I’m a gadget freak and I have no problem admitting that. But I have another problem… I’m a T-Mobile subscriber. Yep, you know what that means. No cool phones, no 3G (yeah it’s on its way - whatever), and a lot of iPhone lust.

While waiting it out for THE NEXT BIG THING in tmo WinMo goodness, I broke down and picked up a little Nokia 5310 MusicXpress for $50. While I’m fairly pleased with the call quality, the size & form factor of the phone, though I can’t install any frickin’ apps. I shouldn’t be surprised after all. It’s T-Mobile.

Never mind that I have the full Internet plan. It’s not like I’m trying to rip off free IM on the $5 ‘net plan. I pay for Internet & Hotspot access. And I use it. My previous phone, an MDA that still works, allowed me to install that IM app to access Google Talk. It allowed me to install a different browser like Opera, it allowed me to install Weather software, RSS readers, digital "wallets", mapping & gps, handwriting recognition, voice recognition, music players, movie players, and so much more that I can’t describe it all.

I don’t expect to do much on this phone other than talk and play music. But it would be nice to at least get email delivered to it - whether I can respond or not doesn’t matter. Because if I get an email from a client - I’ll simply call them back as it’s usually important. What tweaks me is that the inbuilt email app, I’ll use that term loosely, simply does not allow me to add any POP or IMAP account. If it’s not GMail, Yahoo, HotMail, or whatever other webmail service, you’re out of luck. Perversely, my email account is hosted by Google for Domains, but the setup "wizard" only accepts GMail accounts. Stupid. Even paying the $0.15 (US) per email wouldn’t bother me so much if I could at least have it work.

So while I’m waiting (again) for a decent (?) phone & 3G service, I have to forgo email.  What happened to the days when T-Mobile was out front? When they rolled out GPRS nationwide before anyone else? When they actually had interesting phones, instead of 18mos. old models?

Kinda loosing the faith here. I only stick around because I have so many family and friends on T-Mo: parents, in-laws, sister & BIL, family & about 10 friends. I’m seriously wondering if I should return the darn phone (I have 3 days left in the 2 week trial) and go to AT&T. I could at least look at the Tilt or wait for the iPhone or… or… or…

Ok, I think that’s enough <rant> for this post. Anyone else have something good to say about tmo at the moment? I need a little propping up here.

My migration to Firefox 3 has been fairly painless. I specifically put off trying out most all the beta versions until the last release candidate. Since I’d embraced the plug-in feature of Firefox and installed upwards of two dozen of these spiffy enhancements to a great browser I knew a few (or many) would not be updated right away.

And I was right, many plug-ins were not updated when I installed FF3 rc3, and I had to do without a lot of functionality. The only thing that allowed me to ride it out from the release candidate to shipping code was the fact that Foxmarks was updated to work with FF3 - it’s my absolutely most needed plug-in.

But in the three weeks I’ve been running the latest versions of Firefox 3, I’ve seen updates to plug-ins on an almost daily basis! out of 21 plug-ins, I’ve only 4 that aren’t yet updated: Blog This in Windows Live Writer, coComment!, ColorZilla, and Thinger.

Yes this was cross-posted with my personal blog, but I’m interested in feedback from both blogs. - Rick

UPDATE: I just found the latest ColorZilla beta here that works with Firefox 3!  In addition, I removed the coComment! plug-in as I see that the folks at coComment themselves will be getting their plug-in updated shortly. I’ve kind of given up waiting for any update to the Blog This in Windows Live Writer plug-in. That leaves Thinger, which I really do hope gets updated, because I really need a second (third?) bookmark toolbar.

I thought it might be of benefit for those planning on starting to work away from the office for a few tips on what to pack in that mobile kit.  There are many, many things to include, but it will eventually be dependent on the work you intend to do.  While this topic could be really in depth, I’m taking a quick overview of what to look for in a mobile office on a budget.  At the very least, here are a few suggestions

Laptop

It goes without saying that you’ll need a WiFi equipped laptop.  What I would recommend is that you go for one of the lower-priced workhorses in the $700 to $1000 (US) price category.  This assumes you’re a Windows or Linux user of course.  The reason for going for less expensive (but still powerful) unit is simply for loss purposes.  Whether through damage to the device or the possibility of it being stolen.  You won’t feel as bad at loosing/damaging a $750 Acer or Gateway than that $4000 17″ gaming laptop you always wanted.  Trust me.

Must haves in a laptop are at least a 1.8GHz Dual Core Intel or AMD (doesn’t matter which) processor.  Minimum of 2GB RAM.  More is better, but I’d not bother going over 3GB for the average user with a 32bit operating system like Windows or Linux.  Most laptops in this range will have a minimum 120GB HDD.  Just make sure your hard drive spins at 5400prm and not 4200prm - it does make a performance difference.  Don’t worry about spending extra for a faster 7200prm unit.  WiFi is a necessity, make sure it supports 802.11b/g though “a” and “n” are ok to have in addition to “bg”.  Bluetooth is a “nice to have” but depending on how you work, it may be a very useful thing to look for - it’s not always going to be standard in this price range.

Don’t sweat Windows Vista vs. Windows XP.  Vista Home Pro rocks on this hardware range.

Mouse

Don’t try to use the touchpad in the laptop and think your saving space or weight in your bag.  Get a good quality, but inexpensive wireless mouse.  Right now I’m thinking of two different paths.  A Bluetooth mouse will require one less adapter to plug into a USB port and one less dongle to loose.  On the other hand, not all laptops in the price range I’ve pointed out have Bluetooth included.

The other one to look at is something like the Logitech VX Nano.  The “Nano” in this case is in reference to the USB dongle.  It’s super-small and only protrudes out from the laptop by about 1/8″ and is intended to be left in the USB port rather than taken out when you’re done using it.

Whatever route you go, most of these mice are designed to be shut off when stored in your bag.  Batteries usually last around 6 months.

Headphones

Here is another useful hardware piece to make sure to have with.  I try to keep several pairs with.  One larger, comfortable, over-the-head USB set with microphone boom for VoIP work.  Excellent call quality with something like this.  The others are the usual phono plug type earbuds - again with microphone, but that’s just my choice as I use them for video work as well as tunes.

There are Bluetooth stereo headphones out there and if you already have Bluetooth in the laptop, it may be the way to go for tunes as well!

Camera

This is only needed if you do any video work.  This is an area where I recommend buying the best quality in the readily available consumer webcam lines from Microsoft, Logitech, or Creative.  I use the Logitech QuickCam for Notebooks Pro and highly recommend it.  Microsoft and Creative have similar devices.  One note here - I’d match your mouse provider if you’re a Microsoft or Logitech user as I’ve found driver compatibilities when using different manufacturer products.

Cables

You should bring a selection of cables.  Make sure to pack the cables from your digital camera, phone/pda, USB charging cables for things you would bring with.  In addition, think about packing a 6′ standard USB peripheral cable, a 6′ mini-USB, and a 10′ Ethernet cable.

Other Stuff

There are many, many things to add to a mobile kit, but remember that you’re going to be carrying this around on your shoulder.  As for a bag, I recommend a good-quality backpack style.  It should have a dedicated laptop space, some side pockets for cables, power  supplies, or other longer items, several pockets for cables, mice or cameras, and of course space for notepads or folders or binders.

Of course this is only a start and barely begins to address your personal style.  That of course changes the dynamics quite a bit.  Maybe your a Mac person, which changes a number of the items in this post (but not by much).  So start working on finding what you need and getting set up.  What would you add or change in this list of basics?

Photo credit: rheauchyr

I’ll be heading to SOBCon08 May 2nd, 3rd, & 4th to meet up with notable bloggers and social media types to discuss the business of blogging.  The event is in Chicago and I’ll be driving down from Minneapolis to attend.  Along the way, I’ll be pushing the limits of mobile computing and technology usage on the road again.

Along with trying to keep up with a flow of blogging articles, I’ll be leveraging just about every mobile tool available on this trip.  Here’s a list of things I’ll be using and doing:

• GPS Navigation via Pocket PC
• Mobile blogging, pictures, video, audio via Windows Mobile Phone (posting both here at TML, Utterz and at my blog).
• Use of mobile data service (T-Mobile EDGE)
• Use of WiFi Hot-Spots on the road and at the conference/hotel
• Video interviews with the webcam or Camcorder
• Digi-pix of the event, travel, and meetups with other conference goers.

If you have any questions or recommendations, don’t hesitate to leave a suggestion in the comments or email me at rickmahn (at) gmail.com.  I’ll do my best to work in any requests or suggestions.

I’ve just recently been picking up news of a recently released Windows Mobile device running WM6, with a 624MHz processor and 1GB of ROM.  For a decent price: $400(US)!  Check out the review at Cellubration of the MWg Atom Life Windows Mobile 6 Phone.

Here are a rundown of the specs.

• Windows Mobile 6
• TriBand GSM/EDGE
• DualBand UMTS/HSDPA
• 64MB RAM
• 1GB ROM
• 624MHz Intel XScale
• FM Radio
• WiFi b/g
• Bluetooth 1.2 (with A2DP)
• 2.7″ QVGA
• 2MP Camera on rear
• Second, forward facing VGA camera
• MiniSD Slot - supports miniSDHC cards

Granted, there are a few things missing - the 850MHz band for US AT&T, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR would be nice, 128MB RAM would also be appreciated, and at least for me, 1700MHz support for the upcoming T-Mobile USA 3G launch sometime in the next decade.

Even so, the $400 price tag, 1GB of ROM storage, FM radio and the minimal software load (Mostly just WM6 Pro), clean lines, and light weight is kinda killer.  Of course, I’ve been spending the last two years with an HTC Wizard, so I’m looking at the fast processor and drooling.

Anyway, check out the detailed review over at Cellubration.

Via: Cellubration - MWg Atom Life

Thanks to UnwiredView, we have some more information on how Microsoft is working with their Windows Mobile partners.  One such topic is HTC’s wonder TouchFlo software that runs on it’s “Touch” line of mobile phones, and masks parts of the Windows Mobile interface with a glossy, natural touch interface similar to that on the iPhone.

Below, UnwiredView got to talk with Todd Warren, the Microsoft corporate Vice President of Mobile Communications at the Mobile World Congress 2008 last month.  Here is the portion of the interview that talks specifically about some product plans and partner interaction - and industry observation!

Via: UnwiredView - Windows Mobile for Consumers. Part 2

SBSH Mobile Software launch new web-site interface

March 3rd, 2008, Tel Aviv - SBSH Mobile Software announced today the official launch of its new web site, available at: http://www.sbsh.net. The new SBSH Mobile Software web-site introduce new navigation experience for mobile users packing the most advanced utilities that ensure ease of use and confident navigation experience!

SBSH Mobile Software new web-site brings Device-Based and Platform-Based navigation helping users to find applications designed for their mobile device easily, providing an optimized solution for one of the main problems in the third-party mobile applications market. Automated RSS news feeds about new application updates and announcements and much more!

“We’ve kept ourselves busy for the past year going through major designing and thinking process and we are excited to introduce today our new web-site!”, says Amit Regev, SBSH Mobile Software CEO.

“Our goal is to improve the every day user shopping experience by providing easier ways to find third-party content and provide users with confidence when browsing for mobile content. Using the new SBSH Mobile Software interface we focused on doing exactly this!” he concludes.

SBSH Mobile Software New Interface Highlights

Device-Based and Platform-Based navigation - Shop with confidence for applications designed for your mobile device only. Start your shopping experience by choosing your device model to ensure applications compatibility with your specific device model. Device selection designed with model pictures for full confidence. Navigate based on mobile platform for advanced users is available too.

Support utilities improvements - A variety of new support utilities are now available, including: support tickets system, specific application FAQ sections, optimized information display and more. New design flow implemented that provides users with easier access to important information.

Stay up to date! - Use the new RSS feeds to easily stay tuned with new application updates and press releases! Clear application updates listing displayed on main site, latest press releases listing and more! Making it easier than ever to track SBSH Mobile Software news!

Contact Information

For any inquires related to the new SBSH Mobile Software web-site release please contact us using the contact information here below.

Avishay Naamat
PR and Content Manager
Avishay@sbsh.net

Mailing Address:
Attn: Avishay Naamat
SBSH Mobile Software
Zichron Sara 35,
Rishon Le Zion, 75762
Israel

About SBSH Mobile Software

SBSH Mobile Software is a rapidly growing software firm specializing in the mobile market, developing software solutions for Windows Mobile Professional/Classic (Pocket PC), Windows Mobile Standard (Smartphones) and Symbian devices.

SBSH Mobile Software offers a variety of best-selling applications for the fast growing mobile market enhancing end-users experience and providing added-value for mobile devices.

SBSH Mobile Software LTD is a privately held company based in Tel Aviv, Israel. SBSH Mobile Software was founded in February 2002.

http://www.sbsh.net

So I’ve been thinking a bit on the topic of the mobile lifestyle.  I’ve been practicing more and more of this way of working and living.  In fact, it’s become more natural and pervasive than I had imagined that it would be.  It’s not just about working wherever you can connect, it’s encompassing how you perceive how to work and live.

After all, what is work really?  It’s a means by which to support your lifestyle.  If you can weave those necessary hours of work into what you do every day - you’re well on your way to solving that perplexing question we all seem to have about life.  What I’m getting at here is striking a balance.

Most of us who work in or with technology have the opportunity to integrate that work in our lives in some way.  The fact that technology itself can be made to take with us, and that there are available mobile data connectivity options enables this.  The problem for many is that the concept is too foreign to how we’ve been programmed to work.

Since the traditional mode of work is at a desk in an office under the watchful eye of a supervisor - many people just don’t feel comfortable changing that.  But they should!  The world is changing and the way we work has to adapt as well!

Photo credit: Jeff Tabaco

I really, really want to go to CES one of these years.  However, since you and I may not be able to make it for whatever reason, there are tons of outlets to find information.  Since one of my favorite technology focuses is mobile technology, I’d like to point you to some of the sites and people that I’m following during CES.

1. jkOnTheRun - A blog started by James Kendrick many years ago, it’s a great site for news and views on all facets of mobile tech.  Keven C. Tofel joined James last year and the two have become the dynamic duo on covering the mobile tech scene.
2. GottaBeMobile - Featuring Warner Crocker, Rob Bushway, Matt Faulkner and Sierra Modro, GottaBeMobile has a history of great coverage.
3. Engadget Mobile - Always a favorite, Engadget is always on top of mobile news.

Anyway, these are the top three sites I’m watching for news from CES.  Yeah, ZDNet, PC World, etc… are covering as well - but these are more mobile-centric.