Learning About the Magic Jack Gadget

September 19, 2010 — Mrs. Mecomber
mjusb

Sheesh, HOW many years have I puttered around with making a decision?? I’m still very undecided. I’m talking about the Magic Jack device. Actually, I’m generally talking about Voip (voice over Internet protocol). Yes, I am still at the mercy of my local telephone company– I still have the landline. And what an expensive venture it is! WHY oh why is phone service so expensive? And if we used it more often, it might even be somewhat worth it. But 85% of our telephone calls are either solicitations, wrong numbers, or calls for the people who had the number before we got it. It’s INSANE. The phone rings all day long, and it’s almost never for us! It’s getting to be quite the aggravation. I’m looking around at options.

I heard about the Magic Jack about a year ago now. I read very mixed reviews; some people said it worked well, others said their service was spotty. Either way, it’s very inexpensive. There’s a site called “Magic Jack Numbers” that seems to be devoting itself to everything you wanted to know about Magic Jack. I’ve been poring through the articles. I really haven’t found a whole lot of information about it– SOLID information, not sensational hype. I really don’t care if the device is “as seen on TV!” I want to know how it works, what the software looks like, about magic jack numbers, etc. I would really like to change my phone number to get rid of all the wrong and annoying calls; looks like I can with the numbers. I like the testimonies on the site– they are simple and very well-written. They also include screenshots of the Magic Jack software, and give a good idea of what to expect for the install process. I’d like to see even more articles added, such as a tutorial or video, or tips or whatever. You can also get phone service through the computer with the Magic Jack, too. Hmmm!

Anyway, if you have been wondering about the Magic Jack, check out the site. If you have a Magic Jack, please leave a comment! I’d like to know more about the device. Voip is becoming a very stiff competition for landline service (deservedly so, in my opinion), so I’m thinking of getting my feet wet very soon. I’ll have reviews to come. In the meantime, check the site or let me know your opinions.

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Posted in computers, gadgets, technology. Tags: , , . 1 Comment »

Widening Your TV Horizons

September 13, 2010 — Mrs. Mecomber

Before television signals were switched from digital to analog, all it took to get a signal was some rabbit ears antennae (albeit for only local reception). Today’s digital reception has created some healthy competition between the types of providers, however. Here are some things to remember when choosing a television service:

Channels Availability
Both cable TV and satellite TV provide a ton of channels. Cable users often complain that there are too many choices for cable TV- they dislike receiving (and paying for) thousands of channels. Dish Network DirecTV offers channels in packages; for example, they have a Family Package where you pay for only family-friendly programming with 50 or so channels. Or there’s the “ultimate” deal where you pay for all channels. It’s a very nice option, and it helps the budget, too.

Quality and Downtime
Cable TV is distributed through coaxial cable lines. If you have cable TV, I’m sure you know that these lines break or fall down, since they are usually physically strung on telephone poles. DirecTV is transmitted by satellite. Of course, satellite transmission experiences interference from time to time. When it comes to signal clarity (High Definition, also known as HD), DirectTV prides themselves on offering exceptional HD quality. Sports fans particularly appreciate the extreme clarity of HDTV.

High-Speed Internet
I look into cable TV options from time to time (I am interested in Voip and high-speed Internet, not TV). I am still astonished at the high prices, even for a limited package of plain old high-speed Internet. Satellite Internet is expensive, too, however. Depending on your plan, you may be charged extra if you go over the limit of service allotted to you. Overall, I think Internet service is expensive for both cable and satellite. The determining factor for one of the other is, in many cases, location. Cable lines may not be available for rural locations, and therefore satellite Internet is the only option.

For more information in comparing the pros and cons of satellite television, check out the FCC’s TV service guide.

This post is brought to you by your friends at Directsattv.com.

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Posted in Internet, technology. Tags: , , , . Comments Off »

Good Tool For Online Business Owners

August 21, 2010 — Mrs. Mecomber

Got an online business? These days, it’s very easy to start one. Many of my blogging friends have started up small businesses for selling their crafts, such as handbags, soaps, jewelry, and etc. The online market can be quite lucrative for the small business owner! I think it’s terrific that any handy person can start a business from home, and present their products to the world for sale.

However, offering payment options are a little trickier. I, for one, am loath to dole out my credit card number to any Joe Brown from Anytown. I must know that the means through which I order is safe and secure. I think that may be the stickler for many small business owners; they do not know where to begin when it comes to Merchant Processing.

If you are in search of merchant processing services, BluePay is an example of a good provider. They’ve made it very easy to sign up and get going. Some of the features with BluePay:

  • All credit card types are accepted.
  • Manage your account online.
  • Transactions are encrypted and secure.
  • BluePay is PCI certified.
  • BluePay is accredited by the better Business Bureau, with a score of A+.

It’s nice to know that online business owners have options. Check out BluePay, see if they are right for you.

This post is brought to you by BluePay. All opinions are mine. :D

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Posted in business services, marketing, technology. Tags: , . 2 Comments »

Give Your Mobile Plan a Boost

August 11, 2010 — Mrs. Mecomber

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Boost Mobile. All opinions are 100% mine.

I’m a Tracfone user. I’ve become increasingly frustrated with the coverage and incredible lack of service. If someone sends me a voicemail or a text, I usually do not receive it for THREE or FOUR days. This is HORRIBLE. I’ve been searching around for many, many months for better plans. So far, the best I’ve seen is “ok” service for $80/month. Will someone please tell me why cell phone service is SO stinkin’ expensive?! Cell phones have been around for years, you’d think the prices would have dropped to a more reasonable rate! And $80 a year is just for me! If I want to add other in the family, I’m looking at upwards of $150 a month. Whoa.

Anyway, I’ve recently discovered Boost Mobile. It is by far the best price I have seen– unlimited cell phone service for $50 a month. They’ve got some popular phones, too: Blackberry, Samsung Rant, the Motorola Bali and Rambler, and more. The unique thing about Boost Mobile is that it’s geared toward social media (something I am into because of my pro-blogging profession). I will have to look more into this program and also into the handy payment program. The service allows a friend or family member to make payments for Boost Mobile customers, too. :D

Re-Boost your cell phone! Get it for less! It looks very cool. Worth checking out! The Blackberry especially looks great, and has a sweet payment plan….

Visit my sponsor: Reboost

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Posted in deals, electronics, technology. Tags: . Comments Off »

The Eye in the Sky

August 2, 2010 — Mrs. Mecomber

GPS is mind-boggling to me. In case you have been living in a hole for the past 10 years, GPS stands for “Global Positional Satelllite.” It was once the stuff of science fiction. And even when it started to twinkle on the sidelines about 20 years ago, only the most sophisticated vehicles sported GPS. I remember a relative of mine who had purchased one of the first cars equipped with GPS. It was so primitive compared to today’s technology! But back then, it was crem de la crem of car technology.

Image from Wikipedia.

I rented a car a few months ago, and the thing came equipped with GPS sat nav. It’s becoming more standard. That’s what amazes me, the fact that it is becoming so standardized. I have mixed feelings. Sure, a car loaded with Garmin sat nav on the dash is very, very convenient (especially for those of us who have a propensity to get lost *cough cough*), but the abuses are present, too. I am uncomfortable with the great big eye in the sky watching everywhere I go. I’m not saying that I have anything to be concerned about (what a big thrill it must be to watch me go to Walmart and back every week, big whoop), but it’s the principle of the thing. Still, I have a little GPS sat nav software program in my iPod, and it definitely came in handy when I was in Manhattan.

What do you think? I love technology, I think it’s cool! But, as with everything, it’s prone to be abused. Do you think the benefits outweigh the cons?

Learn more about sat navs and GPS gadgets at http://www.satnav-expert.co.uk.

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Posted in chatty, gadgets, surveillance, technology. Tags: , , . 2 Comments »

Well At Least They’d Pay You…

July 22, 2010 — Mrs. Mecomber

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Nielsen Research. All opinions are 100% mine.

… and at least they TELL you they are monitoring your activity… unlike some OTHER gargauntuan googly companies who roam the streets harvesting your wireless data and storing it all in their databanks, who also *happen* to have close relationships with governmental and global “intelligence” agencies…

There’s a new app for Windows phones. It’s by the Nielsen Company. The Nielsen Company is, I think, the same company that monitors and provides viewer information for television, doesn’t it? You know– “7.2 million households watched this TV movie!!” Were you ever once of those people who asked, “How do they know that??”

Anyway, Nielsen is offering incentives to Windows phone users, so that Nielsen can monitor and measure your phone applications.

The measurement software allows us to measure the applications you use and websites you visit for the purpose of anonymous, aggregate measurement only. We will never report your individual usage and will never release your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

Persons who opt in are eligible to receive a Windows $50 gift certificate after a year. Hmmm. Would you do it?

Neilsen says that the data that is gathered includes:

  • the type, name and use of apps on your phone
  • the url and content of the sites you visit
  • the date, time and duration of phone calls, texts, and calls and texts received (but no personal information about the calls)
  • phone battery information
  • Occasional detection of your location via GPS

Pretty remarkable, if you ask me. I wouldn’t do it. It’s *nice* that at LEAST you’re being ASKED if you want to be monitored, but it’s monitoring. How far will we go, selling our information? Check out the website, see what’s it’s all about. Would you do that? Do you think I’m making too big a deal from this?

Visit my sponsor: Nielsen Research

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