convoys

Samsung Convoy 2 review: Rugged, but...

We must have said it a million times: whenever a carrier updates a handset, we expect familiarity, yes, but also improvements. Verizon's rugged, push-to-talk Samsung Convoy 2 scores high when it comes to refreshing the look and feel of the original Samsung Convoy; but some changes, or lack thereof, left us feeling a little cold.

On the original Convoy, we complained of the mini-USB charging port and the 2.5 millimeter headset jack. With the Convoy 2, Samsung upgraded to today's Micro-USB standard, but failed to modernize the headset spec, a disappointment for a phone that has dedicated … Read more

Rugged push-to-talk Samsung Convoy 2 rolls into Verizon

Verizon today pumps up its supply of durable phones with the addition of the Samsung Convoy 2, a rugged, push-to-talk handset that follows up on the original Convoy, released in November 2009.

Meeting military specifications for shock resistance, altitude, temperature, humidity, and sand and dust, among other elements, the Convoy also features Bluetooth, a 3.2-megapixel camera, a microSD card slot (32GB limit), and dual speakers to reduce noise. It comes with an e-mail app, social networking tools, a storefront, and a universal search function that matches keywords across your calendar, contacts, messages, and menu. It also has VZ Navigator … Read more

Verizon's November feast

When it rains it pours. On Thursday, Verizon Wireless opened the floodgates and unleashed a handful of cell phones and smartphones that should make their way into your hands just in time for the holiday shopping season. It looks like there's a little something for everyone, so let us know which you are most excited about in our comments section.

Here is a roundup of all of today's news:

Verizon's Droid Eris offers Android for less Verizon introduces BlackBerry Curve 8530 LG Chocolate Touch is now official Samsung's Convoy goes rugged Verizon offers prepaid wireless for laptops … Read more

Samsung's Convoy goes rugged

Verizon isn't just about smartphones today. The country's largest carrier also unveiled the Samsung Convoy. Clad in a tough shell with rubber sidings, the Convoy is certified to meet the usual military specifications for vibration, humidity, temperature extreme, dust, shock, solar radiation, and altitude. On the front flap of the charcoal gray flip phone you'll find a speaker, camera lens, external display, and the dedicated music controls.

Feature are solidly midrange. You get Bluetooth, a 2-megapixel camera, messaging, a personal organizer, support for Verizon's push-to-talk network, a speakerphone, messaging, and GPS with access to VZ Navigator. … Read more

Robotics Rodeo: En route to safer convoys

FORT HOOD, Texas--Click briefly through the parade of cautionary fireballs that make-up the Iraq/Convoy category on any video-sharing Web site and the message is clear; in war, people get killed making deliveries.

The military wants to do something about that--namely, get soldiers out of the driver's seat. To help move things in the right direction, a Robotics Rodeo at the sprawling Army installation here in the heart of Texas gave some companies a chance to show what they have to offer. The rodeo, which ended Thursday, was sponsored by the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and … Read more