CNET Community Hot Topics weekly newsletter
March 28, 2006
Dear CNET members,
More than a month ago, we presented you with the Hot Topic discussion, "What's the worst carrier experience you've ever had?" And you came through in a big way--with a whopping 690 comments, you shared your worst experiences with your cellular carrier's service. Now, to be fair and give the carriers some springtime love and praise, let's turn the tables around. Whether it's terrific customer service, great rate plans, awesome coverage, or even the quality of phones that the cellular carrier offers, tell us about it in the already all-so-popular Make the Call discussion, "Which cellular carrier offers the best service?" While "best" can be an overstatement, you know where I'm headed, right? Just think above-average satisfaction thoughts. We look forward to reading your great experience and the reason why you're so proud to be a subscriber to that cellular service--I, for one, am always looking for a convincing reason to switch to a better carrier.

Cheers!
Lee Koo
Manager, CNET community
Got suggestions? Send us an e-mail:
messageboards@cnet.com
This week's hot topic:
Which cell phone carrier offers the best service?
Many people think of their cellular provider much like they do their favorite sports team. They're fiercely loyal, and everyone who doesn't agree is just plain wrong. In this "Make the call" discussion we asked which cell carrier was tops, and hundreds of you weighed in.

T-Mobile is good to go
CNET member bobzgirl's husband is a truck driver and has had the opportunity to try several cell providers across his 11-state route. The clear winner? T-Mobile.
Read bobzgirl's full post in Make the Call

All around the world
Taking a more global approach, CNET member grantjanes made Cingular his pick. He praises Cingular for, along with offering several eye-catching phones, using the GSM standard, which allows Cingular customers better service when traveling outside of the United States.
Read grantjanes's full post in Make the Call

Location, location, location
CNET member rsacipher recommends that you try each service at work and at home to see which works best. Most services offer a special risk-free trial period, so you can find the perfect service for your little corner of the world.
Read rsacipher's full post in Make the Call

Speak Up!
Which cell phone service carrier to do you think is at the top of the heap? Read "Which carrier offers the best service?" then cast your vote!
CNET cellular resources:
Latest cell phone reviews
  From CNET Reviews

Cell phone buying guide
  From CNET Reviews

Cell phone downloads
  From CNET Download.com

Latest cell phone news
  From CNET News.com

Cell phone forum
  From CNET forums

Quick Hits
Here are some interesting comments you've recently submitted on CNET. Read up and talk about it.

What is your experience with
  drive-by downloads?

Most of us know what drive-by shootings are, and they aren't pretty, but have you heard of drive-by downloads? This term is used to describe malicious Web sites that transmit viruses or Trojan horses just from visiting those sites. If you've ever been a victim of a drive-by download/installer, share your experience.
Rear speakers worth the hassle?
Rear-channel surround speakers help add to an immersive home-theater experience, but are they really worth running wires, ruining decor, and battling spouses? Tell us if adding rear speakers for your home theater is worth all the hassle.
Do you use the manufacturer's photo
  paper or a third party's?

Studies have shown that people are very price-sensitive when it comes home printing. Have you tried a third-party paper--such as the ones from Kodak, Ilford, and Fuji--for your photo prints? What did you think?


 
Weigh in on this week's hot topic:
When you see someone talking on the phone while driving, what comes
to mind?

(Please click on button to vote)

 I want to scream, "Just shut up and drive!"
 There should be a law against this.
 Nothing, I use a cell phone when I drive.
 I don't have a problem with it, as long as the
    person can multitask.
 Other thoughts. (share them with us)
Last week's poll results 
What will your next digital photography-related purchase be?
What's next?
Want to sound off on a future hot topic? Dive into some of our community hotspots. Or if you have a special topic in mind, e-mail us.
Top home audio
Gates on Vista delay
Fashion-friendly
  cell phones

Palm turns 10
Car heaven
Online test calculates
  brain speed

Hot Products
Along with discussing cellular carriers, CNET members have been reviewing their phones. Here are some recent user opinions.

Samsung SCH-i730
CNET member dashingemt says:
"This phone is great. I love almost everything about it. Call clarity is on a par with any other phone I have used. I have had no complaints from people on the other side as to my voice being quiet or loud. I set mine to answer and end calls with the slide. I like that feature." (read more)
See all user opinions | Compare prices

Nokia N90
CNET member eimajuno says:
"The Nokia N90 has made me a fan of Nokia again. I have had mine for about three weeks and all I can say is WOW. For a smart phone without a QWERTY keyboard, this phone packs a powerful punch. Reception is solid. Even with only one bar, this phone will place a call and hold it." (read more)
Read all user opinions | Compare prices

Audiovox SMT5600
CNET member netkitchen says:
"This phone is very small, light, has a good build and does the primary job of being a phone very well. The ability to sync up MS Outlook contacts means access to all my contacts, not just those I would take time to enter." (read more)
Read all user opinions | Compare prices

This week on CNET 
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