HOUR 2:
Tech News & Commentary
David in San Diego, California listening on Internet Radio: “I am on Verizon and now of course they have the iPhone. Now I’m told they have the iPhone 4G which I thought was the new system (4G) but i’m told it’s the third generation (3G). And supposedly they will be coming out with the iPhone 5 which will be 4G. My question is should I wait for that? If I do wait for that, do you think Verizon would get that as quickly as the Apple Company brings out the iPhone 5? Is it worth the wait between the 3G and the 4G? I’m told it’s a bunch of hype and the capability of getting on the 4G network is limited and some cases you’ll pay extra charges and always be on 3G.”
You’re right, the iPhone 4 is 3G, as are the 3G and 3GS, but not the 2G which is really the iPhone 1 not the iPhone 2, that’s the 3G… confused enough yet? Ok, so the iPhone 4 uses a 3G network, which is actually considerably slower than Verizon’s LTE network (think even up to 10 times slower).
There are rumors about how the 5th generation iPhone is about to come out, but Apple hasn’t actually made any announcements yet, that means that it may come out soon or it may come out next year. But, that aside, we don’t even know for sure it if it will be a 4G LTE phone or not. There are other stories that say there will be an iPhone 4S instead of a 5 this year. We’re expecting to see a dual-core processor, improved cameras, and a possible CDMA+3G combo instead of having two different versions on different networks. We’ll see.
As for the LTE network itself, it is in many cities throughout the country, but it would be a good idea to check with Verizon and see if you’re covered before waiting deciding to wait. If you’re not you may end up waiting for the iPhone 5 to use the LTE network and not get network until the iPhone 6 is out…
It really comes down to whether you want an iPhone or not. Given that the iPhone 5 is not really likely to be a 4G LTE phone right out of the gate — if it launches this summer, anyway — you’re probably looking at one or two years of 3G data speeds if you choose an iPhone. However, if you’re an iPhone enthusiast, then you should be willing to settle for the slower speeds, at least for now. But if you want to run on the scorching 4G LTE network, and it is fast — we’ve tested it! — you would need to move to an Android device. Verizon has now introduced the Droid X2, updating one of our favorite Android phones to 4G LTE speeds, and the HTC Thunderbolt is also quite nice.
So! iPhone or speed, iPhone or speed? Ya gotta pick one.
For more information, tune in to Hour 2 of our podcast.
“This Week in Tech History” Weekly Feature with Chris Graveline.
Bruce in Wichita, Kansas listening via our Android App and podcast asked: “I would like to have you all’s opinion on this browser called RockMelt, I’ve got it on my computer and use it some, it’s very good for Facebook, so appreciate if you guys could tell me that.”
They’re calling RockMelt a “Social Browser.” That’s why it works so well with Facebook. It’s supposed to. It’s based on Chromium, so it inherits Google Chrome’s speed, looks, and basic functionality on both Mac and Windows.
After you install the RockMelt, you log in to the browser before you use it. You authorize it to connect to your Facebook account, and it is instantly customized for your social circle, showing your friends and your favorite sites in slim sidebars. You can connect and chat with your Facebook friends while you surf the web.
It does appear to be a very slim and somewhat basic web browser, so don’t expect too many bells and whistles apart from the Facebook integration. But that’s the crowd they’re going after – the social networker, not the “power user” or businessman.
Where Rockmelt really shines is for the user who wants to keep up with their Facebook and Twitter feeds, but doesn’t want to have to remain on those web pages in order to do so. You can be working with email, calendar, or browsing any other web site, and still see updates or be available for chat.
Rockmelt isn’t just “sort of” Google Chrome, it’s so much the same as Chrome that you get access to all your Chrome extensions, automatically.
So if you’re a social networking addict, or someone who needs to keep an eye on Facebook and Twitter for business or professional reasons — and there is a lot more of that happening these days, as companies invest in social media and hire people to administrate it — Rockmelt is an excellent choice.
For more information, tune in to Hour 2 of our podcast.
Facebook message from Marcie asked: “I had a flashlight that required batteries, what new high-tech ones are out their in the market that require no batteries and are durable. Thanks. I’m asking the “Into Tomorrow” experts!”
You can find self-powered flashlights at just about any sports or outdoors store. Many big box stores like Wal-Mart and Target even have a limited selection available. They are becoming more and more popular these days, not just for when you lose power at home, but for recreation, like camping. Most of the ones we found also have radios built-into them. We found several online at places like Bass Pro Shops, starting at about $15.
You might also look at the (ready for the long name?) “Eton American Red Cross Rover Self-Powered AM/FM/NOAA Weather Radio”. The Rover is a small handheld radio with a built-in flashlight. It’s self powered by an aluminum hand crank that they say generates 15 minutes of power for every 90 seconds of cranking. In case of severe weather the Rover includes an AM/FM radio and NOAA 7 channel weather band, but you can also charge your cell with the USB cell phone charger. This one is available online at places like Brookstone for around $50.
Another one we came across is the “Dual Function Led Crank Camping Lantern”.
This Led Lantern does not need does not need a battery, They claim 1 minute of cranking provides approximately 30 minutes of bright light. You can use it as a lantern or as a flashlight, just press the on/off button for the lantern and then press again for the flashlight.
The Led Lantern can shine up to 8 hours when you recharge with car adaptor for 4 hours. The Led Lantern is available on line for about $10.
For more information, tune in to Hour 2 of our podcast.
Guests in this hour:
Steven Ivester, Strategic Advisory – Quamtel
Quamtel’s DataJack provides prepaid mobile internet access (USB Modems & MiFi) and toll-free numbers to overseas companies doing business in the US.
“Into Tomorrow” Product Spotlight with Rob Almanza: Tech Gifts for Dad 2011 — Click Here or on Rob’s face for details
This Week’s Prizes for Our Listeners
iolo: Several copies of System Mechanic – Fix & speed-up your PC, Automatically
iLuv: Several iSP110 Mini Portable Stereo Speakers (in a variety of colors)
Microsoft: Copies of Street & Trips Software with GPS receiver
VSO Software: Copies of Convert-X-to-DVD 4 – Lets you convert videos to DVD and watch on any DVD player.