Article on VCast

[cdma]

Verizon VCast is Sweet Music for Cell-Phone Toters, but Windows Wrecks Treo 700w

By Al Gibes

Is that the Web in your pocket or just a phone?

As Internet services expand beyond the laptop and desktop, that "third screen," your mobile device, is quickly becoming the new place for people to do what they used to do on their computer and television screens.

I've carried around four phones for nearly two months, testing new features and services. Last week I told you about the MobileESPN phone, geared to the sports nut. This week, I'll share my observations on two offerings from Verizon Wireless (www.verizonwireless.com): the Treo 700w and the upgraded VCast mobile service.

I've used Treo phones with the Palm operation system for several years, and now pack a Treo 650. I use it for e-mail, Web browsing, instant messaging, contact and calendar management, playing games, taking pictures and movies and any other functions provided on nearly all mobile phones. I think it's one of the best "smart phones" on the market.

I can't say the same about the Treo 700w, even though it does operate slightly faster than my 650. The reason I'm not a fan is that "w." It refers to the Windows Mobile operating system.

If you're a Windows devotee, and I know most people in the computer world are, I recommend this device. You can synchronize your Outlook e-mail, calendar and contact lists in very familiar fashion. Surfing the Web on the 700w is very Windows-like, too, and the speed is almost certainly faster than what you're getting on your current mobile device. You also have mobile versions of Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet Explorer and Windows Media Player.

Palm fans should wait for the Palm version of this device, or perhaps even the next update. When will the 700p become reality? The company isn't saying, but a Google search of Palm message boards reveals a wild rumor mill. Stay tuned; I'll probably be testing it.

Verizon's VCast service and phones kick music downloading up a notch, letting customers get songs and video on demand. While testing this phone I'd ask someone to name a song or artist and I'd show him how fast and easy it is to put that tune into his pocket.

Verizon partnered with Microsoft (I see a pattern here) in its music and playback technology. Customers can choose to download only to their phone for 99 cents, or to both their phone and computer for twice the price.

Not surprisingly, songs bought through VCast aren't compatible with the Apple iPod, and you can't download from the Apple iTunes store to VCast phones.

The service is good, the phones have expandable storage with mini secure digital (SD) cards and the sound is decent. Will this supplant the Apple giant? I don't see it happening, but Verizon customers have a good option for their pockets.

[ClwTL]

vcast games are so much better than the normal ones too. they are between 9 and 12 dollars for unlimited use but the graphics are similar to PSone. It does have to download each level to keep the filesize down on your phone. this charges airtime but if you have vcast the airtime won't be on the bill.