Version: 2008
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Cell phones for football

Kent German 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.

Product name
Price $121.50 Check Prices Check Prices $49.99 to $299.99 Check Prices
CNET editors' rating
Average user rating
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 technologyCDMA2000 1X
CDMA
WCDMA (UMTS) / GSM
WCDMA (UMTS) / GSM
CDMA2000 1X
Weight4.69 oz
4.06 oz
3.5 oz
3.2 oz
4.4 oz
Talk timeUp to 240 min
Up to 228 min
Up to 240 min
Up to 180 min
345 min
Wireless InterfaceBluetooth
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Service ProviderVerizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless
AT&T
AT&T
Sprint Nextel
Band / modeCDMA 800/1900
Info unavailableWCDMA (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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