The Mobile Genealogist

Although not directly related to “mobile genealogy”, but who doesn’t like a chance to win free computer hardware?  Or a chance to save up to 35% on purchases?

Contests and Giveaways

Smartphone Thoughts has information on how to enter to win $6000 worth of HP computer equipment.  (That’s ALL to one person, one desktop, 3 laptops, a photo printer and other hardware and software)   Information can be found HERE.

Digital Media Thoughts has information on how to enter to win a Seagate portable hard drive which can be found HERE. 

Discounts

Digital Media Thoughts has information on using Microsoft Live Search to purchase “Buy it now” items on eBay and saving up to 35%.   Information can be found HERE.   This isn’t strictly limited to eBay as other vendors also participate.  (although not at such a steep discount)

Good Luck!

You can’t have it now nor will it provide any relieve for current desktop computers or devices, but in the future USB version 3 will offer transfer speeds up to 4.8Gbps.   (Much faster than current USB Version 2 speeds)   To give you an idea how much data that will transfer, a 25GB hard drive worth of data could be transferred in about 70 seconds.

Gizmodo has more information HERE.

As with USB 1 and USB 2, devices built with USB 3 will work (although at a slower speed) on older connections, or older devices will work with new desktop computers with a USB 3 port.  (Also at the slower speed)

This is good news for those in the target markets for Best Buys new (trial) recycling program.     Best Buy already accepts smaller items in all stores, but this new program will accept larger electronics such as TV’s, Monitors up to 32 inches and computers.

If you live in Baltimore, San Francisco or Minnesota now is the time to take advantage of this new program!

More information can be found HERE from Engadget.

Do you have any devices that use AA batteries?   Want a solution where you can recharge the battery using your USB port on your laptop or desktop computer?

Look no further than THIS article at Digital Home Thoughts.

The different cell phone providers such as T-Mobile or Verizon use different cell phone technologies for their cellular network.    This has a bearing on the type of Smartphone that you purchase as phones designed to work on one network generally will not work on the other.   (In the United States, you usually purchase your Smartphone from the Cellular provider so compatibility is not an issue)   The type of phone you have will also determine if it can be used when travelling abroad.

Brighthand has a non-technical article describing the differences between the two major technologies which can be found HERE.

The above article also has a link to another FAQ that discusses the different data transfer methods used on the above networks.

Ever need to recharge your handheld but don’t have ready access to a power source or didn’t bring along your bulky charging cradle/cables?

Pocket PC Tech has a solution that is easy to carry and can be used to recharge your device during those low battery situations.

Mobility Site has all the details HERE.