Sprint/Nextel Releases MR2 for BlackBerry 8350i

Late on Friday afternoon, Sprint/Nextel released Maintenance Release 2 (MR2) for the Nextel BlackBerry 8350i.

Shortly after it's initial release, issues where discovered with the long awaited Nextel phone. Sprint and RIM are finally showing 8350i customers some love with MR2. According to a post on Sprint's discussion forums, MR2 addresses the following issues:

• Echo Issue
• MMS Improvements
• 1.) Remove original message when replying*
• 2.) Cursor now defaults to the message body when replying
  

* Quiet and Vibrate Profiles will move Nextel Direct Connect calls to handset

Customers that have already upgraded to the 4.6.1.128 (225) software version will be able to complete this upgrade over the air. The upgrade will take approximately 60 minutes.

That's good news. However, a few hours after releasing MR2, Sprint discovered that a service book update after the device software update was still required.

"The one issue we said would be fixed with MR2 that was not immediately fixed was: Remove Original Message when replying to a text message. This fix requires the download of MR2 and a service book push to your device. Sprint conducted some additional testing on the service book push this week and today sent approval to RIM.

When this fix is available RIM will push it to all devices and it will just require you to reset your device to see the change.

We estimate this push to be out by April 10."

So it sounds like Sprint/Nextel customers who have the BlackBerry 8350i should hold off applying the update until at least this coming Friday, April 10th. If you are one of the brave readers who have forged ahead with this update, let us know how you made out by leaving a comment.

BlackBerry Device Software 4.6.1.204 (316) [aka MR2] can be downloaded directly from the Sprint BlackBerry 8350i downloads page. You can also download the latest edition of the BlackBerry Desktop software 4.7 and the older BlackBerry Device Software 4.6.1.128 update [aka MR1] from the same page.

Rumor: New GSM BlackBerry Devices

In addition to yesterday's Verizon HTC Touch Diamond news, BoyGeniusReport.com operatives also got some dirt on new RIM BlackBerry GMS devices that are under development.

"[O]ne of our ninjas just hit us up with some really interesting BlackBerry info. While the specs of the following codenames are confirmed, releases are not, and as such, this should be used for information sake. Here’s what we got: BlackBerry Onyx, BlackBerry Driftwood, BlackBerry Magnum.

Now, those are three different devices with practically the same rough specs. We’d wager than the BlackBerry Magnum and Driftwood are the same device just meant for different carriers. Possibly the Driftwood for T-Mobile let’s say, and the Magnum for AT&T (who doesn’t offer UMA). Is that the BlackBerry with touch screen and physical QWERTY? Probably."

Head over to BoyGeniusReport.com for the full article including the rumored device specs.

BlackBerry App World Goes Live

Research In Motion has launched BlackBerry App World; their online vehicle for delivering new applications, both free and paid, directly to customer's Berry.

System Requirements

Before you can use App World on your BlackBerry, you need to meet the following system requirements.

To ensure that your BlackBerry smartphone will support BlackBerry App World, it must have the following system requirements:

1. BlackBerry Device Software version 4.2 or higher
2. BlackBerry smartphones with trackballs or SurePress touch screen
3. BlackBerry App World is only available to customers in US, Canada and UK and may not be available on all networks
4. To use BlackBerry App World, you require a service plan that includes access to the BlackBerry Browser

You will also need to setup a PayPal account.

Installing App World on Your Berry

If you meet the requirements, use your Berry to surf over to www.blackberry.com/appworld/download to load up the new on-device application to get started. Want to learn more about App World? Check out this spiffy video or visit the App World support site.

Telus Flips for BlackBerry 8239

According to a post on the Boy Genius Report website today, Canadian cellular carrier, Telus Mobility, is now offering the new BlackBerry Flip 8230 smartphone. BGR writes:

"Starting at $49.99 on a three-year contract and going all the way up to $449.99 contract-free, TELUS is hoping the youth market in Canada will receive the clam shell smartphone with open arms — especially younger females considering TELUS’ nation-wide media campaign featuring the all pink Pearl Flip."

Read the full Boy Genius Report article...

[via BoyGeniusReport.com...]

BlackBerry App World - Coming Soon

Last night's big news from Research In Motion was that their mobile application store front, App World, is "coming soon."

"Coming soon! Find tons of great applications designed for your BlackBerry smartphone in one convenient place - BlackBerry App World. Personalize your BlackBerry smartphone with games, social networks, personal productivity applications and so much more. Message your best friend, track the stock market, or channel your inner rock god. Sign up to receive updates for BlackBerry App World today and discover how to put more of your life on your BlackBerry smartphone."

According to the BlackBerry website, App World will require that you have a Berry that has OS 4.2 or later installed and a device with a trackball or a SurePress touch screen device.

For more details, check out:

http://www.blackberry.com/appworld

Mobile Apps 360: WSJ Mobile Reader for BlackBerry

Mobile Apps 360 takes a look at mobile software for your Palm OS, Windows Mobile, BlackBerry, and the iPhone/iPod touch that will help keep your favorite mobile device fresh with new software.

Some of my favorite mobile apps are those that keep me up to date with what is going on in the world around me. Ya, browsers are nice, but the site you are trying to read may not render correctly on the mobile device you happen to be using. I prefer an on device client that quickly updates with data from the website so it is easy to read on the go.

One of those applications is the Wall Street Journal Mobile Reader. WSJ Mobile Reader is a free application that you can install on your device over the air (OTA) directly to your BlackBerry. As the name implies, Mobile Reader downloads content from the WSJ.com website and formats that news that you want to read on your device. Once you install the software, you are shown a list of news categories that you can subscribe to on your device. While the BlackBerry is populating the local cache, you are given the opportunity to review a brief tutorial that shows you some time saving keyboard shortcuts that will help you navigate the software.

You use the trackball to move left and right across the category tabs. Scroll up and down to look at all the articles in a particular category. When you find an article you want to read, press the trackball to see the article summary and then click again to read the full artilce. It couldn't be easier.

WSJ Mobile Reader is a free application that you can install directly on your BlackBerry from:

http://wsj.mwap.at/index.php?t=download

Sprint Rolls Out BlackBerry 8350i Update

Since releasing the BlackBerry 8350i a few weeks ago, Sprint customers have been reporting issues with the new software build on the device.

Yesterday, Sprint released an update to the device's system software, BlackBerry OS 4.6.1.128. Sprint BlackBerry customers can download the update from the Sprint website. If you haven't already upgraded to BlackBerry Desktop v4.7, you can download the installer from the same downloads page.

According to a recent post on CrackBerry.com, Sprint is still working with Research In Motion to address an echo problem.

" We are diligently working on a fix for the known echo issue. It will not be fixed in this first release, but we are doing our best to identify the issue and correct it and hoping to include that fix in the next software release. One option that helps alleviate the problem would be to use the headset that comes packaged with the phone.

Sprint is also working with RIM on a second maintenance release to address the remaining issues, and hope to have it available shortly. Any customers have issues during the upgrade they can call care at 1-800-639-6111."

Download the Sprint BlackBerry 8350i update...

BlackBerry OS 4.5 Update Report

I installed Sprint's specially formulated BlackBerry OS 4.5 update on my Curve 8330 last night. The process when smoothly using BlackBerry Manager 4.7 on my Windows Vista Business SP1 PC.

So far things look good and appear to be working well. The one thing that I didn't like was that the pre-installed photos, one of which I liked as my wallpaper, are no longer on my device after applying the update. I haven't had a chance to follow up with other Sprint 8330 users yet to see if they have had similar experiences or not. All in all, it isn't a big deal. I'm sure somone posted the photos on the Inetnet. If I find them, I'll post the link. I'll also try and see if Sprint can confirm the missing photos.

Otherwise, email, the browser, and Documents To Go are all working well. I'll have to spend some more time playing with the new software over the weekend.

BlackBerry OS 4.5 Update Posted

Sprint has make good on their word to post the BlackBerry Curve 8330 and Pearl 8130 OS 4.5 upgrade on their website before the end of the day Friday. BlackBerry users rejoice! Sprint has packed in some very nice goodies for their customers who are using older Berries.



Software Feature Enhancement with 4.5:

• Send Multi-Media Messages (MMS) which enables sending of text messages with picture and other file attachment.

• View emails in HTML email format. Users can easily change their email format setting to HTML for emails to appear just like they do on your PC. Will work automatically for BlackBerry Internet Service customers. Requires BES 4.1, Service Pack 6 for BlackBerry Enterprise Server customers (verify with your company's IT department).

• Free/Busy Calendar Lookup for BlackBerry Enterprise Server customers immediately lets you know all attendee's availability. Not available to BlackBerry Internet Service customers. Requires BES 4.1, Service Pack 5 for BlackBerry Enterprise Server customers (verify with your company's IT department).

• Remote search for email for BlackBerry Enterprise Service customers creates more access to emails that are not stored on your device but remain stored remotely on your email server. Not available to BlackBerry Internet Service customers. Requires BES 4.1, Service Pack 5 for BlackBerry Enterprise Server customers (verify with your company's IT department).

• Word completion for SureType keyboards allows for faster typing on BlackBerry Pearl 8130.

• Automatically generate a music playlist with specific criteria based on artist, albums or genre.

• Video recording attachment view supported.

• Create a Voice Note and attach to an email or Multimedia Message(MMS). Or record a voice note and save for playback when needed.

• Dataviz Documents To Go Application gives you the ability to download and save a file to your BlackBerry to view or edit later. Requires Visit the DataViz® website to register with DataViz and download an update for Documents To Go that includes Sheet To Go.

I know that many Sprint BlackBerry customers have been vocal in asking for MMS support on their devices. I'm also glad to see Sprint roll in support for HTML email and going the extra mile to include DataViz Documents To Go.

Be sure to check back over the next few days as I do plan on posting my experiences with the upgrade process and with the new software features.

Download the update now...

BGR: Sprint Smartphone Line Up Leaked

BoyGeniusReport.com has gotten then hands on some upcoming handset changes coming to Sprint over the next few months. Take the list with a grain of salt, as I agree with Mr. Epstein that it will likely be "later" than "sooner" for the Palm Pre to launch, especially if Sprint is sitting on a large inventory of blue Treo 755p handsets.

Device Name - Projected Warehouse EOL - Replacement (if available)

Palm 755P (blue) - Late May - Palm Pre (target in-stock 3/15)
Palm Centro (berry) - June
Palm Centro (green) - July
Palm Centro refresh (black) - July
Palm 800W - April - Palm Treo Pro (target in-stock 2/15)
RIM BlackBerry 7100i - August - RIM BlackBerry 8350i
RIM BlackBerry Pearl (red) - May
HTC Touch Diamond - July
LG Rumor (blue) - Mid February - LG 265 Rumor II (target in-stock 2/15)
LG Rumor (green) - Mid March - LG 265 Rumor II (target in-stock 2/15)
LG Rumor (black) - Mid April - LG 265 Rumor II (target in-stock 2/15)
Samsung M520 Lumina - Mid April - LG LX370 (slider)
Sanyo 6750 Eclipse (pink) - June
Motorola Q9C - Mid June
Sierra 597E - July - Sierra 2-in-1 Aircard
Motorola VE20 - July

[Via BoyGeniusReport.com...]

Going Live with BlackBerry

This is just a quick note to say that I plan on activating my BlackBerry Curve 8330 today.

There are a few reasons for deciding to turn on the BlackBerry now. The first is that after looking at Palm's new App Store, there is no need for testing on my Treo 755p; my Treo 750 is up to the task.

Secondly, if the rumors about Palm are true, it looks like the company could be on track to release a new device with the Nova operating system before the May/June 2009 time frame. I want to use the BlackBerry in between now and then. If Palm is going to deliver in the next quarter, I need to get going with the BlackBerry.

Sprint is still reporting that they are working with RIM on ironing out the kinks in the BlackBerry OS 4.5 upgrade. That means that I won't be able to use DataViz Documents To Go until the update has been certified by Sprint.

I'll post again once I have the BlackBerry activated for voice and data with the BlackBerry Internet service.

BlackBerry Curve Update

As you will recall, I purchased a Sprint edition BlackBerry Curve 8330. Smartphone Fanatics reader BaDZeD wrote me to ask how I was doing with the BlackBerry.

The short answer is that I'm not. I am a hardcore Palm OS user and if a device can't match the feature set of my Treo 755p, it just can't be my day-to-day device. There are a lot of things that I like about the Curve. They include things like a smaller footprint and weight; a full Qwerty keyboard, and ok PIM applications.

There are things that have kept me from adopting the BlackBerry. For one, the software on the device is BlackBerry OS 4.3, not 4.5 or later. Without BlackBerry OS 4.5, I can't run DataViz Documents To Go - an essential tool in my opinion. I'll also loose the ability to sync with my corporate calendar at the office. That isn't a big problem because I have access to Treo 700p at the office that I can use to sync my calendar to. (I won't need to bring that Treo home, I just want the calendar when I'm not in my office during the week.)

I'd also have to convert my corporate wireless email account from a Palm OS license to a BlackBerry license, but that isn't suppose to be hard process.

The latest word from Sprint is that the BlackBerry OS 4.5 upgrade for the Curve 8330 will be out during or after the week of 12/15/08, which is next week. We'll see. Sprint is had to push back the date a few times already.

I want to play with the BlackBerry, but until I have a plan to ensure I have access to all of my "stuff" I'll stick with my Treo 755p. Maybe I'll convert in January.

Thoughts?

RIM Updates Mobile BlackBerry Portal

I just read over at BlackBerryCool.com that RIM has relaunched their mobile BlackBerry web portal. The site is only accessible from the BlackBerry's web browser, unlike Palm's mobile portal that is accessible from the mobile or the desktop.

"I’ve just received word that RIM has completed a fairly significant relaunch of mobile.blackberry.com, their all-in-one web portal for BlackBerry users. The new mobile.blackberry.com features a much more user-friendly design, requiring fewer clicks to get where you want to go, as well as faster load times."

Screen shots available here...

[Via BlackBerryCool.com...]

On the Trail of BlackBerry OS 4.5

Not wanting to let it go, I've continued my search for answers about when Sprint might actually get around to certifying and releasing the BlackBerry Device Software 4.5 for the Sprint BlackBerry Curve 8330.

During my search, I stumbled across the Sprint discussion forums, BuzzAboutWireless.com. There I found a thread titled, "Update on 4.5 code upgrade", started by a Sprint forums administrator, SarahKS. In her October 17, 2008 post, the admin writes:

"Sprint would like to make its customers aware that it is currently in testing with the 4.5 code for a number of our BlackBerry devices. We understand that many of you are anxious to receive this upgrade; please note that it is very important that Sprint has time to adequately test and certify the code to ensure a quality experience for you, our customers. Once this process is complete Sprint will make this upgrade available as soon as possible.

We understand and appreciate the enthusiasm shown here at Buzz About Wireless and want you to know that we value your feedback and hope you will continue posting and letting us know what is on your mind. Please continue to watch this site about availability of the BlackBerry 4.5 code and other relevant news for Sprint customers."

Ok, I get it. Sprint is telling us that they are working on the update, but have not committed to a release date. The admin being only a forums admin, has no specific information except what the software development team reports to her.

Another Sprint employee chimes in and writes:

"I just read today on another website that Sprint confirmed the release of OS 4.5 to sometime in November...which would mean we will be the 2nd carrier to release it in the U.S. (following the release at T-Mobile, USA)"

Checking the calendar on my Curve, it looks like the November date was missed.

On November 25, 2008, the forums admin posts another OS 4.5 update that reads:

"First off, yes we are still working to deliver the 4.5 software absolutely as soon as possible. We want to make it absolutely clear that Sprint is not sitting on its laurels here. We are working hard to ensure that the software you get is absolutely tip top and will do what you need (and nothing you don’t!).

Unfortunately the software is not quite ready. Right now Sprint and RIM are working together to make the necessary modifications to ensure you have the best possible experience. The good news is that we believe we are getting close to final software."

The lack of MultiMedia Service (MMS) on Sprint's BlackBerry devices is another hot topic from the looks of things. While browsing through that thread, I found a post by another Sprint employee dated November 29, 2008. It reads:

"The PictureMail update for the blackberries should come with the new OS update, that should also coincide with the release of the 8350i within the next few weeks. Interestingly Sprint seems to be skipping the OS 4.5 update alltogether and going straight to OS 4.6

EDIT: The OS update will be avalable for both the 8330 and the 8130, in addition to shipping with the 8350i."

Well, well, well. Ok, so when will the Sprint BlackBerry 8350i for the iDEN network finally arrive? A quick Google search turned up this page over at Engadget Mobile dated November 17, 2008 that suggests that the new BlackBerry will be arriving the the cheers of iDEN users on, oh-ho, December 1, 2008.

Will Sprint's BlackBerry customers get some love tomorrow and get a new BlackBerry and some new software updates? I don't know, but I really hope so.

BlackBerry Bold OS 4.7 Leaked

Blogger Don Nguyen has posted a leaked BlackBerry Storm 4.7 OS upgrade package. On his site, Mr. Nguyen writes:

"After so many requests and the OK from my source, I am officially leaking the new Blackberry Storm OS."

I'm not sure who he has gotten the "OK" from, so if you plan on loading this update on your brand spankin' new Verizon BlackBerry Storm, you do so at your own risk. The directions for applying the update can be found over on CrackBerry.com forums.

[Via CrackBerry.com...]

BlackBerry Device Software 4.5 for Sprint 8330

I recently purchased a BlackBerry Curve 8330 for Sprint. One of the must-have software packages for me is DataViz Documents To Go; which was recently released for the BlackBerry platform. But you need Device Software 4.5 or later. My Curve has 4.3.0.127.

There seems to be some confusion about the 4.5 software. It has been officially released for many of the current BlackBerry devices. My research shows that it has been released for some of the Curves, including the CDMA Curve for Verizon. I just can't seem to find the official Sprint edition.

Threads on some discussion forums indicates that any BlackBerry Curve 8330 can be upgraded with the multilingual release. Reading through these threads though, it seems like some of the carrier specific features, like No Force Roaming, aren't in the generic release. Go figure.

So I'll have to do some more poking around to figure out whether or not BlackBerry Device Software 4.5 is officially supported on Sprint's devices.

For the bold and the daring, there is a thread on SprintUsers.com that talks about loading over carriers version of 4.5 on your Sprint BlackBerry Curve 8330. With my BlackBerry kung-fu not as good as my Palm OS kung-fu, I'm not sure I'm ready to pull the trigger on an official unofficial upgrade just yet.

UPDATE 1:

I found this article on BlackBerryCool.com and they are reporting that OS 4.5 is official on Sprint, yet when I run the "Windows Update"-like upgrade checker at BlackBerry.com I get the message that my device is running the latest software; 4.3. Ugh!

UPDATE 2:

After a few hours of poking around on the Internet with Google and on the BlackBerry.com and Sprint.com websites, I have finally come to the conclusion that BlackBerry Device Software 4.5 is not (officially) available for the Sprint BlackBerry Curve 8330.

While searching for an answer, I stumbled across the BlackBerry Device Software v4.5 Availability page on the BlackBerry.com website. When I entered my device's PIN number, I received the following message:

"BlackBerry® Device Software v4.5 is not supported by your wireless service provider.

You will be redirected in 10 seconds to our Product Update form to receive notification when the software is available.

If you are not automatically taken to the form, please click here"

So, it seems that us BlackBerry Curve owners on Sprint who don't want to roll the dice with one of the unofficial upgrades still have to wait this out. I do hope that Sprint gets around to releasing the upgrade soon.

Mark/Space Updates The Missing Sync for Bold, Storm

Mark/Space has updated their Missing Sync for BlackBerry software to now include support for the latest RIM BlackBerry devices; the Blold and the Storm. The latest edition of the Missing Sync for BlackBerry is 1.0.3.

"The Missing Sync for BlackBerry is popular with BlackBerry-to-Mac users because of its reliability and range of sync features, and it is the only Mac synchronization software that works seamlessly with the BlackBerry Bold and the new BlackBerry Storm.

The Missing Sync allows for easy syncing of contacts, calendars, tasks, notes and more between the Bold, Storm - or any other BlackBerry handheld - and Mac OS X computers."

For more details and Mac and BlackBerry system requirements, visit the MarkSpace website.

Pricing and Availability

The Missing Sync for BlackBerry is available now for $39.95 (software download) or $49.95 (physical CD shipment). Existing customers can upgrade to the latest version of the Missing Sync for BlackBerry for $29.95. Upgrades from other Missing Sync platforms (Palm OS, Windows Mobile, iPhone, Symbian, and Sony PSP) is allowed. For business customers, there are volume license for 5, 10, and 25-packs.

Getting Ready for My BlackBerry Curve

I've been a long time customer of Palm's PDAs and Treo smartphones. The time has come for me to receive a company issued phone; a Palm Centro.

Rather than carry a personal Treo 755p and a Centro, I have decided to take this opportunity to play around with a new personal day-to-day device. (The Centro will be a business only device.) Later this week I will be switching to a RIM BlackBerry Curve 8330 on Sprint's EVDO network.

I'm not sure what to expect, but I do know that I will be looking forward to learning the finer details of these popular business devices.

BlackBerry Bold Goes on Sale at AT&T

As promised, the new RIM BlackBery Bold has gone on sale today at AT&T. Of the new corporate-minded device, AT&T writes:

"Get the fastest BlackBerry on the fastest 3G network. The global BlackBerry® Bold™ smartphone is designed to give business professionals both cutting edge functionality and performance under one bold intuitive design. It comes fully-loaded with integrated GPS for AT&T Navigator and Wi-Fi for access at thousands of AT&T hotspots nationwide, including Starbucks. The BlackBerry Bold smartphone has a brilliant color LCD screen for exceptional definition and clarity. Pictures are vibrant and sharp while videos play smoothly and web pages, documents, presentations, and messages come to life with exceptional quality and contrast. Get more speed and more power with the BlackBerry Bold."

The BlackBerry Bold's features include:

• Half-VGA (480 x 320 at 217 ppi) color display
• A newly designed full QWERTY keyboard for exceptionally fast and easy typing
• Built-in GPS and Wi-Fi radios
• 624 MHz mobile processor
  
• More storage — 1 GB on board and up to 16 GB via its microSD/SDHC expansion slot
• Advanced media player for music, videos and photos
• 2 megapixel camera with built-in flash, zoom and video recording
• optimized Web-browsing experience with desktop-style depiction
• DataViz Documents To Go for editing Word, Excel and PowerPoint files
  

The complete list of the Bold's features and technical specifications can be found on the AT&T website.

Pricing

The new BlackBerry Bold retails for $549.99 without a contract commitment from AT&T. When you sign up for a 2-year service agreement, the price drops down to $399.99. Additionally, AT&T is offering a $100 mail-in rebate which brings the cost of the device down to $299.99. To take advantage of the mail-in rebate, customers will have to sign up for a $35/month data or messaging plan. That shouldn't be a deal breaker for most customers as a BlackBerry without the data service isn't very useful.

BlackBerry Bold Headed for AT&T on Nov 4th

In a press release issued earlier today, Research In Motion announced that the new BlackBerry Bold will be launching on AT&T's 3G wireless network on Tuesday, November 4, 2008.

"The BlackBerry Bold smartphone's design and performance live up to its name. The elegant smartphone features a lustrous black exterior, satin chrome-finished frame and stylish, leatherette backplate with a stunning half-VGA (480 x 320 at 217 ppi) color display for eye-popping visuals and a newly designed full QWERTY keyboard for exceptionally fast and easy typing. On the inside, the BlackBerry Bold features built-in GPS and Wi-Fi®, a powerful new 624 MHz mobile processor that provides impressive performance, more storage memory than ever before — 1 GB on board and up to 16 GB via its microSD/SDHC expansion slot — and a rich set of multimedia capabilities, including an advanced media player for music, videos and photos and a 2 megapixel camera with built-in flash, zoom and video recording, as well as an optimized Web-browsing experience with desktop-style depiction."

"The BlackBerry Bold is the best BlackBerry smartphone ever, backed by the nation's fastest 3G network and the hands-down best international coverage of any carrier," said Ralph de la Vega, president and chief executive officer of AT&T Mobility. "The BlackBerry Bold is the complete package, providing customers with an absolutely outstanding mobile experience whether doing e-mail, browsing the Web, viewing streaming video or simply making a phone call. And it is being introduced in the U.S. only from AT&T."

The new BlackBerry Bold will sell for $299 with a qualifying 2-year service agreement that includes voice and data.

Read the full RIM press release...


I have to say that I'm really interested in the BlackBerry Curve, and what can only be it's successor, the Bold. What I like most about them is the hardware keyboard and the navigation ball on the face of the device. Being a long time Palm Treo customer, I really rely on having that hardware Qwerty keyboard. I just can't seem to get used to the soft keyboard that has been implemented on Apple's iPhone and iPod touch. I'm all about the keyboard.

The other feature that I really like is the placement of the trackball. With the older BlackBerry devices that I've used, I really hated the fact that the scroll wheel was always on the right side of the device with me being left handed.

New Name, Expanding Smartphone Coverage

Today is both an ending and a beginning. After long and careful deliberation, it is time to say goodbye to "Foleo Fanatics." In the year since Palm canceled the Foleo Mobile Companion it has become increasingly evident that the Foleo, in it's original configuration and name, will never be released.

The Foleo unit that I was able to use, even for a short while, showed amazing potential and I'm still looking for something to replace it.

However, the time has come to look beyond the Foleo and, starting today, Foleo Fanatics has become Smartphone Fanatics.

Smartphone Fanatics will continue where Foleo Fanatics has left off, providing you with the same great coverage of the Palm user community. We also plan on expanding our coverage beyond Palm's products. Moving forward, look for increasing coverage of Windows Mobile devices from great vendors like High Tech Computng (HTC). We will also be covering the exciting new BlackBerry smartphones coming out of Research In Motion (RIM). And, lastly, we also plan to cover everybody's favorite entertainment device, the Apple iPhone.

Welcome to Smartphone Fanatics!

Alan Grassia
Editor, SmartphoneFanatics.com