How-To: Sync Your Gmail Contacts to Your Verizon Dumbphone

Perhaps you're like me: You're in a perpetual state of waiting for the perfect smartphone to buy. Maybe you can't afford a smartphone. Maybe you think "the man" wants to force you to get a smartphone, and so you are rebelling against the system. Way to be, man.

Whatever the reason, it's irritating that you don't get cool features like syncing your contacts with your Google Contacts. Fortunately, by using Verizon's Backup Assistant and Google's Export feature, you can quickly and easily put your Google Contacts on your phone.

Android Updates? It's Complicated.

Source: The Understatement

Several weeks ago, this image was making the rounds. It paints a pretty grim image of Android support. Sucks, doesn't it? It's obvious that if you want a smartphone, you should buy an iPhone.

That would be great. If this picture wasn't a lie.

10 Second News: AOSP 4.0.1

It has been announced on Google Groups that Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich, is now available on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) git servers. There is currently the caution that the version on the servers is not complete, so hang on before you download the whole thing. The code also (finally) includes the source for Honeycomb, though I can't think of any reason to use that over Ice Cream Sandwich.

Enjoy!

UPDATE: Source is fully synced with the repos! Download to your heart's content.

Source: Google Groups

Software Spotlight: KeePass

Today I'm featuring the open-source program KeePass, as I've recently discovered it. I had previously been storing my passwords in a less-than-secure way, which I was not pleased with. I got frustrated with my old system, and looked to the internet for a solution.

Verizon LTE Data Cap Doubling

Starting tomorrow, and for a limited time, all new data plans will be double their original data cap, but the same price. Existing Verizon users can manually change to the larger data plan using My Verizon.

"Beginning tomorrow, Verizon Wireless will introduce a limited time promotion that offers customers the opportunity to receive double the amount of data for the same monthly fee for all Verizon Wireless 4G smartphones. For example, a customer who purchases the 2 GB plan for $30 will receive 4 GB for $30. The plans is available for new and existing customers. Existing customers need to request the change via customer service or through their My Verizon accounts --- the free portal where customers can view and pay their bill, make changes to their account and purchase new devices." (Source: Engadget)


For those of us not willing to pay more than $30 for a reasonable amount of data, this should be a great way to make your buck stretch a little further. Certainly won't hurt, in any case!

Mobile Edge Netbook Sleeve Review

I review my new netbook sleeve! I like it a lot. Check out the video!

See it on Amazon!

Android vs. iOS

Bias warning: I don't own a smartphone. However, I intend to purchase the Samsung Galaxy Nexus in the next few weeks, when it becomes available. Therefore I have a bit of an Android tilt.

It's hard to read a gadget blog without running into it: Rampant fanboys defending their choice of phone operating system. Fanboyism is apparently so primal that it's hard to turn the reflex off. I'm sure that psychologists would have interesting insights, but I think at some point, it comes down to "I've spent my money on this platform, and therefore I find it superior."

Lenovo x120e Review

I reviewed my brand new Lenovo x120e sub-notebook (netbook?). Watch to see more!

Related: I wish I could set the preview image manually instead of having 3 options.

Update: (November 2, 2011) My review for the x120e is now the top-rated review for this computer on Amazon! See the review!

Building a New Computer Timelapse

I built my new computer! I put it together on my kitchen table because my case hasn't arrived yet, and braved many obstacles, including an exceptionally curious cat, to build it. Thus far, I'm very pleased with it!

Components:
Intel i5-2500K CPU
MSI P67A-G43 Motherboard
MSI N560GTX-Ti Graphics Card
G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 2 x 4GB DDR3 1333 RAM
Western Digital Caviar Black WD1501FASS 1.5TB 7200 RPM Hard Drive
COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus CPU Cooler

Windows Experience Index Scores:
Processor: 7.5
Memory: 7.6
Graphics: 7.9
Gaming Graphics: 7.9
Hard Drive: 5.9