Mumbling Again

Official iSync Support for PEBL with OS X

Just as I predicted in my original PEBL review, Apple has updated iSync to add support for the Motorola PEBL and a slew of other phones. You'll need to be running OS X Tiger with the 10.4.6 update that came out on April 3rd. This can be downloaded through the built-in Software Update program.

Using the Motorola PEBL with a Mac

This is not a generic review of the PEBL but rather one that is geared towards using it with a Mac. Check out Mobile Review if you want the full details, I don't want to be redundant.

This is the most beautiful phone I've ever held and it feels great in your hand. The rubberized metal shell is rugged but warm and somehow soft. The keypad is a little awkward at first but I easily adjusted to it and the subtle textures and raised divisions make it easy to operate without looking. Unfortunately the directional rocker with select button in the middle is very uncomfortable for me to use with my large hands. I've started holding the phone so that the bottom when flipped open is above my ring finger. This is slightly more ergonomic for me and doesn't hurt my thumb as much while using the rocker/select area. However this area is still very small and slippery compared to the other buttons and its easy to hit the wrong function.

Good Bye Verizon, Hello Moto PEBL

Dear Verizon,

I wish I could say, "it's not you, it's me," but the fact is you treated me badly and I've met someone else. Let's face it, ours was a relationship of convenience, there was never any love. I know that hurts to hear, but after so long I feel at least I owe you the truth: Verizon, you're an ass, plain and simple.

You were available when I wanted service and not much more. I mean to say New York is a big city and there are lots of options for me here. Maybe if we were both stuck in a small town you'd still be my best choice—nah—sorry I'd still have to dump you for being a jerk.

I mean, I can only take so much abuse. Honestly, I've heard from some of your other ex-'s and I'm not the only one who wasn't happy with your controlling personality. I hope some day you grow up and become capable of a healthy, happy relationship.

Sorry to pop this on you with out much notice, but I've arranged to move my number out already. Hopefully I'll be out of your way soon.

Verizon Bluetooth Lawsuit

So when Verizon finally offered a Bluetooth phone, I was thrilled and immediately went out and bought one. I soon found out that almost all the features I wanted were disabled by Verizon. I got pissed and posted this on slashdot:

Verizon Crippled Bluetooth Features in Motorola v710
Apparently Verizon Wireless has put firmware with crippled Bluetooth features in the new Motorola v710 phone. A lot of people have been anticipating a Bluetooth phone from Verizon, only to be dissappointed by lack of OBEX. Verizon says they have no plan to add OBEX because it doesn't fit their business model—greedy bastards. PC Magazine doesn't have very nice things to say either. More discussion here.

I returned the phone under the 14 day trial period that Verizon offers. They gave me a refund and switched me back to my old contact and contract end date. However they've been charging me $10 a month now for my "Free nights & weekends." Each month I have to call up and bitch at them until they refund the charge and credit my account an additional $20 for wasting my time. They always say that it will be fixed on my next statement but it never is.