Geekly Update Jun 01

The AskBobRankin Geekly Update

According to a new Pew study, 57% of about 2,000 adults surveyed admitted that they have Googled themselves. That percentage is up 10% from the amount surveyed in 2006. Just a thought... in 2006, people might have thought "googling yourself" meant something entirely different..

Dr. Mark Gasson has become the first human to be infected with a computer virus, in an effort to prove that medical devices could be contaminated.

Google noted that over 5 million users played its online Pacman game that appeared on the Google homepage last weekend. If you weren't one of the lucky ones, you can visit its permanent residence on the official Pac-man site. Tell your boss this special keyboarding exercise will increase your productivity.

Square is a new application that allows users of the iPad, iPhone, iPad touch and Android devices to accept or buy with credit cards. Fees are around 3% plus 15 cents per purchase and a card reader is included in the deal.

Olympus' new PEN cameras combine DSLR imaging and HD video with simple point and shoot. Included is a built-in pop-up flash, editing software and interchangeable lenses. Available in 3 different models, prices start at $599.99.

Designed for both the elderly and the very young, the Just5 mobile phone is as simple as it gets. The phone features large numbers and onscreen graphics, an FM radio, a flashlight and an SOS button for emergencies.

Those who purchased iPhones when they first came out may say it was worth the extra expense, but they might be kicking themselves now that AT&T has lowered the price of the 3G model to $99.00 with a 2 year contract. They might also be kicking themselves because of the spotty signal coverage that AT&T provides, but even a free iPhone wouldn't fix that.

Logitech has launched a new line dubbed the Fantasy Collection. Included are webcams, keyboards and mice that come in Blue Swirl, Pink Balance and Fleur Dark. Others will become available soon in additional patterns, colors and possibly flavors.

Pandigital is set to release the Novel eReader next month for those who have small budgets. With a 7-inch color TFT LCD touchscreen, an 800 x 600 resolution, WiFi and integration with the Barnes & Noble eBookstore, the $199.99 price may give the Nook a run for its money.

Be on the lookout for tabnapping, an attempt to turn an unused browser tab into a malicious web page that looks like the original. Aza Raskin cautions that the user might enter login information leading to a phishing attack.