Switched http://www.switched.com Switched http://www.switched.com/media/feedlogo.gif Switched http://www.switched.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Top Ten 'Cool' Things That Actually Make You Look 'Uncool']]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/16/things-that-you-think-make-you-cool-but-dont/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/16/things-that-you-think-make-you-cool-but-dont/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/16/things-that-you-think-make-you-cool-but-dont/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Things That You Think Make You Cool, But Don't

There are plenty of things in this world that you're sure are pretty freakin' cool, and, by extension, make you cool, but, in reality, aren't cool at all (and make you look like a tool). Luckily, Holy Taco put together a list of 10 items that people generally think make them cool, but don't, and some of our favorite pieces of tech made the list, including the iPhone, Bluetooth headsets, 'Guitar Hero,' and "funny" ring-tones. This, of course, got us thinking: What other gadgets are out there that people love, but are actually not cool (or stylish) at all.

Check out the gallery below for our own list of tech and gadgets that some of us may think make us cool, but really don't. [Source: Holy Taco]

Gallery: Gallery of Uncool Gadgets

Portable Gaming SystemsBlinged-out GadgetsJawbone Bluetooth HeadsetOver-sized HeadphonesVertu Luxury Cell Phones

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetoothbreaking newsBreakingNewsfunnyguitar heroGuitarHerohumorstylesummernewsFri, 16 May 2008 13:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Top 12 Gadget Gifts for Mom]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/09/top-12-gadget-gifts-for-mom/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/09/top-12-gadget-gifts-for-mom/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/09/top-12-gadget-gifts-for-mom/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mother's Day is here, as it is every year, and we've got some top picks of the latest gadgets that most Moms would like. Some of our choices save time, others just look cool while offering some basic functions that we expect of our gadgets (such as taking pictures or blasting music). We've picked some devices based on their ease of use, for those Moms who are tech-averse, as well as some slightly harder-to-use, state-of-the-art items, for moms who are tech-savvy. Either way, your Mom is bound to be a little more wired after you hand her one of the following 12 items.


This brand-new ultra compact from Samsung L210 boasts a 2.5 inch LCD display, as well as a 10.2-megapixel sensor with 3x optical zoom. It uses two forms of image stabilization -- both optical and digital -- meaning it's great for those moms who always end up with blurry photos (you know who you are...mom). It also incorporates face recognition technology: This detects the subject's face, automatically adjusting auto focus and auto exposure to ensure better composition and image quality in portraits. All of this is included with 10-megabytes (MB) of internal flash memory, and the ability to record MPEG-4 movies. Oh, and it comes in a variety of mom-friendly colors, including red, black, pink, and silver.
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Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresgift guidesGiftGuidesholidaysmomsmothers dayMothersDayFri, 09 May 2008 20:07:00 EST<![CDATA[20 Best Moms On the Web]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/09/20-best-moms-on-the-web/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/09/20-best-moms-on-the-web/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/09/20-best-moms-on-the-web/#commentsFiled under: ,


Mother's Day is upon us, and that means it's time to pay tribute and show love to those that passed us through their birth canals. URLesque has compiled their list of the 20 best moms on the web, pulling piles of wonderful videos from YouTube.

Our favorites include the wheelchair bound granny with a submachine gun (above) and the mom who "breaks" her son's arm (Moms can be bad ass). We also love the completely emasculating video of the mohawked kid getting his thrash on when his mother interrupts to offer him an egg sandwich and give him a kiss. Adorable.

Check the out the rest of the list here. [Source: URLesque]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsmothers dayMothersDayyoutubeFri, 09 May 2008 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple Tops Consumer Reports Tech Support Ratings]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/06/apple-tops-consumer-reports-tech-support-ratings/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/06/apple-tops-consumer-reports-tech-support-ratings/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/06/apple-tops-consumer-reports-tech-support-ratings/#commentsFiled under: ,



According to a recent Consumer Reports survey, Apple took the top spot for "technical support offered by computer makers" -- for both laptop and desktop support. The feedback came from owners of more than 4,500 laptops and almost 5,600 desktops computers who contacted manufacturer with technical difficulties.

On the 100 point scale, Apple scored an 83 in the laptop survey and an 81 on the desktop side -- both of which translate to "more than very satisfied"; according to Consumer Reports, Apple was the only manufacturer to top 80 in either category, beating out Lenovo, Dell, Toshiba, Gateway, Sony and HP.

A large part of Apple's success came from the on-site service that customers receive when visiting Apple stores: Genius Bar staff provided "the best troubleshooting by far," according to the report, solving problems 90 percent of the time. "The only drawback is if you're living somewhere that there isn't a store close by or if you're in a big city where the Genius Bar is likely to be really crowded," said Donna Tapellini, associate editor at Consumer Reports.

And while there's still room for improvement at Apple, which limits its phone-based tech support to 90 days, they're fixing ass and taking names. "Apple should continue to build out the store infrastructure," Gartenberg added. "And they should continue to invest in customer training. They're doing many of these things in the store at little or no cost. Apple is becoming the Nordstrom of customer service in terms of technology."

Which actually makes us think Apple could actually sell designer jeans, and people would buy them. Apple Bottoms, perhaps? [Source: MacWorld]
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebreaking newsBreakingNewscustomer supportCustomerSupportTue, 06 May 2008 13:47:00 EST<![CDATA[10 Least Useful iPod Accessories]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/05/05/10-least-useful-ipod-accessories/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/05/10-least-useful-ipod-accessories/http://www.switched.com/2008/05/05/10-least-useful-ipod-accessories/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Okay, so the all-singing, all-dancing iPod is great for many things: Listening to music, watching movies, and ... well, that's kinda it, actually. But, like any social phenomenon, the iPod has had its fair share of exploitation by various corporate hangers-on.

So the folks at Cracked have compiled a list of the least useful iPod accessories money can (but really shouldn't) buy, ranging from an iPod breathalyzer to a hyper-uglifying bulletproof iPod case. But the worst bang for our collective buck? It's a toss-up between the SongThong (pictured above), which was seemingly designed solely on account of the fact that the names rhymed, and the PodShave/PodShaveLady, which was designed solely on account of some designer's deep psychological delusions. Cracked succinctly summarizes the device for us:

"Great for morons and camping enthusiasts, the PodShave and PodShaveLady are electric razor attachments that utilize your iPod's battery. It costs $41.05, and supposedly can both suck up your stubble as it shaves it off, and allow you to listen to your music as you shave."

If someone gives you any of these as a gift, immediately disavow them as friends and move on with your life.
[Source: Cracked]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsfunnyipod accessoriesIpodAccessoriesweirdMon, 05 May 2008 10:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Six Ways to Break Up Over Your Computer or Cell Phone]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/04/30/six-ways-to-break-up-over-your-computer-or-cell-phone-1/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/30/six-ways-to-break-up-over-your-computer-or-cell-phone-1/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/30/six-ways-to-break-up-over-your-computer-or-cell-phone-1/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Before technology allowed people to communicate so effortlessly, the act of breaking up over the phone was considered too impersonal. Compared to the ways that people end their relationships now, a call almost seems polite. Whether it's because of a desire to make things public or just to cop out to avoid an awkward meeting, lovers young and old are using technology to break the news. Here at Switched, we dug up some of the harshest ways that tech-enabled breakups have been executed. Read on and you'll laugh, cringe and hope this never happens to you.



1. Rant and rave on YouTube

Few divorces are ever settled amicably, but even fewer have been detailed on YouTube for the world to witness by an angry wife. Such is the reason that the videos by Tricia Walsh-Smith created an Internet buzz covered by both blogs and mainstream media. Within the last few weeks, Walsh-Smith, 54, published two clips discussing her split with hubby Philip Smith, 77. The videos contained intimate details about their marriage and split. Unfortunately for her, she'll have to find a new place to film - a judge ruled that she can no longer make her videos in the apartment she shared with her soon-to-be ex.


Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresrelationshipstech breakupsTechBreakupsWed, 30 Apr 2008 12:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Eight Best Techie Marriage Proposals]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/04/30/eight-best-techie-marriage-proposals-1/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/30/eight-best-techie-marriage-proposals-1/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/30/eight-best-techie-marriage-proposals-1/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Aside from buying a ring, asking her father's permission, and stressing over her answer, one of the hardest parts of a marriage proposal for a man is coming up with a unique way to do it. Luckily, technology offers up a slew of options and -- starting below -- we recount the tales of eight creatively geeky guys who found new ways to pop the question. If you're the sentimental type, now's the time to break out the Kleenex.



So There Are Rewards for Playing Video Games

Knowing your girlfriend's favorite hobbies is a great start for planning a proposal. For Bernie Peng, that meant using the game 'Bejeweled' to ask Tammy Li to marry him. Peng, a financial software programmer, spent a month tweaking the game so when Li reached a certain score, a ring and the proposal popped up on the screen. We know what you're thinking, and so does Peng - "I thought it was pretty cool, in a nerdy way," he said. Fortunately for him, she said yes.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresgeekmarriagerelationshipsweirdWed, 30 Apr 2008 01:20:00 EST<![CDATA[12 Top Pet Gadgets]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/04/30/12-top-pet-gadgets/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/30/12-top-pet-gadgets/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/30/12-top-pet-gadgets/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We already knew that people love uploading pictures of their pets online, but we had no idea how many gadgets and toys are available for our animal friends. From the bizarre to the practical, there's tons of tech out there that's designed to benefit owners and the pets themselves. Check out our list of some of the best gadgets available for pets, because it's time to stop spoiling ourselves with shiny new toys and treat our little companions instead.



GoDogGo! Automatic Fetch Machine

Busy. Tired. Neglectful. Whatever you are, sometimes you just can't play fetch with your dog. Unless, of course, you pick up the automated fetch machine, GoDogGo! Take this gadget, load it up with tennis balls -- six of which are included -- and start firing away. You can manually fire the balls or set them to launch automatically every 7 or 15 seconds between 15 and 30 feet. Set it up in your yard with the included AC adapter or run it at the park with six D batteries, and you'll have an easy, lazy solution to playing with your "best friend."

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pet gadgetsPetGadgetspetsWed, 30 Apr 2008 00:10:00 EST<![CDATA[12 Wacky Pet Gadgets]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/04/23/12-wacky-pet-gadgets/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/23/12-wacky-pet-gadgets/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/23/12-wacky-pet-gadgets/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We already knew that people love uploading pictures of their pets online, but we had no idea how many gadgets and toys are available for our animal friends. From the bizarre to the practical, there's tons of tech out there that's designed to benefit owners and the pets themselves. Check out our list of some of the best gadgets available for pets, because it's time to stop spoiling ourselves with shiny new toys and treat our little companions instead.



GoDogGo! Automatic Fetch Machine

Busy. Tired. Neglectful. Whatever you are, sometimes you just can't play fetch with your dog. Unless, of course, you pick up the automated fetch machine, GoDogGo! Take this gadget, load it up with tennis balls -- six of which are included -- and start firing away. You can manually fire the balls or set them to launch automatically every 7 or 15 seconds between 15 and 30 feet. Set it up in your yard with the included AC adapter or run it at the park with six D batteries, and you'll have an easy, lazy solution to playing with your "best friend."

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featurespet gadgetsPetGadgetspetsWed, 23 Apr 2008 13:02:00 EST<![CDATA[How To Recycle Your Dead Gadgets]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/04/22/how-to-recycle-your-dead-gadgets/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/22/how-to-recycle-your-dead-gadgets/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/22/how-to-recycle-your-dead-gadgets/#commentsFiled under: , ,

How to Recycle Dead Gadgets
Grandmas get Boca Raton, but most gadgets aren't fortunate enough to live out their last days in the sun. According to the EPA, those electronics that don't rest in peace (or pieces) at the bottom of a drawer end up cramped in a landfill with the other 4.6 million tons of electronic waste that are dumped each year. Fortunately, there's a home for most any device to expire with dignity.


Computers

How to Recycle Dead Gadgets Most of the major computer manufacturers offer a recycling program for their own systems -- as well as their competitor's systems -- through their Web sites. At ComputerTakeBack.com, you can see each plan spelled out alongside any sweet trade-in incentives that manufacturers, and even some retailers, are offering. Just be sure to thoroughly erase the data on your hard drive, though.
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Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresTue, 22 Apr 2008 12:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Nine Phones With Long-Lasting Batteries]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/04/21/nine-phones-with-long-lasting-batteries/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/21/nine-phones-with-long-lasting-batteries/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/21/nine-phones-with-long-lasting-batteries/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Some days, we all just like to talk on the phone a lot. We also sometimes forget to charge our phones before we leave the house. And let's face it, carrying our cell-phone-charger around with us all day (or overnight) is often impractical. So what phones are ideal for the sort of person that often finds themselves in charger-less jams? Take a look at our roundup, in which we picked ten standard phones (i.e., non-smart-phones) that have impressive battery life, both for talk and standby modes.



The latest version of the Motorola V195s has now been updated by T-Mobile to include Yahoo! and AIM messaging, Bluetooth connectivity, and longer-lasting battery life. T-Mobile also includes the convenient My Faves free frequent calling program, so you can use the eight hours of talk time wisely. The phone also has up to 17.5 days of standby time.



Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresMon, 21 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Obama, Hillary, and Tom Selleck Make List of Top Wii Mii Faces]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/04/18/the-top-14-wii-mii-faces/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/18/the-top-14-wii-mii-faces/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/18/the-top-14-wii-mii-faces/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



With its relatively simple, intuitive tools, the Nintendo Wii's create-an-avatar feature has been a hit, spawning countless spoofs and homages, including our personal favorite, The Mii Lebowski.

Now the fine slobs over at Slobs of Gaming have compiled a Mii "Best of" list, which includes Nintendo-fied renditions of such celebrities as Tom Selleck, one of the 'Star Wars' Storm Troopers, and Jesus H. Christ.

They're all pretty spot-on, except for Barack Obama, who looks more like Bryant Gumbel.

Welcome to 2008, where the Mii face is the new O face. [Source: Slobs of Gaming]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewselectionmiipoliticswiiFri, 18 Apr 2008 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Top 10 Funniest Pet Web Sites]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/04/02/top-10-funniest-pet-web-sites/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/02/top-10-funniest-pet-web-sites/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/02/top-10-funniest-pet-web-sites/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Perhaps one of the most popular things to do on the Internet is upload and broadcast pictures of your beloved animals. Everything from pictures and videos to podcasts of pet shenanigans have found ample homes online. Unfortunately, the vast majority of pet sites are of the nausea-inducing "cute" variety. Since pets can induce hours of laughter (regardless of whether they're wearing Groucho glasses or ladies' hats or not), we here at Switched decided to scour the Web for funny pet sites, and we found quite a few. What follows is a sampling of our favorite funny pet sites, some old, some new. Funny, of course, depends on the mind of the beholder, but we'd be lying if we didn't admit that we pretty much guffawed at every last site on this list. Check them out....






1. Lolcats
Lolcats are funny pictures of cats doing dumb things with broken, misspelled English captions placed over them. The result is often hilarious, such as a cat jumping out of a toilet with the following caption: "I'M IN UR TOILET USIN' UR FACILITIES." The central hub for all things lolcat, icanhascheezburger.com, is currently enjoying a resurgence of popularity after a few months of hype-trend-overload. The site has been online for two years and now includes a constellation of sites for lolcats, loldogs and political lolz -- the same thing, but for dogs and politicians.
If you're wondering how to make your own Lolcat, which is as simple as taking a goofy picture of your cat, adding a caption, and uploading it here, then check out the site's "wiki" tutorial designed to help people learn lolspeak, the broken English used on the site. The site also has a "lolz builder," which allows you to create your own lol-based-image with minimal effort and no software (they even supply pictures for you to caption). This means that there are new lolz posted all the time, which makes Lolcats the ultimate place to go for hilarious cat humor.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best ofBestOfpetswebsitesWed, 02 Apr 2008 20:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Worst Online Hoaxes of All Time]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/04/01/worst-online-hoaxes-of-all-time/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/01/worst-online-hoaxes-of-all-time/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/01/worst-online-hoaxes-of-all-time/#commentsFiled under:

Nowhere is the phrase "there's a sucker born every minute" given more credence than on the Internet. Hoaxes, scams, and pranks abound in cyberspace due to anonymity and the fact that there are lots of gullible people out there. To celebrate April Fool's Day, we present some of the more bizarre incidents where people were duped into actually doing something because of what they read online. Some are sad, some hilarious, and all of them will leave you shaking your head, wondering how people are so easily deceived.

Everything Must Go

Last week, a farmer's house was cleaned out after Craigslist ads said that all his possessions were being offered up for free. The man lost thousands of dollars worth of his stuff, and, unfortunately, this isn't the only incident of its kind. Last year, a woman's niece posted a similar ad, which led to people stripping everything from the aunt's empty apartment, including light fixtures. And recently, someone tried the same thing on a Massachusetts family, but they happened to be home when the gatherers arrived.


Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Tue, 01 Apr 2008 20:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Online Poll Lists Most Irritating Songs]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/04/01/online-poll-lists-most-irritating-songs/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/01/online-poll-lists-most-irritating-songs/http://www.switched.com/2008/04/01/online-poll-lists-most-irritating-songs/#commentsFiled under: ,

Baha Men
Tech Digest has posted a list of the most irritating songs ever according to a One Poll survey of 5,000 people. The survey was global... but seeing how the results tend to be UK pop hits we can only deduce that the survey is overrun by the Brits.

Sure, the list includes classic American annoyances like 'Mmm Bop' and globally irritating songs such as 'My Heart Will Go On,' but the majority of the list includes tracks most Americans would be unfamiliar with -- 'Mr. Blobby'? 'Birdie Song'? Even James Blunt's 'You're Beautiful' didn't make nearly as big a dent here as it did in the UK.

Before skipping over to Tech Digest for the rest of the list, here are some suggestions that our US readers might be more familiar with:

Baha Men - Who Let the Dogs Out
We're convinced this song is written by Osama Bin Laden himself. The chanting, the barking, the grating cartoon backing track. This song is the ultimate in aural war fare.

Lou Bega - Mambo No. 5
Americans seem to find Latin-flavored dance music irresistible when wrapped in a bubbly, exaggerated, painfully safe package.

Michael Jackson & Paul McCartney - The Girl is Mine
One formerly great artist, and one artist at the top of his game. Together? Crap. Absolute crap. Whats with the spoken word bits? What were these two thinking? The doggone girl is not going anywhere near you Michael.

Creed - With Arms Wide Open
Do we really need to explain this? Take one lousy Pearl Jam rip off band, add one egomaniacal Eddie Vedder rip off. Then write a song about conceiving a child. The world certainly doesn't need histrionics like this anymore.

Uncle Kracker - Follow Me
Kid Rock hanger-on, Uncle Kracker, was annoying enough just based on his association with said rap-rocker. Then he had to release a saccharine-sweet tune about convincing someone to cheat on her significant other. Nice. Real nice.

From Tech Digest

Related links:
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Tue, 01 Apr 2008 11:35:00 EST<![CDATA[World's Most Evil Gadgets]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/03/21/worlds-most-evil-gadgets/http://www.switched.com/2008/03/21/worlds-most-evil-gadgets/http://www.switched.com/2008/03/21/worlds-most-evil-gadgets/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Most of the time, our gadgets are our friends. But occasionally, due to manufacturer screw-ups, faulty parts, or user incompetence, they can turn on us in events that can be scary, tragic, and, at times, hilarious. Here, Switched presents a list of gadgets and how their evil ways are wreaking havoc on unsuspecting victims.





iPods kick out the jams -- and the flames!

Obviously one of the most popular gadgets around, the iPod was due for some problems. A string of incidents occurred with the nano's battery catching fire, including an airport worker whose pants caught on fire. This malfunction most likely occurs because of the lithium-ion battery in the first-generation devices, and now the Japanese government is ordering Apple to investigate the problem. More recently, Engadget received blurry photos showing two iPod Touch players that allegedly caught on fire. We're still not sure what's up, but if your iPod feels hot, be careful.



Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking+newskiller gadgetsKillerGadgetstopweirdFri, 21 Mar 2008 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[10 Stars Who Look Bad On HDTV]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/03/13/10-stars-who-look-bad-on-hdtv/http://www.switched.com/2008/03/13/10-stars-who-look-bad-on-hdtv/http://www.switched.com/2008/03/13/10-stars-who-look-bad-on-hdtv/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ever since the advent of high-definition television (HDTV), viewers see on-screen details in a much sharper and more realistic fashion than is the case with regular TV.
Unfortunately, for some celebrities, HD also reveals how they look in real life, which means blemishes, wrinkles, puffy cheeks, baggy eyes, and all manner of features that are usually covered up by the fuzzy, grainy look of standard definition television (much like the airbrushed celebs we see on magazine covers). Well, after days and nights of watching nearly every Blu-ray disc and Oscar telecast we could get our hands on to pick out the celebs who don't fare well in HD, we found a few doozies. We also talked to Phillip Swann, president of HD news site TVPredictions. who has been analyzing the high def experience and mailing lists of who looks great and who looks awful in HD for years. Here's what we found.


cameron diaz looks bad in hd

Cameron Diaz

"Once upon a time Cameron Diaz was regarded as one of the most beautiful women on the planet," says Swann. And who among the male population didn't agree after seeing her in 'There's Something About Mary' and 'Charlie's Angels?' Well, unfortunately for Cameron, things changed with better picture quality. On last year's HD Oscar telecast, her puffy cheeks and dark-circled eyes stuck out; this year was no exception, as Diaz also looked a wee bit tired and overly tanned in the Academy Awards HD telecast. "She's had acne issues since high school, a lot of pock marks on her face and it's really visible in high def," says Swann. Perhaps that's why her biggest role these days is the voice of Princess Fiona from 'Shrek.'



Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>expire-images2009-3-13hdtvThu, 13 Mar 2008 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA[10 Best-Bang-For-Your-Buck Gadgets]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/03/06/10-best-bang-for-your-buck-gadgets/http://www.switched.com/2008/03/06/10-best-bang-for-your-buck-gadgets/http://www.switched.com/2008/03/06/10-best-bang-for-your-buck-gadgets/#commentsFiled under: ,

Economic slowdowns or a crappy run at the race track doesn't mean that you can't own some of the best technology out there. Lots of people are caught between dreams of upgrading their cameras and TVs and the reality that their pockets just aren't deep enough to purchase top of the line products. With that in mind, we're here to offer you a selection of gadgets that give you the best return on your dollar in terms of quality and performance. Now you can go forth with the knowledge that you're spending your money wisely and buy yourself a shiny new toy.
Best Budget Gadgets
Best Budget Smart Phone:

BlackBerry Curve

If your career is growing too fast for your old phone to keep up with, but your bosses aren't springing for an upgrade, it's time to move up to the BlackBerry Curve. This phone has everything you'll need to manage your life. Now you can e-mail, IM, and browse the 'Net anywhere while keeping your appointments straight with the built-in organizer. For fun, snap pictures on the 2.0 megapixel camera and listen to tunes or watch videos with the media player. If you're really on the go, BlackBerry Maps gives you directions and maps for your destinations. Depending on your service plan, you can get a great deal (sometimes as little as $99) on a full-featured, all-in-one phone that'll leave you with the tools and the time to make more money.




Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Thu, 06 Mar 2008 12:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Top Five Ways to Lower Your Cell Phone Bill]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/02/27/how-to-lower-your-cell-phone-bill-1/http://www.switched.com/2008/02/27/how-to-lower-your-cell-phone-bill-1/http://www.switched.com/2008/02/27/how-to-lower-your-cell-phone-bill-1/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


While few of us have actually received a cell phone bill as large as this poor fellow, we've all been privy to the occasional shockingly huge cell phone bill. It's no surprise, considering the ways in which carriers can hit us with hidden fees, exorbitant rates for going over our monthly minutes, or extra charges for seemingly innocuous extra feature such as call waiting. Fool us once, shame on us; fool us twice, and we find a way to cut those costs. So, take a look at our five top tips for lowering your phone bill.





1. Choose The Right Plan

The easiest solution to high cell phone bills is as simple as switching your plan. If you're not using all your monthly minutes, then downgrade to a cheaper plan with less talk time. If you're going over your minutes, then it's upgrade time. But there are other options: Whether or not you have a family, you should still consider a Family Plan, which lets you get extra cell phones and bulk minutes at reduced rates, and the best thing is that any calls to other phones on the plan don't use up any of your minutes. If you're a heavy caller, texter, and e-mailer, then consider one of the new unlimited plans, which let you do all of the above for around $99-$150 per month (again, it' s a savings if you're a power user). There are also alternatives to being stuck with a plan. Most carriers now offer a pay-as-you-go alternatives that allow you to pay for the calls you make, which is useful for those who rarely use their cell phones at all.


Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cheap GeekCheapGeekWed, 27 Feb 2008 19:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Technologies That Will Define 2008]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/02/20/technologies-that-will-define-2008/http://www.switched.com/2008/02/20/technologies-that-will-define-2008/http://www.switched.com/2008/02/20/technologies-that-will-define-2008/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

10 Emerging Technologies in 2008Technology Review has collected a list of the 10 emerging technologies to watch in 2008, all of which could potentially change how we interact with technology and how it serves us. The list covers everything from consumer-oriented technologies such as offline access to web apps, which made its debut last year with Google Gears and will be built into Firefox 3, to transistors made out of Graphene (found in pencil lead) for making CPUs up to 1,000 times faster than current Intel and AMD efforts.

Also on the short list is Cellulolytic Enzymes, which makes freeing sugars from cellulose easier (allowing cellulosic ethanol to become cost-competitive with gasoline). Cellulosic biofuels are made from agricultural waste such as wood chips and switch grass and release almost 90-percent less greenhouse gas than traditional gasoline and 20 - 30 percent less than the more popular corn-based ethanol.

Check out the rest of the list at Technology Review and let us know in the comments what you think we should be watching out for in the coming year.

From Technology Review

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Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>emerginglistsciencetechnologyWed, 20 Feb 2008 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Last-Minute Valentine's Day Gadget Gifts (for Her)]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/02/13/valentines-day-gadget-gifts/http://www.switched.com/2008/02/13/valentines-day-gadget-gifts/http://www.switched.com/2008/02/13/valentines-day-gadget-gifts/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Need a last minute gift idea for that special someone this Valentine's Day? Switched offers you a variety of gadget gifts that won't wilt like roses or pack on calories like chocolates. But remember - they'll only get you so far. The rest of the romance is up to you.



Pink iPod Nano

If your lady's in need of a new digital music player, why not go for an iPod nano in this brand new color? With 8-gigs of space, this non will let you load up plenty of her favorite tunes and maybe even some romantic playlists, if you feel like going the extra mile. Or, load her favorite shows to watch on the nano's 2-inch screen. Best of all, if you think she can wait a little longer for her gift, you can order it from apple.com and have it engraved at no extra charge.

$199


Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresgift ideasGiftIdeasValentine's dayValentine'sDayWed, 13 Feb 2008 19:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Valentine's Day Gadget Gifts]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/02/13/valentines-day-gadget-gifts-1/http://www.switched.com/2008/02/13/valentines-day-gadget-gifts-1/http://www.switched.com/2008/02/13/valentines-day-gadget-gifts-1/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Pink BlackBerry Pearl 8130

Does your girlfriend's world seem to revolve around her cell phone? If you upgrade her to a Pink Pearl, it might just revolve around you, however briefly. The full QWERTY keyboard lets her text and email away and the Pearl's battery life gives her almost four hours of talk time. Then, if you want to add a personal touch, throw on her favorite ring tone or a cute home screen, and if you're feeling confident, put your number as the first entry in speed dial. Or, if you're smarter, put yourself behind her best friends, her mom, her cousin, etc....

BlackBerry Pearl 8130


Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Wed, 13 Feb 2008 11:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Top 5 Super Bowl TVs]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/02/02/top-5-super-bowl-tvs/http://www.switched.com/2008/02/02/top-5-super-bowl-tvs/http://www.switched.com/2008/02/02/top-5-super-bowl-tvs/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Are you properly equipped to watch the Super Bowl this Sunday?

You've got the food menu set. The drinks are on ice. But what about your TV?

Well, it's not too late to get that TV -- in fact, plenty of retailers offer deals just for the Super Bowl. Take a look at Switched.com's suggested list of Super Bowl-ready high definition TVs to get the most out of the game -- and we've taken budget into account, so there's sure to be something in here for you. But first, some advice and definitions.

What is the best size high definition TV for watching the Super Bowl? Is it a 32-inch set? 50-inch? 65-inch? That really depends on the size of your room and how far away you'll be from the TV set. The folks at CNET have a great guide to choosing the right size widescreen TV for your viewing space.

Next, LCD TVs are sometimes knocked for not being able to show fast moving images very well, so sports action could look a little blurry. Most LCDs have a refresh rate of 60hz but many being introduced to the market now clock in at 120hz. For watching a fast-moving game like the Super Bowl you may want to consider spending a little more for a TV that can handle all the action. Still, most people won't be able to tell the difference between the two. (Plasma and DLP TVs don't have this problem at all.)

Let's not forget about sound. More than most people think, the audio experience is vital to enjoying the game. Do you rely on the sound from the TV's speakers or go with something more? For a quick fix that you can implement between now and game time, we recommend a home-theater-in-a-box system (or HTIB), such as the Panasonic SC-PT950 Wireless Home Theater.

Finally, do you actually have an HD feed? It's important to remember that even if you have a high definition TV display, you don't automatically get an HD signal. Very often people get an HDTV set home and don't realize their cable box doesn't deliver the proper signal. If you don't already know what kind of service you have, it's time to call your cable company. An easy way to get started is by going to 1-800-OK-Cable or calling that number. If you get your TV signal via satellite you'll want to contact Dish Network (with HD plans starting at $42.99 per month) or DirecTV (which lets you add HD channels with a $9.99 per month upgrade) to check on your service. And if you get your TV signal the old fashioned way (over the air) then you just need to be sure you can properly receive the HD signal. The Consumer Electronics Association has a good site to help you with this.

Now, on the TVs:

Sharp

If you're thinking small: The 32-inch Sharp LC-32GP1U high definition LCD TV will set you back about $1,100, but delivers a good picture. While it does have 1080p resolution this doesn't have a big impact at 32 inches because at that screen size 720p resolution is sufficient. This unit also does a good job displaying standard definition video -- and since lots of TV programming still isn't high def, this unit's upscaling capability will be an important consideration for you.




Related links:
Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Sat, 02 Feb 2008 18:25:00 EST<![CDATA[How to Keep Your Gadgets From Getting Stolen]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/01/31/how-to-keep-your-gadgets-from-getting-stolen/http://www.switched.com/2008/01/31/how-to-keep-your-gadgets-from-getting-stolen/http://www.switched.com/2008/01/31/how-to-keep-your-gadgets-from-getting-stolen/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Every day, the gadgets we use become smaller, more portable, and more valuable. Unfortunately, this increase in convenience also raises the appeal of these devices to potential thieves. Here, Switched presents tips to avoid becoming a theft victim for the five common gadgets, as well potential ways to recover your property if it's stolen. And no, we're not recommending using a taser for any of them.

ipod theft


iPods

Since iPods and other audio players are valuable, don't require subscriptions to use, and lack built-in theft deterrents, they're very popular for thieves. Major cities have begun cautioning commuters, like New York's Metropolitan Transit Authority, which released a poster reminding subway riders that "Earphones are a giveaway. Protect your device." In San Francisco, iPod robberies on the Bay Area Rapid Transit system accounted for 23% of the increase in citywide robbery from 2004 to 2006.

How to prevent theft (or minimize the consequences of theft):

  • Switch out the headphones. The standard white iPod buds make you an obvious target for anyone who specifically wants the generally-more-coveted iPod or iPhone, so go for something less expensive looking.
  • Conceal it. Avoid clipping your audio player onto your belt, which not only looks dorky, but also makes it much easier for robbers to grab than if it were hidden inside your clothing. As an alternative, go for an armband or something that secures it to your body.
  • Be careful where you take it. Schools and subways are common areas for these kinds of thefts.
  • Install tracking software, such as GadgetTrak. When connected to a computer, the software on your stolen device sends all the robber's computer information, including username, ISP, network address and more back to the company, which can very well lead to recovery.
  • Never leave it unattended, anywhere. Duh.


Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crimefeaturessecuritysummeradviceThu, 31 Jan 2008 23:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Worst Celebrity Blogs Ever]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/01/30/the-worst-celebrity-blogs-1/http://www.switched.com/2008/01/30/the-worst-celebrity-blogs-1/http://www.switched.com/2008/01/30/the-worst-celebrity-blogs-1/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Last week, we brought you the first part of a seminal study into the celebrity blogging phenomenon. Best Celebrity Blogs compiled the best examples we found of famous people using their status to reach out to fans and share a piece of their world, whether for a good cause or maybe just to look into the online mirror and tell us who is the fairest of them all. This week, we happily bring you the Worst Celebrity Blogs out there in the teeming blogosphere. Some of these sites take the prize for incoherence, while others just disappoint, and still others make you consider violence (despite your normally outgoing disposition). Regardless of the reason, these blogs are the worst we have to offer...



Roseanne Barr

We have some vague recollection of Roseanne confessing that she has multiple personalities on her long-buried talk show a number of years back. We think she was on to something, as this blog could be the key evidence to any plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. Raging posts supporting Hillary Rodham Clinton's presidential candidacy (with friends like this...) are interspersed with quotables about some Goddess "lifting the veil" (Huh? is right.) and a random nude painting she refers to as "Fat Butt." That being the case, we're willing to bet that two of her personalities are Madam Mix-A-Lot and Rush Limbaugh's liberal doppelganger.


Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Wed, 30 Jan 2008 19:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Phones For Long Battery Life]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/01/28/best-phones-for-long-battery-life-2/http://www.switched.com/2008/01/28/best-phones-for-long-battery-life-2/http://www.switched.com/2008/01/28/best-phones-for-long-battery-life-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Some days, we all just like to talk on the phone a lot. We also sometimes forget to charge our phones before we leave the house. And let's face it, carrying our cell-phone-charger around with us all day (or overnight) is often impractical. So what phones are ideal for the sort of person that often finds themselves in charger-less jams? Take a look at our roundup, in which we picked ten standard phones (i.e., non-smart-phones) that have impressive battery life, both for talk and standby modes.



The latest version of the Motorola V195s has now been updated by T-Mobile to include Yahoo! and AIM messaging, Bluetooth connectivity, and longer-lasting battery life. T-Mobile also includes the convenient My Faves free frequent calling program, so you can use the eight hours of talk time wisely. The phone also has up to 17.5 days of standby time.





Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery lifeBatteryLifeexpire-images2009-1-27Mon, 28 Jan 2008 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Bathroom Gadgets]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/01/25/best-bathroom-gadgets-1/http://www.switched.com/2008/01/25/best-bathroom-gadgets-1/http://www.switched.com/2008/01/25/best-bathroom-gadgets-1/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The bathroom is a very private place. To some, it's a relaxing getaway. To others, it's a necessary evil. No matter how you look at the bathroom, here are some gadgets that can make your experience more productive, entertaining, or even less stinky.



Oral-B Triumph with SmartGuide
Get ready for your toothbrush to wear the pants in your oral hygene relationship. The Triumph with SmartGuide, Oral-B's latest in toothy technology, monitors how you're cleaning your teeth: time, area, and pressure are all observed by the smartbrush, which then sends the information back to its base station for further review. Said base station, generally stuck to your bathroom mirror, then tells you where and for how long you should be brushing in order to maximize the pearliness of your pearly whites.


Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bathroomfeaturesgalleriesliststoiletFri, 25 Jan 2008 22:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Top 11 Celebrity Blogs]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/01/18/top-11-celebrity-blogs/http://www.switched.com/2008/01/18/top-11-celebrity-blogs/http://www.switched.com/2008/01/18/top-11-celebrity-blogs/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It seems that a boatload of celebrities, whether yesterday's star or today's heartthrob, have embraced the leanings of twenty-first century pop culture and started a blog. What's exceptional about these online writings by the famous is that they, like all good blogs, run the gamut of subject matter. Some are diaries or journals, others support a cause, while still others offer up a new mode of artistic expression or a way to reach out to fans. We've carefully mined the trove of celebrity blogs on the Web to bring you the most popular, the most profound, the most inspiring, or simply the most bizarre. In other words, here are the best celebrity blogs you'll find today.



Rosie O'Donnell
English majors and Walt Whitman die-hards might experience a migraine when choking through O'Donnell's attempts at poetic profundity, but this actress and comedian wins big points for her innovative and interactive blog, a forum she updates virtually daily and sincerely. Webcam responses to fan e-mails are the norm, in addition to a good dose of zesty humor in almost every post. She does write, too, even if some of it is painful. Whatever you do, just don't expect her not to diss 'The View' every now and again.


Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blogsfeaturesrosie odonnellRosieOdonnellFri, 18 Jan 2008 17:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Bluetooth Headsets You'll Want This Year]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/01/11/ear-candy-bluetooth-headsets-youll-want-this-year/http://www.switched.com/2008/01/11/ear-candy-bluetooth-headsets-youll-want-this-year/http://www.switched.com/2008/01/11/ear-candy-bluetooth-headsets-youll-want-this-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

In the beginning, Bluetooth headsets were a bit off-putting. You stuck one in your ear, called a friend on your mobile phone, and watched as people on the street looked on as you had a conversation -- seemingly with yourself. But things have changed drastically since then. These small, wireless gadgets are now ubiquitous, gracing the earlobes of everyone from the guy on the next treadmill to your grandma in her car. So what are the coolest, most innovative we saw at CES that'll find their way to store shelves this year? Take a look at our five favorites:



BlueAnt Wireless V1: Forget playing with buttons, checking on blinking lights or messing with your cell phone when you want to make a call. The BlueAnt V1 is the first completely voice controlled Bluetooth headset and it's superneat. With just one button to activate it -- all you do is talk and it will talk right back. Want to call the operator? Just speak and your wish is its command. Speed dial has never been so easy, either. Using advanced Voice Recognition and Voice Synthesis technology, the V1 also has dual microphones and proprietary Voice Isolation Technology, which allows the headset to hear you clearly and provides amazing noise reduction, echo cancellation and even protection from wind. Small and lightweight, the V1 gets up to six hours of talk time or 200 hours of standby with one battery charge. And all this for just $119. (Image by way of MobileWhack.com)



Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BluetoothBluetooth accessoriesBluetooth headsetsBluetoothAccessoriesBluetoothHeadsetsCESFri, 11 Jan 2008 17:17:00 EST<![CDATA[What to Look for In GPS Devices This Year]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/01/11/gps-field-gets-crowded-at-ces-1/http://www.switched.com/2008/01/11/gps-field-gets-crowded-at-ces-1/http://www.switched.com/2008/01/11/gps-field-gets-crowded-at-ces-1/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Soon it may be easier to list the companies that don't have navigation devices in their roster of products than those who do.

If the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show proved anything about the personal navigation category, it's that finding your way from point A to point B is what manufacturer's think will get you to find your way to the store to buy a new GPS device.

Garmin and TomTom, the two leading personal navigation device (PND) makers, are certainly looking over their shoulders as major brands such as Sony, Panasonic and Pioneer introduce new devices. Rather than being simply test products for a burgeoning market, the new GPS devices by these major cross-category consumer electronics companies are serious contenders, offer a plethora of the latest features.

Nevertheless, even upstart companies such as the one below are adding innovative features into the mix. The result? There has never been a better year to take the plunge and buy yourself a GPS device.

If you're in the market for a new GPS device this year, you should take a look at our roundup. We've compiled a list of the most anticipated new navigation devices coming out in 2008, along with release dates.

Improved real-time traffic data: No new products at the show, but a continued push to get consumers to pre-order its upcoming product launch. What's special about DASH? It offers real-time traffic data based on the position of other DASH-equipped cars (plus data from a host of other sources). If the product works as promised, the extra bulk of the unit on your windshield won't matter because you'll be getting where you need to go in less time. The DASH Express will cost $599.99.





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Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dashgarmingpsnavigationnavigonpanasonicpioneerpndsonytomtomFri, 11 Jan 2008 14:31:00 EST<![CDATA[World's Tiniest Computers]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/01/09/worlds-tiniest-computers-1/http://www.switched.com/2008/01/09/worlds-tiniest-computers-1/http://www.switched.com/2008/01/09/worlds-tiniest-computers-1/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


In the world of computing, small is in. Be they laptops or desktops, PCs keep getting smaller. And that's not a bad thing. Smaller means a laptop is easier to toss in a backpack without feeling like you're carrying a computer, or that a desktop can be moved to the living room without looking too tacky. Bottom line: Smaller PCs can be hidden completely from view.

We took a walk around CES collecting shots of the tiniest PCs we could find. Including some that make the Mac Mini look downright bulky.




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Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Laptop FeaturesLaptopFeatureslaptopsmidspcssmalltinyumpcsWed, 09 Jan 2008 14:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Top 11 Cell Phones for Ladies]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/01/02/top-11-cell-phones-for-ladies-1/http://www.switched.com/2008/01/02/top-11-cell-phones-for-ladies-1/http://www.switched.com/2008/01/02/top-11-cell-phones-for-ladies-1/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Sanyo KatanaStill wondering what to get the lady in your life for the holidays? Well, you certainly waited until the last moment. Not to worry, we're here with some of the best cell phone picks for ladies -- and you're sure to find one that's right for her.

There's no mistaking it these days: Many cell phones are made with the female form in mind. Gone are the clunky, unattractive phones that took up way too much purse space -- replaced instead by sleek, stylish, colorful phones that are easy to use and tote around. But before you buy your lady a new mobile for the holidays, take a look at our feminine faves.

Of course, if that special someone is locked in a contract, you might want to take a look at Amazon.com, which has an array of unlocked cell phones. These phones provide service by allowing you to insert any SIM card from any compatible carrier. Nice and easy.


Sanyo Katana

A little longer and boxier than the groundbreaking RAZR, the Sanyo Katana powered by Sprint, is a pretty flip phone with a VGA camera peeking out over a small color screen. Its Cherry Blossom Pink color attracts the fairer sex and its Web browsing functions, four-hour talk time and wireless Bluetooth keeps them coming back for more.



Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresHolidashHoliday Gift Guideholiday-gift cell-phone mobile razr katana sanyo bluetoothHoliday-giftCell-phoneMobileRazrKatanaSanyoBluetoothHolidayGiftGuideWed, 02 Jan 2008 17:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Top 10 Pirated TV Shows and Movies in 2007]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/01/02/top-10-pirated-tv-shows-and-movies-in-2007/http://www.switched.com/2008/01/02/top-10-pirated-tv-shows-and-movies-in-2007/http://www.switched.com/2008/01/02/top-10-pirated-tv-shows-and-movies-in-2007/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Top 10 Most Pirated TV Shows and Movies in '07

We all know by now that piracy is rampant on the Internet, especially since the advent of super-fast broadband connections and BitTorrent, the current file-sharing method of choice. But do you ever wonder what exactly people are pirating? If so, you're in luck, since the TorentFreak blog has crunched data from the popular Mininova torrent site and found the 10 most downloaded movies and TV shows from 2007.

Take a gander, and before you judge the questionable taste of the online masses exposed in this list, remember this: At least they're not paying for it.

Movies
  1. 'Transformers'
  2. 'Knocked Up'
  3. 'Shooter'
  4. 'Pirates Of The.Caribbean At World's End'
  5. '