CES 2012 - Free Promo Code "MASH12" (exp 12/1/11)

Just registered and received my badge for CES 2012 (http://www.cesweb.org/) for free!

A few weeks ago, I got a Priority Code from the cool folks at Mashable.com "MASH12" (http://mashbash.eventbrite.com/) - promo code expires Dec 1st…saves you that $100 registration fee

Also went for the VIP Admission ticket to attend MashBash 2012, which was only $15 more. Hope it will be a great networking event with a lot of cool tech to see for the coming year.

Recommended tips to see CES 2012 on the cheap

• Use frequent flyer points if you're booking a last-minute trip or popular destination. CES 2012 is expected to host over 140,000 people that week, so air fares were north of $450 (about $200 more than normal). Some airlines will also have hidden "sister airlines" that will accept the same mileage points - I used only 25,000 points to go from DCA to LAS!
• Use AirBnB.com or an alternative rental booking agency, if all the hotels you want are sold-out. When I looked elsewhere online, the rooms were all going for $200+/nt. My important criteria was to be within walking distance to the Las Vegas Monorail and preferably stay at a decent non-smoking, non-gambling hotel. I really lucked out by getting a 1-bedroom suite off the strip, with some promo codes for just $100/nt.
• Use the promo code above (MASH12) before Dec 1, to register at (http://www.cesweb.org/) for free! I had missed the earlier September deadline*
• Join CEA Enthusiast Club (http://www.ceatechenthusiast.com/) which keeps you up to date on the latest CES developments and currently have a great offer saving up to $10/month on your Verizon Fios bill

Hot Tech Wish List that I hope to see there...(Updated: Jan 10, 2012)

• Andriod Cell Phones (LTE support) + latest Android OS with ICS
• Windows Kinect 2 (?) - Kinect for PC: Feb 1
• iPad 3 / iPhone 5 from Apple
• Ultrabooks or Transformer Prime Hybrid - lighter, 7 to 9 inch convertible, mini-tablets with better resolution screens
• New-gen HDTV (4K?) and IPS Monitors with 120Hz support

AT&T Infuse 4G Case Review - Incipio Feather

Infuse 4G Cases

My favorite and current case is the Incipio Feather for Samsung Infuse 4G.


They come in various colors, but the Red seems to be the best and boldest color.


Here's another great video review of the Incipio Feather Case

Pros:

• Ultra-light and thin
• Soft touch finish (not rubbery like TPU cases)
• Relatively inexpensive (~$18)
• Great brilliant color finish
• Easy to take off (useful if you also use a Dock)

Cons:

• Not much protection if you happen to drop it
• Can scratch easily if you carry it with keys

I've tried several other different cases, including the Infuse 4G TPU Skin cases which are very popular. However, the TPU cases can feel a bit too rubbery and are easy to get dirty for me. They do provide a bit more protection though if you do drop it and are just as light.

With a phone like this, I wanted to get something to cover it but would not be overly bulky.

Samsung Infuse 4G Phone Review

AT&T Infuse 4G Phone
Here is my new cell phone that I renewed my AT&T 2 year contract:
Samsung Infuse 4G Android Phone (AT&T)

New AT&T HSPA+ Phone
When originally it came out in May - June, this was one of the first HSPA+ phones from AT&T along with the HTC Inspire. It also rocked the largest touchscreen ever (4.5 inches) at the time.

AT&T started airing their (in)famous Giant Tarantula TV spots. A friend of mine raved about it and had been following it for quite some time before its release. He got it the first week that it came out for $200. I waited about a month, before I finally felt it was time to let go of my old Nokia e71x and just upgrade. Update: Now you can buy it for $50 or less online.

My Mobile Handset History and Biases
Just to give perspective on all the other cell phones I've owned:
Sony Ericson W600i - Cingular
Motorola RAZR - Motorola

HP iPAQ hw6915 - Windows Mobile OS
iPhone 3G - Apple iOS
Nokia N85 (unlocked) - Symbian
Nokia e71x - Symbian

Pros:

• Android Phone (can be rooted and open platform for Dev)
• Huge Display - 4.5-inch Super AMOLED Plus display
• Excellent for Web Browsing - I use the web on my phone at least 3x more now
• Thin and Light - under 9 mm thick and weighs under 5 ounces (beats iPhone 4
• Long Battery Life for Android - usually lasts 2 full days with regular usage

Cons:

• AT&T - Stuck with Froyo (Android 2.3) - even though you can mod it with a rom for Gingerbread or Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS)
• Requires two hands to swipe with it comfortably
• Call quality is average
• Not as fast as the Samsung Galaxy II or SG2 Skyrocket (LTE)

Opera Mini 6 for iPad and iPhone

Opera Mini 6 is now finally available for iPhone and iPad!

Download it Free from iTunes App Store

Google Doodle Tribute to Les Paul - sample songs

Happy Birthday:

http://goo.gl/doodle/XvlmR

112143

112154

1186432

666454

Tetris Theme:
http://goo.gl/doodle/4oROq

634543246
54345
6422

579876
465434
56422

6-4-5-3-4-2-1-3-
6-4-5-3-
4699
4+8

Review of iPad App - Racquet Tune App

Simple to use iPhone / iPad application that uses the string vibration to measure the tension of a tennis racket!

http://www.tennis-bargains.com/2011/02/how-to-measure-tension-of-tennis-string.html

RacquetTune iPhone/iPad App

My YouTube Review: Part 1 Part 2

How to be a Gmail Ninja - shortcuts and tips

If you use Gmail a lot like me, here are some very useful tips and add-ons (from the Google Lab).
I learned a lot of VERY useful tips and time-saving shortcuts here.

HTML version:
http://www.google.com/mail/help/tips.html

PDF version (printable cheat sheet):
http://jc10s.com/GmailTips

Google Launches Street View for Museums

Google Launches Street View for Museums

Love Art? Love Street View for Google Maps? Now put them together...

Google has enhanced the Google Art Project Collection to now include info panels and YouTube videos to give the world a chance to sample Art in a virtual tour.

From the National Gallery in London to the MET in New York City (http://www.googleartproject.com/museums/met/wheat-field-with-cypresses)

As always, the famous pieces have been photographed in super hi-res "Gigapixel" camera mode so that you can see every nook and crevice of paint.

You can even create your own Art Collection by assembling the works and pieces you pick together!

http://www.googleartproject.com/