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| Tue Dec 16, 2008 - 5:57 PM EST - By Jennifer Chappell | |
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It's that time of year again! Christmas shopping! I have barely even begun mine, I hate to say. Who has time? Over the past few years, I've been doing much of my shopping online and I must say, it's been a real time saver! I hate going into those crowded stores where you couldn't stir the people with a stick! Ugh! Not for me buddy! I'll either shop online or go to Walmart at 3am before I'll face those crowds. And you couldn't pay me enough money to step a foot into any store on Black Friday! No way!!!!If you have some folks to shop for who could use some Treo and Centro accessories, you can easily shop in the TreoCentral Store and get all kinds of goodies! And save time too! You could even send some of the accessory links to your loved ones and hint to them that you could use a Bluetooth headset or a new case for your Centro or Treo. I found a case that I'd love to have so I'm going to be sending my hubby the *hint, hint* link for that one. ;-)
Let's start off with something that you should all have for your Treo or Centro for protection.
I use a case for all of my Palm smartphones so I can keep my devices in pristine condition. Nobody wants their baby to get scratched or dented. The TreoCentral store has a wide variety of cases for all the Palm smartphones. Below are some categories of cases:
Annie reviewed the Smartphone Experts Top Pouch for Centro recently. The case comes in Black, Cocoa Brandy, Red Brandy, Saddle Brandy, and Cream Brandy. Annie chose the Cream Brandy color.
Annie said:
Somehow, Smartphone Experts managed to put together this fine TopPouch case in a way that still kept the Centro's slim form factor. Don't get me wrong. This is not like having a skin or crystal case as a layer or protection for your Centro. You can think of those as the Speedo cases for obvious reasons. The SPE TopPouch adds just enough padding and covering without making the Centro take on ginormous dimensions.
Andre said:
The neoprene skin feels great in the hand, and its traction is a terrific consolation for 755p expatriates missing the Treo's soft-touch paint. The Centro's slick shell always felt like a drop waiting to happen.
Unless you're looking for a rigid, impact-resistant design, the Scuba Case is the near-perfect solution for the Centro. It's one of the few cases that lends itself to maintaining the Centro's aesthetics and pocketability. Heavy stylus users might consider a different solution, like a holster or hard case that exposes the screen, adding a third-party screen protector. The case alone is close to ideal, but the detachable clip knob and the clip's adjustable kickstand make this product remarkable more useful than most competing cases.
One of the best metal cases I've ever owned has to be the Smartphone Experts SafeGuard MetalCase. I love that case and was happy to review it! It comes in Chrome and Champagne. I have the Champagne model and it's beautiful. The exterior is smooth as butter and feels so good in your hand. There are cutouts for easy access to all of your ports and controls. I've used this case for both my Treo 680 and my Treo 750. I don't wear my phones on my side so I just unscrewed the belt clip post. I'm glad that I had that option because you don't on some cases. For $19.95, I highly recommend the SafeGuard MetalCase!
Jay recently reviewed the Swiss Mobility Legion Smartphone Case, which is a great example of an extended battery fit case. The case not only has room for a smartphone with a big battery, it also has extra pockets!
Here are some Jay's thoughts:
The amount of stuff I carry around seems to increase with time, and the Legion case brings welcome capacity. I can clip the case to the waistband of my pants and fend forth into the cruel world bearing extra business cards, some cash, wallet-sized snapshots, and other treasures.
Another nice thing about the Legion is that it fits both sizes of Treos, 700p and 680, and my Palm Centro nestles in the pocket cozy as you please. The manufacturer's claim of "universal" rings true, happily. The fit on my 700p is quite snug, accommodated by ingenious panels of elastic that are decorated with tiny accents of brilliant red. Really, the fit on the 680 is better, however, and my 680 has the advantage of being crimson, so it looks extra fine in the Legion.
Overall, the case's quality of workmanship is quite good, the choice of materials clever, and the design excellent. Moreover, the 4.2-ounce Legion comes with a lifetime "unconditional" warranty from the manufacturer.
Dang, I wouldn't mind if ole Santa slipped one of those cases into my stocking! I love those kinds of cases that you can carry by themselves and not have to have a handbag slung over your shoulder, weighing you down. ;-)
Your screen is very delicate and you'll surely want to protect it. A screen protector is one of the first accessories that I get for a new smartphone. In fact, I order a screen protector before my new gadget even arrives.
Screen protectors are perfect stocking stuffers for Treo and Centro owners. They come in small packages that will slip right down into those stockings.
You've got to have batteries for your Treo or Centro. I like to have a spare or two around so that I can swap out a depleted one for a fresh one. I've always got an extra one charging somewhere.
And luckily, batteries come in different sizes so that those of us who want the extra juice can have it. Maybe you're a power user or just someone who likes to play a lot of songs and videos. I love Bejeweled 2 but it sure can suck the juice right out of my Centro's battery. I don't mind though since I can just swap batteries or leave my Centro plugged in while I'm playing.
Some of these big whopper batteries like the Mobi Products 2400mAh Extended Battery for Centro and the Seidio 2400mAh Extended Battery for Treo 680 come with a battery door, so you'll have to hope that your device's color matches the door. Unless you don't mind having a two-toned color phone.
There are many Bluetooth products to choose from. Bluetooth headsets are probably the most popular, especially since more and more states have laws in effect that ban anyone from talking on a cell phone while driving unless they're using a hands-free device. Jay and Annie both wrote great articles on using hands-free devices to that would make you a good, law abiding citizen.
Below are some of the Bluetooth products to choose from:
Bluetooth Headsets These would make excellent stocking stuffers for your loved ones! They come in many different shapes and sizes.
Below are some popular choices:
The New Jawbone is the next step in the integration of best in class noise elimination technology with personal design that is both humanistic and minimal.
In the tradition of bringing together beauty and science, the new Jawbone is a miracle of miniaturization and 50% smaller than the original award-winning Jawbone. Every effort has been made to contain best in class noise elimination technology in the most unassuming, yet richly detailed product.
SAMSUNG's Orange WEP430 Bluetooth headset has powerful features and an innovative sporty design. The WEP430 features powerful noise reduction technology and offers superior sound quality and echo cancellation.
The WEP430 has an ergonomic ear-ring design specifically to handle outdoor activities and is sweat and water resistant (not water proof). The WEP430 has up to 5 hours talk time and 130 hours of standby time and weighs 15.3 grams.
BlueAnt's V1 Voice Controlled Bluetooth Headset introduces the revolutionary BlueGenie Voice User Interface, letting you control most functions with the sound of your voice. Amazingly, the headset will actually talk back to you too!
Pushing one button activates the voice recognition technology and gives you control of all the functions of the V1, just by talking. If you need assistance, ask for it and the headset will verbally help you get the commands you want.
The Plantronics Explorer 350 is a sleek, lightweight headset that fuses Bluetooth wireless technology with effortless call control for a true hands-free experience.
The Explorer 350 headset is easy to use and incorporates all call features�volume, answer/end call, last-number redial, and voice-activated dialing�into one single button.
There are MANY more Bluetooth headsets to choose from! Just take a look around. You can select your device to filter compatible accessories so finding the right one is easy.
The BlueAnt Supertooth 3 handsfree speakerphone provides a safer, legal alternative to talking on your cell phone while you drive. Voice prompts provide assistance to help you connect the device with your phone and upload your address book. The Supertooth 3 announces the name or ID of the caller when the phone rings - just say 'OK' to accept the call. Install the Supertooth 3 in seconds for a totally handsfree experience.
Incorporating sophisticated 'Text-to Speech' software; the Supertooth 3 represents the very latest in Bluetooth sun-visor speakerphone technology. Its outstanding audio quality is a result of advanced Digital Signal Processing software to eliminate noise and achieve echo cancellation, regardless of whether the car is stationary or traveling at high speed. It also adjusts sound levels to compensate for loud engine noise or external noise created when the windows are wound down.
The device requires no installation and is quickly and easily installed and connected to your cell phone. Simply slide the metal clip onto your sun-visor and attach the Supertooth 3 via the magnets on the rear of the device. The voice prompts provide guidance and assistance to help pair the device and upload your cell phone's address book. When a call is received, the Supertooth 3 announces the incoming caller's name or number. Simply say 'OK' to accept the call. There is no need to take your hands off the wheel or remove your eyes from the road, making the Supertooth 3 a safer and legal alternative to driving while on the phone.
I have the Supertooth 2 and I love it! Nothing annoying to have stuck in my ear. The sound from the speaker is excellent! Very easy to use and of course completely hands-free.
Jabra offers the latest in speakerphone technology � the SP700. This stylish, versatile new speakerphone can be used on its own or to transmit the calls to your car�s audio system with no installation necessary. What�s more, this compact device can also be used to stream music stored on your mobile phone through your car stereo speakers, allowing you to enjoy your favorite track while driving.
Driver friendly - the Jabra SP700 offers a new level of usability and safety for Bluetooth speakerphones. Intuitive voice announcements give you the speakerphone�s status so you can keep your eyes on the road. Plus, excellent audio quality is guaranteed thanks to the advanced DSP noise reduction & echo cancellation that insure crystal clear sound quality on both sides of the call.
The SP700 keeps up Jabra's speakerphone design heritage, offering a sleek slim-line design that easily blends in with your car's interior. Pair SP700 with your mobile phone and place it on your car's sun visor � it's really that simple.
High definition stereo sound and convenient, hands-free communication in pocket-sized portability via Bluetooth wireless technology. Use as a speakerphone and as a high definition speaker to play your favorite music.
Pocket portability | Sleek, slim design fits comfortably in your pocket so your music and hands-free calls go anywhere you go, headphones free
Expand your sound | Delivering high-definition stereo sound powered by SRS WOW HDTM enhanced audio technology
Don't miss the call | When paired with your phone, the EQ5 doubles as a speakerphone with echo cancellation and noise reduction to keep you sounding clear. Switch between music and calls with a touch of a button.
Wireless mobility | Tangled wires are a thing of the past. Bluetooth stereo connectivity cuts the speaker cable, and the rechargeable battery unplugs you from the wall. Integrated music and call controls mean there's no need to reach for your phone, and your music automatically pauses with each call.
Enjoy effortless and affordable wireless connectivity with the enhanced Motorola Portable Bluetooth Car Kit T305. With a sleek and stylish new design, superior audio capabilities and an intuitive feature set, the palm-sized Motorola T305 is the perfect companion for your Treo.
Optimized for the vehicle, keeping your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Just clip, connect and go!
And let's not forget about those cool GPS products that help us all find our way! Below are some popular GPS devices:
This ultra high sensitive 20 channel SiRF StarIII GPS Receiver has a convenient built-in car charger, which powers both the GPS and your smartphone without a cable mess.
Simply plug HI-407BT into any regular in car cigarette lighter outlet (can take DC12V to DC24V), and you can instantly enjoy the state of the art wireless GPS navigation.
The Freedom Keychain GPS 2000 is the world�s lightest and most compact pocket GPS receiver.
Total freedom in your pocket. Perfect for adding to your key ring, always there when you need it either in the car or walking out and about. It can be charged in the car or at home. Ideal for connecting to your notebook, PDA or Mobile Phone by state of the art Bluetooth technology.
A Deluo Bluetooth GPS combined with Live Search for Windows Mobile allows you to find and discover places an easily get to your destination, all from the convenience of your mobile phone.
Live Search for Windows Mobile is a rich application that allows you to find and discover places an easily get to your destination, all from the convenience of your mobile phone.
The Deluo Bluetooth GPS is a high performance, compact wireless GPS receiver that adds invaluable GPS positioning for quick and easy directions wherever you are. Sleek and distinctive in its design, it fits in your hand or pocket easily, allowing you to take it wherever you go. With the Deluo Bluetooth GPS you can add full GPS navigation capabilities to your Smartphone* while enjoying performance that rivals dedicated GPS navigators.
If someone on your list listens to lots of music or stores a lot of photos on their SD card, they would surely appreciate some extra memory this holiday season. The TreoCentral Store has a nice variety of memory cards to choose from: SD cards, microSD, and miniSD with adapter. You can get 1GB cards up to 16GB cards. Boyhowdy, 16GB is a LOT of memory, huh? Think of all the stuff someone could put on a card that huge. Many videos and movies and pics and apps.
And don't forget about those card readers! They make a great gift for those who use memory cards often. I use my card reader almost daily. Below are a couple of examples and I happen to have both of these:
I really like this card reader because it's small and portable and I can carry it in my pocket, purse, or gadget bag. Plus, it's so easy to use and a great price at $14.95.
You can read fellow writer Neal Martin's review on the SanDisk MobileMate SD Plus 5-in-1 Reader.
What's a Treo or Centro without some good apps on board? You can find a crap load of games, utilities, personal productivity, and other useful apps for both Palm OS and Windows Mobile. A fun game would be a great gift for a Treo or Centro owner. Or maybe a good backup program so that their data will be safe. There are so many great apps to choose from that it's mind boggling.
You might be shopping for someone who owns a different device than a Treo or Centro. If so, we've got you covered there too. You can find all your Windows Mobile accessories and software at the WMExperts Store, your iPhone goodies at TiPb iPhone Store, the BlackBerry accessory fix at ShopCrackBerry, and accessories for the G1 at the Android Central Store.
You've got about a week or so left to do your shopping, so head over to the Smartphone Experts stores and check out all the accessories. I've hardly started my shopping so I think I'll head over that way myself and see who I can get some goodies for. Happy Shopping! ;-)
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