Bing is Microsoft's new search engine, challenging the Google behemoth.

Bing 411 (1-800-246-4411) is another free directory assistance service like some of the ones we told you about last year.

LifeHacker took Bing 411 on a test drive and found it offered two key benefits over 1-800-Goog-411:

Continue reading "Bing 411: another option for directions, weather" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 10:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Cellular/Landline/Voice over Internet, Computers, Consumer Web Site of the Week
        

Are you a part of a community or network that you want to see using the Internet better to organize events and information? Do you have a real world social network that you want to take online -- with virtually zero cost?

(Not sure what the heck I'm talking about here? Watch this "Social Networking in Plain English" video)

Are you back? Now, here's a short list of sites that can enable you do launch a network -- within a matter of minutes. These online social networking sites enable you to build forums, groups, discussions, photo- and video-sharing, networking and membership -- with frightening ease and speed. And, for a monthly or annual fee, these sites give you more features and more controls over the way you choose to display your content and your members' participation.

Such networking apps are natural tools for all sorts of groups, from volunteer organizations to sports fanatics to news junkies to tech geeks to professional association and organizations. Below is a short list of online networking sites (in alphabetical order) that offer you some potent tools if you wish to build a network. By no means is this a complete and exhaustive list, so feel free to add your own favorites in the comments.

* CollectiveX -- Hey, here's a group-building site that's based right here in Maryland. The site allows you to host a group blog, discussion forums, calendars, photos, videos, and member profiles. It operates on the "freemium" model, offering basic functionality for free, and charges for more functionality (more than $2,500 a year, if you want a lot of bells and whistles.)

Continue reading "Consumer Website(s) of the Week: Build Your Own Online Community for Free/Cheap" »

Posted by Gus Sentementes at 11:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Computers
        

Harford County residents could get FiOS, if county council members  approve the proposed Verizon cable franchise agreement on Feb. 17.

Bel Air residents already have FiOS, but to submit testimony to support FIOS, contact your Harford County Council members or write to the Harford County Council office.

Verizon spokeswoman Sandra Arnette said in an interview yesterday about resolving Verizon customer service woes that the company will start installing lines once it's approved. 

Readers frequently ask when FiOS will come to their area.

Continue reading "FiOS for Harford County?" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 10:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Cable/Satellite/TV/Comcast/FiOS, Computers
        

If you purchased a Dell computer or service after April 1, 2005, here's a heads up: you can apply for your share of a Dell settlement negotiated with 34 states, including Maryland.

Attorneys general from these states contended that Dell and its financial arm told consumers about zero-percent financing and then charged them higher interest rates. In addition, the company didn't adequately tell consumers the terms to apply for rebates or limitations on technical support and repair policies.

The company did not admit wrongdoing, but agreed to pay $1.5 million in restitution to consumers who were affected. It will also pay states to reimburse them for the legal and investigative costs.

Dell will also:

-- tell people that most won't qualify for their best annual percentage rate, and tell them the range they may qualify for;

-- inform customers of the terms of financing, including that it's a revolving credit account with minimum payments just like a credit card; 

-- tell customers that telephone trouble-shooting will be required before Dell will send someone for on-site repair under warranty;

-- provide necessary rebate information when the product is delivered; 

-- mail rebates within a specified time frame, or 30 days is none is specified. 

To apply for restitution:

Continue reading "Naughty Business of the Week: Apply for your share of the Dell Inc. settlement" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 1:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Cheap/Frugal, Computers, Naughty businesses/NBotW, Technology
        

Want fast Internet service? Move to Maryland.

According to PC magazine, Maryland has the country's 10th fastest Internet service, behind states such as Nevada, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Who would have thought?

Apparently, cable Internet service has also far surpassed DSL in terms of speed --- averaging about 565 kbps with Earthlink to 839 kbps nationwide for Cablevision's Optimum Online, compared to DSL connections ranging from 357 to 520 kbps.

See the full list below the jump: 

Continue reading "Maryland home to some of the fastest Internet service nationwide" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 10:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Computers
        

With the world watching, Sprint Nextel launched its next-generation mobile Internet network in Baltimore, of all places, in late September/early October. It was called XOHM.

Checking my email inbox this morning, I learned that XOHM will soon be no more. (Now don't start hyperventilating yet. Read on.)

Instead, following a multi-billion-dollar deal announced back in May, Sprint finally spun off its XOHM division to Clearwire, a Kirkland, Wash., company whose sole goal is to build out a new wireless data network that Sprint, in part, started work on.

Clearwire said it will replace the XOHM brand name with "Clear" in "the coming months," according to the press release. It said it "expects current XOHM customers will not experience any impact as a result of the transaction, and they will continue to enjoy the current benefits of various notebook computing, portable media and Internet devices, service plans and features."

Here's hoping the transition goes off without a hitch. For all you early adopters in Baltimore who've tried XOHM -- er, soon-to-be Clear -- what are your impressions of it so far?

Posted by Gus Sentementes at 11:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Computers, Technology, WiMAX Watch
        

Are you ready for some shopping? No, seriously. I'm saying you need to prepare if you're going to brave holiday shopping this week, online or off. Here are three useful tools offered by many retailer Web sites that Consumer Reports Money Adviser sats cab help you find good deals this week:

RSS Feeds- RSS, or Really Simple Syndication, allows retailers to send Web pages with news about sales and promotions directly to your PC. Wal-Mart, for example, has multiple feeds, including price rollbacks, clearance, and upcoming music and video release dates. To use feeds, you need an RSS reader. Microsoft’s Internet Explorer browser has one built in. So do personal home pages like My Yahoo, My AOL, and iGoogle. They can be found at Best Buy, CircuitCity, CompUSA, Overstock.com, RadioShack, Sears, and Target.

Continue reading "Smart Holiday Shopping on the Web" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 2:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Cellular/Landline/Voice over Internet, Computers, Holiday shopping, Marketing/Advertising
        

You may have "Googled" the phrase "flu symptoms" the last time you thought you were coming down with the bug. If so, your query probably became part of a vast storehouse of information that Google's philanthropic arm is mining in an effort to identify flu trends as they emerge across the United States.

Google's calling the project/application simply: Google Flu Trends.

The basic thinking behind it is that people who search for certain flu-related keywords and phrases are at the leading edge of a flu outbreak.

Continue reading "Got Flu? Check out Google Flu Trends" »

Posted by Gus Sentementes at 9:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Computers, Healthcare, Technology
        

A jolly good morning to everyone out there!

We know the Obamas are set to visit the White House today. Think they'll talk about taxes at all? Eileen gave us a primer yesterday on what we can expect for our taxes and investments under an Obama administration.

How many people plan on selling investments to avoid higher taxes later? Do you think he'll be forced to raise taxes during the recession?

I'm still wondering what Acer was thinking when it figured putting a customer through eight repairs on a high-end laptop was OK? And then replacing the bad laptop with a just-as-bad refurb... only to completely blow Aaron Shepard off when all he asked for was a refund of the money he spent shipping his laptop back multiple times for repair.

Continue reading "Consumer Sundays: Bad laptops, Barriers and Barack Obama's tax plans" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 7:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Complaints, Computers, Economy, Investments, Taxes, Watchdog
        

HMIF! Holy Moly It's Friday! Whew. Finally. Happy Friday people!

Now that the elections are over, the whole country is waiting to see what happens next. I keep telling Eileen to use her Magic 8 Ball to guide us, but she says it keeps saying, "Ask Again Later."

So for her Sunday personal finance column, Eileen's just going to rely on experts to tell you what investors can expect under a Barack Obama presidency.

Remember that dude who drove his SUV into the Inner Harbor last week?

Continue reading "Consumer Sundays: Barriers, Computer Lemon Laws and Investing under Barack" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 4:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Complaints, Computers, Investments, Watchdog
        

View Larger Map

Never visited Charm City but want to check out our famed Inner Harbor? Curious about a Baltimore neighborhood and want to visit it virtually before taking a house-hunting drive? Traveling through Baltimore and want to see what the Harbor Tunnel looks like, from the inside?

Now you can sit at your computer and use Google's new-for-Baltimore feature in its mapping application, called "Street View." (The image above is a "Street View" of 501 N. Calvert Street, in front of The Baltimore Sun building.) Of course, like most offerings by Google, it's free to use.

The Google team has been rolling out the feature in other U.S. cities and countries for awhile. Why not visit France without spending a dime beyond the cost of your Internet connection? Google just introduced it in Baltimore, Washington D.C. and Seattle two days ago, according to its official map blog. (Thanks to Paul Capestany for noting Google's Baltimore update via his "Tweets" on Twitter.com.)

Continue reading "Glimpse the streets of Baltimore with Google "Street View"" »

Posted by Gus Sentementes at 9:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)
Categories: Computers, Technology
        

Comcast has gotten a lot of flack for its bandwidth limits, but PC World is reporting that AT&T, America's largest Internet service provider, is testing monthly broadband caps in Reno, Nev.

According to PCWorld:

Beginning this month, AT&T will restrict new customers in the affected areas based on their Internet plans. Users with the slowest speed DSL service will be limited to 20GB of bandwidth per month, while users of the fastest plan will receive a cap of 150GB a month. Any data transferred above the limit will be billed at a rate of $1 per gigabyte following a one-month grace period. Existing AT&T customers will not yet be affected but will be added into the test later this year. All existing users will automatically receive the highest cap of 150GB a month.

What does this mean for users? The story quotes published estimates that "the lower-end 20GB/month limit would allow you to download about four HD movies a month before hitting your cap. The higher-end 150GB/month limit, in comparison, would allow for approximately 30 HD movie downloads, while a middle-of-the-road limit such as a 60GB/month scenario would provide bandwidth for 12 such streams."

Continue reading "AT&T Tests Data Caps" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 10:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cellular/Landline/Voice over Internet, Computers, Technology
        

More than a year ago, when I first noticed that Netflix was offering a "Watch Instantly" option for members to enjoy movies by streaming them to their computers, I thought the future had arrived.

I was thrilled. I was ecstatic. No more trips to the video store! No more waiting a day or two for my Netflix videos!

Oh, but of course, there was a catch. Netflix only offered the service to PC users -- and a Mac desktop is my main home computer. So I had to go elsewhere online for my video-streaming entertainment. But today, Netflix lured me back.

Continue reading "Netflix Introduces "Watch Instantly" for Macs. Finally." »

Posted by Gus Sentementes at 4:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Computers
        

First comes love. Then comes marriage. Then comes streaming movies and TV shows right into your home!

I know. What am I, 5-years-old?! And yea yea, it doesn't rhyme. But I've made my point.

The two companies announced a new partnership today that will allow you to view Netflix movies on TiVO boxes with no extra cost other than Netflix's own fees. TiVo customers with a TiVo Series 3, TiVo HD, or TiVo HD XL will be able to do this come December.

Wicked cool, yes? If you remember our previous confab about the upcoming Comcast rate increase, a few of us mentioned getting rid of pay TV altogether. I know my work spouse Gus (who is at home taking care of his new, wee baby girl. Congrats babe!) has been talking about hooking up a computer to his big screen for all his TV needs.

Continue reading "TiVo and Netflix sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G..." »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 2:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Cable/Satellite/TV/Comcast/FiOS, Computers, Digital television, Rent, Technology
        

Seriously. How many complaints from consumers need to be filed before the authorities shut down a troubled business?

We told you in February that the Federal Trade Commission reached a settlement with BlueHippo over allegations that it took consumers' money without providing the electronics purchased. BlueHippo didn’t admit to doing anything wrong, but agreed to pay $3.5 million to possibly $5 million to burned consumers. Then in May, I told you that complaints are still pouring in to Better Business Bureaus and AG Offices around the country about BlueHippo.

Continue reading "Tennessee AG Sues BlueHippo" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 4:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Complaints, Computers, Consumer protection, Consumer safety, Loans, Naughty businesses/NBotW
        

Hey, all you Windows users out there, it's time to patch Windows again because there's a nasty little bug waiting to wreck havoc on your computer.

Michael Horowitz at CNet News' Defensive Computing says:

If you use a Windows computer connected to a network, a newly discovered bug makes it possible for a bad guy to wreak havoc on the computer without your doing anything. The most vulnerable versions of Windows are XP, 2000 and Server 2003. Vista and Server 2008 are also vulnerable, but not as badly. Microsoft considers the bug important enough to issue the patch immediately rather than waiting for their normal once-a-month patch Tuesday.

Continue reading "Patch Windows ASAP" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 12:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Computers, Consumer protection, Technology
        

OK. So have I mentioned to you how absent-minded I am? I forget my cell phone all the time. I forget birthdays. I pour a cup of coffee to bring to work and forget it on the counter at home. I forget a lot of things. So when the writer's strike put all my TV shows on hiatus last season, I forgot to watch TV... or, at least follow the TV shows I used to like to watch.

So I'm finding that now that the new season has started, I've completely forgotten when Monk was on, or when to watch Battlestar Galatica, or when to catch The Closer on TV. Or sometimes I do remember and I'm stuck trying to decide between a TV show and something on Maryland Public Television (yes, I'm low-tech. I don't have a digital recorder). I almost always pick MPT.

Given my dilemma, I gotta say, I'm digging Fancast.com, Comcast's next generation entertainment site which is free for anyone to use.

Continue reading "Miss Wonder Woman and The Love Boat? Missed Heroes? Find it on Fancast" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 11:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Cable/Satellite/TV/Comcast/FiOS, Computers, Consumer Web Site of the Week, Technology
        

Is it me or are things starting to feel a teen tiny bit brighter this week? Last week we were down in the dumps. This week, we have a bit o' hope.

The stock market came roaring back on Monday only to drop by 200-plus points on Tuesday as the country waited to see how the feds carry out the rescue plan.

Apple announced plans to start selling a $999 laptop. Still not cheap, by any means, but hey... at least they're acknowledging that there's room to price Mac's a bit more attractively to everyone coveting Apple products, but also watching their wallets.

And last, but not least, gas prices have dropped across the country, says AAA's Fuel Gauge Report. Dude. I filled up my 18-gallon tank for less than $50 on Monday. I think I did a happy Snoopy dance because I can't remember the last I've been able to fill my tank for anything below $65. Lots of Marylanders are feeling a little better about gas prices, too, according to this Mike Dresser story.

Continue reading "Depression. What Depression?" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 7:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Computers, Economy, Gas prices
        

It may be only a dollar shy of a thousand bucks, but that's an important psychological barrier to break for many consumers. Yes, you can now buy a MacBook laptop for $999. 

[ed note: catch our own David Zeiler's Apple a Day expertise on the announcement, details on the new upgrades at Apple, and the somewhat disappointing pricing drop -- DD]  

Some seem to think that dropping the price of the front-line MacBook by $100 in Apple's latest round of upgrades to its laptops will attract more people who've sat on the sidelines, hoping for these coveted little machines to come down in price. For days and weeks, the Web has been abuzz with rumors that Apple would introduce a sub-$900 laptop. That didn't happen today. Instead, consumers hungry for new Apple products saw a few new laptops with some nice touches that may, or may not, make you drool. 

Apple is offering a $999 "white MacBook" that's been "updated" for the budget-conscious crowd; but it has specifications that don't depart much from the previous Macbook incarnation. 

If you were waiting on making a big computer purchase in this tough economy, is this lower price enough to make you walk into an Apple store and plunk down your hard-earned dough? If you're willing to spend more money, then hit the jump for some more details about the pricier new MacBooks (see the photo above), which are catching all the buzz today.

Continue reading "Is This Mac For You?" »

Posted by Gus Sentementes at 4:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Computers
        

The tech world's all a-twitter today with the speculation that Apple will announce a new lineup of notebook computers with more <ahem> accessible pricing for consumers in these trying economic times.

Currently, for you to join the Apple laptop club, you'll have to shell out at least $1,099 for one of its Macbooks. In some cases, you can find a Windows-based laptop for half that price -- though it'll probably have fewer bells and whistles.

But there's tons of chatter online right now that the new low price for a Mac notebook will start at $899. A Macbook under a thousand bucks? That would be news.

If you've been on the fence before with buying a Mac laptop, would such a lower price entice you to take a bite of Apple? Hit the jump for some quick links to articles about Apple's announcement today, which is scheduled for 10 a.m. Pacific (1 p.m. Eastern)

Continue reading "A Cheap(er) Mac Laptop?" »

Posted by Gus Sentementes at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Computers
        

I cruised around Baltimore this past weekend with a new Lenovo laptop (the ThinkPad X310), which I used in my first independent test of Sprint's new XOHM network. (See part 1 from earlier today.) Here are some more of my impressions of Sprint's new way to get online in Charm City:

Sunday, 10:20 a.m., Lake Montebello, Northeast Baltimore: One of my favorite spots in the city. You'll see people jogging, biking, rollerblading, waxing their cars and playing musical instruments here on a nice day. I pulled out a camper chair, sat under a tree, and fired up the Lenovo. It picked up the WiMAX signal at 70 percent strength, which offered very good performance.

The speed test results: 3.246 megabits per second on the download; 1.906 megabits on the upload -- more than enough to watch high-quality online video. The strong connection passed my own video test: I was able to watch a show on Hulu.com and another on Amazon.com, plus do additional Web surfing. Mobile broadband while chillin' at Lake Montebello? Very cool.

Sunday, 11:10 a.m., the Pagoda at Patterson Park, Southeast Baltimore: While sitting on the steps of the pagoda, I used the Lenovo to pick up several public Wi-Fi networks, plus XOHM -- a connection that was again at 70 percent strength. Speedtest.net showed me how fast the connection moved: 3.068 megabits per second on the download, 2.112 megabits on the download.

Huh? The upload speed got faster? That's interesting.

Continue reading "WiMAX Watch: Our first test and review of WiMAX enabled Lenovo laptop (Part Two)" »

Posted by Gus Sentementes at 3:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Computers, Technology, WiMAX Watch
        

This past weekend, I got my first solo taste of Baltimore's new way to surf the Internet wirelessly -- with a Lenovo laptop that incorporates the new technology. The new network is called XOHM, and it's Sprint's wireless broadband network built specifically for heavy-duty Web surfing using WiMAX  technology. No, it's not a new cellphone network -- rather, it's more like a massive Wi-Fi hotspot covering most of Baltimore.

To use the network, you can either buy a $79.99 modem for your home or a $59.99 ExpressCard to plug in to your laptop. But if you're looking to buy a new laptop soon, there's a chance you might end up purchasing one that's WiMAX-ready. Lenovo introduced five laptops  last week that come with the new WiMAX chipset built in, and they sent us one to test. I played around with the ThinkPad X301, which is selling at a base price of $2,556.

I took it to some of my usual haunts around Baltimore, from the Waverly Farmer's Market to Patterson Park to Federal Hill. We're the first city in the country to get a taste of this next-generation network. So how does it rate? Hit the jump for my review.

Continue reading "WiMAX Watch: Our first test and review of WiMAX enabled Lenovo laptop" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 1:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Computers, Technology, WiMAX Watch
        

 I had two questions on my mind this week as Gus and I were covering XOHM Sprint Nextel's WiMAX launch at the Bond Street Wharf in Fells Point on Wednesday.

The first question was something that had our friend, Mario Armstrong, that digital dynamo who hosts tech shows on NPR and WYPR, scratching his head. And the second question is something my work spouse and resident tech guru, Gus, has been trying to find the answer for since we heard about WiMAX, which is like one big "hotspot" for wireless Internet connectivity.

Now, we realize the actual XOHM WiMAX launch happened on Sept. 29. But c'mon. The official launch on Wednesday was quite a big to-do. Filled with lots of top executives from Sprint, Nokia, Intel, Samsung and the like. They rented a $1.6 million house, water taxis, Kali's Court and more to show off their baby. It was a big event that attracted press from across the country. Lots of ubertechgeek eyeballs all trained on our great, big little city, Baltimore.

And yet --- Mario, please correct me if I am wrong since I didn't have time to hang around after the press conference -- I didn't spot a single high level politician anywhere in sight to support the event. Odd? Methinks so.

Continue reading "WiMAX Watch: Wherefore Art Thou, Apple?" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 7:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Cellular/Landline/Voice over Internet, Computers, Technology, WiMAX Watch
        

I don't really have a post to go with this. But I just thought this photo of a dude on a WiMAX equipped Segway (taken by my good friend and ultra-talented photographer Jed) was wicked cool.

Talk about being connected on the go. Imagine tooling around town on one of those with the Internet at your fingertips.

If I sound a little taken with the technology, it's because there were some really interesting things going on at XOHM Sprint Nextel's official WiMAX launch yesterday in Fells Point, as Gus told you yesterday.

Jed says the Segway guy is Keshab Lamichhane of Intel. The guy taking video of him is Matt Hamblen of the good folks over at Computerworld.

(Sun Photographer Jed Kirschbaum)

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 3:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Computers, Technology, WiMAX Watch
        

I thought you might appreciate some insight as to how Comcast is servicing their long-time internet customers. Here's an online chat I had with one of their rep's as I tried to learn how I could monitor my bandwidth usage and avoid being penalized for exceeding their new limit. To summarize - they do not provide customers with access to their current measurements of our bandwidth usage, yet they will penalize us if we exceed it.

Continue reading "Consumer Gripe: Comcast won't tell me what my bandwidth use is" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 6:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Cable/Satellite/TV/Comcast/FiOS, Complaints, Computers, Technology
        

Continue reading "WiMAX Watch: WiMAX on the Inner Harbor" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 4:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Computers, Technology, WiMAX Watch
        

Continue reading "WiMAX Watch: Cutting the Cord" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 1:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Computers, Technology, WiMAX Watch
        

Live report from our roaming tech guru Gus -- DD:

Sprint's throwing a party right now in Fells Point, where they're formally kicking off the launch of their new wireless broadband network in Baltimore, known as XOHM. They're using it as an opportunity to announce some new products from computer makers, which consumers will be able to buy. For now, consumers with laptops can only tap the XOHM network in Baltimore by buying a plug-in device that catches the wireless signal.

But today, Lenovo, a major computer maker, is announcing that they'll "immediately" be selling a new lineup of their Thinkpad and Notebook PCs that are WiMAX-enabled. (Need a refresher in WiMAX? Here's the gist: Sprint's XOHM network is based on WiMAX technology, which -- in the simplest way of thinking about it -- is expected to cover the Baltimore area with wireless Internet connectivity. Sorta like the "hotspot" at your local coffee shop, but bigger.)

Continue reading "WiMAX Watch: Lenovo Adds WiMAX Capability to its Laptops" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 11:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Computers, Technology, WiMAX Watch
        

Someone's going to start complaining about how I've always got Gus working overtime to bring you news (like his wife! I promise no more late assignments.)

But he was at it again last night in Fells Point where Sprint's Xohm is launching WiMAX. Here's Gus' report:

Don't be fooled by the low-powered three-wheeled vehicles that Sprint's using to demonstrate their new  high-speed broadband network, called XOHM. The carts are carrying demo wireless gadgets that the Sprint folks will let you play with down in Fells Point. And these gadgets actually move pretty fast on the Internet.

Sprint will be in the area of Bond Street Wharf till at least Wednesday, when they'll have a big bash that officially launches their new wireless Internet network in Baltimore.

Continue reading "WiMAX Watch: Go, Go Gadget" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 6:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Computers, Technology, WiMAX Watch
        

Remember when we told you we liked 1st Mariner Bank's new customer-friendly Web site and a nifty feature it offered to talk to customer service reps any day of the week online? Well, I'm even more jazzed about Provident Bank's new Web site, too.

It doesn't have 7-day access to a rep online like 1st Mariner's, but it's far more customer friendly than it used to be.

Spanish speaking customers will be able to find more information on the Web site on Provident's products and services. There are financial calculators to help you save for retirement, college, a car, or budget. You can learn how to apply for a loan by phone, in person or online.

Continue reading "Battle of the new local banking Web sites" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 10:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Banks, Computers, Technology
        

We've been getting questions every day on XOHM and WiMAX, so Gus is trying to tackle one at a time. Reader Still Have Questions sent us this one the other day:

Can you explain how this is different from other broadband that is out there (those Verizon cards that you can purchase for your laptop, for example) and also how it differs from the trend of municipalities trying to provide free wi-fi around the city. Obviously, I am not very technically minded, so I am just looking for a basic explanation. Especially because this Sprint service seems to be really expensive.

The Answer:

Continue reading "WiMAX Watch: Is Sprint's new technology right for you?" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 4:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
Categories: Computers, Technology, WiMAX Watch
        

Thanks to Mario Armstrong , I learned yesterday around 5:30 p.m. that Computer Harbor, a computer store in Federal Hill, is one of the first places in Baltimore to offer the little plug-in device and the home modem that you can use to connect to Sprint's new WiMAX network. Here's a map of the store's location: (ed note: a Gus post, dear readers -- DD)

I called the store and spoke with Wendell Williams, a store manager, and he said they just got the devices in stock Monday. (Wow! Sprint launched the service the same day in Baltimore. Now that's some logistics planning. I thought it would be a little while longer before they went on sale in Charm City.) Williams said he's sure other stores in the area have them, he just didn't know which ones.)

Continue reading "WiMAX Watch: Buying the Devices That Bring You WiMAX" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 11:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Computers, Marketing/Advertising, Shopping, Technology, WiMAX Watch
        

In a recent interview, I posed some questions to Barry West, Sprint Nextel's chief technology officer (and head of their mobile wireless broadband network called XOHM about how their new network will handle heavy-duty Internet applications. As an example, we talked about how Skype , a popular free/cheap Internet-based telephone application would work on their new WiMAX network, which launched in Baltimore on Monday. (ed note: again, a la Gus -- DD)

Imagine having a little smart phone that you don't have to buy a cell phone plan for -- and you can just use Skype? What would that mean for Sprint's new XOHM network? Could it handle all that voice and video traffic? (You can do video chats via Skype, too.)

So West talked a little about how Sprint will manage high-bandwith users, and how the network they've built will emphasize dedicating their resources to making sure that video and audio is transmitted clearly. But, there's a little catch. If high-bandwith users (i.e. Skype, the company) want their applications to run super-smooth, they might need to pay Sprint a little bit more money to guarantee limited interruptions. Of course, many companies will end up passing such costs on down to the consumer.

Continue reading "WiMAX Watch: Listen to Sprint CTO talk about high-bandwidth users" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 4:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cellular/Landline/Voice over Internet, Computers, Technology, WiMAX Watch
        

I spotted this van yesterday on N. Calvert Street, in downtown Baltimore, just south of the city Circuit Courthouse. Sprint and Intel have tricked out vans that can be seen spotted around the city in their marketing push to promote Sprint's new XOHM network, which is a next-generation wireless broadband network. (ed note: a la Gus -- DD) 

The network will support high-speed broadband access for desktop computers, laptops and other wireless devices that will start to hit the market in coming months. Intel is making the WiMAX chip that will soon be embedded in computers. Intel is just one of several companies that will be making WiMAX chips, which we expect to start turning up embedded in a lot of different electronic gadgets, not just computers.

Reader Bob asked this question yesterday:

Gus, I'd like to know about the security issues involved in WiMax. I think it's a great idea for fun stuff like web surfing, downloading videos, audio, etc, but what about those of us who conduct financial transactions (banking and buying things online with credit cards) over the internet. I've been doing this for over 10 years now and I NEVER use a wireless connection, even with encryption, for these transactions. A hard wired connection is a must for for me for security purposes. Any information you can provide regarding this issue while the trial is in town would be much appreciated.

Continue reading "WiMAX Watch: Security questions asked and answered" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 1:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Computers, Technology, WiMAX Watch
        

Just in case you think we're making a big to-do over nothing, get a load of just a miniscule fraction of the WiMax-is-here stories that hit the (cyber)pavement today, besides Gus' WiMax story, of course:

Here's the Associated Press' version on XOHM and WiMax.

InformationWeek picked up Gus' WiMax story and said: "The Baltimore launch is expected to be an important test bed for Sprint's planned partnership with Clearwire, which has been deploying fixed WiMax in various locations in the United States and globally. The new company will be called Clearwire, Sprint noted, adding that the combined company plans a nationwide WiMax network."

USA Today's WiMax story says: If Sprint can prove its WiMax case, consumers could win big, says Shahid Khan, a senior partner at IBB Consulting: "They'll have better services and better devices at better prices."

Here is InfoWorld's take on how well WiMax worked in a month-long test run.

The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) also says: Baltimore usually isn't considered a technology mecca. But many people in Silicon Valley, and other high-tech centers, will be watching closely to see what happens after Sprint Nextel Corp. flips the switch on a new wireless network Monday.

Engadget is asking readers how the WiMax launch is going in Baltimore.

See that, Baltimore? Doesn't that make you feel special? We're so geeky, we're cool.

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 4:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Computers, Technology, WiMAX Watch
        

Sprint Nextel Corp.today opened up its long-anticipated new wireless broadband network for public use here in Baltimore. They're calling it XOHM. The company says it'll be a fast, wireless way for people to surf the Web in the Baltimore area. Sprint's goal is to make the city one big "hotspot" -- much like what you'd find at your local coffee shop, but bigger. And faster. (ed note: This is all Gus, folks. Check out his Sprint launches WiMax in Baltimore story that ran today. -- DD)

You're probably wondering: how do I get a taste of it? And, just as important, is the pricing right for me?

If you were hoping for some instant gratification today, it ain't likely to happen -- unless you're one of several lucky "testers" in the Baltimore market. In the past several weeks, Sprint's given an unknown number of free computers to these testers and is relying on them for early feedback. (Sorry -- no more free computers left, a Sprint spokesman told me last week. The tester program was "oversubscribed," he said. I bet!)

Continue reading "WiMAX Watch: XOHM Open For Business Today in Baltimore" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 11:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Computers, Technology, WiMAX Watch
        

What's a lifelong Yankees fan to do when he doesn't live in the New York viewing area? Thomas Morton signed up for MLB.TV to watch his hometown team a year ago and loved catching the games online. Then MLB.TV upgraded software to stream standard definition TV quality games and Morton's old computer couldn't keep up.

Months of phone calls and letters didn't solve his problem so he contacted the paper. We called MLB.TV on his behalf and within a couple days, MLB techs got Morton back up and running.

My question to you is would this problem have been resolved without the paper getting involved? Morton did everything he was supposed to, but still got no resolution. When the paper got involved, MLB went above and beyond the call of duty to help Morton out. I applaud them for the great effort (it took more than three hours on the phone, talking him through each and every step). But I can't help but wonder if Morton would have gotten satisfaction without us.

What do you think?

Continue reading "Consumer Sundays: MLB.TV complaint and city sewer project" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 7:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Cable/Satellite/TV/Comcast/FiOS, Complaints, Computers, Watchdog
        

We know the regular baseball season is over, but find out in my Consuming Interests column on Sunday whether Major League Baseball's MLB-TV hit a dinger or struck out when I tossed them a customer complaint about his inability to watch his beloved Yankees online.

La Liz is tackling what seems to be a never-ending construction project in the Tuscany-Canterbury neighborhood in her Watchdog column this Sunday. Residents wondering if there is a finish date in sight will be well-served by checking out what Liz found out.

Good news, too, Excellent Eileen will return next week. We hope she's had an enjoyable rest because we've missed her 'round here.

(AFP/Getty Images)

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 2:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cable/Satellite/TV/Comcast/FiOS, Complaints, Computers, Technology, Watchdog
        

I own a Mac laptop and a little iPod. I use the Mac all the time and love it. I like my iPod, but I don't really use it much because I'm still a fan of regular old-fashioned radio (don't judge, I'm old-school like that). So yes, I am a fan of Apple products.

But can I just tell you how I'm so over those smarmy, cooler-than-thou Apple commercials? At first, I thought they were kind of cute. But the more I watch them, the more they grate on my nerves. Seriously. Can Apple come off any more elitist than they do in their ads with Mac Boy?

Am I the only one annoyed?

I gotta say, though, as annoyed as I am about the Mac ads, I have to say that the Seinfeld-Gates ads that Microsoft has been running weren't really doing much for me either. Slightly amusing, but... meh. Not very memorable, just odd.

Continue reading "Annoying or Cool: Microsoft ads vs. Apple ads" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 5:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Computers, Marketing/Advertising
        

Thanks to Reader Chuck for this bit of interesting news from unstrung.com:

Soon you'll be able to find yourself -- and local businesses -- on mobile WiMax, but only in Baltimore to begin with. (See Sprint Announces Geobrowsing for XOHM Mobile Internet.)

Sprint Nextel Corp. (NYSE: S - message board) today unveiled one of the first services that will be available on its XOHM mobile WiMax network: A location service that will pinpoint local businesses, restaurants, and "points of interest" for mobile users with WiMax-cards for their laptops. The third-largest cellular carrier in the U.S. is calling the application Geobrowsing and says at least some of the capabilities will be available when it goes commercial this September in Baltimore.

 

Continue reading "Mobile WiMax from Sprint on its way" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 2:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Computers, Technology
        

Lots of anticipation over the launch of Juggernaut Google's open source Web browser, Chrome, today.

Here's CNet.com's take on it yesterday:

The Web site for Google's new open-source Chrome browser is slowly waking up. As I first began writing this post, there was a logo, a single screenshot (below), a link to a broken video, and a non-functioning download link. The page now redirects to Google.com, though.

The company is hosting a press conference at its Mountain View, Calif., headquarters Tuesday at 11 a.m. PDT. I will be there and will live blog. Sign up for a reminder in the box at right, or just show up on Webware.com.

Continue reading "Google Chrome browser launches" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 4:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Computers, Technology
        

Leave it up to the great and wonderful Greg Garland, the paper's former investigative reporter who worked his last day with us on Friday, to leave us with this little tip before he left:

I was trying to check on something relating to unemployment compensation and mistakenly wound up on a site www.md.unemployment.com. It seems like you are on a government site at first, but it isn’t. It’s for profit companies guiding you to different sites. The actual maryland site is www.mdunemployment.com.

No dot between md and unemployment. I bet a lot of people get misled and confused by the for profit site, and steered wrong.

Continue reading "Steering you right to mdunemployment" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 11:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Computers, Marketing/Advertising, Wages
        

If you're wondering how Cuil, the new search engine launched today stacks up against giant Google, check out the forum on slashdot, the news for nerds Web site.

I'm rather skeptical to believe that Cuil "claims to index three times as many Web pages as Google." Plus, in a search on Cuil for "The Baltimore Sun," it returned 119,047 results with some nifty images attached. Google found more than 1.8 million.

I'm definitely all for more options, but it will probably take Cuil some time to catch up to Google. It's only been a day so let's be patient and give Cuil a chance.

I'm going to expect a LOT more tomorrow.... heh... just kidding.

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 5:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Computers, Technology
        

Dan Thanh alluded earlier to the fact that Comcast monitors the Internet, looking for disgruntled customers.

The Sun ran an Associated Press story in its business section a few months ago about the phenomenon, which the Boston Globe reprised last week in an article about companies using Twitter to keep tabs on what customers say about them --- particularly those who have technical difficulties.

Twitter defines itself as a quick way to tell lots of people what you are doing, at any given moment. You can either log onto the site to send a message, or a "tweet," or text- or instant-message it into the system.

So how do you use Twitter to contact Comcast? 

Continue reading "Got a Comcast complaint? Try Twitter" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 1:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Cable/Satellite/TV/Comcast/FiOS, Cellular/Landline/Voice over Internet, Computers, Technology
        

Computerworld reported this week that Dell Inc. will charge customers up to $50 for factory-installed Windows XP on some PCs after Wednesday, June 18.

For those out there who aren't crazy about Vista, you're going to have to pay up if you want to install the older XP on your new computer.

Computerworld says, "Buyers of the low-priced Vostro line of desktops and notebooks will pay $20 to $50 more for Windows XP Professional installed as a 'downgrade' from Windows Vista Business or Vista Ultimate than they would for Vista only."

Check out the story for more details.

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 3:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Complaints, Computers, Technology
        

Don't wait until it's too late to take precautions to safeguard your computers and other electronic items from storm damage.

After the tornado watch and other foul weather yesterday, Tech Whiz Mike Himowitz has a very timely story today about protecting against power surges and other potential power mishaps.

According to him, you don't need to spend much to insure your hardware --- and the precious data stored within --- stays functioning through many a surge caused by weather or even the cycling of appliances within your home.

Surge protectors start at $8 and go way up from there, but just make sure you look for a few basic characteristics before you invest: 

Continue reading "Storm-proof your electronics" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 3:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Cable/Satellite/TV/Comcast/FiOS, Cellular/Landline/Voice over Internet, Cheap/Frugal, Computers, Consumer safety, Technology
        

A New York judge ruled yesterday that computer retailer Dell engaged in repeated false and deceptive advertising of its promotional credit financing and warranties.

According to the AP by way of CrainsNewYork.com, the judge ordered Dell to disclose more clearly that most customers do not qualify for free financing or get “next day” repair service.

New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo sued Dell last year.

The story quoted Cuomo saying, “For too long at Dell the promise of customer service was a bait and switch that left thousands of people paying for essentially no service at all." The AG's office had 700 complaints against Dell when the lawsuit was filed in May 2007 and received more than 1,000 since, a spokesman said.

Continue reading "Dude, Dell is guilty of consumer fraud" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 1:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Computers, Naughty businesses/NBotW
        

On Sunday, I wrote about BlueHippo and the unending complaints that are still coming in about the Woodlawn-based retailer that sells computers and other electronics to people with poor credit.

Maria Allwine of Baltimore wrote in to say:

How about a story on who owns Blue Hippo and its history. I think publishing the names of the owner(s) and the history, finances, etc. of this company might be helpful.

The bad news is that I didn't include that information because I only have 25 inches of space to work with for my Sunday column. The good news is that The Sun and fellow blogger (a.k.a. Financial Guru) Eileen wrote a terrific story on this very question back in 2006.

But, being the generous, thoughtful soul that I am, I'm going to copy and paste the lengthy article after the jump instead of making you search and pay for it in our archives like my bosses would like for you to do. Why? Because it's all about you readers, that's why.

Continue reading "BlueHippo Blues" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 3:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (14)
Categories: Complaints, Computers, Consumer protection, Debt, Naughty businesses/NBotW
        

So for the last few weeks, I've been getting a weird e-mail every week from some guy I don't think I know, saying, "Hi, I looked for you on Reunion.com, the largest people search service -- but you weren't there."

The e-mail then directed me to click on a link to see who had been searching for me.

First of all, I didn't really remember anyone by this guy's particular name. Second, I'm incredibly suspicious of weird e-mails asking me to click on links.

So, of course, I just routinely delete weird e-mails for fear of bugs, scams and other possible nefarious schemes. Turns out I was smart to do so. According to our sister paper, The LATimes, the e-mail is part of Reunion.com's misguided and super-annoying attempt to sign up more members.

Continue reading "Annoying reunion e-mails" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 7:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Complaints, Computers, Naughty businesses/NBotW, Technology
        

Thanks to those smart guys at Baltimore-based ISE for finding a critical vulnerability in Mac's Safari browser. Apple Inc. patched four flaws in its Safari browser this week, including the one discovered by ISE's Charlie Miller, according to this ComputerWorld story.

The finding won Miller a $10,000 check for the "Pwn 2 Own" contest on the second day of the hacker challenge held at the CanSecWest security conference in Canada.

According to the story, Miller and two fellow researchers turned over the vulnerability that they discovered three weeks ago and signed a nondisclosure agreement that prevented them from discussing their findings until the bug was patched in exchange for the $10,000 prize.

Bravo, guys!

If you don't know about ISE, this little homegrown company has made quite a name for itself by analyzing controversial Diebold Electronic Voting machine source code and broke the encryption on Texas Instruments' wireless gas payment cards and car keys - a potential threat to millions of consumers.

Continue reading "A shout-out to hometown smart guys, Independent Security Evaluators" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 7:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Computers, Consumer protection
        

And no, we're not talking about the kind of profit touted by the Underpants Gnomes.

Evan Siple, who offered a soliloquy on online shopping here, shares his system to save money on every purchase. He's already buying all his electronics and plenty of groceries over the Intertubes --- being careful to avoid the early adopter trap. He also takes advantage of Craigslist.
 
But why online, especially for electronics?

"As far as ordering electronics online, you can ALWAYS find a better deal online than at the major brick-and-mortar establishments, almost without exception. Even in the case of buying something large like a television, which can be white-glove delivered to your house for a fee, the cost of shipping and delivery is usually offset by substantial rebates, no sales tax, and the simple fact that you're not paying an inflated price to satisfy a salesperson's commission."

But Evan's not talking about searching for coupon codes online, or even hunting Amazon for "filler items" to bump the total in his shopping cart over $25 to get free shipping (via Consumerist).  

Here's his secret to saving money and time, which requires one simple step:

Continue reading "Online shopping for fun and profit" »

Posted by Liz Kay at 10:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Maryland-based BlueHippo has been raising the ire of consumers across the country for years.

Yesterday, the Federal Trade Commission announced it reached a settlement with the company over allegations that it took consumers money without providing the electronics purchased. BlueHippo didn’t admit to doing anything wrong, but agreed to pay $3.5 million to possibly $5 million to burned consumers.

If you missed it, read consumer reporter Liz Kay’s story on the settlement — as well as who is eligible for restitution.

Posted by Eileen Ambrose at 3:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Computers
        

Every day here at Consuming Interests, I take calls from frustrated consumers who have been abused, misused, fooled, or disappointed in some way by some business out there. Oftentimes, a simple phone call to the business can clear up the matter. Sometimes, it takes weeks of back and forth phone calls. There there are problems where consumers just want to vent and the only words of comfort I can provide are: It happens to all of us.

If you don't believe me, my wonderful colleague and airline industry reporter Laura McCandlish wants you to know she was victimized just recently:

Continue reading "No Passport to Fun" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 2:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (49)
Categories: Computers, Consumer protection, Credit cards, Shopping
        

Now, I don't consider myself old, but I also do not consider myself young. I don't think I'm hip enough to roll with Sam Sessa, which is why I only read his Midnight Sun blog instead of actually participating in his late-night carousing. But I also feel like I know a thing or two about what the cool kids are into these days... the Wii, i-anything and vintage Vans, right? (hey, I have young nieces and nephews, you know)!

But this, I just don't get this at all.

I understand this part: As the Web site says, "Second Life is a 3-D virtual world entirely created by its Residents. Since opening to the public in 2003, it has grown explosively and today is inhabited by millions of Residents from around the globe."

This part, I don't get: "You'll also be surrounded by the Creations of your fellow Residents. Because Residents retain the rights to their digital creations, they can buy, sell and trade with other Residents. The Marketplace currently supports millions of US dollars in monthly transactions. This commerce is handled with the in-world unit-of-trade, the Linden dollar, which can be converted to US dollars at several thriving online Linden Dollar exchanges."

So you use real money to get fake money to use in the virtual world to buy islands, land, homes and other property? Isn't life complicated enough?!

Apparently not, according to this LA Times story.

Continue reading "Second Life Shenanigans" »

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 4:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Computers, Consumer protection, Consumer safety, Naughty businesses/NBotW
        

When I bought my laptop at the end of last year, I was amazed at how easy it was to connect to the Internet through various free wireless hotspots. Whether it was a signal from a hotel across the street, a local coffee shop or some other outlet, it felt like the whole world was open to me and my laptop.

Apparently, I had it wrong. Using those WiFi hotspots actually opened up me and my computer to the whole world, according to this WSJ story about people who prey on WiFi hotspot users.

Just the first three graphs in the story were enough to convince me that it might be a bad idea:

Next time you are sitting in a hotel lobby checking email on your laptop, be careful: The "businessman" in the next lounge chair may be tracking your every move.

Many Wi-Fi users don't know that hackers posted at hot spots can steal personal information out of the air relatively easily. And savvy criminal hackers aren't settling for just access to credit cards, bank accounts and other personal financial information; they love to sneak into your company's network, too.

Whether you're using a Wi-Fi hot spot at a hotel, airport or cafe, "you've got to assume that anything you are doing is being monitored," says Shawn Henry, deputy assistant director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's cybercrimes division.

I should have gone with my paranoid and pessimistic instincts about free WiFi. Nothing in life is ever free. There's always a price you have to pay whether it's actual money or peace of mind. I'd rather fork over a little more money for more security.

This is not to say you shouldn't use those WiFi hotspots at all. Just don't do anything really anything really important -- like banking -- while using a hotspot or you could find yourself in the hot seat.  

Posted by Dan Thanh Dang at 8:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Computers, Consumer safety