home : hot deals & information involving: communication Sunday, July 11, 2010
iPhone 4 Antenna Problem Will Likely Be an Issue For a While:
Apple recently acknowledged the antenna problem on the iPhone 4.
They say any phone, not just an iPhone 4, will change its reception depending on how you hold it.
A soon-to-be-released software patch will fix how the phone reports the number of reception bars available.
They did, however, acknowledge the software will not fix any drop in reception caused by holding the phone in a certain way, like in the palm of your left hand (covering the lower-left side of the phone).
Remember you have 30-days from purchase to return the iPhone 4 if you want to.
If you decide to keep the iPhone 4, beware of the possible reception issue which could be a problem for your future calls and data service, even after Apple releases a software fix.
iPhone lovers can still get an iPhone 3GS which works very well, has no antenna problem, and is one of the best phones on the market.
Also keep in mind, AT&T's 3G data service works poorly in some densely populated metro areas.
The 3G data is almost unusable due to overwhelming demand on their network in certain neighborhoods of Boston, San Francisco, and New York City.
For another popular phone that does not use AT&T's network and does not have antenna problems, check out Sprint's HTC EVO.
Here's a little comparison between the EVO and iPhone 4, but keep in mind the best phone is not the one with the best features, design, apps, and commercials.
The best phone is the best phone for you.
Our advice is try the iPhone 4 and the EVO, supposedly the two best new phones on the market today.
Try others as well, such as those with cheaper service plans.
If you love the iPhone but don't want antenna/reception problems, the iPhone 3GS is still available for sale.
Newegg.com
- iPhone 3G/3GS extended battery for $15 (repost)
Energizer iPhone Extended Battery for $15 with free shipping today.
It works really well, and extends the battery of an iPhone to about 70% longer than it would without an extended battery.
However the Energizer also increases the thickness of the iPhone by about 75% larger.
Even still, it's great for someone constantly on the go and rarely finds a few hours of idle time to charge the phone throughout the day.
the Energizer device can be charged by itself (without the phone), it can be extremely useful for people constantly on the go.
Buy multiple and keep one of these charged at home and at the office.
If your phone needs a charge and you need to run into a meeting, run an errand, or hit the gym, grab a fully charged Energizer and it will charge your phone up without having to plug it in.
Most other stores sell it for around $37.
This will not work with the new iPhone 4.
Staples
- 15% off in-store
15% off of any in-store purchase today through Saturday, using the printable coupon.
Not valid on desktop and laptop computers, netbooks, Bose products, Apple products, gift/phone cards, and postage.
For example, a box of 5,000 printer paper for $32 drops to $27.20 after in-store 15% coupon (about 5.5 cents per 10 pages).
World Cup Matches Free on Sprint Mobile Phones:
From your Sprint phone, go to Sprint TV then ESPN Mobile TV, to watch live video of all World Cup matches.
This is only available for Sprint mobile phone customers, and details can be seen here.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Amazon.com
- Plantronics Discovery 975 Bluetooth Headset for $74 (repost)
This is a great headset, probably one of the best Bluetooth headsets you can find on the market today, and a great value at $74.
We grew tired of trying several Bluetooth headsets only to be disappointed with the sound quality on every one, until finding this one.
It has mostly stellar reviews, excellent sound quality, and the device charges while in its carrying case.
Average usage will require a carrying case recharge about 1 to 2 times per week.
Zagg.com
- 50% off today only (expired)
Discount automatically appears in the cart after items are added to it.
Zagg's invisible shields are thin, clear protective cover for many phones and portable devices.
They are popular with iPhone, iPhone 3G/3GS, Blackberry, Motorola phones, and iPods, and they also make screen protectors for portable GPSs and some laptop computer screens.
They probably have a 30% to 50% off sale maybe twice per year.
Shipping adds about $3 for an order containing small protectors, or more when ordering a protector for a large device like a laptop computer protector.
Their Invisible Shields are very thin, meant for protecting screens and back protectors for many portable devices.
You can buy just the front/screen protector, or a full-body protection, but honestly why protect the back of your phone/device when the screen is the most important part.
If you need screen protection but want to save money, don't buy the back protector.
The Zagg screens give some of the best protection around, but they do cost a bit more than others, and can take time to install properly.
They have several videos which demonstrate how durable the material is, and if the material ever becomes damaged, send a photo of the damaged product to Zagg and they will send you a free replacement.
Installation on an iPhone can take about an hour, and a Zagg installation video shows a demonstration.
Here's an installation tip.
Some BestBuy stores will install it for you, for a small fee.
If you don't feel comfortable trying it on your own, take your phone and the Zagg Invisible Shield screen protector to a BestBuy store and see if they will do it for you.
Often you can find a Best Buy technician with plenty of practice installing these.
Walmart
- iPhone 3Gs Phone 16GB for $97 in-store
Apple iPhone 3Gs 16GB in either Black or White for $97 in-store (not online).
Requires signing a new 2-year agreement with AT&T service, which starts about around $75 per month after taxes (typical plans with text messaging go for around $90 per month after taxes).
Also note, Apple is planning to release a new version of the iPhone in July, but will likely cost around $300.
Amazon.com
- Plantronics Discovery 975 Bluetooth Headset for $82 (repost)
This is a great headset, probably one of the best Bluetooth headsets you can find on the market today, and a great value at $82.
Amazon usually sells it for around $95.
It has mostly stellar reviews, excellent sound quality, and the device charges while in its carrying case.
Average users will want to recharge the carrying case about twice per week.