How to wipe everything off your iPhone or Android phone (updated)
By Ben Patterson | February 22, 2012 at 9:21 am
categorized as: How-tos • Phones
Ready to upgrade to a brand-new iPhone or the latest Android handset? Or maybe you’re trading in your smartphone for a good old-fashioned “feature” phone.
If that’s the case, good for you—and you’re also probably thinking of selling your existing handset on Craigslist or eBay, trading it in for cash, or even giving it to a (very lucky) friend or loved one.
Well, here’s the thing: your old iPhone or Android device is simply brimming with all kinds of personal data, like usernames, passwords, phone numbers, photos, email … you name it. Read more »
How to pinch or swipe the iPhone’s screen without pinching or swiping
By Ben Patterson | February 21, 2012 at 5:12 pm
categorized as: How-tos • Phones • Tablets
Not everyone has the full use of their fingers, and that’s a problem when it comes to such common iPhone “gestures” as pinching and swiping the touchscreen. Read more »
Facebook tip: Double-check your privacy settings before you post
By Ben Patterson | February 21, 2012 at 12:26 pm
categorized as: How-tos • Privacy • Social networks
Just because you’ve chosen, say, “Friends” as your default Facebook sharing setting on the Privacy Settings page doesn’t mean only your confirmed friends will see your next status update. Read more »
Samsung’s giant Galaxy Note; PlayStation Vita reviewed; OS X “Mountain Lion” (week in review)
By Ben Patterson | February 18, 2012 at 9:00 am
categorized as: Week in review
How big is too big? That’s the burning question about Samsung’s new Galaxy Note, a speedy Android smartphone with a five-inch touchscreen and its own stylus. Read on for my full review and our podcast about the massive Note.
Also this week: My take on the pricey new PlayStation Vita, Apple announces “Mountain Lion,” yet another new version of the Mac operating system; and find out how to lend a Kindle book to a friend. Read more »
Hands-on review: Sony PlayStation Vita, and why parents who game will love it
By Ben Patterson | February 17, 2012 at 4:08 pm
categorized as: Gaming • Reviews
Who needs a dedicated handheld game console like the new PlayStation Vita when you download hundreds of cheap games for your iPhone or Android phone? A dad-to-be like me, that’s who. Read more »
Podcast 012: The Samsung Galaxy Note, or how big is too big?
By Ben Patterson | February 17, 2012 at 10:04 am
categorized as: Phones • Podcasts
Boasting a massive 5.3-inch HD display, the new Galaxy Note smartphone is easily the biggest smartphone I’ve ever tested—but is it a little too big for most of us?
This week, here’s the thing co-founder Susan Leopold and I (don’t worry, Adrianna Dufay will return next week) poke and prod the giant yet peppy Note, scribble with its included “S-Pen” stylus, tap on its roomy display, and wonder what kind of user the Note might be best for.
Press the “play” button below to listen, or click the “Download” link to save the podcast to your desktop. You can also subscribe to the gadgetcast on iTunes.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Have questions, comments, or suggestions for next week? Let us know!
Hands-on review: Samsung Galaxy Note for AT&T
By Ben Patterson | February 16, 2012 at 3:11 pm
categorized as: Phones • Reviews • Tablets
Is it a phone or a tablet? That’s the big (and I do mean “big”) question about the Samsung Galaxy Note, a new and gargantuan Android phone that—if you ask me—tries a little too hard to do it all. Read more »
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