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    <title><![CDATA[Discussion on Poll: When asked, what smartphone platform do you recommend? ]]></title>
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        <title><![CDATA[Android...]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3659261]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[Well, Android maintains a sync connection with Google as long as the user has it enabled, which is going to be in most instances for almost all users. So it'll go out and check email, contacts, calendaring, etc., and if your users are making changes on the relevant accounts on their computers, then yes, it's going to send that info to the phone.It's what it's designed to do, after all.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3659261]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[jeb.hoge@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Mon, 09 Apr 2012 07:37:32 -0700</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[OK then]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3658983]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[It's still a Hardware Issue and it's the Makers Responsibility to either fix or replace.Don't bother with Call Centres go directly to the Makers Service Agents and ask politely for a solution.If they are unable to provide one go to the Phone's supplier and say you want a replacement either a different Model or Make &amp; Model that actually works. Consumer Protection laws are there for a reason and while I worked as a Companies Service Agent I was always peeved off by the Poor Service that the Customers got till they hit me who  fixed their problems. If there is a design Issue with the Phone the Service Agent is the only place to bother with not a Call Centre who most likely is controlled by the Phone Company who supplied the Phone not the Makers Service Agents/Division.I've been responsible for several Model Recalls for things a lot more expensive than a $100.00 to manufacture handsets. The devices that I used to work with where high end cars and there was never an issue with a Model Recall over a Safety/Saleability issue. One report that I wrote for a Coroner ever resulted in Federal Laws changes as no make or model car meet existing Local Laws here. A little thing like the Bonnet being narrower than the Front Windscreen, so in a heavy front end collision the bonnet had the ability to enter the cockpit through the glass killing people. Just look at any car they mostly all still suffer for this issue but their way around it is to reclassify the Front Screen as a Structial Member which in most cases will deflect the Bonnet over the roof. While that is true its not always what happens.  If you still get no satisfaction, then you get the Legal people Involved and start with the Consumer Protection Agencies in your area, but realistically all you want is another handset that works. Col]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3658983]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[HAL 9000]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Sat, 07 Apr 2012 04:13:20 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[When asked, what smartphone platform do you recommend?]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3658959]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[Android ICS 4.0.3Having said that ... the OS is becoming irrelevant ... the front end with an &quot;easy-to-use&quot; interface that works properly is more important.Access to free or cheap apps is a plus ... Android has Play Store, SlideME and GetJar, so not tied to one source only like the iPhone.The disadvantage of Android is the tendency for hardware suppliers to tinker so to make this OS better behind the scenes Google needs to exert some control.But I will stick with Android devices having used them quite happily from version 2.1.ScottyJavea]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3658959]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[ScottyJavea]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Sat, 07 Apr 2012 01:44:36 -0700</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[USB connection]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3658798]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[...not WiFi connection, and it's 13 minutes for (a) the software to recognise the handset, and then (b) synchronise.You can't synchronise the Samsung phone using WiFi, unless you use the incredibly (even more) laborious process of three-way synching with Google, and potentially suffer the consequences of having your entire contact list stored on the Evil Empire's servers.And like I said, the WiFi connection is not that much of an issue. I just happened to mention it first because it was top of mind, but what really got my back up in the first place, and put me in such a foul mood over this phone, was the inability to sync my calendar as easily and quickly as a BB or Windows or iPhone does. It's a long-winded palaver, and the calendar sync only works from Outlook to the phone, not in the other direction (which kinda nullifies the point of having a smart phone in the first place, doesn't it).]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3658798]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[chrisbedford]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Fri, 06 Apr 2012 06:38:04 -0700</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[RE:- ...what's left to blame?]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3658777]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[So exactly how many times have you changed the Handset?Resetting a faulty NB to Defaults or reloading Windows doesn't fix a faulty WiFi Device in a NB so why would you think that it would in a Phone?If something doesn't work as you expect it to return it for repairs and be very specific about what you are experiencing. If it doesn't work when it is returned demand a new one to replace the unrepairable one that they supplied you. If the replacement one doesn't work demand a Replacement phone of a different Make Model from your Telco which is whom I presume you got the phone from to begin with. 13 Minutes to get a working WiFi Connection even on the most Secure Network which I very much doubt you have there is not Acceptable and in anyones language points to a device that is Unserviceable and there for unsalable under Consumer Protection Laws.Col]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3658777]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[HAL 9000]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Fri, 06 Apr 2012 04:52:34 -0700</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[In reality]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3658577]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[what matters is that is does the job you need/want, effectively, pleasantly. All OS-eology aside.So: Try 'em out. Despite the President's love for his device, Blackberry is, unfortunately, iffy right now. Remember, they, not Apple invented the genre. Like Metro, soon they'll be a zillion apps just like the others. Like guaranteed satisfaction, try iPhones. Geek--Android is good for this.Final analysis: The first paragraph.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3658577]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[d_baron@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Thu, 05 Apr 2012 10:03:20 -0700</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Just had this discussion with my daughter]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3658580]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[Like most folks here, I get asked this question.  Last week it was my daughter who works in IT. My response was pretty much what people have been saying.  It depends on who you are and what you want to do.If you live in the i-verse (Mac, ipod, itunes, etc) get an iphone.  You're there all ready and it works with everything you do.If you're a Google docs/apps, GMail, etc person go Android.If you want a phone to do all the basic web/email/social/games stuff and don't tinker with it, get an iphone.If you play with, experiment, or do remote adminstration tasks, get an Android.Unless BB and WP8 really pull out all stops and do something spectacular this year, I don't plan on recommending either.Of course the greatest point of recommendation is what is the coverage of your local carrier and what data network and phone options do they give you?  That may override any of the above recommendations.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3658580]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[rodd.holman@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Thu, 05 Apr 2012 09:16:18 -0700</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Definitely conditional...]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3658554]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[It has a lot to do with their existing &quot;environment.&quot; One of the first things I'll ask is if the person uses Apple/iPod/iTunes. If the answer is &quot;no,&quot; then that knocks iOS way down the list. If it's &quot;yes,&quot; then iOS is much more logical to recommend. I'll also ask if they use GMail. If that's a &quot;yes,&quot; then Android may make more sense. BUT, and this is a big point, it's important to ask what they want out of a phone. I know someone who wanted to get a keyboard to send text messages and the salesweasel put a Droid 2 in her hand and said &quot;well, you'll need this&quot; despite her lack of interest in any smartphone functionality.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3658554]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[jeb.hoge@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Thu, 05 Apr 2012 08:24:37 -0700</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Platform is not the major concern]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3658463]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[These days, I find that Sony Mobile (Ericsson no longer applicable) is the best Android phone maker that makes Android phone work out of the box delivering similar (if not better) experience to the iPhone. Second place perhaps would go to Motorola.Windows phone 7 is still relatively new. Unless you have needs for deep integration with Microsoft infrastructure, I see no reason to get it. App makers still make better apps on Android and Apple.I personally can't recommend Blackberry. The way it works is just too ridiculous.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3658463]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[t3chn0m4nc3r04@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Thu, 05 Apr 2012 02:23:01 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Interesting to review the various opinions aired here]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3658222]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[I just came across The Oatmeal's post on Smartphones. In it, this quote: &quot;You bring up war, poverty, or famine in conversation and you???ll find a barren vacuum of opinions. You announce what kind of phone you have and you???ll spend the next hour enduring and obnoxious holy war&quot;Never were truer words spoken. Or blogged, or whatever. The full entry is at theoatmeal [dot] com [slash] comics [slash] smartphone]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3658222]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[chrisbedford]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Wed, 04 Apr 2012 08:39:23 -0700</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Ever tried arguing with call centre agents?]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3658240]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[That's what I tried telling them - it's the hardware. Not interested. &quot;Reinstall the software, sir&quot;. OK, done that, now what? &quot;The developers are working on the issue, sir.&quot;Incidentally, the WiFi issue I may have exaggerated a tad - it's not that bad, it does give problems from time to time, but it's unlikely to be the cause of my sync issues since the phone can only be properly synchronised using USB.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3658240]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[chrisbedford]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Wed, 04 Apr 2012 08:35:18 -0700</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[What's left to blame? The CARRIER!]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3657757]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[The iPhone is the only phone where the manufacturer has total control over the software. (A fluke. Apple insisted, and Cingular was in such bad shape they were forced to agree.) For every other phone, the carrier makes the final determination of what version, features, patches, and mandatory software ships with the phone. And often customized hardware, as well. Lots of bugs, no incentive for the carrier to fix, since it won't make them any more money from you.And don't hold your breath waiting for that upgrade to ICS. You'll need a new phone for that.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3657757]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stevadson]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Mon, 02 Apr 2012 21:42:07 -0700</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Windows Phone]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3657570]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[I recommend Windows Phone all the way.  Much better and more intuitive than iPhone and Android phones.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3657570]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[qhcomputingny]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Mon, 02 Apr 2012 06:45:57 -0700</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[What's left to blame? The hardware!]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3657540]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[Seriously, did it not occur to you that the hardware may have problems?Calendar data, whatever the amount and whatever any call centre &quot;techs&quot; say, do not cause WiFi issues but WiFi issues can and very likely will cause syncing problems.Like someone else wrote on another comment, insist on getting the phone fixed (or replaced), especially if it still is on warranty or contract.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3657540]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[techrepublic@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Mon, 02 Apr 2012 05:58:01 -0700</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Android]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3657532]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[For some reason I have grown to like android. It does what I need, you can customize it when you wish, my wife loves it too. The cost / performance is what I love most, even small low cost phones can run android, as well as bigger, dualcore ones.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3657532]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Vladio]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Mon, 02 Apr 2012 04:24:05 -0700</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[iphone disappointment- but coverage is key]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3657521]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[After using an Evo(Sprint), switched to iPhone(AT&amp;T) like the rest of the family, purely for coverage reasons. If there was 4G in my new home &amp; work area I would still be on the Evo. Simple things like being able to put a temporary post-it on my main screen (and having 5 screens to configure). iPhone you actually have to create an icon to put a reminder on the screen. The iTunes app market also does not have several excellent apps I used on my Evo. iCloud also is annoying if you don't have a separate account for each family member. If hubby downloads an iPad app that's iPhone-able, it pops up on my phone. It's been my conclusion that the jokes they used to make about Windows (windows users are dumb, mac users are hip and savvy) is the opposite. The &quot;it just works&quot; iOS is the made-for-dummies interface. Sadly the iPhone was more expensive and the AT&amp;T contract also way more expensive. But as hubby points out, if you can't get a signal or the call is dropped, doesn't matter how much you like your phone, and the iPhones and other iOS devices do work well with each other. I am hoping that by the time our contracts are up, that this whole area is 4G and we can go back to Sprint and save $$.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3657521]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[artlife]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Mon, 02 Apr 2012 04:13:16 -0700</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[I have been using Android for months and I am a very happy user...]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3657478]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[...what's left to blame?I was using a windows phone for a long time and would never want to change but MS took too long to upgrade themself so I've decided to move to Android. I am using a Galaxy Note and lot of my other friends are using SGSII, all are happy including myself and didn't face any big troubles...I think its either your particular phone or ?]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3657478]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[ravivarmab@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Mon, 02 Apr 2012 01:39:29 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[I can understand  ...]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3657485]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[... when people recommend 'any' of those options.  Apart from those people who recommend Blackberry!o-0]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3657485]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[5haggi]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Mon, 02 Apr 2012 01:30:08 -0700</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[I cannot find any note online about this problem]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3657443]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[Luck you! Your wife's blackberry problem is unique.I have a few suggestions:Try setting &quot;Allow Outgoing Calls while Locked&quot; to Enabled. Yes, I said outgoing.Try not manually locking the phone and call it from another phone. If that works, set your automatic time out lock to a shorter period and don't manually lock the phone.Ask her BES administrator if anyone else is having the problem. Have him check the BES settings under password security.Assuming that you are using an official BB holster, try turning off auto lock when holstered. Also, see what happens when you set auto-answer calls when removing from holster.Check that you have the latest OS for your particular model BB.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3657443]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[JJFitz]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Sun, 01 Apr 2012 14:51:33 -0700</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Depends on the person]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3657434]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[If someone asks me - then I recommend either iPhone or Android.If they just want something that will work and is simple, iPhone. If they are a bit more tech savvy and want more customisation, Android.Windows Phone is just stupid - got that stupid bad use of screen space layout going on. Metro is even more boring and ugly than iOS - looks like its been designed by Fisher Price for 5 year olds.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/discussions/102-390430-3657434]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[pethers]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Sun, 01 Apr 2012 14:40:15 -0700</pubDate>
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