gizmo girls

Blackberry Password Manager

2008-06-05T12:39:00.001-07:00

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.

Blackberry Software - Travel Software

2008-06-04T15:04:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-04T14:56:00.000-07:00

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.

MP3 Players for Rhapsody

2008-05-30T11:02:00.000-07:00

As you all know the iPod does not work with Rhapsody. Rhapsody to go plan does allow you dowload songs on to a MP3 device. The song is downloaded directly to the device and no files are stored on your PC. The file that is loaded on to your device must be updated every 30 days. So you must plug your MP3 device into the PC and sync with Rhapsody every 30 days.

The Mp3 I like to use the best is Creative Zen Credit Card Size Media player http://us.creative.com/local/1/multilytics/landing/zen_multiproduct_mbox2.asp. I use Rhapsody to interface with the Zen on the PC. Creative Zen software is not necessary if you are using the Rhapsody interface. You do not need to install the Zen software.

Blackberry Software - Themes, Games and Ringtones

2008-05-30T10:38:00.000-07:00

Do you want to change the look of your Blackberry screen? You can change the theme. There are a couple of default themes located in the options menu. You can also buy themes at http://www.bplay.com/. They range from making your blackberry look like an iPhone to Indiana Jones. They usually cost less than $8. Changing your theme does change the icons so keep in mind the icons can be drastically different. It does take some adjustment to remember new icons. The folders also don't always transfer over so you may have to spend some time reorganizing your screen.

Bplay also offers games for the Blackberry. There are games to put on your Blackberry for the kids and cards games while waiting for the kids. I like Bookwork and Soduko. There is also Frogger and Bubbles for the kids.

I think it is hard to find ringtones on the bplay site because there is no search feature. If you are looking for a specific ringtone it is hard to find. If you have AT&T I find it easier to purchase ringtones from their media mall which is already installed on your Blackberry.

Go to bplay from you Blackberry and download apps over the air. Bplay allows you to put in your credit card on your Blackberry for payment. Keep your activtion codes. AT&T ringtones are also downloaded over the air. AT&T charges your AT&T bill for ring tones.

Don't forget to back up your Blackberry when changing units.

Blackberry Software - Try Google Maps - free

2008-05-30T10:30:00.000-07:00

If you have GPS on your blackberry, try downloading Google Maps http://www.google.com/mobile/gmm/index.html. Google Maps is free and a great tool if you don't have a GPS unit with you. It shows you where you are now and where is the nearest point. You can put in an address or a type of business. For example, if you type in pizza it will show you the nearest pizza locations. It gives traffic information and direction information.