Reduce data consumption on your smart phone

Mobile browser reduces data consumption

Opera Mini offers a way to dramatically reduce how much data you use on your smart phone.

Big carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon all have data caps in place. Sprint is the only one of the bigs still out there doing unlimited data. Imagine how they'll get dumped on by data hogs!

So let's say you want to hang with AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon because you like their networks. A tech writer for The New York Times recently ran a story that claims Opera Mini reduces data consumption by 90% so you can dramatically stretch your data plan with your carrier.
Opera Mini is a mobile browser available as a free download for Android, Apple, Blackberry, Windows and Symbian S60 smartphones. Because it only sips data, you may even be able to stay on a lower data plan when you're using it. Plus, in my experience using Opera Mini, it's really fast to boot!
So try downloading it. It will improve your web surfing and save you money on the data side.

http://www.komando.com/downloads/category.aspx?id=8967

Opera Mini Using the Web from your phone is fantastic. Once you've lived with it, you can never go back. It's great to be able to find anything no matter where you are. And most smart phones should have a built-in browser. Unfortunately, many mobile browsers aren't great. They work. But there is a better option. Opera Mini​ is a fast, polished mobile browser. It was built specifically for smart phones. And it makes surfing from your phone a breeze. Cost: Free iPhone Link: Android Link: Opera Mini for Android Blackberry Link: Opera Mini for Blackberry

http://www.komando.com/downloads/category.aspx?id=1600

Opera Web browser

Which Web browser is for you? I don't recommend using Internet Explorer. It just isn't as secure as other options. What does that leave? Firefox and Chrome are great choices. But there is another browser worth checking out. This browser visits all the same sites as any other. But it's very fast. It can also be customized in appearance and functionality. It can boost surfing speed on slower Internet connections. You can navigate using built-in mouse gestures. Sounds pretty good, right? This browser is called Opera. It's been around for a long time. It has sort of flown under the radar. But its interesting features may fit you perfectly. For example, Opera features built-in pop-up and ad blocking. And the address bar doubles as a search bar. There are more features than I can list here. And there's the rub. Opera is a powerful browser. But it takes some getting used to. And some features are only useful to advanced users. If it sounds interesting, give it a shot. It might be the perfect browser for you. Cost: Free Link: www.opera.com System: Windows XP, Vista and 7, Mac OS X​

Phone Service $19.95 per year - yes, it is true !/ Clark Howard

I had heard about Magic Jack internet phone service and consumer guru Clark Howard  www.clarkhoward.com has given it rave reviews.

He has used it for years and loves the $19.95 per YEAR price for unlimited local and long distance calls.

Clark does not accept payment for his endorsements. So, if he says that it’s great, it’s because he believes it.

I have purchased it and have been using it for 6 months  and I love it !!  It’s great for me since I needed an additional line.  And it might be great if you do not have a landline and would like the security of having one in case you misplace your cell phone, don’t want to pay for unlimited cell minutes, or have other issues.  It’s also portable – take it with you .  Read the details on their website www.magicjack.com

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine-archive/2010/february/shopping/infomercial-products/magic-jack/infomercial-products-magic-jack.htm
The claim

Magic Jack, a VoIP (voice over Internet protocol) phone device and service, "makes your monthly phone bill disappear," an online ad says. "Save hundreds, even thousands, of dollars" and get "no more poor reception." You plug Magic Jack into a computer's USB port, plug the line cord of your own phone into the other end of the USB adapter, and Magic Jack uses the Internet to make and receive calls. You need broadband Internet access, and the computer has to be on for you to make or receive a call. If it's off, messages go to voice mail. The charge: $39.95 for the device includes one year of local and long distance calling; then $19.95 per year. Details are at  www.magicjack.com .

The check

One of our electronics experts made dozens of calls over several days, sometimes while downloading files or playing online computer games.
Bottom line

Shazam! Calls connected, and voice quality was clear, though not as clear as on a good corded phone on a regular line. When our tester downloaded a big file while playing an online game and making a call, there was some interference. But if you can live with a few limitations, it's a great deal. Vonage VoIP service can cost $216 a year; Skype, $95, and you must buy a Skype phone.

Read more:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13845_3-9818928-58.html#ixzz1ABK46pzC

Need a second phone line? How about a dedicated business line for your home-based enterprise? A cheap way to make calls while traveling the world? Look no further than the MagicJack, quite possibly the coolest gizmo of 2007.

All you do is plug the little guy into a USB port. It automatically installs its own software: a nifty little dialer/address-book app. (During the initial setup, you get to choose your own local number for inbound calls.) Now just plug any corded or cordless handset into the MagicJack's standard RJ-11 jack and presto, you've got a dial tone. And voice mail. And three-way calling, caller ID, etc. You can also use a headset if you're traveling and don't want to schlep that bulky old Princess phone.

The MagicJack costs $40, which includes a year's worth of unlimited local and long-distance calls. (Free international calls to other MagicJack users, too.) After that, you'll pay just $20 per year. I've tried this thing, and let me tell you: It rocks. It's way easier to use than Skype, way cheaper than Vonage, and way cool to boot.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/MagicJack-USB-Voice-over-IP-Yearly-Telephone-Service-for-19.95/11962556