Penny College

It’s not everyday you get something with no strings attached but Blockbuster Express, think RedBox but with Blockbuster branding, is offering a free one night rental to anyone who use the following code:

GA12A2

Better hurry, the offer is only available till Feb. 19th and is good for one time use per credit card number.

This is question I frequently receive from friends who are thinking of taking the step to join the smartphone rally. Which one should I get? The truth of the matter is, if you never had a smartphone before, all of the new phone will likely make you giddy with joy with their features and apps. However, I’ll try to make a unbiased review for you on the three leading platforms on the market right now. I naturally excluded Symbian and Window Mobile due to their limited potential going forward.

iPhone – This is the phone that tramps all others in the smartphone marketplace. It has the largest app (tiny programs customized to work within the small screen space) directory in the world and the largest user base. Now this is the phone to get if you want to have a simple to use smartphone with a good deal of developer support and established user base.

Pros – Largest app directory, iTunes integration, the most available games of any mobile platform. GSM based phone so can be used overseas on vacation or travels.

Cons – Only available on AT&T (Bad rep for service), no planned Flash support (No Hulu or full youtube experience). No background processing (Phone only allows one apps running at a time, so you can’t surf the web and IM at the same time) No physical keyboard (limited to touchscreen keys)

Android – This is the new bad boy open source mobile platform on the market. It has the support of Google, one of the largest web enterprises in the world. The platform has the least restrictions in usage and the largest cross carrier user base in the world. This is a great choice for those already using Google’s service such as gmail or calendar.

Pro- Open source, no limitation on how you or developers can use the software. Built in access to Google related services (Gmail, Maps, Calendar,etc) Ability to run background services (Surf the web and IM at the same time). Flash support planned for the future. Multiple device form factors (Touchscreen, keyboard, etc)

Cons – Limited app catalog at the time due to late start. The platform is still growing and older devices may not support latest features and updates. No iTunes integration for music or movies. No desktop app like iTunes to manage contacts and music.

Palm – The new release of WebOS platform has reinvigorated the Palm community. However, because the platform is so new and so few devices has it, the app catalog is the smallest of the three. In addition, because the shortage of users, developer interest in the platform is weaning. So it only has a short time to catch up before being relegated to the tech past much like Window Mobile. However, the devices are elegant and do support some interesting features.

Pros – Beautiful devices with well developed platform. Multitouch enabled just like the iPhone.

Cons – Small app catalog with weaning developer interest. Available only on Verizon and Sprint, so no international usage with the phone.

Overall, as it stands right now. It’s really a two horse race with iPhone and Android. If you’re looking for something familiar and popular – IPhone is definitely for you. However, if you’re into the cutting edge and prefer to tinker with your own gear, then Android is definitely the platform for you.

The annual restaurant week event is coming to an end soon. So if you’re in NYC, this is a great opportunity to try a new restaurant with the great prefix option. The three course option is available for only $24 lunch or $35 dinner.

Tmobile, already one of the most consumer friendly wireless companies out there, is upping the ante once again. This time, they’re lowering the restrictions for consumers to retrieve the unlocking codes for their phone. For those who don’t know what and why you should unlock your phone, see our article on this issue here.

From now on, if you have been a customer in good standing with T-Mobile for over forty days, you can request the unlock code to your phone immediately. Prior to this announcement, you had to wait ninety days before doing so. Which is still better than AT&T, which won’t provide you with the unlock code until you completed your contract and only after heavy wrangling on the phone with various reps (Personal experience)

Here is a sweet deal for any students at colleges that provides an .edu email address. If you are a student, come launch day – Oct. 22, 2009, you can snag a copy by direct download from Microsoft for only $29.99.

The deal can be found here win741.com

There can never be too much of a good thing. Hotspot Shield is the perfect tool for those of us that often connect to open wifi connections in coffee shops and parks. The software basically creates a VPN connection between your computer and its servers, providing you with a secure encrypyed connection to surf the web or email. There are no monthly costs or hidden charges. This is a must for roaming laptop users.

www.hotspotshield.com

Target must be the on the front lines of manufacture’s distribution list or something. Because we keep seeing unreleased products making its way to its store shelves before the general release. The same day Gizmodo announced the new Duracell Rechargeable USB chargers – see story here, Target has gone ahead and released the products to it’s shelves.

More importantly, the good news doesn’t end there. Target has both chargers on sale – The smaller Pocket USB chargers is only $12.99 (vs $19.99 retail) and the larger Instant USB Charger is on sale for $19.99. Of course, YMMV (Your mile may very) at your local Target.

For those not familiar with either device, the basic jest of it is that it allows you to charge the unit through computer USB port. Once fully charged, you can recharge your USB mobile devices (iPod, cell phones, MP3/4 Players, etc) on the road by charging your device from the small units. This way, you can continue to use your device while on the road without looking for power connections. Think of it as portable rechargeable battery for your USB devices.

Today’s NY Times had a great article on how fraudsters are hitting the jobless to swipe financial and person information. Most of the scammed were lured in by offers of job interview or promises of work at home deals. A good read for anyone in the job market.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/06/technology/personaltech/06basics.html

Tim Hortons, the Starbucks/Dunkin Donut from the north of the borders is officially invading NYC. The chain famous for ice cappuccinos and Tim Bites is offering the city slickers a chance to experience the drinks for free.

All you have to do is grab the coupon from the latest issue of Time Out New York. The free coupon entitles you to a free ice cappuccino or coffee. The choice is yours but the offer expires on 7/31/2009.

Axe is a brand that has really taken over the male grooming market. Their innuendo laced commercials crack me up everytime. Now they’re extending their product line to include both shampoo and conditioners. I can’t vouch for their quality or the promise of “Girl approved hair” but I can offer you a chance to test out the product for free.

The current issue of Details magazine – the one with Jason Bateman on the cover, has a coupon for a full size bottom of Axe shampoo or conditioner redeemable at any retail store. So get on it and pick up a copy for the free coupon.