Kent German,
Senior Editor
September 9, 2008
With the kick off to football season just a few days away, it's time to think about the best tech for a sports fan. Though a new flat-screen TV may be at top of your list, a cell phone should not be overlooked. Many carriers now offer streaming video or real television on their handsets that can deliver highlights of the game, scores, standings, and even fantasy football games. You can catch up on game moments you miss while running to the store, or you can relive your favorite plays after the last touchdown.
Verizon Wireless' Mobile TV service brings an actual TV signal right to your phone. The quality is very good and you don't need cell reception to use it. Supported handsets include the excellent LG Voyager and the LG VX9400. These handsets also have Verizon's V Cast service, which offers streaming video content from channels such as ESPN and Fox Sports. AT&T also offers its own TV and video services. You can use AT&T Mobile TV on the Samsung Access and the LG Vu. And not be outdone, Sprint offers an NFL Mobile application on some of its phones. The exclusive service offers a variety of content including live audio broadcast of every game. Supported models include the Samsung Instinct and the Motorola Razr VE20. Whichever device you choose, just keep in mind that the viewing experience will be nothing like your home TV--and remember, cell phones don't have cup holders.
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| Price | $5.24 | Check Prices | Check Prices | $49.99 to $349.99 | $129.99 |
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| Review date | November 16, 2007 | May 04, 2007 | May 09, 2008 | April 30, 2008 | June 06, 2008 |
| The Bottom Line | Though we had some minor complaints here and there, the Voyager's sleek design, generous feature set and excellent performance make it the best LG messaging and multimedia phone by far. | If it's the video experience you're after, the LG VX9400 is the better of the two original V Cast Mobile TV phones. But if making calls is just as important, then you may find the LG VX9400 a bit tedious to use. | Though it offers a new AT&T feature, the Samsung Access isn't a compelling alternative to the flashier LG Vu. | Despite a few quibbles with the touch screen, its full features and excellent performance make the LG Vu one of the hottest phones this year. | The Samsung Instinct stands out as one of Sprint's finest devices to date. It's just too bad its call quality could use some improvement. |
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| Features | |||||
| Cellular technology | CDMA2000 1X | CDMA | WCDMA (UMTS) / GSM | WCDMA (UMTS) / GSM | CDMA2000 1X |
| Weight | 4.69 oz | 4.06 oz | 3.5 oz | 3.2 oz | 4.4 oz |
| Talk time | Up to 240 min | Up to 228 min | Up to 240 min | Up to 180 min | 345 min |
| Wireless Interface | Bluetooth (A2DP) | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
| Service Provider | Verizon Wireless | Verizon Wireless | AT&T | AT&T | Sprint Nextel |
| Band / mode | CDMA 800/1900 | Info unavailable | WCDMA (UMTS) / GSM 850/900/1800/1900 | WCDMA (UMTS) / GSM 850/900/1800/1900 | CDMA2000 1X 1900/800 |
| Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications |
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