Showing posts with label technology. Show all posts

Friday, July 22, 2011

The Star Wars Blu-ray: Early Access App Is Now Available

The Star Wars Blu-ray: Early Access App Is Now Available for Free Download at the iTunes store for iPad

and August 2 for all iDevices

Before STAR WARS: THE COMPLETE SAGA hits shelves on September 16, fans can get a sneak peak at the 40+ hours of bonus footage on the Blu-ray collection through the Star Wars Blu-ray: Early Access App. The App, available for all iDevices including the iPad and iPhone will highlight a sampling of bonus materials featured in the Blu-ray collection, including never-before-seen content sourced from the Lucasfilm Archives such as matte paintings and concept art; prop, maquette and costume turnarounds; supplementary interviews with cast and crew; and more.

For fans lucky enough to score a ticket to Comic-Con, stop by booth #3528 to check out the App and get an even bigger sneak peek at the Blu-ray Disc and experience one of the Saga’s most iconic moments from a unique, in-universe vantage point!

For additional images, download the app and screen grab your favorites!

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/star-wars-blu-ray-early-access/id448509859?mt=8

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Wednesday, July 20, 2011

ESRB Video Game Rating App Now Available on Microsoft Windows Phone 7

The award-winning video game rating app from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) is now available for Microsoft Windows Phone 7. This free mobile app, from the organization that assigns age and content ratings for computer and video games, allows easy access to video game ratings and detailed rating summaries. For parents, it’s as simple as snapping a photo or typing the name of a game to quickly determine if it is right for their family.

“Summertime can mean video game time for many families, whether playing in the car, on the plane or in the living room. But just like movies, not all games are appropriate for every child,” says ESRB president Patricia Vance. “So before buying a video game for a child it’s important to check the game’s rating and understand its content to determine if it’s the right choice. Today we added our ESRB app to Windows Marketplace, further expanding parents’ access to a game’s rating or rating summary, anytime, anywhere.”

The ESRB mobile app offers easy access to ESRB rating information for over 20,000 titles by either taking a photo of the game box or typing in the name of the game. Rating summaries, which are not displayed on game boxes like the ESRB ratings and content descriptors, provide parents with a detailed, straight-forward explanation – including specific examples – of the content that factored into a game’s rating. The ESRB app is a great way to put this information in parents’ hands right from the video game store, where it is often needed most. Rating summaries are available for games rated since July 1, 2008, which means that most of the games on kids’ wish lists will have rating summaries.

“Microsoft is very excited to offer parents this new free tool to help them find the information they need about the games their kids want,” said Aaron Kornblum, Director of Security Policy for Microsoft Corporation’s Interactive Entertainment Business. “Whether using the built-in camera or keyboard, Windows Phone 7 empowers shoppers by delivering this important ratings guidance whenever and wherever they may need it.”

Since their inception in 1994, the ESRB ratings have become a trusted resource for parents when choosing computer and video games. According to the latest research conducted by Peter D. Hart Research Associates and commissioned by the ESRB, 85% of parents with children that play video games are aware of the ESRB ratings, two-thirds use them regularly, and over three quarters consider the rating system “very helpful” in allowing them to choose games for their children.

In addition to the mobile app, parents may also want to check out ESRB’s Facebook page or follow ESRB on Twitter (@OKtoPlay). Ratings information, including rating summaries and additional resources for parents are also available on the website, ESRB.org, and mobile website, m.esrb.org.

The ESRB rating search app is developed by Point About and the image recognition and visual search is powered by IQ Engines. In April 2011, the ESRB mobile app received a Parents’ Choice Gold Award.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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Exciting News from ESRB

ASK THE ESRB COMMUNITY

Through the end of July parents are encouraged to submit questions about their kids’ video games– via twitter @OKtoPlay or questions@esrb.org – that may in turn be shared with the ESRB’s community on Facebook.

The goal is to develop a conversation around the issues of most importance to parents, be it whether a particular game is right for their child, how to manage online game play, or how much game time is appropriate. We’ll pick one question and one answer each week and the submitter of each gets a $50 GameStop gift card. Further details are at: http://on.fb.me/pl9juu.

ESRB VIDEO GAME RATING APP NOW AVAILABLE ON

MICROSOFT WINDOWS PHONE 7

Broader Access for Parents to Get Detailed Information about Video Games before They Buy

NEW YORK, NY – The award-winning video game rating app from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) is now available for Microsoft Windows Phone 7. This free mobile app, from the organization that assigns age and content ratings for computer and video games, allows easy access to video game ratings and detailed rating summaries. For parents, it’s as simple as snapping a photo or typing the name of a game to quickly determine if it is right for their family.

“Summertime can mean video game time for many families, whether playing in the car, on the plane or in the living room. But just like movies, not all games are appropriate for every child,” says ESRB president Patricia Vance. “So before buying a video game for a child it’s important to check the game’s rating and understand its content to determine if it’s the right choice. Today we added our ESRB app to Windows Marketplace, further expanding parents’ access to a game’s rating or rating summary, anytime, anywhere.”

The ESRB mobile app offers easy access to ESRB rating information for over 20,000 titles by either taking a photo of the game box or typing in the name of the game. Rating summaries, which are not displayed on game boxes like the ESRB ratings and content descriptors, provide parents with a detailed, straight-forward explanation – including specific examples – of the content that factored into a game’s rating. The ESRB app is a great way to put this information in parents’ hands right from the video game store, where it is often needed most. Rating summaries are available for games rated since July 1, 2008, which means that most of the games on kids’ wish lists will have rating summaries.

“Microsoft is very excited to offer parents this new free tool to help them find the information they need about the games their kids want,” said Aaron Kornblum, Director of Security Policy for Microsoft Corporation’s Interactive Entertainment Business. “Whether using the built-in camera or keyboard, Windows Phone 7 empowers shoppers by delivering this important ratings guidance whenever and wherever they may need it.”

Since their inception in 1994, the ESRB ratings have become a trusted resource for parents when choosing computer and video games. According to the latest research conducted by Peter D. Hart Research Associates and commissioned by the ESRB, 85 percent of parents with children that play video games are aware of the ESRB ratings, two-thirds use them regularly, and over three quarters consider the rating system “very helpful” in allowing them to choose games for their children.

In addition to the mobile app, parents may also want to check out ESRB’s Facebook page or follow ESRB on Twitter (@OKtoPlay). Ratings information, including rating summaries and additional resources for parents are also available on the website, ESRB.org, and mobile website, m.esrb.org.

The ESRB rating search app is developed by Point About and the image recognition and visual search is powered by IQ Engines. In April 2011, the ESRB mobile app received a Parents’ Choice Gold Award.

About Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)

The ESRB is a non-profit, self-regulatory body established in 1994 by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA). ESRB independently assigns computer and video game content ratings, enforces advertising guidelines, and helps ensure responsible online privacy practices for the interactive entertainment software industry. Visit www.esrb.org for more information.

Nerd Chick Adventures: Summer Safety Gadgets

Nerd Chick Adventures: Summer Safety Gadgets

By: Andrea Eldridge

The Eldridges are a summer loving family. From lazy afternoons floating in the lake, to the cool tingle from the first lick of an ice cream cone, it’s no wonder we spend the winter counting down the days. Now that I’m a mom of a water-obsessed toddler, however, the season also brings some extra worries. Will those new water wings make him less cautious around the pool? Is it too hot to load him, or the dog, into the car? What if we have car trouble when out on one of our weekend exploration drives? Luckily I’ve found some great gadgets to curb some of my summer safety fears.

Every time I watch my two year old launch himself fearlessly into the pool, I smile, and then I try to ignore that little voice in my head that whispers, “What if he tries to do it when you’re not here?” If you also worry about the safety of your kids, pets, or weaker swimmers around your pool, the Poolguard PGRM-2 (http://poolguardsafety.com/zm_poolguard-pool-alarm-for-in-ground-pools-meets-astm-standard.asp) is the least expensive in-ground pool alarm to be highly recommended by Good Housekeeping and Dateline independent testing. Once installed on the side of your pool, the Poolguard will monitor the surface of the water, sounding alarms both outside and through an in-home monitoring device if anything over 18lbs enters the water, but won’t false alarm under high winds conditions. Available for about $200, the surface monitor runs off a 9V battery and will alarm if someone attempts to move or improperly disarm the device, or if the battery runs low.

While that’s a great option for home, what about that houseboat trip you’re looking forward to? Safety Turtle (www.safetyturtle.com) has developed a Personal Immersion Alarm that attaches to your child's wrist or a pet's collar. When activated, the alarm triggers a loud siren from the wireless base station if your child or pet falls into water. The system is portable and easily usable at home, on a houseboat, at the lake, or even at a public pool. One base station can monitor multiple wristbands, so you can keep track of all of your young children and pets with one system. The base station is available for about $119, while each wristband or collar costs about $53.

ref=pd_sim_sbs_e_11) is available for about $60. If you aren’t intimately familiar with the internal wiring of your car, check with your mechanic before buying one to make sure they’ll be able to install it for you.

Once I’ve made it safely into the car, air conditioner running, I tend to feel that arriving at my destination is a foregone conclusion. It only took one flat tire with a dead cell phone battery to teach me that I’d better plan for the worst. My husband likes his battery backup device, but the worrier in me knows that I may not always remember to keep that charged if it stays in my car. I prefer the Etón American Red Cross Microlink FR160 (http://www.amazon.com/American-ARCFR160R-Microlink-Self-Powered-Flashlight/dp/B001QTXKCE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1309929123&sr=8-1), which retails for $30. This small, hand-held device has a rechargeable battery pack that can be charged by AC adapter (if you plan ahead), solar panel (if you’re stranded in the daylight), or manual hand crank (for the truly unlucky, like me). It can charge most USB-powered cell phones, has an AM/FM/NOAA Weather Radio, and an LED Flashlight. Leave it somewhere in the sun and you’ll never again be stranded on your way to summer fun.

Do you have more summer safety concerns ruining your cool? Drop us a note on Facebook (facebook.com/nerdsoncall) or email us at nerdchick@callnerds.com.

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HP Moves Students to Head of the Class

HP offers a variety of high-performance technology at a great value to enhance the scholastic experience and give students the freedom to learn and study from virtually anywhere.

To help students stay in step with the latest trends in education and learning while on the go, HP is offering several special promotions. Plus, the HP Academy program offers eligible students and teachers savings of up to 15 percent on the latest consumer products.

HP ePrint⁽¹⁾, notebook PCs ideal for the multitasking student

HP has two powerful notebook PCs and a printing solution to help students tackle any task the school year has in store – from the hardest mathematical equations to creative class projects.

The HP Pavilion dv6 is an entertainment powerhouse with the right amount of screen real estate at a great value. Movies look crisp on the notebook’s vivid 15.6-inch diagonal high-definition (HD)⁽²⁾Bright View LED display,and music sounds the way the artist intended with Beats Audio™ technology and optimized on-board quad speakers. The HP Pavilion dv6 is available now at www.hpdirect.com and starts at $699.99.⁽³⁾

The HP Pavilion dm4 features etched metal finishes, the power of second-generation Intel® Core™ processors and HP CoolSense technology in an ultrathin design. It’s the ideal balance of design, portability and performance. The HP Pavilion dm4 is available now at www.hpdirect.com and starts at $749.99.⁽³⁾

HP understands the lives of students are hectic and that sometimes homework doesn’t just get done at home. With HP ePrint,⁽¹⁾ students can work from a friend’s dorm room, the library or even from their smartphone and print directly to their HP ePrint-enabled printer. With ePrint, an HP printer has its own email address that can be customized and shared with family, friends and classmates. HP ePrint is available on any HP printer starting at $79.^(1,3)

HP solutions for every student, family and budget

From busy scholars on a budget to the family that plays and learns together, HP has a computing solution to satisfy the needs of every student – available now at www.hpdirect.com.

The Savvy Spender

Students most often have to couple a busy school and social life with a tight budget. The following HP products are ideal for those who demand all the essentials at a great value.

HP Pavilion g6 offers reliable performance in a variety of stylish colors. Featuring a 15.6-inch HD⁽²⁾ BrightView LED display with Altec Lansing speakers and SRS Premium Audio, the Pavilion g6 is ideal for enjoying movies and music. It starts at $529.99.⁽³⁾

HP Photosmart e-All-in-One Printer handles all print jobs from lab-quality photos and documents to web content with ease. Choose original HP 60XL cartridges for consistent, high-quality results. The Photosmart e-All-in-One starts at $99.99.⁽³⁾

HP USB Flash drives are a portable, affordable storage solution. The HP v165w, available in red or blue, and the diamond-studded gold HP c335w allow students to carry their content in style. HP USB Flash drives start at $14.99.(3)

The Trendy Techie

For the student who is always on the go, but demands the latest and greatest in design and functionality, the following HP products make productivity look better than ever.

HP Pavilion dm1 delivers notebook performance in a compact, stylish design. Measuring less than 1-inch thin, it features an 11.6-inch diagonal HD⁽²⁾ BrightView LED display,an AMD dual-core processor and offers up to 10.75 hours of battery life.⁽⁴⁾ HP CoolSense technology combines hardware and intelligent cooling software for a notebook that feels noticeably cooler. The Pavilion dm1 starts at $499.99.⁽³⁾

HP Envy100 e-All-in-One Printer is a sleek, web-connected⁽⁵⁾device that is whisper-quiet and features a touchscreen display that retracts after printing to maintain a streamlined appearance when not in use. It is also the world’s first PVC-free printer and comes with a reusable tote bag and cartridges made from up to 70 percent recycled plastic to help students reduce their environmental impact.^(6,7) The HP Envy 100 e-All-in-One is $249.99.⁽³⁾

HP Wi-Fi Mobile Mouse is the first mouse to connect quickly and easily via a PC’s built-in Wi-Fi receiver,⁽⁵⁾ideal for the student who can’t spare a USB port. It offers up to nine months of battery life and five customizable buttons so students can create shortcuts for common actions such as cut, paste, undo and redo. The HP Wi-Fi Mobile Mouse is $49.99.⁽³⁾

The Family Fun and Learning Center

Education begins at home, and HP has the solutions to fuel a child’s desire to learn.

HP TouchSmart 610 is a touchscreen, all-in-one PC that offers an intuitive computing experience and endless opportunities for discovery and learning. Kids of all ages can engage with touch-optimized applications and games from Marvel Comics, Cartoon Network and more.⁽⁵⁾ Additionally, the display reclines from upright to almost flat for increased comfort and a more natural interaction with the touchscreen. The TouchSmart 610 PC starts at $899.99.⁽³⁾

HP Photosmart eStation is the ideal printer for the digitally connected family. It combines HP ePrint⁽¹⁾ with high-performance printing, scanning and copying. The printer’s 7-inch detachable touchscreen runs on Android OS, letting users shop online, access web applications, e-books and email right from the device.⁽⁵⁾ The print experience can be customized by visiting the HP ePrintCenter, where students can explore new services, track print jobs and check out new print apps. The Photosmart eStation starts at $329.99.⁽³⁾

HP Portable Hard Drive is an ideal back-up solution for families that want quick, reliable back-up with virtually no hassle. Available with up to 1 terabyte (TB)(8) of storage, the HP Portable Hard Drive features HP SimpleSave software and USB 3.0 technology for the fastest transfer speeds available. Simply plug the drive into a PC and it backs up all family photos, videos and other cherished memories instantly. It starts at $99.99.(3)

Smart student packs now available at HP Academy

The only thing better than getting the perfect PC for school is getting a great deal on essentials like Microsoft® Home Office or entertainment fun like the Microsoft Xbox just for purchasing an HP PC. HP Academy is offering special deals for students and teachers this back-to-school season, including:

The Essential Student Pack: Students who purchase an HP notebook priced higher than $599 can add an HP Photosmart e-All-in-One printer, three-year limited warranty and 4 gigabyte (GB)⁽⁸⁾HP USB Flash drive for only $199.⁽³⁾
The Ultimate Student Deal: The lightweight, high-powered HP Pavilion dm4, Microsoft Office Home and Student, and the Essential Student Pack can be purchased for less than $900 with the HP Academy student discount and coupon code NB6666.⁽³⁾
Microsoft Xbox 360 offer: Students get a 4 GB⁽⁸⁾ Xbox 360 for free with the purchase of an HP PC with the new Intel Core processor family and Windows® 7 priced higher than $690. Additional details are available at www.hpdirect.com/go/xbox.

Additional information on HP’s student packs and offers is available at www.hpdirect.com/go/classofnow.

(1) Requires an internet connection to the printer. Feature works with any connected internet- and email-capable device. Print times may vary. Some HP LaserJet printers may require a firmware upgrade. A list of supported documents and image types is available at www.hp.com/go/eprintcenter. Additional solutions are available at www.hp.com/go/mobile-printing-solutions.

(2) HD content is required to view HD images.

(3) Estimated U.S. street prices. Actual prices may vary.

(4) Battery life will vary depending on the product model, configuration, loaded applications, features, use, wireless functionality and power management settings. The maximum capacity of the battery will naturally decrease with time and usage. Additional details are available at MobileMark07 battery benchmark www.bapco.com/products/mobilemark2007.

(5) Wireless access point and internet service required and not included. Availability of public wireless access points limited.

(6) HP ENVY 100 e-All-in-One is polyvinyl chloride-free (PVC-free), meeting the evolving definition of PVC-free as set forth in the “iNEMI Position Statement on the ‘Definition of Low-Halogen Electronics (BFR-/CFR-/PVC-free).” Plastic parts contain less than 1,000 ppm (0.1 percent) of chlorine (if the Cl source is from CFRs or PVC or PVC copolymers). Printers sold in Korea are not PVC-free. USB cable, required in limited geographic areas, is not PVC-free.

(7) Many of HP’s ink cartridges with recycled content include at least 50 percent recycled plastic by weight. Exact percentage of recycled plastic varies by model and over time, based on the availability of material.

(8) Actual formatted capacity is less. A portion of the hard drive is reserved for system recovery software — for notebooks up to: 20 GB (Windows 7), 8 GB (XP and XP Pro), 12 GB (Vista®, 12 GB (MCE); for desktops up to: 14 GB (Windows 7), 10 GB (Vista, XP, XP Pro), 12 GB (MCE). For hard drives, 1 GB = 1 billion bytes and 1 TB = 1 trillion bytes. Actual formatted capacity is less. Up to 20 GB of hard drive is reserved for system recovery software.

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Thursday, July 14, 2011

Hammerhead iPad 2 Hard Shell Case

About the Product
Many things are uncertain on vacation -- your flight schedule, the weather, if the water is safe to drink. So, for this summer's vacation, make sure to pack one thing you can rely on: a Hammerhead iPad 2 Hard Shell Case (MSRP, $39.99 USD).

The Hammerhead iPad 2 Hard Shell Case will keep your iPad 2 safe from harm, no matter where your travels take you. Now you can be worry free as you use your iPad 2 to bring along your favorite reading to the beach, to look up recipes at the BBQ and search for restaurants near your hotel. The Hammerhead Hard Shell Case's unique polymer cover protects both the front and back of your iPad 2 -- giving you the all-around protection your device needs when you're on the go.

Weighing only 8.3 oz., the Hammerhead iPad 2 Hard Shell Case is lightweight and thin. With a water-resistant cover, you can enjoy some extra protection poolside. Installation is simple -- simply insert the iPad and close with a "click" and you're ready to go. You'll save battery life as well: the case's cover automatically wakes & sleeps the iPad 2 display.

"The iPad 2 is a perfect vacation companion, but most cases fail to give you the protection your device needs," said Don Mayer, CEO of Hammerhead. "With the Hammerhead iPad 2 Case, you can rest assured that your iPad 2 can handle the rigors of travel -- letting you focus on the important parts of your vacation -- relaxing and having fun."

Available in 10 stylish colors, this durable case also allows the iPad 2 to sit in four convenient positions. The Hammerhead iPad 2 Hard Shell Case is currently available on Amazon.com, through the Hammerhead website and in Small Dog Electronics' stores and other retail outlets nationwide. Colors include red, black, white, navy, gray, orange, blue, tan, pink and green.

Like Hammerhead on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hammerheadcase

Follow Hammerhead on Twitter at @HammerheadCase

My Take on The Product

The IPad 2 can be a bit delicate and for the money you pay when you buy one you want to make sure that it is safe, as you do not want hundreds of dollars down the tube. The cover that Apple provides is fine for light use and as long as you are careful your IPad will be fine, but if you get into any hard use issues or if you are traveling with your IPad, I highly recommend looking for a hard shell case!

What is great about these cases is that the design of them makes it easy to simply slide in your IPad and lock it into place. At the same time the fold on the case provides you with a nice incline to be able to type a message or play a game. You can also use it the opposite way and it can become a movie screen as well for the latest movies you download to watch on the fly!

This case covers the entire I{ad without blocking anything that you would need to get to, so there is no reason that you would have to continue to get the IPad out of the case to adjust things like volume or even to use the camera which was a nice add-on if I do say so myself!

I was able to check out the basic black case and it is sleek and stylish, but if black is not your color you can easily find another amongst the nine that they have! The one thing I notice with the black though is that it does tend to show fingerprints. I do not know whether this is the case on the other colors, but black does show this (Just something to keep in mind).

Overall, I really liked this new case, it was very light, relatively inexpensive and provides with the peace of mind that your IPad is safer than in some of the lighter weight cases that you can find on the market. I highly recommend this to all!

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Crayola MP3 - Fun Electronics for Your Kids

Take your tunes with you on this silver Crayola 2GB MP3 player! It can store up to 96 hours of music (approximately 1,800 songs) and features USB mass storage to copy and store data files from a computer. The LCD screen lets you scroll between songs, read lyrics, or set up the menu. This MP3 player even lets you record your voice. It supports MP3, WMA, and WAV formats. Includes earphones, necklace loop, USB cable, instruction manual, and Music Express software. Music Express converts your CDs to mp3 format and lets you find and organize your music, burn CDs, and more. Dimensions: 3"L x 2.25"W x 0.75"D.

If you’re taking a plane or car ride ANYWHERE this summer, kids should have their own set of tunes to enjoy. Crayola has come up with a MP3 to make it fun for kids to come up with their own play list as well as encouraging them to have their own sense of ownership for kids also!

The product is being released by Sakar International (http://sakar.com/) and along with a wide array of other kids devices and other electronic devices for all ages, this company is going out of its way to stay on top of electronic trends in the market.

In trying out this out I was impressed to find how easy it was to set up and use. With easy uploading capabilities and a 2GB storage capacity this MP3 will last a child quite a while and at the same time will allow the child's interests in music to change as they change also. The buttons on this are intuitive and even my 6 year old was able to catch on quick and use this with no problem.

Overall, for the price, durability and ease of use, this MP3 is a must have for kids that are begging you for their own MP3 or for that special gift that you have been wanting to provide your child also!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

HP Partners with Mobile Photographers to Bring AirPrint Moments

Recently, the Apple iPhone became the most popular camera on the photo sharing site, Flickr. With over 45 million photos on the Web site, it shows consumers are using a mobile device for photography to take and share photos more than ever before. These memories exist on the device and are often left to sit with little thought of printing these photos to share as physical evidence of an experience.

But there are options available for printing these moments. HP continues to find ways to improve mobile printing technology in their printers and currently is the only company to offer printing directly from the Apple iPhone through AirPrint. With AirPrint and HP’s e-All-in-One printers, those photos that previously existed only on a screen can now be printed to share with those closest to you.

To promote this trend and HP’s printing capabilities, HP has partnered with notable iPhoneographers Colin Vincent, Greg Schmigel and Sion Fullana to bring together the contest, AirPrint Moments. We are asking photographers to show us their favorite AirPrint Moment. In other words, what photo taken from your mobile phone would you most like to print? Is it a child’s birthday or a family outing at the park? Maybe it’s a beautiful waterfall that reminds you of a family vacation.

Participants can submit up to three photos and submissions will be judged by our iPhoneographers, as well as by popular vote. Winners of the contest will receive a new HP Photosmart Premium e-All-in-One Printer equipped with AirPrint after the contest concludes on July 15th.

Check out the site today at: www.airprintmoments.strutta.com

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Saturday, June 25, 2011

An Unconventional Gift - DYMO LabelManager 420P Label Maker

About the Product

Portable and durable, the DYMO LabelManager 420P label maker is easy to use and extends productivity for those heavy users who need vast quantities of labels for massive filing, archiving, warehousing and asset management functions.

Other features of the LabelManager 420P label maker include:

PC* and Mac^®** compatibility - to print barcodes, logos, batch labels from data files, and much more
Large, four line graphic display with back lighting for improved visibility
View text effects, on screen, before printing – to minimize mistakes
Rechargeable battery – no more disposable battery expense and inconvenience
Uses DYMO D1 labels in 1/4”, 3/8”, 1/2” and 3/4” widths, for maximum flexibility

About the DYMO LabelManager PnP Label Maker

Printing labels is fast and easy with the award-winning DYMO LabelManager PnP label maker. With no software to install, the label maker plugs right into a PC or Mac^® to create professional looking, customized labels using the fonts and graphics on the computer. Lightweight and compact, DYMO LabelManager PnP label maker is ideal for labeling at the desk.

Other features of the LabelManager PnP include:

No software to install
PC* and Mac^®*** compatibility
Customize your label with any fonts or graphics on your computer
No power adapter or AA batteries needed – conveniently charges via USB
Uses DYMO D1 labels in 1/4”, 3/8” and 1/2” widths, for maximum flexibility
Recipient of iF Product Design, red dot design and PC Magazine Editor’s Choice awards

*Windows^® 7, Windows^® Vista, Windows^® XP

** Mac^® OS 10.4 or later

*** Mac^® OS 10.5.8 or later

The DYMO LabelManager 420P label maker is available for USD $109.99 and the DYMO LabelManager PnP label maker is available for USD $59.99 in catalogs and online. For more information about each, visit www.dymo.com.

My Take on the Product
My wife was looking for something that would allow her to continue to organize our family's life and when I heard about this and was asked to review this I thought what could be better! In trying out this portable label maker I found that it was very easy to set up and use and that most of all, it was not as heavy as some of the ones that I have held in the past.

I had never heard of "Dymo" before, but in looking online I found that many others have had very positive experiences with the company and their products so I have to say that I now have also joined their ranks.

As I mentioned the product itself is quite easy to set up and to use. The only con (or at least the largest one in my eyes) was the keyboard on the product itself. It is not a full QWERTY keyboard and thus if you use this type of keyboard on a daily basis, you just have to retrain yourself for the way in which this is set up (it is not hard).

All-in-all this was a great product and my wife has already started to make strides towards further organization within our home! I can see that I am on my way towards a wild ride!

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Saturday, June 11, 2011

iPod Watch for Dads and Grads with iWatchz iPod nano(R) Straps Now at Airport Wireless and Techshowcase

iWatchz has announced that their highly sought-after Carbon and Timepiece iPod nano watch strap Collections are now available in select Airport Wireless and Techshowcase stores. The luxurious leather nano bands hit the market in April of 2011 and have quickly become the accessory of choice for discerning iPod nano owners.

Grads will love the Carbon Collection. It features a high-end black leather wrist strap with a carbon fiber look, paired with a black anodized aluminum iWatchz clip system. The strap transforms the nano into a versatile iPod watch that lets on-the-go music lovers make a fashion statement while keeping their favorite songs within arm’s reach.

Dads will appreciate the sleek Timepiece Collection which pairs a fashionable dark brown leather wrist strap with a polished stainless-steel iWatchz clip system. A stainless-steel deployment buckle completes this unique band adding comfort and durability for the wearer.

Business travelers looking to find the perfect Dads or Grads gift can now find it at the airport. But, given their mobile lifestyle, they’ll probably want to buy a nano band from the iWatchz Carbon or Timepiece Collections for themselves, as well. For specific Airport Wireless and Techshowcase locations, go to http://www.iwatchz.com/pages/where-to-buy.

About iWatchz

Founded in September 2010, iWatchz developed and engineered their patent pending clip system, and stylish watch straps, for use with the Apple iPod nano®. Their passion is to design fashionable and functional products for the discerning consumer. For more information, please visit http://www.iwatchz.com.

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Friday, June 10, 2011

Electronic gifts for Dads w/ Virgin Mobile & Boost Mobile

With Father’s Day just around the corner I wanted to quickly suggest the no-contract devices from Sprint brands, Virgin Mobile and Boost Mobile. Forget the ties and tools--what Dad’s want are tech products, but without being stuck with a two-year contract and a pricey monthly bill!

Boost and Virgin Mobile offers devices for every need, whether your Dad is into the latest and most high-tech devices or the phones best for talking and texting.

Boost Mobile

Paired with Boost Mobile’s Monthly Unlimited with Shrinkage plan, Dads can have the coolest phones without breaking the bank. Monthly Unlimited with Shrinkage starts at $50 A MONTH for unlimited talk, text, web, email and 411, then goes down the longer you stay. With Shrinkage, the plan rewards those by taking $5 off for every six on-time payments made.

Samsung Galaxy Prevail ($179.99): Boost Mobile’s second Android device that comes equipped with the everything a gadget-lover needs including a 3.2-inch touchscreen, 2MP camera with video, and a 2GB microSD™ card included.
Motorola i412 ($69.99): An entry-level flip phone with Nationwide Walkie-Talkie, perfect for dads who want a straightforward, easy-to-use, affordable phone. (*Available in June)

Virgin Mobile

Join the revolution and avoid being among the 66 percent of cell users overpaying for service by shredding your existing contract and embracing a lifestyle of Independence and no-contract. Virgin Mobile offers top-of-the range Android smartphones at a fraction of the price compared to competitors due to their low-cost BeyondTalk prepaid plans ranging from $25-$60 A MONTH for unlimited text, data and web with talk.

Virgin Mobile saves consumers 25 percent or more when compared to traditional contract-based phone service.

LG Optimus ($199.99): Upgrade to Android 2.2 on this 3G & Wi-Fi capable Navigate on a 3.2" touchscreen with a virtual QWERTY keyboard and Swype® text entry. This handset provides full access to the Android market as well as Virgin Mobile LIVE music stream.
Broadband2Go MiFi 2200 ($149.99): Give your Dad the gift of portable Internet connection to use whenever he needs it. The MiFi creates a secure Wi-Fi hotspot for up to five nearby devices. Virgin Mobile’s No Contract Broadband2Go plans feature 3G speeds and start at just $10 for 10 days/100MB of access. For heavy users the $50 plan offers unlimited data access with 3G speeds up to 2.5GB each month.

My Take on the Phones I was able to try out Motorola i412 from boost mobile. Boost has been a company I have been hearing more and more about lately. Mostly this was because of people liking the graduated decrease in monthly fees that you get while you are a member, but also, I have been hearing more and more on radio stations like NPR talking about their market share increasing. So needless to say I was excited to try this phone out and see what the buzz was about.

In receiving the phone I found it to be lightweight and portable. It took me a little time to figure out where things were on the phone and how to use things as my current phone is a bit less technical. One of the first things I tried was calling a few people, and I found the reception to be quality. No dropped calls and overall sound quality was positive.

Second I tried to send an image to someone. Taking the image was not a problem. I will suggest you play with the image size controls though as you need to make sure you have enough memory in the camera as I took a few pictures on the large picture setting and I was already at 42% of the memory capacity. The phone does provide you with three image sizes to choose form though. Sending the picture was easy enough or so I thought (but I will explain this later).

Third, I texted... I do not have a texting plan on my current phone but have had it in the past so this was a fun add-on. I sent a few text messages without problem and with the qwerty keyboard it made it simple for the user.

The problem that came in was that my pictures and texts were not sending. I ended up turning the phone off eventually and rebooting it up and amazingly all of the messages and images ended up being sent. So go figure... I will chalk it up as a technical glitch.

The messaging system on this phone keeps a record of your text conversations so you can go back through them later. I have yet to be able to figure out how to delete an image or a text message to conserve space though as it is not readily clear to the user.

Using the internet was next. The phone comes with some sites preset and you can also search. The graphical display is not the best but I found it easy enough to use. Data processing took a little time, but all-in-all it was not that difficult and I was able to send my first mobile tweet with this phone!

Overall, this phone was fun and I loved the idea of no contract. I will definitely be looking into Boost or Virgin Mobile in the future as I am off contract and would love to be able to stay that way if possible!

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.