My new phone!!! - Blackberry Pearl

Just got it 2 days ago for $49 with a free Motorola H700 headset. My T-Mobile plan is:

$40 for 600 anytime minutes, free nights/weekends
$20 for unlimited Internet
$5 for 400 messages - text, pictures,etc
14% federal discount
Total - $56 +taxes so around $60/month


My old plan with Cingular was $30/month for 450 minutes and free nights/weekends.

Here are the Blackberry features:

* Email - not really too important for me but it's nice to have.
* Instant Messaging - prob not gonna use this too much
* Web Browser - this will be useful for checking scores but that's about it.
* Camera - nice camera - 1.3 megapixel, small flash. picture quality in the light isn't too bad. The flash isn't too strong so night pics aren't that great.
* Media Player. Audio and video playback in a variety of formats** - music from the speaker doesn't sound too good. Via the headphone it's not too bad. The jack is 2.5 mm versus the standard 3.5mm so I can't use my ipod headphones with it. That sucks.
* Integrated address book, calendar, memo pad, task list - This should be useful. Can synch with Outlook.
* 64 MB of memory and expandable memory via microSD card*** - just bought a 1 GB microsd card from Best Buy for $30. A 2 GB card would be nice but it wasn't on sale.
* BlackBerry Maps™, the best way to find your way* - GPS with basic maps. Pretty neat. Good to have on the road for convenience. If I were to go on a trip I still would rather have a Garmin GPS though.
* Speakerphone and Voice Activated Dialing - speakerphone sounded good which I use pretty often.
* SureType® keyboard technology in a QWERTY-style layout - keyboard is a little small but workable.
* Bluetooth® capability for hands-free dialogue via headsets and car kits - will be useful with the H700 while driving. My old SLVR couldn't do Bluetooth headsets.
* Compatibility with popular Personal Information Management (PIM) software
* High resolution, light sensing screen that adjusts lighting levels automatically for ideal indoor and outdoor viewing - screen is pretty clear. Pics look pretty good on it.

Another good thing about this phone is that I can connect it to my laptop via the USB cable and use it to browse the Internet. The speed is pretty fast too. Around 115k.

Even though my phone plan is now double, the amount of features that this new plan/phone provides makes it worth it.

Best Buy 10% off coupon - good till 12/30

X-mas @ Osake

Had a good time at Osake with some friends....

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

Ruehl store in Ala Moana

Went there for the first time this past week. Pretty neat store with lots of little rooms to get lost in. Kinda like a A&F feel but more comfortable. Casual clothes but a little on the pricey side. It's located next to Emporio Armani on the third floor.

Prosper.com - Ebay of loans

Also read this in Money magazine. Pretty interesting. People buy and sell loans at rates determined by risk. Some loans can go for as much as 15-20% interest rates but that's with more risk. People who can't get traditional loans or who are looking to consolidate credit card debt could use this service. Check it out at :

http://prosper.com