Did your smartphone come in handy during your summer vacation?

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Did you find your that your smartphone came in handy during your summer vacation?  Any plans to have a last-minute vacation over the Labor Day weekend?  Of course, apps like Google Maps and mobile GPS are useful when navigating your way to/from and around a new city, but there are tons of other useful apps that we've been hearing about, check out the links below for app downloads for your next vacation (yes, we're already thinking that far ahead!):

 

• Break Down the Language Barrier Using A Mobile Phone

• Tech Talk Podcast: Vacation Apps

• 10 Best iPhone Apps For Vacationers

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  12 Terrific Tips for Taking Tech on Vacation  -  well 11 really, the starter pistol suggestion is a bit extreme!!

• The Best Summer Apps

 

Follow the links below to find apps to download for your kids during your next vacation:

 

• iPhone/iPad: The Best iPhone apps for kids, 25 iPhone apps for kids, PBS on iPhone/iPad
• Android
• Windowns Phone 7
• BlackBerry

Music in the "cloud"

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On Monday, we mentioned that Apple plans to lauch its iCloud service this fall.  Best Buy has recently expanded its UK based "cloud" based music service to the US which will compete with Apple's service.  Cloud-based music services such as Best Buy's Music Cloud, Amazon's Cloud Player and Apple's iCloud allow users to buy and store digital music content in the "cloud" eliminating the need for users to download music to their music players; users can then stream content on the web or via an app on their mobile phone or tablet.

Tech tips for a productive start to 2011

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As many of us resolve to make changes for the better in the new year, consider adding better productivity to the list!  Here are some great tips to help us maximize productivity at home and at work:

• Use a Daily Log to Keep Yourself Focused on Productivity
• Productivity All Around: Be sure to sync your tools!
• 10 Ways to Get the Most Out of Technology
• The 10 Best Productivity Apps For Business Professionals
• Create a productive home office:
  • How Much Storage Space Do You Need in Your Computer?
  • How Can I Speed Up My Aging Laptop?
  • Set up wireless internet access in your home
  • How To Expand a Wireless Network
  • How Can I Find Out If My ISP Is Limiting My Download Speed?
  • Office Design Tips to Increase Productivity
  • How to Find Your Ideal Desk Height
  • Manage Cables with an Old Coiled Phone Cord
  • Something to think about - Where Are You Most Productive When Working at Home? 
• For those who need to be productive while on the go:
  • Check out the best in mobile/portable devices - Laptop Magazine's Best of CES 2011,
  • Five Mobile Productivity Apps for iPhone, Android and BlackBerry
  • Productivity On the Go with Office Web Apps
•  See also:
  • Assign Email a 15-Minute Minimum to Avoid Unnecessary Checking
  • 15 tips to customize Gmail to increase productivity and organization at work