Non-Nextel push-to-talk systems really make me wonder, because I've never met a single user of any of them. Sprint, Cingular, and Verizon all have their own walkie-talkie systems now. But who are these people talking to? You can only push-to-talk within your own network, and all three networks have relatively few PTT subscribers and relatively few PTT phones.
Businesses use PTT because it's fast, cheaper than making real phone calls, and it lets you form impromptu workgroups. Individuals like PTT because it's cheap and they can show off how popular they are by blaring their conversations so loudly that everyone in a 10-foot radius can hear them.
But PTT is pointless if there's nobody else out there to talk to. While non-Nextel PTT might make sense for corporate buyers who are creating workgroups of phones, it makes much less sense for individuals. If PTT came on all of a carrier's phones for free -- like with Nextel -- the situation might be different, but for now, it's a thoroughly marginal service.
Cingular's newly launched PTT service comes with two phones, and I'm probably not going to review either of them. So here's one.
Samsung SGH-D357 (Cingular) What do the Samsung naming codes mean? Phones that start with "SPH" are for Sprint. "SCH" is Verizon. And "SGH" is for T-Mobile and Cingular.
Lowest price: $99.99 with rebates Key features: Push-to-talk, EDGE semi-high-speed data, Bluetooth Pros: Kinda cute. PTT means a very loud speaker. Cons: You're paying extra for a feature you probably won't use. Would I recommend it? I just can't see why anyone would use Cingular's PTT system. Get a Motorola V557 instead.
Anyone who reads Gearlog knows that I love to report on wacky stuff. Remember the Japanese Musical Toilet?
Well, there's a new butt squatter coming to a an expensive bathroom near you: the Swash. So what actually is it? Designed by Brondell, the swash is "a high-tech toilet seat that utilizes two retractable water wands to provide a fresh and hygienic cleansing of posterior and feminine areas."
There are two versions of the Swash: The Swash 400 ($469) and the Swash 600 ($599). Both feature a heated seat with adjustable temperature, pressure, and pulsation controls; a gentle-closing seat and lid; and a germ-resistant seat. But the 600 model features a warm air dryer with three levels.
Brondell's idea was to help eliminate the need for toilet paper. Well, if that's the case, then Charmin and Scott won't be too happy!
I'm testing Verizon's RAZR V3c right now, and I was shocked to find my phone's Bluetooth is open for business: you can transfer pictures and MP3s to and from the phone, assign your own MP3s as ringtones, and even connect to the phone as a laptop modem (though my phone wasn't provisioned properly for that to work.) That goes against years of Verizon policy; the carrier is famous for crippling Bluetooth to prevent you from transferring pictures or ringtones. Users hate this. Verizon's anti-file-transfer policy even resulted in a class action lawsuit, which was settled in September.
The press release for the V3c says file transfers are banned. But file transfers work on two RAZRs I've tried, and I've heard reports from other users that the feature works on theirs, as well. Meanwhile, over on Howard Forums, there seem to be mixed reports; one fan managed to get totally contradictory answers from Verizon sales and support staff when he asked about Bluetooth.
I've asked Verizon about this and they haven't given me a definitive answer yet. The fully-activated Bluetooth seems to be unintentional, but widespread. I'm praying they'll call me back and tell me that yes, they've seen the light and have decided to let people connect their cameraphones to their PCs in the way that the makers intended. Come on, guys. I'll give you an Editor's Choice with little hearts and flowers attached.
Personally, I'm waiting for the foot-rubbing, glass-of-wine-fetching robot. In the meantime, in a perfectly logical followup to its popular Roomba vacuuming robot, iRobot presents the Scooba. PC Magazine's resident robot obsessive enthusiast, Lance Ulanoff, tested it exhaustively; read his review here. The Scooba should be shipping in the U.S. soon, and you can preorder it from iRobot's site for $399.99.
For those who already own a Roomba and want to get it a holiday present, Jennifer DeLeo found the answer: the wacky folks at myroombud.com create handmade outfits for your debris-sucking pal. They're sold on eBay.
On Monday, I told you about Creative's new Zen Vision: M mp3 and video player ($329.99). If you don't want to wait for an e-mail alert to tell you when it's available for purchase, Amazon.com is now taking preorders.
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