Should you overclock your Droid X or Droid 2?

In the past, I used to overclock all of my PDAs. I still remember the days of the old Compaq iPaq and the Palm OS PDAs. Those days seem so long ago.

So, should you overclock your Android-powered Droid 2 or Droid X? I don't think that you really need to. After all, the 1 GHz processor is sufficiently fast in my opinion. Plus, overclocking will drain your battery quicker. I also believe that there may be a risk of damaging the hardware if you overclock these Motorola phones, but I'm not sure how great that risk is.

A few years ago, I used to load custom ROMs on everything. I overclocked everything. Now, I'm mainly running stock ROMs and I'm not playing around with overclocking apps. If you're dying to overclock your Droid 2 or Droid X, you can try DX/D2 Overclocker (which is a $0.99 download).

Android 2.2 Froyo update being rolled out

If you're using an Android smartphone, you may soon receive the update to Android 2.2 (also known as Froyo). If you're an early adopter and you don't want to wait for the official update, then you can probably find a custom ROM that someone's cooked for you that includes Android 2.2.

If you have the HTC Evo 4G on Sprint, you can get the update here:
http://www.htc.com/us/support/evo-sprint/downloads/

If you have the Motorola Droid on Verizon, you'll need to wait as Verizon rolls out this update in batches. You can learn more here:
http://support.vzw.com/information/droid_upgrade.html

I hope that all other Android smartphones will soon get the 2.2 update.

Droid X gets rooted (unlocked: gain administrator access for hacking)

At MIT, hacking was the norm. We didn't talk about the ethics behind hacking. Hacking was an integral part of the MIT culture. Well, now that I'm not at MIT anymore, I don't get to talk about hacking very much. I'm not a computer hacker, but I like to gain full administrative access so that I can unlock certain features, make some tweaks and adjustments, and modify my smartphone. That's probably why I've spent so much time in the past loading custom ROMs on my devices.

Bloggers are reporting that the Droid X can now be "rooted." That means that you can gain full access to the phone. By the way, don't mix up the jargon when you're speaking about smartphones:

Android phones are rooted, not jailbroken or unlocked
iPhones are jailbroken

So, do you plan to gain full access to your Droid X? Why would you want to do this? To gain access to restricted features that your carrier may have blocked. To learn how to gain root access to your Droid or Droid X, visit the AllDroid.org forum.

Android 2.2 (Froyo) is fast and includes some great features

The other day, I had the chance to play around with an Android smartphone loaded with Android 2.2 (Froyo). As reported by other bloggers, Android 2.2 is faster, it includes some nice new features (like support for Adobe Flash 10.1) and:

• New Home screen tips widget
• Exchange support
• Portable Wi-Fi hotspot
• Multiple keyboard languages
• Improved browser performance
• faster app switching
• smoother performance on memory-constrained devices
• Voice dialing over Bluetooth
• and more.

So, are you an early adopter? You can search the XDA-Developers forums to see if someone is cooking up an Android 2.2 ROM for your smartphone. Most of the newer Android devices will probably receive the update to Froyo, but if your phone isn't on the list, then maybe it's time to load a custom ROM so that you're not left behind.

Future smartphones: pick and install your OS

I can't wait until we can simply pick and install our operating system of choice after we purchase a smartphone. After all, we have that flexibility with PCs. You can install Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, Ubutnu, or even Mac OS X (if you're creative). Why can't we do that with our smartphones?

Actually, we can to some extent. I know that many people have been installing Android ROMs on HTC smartphones like the Touch and the Touch Pro2. I don't think I've heard anyone installing the iPhone OS on any other device.

I've played around with custom ROMs in the past, but this can be a time-consuming hobby. Each time you install a new ROM, you have to reinstall all your apps. New ROms are constantly being generated as users within the community identify bugs and fixes. At some point, maybe I'll install Android on my HTC Touch Pro2 (which is currently running Windows Mobile 6.5). Then again, it would probably be much easier to simply go out and get a Motorola Droid.

Worse battery life after upgrading to Windows Mobile 6.5 on Touch Pro2

I'm experiencing terrible battery life on my Verizon HTC Touch Pro2 after upgrading to Windows Mobile 6.5. I've performed a hard reset to make sure that it's not an app draining my battery. Anyone else having similar issues? I should have stayed with Windows Mobile 6.1 since there are few benefits to upgrading to 6.5 if you're already using HTC TouchFlo 3D (HTC Sense).

I'm not entirely sure what to make of this yet, but perhaps it's time to load a custom ROM on my Touch Pro2. When I was using the HTC Titan (Verizon XV6800, Sprint Mogul), I was mainly using custom ROMs built by DCD and others on the XDA-Developers and PPCGeeks forums.

What would happen if you lost your smartphone?

What would happen if you lost your smartphone? Do you have a backup plan? Would you be totally incapacitated for a few days? Or, would you hardly know that it's gone?

As we become more reliant on our smartphones, some of us are probably realizing that we would be totally lost without our smartphones. We'd have no phone numbers. We would forget everything on our calendar, so we'd end up missing very important appointments.

I use my smartphone daily, but I also try to keep most of my critical information synchronized and backed up in several places. This way, I can check Google Calendar and see my schedule. Or, I can open Outlook and have all my phone numbers. I even keep an old smartphone at home in case I ever need to use it as a backup or spare. This has saved me on several occasions - especially back in the day when I was loading custom ROMs.

While we're on the topic of losing smartphones - remember to always use a strong password so that your information does not get compromised if someone ever steals your device. Information security is so important, especially if you keep any sensitive data on your mobile device.

Samsung Omnia II coming to Verizon in early December

It appears that the Samsung Omnia II will be coming to Verizon in early December. The Omnia II will be similar to the HTC Imagio. No slide-out QWERTY keyboard. Touch screen and Windows Mobile just like many other smartphones. So what will make the Omnia II unique? The AM-OLED display and the TouchWiz user interface.

The Omnia II will be a significant improvement over the original Samsung Omnia. You'll get a larger screen and some really nice feature improvements. Would it justify an upgrade if you're currently using the Omnia? I suppose the answer really depends on your budget and on how you're currently using your smartphone. If you really want Windows Mobile 6.5 on your Omnia, then you can load a custom ROM (as long as you know what you're doing). If you want a larger screen, then you'll need to upgrade to the Omnia II (or an HTC Imagio or Touch Pro2 if you want to stay with Windows Mobile).

It's great to see that Verizon is finally bolstering its smartphone selection.

TetherBerry (tether without any extra charges)

Do you tether with your BlackBerry smartphone? Are you paying an extra tethering fee in addition to your data plan? Well, some people out there are bypassing this extra fee by using custom ROMs, hacks, tweaks, or third party software such as PdaNet or TetherBerry.

I admit that I've used PdaNet in the past. I don't use it any longer. If you're a BlackBerry user, you now have another option for your BlackBerry: TetherBerry

PdaNet will also work, so you choose. I'm not endorsing these products or encouraging people to tether using non-conventional methods. I'm simply reporting what's out there.

To learn more about TetherBerry, visit: http://www.tetherberry.com

Epocrates on Windows Mobile 6.5

Unfortunately, as of now (November 2009) Epocrates does not support Windows Mobile 6.5. I'm certain this is going to change, but I don't know when.

Currently, the supported versions of Windows Mobile are 6.1, 6.0, 5.0, Pocket PC 2003 Second Edition (SE), and Pocket PC 2003.

If you need to access the drug database portion of Epocrates on your Windows Mobile 6.5 smartphone, use your mobile browser and direct it to: m.epocrates.com

There is a reported workaround if you have access to a Windows 6.1 ROM for your smartphone. However, I don't know if it's worth the hassle of flashing your ROM back and forth since each time your flash your ROM, you risk "bricking" your phone if you do something incorrectly. I always hold my breath whenever I'm flashing a new ROM, whether it's a custom ROM or a factory ROM.

Which Windows Mobile smartphones will get the 6.5 update?

Are you interested in updating your Windows Mobile smartphone from 6.1 to 6.5? I encourage you to review this Microsoft chart: Updating your phone to Windows Mobile 6.5 to see if your smartphone will be getting the update. The update comes from the manufacturer but it's also up to your wireless provider to release the update. Of course, you can probably find a custom ROM that's built on Windows Mobile 6.5, but it may not run very well if your hardware isn't able to support it.

Here's the link to the chart:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/en-us/meet/wm65-upgrade.mspx

Ordered the HTC Touch Pro2 (Verizon Wireless)

I've decided that it's time to bite the bullet and get the HTC Touch Pro2 (also known as Rhodium). The CDMA version on Verizon Wireless and Sprint is a bit different from the GSM version and you don't want to go around loading a custom ROM on the wrong type of device. Otherwise, get ready to have a nice brick (paperweight) that sits on your desk.

You can expect a series of posts related to the Touch Pro2 as I share my personal experience with this phone.

To me, the most compelling features on it are:

• Larger screen (3.6" vs. the traditional 2.8" screen found on most older Windows Mobile smartphones)
• The larger amount of RAM (not storage space, but RAM used to run software and the operating system)
• The tilting screen/keyboard. This is a great feature when you set the device on your desk.

The processor speed is the same as the original HTC Touch Pro. The upgrade to Windows Mobile 6.5 isn't a big deal since you can run Windows Mobile 6.5 on the Touch Pro as well. The battery isn't too bad at 1500 mAh, but that's not much of an improvement over 1340 mAh. The fact that it's a world phone isn't that important since I probably wouldn't use my phone overseas anyways (who can afford those roaming fees?).

The single most compelling feature was the large screen. I'm the type of person who likes to keep my old gadgets as long as they're still usable. In the case of the Touch Pro2, when it comes time to retire this device, it will make a really nice standalone GPS device. My old XV6800 is now a GPS for one of our cars. The phone radio isn't on and it doesn't receive any service, but it makes a decent TomTom navigator.

Review of the HTC Touch Pro2 (by PC Magazine)

PC Magazine has reviewed the HTC Touch Pro2 for Sprint. They rate it 4 (out of 5) stars as a "very good" phone. It even got the PC Magazine "Editor's Choice" recognition. Now I'm really tempted. Here's a summary of their review (with my commentary included):

Bottom Line:

The HTC Touch Pro2 is the Cadillac Escalade of smartphones: huge, with almost every feature you can think of. Even better, Sprint's version fixes many of the T-Mobile version's flaws. (I wonder how Verizon's version will compare to Sprint's version)

Pros:

• Roomy keyboard (nice).
• Great screen (much larger than standard Windows Mobile smartphones).
• World phone (don't need that, but that's nice).
• Very good media player.
• Lots of included software.
• Gorgeous new address book, calendar, dialer, and home screen applications.

Cons:

• Windows Mobile 6.1 is still pretty old (upgrading to 6.5 coming soon).
  
• GPS had trouble locking in (hmm, not entirely sure about this one).
  
• Push e-mail kills the battery (well, I don't use push e-mail, but what if I do a lot of browsing? I'm concerned that might drain the battery).

Since this phone will receive the Windows Mobile 6.5 upgrade, I suppose that first "con" really isn't an issue. Plus, you can find some custom ROMs out there that already run Windows Mobile 6.5, so you don't even have to wait until Microsoft officially releases it out there. To read the entire review on PC Magazine, click here.

Windows Mobile 6.5 coming in October

According to quite a few circulating rumors, it sounds like smartphones running Windows Mobile 6.5 will be arriving in stores in October. Of course, you can probably find a custom-built ROM for many smartphones that are built on Windows Mobile 6.5. My HTC Touch Pro is currently running a custom ROM based on Windows Mobile 6.5. It's not the final build, so it lacks certain features, but it's an improvement over Windows Mobile 6.0 or 6.1.

I think it's great to see how Microsoft is changing their smartphone OS to be more finger touch-friendly. Soon, those days of the thin stylus pen will be gone!

Best tethering options for smartphone users

Interested in tethering with your smartphone so that you can get online with your notebook/laptop/netbook/tablet PC? What's the best option?

More wireless carriers are starting to charge customers an extra fee if you're planning on tethering with your smartphone. These fees may not be advertised, so you may need to do a bit of digging to find them. Some carriers (like Verizon Wireless) require that you upgrade your data plan if you wish to tether. Now is that really necessary?

Of course, there are unofficial alternatives that may allow you to tether for less. I'm not writing this to endorse any of these options. They are here simply for informational purposes only. For instance, you could try PdaNet or you might be able to load a custom ROM that allows you to tether through your smartphone data plan. Some users reportedly have "hacked" their smartphone so they can tether without paying additional fees. I'm not advocating that you should hack your phone because this generally leads to a loss in warranty coverage.

The best way to tether is to follow the rules outlined by your wireless carrier. Ask the right questions so that you don't end up being surprised when you receive your bill.

Consider one other option: some wireless carriers allow you to add/remove tethering fees without any long-term obligations. So, if you know you're going to be tethering for a long weekend, add the feature before you travel. Then, when you return home, remove the feature from your plan. You may end up with prorated fees on your bill. If this is an option for you, then it may be the best option if you're on a budget and you don't need to tether frequently.

Weekend visit to the Sprint Store

Over the weekend, I had the chance to walk around the mall with my family. Naturally, I'm drawn to all the mobile phone stores and kiosks to see all the latest and greatest smartphones that are on the market. I spent a fair bit of time at the Sprint Store playing around with the Palm Pre. I know several people who have the Pre and they seem to really like it. I admit that the device has a very appealing design. It's simple, yet sophisticated. I really enjoyed playing around with webOS. It's a sleek OS that allows you to multi-task effectively.

I also had fun playing around with the MiFi. That's a tiny portable Wi-Fi hotspot that easily slips into your pocket. Of course, if you really want to set up a Wi-Fi hotspot, you don't need the MiFi. You simply need a customized smartphone that has built-in Wi-Fi (probably need a custom ROM on that smartphone).

Hidden smartphone "gems" at Verizon Wireless

I don't understand why Verizon Wireless stores and kiosks don't stock more smartphones. They have a decent selection of Windows Mobile smartphones online, but if you walk up to a kiosk or go to an average store, you won't find some of the best smartphones that are available on Verizon Wireless. Why?

If you're on a budget and you don't need the "latest and greatest," then let me make a few suggestions for some great Verizon smartphones that are "hidden" from many people:

• XV6900. This smartphone is made by HTC and is also known as the "Touch" or "Vogue." It's a simple smartphone, but it's snappy, small, light, and has a touch-screen. It runs Windows Mobile and has a built-in GPS (that won't work unless you "unlock" it by flashing custom ROMs and doing a bit of tweaking - not for beginners). The camera is nice if you want to take a picture of a patient's rash (get permission first). I have one and I really like it. No Wi-Fi on this tiny phone. Verizon is getting rid of them, so I don't know how much longer they will be around. You won't find this in any of the stores.
  
• HTC Touch Pro. Here, Verizon decided to keep the name "HTC," even though this phone is also classified as the XV6850 (but I don't think anyone knows that). This slider is a great phone that also has a built-in GPS (Verizon unlocked it, so you're free to use it on Google Maps or TomTom). Touch-screen, Windows Mobile, and this device has a high resolution screen (may be a bit too high res for some of you). The camera on this device also includes an LED flash. You won't find this in any of the stores.
  
• HTC Touch Diamond. This is like the Touch Pro, but it lacks the slide-out keyboard. So, this is a very thin phone that's like a "professional" version of the XV6900 with a high res screen. You'll get Wi-Fi and GPS (but you'll have to do a bit of tweaking to unlock the GPS) on this device. Simple camera without an LED flash.
  

So, what do we have in common with all these smartphones? They're all made by HTC, they all run Windows Mobile, they all have touch-screens, they all have cameras, and they all have an internal GPS chip (although you may need to do some modifying to get the internal GPS to work).

Why didn't I mention the HTC Ozone? You'll see this in the stores, but this smartphone lacks a touch screen. If you're planning on running medical software, you'll be much more productive if you have a smartphone that has a touch screen. Avoid getting anything that lacks a touch screen.

Keep in mind that several new smartphones are coming to Verizon this fall and next spring. So, if you're eager to have the latest devices, then you're better waiting until some of these new devices emerge.

Early Android adopters

Were you an early Google Android adopter? If you have a T-Mobile G1 running Google Android, you may be sad to know that additional updates beyond Android 1.5 may not "fit" on your device. The G1 doesn't have enough internal flash memory for an updated operating system. That's not to say that people may not develop custom ROMs that may fit, but you should not expect any type of official release from T-Mobile or HTC.

Now that we have several new phones running Google Android, why keep the G1? Upgrade to a newer, faster phone. Then, you can repeat that upgrading process in 1-2 years. And repeat it again, and again, and again... (how many smartphones have you had in the last 2-3 years?)

HTC Touch Pro: a great (free) medical smartphone

If you're on Verizon Wireless, you may qualify for a free upgrade on your phone. They've changed their "new every two" plan, so you may only get $30 or $50 of credit, but if you're an "old timer" like me, then you may qualify for $100 of credit towards a new phone. If you're thinking about getting a new smarphone, you should seriously consider the HTC Touch Pro (which is currently priced at $99). This phone used to be much more expensive, but the prices have been reduced because new Windows Mobile smartphones are about to come out this fall/next spring.

If you're not in a rush and you're willing to pay more, then I would encourage you to wait for the HTC Touch Pro 2. I'm not sure when this phone will be released on Verizon Wireless, but it's going to be better than the current Touch Pro.

I've been using the Touch Pro for a few days and I'm very impressed by this phone. I used to have an XV6800 and I really thought that the Touch Pro was going to be similar. However, the Touch Pro with the higher resolution screen and faster processor is really a considerable upgrade from the older XV6800 (aka as the HTC Titan or Sprint Mogul).

If you get a Touch Pro, make sure you load a custom ROM running Windows Mobile 6.5. You won't find an "official" version out there, but I've found that the custom ROMs that are "cooked" out there by enthusiasts work really well.

Here are the custom Windows Mobile 6.5 ROMs I've tried over the last several days:

• MightyROM6
• Juicy 8
• DCD
  
• SsS-ROM
• EnergyROM Warhawk
• NFSFAN (currently using this ROM)

Since Windows Mobile 6.5 is still in development, we will see updated versions of these ROMs over the next several months. My current phone has Build 23001 (although the latest ROMs are running Build 23028). I don't have time to update my phone every time a new build comes out, so I'll probably try this ROM for a few weeks.

Flashing a custom ROM on my HTC Touch Pro

Yes, I'm now flashing a custom Windows Mobile 6.5 ROM on my Verizon Wireless HTC Touch Pro. I've done quite a bit ROM flashing in my life. First, it began with the XV6800 (aka, HTC Titan, Sprint Mogul). Then, I recently did some ROM flashing on the XV6900 (aka, HTC Vogue, Touch). Now, I'm flashing the ROM on my new HTC Touch Pro (aka, HTC Raphael).

Why all this custom ROM flashing? I originally did it to get the GPS working on my old XV6800. Now, I'm doing it to get the latest operating system: Windows Mobile 6.5

The GPS is already unlocked on the Touch Pro (thanks to an update provided by Verizon Wireless). I wish they would unlock the GPS on all their old phones too, but they're not doing that.