Memory

First look: Mobile Firefox

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:59:58 -0400

After the memory leaking fiasco that was Firefox 2, you might already have written off Mozilla's forthcoming Mobile Firefox browser. As we've seen with Firefox 3.0, however, Mozilla hasn't forgotten how to develop a lean, mean, web browsing machine. And it looks like Mobile Firefox is set to follow suit: In a series of benchmarks, Ars Technica demonstrated that the latest build of Mobile Firefox running on the Nokia N810 is six times faster than that device's built-in browser. The icing on the cake? The N810 browser actually is based on Firefox 3 Alpha code. What's more, Mozilla is working on a whole host of improvements to the browser's UI that will optimize the mobile browsing experience. However, they haven't lost sight of the features that made people love Firefox so much in the first place: Firefox Mobile will retain the full add-on support of its older brethren.

For more on Mobile Firefox:
- see this Ars Technica article

AFP hack allows root access to iPhone

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 06:59:56 -0500

Did you allow your users to bring iPhones into your organization? Don't say we didn't warn you. An iPhone hacker going by the name of "Core," has uncovered a previously unknown AppleTalk Filing Protocol vulnerability that allows for full read/write access to an iPhone or iPod Touch's memory. This is bad news for enterprise iPhones: such a hack could easily allow access to the contents of a stolen iPhone, including confidential emails and documents. Hopefully, Apple will see fit to patch this exploit in its next firmware release for the iPhone. Until then, make sure that your users keep their devices extra secure.

For more on the hack:
- see this article from TUAW

Nokia N95 trumps the iPhone?

Tue, 04 Sep 2007 06:59:58 -0400

OK, so you've thought about an iPhone but aren't quite ready to go the Apple route. Which smartphone gives you the best multi-media features along with a healthy dose of cool? Nokia's newest iteration of the N95 could be the device for you. Building on the basics of the first-generation N95, the newest phone adds more memory (enough for 20 hours of video) and a 2.8-inch screen. In addition to impressing the executive in the next office, the N95 promises to be a Nokia phone with great potential for multi-media enterprise applications.

For more on the Nokia N95:
- see this story from DailyTechRag
- and read the full report at CIO-Today

Getting inside the iPhone

Sun, 08 Jul 2007 20:01:37 -0400

Ah, curiosity. It drove thousands of people to buy an Apple iPhone. It also drove a handful to take their iPhones apart to find out what makes them tick, or beep, or play videos. What did they discover? A processor and memory from Samsung, a wireless chip from Marvell, and a case that comes apart far more easily than it goes back together. What can you learn from their exploration? Some companies are learning how much the components cost, exactly what goes into the device, and (just maybe) how to make a phone that's as close to an iPhone as laws and regulations will allow.

For more on the iPhone's insides:
- read the hands-on article at eWeek

Palm debuts latest Treo

Sun, 10 Sep 2006 20:01:37 -0400

For something with a hefty price tag ($500) you'd expect more features and functionality. But Palm's latest version of the Treo, this one called the Treo 700wx, doesn't seem to impress industry analysts, many of whom call the device's upgrades "negligible" and say that the most important feature upgrade is the increase in memory. The 700wx is essentially a handset running the Windows Mobile operating system, Pocket PC Phone Edition. Despite the criticism, the device's familiar user interface will be enticing for business users, as will the speedy file download ability, e-mail via Windows Mobile Messaging and Security Feature Pack. Review

Determine the right PDA for your users

Sun, 09 Jul 2006 20:01:38 -0400

Everyone's been clamoring that they need a personal device assistant (PDA), but perhaps your IT organization has been holding off on deploying such tools because you're not sure what your users need, what the current wireless network can support and what features are necessary. The best approach is to get familiar with the evolving list of products coming to market and what each offers your mobile user base. Some devices feature Bluetooth, which is a good fit for those using Bluetooth phone sets, and others depend on WiFi or several other types of wireless connectivity. The PDAs in play also come on various platforms such as Palm's system or the Windows mobile system. Then you need to consider memory and speed requirements as there is a wide range of options with every device. Once you've got your requirements mapped out then it's time to look at the various options to choose from. This is where functionality and ease of use issues will come into play as devices provide various types of screens and graphic user interfaces. Article

Palm's latest Treo hits two milestones

Sun, 14 May 2006 20:01:37 -0400

In releasing its Treo 700p, Palm hits two milestones: The device is the vendor's first Palm OS on a cellular network and the first major upgrade to its Treo product line this year. The device, which connects to evolution data-optimized (EVP-DO) networks, providing download speeds between 400 Kbps and 700 Kbps, features 128MBs of memory and a Bluetooth chip. The chip saves the users and IT departments the burden of having to plop in software that was required in the last rendition of the device. Article

Palm's new Treo has more flaws than features

Sun, 09 Apr 2006 20:01:37 -0400

If one reviewer had spent more time playing around with the the Palm Treo 700w, he likely never would have gone out and bought the handheld after spending just a few days tinkering with it. The initial lure had to do with the few "good" aspects of the Treo 700w, including the fact that it offers Wireless Sync, a service that lets users sync up contacts, calendar and email with a home or office desktop. But the Treo 700w's few benefits are clearly overshadowed by more than a few annoying issues users face, such as having just enough MB of memory for running applications. The screen is too small and few software apps run smoothly. Maybe most annoying is that you'll be missing calls due to sluggish connectivity. Review

How to pick the right device out of a crowded field

Sun, 20 Nov 2005 19:01:37 -0500

There's some announcement every day about a new mobile device, whether it's a revamped PDA, new phone or other handheld sprouting lots of user functionality. So choosing the right device is only going to get harder if you don't start determining what your users need and what the devices offer in terms of features. For example, when it comes to smart phones--a dominant device at this point--you need to consider the connectivity issues, platform capabilities and memory needs. Then, of course, are the management issues involved. Right now, RIM is the only vendor providing a substantial management system for its device fleet. While it may seem a small aspect, the modem and WWAN cards that are put in place have a big impact for users. Some provide both model and wireless connectivity, some don't.

For more on making the right device choice:
- read this Network Computing article