The good news is that you do not have to have one of these high dollar HDMI cables to experience the same picture with your new TV.  The picture quality of a $10 dollar HDMI cable is going to be no different than $129 dollar cable purchased from a “Big Box Store” such as Best Buy or Ultimate Electronics.  Articles such as this one are being published daily to try and educate consumers to make the right decisions when it comes to purchasing a new high definition TV and its accessories.

What is frustrating, and also pretty typical I’ve found, is that not one product review has actually mentioned the quality of the phone function itself.  Reviews seem to discuss and critique the higher-end components of these devices: the processor, internal memory, camera, browser-viewing angle, screen resolution, keyboard functionality, everything but whether or not the product is actually a good device to carry on a conversation with someone.  There are some mentions about dropped calls  or reception, but this is only in relation to the particular provider networks.

I am a tech-head and get excited about the latest and greatest technology out there, but it just seems odd that nobody is concerned enough about these new phones (they are still phones being sold by a cell phone provider remember) to mention how they actually work as phones.

I’ve been around for awhile (even using the first mobile phone that was housed in a small suitcase) and remember clearly when these devices were simply mobile telephones used for carrying on conversation only. Not a single phone/pda or mobile device existed.  The first 2 or 3 generations of the phone/pda device usually had the pda component down pretty well (except for any Windows Mobile device), but the phone function was seriously lacking, and there were reviews that warned us.

Perhaps these newer generation mobile devices all excel as phones now, becuase the various providers have figured this piece of the puzzle out. Maybe I’m just behind the times (my wife sure seems to think so because when sharing this with her, she said “Who cares?!”)  I guess I do because I’d still like to know if my phone will function as a phone.

One of NFL team is following suit. The Washington Redskins just installed two 100’ wide HD screens at opposite ends of the field to compete with Dallas. The Cowboys have created a new way to bring the game closer to the fans and other teams are taking notice.  It looks like the rivalry continues between the Redskins and the Cowboys on and off the field.

Look up Persuasive Technology lab, it’s a group at Stanford University devoted to how computer products can be designed to change what people believe and do. CNN just published an article with their director BJ Fogg who talks about apps for phones, software in cars, and even a wireless scale that links to your Facebook and Twitter. My favorite gadget is called Imoveyou.com, a social networking site designed to persuade people to exercise more often. It works much like a physical challenge. “If you run around the block 3 times, I’ll do 500 jumping jacks.” I really like this group and what it stands for and hope that it develops a larger following. As we become more reliant on technology, I think it only fair that technology helps us become as healthy as possible. Check out CNN’s full article on this topic and read about other great ways technology can persuade you develop responsible habits.

The newest was the dry erase girl from thechive.com.
Original Story: Girl quits her job via dry erase board emails
The breakdown of the hoax

My personal favorite was from the Old Spice Guy replying to tweets.
Here is a breakdown from msnbc.
Click here to see all the videos in one place.

But why stop there? Sure, it would be great to recycle, borrow and swap chargers in a pinch, but why plug your cell phone in every night in the first place. An emerging thought gaining popularity is the idea of charging small devices using wifi-like signals broadcast through a personal router. While this technology is yet undeveloped, steps are being taken in this direction. In a CNN article touching on this idea, writer Amy Graham reports that in late July, the Wireless Power Consortium finalized a new standard, called Qi, for the wireless charging of low-power devices (up to five watts).

It looks like the wireless landscape may be in for some much desired changes in the next few years.

Computer programs that enable wireless telephone handsets to execute software applications, where circumvention is accomplished for the sole purpose of enabling interoperability of such applications, when they have been lawfully obtained, with computer programs on the telephone handset.

In short, jailbreaking is now legal under state and federal law. However, there is a clause in contracts that will void warranties if this is done to your phone. But, for those of you who pay no mind to such things, like me, visit http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/mobile/08/02/jailbreak.iphone.4/index.html. Also, any iPhone running the iOS version 4.0.1 and earlier can go to www.jailbreakme.com from their iPhone browser, follow the instructions and you’re home free.

But lets say you are traveling into the city from suburbs; fighting rush hour traffic, construction, slow drivers, whatever, and you are pressed to make it to the theater, ball park or restaurant. Time is short and now comes the quest of finding a parking spot! ParkWhiz offers reserved parking for hundreds of locations, including stadiums, theaters, and airports.  For a small 10% service change you can now reserve your parking spot!  Yes, parking is already expensive but if you are rushed for time or just not familiar with the city, it’s nice to know you can reserve your spot.

Happy parking fellow commutors!

The user interface is superior to Pandora in a number of ways. Like Pandora, you can create a radio station based on an artist you like, but you can fine tune how much MOG plays the artist you selected vs similar artists. So far my experience has been that MOG has been more accurate at finding bands I’m interested in as well (I’ll never forgive Pandora for recommending Nickelback to me). You can also create and share playlists, quickly access artist photos, discography, and bios.

Enough gushing, go here to find out more.