cellular

New iPad 4G real-world speed test: You're the winner

Despite its mundane and nondescriptive name, the new iPad (third generation) is actually the first 4G device from Apple.

The iPhone 4S and the iPhone 4 are both 3G devices. The fact that iOS 5.1 makes AT&T's iPhone 4S show a 4G signal only makes it more confusing, and now you probably don't know what 4G is anymore.

I do, however. How, you might ask? Well, it's simple: 4G is fast, and putting a Ferrari logo on your Honda Civic won't make it a racing car. No offense to the Civic; it's great on gas, but it's speed we're talking about here. So let me say this once again: the new iPad is the first 4G device from Apple.

A couple of months ago, I had a chance to roam around San Francisco with the new iPhone 4S from all supported carriers and found that none offered cellular Internet speeds even close to those of the slowest 4G device. Now, I just did the same thing with the new iPad, both AT&T and Verizon versions, and it was quite the opposite story. … Read more

Android Atlas Weekly 89: YouTube vs Android: a war for content (Podcast)

A nexus tablet, Instagram is here, but not really and google fails to entertain, all that and more on this week's episode of Android Atlas Weekly for March 14th, 2012.

NEWS:

Jessica Dolcourt with the Samsung Galaxy S II on US Cellular -Samsung Galazy S II

-Google Pin Frenzy

-Google’s entertainment strategy is in disarray

-Nokia Maps gives turn-by-turn walking navigation to all

-Hottest new apps out of SXSW 2012

-Instagram coming to Android ‘really soon’

-Android Tablets Will Overtake iPad by 2015, IDC Says… Read more

Samsung Galaxy S II review (U.S. Cellular): It has staying power

When U.S. Cellular picked up the Samsung Galaxy S II, it gave me a chance to lay some fresh eyes on a familiar device long after it ceased being the de facto best Android Gingerbread phone around.

I'm happy to report that it's still a terrific phone, and one with components that can stand against most of the next wave of more advanced phones, with one major and one minor sticking point. The major caveat: it won't support LTE. The minor one: it's U.S. Cellular's priciest offering, at $230 after a $100 mail-in rebate (so you're out over $300 up front).

However, if you can afford the cost, and if 4G data speeds aren't your primary concern, then you're looking at the carrier's newest flagship phone.

Check out the video, the photos, and all the pros and cons in this full review of the Samsung Galaxy S II for U.S. Cellular.… Read more

Clear Stick Atlas offers true plug-and-play mobile Internet

Mobile USB modems are not new, and all of them generally require some software to start the cellular connection. But not the one Clear announced today.

The wireless carrier, known mostly for its unlimited 4G data plans, introduced the Stick Atlas, the first USB cellular modem on the market that doesn't require software at all.

The company says that the moment the device is plugged into a USB port, the computer will gain access to the Internet, much like when the computer is plugged into a network port.… Read more

U.S. Cellular gets the Samsung Galaxy S II

If you were salivating over the Samsung Galaxy S II last May, but were bummed because you're on U.S. Cellular, you'll be happy to hear that it is available on the carrier's network right now.

For customers who are eligible for an upgrade, the device is $249.99 after you sign up for a two-year agreement and send in a $100 rebate.

The device has a 4.5-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread, and has a 1.2GHz dual-core CPU.

It also has an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera with LED flash and … Read more

Samsung Repp SCH-R680 available on C Spire Wireless

Although we haven't reviewed this phone on C Spire's network, you can read CNET's Samsung Repp review for U.S. Cellular, which is the same phone.

Samsung Galaxy S II lovefest expanding to U.S. Cellular

If there remained any doubt of the lasting mainstream appeal and marketing clout of the Samsung Galaxy S II Android Gingerbread smartphone, U.S. Cellular's plan to take on the handset erases it all.

The nation's sixth-largest carrier will join T-Mobile, AT&T, and Sprint in offering a version of the phone that's already sold more than 30 million units worldwide.… Read more

Samsung Gem SCH-i100 available on C Spire Wireless

Although we haven't reviewed this phone on C Spire's network, you can read CNET's Samsung Gem SCH-i100 review for U.S. Cellular.

U.S. Cellular pushing ahead with 4G LTE plans

Smaller carrier U.S. Cellular has designs to serve up 4G LTE to an additional 14 states this year.

By the second half of 2012, the wireless provider has said it will roll out cutting-edge 4G data infrastructure to "select" cities in multiple parts of the country: Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

In addition to offering high-speed wireless access to these areas, the company will also hawk a Samsung 4G LTE mobile hot spot in the spring designed to spread its 4G signal to up … Read more

U.S. Cellular wooing new customers with $100 credit, cheaper phones

U.S. Cellular may not be able to offer double the data cap for free, but it is hoping that crediting new customers $100 bucks for a two-year agreement will attract customers tired of their current carrier.

Starting today, new post-paid customers will receive a $100 credit on their bill, plus the option to get another $50-to-$150 in cash for trading in a used smartphone.

To round out the offer, U.S. Cellular is also lowering prices on its smartphone portfolio, offering the Motorola Electrify and HTC 7 Pro for $129.99, the BlackBerry Curve 9350 for $49.99, … Read more