Mac Ads

Don't get me started! I'm not a Mac lover and I think the new Mac ads are mis-leading. People are starting to spoof the new Mac ads.
Here is a link to the Mac ads http://www.apple.com/getamac/ads/


Here is a great spoof

Windows 98 & ME

Microsoft support for Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, and Windows Millennium Edition (Me) ended on July 11, 2006. Microsoft ended public and technical support by this date. This also includes security updates. Microsoft is providing final notifications to customers to end the extended security update support for these products.

Microsoft planned to discontinue its support for Windows 98 on January 16, 2004. However, due to the continued popularity of the operating system (27% of Google's pageviews were on Windows 98 systems during October-November, 2003),[2] Microsoft decided to maintain support until July 11, 2006.

If you are still using Windows 98 or ME then please, for the love of God, please upgrade to Windows XP. Make sure your system meets the miniumum requirements. If it doesn't, then take advantage of buying a new system from Dell or HP that is pre-installed with Windows XP.

If you havent' upgraded because you are to cheap then maybe you can try a free OS like linux and wonder why your apps have limited functionality or don't work. But hey, you saved money!

Additional info
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/lifean18
http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,114280,00.asp
http://www.neowin.net/index.php?act=view&id=34023
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_98

My New TV

I've been researching for my next TV with these requirements

1. It must be HDTV
2. It must be 1080p
3. Must be big enough that it takes up the whole wall
4. Must use obscene amounts of electricity

I think I have found it!

Panasonic is going to sell a 103” 1080p plasma TV in 2007.

If I start saving now I might have enough money for it unless I get the 20 years interest free financing plan :)

Place Calls Using Skype

Skype is a software program that allows you to talk to people using your computer. Skype originally was only capable of Skype to Skype calls meaning you could only talk to people from your computer to people on their computer. Skype grew and is now able to place calls to landlines and cell phones in addition to being able to receive calls from landlines and cell phones.

Starting May 2006 until December 2006 Skype announced that all calls from Skype to any US phone number is free. This makes placing long-distance calls great at home or work. All you need is the software and a headset with microphone like the one to the right.

I think Skype is great as a backup to a cell phone or landline but I wouldn’t use it for my main home line. There is no 911 and the call is only as good as your network. Some network providers actually try to block or degrade the quality if they provide a comparable service but I personally haven’t had any problems. You can also pay a little more and get wireless accessories that allow you not to be tethered to your computer.

I use Skype at work to place work and personal long distance calls. Work doesn’t mind since I’m saving them money. For personal calls I used to use either a calling card or my cell phone but the reception is limited. Skype has worked well.

Skype is promoting free calls from US to other countries this month
UK July 15-16
Mexico July 22-23
Japan July 29-30

My thoughts are that Skype has opened up their services to build its customer base which is currently at 100 million. Other companies are releasing similar products like Windows Live Messenger and Yahoo Messenger with Voice . This is going to be serious competition. Currently Skype is add-free but if they can build their user base, they will be able to receive more revenue from adds while providing a free service. Windows and Yahoo currently have ads and charge for the same service.

Download skype and give your mother a call…it’s been too long.

Cell Phone Insurance

After someone I know had water damage to their Blackberry, I started to research what insurance I could get in case something happened to mine.

Cingular has insurance. When you sign up for the insurance, the $50 deductible is paid on your first phone bill and then you pay a $3.99 monthly premium. The insurance will cover loss, liquid and physical damage, SIM, and accessory.

Upon further review I discovered that Cingular has a big exclusion list and makes me question what phone will they insure? The following are some of the wireless devices do not qualify for coverage for Cingular:·
Handspring Treo 180Treo 270Treo 600Treo 650Visor
iPAQ 6320 6325 6510 6515
Motorola A388Accompli A009E1 ROKR E680 MPx220 SLVR L7 V190 V235
RIM 7280 7290 8700c 7100G

http://www.cingular.com/media/wireless_phone_insurance
Cingular insurance is provided by lock\line

I have yet to find any other company that provides cell phone insurance. The only other option is to use your home owner’s / renter’s policy but usually purchasing a new phone is cheaper than the policy deductible.

In summery, be careful with your cell phone and get cell phone insurance if you can. If you don’t get insurance these are your options.

1. Purchase a new replacement phone at full retail cost
2. Upgrade phone at discount if eligible but then you are in a new contract
3. Purchase a new phone with a new service provider but you loose your current phone number. Note, I do not advise this if you are still under contract.

If anyone knows a company that will provide cell phone insurance please let me know.