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How to Use Sim Only Plans

Admin — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 05:56:50 +0000

Mobile phones play a central role in the lives of many people in the present world and service providers have taken advantage of this opportunity to offer customers different types of contracts. Among the contracts that are gaining increasing popularity are SIM only plans. As the name indicates, these “contracts” involve only SIM cards and do not have to be long term, which is important for people who already own at least one mobile phone.

Although mobile phone service providers usually advertise contracts that bundle ‘free’ phones, the truth is that customers pay for the phones through higher monthly fees. The SIM only contracts are relatively cheaper and users are not tied to long-term contracts. The deals provide SIM cards that come with a one-time payment. There are basically two types of contracts – prepaid and postpaid deals.

Sim Only Deal

SIM Only Deals

The contracts come in a variety of packages. Many deals offer a given number of text messages and amount of minutes for a specified amount of money a month. Some packages offer free on-network calls and unlimited texts while others include unlimited internet plans.

Since the users are not bound by lengthy contracts, they can change their numbers, plans and even service providers whenever they like. The contracts usually last for one month only, as opposed to regular deals that can last as long as 18 months.

This gives users the opportunity to ‘test the waters’ before making any longer-term commitments. If users intend to use the deals for extended periods, then they may opt for longer contracts that provide even better value for money.

Flexibility

Users can customize their deals by choosing different packages from one month to another. For example, they may choose separate plans for data, calls and texts to help them lower their monthly bills depending on their usage.

Users have the freedom to use the SIM cards in any mobile phone so long as it is not locked to a different network provider. This is ideal for people who are already comfortable with their current mobile phones and would not like to change them. It also gives them the opportunity to use a mobile phone that is not available from the service provider with whom they would like to sign up.

Added Benefits

SIM only plans give users the freedom to have the best of both worlds. They can choose their preferred device and then go for the contract that gives them the best value depending on their needs. Another advantage is the possibility of keeping one’s number upon changing contracts or even service providers.

Finding and Comparing Plans

To make the most of SIM only plans, users should compare different contracts to find the ones that give them the best value for their money. For example, people who use a lot of texts or internet may choose unlimited SMS or internet packages respectively.

One of the best methods is to use comparison websites that provide many deals in the same place to make the process easier and more convenient. Such sites have massive databases that contain packages from the different service providers and should make finding the most suitable plan much easier.

Blake Sanders is a tech writer at comparison site Sim Only and specializes in mobile broadband and sim only plans as well as all industry news and information.

Note: Photo courtesy of warrenski via FlickR Creative Commons.

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Hybrid Mobile Plans

Admin — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 03:19:28 +0000

Currently there are two different options out there for people who want the freedom of movement and the mobility of a cell phone. For consumers, there’s no shortage of options as far as products go. There are many excellent options, like the Samsung Galaxy among others, but there does seem to be a shortage on plan options. Typically people buy into plans that are based on a contract where users enter into a two-year contract. Sometimes more, sometimes less. The other option is a prepaid cell phone where you purchase the minutes before hand. Users can then apply however many minutes they want and aren’t bound to any type of contract. Lately, there’s been the option offered by some providers that give customers a third option.

Samsung Galaxy S

Hybrid mobile plans are a new idea that’s being put to consumers that aren’t really happy with the “either-or” approach to mobile phone options. A hybrid cell phone plan is for those that don’t really fit into the standard monthly rate or plan option nor are they categorized under the pay-as-you-go option. If you’re not really happy with the standard options, a hybrid plan might be just the thing for you.

These hybrid plans give consumers some advantages over the main to options. Through these plans, subscribers aren’t forced to enter into a contract or go through extensive credit checks or pay hefty fees each month. It’s somewhat similar to a prepaid plan, however the hybrid plan option has a monthly cap. Through this option you can get a phone that has all the same features and quality as phones you’d get with a lengthy contract, but there’s a cut-off as to how much you’ll end up paying towards your bill. This allows consumers to have greater control over their monthly bill and decide how much they’re comfortable with paying. Once you’ve used your data and minutes, you can then decide if you want to buy into more time, or not at all.

One of the downsides to this option is that it offers less minutes per dollar than a normal contractual option, but on the other side, you still get more minutes than if you were to go with a strict pay-as-you-go plan. Either way, this might be a good option for you if you’re not really interested in being tied down to one carrier for a prolonged period of time.

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Online Backup 101: How to Properly Backup Your Files

Admin — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 13:06:46 +0000

Backing up your files regularly is a must if you want to make sure that all of your valuable documents and data would always be safe whatever happens to your home or work computer. You can do this either through the use of CDs, DVDs or external drives or you can choose to back up your files through an online storage website.

Online Backup Storage

Online storage websites are now considered to be the most practical choice for all kind of users who are looking for a safe and secure place where they can keep their files until they want to access them. Because most of the providers or the companies which offer them are able to offer a close to 100% uptime guarantee, users can be sure that they can access their files and documents whenever they need to.

Once you have chosen an online storage service or website, make sure that you would be backing up your files once a week. This would make sure that any updated files and new files would be saved in your online storage account. You should also make it a point that you are able to identify which of the files in your computer should be backed up. It would be advisable to create a folder where you can save these files so it would be easier for you to copy them to your online storage account.

7 Useful Tools And Resources You Didn’t Know About

HTC Evo 3D Review, Features And Spec

Admin — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 04:49:10 +0000

HTC Evo 3D

Image courtesy of Expansys

It was only a matter of time before 3D technology was introduced into the world of mobile phones. The HTC Evo 3D brings your life to the palm of your hand, with a dual camera that can shoot video and capture photos in 3D. The screen displays them without the need for those daft glasses as well.

The screen itself stretches 4.3” and is, as you would expect, incredibly crisp and vibrant. It only displays 3D in landscape orientation, which is the only slight downside, but it wouldn’t look half as impressive in portrait. The dual 5MP camera lets you shoot in 720p and, if you have one, you can stream it straight onto your 3D TV at home. 3D photographs are shot in 2MP while the 2D snaps use the 5MP capability to the max.

Much like on the Sensation, HTC have included the Watch function on the Evo, which gives you the option to buy films to watch instantly on your mobile. They have also promised to make a few 3D films available for purchase so you can get the most out of the Evo 3D. Avatar might not look or, indeed, sound as impressive on a 4.3” device, but it is a cool function nonetheless.

If you’re worried that the added function will only serve to slow the phone down and eat the battery within a couple of hours, then fear not: the Evo packs a whopping 1.2GHz dual core processor with a 1GB memory, maintained by a 1730mAH battery.

HTC Sense is as smooth and sexy as ever and, with the sheer power of the processor, it seldom runs in stops and starts. It would look great, with the rotating home screens and all, if the display was permanently in 3D, but this really would eat your battery for breakfast before you’ve even finished yours.

The Evo comes with all the features we know so well from HTC, like the ‘flip to silence’ function and the fact that it rings louder when it’s in a bag and you’re on a busy street – it just knows. It also comes with the option to download and store maps on the device itself, so you won’t have to wait through any lengthy loading times.

The maps are unfortunately not in 3D, but the function is admittedly pretty funky. Whether it is worth the extra cost (or the extra weight) is another matter. The only thing that makes the Evo different from the Sensation is, of course, the 3D function, so it would be worth considering how much use you would actually get out of it before you commit to owning one. Is it a novelty that would wear off after two weeks or will it ignite an underlying passion for photography in you?

Nintendo Wii U To Lack Blue-ray and DVD Drives, To Include Radeon HD4000 GPU

Admin — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 12:16:28 +0000

New, post-E3 details are starting to emerge about the specs of Nintendo’s upcoming Wii U console.

Despite rumors that the console would include a Blu-ray or DVD drive, Nintendo has confirmed that they will instead be using their own proprietary disc format. This does not, however mean that they will be using a lower capacity disc as Nintendo has stated that they will have a 25GB maximum (the same as Blu-ray). The downside is that the Wii U won’t be able to double as a Blu-ray or DVD player (just as the original Wii), but game storage won’t suffer under Nintendo’s proprietary discs. Consumers in looking to watching hi-def content on their Wii U will still be able due to its 1080p out through HDMI.

Nintendo Wii U

We’re also getting to know a little more about IBM’s CPU that’s powering the Wii U. GameWatch, a Japanese gaming site, has found that the Wii U is packing a Radeon HD4000 GPU that supports Direct X 10.1 (released in 2008). This news has come as a slight disappointment to the gaming community because the hardware isn’t as leaps and bounds ahead of the PS3 or Xbox 360 as first imagined (especially after the impressive “Japanese Garden demo” Nintendo showed off). It’s easy to understand why Nintendo would choose to go with slightly outdated tech in this case, as cutting-edge hardware would have severely increased their production costs, putting them in a similar position where Sony was when they released the PS3 in 2006 for US$599.

We’ve come to expect impressive visuals from Nintendo’s first party games, but it’ll be up to third-parties to get the most out of the Wii U’s hardware when it’s released in 2012.

Via: GizmoDigit

Top 3 Laptops Of 2011 So Far For Students

Admin — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 04:07:02 +0000

In preparation for the new school year, summer is a busy time for shopping laptop deals, and there are some truly amazing deals awaiting you. Some companies are offering big discounts, some are offering a free laptop with mobile broadband package and Microsoft is even throwing in a free Xbox 360. But none of this makes it any easier for you to decide which laptop computer is the right one for you or your child. In order to help you with that, we have compiled this look at the top three laptops of 2011 (so far, because we know that this market is always in flux).

Acer Cromia Chromebook (Wi-Fi)

Along with the Samsung Series 5, the Acer Cromia is the first commercial Chromebook on the market, and it’s a doozy at an amazing sub-$400 price tag. The important thing to understand about Chromebooks is that they are not (yet) PC and Mac replacements. So if you have specific software requirements, a Chromebook is likely not for you. If, on the other hand, you need an affordable, powerful, highly portable laptop with extremely long battery life, then a Chromebook may be the perfect choice. Answer these questions: What are my computing needs, and can I meet those needs within the Google ‘sandbox?’ If the answer to that second question is yes, then the Chromebook is an extremely tough value to beat, especially considering that nearly all of the software for it is available free.

Acer Cromia Chromebook (Wi-Fi)

Toshiba Satellite L500

The Toshiba Satellite L500/L505 costs about twice as much as the Acer Cromia does, but this is a full-blown Windows laptop with 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo CPU and a gorgeous 15.6-inch display. You also have the option of a dual-core AMD Turion II processor instead. At the current price, this laptop is a phenomenal value that provides high performance, excellent portability and impressive usability. About the only negative associated with it is its relatively short battery life. It is well suited to classroom use, but if you use it for a lot of multimedia, then you’ll want to consider upgrading to a more powerful battery. The great thing about buying Toshiba is that you get Toshiba’s amazing reputation for longevity. Over the past decade, no laptop manufacturer has provided greater durability. Many consumers buy a laptop to last 2-3 years, but this may be an important factor if you need yours to last longer.

Toshiba Satellite L500

ASUS K50IJ-XA1

ASUS is a name that has only recently begun to make an impression with the casual consumer, but gamers and power users have respected this name for years. Like Toshiba, ASUS earned that respect through their commitment to high-quality minor parts. These parts often fly under the average consumer’s radar, but they are precisely what determine longevity. The nice thing about this ASUS is that it is less expensive than the Toshiba but only a hundred dollars or so more expensive than the Chromebook. It’s not quite as light, but it is nearly as portable due to its compactness. It has a spacious 15.6-inch display, and under the hood, you get a 2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo CPU, 4 GB DD2 SDRAM and a 500GB HDD. So it is portable enough for school and perfect for Internet, video and word processing, but it is also quite powerful enough to handle the latest games at a relatively high quality and speed.

ASUS K50IJ-XA1

HTC Pyramid – Android 4G Smartphone With qHD Display Coming To T-Mobile In June

Admin — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 04:24:55 +0000

With the unrest in Egypt, HTC seems to have come up with a related name for one of their latest smartphones. They named it the Pyramid. This is of course a code name, but quite the timing nevertheless. Get a closer look at some of the information on this smartphone with the Egyptian reference here in this quick article.

HTC Pyramid

HTC is known for making big bold smartphones with decent processors inside. The HTC Pyramid will be one to make history for them, if the rumors are true. Depending on who you listen to, this is going to be the first smartphone from HTC to have a dual core processor. Since HTC and Qualcomm have worked closely together in the past, it is not a far fetched idea to think that the new dual-core 1.2 gigahertz Snapdragon processor, machinated as “MSM8260″, will be in the Pyramid. That is what some are saying, anyway. The GPU ( Graphical Processing Unit ) will be the Adreno 220.

The screen for this new beast of a phone will be strikingly clear and favorably large. The display is slated for 4.3 inches in size. That is one of those smartphones that stretches across the hand and is stubborn to get into pockets. It is one small step under a “tablet” screen. The resolution of the HTC Pyramid display will be 960 by 540 pixels of power. For comparison, the iPhone 4 has 640 by 960 pixels of resolution, but in a smaller screen ( 3.5 inches ). The Pyramid resolution has been given a name; qHD. That stands for “quarter high definition”. It is the same screen resolution of the Motorola Atrix.

HTC Pyramid Spec:

Dual-core 1.2 GHz Snapdragon processor
4.3″ SuperLCD display
960 x 540 qHD display
768MB of processor RAM
8 MP Rear camera
1.3 MP VGA front camera
HSPA+ (14.4 Mbps)
Android 2.4 OS
DLNA
HTC Sense 3.0

With a lively processor and a clarion display, the HTC Pyramid is loaded for bear. Thanks to the chosen processor and GPU, this smartphone will be able to do some uncommon stunts. One is that it will be able to handle a 16 megapixel camera. Will it actually have one with that large of a specification ? Only HTC knows for sure. Other things the Pyramid will be able to do is to handle HSPA+ networks. This is like 4G but faster. The numbers are; 14 megabits per second for download and 5.6 megabits for upload. The T-Mobile network is slated to receive this HTC smartphone and they are already looking at 21 megabits per second speeds for a Samsung model. All the other “normal” wireless networks can also be supported like; EDGE, GPRS and GSM.

HTC Pyramid

With the powerful Qualcomm dual core processor the HTC Pyramid will be able to record and playback in 1080p high definition format. The HTC HD7 is already for sale over at T-Mobile. It runs the Windows Phone 7 mobile operating system and also has a 4.3 inch screen. It is assumed that this HTC Pyramid will add some spice to the mix and be running Android, hopefully in the latest Android 2.3 gingerbread version but it may possible that HTC Pyramid comes with Android 2.4 OS. This is the gingerbread version and supports things like NFC ( Near Field Communications ) accounts. Nokia has this in their phones and Samsung put it into the last Google Phone. NFC is going to be big, but there is no guarantee the Pyramid will have it. As from TMO, HTC Pyramid set June release timeframe though the actual date is unknown.

Images Via [GSMAreana]

NFC Chips Will Turn Your Mobile Phone Into A Digital Wallet To Make Payment

Admin — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 03:17:36 +0000

The world is headed toward the cashless society you have no doubt heard about. Will you see it happen in your lifetime ? Read on to see how the cash may disappear quicker than you think.

Way back when, those who had too much gold figured out how to lend out the part they were not using. They took the gold they were not using and lent it out to those who needed more, and charged them for it. Thus, the first banks were born. They also figured out how to get the gold into their own vaults, handing out “IOUs” to those who would use their storage. The person could use this IOU, since it was “as good as gold” and trade it with other persons. Thus money exchange started, with fiat paper. Now we have gotten to the point where even the fiat paper may come to an end. The ubiquitous cell phone and the NFC chip may put the final nail in the coffin of paper money.

NFC Chips In iPhone 5

The Samsung Nexus S smartphone has one of those NFC chips. So does the Nokia C7, a smartphone released last year. It is rumored that the iPhone 5 will also have a NFC chip. NFC stands for “Near Field Communication” and in reality is just another technology similar to bluetooth. It has very limited range for security. It is similar to the RFID chip that is used in stores and other products. Countries such as Israel, China and others are cranking up their factories to start commercial production of RFID tags. It is not unreasonable to believe that each person on the planet could soon have their own number and personal tag.

But the cell phone is the tool to use this technology with. Cell phones are already in the hands of most people in the world. Forty percent of everyone in Africa has a cell phone. A high percentage of people in the world have an active cell phone account. Total cell phone subscribers at the end of the year 2010 were 5.2 billion people. There are “only” 6.9 billion people on the planet. That means that 75 percent of all people living on the planet have an active cell phone. It will not be long before that number is 100 percent. That is a large customer base and a great way to bring in the era of cashless societies using that NFC chip.

NFC Chips In Nokia C7

For now, there are some history marks to consider. The first mobile transaction occurred in Espoo Finland, back in 1998. Two Coca Cola machines were set up to accept a mobile payment using text messaging. It worked by sending a text to a special phone number that represented the Coke machines. Coins were not used. When the machines received their instructions over the airwaves that a transaction had taken place, the Coke can was dispensed. The payment showed up on the phone bill of the person who sent the SMS and got the drink. By the way, Espoo Finland is the home of Nokia, the company who makes that Nokia C7 smartphone with the NFC chip. Nokia has promised to produce plenty of other smartphones with NFC chips this year. You may see your paper money fly away for good.

M-Pesa Using NFC Chip

Nearly half the population of Kenya uses mobile banking. They deposit money in their account at home, but can send it to others using M-Pesa. Since they do not have many cars, they usually walk or ride a bike. Imagine how hard it is to send another person money in a village twenty miles away without M-Pesa. Now all they do is use M-Pesa and do it by cell phone from their own home. Look for the NFC revolution to continue.

Olivetti OliPad 10-inch Android Tablet Review, Specifications And Price

Admin — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 03:32:55 +0000

Those who know the name Olivetti will usually think of a typewriter or printer. Now they can think of a tablet, the Olipad tablet. Read on to discover more on the new Android tablet here in this snappy article.

Olivetti OliPad

Enter one more tablet into the bulging tablet market; the Italian Olipad. This is one of the upper sized tablets that will not be a competitor to the iPad. It is sporting an older version of mobile operating system but does thankfully have a good processor. It will be valuable to businesses with its special features but will also be marketed to the public. There are some who do not like its sparse exterior features, but this tablet is not in the upper price ranges for this type of gadget.

Olivetti OliPad - Italy's First Android Tablet

The screen on the Olivetti Olipad tablet is a notch larger than on the iPads. It is ten inches in size, while an ipad is 9.7 inches. It would take a discerning eye to tell the difference in sizes. The resolution is a notch below an iPad at 1024 by 600 pixels. There is no IPS to help with viewing the screen at extended angles. This is not a generic device, but not far from it. The screen is crafted from regular LCD but does have a special capacitive touch pen.

Olivetti OliPad Screen

The inside of the Olivetti Olipad tablet is running a powerful chip. It is the Nvidia Tegra 2 chip, which is also in other smartphones and tablets. The Motorola Xoom is running this chip as well as Samsung and LG Optimus 2X smartphones. It is fast and uses less power than older chips. There is no report on the internal memory or RAM that is available with the Olipad tablet, but there is a MicroSD flash memory slot on the exterior.

Olivetti OliPad Side with Mini USB and SD Card Slot

The Olivetti Olipad tablet will have a docking station and a keyboard for accessories to accompany the capacitive pen. The docking station and keyboard are optional. A 1.3 megapixel camera will be on board as well as an HDMI high definition cable connection. A regular sized USB port is available. The wireless connections are not so eclectic. The Olipad tablet has Wi-Fi, bluetooth and 3G network connections.

Olivetti OliPad Front

Since Olivetti is accustomed to creating business solutions, this tablet has some software ability tuned to that area. The Android mobile operating system is modified to have special features tuned to enterprise use. Olivetti calls it the “Application Warehouse”. This is configurable software programs that are designed for business and government. Some are connected directly to the web as a service. An online helpdesk is included for those customers who have questions or problems. Not many tablets have this level of customer service, so Olivetti is to be congratulated for its work in this area. Some of the custom software is targeted to sales force management, point of sale, enterprise social network and signature workflow management.

Olivetti OliPad Dock

This tablet is available now in Italy. It is being sold at €399 euros. There is no news for release dates in other areas of the world.

iPad Vs iPad 2 : What’s New?

Admin — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 15:56:43 +0000

The first generation iPad was truly a work of art. Apple thought they had created the perfect tablet, but there’s always room for improvement. The second generation iPad 2 took the cake, as it was truly a step-up from the original iPad. Apple had created a whole new design for the second gen. They added intricate and important pieces that perfect a tablet. Although the resolution didn’t change between the two, many other important upgrades made it more the merrier.

Apple iPad Vs iPad 2

The iPad 2 now features a new Apple A5 chip, which was developed by Samsung. This chip makes it run two times faster, and produces up to nine times the graphics performance than the original iPad. This makes it easier to surf the web or play the games you love, in a more intuitive, magical way. The iPad 2 features two cameras, one in the front for Facetime, and one in the back. The front facing camera is only VGA quality, but is ideal for calling your friends or taking self portraits. The rear camera is low quality for taking pictures at 0.92 megapixels, but shoots 720p video at 30 frames per second. The original iPad does not feature cameras. The iPad 2 is also dramatically thinner than the original iPad. It is 33% thinner, going from 13.4mm to 8.8mm. It is also slightly lighter, going from 1.5lbs to 1.3lbs.

Apple iPad

You will feel the difference when holding it for long periods of time. The RAM storage was also upgraded from 256MB to 512MB, allowing the iPad 2 to run faster than ever before. Apple has also designed a cover alongside the iPad 2, which they call Smart Covers. This new innovative technology uses magnets to latch onto the iPad 2. It also auto-aligns itself, so it’s less of a hassle to put it on and also controls the sleep/wake modes of the iPad 2. When the Smart Cover is closed, the iPad goes to sleep and when opened it instantly wakes up. The Smart Cover also makes a great stand for typing or watching movies, due to its foldable design. The original iPad cover was bulky and defeated the purpose of having such a thin device. Many consumers of the original iPad showed interest for a new color for the device. Apple responded with the iPad 2, which is now available in Black or White.

iPad Vs iPad 2

Over a course of one year, Apple has designed and created over 65,000 apps exclusive for the iPad. With the iPad 2, they have taken three core programs from their Mac products and brought them to the second gen iPad. iMovie, Garageband and Photobooth were added to the iPad 2, giving the user an even more extravagant experience. iMovie is an app that makes it easier to edit videos wherever you are. It takes advantage of the rear facing 720p camera, and puts it to further use. Garageband is an app that gives the user the ability to play any instrument, whether they are seasoned professionals or just musical newbies. Photobooth brings the low quality front facing camera to life. It is a fun-filled application allowing you to take photos using a wide variety of visual effects. This makes taking photos a blast for you and your friends.

Apple iPad 2

Overall, Apple has made many improvements to the original iPad. Though, as previously stated, there’s always room for improvement. Apple’s totally new design supersedes the old. The iPad 2 has become the world-dominant tablet device, the only question is, what’s next?

ShaswatPatel.com » Admin

How to Use Sim Only Plans

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Olivetti OliPad 10-inch Android Tablet Review, Specifications And Price

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