Turn Your Car Into A Wi-Fi Hotspot

So you just can’t get enough internet on your phone or you are taking a trip and the kids and the wife want to be on Facebook the whole way. Maybe you work on the road and your car is also your office. Well now you can take the internet with you in the car. The Autonet Mobile KT-ANMRTR-01 Automotive Wi-Fi Router is selling for $399 and if you activate it by 6/30 you can get a $100 rebate.

The Autonet Mobile KT-ANMRTR-01 Automotive Wi-Fi Router turns your car into a WiFi hotspot so multiple computers and Wi-Fi enabled devices can connect to the Internet simultaneously. You can secure the network just like you do in your house using WEP/WPA/WPA2 encryption. You can connect to the Internet up to 150ft away from your car. TRU Technology® is an innovation from Autonet Mobile that makes your in-car Internet experience a pleasurable one. As your car travels down the road at high speeds between cell towers, Autonet Mobile will keep you connected by managing your cell tower handovers seamlessly.

Here are some specs:

• Connectivity technology: 3G EVDO/2.5g 1xRRT, Wireless
• Data Link Protocol: IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11g
• Transport Protocol: PPTP, L2TP, IPSec, PPPoE
• Remote management protocol: SNMP

Autonet Mobile Service Costs
Activation Fee: $35.00
1-Year minimum Service Agreement required
$29 per month for 1GB Plan
$59 per month for 5GB Plan

Click Here to see Autonet Mobile’s Coverage Map

iPhone 3Gs vs. Palm Pre

With the release of the new touch screen phones, it is going to be difficult to choose the right one. Of course some of your decision is going to depend on where you live and the coverage that is available in your area. Other considerations will be what functionality your are looking for from your phone. Do you like to text or do you what an all in one device that can carry your music or be an ebook reader. Here are some stats on the new iPhone 3Gs and the Palm Pre to help you decide.

iPhone 3Gs:

$199 for 16GB version or $299 for 32GB version with a new account and 2-year activation with select AT&T iPhone plans
Minimum Plan Cost $69.99
Camera Megapixels 3 MP
Camcorder YES Photo/Video Messaging YES
Keyboard: Virtual
Voice-dialing: Yes Music formats : MP3, ACC
Max. Memory with card : 16 GB or 32 GB
Network : HSDPA/ EDGE Top Data Speed : 7.2 Mbps HSDPA Carrier: AT&T

The iPhone 3G S adds new features like multimedia messaging, video recording, and voice dialing. It runs faster; its battery life is longer; and of course you can get all those great Apps. It doesn’t have Flash Lite or USB transfer and storage. The iPhone 3G S includes support for Nike + iPod, which integrates your iPod with a sensor that fits inside Nike running shoes.

Palm Pre:

$199.99 after instant discount and mail-in rebate with a new Sprint account
Minimum Plan Cost $69.99
Camera Megapixels 3 MP
Camcorder No Photo/Video Messaging No Keyboard: QWERTY
Voice-dialing: Yes Music formats : MP3, AAC, AAC+, WAV
Max. Memory with card : 8 GB
Network : EV-DO Rev. A Top Data Speed : 3.1 Mbps Carrier: Sprint
This is what Cnet had to say about the Pre:

Despite some missing features and performance issues that make it less than ideal for on-the-go professionals, the Palm Pre offers gadget lovers and consumers well-integrated features and unparalled multitasking capabilities. The hardware could be better, but more importantly, Palm has developed a solid OS that not only rivals the competition but also sets a new standard in the way smartphones handle tasks and manage information.

Save as much as 100% OFF on Mac Software only from MacMall.com

I found this great article at : The Shopgrifters Gadgets, check it out.

Top Accessories for the iPhone 3g

I’ve been doing my usual websurfing and found there are tons of accessories that you can buy for your iPhone. Here are a couple we thought you should check out:

Belkin Sport Armband Plus with FastFit for iPhone 3G (Blue/Gray)
Whether you’re out for a run or working up a sweat in the gym, the Belkin Sport Armband Plus is up to the challenge of protecting your iPhone 3G. With a slim profile that minimizes bulk on your arm, this ultra-comfortable sport armband utilizes the unique FastFit fastening system, so it’s easy to secure with one hand, and you never have to worry about adjusting it in the middle of a workout. The included Cable Capsule lets you manage headphones in its flexible rubber dome, eliminating the hassle of dangling, tangled cords. There’s even a low-profile belt clip for protecting your iPhone when you’re not at the gym.  We found it for under $20 which is one of the best prices on the net.

PCMICROSTORE Apple iPhone Black Leather Texture Horizontal Holster Carrying Case With Belt Loop And Clip

I found this iPhone case for $0.01(yes, 1 cent) and was really surprised that it got so many great reviews.  Almost 5 stars with 157 reviews. Here is one review: “This case is the best one I have found for the iPhone 3G with a case on the phone. I have tried this holster with a silicon case and with the polycarbonate case and both fit perfectly.

The only thing I can tell you that isn’t perfect about this case is that you cannot connect your headphones while in this holster. For me that is not an issue as I am mostly concerned for carrying the phone for daily business use, but some will dislike the lack of support for the iPod features.”

Save $4000 on BlackBerry Bold 9000

blackberry bold 9000

I was checking out the AT&T Blackberry Bold 9000 today and was really surprise to see it for $99 with a new contract on Amazon.com. Gizmodo gave the phone a good review and dubbed it the “Best Blackberry Yet”. 

According to Gizmodo”the Bold is an awesome (if massive) piece of hardware with an amazing screen and keyboard. It’s got a pretty, easy to use OS that really elevates the BlackBerry experience, though the media functions could stand to be beefier and more intuitive. The battery life is incredible for a 3G device—a day of heavy use is no problem. In short, it’s the best BlackBerry you can buy.”

I have the BlackBerry pearl flip which I discussed here.  I really like it, but if you are going to text a lot, you should probably go with something with the full keyboard like the Bold.

Some more info on the Bold 9000:

Product Features

• Global Blackberry messaging smartphone with quad-band GSM and tri-band 3G connectivity as well as Wi-Fi networking
• Compatible with AT&T Navigator GPS turn-by-turn directions, AT&T Mobile Music, and streaming video from Cellular Video service
• 2-megapixel camera/camcorder; Bluetooth for handsfree devices; MicroSD expansion (to 32 GB); newly designed QWERTY keyboard
• Up to 4.5 hours of talk time, up to 324 hours (13.5 days) of standby time
• What’s in the Box: handset, battery, charger, USB cable, 3.5mm stereo headset, holster, quick start guide and user manual, CD with Blackberry Desktop software

Dimensions

• Size (LWH): 4.49 inches, 2.59 inches, 0.59 inches
• Weight: 4.8 ounces

Product Features

• Network Compatibility: UMTS

Here is the link to to the Bold 9000 on Amazon.

Stream Movies to Your TV for One Price

At my house we have a which is a cool little computer that has the Windows Media Center remote, attached to our in the living room. I love it because it came with the TV tuner so I can record my TV shows at night and I also record the Disney channel so that the kids can watch it later. So yesterday I am looking for a video in Windows Media Center and there is an icon for . I knew that recently they had added Netflix streaming to your TV if you had the Roku Digital Video Player, but I did not know that you could just stream it directly to your PC. I am going to try the 2 week trial and see how it works out. It is really difficult to watch shows or movies when we want because we usually have to wait until the kids are asleep. I went to the website and found that they do not always have the newest releases available on the streaming video, but depending on which plan you choose you can get the DVD sent to your house so you will not miss out on any movies. Here are the different plans they have:

Unlimited Plans
$8.99 a month
1 DVD out at-a-time
(Exchange DVDs as often as you want)
plus Instantly watch online on your PC or Mac or instantly on your TV via a Netflix ready device – all for no additional monthly fee. Instantly watch as often as you want, anytime you want.

$13.99 a month
2 DVDs out at-a-time
(Exchange DVDs as often as you want)
plus Instantly watch online on your PC or Mac or instantly on your TV via a Netflix ready device – all for no additional monthly fee. Instantly watch as often as you want, anytime you want.

$16.99 a month
3 DVDs out at-a-time
(Exchange DVDs as often as you want)
plus Instantly watch online on your PC or Mac or instantly on your TV via a Netflix ready device – all for no additional monthly fee. Instantly watch as often as you want, anytime you want.

How long is the free trial?

Your free trial will last for 2 weeks. Click here to learn more about the free trial offer details.

Can I cancel any time?

Absolutely. You can easily cancel your membership anytime, online, 24 hours a day. There are no cancellation fees. To avoid being charged after your trial, simply cancel your account before the trial ends.

Can I instantly watch movies streamed from Netflix over the Internet to my PC or Mac?

Yes you can. The ability to instantly watch movies (some new releases) & TV episodes (including current season) streamed from Netflix to your PC or Mac is included with all plans. Choose from over 12,000 movies & TV episodes. With most membership plans, you can watch as often as you want, anytime you want. This is a bonus to the DVDs you get by mail and is included with your membership for no additional monthly fee.

What are the system requirements to watch movies instantly on my PC or Mac?

You must have a computer running Windows XP or Mac OS X and an active broadband connection to the Internet.
Windows XP requirements: Service Pack 2 or higher or Windows Vista; Internet Explorer version 6 or higher; Firefox 2 or higher; 1.2 GHz processor; 512 MB RAM.
Mac OS X requirements: an Intel-based Mac with OS 10.4.8 or later; Safari 3 or higher; Firefox 2 or higher; 1 GB RAM.

Is the New Kindle DX just for Textbooks?

kindle dx

It has been pretty clear that Amazon has launched the Kindle DX to scoop up the textbook market and has done so early enough to beat out the competition from other larger sized ebook readers that are due to be released later this year. Princeton University, which received a grant to purchase the Kindle DX for students, is one of the half-dozen schools participating in a pilot project with Amazon. The other schools running DX pilot programs are Arizona State, Case Western Reserve, Reed College, and University of Virginia Darden School of Business and Pace University.

Many schools are looking at this as a possible cost savings by reducing the amount of paper used by students. Documents that are normally printed, copied, and handed out to students can be delivered in an electronic format instead of printed. Princeton had estimated that it spent $5 million on paper last year.

The Best Selling Accessories for The Kindle

If you already have a Kindle or are thinking about getting one, here are some of the best selling accessories for you to checkout.

Amazon Kindle Leather Cover (fits 2nd Generation Kindle)

This is the cover that you can add to your Kindle when you purchase it for an additional $29.99. You can also order it separately from the link above. This is much better than the “free” one that came with the first Kindle. If you are going to invest in a Kindle, it really is worth the extra money to buy the cover. This one has gotten some great reviews from Amazon shoppers.

Mighty Bright XtraFlex2 Clip-On Light

Many people do not realize that the Kindle’s screen does not have any back lighting. eInk is not like a typical LCD display, it is made to simulate paper. This makes for great reading except when you are on a plane or reading in bed at night. A lot of customers end up buying the clip on light after using their new Kindle. The light has also gotten some great reviews and is only $19.99.

M-edge Prodigy Hinge Jacket for Kindle 2 (Genuine Leather–Marbled Red)

Before you check out, take a look at some of the other covers available for your Kindle. The M-edge covers have always been popular with the original Kindle users. The leather ones run around $45 and they also come in a less expensive non-leather version.

Save 20% on Mobile Apps

Handango is also offering a free ringtone for your blackberry phone with a purchase of $25 or more. Handango has lots of games an you can download a trial on some.

Check this article to get the code

Blackberry Pearl 8220

I just moved and it was time to get a new cell phone and service plan.  I got the BlackBerry Pearl Flip 8220 Phone, Black (T-Mobile).  I never had a Blackberry before, but I really like it.  We shopped around and were really disappointed with the plans available. We were looking for two phones on a “family type plan”. A lot of the plans from other providers required us to buy a phone if we just purchased a basic plan, others did not include text or web.

We found for us the Blackberry Pearls (which we got for free), with the basic family plan plus the additional for unlimited text and web was the best value. I have never been a big cell phone user, but I am starting to get into it now. I get my gmail right to my phone and I also have my Facebook right on the phone. It can get a little addictive.
I am not one to pay for ringtones. With the Media Manager software, it was pretty easy to take MP3s from my laptop and put the on my phone as ringtones.
All in all I really like this phone. If you are a huge texter you may opt for a phone with the full keyboard.

The Kindle 2.0 has Arrived

Well, we all have been waiting for the “official” release of the Kindle 2.0. It is too bad that it happened after the holidays, but hey, what a great way to spend that tax return. If you really love your morning paper, why no have it delivered right to your Kindle every morning.
The new Kindle does not come with a carrying case so you may want to pick up the M-edge Platform Jacket for Kindle 2 . The case that came with the original Kindle was not very good and most people ended up buying a new one.

Let’s look at the features on the new Kindle:

Slim: Just over 1/3 of an inch, as thin as most magazinesLightweight: At 10.2 ounces, lighter than a typical paperbackWireless: 3G wireless lets you download books right from your Kindle, anytime, anywhere; no monthly fees, service plans, or hunting for Wi-Fi hotspots
Books in Under 60 Seconds: Get books delivered in less than 60 seconds; no PC
Read-to-Me: With the new Text-to-Speech feature, Kindle can read every book, blog, magazine, and newspaper out loud to you
Large Selection: Over 240,000 books plus U.S. and international newspapers, magazines, and blogs available
Low Book Prices: New York Times Best Sellers and New Releases $9.99, unless marked otherwise

The new features of the Kindle 2 over the existing Kindle 1 include the following:

• Weight reduced from 10.3 to 10 ounces
• Thickness reduced from 0.7 (thickest area) to 0.36 inches
• Display increased to 16 shades of gray compared to 4 shades in Kindle 1.0
• 25% longer battery life, Read on a single charge for up to 4 days with wireless on. Turn wireless off and read for up to two weeks. Battery life will vary based on wireless usage, such as shopping the Kindle Store and downloading content.
• Integrated available 1.4 GB of memory to store 1,500 ebooks (Kindle 1.0 had 180MB and SD card)
• 5-way controller compared to previous scroll wheel
• Pages turn up to 20% faster
• New text-to-speech feature
• Rear mounted stereo speakers (Kindle 1 had a single speaker)
• Whispersync feature allows you to seamlessly switch back and forth between your Kindle devices while keeping your reading location synchronized–simply pick up reading right where you left off.

Check out the Kindle 2: Amazon’s New Wireless Reading Device (Latest Generation)page on Amazon for more information.