Always Getting the Latest is Important

The hardest part about having a pre-released blackberry is the OS updates. It's almost impossible to update your phone if you don't work for RIM or a carrier, but of course we can't let that hold us back, so here it is: Our recently updated Bold 2 - Onyx.

What's RIM Cooking These Days?

It might sound like a joke to many, but RIM's new phone goes by the codename "Mr. T". Yep, you read correctly, Mr. T is the codename for one of their latest phones in development.

What exactly is a "Mr. T"?

Mr. T is a QWERTY Keyboard Slider the size of a Storm with a full touchscreen.

This is not a rumor anymore, RIM is actually working on this phone full force, although its at a very early stage of development.

Another thing I know about it is that the ON/OFF and SEND/CANCEL buttons are on the screen, although anything can change at this point, except the fact, of course, that we will be getting a Slider from RIM.

Also, its not like a Sidekick, the keyboard here will come underneath the bottom of the phone, BUT then again, anything can change.

The question here will be to everyone out there: Will this be a Storm 3 or a completely NEW device?

What do you think?

What's The "Secret" Behind The BB Essex?

I waited for a while for all the big guys to announce it, out of respect for them, but I guess nobody is interested in letting the information out so I might as well do it. 

The secret behind the Essex is *drums* a new camera! That's right, a camera upgrade. 

Before you jump from excitement about the camera upgrade I just want to let you know that the pics I've seen are of early pre-production models, so if anything changes, please don't go crazy about it. Things like this change all the time, but it looks like RIM is finally giving us the update. So, here is to RIM leaving it on the  phone! CHEERS. 

Also, this might be a sign from RIM that every other Blackberry after the Essex might include a bigger/better camera too, so let's keep our fingers crossed.

Colorware is Awesome

I just got my Colorware Blackberry Tour and to share the excitement with all of you.

The fact that you can personalize a phone that a lot of people have and make it yours makes it awesome.

Here is a little video showing you the amazing job the guys at Colorware did on my Tour, which I use every day and absolutely love.

This is also to announce one of my next giveaways, and to let you know that if you think its a little "too pricy" you can still get one for free.

There is no rules yet, and I don't know when the giveaway will start, but stay tuned and you'll find out soon.

Quote

YouTube - Colorware

Awesome Costumer Service?

Don't you hate when you go on a website and you ask a million questions and everyone answers except for the guy that you want to get the answer from? Well, a way to get rid of that problem with this site is: If you have my personal PIN!

I'm going to get a phone just so that all of you can add me to your BBM and ask me direct questions. It won't be a pre-release, because I know those guys from RIM will kill the PIN, so I guess I'm going to get a classic BOLD.

RULES:

There is one ONE rule: No personal questions please. That's it. For everything else I'm always here for you as much as I possibly can.

Also, since I have a full time job I'll be answering questions whenever I'm free, so don't expect an immediate answer, but I'll answer as soon as I can. I promise.

Mainly what you want to ask me is about pre-released devices that I own already, I'm not very app savvy, but I'm thinking about hiring someone to answer all of your app questions here too. So stay tuned for that.

As soon as I get an extra Bold I'll post my PIN on twitter and here.

What do you guys think? Good idea or bad idea?

Can You Turn the "Clicking" Off On The Storm 2?

I'm not 100% sure the phone will come with the option to do it, but I can for sure make my phone stop clicking when I put another phone's battery in it... 

Here is a link to download the new video of the Storm 2 working without the classic "screen click":

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=CJ5N6ULL

Do you think the phone should have it as an option? I personally would like to be able to chose. 

Blog Giveaway

Last night I asked everyone a question on Twitter: "Who wants a NOT working Storm 2" and the responses where unbelievable. I never imagined people would be willing to even pay for a useless phone, but I guess I was wrong.

Here is the deal about the phone: The screen doesn't work, but I'm pretty sure that there is a way fix it. It sounds like something is "loose" inside of it, so if you can figure it out, you will be able to fix it.  (That's my guess). 

What am I going to do with this "useless" phone? 

You all know by know that I don't sell my phones, but for some reason, I love to give them away and this won't be the exception. 

How to Enter this Blog Giveaway?

- Simple, you just have to follow my blog. How? There is a little button on the right that says FOLLOW. 

- After following my blog, just leave a comment (only 1 please, double submissions will be disqualified) with your blog nickname and your twitter nickname too. 

I'll announce the winner on Monday. I can't give you a specific time, because I'll be working out of the office, but I will announce Monday for sure via THIS BLOG. 

Good luck to everyone and enjoy your weekend.

Remember the Blackberry Magnum?

Remember a while ago, probably 6 months ago, we all heard about this "mythical" Berry called "The Magnum"? We all thought it was going to have a touchscreen, full QWERTY keyboard, and it was supposed to be the size of a Bold. So, what ever happened to that phone?

I guess the answer to that one is easy:

1) Name: Dakota

2) Size: Bold size

3) full QWERTY keyboard

4) GSM 3G speeds

5) Has a trackpad <--- yes, you read correctly

6) Has a touchscreen (this is where the angels start singing)

7) Its development is AHEAD of the Blackberry Essex. Yep, we are going to see this bad boy really soon.

Would you be interested in buying it?

New OS version 5.0.0.230 for the Storm?

Ok, so a "new update"/OS version for the BB Storm just "leaked" and its OS v5.0.0.230. A lot of people is asking "Why is the file so small", and also "Why is installing this version different from any other OS installation?". And the answer is really simple: Because its NOT an OS version, it has to be a hybrid. 

Some are saying that RIM is getting rid of the .EXE to prevent leaks, but we know for a fact that RIM is still using .EXE internally, so that's BULLSHIT #1

Also, if you are able to install this OS on top of v5.0.0.191 that means is not an update, because we all know, that when updating your phone all previous OS versions MUST be deleted from your computer before installing the update. So that's BULLSHIT #2

EDIT: Some people told me that they can update their phone without deleting previous OS versions before, so I guess that's from my personal experience, BUT you NEVER have to download a previous version OS, install it, and then install the second version so that's why its BULLSHIT #2

I don't fully understand why people leaked this "hybrid" and called it an OS version, I don't see how that helps anyone. Why not just call it what it is; A HYBRID?

Please leave your comments, thoughts, and even suspicious as to why they want people to look at this "Hybrid" as another OS version. 

Release Dates for BB Bold 2 and Storm 2?

Yes, that's right. Everyone just keeps talking about these dates, and after reading a bunch of rumors I'm going to tell you exactly what I heard from 2 extremely good sources, but please keep in mind that things always change because there is more than 2 parties involved in these dates.

We all thought that the Bold 2 was coming out Before the Storm 2, simply because of the fact that the OS on the Bold 2 seemed to be ready before the Storm 2, but that's not the case. The Storm 2 will be out before the second generation Bold. 

"Official" Release Dates:

Storm 2: Mid October, but don't be fooled, Verizon won't be the first one releasing this berry, Vodafone will. Although Verizon is working really hard in order to get almost the same release as Vodafone my guess would be a week apart from each other, and then Canada will see the release soon after Verizon, if not at the same time. 

Bold 2: Since RIM decided to push the Storm 2 first, they want to give the second generation Storm a little air in order for it to sell as much as possible. This leads the Bold 2 - 9700 to release Mid November to almost the first days of December. Although, lucky people from the UK, here is some good news for you: T-Mobile UK is planning on releasing on October too. 

Like I said, nothing is for sure yet, but most likely  this is exactly what will happen. Just thought of posting this since everyone is just talking, but no announcements have been made so far by any carriers. 

Don't forget to comment, let me know your thoughts, and/or information if you have some insight. 

The Real Reason Why OS v5.0 Is Not Out Yet

Can you guess?

Before I start going off here, I just want to say that I might be 100% wrong here, but from my business POV this is why I think RIM hasn't released an official OS v5.0 yet.

We have at least 2 major phones from RIM that should be announced sooner than later; the Bold 2 and the Storm 2. What do those phones have in common? They are both running on 5.0, right?

Well, if RIM decided to release 5.0 right now, they would be giving your "old" Bold, Storm, Tour, etc.. a nice update, that might make people say "Hey, this is actually awesome, and my phone feels like a brand new phone again", and for that same reason their new product wouldn't sell as good as it is supposed to.

So, when are we going to see the official OS v5.0 being released? Easy, Between mid November - mid December.

You guys want to place a couple of bets here?

Please leave your comments and let me know how you feel about this move from RIM. I personally think its really smart on their behalf, business-wise, but as a consumer, I would just ask for an official 5.0 for my Tour now, and I promise them I'll buy the new Storm 2 when it comes out ;)

Upcoming Blackberry Phones: Should I wait?

There is a lot of us out there waiting for the "newer/better" Blackberries to come out or at least to be announced. So far, we are all sure that the new Bold 2 and Storm 2 are coming out soon for sure, but the big question here is: What's next?

And to answer that question you can do 2 things:

1) Go to your favorite Tech Site and read a bunch of rumors.

Or

2) Just read below about the new phones that are actually coming out and people have seen.

1) Blackberry Essex:

It's a 3G/CDMA/WiFi new version of the already released Blackberry Tour. Aside from the WiFi it comes with a Trackpad and a little "extra surprise" that I bet you'll love.

2) Blackberry 9100 A.K.A. Striker:

This one is a 3G + Trackpad blackberry pearl. Aside from those two new and nice new features, its slimmer than the upcoming 9700 (Bold 2) which will give the phone that sexier look.

3) Blackberry Curve 8530:

Just like the already released 8520, this one is just a curve, but for CDMA carriers. Expect it to be announced really soon.

That's it for now, and unfortunately I don't have any pictures of them, but I'm working on it. As soon as I get pics, you guys will be the first ones to know.

Also, rumor has it that RIM is releasing 16 new phones in 2010.

If you have any questions about these upcoming bad boys please feel free to ask.

Cool Giveaway = Blackberry 9520 (Storm 2)

As you all know by now, I let you guys decide what phone should be given away between the Bold 2 or the Storm 2 in a previous post I did, and the result was pretty much what I thought it would be: The Storm 2 (9520) absolutely destroyed the Bold 2 (9700).

I totally understand the excitement over the Storm 2, and I just can't blame you for taking one of these bad boys away from me, because the phone is simply excellent.

How to enter the giveaway?

1) You have to be following the next people on twitter:

@salomondrin

@Stylebybelen

2) After you are following the two of us, you just have to send me an e-mail to:

carlosponcedouble@gmail.com

SUBJECT: 9520 Giveaway

NAME: Carlos Ponce (Full names please).

TWITTER NICKNAME: @salomondrin

COUNTRY: USA

STATE: CA

* Please copy paste the paragraph above and substitute MY information with YOURS. I can't tell you how many people have e-mailed me my own information in the past (I'm not even kidding).

I think that's easy enough, right?

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Sunday, September 27th at noon Los Angeles time.

WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT: Monday, September 28th at 6 PM Los Angeles time.

I will ship worldwide for free too :D

Also, if you don't win the 9520 always remember that I'm doing a giveaway almost every 3 weeks, so you'll have another chance to win right after another.

Good Luck to everyone, and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

BROWSER: ONYX Vs ODIN

Both phones running on WiFi, and the result is as I would've expect it to be, but I'm sure things will change though.

Check out the video or download it here: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=7VLSX860

Browser: WiFi Vs 3G speeds

As we all know WiFi is always a good extra to have on your phone, but does it really make that big of a difference? 

Why don't you be the judge of that. 

Here is a link to download:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=PE7NXCF2

Here is the video:

So, after watching this, how do you feel about WiFi? 

Storm 2 Vs Bold 2

These are two second generation bad boys that are about to come out, and people is not even close to being patiently waiting for their release.

To make the wait a little bit better I decided to post here a nice comparison of both phones when taking a picture and video recording.

I'm about to start production for one of my movies, and today I'm going to go to Universal Studio's backlot to do some location scouting, so I'll take some nice pics and videos there and then post them here.

Which one will be the best one? Stay tuned for more. 

UPDATE: Here are the pics:

BOLD 2

STORM 2

How to upload a video without getting it removed

Hey guys,

As you've all seen already, most of my videos have been getting removed, but a really cool guy sent me an idea that might actually solve our problems, and avoid the videos from being deleted.

Here it is step by step:

1) Download my video from the link I put up.

2) Upload to youtube

3) Once uploaded to youtube, post it as an EDUCATIONAL video.

4) On the MORE INFO section copy/past this paragraph:

Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

5) Add you own description of the video underneath that paragraph and enjoy.

NOTE: I'm not 100% sure it will work, but we might as well give it a shot right? 

I can't tell you how much I appreciate all of your work guys. You are the best, and make this a lot of fun! 

Second Odin Typing Video

If you saw the video already or if you are about to see it, I want you to keep this in mind:

"I'm not hitting the right keys, but the phone knows exactly what I'm trying to type, which makes typing on it a breeze".

Want to download the video?

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=CS65RS46

Interested In Buying a Pre-Released Blackberry?

Where to look for them?

Nice and easy:

1) e-bay is always a good place to find pre-releases.

2) Craigslist, believe it or not. You might be surprised what you can find in there.

3) People around the forums of every blackberry website (You never know who's really who, so pay close attention to people that make a couple of comments on the "upcoming" devices forums).

Always have this in mind: IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, ITS A SCAM.

How to Avoid Getting Scammed:

1) Always ask the seller for references (Who have you sold phones to?, and do you mind me asking them about your transaction?).

2) Ask for a picture of the phone next to a piece of paper with your "Nickname" on it.

3) Ask for pictures of the back of the phone, the front of the phone, the sides, and the camera. (This way you won't get a broken/scratched phone).

How to Make Sure You Are Getting A Fully Working Phone:

1) Ask the seller to make a video of the phone texting you, using the video camera, the camera, and the ABOUT SCREEN.

2) Ask the seller to send you a PIN MESSAGE, then reply to that PIN MESSAGE from your current phone, and finally ask the seller to take a picture of the phone you want to buy showing your PIN MESSAGE on the screen.

* I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR WHATEVER HAPPENS IN YOUR TRANSACTIONS, NOBODY IS ASKING YOU TO BUY THESE PHONES, THESE ARE JUST TIPS.

If you have any questions regarding these few points, please comment on the blog, and I'll be more than happy to help you.

Some Storm 2 (Odin) Videos I made

I haven't had a chance to post in one place all of my Odin videos, but since I just opened my own blog I have the liberty of doing whatever I want :)

What's cool about this? The simple fact that I made a video about a SPONGE and got over 200k views in a couple of days! LOL

Thanks to everyone for watching and your comments. Be sure that more videos will surface soon!

YouTube - 9550 - A Look at the Hardware

YouTube - Blackberry Storm 2 review

YouTube - New Blackberry Storm 2 video

YouTube - Odin Typing

Celebrating Blog Opening = BB GIVEAWAY!

Hey everyone,

Just as an appreciation gesture to all of you for all the love you've shown, support, and your kind words about my blog, I'll be giving away a brand new "pre-released" berry to the winner.

What Berry? Well, its up to you.

You guys can pick between the 9700 (GSM) & the 9520 (GSM).

How can you pick? It's simple just leave a comment, here on the blog, saying which model you think should be given away.

On Sunday at noon, Los Angeles time, I'll count all your votes and then start the giveaway madness! Enjoy, and thank you very much guys for the love.

NOTE: On Sunday I'll announce what berry model will be given away, not the winner.

Why am I doing this giveaway? Because giving back to the blackberry community is COOL :D

Blackberry Onyx, A MUST HAVE…?

As much as I wanted to hate the new Blackberry ONYX, I found it impossible. It’s not because the phone isn’t great, but because of the Storm 2 coming out at the same time, and I just couldn’t put the idea of having this phone instead of the Odin in my head, it just sounded crazy to me.

The new Blackberry ONYX-9700 is a MUST HAVE, no questions asked. Why?! Its not only because its newer than a Bold, its because of EVERYTHING.

The way it LOOKS: It just screams elegance and sexiness really LOUD. So loud your neighbors might call the cops on you.

The way if FEELS: Not only is it smaller than a Bold, and even than the Tour, but once you grab the phone you’ll know you have the ultimate phone experience in the palm of your hand. It’s light, amazingly and surprisingly easy to text on, and the trackpad… Holly Crap, the TRACKPAD…. Its just heavenly to use, and it can only be compared to God kissing you with a mouth full of scotch. The trackpad on the 9700 may look like the one on the 8520, but believe me when I say this one is on a whole different league of its own. It just feels like its going to last forever, and I’m all about that idea.

Without getting too technical lets just put it this way: If you have a GSM carrier and you don’t get this phone, then you are missing out just like a teenager boy going through puberty that didn’t make it to the prom.

I guess it’s bye-bye to my Tour, switching to an Odin, and using my Onyx on the side too.

Blackberry Onyx = Awesomeness

HAVE YOU HEARD OF MR. ME 2?

Do you sometimes wonder: How is it that I can never get a pre release? Well... the answer is simple.. Because they are all sitting here at my desk! LOL

Welcome

To The Cool Guy Report,

This is were i will be reporting all of my contests, latest info and videos.

I am doing this blog to show my appreciation to everyone that follows me on twitter!

Hope Everyone Enjoys it!

Please fill free to contact me with any questions or suggestions!

-Salomondrin