ABOUT GOOGLE SYNC:

Clearly “Mobile Sync” is the new “black.”

After all, six months ago Apple launched their version of Mobile Sync, which is called “MobileMe.”

Last week, Microsoft launched its own version of Mobile Sync, which is called “MyPhone.”

And this week, Google released its own version of Mobile Sync, called “Google Sync.”

So what is sync?

Basically, all these services are designed to do the same thing:

Automatically keep your calendar and contacts up-to-date in two or more places…

…usually on your computer and your phone.

And why should you care?

More and more of us carry our calendars and the phone numbers and email addresses of all of our friends on our phones…

…so having the ability to have up-to-date info at our fingertips automatically is something that is only recently possible.

But here’s the irony:

You’re probably not really going to appreciate the ease and elegance and beauty of Mobile Sync until you try it for yourself…

…and I’m willing to bet that once you try it, you’re never going back to having two sets of incorrect info, or plugging your phone into your computer every time you want to sync.

So what do these services cost?

• Apple MobileMe: $100/year

• Microsoft MyPhone: Free (but not yet available)

• Google Sync: Free (and available for most smart phones now)

And here’s a warning:

Before you try any of these Mobile Sync services…

…check with your cellular carrier to make sure you have an unlimited data plan, otherwise your next bill may include some astronomical charges.

ABOUT AMAZON’S NEW KINDLE 2:

It’s a big week for ebook lovers everywhere.

As you have probably heard, one of the big tech stories this week is that Amazon.com unveiled it’s new Kindle ebook reader on Monday.

The new Kindle has a lot of interesting new features:

• It’s thinner and lighter

• The screen is better

• The battery life is better

• It holds a lot more books (1500 books vs 200 books on the original)

Thinking about buying a Kindle2?

Before you do, here are some really important questions you might want to ask yourself:

• Could the success of the ebook mean the death of the real book…
  .
  …like the success of the iPod brought about the death of the music store and pre-recorded CD?
  .
  And if I believe the Kindle could bring about the death of the printed book, do I want to contribute to that?

• Is the cost of the Kindle ($360) something I can really justify?
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  If I buy one, will I really save money in the end because ebooks are so much cheaper than printed books?
  .
  Or will I spend a lot more money on books because it’s so quick and easy to buy them?

• Why do I need a Kindle…couldn’t I just read ebooks on my laptop computer or cell phone, instead?

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