DISQUS

Samsung are the first to release TVs with the 'Yahoo Widget Channel'
http://www.last100.com/2009/03/30/samsung-tvs-y...

Hi Elmar,

I'll do my best to answer:

1. So do I understand it right, that I can call for only 5GBP a month (on Pay As You Go) anybody on Skype anywhere for 4000 minutes a month?

Yes. Although as from this month, you don't even need to top up to use Skype.

2. I have to top up at least 5 pounds per month right?

Not to use Skype, but to use Facebook and other Internet services I think you need a data bundle at £5 per month.

3. and I can also play let’s say scrabble (or rather wordscraper or lexulous, I hate Hasbro) for as long as I want?

No. The mobile version of Facebook does't work with games as far as I know. Only core aspects of the site.

4. I am basically looking for device I can Skype on and play the scrabble on facebook all the time for as cheap as it gets. Is this it?

It's the cheapest for Skype and core Facebook access, including syncing your Facebook and Skype contacts with the phone.

5.I can’t get any monthly pay plan since I do not live in UK the whole year around, but only about 5-8 months, and for that it would be worth it I think, but can I then stick some other European sim card in to it, and use it at least like a phone, or will it became dead once I leave UK?

The phone is locked to "3", so unless the country you are going to has a "3" network then I don't think you can use the phone.

I think it's great that Boxee is trying to create an open platform. Makes the software so much more appealing if others can innovate on top. Even better when Boxee appears on more set-top boxes / hardware other than a Mac/PC or hacked Apple TV.

As long as the "call" is initiated using the INQ1's skype application, then the call is Skype-to-Skype, so yes you can use your fair use 4000 minutes. You will need to both be on the "3" network of course to use the INQ1, but I'm presuming you knew that already :-)

Alternatively, on of you could be using a PC running Skype with a headset. That would also be Skype-to-Skype.

Not as far as I'm aware, although I'm told that BlackBerry's can integrate IM friends lists too (Microsoft Messenger etc.), but I don't have one to hand to confirm.

The video is working fine.

Yes it does but... The INQ1 is offered on a pay-monthly tariff on "3" that includes "unlimited" Facebook access and other data. And for PAYG, you're encouraged to take out the unlimited data package as a top up (£5 per month in the UK, I think). So if done right, you won't ring up a huge bill at all - it's pretty good value.

@ harry

The video works for me.

@ Dale Dietrich

Not sure there is or ever will be real competition as the major labels set the wholesale terms. As a result it looks like Amazon and co. just followed suit:
http://www.last100.com/2009/04/08/more-variable...

Although ComputerWorld is reporting that Amazon is being favored over Apple as the labels continue to try to weaken Steve Jobs' grip on the music industry.

@KPS

"Apple only has free-market incentive to lower their price if people are unwilling to pay what they are charging, for instance, if they can get it elsewhere for less money/effort."

Most are unwilling to pay and can get it elsewhere - for free. That's the point. The answer isn't to raise prices for offering the same but to lower prices and add more value that's harder to get elsewhere.

@Davis Freeberg

Devils advocate is always welcome ;-) I understand your point, but it falls down slightly considering - using your analogy - there are free cinemas open 24 hours a day, showing all the most and least popular films (file sharing sites). That's the competition.

@ Gregoire

Yes I still use it as my main phone, and still really like it. No problems at all!

I also have the new E75 on loan, really nice too. I'll post a review a soon.

@ Gregoire

The E71 comes with Nokia Sports Tracker (or you can download it). Not entirely sure but I think it will do the job you're asking for :-)
http://sportstracker.nokia.com/nts/main/index.do

@ Leanne

Do you mean a TV tuner?

@ neville shaw

You can use Apple's Mail application with virtually any email account, including BT, if that's what you are asking. You just need to set it up via BT's instructions. However, beware that if you start relying on a BT broadband email address and then change broadband provider in the future, you may have to pay BT to still keep using that email address. That may not be an issue and will still be cheaper than MobileMe. However, if you are using other MobileMe features, such as iPhone syncing, backups (iDisk), photo gallery etc. then the £60 could still be worth it, especially if you're comfortable with the service.

@ Brian Murphy

Let us know how you get on.

@ Brian Murphy

What do you mean by costly?

If you are referring to 'data' charges i.e. Internet, then you can tell Nokia Maps to 'go offline' via the tools menu I think. That way you're not using the 'assisted' part of A-GPS. But I'm not definite on this.

Or are you talking about the Sat Nav monthly subscription for turn by turn directions?

@ Sweet

It's for video calls over 3G. Perhaps your network doesn't support this feature or it isn't included in your mobile plan.

@Finnsense

I'm also a long time Skype user. My mobile carrier "Three" already offers Skype on most of its handsets, and although it's not always as clear as a regular mobile or land line call, it is useful nonetheless, especially IM or to see when a contact is online and available to talk.

@ Raihan Hasnain Rahman

Thanks for that. Glad it's working out now :-)

@ Mari

That's interesting. My MSI Wind (rebadged as an Advent) can't handle the 720p HD content shot on my camcorder. I'm hoping the new chipset will address that.

@Roboguard

The 5800's screen is meant to lock and go blank when you place it near your ear, to prevent accidental screen presses. Maybe that is the "issue"?

@ Paul @ Derek

I doubt it. The PlayTV hardware is tied to the software, it's not a case of just plugging in a different tuner.

@ frank williams

I doubt you'll see iPlayer working abroad anytime soon. You may have to wait until the BBC launches its commercial Internet TV service, in which I expect there will be a subscription fee, and that is facing regulator review I think. So it could be a long time coming... it's also more complicated because the BBC doesn't have a world-wide license for all of its content as far as I know.

@ mr bailey

Microsoft buying Palm would be terrible news for Palm's future and would be a complete change of strategy from Redmond. They already have the upcoming Windows Mobile 7 OS in the oven and recently bought Danger, makers of the T-Mobile Sidekick. Let's see what that produces first.

Instead, maybe Nokia should buy Palm - they have the cash too and would benefit from Palm's UI and web services approach...