25% off all Palm software at Handango

Handango still has 25% off all Palm software. So get yourself over there and use the promocode PALMSALE.

Happy Independence Day

PalmAddict 10th Birthday Throwaway ends on Tuesday

Guys the PalmAddict 10th Birthday is ending on Tuesday at midnight US ET. So you only have a few days left to get your user thoughts into me.

Ladies and Gentleman PalmAddict is 10 years old and to celebrate we are giving you the presents. We are giving away:
- A brand new MacBook Pro
- A Palm Pre [we will provide you with $600, it will be down to you to sort the contract etc - this is only available to our US readers, as the Pre is US only at this stage]
- 1 Unlocked Treo Pro
- 1 $50 iTunes Voucher

Easy to win, send me a user thought or mobile technology thought. Open to my PalmAddict readers and writers. Please put HAPPYBIRTHDAY in the subject line. Please no plea's on why you want the Pre / Macbook Pro, it has to be a user thought. The Palm Pre is only for US readers / writers. Winners chosen at random. Give your user thought a title or you cannot be entered, please let me know your prize of choice and send to - sammymcloughlin@gmail.com

Woman Shot During "Violent Armed Robbery" at Apple Store

[From Hans] This is tragic, and I read this via Hans at the Gizmodo, "A 26-year-old employee was shot today during a "violent armed robbery" of the Clarendon Apple Store in Arlington, Virginia" Sad, read in full.

Palm Addict

[From Mac User] I love my palm, I've been a user (addict) since the palm III

20% off all OliveTree bible software

[From Fred Claus] Hi Sammy, and all fellow Palm Addicts. What a cool site this is. I'm going camping this weekend but I plan on brining my Palm Centro so I can keep tabs on what you all have to say on PalmAddict.   I was updating my bible program and noticed that the 20% discount from June is carried over till July 6th at 10pm. Here are the details as listed on the company website.   20% Discount Coupon "June2009" good through 7/6/2009 10 PM PST.   Save 20% off your order by entering the Coupon Code below when you checkout. Get a 20% discount on your orders from OliveTree.com. This coupon is good through 7/6/2009 10 PM PST.

The coupon applies to almost all products available on the Olive Tree Store at www.MyPDABible.com. Be sure to enter the coupon code on checkout. On the "View Cart" page, enter the coupon code in the field at the bottom left. Don't see it? Be sure to scroll down all the way.

The coupon code is case sensitive, and when you've entered it correctly, your total will be re-calculated to reflect the discount. If you don't see "Discount Coupon" listed in the right-hand column where your total price is added up, the discount hasn't been applied yet.

Palm Pre After 1 Week: A Real Review

I was thrilled to be chosen as one of Palm’s Real Reviewers, and to be granted a 6-month loan of a Palm Pre with Sprint service. As a 13-year veteran of PalmOS devices (most recently my trusted T|X), I was both excited and a bit anxious about switching to a Pre, especially given that the device is just weeks old. My last attempt at being a Palm early adopter, with the LifeDrive, did not go well, and the Pre is not only a new device design but uses a brand-new operating system, WebOS as well. After receiving my Pre a week ago and charging it fully, I put it to use, wondering whether and how well it could replace my T|X at my hip.

Short answer: I haven’t carried my T|X since then.

That’s not to say the Pre is perfect, or “fully baked.” A number of mission-critical software elements are still missing, most notably a Memos app that syncs with Microsoft Outlook Notes, given that I have more than 8300+ memos, some dating back to my Pilot 1000 in 1996, on which I still rely. The Pre also currently lacks a Bluetooth keyboard driver, which will become vital for me once the fall semester starts and I must resume my notetaking at faculty meetings, although those who have examined Palm’s publicly-released source code have discovered references to the HID Keypad profile, suggesting that Bluetooth keyboard support is envisioned if not yet implemented.

I have also seen a few of the issues that early reviewers pointed out. There is a bit of flexing between the two sliding halves (the screen and the thumbboard), although nothing that indicates a problem, and some kind of glitch in my Microsoft Exchange syncing yesterday caused my Pre to continuously sync, generating heat on the back of the device and rapidly depleting the battery. (Fortunately, I figured out the problem and deleted/reloaded my Exchange settings, eliminating both heat and battery drain.) Battery life as a whole is average, faster by far than my old non-smartphone cellphone with its extended battery, but about on a par with my T|X under continual usage, and I am awaiting a shipment of microUSB cables (used by the Pre to both connect as a USB drive and charge) so I will have power available in my major usage locations (office, car, home office, kitchen and bedroom).

The biggest current hurdle the Pre faces is software availability. Palm has been very deliberate in releasing its new Mojo SDK to developers, waiting until it had sufficient resources to support it, and this has sharply limited the software available at launch (approximately 30 programs on the App Catalog). Recently, though, Palm began providing the SDK to a much wider group of developers, but even before that, the open source WebOS package has allowed developers to begin exploring and enhancing the WebOS with the express approval of Palm and release homebrew applications for users to install on their own. Palm’s openness to independent 3^rd party development and innovation, a promise made when the Pre was announced and a sharp contrast to Apple’s approach, should soon result in an explosion of WebOS apps similar to those seen for the PalmOS 10+ years ago. In the meanwhile, MotionApps’ Classic PalmOS emulator allows those of us with an existing portfolio of PalmOS apps to keep using many of them while we wait for new programs to be released. (My PreCentral.net review of Classic is here, and I’ve also published a review of Mobipocket Reader running under Classic here.)

So far, I am very much enjoying the Pre, and am thrilled that Palm has regained its leadership in innovation, user experience, and overall productivity with this first WebOS device. I look forward to writing up more Real Reviews here. {ProfessorJonathan}

Powering up on the go gets a TurboCharge from Proporta

[From Hannah at Proporta] There’s nothing worse than running out of power when you’re on the go, whether it’s your mobile phone, MP3 or digital camera that gives up the ghost.  Now, with Proporta’s latest ridiculously handy product, you need never worry again.  The USB TurboCharger is compatible with any device that charges up from a standard USB port, and packs enough of a punch to recharge even the most power hungry of gadgets again and again. 

Available with either 1200 or 3400 mAh storage, the USB TurboCharger comes with a range of connector heads, and an LED display shows the level of charge.  The World Pack also comes with an in Car Power Supply (compatible with standard cigarette lighters) and an AC World Travel Charger Kit that allows you to plug into the mains all over the globe.

And as well as being almost ludicrously useful, this stylish and lightweight device is so small that you’ll hardly even notice you’re carrying it.  So whether it’s stowed in your backpack for a foreign holiday, or just tucked in your bag for the commute to work, the USB TurboCharger is the best way to make sure you never get caught short on the move again.

P.S. Another handy product for your summer holidays is the Proporta Passport Holder. Keep your passport safe and protected whilst you transport it round the world.

Additional webOS Rough Cuts Chapters Posted

The Palminfocenter reports that further chapters of the Rough Cuts Web OS book has been published, "Chapters 10 and 11 of Palm's official, yet work in progress, webOS programming book are now available. Chapter 10 deals with background applications and notifications, while chapter 11 deals with localization and internationalization aspects." Read in full.

OK there seems to be a jailbreak for the iPhone 3GS and it's been developed by GeoHot.

[From Jumperman] OK there seems to be a jailbreak for the iPhone 3GS and it's been developed by GeoHot. "Yes, this is what you've all been waiting for. A jailbreak for the iPhone 3GS. And it's awesome. To get started right now, go to purplera1n.com. Download it. Make sure you have windows(but not 7), the latest iTunes installed, and an iPhone 3GS with 3.0 firmware. Connect your iPhone normally. Click "make it ra1n". Wait. On bootup, run Freeze, the purplera1n installer app. Hopefully you'll figure out what to do from there. Best tutorial gets linked to from purplera1n site. This tool is beta. Make sure to have everything backed up before running. Also if Cydia doesn't show up after running Freeze, reboot." Read in full.

Palm Pre spotted on Dutch carrier Hi in The Netherlands

[From Hans] Another Palm Pre rumour for Europe. "The GSM version of Palm's Pre looks all set for a UK announcement next week on O2. Now we get this, a Pre spotted on the support site for Dutch carrier Hi in The Netherlands." Read in full.

Getting into the independent spirit with Pre is new over at the Palm Blog.

Getting into the independent spirit with Pre is new over at the Palm Blog. "As we slide into the Independence Day weekend, it seemed like a good time to salute some new Pre owners who reveal a truly independent spirit: - Is it possible to live “off the grid” while using a device that relies on both electricity and a cellular network? After you read about this gentleman, you might ask whether it’s possible to live off the grid without one." Read in full.

Palm Pre spotted in the UK, on the Tube

[From DanielJUK] The Palm Pre has been spotted in the UK on the Tube to be exact? utku wrote on his Twitter account the below.

Farewell Palm-Hello Nokia E-series

[From Dave Snyder Sidney Ohio] Dear Sammy, After a several years run first with the Treo 600, and now over 2  years with the Treo 680, and scores of excellent Palm OS 3rd party apps,  I am jumping ship the E71 Nokia.  

I had hoped to wait several more months for the Pre to come to my carrier. Or to switch to a Web OS Centro if available this fall.   But again,  the carrier exclusivity issues give me few immediate options.  I am on my second Treo 680 and it really acting up.   I like my carrier, my features and my coverage.  The  iPhone virtual keyboard is not for me.    I checked out all the Blackberry, Samsung, LG, HTC and other qwerty phones.  The features, build quality,  feel, simplicity, speed, and keyboard brought me to consider only 3 Nokia phones:  the E63, the  E71, or the ATT 71x.  The solid and sleek unlocked E63 at under $199 seemed like a no brainer.  Reviews are excellent.   But then a closer look at the robust features and even sleeker build of the unlocked  E71 found at well under $300 with free shipping – sealed the deal. The ATT 71x was ok but lacked too many features available in the unlocked version.  The new Nokia E72 would be great, but the wait and the pricing are probably worse than the Pre.

What?  Give up a Pre capacitive  screen and all the apps I am used to?  Take a pass on the amazing Web OS and true finger touch single–handed operation so long awaited since the Treo 600  days?  Sadly, yes.

The Nokia Symbian 60 .3 OS offers all the stuff I need and more.   I tried the Teal OS –Web OS- knockoff app on my 680 when it was briefly available.  Very nice,  until Palm halted them from selling it.    While it was far from the obvious power of the gestures of true Web OS, Teal Os  helped me see I am not so crazy about flicking the screen all day just to have screen action to rival the iPhone. I want apps to be simple and easy to access and load quickly. Nokia 71 gets it done.  I am also wary of the long term durability of Pre slide-down qwerty mechanism.  I have not tried a qwerty slider yet  I am comfortable with.  I am also weary of seeing Palm treat old customers like they are a nuisance.   I really like the speed and business features of the Nokia 71. The E71 keyboard is head and shoulders above anything Blackberry or Samsung offer.  Sure, the E72 will lap it very quickly for features and speed, but it is not currently available in the USA and would be way too pricey if it was.  The E71 has the power, speed, features, quality, software, simplicity and classic looks ….all  available reasonably priced….here and now on my carrier.  Had Palm made a Web OS available on a Centro as a bridge until the Pre is available on more carriers, perhaps I would have given them one more shot.  I am just tired of the Palm rumor mill.  Quit the teasing and the hide and seek marketing. It has gotten old. Just build it and sell it.

Farewell Palm,  been nice knowin’ ya.

gdgt is a 'go go'

[From gdgt] Got my email from Peter and Ryan that the gdgt has launched and it looks excellent. So what's gdgt all about? "dgt (like "gadget" -- or g-d-g-t) is a new kind of technology site -- a social gadget platform that enables you to connect with the community through your gadgets, and connect with your gadgets through the community. It's a place for you to engage with your devices and hang out with people who are as passionate about their gear as you are. gdgt is all about providing you with useful, contextual information -- both from here and around the web -- to help you get more out of the products you already own, as well as help you discover that next great device to add to your collection. We hope that gdgt will be the last personal technology destination you'll need, and the place to call home for you and your gadgets. Want to create your own gadget list and start connecting? Go here to sign up for an account." gdgt after the jump.

Wagner Swiss Wallet review over at The Gadgeteer

This caught my attention over at the Gadgeteer and looks real useful. "If you’re trying to fight pocket bulge and are looking for a minimalist wallet, the aluminum Swiss Wallet from Wagner might be a good solution. " Read in full.

25% off all Palm software at Handango

Handango still has 25% off all Palm software. So get yourself over there and use the promocode PALMSALE.

Nokia N97 firmware update (11.0.021) hits the scene

[From Hans] Guys if you have a Nokia N97 then take note there is a firmware update for you. "Hoping to have some solid bug fixes and a few new additions in place on your shiny new Nokia N97 before you start partying this weekend (or even today if you live North of the border)? Well we told you it was coming and this morning it dropped — say hello to 11.0.021. Even the most staunch Nokia fanboys seemed to take issue with the release firmware on Nokia’s latest flagship handset and as such, this update is most definitely a welcome one. " Read in full.

New Apple patents pointing to the iPhone has been unearthed

[From Hans] New Apple patents pointing to the iPhone has been unearthed. "Alright, so you know the drill by now. A patent application doesn't necessarily mean an actual product is on the way -- but it's always fun to speculate, right? And this latest trio of applications from Apple certainly provides plenty of speculation fodder. The most notable of the lot is an application for a "multi-touch display screen with localized tactile feedback," which Apple seems to be at least considering as a possibility for the iPhone (or iPod touch). " Read in full, thanks Hans.

GMail features

Anyone with Gmail may have noticed the new 'drag and drop' feature which has actually come in handy today. "A few months ago Gmail got some new buttons and keyboard shortcuts to make labeling easier, especially for those of you accustomed to that familiar folder feel. Now we're making some more changes to Gmail's labeling toolkit." More deets.

iPhone 3GS Used to Film Music Video

Caught this over at Mashable, iPhone 3GS Used to Film Music Video. "Not to be confused with the first music video about the iPhone 3GS (”Got My Mac on With iPhone 3GS“), the first video purportedly shot using the camera on the new device is making its way around the web. The video – “Technologic Overkill” – is directed by filmmaker Steve Ellington" Read in full.

The Palm Blog talks about the Palm Pre reviews that have been coming in

The Palm Blog talks about the Palm Pre reviews that have been coming in. "When the reviews for Palm’s new Pre phone started coming out, the reactions from folks here ranged from -- we’ll admit it -- just a little pride (“a smart, sophisticated product” – Walt Mossberg, The Wall Street Journal) to aw-shucks embarrassment (“a spectacular achievement…zero to 60 in one version” – David Pogue, The New York Times) to….well, frankly a few reviews left us pleasantly puzzled (“The Pre is the opposite of the mullet: Party in the front and business in the rear. We’ll make time for both.” -- Maxim)." Read in full.

Apple warn about using your iPhone 3G /3GS in extreme temperatures

[From Eric Mann] Apple warn about using your iPhone 3G /3GS in extreme temperatures. "There have been various news about iPhone 3G S overheating, to the extent that the white iPhone 3G S turns pinkish in color. Apple has simply described the ideal operating temperature for the iPhone which is between 0º and 35º C (32º to 95º F). Anything lower or higher could shorten battery life. Also the iPhone should be stored in a place where the temperature is between -20º and 45º C (-4º to 113º F). The symptoms for overheating are described as below:" Read in full.

A new version of Facebook for iPhone OS 3.0 is coming very soon

For our iPhone readers, "A new version of Facebook for iPhone OS 3.0 is coming very soon with 15 major improvements including Events, according to developer Joe Hewitt. The update is about 98% done and upon completion will be submitted to Apple for approval." iClarified has all the deets on this one.

Slightly behind on email.....

Because I have been in NYC this week I am quite behind on email so please bear with me. I am getting through the email in the order that you sent.

[Picture taken with my iPhone over the Empire State Building from the High Line]

iPhone 3GS jailbreak / unlock update posted

[From Eric Mann] If you have an iPhone 3GS and you're looking at the whole unlock / jailbreak scenario then you may wish to read the notice posted last night. "emember we warned you to stay away from any updates to 3.1 if you want to be able to jailbreak or unlock your 3GS. Well this is an additional message to all you 3GS owners that would like to jailbreak your device sometime soon, but this advice comes with a warning! A warning that if you accidentally upgrade to 3.1, you will not be able to use Ultransn0w, so please re-read and double check this warning at the bottom of this post before proceeding. You may have read or heard about techniques to capture files during the iTunes restore process. These will be required to jailbreak your phone in the near future, most of the methods involve icky USB snoops. Well, there is an even better and more reliable method to get your hands on those lovely files." Obviously you do all of this at your own risk. Read in full.

Fighting crime with Blackberry devices

[From Eric Mann] Another Blackberry story thanks to Eric, fighting crime with Blackberry devices. "Metro Manila policemen will now experience high-tech crime fighting as the police leadership in the capital region has started acquiring Blackberry mobile phones, powered with one of the top phone operators in the country. Regional police chief Roberto Rosales on Thursday announced that his command will be acquiring 105 Blackberry mobile phones that will be distributed to different police stations in 16 cities in the metropolis." Read in full.