One of the most interesting editorial pieces we’ve ever written was our article, Hunting Down A Unicorn: The VPhone.  For us, we spent considerable time last year working to get current information about the device, only to find none.  In response to our article, certain representatives of Saygus, the company behind VPhone, started inundating us with emails and comments making various claims about our article.

Because it’s now been more than seven months since our article posted, we thought we’d do a little recap on the VPhone.

People ask us all the time about activating old phones on Verizon.  It’s a relatively simple process, really, but there are a few things you should know before making any purchases or switches.  We will explain what constitutes and “old” phone, what to look out for, and how to get the device active.

This is a follow up to our article titled “The Basics: Understanding Verizon’s Upgrade Policy.”

We get a lot of searches and questions from people trying to understand Verizon Wireless’ upgrade policies and discounts.  Our Upgrade Policy article accounts for a lot of our traffic, but upon further review, we felt it might be prudent to follow up with an article explaining why discounting has changed over the years, and what it looks like today.

If you haven’t read the original upgrade article, please read it first.

And now… the fascinating world of Verizon Wireless subsidy.

Many sites review new products before they are launched, and after having maybe thirty minutes with the device.  Others are sent a test device to review, which allows for a little more time.  And even a few others buy the device outright, review it, and keep it in their “phone closet” for some future purpose.

When we were asked to write up a review of the Xoom, we had a dilemma.

PhoneCan couldn’t afford to send anyone to CES a couple months back, so that type of review was out of the question.  And the manufacturers surely aren’t going to send their products to be reviewed by a site that’s focused more on the empowerment of the customer than they are driving sales.  So, that left us with only one option left: buy a device and test it.

So we did.

And our review comes after the break.

Of all the questions and search keywords we come across on this site, there’s one that rises above all the rest: help me understand a Verizon Wireless upgrade.

This question is understandable, really, seeing as how Verizon’s upgrade policy has been rewritten a bit over the past couple months.  But even before the changes, people were asking us for help.

Upgrades are really quite simple, but because of the recent changes, we’re going to split this answer into two sections: customers who signed their last contract in 2010 or earlier, and those who signed their contract in 2011.  New customers will want to pay attention to the second section, as this will pertain to them as well.

Come along with us as we tackle the complexity of a Verizon Wireless upgrade.

On many occasions, we’ve been witness to confusion concerning the type of technology used by Verizon Wireless - some of which is also used by Sprint, MetroPCS, and regional wireless service providers.  Of this site’s internal visitor statistics, we often see people searching for information about the wireless technology being used by Verizon.  The information is actually rather simple, but the common consumer is probably confused by terms such as “1X” and “EVDO.”

Follow us after the break to better understand the technology that Verizon (and others) use, and what some of the technical jargon really means.

This morning, Verizon Wireless announced the launch data and pricing for the Motorola Xoom, a device originally seen among the 4G devices at CES in January.

Much speculation has surrounded the impending release of this device, mostly centered around pricing.  Early on, the “$799″ price was thrown around a bit on many sites, and was quickly followed by disbelief that anyone would pay THAT MUCH for a tablet, let alone an Android device.

The speculation can now end.  Verizon has announced that, indeed, the device will cost $799.99 - without a contract.  It will, however, cost $599.99 WITH a two-year contract.  Both will require a minimum plan of $20/mo for 1GB/mo.   No word on one-year contract availability.

The device will be the first major launch of an Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) device.

Interestingly, while the device was announced as a 4G LTE unit, the Xoom will launch with a 3G radio and be upgradable to 4G in the near future, at no cost.

The Verizon Wireless demo of Xoom can be found here.

Now that Verizon Wireless has the Iphone, they’re taking some time to change their upgrade and return policies.

Make no mistake; these changes came when they did because of that device. Call it a “cost” of selling the device that so many wanted. The iPhone is expensive, and Apple has some VERY specific price points where they sell their product. But there’s no use arguing over the why, what’s important is how it affects you the consumer.

Join us after the break as we go over what’s changing, what isn’t, and what you can do about it.

Verizon Wireless and Apple Inc. have officially announced that Verizon Wireless will soon be carrying the Apple iPhone 4.

After years of demand, and a year of heavy rumor-swapping in 2010, the long-awaited Verizon iPhone is a reality.

Not much is known about the device yet, but given the remarks and answers provided by Verizon and Apple leadership, this iteration of the iPhone is nearly identical to the iPhone 4 on AT&T, with the change coming from adding the CDMA chipsets to the device to function on Verizon’s network.  The most popular features of the iPhone 4, including Facetime, will be included in this device.  Verizon also stated that the device would include mobile hotspot of up to five connections.

The phone will be available for pre-order online on February 3rd, and available in stores, online, or over the phone on February 10.

Expect further coverage as details become available.

Verizon Wireless held a press conference extravaganza this afternoon, announcing new LTE phones, netbooks, and tablets.

There are several sites that have been able to do hand-on inspections of the devices.  Unfortunately, PhoneCan couldn’t be there to do the same, so we’ve got a quick side-by-side of the devices for you to look at.  First, we’ll look at the LTE phones.