Top smartphones for students

While I understand that the monthly costs of smartphones may be too much for many students, I sincerely believe that these mobile computers can greatly add to a student’s life. Whether it’s quick access to e-mails, directions to class, or even social media on the go, having a smartphone can have a significant impact on how students work and play. Let’s take a look at some of the best smartphones currently available.

Apple iPhone 4 – AT&T, Verizon

Yep, it’s the obvious choice but the Apple iPhone 4 is an ideal smartphone for many students. With a stunning physical design, powerful innards, a good 5-megapixel camera, a front-facing camera for FaceTime chatting with the folks and a growing App Store, it is a versatile device which could help your student study, look cool, collaborate with classmates and have fun. It’s available on AT&T and Verizon now, so it also offers carrier choice.
The only issue with getting this now is that a new version is scheduled to be announced within a few weeks, so those who buy in now may be stuck with last year’s model. That’s not the worst thing in the world, as the iPhone 4 is still a more-than-capable device and iOS 5 could breathe some new life into the handset. Those of you who still haven’t adjusted to touchscreen virtual keyboards may also be put off with the form factor.

Motorola Photon 4G – Sprint

The Motorola Photon 4G is a powerhouse of a device on Sprint that can be a workhorse in a slim form factor. Powered by the NVIDIA dual-core Tegra 2 chip, the Photon 4G will plow through games, documents, educational apps and social networking without a problem and the 8-megapixel camera will help you capture those hazy school memories. The Sprint 4G can also be quite fast depending on what market you’re in.
We’re not huge fans of the MotoBlur software layer built on top of Android but it’s not bad, we just don’t like it. Android is about on par with iOS in terms of apps but there are still a few notable exceptions like Instagram. Again, if you’re a fan of a full QWERTY keyboard, this may not be the right phone for you or your student.

HTC myTouch 4G Slide – T-Mobile

The myTouch 4G Slide for T-Mobile is perfect for users who definitely want a full QWERTY keyboard because this powerful Android handset sports a slide-out keyboard without sacrificing too much in the looks and weight department. Powered by a dual-core Qualcomm Sapdragon chip, the myTouch 4G Slide is a powerful smartphone which also packs an excellent 8-megapixel camera. In fact, we think it takes better pictures than the iPhone 4.
We’re not in love with the Genius button on it instead of a normal search, as the voice controls and search are good but standard Android already has this. The keyboard is not quite as good as the previous version but it’s more than usable. For those of you who want a powerful phone with a real keyboard and a stellar camera, the myTouch 4G Slide is the device for you.

Research In Motion BlackBerry 9900/9930 – Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon

Research In Motion is definitely not on top of the hip list that often but its upcoming BlackBerry Bold 9900/9930 are more than respectable and those students who live and die with texting or e-mailing on the go could do much worse than this best-in-class keyboard. Powered by a 1.2 GHz processor, the next generation Bold is no slouch when it comes to power and the touchscreen is actually smooth and fluid. Throw in a 5-megapixel camera and the popular BBM service and you have a great device for students.
Of course, the only issue is that the operating system isn’t going to feel as fluid as iOS, Android or even Windows Phone and the app selection is not that great. You’re also going to have to pay a bit of a premium on some carriers to even buy the latest Bold.

Wait for it

The next iPhone will be coming down the pike within a month or two, so that definitely may be one worth waiting for. The Samsung Galaxy S II will also be landing in the United States very soon, so you Android fans may really want to wait for that one.
[Photo credit: boetter]

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AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint Galaxy S II Models Revealed

After the tragic news broke yesterday that Verizon would not receive a Samsung Galaxy S II proper, a new image is revealing the look of the three versions of the handset slated to be unveiled on August 29th for the other major US carriers. AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint variants of the Galaxy S II are pictured. Samsung has kept the designs more similar this time around, seemingly avoiding the drastic differences of the US carrier variants of the original Galaxy S. Verizon will very likely receive a handset with almost identical specs with the addition of a 4G ration (and possibly a 4.5-inch screen). The carrier is also rumored to be in the running for Samsung built Nexus Prime with Ice Cream Sandwich.
[via PocketNow]

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Dell Makes It Even Easier To Hand Over Your Hard Earned Cash With Its New Mobile App

Have you ever been out-and-about and suddenly realized that you needed to order a computer from Dell? Well, you'll never have to deal with the panic that can ensue from such a situation ever again -- now you can just grab your Android phone, fire up the official Dell app, and order away!

You can basically order anything Dell related from the app; everything from TVs to laptops, cameras, printers, and monitors, all on the go. The app also allows you to compare up to three items side-by-side, read product reviews and ratings, track your order status, manage your account, and contact a Dell rep through email or by phone. The app also gives you direct access to support forums, videos, and FAQs, which could come in handy if you only have one computer and it's having problems.

Dell Mobile

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Dat's Phat: DROID BIONIC Gets A Side Profile Shot, Has Junk In Trunk

Not really. Actually, the BIONIC looks pretty svelte in these images leaked by the good folks over at Pop Herald. Here's the BIONIC stand-alone, and side by side with the DROID X2:

While the BIONIC clearly is thicker than the DX2, it's not by that much. Of course, press shots (which these likely are) have a tendency to play with lighting and perspective in order to make a phone seem thinner than it might actually be, so until you hold it in your hand, it's all kind of relative.
Still, based on these images, it's thinner than I expected.
Pop Herald via Droid-life

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Carriers seeking an alternative to Apple, Google may turn back to BlackBerry

Research In Motion will benefit in the near term from the ongoing launch of its new BlackBerry 7 smartphones, which are being described as the vendor’s strongest devices in some time. Sterne Agee analyst Shaw Wu upgraded his rating on RIM stock to Buy from Neutral, increasing his price target to $35 from $28. Wu sees near-term opportunity in RIM, and he thinks new BlackBerry handsets like the Bold 9900 will be well received. ”The key differences this time include a refined user interface and improved hardware including faster processors, better graphics and displays as well as better build quality with its greater use of premium materials,” Wu wrote on Friday. “The company recently launched the new Bold 9900 and Torch 9810 and we see the upcoming launch of the full touchscreen Torch and new lower-end Curve in upcoming 1-2 quarters as future catalysts. RIMM has undoubtedly lost some customers but for loyalists still using 2-3 year old models, these refined updates are a worthy upgrade.” Read on for more.
Wu goes on to add that RIM could capitalize while Nokia transitions from Symbian to Microsoft’s Windows Phone platform, though he did add that there is still concern surrounding s RIM’s long-term fundamentals and the risk of falling handset margins and increased competition. Perhaps most interestingly, however, the analyst says carriers are relaying a desire to broaden their portfolios to include a viable alternative to Google’s Android OS and Apple’s iOS platform, which now dominate the smartphone market. ”In our conservation with carriers, they are increasingly concerned with the growing dominance of GOOG and AAPL and want a viable No. 3 alternative,” Wu wrote. “We believe RIMM benefits being the incumbent and with now a stronger product set.”

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Samsung to Unveil Upgraded Galaxy S II at IFA

We are hearing a few different things here as of late and now new reports are stating that Samsung is all set to unveil a new and upgraded Samsung Galaxy S II device, or maybe the Galaxy S II Plus. I can’t see this happening when the U.S. still hasn’t even received the SGSII to begin with but we are hearing an upgraded model rocking 4G LTE and more will be announced.

We are hearing the new upgraded model will feature a few very welcomed changes although the original was still a beast and one of the best phones around as it was. The new details are claiming a speed boost and we will see a 1.5 Ghz dual-core processor, as well as 4G LTE inside. The screen will be bumped up to 4.5″ and feature the new Super AMOLED Plus display but we aren’t sure on resolution but 1280x720p would be nice. It’s being touted to be the world’s first LTE/WCDMA/GSM multi-mode phone and even come with NFC capabilities too.
According to Sammy Hub, it has a slight redesign and will feature a nice brushed aluminum rear rather than the usual plastic cover. Then that all important 4G LTE speed is also on board. This not only sounds like, but also looks like the recently leaked Samsung Celox 4G LTE (pictured below). It had a larger display and that brushed metal back, the only problem I’m unsure about is the 4G LTE. Yesterday reports confirmed that Verizon would not be getting the Samsung Galaxy S II and they have a stellar line-up of phones and didn’t need it. So who would get this new Galaxy S we are about to hear of?

It could be an upcoming device launching on AT&T but they are still at least a few months away from having an up and running LTE network worth launching a flagship phone on, so all these details coming in seem to only make things more confusing. Either way a Samsung Galaxy S II or III with a larger screen, faster CPU, 4G LTE, and some brushed aluminum instead of cheap plastic build quality sounds amazing and I’d happily toss that in my pocket.
[via Sammy Hub]

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Sony Ericsson Nozomi Flagship Phone may see worldwide launch

The Sony Ericsson team is still alive and kicking and now some new details are claiming we might see the SE Nozomi (aka LT26i/LT26a) handset launch soon. What is even better is this new HD powerhouse smartphone may see a global release according to some leaked information. The SE Nozomi first leaked back a few weeks ago and even though it probably wont have a dual-core processor the rest of the hardware specs sure look impressive.

If the leaked details are to be believed the Nozomi will have a 1.4 Ghz Qualcomm S2 single-core processor, Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread, as well as a 4.3″ HD display with a 1280x720p resolution. We’ve seen that listed on a lot of devices over the past few weeks so most likely it’s coming, and soon.
The initial details on this phone were slating it for an early fall launch over in Japan but thanks to a few leaked tips, it is not said to be launching this fall in Japan but also will see a global release. The model numbers listed above (LT26i/LT26a) appear to be two different models that may end up launching in the U.S. with different frequencies and on two separate carriers. Sony hasn’t launched a lot of Android devices statewide but things may soon be changing.
[via Xperia Blog]

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LG Enlighten Sale Image Appears for This Weekend

You’re going to be able to be picking up LG’s latest effort for less than a dollar right out of the gate if you happen to be heading to Wal-Mart this weekend – LG Enlighten being the name of the game, a 97 cent pricetag being the cost. What we’re looking at here is a mid-range Android slider with a full QWERTY keyboard and what MIGHT be Android 2.3 Gingerbread. That or you’ll just be working with FroYo – either way this device isn’t going to be busting apart the oncoming dual-core competition any time soon, so it’s not truly necessary for the world’s most advanced version of Android to be on this relatively small 3.2-inch display having smartphone.

The LG Enlighten looks to be a fabulous choice for those looking to get into the Android game for the first time with a 320×480 pixel resolution display, 800MHz processor, and 3 megapixel camera on the back. Also notice that it’s carrying the same in-display menu buttons on the right trend we’ve been seeing lately in Android devices, starting with the HTC Status here in the USA then popping up again in a few different Samsung devices. Look good to you? It’s been sliding around for far too long already if you ask me.
UPDATE: those of you with slide-out QWERTY keyboard-toting Android devices — what does your homescreen look like when the keyboard is popped out?
This Enlighten device from LG will be rolling out on Verizon with 3G connectivity, a microSD card slot capable of holding up to 32GB, and will have a perfectly generous 1500mAh batter attached. We’ve also got word that this device may be hitting US Cellular and Cellular South soon as well. For a buck, this Android device doesn’t look half bad. Look good for your new-to-smartphones uncle Jimbo?
[via WallMart Local Ad]
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HTC Flyer price reduced to make way for HTC Puccini?

Anyone in the UK looking for an excuse to purchase the HTC Flyer will probably be very pleased to hear that Best Buy UK has just slashed the price of HTC’s Gingerbread tablet! The price of the WiFi HTC Flyer has been cut from £480 to £329. Subtract the 17.5 VAT that they tack on in the UK and covert that number to dollars and you’re left with a HTC Flyer that’s priced right around $400.
Best Buy UK has not revealed the reasoning behind the massive price cut, but we have a feeling that it has something to do with the imminent launch of the HTC Puccini. We’re expecting HTC to unveil the HTC Puccini any day now and we’re thinking that they want to clear some extra space on the shelf and the £480-£500 price range.

We’re hoping Best Buy will be dropping the price of the WiFi HTC Flyer here in the U.S. as well, but we won’t be holding our breath. Would a cheaper HTC Flyer make you change your mind about a Gingerbread powered tablet? Keep in mind, HTC has promised that they will eventually roll out a Honeycomb update to the Flyer.
Source: Best Buy UK Via: Eurodroid

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