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The Mobile Gadgeteer

Matthew Miller provides you with news, commentary and in-depth reviews of the latest in mobile gadgetry such as tablets, cutting edge smartphones, and portable gaming.

Matthew Miller

Matthew Miller started using mobile devices in 1997 and has been writing news, reviews, and opinion pieces ever since. Matthew started using mobile devices with a US Robotics Pilot 1000 and has owned hundreds of devices running Palm, Linux, Symbian, Newton, BlackBerry, iOS, Android, webOS, Windows Mobile, and Windows Phone operating systems. His current collection includes the latest and greatest foldables, wearables, and more, along with classic devices like the Apple Newton MessagePad 2100 and Sony CLIE UX50. Matthew can be found on various social networks under the user name of "palmsolo."

Latest Posts

RIM continues to gain in smartphone sales, 2nd quarter 08 report

Regular reports on smartphone and mobile device sales are issued and are interesting to view. However, they are often missing information that makes the data a bit less informative. In the most recent Gartner report we finally see analysts including the largest Windows Mobile manufacturer, HTC, in their tables. Sales of smartphones have increased at a lower rate than in 2007, but were still quite strong considering that consumer spending has slowed in the U.S.

September 8, 2008 by Matthew Miller in Smartphones

eWallet for iPhone desktop syncing client now available

I've been using eWallet on my Palm and Windows Mobile devices for a couple of years and it was one of the first applications I purchased for my iPhone on the App Store. I was pleased to get a note today that eWallet for the iPhone has been upgraded with desktop sync support.

September 8, 2008 by Matthew Miller in Enterprise Software

Review: Aerovation Checkpoint Friendly Laptop bag simplifies security process

If you read my post on "checkpoint friendly" bags back in July you may be wondering what is going on with this program. Starting on 16 August, the TSA announced they were ready allow compliant "checkpoint friendly" bags through the X-ray machines while remaining in the bags. The TSA always has the option to check any back going through the machines, but this new program should help in many cases. I was sent an evaluation bag from Aerovation and then made a trip to Singapore in late August that served as a perfect test trip for the bag and I am happy to report it made it through the system just as intended. Check out my image gallery and the YouTube video they posted below.

September 6, 2008 by Matthew Miller in Security

MobileTechRoundup show #146, MSI Wind, OMNIA, and HTC Dream desires

Kevin started off MobileTechRoundup show #146 by talking about his newly arrived MSI Wind and after hearing some of his thoughts I am seriously considering this device as a replacement for my Fujitsu U810. I also picked up a couple devices in Singapore, but one is already on the auction block. James is pretty excited about the HTC Dream rumored to be coming soon to T-Mobile and I have to agree with him that I will definitely be purchasing it, even if other existing devices have more features and functionality. We also talked a bit about Dell's new netbook and how the market is getting flooded with these small notebook devices.

September 6, 2008 by Matthew Miller in Enterprise Software

Qik streaming service comes to HTC Windows Mobile devices

I started using Qik on Nokia Nseries devices, then tried it on the Blackjack II, and finally on my original Apple iPhone. I just received a note that Qik's live video streaming service is now available on several more Windows Mobile devices from HTC. The particular devices listed include the Touch Dual, Touch Diamond, TyTN II, Tilt, and SE XPERIA X1.

September 4, 2008 by Matthew Miller in Mobility

Windows Mobile 6.1 update for Blackjack II now available

I took a look at the Blackjack II running WM 6.1 back in July and now everyone can finally update their device to the latest Windows Mobile operating system. Simply visit the Samsung Blackjack II (SGH-i617) update site and follow the instructions to update. Windows Mobile 6.1 is a great improvement on these non-touch screen devices and I recommend every Blackjack II owner update their device.

September 3, 2008 by Matthew Miller in Mobile OS

Will Google Chrome be the Android's mobile browser?

The talk of the internet today is the launch and availability of the new Google Chrome web browser. As a mobile enthusiast, I immediately asked myself if it is possible that the Chrome browser would be coming to mobile platforms and after reading that the new Chrome browser is based on the WebKit open source project like the Nokia S60 and Apple iPhone browsers I think it is very possible that it will be coming to the mobile space and may actually be the browser that we see launched on the Google Android devices in the next month or two. We know that the Google Android, aka Open Handset Alliance, browser is also an open source browser based on WebKit, but I can't find any information on the actual name of the browser.

September 2, 2008 by Matthew Miller in Enterprise Software

Samsung OMNIA first impressions show that Windows Mobile can beat the iPhone

I wrote about my Samsung OMNIA buying experiences in Singapore and wanted to post a first impressions article as I continue to work on a full review of the device. I purchased the 16GB white colored device and think it may be my new preferred Windows Mobile device. Like the HTC Touch Diamond, the Samsung Omnia is quite a departure from a standard Windows Mobile device and with the large 3.2 inch display it looks a lot like a direct iPhone competitor, but with far fewer limitations. The only thing lacking so far is 3G support for the US, but it does have a quad-band GSM radio and works with EDGE (2.5G) here in the US. I found two specific capabilities over the last couple of days that have me quite excited about the device and my T-Mobile SIM has now moved from my BlackBerry Curve to the Samsung OMNIA (SGH-i900) for the indefinite future.

September 1, 2008 by Matthew Miller in Samsung

Real live photos of the T-Mobile Google Android device surface

Garett mentioned about some of the mock-up drawings of the rumored HTC Dream Android device, but this weekend we saw Engadget post live photos of the T-Mobile-branded Open Handset Alliance device. These photos help to solidify the rumor that T-Mobile will be launching it sooner rather than later. The display looks to slide up similar to the new T-Mobile Sidekick slider devices and I am sure this will be a point of concern for many folks.

August 31, 2008 by Matthew Miller in Mobility

MobileTechRoundup show #145, Traveling in Singapore, Nokia announcements, WiMAX features

It turns out that the air conditioning unit in my hotel in Singapore was cranking and I didn't realize it as we recorded MobileTechRoundup show #145 a couple of days ago so I am sorry for the background hum that still remains a bit in the audio file. We did talk about a few new devices that were announced, including the N79 and N85. Kevin ordered a MSI Wind that should be coming soon and I also just ordered a Kindle at a great price. James, Kevin, and I talked a bit about WiMAX and our hopes that it launches soon since it will supposedly allow multiple devices on the same account. Android is getting an application market store, similar to the Apple iPhone.

August 31, 2008 by Matthew Miller in Networking

Some tips for the mobile phone buyer traveling abroad

I just returned from a short business trip to Singapore and knew before I went out there that it might be trouble for my credit card because Singapore is known for their electronics stores and malls dedicated to electronics. After a couple days of work, it turned out my trip was shortened so I tried to find the first flight out. All flights were full until Sunday so I had a couple of days to see some sights. I also discovered that the COMEX 2008 event was being held this weekend and it was free to attend. In addition to the shopping I did (and devices I bought) I learned quite a bit about shopping for mobile phones and wanted to share some experiences and tips in case you end up traveling to Singapore.

August 31, 2008 by Matthew Miller in Mobility

Windows Mobile magazine ends, but iPhone Life launches on September 9th

While I get the majority of my news and content online, I still do subscribe to a few magazines including MacWorld, Laptop, and Smartphone & Pocket PC Magazine. I am very saddened by the news that there will be one final issue of Smartphone & Pocket PC Magazine. As you can read in the press release they are working to make the final issue a "keeper" with lots of Windows Mobile reviews, new tips and how-tos, a guide to best accessories, software, and much more. The final issue will be on newstands in November. However, iPhone Life will launch on September 9th and you can subscribe for only $25 for 2 years of magazines.

August 29, 2008 by Matthew Miller in Enterprise Software

Android Market is Google's competitor to the Apple iPhone store

I was sent a link to the Android Community site this morning that led to the Android Developers blog post on the upcoming Android Market that looks to rival the Apple iPhone store for Android-powered devices. They decided to call it a market rather than a store to try to give it that "open" feeling for developers to provide content. There are several screenshots for you to check out too, including the one to the left.

August 28, 2008 by Matthew Miller in Enterprise Software

Nokia N79 and N85 announced for October 08 release

My trip to Singapore threw me off of my schedule a bit and I missed the official announcements for the new Nokia N79 and Nokia N85 that were made yesterday, along with the announcement that the N96 would be coming to the U.S. to support our 3G networks (actually AT&T only at the moment) in the 4th quarter of 2008. The N79 looks like the successor to the N73 or even N78 while the N85 updates the N82 and blurs the lines with the very successful N95. Both new devices run S60 Feature Pack 2.

August 27, 2008 by Matthew Miller in Networking

DataViz releases Documents To Go for touch screen Windows Mobile devices

In early 2007 DataViz released Documents To Go for WM Smartphone (non-touch screen devices which was essential since these devices were unable to create documents at the time. Today, DataViz announced their new Windows Mobile touch screen product so that they now have the application for many mobile operating systems (except for the iPhone and S60 platforms). I personally use the native Office mobile products on most of my Windows Mobile devices, but I do like to use the full SoftMaker Office on the HTC Advantage so I can see where this full featured application from DataViz can serve well for many people in enterprise applications.

August 27, 2008 by Matthew Miller in Enterprise Software