Moving? Move to a WiFi Friendly City!

Christopher Elliott writes for Microsoft Small Business about the Top 5 Wi-Fi friendly cities!

• Seattle
• San Francisco
• Austin, Texas
• Portland, Ore.
• Atlanta

Read the entire Article

Google News for mobile devices

Today, Google announced the availability of Google News for mobile devices, further demonstrating Google’s focus on making the mobile phone a more convenient and reliable device for accessing useful and relevant information while on the go. Whether waiting in the doctor’s office, riding the train to work or standing in line at the local market, mobile phone users will now be able to search and read the latest headlines quickly and easily on their web-enabled mobile devices.

Google News offers quick headline updates, the ability to search current news and browse categories that enable quick and easy access to the news that matters most to individual users. To access Google News, users simply visit google.com on their mobile phone’s web browser, and click the link to Google News. Users will then be directed to links and headlines for the top news stories.

Once an article has been selected, users are sent directly to the news source. Google News also provides users with the option to browse through quick links to specific news categories such as Business, Science/Tech, Sports, Health, and Entertainment. Only sources whose content has been designed specifically for viewing on mobile devices are displayed, ensuring that users can quickly and easily read the news they want.

Google News is currently available in the U.S., and we are exploring opportunities to make the service available in other international markets.

Day Seven with the Palm Treo 650

OK. These last couple days have been intentionally stretched out a little, so this day is coming a little late. This is the last day I will be reporting on this. This phone has my wife’s name all over it now.

Come on you’ll, I admit it!
First of all I have to admit, I am totally impressed with how far the Palm OS has come over the last few years. I will also ring a sediment that doesn’t even need saying since its so apparent, the TREO is a monstor of a device. I can see why this phone is so popular now. The sad thing is that it took me more than a year to try it out. In December 2004, Marcus Adolphson  from treocentral.com, had the "Brand New" 650 in his hands and I thought it was great looking but I snubbed it since it was a Palm.

It takes a week!
For a total Palm newbie, as I consider myself, I have to say it has a one week learning curve. I am just now learning to use it effectively. I have tried plenty of software and just the basics of using it to its fullest have taken me some time to get used to, but now I feel like a pro!

One handed Ops
The Palm Treo rocks in the department of one handing. There is not much to say about it, it works.

Will I use it?
Nope, The Treo 650 is one hell of a machine, but I am gonna hop back over to my arena now. I was really fun learning the differences between the two OS versions, but I feel naked without a Windows Mobile Device. It will not leave my house though, I am thinking that it will be great for my wife!

Thanks, Thanks, Thanks!!!!
I want to thank EVERYONE that read my adventure. Even if you think I am an idiot, thanks for reading anyhow. I really appreciated the comments and the suggestions. This was a sincere effort to understand why the Palm Treos are so damn popular. For anyone wondering, I purchased this device out of my own pocket as well.

Special Thanks to

• Astraware
• Dossy - Hope you get your 650 working….
• Alex of Treobits

Microsoft Origami Video Leaked?

There were some little comments and preview/undercover type pictures of Microsoft’s supposed next media platform on the web this last week but not really much more info.

Today a friend tipped me off to a neat link that has one of the supposed marketing videos for the Origami.

You can see the video here:
YouTube.com Video

It does look like if this is a valid product it is in its engineering stages still as the pictures even in the movie all seem to look simulated (to me at least). Also, no real talking or big time advertising with the movie, plus it is longer than a commerical would be, so I am assuming it is some type of PR material (if it is valid at all).

 

Apple Announcement Today : That’s it?

OK, I understand that Apple didn’t promise the world they were going to release some new item we all couldn’t live without. I understand that the blog and media hype allowed this announcement to snowball. I understand that rumors are just that, rumors. BUT…. That’s it? An accessory and a mini computer? All they buzz and I am sure Apple loved every minute of it for an iPod Accessory and a Mini Computer.

Come on, where’s the goods? Where are all the phones, video ipods, etc that we have all been speculating and starting rumor buzz about?

Well, as disappointed as I am, I guess I can share my enthusiasm and link the wonderful press releases!

Apple Announces iPod Hi-Fi

Apple Unveils Mac mini with Intel Core Duo

Fully washable mice and keyboards for the germophobe in you

There’s a guy at work that comes in on night shift who is a major germophobe and he shares a desk with someone who uses it during the day.  The day shift guy is forever getting sick and coughing and sneezing all over the computer, so when the germ fearing guy comes in he uses a spray bottle filled with isopropyl alcohol to hose down the phone, mouse, keyboard and desk.

The new Scroll Seal Mouse and Spill Seal Keyboard from Unotron are perfect in this type of situation.  They are both fully sealed and can be completely immersed, allowing for easy and complete disenfection.

These mice and keyboards will be indispensable at hospitals, especially after studies have shown that dangerous bacteria can survive on keyboards for over twenty-four hours.  And, for those of you who don’t mind germs but like to eat while you work, you can just wash all the crumbs and spills right out.

Source: The Raw Feed 

New iPod Case…What were they thinking?

So look at the above cases. We have the New iPod Case, the Vaja I-Vod, and the Piel Frama case. All are leather, but too badly the new iPod case is a slip case….so you have to slip the iPod in and out to use it thus scratching the screen overtime (unless you have a screen protector).

Plus, the new iPod case is also veyr simple in design and really does not have too much to offer IMO, it is just a simple slip case.

But lets just throw something new into the mix….PRICE. Here it is:

• New iPod Case - $99
• Vaja I-Vod - $80
• Piel Frama - $60

Can you belive this? In my mind the absolute worst case here (the new iPod case) is the most expensive by far! Talk about paying for the brand name….the Vaja and Piel Frama both are made of some of the best leather in the world and yet are still cheaper. What are you thinking Apple?

Well, if you must see it, here is the link to the Apple Case:
Apple.com

Note: Just my little rant on this new case

The Mac mini

I know that this is not a "portable" device per se . . . but it is definitely small enough to be mobile! Read on.

Apple has unveiled the new Mac mini with the Intel Core Duo processor, with the promise of delivering performance up to four times faster than its predecessor, with prices starting at US$599 in the American market.

The new personal computer features Apple’s Front Row media package, giving Mac mini gives customers a way to enjoy their digital content on the Mac mini including music, photos and videos from across the room using the Apple Remote. With the latest version of Front Row, customers can now access shared iTunes playlists, iPhoto libraries and video throughout their home via Bonjour, Apple’s zero configuration wireless networking built into Mac OS X.

The new Mac mini offers a new system architecture, including a 667 MHz front-side bus and 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM memory expandable to 2GB. With the latest high-performance connectivity options, every new Mac mini now includes built-in 10/100/1000 BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed networking, built-in AirPort Extreme 802.11g WiFi for fast 54 Mbps wireless networking, built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) and a total of four USB 2.0 ports, twice as many as the previous generation.

[Read more]

Jack Cook’s Favorite Game, Cubis…

All of us have their favorite game and I certainly am no exception. There are several that I like to play as a diversion but there is one that I always go back to when I need a break and that game is Cubis!

I absolutely love it! It can be as challenging as you want it and, for me, it serves as a great diversion. When WM5 came out, it would not work…I was SO disappointed. As a matter of fact, I called Astraware to find out what the story was….and they replied: "it will come"!

Well, it is here, I am happy and I had a hard time deciding whether or not I was going to download and play it first or share this info with you. Guess what I did?

With CUBIS, you enter the third dimension of puzzle gaming with 100 hand-designed levels, 3D isometric graphics as well as an excellent tutorial to introduce you to the game. In addition, there are 3 detailed graphic themes that you get to choose from (Mayan, Leonardo and Chinese. I always choose the Mayan…not sure why, I just like it!

I was incredibly impressed with the install (I guess you know the answer to the question I asked above now)! There was this VERY COOL startup screen that asked what OS you were using…this was very cool and yes, I was impressed. SO now I am very happy because I am playing the game on my K-Jam and it is just terrific! If you have never played it before, try it…I guarantee that you will like it!

Cubis Features

• One hundred ingenious hand-designed levels!
• Revolutionary new 3D isometric graphics!
• Three gorgeously detailed background schemes - ‘Mayan’, ‘Leonardo’ and ‘Chinese’!
• Comprehensive ten-level tutorial to introduce you to all aspects of the game!
• Catchy in-game music!
• Classic cube-matching game play!
• Extraordinarily accurate conversion of the online game by Freshgames LLC!

You can download your copy of CUBIS here at the Astraware Web Site

Jack Cook

Origami, Microsoft’s new Pocket PC like device

This may be interesting to keep an eye on.

Microsoft is planning to release a post card sized tablet PC like device that will allow you to play music, browse the web, and use a pen to take notes.

The aren’t giving many details or a release date, but do say that there will be announcements over the coming weeks.

Read more about it here. 

Deal on Garmin Forerunner 201 GPS

A few days ago we had posted about a new wrist GPS. But if you still like the looks of the slightly older generation of wrist GPS systems from Garmin, Amazon.com has a great deal on the Forerunner 201 GPS.

I usually see this GPS priced around $180 (Amazon says usually $167.99) and right now through the deal you can get it for $114.99 with free shipping!

Some Features:

• Integrated GPS receiver displays your progress on favorite routes and saves up to 100 locations
• Virtual Partner mode sets time, pace, and distance goals and races you against digital competitor
• History function breaks down workout statistics by day or cumulative weeks; includes serial PC interface
• Adjustable wristband and AC desktop charger; measures 3.26 x 1.71 x 9.69 inches (W x H x D); 1-year warranty
• Waterproof, wrist-mounted training device/GPS receiver for tracking lap times, distance, and calories burned

See the deal at Amazon.

Apple MacBook, Keyboardless!

Warning, the following image is not a real product!!!! But I wish it was!

Last week Engadget held a contest to submit ideas, photoshops, etc of what Steve would do. With the "Big" announcement everyone is buzzing about tommorow, Engadget announced their winners of the contest. I liked the winning entries myself, but this honorable mention entry below is my favorite!

Go over to Engadget and check them all out, there are some really super Photoshoppers out there!

HP iPAQ hx2790 Review

I guess this sounds like an older model, but its not. It’s a reworked version of a previous release. My buddy Jason Dunn had a great description of what this is, a dot release PDA!

Lisa Gade gets no sleep aparentley as she keep churning out the reviews.

"The hx2790 is HP’s top-of-the-line hx2000 model running Windows Mobile 5, and it’s likely the fastest Windows Mobile 5 Pocket PC. It offers a lot of bang for the buck: a 624 MHz processor, 192 megs of flash ROM for program and file storage, WiFi, Bluetooth, biometric fingerprint security, an SD slot and a CF type II slot. Despite the plentiful features, the iPAQ is reasonably compact. It hit the market with a $499 US list price, while the iPAQ hx2490 (520 MHz, less flash memory and no biometric fingerprint scanner) lists for $399 and the 312 MHz 2190 sells for $349. In fact, the hx2490 and 2790 are identical other than the variations mentioned, so you’ll note our reviews of these two units share much of the same wording. In the box you’ll find the PDA, stylus, removable flip cover, printed guide, software CD, world charger and a cradle."

Thanks for the review Lisa! Read it here!

Day 3 with Nokia N70: Signal Strength Comparison

Today was a comparison of signal strength day with some of the other phones I have.

The main two phones that I compared to were the Motorola Razr V3 (Direct from Motorola) and the Sony Ericsson T616.

All of these phones are higher class phones (along with the T616) and all have been at the top of their Brand (Motorola, Sony, and Nokia Respectivly). The N70 is a newcomer for Nokia, but the way it is being marketed it is trying to be one of the top phones as well.

The thing I wanted to compare was the signal strength between these phones, and I had the perfect spot to check it out. At one of my family member’s house the signal is horrible and most phones will not get any reception. When you go into the basement, almost no phones will pick up a signal. So of course this is the perfect place to see just how good each of these phones are for signal strength. Also, just as a note, all phones were tested with the same SIM card so there is no difference what so ever in the cell service.

First up was the N70. When I first walked in and throughout most of the house I was able to get a poor-ok signal (2-3 bars of about 6). I was able to make calls fine and the GPRS connection worked but was very slow. When I walked into the basement all connection went away and I was not able to call or do anything. Then I walked upstairs again and was not able to rereceive a signal for quite sometime as it as looking for the signal. This still is pretty good performance overall though as most phones will not get any reception in the house at all.

Next was the T616. Inside the house I was able to retain about half signal without a problem and again outgoing calls and GPRS worked but was slow. Once I moved down into the basement I had a on and off connection that would come and go as it liked. This is a bit better than the N70 that lost signal completely, but still the T616 would…

[Read more]

Aximsite Special Edition Sena Case Announced

Aximsite Special Edition Sena Case for the X50/X51!

DELL AXIM X50-X50v-X51-X51v BLACK-METALLIC GREY CASE WITH NO BELT CLIP - AXIMSITE SPECIAL EDITION #1618215 - Buy here!

To ensure that this is a positive venture and Sena doesn’t lose out by helping our community, we decide to limit the 1st run to 50 units. These 50 will ship right away. We will take orders until March 31, 2006 for a second batch that will be available to ship at the end of April. When these are done, there will be no more made.

Sena Cases is one of the premiere case manufacturers in the world. They have a look that you know from across the room and the quality is in-line with the best around.