ask maggie

You know those old ladies who cover their sofas with plastic? That's what I think about people who get cases for their smartphones.

People love their gadgets, and some people will do almost anything to make sure they look as cool and clean as they did when they first came out of the box. There's a whole industry that has emerged to help people keep their shiny new devices just like new. There are hundreds of cases customized for just about any kind of smartphone. And because there are so many options, some people start to feel like … Read more

You may have paid only $200 for your latest smartphone, but if you had to replace that device before you became eligible for a subsidy from your carrier, it could cost you more than $600. Is it worth it to get device insurance?

That's the question I answer this time in Ask Maggie. I also offer some advice to an Apple iPhone fan who wants to know if he should wait for the next iPhone, rumored to be out in June or July.

Dear Maggie,

I am getting my son an iPhone … Read more

Verizon Wireless isn't making it easy for loyal, longtime smartphone customers to keep their existing unlimited data plans. And now some subscribers, who are willing to pony up the full price for a new smartphone, worry that Verizon may change its policy again and get rid of the plan for everyone.

Truth be told, few people actually need unlimited data. But for those who do, it's a good deal. In fact, it's such a good deal, these customers worry about losing it. And if you're a Verizon customer who wouldn't worry?

The carrier got rid … Read more

As Google's Android operating system gains momentum in the smartphone market, some long-time Apple iPhone fans are considering a switch to Android. But should these former iPhone fans worry that Android alternatives won't be as secure?

With cyberattacks and malicious apps targeting Android smartphones increasing in frequency, some former Apple devotees are nervous about making the switch. In this edition of Ask Maggie, I shed some light on whether Android security should be a deal breaker or not.

I also explain why you may have to pay twice for an app you love if you decide to ditch … Read more

Size matters to some smartphone consumers.

While Apple may have already sold millions of iPhone 5 smartphones since its launch in September, not every iPhone fan is thrilled with the new design of the device. And some say the iPhone 5 falls short of expectations, especially in the size department.

In this edition of Ask Maggie, I help one such reader decide if it's worth the hassle of switching from Apple iOS to Google Android for a bigger smartphone. And I provide some insight into which Samsung Android phone is right for him. Also in this Ask Maggie, I … Read more

If you're stumped about what to get the iPhone lovers on your holiday gift giving list this year, I have a few suggestions for you.

In this edition of Ask Maggie, I offer one reader several suggestions for buying accessories as gifts for his wife who has an iPhone 5. I also offer my thoughts on why U.S. wireless operators aren't likely to sell some of the interesting new feature-phones developed by Nokia for the developing markets.

Dear Maggie, I just purchased a new iPhone 5 for my wife who seems quite … Read more

Wi-Fi is just about everywhere these days, so why do you still have to pay an arm and a leg for pricey 3G and 4G wireless data service from a carrier if you want to get online from your smartphone?

This is a very good question. Now that every smartphone on the market comes with Wi-Fi capability built-in, some frugal wireless customers are wondering whether they can subscribe to a voice-only service and use Wi-Fi instead of a costly data plan to access the Internet.

In this edition of Ask Maggie, I explain why the major carriers don't offer … Read more

For some people, smartphones and their always-on Internet connections and apps is a waste of money.

If you don't need apps or games and you can live without fast, robust access to the Net from your cell phone, then a smartphone might be expensive overkill. All four of the major U.S. wireless carriers still offer basic feature phones, which don't require expensive data plans. In this Ask Maggie, I offer some advice to a reader who is looking for one of these phones.

I also offer some advice regarding the new all-in-one desktop computers.

Going retro with … Read more

You can buy the coolest and most advanced smartphone out there. But if you can't get a wireless signal, it's not worth much to you.

In this edition of Ask Maggie, I offer some advice to a reader about picking a wireless service provider based on which one offers the best coverage. I also explain to another reader why, even though the Verizon iPhone 5 is unlocked, it won't work on any other 4G LTE networks.

Dear Maggie, I've loved my iPhone ever since I got it in June last year, and absolutely … Read more