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Monday, September 27, 2010

How to Buy Things on Amazon Without a Credit Card


By Randall ShattoeHow Contributor
updated: September 6, 2010


Concerned about using your credit card online? You can still shop at Amazon.com. Amazon is among the go-to destinations on the web-a virtual department store. It not only carries merchandise, but also provides consumer reviews and directs you to other items you might be interested in buying. If you want to shop at Amazon, but aren't interested in using your credit card you have a few buying options.


Viewing the Payment Options

  • 1
    Sign in or create a new Amazon account. You can sign in or start a new account on the top of the Amazon home page. Simply follow the questions when you are signing up for a new account. Or just put in your email and password, which you added the first time you visited Amazon.

  • 2
    Find the item you wish to buy. You can view different categories. If you know what item you would like to purchase, you can search for it through the website's search bar.

  • 3
    Add the item to your cart. Then click on the "Proceed to Checkout" button. This is found on the right side of the page.

  • 4
    Check your shipping address. You will be asked to confirm your shipping address or create a new one.

  • 5
    Decide on your shipping details. You will have a choice of standard, two-day or one-day shipping.

  • 6
    Choose a payment option. This is the step in which you will be able to decide on the type of payment you wish to make without using a credit card.

  • Payment Methods Without a Credit Card

  • 1
    Pay with your bank account. If you feel more comfortable using your bank account to purchase your items, Amazon offers this solution. Click on the "Pay with Checking Account" option. You will need to enter your bank routing number, checking account number, the name on the account and driver's licenses or state ID card. For security purposes, your checking account number must be re-entered. Click continue to proceed with checkout.

  • 2
    Purchase your items with a money order, check or a cashier's check. Click on the "check or money order" option. Then click on the continue button. You will be able to finish your order and place it. Then you will receive an address where you'll need to send the paper payment. Before Amazon will send out the order, you must send your payment. You will have 30 days to complete your order before it is canceled.

  • 3
    Use Bill Me Later. This is a way to purchase items online without having to pay anything up front. Amazon and other online retailers use this method if you do not have the money or do not feel comfortable using your credit card online. The only drawback is that you will need good credit. Click on the "Bill Me Later" option. You'll come to a new screen. Enter the required information. This includes a billing address, the last four digits of your Social Security number and your date of birth. Agree to the terms and conditions and you will find out in a few seconds if you are approved for Bill Me Later.

  • 4
    Ask a friend to purchase an Amazon gift card for you or use their credit card to make the purchase. They can purchase the gift card directly from the Amazon home page. The option is located near the bottom. You can receive your gift card by email, printed form or in the mail. Once you receive your gift card, enter the code in the option at the bottom of the payment selection. Then click continue.








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    Sunday, September 26, 2010

    Ultra Thin Laptops: A Worthwhile Investment?

    By Scott Nesbitt - September 26, 2010
    Portable computing has definitely evolved over the years. We've gone fromluggable computers to actual laptop andnotebook computers, toPDAsnetbooks, and smartphones.
    For getting real work done while on the go, nothing beats a laptop or notebook computer. Or does it? Another alternative, that gives you the flexibility and portability of a notebook but without the bulk, is an ultra thin laptop.


    Ultra thin?

    OK, most modern laptops aren't all that chunky. And netbooks even less so. But the form factor of an ultra thin is really a sight to behold.
    Inhabiting the middle ground between a full-blown laptop computer and a netbook, an ultra thin laptop weighs in at around three pounds and packs a 13 inch (or bigger) screen and a full-sized keyboard.
    Back in 2008, MacBook Air kick started the demand for ultra thin laptops. Since then, just about every major hardware manufacturer -- including companies like Toshiba, Acer, Lenovo, Dell, Asus, and Gateway -- has jumped on the bandwagon.


    Why go ultra thin?

    A combination of portability and power. I'll talk about the power in a moment. While somewhat larger than a netbook, an ultra thin weighs about as much as a netbook. Even so, with a 13 inch screen and thickness of under an inch an ultra thin laptop can comfortably into a briefcase, a laptop case, a backpack, or a courier bag.
    You get a bigger screen (no more squinting!), and large keyboard and trackpad. Perfect for anyone who finds the keyboard and trackpad on a netbook too confining.
    Remember, though, ultra thins are definitely not replacements for adesktop computers or a full-fledged laptops. But they are definitely a strong alternative to netbooks.


    It's what's inside that counts

    That last couple of paragraphs gives the impression that ultra thinsare woefully underpowered. They aren't. The processors are specially-designed for for mobile devices and they use very little electricity. The processorsin ultra thin laptops range in speed from 1.2 GHz to 2.66 GHz. At the low end, you're getting processor speeds comparable to the average netbook. At the higher end, it's the same processor that you'll find in a notebook.
    The low-voltage processors help ensure that an ultra thin laptop doesn't use too much power. That means longer battery life, which is important when you're computing on the go. It also means that an ultra thin runs cooler.
    As for the rest of the innards, an ultra thin can pack anywhere from 2 GB to 8 GB of memory, a harddrive of up to 500 GB, and a fast graphics card.
    Admittedly, you won't be doing any heavy work -- like video or audio editing, or even high-powered graphics -- on an ultra thin. But ultra thins pack more than enough power to do everyday work like word processing, working with spreadsheets and presentations, using the Web, or doing some Web development work.


    Let's not forget what's on the outside

    And by that, I mean ports. Of course, you get multiple USB ports, a port for network connections, and (in many cases) a reader forSD cards. They also pack video connectors (useful when giving presentations), and audio jacks.
    One complaint about the MacBook Air was that it didn't have aCD/DVD drive. Many of the newer ultra thins from other manufacturers do have an integrated CD/DVD drive, and it doesn't add much (if anything) to the thickness of the device.


    If you're looking for low cost ...

    Look somewhere else. Ultra thin laptops aren't cheap. On average, they're more expensive then a netbook or even a budget laptop computer.
    A quick, unscientific survey of online retailers revealed that the price of an ultra thin ranges from around $450 to about $900, with $699 being the average. Not cheap, but not prohibitively expensive.


    What's on the market

    While there hasn't been an explosion of ultra thins, there are quite a few on the market. Like what? Here are a few.
    The MacBook Air is still going strong. Since 2008, it's been updated a couple of times. Lenovo, which bought IBM's computer business, has the ThinkPad X series. The hardware is solid, and the prices aren't too bad.
    Dell's Vostro 3300 is a quite a good deal. It has some great specs, and it's price comes in at under the $699 average I found. The Asus UX30 is smaller and lighter (in specifications, size, and weight) than many of its contemporaries but it packs the goods to get work done.

    If you're into style and function, take a look at the Acer TimelineX. It's sleek, strong, and comes with high definition widescreen video. Finally, the Linux users out there might want to take a peek at the Hoverboard X30 from ZaReason. You get all the advantages of an ultra thin and can get your favorite Linux distribution installed on it.


    Worth it or not?

    It all depends on what you need in your portable computer. I'm biased, though. My main computer is a laptop, and I was an early adopter and enthusiastic user of netbooks. But I don't want to lug my main computer with me, and I started to find netbooks to be a bit cramped and underpowered. I went ultra thin, and have no regrets.
    If you're a professional, then an ultra thin laptop can be a worthwhile investment. You get portability and power, with the hardware that you need to do your work. On the other hand, if you're on a budget (say, a student or home user) then an ultra thin probably isn't your thing. If you want something portable, go with a notebook computer or a netbook.
    When making your decision, think about how much you're going to use an ultra thin. If it's going to get heavy use, and if it's going to pay for itself in a short time, then an ultra thin is definitely a worthwhile investment. Especially if it saves wear and tear on your main laptop computer.
       


    Monday, September 20, 2010

    Facebook Is Secretly Building A Phone

    Facebook is building a mobile phone, says a source who has knowledge of the project. Or rather, they’re building the software for the phone and working with a third party to actually build the hardware. Which is exactly what Apple and everyone else does, too.
    It was a little less than a year ago that we broke the news that Google was working on a phone of its own – which was eventually revealed as the Nexus One. It was about that time, says out source, that Facebook first became concerned about the increasing power of the iPhone and Android platforms. And that awesome Facebook apps for those phones may not be enough to counter a long term competitive threat.
    Specifically, Facebook wants to integrate deeply into the contacts list and other core functions of the phone. It can only do that if it controls the operating system.
    Two high level Facebook employees – Joe Hewitt and Matthew Papakipos – are said to be secretly working on the project, which is unknown even to most Facebook staff.
    Both have deep operating system experience.
    Hewitt helped create the Firefox browser and was working on Parakey before it wasacquired by Facebook in 2007. Parakey, which never launched, was described as a “Web-based operating system.” Hewitt also created all of Facebook’s iPhone web apps and then native apps, but finally quit building for the iPhone in disgust late last year. But he knows operating systems and he knows mobile.
    Papakipos also has a perfect background for this project. He was leading the Google Chrome OS project until June. He then quit and went to Facebook. Papakipos is considered a rockstar developer, and there are any number of jobs he’d be able to do at Facebook.
    But that doesn’t answer the question of why he’d leave the Chrome OS project before it was finished. It would have taken something really interesting to lure him away. Something like a Facebook Phone, for example.
    So what might this phone look and feel like? We don’t know yet. When will it be announced? Don’t know. But I’d speculate that it would be a lower end phone, something very affordable, that lets people fully integrate into their Facebook world. You call your friend’s name, not some ancient seven digit code, for example. I’d imagine Facebook wanting these things to get into as many hands as possible, so I’d expect a model at a less than $50 price. Pay your bill with Facebook Credits. Etc.
    As for timing, the holiday season is always a good time to launch new products. But that may be too soon.
    Or who knows, the whole project might get killed before it sees light. All we know for sure is that Hewitt and Papakipos are working on something very stealthy together. And we have a source that tells us that stealthy thing is a Facebook phone.
    We’re also not discounting possible partnerships around this. Spotify was said to be working on a phone with INQ last year based on a shared investor, Li Ka-Shing. It turns out Li Ka-Shing is also a sizeable investor in Facebook. So an INQ/Facebook partnership on a phone certainly wouldn’t be a surprise.
    Saturday, September 11, 2010

    Group ‘D’ the Group of death

    By STEPHON NICHOLAS Saturday, September 11 2010
    GROUP ‘D’ of the 2010 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup was blown wide open on Thursday with Ireland beating Canada 1-0 and the exciting Ghanians upsetting favourites Brazil also 1-0 in a double-header at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar.
    Each team now has three points from two games with Ghana to play Ireland in their final match and Brazil tackling Canada tomorrow.

    Group ‘D’ has been the most unpredictable of the World Cup with defence being the main priority for Ireland and Canada. In contrast, Brazil and Ghana have been the most adventurous but neither team has been able to separate themselves from the group.

    And with just one match remaining for each team, it would not be a surprise to see Ireland and Canada progress to the quarter-final at the expense of their more illustrious rivals.

    For all their attacking style and flair, Ghana has scored just one goal in the competition which many would consider lucky. A goalkeeping blunder from Brazilian Daniele allowed Ghana forward Alice Danso to open her and her team’s account in the World Cup with a simple tap-in.

    The Ghanaians have been the most creative team in the group but have been wasteful in front of goal. In their final match, however, the “Black Maidens” need to put away their chances against Ireland who are not to be taken lightly. The Irish, similar to Canada, pride themselves in being strong in defence and deadly from set plays. An opponent like that seems to be the Achilles heel to Ghana who prefer a team which attacks more thus leaving spaces at the back for them to exploit. Ghana is one of the youngest teams in the competition with three 13 year olds in their squad and two in the starting lineup. But they would have to show a bit of experience to get past the Irish who showed great determination and grit to defeat Canada and stay alive in the competition.

    The Samba Girls of Brazil have flattered to deceive as well, defeating underdogs Ireland just 2-1 in their opening encounter before falling to Ghana. Brazil captain Thais is certainly one of the most skillful players on the competition, dribbling past players at will but needs to exert her influence on the team more. For all their prestige, having scored a whopping 41 goals to win the South American Championship, the Brazilians have yet to fire on TT soil.

    The team, coached by Edvaldo Erlacher, has been more keen to pass the ball around and maintain possession than attack. They would do well to change their tactics as it was only in the second half against Ghana when they were in desperate search of a goal that they looked the most dangerous.
    Friday, September 10, 2010

    Apple iPod touch 32 GB (4th Generation) NEWEST MODEL

      
















    iPod touch

    8GB $229

    32GB $299

    64GB $399

    Apple iPod nano 16 GB Graphite (6th Generation) NEWEST MODEL

      



    Remixed for fingertips.

    iPod nano with Multi-Touch is designed to be easy, intuitive, and fun — just like music. And it’s even smaller, so music can be an even bigger part of just about everything.

    Music has a whole new feel.

    iPod nano has been completely redesigned with Multi-Touch — the same technology that makes iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch so amazing. Now it’s half the size and even easier to play. And everything you want to hear is just a tap or swipe away.

    Turn up the color.

    In sleek anodized aluminum and seven bright colors, iPod nano makes a huge statement: You are, most definitely, ready to rock.

    Pixels that pop.

    Show off your album art, photos, and the color-coordinated wallpaper on the 1.5-inch color display with 240-by-240 pixel resolution. It's tiny yet stunning.

    Clip on and cut loose.

    The new built-in clip makes it easy to move to the music. Just clip iPod nano to your sleeve, jacket, or bag. And wherever you go, your favorite tunes are right where you need them.

    Plug into the groove.

    With the built-in 30-pin connector, you can easily plug iPod nano into your car stereo system, your speakers at home, and many other products made for iPod.

    It fits your fingers.

    iPod nano is 46 percent smaller, 42 percent lighter, and 100 percent made for music with Multi-Touch. It's the perfect size for a tap or a swipe, so fingertips feel right at home.

    Multi-Touch basics.

    Home screen

    Swipe left to see additional icons. To return Home from other screens, swipe right, or touch and hold anywhere.

    Multi-Touch

    Tap to select items. Swipe up or down to browse lists. Rotate the screen using two fingers. Double-tap to zoom photos.

    Custom Home screens

    Touch and hold an icon until it jiggles, then drag it to a new location. Press Sleep/Wake when finished.

    Song controls

    Tap an album cover to show song controls. Swipe left to see Repeat, Genius, and Shuffle controls. Shake iPod nano to shuffle songs.

    Genius

    Tap Genius Mixes to hear songs that go great together. Or, create a Genius playlist by playing a song you like, and tapping the  song control.

    FM radio

    Tap to show radio controls. Flick the radio dial to change stations, or tap  to set favorites. Swipe left to show Live Pause controls.