Posts tagged Switchedquestionnaire at Switched

Posts with tag switchedquestionnaire

'Generation Kill' Dreamboat Kellan Lutz Talks Cell Phones

by Christine Whitney, posted Aug 5th 2008 at 12:04PM

Kellan Lutz, object of adolescent girls' desire and actor in multiple teen moo-vies, is about to get some street cred. The 19-year-old North Dakota native can be seen on the awesome HBO miniseries 'Generation Kill,' the latest project by the creators of our longtime addiction 'The Wire.' Boy's been busy breaking the hearts of middle American youths and shooting the CW's new 90210, but he still found time for a tell-all interview with Switched. Read on, as Kellan reveals the identities of his favorite gadgets, his Wii habits, and his most embarrassing cell-phone debacle.

What gadgets do you always bring with you to the set?

I really do love having my toys to occupy my time between scenes. I usually will bring my Playstation PSP to play EA sports games and other adventure games. I'm playing the new 'God of War' which has the right amount of action to get lost in. I also have a video mp3 player which I use to watch 'South Park' episodes, and movies as well as listen to music.

What cell phone do you have right now and what do you love/hate about it?

I just recently gave up my favorite phone the Palm Treo for a Samsung Instinct. I love touch screen phones as it gives me the right amount of control over a simple phone. I use my phone for everything from scheduling my life to listening to music, so it's more than just a phone. My new Instinct is cool because it has GPS, a full touch screen, and I can check my email when on set, but I would love to see how it stacks up to the new iPhone 3G. So I might just have to get one of those and pick the better of the two to keep. I really do miss the Treo's keyboard though. I got so good using the keyboard while driving to the point where I could text paragraphs without ever looking down. I loved being able to feel the keys. Also I just found out that the Instinct does not have PDF capability so I cannot read my scripts and sides on my phone anymore but it's worth everything--my "Instinct" is to keep it.

Who's the last person you sent a text message to and what was it about?

I sent a text to my brother, we talk all day long. I think I texted him asking him to buy tickets to see 'The Dark Knight' in IMAX. I can't wait to see this movie; I hear Heath Ledger could be up for an Oscar for his role as the Joker...I think it's going to be that good!

Continue reading 'Generation Kill' Dreamboat Kellan Lutz Talks Cell Phones

Pineapple Express' Gary Cole Has Simple Tastes, and a Drum Kit

by Christine Whitney, posted Aug 4th 2008 at 12:25PM

Gary Cole's been in a bazillion movies and TV shows and has played all kinda roles. Lately he's busied himself with the much-anticipated stoner comedy 'Pineapple Express', which opens this Wednesday nationwide. Though we remember him best as Katherine's creepy ex on 'Desperate Housewives', we just interviewed him about his gadget-usage and he seems like a really nice guy! He even gave his old drum kit to the kid next door! Cole is unpretentious about gadgetry, reserving his tech-splurges for HDTV and his latest drums. Read on for the deets.

What gadgets do you always bring with you to the set?

Just a phone, to take care of business and household-related things, but nothing more "tech-y" than an occasional DVD. I enjoy my quiet time while on set!

What cell phone do you have right now and what do you love/hate about it?

I just got a new LG phone from Verizon. I love this one because it works, unlike my last one (an archaic Nokia), but at the end of the day it's just a phone – I have no romantic attachment to it.

Who's the last person you sent a text message to and what was it about?

I have never sent a text message before. At least, not on purpose. If I need to speak to someone, I'll call them.

Where do you go pretty much every time you get online?

Teddi and I share an AOL e-mail account, but other than that I'm pretty old-fashioned and read the paper for my news and gossip!

What annoys you most about your iPod, cell phone, or laptop?

The standard gripes – losing power, no reception, dropped calls. I literally just got this new phone so I have no complaints...yet.

Continue reading Pineapple Express' Gary Cole Has Simple Tastes, and a Drum Kit

Switched Questionnaire: Robert Englund (aka Freddy Krueger)

by Christine Whitney, posted Aug 2nd 2008 at 12:28PM

We know Robert Englund mostly as the scary guy that traumatized us throughout early childhood in the legendary Freddy Krueger movies. Dude usually gets typecast in creepy horror flicks (keep an eye out for 'Zombie Strippers', coming soon to your mall cineplex!) but he's about to expand his repertoire in 'Red,' a serious small-town drama about a misanthropic war vet whose dog is killed by local delinquents. [Spoiler: Englund does NOT play the war vet, or the delinquents]. Directed by Trygve Allister Diessen and Lucky McKee, 'Red' opens August 8th at artsy theaters in New York and DC.

Switched caught up with ~~Freddy~~ Robert between zombies and dogs and strippers to ask him how he feels about iPods and gadgets and stuff. And like our favorite 80's horror films, he's endearingly old-school and lo-fi. Read more below!

What gadgets do you always bring with you to the set for down-time?

A highlighter pen and Bayer aspirin

What cell phone do you have right now and what do you love/hate about it?

A black colored LG that my wife got me. I am too old and too blind to do more than make calls. I can't read the screen with the sun behind me.

Who's the last person you sent a text message to and what was it about?

I emailed my producer in Italy about the movie I will be directing there this fall.

Where do you go pretty much every time you get online?

RobertEnglund.com, naturally. And IMDB.

What annoys you most about your iPod, cell phone, or laptop?

Hard to read outside when there is glare.

Name one thing you wish your iPod/cellphone/laptop could do that it doesn't do now?

Voice recognition. I am all thumbs.

What upcoming gadget can you not wait to get your hands on?

LG Scarlet flatscreen

You're stranded on a desert island: What gadget do you bring?

Swiss Army knife and Bear Grylls

What's the most-played song or artist on your iPod?

Don't have or want an iPod

BlackBerry, Sidekick, or Treo?

Blueberries are excellent on salads, and full of antioxidants.

Are you getting an iPhone? If so, why?

[Yes, since it has] GPS and is useful internationally. [It's] much smaller than our laptop.

What's the longest time you've ever spent playing a video game in one sitting and what game was it?

I played Galaxian for two hours in the late 1980s.

Mac or PC?

Mac. They are cooler and easier to use for us techno-weenies.

Whaaa? Freddy Krueger Is a Mac & LG Kind of Man

by Christine Whitney, posted Jul 31st 2008 at 7:01PM

Robin Williams' Daughter Zelda Is Cooler Than Her Dad

by Christine Whitney, posted Jul 7th 2008 at 12:41PM

When other 14-year-olds were playing with D-I-Y hair coloring and making prank phone calls, Zelda Williams was busily working on David Duchovny's movie 'House of D' opposite her Pops Robin. Now babygirl's all grown up, and has just finished working on her second feature, the indy gaystravaganza 'Were the World Mine,' a musical in the tradition of 'Hedwig' that was recently featured in New York's LGBT film festival NewFest. The 18-year-old video game legend/movie actress chatted with Switched about her Xbox addiction, her cool playlist, and how much she hearts her iPhone. Thanks Zelda! We heart YOU!

What gadgets do you always bring with you to the set (for down-time?)

In an ideal world I'd bring my Xbox 360, steal someone's Wi-Fi and play Halo 3 or Katamari Damacy all day, but then I'd never get work done. As it is, my laptop and my Bose headphones are usually enough.

What cell phone do you have right now and what do you love/hate about it?

I'm an iPhone convert. I'd been previously addicted to the keyboard on the Sidekick 3, but I've since been miraculously cured. Sure, there're a couple things that could be improved upon (I would LOVE a better motion stabilizer in the camera), and I certainly miss touch-texting, but mostly, I heart it. I heart it hardcore.

Who's the last person you sent a text message to and what was it about?

I texted my friend Tarina about the N.E.R.D. concert I went to yesterday. I'm still mostly deaf, and more than a little sore from dancing.

Where do you go (site or service) pretty much every time you get online?

Notcot.org, Geekologie.com, Wikipedia, NY Times, Dlisted.com. I also like to play Text Twist a lot, and I occasionally guiltily peak in on Perezhilton.com

What annoys you most about your iPod, cell phone, or laptop (or any other gadget)?

I gotta say, my Mac does occasionally like to play games with me, such as 'Hide the Dock', or 'Haha, random application quit'. However, I have dropped it a number of times. It could just be exacting its revenge.

Name one thing you wish your cellphone could do that it doesn't do now?

Cook, clean, pimp itself out to pay for it's own bills... However, if I'm being realistic (which I'm obviously not), I'd love a phone that had a laptop's memory capabilities. I have nearly 6,000 songs and I'm the digital equivalent of a pack rat. There's just never enough room for it all.

What upcoming gadget can you not wait to get your hands on?

I feel like I'm cheating on my iPhone already, but the new HTC touch pro looks might fine, though it's application icon design could use a little spiffing up. Otherwise, the next new game or console. I'm a videogame junkie. What'd you expect from a kid named after one?

You're stranded on a desert island: What gadget do you bring?

My laptop. At least I'd have music and movies for a while, and when it runs out of juice, it'd still make a mighty fine weapon.

What's the most-played song or artist on your iPod?

Tough call. I did make a playlist for a friend a couple days back with some of my favorites, current and everlasting:

Cry Me a River – Ella Fitzgerald
Glory Box – Portishead
ThickFreakness – The Black Keys
Set Me Free – The Heavy
Sinnerman (Felix Da Housecat's Heavenly House Mix) – Nina Simone
I against I – Jedi Mind Tricks
Just – Mark Ronson and Phantom Planet
Everyone Nose (All the Girls Standing In the Line for the Bathroom) – N.E.R.D.
This is the Thing – Fink
Bum Like You (alt. Version) – Robyn
Waiting for a War – The Morning Benders
Die Alone – Ingrid Michaelson
Romantic Rights – Death From Above 1979
The Birth and Death of a Day – Explosions in the Sky

BlackBerry, Sidekick, or Treo?

I never kiss and tell...especially not with my iphone within earshot!

Do you have an iPhone? Are you getting the new iPhone 3G?

Already have... though I may have to get the new one after people report back about it.

What's the longest time you've ever spent playing a video game in one sitting and what game was it?

God, I've easily spent 8 hours or more on Halo or Call of Duty in one sitting before (with breaks for food of course). Time well spent you ask me, though my ass may disagree.

Mac or PC?

Mac 17-inch Laptop. It's user friendly, has nifty applications, and a beautiful design. It's a handsome machine, I must say.

Ex-Eagle Don Felder Hearts Treos, Computers, and His Girl's Face

by Christine Whitney, posted Jun 24th 2008 at 1:02PM

Remember that one kid in your class who wore the Hawaiian shirts and played 'Hotel California' on his guitar at each and every school talent show, 'cuz he just loved The Eagles that much? Well, he's super excited about onetime lead guitar Eagle Don Felder's new memoir Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974-2001). Here, The Eagles' secrets will be revealed -- tensions will run high, hotel rooms will be ravaged, and fans will swoon.

Homeboy will be crazy jealous when he finds out that Felder talked to the kids at Switched about his tech secrets, and his fiancée. You heard it here first. Drop down and get your Eagle on.

What gadgets do you always bring with you to the set (for down-time?

MacBook Pro, Canon camera, Treo 680, iPod, Bose noise cancelling headphones, 100 GB mini external drive, MOTU Ultralite, Guitar and cables.

What cell phone do you have right now and what do you love/hate about it?

I have a Treo 680. I love the PDA features including texting, email, contacts, web browsing, phone reception clarity and hot sync ease.

Who's the last person you sent a text message to and what was it about?

My fiancée telling her I love her face.

Where do you go (site or service) pretty much every time you get online?

MySpace, AOL, Facebook, eBay, USA Today, Wall Street Journal and Sharenow.com and donfelder.com. I have lots of friends and emails to attend to daily as well as keeping up with the election results and world news.

What annoys you most about your iPod, cell phone, or laptop?

DROPPED CALLS. Maybe one day they'll figure out a way to make these things work.

Name one thing you wish your iPod/cellphone/laptop could do that it doesn't do now?

I wish it could do voice texting/email so I would stop nearly killing myself while driving.

What upcoming gadget can you not wait to get your hands on?

Flying car so I don't have to be stuck in LA traffic anymore.

You're stranded on a desert island: What gadget do you bring?

A satellite cell phone with a built in GPS so I can call for help....DUH

What's the most-played song or artist on your iPod?

Alicia Keys & John Mayer. I respect artists that can sing, write and play.

Blackberry, Sidekick, or Treo?

Treo 680 – love it!!!

Do you have an iPhone?

I'm waiting for the new version to come out and for my friends to let me know if it's any better with the texting and battery problems than the first model. I'd love to have one but need the texting and e-mail features most of all. That seems to be the weakest part of the iPhone. I wish it had a keyboard.

What's the longest time you've ever spent playing a video game in one sitting and what game was it?

I don't play video games. I'm totally spastic when it comes to doing something with my thumbs. My kids beat me every time I try. It becomes far too frustrating.

Mac or PC

Both, I have 12 computers. Here are how they are used:

2 Mac Book Pros for use on the road and in my stage show.
4 PCs – 3 in my studio for running sound applications like Gigasampler and 1 in my office for business
4 Mac G5's in my studio for Pro Tools, Digital Performer, Logic, Illustrator, Photoshop and Go Live web design.
1 Mac in my home running iTunes for my house sound system
1 Mac G5 in my graphics art studio for all graphics programs.

Yes, I'm a computer NERD.

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American Idol's Blake Lewis Wants His iPod to Do Unspeakable Things

by Christine Whitney, posted Jun 6th 2008 at 8:01PM

Hey, remember Season 6 of 'American Idol'? Remember that guy, what's-his-name, the hot one that did beatboxing and almost won but then didn't? Well, he didn't need your deciding votes! Runner-up Blake Lewis is doing just fine, thank you – after being ranked 21st-hottest on AOL's 21 sexiest single men list last July (aw, that's kinda sad actually), he cut an album with Arista records, and Lupe Fiasco was on it!

May 13th marked the release of his latest endeavor, a remix EP for the hit single "How Many Words." Even though he's rolling with big name producers and DJs like BT, DJ Dan, and Britney collaborator Dave Aude, he still found time to tell Switched about his sex, um, we mean, tech life. Read on to find out more, but Blake, you're a winner in our book!

What gadgets do you always bring with you to the set?

Computer, Phone, Camera.

What cell phone do you have right now and what do you love/hate about it?

iPhone. Love it all except for text messaging...

Who's the last person you sent a text message to and what was it about?

The artist and my friend BT - it was about my shoes

Where do you go (site or service) pretty much every time you get online?

MySpace because I run and operate [my profile page] cuz I like talking to my fans. I also go to beatport.com and deviantart.com

What annoys you most about your iPod, cell phone, or laptop (or any other gadget)?

Dropped calls on the phone

Name one thing you wish your iPod/cellphone/laptop (any gadget) could do that it doesn't do now?

Make me breakfast in the morning, give me a massage when I am stressed, give me a reach around... just kidding

What upcoming gadget can you not wait to get your hands on?

An updated version of the iPhone

You're stranded on a desert island: What gadget do you bring?

Hopefully a gadget that can get me off the desert island... :)

What's the most-played song or artist on your iPod?

Edit - 'Certified Air Raid Material'

BlackBerry, Sidekick, or Treo?

Neither, iPhone

What's the longest time you've ever spent playing a video game in one sitting and what game was it?

Eight hours of 'Gran Turismo' on PlayStation

Mac or PC?

Mac, I am a musician baby....

Singer-Songwriter Lisa Loeb Is a Mac-, BlackBerry-, and Facebook-Girl

by Thomas Houston, posted May 23rd 2008 at 3:15PM

If you grew up in the '90s, then you're sure to know singer-songwriter Lisa Loeb. Her friend Ethan Hawke asked for a song for the soundtrack to the Generation X romantic comedy 'Reality Bites,' and director Ben Stiller later picked out Loeb's song, "Stay." The catchy track shot was soon released as a single and shot to number one, making Lisa Loeb the first unsigned artist to ever top the American music charts. Since then, she's been consistently recording and releasing albums, and has gone on the road with the likes of The Wallflowers and Chris Isaak.

Lisa's new album 'Camp Lisa' is a collection of kids songs -- with contributions from Steve Martin -- and it comes out on June 9th. We gave her our Switched Questionnaire, and were happy to hear just how au courant Lisa is in the technology department.

What gadgets do you always bring with you?

I always bring my MacBook Pro with me and my BlackBerry Curve.

What cell phone do you have right now and what do you love/hate about it?

I use the BlackBerry Curve. I love that I can e-mail, take photos, send and receive e-mail, type on real buttons, not a virtual keypad. I love that it's sleek. I especially love taking photos with it, but I hate that it's difficult to get the photos onto my MacBook Pro.

Who's the last person you sent a text message to and what was it about?

I sent a text message to a dj friend of mine in NYC to find out if he could get a group of bachelorette party goers on the list that night.

Where do you go (site or service) pretty much every time you get online?

NYTimes.com, facebook, a food Web site , like Peeps, Peanut Butter, or the Strawberry Council.

What annoys you most about your iPod, cell phone, or laptop?

I hate it when my iPod skips and also when the battery goes from 1/2 tank to empty all of a sudden.

Name one thing you wish your iPod/cellphone/laptop could do that it doesn't do now?

I couldn't tell you that, or else you might develop my new tech concept... I wish my laptop would synch more smoothly with my Blackberry and my other computers. Sometimes I get a great deal of repeats, when meetings show up multiple times on the calendar or names in the address book. This is kind of silly, but I wish there were a way to use the iChat and look into the camera and have it feel like the eyeline was more direct.

What upcoming gadget can you not wait to get your hands on?

I'm not really sure. I'm kind of thinking about getting another small cell phone.

You're stranded on a desert island: What gadget do you bring?

There's no power on the island, right, unless I'm on the Lost Island. I really love puzzles, so I'd say a Rubik's cube, my MacBook Pro would probably provide me with more shade, as a pillow at night, and a reflector if an airplane flew by.

What's the most-played song or artist on your iPod?

Probably Wilco.

BlackBerry, Sidekick, or Treo?

BlackBerry.

Are you getting an iPhone?

Not yet. I'm waiting on a flash, on a keypad that I can turn sideways, and to come to terms with the virtual keyboard.

What's the longest time you've ever spent playing a video game in one sitting and what game was it?

'Tetris'... maybe four hours.... I had to give the game boy away because it had become a crazy addiction.

Mac or PC?

I use a Mac mainly because it's really user-friendly. Also, ever since I was a kid I've used an Apple. Ross Perot provided our school with Apple II computers when they came out. We used to program them and play Lemonade.

Tears for Fears' Curt Smith a Mac Fan

by Thomas Houston, posted May 20th 2008 at 1:36PM

Back in the '80s, UK musicians Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal co-founded Tears for Fears, a pioneering synth-pop band that found mainstream success with singles like 'Everybody Wants to Rule the World' and 'Shout.' Smith left the band in 1990 to pursue a solo career, and steadily recorded through much of the '90s.

Although he's released solo albums before, Curt's newest album, 'Halfway, pleased' -- out this month -- is his first release in a decade. Curt answered the Switched Questionnaire, and it turns out he's a pretty "connected" guy.

What gadgets do you always bring with you to the set (for down-time)?

My iPhone and laptop

What cell phone do you have right now and what do you love/hate about it?

An iPhone. I love that it works seamlessly with all things Mac and that the design is second to none. There's nothing I really hate, although the keypad takes a while to get used to.

Who's the last person you sent a text message to and what was it about?

My daughters. It said "Hi poopheads."

Where do you go (site or service) pretty much every time you get online?

My own site to check messages and comments, CNN and BBC for news, to play Scrabulous.

What annoys you most about your iPod, cell phone, or laptop?

The fact that most people know how to reach me and that I can only ignore everyone for so long.

Name one thing you wish your iPod/cellphone/laptop could do that it doesn't do now?

Work out what kind of mood I'm in and act accordingly.

What upcoming gadget can you not wait to get your hands on?

3G iPhone

You're stranded on a desert island: What gadget do you bring?

iPhone of course, it's music, it's TV, it's internet and I can even check the weather. (Of course if there's no electricity or internet service I'd have to rethink).

What's the most-played song or artist on your ?

The Feeling

BlackBerry, Sidekick, or Treo?

None of the above, although my old BlackBerry comes a close second.

What's the longest time you've ever spent playing a video game in one sitting and what game was it?

A few hours with my kids, any sports game on the Wii

Mac or PC?

Mac, because they work and look so much better than any PC.

Poison's Bret Michaels Not Really a 'Guitar Hero'

by Thomas Houston, posted May 14th 2008 at 11:49AM

Hard-rocking Bret Michaels hit it big back in the '80s as lead singer for the wild hair-metal band Poison. The band stormed the Top 40 Charts and conquered the radio waves with hits like "Every Rose Has It's Thorn" and "Talk Dirty to Me," and it's still selling out concerts today. Aside from the band, Michaels has worked with other artists like Stevie Nicks and Kenny Chesney, and he's even branched out to producing, directing and acting in films. Bret's new solo album, 'Rock My World,' lands this summer (June 3), and he filled us in on his favorite gadgets. Though he might not be the most skilled 'Guitar Hero' player out there, Michaels stays in touch by keeping a classic old school pager by his side.

What gadgets do you always bring with you to the set?

My iPod Touch, Its great, I have my music and my movies all on one device, I can watch or listen on a bus or a plane or where ever.

What cell phone do you have right now and what do you love/hate about it?

I still have a pager, I plan on keeping it till they eventually just go out of business. I haven't got a page or a bill for it in 6 months so maybe they already did.

Who's the last person you sent a text message to and what was it about?

I don't really text, I get texts and utilize the technology to get information, but Im not good at texting back.

Where do you go (site or service) pretty much every time you get online?

I pry around Myspace, go to several sports sites and of course the AOL channels. My kids and my solo band really have forced me to be part of the cyber age, without them I wouldn't know where to go

What annoys you most about your iPod, cell phone, or laptop?

I still use a cell phone, not a PDA type of device so I get overly annoyed by having to hit the number keys over and over to try to text, which takes me back to my previous answer about texting.

Name one thing you wish your iPod/cellphone/laptop could do that it doesn't do now?

I wish there was a way to record directly into the I pod, so if I had an idea for a song I could just hit a button and sing into it. I know there is an add on gadget that you can get, but I wish it was built in.

What upcoming gadget can you not wait to get your hands on?

Ya know, I don't really look into whats coming out, I usually see someone with something then get interested in it. So I'm not sure really, but I'm interested in getting one of the handheld HD cams that record directly onto hard drives instead of tape.

You're stranded on a desert island: What gadget do you bring?

My iPod Touch with a solar powered battery charger, loaded with 'The Simpsons' and 'Dave Chapelle.'

What's the most-played song or artist on your iPod?

I really just keep it on shuffle, but Thin Lizzy, Kenny Chesney, Nickelback and Foo Fighters pop up often.

BlackBerry, Sidekick, or Treo?

Motorola Pager, but my staff all has blackberry's that I pay for so i guess that makes them mine and makes my answer Blackberry.

Do you have an iPhone?

No, my guitar player has one and his cheek always hits the key pad and hangs up on me.

What's the longest time you've ever spent playing a video game in one sitting and what game was it?

Im not really a video game guy at all, but my daughter and me have played 'Guitar Hero' a few hours at a time, its embarrassing that two of my songs are on the game and I cant play it very well.

Mac or PC?

Both, For business and e mail I use a pc, but my studio and all creative work run on a Mac

Gadget Gabbing With the Beach Boys' Bruce Johnson

by Tom Samiljan, posted May 12th 2008 at 4:31PM

The Switched Questionnaire: The Beach Boys

If there's one band we love to whip out come warmer weather, it's the Beach Boys, who are a natural fit for summer fun. Maybe that's why we're once again whipping out this interview, which was conducted just before last year's release of The Warmth of the Sun (Capitol), a compilation of greatest hits that were hand-picked and sequenced by members of the band (including Brian Wilson). The album also includes six new tracks remastered in stereo for the first time. Switched was lucky enough to score an interview with Bruce Johnson, who joined the band in 1965 after Brian Wilson left. We figured Johnson would be into his MacBook -- he's a musician after all -- but we were pleasantly surprised when we found out he's a big fan of AOL, which were happy about considering we're owned by AOL. (Just so you know, we didn't ask him to give props to AOL -- he really likes it!)

What gadgets do you always bring with you to the set?

I always travel with my MacBook and tons of DVD's. I plug in my Apple Airport Express in order to be wireless in hotel rooms. I video chat via AIM/AOL with my four sons when I'm touring in the Beach Boys world of wonder. I suppose I should add an iPod one of these days but I'm always playing my iTunes while I work on my MacBook (listening through very cool Bose noise cancellation headphones).

What cell phone do you have right now and what do you love/hate about it?

I have a reliable clunky low tech and steam-powered year-old Nokia....I can talk, text, pick up messages and not take fuzzy pictures....Perfect for an old surf guy.

Who's the last person you sent a text message to and what was it about?

My recent text was from my 25 year old son Justin telling me about his new job in corporate strategic planning at a major Las Vegas hotel group (recent MBA paid for by Dad's surf music career...Thanks Mike & Brian!). One more thing: Justin also texted me to send him money for unforeseen 'expenses.'

Where do you go (site or service) pretty much every time you get online?

I go to AOL to see if I still have a friend or two & then I camp out on Google (the world's Ouija board!).

What annoys you most about your iPod, cell phone, or laptop (or any other gadget)?

I love having an iPod...I dislike dropped cell phone calls...but I wish I could marry AOL & also marry my MacBook! I'm not really annoyed at much except for having to choose between a Democrat and Republican soon! Hmmm....I should probably write in Christina Aguilera on the ballot.

Name one thing you wish your iPod/cellphone/laptop (any gadget) could do that it doesn't do now?

I wish my technology could help me figure out a way to create a workable and realistic U.S. flat tax.

What upcoming gadget can you not wait to get your hands on?

I'd like a gear in my car that says "Home, no tickets" after a vodka martini.

You're stranded on a desert island: What gadget do you bring?

Stranded on a desert island? I'd have a water maker, sun block, and a satellite phone (powered by solar cells). Also, I'd have a surfer girl there to keep me company.

Tell us what's the most-played song or artist on your iPod?

As I'm still without an iPod but listening to iTunes...anything recorded after 1954 by Frank Sinatra is always at the top of my playlist. Remember, I was born before guys wore untucked dress shirts and used four letter words in front of girls. FYI: I also check out tunes on AOL Radio.

BlackBerry, Sidekick, or Treo?

A Blackberry, Sidekick, or Treo won't be in my life 'cuz my fingers are too large and my eyes require atomic glasses these days.

Are you getting an iPhone-if so, why?

Not yet. I kinda like using my cell phone but I also chat over AIM/AOL via camera or voice on my MacBook. For now that's all I really need.

What's the longest time you've ever spent playing a video game in one sitting and what game was it?

I do not play video games. I'm usually working with ProTools and the MacBook in my studio trying to chase one last elusive songwriting hit before I retire to only surfing (and I'm serious about the waves).

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Elise Neal Wants Her Curve!

by Thomas Houston, posted Apr 23rd 2008 at 4:30PM

A former high-school homecoming queen, Elise Neal displays her talents in acting, dancing and singing. She's best known for her roles in 'Scream 2,' Spike Lee's 'Malcom X' and her recent performance in the critically acclaimed 'Hustle and Flow.' She's also danced and performed in videos with Aretha Franklin, 50 Cent and Vanessa Williams. In our latest Switched Questionnaire, Elise raves about that gadget-fave-of-celebs, the BlackBerry.

What gadgets do you always bring with you to the set?

The gadget I am never without is my BlackBerry. Or as we like to call it, the "crackberry" because it's so addictive.

What cell phone do you have right now and what do you love/hate about it?

I love my BlackBerry

Who's the last person you sent a text message to and what was it about?

The last person I sent a message to was my assistant. I'm on the road with a play and the gadget is really helpful

Where do you go pretty much every time you get online?

I'm a clothes junky! So I'm usually online with a clothing companies site! The last one was gucci.com. Checking out resort wear

What annoys you most about your iPod, cell phone, or laptop?

Keeping up with latest updates and new additions can be annoying but not enough to not make me want to keep up

Name one thing you wish your iPod/cellphone/laptop could do that it doesn't do now?

I wish I could get more music on the handset I have.

What's the most-played song or artist on your iPod?

Alicia Keys' latest CD, and, of course, my own group's music, Elise and Assorted Flavors, will be the heaviest rotations

Three Gadgets Gavin Rossdale Never Leaves Home Without

by Thomas Houston, posted Apr 21st 2008 at 3:08PM

London-born Gavin Rossdale first achieved mainstream success in the mid 90s as lead singer of the grunge rock band Bush. Though the group didn't catch on in England, Bush found success stateside with big radio hits 'Glycerine,' 'Swallowed' and 'Machinehead.' Gavin married Gwen Stefani in the early 00s. Not content to work only in music, Gavin has acted in Hollywood with parts in movies like 'Constantine' and 'Little Black Book.'

Gavin's first solo album 'Wanderlust' is due out in June, and he took time to answer our Switched Questionnaire. Though Gavin isn't a big gamer, he always keeps connected with his BlackBerry, iPod and laptop.

What gadgets do you always bring with you for down time?

The BlackBerry
Roasted brown rice tea
iPod
Laptop

What cell phone do you have right now and what do you love/hate about it?

My Curve. Love the BlackBerry Messenger. Photos could be better but I like it a lot. My son Kingston threw my iPhone away in Australia. I was enjoying it...

Who's the last person you sent a text message to and what was it about?

I just texted my friend Mark in London who's cycling in the dark without a light. I was trying to tell him to get a light.

Where do you go pretty much every time you get online?

The Guardian newspaper's site

What annoys you most about your iPod, cell phone, or laptop?

Losing them.

Name one thing you wish your iPod/cellphone/laptop could do that it doesn't do now?

It should stop me doing something when I'm pissed off.

What upcoming gadget can you not wait to get your hands on?

My new baby.

You're stranded on a desert island: What gadget do you bring?

Well my laptop has a lot of potential. Millions of empty pages to write on. And can I get online? That'd be perfect -- stranded no more...

What's the most-played song or artist on your iPod?

Recently, Burial. And before that, probably Radiohead.

Blackberry, Sidekick, or Treo?

Curve

Would you ever get an iPhone?

Digging the Curve right now -- online all the time. The iPhone sure is pretty.

What's the longest time you've ever spent playing a video game in one sitting and what game was it?

3 days solid with no sleep -- game called "life."

Mac or PC?

Mac all the way. PCs are a different universe to me. Double dutch w/ cream on.

Adult Film Stars Reveal Their Gadget Faves

by Alon Avdi, posted Apr 20th 2008 at 12:03PM

Earlier this year in Las Vegas, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) was forced to share the stage with another major exhibition of consumer products, bigwigs and dealmakers. At the Sands Expo convention center, the annual Adult Video News (AVN) Adult Entertainment Expo -- a trade show in its tenth year showcasing adult talent and exhibitors -- was also in full swing. Since the event attracts over 30,000 international buyers and fans of adult entertainment, it seemed like the perfect place for at least some of the Switched team to interview the top female stars in adult entertainment about -- what else -- the role of gadgets, gizmos and technology in their busy off-set lives.

We had seven different stars answer our Switched Questionnaire and you'll want to know what they had to say. We also sent out a separate videographer to film gadget-related interviews with 22 other adult stars, the results of which are highlighted in the above exclusive Switched video. To find out more, watch the video. Then, for even more saucy gadget talk, take a look at the interviews we've got lined up in ing pages.

And if words or video simply aren't doing the trick, we've also got a stunning gallery waiting for you at the end.

(Video and posts are safe for work, but some content may not be appropriate for younger viewers.)

Next >>

What Makes Gossip Girl's Leighton Meester Tick (and Type)?

by Peter Mychalcewycz, posted Apr 14th 2008 at 12:06PM

Leighton Meester is beautiful, successful, and, like all celebrities with an ounce of ambition, inseparable from her BlackBerry. These days, Meester can be seen personifying teen angst in the popular show 'Gossip Girl' where she plays Blair Waldorf, a young socialite with a healthy appetite for the spotlight.

Though primarily known for her aforementioned role, Meester has been around for years, having appeared in everything from 'CSI Miami' to last year's indie flick 'Flourish' and the just-releasted 'Remember the Daze,' in which she plays a -- surprise, surprise -- a high-school student. When she isn't on set or closing deals, she is recording music. Golly do we feel inadequate.

Okay, we get it, she is multi-talented and destined for greatness. There are, however, topics of extreme importance that must be discussed to realize the true depths of Leighton Meester. We tracked her down to find out what really makes her tick. And type.

What gadgets do you always bring with you to the set for down-time?

I bring my iPod and my BlackBerry. I listen to my iPod in my trailer while I'm getting my hair and makeup done.

What cell phone do you have right now and what do you love/hate about it?

I have a BlackBerry. I love it because I can get business done anywhere and anytime.

Who's the last person you sent a text message to and what was it about?

The last message I sent was to my friend, Jess about answering these questions!

Where do you go pretty much every time you get online?

I go to CNN.com....Boring!

What annoys you most about your iPod, cell phone, or laptop (or any other gadget)?

My cell phone doesn't get great service on both coasts, which is hard because I am constantly traveling back and forth from Los Angeles to New York.

Name one thing you wish your iPod/cellphone/laptop could do that it doesn't do now?

I wish my phone had a button on it that could unlock my car door, because I usually have it in my hand then anyway.

What upcoming gadget can you not wait to get your hands on?

A cell phone that gets great service on both coasts.

You're stranded on a desert island: What gadget do you bring?

If I were stranded on a desert island I would probably want a ham radio so that I could be rescued!

What's the most-played song or artist on your iPod?

Technically, the most played song is 'Girl from the North Country' by Bob Dylan.

BlackBerry, Sidekick, or Treo?

BlackBerry

Do you have or are you planning to get an iPhone?

No

What's the longest time you've ever spent playing a video game in one sitting and what game was it?

Recently, I have spent some long nights playing rock band.

Mac or PC?

Mac. Why not?