The Winner of the HP Magic Giveaway!

After several really tough and gut wrenching hours of reading and viewing everyone's entries (multiple times) we have decided that the HP Magic Giveaway prize should be awarded to user BIGANDLIDDY. Here is her story: I have taught High School Business classes for almost eighteen years now. My school has a diverse population and more almost three-quarters of them are eligible for free or reduced lunch. We can’t afford to keep up with the technology that our students need to be exposed to. Many of my students do not have access to technology at home. When I heard about HP’s Magic Giveaway, I was so excited because I felt this would help my students in such a major way. Imagine $6,000 in HP technology for my classroom. I know I certainly could use a new computer. This summer I plan to take some online courses to get my graduate degree in Special Education. With so many of our students mainstreamed into the regular education classes I feel that furthering my education won’t just help me but help the students that need the most help. Of course I could also use the computer to create interactive and exciting lesson plans. I would share my computer with my husband who recently lost his job. He is an individual who is listed as a statistic in the mass layoffs you’ve been reading about in the paper. What some people forget is that every statistic is a person first and foremost. He would be able to use the computer to research job openings and compose cover letters and resumes that will hopefully get him re-employed. My youngest son is now in the Army and getting ready to leave for Iraq. Over the past several years I’ve had students leave for the same destination. It is for this reason I have been involved with the Adopt a Soldier Program. We send a goody box to soldiers once a month as well as cards and letters. I would love to gift him with one of the computers so he can keep in touch with friends and family. I consider myself a compassionate person. I’m involved with projects like “Adopt a Soldier” and “Adopt a Family for the Holidays.” Even though money is tight I know that I have things that matter like time and special talents which are appreciated by people in need. Thank you again for having this great giveaway.

HP Magic Giveaway Update

Due to the large number of entries the announcement of the winner will
occur later this evening. Thank you for your patience.

"Always be gracious to your enemies. Nothing infuriates them more." -
Oscar Wilde

Carlos Echenique
Site Owner/Editor-in-Chief/Blogger
PlanetAMD64/PlanetX64/Echenique dot com

Otterbox 3G Defender case for the iPhone 3G

The Apple iPhone has the distinction of being one of the most sought after gadgets of that last two years. My wife and I caved in this October and got ourselves a pair. With features and functions that suit the needs of an incredibly diverse audience, the svelte, smooth iPhone is the current go-to gadget on the market. Protecting this technological marvel has become a bit of an industry with scores of holsters, skins, and hard cases available at your local Apple Store. For those folks who crave the iPhone but often find themselves in harsh environments, the designers at Otterbox have come to the rescue. The Otterbox 3G Defender case for iPhone is not so much a case as it is a suit of armor for your iPhone 3G. Think of it as Tony Stark's iPhone case (his would be red and gold however). The Otterbox 3G Defender is a double shell protective case that allows the iPhone to easily survive in environments that would normally be fatal and warranty-voiding. The 3G Defender uses a hard polycarbonate inner shell with covers for the earpiece, microphone, and speakers. The inner shell also integrates a cover for the iPhone's touchscreen. If you already have a touchscreen "skin" installed, I am happy to report that the double layer of protection does not impede the screen's operation in any way. The hard inner shell is then covered by a silicone skin that adds grippy-ness and protects against bumps and shocks. It also provide silicone covers to all of the iPhones switches and access ports, sealing out dust and moisture.

Let me make this perfectly clear: this is not a waterproof housing for your iPhone 3G, so don't plan on using it underwater. It does, however, ruggedize your iPhone to a point where you can feel better about using it at construction sites, factories, or anyplace else where the iPhone's delicate features would get marred or scratched. Just don't plan on hammering nails with it. The holster holds the iPhone VERY securely, almost obsessively so. You have to practice removing/replacing the iPhone to get good at it. I would do that before running off into the field with it as it may cost you a couple of missed calls before you get the hang of it. The holster also has openings so as not to muffle the speakers which is a nice touch. PROS * Unmatched protection for your iPhone 3G * Provides dust and moisture seals for all vulnerable points on the iPhone 3G * Adds grippy outer cover to the iPhone 3G * Includes cover screen for the iPhone 3G's touch screen * Includes latching holster CONS * Holster requires a little practice to remove the iPhone. May cause you to miss a few calls while you get used to it. * Adds to the size of the iPhone, but not by much. * Grippy outer cover makes it difficult to extract from tight jeans pockets - wear cargo pants. In conclusion, if you want to take your iPhone 3G on a hike, out to a construction site, or you are worried about your case of chronic butterfingers the Otterbox 3G Defender is the case of choice for your iPhone 3G.