Now, people aren’t buying desktops like they used to.  I still have three in my home and I have no plans of replacing them (although, there are also three laptops in my house as well) but I’m also aware of the fact that there are times when something more portable would be best. 

I never really got into the Blackberry thing but yesterday my husband and I were looking at netbooks because we are often on the road but we need to be able to check email and possibly blog. 

Dell seems to realize that more and more people are thinking that way and they have chosen to make their transition into the smartphone business.  They have confirmed that they will be offering an Android-based Mini 3i Smartphone but, as I read on Hot Hardware, the actual details about the device are scant.

image: Dell

Post from: Cellphone9

Starting November 1, 2009 through January 9, 2010, you can save on the following models:

• Sanyo SCP2700 phone – FREE – starting 11/1/2009 to 1/9/2010
• Sierra Wireless 598U mobile broadband card – FREE – starting 11/1/2009 to 1/9/2010
• RIM Blackberry Curve – Buy 1 for $49.99, Get 1 FREE, with a $100 mail-in rebate – starting 11/1/2009 to 1/9/2010

Not the phones you were looking for?  No problem!  There are so many deals to choose from on Sprint’s Holiday site. 

image used with permission

Post from: Cellphone9

Still, there’s no price on being friendly to the environment, right?  Unfortunately, it takes a whole 20 hours outside/40 hours indoors of sun exposure to get this bad baby up to full charge. 

The one thing that irks me about my iPod is that I can’t put some batteries into it to get it to work, I’ve got to wait for it to charge and I think that having to wait for my dock to charge would drive me nuts and I’m really environmentally-conscious.  Apparently, Gizmodo says that you can buy a regular power adapter for the Reverb so that could work, I guess.

The Reverb will be released in April, 2010 at a retail price of $2,229.

image: Regen

Post from: Cellphone9

If you’ve never played any of the Bejeweled games, I feel that I should warn you – they are highly addictive.  The good news is that Bejeweled Blitz is just one minute per challenge so there is a time limit if you find it hard to turn the app off. 

Visit the PopCap Games website for more information!

image: PopCap.com

Post from: Cellphone9

The world’s biggest mobile phone maker warns that users could get an electrical shock from using the chargers and promises to replace them for free.

If you are trying to determine whether you might be affected by the recall, here is some information:

• The recall is not in effect for chargers sold in China, Britain, Brazil and Argentina.
• The potentially dangers models are the AC-3E and AC-3U, manufactured between June 15, 2009 and August 9, 2009 and the AC-4U model, manufactured between April 13, 2009 and October 25, 2009.
• If you live in Europe, chances are you bought an AC-3E charger whereas the two other models were sold in North and Latin America. 
• All three models were manufactured by subcontractor BYD.

Consumers can also contact Nokia directly for more information.

image: Amazon

Post from: Cellphone9

Virgin Atlantic Airways has launched an app for its Flying Without Fear course proving yet again that Virgin Atlantic president, Richard Branson, is on a mission to accomplish just about everything he possibly can in life.

“Our first iPhone app will bring the benefits of our successful Flying Without Fear course to millions of people around the world who are now using mobile technology to make their lives better,” Branson said.  “The app will put many travelers at ease and enable them to prepare for their first Virgin Atlantic flight.”

The app features an introduction by Branson and then offers a number of resources to users including relaxation exercises and an in-flight explanation of a flight.  I’d love to see what this looks like even though I’m not really afraid of flying.

The Flying Without Fear course boasts a 98 percent success rate which is pretty flipping impressive.  The app was developed in collaboration with Mental Workout, “a company developing software to help people resolve issues and increase mental performance.”

Would you consider using this program and an iPhone application to get over your fear of flying?

image: Bell.ca

Post from: Cellphone9

A Canadian article discussed why this could be dangerous.  Have you ever been asked to enter your cell phone number for any reason?  I was at a concert last November and they told us to text our phone numbers to a certain code for a chance to win backstage passes and send the band a message.  I did it without even thinking but, truth be told, I could have been signing up for something I didn’t necessarily want.

Some consumers have been complaining that they have been signed up “for pricey text message schemes after entering their cell phone number through games and quizzes” and I can see how that could be something very easy for thieves to pull off. 

This is particularly true in some parts of Europe where cell phone number are now used to pay for small services including parking and restaurant bills.  It is probably only a matter of time before features like that become available in North America.  In fact, there are already websites, like mobilegiving.ca, that allow used to type in their cell phone number to make a donation to a charity.  That could very easily be exploited.

Long story short – be mindful of who you give your cell phone number to.  It could cost you more than having to deal with an annoying person that you met at a bar.

image: Amazon

Post from: Cellphone9

The Equinox features a 3.2 megapixel camera (with picture messaging), stereo Bluetooth and 3G network support and a built-in GPS sensor.  It also lights up and pulsates when a call or message comes in which would be great for me since my ringer doesn’t currently work (I accidentally put my phone through the washing machine).  I also read that you can silence or reject phone calls with hand gestures.  Handy (no pun intended).

Visit the Sony Ericsson website for more specific information about the Equinox and its accessories.

image: Sony Ericcson

Post from: Cellphone9

The company says that this enables applications “such as sports and fitness equipment, medical and health, home and office, and mobile accessories, to use coin cell and energy harvesting solutions to operate for more than a year on a tiny button cell battery.”  That’s pretty impressive.

The new Bluetooth is expected sometime next year.

image: Amazon

Post from: Cellphone9

First things first, though – this is NOT a Smartphone.  It’s a Smartwatch.  Make sure you don’t get your expectations up too high.  I think it was a little risky for them to choose a name like that but maybe they are hoping the confusion will result in people buying this thing under false pretences.

The Smartwatch is designed to be a companion to your Blackberry Smartphone by notifying you about any incoming Blackberry messages or events.

The watch features interchangeable wrist bands, a battery that can last up to four days (but can be recharged in 30 minutes using a standard microUSB cable) and receives firmware updates wirelessly.  For more information, visit the inPulse FAQ page.

image: inPulse

Post from: Cellphone9