Tmobile G2: Why there's a little love in a thing called Gingerbread.

You'll recall I did a review of my Tmobile G2 smartphone a few weeks ago.  I really liked it, but it wasn't love.  Recently, the operating system was upgraded from Android version 2.2 (FroYo - or Frozen Yogurt) to version 2.3.4 (Gingerbread).  I'm not explaining the names.  If you don't follow android, you won't get it in the space I have available here.  Either way, this update was provided by Tmobile over-the-air (OTA).  All I had to do was poke a button and it installed. 

At first glance, the update was a bit of a yawn.  Some things on the screen that were white are now black, which does look better asthtetically, but that was about the only visible change.  Over the past few days since the update, however, things have taken a turn for the better.  In my review, I noted one very annoying thing my phone did that I didn't like:  it would not stay connected to my wireless network at home.  Tmobile customer support gave me the runaround, stating they couldn't guarantee the function of the phone on anyone's network but their own.  For several reasons, I felt this was a phone issue and not anything to do with my home network.  I have now been vindicated because since the Gingerbread update, the phone now stays firmly attached to my home network like I would expect it to.  Take THAT Tmo! 

The other major improvement is the battery life between charging.  Through general use, I would basically need to charge the battery every night.  It wasn't completely drained, but it would need a charge by early the next day if I didn't.  I'd have to estimate that my battery life as a result of the upgrade has been extended by 75%.  I can pretty much squeeze 2 days out of my battery between charging now.

I originally stated in my review that if the wireless issue was fixed, I'd be able to give it 4.5 starts out of 5 instead of the 3.5 I gave it.  I can firmly give it the 4.5 stars it deserves.  I'm liking it more and more each day. 

Review: Kemps Chocolate Malt Milk

After our review of Kemps Root Beer Milk, we had high hopes for the Chocolate Malt version.  I was expecting kind of a Whopper smoothie.  Unfortunately, I was disappointed.  I WANTED to like it, but I couldn't.  The chocolate flavor was a little heavy, although it was better after I added a little white milk to it.  The malt flavor was, for some reason, too fake.  As with the Root Beer milk, you'd be wise to either enjoy it on its own or be very selective with the foods you eat with it.  My first experience was when I used it as a chaser to my soft shell taco.  BAD IDEA - not a good combination, in my opinion, but Karen said she didn't mind it.  Overall, Karen was less critical of the flavor.  I think my taco/chocolate malt milk combo I tried left a bad taste in my mouth (literally and figuratively).  Go ahead and try it, but you've been warned.  I'll stick to real chocolate malts for now.

Verdict:  Dustin:  1 1/2 stars out of 5.  Karen:  2 1/2 stars out of 5.