Thursday, June 5, 2008

Blackberry Password Manager

Nobody likes being inconvenienced unexpectedly – especially when one has become accustomed to productivity leaps provided by services like the Blackberry and the convenience of using the Internet for day to day shopping needs. Unfortunately, the popularity of using credit cards over the Internet has caused many banks to adopt tougher anti-fraud measures in the form of personal ID numbers (PINs). When I tried to purchase something the other day from a different computer than my normal one, Chase required me to put in a security PIN. Even though it only delayed my transaction by a few minutes, it felt like an eternity!Thank goodness, for every action, there is a reaction. A product called the Ascendo Data Vault allows anyone to keep all of bank accounts, credit card, logins and other personal information securely. Furthermore, the latest data is made available to the owner in very convenient ways - like a Blackberry wireless device. Ascendo Data Vault is very straight forward. Simply input all information via a an application on a PC or even use a Blackberry wireless device. The information is updated and synchronized by docking the Blackberry unit using the standard Blackberry Desktop Manager application. I love the way all the information can be sorted in a customizable manner (with familiar folder trees) using categories and titles you decide. General categories help further keep things organized. For example, I separate my business and personal accounts so I can look at one without the other. Best of all, you only need to know the Ascendo Data Vault log-in and password to get to all other passwords, PINs, account numbers, etc. Also, If you need the information shared with other devices or applications, you can export all the information to Microsoft Excel.Want to get this nifty product with an instant discount? It’s easy.1) Go to product description page. http://www.ascendo-inc.com/blackberry/password-manager.html2) Click on Buy Now button.3) Remove any unwanted products.4) Click on the circle next to Gift Certificates and enter "GIZMOGIRL12" as the promotion code. Get 10% off your purchase.5) Click on Recalculate button and verify that total.6) Choose payment type and proceed to checkout.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Blackberry Software - Travel Software

We loved this software for the frequent traveller https://www.worldmatelive.com/li-web/index.jsf. This loads an Worldmate icon on the Blackberry. When you open the icon the following buttons are available; iteneraries, clocks, weather, currency converter and world map. I like the weather and currency converter because there is a static menu that only updates when you hit the update button. This is nice in case you don't have coverage. All of these features are offered free.



There is also a download to exchange that allows a confirmation (airline, car rental or hotel) to be added to your itenenaries. This also updates your calendar. You then assign a name to the itenaerary. You can see your entire itenerary on your icon on the Blackberry.



The feature they charge for is flight status, flight schedules and travel directory. This feature is $99 per year.

KEF Univiersal Wireless Kit

A lot of wireless speakers are out on the market. We tested the KEF universal wireless kit because it allows you to hook up any speakers to each wireless receiver. CNET reviewed the wireless kit last year http://reviews.cnet.com/power-protection/kef-universal-wireless-kit/4505-14102_7-32471312.html.



We did note one negative not noted in the CNET review is we found interference with the Sonos System. They must run on similar channels. You could pick another channel for Sonos and it would start playing again.



Still not a bad solution for a tough problem to solve. Keep in mind that your receiver will need to support two zones.