Having an international cell phone with you while traveling abroad can make things much easier — you can be instantly contactable, either with the folks back home, or to deal with your trip plans and reservations as you travel.

However, if you research on the Internet it can be a little overwhelming with the different options available.

In truth you really only have 3 main options with international cell phones, and the major factor that will affect your decision is whether you want the easiest and most convenient option, or the option that has the cheapest call rates, because you can only have one or the other.

1. Check if you can use your own cell phone

If you have the right type of cell phone, you may be able to use it when you travel abroad. If you are unsure then your carrier should be able to tell you. The advantage of taking your own cell phone is that you will keep your own number so it will be easy for friends to call you. However, using your own cell phone can be more expensive due to roaming charges (the extra charge added for routing the call abroad).

Conclusion — potentially this offers the greatest convenience but be prepared that your calls will cost you more. The most likely outcome will be that your carrier does not offer an international service, or if they do, you do not own the right type of handset.

2. Rent an international cell phone

If you cannot use your own cell phone abroad then you can rent an international cell phone that will work, just for the period of your trip. The cost of the calls will vary, depending on what type of SIM card the rental phone uses. If it uses a global SIM card then your calls will be higher priced, but if you are traveling to a number of countries you will keep the same number. If it uses a local SIM card your calls will be cheaper, but you will need a different local SIM card for each country you plan to visit.

Conclusion — rental sounds like a good idea, but you can now buy your own second cell phone, just for traveling, for the same price as one or two weeks' rental charges, so that might be a more cost efficient option for you.

3. Buy your own international cell phone

The cost to buy your own second cell phone, just for international travel, has now come within the reach of all travelers. As with renting an international cell phone, the cost of your calls will depend on what type of SIM card your phone uses. If you use a global SIM card, you will keep the same number in every country but your call charges will be a little higher. If you use local SIM cards you will get cheaper calls but have to buy a different one for each country you visit in the future — this can start to get expensive if you are a frequent traveler.

Conclusion — If you cannot use your own cell phone, buying a second one is generally more cost effective than renting every time. If you want a system that is easy to use then a global SIM card will be the best for you. If you bottom line is cheaper calls, and you are happy to put in a bit of effort to get them, then buy and phone and use local SIM cards (but don't overlook the cost to buy each individual SIM card when you do your price analysis).

Sponsored by: http://www.balootisme.com

Author: Michael Furniss is the copywriter and newsletter editor for http://www.mobalrental.com, home of the $49 Mobal World Phone, where he writes about tips and advice on all aspects of travel, including international cell phones.

How To Find The Right International Cell Phone

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• Mobile
• Phone


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The original iPod (mp3 mp4 player) introduced on 23 October 2001 marked the first iPod generation, and the latest iPod introduced on 12 October 2005 marked the fifth iPod generation, which was subsequently revised with a revision iPod model on September 2006, often referred to as generation 5.5. Note that the generations are referred with reference to the model name and not with reference to the date of release.

For a better understanding about iPod generations, check the following:

On October 23, 2001, the first generation of iPod was released. The model name was iPod and had the storage capacity of 5 to 10 gb. It used FireWire connection to computers and it had a mechanical scroll wheel.

On July 17, 2002, the second generation of iPod was released. It had the storage capacity of 10, 20 gb. It used FireWire connection to computers and it had a touch-sensitive wheel. The Hold switch was revised. The FireWire port had a cover.

On April 28, 2003, the third generation of iPod was released. It had the storage capacity of 10, 15, 20, 30, 40 gb. It used FireWire connection to computers (USB for syncing only), and it had a central row of touch sensitive buttons. New backlit screen was introduced. Dock connector port was introduced.

On January 6, 2004, the first generation of iPod mini was released. It had the storage capacity of 4 gb. It used FireWire or USB connection to computers, and it introduced the "Click Wheel", which was later adopted by the fourth generation iPod. It was available in 5 colors.

On July 19, 2004, the fourth generation of iPod was released. It had the storage capacity of 20, 30, 40, 60 gb. It used FireWire or USB connection to computers, and buttons were integrated to form "Click Wheel". The monochrome model was replaced in June 2005 by the color display with photo viewer, which was introduced in October 2004.

On January 11, 2005, the first generation of iPod shuffle was released. It had the storage capacity of 512 mb, 1gb. It used USB connection to computers, and it had no screen, no click wheel. It used flash memory instead of hard drive storage.

On February 22, 2005, the second generation of iPod mini was released. It had the storage capacity of 4, 6 gb. It used FireWire or USB connection to computers , and it had longer battery life, and brighter color variants. Gold model discontinued. No AC adapter. The body color matched the click wheel lettering.

On September 7, 2005, the first generation of iPod nano was released. It had the storage capacity of 1, 2, 4 gb. It used USB connection to computers (FireWire for charging only), and it was the successor of iPod mini. Slimmer design, flash memory, color screen and lyrics support.

On October 12, 2005, the fifth generation of iPod was released. It had the storage capacity of 30, 60, 80 gb. It used USB connection to computers (FireWire for charging only), and it had large screen with video player and lyrics support. No AC adapter, Universal Dock, or A/V cables were included. It had black and white color variants. This model was revised in September 2006 (often called as generation 5.5) had a brighter display, a music search function, and a longer video battery life.

On September 12, 2006, the second generation of iPod shuffle was released. It had the storage capacity of 1 gb. It used USB (via dock only), and it had the aluminum case with smaller form factor. Built-in clip. Later multi-colored models were also released.

On September 12, 2006, the second generation of iPod nano was released. It had the storage capacity of 2, 4, 8 gb It used USB connection to computers (FireWire for charging only), and it had the anodized Aluminum case in 6 colors. Music search function, longer battery life, and brighter screen.

When more refinements are carried out with respect to features, size, weight and etc., a new generation is announced of the respective model. The distinguishing landmarks were the replacement of the mechanical scroll wheel by touch-sensitive click wheel, the replacement of the hard disk by the flash memory, and the replacement of the monochrome display with color displays. Earlier generations are usually discontinued in favor of newer generations. Earlier generations had bundled software compatible with Macintosh only, while later iPod (mp3 mp4 player) generations have both Macintosh and Windows compatible versions.

This article is under GNU FDL license and can be distributed without any previous authorization from the author. However the author´s name and all the URL´s (links) mentioned in the article and biography must be kept.

Sponsored by: Malaysian Internet Marketer

Related Post:

+ iPod radio
+ What you need to know about iPod movies
+ Creating iPod-ready video clips

Author: Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for http://www.polomercantil.com.br. This article can also be accessed in portuguese language from page http://www.polomercantil.com.br/mp3-mp4-audio-portatil.php

The iPod Generations

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• iPod


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As Nintendo chief Miyamoto says about the Wii…

‘The hardware is basically a GC. We’ve upgraded our development tools to new versions but, you can still use GC programs as they are. With that in mind, I thought we could remake GC titles for the Wii and modify them to work with the Wii remote so that they’re more fun to play.’

This statement been making its speedy journey around the web, with the predictable result.

‘i tuld u tha Wee sux0rs!’ ‘Thus proving the Wii is infact.. a repackaged gamecube’ ‘Rofl @ Nintendo’

The argument need to be split in half to avoid confusion. Lumping the two arguments together ends in a negative situation, where neither of the debating parties can influence the opposition.

Firstly, The Wii is GameCube 1.5?

Miyamoto, in his cute little ‘Wish we had an international auxillary language to stop english speaking ‘l33t’ gamers from mocking our consumers’ way, was accurate with his statement. The hardware is similar to the GameCube. WAIT! Don’t go running away just yet, for here is a word equation that will float your boat.

The Nintendo Wii hardware is similar to the Gamecube, as A gaming PC is similar to a Windows 95 word processing computer.

What! Says you, but my ‘uber el33tzo0r’ Gaming PC has 4 GB of Ram! It has 6.7 Gigahertz of processing power! THINK. Instead of thinking about the technological specifics of ‘hardware capabilities’, when the above statement is made, one is referring to the style in which hardware and software are created. The Architecture of the device.

Going out on another tangent, Nintendo would not be stupid enough to make the GameCube mistake again. The GC was not a high point for flailing Nintendo. Why now, riding on the success of the Nintendo DS, an innovative handheld device that has taken the world by storm, would Nintendo choose to release an updated version of a failure?

Wii Vs Xbox360 Vs Playstation3

To be blatantly honest, the next-gen console battle will be fought between the Xbox360, and the Playstation3. Unfortunately for Sony and Microsoft, they have launched products capable of the same types of activities, with the same types of controls and the same types of games. It’s a marketing battle to see who will triumph. But for those looking for new, innovative [ie: Not BluRay] technology with an element of fun and a totally unique experience will choose the Wii. There is nothing else on the market to compete with it.

So who would buy the Wii? Just little kids right? Nintendo has many different demographics to target. From the very young, to the very old. The DS has opened the eyes of previously video game free generations, and inspired those just entering the market, as well as gameboy fans looking for a quality handheld. Half-core gamers want something fresh. they want to play with their friends and have fun. They don’t want to shell out big bucks for a gaming system, but would be happy to pay a much lower price for entertainment.

You can not compare consoles on specifications alone. You must use implementation examples to compare things. On paper, the Playstation 3 is the strongest console. Better than the Wii, better than the Xbox360. But does it have quality games? Will there be many games? Will Sony finally be able to create a game that creates a third of the hype that Halo does? Until all consoles have been released internationally, it is futile to argue over which console is ’superior’ and which will succeed.

The Nintendo Wii is not a Game Cube. As the old saying goes, it’s like comparing apples and oranges. Both are in the same general class, yet there are fundamental differences that make comparing them pointless.

Sponsored by: http://www.balootisme.com

Author: Kit Allen, the chief contributor to Nintendo Blog, http://nintendocommunity.com wrote this article to inform the world about the Nintendo Wii.

The Nintendo Wii is NOT the Game Cube

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• Games
• Nintendo Wii


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What is a personal alarm?

A personal alarm is a self defense device, that when activated, emits a extremely loud, high pitched, ear piercing alert.

Are all personal alarms the same?

No, most alarms are electronic and operate on batteries. Many have flashlights or strobe lights and some double as a travel alarm protecting doors of hotel rooms and motor homes. They are activated by pushing a button or removing a pin from the device and will continue to operate until the pin is re-inserted. The other type are small canisters, pressurized with an inert gas. When the button is depressed, gas escapes through the nozzle which causes a shrieking blast. This type will only continue to operate as long as the button is being depressed and there is pressurized gas remaining in the canister.

How can a personal alarm help me?

The theory is that an attacker is looking for an ' easy mark ' that will be submissive to their advances. If confronted with this sonic blast, they will become startled and disoriented. They will also become concerned about the attention they will soon be receiving and break off the attack.

How effective are personal alarms?

For the most part, personal alarms are very effective, but they are not without disadvantages. They are a passive device in that they don't actually disable the assailant. Also, the attacker may go after the alarm, in an attempt silence it and possibly injure the victim. If obtained, the device could also be disabled. Remember, for the alarm to work, it must have fresh batteries and be close at hand!

With these disadvantages, are personal alarms worthwhile ?

Without a doubt. If you use it and the attacker retreats, then the alarm has done it's job. Many people opt for passive personal alarms as their first line of defense, while maintaining a more controlling pepper spray, or stun gun as their second. The combination of both really strengthens your self defense plan.

What other uses do personal alarms have?

Personal Alarms are perfect devices for seniors and the disabled. Attaching one to a wheelchair for instance could only increase their odds of being heard in an emergency. Individuals who are uncomfortable using a defense spray or stun gun will also find value in personal alarms. During an catastrophic event such as an earthquake ; hurricane ; or avalanche, a personal alarm may prove invaluable. As mentioned above, they may also double as a travel alarm, used on doors. College students also, will find value in personal alarms by protecting their dorms while they sleep ; and protecting themselves at other times.

How loud are personal alarms?

Most personal alarms operate at an impressive 120 to 135 decibels. The list below can give you an idea how loud that is :

weakest sound heard 0 dB

normal conversation at 3-5 ft 60-70 dB

city traffic inside car 85 dB

train whistle at 500 ft. 90 dB

subway train at 200 ft. 95 dB

regular sustained exposure may cause permanent damage 90-95 dB

power mower 107 dB

power saw 110 dB

Pain begins 125 dB

air powered riveter at 4 ft. 125 dB

jet engine at 100 ft. 140 dB

loudest sound that can happen 194 dB

Are personal alarms heavy and bulky?

No, on the contrary, in recent years, as technology has improved, the weight and size of these units have decreased, while observing an increase in performance while maintaining a respectable price. Many alarms are small enough to be used as key chains. Some use a wrist strap connected to the activation pin. Others have a clip for your belt and some are even shaped like a pen and clip to your shirt pocket.

Author: John Petty is the webmaster of http://ussecurityproducts.com. Your one stop store for all of your self defense needs. We carry stun guns, pepper sprays, personal alarms, home alarms, all with your safety in mind. Feel safer knowing you're in control! For information and self defense products visit his website at: http://ussecurityproducts.com/. Copyright, All Rights Reserved. Reprints acceptable ONLY if the entire article remains the same, including this author resource box!

Personal Alarm FAQ's

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Robosapien RS Media- Robots are taking the world by storm this Christmas!
http://www.find-me-a-gift.co.uk/robosapien-rs-media.html

Robosapien RS Media is a massively enhanced multimedia version of the Robosapien V2 with loads of extra features

Robots are taking the world by storm this Christmas and the Robosapien RS Media is the leader of the pack. Evolved from the Robosapien V2. He interacts with people and his environment, has sight, sound and touch sensors, speech response, can recognise colours and skin tones, has full IR vision and can even track moving objects. He sounds more human than some of the characters we know.

Of course it can now be completely customised to reflect what's going on in your feverish head! As the makers themselves say, it's the perfect fusion of cutting edge technology and personality modelling software. And even though that's a big statement, they're right. It’s a bit like having a child that you can have complete control over…..hold that thought! The robot plays MP3s, MPEG4s, and takes photos and videos as he interacts with his environment. He has a head-mounted camera, a colour LCD screen in his chest, a full speaker system embedded in his armour, 40 MB of internal memory, and an external memory card slot. You can control this guy with the hand controller or using the media controls embedded on his hands. You can play Java games, navigate the media menus, switch between his four personalities (RS Media, Service Bot 3000, Space Bot, and Billy-Joen Sapien) or create your own personality using the RS Media editing suite software.

Robosapien RS Media Features

· Displays an image or MPEG video downloaded by the user onto the robot's removable SD memory sticks, on the LCD display.
· Stores body movements with you as the puppet master...and you can edit those movements with the robot's accompanying BodyCon editing package.
· You can record and store your voice into the robot's SD memory sticks which it can playback
· It has a 320 by 160 colour LCD Screen - High Quality TFT 1.9" Screen, 16 bit colour, 176 x 132 pixels, which can show you what the robot is seeing through the head-mounted camera.
· It has a camera—motion tracking, photo and MPEG4 encoding.
· Speakers—11 watts of power, 2 hand speakers and back-mounted woofer for playing back your downloaded music files—makes a proper racket!
· Sonic Sensor—2 microphones for sound localisation, 1 microphone for MP3 recording.
· Operating System—Linux Embedded OS.
· Memory—40 MB Flash Memory.
· Upgradeable Memory—SD card slot up to 1 GB (SD card not included).
· PC Connection—USB 1.1 (cable provided).
· PC Software—File manipulation; create scripts, Macro flowcharts, BodyCons and Personalities.
· Batteries—6 x "D" size batteries & 4 x "AA" size batteries (RS Media), 3 x "AA" size batteries (remote controller). Not included.

To see our whole range of fantastic gifts for men please click link below.

Other robotic toys are

Robosapien Robot
http://www.find-me-a-gift.co.uk/gifts-for-men/unusual- gadgets/robosapien-humanoid-robot.html

Roboreptile Robot Dinosaur
http://www.find-me-a-gift.co.uk/gifts-for-men/men/roboreptile-robot-dinosaur.html

Robosapien V2
http://www.find-me-a-gift.co.uk/gifts-for-men/unusual-gadgets/robosapien-v2-robot.html

Robopet
http://www.find-me-a-gift.co.uk/gifts-for-men/unusual-gadgets/robopet-robot.html

Roboraptor
http://www.find-me-a-gift.co.uk/gifts-for-men/unusual-gadgets/roboraptor-dinosaur-robot.html

To see our whole range of fantastic gifts for men please click link below.
http://www.find-me-a-gift.co.uk/

Author: Sarah Hague. Find me a gift ltd is the owner of this article. If you need any further information please contact sarah@findmeagift.com or visit http://www.find-me-me-a-gift.co.uk

Robosapien RS Media

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When you choose a download site, there are a few important Criteria that you must apply in order to choose the correct site for you. Here is a summary of steps you should take to make your download smooth.

1.One-Time-Fee: This usually means you will need to pay a small one-time fee and you do not need to pay any more. You need to be able to choose the titles you want and there should be no time limit of when you should download.

2.Unlimited Download: The one-time-fee should allow you to download any file at any time. Ideally, there should be no limit on the number of files you can download.

3.Reliable: The system must be up and running 24x7. You certainly don't want to be limited on when you should download.

4.Privacy: Make sure that the PSP games database is private. Ensure that all the files have been checked and secured as having no spyware or viruses. They should not share your information with others.

5.Customer support: If your are a novice, it is critical that there is good customer support at the Free PSP Games Downloads.

6.Fast downloads: Make sure also that the Free PSP Game Downloads on the site are fast downloads and you don't have to leave your PC on all night just to download half a game!

These are 6 very important factors to consider. If trying to find out which one suites you best, you can visit the following review site which gives you the best information you can get: http://www.pspproductreview.com/?source=art

Sponsored by: http://www.balootisme.com

Author: Ray Summer reviews PSP download sites and recommends them to readers. You can see his reviews at http://www.pspproductreview.com

Choosing A Good PSP Download Site

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