Mobile Plan Limited Choices?

I have been a customer with T-Mobile since 2004. Ever since then, I have been buying Sidekick 1, 2 and 3. They are nice. Yeah. Their plan for Sidekick is very cheap. The plan includes unlimited internet data, including email, Internet and instant messaging. It also has unlimited text messaging. It is wonderful. However it has few disadvantages, such as some area may have bad or no connections. For example, it won’t work in the metro. I ride metro a lot. When I talked to someone on the metro on the ground, and when it comes to underground, I was not done, but it disconnected! I was like ugh. I had to wait until I am outside on the ground again to talk, but he or she could be offline. I was like, Great! Also, when I come out of the metro on the ground, it takes a while to get connected. Sometimes, it drops the connection out of blue.

I feel that it is time to get a new device. I want something better. I want a device that works in metro. I have been looking around and found that there are advantages and disadvantages between T-Mobile and other carriers. T-Mobile has new devices coming in, but unfortunately, it is not the same plan like the Sidekick has. They have a plan called Total Internet data. It costs $49. 99 a month. Again, unfortunately, it does not include unlimited text messaging, only 300 text messages a month. I use a lot of text messaging. So if I want unlimited text messaging, I have to pay an additional fee of 14.99. That would make 64.98 a month. But for Blackberry devices, 29.95 unlimited Internet data and 14.99 for unlimited text messaging, which would add up to 44.98. Both plans does not work in the metro. I feel it is too much. Well I may be cheapskate. I don’t understand why Blackberry has the different price than any other devices. That is totally unfair. Why don’t they use 29.95 for Total Internet Data plan (with no text messaging service) for all devices, expect Sidekick? Why 49.99? I don’t understand why!

But not only T-Mobile, but Verizon, Cingular and Nextel and other carriers also offer similiar plans. Well, for some plans in other carriers are a bit complicated. In their Internet data plan, they do have options for text messaging. T-Mobile has a better offer though. Verizon will have unlimited text messaging for its customers only. To send text messages to other carriers, they have to charge you per message unless you choose one of text messaging options. They offer unlimited incoming text messaging but still charge you per message for outgoing text messages if you are exceed their limit, for example, 500 text messages per month.

Some carriers offer a new technology called 3G. 3G is a fast Internet broadband for mobile devices. T-Mobile has not had it yet but has talked that they will have 3G network sometimes this year. I suspect that they will include in the new version update in the Sidekick from now to the end of the month. The version update will include a new look on the Jump, MySpace, and My Fave.

Most carriers, unlike T-Mobile, must have included phone plans. There are plans you choice for air-time minutes, and then other features like unlimited Internet data and unlimited text messaging. Unlimited Internet and text messaging have their prices separately. That is too much. I don’t use the phone plan, why do I have to pay for that plan? I only need Internet data and text messaging. There is no way to exclude the phone plan in other carriers, But you can easily do that with T-Mobile.

I was checking Helio. The reason I checked that out because i heard that there will be a new device coming out sometimes this spring. It looks nice! It has qwerty keyboard, as well as a keypad. I know it may sound strange, but they can do vice verse. It is nice. It has some features like T-Mobile Sidekick features. They do have AIM, Yahoo, Windows Live (formerly MSN). But T-mobile does not have MySpace IM right now. MySpace IM on Helio? Wow, impressive! You know, most devices have IM, Text Messaging and Email in separate inboxes for each. Do you find it hassle? I do. I like to have all in one inbox, that would be easier. Well Helio will have an Ultimate InBox with all in one place. You will able to check AOL, Gmail, Hotmail and Yahoo. You have to be a premium member to check Hotmail and Yahoo on the device. Sure, you can do do that with any carriers using POP3 or IMAP server. Also you can do text and photo messaging as well.

That is all? Wait, there are more. You can do GPS. You know what it is? GPS is a popular device, usually used in the car, where you can track yourself in the map on the road, knowing where you are going to. Well, Helio will have that GPS using on Google Map! I am even more IMPRESSED. Sometimes, I find myself lost in unknown areas in DC. That would help a lot! It has a fast Internet broadband called 3G technology. It should be faster than a regular mobile Internet. It is very popular in Europe. 3G Technology just come to US not long ago. Lastly, it has a camera built-in, 2.0 mega pixel and video camera. Most current devices has 1.3 mega pixel.

Now, how much does it cost for this plan? Of course, airtime-minute plan mus be included. But again how much all for that: IM, Text and Photo messaging, Email, Internet, GPS tracking, and 3G technology? 65 dollars a month, a flat fee. No hidden fees. Well, I may be too soon to say anything because Helio Ocean has not came out yet. It has not told us their plan will be like for that device. But I have seen their plans for other devices. I hope it will be the same plan for Helio Ocean.

My only concern: Does Helio offer unlimited text messaging like T-Mobile? Remember I mentioned that Verizon only offer unlimited text messaging for its customers. I hope Helio will able to allow to send unlimited text messages to anyone. That would be very NICE, and a good PRICE at last! You can check that out here

My point is that it seems that I will always be stuck with T-Mobile Sidekick for years to come. I could change the carrier, but would not have the same plan that T-Mobile offers. That really sucks. I hope I don’t have to stick around with T-Mobile for many years. Dont get me wrong. I like T-Mobile services. It is just that I want my mobile to do so much more, like working underground on metro, having GPS tracking (that would be fabulous), UNLIMITED access to all services: Email, Internet, Text messaging and Instant Messaging, and 3G Technology.

The reason I talked about it in my blog because I talked with the T-Mobile customer service for two hours the other day asking about devices and mobile plans because I don’t want Sidekick any more. I also told them my frustration and limitations in choosing the plans and devices to satisfy my need. She submitted my comments to T-Mobile technical team. But it takes any to have T-mobile listen and working on making good choices of the plans for the Deaf like me. Please submit your comments about frustration and limitation just like I did to T-Mobile. I don’t know where to find that link where you can submit your complaint/suggestion. I will have to call the T-Mobile customer service. However, you could email to them by clicking ‘Contact Us’ or write a letter to them (they have address in ‘Contact Us’ page. Not only to T-Mobile, but you can send to other carriers same submission. We are relying to devices a lot, they should offer us a better deal for the mobile use. So we can have more choices to choose, not only to T-Mobile.

Powered by ScribeFire.

Mmm, Wii helps shredding weight?

I was reading the entry on Engadget.com. One guy was doing an experiment with the game called Wii Sports on Wii gaming system.The Wii is by Nintendo. About 20 years ago, I remember I played on Nintendo. I was addicted to Mario game. It was fun. Today, gaming system is very popular. Now they have other gaming system such as Xbox 360 by Microsoft and Playstation III. They are highly competitive. I believe they are going WiFi now. That means you can play games online over Internet with other people.

Anyway, back to Wii Nintendo. That game looks cool. It involves body activity. That is probably why he had lost some weight. He was starting the experiment in December and 6 weeks later, he lost 9 POUNDS! That is not bad. Suppose, he is doing that for another 6 weeks, he would lose another 9 pounds. That is the total of 18 pounds in 2 months and two weeks

Before and after of that guy:

You can watch the video below via YouTube.com.

Maybe I should consider getting Wii gaming system. I want to lose at least 15 pounds. But it is very expensive. I believe it is near 300 dollars. I will have to think about it. IF that really helps, I would seriously consider it. It also kill my boredom if I am bored. It would be good for me during the wintertime. It is cold and might be snowing outside. I can use time to play and lose some weight.

You can read more about that guy and his Wii Sports experitment here.

via [Engadget]

Blogged with Flock

Nice Sonic Boom Alarm Clocks

I have a Sonic Boom alarm clock. It is a nice clock with a vibrator (perhaps better word for it: a bed shaker). You know vibrators are usually a word term for dildo that vibrates. LOL.

Anyway, It is good for heavy sleepers or deaf people. I cannot hear the beep when the alarm is on. The bed shaker will help to wake me up. It is powerful. It is 12-volt. It will vibrate the whole bed mattress if you put in under the matress. It looks like this :

But now Sonic Boom has different colors, look, and design. It is really cool. Maybe I should consider an upgrade. Mmm… but they are not cheap. It is costs from 29.95 to 50 dollars. Maybe I should get the heart clock ? So I can feel loved in the morning. heh, just kidding. My alarm clock is just fine for now.

You can buy the Sonic Boom here.

Blogged with Flock

What? "An MP3 player for the Deaf”?

Unbelievable! Sandy Mintz is currently working with Samsung to develop a new wireless MP3 system for the Deaf with cochlear implants (Ci’s). She is an audiologist at Advanced Bionics, the medical device designer. It said that the results are promising… Now Samsung is seeking FDA approval…

I don’t have CI, and never will… Years ago when I was young, like at the age of 12 to 13, my papaw and dad had been encouraging me to get that implant. I was hesistated for a while until Jordan I. King famously quoted, “Deaf can do anything but hear.” Then right there, I determined not to get it. I told them no. They were disappointed but respected my wish. I am happy with my life as a deaf person.

It may be a good product for people with CI. I see that there are appoximately 59,000 people worldwide already have them. In the US alone, about 13,000 adults and nearly 10,000 children have them. But perhaps, in ten years, it will possible go double. The research also says about 250,000 people would be good candidates for it. [the link]

If anyone asks, if CI gets small, better, and almost invisible, would I still consider getting it? No, not really. Why? It is a hassle. I have to learn all over again like a baby. I would have to go speech therapy to learn both ways — speak and hear. I would also have to learn probably over thousands of sounds…some sounds are not very pleased. I say , it will overwhelm me deeply. In fact, I always have been deaf since birth. I want to stay that way.That is what who I am.

You can read more about this newly possible product via Crave blog here.

Blogged with Flock

You don’t need to ask anyone to take a picture of you…

or even with your partner, family, or a group…

This is an amzing invention… wow.. you know digitial cameras has a hole, where you can attach to the the pod to stand still to take pics … You dont have to deal with the hassle by carrying a standing pod with you anymore. You can have this, what they called, a Quick Pod! It is only 3.5 ounces. It can extend to 18.5″. You can carry it in your pant pocket, coat pocket, or in the bag. It is good for travelling! You can check that Quick Pod site here. It has a display video of it. The basic model price is $25.00, but you can buy this at the great price: 19 dollars via Amazon.com.

Via [Popgadget]

Blogged with Flock

Humping Dog USB

It is funny when I saw this USB on Video… you know how dogs do that to us sometimes… would you want the dog to sodomize your laptop ? I don’t know if I would. It does not have flash memory… like other USB flash drives. It costs 20 dolalrs per Humping Dog USB. For all three, it costs 55 dollars. Check the video all the way down.

 

You can buy them if you are interested in getting at least one here.

via [Gizmodo]

Blogged with Flock

Wow, the computer is getting smaller and smaller!

This one has not in the market yet! It will be released by Sprint in 2008…. But Koreans will get them first sometimes in 2007. The brand is by Samsung.

It is awesome! I want that! It says that it may cost 2,000 dollars. That makes sense. Most laptop costs 800 to 1,500, depending on what system you have on. It is not an outrageous price… comparing to other small computer devices I have seen. This one has it all: a screen, keyboard, WiFi access, and a camera built-in.

Some of the mini computer’s specification is possibly rumored. You will see parentheses in the end; that is my opinion:

-5 inch monitor screen (maybe too small, should be probably 7 to 10 inch widescreen; right now some laptops has 12 inch widescreen)

-It will run on Win XP, but by the time in 2008, XP is outdated! (Needs to be Vista or even better Mac OS. I am a Mac OS fan myself.)

-1GHz processor (not bad, maybe should be either 1.66 to 2.0 GHz. But 2008 can change a lot in technology world. If it is on market right now, 1 GHz on this mini computer is great.)

-30 GB hard drive (Not bad for a mini computer. It is plenty, believe me. 30 GB is 30 billion bytes. Essential programs are between 15 mb to 60 MB each; that is between 15 to 60 million bytes. Only biggest program I know is MsOffice 2003, 400 mb, only Word, Excel and Outlook. I am sure they will have a small version of MsOffice on this mini computer, with probably less than 150-200 MB.)

• 256 MB memory ram (Not too good, it would be better if it is 512 MB or 1 GB)

-WiMax and EV-DO built-in

-iSight-esque 1.3 megapixel camera/webcam (Should be more than 1.3… like 2.0 to 2.5. Right now most cellphones and other wireless devices have 1.3 megapixel, and they don’t always take good photos)

-The rumor says they even not know if this is actually working. We will find out eventually if it succeed.

WiMax is very new. It is similiar to T-Mobile Hotspots and Verzion Wireless services. It is by Sprint. It won’t be ready until 2008.

You can view more more pictures on this newly mini computer here.

via [Gizmodo]

Blogged with Flock

Red iPod Nano

This is a Special Edition iPod nano (PRODUCT)^RED. The price is 199.00. It has 4GB. I am thinking about buying one even though I cannot hear but can save my files, pictures and, I think, videos on it. Apple will give $10 of the price you buy to the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa. Nice, huh?

You can check the Global Fund here.

Let’s join and help fight against AIDS!

Correction: There is no video feature can be shown on iPod nano; the original iPod only has that feature.  Also, it does not save files, but you can save photos only. It also has more extra features, like game, clock, calendar, contacts, notes, or stopwatch.

Blogged with Flock

What is Heliodisplay?

***I wrote this entry a long time ago…and I forgot to post it.***

Remember holographic displays in Star Wars movie…

There is a device similiar to the Star Wars halo thing. But this device is not a halo. It has something to do with the air to display images from the computer. This product is called Heliodisplay M2 projector, has been raving around for some time since around August 16, 2005. It is good for giviving presentations or displaying any products to anyone like giving an advertisement.

This projector costs $20,000.00. It is expensive, but it will go lower once it get very popular. Right now, business, musuems, expos use them. It will go to the home entertainement soon. It will be very cool!!! You can watch movie using this projector from your laptop or computer with DVD capability. It would be fun to sit back and watch in your own living room.

You can watch the video below:

If not working, you can click here.

The link is http://www.heliodisplay.com/

Oh, Lord… what an interesting invention!

Does Technology gets better and better every day? There are many things that we never thought of…

You know, some people forgot their anniversary dates… well, it is a shame. But oh, well. I never forget my anniversary date. Knocking on the wood; I hope I would never forget because it is a very important day for the loved one.

But … in case if you do forget your anniversary date, you don’t worry… something will remind you…

Wait a minute, what does it do with the technology?

Ahh, yeah… now you mention that. Like I said you would not have to worry about it, because this ring, according to the technology invention, will remind you, by flashing on your ring… you can check that out below and click that image, and it will take you to the product site:

Have you ever thought of it? I have not. It is amazing. It is a nice ring. Simple and beautiful. Maybe it is a disadvantage having it, because you would probably have to remove it before you shower or take a bath… Well, I have not checked if it is waterproof… but hey, it is very cool, don’t you agree?

Blogged with Flock