Speedy EV-DO and UMTS data networks aren't just for surfing the mobile Web; more and more of you are downloading music, searching for local services, grabbing 3D games, and even watching TV on the go. Find out which 3G service you crave the most.
Stateside 3G services have grown by leaps and bounds since their introduction in the U.S. back in late 2003. Starting with little more than speedy Web browsing and downloads, the big U.S. carriers slowly began rolling out services such as mobile video, 3D gaming, local searching and the newest fad, mobile music downloads. The latest surveys say that a large swath of American cell users don't even know what 3G service is, much less what it offers. According to our latest poll, however, you're well versed in the benefits of EV-DO, UMTS and upcoming HSDPA networks, and you have plenty of opinions on your favorite high-speed service.
So, drumroll please! Starting at number six, with 4 percent of the vote: games and entertainment, including larger 3D gaming downloads for those who've moved on from primitive 2D scrolling games. Next up, garnering 8 percent of the vote comes local search; indeed, hunting for the nearest ATM or movie theater on your phone is bound to become more popular as mobile Web browsing gets faster and faster. Clocking in at number three with 11 percent are music downloads, a surprisingly weak showing that leads us to believe that you prefer sideloading tunes to your phone (or using a separate MP3 player) to buying pricey over-the-air music. Climbing the charts to number three, with 14 percent of the vote: mobile office services, such as push e-mail and remote document handing features that cater to professional road warriors. At number two, grabbing 21 percent of the vote is Web browsing: seems that surfing the mobile Web for the latest news and info still makes for a powerful draw. Finally, your favorite 3G service with a dominating 42 percent of the vote: mobile video. Sure, the video clip selection is pretty slim compared to your home cable or satellite hookup, and image quality tends toward the jerky and juttery, but based on the results it appears that on-the-go TV is the high-speed wave of the future.
Phone that make the cut
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LG VX8300
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Score: 70% When: June 2006 Worth: $80 - $150 Carrier: Verizon Wireless
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The slimmed-down VX8300 sheds some weight and adds stereo Bluetooth headset support. Did this eye-catching music phone manage to rock our respective words? Ben Patterson gives it a listen.
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Read »
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Palm Treo 700p
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Score: 60% When: May 2006 Worth: $250 - $650 Carrier: Sprint, Verizon Wireless
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The 700p brings speedy 3G data access to the Palm OS line of Treos, along with wireless modem capabilities, Bluetooth, a 1.3-megapixel camera, and even live TV. Ben Patterson gives this long-anticipated smartphone the once-over.
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Read » Features » Side-by-side »
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Samsung SCH-A930
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Score: 79% When: June 2006 Worth: $50 - $150 Carrier: Verizon Wireless
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Samsung's big, black 3G clamshell has the look – and the heft – of an old-school MP3 player, albeit one armed with Bluetooth, memory expansion and V Cast Music access. Ben Patterson cranks up the A930's volume.
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LG LX550
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Score: 76% When: May 2006 Worth: $Free Carrier: Sprint
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Check out LG's music phone available for free on Sprint, the Fusic.
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