As I said last time, I will be covering some more goodies I saw, but before I do, I had some questions about one of the items I told you about last time, RoboForm2Go.

RoboForm has been around for awhile, it's a very useful encrypted password program for filling in the login forms on the web so you don't have to remember all of them and you can be sure of having strong, safe passwords that can easily be changed on a regular basis. The RoboForm2Go version makes this all portable which is a big advantage if you have more than one computer or use different computers at work, school, or during travels. It works really well as I learned when I took mine to my daughters house and plugged it into the USB port on her PC. It was immediately recognized and I was able to login to all the sites that I had put on the flash drive. BTW, I didn't have to get a new flash drive from RoboForm to do this, I just downloaded the program to a small, empty flash drive I already had.

After I finished, I just removed it and there were no files left on the PC as this works outside the browser and leaves no traces when removed. Just to be sure, I did a search and also a find in the registry and there were no traces in either. One of the questions I got concerned whether to get RoboForm or the 2Go version. Here is what they advise:

If you use RoboForm only on one computer, get 1 RoboForm license, it is the cheapest. If you have 2 computers that belong to you, buy 2 RoboForm licenses, 2 licenses cost the same as RoboForm2Go license but they provide more flexibility. If you have 3 or more computers, you can either buy a RoboForm license for each computer or one RoboForm2Go license that covers all these computers. Note though that with RoboForm license all computers can have different sets of RoboForm Passcards but with a RoboForm2Go license you have only one set of RoboForm Passcards that you must physically move between your computers using a removable disk. The really good news is you can download a free 30 day trial and at the end of 30 days, if you have only 10 or less passwords, it's free for personal use! If you have a large number of logins, and want the convenience of not having to remember all of them, the cost is affordable.

For info on another excellent security tool, be sure to read about Safend Personal Protector, under #3, below.

Go here to read lots more about RoboForm2Go and to download the free trial: http://tinyurl.com/pv45f

I also thought you would be interested in a program I have been trying called Frucall. It's a free phone-based price-comparison shopping service for consumers to compare prices and purchase products using their cell phones, anywhere, anytime. Frucall combines the benefits of in-store shopping with the flexible nature of shopping online; providing consumers with a unique mobile shopping experience. Frucall helps you find Internet prices for what you are shopping for, regardless of where you are. You usually spend lots of time in a book, music, or electronic store to find something you really like. Once you find it, you can check the online price with Frucall right there and then. You no longer need to write down the name and specification to check later. Frucall allows you to "bookmark" the items you like, so that later you can review them on the Internet from your computer. And, best of all, you can order items directly from your phone when you use Frucall. It really works! Visit: www.frucall.com where you will be able to try it and get a full explanation of how it works, view a demo and signup. If you are a shopper, this ones for you!

And now for WOWs Part 2

As you will recall from last time, Showstoppers had five categories:

1. Audio, Video, Digital & Interactive Entertainment
2. Computers, Cameras, Printers & Digital Media
3. Productivity Tools, Security Tools & Software
4. Startup Pavilion
5. Wireless, Mobility, Communications & Home Automation

So for this time, here are 2 from each of those categories; as I did last time, for each, I have included a short explanation and a URL so you can find out more. Here goes.

1. Audio, Video, Digital & Interactive Entertainment

• The OSIM uSurf exercise platform from Brookstone uses four power settings to strengthen and tone the abs, hips, thighs, glutes and waist (the body's core muscles) and improves balance and stability. Endorsed by celebrity fitness professional Nancy Kennedy - whose clients include Jennifer Lopez, Shakira and Kevin Costner - the uSurf is a fun way to get back into shape for the new year. I have a couple titanium knees, so I didn't try it myself, but I was impressed with watching those who did! Find out more at www.brookstone.com.

• Among the new TV Games™ titles slated to launch in Spring of 2007 are those based on popular children's entertainment properties such as Sesame Street and Nickelodeon's Go Diego Go, and popular entertainment brands such as Deal or No Deal, Marvel Superheroes and Star Wars. JAKKS' TV Games are innovative Plug It In & Play™ gaming units that contain multiple themed games in each unique controller. My grandkids read this one and immediately wanted to get the kit, today!! For more see: www.jakkspacific.com

2. Computers, Cameras, Printers & Digital Media

• huey, an easy-to-use monitor calibration tool designed for digital photo enthusiasts, gamers and any computer user wanting absolute color and clarity. About the size of a small marker, huey delivers excellent results on LCD, laptop and CRT displays without requiring users to have any knowledge of color management. In addition, huey is the first monitor calibration device to continually adjust the monitor as room lighting changes. Although I'm not a gamer, I can appreciate what color and clarity mean to a serious gamer in a competition setting! If you are a serious gamer or know one, check this out at www.pantone.com.

• The New DYMO Personal Labelmaker launches in 2007 with a tabletop design, new features and a million uses. Actually, I found a million and one!! Seriously, I'm a big fan of DYMO and have been for many years…this one is a definite keeper. Compact and portable, the new DYMO Personal Labelmaker has limitless uses for time-pressed individuals who want a quick and easy solution to home organization. From organizing files, photo albums, CDs, tools, shelves and storage containers to children's toys and clothes, labeling enthusiasts will find a million ways to use it. With a new tabletop keyboard and the unique WYSIWYG display window - pronounced "Wizzy Wig" and short for "What You See Is What You Get" - each label can be quickly typed and printed as it appears on the screen. This one should appear in stores around the end of March. www.dymo.com.

3. Productivity Tools, Security Tools & Software

• CounterSpy V2-Completely Rebuilt with a Revolutionary New Design. More powerful and effective than ever, CounterSpy's award-winning spyware detection and removal is now merged with all-new VIPRE™ antimalware technology to create the industry's first hybrid antispyware engine.

Advantages:

• Heavy-duty antispyware protection treads lightly on system resources.
• Kernel-level Active Protection™ defends 24-7.
• Hybrid design combines antimalware technology with our award-winning spyware detection and removal.
• Deep-rooted malware is exterminated at boot time, before Windows loads.
• Incremental definition updates greatly reduce update downloading time.
• Vista compatible: Integrates seamlessly with the Vista Windows Security Center.

I've been running it on my Vista PC for 5 weeks and so far, I give it a 5 out of 5!! www.sunbeltsoftware.com.

• Safend Most of us keep private information on our personal laptops and home PCs, which means that only a coffee break in a hotel lobby or a careless teenager with an iPod stands between us and data loss. That's why leading endpoint security firm, Safend debuted Safend Personal Protector at Showstoppers. It offers personalized plug-and-play port protection that prevents unauthorized access to your data via all physical communications ports (USB, FireWire, PCMCIA), blocking any unrecognized devices. You can continue to use removable media and storage devices - customized by device type or serial number-on your PC or laptop - but no one else can use them without your approval. Safend Personal Protector offers redundant, multi-tiered anti-tampering features which can guarantee no one can turn off, approve devices, or uninstall Safend Personal Protector except you, the user! And, best of all, for a limited time, you can get it FREE! Combined with the RoboForm2Go, your security rating should be AAA. Visit: www.safend.com.

4. Startup Pavilion

• Ambient Umbrella - You won't believe this one, but it's too much fun, not to cover! If rain is forecast, the handle of this umbrella glows so you won't forget it. Embedded in the handle is Ambient's wireless data-radio. This chip receives accuweather.com information and pulses when rain is forecast in your area. This is actually under development, but you can get on a list to be notified when it's available at: www.ambientdevelopment.com.

• Wayne Fromm's goal, (he has invented and marketed nearly fifty successful commercial products and is particularly known for his toy creations including Disney's Beauty and the Beast Talking Mirror), was to build a compact, handheld tripod. Over one hundred prototypes were created before he successfully manufactured the world's first pocket size extendable, handheld tripod for digital cameras and camcorders, the Quik Pod™. A person simply holds the extended Quik Pod™ with the camera facing their face and the camera takes their photo or video without the help of strangers. Yup, I've got one and it works! www.quikpod.com.

 5. Wireless, Mobility, Communications & Home Automation

• Dream about taking your BlackBerry anywhere? Make it a reality with the OtterBox 1930 and 1931 BlackBerry cases from Otter Products, LLC. These rugged cases accommodate Research In Motion (RIM) BlackBerry® devices allowing access to phone and functions right through the case. The OtterBox 1930 fits 8700 series and the OtterBox 1931 model fits 7200 series BlackBerry® units. Stuck in the rain, no problem, your device is safe. Cases provide a water-resistant access to keypad, scroll wheel, escape button, power button, mute button and programmable side button. Constructed of a polycarbonate/ABS shell for maximum strength and durability, cases provide grip and drop protection with innovative rubber overmolding. If you are a berry person, you have to have one of these! I'm not a berry person, but I have one that's called a zippo and it's great for keeping small items safe and dry. My Zippo Cargo Case is crushproof, waterproof and floats. Visit www.otterbox.com to see the full line which goes from the small size I have to a rugged laptop case.

• This is probably the best money saver around. If you take your car to a dealer for repair, you know what I mean. CarMD works on all 1996 and newer cars, light trucks, SUVs and minivans in the U.S. - foreign and domestic. The handy, easy-to-use device can quick check an unlimited number of vehicles. Within seconds, its color-coded LEDs tell the driver if the vehicle's systems are running normally, great when inspecting a used car or preparing for a road trip. CarMD customers also gain free access to an unprecedented diagnostic database with coverage for up to three household vehicles, free lifetime updates and support from ASE Certified technicians. This feature is invaluable in helping drivers with little or no automotive experience determine why their "Check Engine" light is on. To obtain a detailed diagnostic report for their vehicle, CarMD customers simply install the CarMD software, link the tester to their PC via an included USB connector and create an account. The CarMD online database does the rest, including launch your online browser and run a report with probable cause and estimated repair costs to help keep your mechanic honest. If you can't get to your PC, CarMD's technicians can give you a diagnosis by toll-free phone. www.carmd.com.

And, that's it for now, until next time, have fun with all those computer and electronic gadgets, but remember to be careful out there on the 'net!

Aloha, Lou

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