Archive for August, 2011

Universal Mobile Phone Telescopic Lens Review

Wednesday, August 31st, 2011

The Universal Mobile Phone Telescopic Lens is a fancy little mobile phone accessory that lets you add optical zoom functionality to your phone’s camera. It comes with a flexible adapter to mount a 7×18 telescope that can be easily adapted to be used on most mobile phones. With this telescope, you can zoom in to focus on distant objects quite clearly. This allows you to easily create much higher quality photographs.

You'll notice that with the telescope fitted on the Nokia N95-1, it actually looks like something from a Hitman Game!

Contrary to my expectations, setting up the lens on the phone was pretty easy. In minutes of receiving the lens, I was able get it all set-up and ready to shoot.

Zooming is easily done with manipulation of the lens and focussing is just as simple – you need not worry if the image isn’t perfect, as the in-built AutoFocus of your camera phone will set it right. The lens is durable and is excellent bang for buck – I mean at 15 pounds it is quite a steal.

Check out other great mobile phone telescopes for specific phones:

Thanks to Dilin Anand of Shaasthra.com for this guest blog post.

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Which? Mobile Rates LG Optimus 3D As ‘Best Buy’, I Prefer the Evo 3D

Wednesday, August 31st, 2011

Venerable consumer reviews organisation Which? Mobile have awarded the Sim Free LG Optimus 3D, one of two smartphones with native 3D on the market, with their ‘Best Buy’ award. This award is given to “the very best products and services tested by Which?”. Unexpectedly, the award comes on the basis of the smartphone’s non-3D capabilities, with Which? Mobile calling it “great for ease of use and using the Internet.”

It’s a surprising verdict, as if you ignore the 3D capabilities of the phone then the handset is bigger, heavier, slower and has worse battery life than the Samsung Galaxy S2 or HTC Sensation. On that count, I’d give a slight edge to the unlocked HTC Evo 3D, which comes with a higher resolution screen and faster processor. Which? haven’t yet reviewed the Evo 3D; if they get around to it I wonder which 3D smartphone they’ll give the nod to.

The LG Optimus 3D

Still, both the unlocked LG Optimus 3D and Sim Free HTC Evo 3D are certainly flagship smartphones, and given the prospect of more 3D content in the future, could turn out to be wise investments. Even at the moment, you can use an HTC Evo 3D dock to transmit 3D movies you’ve recorded to your 3D HDTV, so there’s certainly some useful and unique features to play around with.

Personally, I’d rather have the Evo 3D and a few choice accessories to really set it apart from the Optimus 3D. Let’s have a look at what those would be.

The HTC Evo 3D

The most essential accessory for any smart phone is a good case, and the Evo 3D is no exception.

The HTC Evo 3D case that I would recommend is the ultra-protective Case-Mate Tough Case. As the Evo 3D (like the Optimus 3D) is quite bulky anyway, I’m not too concerned with ensuring that the phone is as slim as possible. Instead, going with the slightly bulky but incredibly damage-resistant Tough Case will provide unparalleled protection. The HTC Evo 3D cover has a dual layer system, with a silicone inner layer to deaden impacts and a tough outer layer to resist scratches. As always, an HTC Evo 3D screen protector will complete the protective package.

HTC EV0 3D Desktop Sync and Charge Cradle With HDMI Out

Another clever Evo 3D accessory which I mentioned earlier is the Evo 3D MHL Dock, which allows you to output that 3D content onto your 3D capable HDTV. While other HTC Evo 3D desktop stands include charging capabilities like the MHL dock, this one is the only that includes that useful HDMI out. It’s also possible to get an MHL to HDMI TV-Out Adapter that will accomplish the same goal, although I feel the convenience of the HTC Evo 3D dock is superior.

TrailBlazer Universal Car Charger and Holder

Other essential HTC Evo 3D accessories are car holders and other chargers. The best HTC Evo 3D car holder I’ve used is the TrailBlazer Universal Car Charger and Holder, which includes an adjustable holster and a HTC Evo 3D charger via USB. With these, we’ve got a pretty complete package that I’d say best takes advantage of the Evo 3D’s features.

What do you think?

Is the LG Optimus 3D or HTC Evo 3D deserving of a ‘Best Buy’ award? Is this a sign of more great 3D smartphones to come, or is the whole thing just a fad?

Let us know via the normal social media channels, or leave a comment below. Thanks!

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Top 5 Trendiest BlackBerry Bold 9900 Cases

Wednesday, August 31st, 2011

Introduction

Today we’ll be looking at some BlackBerry Bold 9900 accessories, specifically the trendiest BlackBerry Bold 9900 cases available. Last week we looked at the best BlackBerry Bold 9900 covers for professionals, including a good selection of BlackBerry Bold 9900 leather cases. Now it’s time for the opposite end of the market, with an emphasis on some cheap and cheerful cases that will protect your phone and look great. Let’s get right into it!

5. BlackBerry Flip Case

The first BlackBerry 9900 case we’re going to look is the BlackBerry Flip Case, which is an inexpensive leather-effect case. It’s a flip case format, with a soft-touch cloth interior and a magnetic fastening to keep the phone completely covered.  Inside is also a plastic casing, which keeps the phone securely in place when in use.

BlackBerry Bold 9900 Flip Case

4. InvisibleSHIELD Full Body Protector

The InvisibleSHIELD Fully Body Protector is a kind of full-size screen protector, which covers the entire body of your phone with a BlackBerry Bold 9900 screen protector. It’s a great idea that really lets you show off the slim figure of the BlackBerry 9900, and shows that sometimes the good things come in small, almost invisible packages.

InvisibleSHIELD Full Body Protector

3. Case-Mate Barely There

The Case-Mate Barely There is another BlackBerry Bold 9900 cover that espouses a minimal footprint, but it vastly improves the protection provided by the case. Unlike the InvisibleSHIELD, which offers no crush or drop protection, the Barely There squeezes that essential protection in. The Barely There also comes in quite a few colours and textures, including the nice white shown below and a cool aluminium finish (not shown below). Finally, the Barely There includes cutouts wherever appropriate to ensure you can fit your BlackBerry Bold 9900 charger or other accessories.

Case-Mate Barely There For BlackBerry Bold 9900 Brushed Aluminium

2. Krusell Luna Pouch

The Krusell Luna Pouch isn’t built specifically for the BlackBerry Bold 9900, but it still fits quite nicely. As it’s a pouch format instead of a fitted case, the size is relatively unimportant as well. As you can see, the Luna Pouch features high quality red Nappa leather and beautiful white stitching, making for quite a fetching combination. This line was called ‘the best phone case ever made’ on its introduction, and remains a favourite of our customers.

Krusell Luna Pouch - Extra Large - Red

1. Case-Mate Gelli

For our top case on this list, we return to a fully fitted case custom-made for the BlackBerry Bold 9900. The Case-Mate Gelli has one of the most unique looks I’ve ever seen, with a quirky and eye-catching geometric design that looks particularly fetching in pink. The case, which is also available in clear and grey for a slightly manlier flavour, also provides a good deal of protection thanks to its sturdy yet flexible thermoplastic construction.

It’s this combination of bright, catchy looks and dependable protection that makes the Case-Mate Gelli our top pick this week.

Case-Mate Gelli For BlackBerry Bold 9900

Conclusion

That’s all for now. If you found this helpful or had a question about mobile phone accessories, please let us know via the normal social media channels, or leave a comment below. Thanks!

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WeKreat Bento Battery Case for iPad 2

Wednesday, August 31st, 2011

We’ve just got a great little case in for the iPad 2: The WeKreat Bento Battery Case. It’s got pretty much everything that you’d want from an iPad 2 case: Protection, a built-in kickstand, and most importantly, a massive 6600mAh battery.

Let’s have a look at that battery first. As you’d guess, the iPad 2 battery will automatically keep your iPad 2 charged on the go, essentially extending the iPad’s battery life by 6 to 7 hours. This is perfect for travelling long distances, as you can keep your iPad 2 going for long plane, train or automobile rides.

WeKreat Bento Battery Case for iPad 2

The iPad 2 dock‘s kickstand another great bonus, allowing you to set up the iPad 2 and relax, instead of having to hold it in place. Thanks to multiple orientation options, you’re sure to find one that fits your situation.

The iPad 2 cover is protective too, with a solid TPU chassis that will protect your iPad 2 from damage to the back and sides, including scratches and drops. The case also has rubberised edges, allowing you to more easily grip the iPad 2. Of course, there are cutouts for the camera and dock connector so you can use your tablet to the fullest.

WeKreat Bento Battery Case for iPad 2

As you can see in the photo above, the case also includes a USB port that serves as an iPad 2 charger for any other USB devices you have lying around – including iPhones, iPods or other MP3 players and smartphones. Even when charging two devices at once, the Wekreat Bento Battery Case will add a crucial three or four hours to your battery life.

The Wekreat Bento Case is an elegant and comprehensive iPad 2 case solution.

Conclusion

That’s all for now. If you found this helpful or had a question about iPad 2 accessories, please let us know via the normal social media channels, or leave a comment below. Thanks!

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Your Guide To: Dual SIM Phones

Wednesday, August 31st, 2011

Dual SIM phones are becoming increasingly common in the Western world, after being hugely popular in Asia, because of the flexibility they offer. After clumsier solutions in the past, today’s active Dual SIM phones can be active simultaneously. This new technology will be described in more detail later, but for now let’s have a look at some situations in which Dual SIM phones can be incredibly useful.

There are actually quite a few situations where Dual SIM is worthwhile; probably the most notable is that of travel. You might travel to a different country weekly, and with a Dual SIM phone you could just switch SIMs using the phone’s software instead of having to manually replace them.

Another good use for Dual SIM is to take advantage of imbalanced calling plans. For example, you might use a low cost PAYG sim for unlimited internet access to supplement your cheap Internet-limited contract that provides good value minutes and texts.

Having one SIM for business use and another for personal use can also be handy, letting you keep your professional and private obligations separated.

You can also use SIM cards to lead a double life, with one SIM for each of your disjoint characters. Leading a double life is not recommended however, and could lead to film adaptions.

Whatever the situation, it is important to ensure that you’re getting the right kind of Dual SIM phone. There are a few different types, distinguished by what you can accomplish whilst the two cards are installed.

Let’s have a look below:

  • Dual SIM Shift: A second SIM card slot exists, but switching is manually activated.
  • Dual Sim Standby: Both SIMs are connected to mobile networks at the same time, but if one SIM is in a call the other will be busy.
  • Dual SIM Active: Both SIMs can be used at once, allowing incoming calls on the other SIM to be accepted or rejected.
  • Dual SIM Talk: Both SIMs can be talked on at once, allowing two different callers to be talked to at once.

Typically, Dual SIM Standby will be enough for most needs, although Dual SIM active can be a handy upgrade if you spend a lot of time using your phone for calls instead of for internet access or texts. It’s worth noting that most dual SIM phones will only support a 3G connection on one of the SIMs, so if you are using one for Internet and the other for calls make sure they’re the right way around.

There are a few options to operating a Dual SIM phone. One option is to buy a Sim Free Dual Sim Phone specifically for this purpose, a solution which does limit your choice of phones but also provides the most elegant package solution. At Mobile Fun, we have three such phones, including two QWERTY Samsung phones and a more basic candy-bar Samsung.

Another option is to use an adapter for your existing phone. While this does mean that you can keep your existing, high-powered smartphone, it does mean that you will have to deal with an externally mounted SIM.

The Dual SIM card adapter for the iPhone 4 does include a case as well, allowing you to keep the unsightly cable out of site and protected for unwarranted tugs. This goes a long way to ameliorate the flaws of this option, and is certainly the better choice if you own an iPhone 4. It’s also worth mentioning that it takes a full size sim, meaning you don’t have to use a iPhone 4 MicroSIM cutter tool to bring it down to size.

Dual SIM Card Adapter With Back Case - iPhone 4

Whichever way you go, a dual SIM can be just the thing. Look for more dual and even triple SIM phones and adapters to come onto the market as these technologies continue to develop – with the small size of the iPhone 4′s microsim, this functionality is getting much cheaper for mobile phone manufacturers to include.

Links

Conclusion

That’s all for now. If you found this helpful or had a question about Dual Sim Phones, please let us know via the normal social media channels, or leave a comment below. Thanks!

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