Digital Life Radio

Show Notes 10/19/08

Posted on 21. Oct, 2008 by Jordan in Show Notes

Episode 4  – 10/19/08

Hosted by Jordan Drake and Jake Brown

Special guests: Mickey Papillon and Joey Koppes from The Cell Phone Junkie Podcast

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In this episode:

Special Guests:

Mickey Papillon and Joey Koppes from The Cell Phone Junkie join us for the entire hour to help us talk about all things cell phone. If you want to know anything at all about cell phones, you need to subscribe to their fantastic weekly podcast. Our guests are brought to the airwaves courtesy of Giant Squid Audio Labs.

Tech News:

• Our first story is, of course, a cell phone story! As of October 13th, 2008, the cell phone is 25 years old! October 13th, 1983 saw the first call made from Ameritech’s president in Chicago to the grandson of Alexander Bell in Germany. Joey and Mickey talk about some of the cell phone milestones that have been made throughout the past 25 years. The switch from analogue to digital networks, the first portable phone from Motorola, etc. Joey and Mickey also talk about the first smartphones, starting with the Palm Treo. Source – Electronista
• Our second story follows up on a story we introduced last week, Apple’s latest Macbook refresh. The new Macbook, and Macbook Pro, released this past Tuesday (the 14), feature an all aluminum construction, a unique glass touchpad, and LED backlit glass display, an interesting new mini display port, and new and powerful graphics. Jordan, Jake, Joey, and Mickey discuss the various pros and cons of these new laptops. Jake is dissapointed that Blue Ray is not included but is excited about the newer graphics, and Jordan has mixed feelings about the buttonless touchpad. Everyone agrees, selling the old plastic Macbook at $999 is a very weak move from Apple, and the new mini display port may also be a poor choice for replacing DVI or HDMI. If you’re excited by the new laptops – the Macbook starts at $1299 and the Macbook Pro at $1999. Incidentally, none of our hosts are springing for one any time soon. Podcast Exclusive – listen to the end of this weeks mp3 for an exclusive Macbook Pro review with Billy Hime

Tech Vocabulary – CDMA and GSM:

What is the difference between CDMA and GSM? Joey and Mickey explain that GSM phones use a SIM card in your phone and are provided by AT&T, and T-Mobile. GSM is also designed for global roaming meaning that you can use your GSM phone all over the world. CDMA, used by Verizon, Sprint, and Alltel does not use a SIM card which means each phone has to be activated in the store. Both network types offer the same features and optional data plans (for email, web browing, basic calls – etc.) deciding which you will go with depends on the coverage offered for where you live. For instance, Verizon – a CDMA provider – has some of the best Boone coverage available. Listen to the show for more on mobile broadband.

Digital Life Minute – How to clean a dirty DVD or CD:

Having problems with a dirty or scratched DVD or CD? Cleaning the disc yourself is easy to do. Simply take a clean non-abrasive rag, wet the rag with lukewarm water and wipe the disc with the rag stroking from the center to the outer rim. Do NOT wipe in circular motions. Once you have cleaned with the water, repeat the step with a dry rag to remove any moisture. Take the DVD or CD, put it back in the player and give it a try. Most of the time, your film or music will play back like new.

Cell phone topic – Smartphones:

Cell phone topic – Bluetooth headset recommendations:

• Great audio quality – Plantronics 925 – $70
• Best backround noise proof – Jawbone and Jawbone 2 – $60/$100
• Best budget headset – Plantronics 815 – $52

Tags: apple, AT&T, CDMA, cell phones, GSM, iphone, macbook, macbook pro, smartphones, Verizon