Apr 18

32GB SanDisk microSDHC Memory Card

In February 2011, 32GB microSD memory cards had fallen in price from their introductory high of $199 to just under $70; today, the cost of a 32GB microSD card has fallen to a new low: $56.99.

This price is for the 32GB SanDisk Class 2 microSDHC flash memory card at Amazon.com. Sold by BlueProton via Amazon, this card is compatible with a wide range of Android smartphones and tablets, as well as late-gen Windows Mobile smartphones, and – reportedly – the Samsung Focus Windows Phone.  These cards can also be used, usually with SD adapters, with many digital cameras. 

The same microSD card is also available directly from Amazon.com for the price of $61.54 with free shipping.

Price(s) subject to change at any time.

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Apr 13

T-Mobile today launched its new “Even More” plan for smartphones, a $79 monthly service that includes unlimited voice, text and data use. 

T-Mobile's New Even More Smartphone Plan

The data allowance in the new plan, which is technically unlimited, is tiered; for the first 2GB of usage, data throughput is maximized, but when the user exceeds this amount, data speeds are reduced until the next billing cycle, though the company hasn’t stated by how much. Still, most users will never reach this soft cap, and if they do they can continue to use wireless data at the reduced speed without paying extra. 

The new Even More plan is now available at T-Mobile retail stores and the T-Mobile web site.   Some third-party resellers like LetsTalk.com are also offering the plan for T-Mobile phones.

Getting in on the deal requires a new or renewed two-year contract and is being offered, apparently, for a limited time.  No word on how long this will last, but if it’s a success, it may just become permanent. 

Let’s hope so.

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Jan 31

MotoROKR S9-HD Bluetooth Stereo Headset

Nearly every smartphone and tablet currently sold in the United States has a 3.5mm audio jack for outputting stereo sound via wired headphones, earbuds and speakers – we all know that.  What goes unnoticed by a surprisingly large number of users, however, is that many of these devices also support wireless stereo audio, courtesy of a Bluetooth profile called A2DP.  But in order to enjoy this feature, you’ll need a pair of compatible Bluetooth headphones or earbuds to pull the whole thing off.

And there are plenty to choose from – but perhaps the most widely-used Stereo Bluetooth headphones are the Motorola MotoROKR S9.  These have been around for years and are generally well received – though like all of its competitors, has some quirks.

But there’s another model in the family: the MotoROKR S9-HD, an updated variant of the original, featuring better sound, easier controls, improved earpieces, and SRS Labs WOW HD.

The MotoROKR S9-HD is also a Bluetooth headset, meaning you can use the headphones for voice calls.  This feature, while included, probably won’t satisfy most for frequent use, but that’s okay.  The S9-HD is really for enjoying audio.

You’ll find A2DP Stereo Bluetooth support on many devices running Android (v2.1 and above), iOS 3 and 4, Windows Mobile 5+ and Windows Phone 7.  Check your product literature for details.

MSRP: $119

Best Online Price: $53

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Jan 27

Aliph Jawbone Era Headset

We’ve come to expect a new Jawbone Bluetooth headset each year since Aliph shipped its original model in 2007.  This year is no different.

The newest headset from Aliph is the Jawbone Era, an evolution of an already impressive product with several new features. 

Perhaps the most interesting change is the included accelerometer, which makes it possible to control the headset with taps and shakes.  For example, shake the Jawbone Era four times (a Double ShakeShake), and the headset enters pairing mode.  Tap it twice (TapTap), to answer a call.  This functionality, powered by MotionX, will be updated over time with new commands.

NoiseAssassin, the noise cancellation technology that first put Jawbone on the map, has also been updated to v3.0 for better performance.  New, too, is a wideband “HD” speaker for clearer sounds on the user’s end.  The headset also supports A2DP for listening to music from many current smartphones.  iPhone and BlackBerry users will see a battery meter for the Era on their phone’s status bar.

Two processors power the Jawbone Era, likely required for all of the unit’s features.  MyTalk is back, a service which allows the headset to be updated, tweaked and otherwise personalized; it also allows you to install apps like Caller ID by Name

Jawbone Era Designs

Basically the same size and dimensions as last year’s Jawbone Icon, the Era is available in four colors (shown above), each with a different external design pattern (the Silver Lining is shown at the top).  The Era also includes 7 earbud “fit options” and a removable earloop.  Battery life is rated at 5.5 hours, or 10 days standby, and charging is by way of a microUSB port. 

The Jawbone Era has an MSRP of $129 and is available now at the Jawbone web store. Amazon, along with other online and brick-and-mortar retailers will have the headsets in stock soon.

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Sep 29

Sprint's Motorola ES400S

Windows Mobile may be in the process of being handed its hat, but it’s not quite out the door yet.  Today Motorola and Sprint announced the U.S. availability of the Motorola ES400S Enterprise Smartphone, a ruggedized device running Windows Mobile 6.5.3 Professional.

Features include a built-in fingerprint scanner for biometric security, barcode scanning via its 3.2MP camera, a 600MHz Qualcomm CPU, GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0, a 1GB ROM for storage, EV-DO Rev. A, HSPA/GSM (world travel), and a 3-inch touchscreen transflective display.

According to the press release, it can take a 4-foot drop and keep on going, so this device may be useful to business users who butterfingers.

The Motorola ES400S will be available by the end of October for $499 for qualifying customers.

Read the Sprint Motorola ES400S Press Release after the jump.

Continue reading »

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