I’ve been on top of KindleGate most of the afternoon. It took speaking with three MORE customer reps today, plus the one yesterday, to finally get accurate, or what I hope is accurate, information. This sordid tale began last night when I was setting up my iPhone 3G S, and a book I went to download to the Amazon Kindle app would not download.  I called customer service to inquire about the issue. In short order the customer representative told me that each publisher determines the number of times a book can be downloaded, and once that download number is reached the book needs to be repurchased. When I asked where this was written, he said in the fine print of the legal document you signed when you start your Kindle account. When asked how one would know how many times you can download the book he said, “you can’t we don’t even know.”  I purchased a new copy of the book in question, and as soon as I got home last night, wrote the post that went up about midnight. This afternoon I received an e-mail from Amazon confirming a refund for the book that I re-purchased yesterday. Funny [...]

I love technology and gadgetry. Even though I’m in a field that isn’t normally associated with such things I can’t get enough of it. For the longest time I thought that my interest had to do with my maturity level which, as my wife will tell you, can be rather low. A while back, however, I realized that the real source of my interest was far closer to home. You see I grew up in a household with a father who was on the leading edge of new technology. We had a touchtone phone before it was even released. (I remember asking my father what the * and #  buttons work for. He told me that, “At some point far in the future there will be use for them with additional features that we can’t even conceive of right now”.) We had early versions of videophones back when there wasn’t nearly the data speed to support them.  And I remember going to visit my dad in his lab and seeing the assortment of lasers that he and his colleagues were using long before they were commonplace. It was, in fact, some of the research that my dad and his team [...]

Are you eyeing a new gaming rig? Here’s a hot deal on a variety of popular consoles. These are rarely discounted items and if you spend over $129 most items ship free. There are deals on XBOX 360 Pro 60GB, XBOX 360 Elite 120GB, Playstation 3 80 GB, Playstation 3 160 GB, Nintendo Wii, Wii Fit, PSP 3000 Slim, Nintendo DS, Rock Band 2 Special Edition. Some of these bundles appear to be selling out quickly so if you’re interested don’t wait until the sale is over on 6/27/09. More Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Gear Diary is proud to present a first ever video from Larry G the long lost cousin of Ali G. In his first video Larry G takes a look at the iPhone Crystal Clear Case for the iPhone 3G and 3G S. Does he like it?  Well you’ll just have to watch…… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Have your eye on a new Nokia N97? Here’s a chance to grab one (unlocked) for $594 which is 15% off the normal list price of $699 and about $50 cheaper than the Amazon unlocked price. But that’s not all… there’s more Nokia unlocked goodness available. How about a Nokia E71 for $295, E75 for $265. There’s a limit of 5 devices per user. Some of the devices are showing as out of stock however except for the N95 8GB ($378) all of the devices can be backordered and you’ll still score the savings. Nokia 3 Hour Sale Continue reading on Gear Diary …

I love my Amazon Kindle. I love reading with it, I love how light it is,  and I love the battery life. I also love the fact that it automatically syncs with the Amazon Kindle application on my iPhone and iPod touch. That means any book will open to the last page read regardless of the device last used.  it is an amazing bit of technology   that makes reading books across multiple platforms beyond simple. It’s a perfect situation — right? Well, it’s an almost perfect situation. This afternoon I discovered a huge Achilles heel in the whole Amazon Kindle environment. Continue reading on Gear Diary …

The popular (and currently free) BlackBerry Twitter client, ÜberTwitter has updated their open beta version 3.0 to include many updated features, including integration with GoogleMaps, copy/paste “Tweets” into other BlackBerry applications, and the ability to locate other Twitter users near you.  More screenshots of the new ÜberTwitter, and a summary of additional features is available after the jump.… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

So you’ve got your iPhone all up and running on 3.0, eh?  Maybe it’s now time to finally “mobilize” your website or application, but you are not a programmer.  Widget Press has you covered with a rapid application development tool called ModelBaker, which provides a drag-and-drop interface that will create an application for iPhones or Android devices without coding.… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Everyone loves a good laugh, though sometimes coming up with something funny or original can be a challenge. For my tween sons, the breadth of humor consists primarily of body parts, bodily functions, and silly quotes from movies. However, as we mature (hopefully) we would like a bit more substance and diversity in our humor. Enter iLaugh, the new App for the iPhone and iPod Touch that puts a database of over 50,000 jokes at your fingertips!… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

http://www.vimeo.com/5228675 AG Findings has just released Precision HSD Cases for the popular BlackBerry Storm and Javelin (Curve 8900) smartphone series.  The case is uniquely designed to safeguard both the front and back of your BlackBerry without attaching directly to your phone ensuring that it will never cause a scratch. HSD Precision Case Features: * New patented innovative carry solution for additional safety and security * Engineered hinge to enhance use and durability * Does not latch directly to the phone * Protects both sides of phone, extra durability and style * Easy to open door to view calls or phone status * Patented AGF long-life 180 degree swivel… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Verizon’s BlackBerry flip phone – the 8230 – is now live on their site for an attractive $79.99 online price. This EVDO Rev O phone sports BlackBerry OS 4.6, an internal 2.4″ 240×320 high-res ccreen. The camera’s only 2.0 megapixel and the keyboard is Suretype so this is most decidedly an option for those who need a BlackBerry but can live without a full QWERTY keyboard. I tested the T-Mobile BlackBerry 8220 version and loved the overall compact form factor combined with BlackBerry’s reliable push email. Father’s Day is this weekend and if Dad’s not an iPhone fan this is a great choice. Verizon via Rimarkable Continue reading on Gear Diary …

New iPhones are reaching customers throughout the world today. People are excitedly opening the boxes, putting away their old iPhone’s (or dropping them on the ground) and hurrying to set up activate their “Zippier” phones. Unfortunately, it’s “déjà vu all over again” as many, including myself, are having problems activating the darn things.… Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Don’t  be shy.  Let the world know that you’re the go-t0 guru for mobile technology.  This not-so-subtle T-shirt can be yours for a mere $15.95 from the Mobile Industry Review shop.  Just be sure to live up to your own hype as a Mobile Genius. Some other humorous selections from MIR include S60 Users Do It In the Background and That’s a Rubbish Phone. MIR shop Continue reading on Gear Diary …

Automatically manage files, back up multiple computers and deliver security protection with today’s GearSponsor deal. For only $374.99 shipped you’ll receive this HP MediaSmart LX195 with a 640 GB SATA drive for storage. There are 4 USB 2.0 ports that offer connectivity to external storage — which you’ll want to take advantage of because this package includes a free 1 TB external hard drive! Just think that not too long ago a 1 TB drive cost more than this entire deal..which expires 6/21/09. LogicBuy Continue reading on Gear Diary …

I like these Timex Ironman watches because they’re waterproof, have lots of buttons, 5 different alarms, separate time zone, 30 lap counter, and a golf score keeper! Plus as an added benefit – wearing one makes it LOOK like you may actually get outside once in a while to exercise. This deal of the day lowers the price on a Timex Ironman T5J432 to $14.99 (normally around $40). Deal expires at the end of today – June 19. Deal Continue reading on Gear Diary …