Oh, Microsoft, you were doing so, so well. You won me over, as soon as you announced Windows Phone 7 Series, you brought something shiny and new to the table, and you seriously impressed me. You showed off Xbox Live integration, and I bowed down at how awesome you were making the new OS. And then, you told us that Windows Phone 7 Series won’t have true multitasking, support for memory cards, and copy/paste, and all the faith you’d built up went bye-byes.
Honestly, I gave the iPhone hell for not having copy & paste, did you really think I’d let you off the hook for doing the exact same thing?
Now, I’ll be fair to Microsoft. According to IntoMobile, they say that copy & paste is only missing from this first release, implying it be seen in later builds. If that’s the case, then fair enough, but they really need to get it sorted out sooner, rather than later, because 7 Series is basically their big chance to give the competition a shoeing, and steal back the market share they’ve lost. They won’t do that if 7 Series isn’t the absolute best it can be, especially if the features it’s missing are things we take for granted, even on feature phones!
However, you have to wonder whether that is the case, because when they unveiled the Office features in Windows Phone 7 Series, they went so far as to say that people don’t want copy & paste, and instead, only use the phone to view documents, and not edit them. I’d love to see the research that suggests that, because I know at least one person (which would be me) who does want copy & paste. Of course, it’s not just about the lack of that one feature. What about memory cards? Microsoft have said it won’t support swappable memory cards, which is, again, something I consider to be bleedin’ stupid. Why can’t we use our own memory cards? Can’t we be trusted?
I can understand Microsoft blocking third party interfaces from sitting on top of Windows Phone 7 Series, to keep a consistent experience across phones, but really, why have they got such a thing against us being able to change our own memory cards? It’s things like this that have got current Windows Mobile power users up in arms, and I’ll be honest, I agree. The ability to fiddle, and install whatever I want, are two of the things I really love about Windows Mobile. I miss them a lot in 7 Series, so I suspect that I will be getting the HTC HD2 after all, because it’s everything I want in a phone.
And at the minute, despite having Xbox Live integration, Windows Phone 7 Series feels somewhat lacking to me. But hey, they may have got it up to the point where I’ll adopt it, after my contract on the HD2 runs out (yes, I’ve decided I’ll be getting one in the next couple of months).
Until then, if I got 7 Series when it first comes out, I’d be too annoyed about the things it doesn’t yet support…
Saturday, 20 March 2010
Sunday, 14 March 2010
Top 10 Used iPhone Buying Tips - We Cover 16g, 8gb and 4gb Used iPhones
Used iPhone Tip #1: Seek Out Refund Options
Long before you put your money into a used iPhone for sale; make certain the provider of the Phone has a decent return policy, and one that preferably supplies you with a cash back option. Upon the receipt of the used iPhone, inspect the item carefully for exterior damage and interior water damage, and then test the item to make sure it works. If it fails to work, make sure you follow the guidelines set in the used iPhone return policy carefully; some providers of used Apple iPhone 4g, 8gb, and 16gb products place a strict time limit on the time that the consumer has to return the item for cash back or exchange.
Tip #2: Be Selective About Your Used iPhone Purchase
If this is your very first time investing in an iPhone, familiarize yourself with the various features that accompany the iPhone; this way, when you see all the offers out there, you will be able to know precisely what it is you are getting for your money. If you are not new to the iPhone buying experience and you are interested in upgrading your old Apple iPhone 4gb device of any other iPhone for something with more features and options, again familiarity with Apple iPhone offerings is needed. When a consumer knows what is currently available on the market, they are in a better position when it comes time to make their buying decisions.
Tip #3: Buy a Used iPhone with the Appropriate Carrier
Not all iPhones work with every single carrier and this is probably one of the biggest reasons for having to return these phones back to the sellers. The buyer of a used iPhone must seek out a quality phone which is completely compatible with the consumer's preferred cell phone provider.
Tip #4: Verify FCC Compliancy of Used iPhones Since the year 2005
The Federal Communication Commission has implemented a regulation whereby all mobile phone devices must be GPS enabled. The reason for such a regulation is simple; when an emergency arises and the cell phone user dials 911 assistance, if the device is GPS enabled the individual placing the emergency call can be located. If, by chance, a consumer gets a used iPhone that is not GPS enabled, then the item will not work. Therefore, it is best if the consumer questions whether or not the used iPhone in question is FCC complaint and GPS enabled before paying for the device.
Tip #5 Buy a used iPhone with a Verifiable ESN
All cell phones, including used iPhones, come with an electronic serial number. This number is needed in order to activate the phone that is purchased. If the ESN number is one that has been listed as stolen or lost, the used iPhone will not activate when the consumer goes to set up service. If shopping for used iPhones online, be sure to look and see if the seller of the device willingly offers the ESN number of the product they are selling. With an ESN number you can instantly verify whether or not the phone can be easily activated and if the phone is blacklisted.
Tip #6: Verify the Used iPhone Seller's Experience
When buying a used iPhone it is really like buying any other product: you are going to want to know as much about the used iPhone seller's reputation as you can. Check out the iPhone seller's experience by reviewing any feedback that might be presented, by examining what the used iPhone seller stocks, and by asking the seller a lot of questions. The better a consumer gets to know who they are interacting with, the smoother the used iPhone buying transaction will be. If possible, make sure that the seller's primary business focus is on selling used cell phones so that you can rest assured in knowing that the seller specializes in the product that interests you.
Tip #7: When Buying From Online Auctions Know the Seller
If you are electing to buy used iPhones from an online auction, you will find that it is easier to identify a quality seller than you might first imagine. When seeking an auction seller of a 4gb used iPhone, an 8gb used iPhone or a 16gb used iPhone make sure you take a couple of minutes to examine the feedback supplied by other buyers. Feedback will reveal to you how timely the seller responds to questions, how fast the item was shipped and received, and if the seller is reasonable to work with.
Tip #8: Know the Details
It is interesting to note that mostly everything that a buyer has to know about used iPhones is often neatly spelled out in the used iPhone's product description. Yet, so many used iPhone buyers are not fully aware of what they are getting into when they place their order. It is very important to remember that images can be deceiving, that all pictures are not necessarily an exact image of the item being sold, and that the finer details are supplied via product descriptions. If the description one gets about a used iPhone is terse or short, then it is time to ask the seller questions before buying.
Tip #9: Look For Signals that Suggest Poor Quality
When a used iPhone seller states in an iPhone description that the item is in good condition, but then later tells the potential buyer that the used iPhone is for sale in its present condition, "as is," this is a seller's secret code for "the buyer gets the used iPhone, warts and all, with no returns or guarantees." This means that the seller probably suspects or fully knows that there is an issue with the phone in question, or the seller suspects that something will go wrong with the phone in the near future. Rather than dealing with returns, guarantees, exchanges and refunds, the seller uses the terms "as is" to protect him or herself. Thus, when seeing a used iPhone for sale as is, it is better to seek out a different offer.
Tip #10: Be an Informed Consumer
Getting a used iPhone can be less of a hassle if the consumer informs him or herself about shipping costs, shipping time frames, applicable tax, and any additional fees that might be associated with the used iPhone purchase. The more a consumer knows about the seller, the iPhone, the seller's policies, the used iPhone features, compatible carriers, and what to expect, the better the overall buying experience will be.
For more information on how to get fantastic refurbished iPhones and refurbished iPhone buying tips, visit the usediPhone.net link provided below.
Thank you for reading my Helpful Tips When Purchasing a Used iPhone. There is more information and direct links to where you can purchase used iPhones and find great used iPhone tips UsediPhones.net OR squidoo.com/usediphone
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cherie_Willis
Long before you put your money into a used iPhone for sale; make certain the provider of the Phone has a decent return policy, and one that preferably supplies you with a cash back option. Upon the receipt of the used iPhone, inspect the item carefully for exterior damage and interior water damage, and then test the item to make sure it works. If it fails to work, make sure you follow the guidelines set in the used iPhone return policy carefully; some providers of used Apple iPhone 4g, 8gb, and 16gb products place a strict time limit on the time that the consumer has to return the item for cash back or exchange.
Tip #2: Be Selective About Your Used iPhone Purchase
If this is your very first time investing in an iPhone, familiarize yourself with the various features that accompany the iPhone; this way, when you see all the offers out there, you will be able to know precisely what it is you are getting for your money. If you are not new to the iPhone buying experience and you are interested in upgrading your old Apple iPhone 4gb device of any other iPhone for something with more features and options, again familiarity with Apple iPhone offerings is needed. When a consumer knows what is currently available on the market, they are in a better position when it comes time to make their buying decisions.
Tip #3: Buy a Used iPhone with the Appropriate Carrier
Not all iPhones work with every single carrier and this is probably one of the biggest reasons for having to return these phones back to the sellers. The buyer of a used iPhone must seek out a quality phone which is completely compatible with the consumer's preferred cell phone provider.
Tip #4: Verify FCC Compliancy of Used iPhones Since the year 2005
The Federal Communication Commission has implemented a regulation whereby all mobile phone devices must be GPS enabled. The reason for such a regulation is simple; when an emergency arises and the cell phone user dials 911 assistance, if the device is GPS enabled the individual placing the emergency call can be located. If, by chance, a consumer gets a used iPhone that is not GPS enabled, then the item will not work. Therefore, it is best if the consumer questions whether or not the used iPhone in question is FCC complaint and GPS enabled before paying for the device.
Tip #5 Buy a used iPhone with a Verifiable ESN
All cell phones, including used iPhones, come with an electronic serial number. This number is needed in order to activate the phone that is purchased. If the ESN number is one that has been listed as stolen or lost, the used iPhone will not activate when the consumer goes to set up service. If shopping for used iPhones online, be sure to look and see if the seller of the device willingly offers the ESN number of the product they are selling. With an ESN number you can instantly verify whether or not the phone can be easily activated and if the phone is blacklisted.
Tip #6: Verify the Used iPhone Seller's Experience
When buying a used iPhone it is really like buying any other product: you are going to want to know as much about the used iPhone seller's reputation as you can. Check out the iPhone seller's experience by reviewing any feedback that might be presented, by examining what the used iPhone seller stocks, and by asking the seller a lot of questions. The better a consumer gets to know who they are interacting with, the smoother the used iPhone buying transaction will be. If possible, make sure that the seller's primary business focus is on selling used cell phones so that you can rest assured in knowing that the seller specializes in the product that interests you.
Tip #7: When Buying From Online Auctions Know the Seller
If you are electing to buy used iPhones from an online auction, you will find that it is easier to identify a quality seller than you might first imagine. When seeking an auction seller of a 4gb used iPhone, an 8gb used iPhone or a 16gb used iPhone make sure you take a couple of minutes to examine the feedback supplied by other buyers. Feedback will reveal to you how timely the seller responds to questions, how fast the item was shipped and received, and if the seller is reasonable to work with.
Tip #8: Know the Details
It is interesting to note that mostly everything that a buyer has to know about used iPhones is often neatly spelled out in the used iPhone's product description. Yet, so many used iPhone buyers are not fully aware of what they are getting into when they place their order. It is very important to remember that images can be deceiving, that all pictures are not necessarily an exact image of the item being sold, and that the finer details are supplied via product descriptions. If the description one gets about a used iPhone is terse or short, then it is time to ask the seller questions before buying.
Tip #9: Look For Signals that Suggest Poor Quality
When a used iPhone seller states in an iPhone description that the item is in good condition, but then later tells the potential buyer that the used iPhone is for sale in its present condition, "as is," this is a seller's secret code for "the buyer gets the used iPhone, warts and all, with no returns or guarantees." This means that the seller probably suspects or fully knows that there is an issue with the phone in question, or the seller suspects that something will go wrong with the phone in the near future. Rather than dealing with returns, guarantees, exchanges and refunds, the seller uses the terms "as is" to protect him or herself. Thus, when seeing a used iPhone for sale as is, it is better to seek out a different offer.
Tip #10: Be an Informed Consumer
Getting a used iPhone can be less of a hassle if the consumer informs him or herself about shipping costs, shipping time frames, applicable tax, and any additional fees that might be associated with the used iPhone purchase. The more a consumer knows about the seller, the iPhone, the seller's policies, the used iPhone features, compatible carriers, and what to expect, the better the overall buying experience will be.
For more information on how to get fantastic refurbished iPhones and refurbished iPhone buying tips, visit the usediPhone.net link provided below.
Thank you for reading my Helpful Tips When Purchasing a Used iPhone. There is more information and direct links to where you can purchase used iPhones and find great used iPhone tips UsediPhones.net OR squidoo.com/usediphone
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cherie_Willis
Free Mobile Phone Upgrades: How Do You Know If You Are Getting The Best Deal?
Mobile phone upgrades are easy to do - if you know where and how to do it.
A "mobile phone upgrade" is where an existing customer of a network (eg T-Mobile, Vodafone, Orange, O2, 3G, Virgin etc), who has been with that network for about 1 year since getting their last mobile phone, gets a new mobile phone from the network at a free, or cheap discount price, in return for agreeing to stay with that network for another 12 months, under a 12 month contract agreement. The customer keeps their existing mobile phone number, and stays with the same network. This is called a "mobile phone upgrade" - often it is a free mobile phone upgrade!
To get the best offer for a free or cheap mobile phone upgrade you must understand this. The mobile phone networks pay a mobile phone dealer more for a new customer (new mobile phone contract) than they do for a mobile phone upgrade customer. This odd situation has been the same for many years. The only network that seems to pay mobile phone dealers nearly as much for an upgrade customer as for a new free mobile phone customer is Three (also known as 3 or 3G). The other mobile phone networks simply do not seem to value their existing customers as much!
The craziness of this situation is that it encourages you to be disloyal to your current network.
What does this means to you? How can you get the best deal from knowing all this, so you can get a free mobile phone upgrade AND get other benefits? Read on ...
The amount that a mobile phone dealer can give to you will depend on how much money he is making. If he is making more money from a 'new' mobile phone contract customer than for an upgrade customer, then he will be able to give the 'new' mobile phone contract customer a bigger discount or a free mobile phone or maybe more!
Now, did you know that instead of upgrading your phone on the same network (where you probably will not get such a good deal or a free mobile phone etc), you can switch to a NEW and different network AND keep your existing mobile phone number? This is true.
Now, knowing that you can keep your mobile phone number, and that you can usually get a better deal as a 'new' customer on another network, what are you going to do?
You can simply become a 'new' customer on a different network ... this new network then treat you as a new customer, give you all the free mobile phone bonuses and gifts etc, AND you keep your mobile phone number!
So by simply looking around at all the offers available to you on all the other networks
The next article will tell you how you can get an even better deal ...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Free Mobile Phones - How to get an even better Upgrade
Before you take the jump and switch to a different network for your free mobile phone upgrade, think about this ...
Imagine you call your current network to tell them that you are thinking of leaving them to switch to another mobile network. Often that person you speak to will be on a commission to keep your business ie they will earn a bit of money if they can convince you to stay with that mobile phone network.
This means that you can use this to your advantage.
Tell them that you have had a great offer from another network (and do not lie - they will most likely know exactly what you could and could not get with another network). Simply ask them if they can equal or better the deal offered by this other network.
If they can equal it, then it is probably not worth the hassle of switching mobile phone networks and the paperwork. It is not too much hassle to do the switch but obviously it is easier to stay with your current mobile phone network.
Free mobile phone upgrades can be got in this way quite easily by simply understanding how the system works and how the money works in mobile phones and free mobile phone upgrades.
So next time, simply ask you current mobile phone network if they will better the free mobile phone offer from another network. Always ask if they can better the offer - don't ask them to equal it or they will only equal it.
Good luck.
There is more tips than this at free-mobile-phone-upgrades.blogspot.com - other tips on how to get the best free mobile phone upgrade.
Duncan Elliott runs a number of mobile phone websites including http://www.mobile-phone-upgrade.com and http://www.free-mobile-phone-uk.org.uk/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Duncan_Elliott
A "mobile phone upgrade" is where an existing customer of a network (eg T-Mobile, Vodafone, Orange, O2, 3G, Virgin etc), who has been with that network for about 1 year since getting their last mobile phone, gets a new mobile phone from the network at a free, or cheap discount price, in return for agreeing to stay with that network for another 12 months, under a 12 month contract agreement. The customer keeps their existing mobile phone number, and stays with the same network. This is called a "mobile phone upgrade" - often it is a free mobile phone upgrade!
To get the best offer for a free or cheap mobile phone upgrade you must understand this. The mobile phone networks pay a mobile phone dealer more for a new customer (new mobile phone contract) than they do for a mobile phone upgrade customer. This odd situation has been the same for many years. The only network that seems to pay mobile phone dealers nearly as much for an upgrade customer as for a new free mobile phone customer is Three (also known as 3 or 3G). The other mobile phone networks simply do not seem to value their existing customers as much!
The craziness of this situation is that it encourages you to be disloyal to your current network.
What does this means to you? How can you get the best deal from knowing all this, so you can get a free mobile phone upgrade AND get other benefits? Read on ...
The amount that a mobile phone dealer can give to you will depend on how much money he is making. If he is making more money from a 'new' mobile phone contract customer than for an upgrade customer, then he will be able to give the 'new' mobile phone contract customer a bigger discount or a free mobile phone or maybe more!
Now, did you know that instead of upgrading your phone on the same network (where you probably will not get such a good deal or a free mobile phone etc), you can switch to a NEW and different network AND keep your existing mobile phone number? This is true.
Now, knowing that you can keep your mobile phone number, and that you can usually get a better deal as a 'new' customer on another network, what are you going to do?
You can simply become a 'new' customer on a different network ... this new network then treat you as a new customer, give you all the free mobile phone bonuses and gifts etc, AND you keep your mobile phone number!
So by simply looking around at all the offers available to you on all the other networks
The next article will tell you how you can get an even better deal ...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Free Mobile Phones - How to get an even better Upgrade
Before you take the jump and switch to a different network for your free mobile phone upgrade, think about this ...
Imagine you call your current network to tell them that you are thinking of leaving them to switch to another mobile network. Often that person you speak to will be on a commission to keep your business ie they will earn a bit of money if they can convince you to stay with that mobile phone network.
This means that you can use this to your advantage.
Tell them that you have had a great offer from another network (and do not lie - they will most likely know exactly what you could and could not get with another network). Simply ask them if they can equal or better the deal offered by this other network.
If they can equal it, then it is probably not worth the hassle of switching mobile phone networks and the paperwork. It is not too much hassle to do the switch but obviously it is easier to stay with your current mobile phone network.
Free mobile phone upgrades can be got in this way quite easily by simply understanding how the system works and how the money works in mobile phones and free mobile phone upgrades.
So next time, simply ask you current mobile phone network if they will better the free mobile phone offer from another network. Always ask if they can better the offer - don't ask them to equal it or they will only equal it.
Good luck.
There is more tips than this at free-mobile-phone-upgrades.blogspot.com - other tips on how to get the best free mobile phone upgrade.
Duncan Elliott runs a number of mobile phone websites including http://www.mobile-phone-upgrade.com and http://www.free-mobile-phone-uk.org.uk/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Duncan_Elliott
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