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Ipod touch Review

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Apple’s “The Beat Goes On” Invitation- We May See New iPods

 

Everyone Knows the Apple iPods as one of the most popular mp3 players on the market. It has been almost two years since Apple released new iPods. Within the years they have made improvements, but you might finally see a new iPod release on September 5^th 2007. Most would agree that Apple is defiantly due for a new iPod. The Nano and Video are nice but as an iPod Mini owner, I’m looking to upgrade to a bigger and better unit.

 

On Tuesday afternoon apple send out an invitation to many technology writers and experts. The invite had a large picture of Apple’s Cover Flow, with a person listening to their iPod with the words “The Beat Goes on.” (See Picture) Surely Apple had a lot of creativity when they designed this invitation, but the main question is “What will the new iPods be like?” There have been many rumors, like a fat iPod nano, and all touch screen iPod. Apple recently sent takedown notices to many sites which posted pictures of the “fat iPod Nano” saying that this is stolen property from Apple. After that statement, it makes me think that the “fat iPod Nano” could be the one, but I am skeptical because Apple does a great job with making their products attractive, and I would be shocked if Apple released the picture of what looks to be a “fat iPod Nano”

 

I guess that everyone will have to wait until Wednesday, when Apple officially announces its new iPod. Apple has many tech lovers in suspense. I’m looking to upgrade my outdated iPod mini with it’s four gigabyte capacity and no support for video, and really would like a touch screen iPod with WiFi and a long battery Life at a price of $250 or $300. I would be extremely excided if Apple released it’s iPhone without the phone, but with a web browser, WiFi, Flash support, email and new iPod features like its Cover Flow.

 

What do you want in Apple’s New sixth generation iPod? Leave a comment and let me know. Hopefully they offer the touch screen and many of the features in which the iPhone offers. Apple really needs a new iPod and it’s great to see that we will finally see one.

 

(Photo Courtesy of Engadget)

Apple’s iPhone Unlocked Without Cracking Open It’s Case…

 

So you bought yourself an iPhone, but plan on traveling or just using your phone on another GSM carrier besides AT&T; now you can. A Group by the name of iPhoneSimFree recently unlocked the Apple’s pricey popular gadget, which is tied to the AT&T network without even cracking open the case. Ryan Block from Engadget was one of the first people to get a sneak peek of the unlocked iPhone. (See Video) Now iPhone users will be able to travel internationally and just pop a local cellular’s SIM card into their shiny iPhone and be able to make calls.

   AT&T is the only carrier that offers visual voice mail, and if you travel and use your iPhone on a different network you will not be able to you that feature. I’m Wondering How Apple and AT&T will respond now that customers can switch to T-Mobile or another GSM cellular network and still use their iPhone. iPhoneSimFree states that it hopes to sell it’s unlocking software for consumers to easily unlock their iPhone. I believe that the hack is great for consumers who wish to purchase an iPhone and not be tied to AT&T. It also is great for travelers because now they won’t have to face pricey roaming fees that AT&T charges. If you were unsure if you wanted to purchase an iPhone because you don’t want to be stuck on the AT&T network, you can now have piece of mind knowing that you can move about networks.

 

(Credit New York Times & Engadget)

Want an iPhone but don’t want to pay either $500 or $600?

 

   Ever since it’s lunch on June 29 and even before the release date, the iPhone has gotten so much hype. Many users agree that it’s the best phone that was ever made. It’s worth it if you can afford the $500 or $600 bucks depending on the capacity of the unit. I know that I’m not going to run out and pay the hefty price tag but now people on a budget like me might be able to finally purchase one!

Apple now sells refurbished iPhones, on the online store. The four gigabyte iPhone will run at $399 and $499 for the eight gigabyte. The main question is “Do I want to purchase a refurbished iPhone and take the risk of having problems in the future?” This is a hard question, but luckily apple offers a one year limited warranty. I believe that Apple should offer a two year warranty because when you purchase your iPhone you must sign a two year contract with AT&T and if your iPhone fails before your contract is up, you’re without a phone and still being charged a monthly fee from AT&T.

I think that it’s great that Apple now offers refurbished iPhones for a $100 discount but my question is where is Apple getting these broken iPhones then fixing them? This makes me wonder if the iPhone has a high rate of failing, if Apple has a large enough stock to sell refurbished iPhones online. So If you are looking for an iPhone and don’t want to pay the high price, you may want to go online to the Apple Store and take a look at the refurbished iPhones.

DIRECTV or Dish Network???

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction:

Are you tired of cable? Do your family or friends have DIRECTV or Dish Network and get more channels for the same price you pay? I did some research on both DIRECTV and Dish Network on the pricing and channels that you receive. While doing this research I noticed that Dish Network tries much harder than DIRECTV to hide information from you that’s important, for Example you would think that all the packages that Dish Network has include Local Channels but they don’t only DirecTV is includes local channels within the price. Come on now who doesn’t want local channels? Apparently if you want local channels with Dish Network you have to add an additional $5.00 a month on the price per month. Let’s start with the pricing and packages that both companies offer.

 

Both DirecTV and dish offer great packages for the money and both have a great basic and premium package. Let’s Start with DIRECTV’s programming packages; All DirecTV’s programming packages offer free instillation, free $50 Visa Gift Card, a free DVD Player and free handling and delivery, four free standard receivers and free Local channels within the price. Lets start with DIRECTV’s Family Package; (The Cheapest one) this package offers forty plus channels all for $29.99. The next package that DIRECTV offers is the Choice Package which offers one hundred and forty channels plus channels for $44.99 a month however this price is only good for four months then it goes up to $49.99 a month. Next In line is the Choice Xtra which offers one hundred eighty plus channels and comes in at $49.99 a month for four months but then rises to $54.99 per month. Then DIRECTV has the Plus DVR package which also gives you one hundred and eighty five plus channels and a free DVR and service. This package costs $54.99 per month then rises to $59.99 per month. The next package DIRECTV offer is the Choice Extra plus HD access package which includes one hundred and ninety five plus channels and a free HD receiver after an instant credit. This is available for 59.99 but then the price swells to $64.98 per month. Finally DIRECTV offers its Plus HD DVR package which includes one hundred and ninety five plus channels, DVR and HD service and a $100 credit for the $199 DIRECRV HD Plus DVR, (see review) receiver you must purchase . You can get this package for $64.99 but then the price increases to $69.99 per month. I would say that DIRECTV has many packages to fit your viewing demand and budget. One downside is DIRECTV only includes one active receiver and if you want additional active receivers that get DIRECTV programming you have to pay a $4.99 lease fee per receiver.

Dish Network also offers many packages which all include free installation and two TV’s of active service but you can add a third active receiver, or and forth for just $5.00 so you miles well get Dish Network on your fourth television since it’s the same price whether you get three or four TV’s with Dish Network service. The Cheapest Package on Dish Network is called the Dish Family Package and includes forty channels for $19.99 but when you add the $5.99 for local channels to make it compatible to DIRECTV your monthly bill comes to $25.98. The next package that Dish Network offers is its top 100 package which is $29.99 and offers 100 channels. Following that is the top 100 plus package which includes the top 100 package and your local regional sports network. Next is the top 200 which includes two hundred channels, your regional sports network and Sirius Music Channels for $42.99 per month. Then there is the top 250 which gives you two hundred and fifty channels along with Sirius and your regional sports network, all for $52.99. Finally Dish Network has it’s everything package which includes two hundred and eighty channels, premium movie channels, NBA and everything the top two hundred packages offers for $89.99 per month. Like I’ve said before if you want local channels, HD Channels, and DVR service you have to add the services on separate because there not included in the plans like of DIRECTV’S Packages are.

 

Both DIRECTV and Dish Network offer around the same services like great standard programming, HD Programming, DVR service, interactive channels and more. One advantage that Dish Network has over DIRECTV is that currently it has more High definition channels but this will change as DIRECTV just launched a new satellite which should bring DIRECTV customers around one hundred high definition channels which is great! I would say that right now DIRECTV has a bigger advantage over Dish Network knowing that within a few months their HD Channel line up will power over Dish Networks HD lineup.

 

After Having DIRECTV for three years now, I’ve had a few issues with my equipment and DIRECTV took care of my problem in a serious and timely manor. One problem that I’ve had was my DIRECTV HD receiver was overheating and got extremely hot. I called DIRECTV and I had them to ship me a $300 HD plus DVR (see review) at no cost but when I opened the box it was another HD receiver with no DVR. I called DIRECTV and told them about the situation and they apologized, I then asked them what they could do for me now that It was going to take a few weeks to get the DVR and they ended up giving me ten dollars a month off my bill for a year, One year of HD service for free and they offered me Stars and Showtime absolutely free. I am really happy with DIRECTV because they treated me so well; but when I called Dish Network to ask a few questions, the agent told me to stop wasting his time and that he had a family to feed and if I wasn’t going to subscribe to their service don’t call. He then told me to have a nice day and hung up. I never was treated so poorly from a company especially after I told them I was doing a blog comparing DIRECTV and Dish Network. DIRECTV on the other hand politely answered my questions and I was off to writing this post. I would say that Dish Network customer support has a lot to be improved.

After spending many hours researching prices and features I came to the conclusion that DIRECTV offers a better television experience and gives you a piece of mind knowing that should there be a problem you can get it resolved rather then being refused service from Dish Network. DIRECTV also offers more to new subscribers like a free DVD player, a free fifty dollar Visa Gift card as well as the free installation. You may have to pay a few dollars a month more than Dish Network but it’s defiantly worth the money for what you get. I’m sure that I just had a bad experience when calling into to request information but I’m still leaning to DIRECTV knowing that I never had a problem with their support, and it’s nice that in the fall DIRECTV will be rolling out more HD channels that Dish Network offers. Let me know what you think is better by leaving a comment in the field below. Both DIRECTV and Dish Network offer great programming at affordable prices and should give you more programming for a better price then cable.

 

(Credit DIRECTV & Dish Network)

You Might Be Able To Use Your Cell Phone On Your Next Flight If The Tests Are Successful….

 

Think back to you last flight, where you were sleeping, reading, eating or quietly watching a DVD on your laptop computer. This could now changes due to airline companies pushing the use of cellular phones on planes. Yeah it’s great to be able to communicate with the ground while your thirty two thousand feet, in the sky, but think how annoying it would be for the person next to you, trying to catch up on sleep after a long day of traveling. This could be possible very soon which might scare many people that want to be away from friends, family or work while traveling on a plane.

 

Put the blame on Qantas and Ryanair as they were one of the first airline companies that announced last year that they would be one of the first airlines testing the theory. Although after testing cell phone use on its Boeing 767, if cell phones didn’t interfere with navigational and communications systems they would let passengers bring limited cell phones aboard all of their fleet of planes. Passengers would not be able to make full calls on their planes but they would at least be able to send and receive text messages; which I think other passengers trying to relax wouldn’t mind.

 

This is where I think that many people would get mad; Air France announced that it will also be testing cell phone use aboard a plane, and if they don’t find any cell phone interference they will allow them onboard their aircrafts. Air France doesn’t want to just allow text messaging, they want to allow full calls.

 

Following on the bandwagon, Jet Blue; a large US Airline, announced that they might let passengers use their cellular phones to text message and check voice mail only. I’m glad to see that here; in the US passengers won’t be able to make full calls. I would be nice to travel on Jet Blue because they have DIRECTV on select flights, so you can sit back send a few text messages, watch television and in a few hours be at your destination.

 

In conclusion let the tests decide if cellular phones will be allowed in planes in the near future. I think that allowing text messaging is great but I do not accept of allowing full calls for the duration of flights. On select flights you can currently make calls using an Air Phone, generally found near your tray table but I think that the high prices of calls limited the use of Air Phones. One drawback is cell phone signals cannot make it from the ground up thirty two thousand feet or higher to your phone for calls, so in that case satellites will be in place to bring the cellular signal from the ground for around $2.50 a minute or higher. What do you think about the use of cell phones aboard a plane? I think text messaging isn’t a problem, but voice calls will be extremely annoying, while the person in the seat next to you is chatting away while you’re trying to sleep. Let me know if you think cell phones should be allowed for use on planes by leaving a comment below. Thanks!

(Credit Cnet Networks)

Sirius Satellite Radio and Sonos Agree To stream its radio on Sonos Systems…

 

Many of us know and love Sirius Satellite Radio and now Sonos Customers can listen to Sirius within their house using their existing Sonos Digital Music System. Sirius Satellite Radio and Sonos worked together to produce Sirius Radio, streaming on your Sonos Digital Music system. This new service is antenna and PC free which is great having fewer wires running throughout your home. All you simply have to do is plug your Sonos radio into your home network and give it access to the internet, and you will be able to get access to more than eighty commercial free music and talk channels streaming through the internet from Sirius Satellite Radio.

 

The new service is available for existing Sonos music system owners as well as new owners. All an existing owner must do is update their system hardware and pay $12.95 per moth for new subscribers and existing subscribers will have to pay an additional $2.95 a moth to take advantage of Sirius Satellite Radio with out a PC, wires or antenna. Both current and new owners of Sonos systems will have to purchase a subscription from Sirius; however Sirius will help offset some the costs by giving you one moth free of their service.

 

I think that the new Sirius Radio feature on Sonos Music systems is great for both Sirius and Sonos. I anticipate that were going to see more consumers purchasing Sonos Music systems now that they can receive live Sirius content without any wires or antennas throughout their home. This is also great for Sirius as they should receive new subscribers from existing and new Sonos music system owners. Its great so see two great companies join together to bring great services to their customers.

Top Ten Gadgets To Bring To College

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction:

As September approaches quickly and the school year is about to start, Then it’s time to purchase some needed gadgets for school. Whether your entering collage or high school chances are that you’re going to need gadgets to progress through the school year so I’ve put together a list that may help you make a decision on what gadgets you should purchase for the school year. These gadgets are most useful for collage students living in a dorm room or small apartment; however some gadgets mentioned high school students might need but will already have a TV and basic equipment like that.

 

Laptop Computer

I would say that a laptop computer is essential for every student. Laptop computers are getting more popular than desktop computers, as speed and performance isn’t limited as it was. Many Laptops are even faster then desktops. The portability is defiantly a needed feature, now many schools offer campus Wi-Fi so you can take your computer from class and roam around campus and staying connected to your network folder as well as the internet. Laptops are also needed to take notes, research and more. Laptops have many uses for example you can do school work as well as use it for entertainment purposes and when you’re limited to space its key to have one small machine that can multifunction. You can get a Laptop for around $750, configured well enough to take care of school work and even gaming. Take a look at Dell’s new line of packed, lightweight Inspiron laptops which are prices well. If you’re a Mac user you may want to take a look at Apple’s Mac Book and Mac Book Pro lines depending on the screen size and hardware options that fit you the best. Most computer companies (I know Apple does this) offer savings for college students which will save you or your parent’s money.

 

Usb Flash Drive

USB flash drives have gotten more popular as the capacities grow and prices drop. USB Flash Drives are great because students can save all their documents, multimedia and applications on USB flash drives and pop them into any available USB port and get access their files, on public computers. Many schools have networks, in which students can save to their personal folder, unfortunately network folders can be unreliable or unsecure. USB flash drives are fairly inexpensive; I was able to pick up a PNY two gigabyte USB flash drive at Best Buy for less than twenty dollars. Flash Drives are necessary for any student that must transport files from multiple computers. (See Picture)

 

 

Printer

 

Have you ever typed up a document on a public computer and sent it to a shared printer? You know that how it’s unpleasant using shared printers, in some cases you may be working on a report in your dorm room and need to print. You can use the shared printer but your document might print to another building or floor which may be a long walk and you can imagine how time consuming this may be. This best way to avoid this problem is to purchase a printer. I would recommend All-In-One printer because they include a scanner, printer and a fax machine which will help you save needed space. Although the ink cartages can be costly you would only print when you had to, like when you were in your dorm and the nearest public printer was far away. It’ a good idea to invest in an All-In-One printer so you have a scanner, Fax and printer and then your not running around campus looking for your printed document.

 

Smart Phone:

 

Although you may think of a Smartphone just for business people although it’s really for anyone. Smartphone’s have a lot of built in features in them like a phone, web browser, multimedia features, like music and video players as well as a calendar and more. I would recommend a smart phone because it will replace electronics that you would purchase separately like a PDA and personal video player. You also get the convenience of having a cell phone and web browser wherever you go. Wouldn’t it be nice if your cell phone had lots of features built in so you didn’t have to buy separate devices?

 

Gaming Console:

 

We all come across when we get extremely tired of doing school work; this is where a gaming console comes into play. An Xbox 360 or PS3 can relax you and give you time to enjoy yourself. We all need this time and it’s always nice to invite a few friends over and go head to head in a game. Gaming consoles also have a lot of built in futures like a DVD player, Music Player, Web Browser and more besides gaming feature. The Sony PS3 has a Blu-ray disk player for High Definition movies and games. Gaming consoles are great for relaxation and also double duty to cut back on space.

 

TV:

 

Like I’ve said previously we all need time to sit back and get away from school and watching TV is a good way to relax. Almost everyone has TV; imagine what it would be without one? There would be no Gaming, Movies, News, or any on screen programming. You really need a TV to keep up on what’s going and more. I would buy a Plasma or LCD TV because in a dorm room you need the most amount of space that you can get and you don’t want to loose space because of your large Television.

 

Voice Recorder:

I believe that a voice recorder is worth buying because you may have to go to a class where you can’t bring your laptop computer and need to retain information. One of the best ways to keep information is to use a voice recorder. Most voice recorders are very inexpensive and are great ways to take down information. The Griffin iTalk Voice recorder snaps onto your iPod for easy recording and does a great job. In most cases a voice recorder is great for school if you are allowed to use electronics in the classroom.

 

iPod/ MP3 Player:

 

I mentioned above in the Smartphone Paragraph how Smart phones have an MP3 Player built-in. They’re great if you hardly listen to music; but most people in their teens and twenties listen to a lot of music and this is where an MP3 player comes in. If you don’t already own one you may want to consider about purchasing one. I use mine all the time whether I’m outside, running, in a waiting room or just feel like listing to music. An MP3 Player also can be used for educational purposes, for example there are many podcasts that you can download and sync with your portable music device which are very educational. If you’re thinking about purchasing one I would strongly recommend an Apple iPod. There are a lot of different brands of MP3 players out there but I believe that the Apple iPod offers the user a great listing experience and ease of use.

 

Digital Camera:

 

I don’t really need to explain in detail about a Digital camera, since everyone knows what they are and how to use them. It’s really up to you if you decide to take a camera with you to your dorm. I would because you only in your twenties for so long and it’s always nice to look back at the memories. It’s really your decision if you bring one with you or not but I think that I would.

 

Digital Video Recorder (DVR)

 

So your favorite program comes on at 12:00 P.M and you’re never at your dorm to watch it. Now you can record it with a DVR then play it back when you have time to watch it. This is another great way to relax after a hard day and is worth the money. There are a few selections of DVR’s that you can get. You can check with the cable company and they can provide you with one, you can buy a TiVo (They are Pricey) or you can call DIRECTV or Dish Network and they can provide you with one. I happen to have the DIRECTV HD plus DVR and love it. I can record lots of videos and programming, even HD when I’m not home. For Further information you can read my Review.

 

Closing:

As you know dorm rooms are small, and you want the most All-In-One equipment as possible to save on space. For the most part I’ve included most of the gadgets that you need for life at college. Let me know what you think by leaving a comment and Good Luck at College!

 

Universal Music Group Goes DRM Free…

So you just got a new MP3 Player, but you didn’t want to fork up the high price for a shiny new Apple iPod and when you go to download music from the Apple Store and then you realize that the songs that the songs you’ve purchased won’t play on your MP3 player. This is mainly because the song has been encrypted with DRM otherwise known as Digital Rights Management. Companies use DRM to ensure consumers aren’t selling or distributing music in anyway that would make them loose profits. Lately Major record companies realized that more and more people were pirating music because of the DRM. People that steal music are thinking, “I can get the song for free or little cost and the song won’t have any limits in what I can do with the music”: which is bad for Artists and the record companies. Say you purchase a song from the iTunes store with DRM, this means you can only play it on one portable music player; guess what it’s the iPod. You can only burn the song a few number of times and you can only listen to your music on a certain number of computers with must be authorized to play your music. Recently iTunes introduced DRM free music from a record company EMI. This Music is better quality but basically thirty cents more which is a lot to pay. Now Universal Music Group is jumping on the bandwagon and producing DRM free music for their most popular tracks, however they want to leave iTunes out and sell their music on Amazon, RealNetworks, Best Buy and Wal-Mart. Their sales could go either way by leaving iTunes out; sales could go up when people see that Universal Music Group has a larger selection of music at the same price as iTunes’s DRM tracks, which may make iTunes lower its prices to keep up. Universal may also see sales fall by not using iTunes to sell their music mainly because iTunes is so popular and many people love and use iTunes to download all their music and may not want to switch to another company as music is music no matter the format that it’s encoded in.

 

Universal Music Group states that it will review its sales and will decide by January 31 of next year if it will continue selling its DRM free tracks or stop selling and revert back to DRM tracks. It’s great that iTunes will have more competition within its DRM free music choices, which is great for consumers because maybe we’ll see a drop in DRM sales in iTunes which might force them to lower their prices to increase sales. Apple doesn’t want to sell with Universal Music Group because they are the largest music group and may make them lower their DRM prices from $1.29 back to $.99. If Apple lowered the price on their DRM free tracks to $.99 they would also have to lower their prices on DRM tracks because consumers don’t to pay the same price for a DRM song as a DRM Free song. Overall I think that it’s great Universal Music Group will offer DRM free tracks at $.99. This might change the music industry and may finally help stop piracy. So I leave you with this Poll; do you purchase music with DRM? Leave a comment and let me know or click the link below and vote.

Poll: Do you Buy Music With DRM