Among the blue collar guys doing things like construction or auto repair, they’re not all that intimidated by the technology anymore, rather, they’re worried about breaking the touchscreens.

For example, my uncle who runs a small construction company has his cell phone on him at all times and when I explained to him the extra things he’d be able to do with a smartphone like view live radar to tell if a rain storm was going to pass in thirty minutes or continue all day, he was interested.  That’s a big deal to him since it’s the difference between sending his crew home early or just taking a short break and getting back to work.

But again, it goes back to how fragile some of these phones are – there are plenty of people who need a phone that can handle getting a little wet and can take a little bit of abuse now and then.

While there aren’t a lot of phones that come built to take this abuse, there are a few rugged Android phones available.

They’re all built to take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’.  All of them meet military specifications – 810g – for resistance against rain, immersion, shock, dust, vibration, humidity, salt fog, solar radiation, altitude, and low and high temperatures.  In other words, you really have to try to break one of these things.

In this article, we’ll look at the best rugged Android phones and I’ll do my best to help you decide which one suits your needs.

I’ve broken it down by carrier to help making your choice easy:

Best Rugged Android Phone for Verizon

Casio G’zOne Commando

Casio G'zOne Commando Android Phone (Verizon Wireless) Average Rating: 40 total customer reviews...

First up is Casio’s entry into the world of ruggedized Android phones, the Casio G’zOne Commando (as you’ll see, most rugged phones have historically and are currently made by Motorola).  While it may not be sporting a dual core processor found in many modern high end smartphones, it does run Android 2.2, sports a 5 megapixel camera, GPS Navigation, and is Mobile Hotspot capable so you can share your 3G data connection with other devices even when you’re out in the field.

It also has a handful of built in features you really don’t find (in addition to meeting mil-spec 810 standards, of course) in many consumer oriented phones.

First off is additional security including SSL data encryption, device password policies, and the ability to remotely wipe data off the phone in the event the phone is ever lost or stolen.

The speakers on the phone are also loud so even if you’re on a jobsite you can still hear.

It even has a built in thermometer.

I would have liked the phone better if it featured a dedicated keyboard like a Blackberry.  Why?  Have you ever tried answering a phone call on a touchscreen while wearing work gloves?  Try it and you’ll see why dedicated hardware buttons are better.

Currently, this is the only rugged phone running Android available on Verizon’s network so if you’re a Verizon customer and want to remain one and need a phone built to be durable, this is what you’re getting.

Best Rugged Android Phone for Sprint

Motorola Titanium – Editor’s Choice

Sprint was the first to release a rugged Android phone, the Motorola i1, in 2010 which isn’t surprising since they still have a lot of business customers who need phones like these around from their acquisition of Nextel.

However, the best rugged phone they have is the Motorola Titanium.  It has the same profile as a Blackberry which means it has a dedicated hardware keyboard so you can operate the phone without needing to use the touchscreen which can definitely come in handy at times especially if your hands are wet or if you’re wearing gloves.

It is running Android 2.1, which isn’t a bad version of Android, just out or date by two versions which is disappointing.

It features a 5 megapixel digital camera, a 3.1 inch touschscreen, and works on Sprint’s iDEN network (the Nextel Direct Connect Walkie Talkie feature also known as Push To Talk).

Best Rugged Android Phone for AT&T

Pantech Crossover

Pantech Crossover Android Phone (AT&T) Average Rating: 6 total customer reviews...

AT&T was the last major carrier to get a ruggedized Android phone though their phone is quite economical and is best described as a rugged Motorola Droid.

It features a 600 Mhz processor (just like the original Droid) and a slide out keyboard.

While it’s feature set is a bit underwhelming,  at least it’s economically priced, costing just $70 with a two year contract.

Best Rugged Android Phone for T-Mobile

Motorola Defy

Motorola Defy Android Phone (T-Mobile) Average Rating: 28 total customer reviews...

Like the other phones featured on this list, the Motorola Defy for T-Mobile isn’t going to win any beauty contests nor is it raw processing power or internal storage going to wow you.  However, that’s not what it’s built for.

The Motorola Defy runs Android 2.1 and does everything you’d expect an Android phone to do.  It also uses Swype for text input which is one of my favorite virtual keyboard apps for Android, though again I’ll say I would have liked this phone to have a dedicated hardware keyboard for reasons I won’t rehash again for fear of sounding like a broken record.

It also has a 5 megapixel digital camera and the built in FM tuner is certainly a nice touch that you won’t find on any of the other rugged phones in this list.   The 3.7” touchscreen is also the largest of the ruggedized phones.

President Obama has announced the National Broadband Plan, which is a government initiative to make 500MHz of additional spectrum available to wireless build-out and wireless is rapidly becoming our single most important national infrastructure. Do you remember AT&T? Do you remember the hotly contested 700MHz spectrum auction with Google’s last minute bid? Do you remember who won? Well, that company recently announced its intention of buying T-Mobile from Deutsche Telekom. Do you see the connection? No?

The Dropped Hint

In a recent public statement, Chairman and CEO of AT&T Randall Stephenson stated regarding their purpose in making the bid that, “This transaction represents a major commitment to strengthen and expand critical infrastructure for our nation’s future…” He further stated that, “We are confident in our ability to execute a seamless integration, and with additional spectrum and network capabilities, we can better meet our customers’ current demands, build for the future and help achieve the President’s goals for a high-speed, wirelessly connected America.”

What is clear is that in explaining the motivation for the $39 billion buy-out, he is possibly referring to Obama’s National Broadband Plan. The tangential reference to, “…wirelessly connected America” and, “…expand critical infrastructure for our nation’s future,” would make one assume that in planning the buy-out, AT&T is saying that the company is willing to work with the government on the national infrastructure and the wireless build out. Do you remember that AT&T already owns the 700MHz, television broadcast spectrum and that it promised to use part of it for the public good? Does this make more sense now?

As if to further indicate this possibility, a story is making the rounds, based on a Wall Street Journal article that an unnamed FCC official stated: “the proposed AT&T buyout of T-Mobile would very likely go through major changes if it were to be approved at all. He … was confident FCC chair Julius Genachowski would either require conditions or ban the deal.” Clearly, the implication is that a path forward would include “conditions.” Could those conditions include subsidized, low cost access for low-income families and individuals and subsidized rural build out, perhaps public safety use of their high-speed network for law enforcement and firefighter?

Anti-Trust Issues

If the above is considered true, and you add to the mix that the merger will create a single network carrier with 130 million subscribers, 30 million more than Verizon, the picture comes a little clearer. This would be a massive coup d’état, making AT&T king of the hill. The company would be firmly partnered with the federal government in building our critical national infrastructure, and their subscriber base would expand from the rural build out and the low-income access. Future growth is assured, as the economies of scale allow price wars against their lesser competition. The future could even hold a return, in some form, to the old Bell Telephone days with a quasi monopoly over wireless communications.

Of course, this is all speculation on the news and could be wrong; however, if it is not wrong, then would it really be so bad? With the government tie in, consumer rights are assured. With Verizon not so preeminent, Net Neutrality could make a comeback and there would be plenty of room for smaller companies to develop and thrive in the new landscape; maybe.

About the Author:

Jon T. Norwood is a managing partner at High Speed Internet, a site dedicated to providing information on Internet Providers and Technology. Jon can be reached at jon@velocityguide.com.

HTC Sense interface with customizable and auto-updating homescreens.

Quick access to Facebook and Twitter with HTC FriendStream.

It's the first AT&T quick messaging phone to feature the HTC Sense mobile experience, which features customizable widgets and the FriendStream application for social networking integration with Facebook and Twitter. It also boasts a full HTML browser for PC-like web browsing and a full suite of messaging options including text and picture messaging, instant messaging (IM), and mobile e-mail. And with access to AT&T AppCenter, you can chose from a multitude of games and apps to download.

Enabled for use on AT&T's lightning quick HSPDA 3G network, you'll be able to easily access the Internet as well as quickly download video, music, and more. Additionally, with AT&T's 3G network, you can make a call while simultaneously receiving picture/text messages and e-mail or viewing Web pages. This GPS-enabled phone can access the AT&T Navigator service for turn-by-turn directions.

Other features include a 3.2-megapixel camera/camcorder, Bluetooth for hands-free devices and stereo music streaming, microSD memory expansion to 32 GB, music player with access to AT&T Music and AT&T Radio, and up to 7 hours of talk time.

HTC Sense Mobile Experience

With the next generation of the popular HTC Sense mobile experience, the HTC Freestyle automatically delivers your most-wanted information to your screen. It offers even more ways to stay connected--including FriendStream, which delivers Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr updates in a consolidated view. And you'll be able to pinpoint the location of a lost phone on a map, send a command to make the phone sound an alert--even while on "silent" mode--through the htcsense.com web site. If needed, you can also remotely wipe all of the phone's data with a single command in addition to forwarding calls and text messages to a different number.

Connectivity

• Fast 3G connectivity via AT&T's HSDPA/UMTS network (850/1900 MHz bands; 3.6/7.2 Mbps speeds with network availability).
• Onboard GPS for navigation and location services
• GPS navigation capabilities via optional AT&T Navigator service includes audible turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates, and re-routing options.
• Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.0) includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and the A2DP audio streaming Bluetooth profiles.

OS & Software Brew Mobile Platform (MP) HTC Sense interface with customizable and auto-updating homescreens Design and Hardware 3.2-inch capacitive touchscreen display (320 x 480 pixels) with proximity sensor Onscreen QWERTY keyboard Memory Memory expansion via microSD card slot with support for optional cards up to 32 GB. 150 MB internal memory Communications & Internet Easy access to social networking via HTC Sense including updates from Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr. Full messaging capabilities including SMS text, MMS picture/video and IM instant messaging (via popular services including AOL, Yahoo!, Windows Live Messenger, and Google Talk) Access to personal e-mail PC-like HTML Web browser lets you explore the Internet the way it was intended.

Camera 3.2-megapixel fixed-focus camera Video capture capabilities Multimedia Music player compatible with MP3, WMA, AAC, and M4A (Apple Lossless) Video player compatible with MPEG4, 3GP, 3G2 AT&T Music and AT&T Radio with 40+ commercial free genre radio stations and unlimited personal radio stations. Plus, millions of songs and albums available for purchase and download straight to your phone. More Features 3.5mm headphone jack Micro USB 2.0 port with mass storage capabilities Speakerphone for hands-free communication. Organizer tools including calendar, alarms, to-do/tasks, calculator and world clock Airplane mode allows you to listen to music while the cellular connectivity is turned off.

Vital Statistics

The HTC Freestyle weighs 3.35 ounces and measures 4.29 x 2.13 x 0.47 inches. Its 1300 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 7 hours of talk time, and up to 384 hours (16 days) of standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies as well as AT&T's dual-band 3G network (850/1900 MHz; HSDPA/UMTS).

What's in the Box

HTC Freestyle handset, rechargeable battery, charger, USB cable, quick start guide, CD-ROM with user manual

AT&T Services

High-speed data connectivity via AT&T's 3G mobile broadband data network: The dual-band 850/1900 MHz 3G network provides up to 3.6/7.2 Mbps of download speed, making it possible to enjoy a variety of feature-rich wireless multimedia services, and it gives you the advantage of offering simultaneous voice and data services. In areas where the 3G network is not available, you'll continue to receive service on the AT&T EDGE network, which offers availability in more than 13,000 US cities and along some 40,000 miles of major highways. Providing average data speeds between 75-135Kbps, it's fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services, including full picture and video messaging, high-speed color Internet access, and email on the go.

The full-featured, premium AT&T Navigator GPS navigation application includes audible turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates and re-routing options, and 3D moving maps (additional charges applicable). AT&T Navigator offers several other features to make your commute more enjoyable and reliable, including mobile access to Yellowpages.com. Additionally, AT&T Navigator is the only mobile phone-based GPS service that provides integrated speech recognition for address entry and points of interest search.

]]> http://gpsmaestro.com/htc-freestyle-phone-att/feed/ 0 http://gpsmaestro.com/htc-inspire-4g-android-phone-att/ http://gpsmaestro.com/htc-inspire-4g-android-phone-att/#comments Sun, 27 Feb 2011 09:27:00 +0000 Gary Ruplinger http://gpsmaestro.com/htc-inspire-4g-android-phone-att/ One of the first smartphones to run on AT&T's ultra-fast 4G mobile broadband network, the Android-powered HTC Inspire 4G features a gorgeous, extra-large 4.3-inch Super LCD touchscreen, and a 1 GHz Snapdragon processor to make quick work of all your social networking, image and video uploads, and e-mail replies. With AT&T's 4G network, you'll enjoy mobile broadband speeds up to 4x faster than AT&T's already fast mobile broadband network.

Enjoy ultra-fast 4G mobile broadband speeds and AT&T Mobile Hotspot capabilities (see larger image).

The Inspire 4G also offers the next-generation HTC Sense user interface experience, which includes quicker startup times from hibernation mode as well as a consolidated view of your favorite social networking sites. You also get the AT&T Mobile Hotspot service built right into the smartphone--enabling you to connect additional Wi-Fi-enabled devices to the phone's mobile broadband signal.

Equal parts speed and beauty, the Inspire 4G is constructed from a single piece of aluminum and includes an 8-megapixel camera with dual-LED flash that can also capture video in HD resolution (720p). With an included Blockbuster app, you'll be able to instantly view movies over Wi-Fi and 3G/4G connections and enjoy stunning audio via the integrated speakers with Dolby Mobile + SRS WOW HD surround sound.

Other features include a 4 GB internal memory, supplied 8 GB microSD memory card, Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking, Bluetooth for hands-free devices and stereo music streaming, DLNA certification for wireless media streaming to other devices, and up to 6 hours of talk time.

The FriendStream social networking consolidated view (see larger image).

Android Operating System

The Inspire 4G runs the latest Android operating system--OS 2.2 (aka, Froyo)--which provides a faster overall Android experience as well as greater multitasking capabilities. You'll be able to receive notifications, listen to music, and even record GPS data without keeping the application open. And it features a plethora of new enhancements, including an improved onscreen QWERTY keyboard, full push corporate e-mail, and support for Adobe Flash Player 10.1 for access to the full Web. It also offers enhanced Exchange support, with Calendar syncing, Global Address Lookup, improved security, auto-discovery, and more.

With integrated Google technology, the Inspire 4G brings one-touch access to the popular Google mobile services millions use every day, including Google Search by voice, Google Maps with Street View, GTalk instant messaging (with presence capabilities), YouTube, and Picasa. The Inspire 4G also provides easy access to both personal and corporate e-mail, calendars, and contacts supported by Exchange Server and Gmail. And through Android Market, you'll get access to thousands of useful applications, widgets, and fun games to download and install on your phone, with many more apps being added every day.

HTC Sense Mobile Experience

With the next generation of the popular HTC Sense mobile experience, the HTC Inspire 4G automatically delivers your most-wanted information to your screen. It offers even more ways to stay connected--including FriendStream, which delivers Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr updates in a consolidated view. And you'll be able to pinpoint the location of a lost phone on a map, send a command to make the phone sound an alert--even while on "silent" mode--through the htcsense.com web site. If needed, you can also remotely wipe all of the phone's data with a single command in addition to forwarding calls and text messages to a different number.

Connectivity

• Ultra-fast 4G connectivity via AT&T's HSPA+ network (with enhanced backhaul). See more about AT&T's 4G service below)
• Onboard GPS for navigation and location services
• Integrated Google Maps with turn-by-turn navigation, street and satellite views
• Ultra-fast Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g/n) for accessing home and corporate networks as well as hotspots while on the go
• AT&T Mobile Hotspot capable enabling you to connect multiple devices--from tablets to gaming devices--to the phone's 3G/4G cellular connection via Wi-Fi.
• USB tethering for connecting a PC to your phone's 3G/4G cellular connection.
• Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1) includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and the A2DP audio streaming Bluetooth profiles.

OS & Software Android 2.2 operating system (Froyo) with over-the-air upgrade capability for future OS releases eReader app with access to over 2 million book titles BLOCKBUSTER app enables you to discover and download the latest movie rentals on the go. DLNA capabilities enables you to share your photo albums, videos and movies wirelessly with a compatible HDTV or other DLNA device Design and Hardware 1 GHz Snapdragon processor speeds up everything--from playing games to watching shows to opening files from work 4.3-inch Super LCD display with capacitive multi-touch capabilities, proximity sensor, and light sensor (480 x 800 pixels) Onscreen QWERTY keyboard Communications & Internet Easy access to social networking via HTC Sense including updates from Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr. Full messaging capabilities including SMS text, MMS picture/video and IM instant messaging (via popular services including AOL, Yahoo!, Windows Live Messenger, and Google Talk) Access to personal and corporate e-mail (including support for Exchange and push Gmail) HTML Web browser (WebKit-based) with support for Adobe Flash Player 10.1 for accessing Flash-enabled websites, watching video and playing games.

Camera 8-megapixel camera with dual LED flash plus auto focus, face detection, and geo-tagging HD 720p video capture capabilities (1280 x 720 pixels) Multimedia Music player compatible with MP3, WMA, and AAC Video player compatible with MPEG4, WMV, XviD Built-in stereo speakers Dolby Mobile + SRS WOW HD surround sound enhancement Memory 4 GB internal memory Included 8 GB microSD card with support for optional cards up to 32 GB. More Features 3.5mm headphone jack Micro USB 2.0 port with mass storage capabilities Speakerphone for hands-free communication. Hearing Aid Compatibility: M3 and T3

Vital Statistics

The HTC Inspire 4G weighs 5.78 ounces and measures 4.84 x 2.68 x 0.46 inches. Its 1230 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 6 hours of talk time, and up to 372 hours (15.5 days) of standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies as well as AT&T's dual-band 4G network (850/1900 MHz; HSPA+/HSDPA/UMTS).

What's in the Box

HTC Inspire 4G handset, rechargeable battery, charger, 8 GB SD card, USB cable, quick start guide

AT&T 4G Network

This phone runs on AT&T's dual-band 850/1900 MHz 4G network (UMTS/HSDPA/HSPA+), and with HSPA+ you'll experience mobile data speeds up to 4x faster than ordinary mobile broadband--up to approximately 6 Mbps (download). AT&T has deployed HSPA+ to virtually 100 percent of its mobile broadband network, which enables 4G speeds when combined with enhanced backhaul (via Ethernet or fiber).

Backhaul is one of the major pieces of a telecommunications network. Think of it as the limbs connecting AT&T's cell towers with AT&T's backbone network that provides access to the Internet.

Coming later in 2011, AT&T will deliver a second layer of 4G network called LTE (Long Term Evolution) that is even faster than HSPA+ speeds.

In areas where either AT&T's 3G or 4G network is not available, you'll continue to receive service on the AT&T EDGE network, which offers availability in more than 13,000 US cities and along some 40,000 miles of major highways.

Note: AT&T's 4G mobile broadband coverage is not available in all areas. 4G speeds delivered by HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul; availability increasing with ongoing backhaul deployment.

 

Also Available for This Android Device

Kindle App for Android Read more than 700,000 Kindle books with our free application.

MP3 for Android Find, buy and play the music you love wherever you are.

Amazon App for Android Shop for millions of products wherever you go.

IMDB App for Android Connect to the world's largest collection of movie, TV and celebrity information.

]]>

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1JRO-kHMXo

What’s The Same?

Let’s start with what’s not different.  Apple is using the same page for all the specs for both phones which means that just about everything is the same.  Same 1GHZ processor, same retina display, same gyroscope, same Apple App Store, same Facetime, and so on.  If you loved the iPhone 4 but didn’t want to sign up for AT&T, this phone will work pretty much the same from a user standpoint.

CDMA / GSM

The biggest differences between the two phones is that Verizon’s iPhone 4 has a CDMA antenna and AT&T’s iPhone 4 has a GSM antenna.

From the end user standpoint (that’s you), there really isn’t a big difference.  Just two things.  1) With the Verizon iPhone 4, you won’t be able to do global roaming as most other countries use GSM technology so when you take that next trip to Italy, you’ll be S.O.L. if you want to make a phone call.    2)  GSM is able to handle both phone calls and data at the same time so you could, for example, look up directions a hotel while on a phone call.   With Verizon’s CDMA network, if you take a phone call while you’re online, your phone will disconnect it’s Internet connection.  I’ve never found it to be a big deal, but it’s something you should know if you’re considering the switch from AT&T to Verizon.

Three things that remain to be seen are if the call quality will be any better on Verizon’s iPhone 4 and if Verizon’s network can handle the influx of traffic that having the iPhone 4 will deliver.  Verizon has been bragging for years about their robust and rock solid network so this will put it to the test though it will likely be at list 6 months to a year before we really know the answer to that question.  The third question will be if the Verizon version can do a little better about not dropping calls all the damn time.  My brother lives in Minneapolis and hates his iPhone because while it can do data stuff just fine, it drops calls like they’re hot.

Connectivity

Do you remember how AT&T is constantly reminding us that they have the fastest 3G network – that’s actually true… theoretically.  The theoretical max of AT&T’s network is 7.2 mbps vs 3.1 mbps for Verizon’s network.  However, AT&T’s network is so overloaded in many areas that Verizon slaps its ass and calls is sally seven ways ’til Sunday.   However, if you’re in an area with good AT&T coverage, then Verizon will actually be slower.

What Neither iPhone 4 Is

People had been speculating that Verizon’s iPhone 4 would get 4G/LTE technology – it didn’t. This is still a standard 4G phone.

Also, the mythical white iPhone 4 has yet to make an appearance.

To Buy Or Not To Buy

If you’re currently a Verizon customer and you’re thinking about getting the iPhone 4, I’d recommend you wait.  Wait until the next version of the iPhone comes out this summer.  My guess is that it’ll be released for Verizon and AT&T at the same time so as not to give anyone the advantage.

To Switch Or Not To Switch

If you’re currently on AT&T and thinking about switching to Verizon, I’d actually recommend you’d wait until the next version of the iPhone comes out.   Your termination fee will be less (or none if you’re on a one year contract) plus cell phones get out of date and obsolete pretty quickly and while the iPhone 4 is still powerful today, it won’t be two years from now.

Switching From Android

If you’re currently an Android user and you’re thinking about jumping ship to Apple, be sure to read my iOS vs Android comparison post.  You’ll have access to a lot more apps with Apple, but also keep in mind that most apps cost money on the iPhone while most apps are free on Android.  If you have a flagship model (like a Droid) phone, then it’s really a matter of preference.  Tech savvy people tend to prefer Android while the young and hip crowd tends to favor iOS.   It’s up to you.  Both are excellent mobile operating systems and at this point you should be in good shape no matter which way you choose.

What do you think, will you be lining up to get the Verizon iPhone 4 or making the switch on February 10th (or February 3rd if you’re already a Verizon customer)?

First of all, AT&T has decided to call both their HSPA+ and LTE networks “4G.”    HSPA+ really isn’t 4G at all, more like 3.5G, but to be fair T-Mobile has been calling their HSPA+ network 4G so AT&T didn’t start it.  However, their real 4G network will be the LTE network and it will be capable of far greater speeds (it’ll probably make your current cable/FiOS/DSL to shame).

Of course, calling both technologies 4G only leads to confusion (though it is technically allowed under recently relaxed ITU standards).

So to help clear it up,  I’ve done a little digging to give you timelines for both HSPA+ and LTE to help you decide if you’ll want to pony up the cash for that pretty little 4G Atrix (and maybe the iPhone 5) when it comes out this summer.

HSPA+

AT&T has already rolled out HSPA+ to it’s network.  It’s either at or nearly at 100% coverage which means if you get 3G on AT&T, it can do HSPA+ which will give you download speeds of 3-4 Mbps (according to AT&T many users are seeing 6 mbps download speeds) and upload speeds of 1.5 Mbps.

LTE

LTE, is another matter altogether.   LTE is behind Verizon on building it’s LTE network and owns less spectrum than Verizon.  LTE is, however, better technology for a smartphone society as it’s actually built to handle data while 3G (and HSPA+) is designed to natively handle voice calls and has been retrofitted to handle data.   LTE also has a much higher theoretical (100mbps) and more importantly real world maximum – about 10-20mbps and much lower latency.

AT&T plans to turn the switch on to it’s LTE network starting in mid 2011 and expects to complete the LTE network upgrade by the end of 2013.

AT&T 4G Devices

Of course, none of this matters without devices to take advantage of it.  AT&T does expect to have 20 4G devices out by the end of 2011, including one 4G tablet and at least three 4G phones have been announced so far: the Motorola Atrix, HTC Inspire 4G, and Samsung Infuse 4G.

Updated 2/25

Being billed as the world’s most powerful smartphone by AT&T, the Motorola Atrix certainly comes with a fair bit of hype.  However, after looking at the specs and seeing a demo of the phone, we’re not going to argue.

It seems like AT&T is definitely getting ready for life after it no longer has the iPhone exclusive and the Android powered, 4G ,  Motorola Atrix certainly appears to be one of the early cornerstones of the strategy.

Motorola Atrix - Dual Core 4G Phone For AT&T

It will be launched with Android 2.2 Froyo with an Android 2.3 Gingerbread update to follow shortly after launch.

While the “4G” is actually HSPA+, which is the same as T-Mobile uses, it’s not real 4G though it’s still much faster than current 3G speeds.

Motorola and AT&T certainly crammed in a lot of bells and whistles into the phone and there will be an optional HD Multimedia Dock and a Laptop Dock (more on this in a sec).

Motorola Atrix Specs

• 1 GHZ Dual Core Nvidia Tegra 2 Processor
• 1 GB RAM
• 4″ qHD display (qHD stands for quarter HD, which means 960×540 resolution)
• 1930 mAh battery for 9 hours of talk time (this is an absolutely huge battery!)
• Android 2.2 Froyo with a Gingerbread update expected
• 5 Megapixel Rear Camera / VGA Front Facing Camera
• Dual Microphones for better voice clarity… you know, for those times when you actually use your phone as a phone
• 4.8 ounces weight
• 16GB Internal Storage (Google wants manufacturers to have on board storage as it will perform better on Android 2.3 Gingerbread and beyond) (Supports additional 32GB MicroSD card for a total capacity of 48GB)
• Fingerprint Reader (not kidding – it’s on the power button)
• Price – $199 with 2 year contract.

Motorola Atrix Laptop Dock

The most unique feature of the Atrix, however, is the Motorola Lapdock.   Basically, it allows you to use your phone on a laptop size screen (11.6 inch) with a computer.  The laptop dock uses the phone’s processor, RAM, and memory.  I think it’s a cool feature but I’m not so sure how useful it’ll actually be as most people with smartphones already have laptops – it will likely be a niche accessory but nonetheless I think it’s pretty cool since as smarthphones get more powerful, they’ll be able to run just like laptops, heck my old Droid already has more processing power than the laptop I had throughout college.

Here’s the commercial showing off the $300 Motorola Lapdock accessory (after $100 mail in rebate).

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sc1N7__UQsg

Benchmarks

And if you’re into benchmarks and the like, here’s a video covering that so you can see just how fast this thing really is.

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDRYJrCd7O4

Bottom Line

While we still have some reservations about AT&T’s so called 4G network, the Atrix itself is a fantastically fast phone and I would say “the” must have phone right now for AT&T – yes, we like it better than the iPhone 4.

Description & User Reviews

Purchasing information and official product description are below as well as a few user reviews – you can always purchase directly from AT&T if you prefer but sometimes the price below is cheaper (just click the “more information”) button as is fluctuates often.

Enjoy the power of mobile computing in the palm of your hand with the Motorola ATRIX 4G for AT&T, which offers a 1 GHz dual-core processor and the ability to connect to AT&T's ultra-fast 4G mobile broadband network. Powered by the Android 2.2 platform (learn more below), it also features Motorola's webtop application, which offers a PC-like experience and runs a full Mozilla Firefox 3.6 browser with support for Adobe Flash Player (requires optional dock).

The world's first smartphone qHD display, offering high resolution and 24-bit color larger image.

With AT&T's 4G network, you'll enjoy mobile broadband speeds up to 4x faster than AT&T's already fast mobile broadband network (learn more below). You also get the optional AT&T Mobile Hotspot service built right into the smartphone--enabling you to connect additional Wi-Fi-enabled devices to the phone's mobile broadband signal.

The NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual-core processor (2 x 1 GHz) allows you to multi-task quickly, while the 1 GB of RAM provides PC-like power and performance. The 4-inch qHD touchscreen display offers a rich 24-bit color depth and a 960 x 540-pixel resolution for extremely sharp images.

Other features include a 5-megapixel camera/camcorder that can capture video at HD 720p resolution, ultra-fast Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking, Bluetooth for stereo music streaming and connecting to peripherals, 16 GB internal memory, microSD expansion (up to 32 GB), MOTOBLUR for integrated social networking, GPS for location-based services and navigation using Google Maps, HDMI audio/video output, and up to 9 hours of talk time.

Powered by a dual core processor with each core running at 1 GHz larger image.

It's complemented by optional accessories that include a super-thin laptop dock--for which ATRIX 4G is the "engine"--and an HD media dock that uses ATRIX 4G's HDMI video output capabilities and processing power to enable a revolutionary browsing, application, productivity, and media experience (learn more below).

Your Digital Hub

The Motorola ATRIX 4G is the only smartphone that allows you to carry the power and performance of mobile computing inside your pocket. Motorola ATRIX 4G is built around a 1 GHz dual-core processor and 1 GB of RAM for the horsepower you need to keep pace with all aspects of your life. Web pages open twice as fast as non-dual-core smartphones and Adobe Flash Player makes it possible to view a full range of online animations and video.

PC Power from Your Smartphone

You'll be able to create, edit, and interact with all your documents, media, and content using Motorola's webtop application (when connected to an optional dock). The ATRIX 4G can be used to browse your favorite web sites with a full Firefox desktop browser, view social networking sites, and use HTML5 web-based applications and supported cloud computing services while running your Android applications in a window. And you'll also be able to send instant messages and make phone calls--all at the same time. Calls continue uninterrupted even if the ATRIX 4G is removed from the dock.

To access the webtop application, with the Laptop Dock, simply dock the phone to the Laptop Dock and webtop launches automatically. Or, dock your phone in the HD Multimedia Dock and choose between webtop and Entertainment Center mode.

Empower Your Fun

The dual-core processor lets the ATRIX 4G render graphics and games faster, and everything you see on the ATRIX 4G screen is in crisp, rich 24-bit color with the world's first qHD (Quarter High Definition) smartphone display. With the U-verse mobile app from AT&T, U-verse subscribers can browse a library of shows for streaming to the ATRIX 4G, and remotely schedule recordings on their DVRs at home.

And the ATRIX 4G offers up to 48 GB of memory--16 GB on board and an optional 32 GB microSD card--giving you space to store thousands of songs, photos, and files to keep you entertained wherever your life takes you.

Enhanced MOTOBLUR

MOTOBLUR is Motorola's exclusive experience that syncs contacts, posts, messages, photos and much more--from your favorite social media sites, work and personal e-mail, and last.fm--and automatically delivers them to your home screen.

The 5-megapixel camera also captures HD 720p video larger image.

• Filter social networking and messages widgets: Filter by social networking account, by contact(s) or by contact group to only see the information you want.
• Improved social networking functionality: Retweet, like Facebook comments, and more.
• Screen customization: Move and resize preloaded widgets on up to three home screens.
• Battery manager: Manage battery consumption by operating in one of three performance modes.
• Personal and corporate e-mail: Pushed directly to the device.

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Connectivity

• Ultra-fast 4G connectivity via AT&T's HSPA+ network (with enhanced backhaul). See more about AT&T's 4G service below.
• Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g) for accessing home and corporate networks as well as hotspots while on the go.
• Optional AT&T Mobile Hotspot service enabling you to connect multiple devices--from tablets to gaming devices--to the phone's 3G/4G cellular connection via Wi-Fi.
• Onboard GPS for navigation and location services
• Integrated Google Maps with turn-by-turn navigation, street and satellite views
• Optional AT&T Navigator service includes audible turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates, and re-routing options.
• Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1) includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, A2DP audio streaming, and for connecting to peripherals like a wireless keyboard.

OS & Software Android 2.2 operating system (Froyo) (learn more below) BLOCKBUSTER app enables you to discover and download the latest movie rentals on the go. Quick Office 3.0 for viewing, editing, and creating Microsoft Office files right on your phone. Need for Speed Shift racing game (demo version) DLNA capabilities enables you to share your photo albums, videos and movies wirelessly with a compatible HDTV or other DLNA device. Design and Hardware Dual-core 1 GHz processor capable of opening web pages twice as fast as most other smartphones. 4-inch qHD touchscreen display (Quarter High Definition; 960 x 540 pixels) made of ultra-durable Corning Gorilla Glass with accelerometer plus proximity and ambient light sensors. Onscreen keyboard Swype input system allows you to input text faster and easier by gliding your finger around the onscreen keyboard, moving from letter to letter in one continuous motion. Removable battery Communications & Internet Full messaging capabilities including SMS text, MMS picture/video and IM instant messaging (via popular services including AOL, Yahoo!, Windows Live Messenger, and Google Talk). Access to personal and corporate e-mail (including support for Exchange and push Gmail). Easy access to social networks including Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter. Photo uploading capabilities to Facebook, MySpace, Photobucket, and Picasa. Full HTML web browsing via Android HTML Webkit browser; Mozilla Firefox 3.6 browser (when using optional dock).

Camera 5-megapixel rear-facing camera with LED flash and auto focus HD 720p video capture capabilities at 30 frames per second (fps) Front-facing camera for video chats (VGA resolution) Multimedia Music player compatible with MP3, WMA9, and AAC/AAC+/eAAC+ Video player compatible with MPEG4, H.264 Memory 16 GB internal memory Memory expansion via microSD card slot with support for optional cards up to 32 GB. 1 GB of DDR2 RAM is twice the RAM of most smartphones and delivers effortless multi-tasking. More Features 3.5mm headphone jack HDMI audio/video port enables you to output pictures, slides and videos in HD quality (720p) via included HDMI cable (future software upgrade to 1080p video output). Micro USB 2.0 port with mass storage capabilities. Text-to-speech capabilities including read-out of text and e-mail messages. Voice commands Organizer tools including calendar and alarm clock. Speakerphone for hands-free communication. Fingerprint sensor for added security built in on the rear of the device. Set your screen lock to Fingerprints, and you can unlock your phone by swiping your finger over that sensor.

Vital Statistics

The Motorola ATRIX 4G weighs 4.76 ounces and measures 4.64 x 2.5 x 0.43 inches. Its 1930 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 9 hours of talk time, and up to 250 hours (10+ days) of standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies as well as AT&T's dual-band 4G network (850/1900 MHz; HSPA+/HSDPA/UMTS).

What's in the Box

Motorola ATRIX 4G handset, removable battery, charger, USB cable, HDMI cable, quick start guide

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Accessories That Make The ATRIX Smartphone Smarter

Motorola complements the ATRIX 4G with two unique companion docks that enable you to have an enhanced and more interactive computer-like experience.

Laptop dock (see larger).

The Motorola Laptop Dock has an incredibly thin design with an 11.6-inch screen, full keyboard, stereo speakers, 36Wh three-cell battery that delivers up to 8 hours of battery life and weighs just 2.4 pounds. Simply dock your Motorola ATRIX 4G into the back of the Laptop Dock to turn it into an active, connected machine to experience true mobility at work, home, and playing on-the-go in a form factor that's lighter and smaller than most laptops on the market.

Multimedia dock (see larger).

The Motorola HD Multimedia Dock has three USB ports and an HDMI port enabling connections to a keyboard, mouse, speakers, and HDMI-compatible monitor for working at your desk/office, or connecting to an HDMI-compatible television and home theater audio system for interacting with content and enjoying video, music, games, and more in your living room.

AT&T 4G Network

This phone runs on AT&T's dual-band 850/1900 MHz 4G network (UMTS/HSDPA/HSPA+), and with HSPA+ you'll experience mobile data speeds up to 4x faster than ordinary mobile broadband--up to approximately 6 Mbps (download). AT&T has deployed HSPA+ to virtually 100 percent of its mobile broadband network, which enables 4G speeds when combined with enhanced backhaul (via Ethernet or fiber).

Backhaul is one of the major pieces of a telecommunications network. Think of it as the limbs connecting AT&T's cell towers with AT&T's backbone network that provides access to the Internet.

Coming later in 2011, AT&T will deliver a second layer of 4G network called LTE (Long Term Evolution) that is even faster than HSPA+ speeds.

In areas where either AT&T's 3G or 4G network is not available, you'll continue to receive service on the AT&T EDGE network, which offers availability in more than 13,000 US cities and along some 40,000 miles of major highways.

Note: AT&T's 4G mobile broadband coverage is not available in all areas. 4G speeds delivered by HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul; availability increasing with ongoing backhaul deployment.

Android Operating System

The ATRIX 4G runs the latest Android operating system--OS 2.2 (aka, Froyo)--which provides a faster overall Android experience as well as greater multitasking capabilities. You'll be able to receive notifications, listen to music, and even record GPS data without keeping the application open. And it features a plethora of new enhancements, including an improved onscreen QWERTY keyboard, full push corporate e-mail, and support for Adobe Flash Player 10.1 for access to the full Web. It also offers enhanced Exchange support, with Calendar syncing, Global Address Lookup, improved security, auto-discovery, and more.

With integrated Google technology, the ATRIX 4G brings one-touch access to the popular Google mobile services millions use every day, including Google Search by voice, Google Maps with Street View, GTalk instant messaging (with presence capabilities), YouTube, and Picasa. The ATRIX 4G also provides easy access to both personal and corporate e-mail, calendars, and contacts supported by Exchange Server and Gmail. And through Android Market, you'll get access to thousands of useful applications, widgets, and fun games to download and install on your phone, with many more apps being added every day.

Also Available for This Android Device

Kindle App for Android Read more than 700,000 Kindle books with our free application.

MP3 for Android Find, buy and play the music you love wherever you are.

Amazon App for Android Shop for millions of products wherever you go.

IMDB App for Android Connect to the world's largest collection of movie, TV and celebrity information.

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Display

The iPhone 4 has a much smaller screen at just 3.5 inches, but has a much higher resolution.  The iPhone 4 screen really does look tiny when sitting next to a Droid X with its 4.3 inch screen but the “retina display” on the iPhone 4 looks a lot better and is brighter.

Processor

Both phones have blazing fast 1GHZ processors though the iPhone 4 uses Apple’s own A4 processor while the Droid X uses a Texas Instruments OMAP processor.   It’s tough to say which is truly faster, but both pack plenty of power for running all your favorite apps.

Storage / Memory

Both phones have 512 MB of RAM.  The Droid X comes with 24GB of storage space and is expandable to 40GB.  The iPhone 4 comes in two versions, a 16GB and 32GB version, though neither is user upgradeable.

Battery

Battery life on both phones is excellent.  I’ll admit I was surprised that the Droid X does as well as it does considering the monsterous 4.3″ screen, but it actually outperforms the iPhone 4 though both should last you through the day and you shouldn’t need to keep your charger in your pocket unless you’re using the GPS navigation or watching movies all day long.

Camera

From a specs comparison, the Droid X has the better camera with its 8MP dual LED flash camera, but in real world testing, the iPhone 4 with its 5MP single LED flash camera performs better though both are very close.  The iPhone 4 also features a front facing camera for using video chat via Facetime while the Droid X has no such functionality.

Operating System

The iPhone 4 runs Apple’s own iOS (formerly iPhone  OS) while the Droid X runs Google Android 2.2

Network

The Droid X is a Verizon exclusive while the iPhone 4 is an AT&T exclusive.

Price

Droid X $200 w/ 2 yr contract
iPhone 4 16GB Verision $200 w/ 2 yr contract ($300 for 32GB version)

Other

Both phones have a few extra features you simply can’t find on the other.  For example, the Droid X has HDMI out, can function as a mobile hotspot for up to 5 devices and supports Flash 10.1 for playing videos and multi-media websites.

The iPhone 4 has a built in gyroscope making it a vastly superior device if you like to play games on your phone and the seamless integration with iTunes is great for music buffs.

Overall Winner

I’m not going to declare a winner as both phones have their strong points so pick the one you like the best.  Go to both the AT&T store and Verizon store before making your decision and play around with one – that should help you make the decision.