As the economy soured, Jerri Konczak of Duluth, Minn., looked for ways to reduce expenses. Her family cut back on fast-food trips and downgraded its cable-TV service. Then Ms. Konczak dropped her cellphone service and got a prepaid phone — not an easy switch for someone accustomed to nearly unlimited talking and texting.
At first “I [...]
Sun, December 14 2008 » Wall Street Journal » No Comments
A recent experience with his own parents — he gave them a digital photo frame, which his mother unplugged, then called to tell him it was broken — was a reminder that what might seem obvious to someone who understands the latest technology might need to be spelled out to a customer.
Read “Computer Glitch? Consider [...]
Thu, July 31 2008 » Wall Street Journal » No Comments
“I wanted not a single tooth mark on the dog,” says Ms. Turbeville, 54. Her solution: a paste of cayenne pepper and Cholula Hot Sauce, which she painted on its tail. The cats still sniff the Aibo’s backside. “They just can’t help it. But they never, ever bite him anymore.”
Many owners have found robotic pets [...]
Wed, June 11 2008 » Wall Street Journal » No Comments
Leaving Las Vegas
What is it with bathroom technology, Jerry?
Belly Dancing with 8×8’s Tango
It’s late in the day on Day 3, and CES attendees practically need a Tasering to notice an exhibitor at this point. Enter belly dancers.
The Other, Sexier Tech Expo
Attracting plenty of curiosity among CES-goers (and disappointment at the strict admission policies) is AVN’s [...]
Tue, January 15 2008 » Wall Street Journal » Comments Off
Amazon.com Inc.’s new e-book reader, Kindle, has only been on sale for a few hours, but the blogosphere already has a lot to say about it.
Gadget blogs like Engadget and Gizmodo are buzzing about the device’s free wireless capability and odd design. Media and publishing bloggers, some responding to Newsweek’s nearly 5,000-word advance look, are [...]
Mon, November 19 2007 » Wall Street Journal » Comments Off
Young Cineastes Find Lego a Congenial Medium for the Age of YouTube
In the three-minute film “Cognizance,” a hit man on his way to his next target wordlessly reflects on his life. He walks past shoppers browsing in stores, children on a merry-go-round, a young couple embracing. Finally, he spots his intended victim across a busy [...]
Sat, October 6 2007 » Wall Street Journal » Comments Off
When Jeff Keller ordered a Windows Vista upgrade and a wireless-Internet adapter on CircuitCity.com, he expected to save some time, as well as shipping fees, by picking them up at a store near his Oakland, Calif., home.
First came the call that the adapter was out of stock. Then, when he drove to the Circuit City [...]
Tue, April 24 2007 » Wall Street Journal » No Comments
Devices Help Spot, Call, Identify and Spread News;
The Noise of Wireless Alerts
Birdwatchers have long headed into the woods with little more equipment than binoculars and a notebook. But when Laura Erickson sets out on a birding trip, she now brings along two digital cameras, a Palm device with a bird-species database and an iPod loaded [...]
Mon, February 26 2007 » Wall Street Journal » Comments Off
