Blackberry Storm gets an upgrade…

When the Blackberry Storm was first announced, I wanted to get one. But of course I have to wait 1.5 years to get a new phone as I already have a contract with Verizon. So I went about my days and kept up to date on news of its release and review. Then I started hearing the complaints come in and thought, “Good thing I didn’t buy one, might have a lemon on my hands.” I was suprised when I heard of an update to their software. It seemed to fix all the bugs and everyone is happy again. Except me, because I still want one…

Remember how long it took Apple to update its software? I am glad Research In Motion, the phone’s maker, is moving much quicker then that with updates.

Interesting fact I found, when the Storm was released, there were people waiting in line to buy them, just like the IPhone…

Legitimate Competition? Another hype? What do you think? Comments are open.

Full article can be found here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28158098/from/ET/

Debit or Credit?

Which should I use? Which one is safer? Here are some tips for this Christmas season and in general…

1. What is a debit card?

A debit card is similar to a credit card. The only difference is that it is tied directly to your checking account instead of a credit line. That means if you make a purchase using your debit card, it would be similar to writing a check. The funds come out of your checking account, but you don’t have to wait 2-5 days for the purchase to show up in your records. Purchases made with debit cards show up on your bank statement typically within one hour to a day at maximum. Protection against unauthorized purchases made with a debit card is the same you would receive with a credit card.

2. What is a credit card?

A credit card is a line of credit available to you for purchases, similar to a home equity on a house. The credit card company/issuing bank will offer you a set limit when you first open up a credit card. They will also offer you a set interest rate on your card. But that is another post entirely…

Typically when you make a purchase with a credit card, it is to make sure the company you buy from doesn’t rip you off. If they do, you can have the funds sent back to you. It is also used for larger purchases that your checking/savings account might not have at the time of purchase.

3. Which should I use? Which is safer?

Good question. The final decision is up to you, but here are a couple tips to think about when making your next purchase.

• Use your credit card if you are unsure of the company you are purchasing from. If they run away, you can get your funds back. If you used your debit card, those funds are taken from your checking account, which may not leave you enough cash for other expenses.
• Use your debit card when making regular everyday purchases such as food, gas, clothes, etc. Stay away from using your credit card for these purchases if at all possible, unless it is an emergency.
• Use your debit card in place of writing checks. It it much safer, not to mention faster, to use your debit card. Remember, when writing checks, all a thief needs is your account and bank number, which is on the bottom of every check.
• Use your credit card when making large purchases. It is safer that way, but be sure to payoff that amount immediately.

A final thought. Think of your credit card as a large fluctuating checking account behind walls and armed guards. If anything happens to those funds, you will be able to get them back. Think of a debit card as your checking account. Whatever is in your checking account, that is the limit. Purchases are final, although granted you have the guards and the walls like the credit card, just don’t tempt fate to eat your checking account alive.

Disclaimer: This knowledge comes from being a teller at an international bank, and listening to other’s experiences. If you have any tips, I would be glad to include them. Comments are open.

And the top mini-laptop maker is…

Here is Tuesday’s post on Wednesday…

Acer! This quarter they gained a 38.3% share in this newly developing market. In second place is Asus with a 30.3% market share.

What are “mini-laptops”? They are a smaller version of the regular laptop computer, run either windows XP or linux, and are mainly used for e-mail and web browsing. Asus created the first mini-laptop, called a “netbook”, in late 2007.

Here is the link to the full article: http://www.informationweek.com/news/hardware/desktop/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=212300571&subSection=All+Stories

A $99 IPhone?

Here is Sunday’s post on Monday…

You heard me right. Apple is planning on coming out with a $99 IPhone by year’s end (2008).

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. will begin selling Apple Inc.’s iPhone later this month, employees at several stores in the discount retail chain said today.

Of course, this is just an “official announcement”, so there is not much information beyond that. It could very well be a 4GB model of the IPhone, with a 2 year agreement, but that is just rumor. What do you think about this move? Comments are open.

Want dibs on the full article? Here it is:
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9122880&intsrc=news_ts_head

What question do you have?…

If you are a beginning podcaster or an experienced podcaster, I have a question for you.

What was the number one question you had when you started podcasting?

I am planning on writing an ebook based on that question. Something that not only you can use to look back on to remember, but also to share with others so that they don’t have to search for the answer. Feel free to comment below, otherwise I have posted the question into the following forums below…

Podcast Pickle Forums: http://www.podcastpickle.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=52163

Podcast Alley Forums: http://www.podcastalley.com/forum/showthread.php?t=145198

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