Geekly Update June 28

The AskBobRankin Geekly Update

The Droid X, with a delivery date of July 15, has a huge (for a smartphone) 4.5" screen, 720p video HD recording and playback, and 3 microphone multi-directional audio. It can be yours for $199.99 with 2 year commitment and monthly data pack. Me want.

Barnes & Noble has made their Nook WiFi enabled and the price is now an affordable $149. They have also reduced the price of the 3G model to $199. They are undoubtedly reacting to Amazon's move to cut the price of the Kindle from $259 to $189 last week. Competition in the ebook reader market is red hot, with the arrival of the iPad, and other contenders. Will these specialized devices survive, or will slates crush them?

According to the Bangkok Post, the Thai government wants to shut down over 43,000 websites that were deemed "defamatory to the monarchy." Their Information and Communication Technology Ministry warns that service providers may lose their licenses if they don't comply with the blockages.

Dell is releasing the Inspiron R series of laptops this month with an optional Intel Wireless Display that allows for a cable-free connection to most HDTVs. Available in 14, 15 and 17 inch models, they feature 8GB DDR3 SDRAM, up to 640GB SATA HDD and built-in card reader at prices beginning at $499.

Beginning in November, Xbox Live users will be treated to a family subscription plan. The Gold Family Pack lets up to 4 users share the service for $99.99 a year. A new menu dubbed Family Center is part of the package.

In a McAfee survey conducted by Harris interactive, 955 teens divulged their ideas about privacy on the Net. The Secret Online Lives of Teens found that 69% told their physical location to others and 28% admitted to chatting with strangers online.

Samsung has named its new phone aimed at heavy texters the :). The QWERTY slider not only has an emoticon for a name, it features a crappy 1.3MP camera and T-Mobile's Social Buzz software.

Microsoft is leaning towards small business owners in its latest Windows 7 Professional or Windows 7 Professional upgrade promotion. Purchase either on Amazon before July 16 and you will receive a $100.00 voucher for Southwest Airlines at SWABIZ. That should cover an extra bag and a bottle of water.

Proving that they are good sports, Skype is offering free calls for a month for US users to landlines and mobile phones in various countries. World Cup participants and fans will benefit from the promotion which reverts back to a pay service after the month of free calling ends.

Richard Branson has created Virgin Gaming, an online competition that will give away $1 million in cash over the next year. Free to enter, gamers of all skill levels can play in tournaments and earn points, prizes or cash with their Xbox 360 and PS3.