards, but for new BlackBerry users or someone who wants their first smatphone its not a bad choice, as long as you are on Vodafone in the UK!

Compared to other touch screen devices on the market such as the iPhone and some of HTCs and Samsungs its certainly not as flashy to look at but that’s just the BlackBerry OS for you. The Storm2 does exactly what it says on the box but I just feel that its stuck in the middle between the for mentioned touch screen devices and the other BlackBerry devices with proper hardware keyboards. You really need to try before you buy with this one I think.

To see the the device in more detail please have a look at my BlackBerry Storm2 demonstration video.

Posted by: James