Samsung Galaxy S II: Cadillac of Android Phones

If you’re looking for an Android phone and aren’t quite sure where to start,  Samsung’s Galaxy S II is the Android phone against which all others should be judged.  

Quite simply, ask an Android power user what they think of their phone, and you’ll probably get a response like “It’s pretty good, but I really wish I had the Galaxy S-II.”

T-Mobile’s Samsung Galaxy S II phone, the object of desire for Android users, was lent to me for my trip to Haiti in Janaury and let’s just say I’ve had some trouble giving it back.  It’s a beautiful phone that sports a gigantic 4.52 inch screen and connects to T-Mobile’s 4G network.  Samsung is one of the top manufacturers of Android phones and the Galaxy S II is their flagship model.

When I say you should judge all other Android phones by how they measure up against the Galaxy S II, what do I mean? 

The Android phone decision process should be something like this: Start with the Galaxy S II and ask yourself if there’s a reason why it won’t work for you and if there isn’t, then justify it.

Plausible examples:

• I really like the Galaxy S II, but it won’t fit in the pocket of my skinny jeans.
• The screen is just too big and I don’t deserve nice things.
• It’s nice, but I absolutely want a keyboard.
• I don’t have the cash for it. Other phones are cheaper.

Other than those excuses, this is the phone for you.

Make no mistake about it.  This is the Cadillac of phones and here’s the evidence that helps support my claim.

Form:

The sleek case is as thin as an iPhone 4 but larger to accommodate the gigantic screen. It’s a 4.52 inch Super AMOLED screen with vibrant colors.  T-Mobile sells the Galaxy S II in two versions: white with a shiny metal frame and an all-black “Titanium” version.   It’s elegant, sleek, and the huge screen is like a billboard in Times Square when compared to other Android phones.  

Function:

The guts of the phone are equally impressive.  The 1.5GHz dual-core processor  gives it the required horsepower to handle your Android Apps, movies, photos, music, GPS navigation, and Angry Birds.

It ships with the Android Gingerbread operating system version 2.3.6.  That’s not a cutting-edge version of Android, but it’s certainly not out of date. The phone comes with 15GB of internal flash and a MicroSD slot where you could put up to 32GB of additional storage.

It’s got an 8 megapixel camera with a flash and a 2 megapixel front-facing camera for video conferencing.  You can even play HD video from your phone on a giant LCD TV with a special cable that can be purchased separately.

Play HD video on your TV from your phone

For WiFi, the phone can connect to your WiFi at home/work/Starbucks.  One feature that stands out on the Galaxy S II is that it is one of the first phones to support 802.11an, which lets your phone use WiFi at speeds of up to 300mbps using WiFi spectrum in the 5GHz range. 

Why is this important?  Simple:  Older smartphones, Bluetooth headsets and other wireless devices are cluttering up the 2.4GHz Wifi space, slowing down your WiFi connection.  If you’re a numbers geek then you’ll appreciate knowing that the 5GHz WiFi airwaves are much less crowded, as 5GHz is mostly supported by laptops and iPads, not smartphones.  Hotspots usually support both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, but your phone will have a faster connection if you’re among the few people using the 5GHz airwaves.

Popularity and Longevity:

Unlike the Apple iPhone which has just a few versions, there are a tons of Android models out there.  Some Android phones have a lifespan of about an hour.  Within a week of being released, the phone is overshadowed by the release of yet another Android phone by the same carrier.  

The Galaxy S II will have a long lifespan compared to many other phones.  This is important for several reasons:

1. Carriers are selling lots of these phones.  That means that it’ll be easy to find attractive cases and accessories for the phone.   
2. As a high-volume product being sold at a premium price, users can and will expect a longer software update lifecycle than another Android model that flopped and sold very few phones.  If you have a problem with something on the phone, or you want to customize something, the web is already brimming with web pages and forums dedicated to Samsung Galaxy S II users who have nothing but free time to post tricks and tips for the phone.   You can benefit from someone else’s free time. 

Summary:

The Galaxy S II currently is the reigning champion of the top-of-the-line Android phone arms race.  Android has built-in turn-by-turn GPS navigation.  Apple’s iPhone doesn’t.  This phone is a fierce competitor with the iPhone and it would serve you well.  Available from T-Mobile for $229.

The Galaxy S II was on loan to me from T-Mobile for testing purposes.  No compensation was received for this post and all opinions are my own. Images courtesy of T-Mobile and Samsung.

Auryn Offers Free iTunes eBook Downloads

Since March is National Reading Month, Auryn is celebrating by giving away copies of their various eBooks over the next two weeks.  Auryn titles have become a favorite in our house thanks to the beautiful illustrations and wonderful content that we read on my iPhone and iPad.  Normally starting at $0.99, Auryn eBooks are an affordable way to ensure that you sneak in a little reading every day even when on the go. 

Take a look at this list of great apps and download beginning today to get your first of 4 Auryn titles for free over the next two weeks!

Love You to the Moon and Back

Sunday, March 18— Love You to the Moon and Back, a sweet book which celebrates a parent’s unconditional love for a child

Inspector Peckit

Tuesday, March 20— Inspector Peckit is based on a Don Freeman (author of Corduroy) book and is about a French detective pigeon who is on a mission to find a little girl’s lost purse.

Van Gogh and the Sunflowers

Sunday, March 25— Van Gogh and the Sunflowers is based on the artist and his works but contains important messages about tolerance, acceptance, and compassion for those who might be different.  It’s a personal favorite and also appropriately timed since March is also Youth Art Month!

Wednesday, March 28— Miko: Where is Mimiki is about trying to find a lost friend.

Auryn provided me with free download codes to review each of the above titles but no additional compensation was received for this post and all opinions are my own.

5 Tips for Securing Hand Me Down Tablets Before Giving Them to Kids

If you’re spending the weekend playing with your new iPad and considering handing down your old device to your children, you’re not alone! According to a recent PBS KIDS survey, nearly a quarter of parents of 2–10 year olds find a second life for their personal tech devices by handing them down to their kids.  

Multi-iPad families are becoming the norm, but how do we keep kids safe when using the tablets? 

Before putting any interactive device into kids’ hands as you upgrade to newer versions, prep your technology for your kids by doing the following:

• Sweep it: All devices should be cleaned of any content including personal files, credit card information, etc. before handing down to kids. Parents should swipe all their browser “cookies” and perform an application sweep.

• Secure it: There are parental controls on most tech devices that can turn certain features on and off. Settings on the iPhone, for example, that can be restricted include explicit song titles, Internet browser, YouTube, iTunes and the camera.

• Set limits: As with any new toy, parents should set expectations and limitations with their kids when the device is handed down, and should encourage other forms of learning and play beyond the screen.

• Find the right apps for your child: A good app is the perfect combination of education and entertainment, and should be appropriate for your child’s age and stage of development.

• Avoid apps that try to sell: Apps labeled “lite” or “free” often attempt to make money by trying to sell virtual items while a child is playing a game, or link to another related app that requires payment to download. Select apps from trusted, reliable sources, and make sure that they are not trying to market to your child.   

I received the above tips from PBS KIDS and do serve as a PBS KIDS VIP but was not required to share them as part of my involvement in the program.

Experience Haiti Through Our Eyes: #Bloggers4Haiti via Video

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a video is worth billions.  This video was put together by Everywhere and provides an inside look at our trip to Haiti.  Its power comes from being put on the spot to talk about the things we were seeing and feeling about our experiences in this incredible place. 

"The story that we get here from Haiti all about the rubble. And the destruction. And the poverty.  And what we've seen here is something totally dissimilar.  We see joy and heart and love. And pride. A lot of pride." 

                             ~Elena Sonnino, CiaoMom.com

To borrow what Elena said, I invite you to watch the joy, heart, love, and pride that I got to see during my travels.




The majority of this trip was personally funded but I did receive a scholarship from Everywhere to help me defray some of my travel costs.  All opinions are my own and based on my experience.

A Day In the Internet (Infographic)

Shared with permission from MBA Online

Toyota 100 Cars for Good: Nonprofits Invited to Apply!

Do you know a nonprofit that could benefit from a new car?  Applications for Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program are now being accepted.  For the second year in a row, this national philanthropic effort will provide 100 cars to 100 nonprofits over the course of 100 days.  Winning organizations can choose what car they would like. Choices: Prius v, Camry Hybrid, Sienna, Sienna Mobility, Highlander, and Tundra.

100 Cars for Good gave a vehicle to Summit Assistance Dogs in 2011

Last year Toyota awarded cars to nonprofits in 31 states and the District of Columbia including:

• The Community Soup Kitchen of Morristown, NJ, which can now pick up donations of food that used to be turned away due to a lack of transportation, allowing it to provide meals and food to even more people in need;

• Washington, DC's Aleethia Foundation, whose new minivan enables it to transport wounded veterans recovering at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to much needed social nights away from the hospital;

• Camp Casey, a program near Detroit that provides horseback riding visits for kids with cancer that is now able to expand its reach to families in other parts of the state. 

If you know of a nonprofit that could use a car from Toyota as part of this program, please encourage them to apply as soon as possible. To apply, visit the 100 Cars for Good Facebook page and click on the “apply for 2012” tab located on the left of the white navigation bar. 

Here’s what nonprofits need to know about applying for the 2012 100 Cars for Good Program:

• Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and non-profit Native American or Alaskan tribes with sovereignty can apply online at www.100carsforgood.com beginning on Monday, March 12.  This address will link to the 100 Cars for Good Facebook page.

• 100 Cars for Good applications will be open for two weeks (until Monday, March 26 at 11:59 am PST]), or until 5,000 applications are received.  From this group, 500 finalists will be selected and certified by an independent panel of experts.  Finalists will be notified in April.

• Each finalist will then submit a short video and explanation on how a new vehicle would help further its work.  Both will be featured on the 100 Cars for Good site.

• Public voting on the finalists will begin on Monday, May 14 at www.100carsforgood.com with five organizations up for consideration each day for 100 consecutive days. 

• The four runners up each day will each receive a $1,000 grant from Toyota.

• Toyota will provide every finalist with a digital video camera, training toolkit and free online advertising credits to help them create or expand their presence in social media and other digital platforms. 

• Finalists will be eligible for one of six Toyota models, including the Camry Hybrid, Highlander SUV, Prius v hybrid, Sienna minivan, Sienna Mobility or Tundra full-sized pickup. 

• A six-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty will also be provided for each vehicle, compliments of Toyota Financial Services.

• Toyota is ending the contest on March 26 at Noon PST or when 5000 applications are received, whichever comes first!

Application materials and complete information on the program are available at www.100carsforgood.com. 

I am sharing this as national philanthropic effort as part of my work with Toyota as a member of the Toyota Women’s Influencer Network (TWIN #ToyotaWomen).  No compensation was received in exchange for this post and all opinions are my own and do not reflect those of Toyota.  

Visiting eBay Headquarters to Answer Your Questions

If you’re a more frequent eBay buyer than seller and find that you want to get started but are intimidated to start, let me know how I can help you!

I’m en route to eBay headquarters in San Jose, California for the eBay Parent Panel Summit where I’ll be spending time with fellow panelists while meeting with teams from eBay Green, fashion, mobile, and social media over the next two days.

It doesn’t matter if you’re new to eBay, have experience listing some items, or are a power seller with tons of positive feedback.  Everyone needs to start somewhere and there are tons of tips and tricks to pick up to increase the amount of found money that you’re bringing in from your sales.

One of the things that I plan to ask is about collectibles.  I have a limited edition Disney Tangled lithograph that I am planning to sell through eBay.  At eBay On Location last fall, we touched on collectibles and how they can fetch a fair sum of money but I want to know what I can do to ensure that my lithograph sells for as much as possible.  Here are some questions that I want to ask:

• Is there a particular time of year that I should consider listing collectibles? At our last eBay event we talked about how certain items are sought out at the holidays or around Mother’s or Father’s Day.

• Recommendations for key words and phrases to include.  My lithograph is numbered and still in the package so while it’s important to include those in my listing, what else should I consider?

• How can I determine a starting or Buy it Now price for unique items? 999 other lithographs like mine were ever printed, making mine more rare than others prints where more were made.  I’ve searched for completed listings to find comparable items but none have been limited to 1000 prints.  Do I let buyers bid it up? What about a Buy it Now price and what might that fair price be and how do I determine it?

• Photo tips for sealed items. Since my lithograph is sealed in plastic, do I dare open  to photograph it because while the photo will be a better representation of the actual lithograph, it may have more value if it remains unopened. For photo hints, visit my post: 7 Photo Tips for eBay Listings.

As you can see, I have a lot of questions about my Disney Tangled lithograph that I’m eager to have answered this week!  If you’re interested in seeing my lithograph, don’t worry…I’ll post the listing here when I have it up on eBay!

In the meantime, leave any questions you have about eBay in your comments.  I’m happy to ask the always helpful eBay teams to help you become a more confident seller!

I am part of the eBay Parent Panel and am compensated for my participation in the program.  All opinions about my eBay experience are my own. Images courtesy of eBay.

Jill-e Tablet Messenger Totes Your Tablet in Style

 You could throw your tablet in your purse but it’s far wiser to protect your investment with a fashionable bag that features built in protection for your device. The new Leather Tablet Messenger ($179) from Jill-e Designs’ E-Go collection combines fashion and function that keeps electronic devices safe from the bumps and bruises of a busy modern lifestyle because often times a case over the front just isn’t enough.

The Leather Tablet Messenger is a streamlined bag featuring a fold-over top flap, a wide adjustable cross-body strap, and plenty of padded interior compartments that keep my iPhone, Sony Bloggie, and iPad or netbook within reach. 

I love that the spacious interior also provides ample room for my camera and wallet.  The interior zipper pocket is the perfect place for me to stash a backup phone charger and any cables so they don’t get tangled with the other contents inside.  Since the zipper closure underneath the flap is designed to keep items secure, the exterior zippered pocket on the back and front pocket under the flap are great places to keep things that require quick access. 

I’ve long admired Jill-e Designs for their camera bags but the many features and thoughtful design of the Leather Tablet Messenger make my tech savvy heart go a-flutter.  I appreciate the high quality of the construction from the beautiful all leather construction, dependable hardware, and durable padding and lining that is holding up to my constant abuse of taking my devices in and out as I Instagram, Tweet, and post my way through press events and the rigors of daily use.

The E-GO Leather Tablet Messenger features:

• Top quality, weather-resistant, all leather construction that wipes clean with a
• damp cloth
• Designed with strategic protection for your electronic essentials
• Padded compartments for laptop, tablet, reader or similar devices
• Interior compartments to protect smart phone and music player
• Top zipper closure to secure electronics and personal belongings
• Inside zipper pocket for passport and personal items
• Outside zipper pocket for quick access items
• Fold-over top flap for added security
• Key keeper and convenient ID tag
• Protective cloth storage bag
• Adjustable leather cross-body strap
• Dimensions (LxWxH) 12" x 4" x 9.5"
• Price: $179 from Jill-e.com

In addition to the Tablet Messenger, products in the Jill-e E-GO line include the Metro Tablet Bag, Laptop Tote, Laptop Career Bag, Laptop Satchel, Essential Wristlet, and Essential Camera Bag in leather or plaid nylon.  

About Jill-e Designs:  The company was founded in 2006 by two former Kodak managers and quickly became a pioneer in designing bags for every female photography lover who’s ever had to put up with the male-oriented look and feel of high-quality camera bags. The company’s line evolved with the needs of the consumer market and offers everybody – from the tech-toting career woman to the photo-snapping fashionista – bags with style, flair and built-in protection for the personal electronic devices that have become essential to our daily lives.

Sample was provided for review purposes.  No compensation was received and all opinions are my own.