I think it’s pretty common that most people think if they want to learn a new language they either have to sign up for classes or purchase a copy of Rosetta Stone.  Both of those options could be rather expensive.  Well, there’s an alternative that I think is much more convenient and best of all, free.  If you have iTunes, you can actually download a variety of languages in the form of podcasts from your traditional Spanish, French, and German to others such as Swedish, Dutch, and Tagalog (Filipino).  Depending on the source, the lessons might be broken down by just common phrases you might need for an upcoming trip or more like a traditional class setting.  One cool thing too is that you can load these podcasts into your ipod to take with you and listen to in the car or on the train/bus on the way to work or while at work.  (Although, some people may find it wierd when you try to pronounce certain things in different languages and have no idea why you are.)  While yes, since they are only audio based, you miss out on learning how to read and write the different languages, I think this a step in the right direction.

It’s funny how many programs I use and I don’t think twice that people have no idea what these things are. Anyways, if you are looking to put videos on your ipod or iphone, the Videora iPod Converter is what you are looking for. Yes, it is freeware and can convert all types of video files (avi, divx, xvid, flv, x264, vob, mpeg, DVD’s, YouTube, etc.) to play on your device. For a full movie, it usually amounts to about 600-700 MB.
I’ve been using this for a couple years now and it’s been very handy.

I needed to look for a new computer adapter as I am headed to Europe in a couple days and my current one is an older 3 prong grounded (the outlets out there only accept 2). While I was hunting around online, I found the Dell Slim Auto/Air Adapter. Not only does it have the 2 prong AC adapter I was looking for, but it can be converted to either a DC Car or a DC Airplane. This is super convenient for me since I’m going to be on the plane for at least 9 hours each way. Even with the extended battery I also purchased, I might need some additional power for my laptop. It also comes with a handy carrying case and an extension cord for the DCs as well. Since the adapter goes from 100-240 watts, I don’t need an extra converter. I only had to buy an additional European plug adapter that cost $4 at the travel store. The only bad thing I would have to say is that the AC cord is alot shorter than my original plug at only around 3 feet. (I’m not sure why they didn’t include an extension for both the AC and DC.)

I found the average price around $70-80, but luckily I was able to find a new one on eBay for only $40 (plus another $10 for shipping and handling).

If you’re of the type like me where your friends make comments such as “Of course you have a new gadget”, you might want to take a look at the Slingbox. Basically, it’s a little device that allows you only to be an internet connection away from your home tv. I discovered Slingbox while I was sitting on a plane, waiting for everyone to board, when I noticed the person next me was watching a hockey game on his phone. My curiosity led me to ask him, “Is that live or is that a video?” It was indeed live and to prove it, he used the buttons on his phone to change the channels. (Can you imagine how wide my eyes were at this moment?) He even handed me his phone to play with while he re-shifted his bags in the overhead compartment. The best part is that Slingbox does not require any sort of subscription. All you need is basically high speed internet at home (check) , a computer (most likely a laptop – check, check) and/or a Windows Mobile phone (check, check, check). As you may have guessed, it took me probably all of one or two days to purchase one for myself (and another week or so for it to be delivered).

I have to say while it was a little expensive for the Pro model and may be slightly tricky for non-tech savvy people to setup, it has so far been a worthwhile purchase. I find myself thankful that I have it 1) when I’m at work and I can’t really pull myself away from my desk to watch the Cubs game in the break room, 2) when I’m in a hotel (like tonight) and I have all of 10 channels to choose from, or 3) when I can’t sleep and am too lazy to go into the living room (I don’t have a tv in my bedroom) so I use my phone. The mobile phone player does cost an additional $30 but it is a one time license purchase. Other than that, I definitely would recommend it to anyone who travels and does not want to miss some of their favorite shows or doesn’t want to go through the hassel of carrying dvds with them on the road. (Oh yeah, did I mention you can also connect it to your DVR and your DVD player?)

If you were wondering how to download movies from some of your favorite video sites, I found a program that works quite well. It’s called the Moyea FLV Downloader. What’s awesome is that it’s pretty easy to use and it’s freeware! While the freeware version doesn’t let you directly convert the video to other useful formats (AVI, Windows Media, etc.), you can upgrade to the FLV to Video Converter for a small price. As long as you have your own flash player, you should be all set to go ahead and use the videos right away.

http://www.flvsoft.com/download_flv/