FCC asked to weigh in on broadband data caps

Several consumer groups are pressing the FCC to investigate the wireless companies (AT&T in particular) for their recent decisions to institute data caps on their networks for users.   The worry is that the data caps are only being put into place to generate a profit center.  As more and more of us use more and more of the Internet, data caps are a way for ISP's to pocket additional revenue in the future.  You like Netflix, well using it regularly will take you over your cap.  Given the story I have about how AT&T are overstating data usage on their network, we have a problem in the making.  I think an investigation is needed.  Consumers will be using more and more of the Internet in the future, the ISP's are just trying to figure out a way to suck more money out of our pockets.  ISP's argue that they are needed to manage their networks more efficiently.  Who do you trust on that one?

Shocking!... a wireless carrier overcharging us?

A recent lawsuit was just filed asserting that AT&T systmatically overstates data usage on iPhones and iPads to their obvious benefit.  My only reaction is to wonder why it took this long for this claim to surface.  I challenge anyone to read their cell phone bill and figure out the data usage section.  They could put anything on that bill and we would never know.  In the lawsuit, a computer firm hired to confirm the claim states that, as an example, they purchased a new iPhone, turned off any and all features that would consume data, let it sit for 10 days and found that AT&T listed 35 instances of data consumption for that time period.  It may turn into a class action suit, which means that nobody will get anything other than that annoying postcard in the mail informing you of the .35 cents you will get in the mail after the plaintiffs win.

Sell your old gadgets on Amazon.com

Amazon.com has introduced a new program that will buy back your used electronic gadgets.   Anything from MP3 players, cell phones, cameras to GPS units and more.  You tell them what you got, the condition it is in and they will give you a quote on what they will pay for it.  You print out a free shipping label and send it in.  Once the item is confirmed to be in the condition you said, a check is sent to you.  Seems quite simple, well it is.  Also, Amazon is not the first.  Try Gazelle.com.  I have and the process is that simple and it works.

Hey students! Buy a PC, get a free Xbox 360

Microsoft announced that beginning 5-23-11, any qualifying student (currently you must have a .edu email account) will receive a free Xbox 360 gaming system with the purchase of any computer over $699 from a participating retailer.  The current list of online retailers include HP.com, Dell.com and Microsoft's online store.  If you want to go retail, head to Best Buy.  The deal is available until 9-3-11.

Facial Recognition for your Laptop

I generally do not recommend software that you pay for.  There are so many free alternatives to almost every program, that very few paid programs are worth it.  However, with Key Lemon Gold, my mind has changed, at least this time.  Key Lemon Gold is a facial recognition program primarily for laptops.  Quite simply, you log on with your webcam.  It checks your face against your face and logs you on.  If someone else is sitting there, they are locked out.  It also checks your face at different preset times and when your system comes out of sleep.  It currently goes for $29.95, although I got it on a one day sale for $5.99 a couple of weeks ago.

Finally, we are over Windows Vista

A new survey conducted by American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), by the University of Michigan showed that consumer satisfaction with Microsoft software at 79%.  The consensus is that this is a result of the overwhelming success of Windows 7 (over 350 million copies sold so far).  This is up from the Windows Vista days.  Kudos to Microsoft.