"From Concept to Consumer - How to Turn Ideas into Money". Available on-line at Barnes & Noble, Amazon
and bookstores everywhere. Also available for the Kindle. From Financial Times Press. What others are saying:
"From Concept to Consumer - How to Turn Ideas into Money". Available on-line at Barnes & Noble, Amazon
and bookstores everywhere. Also available for the Kindle. From Financial Times Press. What others are saying:
Posted at 03:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
Motorola's new Droid phone from Verizon is an exciting new
smart phone that will exceed most expectations of those that buy it. While it
has a number of elements similar to the iPhone, it has many unique features
that chart new territory. It's a phone that's greater than the sum of its
parts.
Yes, it has a touch screen, a fast processor, and runs the Android operating system like a number of phones do, but it's hard to imagine how good it is without actually using it. It's a solid phone that feels great in the hand. Turn it on and you'll be looking at the highest resolution screen on any phone. Text looks better than a printed page, and Web browsing is better than on any phone, helped by Verizon's 3G network. As you navigate between applications and screens, the switching is nearly instantaneous - with a lightning bolt-like precision.
The killer app is its built in navigation software using Google Maps that provides turn-by-turn directions with voice prompts that speak street names, albeit with a Droid-like voice. It's far better than most personal navigators in that the maps are continually updated; it displays live traffic and you have a choice of navigating using street maps or satellite views. (It's the first navigator that I've used that shows the new bypass on I-5 between Sorrento Valley Rd and I-56.)
Continue reading "Motorola's exciting new Droid phone (San Diego Transcript)" »
Posted at 02:14 PM in Phones, Technology column | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
Posted at 09:14 PM in Travel, Traveling | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Just a few years ago, handheld personal navigation devices (PNDs) from Garmin, TomTom and Magellan were all the rage. But no company in high-tech can rest on last year's product. PNDs that were $300 just two years ago are less than $150 today and some may be selling for as little as $49 by Christmas.
What's caused the prices to plummet? Software and cell phones. There are a slew of apps for iPhones, Blackberrys and other phones that offer much of the same functionality for a lot less money. Cell phone apps also offer the convenience of having it with you wherever you go, and always being connected for up-to-date information. These apps cost $3-$10 per month or from $35 to $100 for a one-time purchase.
I've been trying a number of navigation products for cell phones. Most are for iPhones, but a few make apps for the Blackberry.
Co-Pilot
This is a full navigation app for the iPhone with detailed maps in 2-D and 3-D for the United States and Canada. The maps are stored on your iPhone, rather than downloaded as needed, a practice followed by some apps. That means, in theory, you can still get instructions if you lose cellular strength. It has a clear user interface, text-to-speech, and provides accurate directions most of the times.
Continue reading "Navigating with your cell phone (San Diego Transcript column)" »
Posted at 03:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Accompanying all of the elegant portable devices we use are inelegant ways of keeping them charged; ugly power adapters that seem like afterthoughts, tangled wires and never enough outlets. That has spawned all sorts of creations, from chargers with multiple tips to power strips with rotating sockets, to charging stands that accommodate multiple devices.
Now, several companies have introduced systems that offer some of the same convenience to all of your devices. Each system consists of a flat plate and add-ons to the devices that bring connections from their charging ports to the plate.
Continue reading "Charging plates: A new way to charge your devices (San Diego Transcript)" »
Posted at 04:06 PM in Phones, Technology column, Travel | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
One of the hottest new products this year is
the e-book reader. While sales numbers pale in significance to smart phones and
computers, in a year during which most product sales are flat or down, eReader
sales are experiencing growth of nearly 100 percent. This year's sales will
reach close to three million units, made up mostly of products from Amazon and
Sony.
With e-book readers, the consumer is buying into an e-book ecosystem, not just a device. The number of books available and how they are downloaded can be as important as the device itself. This is why Amazon's Kindle has outsold the Sony Reader by 2 to 1. Amazon has a huge e-book store, while Sony has far fewer books, and often charges more for what they do have. In addition, most of Sony's models require loading from a PC or Mac.
Continue reading "2009: The year e-book readers take off (San Diego Transcript column)" »
Posted at 11:00 AM in Technology column | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Posted at 08:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
When Microsoft introduced the tablet notebook
eight years ago, Bill Gates heralded it as the future of computing. It
would be used to take notes and translate them into text, let you read
and annotate documents and books, and offer much more versatility than
a laptop. In 2001, Gates predicted that within five years, "the tablet
PC will be the most popular form of PC sold in America."
But tablet computers -- notebooks with a touch
screen that fold into a tablet -- turned out to be a big flop, filling
just a tiny niche market in medical, insurance and a few other business
areas. The products were heavy and expensive, and the promise of
handwriting recognition failed to deliver.
But several events have occurred since then that
may make a touch screen computer much more useful and something worth
considering in your next purchase.
Continue reading "Should your next computer have a touch screen? (San Diego Transcript column)" »
Posted at 09:11 PM in Computers, Technology column | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Livescribe announced today the expansion of its line-up of award-winning
Pulse smartpens, the computer in a pen that digitally captures and syncs
handwriting and audio. This has been one of my favorite gadgets that works well, saves times, and is a genuinely unique product with nothing like it from any other company.
There's now a 4GB and 2GB model in a titanium color. The 4GB model holds more than 400 hours of recorded audio and provides ample storage for consumers to add applications such as, entertainment, education and productivity tools to their smartpen when Livescribe launches its Application Store later this year. The 4GB Pulse smartpen has a retail price of $199.95 and the 2GB model is $169.95.
Posted at 12:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Posted at 07:46 AM in Phones | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Oct. 22 will be a big day for Microsoft, the computer industry and users, alike. It's the day that the much-anticipated Windows 7 formally goes on sale. It's a much-needed product that's intended to replace Vista and XP.
Continue reading "Windows 7: A huge improvement over Vista (San Diego Transcript column)" »
Posted at 02:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Tumi
Wheeled Deluxe Expandable Briefcase With Computer Insert This
large ballistic nylon bag on wheels is a classic Tumi design, measuring
13.5" x 17.5" x 8.5" and costing $550. It has the
familiar double inverted U-pockets in the front, convenient for holding loose
items, pens business cards, a phone and small camera. They allow quick retrieval of small items,
since they're accessed from the front. There's also a full width open pocket
behind the U-pockets for newspapers and papers. The
bag has large front and rear compartments with dividers and Part 1 covered Briggs & RIley and Skooba Design.
This second part reviews the Victorinox
Swiss Army Rolling Parliament case, the Hartmann Aviator Leather Large Wheeled
Expandable Brief, and the Tumi Wheeled Deluxe Brief With Computer Insert. I've
taken each on a few usiness trips, so my comments are based on actual use.
Posted at 10:55 PM in Travel | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
No matter how many features a product has, if you can't figure out how to use them, they're not very useful. But Audi has that covered as well: The Q5 is the first Audi model to get a new generation of its Multi-Media Interface system (MMI), an advanced user interface for controlling many of the car's multimedia, communications and operations. If you're searching for a car with some of the most advanced gadgetry and state of the art technology, the Audi Q5 should be near the top of your list. That's my conclusion after spending a week with this superb 2010 model. The Q5 is Audi's luxury compact SUV that's built on the A4 platform. Its higher center of gravity provides the driver with a commanding view while still retaining the sports car performance that the Audi A4 is known for.
Continue reading "Audi Q5: A luxury SUV full of the latest gadgets (San Diego Transcript column)" »
Posted at 06:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Josh Silverman, President of Skype, issued the following statement regarding AT&T’s announcement today that it has taken the steps necessary so that Apple can enable VoIP applications on the iPhone to run over AT&T’s 3G wireless network:
“Since launching our iPhone application six months ago, consumers have downloaded and installed Skype on 10% of all iPhone and iPod touch devices sold. This clearly demonstrates that our customers are extremely interested in taking Skype conversations with them on the go on the iPhone. We applaud today’s announcement by AT&T to open up its 3G network to Internet calling applications such as Skype. It is the right step for AT&T, Apple, millions of mobile Skypers and the Internet itself. Nonetheless, the positive actions of one company are no substitute for a government policy that protects openness and benefits consumers and we look forward to further innovations that will enable even more mobile Skype calling.” (Thanks, Chaim!)
Posted at 05:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Posted at 07:44 PM in Technology column | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Early reviews of a new product capture the features and first experiences. But often those first impressions turn to disappointment as the novelty wears off and the flaws begin to surface. After using the Palm Pre for 100 days, I thought a more detailed review was in order.
Continue reading "100 days with the Palm Pre (San Diego Transcript column)" »
Posted at 10:38 PM in Technology column | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Wires are out and wireless is in. It's obvious by the
hundreds of new wireless devices introduced each month. Wires get tangled,
limit movement and can be a nuisance. But wireless products also have their own
problems. They need to be powered and charged (meaning more wires), and
sometimes their performance suffers.
Here’s a roundup of some of the newest wireless gadgets that I’ve been trying out. There’s a new cell phone headset that does the near-impossible, a cordless speaker for your audio device, a new cordless speakerphone for the car that listens, and an office headset that frees your hands and lets you roam while talking.
Continue reading "New wireless accessories (San Diego Transcript column)" »
Posted at 06:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Many wonder why so many consumer products are made in China. It's not only low cost labor.
Noted journalist James Fallows notes in a short video that "there are a lot of places with much cheaper wage rates than China now. The Chinese advantage over such places -- Cambodia, Bangladesh, much of Africa -- is the combination of relatively cheap labor and absolutely superb production infrastructure. Ports, industrial zones, highways headed to airports, whatever else it takes."
Posted at 06:02 AM in China | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Pentax has just announced a brand new entry-level digital SLR camera, the K-x
digital SLR, simultaneously in New York and Tokyo. I covered the New York debut and had a chance to try out the new product and it felt as good as it looks. This latest entry level DSLR camera offers high-end features including Live View
and HD video. The K-x will be available in
a choice of white and black, as well as special, limited edition red and navy. In a real life market test a previous model in all white sold out quickly, particularly in CA, NY, OR and WA.
Continue reading "Pentax introduces new affordable, feature-rich Pentax K-x " »
Posted at 09:00 PM in Cameras | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Posted at 07:27 PM in Travel | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
Continue reading "Rolling briefcases: An office on wheels (San Diego Transcript column)" »
Posted at 12:48 AM in Technology column, Travel, Travel Tech | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
Continue reading "The wireless tangle (San Diego Transcript column)" »
Posted at 05:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
Posted at 05:42 PM in iPhone | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
In spite of reports of this being a smooth upgrade for Macs,there is a bug that alters the Address Book file on some computers. I also discovered it on my MacBook Pro and iMac after being alerted by a friend with the same problem:
"No name" appears in the list view of many of my contacts that were originally entered with " Company" checked. (Meaning the listing was requested to be by company name rather than by a person's name.) Fixing requires going into each entry and rechecking "Company".
So if you are an Address Book user, I'd recommend waiting for an update from Apple before upgrading.
Posted at 12:21 PM in Computers | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
There was a time when people in search of a full and meaningful life were advised to start off each morning by telling themselves: “Every day, in every way, I’m getting better and better.” Now, we get up and hear: “Updates are ready for your computer.”
This is a terrific piece from Gail Collins in the New York Times.
Posted at 08:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
It's that time of year again, as students head back to college. Here are 14 useful tech products that provide both good value and good design.
Logitech's Rechargeable Speaker S315i --
This is one of the most attractive stereo speakers that sounds very
good for the price. Plug it in or use its built-in rechargeable
batteries for 12 hours of playing away from an outlet. (Logitech.com,
$130)
Pandigital Photo Frame -- Just to remind them of their roots, give your departing college students a photo frame with family photos loaded onto it. Prices have been plummeting and a decent 7-inch model from Pandigital costs about $50. (Pandigital.net)
FreeAgent Go backup hard drive -- is an inexpensive but durable drive from Seagate (about $80 for 250
Continue reading "Back to school time gadgets (San Diego Transcript)" »
Posted at 03:29 PM in Technology column | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
I'm pleased to note that "From Concept to Consumer" was selected to be on Techdirt's 2009 reading list. Techdirt is one of my must-read blogs each day. It's full of insightful stories and opinion that covers government policy, technology and legal policy and how it relates to innovation. It sheds light on some of the challenges companies have in adopting to new technologies, along with numerous examples of those that get it right and others that haven't a clue. Techdirt has received Best of the Web thought leader awards from Business Week and Forbes and has nearly a million subscribers.
Posted at 08:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Six years ago, the dream was to build a digital
SLR (DSLR) camera that could rival the results of a film camera. Today
there's a wide assortment of cameras that do just that starting at
about $600.
Continue reading "Pentax's K-7: A superb new DSLR (San Diego Transcript)" »
Posted at 02:23 PM in Cameras, Technology column | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Some of us have a problem of being so immersed in our work that it's hard to get away. Blackberrys, iPhones and portable computers allow us to be reached via phone, e-mail and instant messaging wherever we are, at any time, night or day. For some, myself included, staying connected has become an addiction.
When at home, I spend several hours online each day reading and writing e-mails and surfing a few dozen Web sites and blogs that cover news, gadgets, technology and the tech industry. But it's not as if I'm using that time wisely. I find myself checking for e-mail every few minutes, somehow worrying that I'll miss something important. Or I'll surf to a site and come back 30 minutes later looking for something new, which rarely occurs.
This addiction to stay connected stretches to the times when doing it is impolite: in the middle of a meeting or while out for dinner with friends or family. You fear that if you don't answer the phone or respond to an e-mail right away you'll either forget or that others will think less of you.
Continue reading "The challenge: Disconnected for 48 hours (San Diego Transcript)" »
Posted at 06:30 PM in Technology column, Travel Tech | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Skooba Design has introduced their new “checkpoint-friendly” rolling laptop/business case. It opens and hinges in the middle to separate and isolate the laptop compartment from the rest of the bag. The design of the laptop compartment is such that the image presented to the screener is the same as if the laptop were removed and placed in a bin.
The case rolls on urethane skate wheels mounted to aluminum wheel guard brackets, pulled along by a heavy-duty retractable handle. Skooba says that the roller is among the lightest rolling cases in its category, capacity and feature-set, and that it fits in all major airline storage spaces. Unlike many cases of this size that are full of dividers that make it difficult to carry items of substantial thickness, this case has room for a large stack of files and papers, an overnight’s worth of clothing and travel necessities and an SLR camera. There are 18 pockets for organizing your gadgets and holding tickets, passports and receipts. The roller is $190 at www.skoobadesign.com
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Posted at 09:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
(This is an article I wrote for Yanko Design, my favorite Website that covers innovative designs.)
I spent the first sixteen years of my career working for Polaroid Corporation starting out as a design engineer. It was one of the most progressive and technology-aware companies of the time. It was a wonderful place to develop a strong foundation, working with smart people, strong support and plenty of money to do things right. I had access to designers, quality and manufacturing experts, patent attorneys, model shops and market research, not to mention a great brand name and the excellent benefits that provided lots of stability.
Continue reading "Can A Tiny Company Compete With A Huge One?" »
Posted at 08:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
A new Apple app, HotelPal, brings US hotel bookings to your iPhone. The just released free app, available from the iTunes store, enables travelers to search, browse and book from millions of hotel rooms while on the go. Hotels are searchable by city, zip or current GPS location, and will be expanded within days to search by map location and city areas. Upcoming versions will include international support and improved search functionality. Each hotel listing contains photos, amenities, descriptions and rates. Built-in Google Maps helps you pinpoint their locations.
I’ve been trying out a pre-release version and have found that HotelPal makes it easy and enjoyable to find the right hotel in the right location and for the right price. I’ve found the rates to be similar to online rates found on most of the major travel sites. Speaking of on-line travel sites, this is an app I would have expected to see from the big travel sites such as Expedia and Orbitz, but small and nimble has won. HotelPal uses Travelocity for their booking partner.
HotelPal comes from Mobiata, the same company that developed FlightTrack and FlightTrack Pro, two of the best selling travel apps on the iPhone store and previously reviewed on this blog.
Posted at 07:35 AM in iPhone, Travel Tech | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Ford's new Fusion is one of America's first serious answers to Toyota's hybrid models, specifically targeting the Camry Hybrid. I spent a few days with one to try out its new gadgetry.
The Fusion Hybrid is a solid, mid-sized sedan that looks a lot like the latest sedans from Acura, Hyundai and Toyota. Inside it's well finished; not elegant, but tastefully done without the poor fit and cheap materials so often found on other domestic models.
But in other ways it's far from conventional. It has a very effective hybrid system that runs smoothly as it shifts between the electric motor and gasoline engine. It has a huge travel range of 600 miles
Continue reading "Ford Fusion: A look at its technology and gadgetry (San Diego Transcript)" »
Posted at 06:54 PM in Car Tech | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Sonos, the maker of terrific wireless in-room music systems, recently launched a powerful yet simple-to-use music controller for the home. The Sonos Controller 200 ($349) is a handheld device slightly larger than an iPhone. It lets you access thousands of music sources, including Internet radio, Pandora, Rhapsody and your iTunes library, and directs the content to individual Sonos music devices in multiple rooms. You can play different sources in each room or the same source throughout the home.
In a quick test I was able to locate and stream reggae music from a Jamaican radio station and classical music from a Boston station in seconds. The device is simple to use and beautifully styled, like other Sonos components. I'll be doing a full review of the Sonos multi-room music system in an upcoming column. Sonos also has a free application in the Apple app store that provides similar functionality and includes a demo of its highly regarded system.
Posted at 06:50 PM in Music | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
PENTAX Imaging Company has announced the the ultra-slim PENTAX Optio P80 digital camera features a lightweight design with loads of features including:
• 12.1 megapixel CCD for detailed images, large prints, and cropping flexibility.
• 4X wide angle optical zoom is equivalent to 27.5-110mm focal length.
• 2.7 inch LCD with 230,000 dot resolution for accurate composition and playback of still images and video.
Posted at 01:00 AM in Products | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
I'm in the midst of testing a couple of new DSLR cameras including the Pentax K-7. Pentax takes a different approach from its competition with this new model. It's smaller yet more robust than its competition. To best appreciate it, you need to see, hold, and try it. Pentax just announced a Road Tour to allow you to do just that. Here are the details:
Posted at 07:04 PM in Cameras | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
David Pogue of the NY Times has started a welcome crusade against the cellular providers, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T, for requiring us to listen to long messages before leaving a voicemail. The purpose, of course, is to add to their revenue, while we need to suffer the cost, time, and inanity of being told to hang up after leaving a message and press a button to page (Page? Who pages?). You can read more details here as well as learn how to bypass them and registering your own protest.
Posted at 12:51 PM in Phones | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
The FCC has opened an investigation on Apple's refusal to allow apps on the iPhone that let users of Google Voice perform a variety of functions, including making free or less expensive calls. The FCC sent letters to Google, AT&T and Apple asking a series of detailed questions. When it was learned earlier in the week that Apple turned down the Google and several 3rd party apps that benefit consumers, but perhaps not Apple and AT&T, it raised a huge protest among iPhone users that questioned whether AT&T and Apple
Continue reading "Hello Apple? FCC calling: FCC investigates Apple's control over the iPhone" »
Posted at 09:38 AM in iPhone | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Traveling this summer? Here are some recently introduced gadgets, designed for use while on the road.
MiFi 2200 card -- a hotspot that follows you everywhere
The MiFi 2200 card is a new product available from Sprint and Verizon that creates a Wi-Fi hotspot wherever you go. Instead of searching for a coffee shop, you just turn on this credit card-sized device to provide a Wi-Fi connection for up to five computers or other devices. The MiFi contains a high-speed modem that connects to a 3G cellular data network and then connects to your device using Wi-Fi. It works up to a 30-foot radius.
The Novatel product has a rechargeable battery and works for three to four hours between charges connected to a single computer. It charges using a supplied USB charger, but not from my computer's USB port using a connecting cable. It does function while charging.
Posted at 09:12 PM in Technology column | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Did my travel agent or travel department prepare this? Not a chance; I make my own reservations. Credit goes to a new software service called TripIt (tripit.com).
TripIt offers a new way to help you manage all of your travels. It's particularly suited for the business traveler who is traveling several times a month and needs a way to keep the details of each trip organized and easily accessible. TripIt comes in two versions, a basic and a Pro. I tried out the Pro version.
Continue reading "TripIt: Help arrives for the frequent traveler (San Diego Transcript)" »
Posted at 05:19 PM in Technology column, Travel, Travel Tech | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
My friend Andy Abramson speculates that the new iPods due out this Fall will make them substitutes for the iPhone using apps such as Trufone and Skype over a WiFi connection. I think he's on to something, but there's even more possibilities.
I've been testing out the new MiFI 2200 Card from Sprint and Verizon that provides a portable hotspot anywhere by connecting through the carrier's 3G network. So imagine carrying both the iPhone and MiFi and being able to make unlimited calls over Sprint or Verizon's networks, bypassing AT&T!
Posted at 10:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Posted at 12:16 AM in Travel | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
UPDATE: Palm has just updated their software that restores the ability to sync with iTunes.
Apple has come out with a new version of iTunes that specifically prevents the Palm Pre from syncing with it. It's petty and reinforces Apple's reputation of being a bully. As an Apple user and advocate it's disappointing to see. You can read more about this "iPettiness" on TechDirt, an excellent blog that covers technology and legal issues.
Posted at 08:23 AM in iPhone | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
When my daughter asked me to recommend noise reducing headphones, the obvious answer was one of the Bose models that sell for $300 and $350. But knowing, from the research I did for my book, From Concept to Consumer, these products have a huge markup, about 10 times cost!
Continue reading "New Audio-Technical ATH-ANC7b noise reducing headphones" »
Posted at 10:00 PM in Music | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
It seems that AOL has been charging many of their not-so-tech-savvy customers $10 to $15 per month for an AOL account, even though they went to a free service. They just chose not to remind their paying customers that they don't need to pay and continue to charge them. Read more about its here.
Posted at 09:19 PM in Consumer issues | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Continue reading "2010 Prius: A look at its technology (San Diego Transcript)" »
Posted at 03:53 PM in Technology column | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
I'm pleased to announce that my technology column now appears in The Jerusalem Post here.
Posted at 09:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Continue reading "Google Voice: Too good to be free? (San Diego Transcript)" »
Posted at 09:34 PM in Technology column | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
Need to pass some time or decompress? Here are two games for the iPhone and iPod Touch that will keep
you busy no matter how long that trip!
Astraware Solitaire
This addictive game, just released, has twelve of the most popular solitaire games, including Klondike (the solitaire game on PCs) with all its variations. Astraware distributes some of the best games such as Bejeweled 2 and Word Wrap, and this is in the same league, if you’re a solitaire fan. Polished, lots of depth, easy to learn, and lots of fun. 99 cents.
Flight
Control
This is simple to learn but hard to master. Try
landing aircraft onto runways and avoiding mid-air collisions. There’s a
variety of aircraft, some flying slow, others, fast, all heading to different
runways. The latest rev offers play on three different sets of runways. Another
really addictive game that’s hard to put down. 99 cents.
Posted at 09:02 AM in Travel | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Continue reading "Two powerful new laptops (San Diego Transcript)" »
Posted at 03:53 PM in Technology column | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Google Voice, originally known as Grand Central, is one of the best free services available off the Web. It lets you give out a single phone number that when called rings all of your phones. Just pick up one phone and the others stop ringing. I've been using it close to two years and it makes everything much simpler for yourself and those trying to reach you. It does a lot more including archiving your calls and sending you an email transcription of calls you missed. Check it out here.
Posted at 10:46 PM in Phones | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)