Cell phone blogs and other resources

My last few posts have been all about cell phones and I confess I love talking about the subject. It's amazing how technology improved in the last couple of years or so and now modern cell phones can easily replace several other gadgets. It's what we, people in the know, call convergence.

There's a line dividing cell phones into two main groups and they're usually called feature phones and smartphones. Most feature phones nowadays are pretty smart as well, but the main difference is that there is an operational system in smartphones and people can write native programs (applications) for these phones. Usually, one can use two or more applications at the same time (unless it is the iPhone), and this is called multitasking.

The line dividing feature phones and smartphones is getting thinner every day and most feature phones nowadays can handle some Java applications. But in addition to a better software, smartphones also tend to have better hardware features like faster processors, higher quality cameras and more internal memory.

I've been using smartphones for about 5 years and I'm still loving every minute. I like having a converged device in my pocket. Not to show off to other people, but because I love the possibility of all that power only inches away from my hands at anytime of the day or night. Anywhere I am, I can be productive, I can listen to music, I can watch videos, I can take pictures or even make a simple phone call. All of this in one and only device, my cell phone.

There are several places in the internet one can go for information on cell phones and I'd like to list my favorites. These websites and blogs offer valuable information if you're looking for unbiased opinions, honest reviews and some fun in the process.

1. AllAboutSymbian and The Smartphones Show

The first one is a blog and they talk exclusively about Symbian phones. Phones using this OS account for about 40% of the world smartphone market. That ends up being the totality of the higher spec'd Nokia phones, some Sony Ericsson, Samsung and a few LG.

The second link is a video podcast produced by one of the guys who run AllAboutSymbian, Steve Litchfield. It's obvious that Steve is a cell phone maniac and he loves the subject a thousand times more than I do (and that's a lot!). In this podcast he has more freedom to talk about all smartphones. Symbian, Windows Mobile, Palm, iPhone, Blackberry, everything is game for Steve Litchfield.

In fast paced, 10 minute videos (produced at a rate of four or five every two months or so), Steve reviews the latest smartphones with his extreme knowledge of the subject. Sometimes he even gets prototypes of models still not available to the general public. But what's really amazing about this guy is that it's clear that he's doing this to help other people. While some bloggers seek self promotion and profit, Steve Litchfield does it to inform and help those ones in need.

Don't get me wrong, bloggers need to be compensated for the work they do. But when you do it with the honest desire in your heart to help other people, it really shows in the quality of whatever you produce.

2. The Cell Phone Junkie

This is a podcast that talks about more generic subjects regarding cell phone technology. In about one hour episodes (uploaded every week religiously on iTunes), Mickey and Joey talk about everything: devices, providers, data&voice plans. I really don't know how they find material and patience to produce a one hour episode every week. And not happy with this weekly podcast, they decided to produce a bi-weekly show called "The Cell Phone Junkie Unlocked" where they talk about - guess what? - more cell phone related stuff.

Mickey and Joey have good chemistry and most of the times it feels like two friends talking about a subject they love. In fact, I believe they know each other for a long time, even previous to doing this podcast together. This translates into a dynamic and interesting show to listen to, ideal for when you're doing your daily 5 mile jog in the gym.

3. Howard Forums

This is not a blog, nor a podcast. It's a forum. You can read as much as you need but you have to subscribe to be able to post (just give them your name and e-mail address, no money, no biggie). There are several subforums to attend every specific need. It's worth being a member. When dealing with smartphones, a problem is sure to happen and more than likely that particular problem has happened before with other people.

I've never had any question or problem with any of my phones that couldn't be solved by a visit to this site.

4. Xda Developers

Now, if your phone is a Windows Mobile device made by HTC, this is the site you wanna visit. You don't know what the fuck is HTC? Well, they are the makers of the T-Mobile G1 (although you won't find any information about it on that site, since it's powered by Android and not Windows Mobile), AT&T Tilt, AT&T Fuze, the Sony-Ericsson Xperia 1, T-Mobile Dash and several others.

The guys in that forum know what they're talking about and you can get lots of interesting tips on how to fully use your Windows Mobile phone.

Well, that's it. Those are the sites I'd recommend for those who, like me, love cell phones and all they have to offer to make our lives easier.