Mickey Papillon

For over a decade, Palm has created mobile devices to help people manage their lives. I started out with my first Palm Pilot (the Palm III XE) in 1999, and used it for 5 years to keep myself organized and information in sync while on the go. But while I remained faithful to my monochromatic XE, Palm kept innovating. In 2002, Handspring (later to be acquired by Palm) came out with the Treo line of devices, which combined the PDA functionality with the phone. This front facing QWERTY keyboard style device proved to be a very successful combination for many years, and Palm led the market in converged devices. After a few revisions, the Palm Operating System began to grow long in the tooth. A foray into Windows Mobile helped as a stop gap for those looking for added features, but it just didn’t feel like Palm. In early 2009, Palm introduced it’s webOS, and set the stage for some new devices that would hopefully take it into the future. The Pre was the first device, which launched to much hype and optimism for Palm. Yet, there were still those that missed the form factor of the Treo and the small size of the centro. In November of 2009, Palm released the Pixi, a sleek and sophisticated looking device that packs tons of features into one of the smallest full QWERTY keyboard devices on the market. With the webOS in hand, the Pixi could be the upgrade path for many diehard Treo users. However, the lack of some features found on other high end smartphones may deter the power user from making the jump. The Palm Pixi used in this review was provided by Sprint. It is available for $99.99 with a 2-year agreement and applicable rebates.

In the Box

• Palm Pixi
• MicroUSB Cable
• Rechargeable 1150mAH Lithium Ion Battery
• AC Phone Charger
• Printed Materials

Specs

• Technology: CDMA/EVDO Rev. A
• Frequencies: 850/1900
• Weight: 3.51 oz
• Size: 4.37″ x 2.17″ x 0.43″
• Cubic Volume: 4.08”
• Screen: 320 x 400 pixels at 2.6″
• Camera: 2.0MP
• Headphone Jack: 3.5mm

Hardware/Sound/Signal Strength/Usage
From a hardware perspective, there is a lot to love about the Pixi. First, the size. The phone itself comes in a slim 4.08 cubic inches, and at just over 3.5 ounces, it feels amazing. There are few smartphones out there today that can inspire the user to it’s small size quite like the Pixi. Palm has taken a very minimalist view to the styling. Looking at the front, you have a full QWERTY keyboard along 4 rows. Above the keyboard is a 2.6″ capacitive touch screen that supports multi-touch throughout the OS.

I found the keyboard to be surprisingly useful. If you’ve used any of the Palm keyboards recently, you’ll find the size of the Pixi to be close to that of the Centro, but styled more like the Treo Pro. The keys do not have the grippy feel like those of the Centro, and click very nicely when pressing. The user will know when each key has been depressed, and speed is gained rather quickly after just a bit of practice. On the left side of the keyboard is a small hole for the microphone port. This placement allowed for clear calls that were easily controlled, eliminating quite a bit of background noise. Overall, the signal quality of the Pixi was on par with that of other Sprint phones. That is to say, fair coverage, but not great. I seem to be finding that with the majority of the phones I use on Sprint, coverage at my home and office are lacking. However, the service that Sprint provides in the majority of the Phoenix metro area is decent, and data speeds are good.

On the right side of the device, you have a magnetic access flap covering the microUSB port. While a great design, unless you have long enough fingernails, this flap is very hard to open. Above that are the volume rocker, and signature ringer on/off switch.

On the top of the device is the 3.5mm headphone jack and the power button.

The left side and bottom of the device are clear of any buttons, holes or ports.

The back has 2 speaker grills, although only one of them seems to be used for emitting sound or the speakerphone. The 2MP camera with flash are centered on near the top of the phone. Finally, a metallic Palm logo is in the middle, and a lanyard loop port near the lower right corner. The additional back cover for the Touchstone charger is shown in this photo. More on that in just a bit.

To help show off the small size of the Pixi, here are a few comparison photos. From left to right, HTC Touch Diamond, Palm Pixi, Apple iPhone 3GS

Palm Pixi vs. the Blackberry Curve

One of the unique features of the new webOS line of phones is the option to add inductive charging to the phone through a product called the Touchstone.

The Touchstone is about the size of a golf ball, and has a grippy surface on the bottom that temporarily secures it to any non-porous surface.

You simply set the phone on the Touchstone, and it immediately begins charging through electromagnetic induction. This type of technology isn’t new (think of an ultrasonic toothbrush), but is new to wireless. As I mentioned earlier, the charging port on the right side is covered by a magnetic flap that can be difficult to get open unless you have longer fingernails. If this is an issue for you, then you may find the Touchstone as a good accessory investment. In order to take advantage of the Touchstone, you also need the back cover that accompanies the accessory. There are special contacts on the underside of the Pixi, as well as inside the additional back cover that allow for energy to be transferred from the cover to the battery.

Very sophisticated, yet elegant.

Software
With this new hardware comes the addition of the webOS. Here is a rundown of the features you will find in this new Operating System.

• Combined IM, MMS and SMS messaging
• All in-one calendar
• Integrated contacts from multiple sources
• Linked Contacts and Layered Calendar
• Created to include use of the Capacitive Touchscreen
• Music applications
• Sprint TV
• GPS Navigation
• Email across multiple protocols and services
• Bluetooth Wireless
• Universal Search – Simply start typing to begin searching your contacts, applications, Google™, Google Maps™, Wikipedia and Twitter.
• Full HTML Web browser

Now, all of these features make for a very nice looking OS, but how does it function in the real world? Well, here is where the introduction of a slower processor really comes into play. When launching and closing multiple applications in the OS, the system can be fairly unresponsive and laggy. In fact, for those that have used Windows Mobile, it’s kind like that. Where you think you may have pushed a button, and then push it again because nothing happens after a few seconds, you are met with 2 of whatever you were trying to do. Also, launching and responding to email should be a relatively easy thing to do, but the Pixi makes it a chore. The HTML based email app certainly displays content well, but it takes a long time to pull up. And if you have multiple email accounts set up on the phone, it takes even longer to get to and read your email. There are certain things that I can tolerate slowness in, such as the web browser, but the email client is not one of them. Throw in the fact that the Pixi does not have Wi-Fi, and you start to realize that this is definitely more of an entry level smartphone, rather than one for the power user.

Customizable Home Screen

Multiple Card View

Programs Menu

Email Client

Facebook Application

Phone Dialer

Camera
The camera in the Pixi is another disappointment with the phone. While the Pre has a 3.2MP unit, the Pixi relies on an antiquated 2.0MP version. When using it side by side with the iPhone camera and a Sony Cybershot, you can see the difference in quality, especially when in low light.

Cactus Photo – Pixi vs. iPhone 3GS vs. Sony Cybershot

Fish Photo

Overall
For those looking for an entry level smartphone, the Pixi starts at $99, and can be found for less online. The webOS is new, up to date, and fun to use. However, the slow performance, lack of Wi-Fi, and low quality camera may deter some power users from making the Pixi their next phone.

About Palm
At Palm, we’re focused on creating instinctive yet powerful mobile products that enable people to better manage extraordinary lives on the go. Our goal is to deliver products that implement technology in a truly useful way. We innovate. We create and define categories. Expect not just more, but better. Not just faster, but more useful. Today, Palm products for consumers, mobile professionals and businesses include Palm Treo and Centro phones, as well as software, services and accessories. Palm products are sold through select Internet, retail, reseller and wireless operator channels throughout the world, and at the Palm Store.

Back in March of this year, we looked at the Invisible Shield from Zagg as a lightweight way to protect your device.  I have long been someone that promotes the use of protection for handheld devices to keep them looking their best, but am not a big fan of the bulk.  So when BodyGuardz reached out to us to take a look at their products, I thought it would be a great opportunity to not only see another product, but to compare it to the Invisible Shield.  Like the Inivsible Shield, the BodyGuardz is a lightweight film that is installed directly to your phone, creating a barrier between the easily damaged surface of your device and the world.  The products used in this review were provided by BodyGuardz.  The BodyGuardz can be purchased from www.BodyGuardz.com for $24.95.

In the Box

• 2 complete sets (2 full body protectors and 2 screen protectors)
• Installation squeegee
• Application solution spray

Installation/Thoughts/Comparison
The first thing that I noticed when I opened the package was the 2 full sets of protectors.  Compared to the Invisible Shield that only gives you one, having 2 full sets gives you the piece of mind that if you screw up the installation, you always have another set to use to try again.

Actually installing the protector is essentially the same as the Invisible Shield.  You peel the shield from a backing, spray it down with a solution made up of water and a light soap, place it on the device, and start squeegeeing to remove the solution from between the device and the film.  The entire installation process takes about 30 minutes, and definitely requires a steady hand and a bit of patience.  In the end though, the results are pretty good.  The main difference as I see it between the Invisible Shield and the BodyGuardz is the texture of the material.  While the Invisible Shield has an orange peel look, and tacky finish, the BodyGardz is very smooth, and gives the device an almost naked feel.  Also, the coverage on the corners of the device seems more complete with the BodyGuardz, providing 95% coverage even on the rounded edges of devices.

While installation is moderately difficult, and takes quite a bit of time, the results are pretty nice.  However, you may find that if you don’t get every corner lined up exactly as the cut of the protector intended, that some of the corners may peel.  Joey and I have only had these installed for about a week, and I am already seeing a few of the corners peel.  This isn’t surprising, as I have come to expect this with these “invisible” cases.  However, the good thing is that once I get fed up with the installation, I can easily peel this one off, and install the other one that is waiting for me in the box.

Photos of the BodyGuardz on the iPhone 3GS

Photos of the BodyGuardz on the Palm Centro

About Bodyguardz
BodyGuardz scratch-proof transparent skins are designed to custom fit each particular device for full body and screen protection. BodyGuardz protectors are made from the same material that is used to protect the front of automobiles from stones and other abrasive elements. Tough and durable, you can be assured that your device is protected by BodyGuardz.  BodyGuardz protective film is the toughest film on the market today and requires no special care or maintenance. Each pack includes TWO complete BodyGuardz PLUS lifetime replacements, providing you a spare just when you need it.

At the CTIA Fall 2009 convention in San Diego this October, I ran into the folks of Wilson Electronics.  If you remember, they previously provided us with the review unit used in the Wilson iBooster Review.  This time, they asked if I wanted to check out one of their in-building systems, and I jumped at the chance to use the SignalBoost DT.  The DT is a dual band amplifier kit designed for home and office use.  The kit can provide up to 2,000 sq ft of enhanced coverage, and is designed to work with all major networks (except Nextel) for both voice and data connectivity.  Wilson has been making antennas and other signal enhancement products for more than 40 years, and has spent the last 10 focused on cellular.  With this experience, they have been able to bring reliable and powerful products to the market to meet the needs where signal enhancement is necessary.  The Wilson SignalBoost DT can be found online for around $300.

In the Box

• Wilson SignalBoost DT 55dB Amplifier
• Wilson SignalBoost DT Panel Antenna
• Wilson SignalBoost DT Internal Antenna/Base Unit
• 20 and 30ft RG6 standard satellite-type coaxial cable
• Cable connector
• Amplifier wall bracket
• Pole Mount
• Wall Mount
• Window Mount
• AC Power Supply

Technical Specifications

• Frequency: 824-894 MHz (Cellular) / 1850-1990 MHz (PCS)
• Gain: 55 dB at 800 MHz/1900 MHz
• Max Output Power: +35 dBm
• Noise Figure: 3.5 dB nominal
• Flatness: ±2 dB
• Isolation: > 90 dB
• Power Requirements: 110-240V AC, 50-60 Hz, 0.6 A Max
• Connectors: TNC Female and F Female
• Dimensions: 6.2 by 4.2 by 1.5 inches
• Weight: .64 pounds

How it Works
The Panel Antenna is placed in an area of solid (or at least reliable) signal strength.  The best place to mount this is on an exterior wall of a building, or as close to outside as possible.  It then receives the signal, and sends it through a coax cable to the pre-amplifier. The pre-amplifier boosts the signal before sending it to the amplifier. The main SignalBoost DT amplifier boosts the signal further, and then sends the boosted signal through a cable to the inside antenna.  This provides an area of improved signal that can be used by up to 15 phones or data cards simultaneously.

Installation

Installation of the product will vary depending on your environment.  I chose to locate the Panel Antenna in the back room of my office, which has an exterior wall and relatively good cellular reception.  I then placed the base unit on my desk, to give me the maximum signal strength while working.  To connect the two, I cut a hole in the wall of my office, ran the coax cable up and above the drop ceiling, and across to the mounted location of the Panel Antenna, this entire run was about 45 feet. Routing the cables can take some time, especially if you don’t want any of them to be seen.

The Base Unit is the amplification piece of the system, that looks very similar to a network router. Physically, it has 3 ports, and 1 light.  To use the base, you simply connect the AC adapter, coax leading to the Panel Antenna, and smaller antenna to the unit once everything is installed.  Then it instructs you to position the on-board antenna behind, not over the amplifier.

Without this step, I found the unit would not operate properly, and signal enhancement would fail.  I found it took various trials and multiple test locations, to find the area best suited for installation.  Make sure you take the time to do so as well to maximize efficiency.  Mounting is easy, and the kit comes with 3 different types of mounts.  It only takes about 3 minutes once you know where you want to permanently install the antenna.

The front of the Base Unit has 1 light, which indicates whether the unit is functioning properly.  The green light illuminates when the unit is powered and working properly.

The orange light indicates the amplifier has cut back the gain by either 4 dB or 8dB due to oscillation.

The red light indicates the downlink signal on either or both bands is overloading the amplifier.

Again, the difficult part was getting the unit to properly display the green light.  Depending on where you have your Panel Antenna, it can pick up too much output from the Base Unit, and cause this oscillation issue.  In the long run, I found a sweet spot in the office, that allowed the unit to function properly.

Then, a coax antenna is run between the base and the antenna.  Like I mentioned, I cut a hole in the wall behind my desk, routed the cable through it, and then up above the drop ceiling.  After everything is installed, simply plug in the ac adaptor and watch to see if you get a green light on the base, indicating that your installation is successful.

Use and Results
Using the SignalBoost DT is as simple as using your phone. The unit can cover approximately 2,000 square feet based on signal level, placement of the antennas, and building construction. My tests seemed to substantiate this claim, and gave my 1500 square foot office good coverage throughout.  For testing, I used the AT&T iPhone 3GS, Verizon Blackberry Curve, T-Mobile HTC Diamond and Sprint Palm Pixi.  While bars are not necessarily a good indicator of exact signal strength, I did see more on each device while using the SignalBoost.  Calls on each network were clear and without dropouts.  This is a marked increase from the service without the booster, where I have poor service and dropped calls on each network running on 1900 MHz (AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile).  My Verizon service has always been solid, but the dB level has increased from -90 to -78 with the SignalBoost.

Overall
For around $300, the Wilson SignalBoost DT is a good home or office solution for poor service and dropped calls.  As long as you take the time to install the unit in a way that allows it to perform to it’s peak abilities, you will have increased reliability and service from the unit.

About Wilson
For more than 40 years, Wilson Electronics has remained a leader in wireless communication technologies. For the past 10 years the company has focused on helping cellular users improve their cellular service and reduce dropped calls. The company designs and manufactures easy to install antennas and amplifiers that improve a cellular phone or air card’s performance. Wilson bi-directional amplifiers deliver higher power and have better receiver sensitivity than competing solutions currently available. The result: Wilson Electronics’ cellular amplifiers and antennas empower users to stay within reach in both building and mobile environments.
Wilson pioneered cellular handset signal enhancement and has consistently led the industry in performance standards. Wilson holds a number of patents including the industry’s best and most reliable method of oscillation prevention and carrier cell site protection, an area where most competitors fall short. The company’s designs consistently outperform the competition in specifications as well as real world performance.
Wilson’s U.S. based design and manufacturing allows the company to maintain the highest standards of quality. All products undergo 100 percent automatic testing, with real time test results monitored by our engineering department. Wilson is so confident in their products performance that the company offers customers a money back guarantee.
For more information about the company visit www.WilsonElectronics.com

For the past few years, the best way to get connectivity on the go has been the mobile broadband card. Sure, many phones make it easy to tether to your laptop, but it just isn’t ideal. There are a number of manufacturers out there making cards for USB, Express or PCMCIA slots that work great for one computer on the go, but what if you have more than one device that you want connected? Enter the MiFi by Novatel Wireless. The MiFi 2200 is an intelligent mobile hotspot, allowing you to extend your Mobile Broadband (EVDO Rev A) experience beyond just your laptop to any Wi-Fi enabled device such as a camera, mobile phone, music player, personal media playes or portable game console. It supports up to 5 devices at a time, so you can share your high-speed connection with whomever you choose. The best part is, there are no cables, no software, and truly no hassle to get up and running. Just push a button and you’re ready to surf. The Sprint Novatel MiFi 2200 used for this review was provided by Sprint. The MiFi is available on Sprint for $99.99 with a 2-year contract.

In the Box

• Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200
• AC Charger
• Standard 1150mAh Lithium Ion Battery
• Carry Pouch
• Getting Started Guide

Specs

• Technology: CDMA/EVDO Rev. A
• Frequencies: 850/1900
• Weight: 2.05 oz
• Size: 3.50″ x 2.32″ x 0.35″
• Cubic Volume: 2.84”
• Talk Time: 4 hours of connectivity

Software
The MiFi does not come with any software, and all administration is done through a web interface at 192.168.1.1 once you power the device on and connect to the open network it creates. There is a printed user guide that walks the user through the activation process. From the time I turned it on until the network was secured and I was surfing was less than 5 minutes.


Hardware
There are a few different models of the MiFi currently available. Here in the US, currently, there are 2 models, one for Verizon and one for Sprint. The Sprint version that we are reviewing has a brushed metal top with a rubberized plastic bottom. Compare this to the Verizon counterpart which is a glossy plastic top (image courtesy of Slashgear).

Functionality aside, there is a definitely size benefit to this type of device vs. a PCMCIA card. Below, the Novatel Wireless Merlin S720 on top, MiFi in the middle, and Sierra Wireless Compass 597 on the bottom.

However, compare these 3 devices to each other on the side profile, and you’ll see just how small the MiFi is. At about an 1/8th of an inch taller, and the same width of a credit card, it’s .3 inch thickness is just about perfect to throw in a briefcase or shirt pocket when on the go.

When powered on, the MiFi has 3 lights that illuminate. There is a solid yellow one on top under the Sprint logo, a solid green light under the power button, and a blinking green one on the side that notes the device is sending and receiving data.

The only port on the device is the microUSB charging port on the front edge. It should be noted that the device does not come with a microUSB cable for USB charging, however, you can use any cable to do so, however, the device will then only function on the single device it is connected to.

Under the battery cover is the 1150mAh battery.

Speed
Speed was relatively consistent, and I felt speeds were consistent to those of the other Sprint cards I have used. Here is a photo of 4 speed tests that were performed. Download speeds were between 600-800kbps, and upload speeds ranged from 200-300kbps.

Experiences
I had the opportunity to travel with the MiFi while reviewing it, and found it to be very solid while in major metro areas. However, like any other Sprint device, once you leave the city, your service can drop down to the older 1XRTT network. This is where the Verizon version of this product excels. The Verizon 3G network is the largest and most widespread of any here in the US. So, if you need to ensure you have 3G coverage in the most places, the Sprint version may not be your best choice.

So when is 3G over Wi-Fi better than built-in 3G on a device? When you have an iPhone of course! The iPhone’s diverse range of applications makes it one of the most powerful handhelds on the market. However, Apple has limited many applications to only run on Wi-Fi networks in an effort to not overload the HSPA and EDGE cellular networks. Well guess what, when you connect your iPhone (or any other Wi-Fi enabled phone for that matter) you can take advantage of full application functionality. One example of this is the application SlingPlayer. Those that listen to the podcasts know that I am a fan of Sling, and have 2 boxes in family members homes in other states. This allows (among other things) for me to watch sports events of the teams that I follow both at home on my PC connected to my TV, but also on my phones wherever I go. Because SlingPlayer on the iPhone is limited to only function on Wi-Fi, the MiFi is great to have, by creating hotspots wherever you go, allowing for TV viewing anywhere. This may sound like a lot of work to go though, but if you are in a spot where you want to catch something being broadcast live, it is a functional workaround.

One thing while using the device while moving around though is that unless you have a browser window open to the configuration page, you don’t know how the service level is.  The Sprint connection manager that you can use when you have a PC card allows for easy viewing of the network connection and throughput.  Not a big deal, but something to note.

Overall
The MiFi is definitely the future of mobile broadband. If you want to choose a way that you can connect any device to the internet while on the go, the MiFi can’t be beat. The universal nature of Wi-Fi, coupled with the ability to connect up to 5 users at a time makes it attractive to a wide range of applications.