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In choosing this new device I was looking to replace an aging (and outdated) Compaq iPaq hadheld PDA that served me well for almost nine years.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 »

October 28, 2007 by AC.

ACE Computer Services is now a Protexx reseller. Protexx ensures your privacy when using Wi-Fi hotspots, Wireless, Cable, and Network connections by keeping your personal information safe and anonymous from hackers. It provides the highest level of encryption (up to 2048 bit) due to the recent security breaches cracking SSL, DES, 3DES, CDMA, WEP, WPA. Protexx automatically encrypts all your inbound and outbound Internet traffic (emails, HTTP, FTP, Web, IM and VoIP calls, etc.) and provides Identity Management as “Protexx knows you are who you say you are” by the issuance of PKI Digital Certificates”. It also provides a personal firewall to block Wi-Fi, Wireless, Network and Cable hackers from using your connection to gain access to your computer and stealing confidential files or infecting your computer with viruses. Free trial available.

Posted in Software, New Products | No Comments »

August 12, 2007 by AC.

I have been exploring the features of GrandCentral a little more and they have a WebCall button feature that you can incorporate into your website, blog, etc. The feature allows the perspective caller to enter their name & phone number (which can be kept private) and then the system, GrandCentral calls their phone and connects to my number. Nice service feature for people to contact you via phone direct from a website. I am testing the service below before adding it to the ACE Computer Services site.

In testing the service myself it does work fast and it was very easy. The call shows up as “unknown” on both phones - the one I entered on the website and the phone my GrandCentral account dials.

I did notice that the script does not work on every site I use.  This one for instance, is a blog created through WordPress offered by my Hosting Site, 1and1, and the script will not run.  Ditto my content page at Natuba, the script is taken out.  My blog at Blogger had no trouble showing the script, but no surprise since both GrandCentral and Blogger are Google companies.  To see the script in action please visit:

http://mytechstartup.blogspot.com/2007/08/testing-grandcentral-webcall-button.html

Posted in Internet, New Products, All Platforms | No Comments »

August 9, 2007 by AC.

On Tuesday Microsoft released several performance and reliability fixes for Windows Vista.  These fixes are precursors to a Service Pack 1 release that is rumored to come this fall. 

I have not yet been able to tinker much with a Vista system.  I have set two machines up and I am impressed with the graphics (if you get an enhanced graphics card) and the gadgets, or widgets, or whatever they want to call them.  The screen resolution was great and I do enjoy the desktop more than XP.  That said it is a bulky, and at times, slow system.  Hopefully these fixes address some of that performance.

I have a brand spanking new machine waiting for me to use and install Vista but I just have not had the time as yet.  Since it is a new machine, and I have XP on it, I wanted to test a Vista upgrade, a clean Vista install and a 64-bit Vista install on this box.  Once completed I will share my thoughts on the process and offer any tips for those considering a Vista upgrade in the future.

Thanks for reading!

Posted in New Products, Microsoft | No Comments »

August 7, 2007 by AC.

Hidden amid the iPhone hysteria this summer, Apple has launched all new versions of the popular iMac desktop computer line.  These sleek all-in-one machines have gotten even thinner and much more powerful.  With a 2.8 GHz Intel Dual-Core processor available, along with built-in wireless and up to a 1 TB (yes, that is a terabyte drive) hard drive these systems do not skimp on performance or features.

They are great systems for people who lack space thanks to the handy monitor as CPU case and they are an absolute pleasure to look at.  Not only is the design stunning, the screen resolution is fantastic.  I have worked on a few of the older iMac models and they are speedy, fun systems to use. 

For more information please see:

http://www.apple.com/imac/ 

http://blogs.pcworld.com/techlog/archives/005103.html

Posted in New Products, Apple/Mac | No Comments »

August 6, 2007 by AC.

Thanks to the great writing at TechBlog I came across a cool utility site, Natuba (www.natuba.com), that can aggregate content from most of the popular social network sites online.  This includes blogs from myspace, RSS feeds from sites you choose, content from LiveJournal, video from YouTube and more.

The site requires an invitation to join, meaning you need an existing user to “invite” you via email.  Once invited setup is simple and you can simply enter usernames for the popular content feeds or URL’s for a specific RSS feed.  The page customization is pretty basic and the layout organizes content by date published, but it is truly a one-stop-shop for all your social network content.

Posted in Internet, New Products, All Platforms | 1 Comment »

August 6, 2007 by AC.

I came across an interesting blog about a month ago about a startup web venture called GrandCentral (http://www.grandcentral.com) which had just been purchased by Google.  GrandCentral is a one phone number that can ring all or selected phones you choose.  The setup is by invitation only at this point and the site is still in beta release.  Overall is simple to startup and use.  I signed up for an invite on the main page and got an email response a few weeks later.

Setup with GrandCentral was a snap.  The user interface is simple and easy.  Choosing a phone number within your area code is easy as well.  With the free phone number issued by GrandCentral I can choose one or all of my phones to ring when someone calls that line.  For instance, calling my GrandCentral number will ring my home phone, cell phone, work phone, etc.  All or one, depending on what I choose.  This is a great convenience feature for people with multiple lines/locations, business travelers and emergency calls.

Voicemail is accessible online and the website keeps a call log, address book and more.  The service is free but there are premium paid features available as well.  Definitely worth a look for those on the go.  As I said at the beginning, GrandCentral is now part of Google and may mark Google’s entry into phone & telecommunications.  There are whispers of a Google Phone and several Google apps are currently available for mobile phones (Google Maps, Gmail, etc.).  Either way GrandCentral is a cool utility.

Posted in Internet, New Products, All Platforms | 1 Comment »

March 22, 2007 by AC.

Apple has released a new version of the popular iTunes software for both Windows and Mac systems, version 7.1.1.  The new version addresses some compatibility issues and minor bugs.  The big news is this version gets ready for a new Apple TV service due to arrive later this month.  This was the first update for me that utilized the Apple Updater feature and did not push me to the Apple website for the download. 

You can check your iTunes version by opening iTunes, clicking on “Help” and then clicking “About iTunes”.  You should see a version number beginning “7.1.1″.  It is highly recommended to keep programs up-to-date.  If you do not have the current version, with your computer connected to the internet, click “Help” and then “Check for Updates” or visit: http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/.

Apple TV is a set-top box for your television that allows you to transfer video (movie, TV, etc.) downloads from iTunes for viewing on a television.  Think of it as an iPod for your television.  It also supports music playback through the television and photo slideshows.  Cost is $299.00 for the hardware.  There is no cost to transfer your videos, pictures, music, etc. and the device supports wireless connections for data transfer.  For more information on the Apple TV hardware & service see: http://www.apple.com/appletv/.

Thanks for reading!

Posted in New Products, Apple/Mac | 1 Comment »