iTalkTech

Your Worst Nightmare: Literally.

2010-03-01T21:59:00.000-05:00

I, like many others, use my iPhone/iPod as an alarm clock. Sure, set it in my clock, let it do its thing at 7:00 AM. Well, iLuv just made the hatred connection between you and your alarm clock so much stronger.

iLuv's iMM178 Vibe Plus not only offers a dock adapter for an iPod product, but it boasts great sounding audio, and a futuristic design. But wait! There's more! iLuv also introduced a new feature that allows a little computer mouse style gadget to sit on your bed [under your pillow], and literally vibrate you awake with special audio configurations. Odd, eh? In all jokes aside, what were they thinking?

Well, if you might be interested in the odd ball, its expected to cost about $99 mid March.

$100 Professional YouTube Studio

2010-02-07T12:10:00.001-05:00

Are you always trying to improve your set-up for your hobby of YouTube film productions? Well, you can! Here is my guide to making a professional YouTube broadcasting studio for under $100.

First, and most importantly, the camera. Nowadays, you have the ability to upload videos in sterling and crisp High Definition (720P, but 1080P is also available) to YouTube. You also don't have to spend hundreds of dollars on a camcorder. In fact, pocket-cams such as the Flip Ultra HD / Mino HD, and the Kodak Zi8, are perfect for your set-up! Like I said, this post has a cut-off of $100, and these pocket-cams run about $150+. So what are you going to do? Well, the solution is the Microsoft LifeCam Cinema. This webcam will only cost you $50-$60 via Amazon. It shoots in 16:9 720p video at 30FPS. I recieved this camera for Christmas and I am stunned by the quality!

Next, we will move on to audio. Don't get me wrong, the audio on the Cinema HD is adequate, but we want to make it better! Sure, for about $100-$150, you can get a great USB microphone, but I want to save you money! We will be using the Rockband Microphone. You can also use the Guitar Hero version as well. If you don't already own this one, you can purchase one off of Ebay for about $10 or you can purchase a new Rock Band Official Microphone (PS3, Wii, Xbox360) off of Amazon for about $20. Now, let's make this microphone look professional!

To do this, go ahead and order the Musicians Gear Tripod Desk Mic Stand with Clip for about $10. This stand works great. I use a smaller size desk, and this stand works very well! It includes a clip so you don't have to buy one. It also folds very small to store or to travel with. Next, we are going to add the Musicians Gear Double Pop Filter, 6" for $15. This accessory is needed if you plan to use the microphone for a podcast or for other film productions. It eliminates the pop noises and your breathing from the recorded audio.

Finally, you are going to need software to record, edit, and improve your clips. The LifeCam comes with recording software, but it only works on a Windows PC. If you are on a Mac, consider the free software 'Macam' which lets you use and record webcam footage. To edit your videos, you can use the free 'Windows Live Movie Maker' on Windows 7, or the included 'iMovie' suit on a Mac.

There you go. A nice, quality, and professional set-up on a budget less than $100. Added up, we only spent about $95. With the remaining $5, go ahead and treat yourself to a nice coffee or energy drink! Video production is time-worthy, and a boost is always required. If you want, go take a trip to a craft store and pick up a nice amount of green fabric for a generic green-screen. I hope this helped!

Photography Tips: Craigslist

2010-01-20T18:16:00.004-05:00

One thing that may turn your head on the subject of photography is the gear -- and the price it may burn in your wallet. For users with point and shoot cameras, this may not apply so much to you, but for users with professional gear, such as DSLR bodies, lenses, and accessories, this will help you save some money.

You may know of the website called Craigslist as the online garage sale, which is the best way of explaining it. If you don't know about this site, it lets you post advertisements, such as for-sale listings or job offers, locally for readers in your area. Similar to EBAY, the products are relatively cheap, but unlike EBAY, you don't have to worry about the hassle of bidding.

Anyways, if you are looking to pick up new gear, shop around. Before you search on Craigslist, visit retailers such as B&H, Abes of Maine, and Amazon. Once you found the lowest possible price, visit Craiglist and use the ads to compare. One tip I can give is to narrow your search. If you are looking for a new lens, narrow it down to the factory name. For this example, searching 'lenses' brought up over 2,000 listings. 'Canon DSLR lenses' brought up around 250 results. Instead of clicking through pages of ads, I searched '18-200mm Canon' with a minimum of $2 (to get rid of $1 false offers) as well as the "with pictures" box checked. This brought me 7 listings.

The lens new on Amazon retailed for about $580. I was able to find a few listings for $525-$550. Keep in mind, consider the amount of money you save, it might be better paying $45 more for a new product. I came across an advertisement for the same lens for $400. I quickly emailed the seller asking different questions about quality, condition, and clicks. Turns out the seller was a professional in the area looking to sell his old equipment. This is usually the case for many photography related items. Never be afraid to ask the seller.

Another tip you can use is tell them your reason for the purchase. I told him I was a beginner looking to start off my hobby with a good lens. When I went to purchase the lens, he showed me different tips and shaved the price down to $375.

Using this site never hurts, and the results you may find are very rewarding! Have you purchased anything on Craigslist? Leave a comment below!

Which Xbox 360 Should I Buy?

2009-12-29T22:31:00.002-05:00

If you are in the market for an Xbox 360, you are open to many different choices. This blog post is to the many viewers who ask for my suggestion on the console models. Let us break down each model.

Xbox 360 Arcade: This is the base configuration for the Xbox 360 line. For $199, the system packs the standard Jasper chip and HDMI output. The system rocks out in a sleek white color; the staple for previous models. The only difference between the other models is the fact that the Arcade does not have a hard drive. For a casual user, this is not a big problem, but in most cases a hard drive is a needed component to save games, music, and more. If you are looking to get the experience of the Xbox, but don't want to bend your budget, this is the right system for you. Personally, if you do some research, an extra 60GB hard drive and wireless controllers will easily match the difference in price between other models.

Xbox 360 Pro (w/ 60GB HDD): The Pro series is no longer found in stores. For some reason, Microsoft wanted nothing in between models. I don't blame them because after a while it tends to become confusing. That being said, most Pro systems do not include the new Jasper chip, but still carry HDMI. The system sold for $250, so the choice was up to you. If you are looking to have a decent system with an adequate disk drive, this is the model for you.

Xbox 360 Elite (w/ 120GB HDD): The Elite is the top of the end standard models from Microsoft. For $299 you get a system in a sleek black finish on the system and accessories, Jasper chip, HDMI, and more. The system is the get-go model for anybody looking to get everything at once. This is the model I chose, after researching the different models because it seemed the best deal with the larger drive and black finish. If you want to rock out with a plethora of space, the Elite is your best choice.

Limited Edition COD MW2 Xbox 360 (w/ 250GB HDD): This system is the utmost king of the systems for many reasons. The $399 package includes the $60 Modern Warefare 2 game, two special edition controllers, and an incredible 250GB hard drive. Like the Elite, the features are the same excluding the case and drive. The case is painted into a nice stealth COD look and the hard drive is more than doubled to a whopping 250GB. You can be the judge, but if you don't have a tight budget, this is perfect because you end up saving money after buying everything after market.

As you can see, each system has its perks. If you are a casual gamer, get the Arcade. Heavy gamer? Look no further than the Limited Edition models. You can't go wrong with any model nowadays. I hope this helped. If you have any more questions, leave a comment below!

Virtually Track Santa!

2009-12-24T11:23:00.003-05:00

Do you have younger siblings or family members? If so, this tracking service is a holiday classic! NORAD started this service for children all over the world to be able to see where Santa Clause is dropping presents!

The tracking system refreshes constantly through-out Christmas Eve and will occasionally post images or videos of the places that Old St. Nick has visited. This also serves as an educational experience because it allows children to learn about different countries and cities.

Be sure to visit this site and share it with friends and families. You can also track Santa via any iPhone, iPod Touch, or Google Map compatible device by typing in 'Santa' in the search column.

Merry Christmas!

Holiday Gems: Last Minute Shopping Ideas

2009-12-20T12:02:00.003-05:00

With Christmas right around the corner, I figured it would be adequate to post some of the best products for a certain budget. Keep in mind, these prices will fluctuate from time to time, so be sure to shop around for the best prices.

$20 OR LESS: For $20, you can get someone a very nice gift or stocking stuffer. An 8GB memory card is always a great gift for anybody looking to expand their memory. iTunes cards, DVD's, and more entertainment items are usually found in this category. Accessories such as iPod cases, phone cases, or computer peripherals can also be found very cheap.

$30-$50: You would be surprised how far $50 can take you. MP3 players, such as this Sandisk player offer great features for someone looking to upgrade their playlists or have a nice device to use while working out or relaxing. If you are looking to buy a gift for a gaming enthusiast, $50 can buy you accessories such as a controller, or even a video game.

$50-$100: Nowadays you can purchase iPods, cameras, and more for less than $100. I suggest looking into a cheap digital camera, such as this Nikon, for somebody looking to upgrade to a more modern device. Although the optics, and overall build might not be as great as a $200 camera, you can still use it to take pictures at a more basic level.

$100-$200: This category will lead you to the most options for your loved ones. For about $200 (or less) you can buy a very nice and easy to use HD handheld camcorder. Depending on the brand, prices will alter. I suggest the Kodak Zi8 over the Flip products because the Zi8 shoots 1080p (over 720p) video and it even has a jack for an external microphone. Don't get me wrong, any model you get surely gets the job done.

$200 OR MORE: Anything above $200 is up to you. I suggest a gaming console, such as the Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, and Sony Playstation 3, but if your budget is more loose, HDTV's always please anybody.

If you have any suggestions, leave a comment below. Happy Holidays!

Holiday Gems: Mimo iMo Pivot USB Sub-Monitor

2009-12-09T19:58:00.005-05:00

Any computer user will admit you can never have enough screen real-estate. Sometimes large gawky monitors can be a hassle to fit on your desk. This is where the USB monitors by Mimo shine. These 7" monitors run on USB and USB only. No proprietary video cables needed. They are large enough for basic use, but small enough to fit in a backpack or briefcase for travel.

I recently was able to get my hand on a review unit of one of the displays by Mimo called the iMo Pivot. Unlike any other sub-monitor, the Pivot features a nice glossy design that is eye catching and head turning.

The basic specifications include a glossy 7" LCD display clocking in at 800 by 480px resolution with a 500:1 contrast ratio, nice black casing, and pivoting stand. The display can be used vertically or horizontally to fit your needs best. The included software can only work in a Windows computer, but you can download the same drivers for your Intel based Mac at the Mimo website.

When compared to other sub-monitors, the products by Mimo shine. Similar products from companies such as DoubleSight do not come close to the overall experience I have found with the Mimo products. Keep in mind the Mimo products can only be found at select stores, while the DoubleSight models were displayed at local retailers for consumers like me to play around with.

Pros: Small, portable design, USB powered, bright display, easy to use out of the box, Windows and Mac compatible, glossy design, only $130.
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Cons: Short USB cable, needs two USB ports to run, needs drivers (not plug and play), base is a bit flimsy.
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Overall: The features of this display are endless. You can use this display for applications including web browsers, email clients, instant-messaging clients, Twitter clients, and more. I also found this display to become handy when viewing picture slideshows, similar to a Digital Photo frame. The price can fit a tight budget, but you may want to consider the reasons why you are looking for a new monitor. If you want a large amount of screen real-estate, these monitors are not for you.

PRICE: $130 via Mimo.

If you are interested in viewing the full experience of this display and more, feel free to watch the video review here.

Holiday Gems: iFrogz EarPollution Headphones

2009-12-05T14:17:00.004-05:00

I picked up a pair of iFrogz's famous "Ear Pollution" headphones today at my local ROSS for a mere $13. These headphones are normally $35-40 at electronic retailers. I figured I would share them with you in this review.

First of all, these headphones can be found here at the iFrogz website for $35. If you purchase them there you have the ability to pick your own design, colors, and more. The physical appearance of these stellar headphones is quite large. They seem to fit my character perfectly, so it should not be an issue compared to other makes and models. The color options blow my mind away and it makes for a great pair of headphones to match your style. The cable is relatively long; longer than Apple's earbuds. Sadly, you need an adaptor to work with the iPhone because of the proprietary flush jack on the phone. I had one laying around that I bought for about $4. This set can be adjusted to your head, as well as fold up for easy storage.

Considering these are headphones, you need to know how the audio sounds. Well lets just say that words can't describe the magnificent audio quality. The bass is amazing and the volume is striking. Turn the volume all the way up and someone 20 feet away can hear the song clearly. These are not advertised to block out background noise (known as Noise-canceling), but I was struggling to hear what people where saying to me while I had this bad boy on.

All in all, I will never pay for Apple earbuds ever again, especially when I can get these for half the price. Even at $35, it is money well spent. If you are looking for an inexpensive stocking stuffer, this is your answer! Any music lover or iPod user would love these! Easily a 10 out of 10.

Internet Streaming Television: Are You Ready?

2009-11-28T20:11:00.003-05:00

More and more people use popular sites such as Hulu or YouTube to watch their favorite television shows. It makes sense to watch your show with limited amounts of commercial advertisements while reducing your cable bills. Best of all, the majority of internet video content is free. Whether you have your computer hooked up to your television or you are streaming the content via a stand-alone box, you have to make sure you have the horsepower to handle the video.

Now ask yourself, is my house internet streaming video ready? Keep these things in mind:

THE INTERNET CONNECTION- Its going to be painful to watch your online content with a slow internet connection. I recommend connection speeds of about 1.5-3.0 mbps. Keep in mind, your upload speed is not going to matter. If you are not sure of your connection speed, visit speedtest.net or any other related sites. Once you have your internet connection, you have to decide how you are going to network your computer or stand-alone box to it. The best type of network for video streaming is a fast and reliable ethernet connection. Don't worry, wireless will work as well.
THE TELEVISION SET- I will assume the majority of you own a flat panel LCD television. Thats great! Depending on the site you are watching your video from, you need to keep quality in mind. Many sites now support High Definition 1080p video, which will look magnificent on a large screen High Def LCD. On the other hand, many sites still stream standard definition content. Have you ever been on YouTube watching a video and seeing the video pixelated and grainy on your laptop screen? Now image that video stretched on your large HD LCD. The quality would be very poor, and the picture would be extremely grainy.

If your broadband connection, home network, and television are all set, then now you can begin to hunt for a streaming video box. I suggest taking your desktop (laptops work as well) computer and connecting it to your LCD TV using HDMI, DVI, or a VGA cable. If you don't want to use your PC, you can purchase a stand-alone streaming box.

Holiday Gems: Microsoft Wireless Laser Deshtop 6000 (v3)

2009-11-25T20:45:00.000-05:00

I recently purchased this kit from amazon for a mere price of $60. The retail price will run you $99, but if purchased elsewhere you can save a lot of money.

To start off, let me mention that I have previously owned the first model of the 6000 series, which failed after about two year of use. Keep in mind, this model is technically v3. I have some great things to say about this kit, so be sure to read this full review to see if this kit is for you.

Lets start off with the mouse. I think this is the most significantly change over the previous model. I absolutely love this mouse. It is by far the greatest mouse that has ever met my hand. The curves on this mouse are designed to fit hands of all sizes. The buttons on the mouse are placed evenly for your figures for a tight, firm grip. I would closely compare this model to the Logitech Performance MX, only a bit less clunky. Note that this mouse does not come with a recharger or set of rechargeable batteries. In my opinion, the mouse alone makes this bundle worth it.

Now the keyboard has also been through a bit of a design change. The form factor is small, slim, and light. The keys are nicely spaced and curved for easy typing, as well, the keys are very quiet, unlike other models. This keyboard also houses a plethora of programmable hot-keys, which come in handy for easy access to programs. You also have full music control buttons, pleasing any avid audio user. Below the keyboard is a nice rubber film, so your wrists don't become sore. The trim on the keyboard is translucent, perfectly matching Windows Aero.

Overall, this combo is a must. It is a perfect solution to anybody looking to purchase an inexpensive wireless kit. By the way, the mouse alone runs for about $40, so paying about $50 for both the mouse and keyboard is not so bad of a deal.

If you are interested in purchasing this kit, visit this link.

XBOX LIVE: 1 vs 100 (Season 2)

2009-11-20T19:14:00.000-05:00

Xbox owners rejoice! As of today, November 20, 2009, Microsoft has officially launched Season 2 of the very popular "1 vs 100" Xbox Live game. Sadly, this game is offered only to Gold members, so Silver members have to cough up the dough.

The object of this game is to answer various questions at different difficulties against other players. You must be connected to the internet to play this game. You can earn points in the game, and the person with the most points is the leader.

After playing countless hours during Season 1, I can assure you this game is a hit. It is very entertaining during small parties or gatherings, or just by yourself. You can start playing this via a download from the Xbox Marketplace.

Microsoft Office 2010: Free Beta Downloads

2009-11-19T20:40:00.001-05:00

Microsoft has recently lifted up the gates, and is letting Windows users to download a free (beta) copy of Microsoft Office 2010. Only requirement is a Windows Live ID, which can be made in under five minutes. Once you sign in you can download the full program, straight to your disk. This is a nice feature for netbook users who don't have an optical drive.

If you aren't aware, Microsoft announced this suit early this year claiming "faster and more efficient user experience" than previous versions. No doubt Microsoft is aware of the lackluster features of previous software, such as Office 2007 or Windows Vista. It is still nice to see major improvements.

Keep in mind, this is still highly in beta stage, so don't expect everything to work smoothly. If you want to test this out, by all means go ahead. Just remember, nothing is official until October 2010, when this beta will be lifted and you will be heavily pushed into purchasing the sub $200 suit.

I will have a full review after full testing of Office 2010 to come.

DOWNLOAD LINK

iSpotlight: Black Friday App

2009-11-15T18:04:00.000-05:00

I recently posted a blog entry on this year's Black Friday. For those who are daring enough to wake up early looking for a great deal, this application for the iPod and iPhone is sure to please.

Dealnews.com, a site I addressed about a month ago, is always spotting great deals on items with "Black Friday" prices. Now that the actual Black Friday is near, this application posts (as of now) leaked advertisements and such. Currently, the leaked products are not 100% true. Many items listed are considered 'rumors'. Other products are categorized by availability, quantity, and time interval offered.

When you open up the application, it shows you how many days are left until Black Friday. Once you search for the store you are looking for, the different products are placed into different categories. For example, Best Buy offers a special on a laptop. This would be under the computer section. This saves time searching through pesky advertisements or long lists of items. If you want to locate a store nearest you, you can do this directly in the application. You can also favorite sales or products for easy access later on.

After Black Friday is complete, this application will continue with sales on Cyber-Monday and overall "Black Friday" deals. I recommend this application to anybody looking to save money this season. Although the app is Free, you can simply go to the online version on any mobile phone or computer.

Holiday Gems: iPod Nano 5G (w/ Video Camera)

2009-11-14T13:08:00.000-05:00

In this series of posts, I will be talking about some of the best holiday gift ideas for this 2009 holiday season.

The newest form of Apple's iPod Nano is feature packed, slim, and inexpensive. Available in 9 color variations, this Nano can fit anyone's personality. The standard model is equip with an 8GB storage capacity for $149, but an upgraded 16GB model can be purchased for only $199.

Some great new features to this iPod is an FM Radio Tuner, 2.2" LCD display (up from the previous 2"), as well as a standard definition video camera (shoots 640x480). Of course, these aren't the only new features. The Nano also features Apple's new "Voice Over" (Voice recognition) software, microphone, and audio recording software.

Compatibility for this iPod is the same with other models. All you need to get started is an iTunes account. Since you are using the iTunes store, you can purchase a plethora of music titles, hit movies, or popular T.V shows and watch them all on your iPod Nano.

If you are looking to get a nice, inexpensive gift, I most definitely suggest the iPod Nano by Apple. Be sure to stay tuned for more holiday gift ideas.

iSpotlight: Tweetie 2 (iPhone & iPod Touch)

2009-11-08T21:04:00.000-05:00

I recently purchased Tweetie 2 for $2.99. After seeing many different reviews on the web, I decided to see what all the hype was about. Previously, I have been using different free clients on my iPhone such as TweetDeck (which was great, but had many bugs) and Echofon.

It's safe to say that Tweetie 2 is money well spent. The developers of the popular Tweetie apps added a plethora of new features in the latest 2.0 release. Sadly, all those who paid $2.99 months back had to pay again to get Tweetie 2. Let's talk about some of the features.

Tweetie 2 has many new features like an updated 'compose' screen that allows you to add hashtags, pictures, and more with the tap of a finger. Also, user profiles are now more seamless than ever. One feature I love is the tap the menu bar to scroll to the latest tweets. That makes browsing so much simpler. You also can swipe on any tweet for options like replying, DM'ing, and Re-tweeting. Using the inline browser makes viewing pictures and links clean and efficient.

The list of features goes on and on. If you are looking for a great Twitter client for the iPhone, look no further than Tweetie 2. You can purchase it here.

$10 iTunes Giftcard Winner

2009-11-07T10:46:00.000-05:00

As promised, I would announce the giveaway winner of the $10 iTunes Gift Card. I received 28 comments on the specific YouTube video, and I thank everyone of those who participated. I also would like to thank those who visited this blog!

Now, on to the winner! As mentioned, the winner is TechGirlProductions! She will have exactly one week to contact me by personal message on YouTube confirming her account. Once I receive the message, the code is hers!

Remember to check back often for more giveaways like this!

Black Friday 2009: Hit or Miss?

2009-11-04T18:13:00.001-05:00

We all are aware of the insane, but rewarding holiday called Black Friday. You know, the day after Thanksgiving when people set their alarms for 3:00 in the morning in hopes of finding that $1000 television set for $400.

Well it's obviously a great way for companies to boost sales before the closing of the year, but considering the many job lay-offs and cutbacks of our population, do you think this season will be that successful? With many reports on the web, it shows that more than 80% of Americans will be spending far less on this holiday season than any other previous year.

To put this to the test, I asked my Twitter followers what they thought of the cause. Out of the 12 answers I received, 7 users claim that their families are sure to cut back on their shopping and they had no intention of participating in Black Friday.

What are your thoughts? Do you think this Black Friday will top the charts, or just be another day for consumers trying to hold a tight budget?

Raptr: The Gamer's Social Network

2009-11-02T21:08:00.000-05:00

I came across Raptr by one of my followers on Twitter. It might just be that perfect solution to any gamer who wants to meet others like them. Think of it like match.com, without any of those long term relationships.

Anyways, this site allows you to virtually collect all of your game titles onto one page that gives you stats of your favorite genre, or game suggestions for you. You also are allowed to post when you are playing a game, for example Mario Kart Wii, thus letting other users on Ratr to add your game code to play with you online. You can add your system codes, gamer codes, or tags on your homepage so others can add you. If you own an XBOX 360, you can add your gamertag and have Raptr automatically update your status.

A cool feature with this is the simple connections between Twitter and Facebook. I can allow my followers and friends know when I am playing a game, so we can try and schedule online game play in a snap.

Raptr is still in beta, but it looks like it is really going strong. You can sign up here.

Verizon Wireless Chocolate Touch: The 'Much Needed' LG Dare Update

2009-11-01T14:24:00.000-05:00

Rumors for the LG Chocolate Touch have been circling the web for almost a year now, but phonearena.com has leaked a picture of the device that is said to be released as early as November 5, 2009. With launches of devices such as the Motorola Driod and Storm 2 during this month, it would be very likely for this launch date.

The LG Chocolate Touch as imaged (photo credit to phonearena) is said to feature a 3.2MP camera, 3" Touch screen LCD, VZ Navigator, as well as an update to the OS pushed by LG and Verizon.

With this being said, I can tell you one thing; that this phone is easily going to replace the LG Dare. I have owned the Dare for about a year now, and it is safe to say it is in need of some major updates. If this device lives up to its' hype, I can assure you it will be a solid phone.

I will have full coverage of all the Verizon phones being released this month, so be sure to stay tuned to this blog.

Preview: TwitterPeek (Mobile Twitter Device)

2009-10-27T21:56:00.001-04:00

Welcome 21st century. The land of expensive smartphone data plans, carrier commitments, and lousy coverage over. Introducing the TwitterPeek. Like other 'Peek' devices, you are welcome to inexpensive plans for a device that lets you check email or send messages.

The TwitterPeek excludes all messaging (and email) functions, but adds revolutionary support to Twitter. You can send, read, and reply to your tweets anywhere. No WiFi needed. The trick is the coverage from Peek. Anytime, (almost) everywhere.

Lets move on to some of the features of this device. You have a nice color display with a battery that lasts up to 5 days on a charge. You also get a nice size QWERTY keyboard. Other than that, Peek keeps the device clean and simple. Size is not an issue here. The TwitterPeek is very slim and overall pocketable.

If you are interested in pre-ordering this device, please visit this site. The standard edition comes with a free six month coverage plan, where you pay about $8 a month after that. For $200, you can purchase the TwitterPeek with a lifetime coverage plan.

Review: AOC V22 (22" LED HD Display)

2009-10-26T19:57:00.000-04:00

In this review, we are going to take a look at the inexpensive AOC V22 display. This sub $250 display features a brilliant 22" HD LED Display, HDMI, and even a built in webcam and microphone.

This display is anorexic at less than 20mm thick. The LED display can put outputs of VGA or HDMI at 1680x1050 resolution. It also features a 2ms response time and a surprising 100000:1 contrast ratio.

A recent trip to my local Staples brought my attention to this display. The spectacular black border and red trim make this display so much better than other displays that were on the self (excluding the Samsung ToC). It's very hard to find an (inexpensive) LED display especially in the price range of this display. To make it even better, AOC put a nice glossy finish over the display. If you are looking for a nice inexpensive display that is up to par for todays standards, look no further than this display.

You can pick it up here for $249.

Tomorrows' Tech in Todays' Cars.

2009-10-25T19:53:00.000-04:00

Today I attended my local Auto Show, which comes to my area once a year. When comparing this years' event to the past, it just couldn't compare. With all do respect, our auto industry is taking a hard beating. With recent companies falling into bankruptcy, the size of the show was a fraction of before. To more disappointment, companies such as Mercedes, Nissan, and Mitsubishi did not attend.

Anyways, I did get to explore other cars and one trend I see in most cars are navigation systems. Now navigation systems have been options for years, but we are really starting to see systems standard in most make and models. A really cool trend I saw were hard drive based navigation systems. With this feature, owners can add playlists and software straight to the system through the included USB port.

This brings me to my next point. Finding a car that does not include a USB port or AUX/MP3 inputs are obsolite. This allows more and more people to purchase cars with standard features that would have cost hundreds of dollars years ago.

Small things like these make me really appreciate our booming technology markets. Who knows, in five years we may see more vehicles with built in WiFi and terabyte hard drive navigation systems.

Deal Websites

2009-10-22T21:36:00.000-04:00

In tough economy times like the present, everybody is always trying to save a buck or two. Well shopping online certainly makes this a lot easier. Sites like mysimon, or Google Shopping take prices from many online venders and gives you the cheapest prices available. Personally speaking, services like this have saved me over hundreds of dollars over the past few years.

Many sites also take the best prices of different products and places them on a single website. This blog post is to explain some of the sites that I use. If you can recommend any others, feel free to drop a comment below.

dealnews.com - This site is by far my number one choice when shopping. It is the first site I visit when shopping for almost anything. It breaks down the items into categories, and browsing is a breeze with the simple stock images of the items.
slickdeals.net - This website shares many of the same sales as dealnews, except you can see many more items on the home page. Browsing isn't as easy without pictures, but it gets the job done. Mobile phone users should choose this service.
woot.com - Woot is a service that posts one extremely good deal each day that is absolutely worth purchasing. The items can be grouped into four categories. Items change daily.
1saleaday.com - Like Woot, this site offers daily deals. The only difference is, 1saleaday features items that are very cheap, or sometimes free. Most of the items are under $5 without shipping charges.

Well that's about it. Those are my top choices of deal sites. I recommend visiting them often to see what sales might be going on! Remember, if you have any other sites you recommend, please leave a comment below.