Cheap iPhone Rumor Returns

Like clockwork, rumors of a cheaper iPhone are back.

Citing a report in China Times, Boy Genius Report claims that Apple is working on a low-cost iPhone to compete with the cheapest Android smartphones. Apple will reportedly launch the low-end iPhone later this year, around the same time as the sixth-generation iPhone.

(BGR also uses the term “iPhone Nano”–a reference to earlier rumors of a smaller phone–but I don’t see any mention of that in the source material.)

In the United States, the iPhone 3GS is free with a two-year contract through AT&T, but an unlocked iPhone 3GS costs $375. in other countries, where carrier subsidies aren’t as prevalent, Apple may want to go cheaper.

Still, I have my doubts that Apple would launch a new, less expensive iPhone instead of simply lowering the price on existing models. There’s not much room to trim the specs on the iPhone 3GS except for storage space, and I can’t see Apple going lower than 8 GB anyway. Lowering screen resolution is out of the question because it would ruin the way apps run, and cutting back the processor would jeopardize the phone’s ability to run iOS 5 smoothly.

Come this fall, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the no-contract iPhone 3GS price hit $250 or less. At that point, the phone will be more than three years old, and a bad buy for most users. but for people who travel overseas a lot and want a low-cost smartphone with the ability to swap SIM cards, a cheap, unlocked iPhone could be quite the deal. You wouldn’t even have to trade a kidney to get one.

4G iPad moniker ‘misleading’, Australian watchdog claims

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced plans to file a complaint against Apple for alleged contraventions of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) based on the company’s marketing of the third-generation iPad with Wi-Fi + 4G. the announcement reads, “the ACCC alleges that Apple’s recent promotion of the new ‘iPad with WiFi + 4G’ is misleading because it represents to Australian consumers that the product ‘iPad with WiFi + 4G’ can, with a SIM card, connect to a 4G mobile data network in Australia, when this is not the case.” of course, all third-generation iPad with Wi-Fi + 4G units sold in Australia can, in fact, connect to 4G LTE networks; Apple is not responsible for pushing local carriers to adopt the technology. the ACCC is seeking urgent interlocutory relief to ensure consumers are made aware of the correct technical capabilities of this device, as well as injunctions, pecuniary penalties, corrective advertising and refunds to consumers affected.

Cheap iPhone 3GS for Sale, Only $49

Cheap iPhone 3GS for sale through ATT, only $49

Recently, ATT reduced the price of the iPhone 3GS to $49 for a brand new phone with a two-year contract.

It is my opinion that by providing a cheap iPhone 3GS for sale the popular mobile phone carrier is clearing out their stock in order to make room for new models of the iPhone and they are trying to sell as many as they can before Verizon is able to launch their model.

It is rumored that Verizon should be announcing the launch of their iPhone model on Tuesday Jan. 11th, and so it is no surprise that ATT is in a hurry to move some of their products off the shelf. My hunch is that ATT will not lose many of their current iPhone users, but as time progresses they will not gain as many new users due to the increased competition.

Also, the iPhone 5 will probably hit the market in June or July, which will follow Apple’s trend of announcing a new iPhone every year. The new model is expected to incorporate Facetime over the 3G network, and an even more powerful built-in camera.

Keep in mind that the 3GS is the older model, and so it you are looking for a product with all the most recent bells and whistles then the iPhone 4 is where you should be looking. However, the 3GS is still an incredibly capable phone with features such as:

– Multitasking: The ability to run multiple apps at the same time.

– Folders: Organize your apps into convenient folders to save space.

– iBooks: a powerful eReaders built into your smartphone device.

– Mail: Check and manage multiple email accounts.

– iPod: full functionality of a 8GB/16GB iPod device.

– Safari: Browse the internet from the palm of your hand.

The iPhone is truly a revolutionary device and now you can find a cheap iPhone 3GS for sale through mobile service provider ATT.

More iPhone Battery Power in Less Price

Putting aside the claims from various sections of consumers and consumer right activists, the Apple Inc. has come up with the iPhone batteries which have long battery life. iPhone batteries offer power in best price and help users receive sufficient extension in usage of web browsing, music, videos, etc. However, besides using external batteries, the best method to put iPhone boosters to use it for optimum benefit is upgradation of software iPhone which includes means of improving the battery’s performance.

iPhone powerpack are sent to market for sell only after persistent checking of quality and services which is done during preproduction phase. when iPhone backup extender pack promises more power in less price it means the batteries are designed to retain up to 80% of their original capacity after 400 full charge and discharge cycles. With various useful methods like reduction in the brightness of the LCD screen to the level of users’ comfort or turning the Auto-Brightness feature can enhance the life and power supply of iPhone battery.

iPhone battery power in less price means extension of the life and efficiency of the battery iPad/iPod to be used in iPhone or iPad or iPod, etc. iPhone backup extenders can be compared with iPod batteries wherein iPhone batteries are capable of providing up to 7 hours of video, 8 hours of talk time, 6 hours of web browsing,, 24 hours of music, up to 250 hours on standby time when phone is not in active use, etc. amongst others. Notwithstanding, iPhone extended backup are available in the market which can be used for extension of battery life as these can be used in the place of built-in battery. iPad battery extenders are quite in use for users are willing to extend the life of battery and avoid potential expenses which can be an outcome of buying new battery from Apple.

iPhone batteries can be replaced as Apple started the replacement service for exhausted iPhone batteries, defective iPad batteries some couple of years ago. Moreover, the price has been kept low so that there is not much discontent among users that Apple is abusing its monopoly over the product in the market. With iTouch External Battery 600% extra 4G 3Gs iPhone capacity has been made possible. Additionally, the power and features can be extended by using an external battery pack which may even include 105% extra 3G iPad capacity and 50 hours 4G iPhone video time.

Users can use external iPhone juice pack to enhance video time, which however depends upon the model of the external battery and its capacity. Observations have been made that a fine quality iPhone battery extender like IMP500 helps in extension of the battery life of the iPad in one charge by more than 4 times which in fact is higher than the iPad itself. Apple tries to enhance life and capacity of its batteries and for that upgrades its models.

Whereas iPhone 3G’s battery provides 7 hours of video, 6 hours of web browsing on Wi-Fi, five hours web browsing on 3G, 10 hours of 2G talk time, 5 hours talk time on 3G, 24 hours of music, 300 hours of standby time, the same battery claims to offer more than 10 hours of video, 9 hours of web browsing on Wi-Fi, 5 hours web browsing on 3G, 12 hours of 2G talk time, 5 hours talk time on 3G, 30 hours of music, and 300 hours of standby to users.

iPhone battery extenders, external batteries, etc. have been in offer by most renowned manufacturer of the Li-ion polymer (LIP) batteries.

3 Must Haves For Your iPhone 3G & 3GS

So you just got your new iPhone 3G or 3GS, and you’re loving it. but, you don’t want to get a scratch or a fingerprint on it. What should you do? you can’t go everywhere without using your iPhone because of the risk something will happen to it? You’ve only got one thing left to do. buy some accessories to protect it

Accessories that you buy allow you to customize the outside of your phone the way you want it, while protecting it. Go everywhere with style and protection with iPhone accessories. There’s a wide variety of accessories you can get for your iPhone, but we’ll be looking at 3 for now. 2 for protection and 1 for those on-the-go most of the time.

The first thing you’re going to need is a screen protector. For the entire time you use your iPhone, you’re going to be looking at and touching the screen. You’d want to keep it in mint condition from day one. There are two main types of screen protectors available – transparent and reflective. your choice on which one you prefer.

Number two is a case. If your iPhone falls down somewhere and you don’t have a case, you’re in big trouble. One drop could leave a nasty dent or, even worse, leave your iPhone unable to function, which is why a case is a very good idea. There are tons of styles for cases you can choose between a soft silicone case or a hard crystal case. you can choose the colour, and even the design on it. you choose what suits you.

Finally, you don’t want to be left with a dead battery on the road. One lifesaver of an accessory is a car charger. Recharge your battery on your way to work, or just charge it during a long road trip. No matter where you are, as long as you have a car, you should get a car charger for your phone.

Out of the 3, the car charger is optional, but the case and screen protector are crucial if you want to keep your mint condition iPhone in mint condition. It would cost about $15 to buy the two, which would completely cover your iPhone and keep it perfect.

iPad Solar Charger Claims 12 Days Of Power

First there was the iPhone. Now there’s the iPad, a handy little entertainment device that goes where you go and delivers a range of audio-visual media from books and periodicals to movies and documentaries.

To keep your iPad going, designers have created a LilyPad (and a LilyPad 2), protective cases that draw energy not merely from sunlight but from all ambient light sources, charging your iPad as you charge around getting stuff done for the day. that way, when you’re finally ready to sit down and catch your breath, your iPad is ready to give you something to gasp about. In fact, say designers, the LilyPad will enable users to go an average of 12.5 days before having to fully recharge the iPad from a charger plugged into an electrical outlet. and given enough time, the day may come when you never again have to rely on cords, cables and wall plugs for charging your wireless electronics like the iPad.

The LilyPads get their charge from very thin, ductile, lightweight solar panels sourced from organic materials. the cases themselves are fashioned from 80-percent recycled materials, and for that leftover 20 percent manufacturer Wireless NRG is planting a tree in your name designed to sequester any carbon dioxide that might be generated by your plugging your iPad into a wall every two weeks. Eventually, Wireless NRG reassures, the LilyPad—and a future travel bag—will come in a rainbow of colors, right down to the shoulder straps.

Not only that, but the company says it has teamed up with responsible corporations to insure that at least 3 million trees are planted over the next two years. Wireless NRG also plans to preserve 250 million square feet of rainforest, and has its ducks in a row to make that happen, so you don’t have to feel guilty plugging in your built-in HDMI adapter and watching your favorite movie snuggled under a pile of blankets in the bedroom. the LilyPad also has a built-in movie stand, a keyboard stand, a USB power-out socket, a whistle locator for the absent-minded or the simply harried, and a travel bag which allows light to reach the LilyPad for continuous charging—all way cooler (and much easier to carry) than the solar backpacks we wrote about earlier this month!

Get a Free iPhone 4G With No Contract

Many of us are looking forward to getting the new iPhone 4G probably free of charge once they are committed to a contract. Plans for the iPhone require data capacities that provide unlimited texting and net browsing for sure if you want to fully utilize all the iPhone features. To make use of the functionality of the new mobile device, you need a network with capabilities of excellent data connection and being able to run various iPhone apps based on your interest and need.

The reason that the iPhone 4G is so popular and appealing is due to the fact it is additional than just a normal mobile phone. A multi-tasking applications platform, digital camera on both side, extreme high screen resolution as comparable with iPad are all embedded in the iPhone 4G. with the device, you can call, surf the net, response to email and download over thousands of iPhone applications from Apple which give you extra functionality and flexibility. This device could be considered as an all-in-one small monster with all kinds of possibilities that you can hardly imagine.

The price of the new iPhone 4G can be fairly expensive for some people. It is costly upfront and the monthly service fee can add up and become significant over years. there are web site promoting the offers that you can receive an iPhone 4G for free. The operation behind the promotion is that you are required to participate in free trials of services or products from the associated companies. In order to get the phone for really free, you can stop the free trials before they expire.

Of course, if you find the products or services are good to you, you can keep the offers while receiving the iPhone also. for such case, it is a win-win situation for both you and the company running the marketing campaign. However, for certain campaign, please be aware that you might also need to refer few of people you know to join the free trial offers in order to fulfill the requirement to receive the free gift.

iPhone 4 Cases – Types Of Cases And Why We Use Them

There are many different types of the iPhone 4 cases. For example, some of these cases can be worn around your belt. this makes retrieving your iPhone extremely easy given the fact that the case itself is located within easy reach. Needless to say, there are many people who find in this particular location to be especially convenient.

Another very popular type of iPhone 4 case fits conveniently in a purse or pocket. some people feel a little bit funny about having their iPhone dangling from the belt. therefore, these individuals will oftentimes choose instead to place their iPhone into a pocket or purse which still allows the device to be easily retrieved when needed. as you can imagine, there are many people who don’t necessarily like to go on subways or to travel in busy areas with their iPhone exposed to the world. therefore, this particular type of case is extremely useful.

This all raises the question of why so many people choose to use cases for iPhone 4. in other words, is there a particular reason why the device isn’t simply put as is into a cluttered purse or jammed into a pocket full of loose change or keys. this is a really good question. One simple explanation is the fact that many people truly value their iPhone and do not want it to get scratched up or otherwise damaged as a result of traditional wear and tear which would likely cause the device to not last as long as the potentially need to be repaired more frequently.

From a pricing standpoint, iPhone 4 cases are relatively affordable when you consider the fact that they are protecting an extremely valuable investment that you have made. when you look at it from this perspective, it is easy to see why so many people truly enjoys shopping around for them.

LikeMyCase iPhone Cases Are Easy to Love (With a GeekDad Coupon Code)

I’m the kind of guy who likes to own his user experience. I’ve been known to spend hours tweaking my player characters in RPGs (electronic and pen-and-paper). I regularly obsess over my Twitter avatar and coordinating the proper background. Hell, I can’t even drive a car until I’ve made all the requisite adjustments to the air conditioning and audio systems.

Therefore it should surprise no one that my continuing search for the perfect iPhone protector has led me to the land of the customized vanity case. More specifically I recently entered the delightful duchy of LikeMyCase.com, a Britain-based outfit that seeks to create unique and high quality device cases.

The process on the consumer’s end of this equation is practically effortless. you simply upload a photo, select your specific phone model, position the image within the onscreen template and enter your shipping and payment information. the LikeMyCase team, in what at least sounds like a far more fantastical and nigh alchemical manner, then uses cutting edge 3D printing voodoo technology to craft a case design that will neither fade nor scratch off, and they even offer a free worldwide shipping option for money-conscious gadgeteers.

LikeMyCase provided me with one of their exclusive new iPhone 4S DUAL cases, a clever combination of the sturdy shell cover and the typical silicon sleeve. the inner liner provides flexible protection of the phone body/control buttons and an extended bevel that helps shield the sensitive touchscreen, while the hard shell blends the visual appeal of an image of your choosing with a pleasantly utilitarian slip-resistant texture.

Image credit: Rusty Shackles

For my case design I hit up my pal Rusty Shackles, graphic artist to the (underground) stars, and he came through with a most magnificent concept. his “Devil Rhymeosaur,” the hip-hop T-Rex that graces the cover of the latest phenomenal EP from Atlanta-based rapper Tribe One, not only boasts vibrant, striking colors, but also simulates the halftone effect of classic comic books. it made for both a gorgeous iPhone cover and proved a proper test of LikeMyCase’s printing process.

A test which they passed with flying colors. (Pun!) In fact the quality of their printed products is easily among the company’s greatest strengths.

My only gripes come from the design of the two-part case itself. first and foremost there are the typical iPhone cover problems with port access. While OEM headphones and 30pin chargers fit just fine, larger cables, even Apple’s own video output arrays, just don’t play well with the product.

There is also a minor issue concerning the manner in which the inner sleeve nests within the outer shell. three rubberized “buttons” protrude through specialized openings that, with some help from the phone’s own girth, keep the two pieces together. However the silicon and printed components don’t always appear flush; there is sometimes a gap that, while slim, is certainly noticeable. this isn’t to say that forcing the two to separate with the iPhone in place is easy or presents any genuine hazard, but if I’m to sacrifice my sleek design for a trio of unsightly holes I’d appreciate it if they were a tad bit more functional.

Other than that my complaints are minimal. LikeMyCase only supports a limited number of device types right now — iPhone 3G/S, iPhone 4/S and the Blackberry Bold and Curve models — so Android users are unfortunately left out in the cold. the only other caveat, which also rather comes with the proverbial territory, is price. the DUAL-style 4S case that I received for my review retails for $40.24, which is a bit on the steep side.

On that end, however, LikeMyCase has offered some relief. use the promotional code GEEKDAD20 for 20% off your total purchase. this offer is valid until July 31st, 2012, cannot be used in conjunction with any other LikeMyCase offers and does not apply to expedited shipping costs.

If you’re in the market for a one-of-kind phone case or would like to promote your band, site or business with some branded swag, LikeMyCase.com definitely offers a quality product, even if it does come complete with a few quirks.

Left: LikeMyCase printed design, Right: original image

Review and promotional materials provided by: LikeMyCase.com

Special thanks to: Rusty Shackles and Tribe One

ZTE Fury (Sprint)

The ZTE Fury  offers fast performance, plenty of features, and good battery life, all for less than $20. The tradeoff is a poor camera and call quality that is just okay. It’s an inexpensive, reliable Android smartphone for Sprint users on a budget—just make sure to take a close look at the sale rack before buying.

Design and Call Quality Plain and simple, the ZTE Fury measures 4.7 by 2.5 by .5 inches (HWD) and weighs 4.9 ounces. The phone is encased in a thick layer of soft-touch black plastic, with silver accents running along the edges and a pattern made of tiny gray circles on the back. It isn’t rugged, but it feels like it can withstand more abuse than average, fragile smartphone. there are four capacitive touch buttons below the Fury’s 3.5-inch, 480-by-320-pixel display. while the screen looks sharp and bright enough, that resolution is on the low side. The phone’s on-screen keyboard is a little small, but still usable.

The Fury is a tri band EV-DO Rev. A (800/850/1900 MHz) device with 802.11b/g Wi-Fi. It can also be used as a mobile hotspot to provide a 3G connection to up to five different devices with the appropriate service plan. Reception on the Fury is average, though call quality is slightly below. Voices are nice and loud in the phone’s earpiece, though somewhat fuzzy and harsh. Calls made with the phone showed average noise cancellation, but voices were muffled and distant. The speakerphone sounds fine and is just loud enough to use outdoors. Calls also sounded fine through a Jawbone Era Bluetooth headset ($129, 4 stars), and voice dialing worked well. Battery life was good at 8 hours and 6 minutes of talk time.

Processor and AppsRunning Android 2.3.6 (Gingerbread), there’s no word yet on an update to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) for the Fury, so I wouldn’t count on it in the very near future. ZTE has done almost nothing to the version of Android running here. There’s not much bloatware or preinstalled apps, aside from Sprint ID, which allows you to install “ID packs” on your phone that include applications, ringtones, wallpapers, and widgets. this lets you keep your phone looking plain Jane if you prefer stock Android, or jazz it up with something a little different. Interestingly, the phone also has a setting for Emergency Alerts, where you can choose to be notified of Amber alerts, extreme alerts, and severe alerts.

The Fury is powered by a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S2 MSM8655 processor. this is a faster CPU than you’ll find in many other budget smartphones, though still no match for dual-core. even so, the Fury turned in rather good benchmarks for a single-core device; credit the lower screen resolution and lack of UI modification.

All of the standard Android apps are here. you get Google Maps Navigation for free voice-enabled, turn-by-turn GPS directions. The phone syncs email, calendars, and contacts for Gmail and Microsoft Exchange accounts, and works with many other popular email accounts. and the Fury’s solid performance means you shouldn’t have trouble running most of the 450,000+ apps available from the Google Play market.

Multimedia, Camera, and Conclusions The Fury comes with 2.59GB of available internal memory. There’s also a 2GB microSD card preloaded in the slot beneath the battery cover; my 32GB and 64GB SanDisk cards worked fine as well. The standard 3.5mm headphone jack means you can use the Fury with just about any pair of wired headphones. Music sounded fine over wired earbuds as well as through Altec Lansing BackBeat Bluetooth headphones ($99, 3.5 stars). The music player is stock Android, and I was able to play AAC, MP3, OGG, and WAV files, but not FLAC or WMA. The Fury was also able to play back all of our video test files at resolutions up to 720p.

The camera is a big disappointment. It’s a 5-megapixel shooter with an LED flash. Shutter speeds are agonizingly slow, at an average of 2.1 seconds to snap a photo. and after that wait, photos look dim and somewhat soft. The video camera is worse. Recorded videos max out at VGA (640-by-480 pixels) resolution, and play back at a choppy 13 frames per second.

Camera aside, the ZTE Fury is a good choice for first-time smartphone users, but be sure to look at your other options carefully. right now, you can get the HTC EVO 3D (3 stars), LG Marquee (3.5 stars), or Nexus S 4G (3 stars) for free. all of those phones are a step up from the Fury, with nicer displays, better cameras, and comparable, if not faster, processors. But the phones on sale chage often, while the Fury will retain its inexpensive price tag, making it a reliable bet for buyers on a budget. The Samsung Conquer 4G ($49.99, 4 stars) is another good option, and gets you a better camera and faster 4G WiMAX data speeds than the Fury for just $30 more.

Benchmarks Continuous talk time: 8 hours 6 minutes

More Cell Phone Reviews:•   PCD Venture (Virgin Mobile)•   HTC One S (T-Mobile)•   Opera Mini 7 (for iPhone)•   LG Viper 4G LTE (Sprint)•   HTC Titan II (AT&T)•  more