The browser wars are back! While Microsoft took its eye off the Internet Explorer ball, allowing it to become increasingly insecure, Mozilla.org has been brewing a lean and mean open-source browser called Firefox, which has now reached preview release status. We have a preview of this increasingly popular program -- check back soon for our full review. This week also sees Orange's latest Windows smartphone reviewed, and after four attempts we think the company has a winner on its hands. Read our review and see if you agree.
Charles McLellan, Reviews Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TOP REVIEWS THIS WEEK: -- Firefox 1.0PR: a first look -- Orange SPV C500 -- Vodafone launches BlackBerry smartphone -- 3G data: the choice expands -- T-Mobile 3G Communication Centre -- Maxtor OneTouch II: a first look -- Stowaway Universal Bluetooth Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . *************************** ADVERTISEMENT *************************** The ZDNet UK IT Priorities Conference, 28 September, London A Technology Roadmap for the IT Professional The IT Priorities Conference tackles the most important technology issues facing the UK IT community. Speakers include Jon Higgins, Head of e-commerce, Tesco, Adam Jollans, Worldwide Linux Strategy Manager, IBM, Paul Stimpson, Global Head of Technology Risk, ABN Amro, and more. Register today: http://newsletters.zdnetuk.cneteu.net/t/33994/1427290/10961/0/ *********************************************************************** Firefox 1.0PR: a first look This free browser has more features than the most recent version of Internet Explorer. Check out our first impressions. http://newsletters.zdnetuk.cneteu.net/t/33994/1427290/13328/0/ Orange SPV C500 The SPV C500 is a distinct improvement on its predecessors: at the fourth attempt, Orange has come up with a Windows Mobile-based smartphone that many people would be happy to carry most of the time. http://newsletters.zdnetuk.cneteu.net/t/33994/1427290/13329/0/ Vodafone launches BlackBerry smartphone Smaller and lighter than the Treo 600, Vodafone's new BlackBerry 7100v eschews the thumb keyboard that made the original famous. But it's a much better phone than previous models. http://newsletters.zdnetuk.cneteu.net/t/33994/1427290/13330/0/ 3G data: the choice expands Mobile professionals now have a choice of three 3G mobile data solutions from UK network operators. Check out our reviews. http://newsletters.zdnetuk.cneteu.net/t/33994/1427290/13331/0/ T-Mobile 3G Communication Centre T-Mobile's 3G datacard includes access to Wi-Fi hot-spots as part of the bundle, but its ease of installation and tariff structure could be improved. http://newsletters.zdnetuk.cneteu.net/t/33994/1427290/13332/0/ Maxtor OneTouch II: a first look Maxtor's OneTouch II incorporates more features and protection than its predecessor and makes one-button backup even easier. http://newsletters.zdnetuk.cneteu.net/t/33994/1427290/13333/0/ Stowaway Universal Bluetooth Keyboard Users of Bluetooth-equipped handhelds and smartphones will love this well-designed folding keyboard, although Palm OS fans will have to wait for drivers. http://newsletters.zdnetuk.cneteu.net/t/33994/1427290/13334/0/ . . . . . . . . . . READER RESPONSE OF THE WEEK . . . . . . . . . . . Product: Sierra Wireless Voq Professional Reader: Geoff Brown Response: "In my work as IT manager for a large sales organization, I see a wide range of handsets. The Voq is one of the most impressive I have ever seen and I am seriously considering kitting out my sales teams with the device. http://newsletters.zdnetuk.cneteu.net/t/33994/1427290/13335/0/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . READER POLL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . "Microsoft plans to remove some features -- principally WinFS -- from Longhorn in order to meet its 2006 deadline. What do you make of this development?" -- A sensible move, given the project's delays -- It leaves Longhorn seriously compromised -- Don't care: I run Linux -- Don't care: I run MacOS -- What's Longhorn? To vote in this poll, click here: http://newsletters.zdnetuk.cneteu.net/t/33994/1427290/1309/0/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . *************************** ADVERTISEMENT *************************** Kick-start your IT Career with Brain Academy v2.0! If you have an aptitude for coding and a genuine interest in IT but don't have the necessary qualifications then Brain Academy is the competition for you! 3 lucky winners will receive an automatic interview for a Computer Science degree at London�s Queen Mary College, along with a host of fantastic prizes, including the opportunity to work at Builder UK. 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