Mobile Computing News, Reviews & Tips
Gadget News: World's Smallest MP3 Player
Hyun Won America's MobiBlu DAH-15000i, a cube weighing less than an ounce and measuring under 1 inch square, is the world's smallest digital audio player, according to the company. The device packs a lot into its small space: a microphone, a FM radio, a USB 2.0 port, and a display/clock. It comes in several colors and costs $100 for the 512MB model and $130 for 1GB.
PDA News: Memory Patch for Cingular Treo
Cingular wireless subscribers with a Palm Treo 650, heads up: There's a free patch available for your smart phone. Among other things, the patch frees up internal memory on the Treo 650--and memory is a scarce commodity on the device.
Travel Web Site News: Yahoo Searches by Neighborhood
Yahoo Local is the first online search engine to offer searches by city neighborhood, according to the company. Yahoo Local searches now highlight results for more than 60 cities by specific neighborhoods, such as Noe Valley in San Francisco. The results include local events, user's favorite restaurants, and favorite local services.
Tip: Recharge With a USB Hub
Carrying around too many AC adapters for your portable gear? For devices with a rechargeable battery and a USB port, leave the AC adapter at home. Instead, pack a USB hub. You can recharge any gadget with an internal rechargeable battery and a USB port by connecting it to a powered USB hub, whether it's in your computer or a stand-alone device, writes PC World's Kirk Steers, in his September Hardware Tips. USB cables are easier to tote around than bulky AC power adapters, and many cell phone makers offer USB cables as an accessory.
Backup Tip: Easier Outlook Backups
Don't know about you, but I worry about my Microsoft Outlook file getting corrupted or lost entirely in the event of a hard drive crash. PC World's Scott Spanbauer, in his July "Internet Tips" column, reminded me of a free Outlook add-in from Microsoft. Personal Folders Backup helps you make regular backup copies of your personal folders, inbox, calendar, and contacts. You can download the file from us.
Gadget Review: Toshiba's Bluetooth Wireless Headphone
Toshiba recently introduced its Wireless Stereo Headphones ($99), which let you listen to music while roaming around or watch a DVD movie on your PC without disturbing others. In his August Digital Gear, Agam Shah reports that the headphones sounded great but the audio broke up occasionally.
Suggestion Box
Is there a particularly cool mobile computing product or service I've missed? Got a spare story idea in your back pocket? Tell me about it. However, I regret that I'm unable to respond to tech-support questions, due to the volume of e-mail I receive.
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