My Tech Talk

Do you have a tech savvy woman in your life? Then this is the shopping list for you! Below you’ll find a collection of colorful and stylish computer products and accessories that make great gifts at affordable prices– USB jewelry, cameras, storage devices and more — that she’ll find useful and attractive. Visit the MyTechTalk Shop to view and purchase these items from Amazon.com.

Active Crystal's USB Memory Key

SanDisk Cruzer Fleur Pink USB Drive

Expressions Pink Mouse and Mousepad

Tribeca USB Panda Bear drive

Flip Video Mino (see note below about custom colors)

Western Digital Passport - 320 GB USB Storage

Visit the MyTechTalk Shop to view and purchase these items from Amazon.com.

Note: You can customize the “skin” or case of a Flip Video Mino with unique artwork, designs or colors for a truly personalized gift. However you must buy the camera directly from the company web site at theflip.com.

Check out these great lists for more gift ideas:

8 Gift Ideas for the Tech Lover

Gifts to Treasure: 6 Memorable Ways to Share Photos

Online Gifts for the Web 2.0 Surfer

Technology and children.  Welcome to my world.

As a father of four young children and an avid user of technology, I’m always on the look out for toys and electronics that will educate, entertain and inspire.

My 3 year olds enjoy playing online games (must be genetic) on nickjr and pbskids, but that requires immense parental involvement navigating to those sites and through the different games.

To help parents, I’ve added an “Electronics for Kids” product page in the MyTechTalk Amazon Store.  It is filled with toys and games from Leapfrog, Fisher-Price, vTech, Hooked on Phonics and other reputable toy makers.

To view the kids electronics I’ve listed in the store - including a learning radio, laugh n’ learn laptop, talking  Smart Sticks and kid tough DVD players -  follow 2  steps:

1. Click this link to visit the MyTechTalk Amazon Store
2. Once in the store, click the “Electronics for Kids” link under the “Browse by Category” header.

Some of these toys are already enjoyed by my kids while others will likely find their way down the chimney on Christmas or wrapped up for a birthday.  In other words, I either bought these for my own kids or would like to at some point.  These items also received favorable reviews from customers on Amazon.

Your feedback and comments are always welcome.

Happy Shopping!

Will the Blackberry Bold get swept away by the Storm?

That’s the question I asked myself recently and decided to do a little Internet surfing to see what answers I could uncover. I looked at detailed reviews, YouTube videos, Blackberry’s own web site and even Research in Motion financial documents for clues.

Since some of you may want a quick answer in order to get on with your day, I’ll provide one here and say thank you for visiting today:

In my opinion, the answer is NO. The Bold will not get swept away.

If you want more details, please read on.

Blackberry Bold Reviews

To restate the facts, the Bold has a QWERTY keyboard whereas the Storm is a true touch screen model similar to the iPhone. In the United States, the Bold is sold by AT&T while the Storm is on the Verizon network. I’ve left the comprehensive reviews, or heavy lifting if you will, to Gizmodo and CNET.

Read Gizmodo’s review of the Blackberry Bold.

Read CNet’s review of the Blackberry Bold.

If you’re a visual person, watch a YouTube review of the Blackberry Bold.

Here’s what I gleaned from these reviews:

Strengths:

• Speed (faster processor = faster performance)
• Crisp screen for multimedia
• WiFi and GPS built in
• Impressive Battery Life

Weaknesses:

• Web browsing is better than previous models, like the Curve or Pearl, but still not as user-friendly as some other smart phones.
• In the above video, the reviewer cites video playback on the Bold as problematic.

Blackberry Storm Reviews

The Storm’s touch screen uses “SurePress” technology that realistically simulates the click of a keyboard button by requiring the user to actually push down on the screen.  For this device, I read through the reviews on Gizmodo and CNET.

Read CNet’s review of the Blackberry Storm

Read Gizmodo’s review of the Blackberry Storm

For a visual review, watch a YouTube video of the Blackberry Storm.

Strengths:

• Touch Screen
• Video recording capabilities
• 8 GB microSD card included
• Dual mode for easy switching between CDMA and GSM phone networks

Weaknesses:

• “Sluggish” (Cnet) and “lags” (Gizmodo) are not the words you want to hear about performance
• No WiFi
• No trackball or scroll wheel (apparently still the ideal way to navigate the Blackberry menus)
• 2 hands are required to operate many features (a departure from previous models)

Side by Side Feature Comparison

If you’d like to forgo the wordy reviews, take a look at this table from the Blackberry web site that compares the features of the Bold and Storm.

You can also read Technewsworld’s article, Blackberry Battle Royale: Storm vs Bold

Final Thoughts

If you’re using your Blackberry for business, stick with the Bold.  The speed of the device and the familiarity of the QWERTY keyboard are both important to getting work done quickly and efficiently.  If you’d like a Blackberry for fun or casual use, the Storm is worth considering.

The introduction of both devices in the 3rd quarter of 2008 resulted in an incredible increase in # of devices sold. If you’d like the numbers, RIM reports a 117% increase in # of devices sold from the 3rd quarter of 2007 (p. 13 of the 3rd Quarter Fiscal Financial Info Document found on the RIM web site).

The Bold should please business customers while the Storm attracts the general consumer to the Blackberry brand.  Appealing to two different types of customers (with marginal overlap?) should boost RIM’s revenues.

MyTechtalk.com did some window shopping at Amazon.com this week and came across 8 fun gift ideas for tech lovers. I smudged the window pane with my nose getting a closer look at them.

With prices ranging from $21.99 to $149.99, there’s a gift item for every budget. Click on the product link or the picture to visit Amazon.com for product details and purchasing.

Please bookmark MyTechTalk.com and visit often to look for new gift lists this holiday season.

1. B-Flex Stereo USB Speaker - Portable and Compact - $39.95 at Amazon

2. Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver with Heart Rate Monitor for $149 with free super saver shipping

3. Logitech Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote Control for $99.99 with free super saver shipping

4. Microsoft Fingerprint Reader for $40.95

5. Altec Lansing in Motion im600 Portable Audio System for iPod for $103.22

6. Audio Technica LP to Digital Recording System with USB for $103.22 with free super saving shipping

7. SanDisk Sansa Shaker 1 GB MP3 Player for $25.00 with free super saver shipping

8. PQI 8GB USB Flash Drive i810 Plus - Waterproof and Dustproof - for $21.99

Please bookmark MyTechTalk.com and visit often to look for new gift lists this holiday season.

Need more ideas? Read these lists:

Online Gift Ideas for the Web Surfer

Is the Flip Mino (and 4 others) the hot holiday gadget?

Gift Guide: Tech Gifts for the Budget-conscious

How would you like to take notes with a pen and a small electronic device about the size of garage door opener? 

Wirelessly Record Your Handwriting

Meet the Mobile Digital Scribe by IOGear.

 No wires. No special tablet or paper.

No computer needed until you wish to transfer your writing into a digital format.

The wireless receiver records your handwriting and drawing on any paper or surface. You can later connect the receiver to a computer via USB cable to have it transcribed into typed text.

Don’t confuse this product with the similarly named IOGear Digital Scribe either —note the omission of the word “Mobile” —as this model is not wireless and requires a USB connection to work at all.

Who Can Use it?

A wireless digital pen really has the potential to attract a wide range of customers, including:

• Students
• Health Care Professionals
• Outside Sales Representatives
• Parents
• Administrative Assistants
• Paralegals

Good News - Hardware

Consumer reviews on Amazon.com indicate that the pen and receiver work great.

Bad News - Software

Consumer reviews on Amazon.com indicate that the handwriting recognition software shipped with the product does a below average job of transcribing your scribbles into typed text on the screen. 

Possible Solution to Bad News

IOGear offers an upgrade to the software that presumably “learns” your own handwriting style to improve the accuracy of the transcription.  It is *not* included in the original purchase.

Read G.B. Ludwig’s comment titled “product with potential.”

Final Thoughts

My impression is that this gadget needs some fine tuning and better software included. 

Comments about ink refills, flimsy spring load clips to hold the receiver to the paper and problems for left handed writers indicate that IOGear needs to release an updated model to address these issues.

Until then, the pen is not yet mightier than the keyboard. 

However, the Mobile Digital Scribe should make keyboards very nervous about their long term future in the computing world.

Read More Gadget Posts:

Green Umbrella’s Extended Warranty Service for Electronics

Hot Holiday Gadget: Pocket Video Camcorders

What is WPtouch?

“Simply put, it’s a complimentary theme installed as a plug-in on your WordPress blog or website that will format your content with this Apple-inspired, full-featured theme when your visitors are using an iPhone or iPod touch. ”

That’s a direct quote from the coding gurus, Dale Mugford and Duane Storey, at BraveNewCode.  I couldn’t state it any more clearly.

They’ve developed a free Wordpress plug-in that makes your existing blog more friendly to iPhone/iPod Touch viewers.  With smart phones making people more mobile than ever before,  it is important to take their viewing needs into consideration.  This plug-in helps deliver all of your content in a slimmed down theme that helps your site load quickly onto mobile devices.

Best of all, it is easy to install and customizable.

Click here for further details about the WPTouch Plugin from BraveNewCode.

I was able to quickly install it for my blog and I’m thrilled with the results.  (I don’t use the word “thrilled” often when referring to technology, so take that for what its worth.)

If you have an iPhone or iPod Touch, please take a moment to visit this web site from your mobile device to see how the plug-in changes the look of this site to emphasize the content.

A Few Features to Highlight:

• Speed up the page loading on mobile devices (including Blackberry) on slower networks, like EDGE  from AT&T.
  • Uncheck the options “Javascript Effects” and “Enable Gravatar” in the plug-in settings.
• iPhone Users can click a link at the bottom of their screen to switch to the original view of your site.
• Customize colors and icons
• If using the WP-Cache plugin too, please read the following instructions to be sure the WPTouch plugin works properly on your web site.

So far, BraveNewCode claims 25,000 downloads and counting, a number which will surely grow steadily.

A special thanks to Brodie Beta aka iPhoneGirl for tweeting about this yesterday.  I wouldn’t have found it unless I read her tweet.

DOWNLOAD THE WPTOUCH PLUGIN

The Flip Mino Video Camcorder and other “mini camcorders” look to be a hot ticket item this holiday season. The Flip Mino is getting a lot of buzz. It is a cell phone sized camcorder with built in memory and built in software for easy editing, emailing and uploading onto the web. In fact, its built-in, easy to use software may be the feature that distinguishes the Flip from other competing products.

There are other products within this “Mini Camcorder” category that you should consider as well.

Below is a collection of information and links to review regarding the Flip Mino (sometimes mistakenly spelled “Mimo”), RCA Small Wonder EZ200 series, Kodak Zi6, Best Buy’s Insignia and Creative Vado.

1. The Flip Video Mino

• Price range from MySimon: $150 and up
• Product web site: TheFlip.com
• Read reviews from Best Buy Customers
• Read 253 (and counting) reviews from Amazon customers
• New(er) feature: Buy the camera from TheFlip.com site and choose (or create) a custom design.
• Typical features: Built-in software, 2 GB internal flash memory, no media slot for expansion memory, internal battery.
  

2. RCA Small Wonder EZ200 Series

• Read a review and see a video demo on Cnet.
• Price Range from MySimon: $85-$99
• Product web site: MySmallWonder.com
  
• Read reviews from Amazon customers
• Key differences from the Flip Mino: Lower price, media slot for memory expansion, flip out LCD display.

3. Kodak Zi6

• Price range from MySimon: $179.99 (site lists Amazon.com as only seller)
• Product web site: Kodak.com
• Read reviews from Amazon customers.
• Read a product review from Cnet.
• Key differences from Flip Mino: HD camcorder, larger size, media slot for memory expansion (which is essential), only 128 MB onboard memory with 30 MB reserved for storage, rechargeable batteries.

4. Insignia 5.0 MP Digital Camcorder (Best Buy exclusive)

• Price at Best Buy: $99.99
• Product web site: BestBuy.com
• Read reviews from Best Buy customers.
• Key differences from Flip Mino: Swivel LCD display, uses 2 AA batteries, 64 MB internal memory, media slot for expansion memory.
  

5. Creative Vado

• Price range from MySimon: $79-$107
• Product web site: Creative Labs
• Read reviews from Amazon customers.
• Read review and watch a demo video from Cnet.
• Key differences from Flip Mino: Lower price

A camcorder like these make it easy to capture life’s spontaneous moments and share them online. While the Flip Mino has gotten the buzz, there are other products with similar features and lower price tags for those keeping an eye on their holiday budgets this year.

Click here for a side by side comparison by CNet of most of these “You Tube” camcorders.

Schools, youth groups, charities and other non-profit organizations earn money by recycling technology products through the Cartridges for Kids program.

Cost to participate?

It is free.  Cartridges for Kids supplies participating non-profit groups with program marketing materials and shipping at no cost.

What items can be recycled?

• laser, fax, copier, and inkjet cartridges
• used cell phones
• laptops
• PDAs (Palm Pilots)
• GPS Systems
• iPods

Click here for a detailed list of acceptable items to recycle.

How much can we earn?

The answer varies, depending on how what items are being recycled and how much is being recycled.

For example,  recycling one Blackberry 7520 model = $5.00.

For a breakdown on pricing, visit the recycling list page.

How do we sign up?

Click here to enroll your non-profit organization now.

Upon enrolling your non-profit organization with the program, you will be sent an enrollment package which includes:

• Program Guide
• Poster
• Fliers
• CFK Stickers
• Pre-paid shipping labels

Getting Started

Click here to read about how to create a successful program.

Also, look on their home page for information on “6 Ways to Boost Your Organization.”

Cartridge for Kids can be an on-going fundraiser for a non-profit organization looking for some additional cash to fund their operation.

Halloween is almost here and these 5 technology gadgets–from laser lights to voice changers– can help you enjoy your annual encounter with ghosts, goblins and gruesome ghouls.

Sun and Moon Jars from ThinkGeek

Solar powered light source in a jar, blue for moon or orange for sun. It is spooky on its own, but could also be place inside a Jack-o-Lantern for high tech illumination.

Sharx Security Wireless Outdoor Camera System

This wireless, waterproof and color security camera can help you monitor your yard and front door for any unsavory Halloween tricks.

Key Chain Voice Changer

This is a fun little gadget that you can take with you while trick or treating with your kids.

Pocket Laser Light Show

I’m not 100% sure of the best way to use this for Halloween, but I know it would be festive. Perhaps in a jack-o-lantern or incorporated into spooky decorations?

Coleman Kids LED Flashlight

This flashlight will help keep your kids safe while trick or treating. It comes a lanyard and a light show feature for added fun.

Happy Halloween! Have fun and be safe.

Pocket video cameras help capture life’s spontaneous moments.

Larger camcorders are ideal for formal events like weddings, recitals, birthday parties, but aren’t likely to be tucked inside a pocket or a purse for quick access. YouTube and other sites like AOL Video, MySpace and Facebook help people share video clips, but it can be difficult or time consuming to transfer video from a camcorder to one of these sites.

Pocket video cameras are the answer. Like a digital camera, they’re small and ready to use in an instant.

The 3 pocket video cameras listed below are good options if you want to quickly record and share a video clip.

1. The Flip Video Mino

Product Features: Built-in software for immediate video editing and sharing

My friends Reggie and NikNik at MyTechOpinion use one.

2. The Kodak Zi6 HD Pocket Video Camera

Product Features: HD quality video capture plus a larger LCD screen than the Flip.

3. The Casio Exilim EX-Z1080

Product Features: A 10 Mega Pixel digital camera with a built-in “You Tube” video capture mode.

Visit the MyTechTalk Shop and you’ll find product links for all 3 cameras. You can click on a link to read Amazon.com user comments and reviews.

Slip one of these cameras into your pocket and you’re ready to record and share any moment –no matter how irreverent or important — with family and friends.

Also, on a related note, Motorola’s MotoZine phone combines a digital camera and video capture. It is compatible with Kodak’s EasyShare software and offers one touch access to KodakGallery.com for photo printing and sharing.

Technorati : Gadgets, Pocket Video Camera, Video Sharing

Computer users read the TOP 10 LIST to learn how to save money by reducing technology expenses or managing finances online.

Barter, Bargain or Bundle

10. Are you paying for technical support?

Why not barter for the support services of a tech savvy friend, colleague or family member?

You can barter a home cooked meal, baseball tickets, a ride to the airport or yard work and save money. Many times, a savvy computer user can resolve minor issues by remotely logging into your computer. A number of free online services exist to facilitate remote computer access, including:

• GoToMyPC.com

• LogMeIn.com

Read a MyTechTalk post about LogMeIn.

9. Look for Bargains online.

Price comparison web sites can help you find the best deal. There are web sites out to help spot a bargain. Also, don’t overlook used equipment. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Join the Yahoo Group called Free Cycle to see what people in your community are offering up for free (and it isn’t just tech stuff).

• Price Comparison: MySimon.com, Shopping.com, PriceGrabber.com
• Bargains: Ben’s Bargains, Dealio.com
• Free: Information on Free Cycle

8. Bundle Up. Take advantage of bundled services from Telecom or Cable companies in your area.

For example, AT&T and Comcast offer customers a lower price to bundle TV, Internet and Phone Services for a lower price.

Don’t Pay for Software or Hardware

7. If you need to renew your subscription for McAfee or Norton anti-virus products, consider switching to a reliable alternative: AVG Anti-Virus.

It doesn’t include a firewall, but most Windows computers with XP or Vista have a built in firewall that is more than adequate. ZoneAlarm also offers a free firewall software.

• Free AVG Anti-Virus Software

6. Do you really need to buy that Microsoft Office 2007 software?

Sometimes, the answer is No. If you are a computer user who writes the occasional letter or creates a spreadsheet from time to time, take a serious look at downloading the free Open Office suite of software programs. It contains word processing and spreadsheet programs along with several others that rival Microsoft’s software package. Google Docs is another option.

• Open Office Software
• Google Docs

Read a MyTechTalk post comparing MS Office and Open Office.

5. Store your data online for free or cheap.

Don’t buy an external hard drive for $100 or more unless you’ve got 100s of megabytes or gigabytes of data. If you need a lot of storage space, chances are the free offers out there won’t provide enough room for all of your data.

• Free options: Mozy.com (limit 2 GB), Yahoo Briefcase (limit 30 MB)
• Inexpensive: Mozy.com, Carbonite.com
• Cheap: JungleDisk.com (service utilizes Amazon.com’s reliable and secure data servers)

Read a MyTechTalk post on Mozy.

Upgrade or Downgrade or Replace

4. Upgrade computer memory or replace an older hard drive.

If your computer is 3 or 4 years old and slowing down, you may not need to replace it. Both are inexpensive options that will boost performance. You may also consider reformatting your current hard drive and re-installing Windows. If that sounds like a daunting task, then you’ll need to follow through up on #10 to get some tech-savvy help.

• Memory upgrade: Average cost $100
• Replace Hard Drive: Average cost $100-$150

3. Downgrade your Internet service.

Cable Internet is the fastest option for the home user, but it does cost the most too. Consider switching to slightly slower, but cheaper, DSL. If you already have DSL, you may inquire if there are different “tiers” of service and the prices of each one.

2. Replace your phone service with Skype and save money on local and long distance calling.

Skype is a service that allows you to make phone calls from your computer. If you call another Skype subscriber, the call is free! If you call a landline or mobile phone, there are fees charged. So, figure out which friend or family member you call the most and convince them to switch to Skype too.

Manage Your Money for Free

1. Mint.com offers a free service to track your income and expenses.

This web site offers a free service that rivals Quicken software.

You do need to be comfortable with online banking and finances to take advantage of their tools. Mint sends email reminders about upcoming bills and can be configured to alert you via email to transactions (like bank fees or deposits) or any unusual spending activity. Sometimes an email reminder can prevent a late fee and keep money in your pocket.

If you have any money saving ideas to share, please post a comment.

Technorati : Advice, Hardware, Online, Save Money, Software, Technology, Top 10

View Original Article

Tags: Blackberry, mobile device, touch screen

Mobile phones are more indispensable than ever. And, more expensive than ever if you’ve got a smart one that can do everything but cook dinner for you.

At any rate, the folks at CPR in San Jose, CA can help you fix that phone when you drop it or damage it. If you don’t live in the San Francisco Bay Area, then you’re still able to get a phone repaired by shipping them the damaged phone.

One of my colleagues took a few phones there and said the prices are reasonable and the service is good. Cell Phone Repair will also provide you with free estimates so that you’ll know how much money it will cost before deciding to fix it.

One of the postcards I’ve received from them states the following:

1. Authorized repair center for Motorola, Samsung, LG, Kyocera, Sony Ericsson, Nokia and Sanyo.
2. Most repairs done on the spot.
3. Repairs include: Liquid damage, cracked LCD, dropped phone, shattered, no sound.
4. iPod repair also available.

Keep this option in mind if you’d rather pay a little to get a phone fixed instead of paying a lot to get it replaced.

Technorati : San Francisco Bay Area, mobile phone, repair
Del.icio.us : San Francisco Bay Area, mobile phone, repair

For $9.95 per month, Green Umbrella offers ONE extended service plan to cover all kinds of electronic products in your home or office, from alarm clocks to LCD Flat Panels.

Click here for a comprehensive list of covered products.

Here’s a link to frequently asked questions about their service: FAQs

I glanced through some of the FAQs and here are some things to know:

1. Mobile phones are not covered.
2. Items that cost greater than $5000 are not covered
3. You must register your items to be covered with their service
4. You must have your original receipts to be eligible for coverage.

I have not used them myself. I thought the concept was worth mentioning for people who may want a service plan after the basic or extended warranty runs out their equipment.

If you’ve had an experience with Green Umbrella, good or bad, please share it.

If you use an alternate service that you like, I’d appreciate a comment with that info too!

Technorati : service plan, technology, warranty

What other technology products out there are designed to help you exercise or enjoy the outdoors?

The excitement surrounding the release of the Nintendo Wii Fit got me thinking about this question.

I spent a little time browsing Amazon.com and came up with a few technology gadgets — with many positive user reviews — that will help you get off your couch and get outside (or at least break a sweat inside):

Wii Fit

Exercise without leaving the comfy confines of your own living room. With Nintendo’s addictively fun Wii game system, this new software package will get you exercising in four key areas: Strength Training, Aerobics, Yoga and Balance Games. The games and activities are designed to appeal to all ages, so Mom and Dad can enjoy it just as much as the kids.

Price: $171 on Amazon.com

Apple Nike + iPod Sport Kit for iPod nano 1G, 2G, 3G

This is actually an add-on package for an iPod Nano. You’ll need to buy the Nano iPod separately.

“Consisting of a wireless sensor and receiver, the Nike + iPod Sport Kit works exclusively with your Nike+ shoes and iPod nano to give you real-time feedback during workouts.” - Amazon product description.

Price: $29.00 on Amazon.com

Garmin eTrex H Handheld GPS with High Sensitivity GPS

This one intrigues me. GPS devices like this one have led to an explosion in popularity of a game called geocaching. In a nutshell, geocaching is a game of high tech treasure hunting. Players hide “caches” in various places, like parks or camp sites or even urban locations. The map coordinates of the cache are then posted online and other players can go and search for it using a handheld GPS.

For a full description of geocaching, please visit The Official Global GPS Cache Hunt Site

Geocaching sounds like a great family activity. I fully intend to play when my sons get a little older. When the time comes, I’ll take my friend Chris up on his offer to join him on a treasure hunt one day.

While there are a great many varieties of handheld GPS devices, this one is under $100 and should fit the budget of most families.

Price: $93.16 on Amazon.com

Omron HJ-112 Digital Premium Pedometer

Amazon Product Description:

“The HJ-112 accurately measures your steps, as well as aerobic steps and minutes. You can also use it to measure calorie consumption during your workout, as well as the distance you’ve traveled.”

Price: $19.82 on Amazon.com

So, now you can have your “tech” and exercise too. I’ll see you outdoors. Don’t worry about that big ball of light in the sky. That’s called the sun. It’s a good thing. Have fun!