iPads. iPods. Smart phones. Laptops.  Desktops.  You name it.  There are hundreds, maybe thousands of expensive gadgets on the lists of “must have” Christmas gifts this year.  If you, or a loved one, receive one of these gifts there are steps that you MUST take to protect your new gift from the inevitable.  We’ve got you covered.

Physical Protection

First things first.  If you want your new gadget looking like new for more than a couple of days, you’ll need to take it out of the package and move it straight into a cover, sleeve, or case of some kind.  A protective case will keep your shiny new gadget from getting scratched or cracked.  The problem is, retail stores and mall carts make all of their money by jacking up the price on these simple little necessities.  Here are some ways to protect your device and save money.

1) ebay – The #1 auction site on the planet is the ultimate thrift store for cell phone and gadget accessories.  You get more selection and pay a fraction of the price for the exact same covers, shells and screen protectors.

SkinIt.com - Custom Skins

2) skinit.com – Give your gadget a personalized touch with a protective skin.  These stickers do a great job of protecting your device from scratches and they look cool.  Just make sure you add on a bumper (rubber band around the outside) or use a sleeve of some sort to prevent damage from drops and falls.

Security

Here is something you have probably never heard.  You MUST lock down your device.  If your new gadget is stolen or “borrowed” your personal information is up for grabs.  Think about it, you check your bank balance, shop online and send/receive private messages on these handy-dandy little tools and that all becomes accessible if your device isn’t protected.

Lock Your Device!

1) Passcode Locks – Check your settings on your device.  There is a way to lock it down so a password or pattern must be entered to use the device.  In iOS devices (iPods, iPads, iPhones) this is a simple 4-digit code that must be entered.  It might slow you down a bit, but you’ll thank me if your gadget is ever stolen.

2) Location Apps – iPhones (all iOS devices for that matter), Android devices and computers have downloadable applications/programs that can be used to locate or remotely wipe your phone in the event that you can’t find it. Find My iPhone, Device Locator and LoJack are just a few that you can find through your app store of choice.

Don’t Just Take Our Word – update added 6-01-2011

A recent post from The Lookout Blog (a mobile security company in San Francisco) supports our thoughts above via a simple infographic.  Jump on over (by clicking on the image below) to see how people are using their smartphones and read the 8 Simple Privacy Tips to Put Your Mind at Ease.

INFOGRAPHIC - Is Anything Private on Your Phone Anymore?

Warranties

Sure, your new gadget probably came with a warranty, but have you filled out the paperwork and mailed it in?  Can you locate the information when you need it?  When does it expire?  Does it cover drops, spills and scratches?  Here are a few tools to help with all of these issues.

1) WarrantyElephant.com – Store your warrant information online and they will send you reminders as you get closer to the expiration date.  You can even upload the warranty itself and a copy of your invoice/receipt so you don’t have to hunt for it when the time comes.

2) SquareTrade.com – Manufacturer’s warranties are very limited.  Department/retail stores offer additional warranties, but they are expensive.  Square Trade offers warranties on your gadgets and it doesn’t matter if you bought it at Best Buy, on eBay or received it as a gift.  Their service received the highest ratings from every review site and their warranties are often available at half the price of other companies.  Check out their site and/or read the JumpstartMyPC article to see what they protect.  This is one amazing service.

So there you have it.  Everything you need to protect your gift this Christmas season.  The information is FREE and we hope you find it helpful.  All we ask is that you pass this on to friends and loved ones so that they can benefit as well.

Happy Holidays everyone!

If you have ever taken your laptop with you on a trip, you’ve had this issue.  If you’ve ever taken more than one gadget (iPod, PSP, GameBoy, Camera) to work, you’ve been frustrated by this issue.  If you’ve ever used a laptop or messenger bag to transport your tech, you’ve fought this issue.  Carrying any kind of electronic device(s) means carrying the power cable and any/all other accessories with you wherever you go.  As soon as the second item hits your bag, things get complicated.

Cables tangle, screens get scratched and everything in your bag drops straight to the bottom.  This makes finding any one item next to impossible (without dumping the contents of the entire bag) and, most likely, it is going to shorten the life and look of your gadgets and devices.  For any tech/gadget nerd, this is just not acceptable and, if you are anything like me, you want to take care of the items that you paid so much for.  There is a bit of pride in owning an iPod that is 2-years old, but looks like you just bought it.  Throw-in the fact that “no scratches” and “like new” make great tag lines for any product you want to sell on eBay, and you’ve got yourself a good set of reasons for taking care of your gear.

That is exactly where Cocoon comes in. Their line of products is available “to protect and safely transport our most precious virtual cargo as we navigate the real world.” At the heart of the Cocoon line is the GRID-IT! system, “an internal organization system that allows the user to customize and reconfigure the interior organization as their needs and cargo evolves.”

The GRID-IT! CPG8 (just one of many available)

Pure genius! This year you are carrying an iPod Classic, a PSP 2000 and a Canon PowerShot Digital Camera.  Next year, when you switch to an iPad, a GameBoy DS 3D and a Flip HD, you won’t have to go out and buy a new GRID-IT!, or any other system.  Your items will still fit and stay protected in their Cocoon, thanks to the GRID-IT! organization system – “a rubberized woven elastic object retention system for gadget organization.”  There are a limitless number of configurations you can use to store your tech toys.

The Organization System is Available in Different Colors

GRID-IT! is going to find it’s way into my shopping cart today, but that might not be the only item I’ll be ordering from Cocoon.  They carry of full line of products aimed at creating “a place where the technological extensions of our lives and work could be kept safe and organized.”  There are hundreds of products, including:

• iPad cases
• Airport friendly cases and bags
• Blackberry cases
• Messenger bags
• Slings
• Laptop cases
• Totes
• Backpacks
• Camera Bags

By the way, I was not paid or compensated in any way for my review of Cocoon and their product line.  I am simply a fan of protecting my gadgets and I thought you might share that passion.  Check them out today and share this article with anyone you know that might be interested in doing the same.

Cocoon Web Site: http://www.cocooninnovations.com/

The iPhone and iPad seem to be everywhere.  Try going out or turning on the TV without seeing a commercial, hearing a reference or actually seeing someone using one of these great devices.  While the iPad is still very new and only 1,000,000 have been sold (there is a little sarcasm there), the iPhone has had years to make the rounds and find it’s way into the hands of over 50 million users (taken from TechCrunchies).  The numbers are staggering, but the reasons are not.  Apple has produced numerous solid products (multiple iPhones, iPod Touch, iPad) and made them easy enough for just about anyone to use.  Add in the amazing list of applications available from the App Store and you have a product line that will be around for many years to come.

Now, I ask the question “What is everyone doing on their iPhone or iPad?”  Seems like a simple question, right?  Although I couldn’t find hard numbers on the subject, a few articles and polls supplied these common activities:

• Phone Calls
• Texting
• Listening to Music
• Email
• GPS/Navigation
• Checking and posting to Facebook
• Reading books

With the exception of using Facebook and reading books, I can assure you that all of these activities are currently performed by drivers around you and maybe even you.  Yes, people are texting while they drive!  Yes, people are checking and answering emails while they drive!  Yes, it is dangerous….. but what if it didn’t have to be?  What if the iPhone became the CPU of the car?

As the driver of a vehicle, you get in, adjust your mirrors and head out.  You fiddle with the radio, answer calls, think about emails you need to send/answer and consult your phone (or GPS Unit) when you need directions.  All of this currently happens with your hands or maybe even a docking station of some sort.  For those who have really spent some time and money, your iPhone might be hooked to your car stereo, so you can make calls via Bluetooth and listen to music.  The problem is that all of these activities have limitations and so far, no one has come forward with a product that allows you to do these things without putting your life, and the lives of others, at risk.

Here is What We Need

In a perfect world, I would get in my car and simply dock my iPhone in the stereo.  The stereo would still perform it’s basic function as an AM/FM tuner, but my iPhone would do the real work.  My screen is now visible and fully functional, allowing me to touch the screen if needed.  Since it is docked, it is charging and communicating with the rest of the car’s speakers, antenna, etc.

Now, all of my normal activities can take place through this one device and, with the help of various apps, my activities can be completed safely:

• Phone Calls – using Voice Control (available on iPhones since the 3GS), I don’t have to use my hands for input.  I can simply speak to make phone calls
• Texting – the app Dragon Dictation can turn my words into texts
• Listening to Music – Voice Control also allows me to select music by artist, turn shuffle on or off and even ask what is playing right now.
• Email – an app like TalkMail Pro can read my emails to me and Dragon Dictation can write responses or new emails for me.
• GPS/Navigation – Nothing changes here.  I can still get directions and turn by turn instructions.

While Facebook and reading books may not be the best of ideas while in my new iPhone powered environment, I could still listen to a book-on-tape (does that terminology still work here?) if I wanted.  I might just have to wait before catching up with my friends latest “likes” and Mafia Wars updates.

The Real Question

Why hasn’t this already been done???? Every car stereo manufacturer in the market is trying to develop head units that work with the iPhone, iPod or iPod Touch, but none of them have gotten it right.  The big car companies are trying to make their own head units that have navigation and voice commands, but they each have their own idea of what “we want.”  To make things worse, all of the current options are VERY expensive.  Your minimum entry point is $500 and most are in the $1000 range. That’s before installation charges, harnesses, wiring adapters and opening up the dash of your car.

The tools (apps) are there.  The hardware (iPhone) is there.  Data (3G connectivity) is there.  As a smart phone owner, you already pay $30 a month for a data plan and get service all over town.  These additional head units or integrated options from care dealers are going to require an additional cost per month for connectivity.  Using either of these will also mean a new learning curve.  Why do that when we already have a pretty good idea of how to operate our iPhone?

The benefits are so numerous and the savings so great that this just makes sense.  Factor in the safety concerns and you have a guaranteed winner.  Apple, if this were out today I would own one.  iHome, I’m looking at you next.  Just contact me when you need a consultant.

Laser Virtual Keyboard - Yes, it's real

Several weeks ago, we brought you the article Your Keyboard is Dirtier Than a Toilet Seat.  For some of you, cleaning that old keyboard became a top priority and the Clorox wipes probably made an appearance.  For others, it might just have been easier to toss that old keyboard and purchase a new one.  After all, if you’ve been using the same one that came with your computer 5 years ago, you may have other issues that needed attention, like broken or sticking keys.  Or maybe you belong to another group of PC users completely.  Maybe you are just looking for a change or upgrade.  No matter which group you belong to, you should take a minute and read this guide for buying a new keyboard.

Buying a new keyboard my seem like a simple task, but you might be surprised to find that not all keyboards are created equal.  In a recent trip to Micro Center here in Houston, I found myself on an aisle full of these necessary components and honestly, a little overwhelmed.  There were close to 100 different options that ranged from $9.99 to almost $200.00.  I needed a new keyboard to replace my aging, frustrating hunk-of-junk that required 40 pounds of force to press the “a” and “e” keys.  Where should I start?  Why hadn’t I already researched this?  Oh, the choices!

Before stepping foot in an electronics superstore or hitting up Amazon.com, you should go through a checklist of needs and double-check your bank account balance.  Determine what you want and how much you want to spend, then get in and get out.  Here are some helpful topics to narrow down your choices and speed up your decision-making process:

Price

First and foremost, decide how much you want to spend.  If you don’t at least provide yourself a range, you might end up thinking you “need” that $200 keyboard and find yourself in hot water at home.  Buyer’s regret is not fun in a down economy.  Ask yourself these questions before deciding:

• How often do you use your keyboard? – if you only type a couple times a month, get the less expensive one.
• Is the new purchase for home use or business? – small businesses get to write off expenses, like computers and office equipment.  Keep the receipt.
• Who else will be using the keyboard? – are you the only one who will use or abuse this one?  If you have kids, a roommate and/or a spouse who likes to mistreat electronics, you might want to settle on something simple.

Connection Type

Thanks to the always-changing electronic landscape, you will be presented with several options for connection type.  First of all, do you want wired or wireless?  Wireless is more expensive, but will allow you a bit more freedom on your desktop.  Here are a few more questions to help you through connection type:

• What wireless type should you pick?
  • Radio Frequency – The 2.4 GHz bandwidth (a standard for wireless devices) is known to cause interference with wireless networks (WiFi) and other wireless devices like speakers, mice, cordless phones, baby monitors etc.
  • Bluetooth – Before you decide on Bluetooth, you should know that Bluetooth keyboards can sometimes become slower than standard keyboards.  Also Bluetooth connections may pose a security risk of data “eavesdropping.” (taken from wikipedia entry).  Also, does your computer have Bluetooth built in or will you need an adpater?

Key Layout

I cannot fully explain how frustrating a bad key layout can be.  We’re not talking the A-Z keys, but all the other keys that you use on a regular basis, like CTRL, Home, End, Page Up, Page Down…. I have a gateway laptop that is about 7 or 8 years old that I want to throw out because of the built-in keyboard.  Someone at Gateway decided to switch the standard layout by swapping the CTRL and FN keys.  So, for several years now I have been pressing FN accidentally.  Gets me every time.

• What “special” keys do you use most?
• Do you like a number pad on the side (accounting)?
• Do you use programs, like Acrobat, where Page Up and Page Down are regularly used?

Interests

IH-K230MB Keyboard from iHome

I could write about this choice for hours.  Today’s keyboard choices include setups that do much more than allow you to type.  Depending on what interests, activities or profession you have, there are keyboards designed to give you more control over the “additional functions” that you might use.  Here are a few interests that have specialized keyboards.

• Music Lovers – You have the most options by far.  Keyboards can control volume, tracks, play, pause and even contain speakers.  Some keyboards even have buttons for shuffle.
• iPod/iPhone Owners – iHome has a series of keyboards that allow you to dock your iPod/iPhone right there in the keyboard.  While they are pretty expensive, it makes it very easy to keep your device charged, synced and ready to go at all times.  You can even transfer music, photos, videos, applications and more via iTunes.
• IT/Technicians – If you find yourself on-the-go constantly, you might want a keyboard that you can take anywhere.  How about a keyboard you can roll-up and throw in a laptop bag?  Never be without your own (hopefully germ-free) keyboard that you can plug into someone’s PC/Laptop.
• Photogs – For you camera users, there are some keyboards with built in mini-USB connection cords, so you don’t have to pull the tower away from the wall or spin your laptop around to transfer photos.
• Gamers – What can I say.  If you are a gamer, this is nothing new for you.  I’ll let you write the article for that one.

Other

Your needs, along with the topics above, may get you brainstorming on some other things that you might want in a computer keyboard.  Here are a few random ideas to get you thinking and researching before you head out to the store:

• USB plugs -Are you constantly looking for a place to plug in a camera, charger, mouse or other device.  Some keyboards come with 1, 2, 3 or more USB ports for your computing needs.
• Home Entertainment PC’s – Do you have a PC connected to your television or some setup here you want to control the computer from across the room?  How about a Logitech diNovo Mini?  I have one and I absolutely love it.  You can also use it with your Playstation 3 if you want.
• Backlighting – Do you type in the dark or simply a dimly-lit room?  How about a keyboard with back-lit keys?  Wouldn’t that make it easier?

Put together your checklist and decide on an amount, then head out to make your purchase.  For you frugal shoppers out there, don’t forget to check online for price comparisons and reviews.  Personally, I like to “touch and feel” a keyboard before making a purchase, so I head into the store either way.  I can always buy online after “test-driving” it at the store.

What did I buy? My new keyboard is an Agama K-220i.  I bought my Agama because I wanted a Mac-Like keyboard, with sound controls, at a reasonable price ($19.99).  Also, I made sure that the CTRL key was exactly where it was supposed to be.  I love my new keyboard and hope to use it as I write my next 150+ articles.

As with any technology, one thing is required for any extended period of time…. power!  Most riders carry extra batteries and I even saw some who attempted to use small solar panels to power their devices.  Unfortunately, each of these solutions has their own set of problems, including a mostly-overcast ride this year.  One possible solution that I have kept my eye on for some time was the use of “pedal power” for our gadgets and devices.  Why not use the power of our own legs to generate the juice needed for our devices?  Thankfully, the folks of Dahon were working on an answer to the same question.  Their answer, released just a few months ago, was the BioLogic ReeCharge.

DEVICE

The BioLogic ReeCharge is personal power system that can charge almost any gadget via a lithium polymer battery that can be charged by an outlet, a computer or the pedaling power of a cyclist.    The device captures and stores energy created by magnets in a specially designed hub (not included).  The idea is simple and, in my opinion, amazing!  Any cyclist who is covering a long distance can now rest easy, as their device (cell phone, ipod, GPS unit) can be charged over and over again from a power source that simply needs nutrition and the occasional water break.  The ReeCharge is small enough to stay out of the way and it looks as if it is light enough for the weight-conscious cyclists in the crowd, although I couldn’t find a “spec sheet” that identified the exact weight of the device.

A Dynamo Hub & ReeCharge Provide Power for Your Device

COST

Price is probably the only limiting factor for the “green power” BioLogic ReeCharge device.  For interested parties, we are most likely looking at a $200+ investment.  That’s $120+ for the ReeCharge and another $90 (or more) for the required dynamo hub.  Avid cyclists will tell you that this is a minimal investment, compared to the cost of carbon-fiber components and accessories, but it is still quite a bit of money.  Compare it with the hassle of  cell phones gone dead, hauling batteries or charging cables all over the country-side or simply taking a wrong turn down a country road and finding yourself 15 miles in the wrong direction and the cost seems a lot more digestible.

REVIEWS

Unfortunately, I just learned of the release of this device and was unable to find any reviews from actual users online.  There are many articles that mention the release of the BioLogic ReeCharge, but none from actual users.  I for one would love to hear from some of the early adopters before shelling out the $200.  Does anyone out there have this device in hand?  If so, please let us know.

LINKS

Official Site for Dahon: http://www.dahon.com/accessories/2010/biologic-reecharge

Available From: http://www.electriccyclery.com/catalog/biologic-reecharge-p-283.html (Electric Cyclery for $120)

Required Hub: http://www.electriccyclery.com/catalog/biologic-joule-dynamo-p-284.html (Not the only compatible hub, but one of the least expensive)

Disposing of old and obsolete electronic products (at least the ones that didn’t sell on eBay or that garage sale you had) is a serious, often over-looked, issue in the U.S. and the problem is growing exponentially.  Our country throws out about 400 million units per year and worldwide, about 4,000 tons of “e-waste” is discarded every hour.  Many of these devices contain toxic, harmful chemicals and materials that can cause major damage to our environment.  So the question is “how can I properly discard my old electronics legally and easily?”

In researching this subject, I found it interesting that I couldn’t locate federal or state law prohibiting the disposal of electronic items for standard curb-side trash pickup.  While I am sure it exists, it wasn’t easily accessible or even described in several Google searches I performed.  Instead, I located numerous state and city-funded programs that provide free and convenient recycling for old computer equipment as well as other commonly used electronic devices.   While I am sure anyone can locate their state specific programs easily, I have provided a few options below, including some for Texas residents, as an example of what is possible.

OPTIONS FOR e-WASTE DISPOSAL

Sell

First and foremost, you should see if you can recover some cold, hard cash for the electronic item that you are done using.  Online auction sites, forums, craig’s list, and even local garage sales can help you cover the purchase of your next gadget.  While it may seem like a pain to handle these transactions, here are a few things to think about:

• A Nintendo game cartridge (produced in 1987) recently sold for $41,300 at auction. The owner was going to simply donate the item before he heard of other success stories for similar items.
• AC adapters and charges often sell for $10 or more on eBay.  I have paid as much as $30 + shipping for a cable that I needed for an older device.
• Sega Genesis Portable systems still sell for over $50 on eBay.  This system came out over 15 years ago and still holds some real value.

Donate

One man’s trash is another’s treasure.  Donating to Goodwill or any other charity can benefit others and, come tax time, you can write off the value of these items.  While using TurboTax to do my taxes this year, I was provided with an estimating tool that provided values for donated items.  My car-load of items was worth almost $300 (according to TurboTax).  You would be pleasantly surprised at the values they gave many common items.

Drop-Off

If you don’t want to mess with eBay or itemizing your deductions on next year’s tax return, look for a drop-off location or drive in your area.  Some state and city programs help with the Who, What, When and Where issues that many of us don’t want to deal with

• The Texas Take Back program provides a wealth of information on the programs provided by manufacturers and has links to information on TV, computer and cell phone recycling.  For instance, did you know that every FedEx Kinko’s location accepts cell phones and PDAs for free recycling?
• Best Buy locations provide recycling kiosks for inkjet cartridges, rechargeable batteries, cell phones and more.  They also have a Tech Trade-In program that offers gift cards in exchange for gently used electronics.  TV and appliance pickup is available, for a fee.
• The Houston e-Cycle drive is going on tomorrow April 16th, 2010 and Houston residents can can recycle up to 5 items from an approved list at the ABC-13 studios on Bissonnet.

The Houston e-cycling drive - APril 16, 2010

BEFORE YOU DONATE or DROP-OFF

Before you get rid of any computers, laptops, iPods, GPS units, cell phones or anything else with an internal memory, be sure to “wipe” the data.  You don’t want personal information falling into the wrong hands and putting you at risk for your good deed.  A quick Google search can provide instructions for individual devices, but for computer hard drives, we have some specific instructions from one of our previous articles:

How To Properly Dispose of that Old Hard Drive

DropBox is a storage application and service operated by Evenflow, Inc.  The service enables users to store and sync files online and between computers.  There are many great features to this product, but best of all IT IS FREE.  Click below and watch the video (created by the folks at CommonCraft) to see for yourself.

Features

A complete feature list is available on the Dropbox web site, but we have a few highlights for you:

• File Syncing – Start with 2GB of storage for free and synchronize any file type to as many computers/devices as you want.  Within seconds of adding a file to your Dropbox, it is synced to any and every computer you have installed Dropbox on.
• File Sharing – Want to share files with friends and family but aren’t sure how?  If you can right-click, you can use Dropbox to send anyone a link to a file.  Create a shared area for pictures, movies or even work documents.
• Online Backup – Your files are stored on the Dropbox servers, so if your computer crashes or you accidentally delete it locally, your file (and previous versions) are still available.
• Security – Without going into a lot of technical jargon, your files are secure.  User names and passwords are required to access any files and all of the transmissions of your data are encrypted.

Access

Dropbox started as a computer software and has evolved into something more.  Over the last year, Dropbox has added an iPhone app that lets you access your files on the go.  Setup takes less than 2 minutes (I just did it myself) and your files are instantly available.  It’s like adding storage space to your iPhone or iPod touch and (as we mentioned before) it is FREE! There is currently no support for other smartphone devices, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Android support was added within the next year.  In the mean time, you can still access your files via a web browser.

Dropbox is on your Desktop, in your Web Browser & on your iPhone!

Pricing

Getting started with Dropbox is FREE and they start you off with 2GB of space.  You can refer friends, family and colleagues to increase this space up to 3GB, which is adequate for most users.  To give you some perspective, I use Dropbox for JumpstartMyPC every day.  I’ve been storing blogs, invoices, install files, images, etc. for 7 months now and haven’t even used 30% of the 3GB  provided to me.

If, or when, you feel that you need more space, you can sign up for the Pro 50 ($9.99/mth) or Pro 100 ($19.99/mth) account.  Yearly plans are also available and you can save some cash by  paying for the year in advance.  Although the pricing is fair, it is my hope that pressure from similar services and an upcoming Google storage offer will cause the Dropbox folks to lower that pricing a bit.  That being said, if I fill up my 3GB of space, I won’t hesitate to pay for the Pro 50 plan.

If you have ventured down the “computer+television” path, or are thinking of doing so, one hurdle quickly prevents itself.  How do you control the computer from the couch?  You need an input device of some sort and a keyboard with a super-long cord is really not an option (safety hazard!)  There have been some great wireless keyboard/mice combos released over the last few years, but they are often costly options and are only useful for that one purpose.  At $100 or more, this is not the kind of cost-effective resolution that most are looking for.  So, why not use a device you already have as the solution?  Your smart phone is just the thing and we have a quick rundown on two applications that can get you up and running today!

There are a wide range of smart phones on the market today, but the two most popular are the iPhone and Android powered devices.  We’ve got a FREE application for each and the instructions you need to get you started:

Logitech TouchMouse

Device: iPhone or iPod Touch
Link: http://www.logitech.com/touchmouse
Review: The remote control/gadget makers at Logitech have hit the nail on the head.  A quick and easy installation can get most anyone up and running in about 5 minutes.  You now have a wireless mouse and keyboard combo capable of most anything their wired counterparts are capable of, for FREE! Click, double-click, drag and scroll in portrait or landscape.
Downfall: The iPhone/iPod has no physical keyboard, so if you are a fan of the tactile interface, you might not like the virtual keyboard for inputting addresses or passwords.
Installation:

1. Install the Logitech TouchMouse app on your iPhone/iPod Touch
2. Install the Logitech TouchMouse Server on your computer (link provided above)
3. Select the computer you want to control
4. Go!

RemoteDroid

Device: Android Powered Device
Link: http://www.remotedroid.net
Review: RemoteDroid turns your phone into a wireless keyboard and mouse with touchpad, using your own wireless network. It’s a free application for phones running Google’s Android operating system, such as the Droid (Verizon Wireless) and the G1 (T-Mobile).  The interface is not as sleek as the Logitech version (for iPhones) but does what it promises and, if you have an Android device like the G1, you have a physical keyboard at your disposal.
Downfall: RemoteDroid doesn’t find your server automatically, so you have to enter the IP manually.
Installation:

1. Install RemoteDroid Server Application on your computer (link provided above)
2. Install the RemoteDroid App on your Android Device (Marketplace)
3. Launch the RemoteDroid Server
4. Type the IP address (provided in RemoteDroid Server) into app on Android Device
5. Go!

Today, we will look at a few of the most addictive games I have played in the last year.  These are very basic, easily accessible games that you can play in just a few minutes, if you can walk away after you’ve started.

Doodle Jump
Available on: iPhone and iPod Touch via the app store
Price: $.99
Review: The Facebook Fan Page for this game reads “Meet the iPhone/iPod Touch version of crack! So addictive it should be banned from the USA as an illegal substance! Doodle Jump is an amazingly fun platform jumping game.”  They couldn’t be more accurate.  Average games only last a few minutes, but you’ll find yourself wrapped up for hours with this one. Jump on platforms to take you higher and higher.  Use the springs, trampolines, propeller hats and jet packs to help you avoid the aliens, black holes and nothingness.
Best Features: Share high scores via Facebook & Twitter to compete against friends.
We Wish They Would: Make this available on other platforms, like Facebook or the XBOX360.

Check out our first YouTube video:
a Review of Doodle Jump

Bejeweled Blitz
Available on:

Farkle
Available on:

As anyone who has tried before can attest, it is not easy to stick with a workout routine unless you have a bit of assistance.  For most people, this is a friend or maybe a trainer.  Unfortunately, friends can be unreliable and hiring a personal trainer can cost big bucks.  That is why we bring you some of the top ways to use technology to help you stay on track with your New Year’s Resolutions.

1) Your iPod/iPhone – Not everyone has an iPhone or an iPod Touch, but for those who do, you are in luck.  There are hundreds of programs available in the App Store that cater to fitness (cardio and/or weights).  I have personally used iFitness for the last year and I love it.  The app shows you exercises for each muscle group of the body, allows you to track your weight/reps and even lets you export the results via email.  They constantly update the features (based on user feedback) and have recently added videos for you to watch.

Cost: While they are not all FREE, these types of apps range anywhere from $.99 – $5.99.  Mere pennies compared to the hundreds of thousands of dollars you could spend on videos, trainers, etc.

2) Your Wii – Again, not everyone has a Wii, but there are plenty of you who do.  I can’t tell you the number of times I have heard people talk about getting a Wii because it will get them up and moving around.  And you just try to have a conversation with someone about a Wii without them bringing up shoulder or arm soreness after their first “Wii night.”  There are now several package deals that you can purchase solely for the purpose of getting in shape, including Wii Fit, The Biggest Loser, Jillian Michaels Fitness, Yoga…  The list goes on and on.

Cost: Now the price is a little higher in this category.  Games (without accessories) run between $29 and $59.  Packages that include a balance board or other peripherals can cost you up to $149.  Hint, use logicbuy.com to track all of the deals on these packages and you can save yourself some money.  I have seen several deals on the Wii Fit with Balance board over the last couple of weeks.

3) Your DVD Player – So you got a new television and DVD or Blu-Ray player for Christmas?  No, well you probably already have a DVD player somewhere (maybe even on your computer).  This is a category that applies to most everyone.  Your DVD player offers you a literal world of choices when it comes to fitness.  There are thousands of workout programs available that range from Sit and Be Fit to Pole Dancing, but there has never been a more popular option than the P90X.  I can’t go 5 minutes without seeing an infomercial by this company or hearing someone talk about the results.  This isn’t an easy system (from what I hear) but it is very effective for those who want to tone up.

Cost: There is a huge range here.  DVDs can sell as low as $9.99 by themselves.  On the other end of the scale, P90X can set you back several hundred dollars.  Hint, check out eBay for your P90x kits and get everything for way below retail price.  The longer you wait into 2010, the cheaper the prices will be.

So for anyone who is going to make the commitment, good luck and I hope you stick with it.