The best (and worst) freebie phones that won't cost you a penny or less

The major cell phone carriers are ushering in the holiday shopping season by literally giving away popular smartphones.

While fire sale promotions on Amazon.com (AMZN) and other sites typically require a two-year contract commitment (which will ultimately run you hundreds of dollars), state-of-the-art devices like the HTC Droid Incredible - which only months ago cost $200 after all the rebates - can now be acquired for a penny or less.

Here are the best (and worst) freebie phones currently available for each major carrier. Act fast, as many of these Black Friday deals expire before Monday. Also note that all deals below are current as of Wednesday afternoon, and there is no guarantee they won't sell out early.

HTC Droid Incredible (Verizon)

One of a series of would-be iPhone killers that runs on Google’s (GOOG) Android mobile operating system, the Droid Incredible by HTC was heralded as a “state of the art smartphone” by PC Magazine when it debuted last April.

This touchscreen device boasts more than five hours of talk time while featuring an 8.0 megapixel camera and FM tuner. The Droid Incredible has fingertip access to the more than 100,000 apps available in the Android Market, and also includes deeper social integration with services like Facebook, Twitter and Flickr.

While the Droid Incredible is not as cool to own as Apple’s (AAPL) iconic smartphone, being carried on Verizon’s (VZ) more reliable network is enticing to any iPhone owner who experiences too many dropped signals on AT&T (T).

What to avoid: Verizon subscribers should pass on devices like the Samsung Zeal Phone that aren’t connected to a major mobile operating system like Android, Apple’s iOS, BlackBerry OS or HP’s webOS. While conveniences like a flip-style format and QWERTY keypad are nice, with smartphones, it’s all about what’s on the inside. As more consumers and manufacturers embrace the major operating systems, independent offerings like the Zeal will become obsolete.

Palm Pixi Plus (AT&T)

While the iPhone and Android phones get most of the attention, Palm continues to develop solid handheld devices that technologically hold their own. Released in November 2009, and one of the first phones to come equipped with HP’s webOS, the Palm Pixi Plus has everything you can ever want for zero dollars down.

The Pixi Plus, like its counterpart the Palm Pre, features arguably the best web browsing experience available on any smartphone, email supported by Microsoft Exchange, Yahoo! Mail and other major clients, and access to a growing number of popular apps including the iPhone and Android hit game Angry Birds.

What to avoid: Not having clear and easy Wi-Fi access made the Nokia Surge 6790 dead-on-arrival when it debuted last year. While the phone is great for texting, it fails in almost everything else. With its overpriced games (Nokia’s Symbian operating system is miles behind the major players with minimal access to apps), as well as performance and data transfer issues, this is one phone that barely lives up to its penny price-point.

HTC Hero (Sprint)

This is another great Android phone that Sprint (S) subscribers will want to snap up while the one-cent offer is still available. Similar to the Incredible, the HTC Hero has a stronger battery than many Android-based phones with more than five hours of talk time. While the 5.0 megapixel camera doesn't match the 8.0 megapixel quality of the Incredible, it does the trick for most casual shutterbugs.

Built-in Google mobile services like Search, Maps, Gmail and YouTube are nice to have at your fingertips, as well as all the apps and the Sprint-specific features like turn-by-turn navigation and full-motion video on demand.

What to avoid: While we applaud the environmentally-friendly LG Remarq - which is partially comprised from recycled materials - the phone’s limited camera features and weak battery make it tough to recommend.

BlackBerry Bold 9700 (T-Mobile)

If you’re happy with using a BlackBerry (RIMM) or are looking for a smartphone that focuses more on work and productivity rather than fun and games, this is a great option. Linked to the reliable BlackBerry Internet Service (which comes with push email notifications), and equipped with a tactile QWERTY keyboard, the Bold 9700 is a superior mobile messaging device.

Thankfully, the phone is not all business! Easy web surfing and pre-installed apps like Slacker Radio are fun to have between meetings, as is access to the thousands of titles available at the BlackBerry App World store.

What to avoid: Motorola (MOT) is manufacturing some of the best Android phones on the market including the DROID X and DROID Pro. Accordingly, you should avoid the clunky and outdated Motorola CLIQ. When the phone isn’t experiencing software crashes or placing calls without your knowledge, its heavy emphasis on social networking is a turnoff, and the web browser is an embarrassment.

via source

iPhone App: Casio G-SHOCK

Brought to you from Casio G-SHOCK directly onto your iPhone, the G-SHOCK App allows you to fully experience the watch’s toughness and functions without the hefty price tag. The G-SHOCK App provides users with not only the functionality of a standard G-SHOCK watch, but it also includes two games that mimic the resistance and durability of the watch.

The first game included is “G-SHOCK ATTACK”, a shock resistant game. The objective of the game is to tap on the screen to inflict as much damage as possible. The second game is “G-SHOCK DIVE”, a water resistant game. The game entails users to blow into the microphone continuously to sink their watch. What do you get in return for destroying your watches? New ones! That’s right – by beating the games, you win new G-SHOCKS, which sounds almost too good to be true.

The G-SHOCK app is currently available on Apple iTunes.

via freshnessmag

The motion gaming battle: Kinect vs. Move vs. Wii, Which one is for you?

Nintendo pioneered the motion gaming movement with the Wii. In September, Sony tried to better the experience with Move. And today (Nov. 4), Microsoft will begin selling Kinect, which does away with controllers altogether. That’s when the battle will really kick into overdrive.

As holiday shoppers prepare their lists this year, they’ll be subjected to marketing blitzes and in-store kiosks for all three technologies, each hoping to separate people from their money. It’s the new front line for gaming companies and no one wants to be left behind. 

Trying to decide which, if any, of these motion gaming experiences is right for you? We’ve broken down the pros and cons of each to make it easier.

Kinect for Xbox 360

KinectMicrosoftWhat is it?
A device equipped with a camera that can track your movements and accurately reflect them on screen. If you raise a hand or jump, your avatar will do the same. It also remembers who you are, so when a user steps in front of it, it will log them into their Xbox Live account. The device also includes a microphone that recognizes voice commands. Want to open the disc tray? Just say "Open tray" and Kinect will hook you up.

Cost: 
$150 standalone, or 400 when bundled with the Xbox 360.

Hard to find?
It could be. Microsoft’s planning a massive marketing campaign – plus Oprah Winfrey gave it her on-air blessing recently (and gave one to the entire audience, as well). That usually means a rush at retail, so Kinect could be hard to find this year. 

How many games? 
A dozen games will launch alongside the system, with another five coming out this holiday season. 

Are they any good?
We’ve only played them for short segments, so we can’t say conclusively yet, but based on what we’ve seen, the lineup is hit and miss. The games are specifically tailored to a casual audience. Kinect Adventures – bundled with the system – is probably one of the weaker offerings, but Dance Central from Rock Band creator Harmonix has all the earmarks of a major hit. And if you’re looking to get in shape, Ubisoft’s “Your Shape: Fitness Evolved could leave Wii Fit in the dust. 

Extra benefits: 
Lots! Kinect has a video chat functionality that will allow you to videoconference with friends via Xbox Live and Windows Live Messenger. You’ll also be able to use the system to turn your Xbox on and off with audio commands, navigate the dashboard via gestures and pause films you’re watching without ever touching a remote control.

Weaknesses: 
While Kinect is a very cool technology, there has been a very noticeable lag with the system every time we’ve used it. For many games that won’t be an issue, but on fast-paced titles, it’s going to be hard to miss. Also, if you live in a cramped house or apartment, you could also be in trouble, as the device requires six to eight feet between users and the TV. At the very least, you’re going to have to clean up, so the camera isn’t obstructed. And you’ll need a lot of light in the room as well. 

PlayStation Move

Playstation MoveSonyWhat is it?
Using a combination of a camera, a handheld motion sensor and an auxiliary controller, Sony has taken the basic concepts of the Wii and greatly enhanced them. You’ll wave a controller in the air, as you do with the Wii, but Move is incredibly accurate in reflecting your movements onscreen. It tracks you in 3D with the camera, so if you, say, step backwards, that’s reflected in the game. 

Cost: 
It depends on what equipment you already have and the game you want to play: Some titles can be played with just the PlayStation Eye camera and a Move controller, which are bundled together with Sports Champions for $100. A secondary navigation controller, which is required for other titles, is sold separately for $30. A standalone Move controller, for people who already have a PlayStation Eye or need a second controller, runs $50. (Also, if you need a PS3 as well as the controller, that will run you $400.)

Hard to find?
Hit and miss. Sony says several retailers claim they are selling out quickly. But if you call around town, you can usually find someone who has it in stock. 

How many games?
13, but dozens more will hit stores before the season is over

Are they any good?
Right now, they’re nothing spectacular. The best, actually, is the one that’s bundled with the controller and camera – Sports Champions. (And in many ways, that’s lifting a page directly from Nintendo’s playbook.) EyePet will charm kids, but can get old. Other titles, so far, are fairly forgettable. But other publishers are putting out new games at a fast pace, so the quality level is certain to go up. And with big upcoming games like Killzone 3 and SOCOM 4 planning Move support, it might find traction with core users.

Extra benefits: 
Not many. You can capture video and stills with the PlayStation Eye camera and use the Move controller to navigate the PS3’s dashboard, but that’s not an organic experience and can be quite frustrating. 

Weaknesses: 
Having to calibrate the system before you play gets old fast – especially in Sports Champions, which requires you to do so every time you pick a different sport. And like Kinect, the launch lineup of games is rather weak, but Sony is ambitiously supporting the platform and that should self-correct over the next year. 

Wii

WiimoteNintendoWhat is it? 
It’s what got this whole thing started! Wii was the first system to introduce players to motion gaming, ditching traditional controllers for a remote-control styled device that tracked your arm’s movements. 

Cost: 
$200 (includes controller and console.)

Hard to find? 
You will have no trouble whatsoever finding a Wii at retail. 

How many games?
Well over 1,000 at this point.

Are they any good?
Like any system, the quality of the catalog varies, but there are some truly great games available for the Wii. In addition to old hits like Wii Sports, Wii Fit, Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros. and the two Super Mario Galaxy games, this year brings two more epic titles in the highly-rated Kirby's Epic Yarn and the upcoming Epic Mickey from Disney.

Extra benefits: 
From the controller? Nothing, really, though the Wii itself has plenty of cool features. Of course, so does the Xbox 360 and PS3...

Weaknesses:
It’s suddenly the oldest player in the category. Launched in 2006, the Wii controller has received an upgrade (dubbed MotionPlus) to make it more accurately capture users' movements, but it's still not as accurate as PlayStation Move or as fresh as Kinect.


source via yahoo!

Jesus may not have the answer on how to live with your low iq friend but Google does

From the same school of thought as the Just Fucking Google It website comes this less-agressive reminder to quit asking questions and just hit up the G site for the answers instead.

credit from gizmodo

Facebook credits at Walmart and Best Buy stores

Retail giants Walmart and Best Buy are now targeting the growing social media consumers by having Facebook credits gift cards available on their shelves. This is going to be a perfect holiday gift as we approach the holiday gift-giving season as well as perfect alternative if you're not a paypal-or-credit-card-type of buyer online.

Denominations are  available at $5, $10 and $25 for Walmart while Best Buy sells them in $10, $25, and $50.
Look out for Facebook Credits gift cards and use them to buy premium items in your favorite games and apps.

Apple's iPad will be available in Verizon stores next week

Apple just made an announcement on Thursday regarding the deal with Verizon wireless as Apple is in plans to increase the iPad sales in the holiday shopping season. 

There is also news that, Verizon is in discussions with Apple to sell the Apple iPhones. Currently, Apple iPad’s and Apple iPhones are available only in the AT&T which is good news for most iPhone users who are having difficulties in getting good signals on their AT&T mobile device.

I once lived in a basement of my apartment and was lucky if my iPhone would've get at least a bar of an AT&T signal. Also, last year during a trip to New York, I hardly get a signal in most of NY's subways while my friend's  Verizon phone got a full bar of signal, but in all fairness, AT&T is now investing on cell sites in an effort to address issues like these from their customers.

Verizon will begin selling the iPad directly to customers on October 28, 2010 according to a note on the carrier's Web site. Verizon is offering the Wi-Fi only, non-3G version of the device at Apple's suggested retail prices

                 16GB = $499

                  32GB = $599  

                  64GB = 699 

Three Wi-Fi models of the Apple iPad will be available in the Verizon Wireless stores from October 28. Also, there is a Verizon bundle ( iPad WiFi + Verizon's MiFi) avalable which ranges from $629 for the 16-gigabyte (GB) iPad to $829 for the 64 GB model.

The iPad has become one of the hottest selling gadgets in tech industry history since Apple introduced it on April 3rd. Apple sold 300,000 of the devices the first day they were on sale, and more than 2 million units in the first 80 days of availability.

Experts believe that Apple is going to be top in sales this holiday shopping season.

some credit: informationweek

Another Chilean miners rescue news

...and it's an online game inspired by the rescue of the 33 rescued Chilean miners -
Chilean tech and design firm Root33 has made a playable Flash game called Los 33 in which you rescue the Chilean miners trapped underground. This interesting game allows you to rotate the wheel to move the Fenix escape capsule up and down, pick up each miner (by name by the way) then roll it again to bring them back to safety from the underground amid the cheering crowd. Flash programmer Felipe Leon, who made the program, reported that the page have thousands of unique visitors each day. If you wanna try, you can play it for free at http://root33.cl/los33.

Modern Typewriters

I ran across USB Typewriter etsy online shop and I was amazed! Some genius has created a Converter chip that turns the typewriter into a modern keyboard. How impressive! This fully-functional keyboard  can actually be used into your IPad and into any usb-port enabled workstations. Those who have started or more comfortable in using typewriter as their medium of writing have definitely enough reason to celebrate.