Export Gps Information From A Smartphone To A Laptop

Export your Smartphone's GPS data to your laptop.

Many of today's Windows Mobile Smartphones are manufactured with an internal GPS receiver, making these devices even more versatile and useful if you're an outdoor enthusiast or frequent traveler. Some cell phone carriers install GPS tracking software on these Smartphones, and there are several independent third-party programs that provide the same functionality. By initiating the software and activating the GPS receiver in your Smartphone, a log of your movements is created, which you can later export from the device to overlay your path on a mapping program.

Instructions

Direct Connection

1. Connect the Smartphone to your laptop. Plug one end of the USB data cable into your Smartphone and the other end into an available USB port on your laptop. Your laptop will automatically detect the presence of your phone and prepare itself for proper communication with the device.

2. Start Mobile Device Center. Double-click the Mobile Device Center icon on your laptop, or click the "Start" button, highlight "All Programs," then select "Mobile Device Center" from the list of available programs. Mobile Device Center will also detect your connected Smartphone.

3. Locate the GPS file. Double-click the "My Computer" icon on your laptop computer's desktop, then double-click the Smartphone icon to begin browsing the contents of your device. The Smartphone icon will appear below the hard drive and CD-ROM drive in the "My Computer" window, and may even be displayed with the name of your device and a graphic icon that resembles your phone. Navigate through the folders on your Smartphone until you arrive in the one containing the GPS track log you wish to export. Right-click the GPS file and select "Copy" from the options list that appears.

4. Export the GPS file. Browse your laptop computer's folders by double-clicking the "My Computer" icon again, then navigate to the folder in which you want to store the GPS data. Right-click in the folder window and choose "Paste" from the menu that appears. This will initiate the transfer of the GPS data from your Smartphone to your laptop computer.

5. Disconnect your device. After successful completion of the GPS data export, unplug the USB data cable from your laptop and from your Smartphone.

Storage Card

6. Transfer the GPS file to a storage card. Press the "Start" soft key on your Smartphone to open the list of installed programs, then scroll down and select "File Explorer" to begin browsing the contents of your device. Navigate through the list of folders on your device until you locate the GPS information you want to export. Highlight the file, press the "Menu" soft key, select "Edit" from the list of options, then select "Copy" from the secondary options list. Navigate back through your Smartphone's folders and access the micro SD storage card. Choose a folder on the storage card, press the "Menu" soft key, select "Edit" from the options list, then choose "Paste" from the secondary options list. This process will create a duplicate GPS info file on your storage card.

7. Remove the micro SD storage card. Power off your Smartphone and remove the micro SD storage card. On many devices, the storage card is located beneath a small plastic cover on the side of the phone. Lift the cover with your fingernail, gently press down on the card until it releases from the locking mechanism, then remove the card by pulling it up and out of the slot. On other devices, the micro SD storage card is located beneath the battery. Remove your Smartphone battery cover door by following the instructions in your manufacturer's user manual. Gently lift out the battery, locate the storage card, then slide it out from beneath the small metal clasp.

8. Insert the micro SD card into your laptop. Many laptops contain a built-in storage card reader slot on the side or front of the machine. Insert your micro SD storage card into the larger SD adapter that accompanied your initial purchase, then insert the SD adapter into the laptop's card reader slot. Your computer will automatically detect the presence of the SD card and open a window displaying the files and folders.

9. Locate the GPS file. Browse the contents of your storage card until you locate the GPS information, then right-click the file and choose "Cut" from the options list that appears.

10. Export the GPS file. Double-click the "My Computer" icon on your laptop's desktop, navigate to the folder where you want to store the GPS data, then right-click in the folder window and choose "Paste" from the list of options. This will export your GPS file from the micro SD storage card to your laptop computer.

11. Remove the SD adapter from your laptop and replace the micro SD storage card into your Smartphone. Install the battery and replace the cover, then power on your device as normal.

Tags: your Smartphone, storage card, your laptop, micro storage, micro storage card

Format A Hard Drive With Windows Xp

Instructions

Preparation

1. When you format a computer hard drive you will lose everything that is on the drive. Therefore, it is very important to back up anything you might want later. Additionally, if you are going to be formatting and installing XP you need to make sure you have the discs for any applications or third party hardware you use since you will need to re-install your programs and drivers after re-installing Windows.

2. Take a moment to think of anything that you have on the computer that you wouldn't want to lose. Generally, you probably want everything in your My Documents folder, and you also want to save things like your favorites or bookmarks from your Web browser. Remember that each user on the computer has his or her own My Documents folder, Desktop items and Favorites/Bookmarks.

3. Save everything to a CD, DVD or a hard drive that you won't be formatting.

Formatting a Secondary Hard Drive

4. Right-Click on the "My Computer" icon either on your desktop or in the Start Menu and select "Manage."

5. A new window titled "Computer Management" comes up. Select "Storage" from the left hand side by clicking it once, then select "Disk Management(local)" from the right side by double-clicking it.

6. Now in the lower part of the main frame (right side) of the window you should see a nice visual of all your hard drives. Each line is a different drive. Each box on a line (with a colored bar at the top and a size displayed in MB or GB) is a partition on the drive. Partitions are separations of space on a drive. Unless you are doing something specific that requires multiple partitions, you only want one partition per drive.

7. First you must delete any existing partitions on the drive you are going to format. Do this by right-clicking on the partition's box and selecting "Delete Partition..." Since you already know that you will be deleting everything on the drive, and have already backed everything up, you can safely say yes to any warning the computer presents you with.

8. If there are multiple partitions make sure you have saved everything off them since they might each have different drive letters (i.e. "D:" or "F:"). Then repeat the above step for each of them. If you only want to format one partition that is OK and you can continue to the next step without deleting the other partitions.

9. The box for the drive to be formatted should now have a black bar at the top of it and should say "Unallocated" under its size (see picture). Right click on it and select "New Partition..." The New Partition Wizard comes up.

10. In the New Partition Wizard click next. On the next page make sure "Primary Partition" is selected and click next. Now make the size equal to the maximum (it should already be set to it), and click next again. On the next page the computer will automatically choose the first available drive letter for the new drive. However, if you like you can choose another drive letter from the drop-down menu, and then click next.

11. Finally the New Partition Wizard asks if you would like to format the new partition and if so what format. Choose "NTFS" as it is faster and more secure. Leave the "Allocation unit size" as "Default." In the "Volume label" field enter whatever name you want the drive to have. Simple is better. Avoid using spaces. Lastly, if the drive is brand new and has never been used before check the "Perform a quick format" box. If the drive has been used before leave this box unchecked. Leave the "Enable file and folder compression" box unchecked and click next. Then on the next page click finish.

12. The wizard will now spend a little while formatting the drive. On old or large drives this may take a while. Do not close the "Computer Management" window until it finishes. You will know it is done when the word under the size of the drive changes from "Formatting" to "Healthy" and the name and drive letter you chose for the new drive show up. After it is finished you can proceed to use your newly formatted drive.

Formatting and Installing from the Windows XP CD

13. This section explains reformat a drive from the Windows XP installation CD. This can be used when installing a fresh copy of Windows onto a computer. Here it is especially important to backup all of your important information because upon formatting you will lose EVERYTHING that used to be on the drive. This includes all applications and device drivers, so you must back up everything you can.

14. Insert your Windows XP installation disc into your CD drive (Home or Pro--it does not matter).

15. Now as you computer boots a little more it will say "Press any key to boot from CD.." press a key to do so.

16. The CD will load up a blue screen and then spend a while loading files it needs. When it is finished it will list a few options, mainly "Press ENTER to set up Windows XP." Press Enter or Return.

17.Now you will be at a screen to select where to install Windows to. This is where you can delete old partitions and format drives. The box in the bottom half of the screen shows all your drives and the partitions that exist on them. Use the Up and Down arrow keys to highlight your "C:" partition and press the 'D' key (if all that shows up is "Unpartitioned space" and you have no C: or D: partitions, skip this step). On the next screen press the 'L' key to finalize deleting the partition.

18. Now you are back on the screen to choose where to install Windows. The box on the lower half of the screen should no longer show a partition but simply have an entry "Unpartitioned space xxxxxMB." Select this with the arrow keys and press the 'C' key to create a partition on the drive. The next screen tells you the minimum and maximum sizes the partition can be and lets you pick the size. The default size is the maximum, but double check that the number entered is the maximum and hit enter.

19. Now you will again be back at the choose where to install Windows screen. But this time you will have a partition that looks something like this "C: Partition1 [New (Raw)]xxxxxxMB." Highlight this entry and press enter.

20. The next screen lets you choose which file system to format the drive with. Choose NTFS as it is faster and more secure. If the drive is brand new and has never been used before then use one of the options that ends in "(Quick)." Or, choose one of the lower down options. Use the arrow keys to select the proper one and press Enter or Return.

21. From here you are all set and the installation of Windows will proceed starting with a format of your drive. This will take a while (over half an hour) so you can take a little break.

Tags: click next, arrow keys, been used, been used before, drive letter

Find Out My Fema Registration Id Number

How Do I Find Out My FEMA Registration ID Number?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, supplies disaster assistance to U.S. individuals, families and businesses in the form of temporary housing and money or construction assistance for home repairs, replacement and rebuilding. When a person applies for disaster assistance through FEMA, FEMA assigns a nine-digit registration ID number to track the disaster assistance application and all correspondence or information related to that specific person and situation. It doesn't matter whether you misplaced or lost your registration ID number, FEMA supplies several methods to quickly find it.

Instructions

1. Check the registration confirmation screen that appears at the end of your online registration if you just registered for disaster assistance. If you didn't register recently or online, skip this step.

2. Look for your nine-digit registration ID number on any correspondence that FEMA has sent to you through the mail.

3. Go the Disaster Assistance Center Account Login screen by clicking the link in the Resources section to access your registration account that shows your personal information, application and correspondence with FEMA. Type your User ID and Password/PIN into the fields provided and click the "Login" button. After you open your account, retrieve your registration ID number.

4. Call the FEMA Disaster Helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362), select the "For calls related to disaster assistance" option and request assistance with acquiring your registration ID number from a FEMA Disaster Helpline agent.

5. Visit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center with proof of identification and ask for assistance with retrieving your registration ID number.

Tags: your registration, registration number, your registration number, disaster assistance, FEMA Disaster, application correspondence

Samsung Omnia Specifications

Compact and lightweight, the Samsung Omnia smartphone was released in 2008 and comes with a variety of multimedia and networking features, including Wi-Fi connectivity and a digital camera. CNET Reviews, an electronics review website, praised the Omnia for its spacious screen and customizable home screen, but criticized it for its sluggish performance and narrow keyboard. As of the time of publication, the Omnia is still on the market.

Dimensions, Display, Power

The Samsung Omnia, technically called the Samsung Omnia SCH-i910, measures 2.2 inches wide, 4.4 inches long and 0.5 inches deep and weighs 4.3 oz. Its 3.2-inch thin-film transistor LCD touch screen displays more than 65,000 colors at 240 by 400 pixels of resolution. When fully charged, a standard lithium-ion battery holds 1,440 milliamp hours of energy and provides the Omnia with up to 300 hours of standby and up to 5.5 of hours of talk time.

Internal Components

Built on the Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional with Office Mobile Suite operating system, the Samsung Omnia operates using a 624-megahertz Marvell PXA312 processor. Internet access is attained through either a Opera Mobile 9.5 or Internet Explorer browser using Wireless Application Protocol. The smartphone comes with 8 gigabytes of internal flash memory and 96 megabytes of program random access memory, and contains a micro-Secure Digital card slot for expanded data storage. The Omnia also features a built-in digital audio and video player.

Camera and Messaging

The Samsung Omnia comes with a 5-megapixel camera that features auto focus and a built-in light-emitting diode flash. A variety of photographic features and settings come with the camera, such as smile detection, multishot capability, face detection and scene modes. The camera is also capable of recording video using video graphics array technology at 640 by 480 pixels of resolution and features a slow-motion video recording mode. The Omnia's messaging system supports text, voice, video and picture content. Email messaging is provided through connection to a Post Office Protocol or Internet Message Access Protocol server.

Miscellaneous

The Samsung Omnia supports several types of audio file formats, including MP3, Advanced Audio Coding, Windows Media Audio and Waveform Audio. The smartphone's video player plays streaming video using Real Time Streaming Protocol and contains a TV-out jack for playing recorded video on external devices, such as a personal computer or digital TV. Productivity applications include a scientific calculator, calendar and alarm clock. Other applications that come with the Omnia include predictive text input, a location-based GPS, adjustable text size and text telephone (TTY or TDD) for the hearing impaired.

Tags: Samsung Omnia, comes with, come with, pixels resolution, video player

Convert N70 Mp4 To Avi

The N70 ME can record videos in the MP4 format.

The Nokia N70 ME smartphone lets users both play and record video files directly on the phone's screen. A surprisingly versatile phone, the N70 supports 3GP, RealPlayer and MP4 videos. If you have an MP4 video you've recorded from the N70 on your computer, you may want to convert it into Microsoft's AVI container, which can be understood by most video programs. A number of online tools will turn any MP4 video into an AVI for free.

Instructions

Media-Convert

1. Open a browser and load Media-Convert (see Resources). Click "Choose File" and find the MP4 you want to convert into an AVI. Choose the video file in the pop-up by clicking "OK."

2. Choose "MPEG-4" as your input video format in its drop-down menu. Next, select "AVI" as your target movie format in the output drop-down.

3. Click "OK" to commence the video conversion. After the transfer completes, click on the video file link to download your movie.

Mediaconverter

4. Load Mediaconverter (see Resources).

5. Select "Upload a file" and find the MP4 file. Choose "AVI" for your output format.

6. Click "Start" to make your new AVI. Once the conversion completes, click on the file link to download your movie.

Zamzar

7. Load Zamzar (see Resources).

8. Click "Choose File" and find the MP4 you want to convert. Select "AVI" as your target format.

9. Give Zamzar your email address and select "Convert." You'll soon get a message from Zamzar containing your AVI.

Tags: want convert, Choose File, Choose File find, Click Choose, Click Choose File

Operate A Telephone Chat Service

Telephone chat services are becoming very popular.

Telephone chat services play a big role in forging and sustaining communication relationships between individuals who share a common interest. Telephone chat can be carried out through land-line phones or mobile phones. Mobile phones allow voice chat and text messaging services, while landlines do not allow text chat. Whether you are offering dating services, party lines or phone personal advertisements, knowing and practicing solid business principles is the only guarantee to enjoying success in operating a telephone chat service.

Instructions

1. Jot down your business plan, then conduct research on it. Your business plan should specify your goal and how you intend to reach it. Your research should help you discover whether there is a market for your product, whether there is room for your product, and whether you have enough resources to run your business. It would be unwise to start a telephone chat service business that focuses on a service or group that has no demand in the market.

2. Apply for all the necessary permits and licenses to operate a telephone chat service with the necessary agencies, including the Federal Communications Commission. Once you get your licenses, remember to renew them. Failure to renew your license while still operating your service could lead to heavy penalties.

Open a merchant account with your bank. This account will enable your customers to pay for their calls through their debit cards, credit cards and other forms of payment cards. You are bound to lose much business if your telephone chat service does not accept card payments, since many people use cards to purchase and pay for their transactions.

3. Research and invest in hardware and software technology that will enable you to set up mailboxes and record public messages in a clear, fast and uninterrupted way. Expand the capacity of your equipment to handle more calls and data as the business grows. Stay abreast of new technological innovations that you can incorporate in your telephone chat service. It is important to have equipment that allows photo uploads and downloads, especially if you are operating a dating chat service.

4. Hire good-quality personnel to run the different aspects of your telephone chat service. Look out for qualities such as proper time management, desire to learn, and the ability to work as part of a team. You will need a qualified technician with wide experience to care for, update and maintain your chat system. You will also need software and hardware experts to operate the system you have installed.

5. Establish business principles or values by which your telephone chat service will operate. Have transparent and clear billing information without hidden charges. Do not have your operators pretend to be real callers when customers call in. Do not sell, release or show personal details of customer to third parties.

6. Target the specific market you intend to reach. You must be specific, avoiding generalizing if you are to succeed with a telephone chat service. For example, if your business deals with dating, you may want to narrow down your dating service to deal with a specific ethnic group or customers within a specified age bracket.

7. Advertise your telephone chat service with your target market in mind to build up and maintain your clientele. Place advertisements in major magazines and newspapers and on social networks, and if possible, purchase television advertisements. Use essential keywords to capture customers from search engines when using the website for targeted or niche advertising. Offer free trial chat service for a specified period to attract customers. Allow free calls for women when operating dating services. Offer discount rates on weekends and holidays and special rates to regular customers.

Tags: chat service, your telephone chat, telephone chat, telephone chat service, your telephone

Make A Free Phone Call By Using The Internet

In a difficult economy, everyone looks for ways to save money. Cutting the cost of making telephone calls remains an option. The average family has both landline and cell phone bills to contend with each month. Using the resources available on the Internet can help consumers lower monthly telephone costs by making free calls using a computer headset.

Using Skype.com

Investigate Skype as an alternative to using traditional phones. Skype allows users to make video and computer-to-computer calls free of charge to anyone else who has downloaded their free program. This allows people to connect with anyone they would like, anywhere in the world, at no cost. Not only can you hear friends speaking; you can see them via the video option using web cams.

The video and call quality on Skype depends upon several factors, including the Internet speed and connection for both parties on the call, and the quality of their computer equipment.

Skype also allows users to make calls from your computer to traditional telephones, but does charge a small fee for this service, which varies depending upon the location where they call from.

Skype also has an application available for iPhones.

Using iCall.com

Learn about iCall for free Internet calling. The free iCall service allows users to make calls from their desktop or laptop computer to traditional telephones or cell phones anywhere in the United States or Canada. Downloading the iCall program costs nothing.

The program works much like a typical telephone, showing a phone pad. After dialing "1" plus the area code and number, simply pressing "Place Call" puts the process in motion. The company makes its money by featuring very short audio commercials before the call connects. Thereafter, the call works exactly as any other phone would work, and the person you call never hears the brief sponsored message.

iCall also offers additional free services, such as voice mail, and 411 directory assistance.

Using FreeCall.com

Visit FreeCall to compare this service to iCall. These two similar services both allow users to download a free program to make calls from a computer to any traditional telephone, at no cost.

Using EvaPhone.com

Try EvaPhone for making free international calls from the web. No program needs downloading or registering with this service. Make calls from your computer to a standard telephone. The service includes availability in over forty countries. Calls to countries not available for free calls require a per minute charge.

Tags: calls from, allows users, allows users make, computer traditional, make calls, make calls from, this service

Install Zip Files On A Nokia 6120

Upload files to your wireless phone with a USB data cable.

The Nokia 6120 wireless phone allows you to upload files directly to the phone through a USB data cable. Oftentimes when you download files from from the Internet for the Nokia 6120, it comes as a zip file. The Nokia wireless phone cannot read the zip file format, so it is extremely important you extract the data from the zipped file before loading it onto the cellular phone.

Instructions

1. Right-click the downloaded zip file and select "Extract" from the pull-down menu. A small program window appears with the zip file listed. If no extraction software is present on the computer, download the free trial version of WinZip at Winzip.com.

2. Choose a location to save the extracted contents of the zip file to. Click "Extract."

3. Launch the Nokia PC Suite program (an installation CD came with the phone). If you do not have the program you can download it from the Nokia website by selecting "Support," followed by "Download Software," then choose the "PC Suite" download.

4. Plug the USB data cable into the power port on the Nokia 6120, then insert the opposite end of the cable into a USB port on the computer. The PC Suite Nokia software automatically detects the Nokia phone.

5. Click-and-drag the extracted contents of the zip file into the open Nokia 6120 wireless phone software. This transfers the data directly to the Nokia wireless phone. Once the data transfer has finished, you can disconnect the phone.

Tags: Nokia 6120, wireless phone, data cable, 6120 wireless, 6120 wireless phone, cable into

Colleges To Become A Dentist

The Doctor of Dental Surgery degree (D.D.S) or the Doctor of Dental Medicine degree (D.D.M.), according the to the American Dental Association. Qualifying students receive their dental degrees from colleges of dental medicine. Students can attend dental schools in the United States and abroad to become dentists.

Becoming A Dentist

To become a dentist, a student has to obtain a pre-dentistry degree, which is a two- to four-year course of study that concentrates on science and health subjects. Once she's finished that phase of study, the student must apply and be accepted by a school of dentistry. Dentistry degrees usually are four-year courses and involve about two years of lecture and laboratory classes, followed by two years of clinical work supervised by licensed dentists. When the student graduates with her dentistry degree, she has to pass state licensing exams before she can begin to practice.

In the Northeastern United States

Dental colleges in the northeastern United States include the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine; Boston University School of Dental Medicine; Harvard School of Dental Medicine; Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (Massachusetts); the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey; Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center School of Dental and Oral Surgery (New York); New York University College of Dentistry; School of Dental Medicine, SUNY at Stony Brook; the University at Buffalo School of Dentistry; the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry; the University of Pennsylvania School of Dentistry; Howard University (Washington, D.C.); and West Virginia University School of Dentistry. (information through section 5 is from reference 3)

In the Southern United States

Dental schools in the South are the University of Alabama School of Dentistry; the University of Florida College of Dentistry; the Medical College of Georgia, School of Dentistry; the University of Kentucky School of Dentistry; the University of Louisville School of Dentistry (Kentucky); the University of Mississippi, School of Dentistry; the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Dentistry; the Medical University of South Carolina; Meharry College of Dentistry (Tennessee); Baylor College of Dentistry (Texas); the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio; and the University of Texas--Houston Dental Branch.

In the Midwestern United States

Midwestern dental schools include the University of Illinois School of Dentistry; the Indiana University School of Dentistry; the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry; Crieghton University School of Dentistry (Nebraska); the University of Nebraska Medical Center; Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry (Ohio); Ohio State University, School of Dentistry; and the University of Oklahoma School of Dentistry.

In the Western United States

Students can study dentistry in the western United States at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (California); the University of California Los Angeles School of Dentistry; the University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry; the University of Southern California School of Dentistry; the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry (California); the University of Colorado, School of Dentistry; and the University of Washington School of Dentistry.

Australian, Japanese, Canadian and Chilean Dental Colelges

Australia has one dentistry school at the University of Queensland, School of Dentistry.

Japan has two dental colleges: Kagoshima University Dental School and Niigata University School of Dentistry.

Canadian dentistry colleges are Dalhousie University School of Dentistry, McGill University Faculty of Dentistry, the University of Manitoba School of Dentistry and the University of Western Ontario.

One dentistry school is in Chile, the University of Chile Dentalnet School of Dentistry. (all remaining information from resource 1)

European Dental Colleges

The University of Copenhagen School of Dentistry is Denmark's dental college. In Finland, the University of Helsinki, Institute of Dentistry teaches dental studies.

Germany has several dental colleges: Free University Berlin; the Humboldt University Berlin, School of Dentistry; Philipps University of Marburg School Dental Medicine; University of Saarland, Germany; and the Department of Orthodontics; Dental Unit of the Medical School.

The Istituto di Clinica Odontoiatrica is in Italy.

Two dental colleges are in Norway: Det Odontologiske Fakultet and the University of Oslo--Faculty of Dentistry. In Sweden, dental students attend the Faculty of Odontology at The Karolinska Institute, the Karolinska Institutet, or Lund University, Faculty of Odontology. The University of Bern, Dental School is in Switzerland.

In the United Kingdom, there are five dental colleges: The Eastman Dental Institute, University Of London; King's College School of Medicine and Dentistry; United Medical and Dental Schools of Guy's and St. Thomas's Hospitals; The University of Birmingham; and the University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff Dental School.

Tags: School Dentistry, Dentistry University, School Dentistry University, University School, University School Dentistry, Dental Medicine, School Dental

Play Facebook Games On An Android

Play Facebook Games on an Android

Facebook games are increasingly popular and Zynga is the most popular maker for the social networking site, with CityVille, FarmVille, and Zynga Poker reporting 271 million users a month. CityVille alone posted 69 million user in one month, as reported by the Los Angeles Times in December 2010. Facebook games use the Adobe Flash platform, which is available on all computer-based Web browsers, however it has taken time to port Flash technology over to mobile phones. Only Android phones running version 2.2 or later have access to the Flash plug-in, which allows users to play any of the Facebook games on a Droid.

Instructions

Android 2.2

1. Open the application launcher and scroll down to the "Market" app and tap it. Tap the search button (the magnifying glass icon) and type "Adobe Flash," then press "Search." Tap the "Adobe Flash" app, tap "Install" and then "OK" to accept the permissions. Wait for the app to install.

2. Press the home button (shaped like a house) on your phone. Tap the browser icon. Browse to Facebook (type "facebook" into the address bar, then press "Go") and log in to your account. Type "farmville" (or any other Facebook game) in the Facebook search box. Tap the Farmville icon from the list of search results. Tap the "Go to Application" button on the Farmville page.

3. Long-press (hold down your finger) on the loading Farmville screen. Select "Play in Full Screen" from the pop-up window. Play Farmville.

Android 2.1 and Earlier

4. Open the Application Launcher on your Android phone. Scroll to the "Market" app and press it. Tap the magnifying glass icon to search, then type in "Zynga" and press "Search."

5. Scroll through the list of apps to find the app you want. As of 2010, Zynga has only published a poker app that will interface with the Facebook version of the same game. Tap the game you wish to install then tap the "Install" button, then the "OK" button to accept the permissions. Wait for the app to download and install.

6. Open the application launcher and tap on the icon for the game you just installed. Log in when prompted to connect your Android app to your Facebook profile.

Tags: Adobe Flash, accept permissions, accept permissions Wait, Facebook games, Facebook Games Android, Games Android

Unlock Phones By Imei

Unlock Phones by IMEI

When you purchase a phone from a cellular provider, it is locked into that company's service. You usually have to agree to a one- or two-year contract as well if the company provides you with a free or discounted phone. You can avoid this contract and freely switch between providers, as well as travel outside of the country on other networks, by unlocking your phone using the IMEI code.

Instructions

1. Locate the 15-digit IMEI code. This is sometimes printed on the phone under the battery. You can also sometimes find it in your phone's setting page or by entering a special code to get your phone to display the number on your screen. In many instances, this code is *#06#

2. If you cannot locate the code, contact your current service provider and ask for the unlock code. Depending on the circumstances, they might just provide it for you. Often, if you are traveling outside of the U.S. or have completed your service contract, your cell phone provider will give you instructions on unlock your phone.

3. Purchase the unlock code. You can cheaply purchase an unlock code by providing the IMEI code and your cell phone make and model to one of many online providers. For between $5-15, you can receive an unlock code within an hour. Often this is the most convenient way to unlock your phone. Some retail providers may provide this service as well, but make sure that it is a company that offers plans from many cell phone providers and is not the retail location for a single provider, such as AT&T or T-Mobile, that will then want to sign you up to their plan.

4. Download the software and unlock your phone yourself. You can find and download software to unlock a number of different phones online. See the resources section of this article for unlocking software and free unlock codes.

Tags: your phone, unlock code, cell phone, IMEI code, unlock your, unlock your phone, code your

Set Up A Personal Gmail Account

Gmail is Google's free email program. With an online personal email address you can retain the same email address even if you change Internet service providers. Gmail is one of the few online email programs that allows you to send and receive email from a desktop client as well as from the Web-based interface for free. The setup for a personal account requires you to verify your account before use. This keeps automated programs (bots) from creating and using the Gmail service.

Instructions

1. Navigate to the Gmail website at Mail.google.com in any Web browser.

2. Click on the "Create an account" button on the right side of the screen.

3. Type the appropriate information in text boxes on the "Getting started with Gmail" page.

4. Click on the "I agree. Create my account." button.

5. Click on one of the verification options to verify that you are a real person. You can have an email sent to the alternate email address you provided on the "Getting started with Gmail" page, have a text message sent to your mobile phone or receive a voice phone call.

6. Click on the link in the email that was sent to you if you chose the email option. Type the verification code in the "Enter your code" text box if you chose the text message or voice mail verification options.

7. Click the "Show me my account" button to be taken to your Gmail inbox.

8. Email friends and family by clicking the "Compose mail" button on the left side of the screen.

Tags: account button, email address, Create account, Create account button, Getting started, Getting started with

What Are Hair Hygrometers

Measuring humidity is a large part of being able to forecast weather. Being able to forecast the weather consequently allows individuals to plan their days---a boy scout troop, for example, would want to pack rain gear if humidity was high, or a farmer may turn on the irrigation system to crops when humidity is very low. Although there are many modern tools that measure humidity, one tool that is hundreds of years old and still works for humidity measurement is the hair hygrometer.

Definition

A hair hygrometer is a simple device that is used to measure humidity. Its primary component is human hair, which is hooked up to a lever or gauge system that can provide a means to read percentages (or at least show variation from low to high) of humidity in the atmosphere. The gauge can be something as simple as a piece of cardboard with degree markings. The devices sometimes are hooked up to a roll of paper and a writing tool (a hygrograph) so that the changes in humidity can be documented as the lever shifts positions.

How It Works

Because of the way hair is constructed, it expands as the humidity levels get higher. It contracts when the humidity levels lower. When it is humid, the hair in a hair hygrometer thus gets longer, and the lever connected to it moves in response to the extra slack. When the humidity gets low, the hair in the hygrometer gets shorter and pulls on the lever.

Pros and Cons

Hair hygrometers do not require electricity. However, they have very large errors when relative humidity levels are very low or very high. This is because the hair in the hygrometer can only expand and contract to a certain degree. They also need to be adjusted and calibrated often because of this problem.

History

The first hygrometer is credited to Leonardo DaVinci, but the first hair hygrometer wasn't invented until 1783. Horace Benedict de Saussure is thought to have been the inventor. Hair hygrometers have been used ever since, and were not replaced with electrical humidity measuring devices until the 1960s. This is partly because the use of electricity did not become commonplace until the 20th century, and because technology was not advanced enough to provide more accurate means of humidity measurement.

Modern Use

Because hair hygrometers are very simple to make, and because they do provide a rough means of humidity measurement, they still are constructed despite technology that allows for more accurate readings. They often are constructed in schools as part of weather courses so that students can have a hands-on project related to humidity.

Tags: hair hygrometer, humidity levels, humidity measurement, able forecast, able forecast weather, Because hair, forecast weather

Use Your Cell Phone To Connect To The Internet With A Usb Cable

A simple USB cable makes it easy to connect to the Internet with a cell phone.

Using your cell phone to connect to the Internet via USB is a good way to get an Internet connection where WiFi hotspots are unavailable. If your phone has an Internet sharing application and you have a tethering plan on your cell phone contract, making the connection is an easy way to get near-broadband speeds while on the go. The most important thing to remember while connecting to the Internet via USB cable is to disconnect from any other active Internet connections before pairing, as some computers cannot handle multiple network connections simultaneously.

Instructions

1. Connect your cell phone via USB. Insert the USB cable into your cell phone on one end and into your computer on the other. Your USB cable is often used to connect the cell phone to its charger, so keep the charger and its cable close at hand. When you first connect the cell phone to your computer via USB, it may take a few seconds for the correct drivers to install; drivers let the computer communicate with your phone.

2. Launch the Internet Sharing application on your phone. Internet Sharing is found in the Start menu on Windows Mobile devices and under the Applications folder on other devices. If you do not have an Internet Sharing application, your carrier may not support tethering connections.

3. Configure Internet Sharing. Make sure that the PC Connection dialog reads "USB"; if it reads "Bluetooth PAN," use the left and right arrow keys on your phone to change the setting. Make sure that the Network Connection setting is set to your wireless carrier.

4. Start the connection. In the Internet Sharing application on your phone, press the soft key that reads "Connect" and wait for your cell phone data connection to be shared to your computer. As it connects, the status bar may read "Check USB cable connection" for a few seconds. This is normal.

5. Test the Internet connection. Back on the computer, your shared cell phone-Internet connection will show as a wired connection in the Network and Sharing control panel. Launch a Web browser or messaging application, and verify that you have a connection to the Internet.

6. End the connection by clicking the "Disconnect" soft key in the Internet Sharing application on the phone. You can also interrupt and end the connection by unplugging the USB cable.

Tags: cell phone, your cell, your phone, Sharing application, your cell phone, application your, Internet connection

Make Weather Instruments With Everyday Household Products

Make Weather Instruments With Everyday Household Products

The weather can make or break a special trip or occasion. Unfortunately, the weather forecast provided by the media aren't always accurate. Learning make weather instruments with everyday household products will enable you to set up your own little weather station at home to watch for impending changes in the weather.

Instructions

Making a Barometer

1. Tape the ruler upright, on the inside of the glass container so the numbers are visible.

2. Tape the plastic tubing next to the ruler, making sure it does not touch the bottom of the glass by positioning it half an inch above the bottom of the glass container.

3. Fill the glass container half full with clean tap water. Chew the chewing gum until it is soft. Suck some of the water up into the tube about halfway and quickly seal the top of the tube with the chewing gum so the water remains in the tube.

4. Mark the level of the water in the tube on the ruler. Observe each day and make another mark if the water level changes. Notice how the water level rises when the air pressure increases and falls when the air pressure decreases. Low pressure usually indicates clouds and precipitation, while high pressure predicts fair weather conditions.

Making a Weather Vane

5. Cut a vertical slit about half an inch deep in each end of the wooden ruler. Pound a nail all the way through the ruler at exactly the midpoint. Turn the wooden ruler around several times on the nail, until it moves easily.

6. Cut a head and tail out of the aluminum pie or baking sheet. The head should be triangular in shape, and the tail should resemble a trapezoid. Make the longest edges of both shapes the same length.

7. Glue the head into one slot on the end of the ruler with the point of the triangle facing outward like an arrow and the tail into the slot at the other end of the ruler with the small side of the trapezoid touching the wood and the large side facing outward. Make sure both pieces are secure, and the glue is dry.

8. Place the metal washer on the end of the broomstick or thick wooden dowel. Place the pointed end of the nail that is sticking out of the ruler through the hole in the washer and hammer the nail into the dowel or broomstick, leaving room for your weather vane to move easily.

9. Set up your weather vane outside on a fence by securing it with wire so it sticks up above the fence but is still securely fastened. Watch the weather vane when the wind blows. The head of the weather vane will always point in the direction from which the wind is blowing, not which directions the wind is blowing toward.

Tags: glass container, weather vane, your weather vane, bottom glass, facing outward, half inch

Use Music As Ring Tones In Iphones

Customize your iPhone ring tones with the music you like.

You can use your favorite songs as ring tones on the iPhone. If you do not mind paying a dollar or two, you can download ringtones from iTunes. Or, if you prefer to make your own song clip, you can make ring tones with iTunes or with an app downloaded right to your phone. Whatever method you choose, you have an extensive supply of potential ring tones to customize your iPhone.

Instructions

Purchasing Ring Tones

1. Tap on the iTunes application on your iPhone while you're connected to the Internet.

2. Tap on the "Ringtones" tab at the bottom of the screen. If it is not visible, tap "More" and then tap it.

3. Browse for the ring tone you want by searching through featured artists, genres or popular downloads. If you cannot find the one you want, tap "Search" at the bottom of the screen and type in the name of the song or artist. Then find the song you want under the "Ringtones" category.

4. Download the ring tone you want by tapping on the price and then "Buy Now." If you did a search for a specific song, be sure you download the ring tone and not the entire song.

5. Enter your iTunes password. If you do not have one, iTunes will prompt you to set up an account.

6. Find your ring tone on your iPhone after it has completed downloading. Tap the "Settings" menu, and then "Sounds" and "Ringtones." You can select it as your default ring tone if you want. You can make it a personal ring tone for a certain contact by finding the contact, tapping "Edit," tapping "Ringtone" on that contact's profile and then selecting the new song.

Using an iPhone App

7. Tap the "App Store" button on your iPhone while connected to the Internet.

8. Tap the "Search" tab, type "ringtone" in the search box and tap "Search."

9. Select an app for download and click on the price or "free" button to install it on your phone. Examples include "Ringtone," "Ringtone Maker" and "Ringtone Designer." Most of these apps are $0.99 or free.

10. Provide your iTunes password when prompted.

11. Open the app and select a song from the music stored on your phone.

12. Choose a song clip 30 seconds long or less that you want to use as a ringtone. Some apps may do this for you.

13. Transfer the song to your ring tones list using the app. Apps may do this automatically or instruct you do it.

14. Find your ring tone on your phone by tapping your "Settings" button, then "Sounds" and "Ringtones." Here you can make the new ring tone your default ring tone. If you want to use it as a custom ring tone for a contact, select the contact in your phone, tap "Edit, tap the "ringtone" button and change the ring tone.

Using iTunes On Your Computer

15. Open iTunes and find the song you want to use as a ring tone.

16. Listen to the song and determine which part of it you would like to use as a ring tone clip. It should be about 30 seconds or less. Take note of the start time and stop time of the clip.

17.Right-click on the song title and select "Get info."

18. Select the "Options" tab.

19. Check the "Start Time" and "Stop Time" check boxes.

20. Enter your start and stop time and click "OK."

21. Right-click on the song you just edited and select "Convert Selection to AAC."

22. Click on the converted song, which you can find in the iTunes "Music" folder, and drag it to your desktop to make a copy of it. You can delete it in iTunes now if you want to and uncheck the "Start Time" and "Stop Time" boxes on the original song.

23. Right click on the song file on the desktop and select "Get info."

24. Click on "Name" and "Extension."

25. Change the extension name on the file from ".m4a" to ".m4r" so iTunes will recognize it as a ring tone file.

26

Double-click on the song to add it it your iTunes library in the "Ringtones" tab.

27

Sync your iPhone with iTunes. If your phone does not automatically sync, be sure the new ring tone is selected and click "Apply."

28

Find your new ring tone on your iPhone by tapping "Settings," "Sounds" and "Ringtones." You can make it your default ring tone there or make it a custom ring tone for an individual contact by tapping on the contact, tapping "Edit" and changing the ring tone.

Tags: ring tone, your iPhone, your phone, ring tone want, ring tone your, tone want, tone your

Check Voicemail From A Landline Phone

You can check your cell phone voicemail from any touch-tone landline phone.

Checking your voicemail from a landline phone is a useful trick. Your cell phone may unexpectedly run out of batteries or break at a time when you need to access your voicemail messages.

Instructions

1. Make sure your cell phone is set up to allow voicemail to be checked from a landline phone. If your cell phone requires a special feature to be enabled, follow the steps in your instruction manual to ensure you can check the voicemail from another phone.

2. Call your cell phone from a landline phone. The landline phone you use must be a touch-tone phone, or you won't be able to enter the required PIN or password.

3. When your cell phone's voicemail picks up and the answering message starts to play, press the asterisk key (*) on your landline phone immediately. This will trigger an automated recording that will ask you to input your password or PIN.

4. Use the keypad on your landline phone to input the password or PIN you use to check your voicemail from your cell phone. When you've finished entering the information, press the pound (#) key.

5. Listen to the instructions relayed by the automated message. They will tell you how many voicemail messages you have and give you options for checking them, deleting them, saving them or storing them as new messages. Every phone is slightly different, so listen carefully to the options.

Tags: cell phone, landline phone, your cell phone, from landline phone, voicemail from

Make Free Phone Calls With Cell Phones

Make Free Phone Calls With Cell Phones

Most cell phone service providers charge a standard billing rate per month; however, there are ways to use your cell phone to make calls for free. Though the quality of the audio is not that high, these options are an option worth having to make free local and international calls.

Instructions

1. Download a software program that allows the you to make free calls on your phone. Skype.com and Fring.com offer free applications that are used by businesses and consumers worldwide. These applications use your Wi-Fi-enabled mobile device to transfer call data over the Internet. Don't expect the voice quality of these calls to be excellent, though. They are, however, free and allow you connectivity throughout the world.

2. Register to receive a unique user ID at Skype.com or Fring.com. As the application loads on the phone, it displays a keypad to make calls. The system works for free as long as you make calls within its domain-that is, Skype to Skype or Fring to Fring. This works for calls to a basic telephone as well when the account is prepaid for non-Skype or non-Fring calls.

3. Access your Skype or Fring account through your phone to start using the service. The Skype and Fring services will ask for your user name and password when logging in.

4. Choose a number to dial and begin calling.

Tags: Skype Fring, make calls, Calls With, Calls With Cell, cell phone, Cell Phones, Free Phone

Unlock Cellular Phones For Free

Are you stuck with a locked cell phone? This might have happened because you decided to put away the SIM card given by your phone network. Once you do that your phone displays an error message and can no longer be used. But luckily, you can give your cell phone a new lease on life by unlocking it. Unlocking allows you to use the phone with a SIM card issued by any network. However, there may be a way to unlock your phone for free. To know do this, all you have to do is to download free software called Nokia Free Unlock Codes Calculator.

Instructions

1. Download Nokia Free Unlock Codes Calculator to the computer. Double-click on the downloaded file to install the program.

2. Double-click on the installed program. A window should pop up with several options. Choose the make of your phone from the list given. Choose the model number.

3. Press *#06# on your cell phone. Press "OK". A number should be displayed on screen. This is the serial number of your phone, also known as an IMEI number. Enter this number in the IMEI field in the Nokia Free Unlock Codes Calculator window.

4. Select your country from the list in the "Country" field. Select the name of your cell phone network from the list given. Press "CALCULATE". A list of unlock codes should be displayed in the window.

5. Replace the SIM in the locked phone with the one that will not work. Turn on your phone. A message indicating "Invalid SIM" should be displayed. Enter one of the unlock codes and press "OK". Your cell phone should be unlocked by now.

Tags: your phone, cell phone, Codes Calculator, Free Unlock, Free Unlock Codes

Rubberized Hard Phone Cases Vs Silicone Phone Cases

You use your phone in many situations, so choosing the right protection for it is essential.

When choosing a cellular phone case, there are many factors to take into account. The two most important factors to analyze are the features of the phone and the way the owner is using the phone. Rubberized hard cases and silicone cases are two low-impact choices for cellular phone protection. Each is appropriate in certain instances.

Cost

Budgeting is important when thinking about cellular phone accessories, as cases can be expensive.

Before determining which kind of case is best, cost should be considered. Hard rubber cases and silicone cases are both usually at the low end of the cost spectrum, but some name brands can be more expensive. For example, if you shop at a chain store, the cost begins at the low end with generic store brands and can go up to high-end name brands. Determine how much can be spent on the case before beginning the process of choosing.

How Much Protection Do You Need?

The user should take into account how rough he will be on the phone. A construction worker, for instance, will need a higher level of protection.

The way you use your phone determines the degree of protection you need. Hard rubberized cases provide slightly more protection than silicone cases because they hold their shape. Silicone cases are very flexible, while rubberized hard cases do not bend. A silicone case should be used to prevent scratching on the plastic shell of the phone. It does not usually offer much shock absorption if the phone is dropped. A hard rubberized case, however, will provide the protection the user needs if the phone is dropped frequently.

What Features Need Protection?

Some phones have features that allow them to have hard cases only, such as the Blackberry Torch, shown here.

Different phones have different features, some of which are more delicate than others and require a higher level of protection. For example, the iPhone 4 has an outside casing made completely of glass. If dropped, the phone tends to shatter. When choosing between a hard rubberized case or soft silicone case for this phone, the hard rubber case would be the preferred accessory. Some phones, like the Samsung Epic, have slide-out keyboards. These phones need what's known as a slider case, which does not come in the soft variety. If your phone has delicate, breakable parts, the higher-level protection of the hard rubberized case would do a better job of protecting those parts.

Prioritize Your Considerations

When making a final choice, consider all of the factors that are important and decide which matter the most. If texture matters, a hard rubber case would have a smoother finish, whereas a silicone case has a stickier finish. If you're someone who sticks his phone is his pocket quite often, a hard rubber case slides in easily, while silicone tends to stick to fabric. If color is important to you, silicone cases tend to come in softer, muted colors, whereas hard rubber cases come in bolder and more shiny finishes.

Tags: silicone cases, case would, cellular phone, hard cases, hard rubber, hard rubber case, hard rubberized

Phones Compatible With A Tomtom 920

Some Bluetooth-enabled cell phones can be used with the TomTom GO 920.

The TomTom GO 920 is a GPS navigation unit first released in 2008. It features maps for the United States and Canada, a 4.3 inch touchscreen, 4 GB of storage and MP3 playback. The 920 also features Bluetooth compatibility with several types of phones enabling hands-free calling, contact browsing, and text message dictation and reading.

Bluetooth compatibility

Bluetooth compatibility with the GO 920 is based on the phone's ability to transfer data from the phone to the GPS unit. Not all Bluetooth capable phones are compatible, and the GO 920 offers different Bluetooth services for different phones.

Hands-free calling

Some phones types, such as the Nokia 6000 series and the BlackBerry 9000 series, are able to use the the 920 as a hand-free calling device. User can make and receive calls through the device using voice commands. Phones are more likely to support this feature than any other. The phones that support hands-free calling are:

AT&T HTC TyTn

AT&T LG CU575

AT&T Motorola L2

AT&T Motorola L6

AT&T Motorola MPx220

AT&T Motorola Q9H

AT&T Motorola RAZR 2 V9

AT&T Motorola RAZR V3xx

AT&T Motorola SLVR L7

AT&T Samsung SGH-A517

AT&T Samsung SGH-A707

AT&T Sony Ericsson Z525

BenQ Siemens EL71

BlackBerry 8310

BlackBerry 8800

BlackBerry 8900

BlackBerry 9000 Bold

BlackBerry 9520

BlackBerry 9700

i-mate JAQ3

i-mate K-Jam

i-mate SP5

i-mate SP5m

LG Electronics GD510

LG Electronics KC910

LG Electronics KE800

LG Electronics KE970

LG Electronics KG800

LG Electronics KU990

Motorola E1 ROKR

Motorola L2

Motorola L6

Motorola L7

Motorola RAZR V3

Motorola RAZR V3i

Motorola RAZR V3x

Motorola U6 PEBL

Motorola V620

Nokia 2600 Classic

Nokia 2760

Nokia 3109 Classic

Nokia 3110 Classic

Nokia 3120 Classic

Nokia 3230

Nokia 3250

Nokia 3650

Nokia 5000

Nokia 5200

Nokia 5300

Nokia 5310

Nokia 5500

Nokia 5530

Nokia 6021

Nokia 6103

Nokia 6111

Nokia 6131

Nokia 6230

Nokia 6230i

Nokia 6233

Nokia 6260

Nokia 6270

Nokia 6280

Nokia 6288

Nokia 6300

Nokia 6500 Classic

Nokia 6600

Nokia 6630

Nokia 6670

Nokia 6680

Nokia 6681

Nokia 6700

Nokia 6820

Nokia 6822

Nokia 7280

Nokia 7380

Nokia 7610

Nokia 7710

Nokia 7900 Prism

Nokia 8800

Nokia 8800 Sapphire Arte

Nokia 9300

Nokia 9300i

Nokia 9500

Nokia E50

Nokia E61

Nokia E65

Nokia E70

Nokia E90

Nokia N70

Nokia N73

Nokia N78

Nokia N80

Nokia N81

Nokia N81 8GB

Nokia N82

Nokia N90

Nokia N91

Nokia N93

Nokia N95

Nokia N96

O2 XDA MiniS

Orange SPV C600

PalmOne Treo 680

PalmOne Treo 750

Qtek 8300

Qtek 8310

Qtek 9100

Samsung GT-S5230

Samsung SGH-D500

Samsung SGH-D600

Samsung SGH-D800

Samsung SGH-D830

Samsung SGH-D880

Samsung SGH-D900

Samsung SGH-E340

Samsung SGH-E390

Samsung SGH-E500

Samsung SGH-E720

Samsung SGH-E730

Samsung SGH-E760

Samsung SGH-E830

Samsung SGH-E900

Samsung SGH-F400

Samsung SGH-F480

Samsung SGH-G600

Samsung SGH-G800

Samsung SGH-G810

Samsung SGH-I550

Samsung SGH-L310

Samsung SGH-U900

Samsung SGH-X680

Samsung SGH-X700

Samsung SGH-Z510

Samsung SGH-ZV10

Siemens CX75

Siemens M75

Siemens S65

Siemens S75

Siemens SL75

Siemens SX1

Sony Ericsson Aino

Sony Ericsson C702

Sony Ericsson C902

Sony Ericsson G700

Sony Ericsson G705

Sony Ericsson G900

Sony Ericsson K510i

Sony Ericsson K600i

Sony Ericsson K608i

Sony Ericsson K610i

Sony Ericsson K660

Sony Ericsson K700c/i

Sony Ericsson K750c/i

Sony Ericsson K770i

Sony Ericsson K790i

Sony Ericsson K800i

Sony Ericsson K810i

Sony Ericsson K850i

Sony Ericsson M600i

Sony Ericsson P1i

Sony Ericsson P910a/c/i

Sony Ericsson P990i

Sony Ericsson S500i

Sony Ericsson S700c/i

Sony Ericsson Satio

Sony Ericsson T630

Sony Ericsson T700

Sony Ericsson V600i

Sony Ericsson W300i

Sony Ericsson W350

Sony Ericsson W380

Sony Ericsson W550i

Sony Ericsson W595

Sony Ericsson W660i

Sony Ericsson W800i

Sony Ericsson W810i

Sony Ericsson W850i

Sony Ericsson W880i

Sony Ericsson W890

Sony Ericsson W900i

Sony Ericsson W910i

Sony Ericsson W960

Sony Ericsson W960i

Sony Ericsson Z520i

Sony Ericsson Z530i

Sony Ericsson Z550i

Sony Ericsson Z610i

Sony Ericsson Z710i

Sony Ericsson Z770

T-Mobile MDA compact II

Contact list viewing

The GPS unit can be used to display a phone's contact list information. These phones, such as the Sony Ericsson W-series and Z-series phones, can use the GO 920 to search through the phone's contact list using voice commands.

The contact-list compatible phones are:

AT&T Motorola RAZR V3

AT&T Motorola SLVR L7

AT&T Sony Ericsson Z530

BenQ Siemens EL71

BlackBerry 8310

BlackBerry 8800

BlackBerry 8900

BlackBerry 9000 Bold

BlackBerry 9520

BlackBerry 9700

i-mate JAQ3

i-mate K-Jam

i-mate SP5

i-mate SP5m

Motorola E1 ROKR

Motorola L2

Motorola L6

Motorola L7

Motorola RAZR V3

Motorola RAZR V3i

Motorola RAZR V3x

Motorola U6 PEBL

Motorola V620

Nokia 2600 Classic

Nokia 2760

Nokia 3109 Classic

Nokia 3110 Classic

Nokia 3120 Classic

Nokia 3230

Nokia 3650

Nokia 5000

Nokia 5200

Nokia 5300

Nokia 5310

Nokia 5530

Nokia 6021

Nokia 6103

Nokia 6111

Nokia 6131

Nokia 6230i

Nokia 6233

Nokia 6260

Nokia 6270

Nokia 6280

Nokia 6288

Nokia 6300

Nokia 6500 Classic

Nokia 6630

Nokia 6670

Nokia 6680

Nokia 6681

Nokia 6700

Nokia 6822

Nokia 7280

Nokia 7380

Nokia 7610

Nokia 7900 Prism

Nokia 8800

Nokia 8800 Sapphire Arte

Nokia E50

Nokia N70

Nokia N78

Nokia N81

Nokia N81 8GB

Nokia N82

Nokia N90

Nokia N91

Nokia N95

Nokia N96

O2 XDA MiniS

Orange SPV C600

PalmOne Treo 680

PalmOne Treo 750

Qtek 8300

Qtek 8310

Qtek 9100

Samsung GT-S5230

Samsung SGH-D800

Samsung SGH-D830

Samsung SGH-D880

Samsung SGH-E830

Samsung SGH-E900

Samsung SGH-F400

Samsung SGH-F480

Samsung SGH-G600

Samsung SGH-G800

Samsung SGH-G810

Samsung SGH-I550

Samsung SGH-L310

Samsung SGH-U900

Samsung SGH-X680

Siemens CX75

Siemens M75

Siemens S65

Siemens S75

Siemens SL75

Sony Ericsson Aino

Sony Ericsson C702

Sony Ericsson C902

Sony Ericsson G700

Sony Ericsson G705

Sony Ericsson G900

Sony Ericsson K510i

Sony Ericsson K600i

Sony Ericsson K608i

Sony Ericsson K610i

Sony Ericsson K660

Sony Ericsson K700c/i

Sony Ericsson K750c/i

Sony Ericsson K770i

Sony Ericsson K790i

Sony Ericsson K800i

Sony Ericsson K810i

Sony Ericsson K850i

Sony Ericsson M600i

Sony Ericsson P1i

Sony Ericsson S500i

Sony Ericsson S700c/i

Sony Ericsson Satio

Sony Ericsson T630

Sony Ericsson T700

Sony Ericsson V600i

Sony Ericsson W300i

Sony Ericsson W350

Sony Ericsson W380

Sony Ericsson W550i

Sony Ericsson W595

Sony Ericsson W660i

Sony Ericsson W800i

Sony Ericsson W810i

Sony Ericsson W850i

Sony Ericsson W880i

Sony Ericsson W890

Sony Ericsson W900i

Sony Ericsson W910i

Sony Ericsson W960

Sony Ericsson W960i

Sony Ericsson Z520i

Sony Ericsson Z530i

Sony Ericsson Z550i

Sony Ericsson Z610i

Sony Ericsson Z710i

Sony Ericsson Z770

T-Mobile MDA compact II

Text message compatibility

Some phones use the GO 920 to send and receive hand-free text messages. This allows the user to dictate the text message using voice commands and lets the GPS unit read received text messages aloud. Many Sony Ericsson phones are compatible with both text message dictation and read back while other phones only support one function.

Phones that are able to both send and receive texts through the device are:

AT&T Sony Ericsson Z530

BenQ Siemens EL71

Nokia 5530

Nokia 6021

Nokia 6103

Nokia 6230

Nokia 6230i

Nokia 6820

Nokia 6822

Nokia 7280

Nokia 7380

Nokia 8800

Siemens CX75

Siemens M75

Siemens S65

Siemens S75

Siemens SL75

Sony Ericsson Aino

Sony Ericsson C702

Sony Ericsson C902

Sony Ericsson G700

Sony Ericsson G705

Sony Ericsson G900

Sony Ericsson K510i

Sony Ericsson K600i

Sony Ericsson K608i

Sony Ericsson K660

Sony Ericsson K700c/i

Sony Ericsson K750c/i

Sony Ericsson K770i

Sony Ericsson K790i

Sony Ericsson K810i

Sony Ericsson K850i

Sony Ericsson M600i

Sony Ericsson P1i

Sony Ericsson P990i

Sony Ericsson S500i

Sony Ericsson S700c/i

Sony Ericsson Satio

Sony Ericsson T700

Sony Ericsson V600i

Sony Ericsson W300i

Sony Ericsson W350

Sony Ericsson W380

Sony Ericsson W550i

Sony Ericsson W595

Sony Ericsson W660i

Sony Ericsson W800i

Sony Ericsson W810i

Sony Ericsson W890

Sony Ericsson W900i

Sony Ericsson W910i

Sony Ericsson W960

Sony Ericsson W960i

Sony Ericsson Z520i

Sony Ericsson Z530i

Sony Ericsson Z550i

Sony Ericsson Z770

Phones that are only able to send texts are:

Nokia 2600 Classic

Nokia 2760

Nokia 3109 Classic

Nokia 3110 Classic

Nokia 3120 Classic

Nokia 3230

Nokia 3650

Nokia 5000

Nokia 5200

Nokia 5300

Nokia 5310

Nokia 6111

Nokia 6131

Nokia 6233

Nokia 6260

Nokia 6270

Nokia 6280

Nokia 6288

Nokia 6300

Nokia 6600

Nokia 6630

Nokia 6670

Nokia 6680

Nokia 6681

Nokia 6700

Nokia 7610

Nokia 7710

Nokia 7900 Prism

Nokia 8800 Sapphire Arte

Nokia 9300

Nokia 9300i

Nokia 9500

Phones that are only able to receive texts are:

Motorola E1 ROKR

Motorola L2

Motorola L6

Motorola L7

Motorola RAZR V3

Motorola RAZR V3x

Motorola V620

Sony Ericsson T630

Tags: Sony Ericsson, Nokia Nokia, Nokia Nokia Nokia, Classic Nokia, Motorola Motorola, Motorola RAZR

Install A Sis 305 Display Adapter On Xp

The card fits into available PCI (white) or AGP (gray) slots.

Compatible out of the box with Windows XP, the SiS 305 display adapter is a discontinued graphics processing unit (GPU) that features a single VGA port. The SiS 305 offers 16 or 32 MB of memory and operates at a maximum resolution of 1920-by-1440 pixels at a 70 Hz refresh rate. Various hardware vendors produced video cards based on the GPU, including Pine Technology and ASUS. If you currently have a graphics card installed, you must remove it when installing the SiS 305.

Instructions

Install the Hardware

1. Shut down your computer. Unplug all cables and peripheral devices.

2. Remove the left side panel (while facing the front of the case) by unscrewing screws or manipulating latches.

3. Clip your antistatic wrist bracelet to a metal object, and fasten the strap around your wrist.

4. Locate an empty PCI slot or the empty AGP slot on your computer's motherboard or your current graphics card if applicable. The PCI slots are shorter than ISA slots. PCI and AGP slots are the same length, but your motherboard will have only one AGP slot, which will be positioned differently than PCI slots. Newer motherboards will feature PCI-E slots, which are longer and shorter than standard PCI slots, according to the specification. See Resources if you are unsure of the appearances of different slots.

5. Remove the slot cover screw and slot cover that corresponds with the PCI slot or AGP slot you intend to use. Remove the existing graphics card if applicable.

6. Point the SiS 305 card so that the VGA port faces toward the case exterior. Line up the SiS 305 card's gold pins with the slot. Push the card into the slot until you hear a click. Remove the card, match the pins with the slot and try again if you experience problems inserting it into the slot.

7. Secure the card by screwing in the slot cover screw.

8. Replace the side panel, and secure it with screws or latches. Remove the antistatic wrist bracelet. Reconnect all cables and peripheral devices.

Install the Drivers

9. Boot up your computer.

10. Allow Windows XP a few moments to detect your new hardware.

11. Download the latest drivers for the SiS 305 (see Resources). Save the file to your desktop or "Downloads" folder.

12. Double-click the drivers file. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the drivers.

Tags: graphics card, slot cover, with slot, your computer, antistatic wrist, antistatic wrist bracelet

Unlock A Nokia 6265i

You may have to unlock your cell phone to access its features.

The Nokia 6265i phone is programmed with security features to protect your phone from unauthorized use and to conceal your private information should your device be lost or stolen. Preset security features on the lock may vary depending on your service provider. The phone may prompt you to enter two different codes: the 4-digit lock code and the 5-digit security code. Once you have initially accessed the phone, you can adjust the security settings according to your preferences.

Instructions

Unlocking

1. Enter your four-digit unlock code when prompted. Depending on your wireless service provider, the default code is either the last four digits of your phone number, "1234" or "0000."

2. Press the "OK" key.

3. Enter the 5-digit security code if prompted. The default code is "12345." If you enter the unlock code incorrectly five times in a row, the phone will automatically prompt you for the security code. It may also prompt you for this code at other times depending on your service provider's preset settings.

4. Contact your service provider if your unlock code or security code does not work.

Managing Security Settings

5. Select "Menu," "Settings" and "Security."

6. Enter the preset unlock code and press "OK." If it is the first time you are accessing the "Security" menu, the default will either be the last four digits of your phone number, "1234" or "0000."

7. Select "Phone lock" to change when your phone locks. Select "Off" to turn off the phone lock feature, "Lock" to lock your phone immediately and "On power-up" to enable the lock function whenever you turn on your phone.

8. Select "Change lock code" from the "Security" menu if you want to change the default code. Enter your new code and press "OK."

Tags: your phone, security code, service provider, unlock code, default code, your service, your service provider

Connect A Pc To A Mobile Phone On Bluetooth

Connecting a PC to a mobile phone with Bluetooth can enable you to do lots of things with your devices. This feature creates a transmittal port for networking and sharing for ringtones, multimedia files and Internet connections. Enabling this functionality on both your PC and mobile phone can be quite easy to achieve. This instructions will assist you in doing so without any problems.

Instructions

Connect a PC to a Mobile Phone on Bluetooth

1. Configure your computer's Bluetooth connection. Click the "Start" menu icon or symbol, which will be located on your desktop's taskbar. Select "Control Panel," found in the Start menu's dropbox. When the Control Panel screen appears, you will see a list of internal options that contribute to the operation of your computer. Click "Network and Internet" and select "Change Settings for a Bluetooth Enabled Device." When this subtopic screen appears, you may see options such as "Make Discoverable," "Enable Discovery Mode," or "Add Device." Click on the most relative command. (This command will vary depending on your version of the Bluetooth technology, operating system and computer manufacturer.)

2. Configure the Bluetooth settings on your mobile device. To connect the device with your computer, you must make it discoverable also. Click "Menu" on your mobile device keypad. In the menu, you will see a list of options. Click "Settings." Locate the "Connections" folder in our mobile device menu. In the "Connections" folder, "Bluetooth" should be listed as a subfolder.

3. Choose this folder and configure your discovery mode. Click the "Discovery," "Power On," "Or Add Device" command and turn this setting on. Your phone will begin to load and configure your new settings. You will then see a small Bluetooth symbol at the top of your mobile screen. (This symbol usually appears next to the battery power indication symbol.) Your Bluetooth device is now enabled and discoverable so other devices can connect to it.

4. Connect the mobile device with the computer. On your computer's "Control Panel" in the "Bluetooth Devices" folder, click "Set up a Bluetooth Enabled Device". A Bluetooth device's InstallShield Wizard will appear. The portal will be blank and the tab should automatically be set to devices. Click "Add" at the bottom of the portal. The next screen to appear will prompt you to configure the connecting device. Since the mobile device is already configured, check the box that states "My device is set up and ready to be found." This should be the only box on the page. Click "Next" to allow the computer's Bluetooth module to detect the mobile device. The next screen should display a thumbnail icon with the model name and number of your mobile device.

5. Highlight the mobile device's icon and click "Next" when the button becomes active. The next screen will prompt you to enter a password for the connection of the devices. There will be several options but choose the option that says "Let me choose my own password." (You will enter this same exact code in your mobile device when prompted.) Enter the password of your choice in the blank data form provided. Click "Next" so the computer can begin searching for the mobile device. Your "Found New Hardware" notification will appear and prompt you to choose an installation action.

6. Choose the "Locate and Install Driver (Software)" option. Your computer will now automatically install the mobile device's driver software. Your computer's Bluetooth module will now finalize the connection. The InstallShield Wizard will appear once again in the next screen. A notification will appear with the mobile device's specifications and technical information. Click "Finish" to conclude the connection. The Bluetooth module should now appear with options for transferring files between the two devices. This is your indication that the devices have been successfully connected and configured.

Tags: mobile device, your mobile, next screen, will appear, your mobile device, Bluetooth module, computer Bluetooth

Set A Nokia To Save On A Memory Card

Set a Nokia to Save on a Memory Card

Most Nokia phones have built-in memory to save your contact numbers, pictures you take and any music or videos you would like to store on your phone. In addition to having built-in memory, many Nokia cell phones also offer microSD expansion which allows you to save data to a small microSD memory card rather than to the internal memory on your phone. Telling your phone you want to save something to the memory card rather than the internal memory is easy to do.

Instructions

1. Insert the memory card into your phone. On most Nokia phones, the card has its own slot either on the side of the phone or inside underneath where the battery goes. Go to "Options" on your phone's home screen. Select "Format Memory Card" from the available options. This will format your memory card specifically for your phone. If you have any data currently saved on your card, it will be erased during this process.

2. Select "Memory Card Name" from Options to name your memory card. Naming your memory card will make the card show up as that name. For instance, you might use a name like "John's Memory Card" rather than as a number you may not recognize.

3. Try saving a contact, picture or video. With each new thing (adding a contact, taking a picture) your phone will ask if you want to save the item to your phone or to your memory card. At that first time, you can also specify you always want a particular thing (for instance, pictures) saved to your memory card.

Tags: your phone, your memory, your memory card, memory card, rather than, built-in memory, card rather than

Get Your Verizon Wireless Bill Reduced

There are several approaches to reducing your Verizon Wireless bill.

Opening a Verizon cell phone bill sometimes provides a nasty surprise. If you went over your minutes, sent too many texts or used excessive amounts of data, the bill can easily be double the normal amount. Conversely, some people do not take full advantage of their Verizon plans and pay for service they do not use. Talk with Verizon representatives about changing your service or look for other ways to get a reduced Verizon wireless bill.

Instructions

1. Call Verizon Wireless customer service at 800- 922-0204, or dial *611 from your Verizon Wireless cell phone. Explain that you want to pay less for your wireless service and ask for available options. Inquire about available specials.

2. Contact Verizon Wireless immediately if you receive a very high bill caused by going over your minutes. Often, the company will sign you up for a plan that can retroactively cover the increased costs.

3. Discuss your plans to switch to another cell phone provider with a Verizon Wireless representative. Sometimes, the threat of ditching the service will prompt representatives to offer you discounts. Research your options with other companies beforehand so you can ask for comparable service and pricing.

4. Consolidate household members' plans into one family rate package. Verizon Wireless family plans allows up to five subscribers to share minutes, texts and data packages. The per-person cost is lower and the plan allows balance between those who do not use all of their available minutes and texts, and those who regularly go over their monthly allotment.

5. Assess your text message plan. Some unlimited plans are not worth it if you rarely send or receive texts. You may save money by going to a per-text charge plan. Alternatively, if you do not have an unlimited plan but regularly spend more than $10 a month on texts, add a text package to your bill. In either case, you will reduce your monthly costs.

Tags: Verizon Wireless, cell phone, minutes texts, over your, over your minutes, with Verizon

Install Car Power Windows

Power windows add to a vehicle's comfort by allowing for push button operation.

Power windows provide convenience. The driver and passengers can enjoy the benefits of a cool breeze without needing to turn a crank that may be hard to reach. The repeated cranking motion involved in operating a car window manually can also be difficult for someone with arthritis. Installing power windows gives drivers and passengers the ability to open and close the window with the press of a button.

Instructions

1. Remove the window crank handle by sliding the ring locking it on forward. Lift the handle from the shaft to remove it. Pull the mirror control knob loose. Insert a screwdriver under the armrest cover and pry it away from the door panel. Remove any screws that have been revealed. Remove all clips or hardware holding the speaker grills. Remove the grills and speakers.

2. Unscrew the lock knob. Remove any screws or other hardware around the edge of the door panel. Lift the door panel off the door. Peel off the plastic liner found underneath the door panel. Be extremely careful not to tear the plastic liner when peeling it away from the door. Tape the window to the frame of the door. This will stop it from falling into the car door.

3. Loosen the clamps holding the regulator to the window. Rock the regulator back and forth to remove it from the clamps. Remove the bolts holding the regulator to its mounting position and the glass. Remove the regulator from the car door through an access hole.

4. Bolt the new electric regulator assembly, including the motor, into the door. The kit may include other mounting bolts. Install these at this stage as well. Carefully lower the window glass onto the glass clamps. Raise the glass most of the way and tighten the clamps. This will allow the glass to center itself in relation to the regulator. Attach the motor wires to the motor. Repeat this procedure for the other door.

5. Remove the blank plate from the center console, pull out the connector block and spread out the rear wiring harness. Plug the rear window switch that comes with the power window kit onto the harness, and press it in place on the console. Pass the wires and harness for the driver and passenger side doors behind the center console. Run the wires and harness to the driver and passenger side doors. Remove the knee bolster located under the left side of the dashboard. Pass the relay module for the rear windows through this space and plug it into the harness. Strap the module to a nearby bracket to prevent it from shifting.

6. Plug the wires in the left front part of the harness into the connector plug that comes with the power window kit. Plug the connect block into the plastic block above the kick panel. Refer to the wiring diagram included with the power window kit for exact positioning of the wires. Pull the rubber boot located in the door jamb away from the plastic block. Pass the wiring harness through the boot and plug it into the correct spaces according to the wiring diagram. These wires should mate with the ones inserted into the plastic block located above the kick panel. Plug the connector back into the block and lock it in place. Locate the ground bus block and attach the ground wires to it.

7. Remove all clips holding the fuse box in place. Refer to the instructions included with the power window kit to determine which connections to make. Solder the required connections. Tape the soldered connections with electrical tape and remount the fuse box. Remove the kick panels from the rear doors. Remove the panels on the pillars between the front and rear doors. Unscrew and remove the door sill.

8. Remove the plastic cover from the exposed pillars, revealing a plastic wiring block that leads into the wire boots for the rear doors. Drill a small hole, taking extreme care not to damage any wires or vacuum lines. Pass the wire harness through the drilled hole, through the rubber wiring boot and into the rear door. Reinstall the panels on the rear doors and pillars. Crimp the terminals provided with the power window kit onto the motor wires. Carefully plug all wires into the connector blocks according to the wiring diagram. Reinstall the plastic liners on the front doors. Pull the motor wires through the holes near the door handles. Reinstall the door panels. Snap the switches and handles from the power window kit together. Plug the wiring into them. Route the wiring into the door panels. Attach the handles to the door panels. Insert plugs from the power window kit to cover any holes left by removed hardware.

Tags: power window, with power, with power window, door panel, rear doors

Turn A Cell Phone Into A Speakerphone

Cell phones typically come with speakerphone capabilities.

A speakerphone enables a user to have a conversation without holding a cell phone. This improves safety for those who use a cell phone while driving by decreasing distraction. Some states, in fact, have outlawed the use of a cell phone while driving without a hands-free device. A speakerphone also allows for increased productivity by enabling you to hold conversations while performing other tasks. Most cell phones as of 2010 have speakerphone capabilities, but users in some cases must turn on the speakerphone.

Instructions

1. Locate the button on the face or side of the cell phone that is dedicated to the speakerphone function. The button often is marked with a speaker icon or may be labeled. On some phones the speakerphone button may be combined with another function. Push the speakerphone button during a call to activate the feature; it can be pushed again to return to normal speaker mode.

2. Use the cell phone manual to look in the index for "speakerphone." If you do not have the manual, visit the manufacturer's support website; manuals often are available for download.

3. Access the phone's "Options," "Settings" or "Menu." Some phones require navigating various screens to locate the speakerphone settings.

4. Locate an appropriate adapter if the phone does not have a built-in speakerphone function. Some phone manufacturers offer specific hardware for adding a speakerphone function.

Tags: cell phone, speakerphone function, cell phone while, phone while, phone while driving

Naruto Clash Of Ninja 2 Hints

Naruto: Clash of Ninja 2 is the second game in the Naruto series for the Nintendo GameCube, and the game features a story mode that follows the character Naruto as he graduates from Ninja School. The game is a fighting and action game, and as many as four players are allowed to battle each other at the same time. The game includes characters from the first installment as well as new characters from the Japanese cartoon genres of manga and anime.

Special Combo Attacks

Use these signature combos to perform attacks on your opponent. For Garra press the B button twice and then the X button to perform and double punch and sand funeral attack move. For Kiba press the Y, up, A, and X quickly to perform a throw attack move, which is best used against Garugin. Also, press B, B, and X to do a double punch. For Naruto Uzumaki press up, B, B, B, and X to perform an up kick and double punch at the same time. For Ino Yamanaka press the B, B, and X combo to do a mind transfer. For Orochimaru press the B, B, and X combo to perform the five prong seal attack, and press up, B, and X to do a launch kick and the five prong seal at the same time. For Neji Hyuga also use the B, B, and X combo to perform a double punch along with the eight trigrams, 64 palms attack move. Also press the Y, B, B, and X button combo do a throw and double punch at the same time. Keep in mind that the B, B, and X combo can be done with all of these characters, but the attack moves are presented differently.

Tricks and Effects

To unlock the Gaara versus Rock Lee alternative special effect you must be playing as Rock Lee and perform the Primary Lotus attack. The Rock Lee character will then perform a combo kick and then smash Gaara into the ground, which is similar to fighting between the characters in the Naruto anime. To perform Haku's mind trick, start a game with the food peels handicap on. As Haku, wait until your energy is full jump and hold the A button and then start to run at your opponent by pressing the X button. This move will cause Haku to attack through the air, and if you release the A button halfway while Haku is running needles will fly toward the opponent. To perform the matrix effect, enter the training mode with any character. Quickly move around and press the C-stick up to perform a similar move to the slow motion effects from the Matrix movies.

Glitches

One of the game's best glitches is the double fire style attack move. This glitch can only be done with Orochimaru, Sasuke, or Sharingan Sasuke. With any of those characters, press forward and the A button. Do not hold these buttons down. Right before the character stops throwing fire go forward and press the A button again, and then hold down the A button this time. The character will now able to throw fire while performing any other attack move, such as a double punch combo. To use Kiba's glitch, quickly tap the A button. Then hold down the A button with Akamaru near you. If this is done with Akamaru close enough to you, he'll freeze into place and you'll be able to walk around him. Try performing the invincible glitch to allow your character to avoid damage in battle. Go into training mode and choose any character. Before playing, set turn on your Chakra Gauge and HP recovery. In the game, move backward and press the X button. If this done correctly the computer should not be able to hit you with any attacks.

Tags: double punch, attack move, press button, same time, done with

About Wifi Phones

Pay more than $60 a year for your phone service? Wi-Fi phone users don't. A Wi-Fi phone is exactly what it sounds like: a phone that uses a wireless Internet connection to make phone calls. These phones use a service known as VOIP, or Voice Over Internet Protocol, to connect to conventional phones. While not widely used today, these devices could well play a big part in the future of the phone.

Skype

The majority of Wi-Fi phones are the market today are made to work with Skype, the standard for VOIP today. Skype is available for Windows, Mac and Linux and officially endorses a wide variety of third-party products---including Skype phones. Many of these phones plug into a computer running Skype via USB, or directly into a wired computer network. Wi-Fi phones use any Wi-Fi access point.

Skype offers unlimited long distance within the U.S. and Canada for $30 a year, and a phone number for incoming calls for $30 if you have a subscription.

Wi-Fi Access

Whether such a phone is useful to you depends on how often you are around Wi-Fi access points. Have Wi-Fi set up in your home? A Wi-Fi phone could be used like a cordless phone in your house. Even better, if you live in an urban area where WiFi access is ubiquitous, a Wi-Fi phone might be useful all over town. Travel a lot? Most hotels offer free Wi-Fi, meaning you can take your Wi-Fi phone on the road.

Limitations

One limitation is obvious: you can't use a Wi-Fi phone anywhere there isn't Wi-Fi. For this reason, such a phone can't replace a cell phone completely unless you don't mind not being able to use your phone away from civilization or in your car. Also, your call quality depends entirely on the quality of the Wi-Fi network you're connected to; connect to a weak network, and you'll experience low-quality calls.

SMS

If you use your cell phone just as much for texting as you do for voice calls, a Skype phone might not be for you. While Skype can send SMS messages, it cannot receive responses. If you have a Google voice account, you might be able to route around this if your Wi-Fi phone comes with a web browser, but this isn't exactly ideal for those addicted to texting.

iPhone

If you have an iPhone, that too can be used as a Wi-Fi phone. Just install the free Skype App, availible in the App Store on your iPhone, and you can make phone calls using Skype --- assuming, of course, that you have a Skype account. Because of Apple-imposed limitations, the Skype app can only make outgoing voice calls when connected to Wi-Fi; that is to say, you cannot use Skype over a 3G network.

Tags: Wi-Fi phone, your Wi-Fi phone, cell phone, make phone, make phone calls, phone calls