LogMeIn Ignition ($29.99) - Now I’m not a big spender when it comes to apps but this is a personal favorite of mine. You can access your personal computer from your smartphone as long as your computer is on or on sleep mode. This is not like any other app that allows you to sync files with your computer. You can see your actual desktop as if you’re sitting right in front of it, extremely practical for personal, academic, and business use. However, LogMeIn has a slightly different purpose for the BlackBerry. As of now, LogMeIn Rescue is available on the BlackBerry and allows for remote IT support for businesses. An app for LogMeIn Ignition is still in the works for the BlackBerry Storm. $29.99 is a bit steep for an app, so browse the website before you make the investment. If you do decide to buy it, make sure to back up your apps on your computer.

Evernote (FREE) - Most phones come with an app that lets you keep notes. Evernote allows you to keep voice, text, and image notes. I find the image notes to be the most useful. You can take a picture, add tags, a title, and the app automatically stores the date, time, and location of the note. Instead of jotting down the information of a book, why not take a picture and store it? But it gets even better--access the notes that you keep on your phone from anywhere you have internet connection. We all know the best things in life are free so go ahead and give it a try.

PageOnce Personal Assistant (FREE) - Forget paying someone to be your assistant, get one for free on your phone and take it with you wherever you go. You can manage multiple bank accounts, credit cards, bills, travel itineraries, networking websites, email, and more all on one app. Convenient, right? There is a “Premium” version you can pay $6.99 for but try the free version first, it’ll most likely be enough. Because some valuable information may be stored on your phone with this app, use protection. Make sure you activate a pin code for your phone if you decide to use it, just to be safe.

Dub (FREE) - This is very similar to the Bump app for the iPhone and Android Phone, but Dub is also available on the BlackBerry. When you meet someone new, whether it’s for business or pleasure, save the hassle of asking a person to spell out their name or avoid getting someone’s wrong contact information (whether it be by accident or on purpose). Open the app and it automatically detects the Dub user you want to switch contact information with. Set up your own “mobile business card” and choose what information you’d like to share--name, e-mail, phone number, etc.

Now, there's much more where that came from. Make the most of your iPhone, BlackBerry, or Android Phone by downloading the best and most useful apps. There are many to choose from and some aren’t so easy to find by yourself... just saying.

“Hug your friends tight, but your enemies tighter – hug ‘em so tight they can’t wiggle.” -Lyndon B. Johnson

I've been chatting you all up for over a year. So, it time for my colleague Olivia (see previous 2 posts) to join our group Hug. It's time for you all to keep working the room and meet some new people. I'll go get us some drinks while you all catch up.

Be gentle...

"His bear hugs are actually hugs he gives to bears." - Said about the "Most Interesting Man in the World"

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I'd like to put the spotlight on FrontPoint Home Security, a completely WIRELESS security system that is safe, simple, and available on-the-go. The difference between wireless and wired home security is the difference between digital and analog technology. Digital technology is more efficient, allows multiple forms of communication (voice, video, data), has a higher transmission speed, and lower error rates. This is what wireless home security can offer you.

What makes FrontPoint different? Older home security systems have built-in wires that need to be installed with the keypad, but not anymore. It used to be like this: to arm your home, everyone needs to be standing still.. very still. When you get the green light okay from the keypad you punch in your password and have to leave the house within about 30 seconds. Now, you can easily install a home security system yourself, no wires necessary (purchase, however, is necessary). Arm and disarm your house using your internet enabled device, and get instant text message and e-mail alerts for absolutely any kind of activity going on in your home.

Interested? This could prove to be true love if:

• You want to keep a very close eye on your home. FrontPoint is not just about emergencies. Know if your children made curfew without having to wait up for them (sorry kids), when your UPS package has arrived, and of course if someone breaks into your home. However, if you only want the emergency alerts, then consider a package or different system that offers you notifications for only emergencies.


• You rely on your mobile device for everything. And by everything I mean email, web browsing, paying your bills, controlling your DVR, etc. Why not add home security to the list? But beware of those times when you unexpectedly stumble into dead zones--no internet connection and reception could hinder your alerts from being sent to you in a timely manner.


• You travel a lot. Whether it's for business or pleasure, with FrontPoint you can control your Home Security system when you're away from your home or vacation home for long periods at a time by laptop or cell phone. If you have an iPhone, BlackBerry, or Android Phone, it's even easier to protect your home with the app for these phones. Don't worry, be happy, because wherever you are, alerts will be sent to you.

There are a variety of options for home security and when it comes to protecting your family, you want to make the right decision. You could be a perfect match for FrontPoint if you fit any of the criteria above. If you're still unsure, it's a good idea to ask a professional who will give you unbiased advice.. just saying.

"There's nothing like a mama-hug." -Terri Guillemets

Before the pre-orders began, a friend and I walked into an AT&T store that was not an Authorized Apple Retailer. Why not? Because the store manager wanted nothing to do with the iPhone. Doubtful, I pointed to an iPhone behind the counter and asked, "Is that not yours?" Turns out he only used it for the iPod. But wait.. there are actually people out there who don't want the iPhone? Blasphemy!

Smartphones in general are extremely popular. A lot of you probably have one and if you don't, you probably want one. With the announcement of the iPhone 4 last week, many of you are probably wondering if you should give in to the hype. Maybe your heart is saying yes but your head is saying no. Well, regardless of all the mayhem over the iPhone 4, which I've shamelessly taken part in, I'm not here to push it on you. It's a very powerful device, but it's not for everyone.

That being said, consider the iPhone 4 if:

• You want to do more on your phone. The many-in-1 phone, iPod, camera, multitasking, and 100,000+ apps will keep you busy and entertained. If you're happy with a phone that simply sends and receives calls and texts, consider a more simple, inexpensive feature/messaging phone.
• You're a gamer. The new phone provides very sharp images and extremely accurate positioning when you're playing games that involve movement.
• You're responsible with your phone (meaning you won't lose or break it) OR if you're not, you've got money to blow. Paying for a new phone if lost, stolen, or broken, could cost you an arm and a leg. Maybe even two legs.
• You are a tree hugger. The durable and scratch-resistant glass is also recyclable.
• You know you want the iPhone, but you're deciding between the slightly cheaper 3GS and the brand new iPhone 4. The significant improvements to the iPhone 4 outweigh the cost difference, which isn't very much for the 16GB ($149 for the 3GS vs. $199 for the 4). These improvements include but are not limited to: video calling, a front and rear-facing camera with flash and zoom (it’s about time), and a longer battery life. 
• You already have an earlier generation iPhone. If you have a 3G or 3GS you can consider upgrading the operating system to the new iOS 4 for FREE. You can even try it out on your iPod Touch or iPad. But chances are you’ll find yourself wanting the upgrade to the iPhone 4 because it’s made to be faster, so some of the features on the new operating system may not work as well on older iPhone models.

If you don't match any of the criteria above, I'd recommend looking into a different smartphone like the BlackBerry or an Android phone. Or just get a free phone that functions. Whatever your wants/needs are there is such thing as the perfect lover when it comes to mobile devices. Need help deciding? You know who to call... just saying.

"Did you know that, if you visualise, you can actually hug on the phone? " -Shelley Long



When: Announced June 2, 2010; Effective June 7, 2010; Translation: Before you know it.

Where: A pocket and purse/wallet near you. Isn't that always the case.

Who: Existing AT&T customers who currently have an "unlimited" data plan. It's not truly unlimited. There's typically a soft cap of 5GB per month. So to paraphrase Henry Ford: You can use as much data as you want as long as it's less than 5GB.

Why: Because they can and they need to make as much money as possible. There isn't much money to be made in selling "minutes" anymore. There was a time when it could come to blows if someone wanted to use your cell phone to make a call, especially during the day time. Now, people have minutes to burn. Also, anecdotally speaking, these limits may help ease the congestion on AT&T's network, just in time for the rumored new Apple iPhone.

Denity's Love Match

As an existing AT&T customer with an unlimited data plan, you are grandfathered in with your existing unlimited plan (you can keep what you got). You will not be forced to give up that plan and choose one of the news plans... at least not now. If you use your phone heavily for web surfing, downloading & streaming videos and music or it's almost a replacement for your computer, stick with your existing unlimited plan ($30 for iPhone users). The $15 plan isn't an option and the savings from $25 plan may not be worth the risk of getting hit with overage charges

So this Denity Love Match is for you...

• If you use the internet portion of your phone mostly for emails and "light" surfing, hook up with the $15 per month plan (200MB). To be safe, check you recent bills to see how much data you use each month.
• If you're not a light user and think the $5 per month savings is worth, you should hook with the $25 per month plan (2GB). According to AT&T, only 2% of their customers exceed 2GB. Honestly speaking, that's a lot of data.

AT&T has also introduced tethering (using your phone a wireless broadband modem for another device, e.g. laptop) for the iPhone at $20 extra per month. If you would like this feature, you MUST hook up with the $25 per month plan.

"Again, I find it difficult to be taken care of and rarely acknowledge it, and every act he does registers, but I also just need to verbally acknowledge him and hug him" - Patricia Heaton

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Here's what we can up with: Technology match making. We will pick a technology related product, service or term, give it a profile and attempt to find the right person for "it". It could be you or someone you know. We'll do the hard work so you won't need to. No alcohol or wingman needed.

That simple... See you in a few.

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Denity... A  Premier Technology Concierge

www.Denity.com

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Subscribe to the blog (click here) and follow on Twitter (@DenityConcierge)

Denity... A  Premier Technology Concierge

www.Denity.com

For those who seek out the Hug blog for the long poetic prose or the perpetual literal stimulation, you possibly may be disappointed with this post. This may be a quickie.

Now that I have self-excused my laziness, let's chit-chat about the little things. You know, the often overlooked and forgotten things that can really make a big difference. AKA, the thingies & blinkies in the checkout lane at Best Buy, Frye's, MicroCenter or any other tech toy store (many are seen in the video above). Which of those things should you buy even though you have already made the decision to stop shopping? That's how you got to the checkout lane, right?

Some of those things can be very useful in your everyday life while others are purely useless money makers for The Establishment. Here are 6 of my recommendations and suggestions:

1. Batteries: You can never have too many batteries. As we become more mobile and more dependent on portable devices, mobile juice is a valuable currency. Batteries lose their charge over time so it's a good idea to replenish your stash regularly.
2. Recordable CD's (CD-R's): My guess is that you have an MP3 player, thumb drive or external hard drive to store your music and data files. If I'm correct, why do you need CD-R's. Unless you're selling bootleg CD's on a blanket downtown, chances are you don't need these things taking up your shelf space.
3. Mini Flashlights: I have no idea what the profit margins are on these things but The Establishment seems to push these things like Skittles. And like Skittles, I'm a sucker for a mini flashlight. You never know when you will need emergency light. Only buy those that use LED's instead of bulbs. They're brighter and last longer.
4. USB Memory Card Readers: These things are cheap and seem useful. But ask yourself, when was the last time you had a memory card that you needed to read? Usually, the memory cards that you have are installed in a device that you can connect directly to your computer; thus eliminating the need for a memory card reader. Save your money.
5. Universal Remote Controls: Simply put, don't waste your money. A good universal remote will not be sold in the checkout lane.
6. Power Strips & Surge Protectors: Most people aren't adding outlets to their home every time they buy a new gadget so having extra plugs can come in handy. The power strips & surge protectors sold in the checkout lane are good options for most non high-end electronics. If you are thinking about buying one for you high-end home entertainment or office equipment, DON'T do it! Don't trust your 4 figure investments to a single digit device.

Shop wisely and buy a lot of Skittles.

"If you hug to yourself any resentment against anybody else, you destroy the bridge by which God would come to you." - Peter Marshall

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"Nothing says 'I Love You' like six times the mobile backhaul capacity." One word, NICE!

"Being a "Double E" (EE: Electrical Engineering) major in college, I was once told that it takes two E's to spell "Geek". That never offended me. I've embraced the geek that lives within. I say "within" because I don't look the part. Most people don't believe I'm an engineer and look surprised when I talk "tech speak". This is mainly because I actually love talking to people and wear tailored suits.

My point. Don't be fooled: "Tech Got Game!"

Most people believe that technology has its place during Christmas and birthdays but not for romantic special days such as Valentine's Day and wedding anniversaries. I beg to differ... if done right and for the right person. In other words choose wisely and don't do it for yourself.

Here are 5 tech gift ideas and why I believe they can work for your Valentine's Day or Night.

1. Geek Panties: They speak geek in an everyday flirtatious and naughty way; www.thinkgeek.com/interests/valentines/a09b/
2. The Hug Shirt: Doesn't look like tech but adds another level to intimacy. And technology just needs a hug. Get it?; www.cutecircuit.com/products/wearables/thehugshirt/
3. Flames Candles: Use your energy on things other than lighting candles and worrying about a fire; www.flamelesscandles.net/
4. Social Networking Pillows: Though social networking is tech, everybody's doing it and they like it; www.trendhunter.com/trends/social-networking-pillows
5. Tweet Me Candies: These candies worked back in the day. Why not today; www.usatoday.com/money/advertising/2010-01-19-tweet-me_N.htm

Leave a comment and share your ideas. For some more "not ready for TV" ideas, send a direct message on Twitter (@DenityConcierge).

Just in case you missed it "Nothing says 'I Love You' like six times the mobile backhaul capacity." I had to say it, again.

"Hug the shore; let others try the deep" - Virgil

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“Technology expertise for your everyday lifestyle”

You're waiting until the last minute to do your Christmas shopping because you're afraid of getting punched in the face, you're waiting to get a good deal on discontinued Tiger Woods apparel or you're just lazy like me. (On that note, "lazy" is the perfect word to explain why the "Hug" blog as been absent for over a month. Please, forgive me.)

In case you didn't know, I like things cheap, especially my thrills. I firmly believe that you can always get things and have a good time for less than what you think. The only thing I'm passionate about not being cheap are my suits. But this is a technology blog so I won't digress.

I have come across many so called "Last Minute Gift Guides". They are indeed "last minute" as well as "gift guides." However, I personally believe that many of them are advertisements in disguise or recommend stuff that people really don't need. In other words, they are either selling something or pushing "cool" stuff that has nothing to do with your life. I've picked one list called "17 Last-Minute Holiday Deals Under $100" from ElectronicHouse.com. I'm going to give you a simple "Nope" or "Yup" to indicate whether I think it's worth considering. Please note that pricing may have changed since the orginal posting of the list. My nopes and yups will factor in the pricing mentioned in the guide.

17 Last-Minute Holiday Deals Under $100

• Logitech Harmony 520 Remote for $40: Only $40 (re-certified) from TigerDirect.com.  Price drops to $35 if you use Google Checkout - YUP! I'm a fan of anything labeled "Logitech Harmony". Universal remotes are a must and Logitech Harmony remotes are easy to setup and use.

• 1900mAH External Battery Pack for iPhones & iPods for $10 from HandHelditems.com - Yup. The battery life on the iPhone stinks. Enough said.

• Linksys Wireless-N Router for $30 from TigerDirect.com - Yup. Only because it's $30. You probably don't have Wireless-N devices that would benefit from it.

• Maxell 16x DVD-R Discs for $19.79 from Buy.com - Nope. Their argument is the discs could be used to backup data. I say spend a little more and get an external hard drive for that.

• Belkin Surge Protector for $20 from Newegg.com (Coupon Code BELKIN1231) - Yup. Only if you don't plan to use it for your sexy new HDTV.

• When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions (Amazon Video On-Demand) from Amazon.com (coupon Code BLASTOFF) - Yup. Seriously, it's free. What else do I need to say?

• 3 Pack of 6-Foot HDMI Cables for $7 from: Meritline.com (Coupon Code MLC1933503120733N) - Yup. Have you seen what Best Buy and Radio Shack charge for HDMI cables.

• Halo 3 Legendary Edition for $40 from Newegg.com - Yup. If you know what Halo 3 is, buy it.

• Sega Genesis Firecore System for $25 from Buy.com - Yup. If you're like me and think game console controllers have WAY too many buttons, it's time to go back to the "classics".

• SlySoft Software (20-40% off SlySoft software, including AnyDVD, AnyDVD HD (with support for Blu-ray discs), CloneDVD, and the rest of the catalog) from SlySoft.com - Nope. The average person can get away with the free applications out there.

• Wii-mote Steering Wheel for $1.99 from Meritline.com - Yup. Love the Wii.

• Microsoft Certified Windows Media Center Remote for $29 from Newegg - Yup. Why not. It's only $29 and it can be useful.

• iTunes Holiday Sampler for Free from iTunes - Yup. FREE!

• Video Cards - Nope. They listed 3 video cards for computers. You usually don't buy these for people. They buy them for themselves.

• TrendNet 5 Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch for $15 from Newegg - Yup & Nope. $15 for Gigabit Ethernet Switch is cheap. But once again, this usually isn't something you give as a gift.

Wait for it. Wait for it... Shameless plug coming: If you need any assistance with purchasing your gadget and electronics gifts, Denity can help you choose the right gift and find the best price. The money and time saved typically pay for our services. That doesn't include our exclusive discounts and your peace of mind.

Be well.

“Oh, I love hugging. I wish I was an octopus, so I could hug 10 people at a time!” -  Drew Barrymore

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“Technology expertise for your everyday lifestyle”