All posts by: Molly McLaughlin

From iPod to iWatch: Apple's next big thing


Apple is famous for its splashy press conferences, which typically involve a big product launch (and sometimes "one more thing.") From the iPod to the iPhone, many of their products have been technological game-changers that inspire fierce customer loyalty. Rumors abound about Apple's next big thing. Will it be a phone/tablet hybrid? An iWatch? Or something else? Here's a look at Apple's splashiest product launches from the past decade or so, as well as a glimpse into their future.

 

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What you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy S4 smartphone


Last night, Samsung held a splashy event at Radio City Music Hall for its latest smartphone, the Galaxy S4. Emceed by Broadway actor Will Chase, who like every New York actor has appeared on an episode of Law & Order, the event featured a number of theatrical sketches that demonstrated some of the S4's new features. Understated, it was not. While the press filled the theater, thousands were watching the livestream of the event on jumbotrons in Times Square and on YouTube. After the presentation, we had the opportunity to try out pre-production units. Here's what you need to know.

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9 cool, strange and innovative mobile trends at #MWC13


Smartphones and tablets and phablets and apps; that's all that occupied my mind last week at the 2013 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, a tradeshow that attracted more than 72,000 visitors from over 200 countries. It was a busy several days, as multitudes of products were launched and myriad trends were spotted. We've already looked at what the Twitterverse took in; here's a sampling of what @MollyMobile saw. (At left are some cool cases and tablet keyboards from Belkin.) Read more

A tablet case for every personality


Let's face it - most tablets look pretty much the same. So the only way to set one apart is with a case. Of course, a case also protects a tablet from everyday use and abuse, and some high-end cases even add features such as a Bluetooth keyboard. Here are 6 tablet cases for every personality on your shopping list. Read more

7 gifts for the photography enthusiast


Looking for the perfect gift for the photographer in your life? There are lots of different ways you could go: you could sign them up for a photography class, for example. Or you could get them useful accessories such as memory cards or a case. You can, of course, buy them a new camera, but there are other gadgets that should be on their list. We recommend the best point-and-shoot digital cameras and DSLRs, tablets, smartphones and software for the shutterbug in your life. Read more

Black Friday 2012: Smartphone savings


Black Friday isn't a bad day to buy a smartphone whether you're in the middle of a contract or looking to go month-to-month. While discounts aren't jaw-dropping, there are some savings to be had, plus Walmart is giving out lots of gift cards. Of course, just because something's on sale doesn't mean you should buy it. Here are the highlights from the leaked Black Friday circulars. Read more

Black Friday 2012: Lowkey deals on digital cameras


Last year's Black Friday digital camera bonanza in which quality cameras were being offered at real discounts seems to be a one-time thing. I had been pleased to see quality compact cameras from Canon (say that three times fast) mixed in among the cheap-cheap junk. But this year's circulars are a mix of non-existent models, empty prices and lackluster deals. If you're hoping to find a great camera at a deep discount this Friday, set your expectations low. You're more likely to find a "pretty good" camera at a "decent" price. Read more

9 stylish gadget cases for laptops and smartphones


Whether you've just upgraded your laptop or smartphone, or are looking for gift ideas for someone who has, a protective case is always a good accessory. After updating our report on laptop bags, we handpicked some of the most stylish notebooks cases as well as options for ultrabooks. While we were at it, we threw in some flashy cases for the iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S III. Have a look. Read more

Apple iPhone showdown: Should you buy the iPhone 5?


Many of you probably already know whether you're going to buy the iPhone 5, but for those who aren't quite ready to pull the trigger, here's what you should know. The new iPhone 5 promises a lot: a bigger, 4-inch screen, but a thinner and lighter body than the 4S. Apple says it's faster AND has better battery life. It can finally access "real" 4G LTE. The camera's been upgraded and has a new panorama mode. And at last, turn by turn directions are built into the iPhone's GPS. The iPhone 5 will come with the latest software--iOS 6--built in. If you have an iPhone 4S, 4 or 3GS, you can upgrade to iOS 6 for free starting September 19.

The iPhone 5 can be pre-ordered starting on Friday, September 14th and ships September 21st. Here's what it will cost you: Read more

Data share plans: not exactly moneysavers


Last month, Verizon introduced shared data plans, which at first sounded like a possible money saver for its customers. Unfortunately, our research revealed just the opposite: most customers will pay more on the new plans. Now AT&T has announced something similar. Are AT&T's Mobile Share plans a better deal? Read more

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