PhoneCan is proud to announce that it has launched its own forum pages!

OK, so really, it’s been there for a long time and we forgot to link to it.  But it’s there.  And unlike some other forums, this one will be MODERATED, or in the least, someone will be keeping an eye on it.

Come take a look at the forum pages and help us get the conversation started!

If you are dependable and would like to volunteer to help keep an eye on the forums, send me a message.

These past few years have seen a lot of change in the wireless market.  But possibly the biggest changes have come to the smartphone segment of the business.

In 2006, if you were looking for a smartphone - often referred to as “PDA phones” at that time - you were a niche customer.  You were a business person in need of mobile email and scheduling.  Or you were a tech guru just interested in doing something with your phone that would make others slack-jawed in awe.  Or, you just had to have the latest and best thing, even if you had few plans on utilizing the device to a portion of it’s potential.

You were the type that didn’t mind side pouches and belt holsters, nor the size of your phone.  You were perfectly fine with constant charging and carrying spare batteries.  A stylus was your best friend, and that docking station at the store seemed to want to join you.

And functionality wasn’t as important as portability.  You knew you could barely get onto your favorite web sites, but if you tweaked some settings you could at least read the text.  Email was good for reading, and gave you lots of time to think about a response on the way back to the computer - unless, of course, it was something important you needed to reply to.  Or something you could reply back to in less than ten words.

You were willing to pay $300 to $500 for a phone on contract, and add a $44.99 monthly Internet plan on top of your existing voice plan.

Yes, PDA phone afficionado, you were all about sacrifice.  From the battery to your wallet, you knew what you wanted, and you bought into it.

Then, everything changed.  

I came across an interesting online exchange this morning, and thought it was be a good moment to describe who PhoneCan.com is, and why we’re different. This isn’t a memo, it’s a mission statement.  Now, show me the money.

Just kidding.

Hello PhoneCan

I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself. On Phonescoop, Engadget, and technology forums, I go by the name Menno, so that’s what I’ll use here as well. I’m a teck geek. I spend more time than what most people consider “normal” reading up about technology in general and cell phone’s in particular. I’m also a marketing major, economic hobbyist, and someone who spent a lot of time getting to know the cell phone industry itself.

When I read customers asking questions on forums, I’d try to do my best to help them, but I quickly discovered that forums weren’t the best medium for this. There are some very common questions that come up month in and month out, so I’d find myself answering the same thing over and over again. I started blogging on my own, but I only have a very narrow range of experience for some things, such as the differences between carriers, and what’s the point of running a technology blog if you can’t get over your own biases? So I joined the PhoneCan team. 

What I hope to bring to PhoneCan is commentary on the wireless industry, specifically when it comes to technology. There are enough rumor sites out there, so I don’t plan on contributing to that. I’ll help you learn how to save money, choose a new carrier, and get the most out of your current device/plan. 

With the help of Epik, Guru, and others, I hope to create a website that will be your go-to destination when it comes to expert commentary on the wireless industry, and the location of some of the best reviews and insight available online, but we can only do that with an active community of writers and contributors.

So hello PhoneCan, let’s start creating.