SmartPhones

[Netpackrat]

They fuck you with the cell phones....

[Termite]

The phones know where they have been, and there is so much information flying between the phone and the network that, well, let's say if you value your privacy more than the features of a smartphone (or really a regular phone), you shouldn't have one.

I don't.

And, FYI, you being an engineer and such, it really isn't that hard to physically sever the GPS antenna connection in your phone.

[blackeagle603]

as for scanners to listen in on CDMA based phones...

CDMA based phones use a spread spectrum signal with no carrier. It amounts to unique coded broadband noise for each device using that bit of spectrum. It was developed originally for secure military apps and commercialized by Qualcomm.

It is so difficult (read virtually impossible -- every bit just looks like noise and there's no carrier to sync to) to tap that nameless Federal agency held up approval of standards and put QCOM's investment at risk in the early 90's. The approval process started moving again after a brief delay. I have no idea what happened or if backdoors were coded in for use by said nameless Federal agency. Nothing to see here folks. Move along.

So, if you're thinking about scanning CDMA cell phone signals without being able to directly access the infrastruce -- good luck with that. Thank you very much Hedy LaMarr.

[esa5444]

The phones know where they have been, and there is so much information flying between the phone and the network that, well, let's say if you value your privacy more than the features of a smartphone (or really a regular phone), you shouldn't have one.

I don't.

And, FYI, you being an engineer and such, it really isn't that hard to physically sever the GPS antenna connection in your phone.

It is. The GPS is on the same chips as the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. And I use the GPS and Bluetooth a lot, so it would be a waste.

You do know, by the way, that even "regular" non-smart phones also have GPS receivers and can broadcast their position? Every phone made since like 1997 has been that way. In fact, with a smart-phone, I'd say, it's a lot easier to at least tell when the GPS is turned on.

[Greg]

Posting this from the G2, while catching up on my House backlog on Tivo. Having fun- hardware qwerty rewls. The little optical trackpad dealie on this model is surprisingly useful, and IMO definitely underappreciated.

[Termite]

It is. The GPS is on the same chips as the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. And I use the GPS and Bluetooth a lot, so it would be a waste.

You do know, by the way, that even "regular" non-smart phones also have GPS receivers and can broadcast their position? Every phone made since like 1997 has been that way. In fact, with a smart-phone, I'd say, it's a lot easier to at least tell when the GPS is turned on.

I keep my GPS info feature set for "emergency calls only". The only time it works, according to the user manual, is when 911 is dialed. I used to have an older model that did not have E-911 ability, but the ringer died on it.

And if I decide to do something "hinky", I will turn off the phone, and remove the battery.

[HTRN]

You know, one of the little details I liked about burn notice is you see them switching to new burner phones every once in awhile....

[Lokidude]

And if I decide to do something "hinky", I will turn off the phone, and remove the battery.

Not me. I'd be handing it to a trusted associate for the duration.

[Kommander]

And if I decide to do something "hinky", I will turn off the phone, and remove the battery.

Not me. I'd be handing it to a trusted associate for the duration.

One of these days this is going to bite the authorities in the ass.

"This is Delta Team! We have located the suspects location via cell phone and are moving in. Delta Team breach and clear! GO GO GO!"

*BOOOOOOOM*

"Delta team whats going on? Do you copy? Delta team? DELTA TEAM!"

[rightisright]

If you are that paranoid and want a smartphone, get one on a month to month plan and pay w. cash. Create a throwaway email addy and be done w. it.