Tech
Texting for Free PDF Print Email
Monday, 31 May 2010 00:00
Here's a simple way to send SMS text messages to cell phones without paying a cent. Just remember, the person receiving the text will pay for it unless texting is part of their cell phone plan!

Cell phone providers have email servers that can send emails as text messages. To use this service, you simply have to know your recipient's carrier and their email server's address. You can even mass text by creating an email distribution list or using a spreadsheet with mail merge. If you mail merge, you can even include personal names and other info in your text message for each recipient. 

Here's how it works: Verizon's email server is located at vtext.com. If we know that our recipient is a Verizon customer and their phone number is (123) 555 - 1234, we can enter this email address into the "To" line in any email program:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Then we can type a short subject and a brief message and send the email. The message will travel from our computer to the vtext.com email server, convert to a text message, and arrive at our recipient's phone in seconds. Just remember that most phones can only receive messages of 140 to 160 characters including the subject, so write carefully! Also, keep in mind that your recipient's might be charged for receiving your text messages if they do not have texting on their cell phone plan.

Warning: Unsolicited texts may be illegal in your state or may be considered illegal by a court of law. Always get permission from your recipients to text them before sending messages, especially mass texts! It is a good idea to get permission when you ask for a recipient's provider (you'll need that information for the email server anyway). For added protection, have recipients fill out a short form that asks for their phone number, carrier, and permission to send texts to their cell phone.

Here's a list of several providers and their email servers from livejournal.com. Some have since merged or closed but I'll leave them in case they are of some value.

    Aliant (NBTel, MTT, NewTel, and Island Tel) (from: 11, msg: 140, total: 140)
    Enter your phone number. Message is sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Alltel (from: 50, msg: 116, total: 116)
    Enter your phone number. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

    Ameritech (ACSWireless) (from: 120, msg: 120, total: 120)
    Enter your phone number. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Arch Wireless (from: 15, msg: 240, total: 240)
    Enter your phone number. Sent via http://www.arch.com/message/ (assumes blank PIN)

    AT&T (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Enter your phone number. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    AU by KDDI (from: 20, msg: 10000, total: 10000)
    Enter your phone number. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    BeeLine GSM (from: 50, msg: 255, total: 255)
    Enter your phone number. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Bell Mobility Canada (from: 20, msg: 120, total: 120)
    Enter your phone number, including the 1 prefix. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Bellsouth (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Enter your phone number. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    BellSouth Mobility (from: 15, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Enter your phone number. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Blue Sky Frog (from: 30, msg: 120, total: 120)
    Enter your phone number. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Boost (from: 30, msg: 120, total: 120)
    Enter your phone number. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Cellular South (from: 50, msg: 155, total: 155)
    Enter your phone number. Messages are sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    CellularOne (Dobson) (from: 20, msg: 120, total: 120)
    Enter your phone number. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    CellularOne West (from: 20, msg: 120, total: 120)
    Enter your phone number. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Centennial Wireless (from: 10, msg: 110, total: 110)
    Enter your phone number. Sent via http://www.centennialwireless.com

    Cincinnati Bell (from: 20, msg: 50, total: 50)
    Enter your phone number. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Claro (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Enter your phone number. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Comviq (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Enter your phone number. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Dutchtone/Orange-NL (from: 15, msg: 150, total: 150)
    Enter your phone number. Messages are sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Edge Wireless (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Enter your phone number. Messages are sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    EinsteinPCS / Airadigm Communications (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Enter your phone number. Messages are sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    EPlus (from: 20, msg: 480, total: 480)
    Enter your phone number. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

    Estonia Mobile Telefon (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Enter your phone number. Sent via webform.

    Fido Canada (from: 15, msg: 140, total: 140)
    Enter your phone number. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

    Golden Telecom (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Enter your phone number or nickname. Messages are sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Idea Cellular (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Enter your phone number. Messages are sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Kyivstar (from: 30, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Sent by addressing the message to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    LMT (from: 30, msg: 120, total: 120)
    Enter your username. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Manitoba Telecom Systems (from: 20, msg: 120, total: 120)
    10-digit phone number. Goes to @text.mtsmobility.com

    Meteor (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Enter your phone number. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Metro PCS (from: 20, msg: 120, total: 120)
    10-digit phone number. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Metrocall Pager (from: 120, msg: 120, total: 120)
    10-digit phone number. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    MobileOne (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Enter your phone number. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Mobilfone (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Enter your phone number. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Mobility Bermuda (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Enter your phone number. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    MTS Primtel (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Enter your phone number. Sent via web gateway.

    Netcom (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Enter your phone number. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Nextel (from: 50, msg: 126, total: 126)
    10-digit phone number. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Note: do not use dashes in your phone number.

    NPI Wireless (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Enter your phone number. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

    NTC (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Enter your phone number. Sent via web gateway.

    O2 (formerly BTCellnet) (from: 20, msg: 120, total: 120)
    Enter O2 username - must be enabled first at http://www.o2.co.uk. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

    O2 M-mail (formerly BTCellnet) (from: 20, msg: 120, total: 120)
    Enter phone number, omitting initial zero - must be enabled first by sending an SMS saying "ON" to phone number "212". Goes to +44[number]@mmail.co.uk.

    Optus (from: 20, msg: 114, total: 114)
    Enter your phone number. Goes to @optusmobile.com.au

    Orange (UK) (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Enter your phone number. Goes to @orange.net. You will need to create a user account at orange.net first.

    Oskar (from: 20, msg: 320, total: 320)
    Enter your phone number. Goes to @mujoskar.cz

    Other (from: 15, msg: 100, total: 100)
    If your provider isn't supported directly, enter the email address that sends you a text message in phone number field. To be safe, the entire message is sent in the body of the message, and the length limit is really short. We'd prefer you give us information about your provider so we can support it directly.

    Pagenet (from: 20, msg: 220, total: 240)
    10-digit phone number (or gateway and pager number separated by a period). Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

    PCS Rogers (from: 20, msg: 125, total: 125)
    10-digit phone number. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Requires prior registration with PCS Rogers.

    Personal Communication (Sonet) (from: 20, msg: 150, total: 150)
    Enter your phone number. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with your number in the subject line.

    Plus GSM Poland (from: 20, msg: 620, total: 620)
    10-digit phone number. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

    Powertel (from: 20, msg: 120, total: 120)
    10-digit phone number. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Primtel (from: 20, msg: 150, total: 150)
    Enter your phone number. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    PSC Wireless (from: 20, msg: 150, total: 150)
    Enter your phone number. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Qualcomm (from: 20, msg: 120, total: 120)
    Enter your username. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Qwest (from: 14, msg: 100, total: 100)
    10-digit phone number. Goes to @qwestmp.com

    Safaricom (from: 15, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Goes to @safaricomsms.com

    Satelindo GSM (from: 15, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Goes to @satelindogsm.com

    SCS-900 (from: 15, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Goes to @scs-900.ru

    Simple Freedom (from: 15, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Goes to @text.simplefreedom.net

    Skytel - Alphanumeric (from: 15, msg: 240, total: 240)
    Enter your 7-digit pin number as your number and your message will be mailed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Smart Telecom (from: 15, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Enter your phone number. Goes to @mysmart.mymobile.ph

    Smarts GSM (from: 11, msg: 70, total: 70)
    Enter your phone number. Sent via http://www.samara-gsm.ru/scripts/smsgate.exe

    Southern Linc (from: 15, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Enter your 10-digit phone number. Goes to @page.southernlinc.com

    Sprint PCS (from: 15, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Enter your 10-digit phone number. Goes to @messaging.sprintpcs.com

    Sprint PCS - Short Mail (from: 15, msg: 1000, total: 1000)
    Enter your phone number. Goes to @sprintpcs.com

    SunCom (from: 18, msg: 110, total: 110)
    Enter your number. Email will be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

    SureWest Communications (from: 20, msg: 200, total: 200)
    Enter your phone number. Message will be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    SwissCom Mobile (from: 20, msg: 10000, total: 10000)
    Enter your phone number. Message will be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    T-Mobile Germany (from: 15, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Enter your number. Email will be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    T-Mobile Netherlands (from: 15, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Send "EMAIL ON" to 555 from your phone, then enter your number starting with 316. Email will be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    T-Mobile UK (from: 30, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Messages are sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    T-Mobile USA (from: 30, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Messages are sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    T-Mobile USA (Sidekick) (from: 30, msg: 10000, total: 10000)
    Messages are sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Tele2 Latvia (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)
    10-digit phone number. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

    Telefonica Movistar (from: 20, msg: 120, total: 120)
    10-digit phone number. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Telenor (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)
    10-digit phone number. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

    Telia Denmark (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)
    8-digit phone number. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

    Telus Mobility (from: 30, msg: 120, total: 120)
    10-digit phone number. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

    The Phone House (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)
    10-digit phone number. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

    TIM (from: 30, msg: 350, total: 350)
    10-digit phone number. Goes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

    UMC (from: 10, msg: 120, total: 120)
    Sent by addressing the message to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Unicel (from: 10, msg: 120, total: 120)
    Sent by addressing the message to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    US Cellular (from: , msg: 150, total: 150)
    Enter a 10 digit USCC Phone Number. Messages are sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Verizon Wireless (from: 34, msg: 140, total: 140)
    Enter your 10-digit phone number. Messages are sent via email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

    Verizon Wireless (formerly Airtouch) (from: 20, msg: 120, total: 120)
    Enter your phone number. Messages are sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . This is ONLY for former AirTouch customers. Verizon Wireless customers should use Verizon Wireless instead.

    Verizon Wireless (myairmail.com) (from: 34, msg: 140, total: 140)
    Enter your phone number. Messages are sent via to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

    Vessotel (from: 20, msg: 800, total: 800)
    Enter your phone number. Messages are sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

    Virgin Mobile Canada (from: 20, msg: 140, total: 140)
    Enter your phone number. Messages are sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

    Virgin Mobile USA (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Enter your phone number. Messages are sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

    Vodafone Italy (from: 20, msg: 132, total: 132)
    Enter your phone number. Messages are sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Vodafone Japan (Chuugoku/Western) (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Enter your phone number. Messages are sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Vodafone Japan (Hokkaido) (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Enter your phone number. Messages are sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Vodafone Japan (Hokuriko/Central North) (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Enter your phone number. Messages are sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Vodafone Japan (Kansai/West -- including Osaka) (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Enter your phone number. Messages are sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Vodafone Japan (Kanto/Koushin/East -- including Tokyo) (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Enter your phone number. Messages are sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Vodafone Japan (Kyuushu/Okinawa) (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Enter your phone number. Messages are sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Vodafone Japan (Shikoku) (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Enter your phone number. Messages are sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Vodafone Japan (Touhoku/Niigata/North) (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Enter your phone number. Messages are sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Vodafone Japan (Toukai/Central) (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Enter your phone number. Messages are sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Vodafone Spain (from: 20, msg: 90, total: 90)
    Enter your username. Messages are sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Vodafone UK (from: 20, msg: 70, total: 90)
    Enter your username. Messages are sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

    Weblink Wireless (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Enter your phone number. Goes to @airmessage.net

    WellCom (from: 20, msg: 160, total: 160)
    Enter your phone number. Goes to @sms.welcome2well.com

    WyndTell (from: 20, msg: 480, total: 500)
    Enter username/phone number. Goes to @wyndtell.com
 
Posterous.com PDF Print Email
Wednesday, 06 May 2009 15:22

Here's a great service that allows you to publish - anything - online.  This is one to watch.

http://posterous.com/

Create account -- not. Skip it. No setup or signup

Email anything to <script language='JavaScript' type='text/javascript'> <!-- var prefix = 'mailto:'; var suffix = ''; var attribs = ''; var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; var addy81582 = 'post' + '@'; addy81582 = addy81582 + 'posterous' + '.' + 'com'; document.write( '<a ' + path + '\'' + prefix + addy81582 + suffix + '\'' + attribs + '>' ); document.write( addy81582 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //--> </script> <script language='JavaScript' type='text/javascript'> <!-- document.write( '<span style=\'display: none;\'>' ); //--> </script>This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it <script language='JavaScript' type='text/javascript'> <!-- document.write( '</' ); document.write( 'span>' ); //--> </script>. Attach photos, MP3s and files.
See the site you made. We reply instantly with your blog at http://yourname.posterous.com
 
Mac vs PC? PDF Print Email
Thursday, 20 May 2010 00:00
Let's get one thing straight. Macs are PC's. These days, Macs use the same internal hardware as PC's. So what makes a Mac different? Not much. I can think of three things:
  1. Fashionable design
  2. Operating system
  3. Price
Fashionable Design
I think PC's have mostly caught up in the design realm. I greatly prefer my black and stylish HP to a plain black MacBook Pro, but that's just a personal preference.

Operating System
The operating systems are pretty much equivalent. I prefer the structure and customization options of Windows 7, but neither is better than the other in every way. I find Windows 7 to be much faster and more stable than the Mac OS. It's rare for a program to crash in Windows 7, but when it happens, I just kill that program and restart. On a Mac, I usually have to restart the whole machine.

Price
The most important comparison for me is value. I've considered purchasing a Mac several times. It seems that every couple of years a friend gets the Mac bug and tries to convince me that Macs are really better than other PC's. I'm not a Mac hater. The day Macs are a better value than PC's I will switch immediately. So every time I do my research and, so far, that hasn't happened. Not even close.

An Example 
Mac: $3,425.00
HP:   $1,680.08
I have an HP quad-core laptop with 8GB of RAM, a 1GB video card, and a 500GB hard drive. I compared this with a Macbook Pro and matched the specs almost exactly. For every spec difference, the HP has more powerful components than the Mac. Yet the price for the Mac is $3,425.00, while the HP is only $1680.08! (A couple hundred cheaper with my student discount) The HP has a year longer and better warranty and a much larger screen (1.6 inches larger).

Can someone please explain why I would buy a Mac? I get so much better performance for half the price!

Want another one?
Mac: $3,015.00
HP:   $1,316.45
My wife's laptop costs $1316.45 from HP. (Again, a little cheaper with the student discount.) The Macbook Pro with identical specs? $3015!

Security Problems
Macs are even less appealing to me because of their numerous security problems. Macs have always relied on security by obscurity. No one attacked Macs because they were such a small percentage of the market; not a worthy target. But each year, Macs are the first to fall at the PWN2OWN security competition. Windows and Linux machines show far more security but cost so much less! The winner this year is the combination of the Google Chrome browser and Windows. Charlie Miller, the only person to win three times at PWN2OWN, said:
"There are bugs in Chrome but they're very hard to exploit. I have a Chrome vulnerability right now but I don't know how to exploit it. It's really hard. They've got that sandbox model that's hard to get out of. With Chrome, it's a combination of things - you can't execute on the heap, the OS protections in Windows and the Sandbox."
So the more popular Macs get, the less secure they will be. And Apple's security record is not great. Known security holes take anywhere from 3 weeks to a year to patch.

Conclusion
Based on price and security, I'm sticking with Windows and HP for now!
 
Best Android Apps PDF Print Email
Sunday, 20 December 2009 17:06

With more than 12,000 apps in the Android Market, it can be challenging to find the best app for the job. I’ve tested hundreds of these apps in my quest to find the most helpful (and preferably free) tools for my Motorola Droid. If you know of more that should be added to this list send me a comment using the link below.
 
Touchdown – Microsoft Exchange Email Client
This is by far the best Exchange Client for Android and the only app that cost me money. Touchdown from Nitrodesk syncs email from multiple accounts as well as tasks and calendar items. While the tasks part needs a few usability updates, all of the information and potential is there. I’ve been thrilled with Touchdown’s push email notifications and calendar alerts. The app even lets you choose what folders you sync to your phone. One of my deal makers was the ability to move email to different folders to archive and organize. I use my email inbox as a task list, so this is a vital feature to me.
I mentioned that the task section could use a few updates. I contacted the maker of Touchdown and asked for the following:
1. Add a drop down menu to the task creation/edition page with the categories. This would cut down the steps of pressing the menu button > pressing the categories button >selecting a category.
2. Assign a quick category filter list to a long press on the menu button. I use this in the browser to bring up my history. It would be very simple to switch my categories/contexts using a menu button long press. To be clear, I'm talking about the flush button next to the screen, not the one in the keyboard. Many times I want to quickly switch filters based on my location. That's how GTD users operate. That would take this app way beyond the other GTD task management apps on the market!

Apps Organizer
I use this app to create custom lists of all my apps, and star favorite apps for quick retrieval when I can't remember the exact name. Apps can be tagged to many lists and shortcuts to the lists can be placed on the home screens. I have lists for media, news, work, shopping, tools, internet, games, and a few others. 

Pandora – Streaming Music
This app brings you great music to your tastes anywhere you are – even in your car. I have a male-to-male cable in my car that I use to connect my Droid with my sound system and play great quality music. This is way better than radio or satellite! I’ve also used the Pandora app to stream Christmas music for a few hours through a surround sound system and was very impressed with the quality.

Google Listen – Podcast Player
Listen is the best free podcasting app. Other paid programs offer more features, but this has everything I need. I keep track of about 20 podcasts using Listen. I love listening to a podcast in the car over the speakers and taking the show with me after I park. Makes walking more productive.

Advanced Task Killer 
There is one thing every Android user should know right away: multitasking kills battery life! A few apps are no problem, but a power user like me could end up with 30 different apps running in the background and not knowing it except for the unusually sluggish response of the phone. A good task killer will show you what is running and let you selectively close or mass close running apps. 

Advanced Task Killer is a great free task manager that lets you close specific tasks or several tasks at once. Uncheck the tasks you want to remain open for push email and texting before mass closing tasks. You can also switch to an open app right from the task list.

TasKiller
This is similar to Advanced Task Killer but comes with a great widget to quickly kill select tasks or mass kill all open apps.

BibleReader 
Olive Tree released this great free Bible app. Many Android Bibles require internet access to read the text and jump from chapter to chapter. BibleReader downloads the entire text to your SD card so you have the Scriptures available whenever you want! More versions and notes are available for purchase, but the free versions are sufficient for me.

Gmote – Wireless Computer Interface and Media Server
This amazing little app is paired with a computer based server that connects the PC to your phone. Gmote lets you browse your computer’s media library and choose a song or video to play right on your PC. Another great feature lets you stream music or video from your PC to your phone. Gmote can also turn your phone into a wireless touchpad and keyboard for your computer! 

Photoshop Mobile – Photo Editor
Ever wish you could crop or touch up a photo taken with your camera phone? Now you can – right on the phone! Photoshop Mobile has some powerful tools and effects to make sure your photos are perfect before you share them.

NewsRob – RSS Reader
There are many free and paid RSS readers in the market but this is the best I have found for usability and features. NewsRob does everything I need and is very quick to use.

Twidroid – Twitter Client
With a great set of features Twidroid has proven a stable and quick Twitter client. Tweet, check other’s tweets to you, direct messages, search Twitter, and even upload pics right from your phone. Paid version allows uploading video, but I wouldn’t use that anyway.

Dock Runner – Media Player and Clock
This app lets you access the built in but hidden media/clock app meant to activate with the $30 dock. I prefer using Digital Clock as it lets me set MP3's as my alarm.

Digital Clock – Alarm Clock
This great clock app lets you choose MP3’s as your alarm sound!
 
3D Level
This is a very cool level app with two bubble levels and a spherical level.

Bubble – Level
This is a great bubble level that beeps at the right angle.

Aldiko - Reader
E-readers are plenty for android, but none are prettier than Aldiko. Read free books or paid with a great user interface.

Astro – File Browser
Multi-select and search make this my favorite file browser for Android.

AndFTP – FTP Client
I’ve used this app to upload files to my web servers. It gets the job done. 

Barcode Scanner
Does what it says but also reads the QR codes that can contain urls, business card information, and links to other Market apps. If you have wondered what those strange looking blocks of white and black are on some Android web pages, this app will let you find out.

Shop Savvy 
This app is similar to Barcode scanner but with many more features. I’ve saved quite a bit of money by double checking what I’m buying against Amazon’s online store. I have not been able to get ShopSavvy to read QR codes like Barcode Scanner.

Flashlight 
This app turns your screen to white and cranks up the brightness. I’ve used it quite a few times but I prefer MotoTorch.

MotoTorch - Flashlight
The Flashlight app uses the screen but MotoTorch uses the dual LED flash of the Motorola Droid! This produces an incredibly bright light for several feet. MotoTorch includes a widget for one-touch access to this very handy light source.

Dead Pixel Detect 
A few phones sell with dead pixels in the screen. To test yours, use Dead Pixel Detect. Some have had Best Buy replace their phones after showing this app.

Corporate Directory 
While Android syncs with my Exchange contacts it does not let me search through the Exchange directory. Corporate Directory saves the day by letting me search or browse all of the employees in our directory.

Metal Detector 
This app lets you customize the text that appears when your phone detects metal nearby. My detection screen says “Detecting crappy phones…” and my detected screen says “Detected!” Now when I compare my Droid with my friends’ iPhones I just load up that app and wave their phone over mine. Detected!

Tricorder – Star Trek Themed Instrument Panel
I’m not a Trekkie, but I am familiar with Star Trek, Next Gen, Voyager, and all the movies. Ok, maybe I am a light Trekkie. Either way, I think the Tricorder app is really cool. The best part is, the readings are real! Display acceleration, magnetism, sounds, geocodes, and even real solar flare data.

Qik – Live Video Stream 
I don’t really have much use for this app but the potential is great. I know that Robert Scoble has been using this with his Nokia N95 for some time to do live interviews from tech conferences. I used and tested Qik successfully but I don’t think I’ll do much more with the app.

Ustream – Live Video Stream
Similar to Qik, this app lets you send live video to the well populated Ustream website.

Ringdroid  – Ringtone Editing
This app can edit MP3’s for use as ringtones.

Screencrack – Joke App
For a funny practical joke, run screen crack, hand the phone to your friend, and act like he broke your phone!

Screens – Backgrounds
Never run out of great backgrounds with this great app. Choose from several categories to keep your phone looking fresh.

Backgrounds
This is similar to Screens but lets you see three backgrounds at once. Multiple categories let you narrow down your tastes.

Speed Forge 3D – Racing Game 
I’m not much of a mobile gamer but this app really shows off the graphics processor in the Droid.

GPS Tracker 
As long as GPS is activated on your phone, this little app can show you in a web browser where it is located.

Where's My Droid – Phone Locator
Send a text message to your phone with a special code and this app will crank up the volume and blast a noise. GPS Tracker and Where’s My Droid could work together to locate and pinpoint your phone virtually anywhere.

Xtremelabs Speedtest – Internet Speed Test
This app checks your phones download and upload speeds. This is a great way to check your connection and annoy people with DSL when your 3G is faster than their internet.
 
 
Droid ad highlights difference with iPhone PDF Print Email
Sunday, 06 December 2009 19:10

In my Droid review I noted that the real difference between the Droid and the iPhone was demographics. The Droid is meant for a different crowd than the iPhone. Verizon's new ad seems to agree.

 
 
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