When a new device incorporates the functionality of two or more earlier devices, it is a converged device. The development of a convergence device occurs when miniaturization or economics makes it possible to cram extra functionality into an existing device, or when technology common to two devices is factored out to make a more efficient [more...]
A modern cellphone must of course include a cellular radio transmitter and receiver. But many feature-phones and smartphones contain other kinds of radio. A basic GSM phone such as the Nokia 3120 contains a cellular transceiver capable of operating on multiple frequency bands, three in this case: 850MHz, 1800MHz and 1900MHz. For maximum connectivity around the [more...]
Geocaching is the recreational activity of hunting for a hidden cache of “treasure” using a GPS receiver. Using the published co-ordinates of the cache, and perhaps a simple clue, you find your way to the designated location to discover a small container containing the “treasure”. There are hundreds of thousands of geocaches hidden all over the [more...]
GPS, the Global Positioning System, can determine your location anywhere on the earth. In good conditions the accuracy is just a few meters. How can GPS do this? The GPS system uses a constellation of over 24 satellites orbiting the earth. The orbits are arranged so that several satellites are “in view” at any time, from [more...]
Orienteering is the sport of running across the countryside, using a map and compass to make your way from checkpoint to checkpoint as quickly as you can. Cunning running, if you like. Because orienteering is a big word, it’s often simply referred to as “O” by its adherents. The sport originated in Norway (PDF), where the [more...]
The N800 and N810 Nokia Internet tablets are both pocketable devices with 4.13 inch 800×480 screens. They run the same Maemo operating system (based on Linux) and include a full web browser (with JavaScript and Flash), music player, and many other applications. Both have stereo speakers and a headphone jack. The form factors are the most [more...]
The biggest difference between the original iPhone and the iPhone 3G is that the iPhone 3G supports third generation phone networks, which can transfer data much faster. The fastest data transfer supported is 3.6Mbit/s HSDPA which, although not the maximum that HSDPA can support, is fast for mobile web browsing. 3G is supported on the [more...]