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© arrayexception

Several online tech rumor mills are reporting the latest buzz on Sprint and BlackBerry. Specifically, the rumor is that Sprint has decided against putting a BlackBerry Playbook device on its 4G WiMax network. The carrier already offers a version of the tablet that runs on WiFi connections.

Sprint had said publicly back in January that it was planning to release a 4G Playbook sometime this fall. However, since that time the Playbook has received mixed reviews. Some customers love it, but others see it as coming up short compared to the iPad because of its lack of apps, and because it required a BlackBerry phone in the vicinity to perform certain functions. Perhaps for these reasons and others, Sprint is now backing away from its plans for a 4G Playbook.

© Mike Saechang

Samsung has unveiled a massive 4.5 inch new phone, the Infuse 4G, that runs on AT&T's network. The best part of this phone is the gorgeous 4.5 inch screen which uses Samsung's Super AMOLED Plus technology to make video and images pop.

The large screen blurs the line between a phone and tablet, but the Infuse is still easy to hold, super thin and light. One of the only downsides is that the Infuse is running Android 2.2 Froyo, which is an OS that is already out of date by six months. Another issue is the 4G speeds from AT&T. Speed tests on the phone show that downloads usually average around 2.5 Mbps, which is about twice as fast as a good 3G connection, but nowhere near as fast as the speeds that have been clocked on Verizon's 4G network. It will still be faster than your current 3G phone, and AT&T claims that the Infuse can achieve speeds up to 6 Mbps under optimal conditions.

© Ian Muttoo

WiMax in the NYC area will be expanded thanks to a partnership between Clearwire, Sprint and TWC. 4G WiMax coverage will now reach over 90,000 more people for a total of almost 12 million in the NYC metro area, including New Rochelle, Hartsdale and Rockville Centre.

WiMax coverage will also extend into the New Jersey communities of Fair Lawn, Seacaucus, Bayonne, Paramus, Elizabeth, and more. Consumer subscription packages are offered through TWC, with three different levels of service available. The cheapest plan is the National Choice 4G/3G service for $19,99 per month, which is capped at 250 MB. The 4G Elite plan is an unlimited, 4G-only plan for $39.99 per month, while the National Elite is the most expensive at $49.99 per month for unlimited 4G/3G service. The Clearwire 4G WiMax network is available in various cities across the US and can reach a total of 130 million people.