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The MobileRead ebook library just gets bigger and bigger. "We can scarcely believe it ourselves, but this week we've past the 4,000 uploads mark in our e-book section! Big thanks to everyone out there who has been involved in the project and who has been so meticulously converting, formatting and sharing with us some of the most outstanding literary works of human history." MobileRead after the jump.
[From Brian Hall at MarksSpace] "Greetings,
Mark/Space is pleased to announce the availability of an update to The Missing Sync for iPhone.
The Missing Sync for iPhone 1.0.1 adds localization in German and French. The Call Log application now allows for deletion of individual or selected calls from the call log archive on your Mac. Similarly, the SMS Log application lets you delete all incoming and outgoing text messages for a single contact.
This update is free for all owners of The Missing Sync for iPhone. Customers will receive a message from The Missing Sync for iPhone application notifying them of this update. A direct download is also available from our Product Updates web page.
Thank you for helping us send this news out to the world."
I've written several editorials over the years regarding the changes in technology that I have personally experienced since my career began in the late 1970's:
1) Initially, we would go into phone booths to call our admin and retrieve messages (they'd get pretty crowded on a rainy day)
2) Soon, the phone booths were replaced by kiosks...which were open to the elements
3) We'd call the person who left us the message, leave a message for them, and start the vicious cycle all over again
4) With no laptops, we carried tons of records with us everywhere
5) With no email or internet, we kept going back to those damned kiosks
I recently got the following from a friend of mine, and thought it worth sharing with my fellow Addicts. It provides the same context...but from a more recent perspective. Although funny, its also quite true.
Enjoy!
PJA
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TO EVERYONE UNDER 30 YEARS OF AGE:
When I was a kid, adults used to bore me to tears with their tedious diatribes about how hard things were when they were growing up.
You know:
“…we had to walk twenty-five miles to school every morning…uphill BOTH ways…yadda, yadda, yadda!”
I clearly remember promising myself that when I grew up, there was no way in hell I was going to lay a bunch of crud like that on kids: about how hard I had it and how easy they've got it! But now that I'm over the ripe old age of thirty, I can't help but look around and notice the youth of today. You little posers! I mean, compared to my childhood, you live in a Utopia!
I hate to say it but you kids today don't know how good you've got it!
I mean, when I was a kid we didn't have The Internet. If we wanted to know something, we had to go to the library and look it up ourselves…in the card catalog!!
There was no email! We had to actually write somebody a letter...with a pen! Then you had to walk all the way across the street and put it in the mailbox and it would take like a week to get there!
There were no MP3's or Napster! You wanted to steal music, you had to hitchhike to the nearest record store and shoplift it yourself! Or, you had to wait around all day to tape it off the radio and the ‘DJ' would usually talk over the beginning and screw it all up!
We didn't have fancy Call Waiting/ Caller ID! If you were on the phone and somebody else called they got a busy signal, that's it! When the phone rang, you had no idea who it was! It could be your school, your mom, your boss, your bookie, your drug dealer, a collections agent, you just didn't know!!! You had to pick it up and take your chances mister!
We didn't have any Sony PS3 with high-resolution 3-D graphics! We had the Atari 2600 With games like 'Space Invaders' and 'Asteroids'; and, the graphics sucked! Your guy was a little square! You actually had to use your imagination! And there were no multiple levels or screens…just one screen forever! And you could never win.
The game just kept getting harder and harder and faster and faster until you died! Just like LIFE!
When you went to the movie theater there no such thing as stadium seating! All the seats were the same height! If a tall guy or some old broad with a hat sat in front of you and you couldn't see, you were just screwed!
Sure, we had cable television, but back then that was only like 15 channels and there was no on-screen menu and no remote control! You had to use a little book called a TV Guide to find out what was on! You were screwed when it came to channel surfing! You had to get off your butt and walk over to the TV to change the channel…and there was no Cartoon Network either! You could only get cartoons on Saturday morning. Do you hear what I'm saying!?! We had to wait ALL WEEK for cartoons, you spoiled little brats!
Forget about microwave ovens; if we wanted to heat something up we had to use the stove or go build a freaking fire…imagine that!
If we wanted popcorn, we had to use that stupid Jiffy Pop thing and shake it over the stove forever like an idiot.
That's exactly what I'm talking about! You kids today have got it too easy. You're spoiled!!!!!!!!! You guys wouldn't have lasted five minutes back in 1980!
Oh yeah…a seatbelt was Mom throwing her arm across your chest every time she hit the brakes. You ninnies and your child-seats…ha!
Regards, The over 30 Crowd
The Palm Blog covers some of the main features of the AT&T Centro that has been our headliner all day. "The rumor mill has been turning about the eventual availability of a GSM version of the Palm Centro smartphone since the Centro device was first announced back in September...today's it's a reality on AT&T's EDGE Network for $99.99 (after mail-in rebate and two-year service agreement). The AT&T Centro smartphone rolls voice, messaging (text and instant), email and internet surfing* into a small lightweight device. And we have new colors for you -- immediately in "Glacier" white with green keypad accents -- and it will be available soon (in about a month) in a second color." Read in full at the Palm Blog.
Show 53 of The Smartphone Show is available for your viewing pleasure. "Programme 53 covers:
I see Hacker Jon is at it again "The release of software from a firm run by a notorious Norwegian hacker is likely to cause waves in the music and film download world.
Jon Lech Johansen became the "enfant terrible" of the DRM industry when he released software which cracked the encryption codes on DVDs, aged just 15.
His firm, DoubleTwist, has now released software allowing users to share digital media files across devices.
It would allow songs bought on Apple's iTunes to be shared on other devices."
If you entered for my weekend throwaway's then check your inbox as I have just sent emails to those I randomly drawn this afternoon 
If you entered for my weekend throwaway's then check your inbox as I have just sent emails to those I randomly drawn this afternoon. If you have an email with "FROM SAMMY AT PALMADDICT" in the subject line then an item of my throwaway is coming your way. You need to reply to me asap, if you have not responded by Friday then I will throw it into the next clear-out.
[From Tien] Tien gives us the heads up on AT&T's new data plans. "AT&T's responding to Verizon's Unlimited calling and data contracts with a $99 all you can eat voice plan that can be combo'd up with any data plan. The data plans are a step in the non-evil direction for AT&T: $35 bucks for unlimited connectivity and messaging. An AT&T spokesperson tells us that includes 3G. " Read in full.
The Gadgeteer has written a review of the Southwing SH505 Bluetooth Headset and SC310 Bluetooth Car Kit. "As of July 1st, Washington State is mandating the use of hands-free devices while driving. This law makes it illegal to have a cellphone up to your ear while driving a vehicle. So Bluetooth cellphone accessories are becoming more and more the rage (when little old ladies are wearing them at the shopping mall, you know a technology has left geekdom and hit the mainstream). Southwing has created several in-the-ear and hands-free speakerphone car kit options enabling you to focus on driving while talking on your cellphone. In this article I will be reviewing one of each type by Southwing, the SH505 Bluetooth headset and the SC310 Bluetooth car kit." Read in full.
The BBC News website are talking about people being addicted their mobile phones, Blackberry devices and other digital devices. "A growing number of people are becoming addicted to their mobile phones, Blackberries and other digital devices, researchers are warning.
Techno addiction can become so bad that people wake up several times a night to check their e-mails and text messages.
It can even interfere with an addict's job as he feels he has to be linked up all the time, says Professor Nada Kakabadse of Northampton University.
She is conducting research into how widespread the addiction may be." Read in full.
One of the best things you can do for your Palm device is to do a full hard reset every once and a while. It allows your palm to have a fresh start, and if done properly, you can save all the information you had before.
Before you do a hard reset, we need to backup the information on your device. The best practice is to do a full back up of your device to your SD card. There are few backup programs that you can use out there. I use Resco Backup which is an excellent program. If you're short on cash look for NVBackup which is a freeware program (NVFS devices only). Both of these programs do a full backup of your device to an SD card.
Once you backup your device, you can then do a hard reset. If you need instructions see this Palm page for details.
Once you have done the hard reset, you will press the home button on your palm device, then select your SD card from the Category area on the top (where it says "All"). Then select your backup program of choice from your SD card, then run the Restore option. You may have to reset the device, and you should be back to where you were when you did the last backup.
If you do this properly, you won't lose any information, and your device will be much healthier overall. Please do remember that these instructions are not extensive, but if you follow the instructions from your backup program, you should not lose data. I do this every month or so to keep my palm running smoothly...
Have you backed up your device today?
Isaiah
TreoCentral has written a very comprehensive review of the AT&T Centro. "The Palm Centro for AT&T (henceforth, in this review, the "Centro," for convenience's sake) is a wonder of a little phone. It packs all the power of traditional PalmOS Treos into a tiny, holdable package that's remarkably easy to use. With all the complaining about the PalmOS getting long in the tooth (myself among that throng), it's easy to forget: the PalmOS is both surprisingly powerful and easy to use.
When Palm recently revealed some sales data indicating that 75% of their buyers were new to the smartphone market, I fully believed it. If you've never owned a smartphone, the Centro is an easy decision to make. Without adding too much bulk or complexity to the device you carry in your pocket or purse, you can open yourself up to a new world of communication without needing to become a smartphone nerd like myself." Read in full.
[From Brian Hall] Greetings, Mark/Space is pleased to announce the availability of a Leopard-compatible update to SyncTogether.
SyncTogether 1.0.2 includes updates that improve the functionality of SyncTogether when used with Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard. Installation of this update is required to use SyncTogether with Leopard.
Customers will receive a message from the SyncTogether application notifying them of this update. A direct download of SyncTogether 1.0.2 is also available from our Product Updates web page.
Thank you for helping us send this news out to the world.
[From Hans] "Users of BMC's Service Desk Express application will soon be able to extend its features to an array of mobile devices, with new software from Aeroprise. With Aeroprise Mobility for BMC Service Desk Express, technical troubleshooters in the field will be able to directly access, update, manage and clear IT trouble tickets using a BlackBerry, Windows Mobile device or Palm Treo." Read in full on NetworkWorld.
[From Hannah at Proporta] The Pocketsurfer 2 is an ultra-thin portable device that fits easily into your pocket or bag and delivers the real web, just like at home or at work. Weighing in at only 174 grams, the Pocketsurfer 2 allows you to browse the web in its original layout on a 640x240 full colour widescreen display and boasts a mouse cursor and a full backlit QWERTY keyboard, making it the most usable hand-held web device around.
Proporta offer two types of case for this device; both continue the same level of style, protection and elegance that you’d expect from Proporta – it all comes down to your personal choice.
If you prefer a real leather case, you’ll struggle to find a smarter and more protective one than this… as with many cases, Proporta’s Alu-Leather Case (Datawind Pocketsurfer 2) is custom made. However, what sets it above the rest is that it also features a layer of rigid, yet lightweight aircraft grade aluminium which lines the leather and subtly protects your screen against crushing and impact shocks.
On the other hand, you may prefer our alternative to real leather – the Classic Case (Datawind Pocketsurfer 2). Again custom made to fit the exact specifications of your device, this case is easy on the wallet and provides the same stylish protection as that of a leather case. So, it seems, there’s an option for everyone (even the cows). :0)
P.S. Protect your precious device’s screen with the Universal Screen Overlay – cut it to size and it’ll keep all the scratches, dirt and dust at bay.
[From Hans] In the New York Times, David Barboza writes about the iPhone grey market, Factories here churn out iPhones that are exported to the United States and Europe. Then thousands of them are smuggled right back into China. The strange journey of Apple’s popular iPhone, to nearly every corner of the world, shows what happens when the world’s hottest consumer product defies a company’s attempt to slowly introduce it in new markets.
The iPhone has been swept up in a frenzy of global smuggling and word-of-mouth marketing that leads friends to ask friends, “While you’re in the U.S., would you mind picking up an iPhone for me?”
These unofficial distribution networks help explain a mystery that analysts who follow Apple have been pondering: why is there a large gap between the number of iPhones that Apple says it sold last year, about 3.7 million, and the 2.3 million that are actually registered on the networks of its wireless partners in the United States and Europe?" Read in full via the New York Times. [registration may be required]
[From Adrian Stevens] Implicit Software Solutions Inc., a software development company, meets its development schedule and announces the release of iSS Essentials. The iSS Essentials product suite is a powerful collection of applications that enhances productivity on all current Windows Mobile devices.
"By giving users more control and flexibility of their files and applications, iSS Essentials allows users work on their windows mobile phones just as they would on a desktop PC," said Adrian Stevens, Director of Implicit Software Solutions Inc. "All of the applications in Essentials have a familiar look and feel, making users instantly comfortable with the software."
Implicit Software Solutions Inc. listened to the demands of mobile customers when creating iSS Essentials. It allows users to browse and manage files with the same level of control as a PC. This includes a powerful search tool to locate files anywhere on the device or storage card, a Recycle Bin to recover deleted files, and detailed file information to aid in tracking changes. It also enables customers to access files and folders on networked computers. It contains an upgraded calculator with scientific functions, an upgraded battery meter, tools to manage and edit system settings, and a versatile text file editor. iSS Essentials gives greater control over installed applications, with the ability to quickly list, activate and close running applications and processes. A performance monitor is also included to track memory and CPU usage.
Mobile computing isn't always about working, so iSS added a popular solitaire card game, Freecell, and mobile version of the well known strategy game, Mine Sweeper.
http://www.implicitsoftware.com/mobile_essentials.html
[From Eric Mann] After 7 successful years in the market VITO Technology has so far released over 40 programs for Windows Mobile Pocket PC, Smartphone, and Symbian phones. The range of programs stretches from GPS navigation to multimedia, including communication and utilities.
Practically all VITO software titles - VITO AudioNotes, VITO SoundExplorer, VITO Voice2Go to name just a few - have become winners of the annual Best Software Awards held by Smartphone & Pocket PC Magazine. You can find all these prize winning best sellers at www.vitotechnology.com and www.iwindowsmobile.com AVAILABLE JUST FOR $7* FOR 7 days. We celebrate our birthday by offering you the best of the breed mobile software for Windows Mobile Pocket PC and Smartphone that give you truly boundless opportunities with your mobile device.
You can use VITO Technology software for GPS navigation, for voice dialing, for controlling your device with voice, for audio playback and recording, for remote controlling, for creating ringtones, for various sports activities, for star gazing, not enough? The brand-new sparkling software at iwindowsmobile.com allows you to control your device just with fingers: scroll list of contacts in FunContact like on iPhone, indulge yourself in threaded SMS messaging with SMS-Chat, type with fingers on ZoomBoard, launch and manage tasks with finger-friendly GoodWin, and even more...!
Make sure you get your slice of VITO's 7th Birthday Cake - $7* for 7 days only at www.iwindowsmobile.com and www.vitotechnology.com!
[From David Ross (Fife Scotland)] Well this is what occupied me last night. I had got a 71 from a friend that
was non functioning with a view to replacing its screen with the TEs and
getting one device from 2.
I found instructions for the taking apart of the 71.
I got the Zire taken apart first and before doing the E I connected
motherboard screen and battery together and the 71 worked. The screen had
full function with no dead bits at all. I decided just to put it back
together and during this found at points the screen stopped working and
tapping it had no response. On taking it apart I found that the black
rubber around the inside of the front casing had kinks in it. I had noticed
this on disassembly but thought that's how it should be. So I sorted that
by peeling back and repositioning it a bit and smoothing it out. I
re-reasembled and had a fully functional Zire 71 on my hands.
This meant if the E didn't repair I had a Palm for or middle boy. During this time I had the E on charge and Debs happened to have a wee look at it. I had done the 71 so now tried to switch on a Tungsten E that appear to have a knackered power button but wouldn't stay on at all. I pressed the first hard button and the damn thing went on and stayed on. I played about a bit letting it go of automatically and switching it on for a while and all was ok. I don't know if I had just cleaned out anything the last time I had it apart or if the total discharge it got when it was abandoned and recharge has cleared a battery monitor or similar but it now works. I will keep an eye on it over the next few days and see how it goes.
So I failed really instead of getting one Palm from two. I got two from two.
[From .Rui de Castro] Everyone talks about how great the Iphone browser is... don't get me
wrong, it is really great. But there's one problem: if your on the
road or somewhere without WIFI and you can only use or GSM radio (or
any other mobile radio), not in every country you get unlimited or a
very high limit (5 Gb) per month. For people in countries still on
'GPR' pay per byte or on flat rates of 7.5 euros for just 100 Mb per
month, yes 100 Mb. So you see the Iphone browser is not that good for
everyone. The beautiful images, style sheets, pure Html is to
expensive, to many bytes. We still need Opera Mini or Google's proxy
translator that compresses web pages. I personally have to turn off
images because I surf very frequently and with images turn on I get
very close to the 100 Mb limit and plus its much faster. The Treo six
fifty isn't 3g, oh the Iphone isn't either.
[From David at MobilityToday] David at MobilityToday dropped us a quick note to say that he has just posted a video review of the new Palm Centro by AT&T released today. Check it out and make sure you visit MobilityToday for all the deets.
[From Kevin Doel] PhatWare Corporation, a leading provider of software products and professional services for mobile and desktop computers, announces the release of a new version of its PhatNotes notes organizer for Windows Mobile devices. A key new feature added to PhatNotes 5.2 is the ability to configure the software's "context analyzer" directly on the mobile device - enabling users to adjust their settings while on-the-go. The Context Analyzer feature allows users to access websites, send emails, make phone calls, or even open files or execute applications just by tapping on words that are recognized as website URLs, email addresses, phone numbers, or a custom command.
Until now, the ability to configure the software to recognize websites, email addresses, phone numbers and custom commands and convert them into active links has been limited to PhatNotes' desktop software. This version brings this functionality to the mobile devices. Other new features in PhatNotes 5.2 include support for Windows Vista Service Pack 1 and Windows Mobile 6.1, a new desktop UI theme, support for regular expression when searching or filtering notes by text on the Smartphone, and improved usability and performance.
PhatNotes was recently named, for the seventh straight year, as Smartphone & Pocket PC Magazine's "Best of Category" honors in the "Utilities-Notes" category. Smartphone & Pocket PC Magazine Best Software Awards competition is recognized as the top awards program for mobile software products, with dozens of expert judges involved in evaluating hundreds of entries.
PhatNotes Pricing and Availability
PhatNotes 5.2 is available now at the list price of $39.95. A free 30-day trial version of PhatNotes 5.2 can be downloaded from the PhatWare web site at http://www.phatware.com. PhatNotes 5.2 is a free upgrade for all registered uses of PhatNotes 5.X. All other registered users of previous versions of PhatNotes can purchase the latest version for a special upgrade price of $24.95.
http://www.phatware.com/phatnotes/index.html
AT&T AND PALM INTRODUCE CENTRO FOR $99.99 
[From Palm PR] In an answer to the growing demand for crossover devices, AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) and Palm Inc. (Nasdaq: PALM) today announced the availability of the Palm® Centro™ from AT&T. Centro is designed for the expanding base of customers who want a better way to manage their busy lives. The device is available for just $99.99.1
Centro offers customers more choices to stay in touch with friends, family and co-workers by using voice, text messaging, instant messaging, e-mail or the Web.2 Featuring a color touch-screen and full QWERTY keyboard, Centro is the first Palm OS® product to launch with AT&T services, such as XM Radio Mobile, Push to Talk and MusicID.3
Centro is the smallest and lightest Palm product to date and works with the nation’s largest digital voice and data network. Initially, the Palm Centro from AT&T is available in new “glacier white” with green keypad accents, and, in approximately one month, AT&T will debut a second color — “obsidian black.”
“The demand for crossover devices is skyrocketing, and the Centro hits a sweet spot for many customers looking for a QWERTY device with a solid suite of messaging and multimedia features,” said Michael Woodward, vice president, Business Mobility Products for AT&T’s wireless unit. “At a great price that can be coupled with a variety of AT&T’s messaging and data options, we are thrilled to offer Centro to our 70.1 million customers.”
“Centro offers a simple way for customers to stay connected to the people who are important to them while better managing their increasingly hectic lifestyles, all at the price of a traditional mobile phone,” said Brodie Keast, senior vice president of Marketing for Palm, Inc.
Superior Phone
Centro's touch-screen and keyboard, combined with the simplicity of Palm OS, make it easy to use with key features such as one-touch speakerphone, conference calling, ignore a call with text messaging and Bluetooth® connectivity.
Easy Text Messaging
Centro’s text-messaging application displays text and multimedia messages in Palm’s chat-style view, just like PC-based instant messaging, so Centro users can see the entire conversation unfold. Palm is bringing this easy-to-use text messaging capability, which many Treo™ users have enjoyed for years, to Centro.
Instant Messaging
With the built-in IM application, customers can message with select contacts from their choice of AIM, Windows Live™ Messenger and Yahoo! ® Messenger instant messaging services.
E-Mail Options
Centro makes e-mail easy with Xpress Mail, Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync, and Good Mobile Messaging. Using Xpress Mail, users can easily set up and access personal e-mail from Gmail, AOL, Yahoo!, Windows Live and other popular Internet service providers.3 Xpress Mail also provides access to Lotus® Notes®. Via Exchange ActiveSync, receiving Microsoft Outlook
e-mail while on the go, as well as syncing Outlook contacts and calendar appointments, can be done right after the phone comes out of the box.4 Good Mobile Messaging is also supported on Centro and is downloadable over the air from get.good.com.
Music Options
The AT&T Mobile Music platform includes the ability to sideload music with Napster and eMusic with built-in Pocket Tunes Deluxe, listen to live radio with XM Radio Mobile, discover new songs with MusicID and more. Centro from AT&T is the first Palm smart device to offer XM Radio Mobile. For $8.99 a month, XM Radio Mobile gives AT&T consumers 25 of the best XM Radio channels, featuring commercial-free rock, hip-hop, country, jazz and more. A free
three-day trial is included with Centro.
With a database of more than 3 million artists and titles, Centro customers can use MusicID to identify an unknown song. While holding Centro up to a speaker, the MusicID application returns song information such as title, artist and cover art, if available. It also keeps track of previous IDs and allows users to share song information with friends via text messages, all for $3.99 a month. A free three-day trial is included with Centro.
Contacts and Calendar
Since Centro comes with the Palm OS, it offers all of the great organizer functionality for which Palm is renowned, such as a detailed and integrated contacts list. Also, the simple and handy calendar makes it easier to manage increasingly busy lives.
Other AT&T Services for Centro
Push to Talk — Centro users can instantly talk across the largest Push to Talk network coverage area in America. Push to Talk works like a walkie-talkie to talk to an individual or a group of up to 29 users. With status icons that clearly indicate the availability of friends and family, Push to Talk customers will know who is free before they call. Users can purchase unlimited Push to Talk minutes with Nation Plans for $9.99 a month for each line and with FamilyTalk for $19.99 a month for each group (two to five lines). Customers also can use Push to Talk on a pay-per-use basis for $0.15 a minute.5
TeleNav GPS Navigator — With an optional stand-alone GPS receiver accessory, TeleNav GPS Navigator gives Centro users access to maps and more than 10 million points of interest, as well as turn-by-turn voice and on-screen driving directions.6 Unlimited access to Navigator costs $9.99 a month.
MobiTV — With MobiTV, Centro users can watch live television, premium and prime-time programming, video-on-demand clips and satellite and digital music services from the top broadcast and cable television networks and major music labels for $9.99 a month.
EDGE Network
The Palm Centro from AT&T operates on AT&T’s EDGE network, part of the GSM family of technologies. Used by more than 86 percent of the world’s wireless subscribers — 2.7 billion people7 — GSM is the world's most popular wireless phone technology, allowing unparalleled global roaming capabilities. AT&T customers with quad-band devices such as Centro can place calls in more than 195 countries and access data in more than 140.
AT&T’s EDGE network8 is the largest national high speed wireless data network in the United States, with availability in more than 13,000 cities and towns and along some 40,000 miles of major highways. EDGE supports a wide range of data services, including streaming music, picture and video messaging, Internet access with the Blazer Web browser, instant messaging, Push to Talk and e-mail.
Pricing and Availability
The Palm Centro from AT&T is available at all AT&T retail stores and online at www.att.com and www.palm.com/centro for $99.99 after a two-year service agreement and a mail-in rebate. Unlimited e-mail and data access is available for $30 a month with AT&T’s PDA Personal data package with a corresponding voice plan. Messaging packages are available beginning at $5 for 200 text, picture, video or instant messages. Unlimited messaging is available for $20 for individual plans and $30 for FamilyTalk plans. For the complete array of AT&T offerings, visit www.att.com.
1 The Palm Centro from AT&T is available for $99.99 after a two-year service agreement and a mail-in rebate.
2 Applies within wireless coverage area only. Additional charges may apply.
3 Applies within wireless data coverage area only. E-mail and Web require data services from AT&T at additional cost. VPN may also be required at additional cost. Additional fees may be required for some services.
4 Requires Exchange Server 2003 with Service Pack 2 or Exchange Server 2007 and access enabled by IT administrator.
5 Applies within wireless coverage area only. Additional charges may apply. User’s contacts must also be subscribers to the AT&T Push to Talk wireless service.
6 TeleNav GPS Navigator requires a subscription and a Bluetooth GPS receiver, sold separately. TeleNav may not be available for certain areas.
7 Q3 2007 Global GSM Updates, 3GAmericas, http://3gamericas.org/English/Statistics/
8 Not available in all areas.
Note: This AT&T release and other news announcements are available as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss.
More information on Centro is available at www.palm.com/centro.
[From Chandana Kulatunga, Colombo, Sri Lanka] This is a wonderful new addition to my Treo collection which I've found recently. I would say a must if you use specially a Treo 680.
Made by the same famous Butler developer, PowerHero is a one of its kind software that was initially made to addresses the Treo 680's quick power drain problem. And it shows that it can really do it well.
Key features include these
1. All in one Treo power saving options in one place
2. Easy Scheduling of Phone On/ Off, Screen brightness control
3. Device state toggling
4. Screen brightness control
5. Network outage checking
I personally love this software because its ability to shuffle/ toggle all communication methods in one place. You got the radio, bluetooth, network , IR and even keyboard control as simple as easy to click buttons. So in a whisk you can change them.
Then comes the simple but very powerful scheduling feature to addresses all the very complicated problem of managing all the above systems in a timely manner. As a matter of fact to me this is the most desired feature of all. You can have easy on/ off all comm systems at a pre-given time in a daily/ weekly manner. More over you can set the screen brightness to your desired level without you ever bothering it again. Say I like very dim less than 5% screen brightness when I use my Treo in bed time so now with an easy schedule I can set this once and then forget forever. Now whenever I switch Treo on at that particular time, Bingo! my Treo brightness is already showing me my desired screen brightness.
Then you get most advanced features like network off if no signal for a period of time and auto bluetooth features in a little burried screen.
What I see is that PowerHere addresses some basics features which all our Treos should have had by
default. Enjoy!
http://www.hobbyistsoftware.com/power-hero-more.php
[From Eric Mann] Look for an update to BEIKS TrueVoice Talking English Dictionary Pro for Palm OS. "What can be better than hearing the native word pronunciation when learning a new language?
The BEIKS TrueVoice English dictionary delivers just that!
Based on the BEIKS English Dictionary Pro for Palm OS and adding native audio pronunciations for over 27,000 words, the TrueVoice English Dictionary Pro is an essential learning aid to ever English language student.
Download and try the fully-functional trial now at no cost!
Warning: Even despite the high audio compression, the voice database file used in this application is HUGE.
It can only be installed on a Palm device with external media card with over 80 MB of free space on it!" Make the jump to Beiks.
Yesterday I found myself using a Treo 650 for the first time in a long time because I am testing and trying a number of programs for the Palm OS and it was a refreshing change from the iPhone. It's easy to forget that the Palm OS just does what you want it to do, pretty much instantly. There were no crashes, browsing the internet doesn't have the same appeal as say using it on something like the iPhone but it got the job done. Chattermail to retrieve my email was easy and fast and I used instant messaging program Toccer to talk to my my buddies and stay in touch with the office.
I also like the form factor of the Treo, it's not too small, you know it's there and I like the antenna because when it is in my pocket I can just go in and grab it. I also used my Enfora Wifi Sled to check out some You Tube video's with a little help from Kinoma and listened to some online radio streaming with Pocket Tunes, both programs work well with the wifi sled. It was nice to play Astraware's Bejeweled 2 on the device and the call quality was also very good. Using my Treo 650 was a nice relief to the point that I am typing this editorial on the device. I half expected when I woke up this morning to be returning my SIM card to the iPhone but no I am using it on my Treo 650 and whilst I am sure that returning to the 650 will not be permanent it does make a nice refreshing change, nothing crashes [touch wood not so far] and when I want something doing, yep it just does it. Of course Palm OS has some limitations but it's nice to use something that I relied upon for a while, it's like a friend that has not gone away, oh and the battery life on the 650 is still as good as it always has been. More thoughts on me using the Treo 650 a little later, in the meantime I hope that you are having a great Tuesday. [moblogging from my local Starbucks using a Treo 650]
[From Hans] Interesting editorial coming out of the Windows Mobile Blog today and they are asking what are some ways the Zune player and a Windows Mobile device can work better together? "What are some ways the Zune player and a Windows Mobile device can work better together? I'm not referring to an imaginary "Zune phone", and I'm certainly not hinting or speculating about a converged device.
Instead, I'm wondering if there are any opportunities for us to improve the experience for people who use both devices (a Zune and a Windows Mobile phone). For example, viewing your Zune Social network in IEMobile, converting a Zune playlist into .WMA ringtones, converting Zune's artwork to Windows Mobile themes, showing your Windows Mobile contacts as pictures in Zune etc.
If you can think of similar interesting or compelling scenarios, we'd love to hear them." The Windows Mobile Blog for the deets.
PalmAddict Official Podcast 103 
[From Tyler Faux] The PalmAddict Podcast 103 (18 February 2008) Show Notes:
[MP3] Download Palm Addict in the usual mp3 format or just listen through streaming normal.
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[SUBSCRIBE:] Remember you can subscribe via i-Tunes and never miss an episode.
[From golinharris.com] Orange today announced the launch of the HTC Shift. Exclusive to Orange, the Shift packs the punch of a laptop in a smaller, lighter form factor, with full mobile data connectivity. It perfectly blends style with functionality, boasting a seven inch touch screen that smoothly slides and tilts to the perfect viewing angle, as well as a full QWERTY keyboard.
The always-on “mob-top” is the perfect accessory for those that want to both work and play. Users can easily switch between Microsoft Windows Mobile and the fuller Microsoft Windows Vista mode, at the touch of a button. Customers can always be contactable thanks to a long battery life and innovative technology which enables users to preview their text messages, emails, calendar and contacts as well as providing alerts and reminders when new items arrive – even if the Shift is not switched on.
Supporting both 3G/3G+ and Wi-Fi connectivity, a first for any Ultra Mobile PC, the Shift can seamlessly move between networks, ensuring customers can access internet and emails whether at home, in work or out and about.
Customers who are constantly on the move can maximise their time as the Shift comes pre-loaded with Microsoft Office in Vista mode enabling users to download, view and edit their Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint documents.
The Shift comes with a massive 30GB hard-drive, so that as well as being able to surf the web, customers can store all their photos, music and videos to help pass the time away from work.
For extra security the Shift has a built-in fingerprint sensor, meaning that your contacts, content and emails are kept safe.
Nick Horton, Head of Business Devices, Orange UK, said: “The HTC Shift is the first device of its kind, and Orange is the first UK operator to offer it to customers. It perfectly balances both personal and business needs, and it looks fantastic! The Shift’s highly portable design and ability to connect via both Wi-Fi and the Orange mobile network, means customers don’t need to be in the office to keep up to date with their work.”
Other key features of the Shift include:
§ Connectivity to Orange 3G/3G+
§ Full Windows Vista experience
§ Instant e-mails with Microsoft® Direct Push technology
§ Bluetooth® 2.0 and Wi-Fi®
§ USB 2.0 connectivity
§ 207 mm (L) x 129 mm (W) x 25 mm (T)
The HTC Shift will be available to buy online at Orange.co.uk, and in selected Orange retail stores throughout the UK from the end of February. The Shift will be priced at £999 with a data tariff.
[From Hans] It seems that the AT&T Centro is official on the AT&T website according to Hans and is available for $99. The specs and page after the jump.
[From Yvonne Hughes, Irvington, NJ] I am currently using my TX to keep track of my all my daily needs. I
left home without my TX and was lost for the day. I know it is not a
great idea to put all your eggs in one basket, but that is what my TX
is for. I use it to keep track of my passwords, bank accounts and
personal information. I find it difficult to make doctor's appointments
when I am without my TX. The Agendus calendar is awesome for keeping
track of my open/free time. It has also kept me from missing important
deadlines for my daughters school.
[From Zumobi] We hinted about some upcoming improvements and we’re really psyched to announce a new version is ready for you to enjoy! The best part? A lot of the improvements are directly related to your feedback. So what are you waiting for? Even if you have an earlier version of Zumobi on your phone, download the newest file here via your PC or your device!
You also told us that having a WAP site for downloading was important to you so we’re pleased to have that ability now. Check out get.Zumobi.com on your phone! Here’s a few additional improvements we hope you’ll like:
Smaller installation file
Significant Performance improvements – Let us know what you think
First time sync within 5 minutes of first run
Ability to "exit" Zumobi from within the application
Improvements to placing new Tiles in your zoom space from the Gallery
Single installation file for both PocketPC and Smartphone
Some say blackberry some say treo. I say treo for a couple of reasons. The first is the touch screen. At times I like to take control of a web page and scroll faster or shorter as I drag the screen around. With the track ball on the blackberries you have to scroll your way to the top or scroll your way to the bottom. I can tell you how back it looks when you’re sitting there scrolling through dozens of emails or txt. Also annoying if you ask me. Something about that little ball just irritates my ears. So I use a treo because I like to take control of things, especially my web pages.
[From Josh] I woke up this morning at 545 am. Took my brother inlaws dog and myself for a run. I used ptunes and my Moto S9 headphones. After my 15min run. I get home and start preping for work. I synced my Centro with my calendar, updated my podcasts and I am on my way to work. Battery life is great, so far by 1050am my battery is down to 8% way better than my 680 and the battery isn't even broken in yet.
[From Vishal Varshney] Lately, my Tungsten C has been a little sick; upon replacing the
battery, I discovered the WiFi wasn't working! Having gone into the
device numerous times to see why the WiFi radio isn't responding, I
have come to no conclusions, and thus, it is time for me to search
for a new device. On my eye has been the Treo 680. Sure, it doesn't
have WiFi, and sure, I already have a cell phone. But what I miss
from my Tungsten E2 is bluetooth syncing, and the 680 has that; in
fact, I plan on using every feature of the 680 except for the phone!
Why? I need a Palm OS device with a built in keyboard, but no phone.
That's all; and the Treo fits the bill. Now, it's just a matter of
finding an unlocked Treo for a reasonable price! In Canada, cell
phone providers gouge users out of the eyes to pay for cellular
services and unlocked phones. I'm hoping to get one cheap(ish) and
start using it; I don't know how long I can go on with the Tungsten C!
[From Greg Chamberlin, Edmond, Oklahoma] I read with interest Rich Kendrick's and Ken Dunstone's posts about the possibility of accessing their desktop computer remotely using a mobile device. One solution I wanted to remind Windows users of is Avvenu, a free client that is installed on the desktop machine. While it does not let you control your desktop machine, you can access the files on the computer remotely from another computer through a web browser, including the browsers found on connected PDAs and Smartphones.
Avvenu has saved me more than a couple of times. I have tried to move more and more into a "paperless" environment, with my paper documents being scanned into PDF files. With my Treo, I can connect to any one of three PCs I have Avvenu running on, browse or search the drives using Google Desktop Search and then download or share the document files.
Recently, I was stuck in an extended wait at a doctor's office. I knew my wife wanted me to stop at the store and pick up what was needed for a dinner party we had planned, but I did not have her grocery list with me. Instead, I used my Treo to connect to my PC, did a search for the recipes we were using, downloaded them and viewed them in Docs to Go and then put together a shopping list for the store.
I have also used Avvenu to retrieve and share documents with clients or partners who have called looking for a report while I was out of the office. This has let me be productive and responsive without being stuck in the office.
Avvenu with a connected PDA really gives you an extension of your desktop. - Not an employee of Avvenu, just a very satisfied user.
[From Frank H. Tano
Spokane, WA] Even after being told so many times, "Backup you
data", most people still don't do it. When I worked
in a computer store, no one that came to the service
center ever had a backup of their data. I think as
this trend towards mobile computing continues and our
devices get smaller and small to the point of being
easily misplaced, dropped and broken, or sent through
the wash, folks will start backing up. Actually,
that's one of the advantages of these mobile devices,
the syncing software. No one really thinks much about
it really. You link up, sync and you're off. No real
thought to it. One doesn't even realize how great of
a feature it is until that one day when you have to do
a hard reset or your device is just, well suffering
the stuff of nightmares. Then, as if the clouds
parted and rays of holiness shine through, there is
your back up sitting on your hard drive. Now, let's
talk about backing that up, shall we?
[From Freda in San Francisco] Happy Monday All. It's been a family kinda of weekend for me. We had a gathering with cousins yesterday. I am very, very challenged with directions. I'm the type that has to turn a map around towards the direction of my travel before I can grasp the route in my head. No, I don't have a GPS unit, but if I traveled more extensively to non-familiar locations, I would definitely get one. As a stop gap measure that works for me, I have directions to my less frequently traveled spots and new routes included in my TX as a note under the Contact. It is simple, but it works for me and keeps me from getting lost.
[From Giancarlo Vettor] In a world where information is at hand, and with mobile devices helping the user`s to have it "at hand" everywhere, it`s not hard to fall in love with wi-fi. I use my life drive everyday when at home if i need to check the job`s e mail. But that can`t happen when i am not home or at the office because there is no wi fi card on it. It just works fine where it knows the webs i log in to. But can`t be able to connect if not home or office. I am a pharmacist, and i work in a wharehouse where i run the permissions and quality control issues, for me, mobile devices help me in being in touch a lot, but, if i can have internet everywhere it would be 1000 times easier.
[From Amin Hafez, Montreal, Canada] I have been an avid user of all things technological for more than I
can remember now. It all started when my father gave me a small Casio
digital organizer back I think in 1991. Things were simpler back then.
All I wanted was a fancy electronic device that would hold my limited
contacts and... well that's it. I then got the first Palm Pilot which
was a technological breakthrough in its simplicity and unlimited
customization. The Pilot was so fun to use and I still remember
spending hours playing the simple games that were developed for the
Palm (can you imagine how happy I was when I installed Dopewars? That
is still one of my favorite games by the way).
Life started getting more complicated (and interesting) when Psion
introduced their handhelds, but even then I remember thinking ahead of
my time when I was yearning for a converged device. I still remember
holding the Psion to my ear trying to imagine how it would feel to put
a huge PDA up to my ear. I was ecstatic when I saw that Nokia
introduced their first Communicator device. That was the first
milestone in technology back then and then Handspring came up with
what was to be the future Treo devices.
Even though I'm only 32 years I sometimes feel like a relic compared to the new technologies introduced now. Don't get me wrong I'm still an avid follower of all things technological but have concentrated my efforts on converged devices (why buy the latest GPS standalone when you can get the latest smartphone that does much much more?) I have made it a hobby to try all the devices that I think introduce something new to the market. I started with the first Nokia Communicators to all the Treo range (Palm & WM) several S60 Symbian devices, many HTC's, i-mates, of course the iPhone and the Blackberry. What have I learned through all these years? the most important is that don't do what I do! Don't change devices every chance you get or you will never enjoy them. I still remember the devices I enjoyed most not because they were the best, but because I took the time to use them, thoroughly, rough them up, add and remove lots of software and generally not exchanging them for at least a year. Do you people remember the Nokia 6310i? That was my first favorite device, and maybe the last whole device Nokia ever made. My next favorite was the Sony- Ericsson P900, which I also used for a year. Then the Treo 650. The 650 was the last device that I REALLY used. After that I found myself stuck in a technological limbo, always changing smartphones but never really ENJOYING any of them due to the fact that I never took the time to get to know them. All I became interested in was trying out the new features then boxing them again and sending them off to ebay. If it wasn't the keyboard it was the GPS or the WiFi. Should I go with the Qwerty Treo or the Touch Dual with the slick new keypad.
I got to a point where I'm yearning to find the ultimate smartphone. Maybe I should go back to basics. A Palm Centro for instance does everything I want to do sans GPS... here I go again, looking to change my phone...
I was trying out Chatteremail on a Treo 650 a day or so ago and I have to say even though this is the first time that I have used such a program it is actually very good. I was amazed at how fast it downloaded my Gmail and it was good to see that I had full IMAP control. I also rate this better than Palm's Versamail, and it was easy to learn. Configuring my email account was simple, I have to say that I recommend Chatteremail very much. Try it out and take the free trial for a spin.
I am ending the MacBook Air Giveaway this week so you need to get your user thoughts if you wish to be entered 
I am going to end my MacBook Air Giveaway this week so if you want a chance at getting your hands on it then you need to get me your user thoughts into me as soon as possible. As usual the guidelines are pretty much the same as usual and you can find them in the post at the top of the page or here.
[From Stan
Cleveland, OH] Hi Sammy,
As always, you are doing a great job of keeping the Palm spirit alive! Palm Addicts is my main source of information and discussion on all things Palm related.
I recently received a Blackberry 8700c from work and while I've heard quite a bit about Blackberry devices and know many people who swear by them, I have not used one up until this point. I debated if I should ditch my Treo 650 and use the 8700c exclusively as I do not want to have to tote two phones around with me. After using the 8700c for several months now and running it through the paces, I have found that I could not replace my Treo with it. While it seems like a decent enough device, and the reviews seem to be mostly positive, I am too attached to my Treo to kick to the curb.
[From Judy B. - Ohio] I recently discovered CaSTaway, an Atari ST emulator for a number of
mobile systems. It works from the LifeDrive partition, and seems to
need 32MB free. I've had a little trouble with mouse control on a
few games, but for the most part, it works well. It's one thing to
be able to sit and play a game on my Palm while I'm waiting at the
dentist. It's another thing to be able to draw from a giant pool of
games I've bought over the years. Frontier Elite II, anyone?
Now to get PalmDOSBox to work on my LifeDrive...
Palm Sand from Pocketgear. "Palm Sand is not a classic and extremely popular game but you will really enjoy it. If you are bored from standard games take this one immediately. It will bring sand from beaches of Havai into your palm and you can play with it. You can get fun with it any time any where."
The Time Machine from ereader. "But it was the lawn. For the white leprous face of the sphinx was towards it. Can you imagine what I felt as this conviction came home to me? But you cannot. The Time Machine was gone!
"At once, like a lash across the face, came the possibility of losing my own age, of being left helpless in this strange new world. The bare thought of it was an actual physical sensation. I could feel it grip me at the throat and stop my breathing. In another moment I was in a passion of fear and running with great leaping strides down the slope."
Braless in Wonderland from ereader. "Allee Rosen is a lot of things: high school senior, overachiever, brain. The one thing Allee is not is supermodel material—at least that’s what she thinks until modeling scouts spot her and she moves to Miami to work with an elite modeling agency. Suddenly Allee is swept up?p in a whirlwind of designer labels, photo shoots, go–sees and some seriously backstabbing models. Will this fabulous new life go to her head? New author Debbie Reed Fischer offers readers a fresh, fun, and honest peek into the crazy and glamorous world of professional modeling."
PocketChess (tm) Deluxe from Pocketgear. "Award-winning PocketChess(tm) Deluxe v. 2.5 offers customizable chess play to challenge and entertain new and returning players. Learn to play, improve your skill, or play against a friend.
PocketChess has received rave reviews
5 out of 5 ranking from Tucows.com
a Top Pick with a 9 out of 10 rating in Handheld Computing Magazine's latest issue 4.3
Selected as one of the 10 Best Games for Palm PDA by Forbes.com, Best of the Web, Feb. 2001
Award-winning PocketChess Deluxe has everything to challenge and entertain new and returning players. Easily customize your difficulty-level, personalize your game play, create color schemes, and more. PocketChess has robust skill-building features including chess problems, a 3000+ game library of the Grand Masters, undo moves and hints. With full PGN support, you can add new games and problems to your chess library in just a few quick steps. Plus, the included Desktop Companion allows you to categorize and organize your growing game library. Learn to play, improve your skill, or challenge a friend with this popular chess program for the Palm OS(r)."
MemMaid - All-new Update from Pocketgear. "The one stop program that can take care of your device's memory and keep it in top performance. MemMaid scans/cleans files and registry entries that consume your memory, leaving your Pocket PC's memory clean like never before. The only tool you will ever need to clean and manage your Pocket PC's memory."
