January 23, 2008 by AC.

WidePoint Enters Into Strategic Business Relationship With Protexx - Congrats to my friends over at Protexx.

HTML E-Mail, Document Editing Coming to BlackBerrys - BB ups the ante against the iPhone and similarly fancy new smartphones.

Explaining the Macintosh Surge - Something is going on indeed.

Posted in Links, General | No Comments »

January 23, 2008 by AC.

I am a little behind in writing this one - sorry!  Last August I grew increasingly frustrated with Sprint due to poor phone service and awful customer service.  I started shopping for a replacement phone and decided to finally go for a smartphone, PDA-phone or BlackBerry.  I ended up choosing the BlackBerry 8830 from Verizon and have absolutely loved the decision.

In choosing this new device I was looking to replace an aging (and outdated) Compaq iPaq hadheld PDA that served me well for almost nine years.  I was looking to not only have phone, but data, calendar and address book functions available in one device.  Among the devices considered: the Cingular/AT&T 8525 (previously reviewed here),  the Sprint Mogul and the T-Mobile Sidekick.

After a good deal on research online I focused on the BlackBerry.  Two of my good friends both had the device and sterling reviews from each sealed the deal.

Some highlights of the BlackBerry 8830: Excellent service and call quality, ease of use, reliability and battery life.  Some low points: no reset button, low speaker volume and learning curve transitioning from PocketPC/Windows Devices to BlackBerry.

Out of the box the 8830 is a stunning device in a smart, lightweight handheld package.  A full QWERTY keyboard sits underneath an ample screen.  Keys on the keyboard are slightly raised and easy to press.  I have larger hands and have noticed it difficulty to hit the correct keys at times, but I have not found it to be a major problem.

The included BlackBerry software of browser, email client, calendar application, etc. is adequate.  I have read many reviews of people adding new browser software, like Opera, but I have no problem with the included broswer.  There is an included Map/Directions program but I did add the Google suite of mobile applications which included Google Maps.  I use both and find little difference between the two.

Data speed on the Verizon network in my area (Central Jersey) are fantastic.   Email setup was a snap and I was able to add email accounts for my personal business and accounts from Yahoo, Google Gmail and MSN Hotmail.  I did have to pay for the upgrade to paid service on Hotmail to access it via the phone.

The built-in calendar and personal software (tasks, notes, etc.) took a little getting used to having come from a Windows PDA.  At first I did not like using the calendar at all.  Now it is a breeze.  Sync with my PC has also not been a problem.

The phone itself is quite durable.  I have dropped it several times - not trying to drop it mind you, but I have.  It sports some battle scars now but functions just the same.  I am sure there are some more technical and thorough reviews out there but I can tell you that through real world, every day use this has become one of my favorite devices of all time.   

Posted in Phone/PDA, New Products | 2 Comments »

January 9, 2008 by AC.

Yahoo Mail Comes Out of Its Social Shell - The Social push online shows no sign of slowing.

Yahoo! Go 3.0 beta released - More Yahoo, this one for BlackBerry devices.

Facebook Widget Installing Spyware - Watch your widgets.

Computer Repair - Tutorials on how to fix your Windows Computer - Cool site I came across today on Google Reader.

Posted in Links, General | 1 Comment »

January 3, 2008 by AC.

Happy New Year from ACE Computer Services.

Does your PC run slow? Are you having problems with virus, ad or spy activity on the machine? ACE Computer Services can help with a PC Tune-Up to get your system running smooth and fully optimized. For $59.99 you get full virus removal, ad & spyware cleanup and system optimization, plus a full report. Virus scanning software is included. Call today (732-801-9310) or visit www.acecomputernj.com for more details.

Posted in All Platforms | 1 Comment »

January 3, 2008 by AC.

Happy New Year!

Build Your Own Computer: 100 Tools, Tips, and Resources- Great resource for PC builders.

Office 2003 update blocks older file formats - Thanks, and Happy New Year to you too Microsoft!

R.I.P. Netscape - Quick moment of silence…..

Wi-Fi is Up and Running? Time to Optimize Your Network - Very helpful.

Posted in Links, General | 1 Comment »