Section: Gadgets / Other, Features, Originals Being a tech blogger I've come to realize it's not always about having the latest and greatest devices, but being satisfied with what you have and knowing how to use it to its fullest potential. On a day to day basis I use pretty mediocre devices—nothing high end—but at the end of the day, I'm able to accomplish everything I need to do. In addition to talking about the main electronics I use, I would like to mention a few websites and software services that helps me get through my day. Without further adieu, let me take you through an average day describing products and websites I use. First and foremost my favorite gadget to use is my cell phone. I am a proud owner of the LG enV 3, which is a quick messaging device and the successor of the original enV and the enV 2. I'm starting my second year on my Verizon contract with the LG enV 3 and I plan on upgrading to a smartphone next summer when I'm eligible for an upgrade. When I'm not texting or talking on the phone, I like to use it to listen to music. I put a 4GB Kingston microSD card in it and loaded about 500 songs from my music library. The music on my phone comes in handy when I go running because I sync it with my Insignia Bluetooth headphones to listen to music, which brings us to another device I enjoy using—my Bluetooth headset. I purchased my Insignia Bluetooth headphones a little over two years ago and it still works really well to this day. For the most part, I use the headphones when running because they fit comfortably on my ears and don't fall off. From time to time I will use them for its more conventional purpose of handsfree talking. Let me introduce you to another favorite device of mine—second to my cell phone—my Dell Dimension 3000 desktop computer. This desktop is almost five years old but still runs relatively well. It features 1GB of RAM, 2.80GHz Intel Pentium processor, and a 150GB hard drive. It's hooked up to a Samsung SyncMaster 940MW 19 inch LCD TV that doubles as a TV, and a Logitech wireless mouse. I use this computer to do most of my writing because I enjoy the large screen, keyboard, and mouse. Since it's pretty old and worn, I plan on upgrading to a much better rig once I figure out what kind of specs I want and when I save up the money for it. When writing, I like to stream music from Pandora or Grooveshark, depending on my mood that week.  Pandora, in my opinion, is good for discovering new music because it takes a band and finds music similar to it. On the other hand, Grooveshark is good for listening to specific songs and creating a playlist that you can listen to over and over again. From time to time I will use Winamp to play songs from my music library —mainly if I'm feeling nostalgic and want to listen to music I already know. Another program I often use is Digsby —a multi-client IM client which handles my Google Talk contacts, AIM, email, Twitter, Facebook IM, and Facebook notifications. Needless to say I can handle almost all aspects of social networking straight from one client. Back to actual gadgets now, I use a generic Memorex MP3 player which features 4GB of space, voice recorder, and FM Radio. I still own an iPod Video 30GB 5.5G, but the headphone jack doesn't function properly anymore so I opted for a cheaper MP3 player, one that I wouldn't mind if it broke. I usually leave the device on shuffle and let it cycle through about my 500 song library on it, which serves my purposes when I leave the house to go somewhere. For my MP3 player, I use a pair of Sony earbuds I purchased for an inexpensive price on Amazon; it's nothing special but beats the crappy headphones that usually come with such devices. At the end of the day, after I finished all my work and running, I like to sit down and enjoy playing a few Wii games on my Panasonic 42 inch HDTV. The TV itself offers rich, clear viewing while the Wii is fun to play with every once in a while. Sometimes the video games become a little childish and boring, but I only play it once in a while so it's always fun whenever I do. It just goes to show one doesn't really need the latest and greatest tech products to get through the day. With a little persistence, patience, and creativity, older and cheaper devices can be used efficiently and productively. Sure, I wouldn't mind the Motorola Droid X or a top-of-the-line Apple iMac, but for my purposes, the LG enV 3 and Dell Dimension 3000 desktop works as well. Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Haven’t caught all of the Gadgetell news this week? Here's your chance to catch up on this week’s top 10 articles! - Toshiba to unveil Android tablet next month
” Toshiba has announced it plans to release its Android tablet next month, months ahead of their competition. This includes Google’s anticipated Chrome tablet, which isn’t due to become available until the holiday season. The company has yet to release any details but we…” MORE » - Dell Streak to bypass Android 2.1 in favor of Android 2.2
” One of the common gripes of the newly released Dell Streak is the fact that it only runs Android 1.6 - for the time being anyway. Dell promised it would soon be upgraded to Android 2.1 and eventually Android…” MORE » - Google will sell Chrome OS tablet on Black Friday on Verizon Wireless
” Many people forget about Google’s other Operating System—Chrome. In fact, it looks like Google will launch its own tablet to rival the iPad by Black Friday of this year and it will operate on Chrome OS. The fact that…” MORE » - Gadgetell Review: Samsung Vibrant on T-Mobile USA
“Click for a larger image. Recently, I have spent a few weeks trying out one of T-Mobile's latest Android smartphones, the Samsung Vibrant. I must say, for all the hype surrounding…” MORE » - Android app problems: piracy, paid apps and
” The Android operating system for smartphones is gaining in popularity in leaps and bounds. Devices running Android outsold the mighty iPhone in the first half of 2010. One battle the platform is not winning is apps. Currently, Android apps are…” MORE » - Google posts Voice Actions and Chrome To Phone press event video
” Last week Google had a press event and unveiled Chrome to Phone and Voice Actions. And this week, they have released a video of that press event. Bottom line, if you…” MORE » - Gadgetell Unboxing: Samsung Vibrant
” The Samsung Vibrant is T-Mobile’s Samsung Galaxy S variant, which first became available July 15 for $199. Recently, I’ve been able to check out T-Mobile’s latest Android smartphone offering and I’m thoroughly impressed with the Vibrant. The…” MORE » - Verizon Wireless testing unlimited everything plan for $99
” Sprint likes to tout its Simply Everything Data plan which includes unlimited talk, text, and web for $99 a month. Verizon Wireless offers unlimited talk, text, web for $119 in most markets except for Los Angeles and San Diego where…” MORE » - HTC Desire HD makes an appearance on Amazon UK
” Last week, HTC began sending press invitations for an event to be held September 15 in London, in which we can assume a new phone (or two) will be announced. Latest rumors indicate HTC will…” MORE » - Samsung YP-MB2 pictures surface, release imminent?
” The Samsung YP-MB2, which is better known as the Samsung Galaxy S PMP, is Samsung’s latest rumored PMP featuring Android 2.1. While it hasn’t been officially confirmed by Samsung, the device’s specs have already leaked out and now…” MORE »
Full Story » | Written by NEWS for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones, Web, Google .jpg)
Almost a month ago, Google officially ended sale of the Nexus One smartphone, but promised it would stick around as the official developer phone. As of August 5, Google began selling the Nexus One again—for developers only—for the modest price of $529. Of course, the Nexus One is an enticing option for registered developers because it runs stock Android 2.2 and is still a very capable handset. The device as a developer only handset was really popular, in fact, more popular than Google even predicted as the phone is now back-ordered. Here is the official message from Tim Bray on the Nexus One: A couple of weeks ago, we arranged that registered developers could buy an unlocked Nexus One via their publisher page in Android Market. We think it's a good development platform and a nice phone. Apparently, you agree. Somewhat too many of you, in fact; we blew through the (substantial) initial inventory in almost no time, and they're back-ordered from HTC, who are doing a pretty good job of managing runaway success amid a worldwide AMOLED shortage. Everyone appreciates that it's important to the platform to get phones in the hands of developers, so we're working hard on re-stocking the shelves; stand by.
When the Google Nexus One is back in stock, we’ll let you know. Read [Android-Developers] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones Here’s some good news for Vodaphone HTC Desire owners in the UK: the Android 2.2 update will begin rolling out on August 23 and last about two weeks. According to Tom—a Vodaphone employee—the delay in the Android 2.2 update was due to extensive researching to ensure the software plays properly with all the key hardware components. His message on the Vodaphone forum can be read below: The Android 2.2 update for HTC Desire will start to be available to Vodafone customers from Monday 23 August. Our priority has been to make sure that the software does what we said it will do. This meant testing took a little longer than anticipated. Customers will receive an alert telling them that their handset is ready for an update and this alert will be phased over a two week period.
Lastly, there are specific instructions depending on whether or not you downloaded the recent Vodafone 360 software, click through to the forums to read up on that. Via [Vodaphone Forum] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Smartphones Just a few days ago T-Mobile updated its teaser page to the feature the impending T-Mobile G2. Unfortunately, T-Mobile decided to keep mum on details such as specs, availability, and actual images, but with the internet it’s hard to keep everything under wraps longer than a day or two. TmoNews is reporting the T-Mobile G2 may launch on September 29—a date that makes sense because T-Mobile promised additional information in the coming weeks. Also, HTC’s important event is being held on September 15, which is exactly two weeks before the purported G2 launch. Their “trusty ninja” is also reporting a pre-order period will take place sometime before the launch of the G2, meaning current T-Mobile customers will be the first to be offered the G2. The expected pre-order date is September 9, but again, this is subject to change. Now, Engadget received two pictures of the actual, physical G2—which leads them to believe it is the HTC Vision with a 3.7 inch touch screen, slider QWERTY keyboard, and some version of Android slapped on. Take both of these rumors with a grain of salt, the above information and picture leak seems to me a good indication of what’s to come. Via [TmoNews] Via [Engadget] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Computers, Mobile Computers, Gadgets / Other, Web People Magazine may not be the first to arrive on the iPad, but they look like they will be the first to arrive doing it right. And by right, I mean the right price. The digital edition of People Magazine is now available for free to current print edition subscribers. Wow, shocking, they realize people (no pun intended) may want to read on the iPad and in the actual magazine and do not feel the need to double charge. My question, how soon will it be until others finally realize this is how it will have to be and follow suit? Wired, I am pointing at you. Of course, singling Wired out is not entirely fair, but they are the only other one that I current want to read on my iPad so they will have to be singled out. And for those who ay be People Magazine subscribers, you can download the iPad app in the App Store by clicking here (App Store link). Read [New York Times] and [Forbes] Via [Just Another iPad Blog] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Computers, Netbooks, Gadgets / Other, ebooks According to a few images, it looks like CVS is going to be getting into the low priced netbook and ereader market. Of course, with Kmart and Walmart already doing that, why shouldn’t they? So far the details are pretty light, and honestly given what they do reveal I am pretty sure I would stay far away. But then again, you get what you pay for. And in this case that means a $99 netbook running Windows CE and a $179 ebook reader. As of now we are still unsure as to when these will come available, but it is looking like they will be in-store in time for the 2010 holiday shopping season. That said, I guess if you are simply looking for something basic for some web surfing and email, a $99 netbook may not be all that bad. Still, now your non-tech-friendly family member can pick up ‘fancy’ electronics while doing some basic shopping. Via [Engadget] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Gadgets / Other, ebooks The Micro Cruz Reader and Micro Cruz Tablet from Velocity have come available for pre-order. As of now the devices are available on the Velocity website as well as with Borders. The Micro Cruz Reader is priced at $199.99 and expected to ship September 30th and the Micro Cruz Tablet is priced at $299.99 and showing a shipping date of October 15th. And given you can purchase them at Borders, the likely assumption is correct in that they both ship with a Borders ebook reader app and access to the Borders eBook store. Otherwise the Cruz Reader features a 7 inch 4:3 (800 x 600) touchscreen display with accelerometer, SD card slot, 256MB internal storage, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g and ships with a 4GB SD card. Other features include access to the Cruz Market, pre-loaded apps to include a dictionary, notepad, calendar, alarm clock, contacts and games. As for battery life, that was noted as being up to 10 hours of reading time and 24 hours on standby time. The Cruz Tablet comes sporting a 7 inch 16:9 (800 x 480) capacitive touchscreen display, Android 2.1, 512MB RAM, 4GB internal storage, an 8GB SD card, Wi-Fi 802.11n, built-in speakers, miniUSB and a battery life of up to 10 hours of run time and 24 hours of standby time. Lastly, both the Cruz Reader and Cruz Tablet offer support for ePUB, PDF, TXT, PDB and HTML files as well as MP3, WMA, AAC and WAV audio files, MPEG-4 video files and JPEG, GIF, PNG and BMP image files. And in addition, the Cruz Tablet adds in a few more video formats including H.264, H.263, MOV and AVI. Read [The eBook Reader] Via [CrunchGear] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Gadgets / Other, ebooks We have begun hearing chatter of a few new Sony Reader devices lately, and as of today it looks like an image revealing some of them has been leaked. Unfortunately the images are coming courtesy of a presentation and not just of the actual device. Plus they are slightly blurry, but could we really expect anything less there? That aside though, the images are showing off the Reader Pocket Edition and the Reader Touch Edition. And while they are showing each model in two separate colors, the more interesting part may be the confirmation of specs. According to the slides the new Readers will have 2GB of internal storage, a faster page turn and enhanced battery life. And touching on that battery life, up to 10,000 page turns on a single charge. Thinking the average book is somewhere in the 200-300 page range, that means with 10,000 turns you will be reading lots and lots of books without having to recharge. In addition, and not yet confirmed by these slides was also the rumor that Sony was going to add 3G and how the new Reader devices were going to be thinner than previous models. Via [Engadget] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Computers, Mobile Computers In a little bit of confirmation style news, HP confirmed that a webOS based tablet would be coming in 2011. And that is about it, nothing really to report other than the simple confirmation. The good news here is that it was mentioned during HP’s Q3 earnings call, which is better than a mention in passing. Either way, maybe Palm HP will announce the PalmPad during CES, which will kick off in early January. Read [PreCentral] Via [Engadget] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 Section: Communications, Cellphones, Smartphones, Mobile We’ve been hearing a lot about Verizon’s upcoming Android plans. There was the leaked roadmap detailing the rest of 2010 recently, the new rumors of the Google Tablet that could be launching in November. One of the popular phones that kept coming up was the Droid Pro. Now, according to an Engadget tip, the Droid Pro could end up being a Droid 2 packing a GSM chipset in addition to the CDMA chips is already has. It would probably cost more than the Droid 2, but having the ability to take it overseas should make the price worth it. The other tip that was fed to Engadget is that LG is planning an Android phone for Verizon. That phone would be the LG enV Touch 2. If the phone follow suit of the enV Touch, it will have two touchscreens and a physical QWERTY keyboard. According to the tip, it would make the phone big and heavy, which isn’t surprising at all. The phone is said to be running on Android 2.1 at the moment, with no word on 2.2. Rumor also states that the enV Touch 2 would be a world phone like the Droid Pro, which would add to the bulk and weight and make it a bit more expensive. If the enV Touch 2 is true, it could be huge for Verizon. The enV phones seem to be the most ubiquitous phones for Verizon, the small size and QWERTY keyboard being perfect for those who send a lot of text messages or who just can’t adjust to T9. Putting Android on an enV phone seems like a great way to get even more users onto the platform. Of course, it could end up being the first smartphone for those users, so Verizon will have to convince them to pay for the data plans. Unless, of course, it can work out some sort of deal, getting new users hooked on data with a cheap 250 MB per month plan like it already requires for some feature phones, and selling them up to Unlimited over time. Read [Engadget] Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
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