questions

Use Google Docs to create a weekly football pick sheet

The 2009 football season has arrived, and with it the need for somebody in the office to collect everyone's picks in the weekly football pool. Google Docs' forms function makes recording the pigskin prognostications as easy as siding with whoever's playing the Detroit Lions this week.

On the Google Docs main page, click New > Spreadsheet to open a blank worksheet. Click Form > Create a form to open the Edit form dialog. Give the form a name in the top text box. Type "Name" in the Question Title text box, choose Text in the Question … Read more

The 411: Envious of Europe

Welcome to the 411, my new Q&A column answering all your questions about cell phones and cell phone accessories. I receive plenty of questions about these subjects via e-mail, so I figured many of you might have the same questions, too. At times, I might solicit answers from readers if I'm stumped. Send your questions and comments to me at nicole.lee@cnet.com. If you prefer to remain anonymous, let me know in the e-mail.

I notice that the Sony Cybershot C905i has built-in Wi-Fi, but the Cybershot C905a does not. Is this a mistake? If … Read more

The 411: Do the Jitterbug

What is your opinion of the Jitterbug for seniors? My dad is 93, in good mental and physical shape and travels … Read more

The 411: Demystifying 3G

Will you please explain to me the difference between 2G and 3G phones? Thank you ever so much in advance.--Michael, … Read more

The 411: Would you get the LG Watch Phone?

I'm looking to buy a new cellular phone, and seek your advice. I want the best CDMA (for Verizon) phone that isn't a BlackBerry or 3G/smartphone for plan purposes. I've pretty much come down to the Versa and the EnV Touch. I've found the EnV to be superior in terms of hardware specs, but it's difficult to know without reviewing them both myself. But you reviewed them both yourself! So you could help me! -- Dillen, via e-mail

I've answered this on the Dialed In podcast already, but thought it would be good to put this in the column as well. Both the LG Versa and the EnV Touch have pros and cons, but I tend to lean toward the EnV Touch for the better keyboard and design. The features are very similar, and the Versa is better if you like having optional modules and like to go without a keyboard every once in awhile. Still, the EnV Touch has a better camera and is a little more affordable. Perhaps we should have a Prizefight between the two phones--thanks for the idea!… Read more

Reader's Questions About the Pre #2

Answering a few more reader's questions about the Palm Pre...

Kim Dushinski, founder of Mobile Marketing Profits says:

I am a very happy Pre owner (got mine on launch day!) I have a couple questions.

#1.

Q. Is there a way to back space without deleting?

A. Moving the cursor is done by holding the Orange key and swiping on the screen. Article here.

Q. How do I close down the Web without having to "back" out of each page to get the web card in the deck so I can swipe it off the top … Read more

The pen is mightier for $1,000, Alex

Right down to the opening music, sound effects, and applause, Jeopardy Deluxe seeks to replicate the experience of the popular, long-lived TV game show on which it's based. This game adds to the immersion by letting you build and name your own avatar, with different options for hair, complexion, clothing, etc., (although the customization is pretty limited, compared with more-complex games), and your avatar reacts appropriately, whether clapping or pumping his or her fists.

The format and flow of the game, as well as the categories and questions, follow the TV show very closely--right down to the Jeopardy, Double … Read more

Reader's Questions About the Pre #1

I'm asking my blog readers and Twitter followers to submit their questions about the Palm Pre.

Here are the first two questions, both from Scott Makis, a fellow Palm fan on Facebook.

Do you really consider the Pre the Iphone killer or is that just hype?

No, I wouldn't even compare them. To me, Palm's devices are built for the business user. The iPhone is made for entertainment. They both have their place, but personally, I have zero interest in an iPhone. While the Pre is short on apps, it's big on organization and usability. I'… Read more

The 411: Pre vs. iPhone, Limited Bluetooth, Amazon deals

I have the new Palm Pre and I am very concerned about the battery drain. The last phone that I had was the Instinct and was a smartphone and a good phone. But it was not an iPhone, so when the Palm Pre came out, I was happy that they had a phone that can holds a match to the iPhone. But the battery has me worried so I went out and got an iPhone 3G 8G and am trying it out. The iPhone is really a great device. But I have heard that AT&T has poor signal and service. I have been with Sprint for nine years and love their service and signal is dependable and the everything plan is great and affordable compared with AT&T. Do you have any help for me making this choose. -- Bradford, via e-mail

You'll have to decide which is more important for you--battery life, proper coverage, or affordability. As you've already mentioned, the Palm Pre has problems with battery life, and AT&T sometimes has poor coverage depending on your area (You should investigate this further in your own home and office instead of just relying on random hearsay though--you might find that you have good AT&T coverage in your area). It's also not as if the iPhone doesn't have battery issues either, depending on how much you use it. Since you seem to be more keen on sticking with Sprint though, I would suggest you stay with the Palm Pre for the time being, despite the poor battery life. Our own Bonnie Cha has released a brief how-to on maximizing the battery life on the Palm Pre. If that still isn't good enough, I would encourage taking a look at some of Sprint's other smartphones like the HTC Touch Pro, which might have a slightly longer battery life.… Read more

The 411: Transferring from a Razr

Welcome to the 411, my Q&A column answering all your questions about cell phones and cell phone accessories. I receive plenty of questions about these subjects via e-mail, so I figured many of you might have the same questions, too. At times, I might solicit answers from readers if I'm stumped. Send your questions and comments to me at nicole.lee@cnet.com. If you prefer to remain anonymous, let me know in the e-mail.

Hi, I currently have a Samsung Glyde through Verizon Wireless. As with many owners I have had my share of problems with it, I'm on my third replacement. I have been looking for a new phone for some time and also considering a switch possibly to Sprint for the Palm Pre. The problem I have is deciding to switch or wait for a better phone on Verizon, the Storm2 and Omnia i8910 (HD) come to mind. I mainly use my phone for the internet, email, and messenging. Any suggestions? --Derek, via e-mail

I'm sorry to hear you've had so much trouble with the Samsung Glyde, though you did not specify what went wrong. As for possible replacements, the Palm Pre is certainly an attractive device, but do note that you might not have to switch to Sprint to get it. Verizon has already mentioned that it hopes to get its own version of the Palm Pre next year. Or, as you mentioned, you could also wait for the BlackBerry Storm 2.

Also, I think you confused the Samsung Omnia 2 with the Omnia i8910 HD---as far as we know, the Samsung i8910 HD is a GSM product and will not be going to Verizon. It sounds like you want a phone with a keyboard, which the Samsung Omnia 2 would not have. Since it seems like you're willing to wait for a new phone, I would suggest waiting around until the Palm Pre gets approved for Verizon and take a look at that.

Update: After some thought, you might want to consider the LG enV Touch as well. It is similar to the Samsung Glyde in that it has a touch screen and a full QWERTY keyboard. You'll also be able to keep your current data plan without additional charges. It's definitely not as advanced as the Pre, the Storm, or the Omnia though, so it depends on your priorities.… Read more