CNET Community Hot Topics weekly newsletter
August 15, 2006
Dear CNET members,
During the analog days of cellular service, I was always very pleased with Motorola cell phones, starting with the durable DPC 550 flip phone--remember those?--and ending with the StarTac digital. As digital technology advanced and soon took over, I became a huge fan of Nokia phones--they're reliable, they have an easy-to-use interface, and they have great battery life. Today, there are more than a dozen cell phone manufacturers, and while I have tried several different types of brands over the years, I'm still a fan of Nokia today--I find their simple-to-use interface similar to the one I initially experienced on my first Nokia phone--even though a slew of bells and whistles have been tacked on. And for me, that goes a long way--but enough about what I think. Which manufacturer do you think makes the best cell phones and why? Think back over the years that you've owned a variety of cell phone brands: has one particular manufacturer consistently held up to your expectations? Whether its durability, ease of use, features, form factor, or better reception--tell us which overall cell phone manufacturer wins your brand loyalty.

Cheers!
Lee Koo
Manager, CNET community


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This week's hot topic:
Best cell phone manufacturer
Many people think of their cellular phone brand much the same way they do their favorite make of car. They're fiercely loyal, and everyone who doesn't agree is just plain wrong. In this "Make the call" discussion, we asked which manufacturer makes the best cell phones, and many of you weighed in.

Nokia first, Samsung is a close second
CNET member steel211 says Nokia takes the cake overall as they are simple to use, have great text messaging, and generally has all the features for the average user. Samsung is a close second, as they are also simple to use, with unbeatable ring tones.
Read steel211's full post in CNET TalkBack

For a phone: Motorola
CNET member Dr. Planarian says that if you want a phone to do what phones do, which is to make and receive calls--as opposed to what cameras or computers or TVs or MP3 players do)--Motorola is the manufacturer that wins his vote.
Read Dr. Planarian's full post in CNET TalkBack

Needs come before brands
Based on experience, CNET member jzin breaks down the pros and cons of a variety of cell phones manufacturers. While he has own personal preference, ultimately he suggests that a brand shouldn't make as big a difference as just finding a suitable phone that's best for your needs.
Read jzin's full post in CNET TalkBack

Speak Up!
Which cell phone maker do you think is at the top of the heap? Read "Which manufacturer makes the best cell phones?," then share with us the reasons that you are so loyal to the brand you selected!
CNET cell phone resources:
Cell phone buying guide
  From CNET Reviews

CNET editors' top smart phones
  From CNET Reviews

Cell phone downloads
  From CNET Download.com

Cell phones forum
  From CNET forums

Quick Hits
Here are some interesting comments you've recently submitted on CNET. Read up on them and discuss.

Image stabilization: body or lens?
Image stabilization started out in high-end lenses for SLRs, but now it's also being built into SLR bodies by shifting the cameras' sensors, as well as in the bodies and lenses of point-and-shoots. What do you like better: in-body or in-lens image stabilization?
What's your favorite Firefox extension?
As it exist today, there are Firefox browser extensions galore--from the simple genius of PDF Download to advanced micromanagement tools. With so many to choose from, is there one that you are particularly fond of? Tell us what your favorite Firefox extension is.
Security Watch: Session fixation
Con artists already know about setting session IDs, and are using them to trick Web applications into eavesdropping on legitimate users. When combined with financial services sites, the results can be damaging. Editor Robert Vamosi thinks phishing has eclipsed spyware as the biggest online threat today--do you agree?


 
Weigh in on this week's hot topic:
What's the number-one thing that gets under your skin about public cell phone usage?
(Please click on button to vote)

 People answering calls mid-conversation
 Lengthy conversations
 Obnoxious ring tones (like what?)
 Talking loudly
 Talking while driving
 Talking in movie theaters or quiet areas
 Talking to others (such as a waiter or a
    store clerk) while they are taking a call
 Other (what is it?)
Last week's poll results 
What do you do with your home videos
after filming?

Hot Products
Along with discussing the best cell phone manufacturer, CNET members had plenty of new tech products to talk about this week.

LG VX8500 Chocolate
CNET member Pulits says:
"When I received this phone I was amazed. All of the media features - MP3, camera, pictures - are great. The touch panel is great and yet unique for any cellphone. Many other features include different alarms settings, calculator, units conversion, worldwide time, etc." (read more)
See all user opinions | Compare prices

Motorola Q
CNET member ablocker says:
"I replaced my Treo 600 with a Q about a week ago, and I love it. The form factor is great and the screen is extremely clear (when not smudged). From a user-interface standpoint, IMO, there is no comparison." (read more)
See all user opinions | Compare prices

Sony Ericsson K790a
CNET member pinolo77 says:
"As a phone with camera and mp3 player, this is the best I have seen. I own one, and it went far beyond my expectations. The screen is bright and looks nice in all light conditions. Music sounds awesome. The camera easily replaces lower-end digital cameras both quality-wise and feature-wise. Overall a nice phone." (read more)
Read all user opinions | Compare prices

This week on CNET 
Ask the editors
Finding the best call quality
Q: What affects a cell phone's call quality? Do both the phone and the carrier matter?
Learn more

Two cell phones with the same number
Q: Is there a way for GSM phones to have two phones that work with the same number?
Learn more


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