We will start this article off by stating this is subject to change prior to public release, however, here’s your first look at BlackBerry Desktop Manager 4.3! We’ve not yet fully uncovered what it’s capable of, although we from first impressions, it doesn’t look like much more than a visual upgrade of the initial application view, as well as an updated version of Intellisync. Also bundled with this version of BlackBerry Desktop Manager is an update to Roxio Media Manager, now sporting some advanced encoding options and enhanced support for other video formats.

No word on a release date, but with the BlackBerry 8120 being recently launched with OS 4.3.0, we’d have to think that BlackBerry Desktop Manager 4.3 will follow at some point soon thereafter. Then again, we have yet to hear about the BlackBerry 8120 actually being available from any of the pre-launch and launch carriers in Europe (Telefonica/Spain, TIM/Italy and O2/UK), so who knows.

Rest of the shots, after the break!

Read the rest of this entry »

The new Sony Ericsson W890i we saw late last month is getting a bit more fleshed out as the weeks trickle by. If you believe the spec sheet, it’ll be available in maroon as well as the black pictured above, comes packing quad-band GSM, UMTS, and, wait for it, HSDPA at 850 MHz. How can this be? A Sony Ericsson handset with HSDPA that’ll work on AT&T in the US and Rogers Wireless in Canada is a like a cellular dream come true. Sadly, internal memory disappoints at only 40 MB, though it can be bolstered by shelling out for some Memory Stick Micro (M2). Not much else new can be gleaned but we’re hoping for pricing and a launch date soon.

read more | discuss | digg story | Javoedge Sony Ericsson Accessories

The Centro is quite possibly the most important smartphone release from Palm since their foray into Windows Mobile with the Treo 700w. This seems like a strange thing to say given that, except for its form factor, the Centro doesn’t represent anything especially new in the smartphone field. In fact, it is so nearly identical in function and use to the Treo 755p that in our testing we have yet to find any significant differences. No, the Centro is important because it represents a two “firsts” for Palm:

• Their first smartphone to retail at $99 (after rebates, it’s a hefty $399 before)
• Their first smartphone with genuine mass-market appeal

The Centro is also one very important “last” (we believe): the last platform that Palm will release featuring the original “Garnet” PalmOS. While it’s highly likely we’ll see further Centros on GSM as well as the Treo 755p getting released to other carriers, the Centro will likely be the last PalmOS platform until Palm releases their new Linux-based PalmOS in late 2008 or early 2009. The Centro is currently exclusive to Sprint.

In short, the Centro has its work cut out for it. But rather than take on the high-end iPhone (read sister-site Phone different’s iPhone review here), the Centro is instead taking on the RAZR and the Sidekick. Like the Treo 680 before it, the Centro is designed to broaden the market for smartphones by bringing in users who would previously have never considered themselves “smartphone users.”

So does the Centro have what it takes to appeal to the general consumer? Does it have what it takes to appeal to current Treo owners? Read on to find out!

read more | discuss | JAVOedge Palm Treo Accessories

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Verizon Wireless is heading into the holidays with a roster of new personal digital assistants (PDAs) and smartphones that give customers exciting options for both business and personal connectivity. The first of the line-up, the SCH-i760 from Samsung, is available online October 19 and in stores November 2. Also joining the portfolio of robust wireless business tools built to handle the speed of Verizon Wireless’ broadband network, are the Verizon Wireless XV6800, the Palm® Treo™ 755p and the SMT5800 smartphone.

Charismatic as it is functional, aficionados will welcome the Palm Treo 755p. Its slim form factor is packed with tools such as a large color touch-screen and a full QWERTY keyboard for easy messaging, a 1.3 megapixel camera and support for Bluetooth stereo headsets. The built-in 60 MB of dedicated memory allows the use of a robust set of applications, while storage can be enhanced by using the miniSD™ slot to add up to 8 GB of additional memory.More information on the new Verizon Wireless device portfolio, including pricing, will be available as the devices become available.

read more | discuss | JAVOedge Palm Treo 755p Accessories