Switched http://www.switched.com Switched http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Switched http://www.switched.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[10 Essential Bookmarklets for Better Browsing]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/08/24/10-essential-bookmarklets-for-better-browsing/http://www.switched.com/2010/08/24/10-essential-bookmarklets-for-better-browsing/http://www.switched.com/2010/08/24/10-essential-bookmarklets-for-better-browsing/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Bookmarklets Bookmarklets are an interesting and lightweight alternative to full-fledged browser extensions. Unlike regular bookmarks, bookmarklets don't take you to a website, but perform an action on the page you're currently viewing. They use bits of code, usually Javascript, to do things like send links, translate a page or mark a site for future reference. While they can't offer the deep functionality and integration of a proper extension, bookmarklets won't slow your browser down, are less likely to crash it, and, since they're treated the same as regular bookmarks, can be synced across browsers and computers without a problem. If you're ready to dive in, click past the break to explore our list of ten must-have bookmarklets.

Continue reading 10 Essential Bookmarklets for Better Browsing

Switched10 Essential Bookmarklets for Better Browsing originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookmarkletsbuzzfeedclippabledeliciousdownload from youtubeDownloadFromYoutubeevernotegmailgoogle translateGoogleTranslateinstapaperlong url pleaseLongUrlPleaseread it laterreadabilityReadItLatertinyurltoptumblrwebyahooyoutubeTue, 24 Aug 2010 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Sweet and Simple: The Best Basic Phones for Our Dearest Dads]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/06/15/sweet-and-simple-the-best-basic-phones-for-our-dearest-dads/http://www.switched.com/2010/06/15/sweet-and-simple-the-best-basic-phones-for-our-dearest-dads/http://www.switched.com/2010/06/15/sweet-and-simple-the-best-basic-phones-for-our-dearest-dads/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Dad Phones
A reader asks: My father is a businessman who travels a lot internationally, and asked me to find him a bare bones, simple cell phone that works well but also looks good. For the life of me I can't settle on a device. Instead, the market is flooded with smartphones or regular ones with tons of confusing crap stuffed inside. He doesn't text much but needs the capability, and his vision and hearing aren't the best, so font size and volume are biggies, too. I've given up searching so Just Tell Me What To Get!

Dear Reader: We think your father probably represents a vast, under-served market sweet spot: the Boomers who regularly use cell phones and text, but have no need for a tricked-out convergent cell phone. Call them the silenced majority, if you will. It seems with all the smartphone mania of the past few years, cell makers threw the baby out with the bathwater, and have all but abandoned developing quality "feature" phones, as they're now called. They have the same flimsy designs and craptastic OSes they've had for the past five years, with perhaps a token media player, Web browser and camera thrown in. It's a shame. If the marketplace works anywhere as efficiently as economist Adam Smith proposed, some clever phone manufacturer is surely going to read your letter, realize the value of this market, design a spectacularly simple but good phone and make a killing. (We don't mean the Jitterbug, which, while perfect for some people, isn't right in this case.) Please let it be soon.

Until then, though, we do have a few suggestions to help out. Since you didn't say what service provider he uses and we suspect you aren't the only one with this dilemma, we went ahead and found the best "simple" phone for each of the big four U.S. carriers -- ones that are sturdy, stylish and simple, and that can be used internationally (with the exception of Sprint). Oh, and because we've been on the receiving end of plenty of pocket dialers, we only went with flip phones for easy, compact travel for your dad on-the-go.

Continue reading Sweet and Simple: The Best Basic Phones for Our Dearest Dads

SwitchedSweet and Simple: The Best Basic Phones for Our Dearest Dads originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attcellphonesescapadeexpire-images:2011-6-14feature phonesFeaturePhonesfeaturesglobalinternationalinternational phonesInternationalPhonesjusttellmewhattogetnokianokia 3711Nokia3711pantechpantech breeze iiPantechBreezeIiquad-bandsanyosanyo scp 3810SanyoScp3810sprintt-mobiletopverizonverizon wireless escaladeVerizonWirelessEscaladeVisionImpairedTue, 15 Jun 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Essential DSLR Accessories for Shooting Oscar-Worthy HD Video]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/05/24/essential-dslr-accessories-for-shooting-oscar-worthy-hd-video/http://www.switched.com/2010/05/24/essential-dslr-accessories-for-shooting-oscar-worthy-hd-video/http://www.switched.com/2010/05/24/essential-dslr-accessories-for-shooting-oscar-worthy-hd-video/#commentsFiled under: ,

Canon 7D rig
Shooting video with digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras like the Canon 5D Mark II, 7D and T2i can produce some pretty fantastic results -- as a quick tour around Vimeo, or a viewing of films by Vincent Laforet or Philip Bloom will illustrate. But high-quality video doesn't shoot itself, and achieving superb results with a DSLR isn't as simple as pressing "record." Not only do you need to master the art of manually focusing on your intended subjects (as do professional cinematographers), but you'll also need to think about other issues like audio recording (a separate recorder being ideal) and stabilization (since video tends to pick up even the slightest camera shake) to make your production really shine. We'll focus on the Canon line for the purposes of this feature, but many of the points apply to other DSLR cameras, as well.

Continue reading Essential DSLR Accessories for Shooting Oscar-Worthy HD Video

SwitchedEssential DSLR Accessories for Shooting Oscar-Worthy HD Video originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 24 May 2010 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ballhead xBallheadXblue mikeyBlueMikeycameracamerascanondslrdslr accessoriesdslr videoDslrAccessoriesDslrLensDslrVideofeaturesgorillapodgorilliapodhd dslrHdDslrluma loopLumaLoopmanfrottopluraleyesstabilizationSteadicamtoptripodvideovocaswhite balance lens capWhiteBalanceLensCapzacutozfinderMon, 24 May 2010 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Fed Up With Facebook? Delete it, and Here's How]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/05/17/fed-up-with-facebook-delete-it-and-heres-how/http://www.switched.com/2010/05/17/fed-up-with-facebook-delete-it-and-heres-how/http://www.switched.com/2010/05/17/fed-up-with-facebook-delete-it-and-heres-how/#commentsFiled under: ,

Delete your Facebook account
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Back in February, CEO Mark Zuckerberg celebrated Facebook's 6th birthday and 400 millionth member by penning an open letter to his users to thank them for making both milestones possible. "Whether in times of tragedy or joy, people want to share and help one another," Zuckerberg wrote. "This human need is what inspires us to continue to innovate and build things that allow people to connect easily and share their lives with one another."

His language may have been grandiose, but Zuckerberg's message was clear: Facebook is only as big as its users have allowed it to be. Zuckerberg designed the Facebook universe, but it was the online proletariat that provided the gravitational force necessary to keep everything in orbit.

Somewhere between then and now, however, things changed. The campfire's been extinguished, the 'Kumbayah' songs of global online brotherhood are now nothing more than a faint echo.

Continue reading Fed Up With Facebook? Delete it, and Here's How

SwitchedFed Up With Facebook? Delete it, and Here's How originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 17 May 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookfeatureshow to delete your facebook accountHowToDeleteYourFacebookAccountinstanpersonalizationmark zuckerbergMarkZuckerbergprivacysecuritysocialnetworkingtopwebMon, 17 May 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[10 Ways to Keep Your Data Safe]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/04/29/10-ways-to-keep-your-data-safe/http://www.switched.com/2010/04/29/10-ways-to-keep-your-data-safe/http://www.switched.com/2010/04/29/10-ways-to-keep-your-data-safe/#commentsFiled under: ,

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Since 2005, there have been at least 358.4 million personal records lost to security breaches, according to the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse. This includes everything from home addresses to credit card numbers and Social Security information. But, as frightening as the prospect of your sensitive data being compromised is, simply removing all traces of yourself from the Web is not a viable option. There are, however, simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your data from most attacks. Here are our tips for keeping your data safe, both online and off.

Switched10 Ways to Keep Your Data Safe originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biometricbitlockercreditcardfeaturesharddriveskill switchKillSwitchlistsecuritysecurity softwareSecuritySoftwaresocialnetworkingtoptruecryptThu, 29 Apr 2010 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[What's the Best HDTV I Can Get for Under $500?]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/04/05/whats-the-best-hdtv-i-can-get-for-under-500/http://www.switched.com/2010/04/05/whats-the-best-hdtv-i-can-get-for-under-500/http://www.switched.com/2010/04/05/whats-the-best-hdtv-i-can-get-for-under-500/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

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A reader asks: I just moved into a new house, have an empty living room, and want the best possible TV I can get to fill the gaping hole -- for under 500 bucks, that is. I know it's a tall order, but I'm broke and need to be sure whatever TV I get is going to impress my suspicious wife and last for the next, oh, 30 years -- until I've finally paid off my mortgage. So please, just tell me what to get!

Dear Reader: Our sincere congratulations on your new home!. (And congrats to your neighbors, too, who surely will benefit from your propping up the ailing real estate market.) With apologies to the Dude, we're firm believers that nothing ties a room together like a swanky new TV, so we're more than happy to do the heavy lifting for you.

Continue reading What's the Best HDTV I Can Get for Under $500?

SwitchedWhat's the Best HDTV I Can Get for Under $500? originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 05 Apr 2010 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080p120hzbudgetfeatureshdtvjusttellmewhattogetpanasonic viera tcle32g1PanasonicVieraTcle32g1sony bravia ex400SonyBraviaEx400toptvMon, 05 Apr 2010 13:35:00 EST<![CDATA[What's the Best PC Monitor/TV for Under $350?]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/03/25/the-best-pc-monitor-tv-for-under-350/http://www.switched.com/2010/03/25/the-best-pc-monitor-tv-for-under-350/http://www.switched.com/2010/03/25/the-best-pc-monitor-tv-for-under-350/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

A reader asks: One of my college housemates just moved out, which is a good thing, but he took his TV with him. This is a bad thing. So I'm looking for a PC monitor that can do double duty as a TV, too -- something reasonably big, as good quality as possible, fast enough for console games and is around $350 or so. I'm stuck with a laptop 12-inch screen until you reply, so hurry up and just tell me what to get!

Dear Reader: On those gray days when we wake up in the morning and wonder what it all means anyway, it's questions like these that bring us around and get our blood pumping again: We do it for the children!

Sob stories aside, your question is actually a good one, since a dual-purpose monitor is a great solution for a lot of people who don't have the space, cash or inclination to get multiple flat screens. And, while we're under the impression that many college kids already watch TV shows almost exclusively on laptops and monitors, movies and console games are inherently social activities that benefit from a communal screen.

Continue reading What's the Best PC Monitor/TV for Under $350?

SwitchedWhat's the Best PC Monitor/TV for Under $350? originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080p24-inch display24-inchDisplayfeatureshdtvjusttellmewhattogetmonitorp2570reviewssamsung syncmaster p2570SamsungSyncmasterP2570topThu, 25 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Best Earbuds That Won't Break the Bank]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/03/15/the-best-earbuds-that-wont-break-the-bank/http://www.switched.com/2010/03/15/the-best-earbuds-that-wont-break-the-bank/http://www.switched.com/2010/03/15/the-best-earbuds-that-wont-break-the-bank/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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A reader asks: The original Apple iPod ear buds I've been using for years have finally crapped out, and I'm looking for a replacement and hopefully an upgrade. My budget is $100 max, and I want the best possible combination of good sound and comfort. I'm not a huge fan of the types you shove in your ear canal. Since you can't try out earphones at any stores I've visited, I have no idea what the best options are, so just tell me what to get!

Dear Reader: We hear you loud and clear. The inability to test out earphones before buying is a tricky affair, like the consumer electronics version of a pot luck dinner; you might stumble upon something really tasty or get screwed with the equivalent of the dreaded green bean casserole with cream of mushroom soup and fried onions.

To clarify a bit, the term "earbuds" refers to earphones that sit in the rim of the ear, while "canalphones," or "in-ear monitors," are the variety inserted into the ear canal. The difference between the two is immense. Buds are preferred by many for comfort and also for the ability to hear outside sound in addition to music. However, earbuds can't approach the sonic experience offered by similarly priced canalphones, and often require a higher volume in order to compete with ambient noise. As a result, they can potentially endanger your long-term hearing. Canalphones, on the other hand, can offer incredible sound quality at a much lower volume and typically shut out a majority of ambient sound (although that can be a problem if you're, say, biking in traffic or walking along a busy street). Canalphones aren't for everyone, seeing as they get shoved deep into the ear canal, making for a more "intimate" experience with the intricacies of using an ear wax pick. But we digress...

Continue reading The Best Earbuds That Won't Break the Bank

SwitchedThe Best Earbuds That Won't Break the Bank originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AkgK319canalphonesEarBudEarBudsearphonefeaturesIEMin-ear monitorsIn-earMonitorsjusttellmewhattogetKlipschImageS4ShureSe210topMon, 15 Mar 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[What Underwater Point-and-Shoot Camera Should I Get?]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/03/08/what-underwater-point-and-shoot-camera-should-i-get/http://www.switched.com/2010/03/08/what-underwater-point-and-shoot-camera-should-i-get/http://www.switched.com/2010/03/08/what-underwater-point-and-shoot-camera-should-i-get/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



A reader asks: I'm interested in a waterproof camera for an upcoming trip but can't decide between the various point-and-shoot models. I've read that some leak, or simply don't take great pictures. I know you can buy waterproof camera housings but wonder if I can get away with one camera that just does it all. So, just tell me what to get!

Dear Reader: We totally agree. In our perfect world, every camera would be waterproof, shockproof, scratch-proof, lightweight and be able to snap perfect photos without a fuss. Encouragingly, several camera companies are taking steps in the right direction with moderately priced waterproof/ruggedized models already available from Canon, Fujifilm, Olympus, Pentax and Sony, among others. Less encouraging is that virtually all of them have some hiccup that leaves us wanting.

Gallery: Waterproof Camera

Continue reading What Underwater Point-and-Shoot Camera Should I Get?

SwitchedWhat Underwater Point-and-Shoot Camera Should I Get? originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canon powershot d10CanonPowershotD10featuresjusttellmewhattogetpoint and shootpoint-and-shootPointAndShoottopwaterproofwaterproof camerawaterproofcameraMon, 08 Mar 2010 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[What's the Best Point-and-Shoot Camera Under $150?]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/02/26/whats-the-best-point-and-shoot-camera-under-150/http://www.switched.com/2010/02/26/whats-the-best-point-and-shoot-camera-under-150/http://www.switched.com/2010/02/26/whats-the-best-point-and-shoot-camera-under-150/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

A reader writes: My wife treats digital cameras like they're disposables, so once again I'm in charge of finding her next victim. Since I know I'll be in this position again by the end of summer, what's my best option for a camera that takes great pictures, is simple as pie to use, and is cheap enough that it won't make me cry when she inevitably busts it -- say under $150 or so? I've given up on winning this battle, so Just Tell Me What to Get!

Dear Reader: While our first instinct is to dispatch Switched's 'Minority Report'-style Precrimes Division in order to prevent any more techie tragedies at the hands of your wife, you asked for an answer and not an intervention, so we'll keep them at bay. For now.

Continue reading What's the Best Point-and-Shoot Camera Under $150?

SwitchedWhat's the Best Point-and-Shoot Camera Under $150? originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It sounds like the ultimate gig: making a living by playing video games all day. And if you're a true game fanatic -- and we mean a real fanatic -- it can be exactly that. But being a quality assurance tester for a video game company isn't always the nerd-vana it sounds like.

Sony's offering a select group of wannabes a chance at the job via 'The Tester' -- a new reality show being broadcast exclusively through the PlayStation Network. If you don't want to suffer the indignities that go along with that programming genre, though, you can always try to get the job the old-fashioned way. Switched.com reached out to a few folks in the video game industry to learn more about being a game tester and the best ways to become one.

Continue reading How to Get a Job as a Game Tester

SwitchedHow to Get a Job as a Game Tester originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>careerscareers adviceCareersAdviceCareersTipsfeaturesGame testingGameTestingtopvideo gamesVideoGamesMon, 22 Feb 2010 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Five Things to Consider When Buying a Computer]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/02/17/five-things-to-consider-when-buying-a-computer/http://www.switched.com/2010/02/17/five-things-to-consider-when-buying-a-computer/http://www.switched.com/2010/02/17/five-things-to-consider-when-buying-a-computer/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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Buying a new computer is always a daunting task. There are tons of variables to consider, including whether or not you're ready to join (or ditch) the cult of Mac. Laptop or desktop? How much RAM? And what processor will you need to power your new rig? As usual, Switched is here to help you navigate the labyrinth of options, and lead you on your path to the best PC for your needs.

SwitchedFive Things to Consider When Buying a Computer originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5 things to consider5ThingsToConsidercomputerfeaturestopWed, 17 Feb 2010 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[What Noise-Canceling Headphones Should I Get?]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/02/03/what-noise-canceling-headphones-should-i-get/http://www.switched.com/2010/02/03/what-noise-canceling-headphones-should-i-get/http://www.switched.com/2010/02/03/what-noise-canceling-headphones-should-i-get/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

A reader writes: I travel a lot for work and the wimpy iPod earphones just don't hack it against the whine of airplane engines and, worse, seatmates. I'm looking for a reliable, comfortable, easily portable pair of noise-canceling headphones that won't break the bank. I don't have time to research them all, so just tell me what to get!

Dear Reader: Like DVRs, iPhones and Slingboxes, noise-canceling headphones are one of those special breeds of gadgetry that inspire instant and rabid fandom in their new owners; they wonder how they ever survived without them. So we're positive you're going to be happy with your upgrade to the sound of silence.

Continue reading What Noise-Canceling Headphones Should I Get?

SwitchedWhat Noise-Canceling Headphones Should I Get? originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresjusttellmewhattogetjvc ha-nc250 headphonesJvcHa-nc250HeadphonesnoisecancelingtopWed, 03 Feb 2010 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[What Wi-Fi-Ready Wireless Router Is Best for Me?]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/01/21/what-wi-fi-ready-wireless-router-is-best-for-me/http://www.switched.com/2010/01/21/what-wi-fi-ready-wireless-router-is-best-for-me/http://www.switched.com/2010/01/21/what-wi-fi-ready-wireless-router-is-best-for-me/#commentsFiled under: , ,


A reader writes: "Well, it has finally happened: My (un)trusty warhorse Linksys WRT54G finally gave up the ghost and I'm in the market for a new wireless router. The thing is, I use a ton of differing Wi-Fi devices - an old Win XP laptop with a B card, a desktop PC with G, a new Mac laptop with N, an Xbox 360, an iPhone, whatever it is the neighbors are using to leach off of me - and also have interference issues from the dozens of other wireless networks nearby. I don't have the patience to troubleshoot wireless networks anymore, so just tell me what to get!"

Dear Reader: With sympathies to your old Linksys, consider its passing a welcome point in the cycle of life. After all, it means you get to upgrade to a zippy new dual-band wireless router!

As you amply noted, Wi-Fi comes in a bevy of flavors. Older B/G routers (and even a few newer B/G/N ones) typically operate on a single 2.4-GHz band, which carries with it a few important implications. The first is that when running on a single band, your router is forced to accommodate whatever device is slowest on your network. Thus, the moment a B device logs-on to your network, your router will only transmit and receive signals at pokey B speeds and your G and N devices won't be able to use their much higher capabilities. The second issue with the 2.4-GHz band is that it also hosts many other devices: cordless phones, wireless cameras, Bluetooth devices, microwave ovens, and other Wi-Fi networks. Therefore, it's highly susceptible to interference issues; even when you're receiving a full signal, your network is still likely to experience delays and hiccups that bog it down.

Continue reading What Wi-Fi-Ready Wireless Router Is Best for Me?

SwitchedWhat Wi-Fi-Ready Wireless Router Is Best for Me? originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.4ghz5 ghz5Ghzairport extremeAirportExtremeapple airport extremeAppleAirportExtremedir 825Dir825dlink dir825DlinkDir825dual-bandfeatureslinksysrouterstopwi-fiwireless routerwireless routersWirelessRouterWirelessRoutersThu, 21 Jan 2010 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[What iPod Car Adapter Should I Get?]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/01/12/what-ipod-car-adapter-should-i-get/http://www.switched.com/2010/01/12/what-ipod-car-adapter-should-i-get/http://www.switched.com/2010/01/12/what-ipod-car-adapter-should-i-get/#commentsFiled under: , ,


A reader writes: I drive a couple hours for my work commute and am looking for a way of hooking up my new iPod touch to my car stereo, which is an old tape deck but puts out great sound. I want something that can put out good audio quality, will keep my iPod charged, and hopefully not create too much clutter. A visit to Best Buy was an exercise in frustration, and if I have to hear another day of drive-time DJ banter I'm gonna lose it, so just tell me what to get already!

Dear Reader: In an age when car CD players are already becoming outdated, and virtually every car maker offers built-in iPod integration, we salute your steadfast loyalty to the anachronistic and obsolete. Talk about rolling old school! As we don't know all the particulars of your car stereo setup, we can't recommend one hard-and-fast solution, but we do have a few suggestions, one of which should surely suit you.

Continue reading What iPod Car Adapter Should I Get?

SwitchedWhat iPod Car Adapter Should I Get? originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>belkin micro auto chargerBelkinMicroAutoChargercassette adapterCassetteAdapterfeaturesgriffin autopilotgriffin itrip autopilotGriffinAutopilotGriffinItripAutopilotipod car kitipod car mountsIpodCarKitIpodCarMountsjtmwtgjusttellmewhattogetmonster icarplay cassetteMonsterIcarplayCassettetopTue, 12 Jan 2010 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[All We Don't Want For X-Mas (And What You Should Get Us Instead)]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/12/20/all-we-dont-want-for-x-mas-and-what-you-should-get-us-instead/http://www.switched.com/2009/12/20/all-we-dont-want-for-x-mas-and-what-you-should-get-us-instead/http://www.switched.com/2009/12/20/all-we-dont-want-for-x-mas-and-what-you-should-get-us-instead/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The only thing we hate worse than seeing other people toting around lackluster, craptastic gear is finding it underneath our own Christmas tree. That may seem like materialistic nitpicking in a season that's about generosity -- and it is -- but what really inspires us is the idea of always getting the absolute most out of your money, and the joy of giving (or receiving) a truly excellent item. Also, it's really fun to slam items we think are overrated or just plain lacking. So save yourself a little holiday heartache and time spent in the returns department with a look at our panned products and sure-fire picks that are guaranteed to please.

SwitchedAll We Don't Want For X-Mas (And What You Should Get Us Instead) originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featureshgghp mini 311HpMini311insignia brdvd3InsigniaBrdvd3jvc ha-nc250JvcHa-nc250kindle2macbook proMacbookPronetflixps3roku hd playerRokuHdPlayersandisk extreme iiiSandiskExtremeIiisony reader touchSonyReaderTouchtopwd tv liveWdTvLiveSun, 20 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[What's the Best Affordable Blu-ray Player With Streaming Video?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/12/07/whats-the-best-affordable-blu-ray-player-with-streaming-video/http://www.switched.com/2009/12/07/whats-the-best-affordable-blu-ray-player-with-streaming-video/http://www.switched.com/2009/12/07/whats-the-best-affordable-blu-ray-player-with-streaming-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

A reader writes: I'm shopping for a low-cost Blu-ray player for my dad, who is deeply in love with his new HDTV. I know he'd want one that does Netflix streaming since he has a subscription, but with so many options out there I'm totally lost -- just tell me what to get!

Dearest Reader: If you ask us, Blu-ray technology is in a transition period, so bear with our rant while we try to answer your timely and excellent question.

The Blu-ray situation is a little confounding for us at the moment. Lest we be wrongly accused by videophiles in the comments section, we love movies on Blu-ray and freely agree that its audio and video quality are unparalleled. The problem we have is with the current crop of Blu-ray players. Unbelievably, the market is still plagued by an abundance of unstandardized spec lists (e.g., lack of HDMI 1.3 or BD-Live support), widespread tech foibles (e.g., unreliable networking, system freezes, audio sync), and relatively high prices to boot. Unlike a bare-bones $75 upscaling DVD player that just works, Blu-ray players often just don't (based on the thousands of anecdotal customer reviews from dozens of online sites we've perused).

Continue reading What's the Best Affordable Blu-ray Player With Streaming Video?

SwitchedWhat's the Best Affordable Blu-ray Player With Streaming Video? originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 12:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-ray playerBlu-rayPlayerfeaturesinsigniajtmwtgjusttellmewhattogetps3rokuvideoplayertopMon, 07 Dec 2009 12:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Tell Me What to Get: Sub-$1,000 LCD for the Living Room]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/11/just-tell-me-what-to-get-sub-1-000-lcd-for-the-living-room/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/11/just-tell-me-what-to-get-sub-1-000-lcd-for-the-living-room/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/11/just-tell-me-what-to-get-sub-1-000-lcd-for-the-living-room/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A reader writes: I need a good TV for my living room specifically, and I've decided that LCD is the way to go. I definitely want good video quality and I'd like to keep it under a grand if I can. Please... just tell me what to get!

What up, reader? While the screen-size arms race is destined to continue forever (We fully expect to see a 120-incher any day now.), it turns out that the sweet spot for a typical living room is 40 or 42 inches. A TV around that size is big enough to let you lose yourself in a movie, but won't squat in the corner like an electronic elephant once you turn it off. With that in mind, we're pretty hot for Samsung's LN40B550 40-inch 1080p LCD HDTV ($950 list, but lower at many places).

Continue reading Just Tell Me What to Get: Sub-$1,000 LCD for the Living Room

SwitchedJust Tell Me What to Get: Sub-$1,000 LCD for the Living Room originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresjusttellmewhattogetpanasonic viera x1PanasonicVieraX1samsung lcdsamsung ln40b550SamsungLcdSamsungLn40b550topWed, 11 Nov 2009 13:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Tech Etiquette: Cell Phone Dos and Don'ts]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/10/tech-etiquette-cell-phone-dos-and-donts/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/10/tech-etiquette-cell-phone-dos-and-donts/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/10/tech-etiquette-cell-phone-dos-and-donts/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


The cell phone has been draining the world's sperm supply for more than 35 years already. And yet, as ubiquitous as mobiles are today, so too are the dolts who still haven't grasped how to use one responsibly. For anyone who's ever gabbed at dinner, texted on the toilet, ruined a movie, or grossed out an elevator (just to name a few mobile no-nos), Switched presents the following guide of cell phone Dos and Don'ts. By all means, do us (and yourself) a favor and forward it on to your fondest offenders.

SwitchedTech Etiquette: Cell Phone Dos and Don'ts originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>etiquettefeaturestechetiquettetopTue, 10 Nov 2009 12:53:00 EST<![CDATA[What's the Best iMac for Basic Creative Tasks?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/09/whats-the-best-imac-for-basic-creative-tasks/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/09/whats-the-best-imac-for-basic-creative-tasks/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/09/whats-the-best-imac-for-basic-creative-tasks/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Question: I'm finally ready to move to Mac, especially with Apple's latest iMacs. I really like the design and simplicity. But which one should I get? I was thinking I should get the base model for $1199, but the big 27-incher is pretty tempting, too, even though it's another $500. Or should I spend the extra money and get the upgraded versions of the iMac? So confusing -- I thought Apple was easy! I'll be using it for a little bit of everything, but my high-end needs will include a little video editing, music writing, and graphic design with Photoshop.
Answer: Apple certainly likes to tout its simplicity and plug-and-play usability, but try telling that to someone switching to Mac for the first time. On the surface, it looks as though Apple has two new iMacs out: the 21.5-inch and 27-inch. Simple. Done. Right?

Not so much. Let's take a quick trip to Apple shopping land (otherwise known as store.apple.com).

Continue reading What's the Best iMac for Basic Creative Tasks?

SwitchedWhat's the Best iMac for Basic Creative Tasks? originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecreativefeaturesimacjusttellmewhattogettopMon, 09 Nov 2009 16:10:00 EST