PalmAddicts

HanDBase 4 Review - The Best Database App

Hi, today I'm going to review HanDBase from DDh Software.

HanDase 4 is an app for creation a management of Databases you may say: I can do my databases on excel and manage them from Docs to Go, well that is an option but is not the best, what would you say if I tell you that HanDBase 4 is the most complete Database solution for a mobile device with customizable layout, full control of fields, Access conduit, Hi-Res support, own desktop application, plug-in explandable, capable of filter info, cascade popup list, password protected databeses,  alarm compatible and with thousand of free ready to use databases online...

Well HanDBase has all that and more, the app is so complete and a bit complex when you use it for the first time the are to many options but guess what in the DDH software website there are absolutly free how to videos so you expierence with HanDBase could be easier, this feature is awesome and a most do if you are using it for the firts time.

I have tried other Databases solutions like MobileDb and it work good but it fells short 'cause is not that customizable and its limits are obvious but with HanDBase the limits are not that obvious 'cause the app has a lot of options and possibilities for example if you play a little with HanDBase you can create a really custom from the eyecandy and the info avaible.

One of the coolest features is the possibility of customazing the display of every database wich offers the option of having your record in more than just a plain database because the app allows you to setup the fields, buttons or checkboxes whereever you want, for example you may have a database with multiple objects like movies and you want to add every single detail for each and after selecting a name and yar or what ever a new screen appears for deeper info like actors, format, rating so in the main databse screen you have a general data and you can go and check further if you like.

If you ask me the main feature of HanDBase is: powering the user by let him decide every single option of his database and it is cool, I know it is a bit more complex but the results are Awesome.

After using it for 2 weeks and comparing it with the competition I have to say that HanDBase is a lot more powerful and versatile the beginner user may encounter it a bit complex but after watching the videos problem solved! In the DDH Software website are more than 2 thousand ready to use databases and they are very very complete not only basic one but for example you should check the movie databaes to see what i'm talking about it is a very good example of the power of this app I'm impressed, the support for the app is great, now in the 4 version the user interface is better and a 100% compatible with my treo something i can't say about mobileDb wich causes me data trouble (and the desktop version is not that complete) The desktop app is a perfect extension for HanDBase 4 and you can import Access databases too if you are using, having your records organized is now easier and complete.

With HanDBase you can manage your data in a entry level with basic fields o like poweruser taking advantages of the power of the app it is your choice HanDBase is very flexible.

The HanDBAse can encript the data is you like so the data is secure and allows a lot of varaiety of fields.

You can get HanDBAse from $24.99 to $99.99 (enterprise) for a full featured and syncronizable solution (windows only) for mac you can only get standard and pro, a trial download it is avaible.

Check DDH Software Database website for full specs and capacities you'll be amazed.

HanDBase is the most complete database solution for a mobile device and with the plug ins (sold separatly) you can add the possibility of adding photos, capture barcodes etc., it is an amzing app I totally recommend it as you main databse solution, try it and you'll be pleased, a 10 out of 10!

Thanks to Kevin Doel !

The first handsfree mobile phone model

I couldn't help but to giggle & laugh when I saw the picture here, please forgive the grainy & blurry pic; I took it with my Treo 750v camera while I was reading a local mobile phones magazine. Judging from the phone model (with long antenna) this probably one of those first mobile phones by Ericsson. My guess is the man was trying to make this mobile phone as a handsfree model or maybe tried to innovate something new and easy to make, well it's kinda understandable considered there were no such thing as handsfree cable cord or even Bluetooth at that time... But you got to give this man a credit, he thought of what has become a standard thing for every mobile phone nowadays: handsfree. Either way, he might looked pretty cool to his office coworkers when a mobile phone was still scarce thing to have (LOL).

(blogged with my Treo 750v)

Research In Motion Dominating Corporate Smartphones According to Latest ChangeWave Survey

[From Hans] In a January survey of consumer smartphone users, ChangeWave reported that Research in Motion's (RIMM) BlackBerry was "continuing to take the smartphone market by storm."

Now the latest ChangeWave Research numbers are in on the corporate side of the smartphone ledger, and once again the clear momentum winner is RIM.

As part of a February 11-15 corporate IT spending survey, ChangeWave asked respondents involved with IT spending decisions in their organizations who the manufacturer was of the smartphones their company currently provides.

Nearly three-in-four respondents (73%) cited Research In Motion as the manufacturer of their company's smartphone.

While the RIM percentage is unchanged from the previous corporate smartphone survey in November 2007, Research in Motion's market dominance over arch rival Palm (PALM) has continued to expand.

As the chart here shows, the Treo maker came in at 18% - a 1-pt decline that represents just the latest hit in a gruesome year-long slide.

Customer Satisfaction

While Apple (AAPL) still has a relatively small share of the corporate smartphone market (5%), the company's iPhone continues to grab sky-high satisfaction ratings. Nearly three-in-five (59%) of Apple's business customers say their company is Very Satisfied with the Apple iPhone.

RIM Blackberry ranks second with a Very Satisfied rating of 47%, though the survey notes this represents an unusually large 8-pt decline from the previous measure.

Palm receives its lowest corporate satisfaction rating in a ChangeWave survey yet, with only 10% of corporate users saying their company is Very Satisfied with the Palm Treo.

Future Corporate Smartphone Buying

Looking ahead to the 2nd Quarter, RIM (77%) is the dominant leader in planned corporate buying of smartphones - having jumped 3-pts since the previous survey in November. Apple (11%) is second, down 3-pts from its previous high.

Palm (8%), Motorola (7%) and Samsung (4%) have each experienced a 2-pt decline in terms of planned corporate buying, with each company registering its lowest level of the past year.

"What we have here is a huge and still growing market share lead for Research in Motion that, for the moment, appears near invincible," said Tobin Smith, founder of ChangeWave Research and editor of ChangeWave Investing. "However, at the same time, we've picked up an unusual 8-point decline in the percentage of corporate customers who say they are Very Satisfied with their RIM Blackberry smartphones, which may mean there's a problem brewing for the Canadian manufacturer."
Read the Press Release.

iLounge gets the deets on the iPhone SDK

[From LeMarnick] Thanks to LeMarnick for the heads up and it seems that Jeremy Horwitz at iLounge has managed to get some details on the SDK for the iPhone including the fact that a incomplete beta will be available, Apple will choose which applications will be available, everything goes through iTunes and the fact that there will be no accessory connectivity. Read in full at iLounge.

Geodesic announces free beta version of Mundu Radio

[From Dyanna Dawson] Hi Sam, I wanted to let you know that Geodesic—the company that developed the award winning and popular Mundu IM with over 200,000 users —will be officially announcing a free beta version of its Mundu Radio product on March 10th.

Geodesic's Mundu Radio gives users access to over 60 commercial-free Internet Radio channels on their mobile phones to create their own unique listening experience. With Mundu Radio users can listen to exactly what they want to hear at any time and any place on their mobile phones. Users can create and edit playlists on the Web or directly on their phone and Mundu Radio works on all leading platforms – Symbian, Windows Mobile Smartphone, PocketPC, and Palm OS.

Mundu Radio gives mobile professionals access to a wide range of information and entertainment as they travel, just like Mundu IM keeps them connected to whoever they want, whenever they want, regardless of IM platform. They can listen to their favorite local team sportscasts from wherever they are – from either current home towns or previous ones. They can tune in to favorite news commentators from major markets around the country. They can enjoy the best Country and Western music from Nashville or tune in to down home jazz from Chicago.

With over half the existing web surfers on broadband, many experts are predicting a huge surge for Internet Radio. In fact, an informal poll of Silicon Valley computer industry professionals showed that over 80% preferred to listen to music on the Internet instead of local FM stations, despite the difference in sound quality, primarily because the greater selection in formats allowed them to listen to exactly what they wanted to hear at any particular time, and secondarily because they could, if they wanted, listen to stations in their previous hometowns.

Mundu Radio has achieved over 220,000 downloads since it was quietly introduced to its Mundu IM fans back in September 2006 and is the winner of the 2007 Webware 100 Awards by CNET in the Mobile category. In January 2008, Geodesic announced an agreement with ioWorld Media’s www.radioio.com, one of the world's largest Internet radio services, that allows Mundu Radio customers worldwide access to radioio Internet radio stations streaming live 24x7 music in all popular genres such as such as Pop, Rock, Jazz, Classical, Oldies, Instrumental, etc.

With this release we are officially opening the beta to the public.
http://radio.mundu.com/

Ringo for BlackBerry

[From Kevin Doel, TalonPR] Electric Pocket's Ringo ringtone manager for smartphones is now available for BlackBerry users. Ringo gives smartphone users an easy-to-use means for playing their own MP3 music as ringtones and message tones on their phone, as well as making personal and group call tones easy to set up and maintain. Ringo simplifies setting personal tones by letting users pick contacts from the BlackBerry Address Book then choose a unique phone, SMS message and email tones. Tones can be previewed before they are assigned, so the user can readily choose appropriate tones for their family, friends or business associates.

Beyond setting tones for individuals, Ringo also lets users select new tones for categories of contacts, a feature commonly referred to as Caller Groups. In this way, users can easily set different tones for personal and business contacts. Users can also set categories to Ignore, to make sure friends don't disturb meetings, or the business calls don't disrupt a family weekend. There is also a "Do Not Disturb" mode to automatically silence the phone overnight or through the weekend.

Ringo lets users set any MP3 or AAC music file as a ringtone, email tone or message tone, including any music stored on the device's memory card. Ringo users can also choose to download new tones directly to their BlackBerry, picking from a collection of 50 free MP3 ringtones.

Ringo is available from the Ringo web site at ringomo.com for US$19.95.

TreoCentral are offering 10% off everything in their accessories store

TreoCentral are offering 10% off everything in their accessories store. Just use the promo code LEAPDAYSALE to avail your discount. Make the jump.

MSN Direct for Windows Mobile Technology Preview

[From Eric Mann] the unwired has done a preview of the MSN Direct for Windows Mobile Technology Preview. "As expected, Microsoft introduced during the Mobile World Congress MSN Direct for Windows Mobile; which is designed to give you instant access to information such as weather, stocks, top news stories, entertainment news, sports news, business news and more. Yet available in a technology Beta, MSN Direct for Windows Mobile is available for Windows Mobile Standard smartphones only and pretty much U.S. centric, which makes sense since the original MSN Direct service never left North America but was always available for U.S. residents only. And because the news sources are there already and used for MSN Direct as well as MSN itself, the MSN Direct team decided to develop its own Windows Mobile client to give Windows Mobile users similar information as SPOT watch users get. Like on the SPOT watch, content is automatically pushed and updated to give you a fast overview about the latest news." Read in full.

Being the Geek that I am

[From Jim Baldwin Southfield, MI] Being the Geek that I am, I always carry a pair of earbuds in my pocket so I can "plug in" and "tune out" the world via my T3 or iRiver that hang of my belt. I have tried any number of cases, holders, and carriers over the years. They all do the job but all have been either uncomfortable to carry or didn't fully protect the buds. I was real pleased to read about the Silver/Orange SendStation earBuddy today. It looks to be the earbud solution I have been looking for. Thanks to PalmAddict I ordered one on the spot. Keep up the Great Work! You can read Lindsey's original post here.

FlashNote gets an update

[From Eric Mann] Eric also points us in the direction of FlashNote which looks handy. FlashNote is a handy enhancement for the built-in MemoPad application, and a convenient handwriting note-taking tool, plus more advanced features! Ability to run on top of other programs! Take notes Quickly & Easily! Save your time! It has also been updated and adds a new feature for scribbling notes! Now you may easily and quickly scribble notes in your handwriting with FlashNote. Along with other miscellaneous improvements and minor updates.

Métro has been updated to version 5.6.5

[From Eric Mann] Métro latest release is version 5.6.5 and now includes minor changes (english & italian translations) plus the addition of new cities including Erfurt (Germany), Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) and changes to Düsseldorf, London, Los Angeles, Považská Bystrica, Amsterdam, Berlin, Kyoto, Lisbon, Madrid, Melbourne, New York, Strasbourg, Toulouse.

Final goodbye for early web icon Netscape

[From Hans] Goodbye Netscape Navigator as the BBC reports, personally my first days on the internet seen me use Netscape as my primary web browser although I have not used it in some time. "A web browser that gave many people their first experience of the web is about to disappear. Netscape Navigator, now owned by AOL, will no longer be supported after 1 March 2008, the company has said. In the mid-1990s, as the commercial web began to take off, the browser was used by more than 90% of people online. Its market share has since slipped to just 0.6% as other browsers such as Microsoft' Internet Explorer (IE) and Firefox have eroded its user base. The company recommends that users upgrade their browser to either Firefox or Flock, which are both built on the same underlying technologies as Navigator." Read in full.

Astraware Suduko and Treo 600

[From David Ross (Fife Scotland)] Debs has being playing this a lot recently. When we had ths DS from Kirsty when Tegan was in bed Debbie would try this as part of the Brain Trainer fame. So last night I downloaded the additional level packs 1-5 for easy, medium and tricky to give her additional games look on www.astraware.com. There are another 5 packs for these levels and also harder levels. This game allows you to create your own games as well so we shouldn't run out for a while. Last night I said to her that since Orange gives 1 meg of data along with the text top up reward of 300 texts for a tenner top up she should use the data. Astraware have a game of the day feature and that's what she should use the 1 meg for and download the daily game. She's really loving having a converged device. Tegan mentioned about a few things that are on her T but was told by mum that she will master how the 600 is just now before adding more to it.

Some of the ways I use my Samsung Blackjack II

I show you, in this videocast some of the ways I use my Samsung Blackjack II. I have recorded this video using my Treo 750.

eReader discount for the weekend

[From eReader] eReader promo for the weekend, "Punch in this week's Promo Code ERFB26 to receive a 10% discount off any eligible book that you purchase. Offer good through March 4, 2008 on all books priced more than $3.00. This discount cannot be used with any other special offers." Make the jump to eReader

iCharge your iPhone and iTouch

[From Kerri Chard] Introducing the new FreeLoader 8.0, lean, 'green' portable charging machine - free, continuous power for all the latest mobile gadgets. The new FreeLoader 8.0 Portable Solar Charger by Solar Technology is a smart looking, versatile device that charges a multitude of the latest mobile gadgets for free using Solar Energy. The FreeLoader 8.0 can charge devices such as; digital cameras, iPods, PDAs, PSPs and mobile phones, and even supports a direct connection to two of the most recent mobile gadgets available on the market, the iPhone and the iTouch.

Designed to sit comfortably alongside the latest fashionable gadgets with its futuristic looks and design, the Freeloader 8.0 is gadgetry eye candy. It is also conveniently mobile, boasting a durable casing for hard-core mobility and the ability to fold into a stylish minimal device that can easily be slipped into a pocket or handbag.

Extremely reliable and easy to use, the FreeLoader 8.0 Portable Solar Charger uses the latest in cutting edge solar technology to convert solar energy into electricity, making power readily available for a wealth of popular mobile devices. For example, the FreeLoader 8.0 boasts the ability to power an iPod for 18 hours, a mobile phone for 44 hours, a PSP for 2.5 hours and a PDA for 22 hours. And because the FreeLoader 8.0 can partner with such a wide variety of gadgets it also eliminates the need to carry country specific adaptors when travelling abroad, making it the ideal travel partner.

To ensure batteries never run flat, the Freeloader 8.0 can simultaneously charge its own internal battery which holds its charge for up to three months and features extra sensitive solar panels which are more much efficient at absorbing light in cloudy and dim conditions that the UK in particular is prone to.

The Freeloader 8.0 is available in both Hot Pink and Cool Aluminium Silver from www.solartechnology.co.uk and popular retail outlets. At only £29.99 everyone can afford an environmentally friendly way to charge their favourite hand-held gadgets and help to offset the carbon emissions that would otherwise have been created. Because working towards saving the planet, needn't cost the earth.
http://www.solartechnology.co.uk/

Vehicle Manager version 3.5 has been released: all-new Palm OS version now available!

[From Adriano at Iambic] Hi Sammy, Thursday, February 28, 2008: we are happy to announce the release of Vehicle Manager version 3.5, which now includes a brand new Palm OS client with desktop synchronization capabilities.

- Short Summary

Vehicle Manager is our automotive solution allowing to proactively track and manage a single car up to a fleet of vehicles.

It records a variety of information about car vitals as well as recurring expenses such as scheduled maintenances and gas fill-ups. Information can be stored on mobile devices as well as on desktop PCs.

Users owning both the desktop and the mobile portion of the solution will enjoy the included 2 way data synchronization capability.

- Release Details & Download

This update introduces the brand new Vehicle Manager for Palm OS, compatible with all smartphones and handhelds Palm OS 4.0 and above powered -- including Treo and Centro. Feature-wise, it carries all the benefits and functionalities available on its Windows Mobile counterparts, appropriately adapted to seamlessly fit in the Palm OS user interface and usage model.

Best of all, the desktop portion of the solution (available standalone as well as part of the "Vehicle Manager for Palm OS and Windows Bundle") now includes a conduit, allowing to synchronize vehicle data with the Palm OS application.

As part of this same 3.5 release, the Windows Desktop, Windows Mobile Pocket PC (WM6 Pro) and Smartphone (WM6 Standard) clients -- including related ActiveSync Providers -- have been updated as well, and carry various improvements following feedback and suggestions collected through our User Community.

- Vehicle Manager for Palm OS (NEW!): http://www.iambic.com/vehiclemanager/palmos/

How I Used My iPhone Today

Today was fairly typical. My iPhone woke me up early this morning and I also checked my email. While working, I listen to audiobooks and music as well as answer calls. I had to use my calculator for adding-up all the money I was making on my invoices. About mid-day, my partner came running to me telling me tha he was unable to log-in to ticketmaster from his laptop as he wanted to get some concert tickets that was just released. I told him to take a deep breath and calm down. I pulled out my iPhone and easily logged in and purchased the tickets. He was amazed and is now wanting to get a smartphone. He is considering a blackberry or a Palm. I love to make converts to smartphones.

My Other Wife

My wife, who does not use a smartphone or handheld, frequently teases me and complains about how much time I spend with my mobile device. As a result she has coined the name "other wife" for my device. I must admit that since switching to the iPhone, my usage patterns have increased! My wife tells me, "the first thing in the morning you say hello to you other wife." That is me turning off or snoozing my alarm. and she reminds me that I am usually fiddling with it before I fall asleep. I have now quipped that "my other wife does everything I tell it to do. It turns on when I want. It turns off when I want. It makes me laugh and feel good when I am down. It helps me in my business..." This does not go over to well with my wife. I have had to do many little extras so I can use my "other wife" without receiving any comments from my wife. For now, I am maintaining the staus quo.

Editing Files on Palm OS

I use my Palm T|X for writing quite often, and I have always just used Memos (or the excellent, and free, PsMemo), but sometimes I want a little more power in my editor.  I found a very nice editor, tejpWriter (tejp is Swedish for tape, and is a reference to the Scotch Tape (tm) that the author used to use to cover the Graffiti area on his Palm).  tejpWriter is an extremely capable editor with many features, and is ideal when writing text or html.  The interface is very configurable and it also includes a thumb-board for no-stylus text entry.  This program is the cadillac of text editors for Palm OS and, to top it off, it's FREE!

Dice 121

I found a really fun game called Dice 121, which is basically equivalent to Yahtzee(tm), for the Palm OS. The game is a lot of fun, especially if you played a lot of Yahtzee as a child like I did. Now, if only I could beat the darn Palm!

Music and my treo

So I'm really into the music par to f my devices now. I never owned an ipod or an mp3 player. Just my treos. So far this has been all that I needed. Now it gets even juicier. You see ipods and mp3 players are limited to what you can download to it from your computer. What if your computers not around? That’s ware my treo comes in. Today I downloaded last fms mobile application and let me tell you it’s great. At home on my computer I use Pandora and I wanted that experience on my phone. I love the ability to type in an artist and get music that plays and sounds like that artist. Also my xm radio on my treo doesn’t hurt either. So I can now leave my music on my computer and not have to worry about syncing my favorite music any more, but if I had a song on my pc that I didn’t have on my treo I would just use lobster tunes to fetch it for me. Today I used my treo to listen to my favorite music

Moving On, Mobile-Enabled

[From Antoine RJ Wright (Charlotte, NC, USA) from Mobile Ministry Magazine] Greetings Sammy and the crew at Palm Addicts; If there is one thing that I have learned from Sammy, and mainly because its something that he's spoken to me on several occasions, is that part of being successful in any endavor is loving what you do. In taking that to heart each time he's said it, I've moved on from my "day-job" as a website developer towards the next thing. The kicker is that I am not sure what it is, I just know that whatever it is I will be enabling myself and others to use mobile devices better as a lifestyle device.

Much like Nokia demonstrated in a recent demo of the Morph concept device (http://www.nokia.com/A4852062), the future of mobile devices is that of something that is personal and productive at the same time. This is what I get when I am using my N75. While it is that its not as futuristic as the Nokia Morph concept, I am able to do things such as photo-blog, read email, and change my wallpapers on the fly.

Now, if I could get a device that could charge from solar or florescent light that would be a bigger plus. And that whole aspect of a device being able to integrate people, places, and moments in a context that I tag and live though. If you will, I'd like my moble device to be an enabler to my own social graph, and then allow me to live and empower others to live to the borders of what is possible (and ethical).

So that's what next; loving what I do, and realizing the mobile context in the mist of it. Because when it all gets down to it - just as Palm Addict has shown - community building makes living each day fun.

This week's giveaway ends in 3 days time so now is a good time to get your user thoughts / mobile thoughts into me.

This week's giveaway ends in 3 days time so now is a good time to get your user thoughts / mobile thoughts into me. The giveaway to win either the ASUS eePC or the Nokia N810. As always the guidelines are at the top of the page. It's a random drawing as per ever and is open to both readers and Associate Writers.

Back To Her Palm

[From David Ross, Scotland] After a few weeks with big sisters Nintendo DS Tegan is back using her Tungsten T that she got for her 6th Birthday last year. I had to get her an OS5 hi-res screen device and managed to get a T for around £20. The T still got used for her relaxing music at bed time but not much else while the DS was around. So now post DS she is back Palming at full strength. She has been watching video with TCPMP and music with Pocket Tunes. Gamewise the every popular Pyramid Solitaire by Seahorse and LDWs Little Palm Pet. Other times she is still trying Mazera but needs help from brother Ben when he's up for the weekend. She still hankers after Mario so I will have to look into some of the emulators available. It annoys Tegan, 6 year old remember, that her friends with a DS go on about the touchscreen when Palms have had them for years. Yes it testament to the Palm OS and app developers that she has mastered most of the software on her T.

Feeling Lazy. My Centro keeps me going

[From Smileyboy] Just enjoying the latest Treocentral Podcast as I sit in my work van. I'm listening to it via my GSM Centro and Plantronics 590a bt headphones and reading Google Reader. I'm trying to find a way to get motivated today. (I went to be about 3am. Its almost tax time and my taxes seemed to be really difficult this year.) Then one of my reminders pops up on screen. Only 2 weeks left till I get to go somewhere and enjoy a nice warm beach. I go to a app called 2day and look at my background of a trip I took a few months ago. Eso es. That why I do what do. For the fun times

Thoughts on Opera 9.5 Mobile

[From Neil S. Patrick] I just watched Adam Lein’s video tour of Opera 9.5 Mobile and I just wanted to give my thoughts. Even though it looked a bit clunky, at least in comparison to the iPhone’s Safari browser, I actually thought it was quite nice and definitely a huge improvement over Pocket IE.

Unfortunately for Opera 9.5 Mobile, Pocket IE and every other browser for Windows Mobile, most Windows Mobile devices have a fairly low-res screens, with screens generally clocking in at 240x320 pixels. The simple truth of the matter is most web pages just weren’t intended for such low resolution screen and as such users tend to find the experience of browsing the internet on Windows Mobile devices quite tedious.

I think it’s very likely Opera 9.5 Mobile would have seemed very useful on a device with a 640x480 resolution screen or a high resolution widescreen display, as the iPhone’s Safari browser gets to work with. That being said I don’t want to simply let Opera 9.5 Mobile of the hook as it really does seem to less smart than Safari. Safari tends to format text columns to screen’s width (when possible) so that when a user zooms into a page to read the text it fits the screen properly so as to eliminate horizontal scrolling.

Adam also made a big deal about unlabeled icons, but this seemed quite a bit unreasonable to me, as it really wasn’t hard to figure out what most meant without straining too many brain cells, I mean I think most of us could figure out what the tickmark and X mean in an option selection menu.

Still no matter what you think of Opera 9.5 Mobile, it’s clear that everyone has a long ways to go if they want to catch up with the iPhone’s Safari browser.

Mobile Devices in Healthcare

[From Ward Seward Chicago, IL] I work for a Healthcare IT association and we just had our big conference this week. It's amazing to me how portable devices are starting to become mainstream in the hospitals. All kinds of new tablets with network access are being put out there. I'm excited to see where this goes, especial with initiatives like Google's new Google Health site.

What is the limit?

[From Ronald Abad] When you look at mobile devices of today, you can see many things already integrated. You have digital camera built in. You can play MP3, Ogg, video files on it. You can listen to the radio with it. You can watch television with it. You can browse the internet, send and receive SMS, MMS, and e-mail. You can keep photos there. You can be online with Yahoo or Goggle Talk or what have you. You have agenda, schedule, tasks, and many personal or medical information stored for you, ready to use wherever, whenever. You can play games on it. So many things already implemented in mobile devices of today. Perhaps soon your PDA or Palm may even replace laptop or notebook as the main mobile gadget.

What then is truly the limit? What do you think will be added next to mobile devices? Let your imagination run wild. How about flashlight? Oh wait, I am sure some mobile device already have one. What about taser? Perhaps someday electroshock weapon or taser can even be integrated there so that women can carry some self-protection mobile device against harassment?

Maybe you think I am crazy, but hey, if we let our mind wander around for a bit, I am sure you can come up with many wonderful ideas on what can be integrated into mobile devices in the future!

Sudoku is fun

[From Linda, Oak Hill, WV] I found a Sudoku game that I downloaded onto my Palm M500 last year available here. I have played it almost every day since I got it. My best time was 12 minutes and 44 seconds, my worst time was 1 hour and 23 minutes. It’s been a lot of fun trying to beat my best time.

Taxi Easter Egg

[From .Rui de Castro] I turned on this Easter egg a few years ago and forgot about it. The another day I turned on my Palm a saw this funny looking Taxi going from one side of the screen to the other. At first I was very surprise but then I remembered that I had activated it in the past. In about 5 years I think have only seen it twice. You you want to get surprise once in will:

1. Go to Preferences, Power Tab
2. Draw a small circle, counter-clockwise, on the screen bottom right (above the calculator silk-screen button or where it used to be if you have a Treo or a Centro). If done properly, you should see an Easter Egg appear.

My LifeDrive

[From Andrew, Geelong Victoria in Australia] I normally use my lifedrive for all PDA work where I retain ongoing info at my finger tips. My palm has all the items much liked contacts, docs to go, video & MP3 player, mobi reader. When travelling on train to work it’s a great friend to pass the time. It never lets me down having used 3 x earlier models all worked well only to replaced by later – better OS units. Great pity they lost the plot and never updated the OS as its so much smaller than Microsoft products. And the different programs is cool.

FOR TODAY ONLY GIVEAWAY: UBIQUIO 501 running Windows Mobile 6

OK, as we are still having a bit of a clear out at the moment, Lindsey back in the office is giving away a UBIQUIO 501 it is running Windows Mobile 6. It is about a year old and they are good devices as we have used a couple of them in the office and today we are giving one away. Usual guidelines, we want a user thought or a mobile thought WITH A TITLE or we cannot enter you. Please put THURSDAY in the subject line and please do not resend something you have already sent and no self site or software promoting. The contest is open until midnight US PT tonight and I will draw a name at random - sammymcloughlin@gmail.com

You can read a good review of the device which also sports a 2 megapixel camera here at MSMobiles.com

SAMMY'S CENTRO DIARY: Thursday Centro Thoughts

Hope you are all well. I've had a nice chill out day today with friends whilst on vacation. So what have I done on the Centro well I am typing this blog entry from this little device. It's so small but yet I can type on it without any problems, of course I'm still making spelling mistakes but Mark Tamura has a free spell checker that tends to do the trick.

I'm able to keep on top of my web RSS feeds using QuickNews, email using Chatteremail. I've had a couple of calls to make and so Diddlebug has kept on top of my handwritten sketches. It so replaces post it stickers for me and in my opinion one of the the best freeware programs for Palm.

I'd like to say that I love speed dial in the Centro it makes my life so much easier. Just holding down one button and dialing your most frequent dialled numbers is awesome, and of course its not just exclusive to the Centro but the ability to have my most dialed numbers one touch away is easier. Yep I like the small things in life.

Battery life on the Centro is actually very good and again it kind of depends of what your useage is and I'm pretty much a power user the battery holds up well. I do charge the Centro each night and I will invest in a battery for it but I'm pretty happy with what useage I am getting.

So there you go, how I have used my Centro today. Yes I still think its a great little device and I am finding it very useful. I'll continue to keep you up to date with my Centro diary over forthcoming days. [mobloging from my Centro]

My OQO 02 Remains My Stalwart Companion

[From Mark Rosengarten Newburgh, NY USA] How good can mobile computing get? I think that's a question that has not been answered yet. In the meantime, we have the OQO Model 02, a wonderful device that I have been using for the last 10 months. It is my main mobile machine, garnering many hours of use each day. I use it to take attendance, report grades, modify lesson plans, show video clips, create tests and keep my daily diary. I use Dragon NaturallySpeaking with the built-in microphone, and the results are stellar. While it is not the fastest machine ever, it is the most useful one I have ever come across for keeping my work stuff organized and my day productive. I can whip it out and get some work done while on hall duty. I can tether it to my Treo and get internet anywhere at any time. I have GRLevel3 weather data software on it so I can get detailed storm data at any time. Firefox is my connection to the internet. While the computer is not fast enough to truly enjoy streaming media like YouTube, it is so effective at dealing with my serious work that the performance issues can be dealt with.

I can see myself holding on to the 02 for a long, long time...unless OQO makes another of their famous breakthroughs. Then I guess my wallet gets lightened again!

SWITCHABLE LINUX MOBILE OPERATING SYSTEM FOR PDA

[From Ronald Abadi, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia] Have you ever looked at your PDA and wished you see something different? I am not talking about themes, or skins, or other cosmetic effects. I am talking about the Operating System. Have you ever wished your PDA have something other than Windows Mobile? Something better? I know I do. Have you ever wished you can have Linux on your PDA, albeit it is designed as a Windows Mobile device? I do.

Imagine you can really have Linux Mobile Operating System on your PDA. But imagine deeper. Imagine you can have it pre-installed, so that you do not have to get your hands dirty playing with it (although actually that is the excellent, fine and fun points of having Linux, if I may say so). Imagine you do not have to buy new PDA with Linux Mobile Operating System pre-installed, you can just have it in your current Windows Mobile-designed PDA. Imagine you can have it already pre-installed on the SD Card you can buy. Imagine that. Imagine you can walk to a store, see a range of SD Card or MMC, or what have you, all already pre-installed with different flavour of Linux Mobile Operating System. You can just buy the card, plug it in your PDA, restart, and... voila, you have a Linux Mobile Operating System.

Say you can have one with Ubuntu Mobile this month. After several months down the road if you are bored, you can buy another card with PCLinuxOS Mobile instead. Then again the next month switch to Slackware Mobile, Puppy Linux Mobile, Fedora Mobile and so on. Imagine you do not even have to buy a new card. The store will provide services to install a Linux Mobile Operating System flavour of your choice (complete with Desktop Environment and Window Manager of your choice, be it GNOME, KDE, Xfce, Fluxbox, of what have you). And if you want to reset to your old Windows Mobile Operating System, you can just unplug the card.

Moreover, since most of Linux are open source and free, the cost of the cards pre-installed with Linux Mobile Operating System should not be much more expensive than ordinary cards. When you want to have the card installed with another flavour of Linux Mobile Operating System, you only pay for the installation service, not for the operating system itself since it is free. Would not that be wonderful? Of course for now these are just my imagination (well, I figure these are not just my imagination, I am sure some people out there have already thought of this as well long before me). There are no PCLinuxOS Mobile, Slackware Mobile, Puppy Linux Mobile, and Fedora Mobile yet, as far as I know. There will be Ubuntu Mobile, but it is not ready yet. But who knows maybe in the future these will not be just an imagination anymore?

Nokia Morph project proving interesting

I see the Nokia Morph project makes it to the BBC news website and it really is a interesting concept. "Nokia is the world's largest mobile phone maker and with more than one billion handsets shipped is by extension the world's largest computing platform. Every day Nokia sources 329 million parts and builds a million phones in 100 plus handset models and distributes these phones in 70 different languages to 150 countries. But as phones become less about making calls and more an extension of our connected lives, Nokia is transforming itself from a hardware company into something more converged. It's not the parts that matter but what use those parts are put to." Read in full.

SendStation earBuddy to protect your headsets - Silver/Orange

SendStation earBuddy to protect your headsets - Silver/Orange on offer $14.95. "earBuddy is the ultimate carrying case and the only safe place to store your earbuds. Go Ballistic with earBuddy Coated with sturdy ballistic nylon, this tiny, ultracompact case - its only the size of a jewelry box - can stand up to the everyday dangers of the urban jungle and those in the boondocks, too. A friend you can count on, and pound on The well-designed ABS reel inside the case lets you easily wind up the cable and store everything in the smallest possible space. earBuddy is built to withstand 200 lbs. (90 kg) of force, keeping your buds safe and sound on the inside even if someone - or something - is pounding on the outside."

Predatory Game [Ghostwalker Series Book 6]

Predatory Game [Ghostwalker Series Book 6] from ereader. "The new Ghostwalker novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author Saber Wynter is running from her past when she meets ex-Navy SEAL and Ghostwalker Jess Calhoun. But the riddles of both their pasts are about to collide, shattering the promise of their future with the ultimate betrayal."

PictureLink

PictureLink from Pocketgear. "Picture Link is system utility to create short cut links with customized picture on the Launcher for quick launch. Short cut link can be launched on the Launcher just like any application. There are 8 different short cuts that you can create: Dial a phone number, Compose a new email, Compose a new SMS, launch website, Get Google map, launch Kinoma streaming site, change Application's icon and Play a PocketTunes Playlist. With short cut link you no longer have to search the Contact to dial your most dialed number. You can even assign the short cut key to any hard button and instantly dial the person. All short cuts can be assigned to a hard key for quick launch."

Westward

Westward from Pocketgear. "Experience the life of a Frontier settler in the wild, rough and tumble world of Westward����! Based on the highly acclaimed PC game by Sandlot Games, Westward���� offers many hours of absorbing game play as you guide your townsfolk in making camp, collecting valuable resources, seeing-off dangerous bandits, and building their communities. As you progress through Westward����, you'll explore 4 different locations over more than 20 levels as your hopeful citizens set up towns and seek their fortune in the Old Wild West. With over 25 types of building you'll customize your town and attract new citizens whilst completing a range of side tasks and chasing down the Mad Russian to bring him to justice."