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Cowon’s D2 PMP now available in 16GB form May 9, 2008

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As lovely as the D2 is, we've always had a secret wish for it to offer up a bit more internal capacity. Apparently the higher-ups at Cowon have heard our inner cries, as a 16GB edition of the player is now available through JetMall. Aside from being more capacious, nothing else has changed, but if this was just the thing to push you over the edge, you can hand over your $240 right now and join the club.

[Via AnythingButiPod]
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Sanyo Katana LX

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Sanyo Katana LX The Sanyo Katana LX is a clamshell offering a VGA-resolution camera as well as the following features:

* hidden external display
* speakerphone
* Bluetooth
* support for Sprint Navigation
* 2" internal display, 65k color
* customizable favorites menu
* available in Liquid Graphite, Pacific Blue, or Elegant Pink

Via MobileBurn.

LG KF750 Secret

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LG KF750 Secret The LG KF750 Secret offers a 5 megapixel camera with auto-focus and face detection as well as the following features:

* capable of recording VGA DivX videos at 30fps, or QVGA videos at 120fps
* auto-rotating 2.4" QVGA resolution, 262k color touchscreen
* finger-flickable photo viewer
* FM radio
* media player
* Bluetooth A2DP support
* email client and Office document viewer
* Google Maps
* YouTube
* 100MB of internal storage
* microSD cards up to 4GB
* tri-band GSM/EDGE, 2100MHz HSDPA/UMTS capable

Via MobileBurn.

Sony Ericsson Z780

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Sony Ericsson Z780 The Sony Ericsson Z780 offers a 2 megapixel camera as well as the following features:

* tri-band UMTS/HSDPA
* quad-band GSM/EDGE
* Google Maps
* 2.2" QVGA resolution 262k color main display
* built-in A-GPS receiver
* NetFront browser
* Bluetooth stereo support
* FM radio
* music player
* email setup wizard
* POP/IMAP, Microsoft Exchange
* 35MB internal storage
* supports Sony M2 memory cards

Via MobileBurn.

Carl Freer dishes dirt on the new Gizmondo

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If you were starting to get worried that the new Gizmondo device would never see the light of day, fear not! According to an interview with Carl Freer, the company is hard at work on its next handheld, which he claims will feature a number of improvements on the previous, practically perfect iteration. First up, the new system will be built atop Windows CE 6 (which Freer claims has lots of "new goodies"), utilizes a separate graphics chip, will be an open platform with a readily available SDK, and can grab content form a web portal (Gizmondo.com, likely). Most interesting of all, however, is that Freer says the old Gizmondo units will be returning to store shelves. All of this magic is said to be happening by the end of the year -- though since we're nearly half-way through it, Carl and co. have a pretty small window. This is where the "exciting psychic worlds" come into play, right?

[Thanks, Trevor]
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Canon Rebel XSi review roundup

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We've already seen it unboxed, but if you've been waiting for a slightly more thorough look at Canon's new Rebel XSi DSLR (otherwise known as the EOS 450D) before you drop $800+ on it, you can now get your fix thanks to a steady stream of reviews that are now pouring in. Among the earliest to get its hands on a unit was Digital Photography Review, which reserved final judgment because it only did a preview but nonetheless provided one of the most exhaustive looks at the camera, complete with comparisons to its predecessor and its nearest competitors. Offering more opinions was Camera Labs, which found the XSi to be a "worthy successor" to the XTi, although it warns that new buyers should consider whether the upgrades are really worth the extra cost. The folks at LetsGoDigital were a bit more enthusiastic, calling the XSi a "perfect camera for everybody," although they were slightly disappointed by the camera's plastic casing. That also proved to be sticking point for Digital Camera Review, which went as far as to call the camera "cheap looking" and "less refined" than those with a lightly textured finish. On the upside, it says that the camera's low-noise sensor "raises the bar for entry-level DSLRs," with its extensive customization options, and Canon's expectedly strong AF system also winning it some high marks. If you're still not swayed one way other the other, you find plenty more details by diving into the links below.

Read - Digital Photography Review (preview)
Read - Camera Labs (88%)
Read - LetsGoDigital (82%)
Read - Digital Camera Review ("a fairly conservative upgrade")
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Gateway P-172X FX Desktop Replacement Laptop

Posted by admin in : Tech Reviews , add a comment Power-packed desktop replacement laptop delivers good game performance but bungles sound.

Gateway P-172X FX Desktop Replacement Laptop

Posted by admin in : Tech Reviews , add a comment Power-packed desktop replacement laptop delivers good game performance but bungles sound.

Vostro 500 appears on Dell’s support site

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Dell might have announced its "500" laptop for emerging markets last month, but we didn't get so much as a screen size out of the company as far as details, leading to speculation that it was working on an Eee-class ultraportable of its very own. Sadly, that doesn't appear to be the case -- the Vostro 500 just popped up on Dell's support site, and it's not much more than a Intel version of the Vostro 1000 with a 15.4 in display, Celeron processor, and integrated Intel 965 graphics. No additional details in the offing really, but if the XPS 730's early appearance on Dell's support site is any indication, we should be seeing this one soon.

[Thanks, Dan]
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How would you change RIM’s BlackBerry Curve 8330?

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Yeah, those GSM carriers have been offering up RIM's BlackBerry Curve for eons (we're measuring in cellular years, kids), but not until recently have the major CDMA operators in the US been able to scoop up their own. Now that Alltel, Sprint and Verizon all have the Curve 8330 available to customers, we're interested in seeing an absolute torrent of responses from folks who just aren't entirely satisfied with their new handset. Was it really worth the wait? Is it missing any features that you're just dying to have (like, say, WiFi)? And, be honest, are you jealous of those AT&T / T-Mobile users who've already worn the letters from their keypads? Speak your mind, won't you?
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How would you change RIM’s BlackBerry Curve 8330?

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Yeah, those GSM carriers have been offering up RIM's BlackBerry Curve for eons (we're measuring in cellular years, kids), but not until recently have the major CDMA operators in the US been able to scoop up their own. Now that Alltel, Sprint and Verizon all have the Curve 8330 available to customers, we're interested in seeing an absolute torrent of responses from folks who just aren't entirely satisfied with their new handset. Was it really worth the wait? Is it missing any features that you're just dying to have (like, say, WiFi)? And, be honest, are you jealous of those AT&T / T-Mobile users who've already worn the letters from their keypads? Speak your mind, won't you?
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MWg releasing Windows Mobile 7 gear before the year’s out?

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Not long after spinning off from former corporate parent O2, Windows Mobile purveyor MWg is moving out of its Asian comfort zone to attempt to sell its wares over in Europe with a splashy press conference to kick things off -- and if the aggressive roadmap they're pursuing for the next year or so holds true, they might just have a fighting chance at making a splash up there. First up are the official European intros of the Atom V and Zinc II, HSDPA-equipped handsets that have been kicking around for a while now, but that's not even close to the interesting part. Looking deeper into '08 reveals a handful of HTC Diamond competitors, devices that are sporting a respectable 7.2Mbps down and 5.2Mbps up, and looking still deeper into the fourth quarter suggests that MWg intends to release its first Windows Mobile 7-powered device -- the Flame II -- with GPS, a 3.2 megapixel camera, and "multimedia features" on board. That seems a little far-fetched considering that 7 hasn't been officially shown off and 6.1 isn't even in broad distribution to users yet, but we appreciate MWg's motivation here. We also see a Shift killer in the wings with Vista and a 3G data connection toward the end of the year, so all told, the future's looking bright for these cats if they can actually execute.
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MWg releasing Windows Mobile 7 gear before the year’s out?

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Not long after spinning off from former corporate parent O2, Windows Mobile purveyor MWg is moving out of its Asian comfort zone to attempt to sell its wares over in Europe with a splashy press conference to kick things off -- and if the aggressive roadmap they're pursuing for the next year or so holds true, they might just have a fighting chance at making a splash up there. First up are the official European intros of the Atom V and Zinc II, HSDPA-equipped handsets that have been kicking around for a while now, but that's not even close to the interesting part. Looking deeper into '08 reveals a handful of HTC Diamond competitors, devices that are sporting a respectable 7.2Mbps down and 5.2Mbps up, and looking still deeper into the fourth quarter suggests that MWg intends to release its first Windows Mobile 7-powered device -- the Flame II -- with GPS, a 3.2 megapixel camera, and "multimedia features" on board. That seems a little far-fetched considering that 7 hasn't been officially shown off and 6.1 isn't even in broad distribution to users yet, but we appreciate MWg's motivation here. We also see a Shift killer in the wings with Vista and a 3G data connection toward the end of the year, so all told, the future's looking bright for these cats if they can actually execute.
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DARPA aims to create virtual environment for cyberwar simulations

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Considering that mechanical beings will be fighting our real wars here in just a few years, it's no shock to see more focus placed on the areas where actual humans will still be the ones waging. DARPA is looking to create what it calls a National Cyber Range, which would essentially act as a training ground for cyber warriors. The setup would enable defense gurus to simulate battle against attacks our on nation's most highly prized data, and of course, give victors over virtual phishing scams immense bragging rights. Come to think of it, Estonia could have totally benefited from something like this last year.

[Via Information Week, image courtesy of Sandia]
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Top 5 46- and 47-Inch HDTVs

Posted by admin in : Tech Reviews , add a comment The screen sizes in this category are ideal for people with average-size living rooms. The sets deliver stellar performance, a generous array of the newest inputs, and unique picture adjustment features. Check back frequently for the latest updates.

Top 5 46- and 47-Inch HDTVs

Posted by admin in : Tech Reviews , add a comment The screen sizes in this category are ideal for people with average-size living rooms. The sets deliver stellar performance, a generous array of the newest inputs, and unique picture adjustment features. Check back frequently for the latest updates.

Scientists develop artificial mouth to study complexities of chewing, digesting

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Sure, we've seen a set of robotic chompers before, but a team of scientists led by one Gaëlle Arvisenet is taking artificial mouths to a new plateau. In a study set to be released in next week's Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, researchers report on the "design of an artificial mouth that mimics the first vital steps of human digestion -- chewing, saliva release and the initial breakdown of food." In order to ensure accuracy in the mechanical chewer, the gurus actually compared masticated apple pulp from human mouths as well as the robotic version; they reportedly scrutinized texture, color and aromatic compound release. Great, as if we really need our next humanoid servant to start begging for eats.

[Via The Register]
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Scientists develop artificial mouth to study complexities of chewing, digesting

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Sure, we've seen a set of robotic chompers before, but a team of scientists led by one Gaëlle Arvisenet is taking artificial mouths to a new plateau. In a study set to be released in next week's Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, researchers report on the "design of an artificial mouth that mimics the first vital steps of human digestion -- chewing, saliva release and the initial breakdown of food." In order to ensure accuracy in the mechanical chewer, the gurus actually compared masticated apple pulp from human mouths as well as the robotic version; they reportedly scrutinized texture, color and aromatic compound release. Great, as if we really need our next humanoid servant to start begging for eats.

[Via The Register]
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Guitar Hero: On Tour to land in Nintendo DS bundle this June

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There's not a lot of details on this one just yet, but Activision CEO Mike Griffith has dropped word in an earnings conference call that the company's upcoming Guitar Hero: On Tour game / controller combo will not only be released on its own this June, but in a new Nintendo DS bundle as well. No word on a price, unfortunately, nor is there any indication that the DS itself will be undergoing any Guitar Hero-inspired changes, but it seems like those little details should be making themselves known soon enough.
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Guitar Hero: On Tour to land in Nintendo DS bundle this June

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There's not a lot of details on this one just yet, but Activision CEO Mike Griffith has dropped word in an earnings conference call that the company's upcoming Guitar Hero: On Tour game / controller combo will not only be released on its own this June, but in a new Nintendo DS bundle as well. No word on a price, unfortunately, nor is there any indication that the DS itself will be undergoing any Guitar Hero-inspired changes, but it seems like those little details should be making themselves known soon enough.
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Toshiba aims to deliver laptops with Cell-based graphics this year

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Toshiba has been touting its Cell-based SpursEngine graphics chip for some time now, but it looks like its finally starting to get a bit more specific about when we can expect to see it in actual products. According to Register Hardware, Toshiba will begin offering the chip in some of its multimedia-oriented notebooks sometime this year, with TVs and DVD players set to get it by the fall of 2009. The chip itself, for those not up to speed, uses its Cell-based technology (specifically, four of the Cell's Synergistic Processing Element cores) to handle some heavy-duty graphics processing, including upscaling standard definition content to high-def levels, something Toshiba has apparently taken to calling "super-resolution." Now word on what sort of premium (if any) we can expect to pay for such wonders, but Toshiba is apparently betting pretty heavily on the technology as part of its post HD DVD strategy.
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MySpace Walls Come Tumbling Down

Posted by admin in : Tech Reviews , add a comment MySpace has forged agreements with other popular Internet sites -- Yahoo, eBay, Photobucket and Twitter -- to permit MySpace users to migrate their data. Profiles, videos and friend networks are among the content that can be ported. They can then access the partner sites using their MySpace user names and passwords. For example, MySpace users who share content and data with Yahoo Instant Messenger could incorporate their MySpace photo, interests and favorite music in the IM Messenger client. Upcoming releases will give users even more choices.

Man kills neighbor over missing PS3

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Keith Stoddard Jr.Edward Keith Stoddard Jr. really likes his PlayStation 3. So much, in fact, that if you were to touch his PS3, he may just kill you. Such was the fate of his neighbor, Douglas F. Abrams, who Stoddard believed had taken his console. During an argument over the missing system, police say Stoddard shot Abrams, fatally wounding him. When cops showed up on the scene, Stoddard surrendered and was taken to Land O'Lakes jail (no, really) in Dade County, Florida. It's okay to love your console, people -- just don't get jealous if it drops by the neighbor's house for some tea.

[Via PS3Fanboy]
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Nikon Coolpix S600

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Nikon Coolpix S600 Thanks to its fast startup, superior image quality, and handy scroll wheel, the Coolpix S600 is our favorite bang for your buck digicam. 299

Microsoft to appeal $1.35B EU antitrust fine

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Microsoft's no stranger to appealing antitrust decisions before the European Commission's Court of the First Instance, and it looks like it's saddling up for another go 'round: the software giant has decided to appeal that $1.3B antitrust fine handed down in February. Saying that it was only filing as part of a "constructive effort to seek clarity from the court," Microsoft has asked that the decision be annulled. Yeah, that seems pretty clear. As always, our suggestions that this be resolved with a GTA IV / CoD4 round-robin deathmatch on Live have gone unheeded in favor of tedious paperwork and months of delay, but we're still holding out hope.

[Thanks, Hosain]
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Microsoft to appeal $1.35B EU antitrust fine

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Microsoft's no stranger to appealing antitrust decisions before the European Commission's Court of the First Instance, and it looks like it's saddling up for another go 'round: the software giant has decided to appeal that $1.3B antitrust fine handed down in February. Saying that it was only filing as part of a "constructive effort to seek clarity from the court," Microsoft has asked that the decision be annulled. Yeah, that seems pretty clear. As always, our suggestions that this be resolved with a GTA IV / CoD4 round-robin deathmatch on Live have gone unheeded in favor of tedious paperwork and months of delay, but we're still holding out hope.

[Thanks, Hosain]
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Ben Heck maintains his reputation with Guitar Hero pedal controllers

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Modder extraordinaire Ben Heckendorn could easily be resting on his laurels by now but, thankfully for us, he continues to churn out console mods and accessories like nobody's business, and his latest creation easily meets the high standard he's set for himself. Designed for the Games for Health conference, this one continues his line of one-handed controllers, with the pedals in this case replacing the strum and whammy bar from a standard Guitar Hero controller, letting you use a single hand for the chords. As you can see, everything is also obviously done with Ben Heck's usual fit and finish, and even a bit of clever salvaging, with an Atari Jaguar controller cable used with one of the pedals -- Ben just hopes that "doesn't jinx anything."
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Ben Heck maintains his reputation with Guitar Hero pedal controllers

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Modder extraordinaire Ben Heckendorn could easily be resting on his laurels by now but, thankfully for us, he continues to churn out console mods and accessories like noboby's business, and his latest creation easily meets the high standard he's set for himself. Designed for the Games for Health conference, this one continues his line of one-handed controllers, with the pedals in this case replacing the strum and whammy bar from a standard Guitar Hero controller, letting you use a single hand for the chords. As you can see, everything is also obviously done with Ben Heck's usual fit and finish, and even a bit of clever salvaging, with an Atari Jaguar controller cable used with one of the pedals -- Ben just hopes that "doesn't jinx anything."
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Collaboration to Drive Innovation at HP Labs

Posted by admin in : Tech Reviews , add a comment HP has unveiled an initiative allowing academic institutions to collaborate with HP Labs in joint research through an open and competitive process. The HP Labs Innovation Research Program invites colleges, universities and research institutions around the world to submit proposals related to current research. Areas include "information explosion," "dynamic cloud services," "content transformation," "intelligent infrastructure" and "sustainability."

Wii Fit: the 30 day test starts today

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Since about 20,000 people -- the overwhelming majority of voters in yesterday's poll -- apparently want to see me in pain trying to get in shape with Wii Fit, it looks like it's time to suck it up and do this thing. Although I'd like to start by disclaiming that I've never really worked out with any regularity, I'm not exactly known for my physical coordination, and in school I always came pretty close to flunking PE -- so really, I'm kind of Nintendo's ideal customer.

Methodology
Current stats
Height: 6-feet
Weight: 174.5 pounds
Frame: small-to-medium
BMI according to Wii Fit: 23.65 (upper cusp of normal)
Wii Fit "Body age": 36

Wii Fit goal (you have to set a goal for yourself)
Target weight: 169.5 pounds
Target BMI: 22.96
Target date: 6/12
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Dell makes Core 2 Quad Q9300, Q9450 available in XPS 420

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So, we hear you're edging ever closer to pulling the trigger on a shiny new XPS 420, huh? Lucky you, as it looks like Dell just opened up your options. While the only processor choices on the XPS 630 are the E8500 and the absurdly expensive QX6850 (it's an $850 addition), the XPS 420 now has a half dozen CPUs to pick from. Most notably, users can now get their rig equipped with a Core 2 Quad Q9300 / Q9450, both of which provide much more oomph than the baseline chips while not forcing you to refinance your home and pick the QX9650. So, when can the aforesaid 630 expect similar selections?

[Thanks, Evan]
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UGOBE “shocked and appalled” by destruction of Pleo at Maker Faire

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Uh oh, it looks like we've got a full-fledged robot controversy on our hands. At the heart of it, as you might have guessed, is the recent obliteration of a harmless Pleo by a so-called ComBot known as Vicious Verdict at Maker Faire 2008. According to a UGOBE rep posting on the PleoWorld forum, the company is having none of it, saying that the "stunt" was done without its authorization or approval, and that there was "quite a ruckus" about it in UGOBE's office after they learned of the incident. The rep went on to add that many people, including the UGOBE reps at their Maker Faire booth were "shocked and appalled" by the act, and that they "make emotional bonds with Pleo too." The rep did seemingly confirm that the Pleo in question was in fact provided by the company, however, saying that, "it is perhaps a small consolation to know that the Pleo destroyed was a factory prototype." A cuddly, cuddly factory prototype.

[Via Tech Digest]
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Philips DCP851 portable DVD player w/ iPod dock

Posted by admin in : Tech Reviews , add a comment The long list of features on the Philips DCP851--including the ability to play DVDs, digital media files, and iPod videos--is overshadowed by its mediocre picture quality and short battery life.

AT&T’s WiFi Fake-Outs Leave iPhone Users Nonplussed

Posted by admin in : Tech Reviews , add a comment Late last month and early this month, Starbucks customers who were packing iPhones reportedly discovered free AT&T WiFi Internet access at some of the coffee shops. All iPhone users had to do was enter in their valid AT&T iPhone phone number, and boom, free WiFi access to the world. Then AT&T mysteriously cut off the access. Of course, it wasn't as if the free access had been promoted -- it was more like a pleasant surprise. But then, if only briefly, AT&T did promote free WiFi access.

AT&T’s WiFi Fake-Outs Leave iPhone Users Nonplussed

Posted by admin in : Tech Reviews , add a comment Late last month and early this month, Starbucks customers who were packing iPhones reportedly discovered free AT&T WiFi Internet access at some of the coffee shops. All iPhone users had to do was enter in their valid AT&T iPhone phone number, and boom, free WiFi access to the world. Then AT&T mysteriously cut off the access. Of course, it wasn't as if the free access had been promoted -- it was more like a pleasant surprise. But then, if only briefly, AT&T did promote free WiFi access.

RIM BlackBerry Pearl 8120 (T-Mobile) PDA Phone

Posted by admin in : Tech Reviews , add a comment Sleek Pearl lets consumers use Wi-Fi to boost call quality where cell signals falter.

XM Radio Mobile (on BlackBerry) Satellite Radio Service

Posted by admin in : Tech Reviews , add a comment This pared-down version of XM's satellite service is handy, but don't expect flawless performance.

RIM BlackBerry Pearl 8120 (T-Mobile) PDA Phone

Posted by admin in : Tech Reviews , add a comment Sleek Pearl lets consumers use Wi-Fi to boost call quality where cell signals falter.

XM Radio Mobile (on BlackBerry) Satellite Radio Service

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