|
March 2008
MARCH 19, 2008
Backup Pal
Backup and restore your Cell Phone address book.
 I dread buying a new phone and having to redo all my address book entries. Sure providers have the ability and are often willing to copy your info from the old one to the new one but that is not always the case. Changing providers or losing a phone can also be a problem. I only have 20 entries in my contact list so it is nowhere as time consuming as those who have 200, 300, or even 500 contacts. That must be a monumental task. Backup-Pal is a workable answer that solves the problem in an easy way.
I first met two Backup-Pal reps in another company’s booth at CES 2008. They were PR people who were roving the halls of CES and handing out folders full of info about Backup-Pal to anyone who looked alive. I am glad they found me.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE
March 14 2008
Animoto.com
Create Videos from Your Photos Free
 Animoto.com is a simple and quick way to create videos from your photos. It is easy and fun. The results are amazing. If you don’t like the first try just click a button and redo the mix, change the background music, and even add more photos. If you have a Flickr account Animoto.com will retrieve your photos from there once you give permission. This also works with Facebook, Smugmug, Picasa, or Photobucket.
FREE accounts are limited to creating videos of 30 seconds or less. You can include 15 to 20 photos in one of these. Tip: If more upbeat the music is used more photos will be displayed. When selecting slower music fewer photos fit in those 30 seconds. If you add too many photos to a 30 second video some will not be displayed. A paid membership ($30.00 per year) allows you to make full length videos where the number of photos and beat of the music have little or no effect. When starting my three month test of full length videos and the overall operation of Animoto.com I added over 135 photos for one of my creations.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE
March 11, 2008
SurroundX Portable Speaker system
From RAPHA International
 The SurroundX Portable Speaker system from RAPHA International is a basic but very functional product. Other than the fact that I cannot find it for sale anywhere it seems to do a good job. My sample is the USB type. There is also an iPod version. They are available in six colors – hot pink, silver, black, green, white or royal blue
The speakers are on either end of a silver cylinder it is also available in colors as shown in the photo. The box includes the speakers, ac power supply with cord, and a connecting cable with a 3.5 mm jack at both ends. You can use the AC converter or four AAA batteries (not included) for total portability. A very small four page manual provides a few instructions.
On the back are the DC input connector for the adaptor, a line input for sources that require a 3.5 mm connection, and the on/off switch.
On the front are a reset button, pause/stop button, volume up and volume down buttons, and the move to next song or previous song buttons. The USB port is on top. This is very simple to use.
I connected my Movo MP3 player and it worked fine. The volume was very loud but the sound did not breakup. Volume can be controled from the SurroundX or the External source if available. I tried several Thumb drives stuffed with many songs and all worked well with the exception of some files with copyright protection.
I am sure those who want to have a perfect audio experience will find The SurroundX lacking. For those of us who just want delivery of reasonably good and portable sound at a low price ($39.99) this will do. This is one instance where the backing of a large company was not required to produce a dependable product. The problem now is finding one for you to buy.
For more information on the SurroundX click here
MARCH 9, 2008
Verizon Wireless Flipshot (SCH-U900) by Samsung
A 3.0 Mega Pixal Camera Phone With a Twist!
 The Verizon Wireless Flipshot (SCH-U900) by Samsung is a great combination of Phone, Music Payer, and Camera. I have longed for a better camera on the phones I own or reviewed. The Flipshot answers that wish. It produced very acceptable photos and fine videos. The camera flash capability is a very helpful addition. The 3 MP camera and its 11 step digital zoom are as good as the 3.2 MP Sony Cybershot I purchased some years ago and still use for occasional shots. That early digital camera cost $375.00 when new. Times are changing. The FlipShot is a showstopper when you take it out, turn the flip portion 180 degrees around and close it. It really looks like and functions as a digital camera. When I first saw it at CES I was amazed.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE
March 3, 2008
CyberDefender Service Call
Result: A happy Valentines Day
 CES is a great place to find products and services you have heard about and some you had no idea existed. CyberDefender is an Internet Security Company among other things. I have it seen mentioned for years but never really checked it out. When walking the aisles at ShowStoppers during CES I met Alan Wallace, CyberDefender Senior Vice President Corporate Communications who was kind enough to pass the word about a Valentine week special. It was a free service call for anyone who dialed their number and mentioned the word “Valentine.” Of course I totally forgot about it even though I had many issues with my 4.5 year old Dell Dimension 8400 desktop. A week prior to Valentines Day I received a reminder email from Alan about this free gift. It took me until the last day of the offer to make the call. I am very glad I did.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE COMPLETE ARTICLE
MARCH 3, 2008
Aegis Mini 120 GIG Ultra Portable from Apricorn
A little drive with a big heart.
 The Aegis Mini 120 GB (A18-USB-XX) is available in 30GB, 60GB, 80, 100 & 120GB USB or Firewire versions. This Aegis Mini is a sturdy 120 Gig external USB drive that has taken much abuse during my travels and at home. The drive measures 0.7” high by 3.4” deep by 2.7” wide and is very lightweight. It fits in a shirt or pants pocket. This version holds a 1.8 inch Samsung hs122JB drive that is very quiet. I have carried this drive to CES in Las Vegas loaded with my contact files and other stuff I needed for the trip, to South Carolina for the birth of a new grandson, and several trips since to visit him to take more photos and video. It also has been helpful at home when moving files from one computer to another or just quickly save a second copy of something I don’t want to lose.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE COMPLETE ARTICLE
|
