webConnect USB modem coming to T-Mob March 25th…with strings?

*Modem is from T-Mobile UK NOT T-Mobile USA*

With all the talk of 4G, WiMax, and LTE flying around, poor T-Mobile must feel pretty lonely.  While other carriers have had 3G services for years, the late bloomer of the bunch, TMO is still in the first year of their own 3G network.  Up until now, if you wanted to pick up a nice laptop USB modem so you could enjoy TMO’s new found speed, you would have been sorely disappointed as they didn’t have one.  That was then…this is now.  March 25th is being tossed around as the date in which T-Mob will join the year 2005 and release the webConnect USB modem allowing data usage where ever you can get a signal.  Similar offerings form Verizon and AT&T go for $59.99 per month and allow up to 5GB of data transfer per month.  Unfortunately instead of undercutting the competition as they often do, they have decided that the $59.99 is just right along with the 5GB cap.  However, the bigger letdown is that you cannot purchase the USB modem alone.  You have to have at least one line of voice service in conjunction with the data plan.  Double ouch.  They don’t call them T-Mob for nothing!

Source: Engadget Mobile, Boy Genius, Trusted Reviews *pic*

Creative announces MovieWorks HD iPod dock

iPod docks are by now a dime a dozen in the overly saturated iPod add-on market.  It’s a tough market out there wit nearly 10 different versions of every type of iPod accessory you can think of.  Today, Cambridge Soundworks, a subsidiary of Creative hopes to break past the rest of the iPod dock  crowd with their MovieWorks HD iPod dock.  The MovieWorks dock will allow you to connect your iPod to your TV/audio receiver by way of HDMI where you can view your iPod content upscaled to 1080i coupled with 5.1 DTS surround sound.  Video output isn’t the only transmission method getting the attention here as all audio signals can be processed using Creative’s Xi-Fi Xtreme Fidelity, Crystallizer and CMSS-3D technology.  Crystallizer brings your compressed low quality music to life by subtly enhancing the frequencies lost during compression.  CMSS-3D will take care of converting the stereo signal into multi-channel surround sound as to envelop you in audio nirvana.  Everything above comes with a handy remote for making your way through your iPod’s menu system so you don’t have to get up every time you want to change a song, adjust volume, etc.  And for the people who just can’t stand the confinements of cords, an optional wireless receiver can be purchased that will allow you to beam your tunes throughout your abode ensuring that where ever you are, your music will be with you.  If you’re ready to party with $250, head on over to Cambridge Soundworks for the exchange.  If you’re the type of person that loves raw specs,you’re not alone…come inside!

Windows7 RC1 coming on April 10th?

As of late, Microsoft has been in headline after headline with their Vista successor Windows 7.  The up and coming OS is by far the most important release of the year for Microsoft.  Forget Windows Mobile.  Forget My Phone.  Microsoft’s immediate future rests on 7.  The latest leaks and rumors concerning 7 center around the release date of the RC1 build’s release date.  According to Neowin, 7 RC1 will be publicly available on April 10th 2009.  Even though development is moving along at a fairly fast clip, there is still much to be done apparently as a conversation between “Paul” from Geeksmack and Microsoft’s Senior Vice President of Windows, Steven Sinofsky revealed that since the public release of 7 beta, over 500,000 suggestions have poured in…500,000!  New features and fixes in the ongoing work on RC1 are currently unknown.  However, development is said to be on track so the April 10th date is currently holding steady.  Windows 7 is getting closer to a final public release.  Hopefully this time Microsoft delivers.  If the beta is any indication of things to come, then I consider 7 a home run straight out of the park.

Source: Ars Technica, Engadget, Neowin

Red coming to Xbox 360…not in the form of a ring

If you haven’t picked up an Xbox 360 yet, or, simply need a 4th, you will soon have another option besides white and black.  Seems as if a red version of the 360 will soon be available at EB Games.  Not to worry folks as the red on these 360′s will come on the cases themselves, NOT in the form of an illuminated red ring.  The red beauty’s latest leak comes in the form of a retail database listing snapped by a Toys-R-Us employee.  (Picture inside).  The Red Elite will tip the scales at $399 and may or may not be released along side Resident Evil 5.  So will a red 360 make your old ugly black or white one find a new home on eBay?  Or is the color simply  not enough to sway you?  Let us know.  Toys-R-Us database picture inside.

T-Mobile Unlimited “Loyalty” plans now live in San Fran…the rest of us on March 1st?

If you are lucky enough to currently reside in San Francisco, use T-Mobile as your cellular carrier, have been with them for more than 22 months, and don’t have any issues with past billing, T-Mobile would like to share something with you.  If you meet the requirements above you are now eligible for T-Mobile’s pilot program of their Unlimited “Loyalty” voice plans.  What’s the big deal?  Only that unlimited calling starts at the rock bottom price of $49.99/month.  Want more?  Unlimited data comes in at $24.99/month and unlimited texts bring up the rear at $9.99/month.  If you are of the John Wayne type who doesn’t like limits, all 3 services can be had for the very affordable price of $84.97 making it by far one of the best unlimited plans.  If you’re not alone in your life and need more than just one line, $89.99 will net you two unlimited lines with each additional unlimited line (up to 3) coming in at $39.99/month.  T-Mobile definitely has something here if this does in fact materialize into a national launch.  Hopefully the San Fran pilot goes well as I know several people who would snap up this frugal offering from TMO.  March 1st is the date to look forward to as rumors circulating the web point to that day as the national launch day…only 10 days from now.  Will they launch Loyalty plans nationally?  We’ll just have to wait and see.

Source: Boy Genius, Cellphone Signal

PPC Locking HDMI Cable (Review)

HDMI cables aren’t exactly the most resilient connector in the cable world as they are easily knocked loose meaning you will spend many minutes of your life plugging a cable back into your device over and over again.  For some, they don’t really care, but for others, that’s where the locking HDMI cable by PPC comes in.  Built specifically for the home video enthusiast who needs a strong and reliable yet good quality cable, the World’s FIRST Locking HDMI cable by PPC will surely suit your needs.  Come inside for a jam packed gallery as well as my initial impressions.

iLeopard gives OS X a new, darker lease on life.

Is the Aqua style on Leopard mixed with the flat style of iTunes combined with the other UI inconsistencies driving you crazy?  Think back a couple years to when every one in the Mac world was speculating about what UI changes Leopard would bring to the OS X world.  Coming from the Aqua style of Tiger, many thought Apple would tone it down about in the UI department cutting out some of the “shine” and “gloss”.  However, judgement day came and Leopard was just as shiny as ever, if not more shiny than previous versions of the OS from the big fruit.  Fast forward and the same rumors are floating around about Snow Leopard.  iTunes 7 brough with it a new look that many though would mingle its way throughout the rest of OS X, a more subdued “flatter”, matte appearance.  Those people are still waiting.