AT&T 3G MicroCell reviewed: It works, and it’s a rip-off

Posted by Mark Rollins Categories: Cell Phones, Household, Wireless / WiFi

There’s been a lot of hype and discussion surrounding the AT&T 3G MicroCell, and now we’ve got a review from someone who actually purchased one. As a refresher, this device is designed to significantly boost both the voice and data signal in your home by using your own home broadband network. In other words, if the AT&T network sucks enough in your area that you can barely get through a call to Domino’s without it dropping, you can now pay AT&T even more money to get the reception that you should already be getting as part of your monthly payment plan. Oh, and the AT&T 3G Microcell also boasts additional feature options, like unlimited talk time, for additional cost. 

So far, only the community of Charlotte, NC actually has them for purchase , and the device sells for $150. Ouch. One buyer reports that the device works as planned, and that before the purchase, they had one bar of EDGE coverage in their home, and now reports five bars connected to 3G.

Read More | Jason Nash

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Newegg Deal: Linksys WRT54GL broadband router

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Broadband, Hot Deals, Wireless / WiFi

Newegg‘s got a deal on the Linksys WRT54GL 802.11b/g router for $49.95, selling it for $30 less than retail from now through June 15. This is a router that is a dream for DIYers, as it works great with a lot of different custom firmware packages, making it easy to set up your own VPN, Samba, and FTP servers. It can also boost existing wireless signals, act as a Radius server, and more. Take a look at the Linksys WRT54GL on Newegg, and use promo code ROUTER685 to get the savings.

As always, you can find all sorts of Newegg promo codes and deals on our forums.

Read More | Newegg: Linksys WRT54GL

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Flip UltraHD and UltraSD announced

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Cameras, Handhelds

Pure Digital has finally and officially acknowledged the existence of the Flip UltraHD and UltraSD mini camcorders, and we felt it best to bring you the full rundown. The Flip UltraHD features 8GB of internal storage and records in 720p. Compared to the Flip MinoHD, the Ultra versions feature a 2-inch screen, compared to the Mino’s 1.5-incher. Our favorite feature, though, is that the FLip Ultra series ships with a rechargeable batery pack, which can be removed and replaced with AA batteries if need be. That, we can appreciate. The UltraHD battery will last you a good three hours, while the UltraSD will go for five—of course, with that one, you give up the whole 720p recording thing. Both feature the now common fold-out USB connector that the Flip cameras are known for.

You can grab a Flip UltraHD now for $200, or the UltraSD for $150.

Read More | Flip UltraHD product page

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Cisco to Purchase Pure Digital

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Cameras, Corporate News

Cisco Systems has announced that it is buying Pure Digital for about $590 million in stock. The company has enough cash for investing in such companies and CEO John Chambers said that a weak economy can mean a good opportunity. Pure Digital has only been around for about 2 years and about 2 million Flips have already been sold. In a kind move, Cisco is offering stock incentives for employees who stay with the company.

Read More | USA Today

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U.N. Teams With Google for MDG

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Corporate News, Editorial, Google, Internet, Science

The U.N. has gotten together with Google and Cisco Systems to launch a site this week that they say will let us know of the planet’s poverty fighting efforts. The Millenium Development Goals site gives statistics on health, education, malnutrition and women’s equality. Google Earth maps will show by satellite where the areas are established.

The U.N. is hoping that by 2015 the MGD Monitor will aid in accomplishing such goals as beginning to reverse HIV/AIDS, cutting child mortality by 2/3, and reducing people without safe drinking water by half. While we applaud the plan, we hope any money spent creating the MDG is justified by not spending it on the project itself.

Read More | Googland

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CES 2007: Cisco Sues Apple Over iPhone Name

Posted by Chris Cardinal Categories: Apple, CES, CES 2007

Cisco, who holds the trademark on the iPhone product name (and already sells an eponymous product) has decided to sue Apple in federal court for use of their trademark. This, after much discussion of Cisco and Apple coming to an agreement.

“Cisco entered into negotiations with Apple in good faith after Apple repeatedly asked permission to use Cisco’s iPhone name,” said Mark Chandler, Cisco senior vice president and general counsel, in a statement. “There is no doubt that Apple’s new phone is very exciting, but they should not be using our trademark without our permission.”

Whoopsie. Perhaps Apple can fax the paperwork back to them already and be done with it? (Though, if rumors of the agreement being of a per-unit-sold nature, we all know how reticent Apple is to pay into a royalty structure like that.)

Read More | Yahoo! News

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