I’m a phone freak

Uncategorized 1 Minute

Everywhere I go I carry three phones now:

1. iPhone.
2. Nokia N95.
3. Nokia N82.

I also have a Blackjack II Windows Mobile smartphone that I occassionally carry.

I have three separate SIMs, er, three separate phone numbers (I only use one for voice calls, though, and my number is +1-425-205-1921).

So, why do I carry around so many phones?

Well, I need to do videos on Qik. I’ve done 700 already including three yesterday alone. To do those videos, though, I need 3G and video capabilities. The only one that fits that bill is the Nokia N95. So, why carry around the N82? Well, the still camera on that one is better. My photos on Flickr are probably shot with that or my Canon 5D camera.

So why the iPhone? I hate the browsers on the Nokias. The iPhone is much nicer for browsing, for looking at maps, for reading emails, and for looking at stuff like stocks and weather.

“But isn’t the N95 faster due to its 3G?”

Yes, but not enough to really matter. The reason you need 3G is for video. But I will buy the new 3G iPhone when it comes out and I’ll do a video demo so you can see the difference in browser speed. It will be noticeable.

Why not a Blackberry? Well, I had one in the late 1990s. I was so addicted that my hands started hurting. I lost it in a taxicab in New Orleans and since then my hands have never hurt, so I try to avoid phones with keyboards (which probably explains why I don’t carry around the Blackjack much).

Anyway, I’m looking forward to trying other phones out. I know Nokia has some new ones coming soon. Anything else? If I do a review, what would you like me to tell you about these three phones?

Published by Robert Scoble

I help entrepreneurs build their technology business' story, help with getting ready for investors, with other launch plans, and many other strategic things that can help your new startup. Call to talk: +1-425-205-1921 (text first).

Published

93 thoughts on “I’m a phone freak”

  1. The obvious one that you have to look at – when it arrives over there of course – is the HTC Touch Diamond. Whilst I suspect that the camera won’t be good enough to do for the N82 the web browser (which I’m looking forward to playing with) and the fact that Qik are starting to provide support of Windows Mobile devices might (lots of emphasis on the work might) be sufficient…

    Like

  2. The obvious one that you have to look at – when it arrives over there of course – is the HTC Touch Diamond. Whilst I suspect that the camera won’t be good enough to do for the N82 the web browser (which I’m looking forward to playing with) and the fact that Qik are starting to provide support of Windows Mobile devices might (lots of emphasis on the work might) be sufficient…

    Like

  3. So amongst all the tweets and blog posts yest. about the iPhone 1.5 I missed when it will actually be available to buy? When is the big day happening?

    Like

  4. So amongst all the tweets and blog posts yest. about the iPhone 1.5 I missed when it will actually be available to buy? When is the big day happening?

    Like

  11. Phone freak or not, do you really want to go spending hundreds of dollars on a new iPhone just for 3G? You already have a great 3G phone, one that can record video, do voice chat and awesome stuff like send files up to Qik etc.

    I for one am saving my money for when Android handsets to hit the streets later this year. Sure the iPhone has a great browser and third party apps, but Android will allow me to have all that stuff, and much more, on hardware that is far better (technically, if not aesthetically) than the iPhone.

    Like

  12. Phone freak or not, do you really want to go spending hundreds of dollars on a new iPhone just for 3G? You already have a great 3G phone, one that can record video, do voice chat and awesome stuff like send files up to Qik etc.

    I for one am saving my money for when Android handsets to hit the streets later this year. Sure the iPhone has a great browser and third party apps, but Android will allow me to have all that stuff, and much more, on hardware that is far better (technically, if not aesthetically) than the iPhone.

    Like

  15. Do a review about phones that when you use, it doesn’t hurt your fingers. Hahaha! Nice post, scooble. I haven’t tried any expensive phone camera yet, but looking forward soon.

    Like

  16. Do a review about phones that when you use, it doesn’t hurt your fingers. Hahaha! Nice post, scooble. I haven’t tried any expensive phone camera yet, but looking forward soon.

    Like

  17. “A small digital camera can’t send its images to the Web without being connected to a computer.”

    You could argue that some phones are actually better thought of as “cameras which happen to connect to the internet and do voice”, though. The LG Viewty comes to mind – great video and camera, up there with “real” cameras for quality, but not so great phone or web browser.

    In fact, I’d be prepared to bet that in five years time, even semi-pro SLRs will come with WiFi, 3/4G data and the ability to upload to the web built in. If your camera could be uploading while you were shooting, it could end the need for multiple memories card – even when shooting RAW 🙂

    Like

  18. “A small digital camera can’t send its images to the Web without being connected to a computer.”

    You could argue that some phones are actually better thought of as “cameras which happen to connect to the internet and do voice”, though. The LG Viewty comes to mind – great video and camera, up there with “real” cameras for quality, but not so great phone or web browser.

    In fact, I’d be prepared to bet that in five years time, even semi-pro SLRs will come with WiFi, 3/4G data and the ability to upload to the web built in. If your camera could be uploading while you were shooting, it could end the need for multiple memories card – even when shooting RAW 🙂

    Like

  19. How do you manage tasks? Do you use any of these phones for tasks? Which phone do you prefer to send an email and why? Thanks.

    Like

  22. How do you manage tasks? Do you use any of these phones for tasks? Which phone do you prefer to send an email and why? Thanks.

    Like

  23. Mitchell: I don’t know of a way to connect my 5D to the cell phone network so it sends photos immediately without connecting something to a computer.

    Guy: tasks? I mostly use my calendar to manage my tasks. iPhone wins there. email? iPhone wins there again. Why? Much easier to navigate around than the other phones that I have. I guess the Blackjack II would be better for email thanks to its keyboard. I just don’t like using it as much as the iPhone.

    Like

  24. Mitchell: I don’t know of a way to connect my 5D to the cell phone network so it sends photos immediately without connecting something to a computer.

    Guy: tasks? I mostly use my calendar to manage my tasks. iPhone wins there. email? iPhone wins there again. Why? Much easier to navigate around than the other phones that I have. I guess the Blackjack II would be better for email thanks to its keyboard. I just don’t like using it as much as the iPhone.

    Like

  25. Rob,

    You can capture video on the iPhone if you jailbreak it – and why not just have a proper Canon Powershot or other camera and consolidate to a single phone?

    Like

  26. Rob,

    You can capture video on the iPhone if you jailbreak it – and why not just have a proper Canon Powershot or other camera and consolidate to a single phone?

    Like

  27. You can indeed upload photos from a small digital cam via the Eye-Fi wireless SD card which allows you to take advantage of a wi-fi connection to upload photos directly.

    Thanks for the great post though Robert. I haven’t heard you mention your iPhone lately as much. Hopefully, Steve will give us video soon so that you can lose a phone or two. Incidentally, there is one decent video solution for a jailbroken iPhone at iphonevideorecorder.com. Unfortunately, you cannot stream live yet bc Qik doesn’t support the iPhone.

    Keep the great videos and posts coming.

    Like

  28. You can indeed upload photos from a small digital cam via the Eye-Fi wireless SD card which allows you to take advantage of a wi-fi connection to upload photos directly.

    Thanks for the great post though Robert. I haven’t heard you mention your iPhone lately as much. Hopefully, Steve will give us video soon so that you can lose a phone or two. Incidentally, there is one decent video solution for a jailbroken iPhone at iphonevideorecorder.com. Unfortunately, you cannot stream live yet bc Qik doesn’t support the iPhone.

    Keep the great videos and posts coming.

    Like

  33. Since you seem to be a big fan of cameras on cellphones, why aren’t you a fan of the Sony Ericcson Cybershot series? A year ago they had the best cameras on cellphones (and their photo editing on the phone was cool to). I have lost touch with their lineup since then 🙂

    Like

  34. Since you seem to be a big fan of cameras on cellphones, why aren’t you a fan of the Sony Ericcson Cybershot series? A year ago they had the best cameras on cellphones (and their photo editing on the phone was cool to). I have lost touch with their lineup since then 🙂

    Like

  35. I toally understand your ‘multi gadgetness’. I have an N95, and have only really used it to stream video. It’s the best at that, period. I also carry a cheap, for-calls only phone. And yes, when the new iPhone comes out, I’d like one of those too, for mobile web browsing. Mobile browsing is not fun on the N95. I refuse to spend ten minutes (and get stressed) trying to do something on my N95 that a laptop, or an iPhone, can do in one.

    Like

  36. I toally understand your ‘multi gadgetness’. I have an N95, and have only really used it to stream video. It’s the best at that, period. I also carry a cheap, for-calls only phone. And yes, when the new iPhone comes out, I’d like one of those too, for mobile web browsing. Mobile browsing is not fun on the N95. I refuse to spend ten minutes (and get stressed) trying to do something on my N95 that a laptop, or an iPhone, can do in one.

    Like

  37. Pingback: WOM World / Nokia » Blog Archive - N82 for photos, N95 for Qik…

  38. Well to each his own on how many devices you carry (as long as you don’t carry them on your belt!)

    But the monthly charges must be suffocating in aggregate.

    Like

  39. Well to each his own on how many devices you carry (as long as you don’t carry them on your belt!)

    But the monthly charges must be suffocating in aggregate.

    Like

  48. Yeah, tell us which phones you pay for and which ones are given to you by the manufacturer. I’m willing to bet cash you didn’t buy your own N95 or N82.

    Like

  49. Yeah, tell us which phones you pay for and which ones are given to you by the manufacturer. I’m willing to bet cash you didn’t buy your own N95 or N82.

    Like

  50. Scoble,
    Have you checked out the Samsung Insight? I don’t even know if it’s out yet but their demo videos pitting it against the iPhone are pretty impressive.

    Like

  51. Scoble,
    Have you checked out the Samsung Insight? I don’t even know if it’s out yet but their demo videos pitting it against the iPhone are pretty impressive.

    Like

  54. I’ve got to say, the number of people who carry more than 1 phone is sub, sub percentages. You need 3 front pockets! LOL!

    Like

  55. I’ve got to say, the number of people who carry more than 1 phone is sub, sub percentages. You need 3 front pockets! LOL!

    Like

  58. My feet are good for most purposes of transportation. Usually I just walk most places, but sometimes I need to get there faster, and so for this reason I carry a bicycle on my back wherever I go.

    And tied around on my bicycle I keep some rollerblades, because sometimes I need to get somewhere faster, but not quite as fast as I need to go on my bicycle.

    Also, sometimes I need to get somewhere *really* fast, and so I drag some jet-fuel powered boosters behind me and my bicycle wherever I go. They’re really heavy and bulky and it’s a bit of a pain, but at least once a year they sure do come in handy.

    Sure, most days I go to bed without having used anything but my feet. But you never know when I might need my rollerblades, my bicycle, or my jet boosters.

    Like

  59. My feet are good for most purposes of transportation. Usually I just walk most places, but sometimes I need to get there faster, and so for this reason I carry a bicycle on my back wherever I go.

    And tied around on my bicycle I keep some rollerblades, because sometimes I need to get somewhere faster, but not quite as fast as I need to go on my bicycle.

    Also, sometimes I need to get somewhere *really* fast, and so I drag some jet-fuel powered boosters behind me and my bicycle wherever I go. They’re really heavy and bulky and it’s a bit of a pain, but at least once a year they sure do come in handy.

    Sure, most days I go to bed without having used anything but my feet. But you never know when I might need my rollerblades, my bicycle, or my jet boosters.

    Like

  60. Hi Robert,

    I always meant to ask you how you get 3G with the N82, but now I know better. I have been looking for a 3G (HSDPA) phone myself but something within reach… to hook up my Nokia N810 with to be able to browse on the Nokia N810.

    Since you already own a N95, have you though about trying the N810 (or N800) for your browsing and viewer needs rather than the iPhone. You could be pleasantly surprised. And you can tether over BT to your exsting HSDPA connection with N95.

    The screen resolution and expandibility (memory wise) of the N810 is much better than the iPhone. Hust a thought.

    And I do look forward to your phone rewiew particularly for good HSDPA phones with which to tether your handheld or laptop.

    Also how do you transfer photos from the N82 to the N95 to upload to Flickr while on the move ?

    Like

  61. Hi Robert,

    I always meant to ask you how you get 3G with the N82, but now I know better. I have been looking for a 3G (HSDPA) phone myself but something within reach… to hook up my Nokia N810 with to be able to browse on the Nokia N810.

    Since you already own a N95, have you though about trying the N810 (or N800) for your browsing and viewer needs rather than the iPhone. You could be pleasantly surprised. And you can tether over BT to your exsting HSDPA connection with N95.

    The screen resolution and expandibility (memory wise) of the N810 is much better than the iPhone. Hust a thought.

    And I do look forward to your phone rewiew particularly for good HSDPA phones with which to tether your handheld or laptop.

    Also how do you transfer photos from the N82 to the N95 to upload to Flickr while on the move ?

    Like

  62. Here is the solution:

    Nikon Coolpix S52c 9MP Digital Camera Zoom with 3x Optical Vibration Reduction Zoom with Wi-Fi

    Like

  63. Here is the solution:

    Nikon Coolpix S52c 9MP Digital Camera Zoom with 3x Optical Vibration Reduction Zoom with Wi-Fi

    Like

  64. I thought all US numbers started with 555.

    3 phones is just crazy. Do you carry them in a man-bag or are you just happy to see… everyone you meet?

    Like

  65. I thought all US numbers started with 555.

    3 phones is just crazy. Do you carry them in a man-bag or are you just happy to see… everyone you meet?

    Like

  68. Pingback: I found someone who is a bigger gadget guy than me - Scobleizer « The Technology Life

  69. I have always considered myself a gadget guy. When the new cool phones hit I am checking them out to see what value they could add to my life. I also carry multiple phones. B8320, Nokia N95 (videos). This article made me feel right at home and a bit of a novice. Please keep it up!

    Like

  70. I have always considered myself a gadget guy. When the new cool phones hit I am checking them out to see what value they could add to my life. I also carry multiple phones. B8320, Nokia N95 (videos). This article made me feel right at home and a bit of a novice. Please keep it up!

    Like

  71. I am looking at a handheld GPS tracking unit, the type that you can see where it is, not the navigational unit. We offer a few a sprint version but it has probelms and I am tired of the head-aches. I found this unit that I bought from U-Tracking , that works like a charm, cool little gadget, great child tracker deal, $19.00 a month or they have a pre-paid deal as well. U can see online right where the unit is! I am thinking of becoming a dealer these guys have a deal where I dont have to buy a truck load of inventory and can make the “right” mark up! Has any one heard of this company, they are outta Florida and I have been in thier offices. Does anyone know where I can look at any other hand held GPS tracking devices, seams like the trend.

    Like

  72. I am looking at a handheld GPS tracking unit, the type that you can see where it is, not the navigational unit. We offer a few a sprint version but it has probelms and I am tired of the head-aches. I found this unit that I bought from U-Tracking , that works like a charm, cool little gadget, great child tracker deal, $19.00 a month or they have a pre-paid deal as well. U can see online right where the unit is! I am thinking of becoming a dealer these guys have a deal where I dont have to buy a truck load of inventory and can make the “right” mark up! Has any one heard of this company, they are outta Florida and I have been in thier offices. Does anyone know where I can look at any other hand held GPS tracking devices, seams like the trend.

    Like

  73. Everywhere I go I carry three phones now:

    “1. iPhone.
    2. Nokia N95.
    3. Nokia N82.

    I also have a Blackjack II Windows Mobile smartphone that I occassionally carry.

    I have three separate SIMs, er, three separate phone numbers (I only use one for voice calls, though, and my number is +1-425-205-1921).”

    IDIOT ON SO MANY LEVELS

    Like

  74. Everywhere I go I carry three phones now:

    “1. iPhone.
    2. Nokia N95.
    3. Nokia N82.

    I also have a Blackjack II Windows Mobile smartphone that I occassionally carry.

    I have three separate SIMs, er, three separate phone numbers (I only use one for voice calls, though, and my number is +1-425-205-1921).”

    IDIOT ON SO MANY LEVELS

    Like

  75. I just called you. Why the fuck should I call you and not have the ability to leave you a message. Why didnt you just leave your email address instead. You just cost me… you owe me.

    Like

  76. I just called you. Why the fuck should I call you and not have the ability to leave you a message. Why didnt you just leave your email address instead. You just cost me… you owe me.

    Like

  77. I’d consider myself a phone freak as well. I live in Canada so I picked up an iPhone for 500 bucks in the states awhile back. I felt so cool since no one else had one. Now that they are coming to Canada I think I might get something else, just to stay unique. However, I gotta agree with you, the browsing on an iPhone is flawless, and makes my daily tasks online so much more enjoyable.

    I would really enjoy an in depth comparison of the original and 3G iPhones!

    Like

  78. I’d consider myself a phone freak as well. I live in Canada so I picked up an iPhone for 500 bucks in the states awhile back. I felt so cool since no one else had one. Now that they are coming to Canada I think I might get something else, just to stay unique. However, I gotta agree with you, the browsing on an iPhone is flawless, and makes my daily tasks online so much more enjoyable.

    I would really enjoy an in depth comparison of the original and 3G iPhones!

    Like

  79. THREE PHONES!!! The radiation alone is going to kill you earlier even if you just had one. But three triples your chances of getting something. I once carried two phones as I had one for business but since I am now self employed again I just carry the one. Makes life so much simpler. A simple life is not that hard to get and you end up actually enjoying the time you have instead of jumping from one thing to another. Just my opinion of course.

    Like

  80. THREE PHONES!!! The radiation alone is going to kill you earlier even if you just had one. But three triples your chances of getting something. I once carried two phones as I had one for business but since I am now self employed again I just carry the one. Makes life so much simpler. A simple life is not that hard to get and you end up actually enjoying the time you have instead of jumping from one thing to another. Just my opinion of course.

    Like

  81. @met
    great tip! although it doesn’t transmit RAW files and it’s not quick enough to send movies directly to the network. I really wonder why Nikon or Canon do not take care of this problem,
    I think it’s about time!

    Like

  82. @met
    great tip! although it doesn’t transmit RAW files and it’s not quick enough to send movies directly to the network. I really wonder why Nikon or Canon do not take care of this problem,
    I think it’s about time!

    Like

  83. Dude your balls must be taking a radiation beating if you carry those in your pocket!

    I see why you do carry them around and im suprised to see that with so many phones on the market at the moment,there isnt one that fits your requirements.

    manufactureres listen up!

    Like

  84. Dude your balls must be taking a radiation beating if you carry those in your pocket!

    I see why you do carry them around and im suprised to see that with so many phones on the market at the moment,there isnt one that fits your requirements.

    manufactureres listen up!

    Like

  89. Pingback: Antworten auf die drängensten Fragen zum iPhone 3G in Deutschland | Mr. Gadget
  90. Pingback: Scoble a terrorist! « Blog of a Long Distance Worker
  91. Pingback: iPhoneWorld » Antworten auf die wichtigsten Fragen zum iPhone 3G in Deutschland

  92. I'm waiting for the 3G iPhone to break away from AT&T (I used to work for them, enough said). Apple for sure doesn't need them and they'd benefit a lot from an unlocked phone. I'm sure money and politics play(ed) a part, but the iPhone is established now. Apple certainly can hardball AT&T if they want.

    Like

  93. I'm waiting for the 3G iPhone to break away from AT&T (I used to work for them, enough said). Apple for sure doesn't need them and they'd benefit a lot from an unlocked phone. I'm sure money and politics play(ed) a part, but the iPhone is established now. Apple certainly can hardball AT&T if they want.

    Like

Comments are closed.