Getting The Best Mytouch 4g

Pros: Form factor & build quality, HSPA+, FFC w/video chat, weight, nice screen (though not SAMOLED), decent battery thus far, OTA update to 2.2.1 within hours after I walked out of the store

Cons: Espresso UI; the “MyTouch” branding is a little “teeny” and silly IMO

It’s an excellent alternative to the physical keyboard devices such as the G2 and MT3G Slide.  The MT4G has a FAST processor.

In summary, the MT4G has a solid build quality comparable to other non-MyTouch HTC devices on the market, is responsive, has smokin’ data speeds if you have HSPA+ available in your area (I got over 7mbps using Speedtest’s app), dedicated camera button, LED flash, and although the speaker is a bit tinny, the volume has been sufficient on conference calls, standard calls have been solid, and the MT4G offers WiFi calling and mobile hot spot feature (note that WiFi calling states it will use plan minutes, and the mobile hot spot feature requires addition of the $14.99 plan – still cheaper than Verizon & Sprint).

If it weren’t for Espresso UI and the “MY Touch” blazened on the front, it’d be near perfect compared to any other phone currently available in T-Mob’s line.

It’s always fun to head down to one of our local carrier stores whenever a new HTC handset is launched. Today was no exception as the launch of the myTouch 4G looks to be T-Mobile’s front runner for this Holiday Season.

The store

As usual, my local T-Mobile store did some slight rearrangement in order to prominently show off the new myTouch 4G.

The display

While the exterior design is reminiscent of the other myTouch phones from T-Mobile, the build quality is definitely on par with what HTC has been pushing out the door lately. We didn’t get a chance to test out the video calling functionality of the phone, but we were definitely impressed with the images and video quality that the camera produced. Overall, we were extremely satisfied with the time we spent with the new T-Mobile myTouch 4G.

Duracell myGrid iPhone Starter Kit + Power Tips Review

Duracell myGrid is a charging pad for wirelessly charging all of your mobile devices. You can plop up to 4 devices onto the myGrid charger mat for immediate charging. There are no more charging cables to worry about, no cord clutter, and it charges as fast as a standard USB 2.0 charger. The only cable involved is the one powering myGrid. The iPhone Starter Kit comes with myGrid and one iPhone 3G/3GS Power Sleeve. Duracell makes Power Sleeves for BlackBerry Curve, BlackBerry Pearl, and iPod Touch.

What’s in the myGrid iPhone Starter Kit Box:

1 x Duracell myGrid Charging Pad
1 x iPhone Power Sleeve
1 x Power Cable for myGrid

What’s in the Power Clip + Tips Box:

1 x Duracell Power Clip
2 x Micro USB tips
2 x Mini USB tips
1 x Nokia Tip

The myGrid charging pad is very impressive looking. The iPhone Power Sleeve is nicer than we expected. Duracell’s myGrid takes the clutter and hassle out of charging your mobile devices. The charging time is the same as charging your phone with a regular USB 2.0 cable. The power clip snaps onto the adapter with a magnet. The Power Clips will work with almost any device that uses a micro or mini-USB adapter, not just mobile devices.

You place the device with it’s power sleeve or clips on to the pad and it charges at full speed without requiring a charger. There’s no lag, charging begins immediately as the device makes contact with the pad. You’ll need a Power Sleeve or Power Clip for each one of your devices. Using a charging pad is convenient as long as you keep the power sleeves and power clips attached to your devices all the time (which is not always ideal). The “Cell Phone Starter Kit” includes the myGrid and Power Clip + Tips is also $74.99. The Power Sleeves range from $17 to $37.

Duracell myGrid wireless charging pad review

Now Duracell has its myGrid wireless charging pad that will recharge your iPhone or Blackberry without it ever physically connecting. The myGrid can charge four gadgets at the same time without using a cable.

Just place an iPhone, BlackBerry or other compatible device on the myGrid mat and the devices start charging. Each device also needs an adapter, which is provided in a handy black sleeve or clip with tiny metal electrical contacts on the outside.

Adapter sleeves are available for a range of popular gadgets, including BlackBerry phones, iPod Touch and also some Motorola and Nokia phones. The myGrid is great to use if you have the relevant phones. Overall, the Duracell myGrid as a definite step in the right direction as far as wireless charging is concerned.