iPhone upgraded/updated to v1.1.3 can't be downgraded...?

It's said that when you update your Apple iPhone to firmware version 1.1.3, you would not be able to downgrade back to previous versions (v1.1.1 and v1.1.2). According to Nate, downgrading from v1.1.3 would brick your iPhone.

"If your iPhone has never been unlocked, downgrading from 1.1.3 will leave you bricked until you upgrade back to 1.1.3, as far as I can tell. The phone (even with an authentic AT&T SIM) reports an Incorrect SIM while iTunes says there's no SIM at all, when you've downgraded back to 1.1.1 or 1.1.2 (1.0.x untested). If your phone was unlocked, the baseband upgrade fails on 1.1.3, so you will not have this problem but will not get 1.1.3 to work. "

Note: The firmware version v1.1.3 has not been officially released by Apple yet.

The Poker Odd Calculator?

I have seen the World Series of Poker on ESPN where they have the odds calculated and displayed in percentage (%) when a player is dealt with certain cards. Personally, I think the only odd which is against you is the 0% one when you totally got beat. Other than that, you still have a chance no matter how slim it is. What matters is how good is your luck. The Magic Holdem poker odds calculator is a great poker calculator to have if you're very into statistics, possibilities and odds. I know Michael is. From my experience and his, I find that relying too much on statistics will sway your winnings to one side or the other; either you win it all or you go home a brave dumbo. So get a holdem calculator for Mike's sake.

DOT bans checked, loose lithium batteries on flights starting Jan 1st 2008

It was announced that starting January 1st, 2008, you can no longer pack "loose lithium batteries" into your checked luggage on flights. If your battery is attached to a device (cellphone, laptop, PSP, camera, etc.) -- or is packed into a plastic bag -- then you're okay. According to the report, "Common consumer electronics such as travel cameras, cell phones, and most laptop computers are still allowed in carry-on and checked luggage," though, "The rule limits individuals to bringing only two extended-life spare rechargeable lithium batteries, such as laptop and professional audio/video/camera equipment lithium batteries in carry-on baggage." The new ban is related to lithium batteries' propensity to explode, and not due to any terrorism concerns. This may not affect all travelers as normally we wouldn't carry spare batteries as we have the all mighty charger. Just for portable device fanboys, take note.
[credits to Gadling]

80% of 1K

This is the 800th post. I just came back from Fry's Electronic stores and I picked up a piece of the after Christmas sales promo of Maxtor 320GB ATA hard drive for just $44 + tax. Down from the $109.99 + tax original price tag, it was hell of a bargain. I wanted to grab another one, but I figure it'd be unnecessary as I don't need them at all! I have 80GB on my laptop, 40GB on my iPod, 30GB and 60GB on my external 2.5" notebook drives, plus another 160GB 3.5" external hard drive. Now I am adding another 320GB. I don't want to do the math.

Illuminated Keyboard - Where Art Thou?

Damn I hate typing in the dark without any idea which key I pressed until I see the mistakes on the LCD screen. WHY the hell laptop manufacturers still don't incorporate illuminated keyboard into their models? They should all do it. It will greatly help the world. I once bought a PS/2 illuminated keyboard for my 1st desktop computer for $49.99, which was hell a lot of money for a sucky keyboard which broke after a few months. Uncomfortable but cool. Hard to use but it lights up in the dark, so I forked out $49.99 plus tax and shipping for it. Damn that was stupid.

Free $50 Offer By BidSystem.com

Many have asked me about some good alternatives to Google Adwords. Some because Adwords isn't very productive for them, some simply because they got kicked out or banned from the program. One which I know is the Adknowledge PPC Marketplace (Bidsystem.com). Adknowledge is a good solution for advertisers looking for decent exposure and generate clicks beyond Google. BidSystem.com is a multi-channel behavioral targeting ad network in which advertisers seamlessly bid for traffic in display, email and smaller search engines. The amount of exposure you get is very good and that's one of the main purpose of advertising. The Adknowledge BidSystem's popularity is verified by the fact that it has been widely used by almost 500,000 advertisers. For those who asked, this is a perfect time to join BidSystem because they are currently running a promotion where new members get $50 worth of free clicks. This offer lasts for a limited time. I must admit I am tempted by the $50 in FREE PPC Advertising promotional offer. This is a good option for those who would like to test out this advertising option and hopefully it serves your purpose well. New websites or blogs should consider this advertising option to increase your readership and traffic in a shorter time. Let me know of your success!

Vacation Time

Blog activity would be minimal during the next week or so as I'd be on vacation. It's about time that I have a vacation. I deserve it. Happy holidays! Have fun all! I hope the semester went well for those who are in school. And those is Wisconsin, I know, it's freezing!

New Amazon.com Gift Cards Design, Having A New Look

The gift cards and gift certificates at Amazon.com have been redesigned! Now, the current design stands out more because of the color contrast enforced. The previous design has a predominant light blue background which is kinda soothing. This one is bold and beautiful. If you run out of present/gift ideas for this Christmas season, why not consider giving some Amazon.com gift cards? Amazon.com is a very good seller place and I've had very satisfactory experiences with them. They also have a lot of stuffs to offer, so check it out.

Dec 13th 2007, Last Day for Amex Wishlist

Today, Dec 13th 2007, is the last day of the Amex My Wishlist program. So far I haven't been active in participating in trying to get some great deals at huge discounts. I tried to get one of the XBOX 360 Elites but failed. I also didn't get a Best Buy voucher for the 2nd year running. Last year my housemate got a few and I got none of it. Today, I am targeting Sports Authority voucher at 11am, and also chances to win a brand new 2008 Volvo C30 and C70. If you didn't know what Amex Wishlist is all about, you can visit the website here to see what you've missed so far. All times listed on the website are Eastern Time. And you would need an American Express credit card to be eligible for any vouchers, prizes or promotions.

Wisconsin Goes to Outback Bowl 2008, Facing Tennessee

Finishing up the season with a 9-3 record, the Wisconsin Badgers are headed to the Outback Bowl in Tampa, FL on Jan 1st 2008 to face the Tennessee Volunteers. I am projecting a Wisconsin win judging on how Wisconsin ended the regular season on a high with impressive outings by QB Tyler Donovan and TE Travis Beckum. The upset chance would live in the productivity of Wisconsin's running game spearheaded by last year's Freshman of the Year RB PJ Hill. The previous win against Michigan (the one which preceded their defeat to Ohio St) was a good reference point as it's a good match with 2 very good football teams. Yes, Michigan RB Mike Hart was out, but Wisconsin RB PJ Hill was sidelined too. Tennessee would rely much on the gameplay of QB Erik Ainge. It's hard to judge based on their SEC championship game against Arkansas as the Razorbacks defense was amazing that night.

Searching for Deals on DDR2 RAM

I am currently looking for a deal for at least 1GB of DDR2 RAM for desktop PC's. However, I don't want any which involves rebate(s). Besides eBay, they best deal I can find now is at Fry's website for the Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR2 PC6400 for $49.99. After tax, it comes out to about $54 plus. Crucial RAM has been reliable and trouble-free from my past experiences.

Signup for Travel News & Win an iPod Nano

Here's an easy way and a chance to win yourself a brand new Apple iPod Nano. Just sign yourself up for the Trusted Travel eNewsletter by December 31st 2007 to be eligible. This is a great opporutnity for me to find out more interesting or fun stuffs to do on my upcoming vacation to Las Vegas. I was in Vegas a few months ago on a 2 day trip, so I didn't really get to see all the things and deal with all the craziness attached to Las Vegas. I am sure to check out the endless and expensive shows during the night. I made some $100 from the slot machines on a 2-hour sitting the last time around and I am looking forward to get more slot machine action after done partying. During the daytime, I am planning to try some of the packages provided by Trusted Tours and Attractions, who also sponsored the iPod Nano giveaway. They offer discounted tickets to many sightseeing tours. I have been pressed to register for one of the the Grand Canyon tours, but honestly, I am not all that interested. I mean I saw it from the plane a couple of times on my way back from Wisconsin. I would love to go on a Grand Canyon helicopter tour, but it's almost the same view from the Southwest plane, only this time I'll get to experience the helicopter thrill. We'll see how my financial planning turn out. Definitely considering to have as much fun as possible in the Sin City. And the best thing is, I am not alone.

Redeem United Miles for $25 Restaurant.com Gift Certificates

I can actually use 1000 of my United Miles to redeem for one (1) $25 Restaurant.com gift certificate. The other option is to redeem 2000 miles for four (4) $25 Restaurant.com gift certificates. All you need to do is to locate a restaurant near you which accepts a Restaurant.com gift certificate and read the terms before you redeem.

I just conducted a search within 5 miles of my current zip code and realised that most restaurants have now enforced a minimum amount before you can use a Restaurant.com certificate. A $50 minimum is required to use a $25 certificate. That's essentially getting your check half off. Some restaurants would restrict to dinner time only or weekdays only. Just follow this link to go to the redemption page.

Snoop Dogg Reality Show: Fatherhood

Who saw this coming? I didn't. Reality shows are popping here and here like mushrooms after the rain. But Snoop Dogg? What the heck, man. Alright, they got me. I am watching this. Just out of curiousity. TO learn the other side of Snoop. Snoop Dogg's new reality series, "Snoop Dogg's Father Hood" debuts this Sunday on E! at 10:30pm/9:30pm central.

New 20% Coupon for WWEshop

Today, I received another newsletter from WWE which provided the 20% off discount for a purhcase total of $75 or more. Use the code 20. Now I'm really tempted to pick up something for this holiday season. Maybe another DX or HBK shirt. Since I no longer follow the WWE, I am just looking for something nice and unique. Honestly, I haven't been as interested since they sent some wrestlers to TNA. Hear this out guys, even if you gave TNA some extra superstars, I still won't watch it.

Buy, Celebrate and Give with JacarandaStyle

With holiday seasons looming around the corner, let's all celebrate and give thanks to the blessings and love of our friends and families around us. However, we shall not forget those who are less fortunate. Contriibuting to charity with our holiday spendings would be one of the easiest and most convenient ways to makeour charitable contributions. Being from the land of the Hornbill where there are many native tribes, home-made accessories and decorations are everywhere in my hometown and I am glad to say that I do appreciate that form of home-made art. Beads, straws, leaves and wood are some examples of the materials used.

JacarandaStyle is a merchant which sells hand-made home accessories and jewelry which are really unique. These are all made in South Africa. The charity part: a portion of every item sold is generously donated to the Ethembeni School in South Africa (www.EthembeniSchool.org). It serves 300 physically disabled and visually impaired children in South Africa. I like the tea lights collection they offer, particularly the Wave Tea Light. JacarandaStlye has been mentioned in magazines like Food and Wine, Traditional Home and The New York Times. Since it's holiday season, there's a 10% off coupon code of "JSTYLE".

Shopping for WWE Items

WWE is currently having some offer codes for their items and merchandises at WWEshop. They always have free shipping codes available and I get notified through their newsletter. So if you're one of my fellow WWE fans out there and you are interested in buying some official merchandises, wait for the offer codes to be available to save some money. Your best bet is the 10% off discount and free shipping for $75 and above orders using GIVEME.

Here's a list of the current offer codes as copied from the newsletter.

GIVEME: 10% off and free standard shipping
on orders of $75+

TEN: International Special! 10% off
with orders of $99+

FREEME: Free shipping on U.S. orders of $60+

MONDAY: Free Monday Night War DVD
on orders of $60+

VINCE: Free McMahon DVD on orders of $60+

HLR: Free Cena "Hustle. Loyalty. Respect."
Pendant on orders of $60+

EDDIE: Free Eddie Guerrero DVD
on orders of $60+

EDIT: I have previously made a few purchases from WWEshop and have been fairly satisfied with the products, but not necessarily the price though. If it's not urgent, I'd wait for it to go on sale or when the price drops. Just another way of saving money.

Sending Holiday eCards While Contributing

In this modern day dominated by the technology and computer advancements, I realised it has been a while since I sent out a holiday greeting card to my friends and family. All is done from my computer because an ecard can be sent in a matter of minutes within a few clicks of the mouse. Month2Month.com has partnered with Toys for Tots to make a contribution for every holiday card received. This is a great way to help raise money for Toys for Tots. There's no subscription, advertisement or toolbar download requirement and it's absolutely free. I hate the fact that Yahoo! Greetings has changed from its original totally free ecards service back to the days when I sent my first ecard. Here's where to find Toys for Tots free eCards

Alexa Ranking Improves Past the Million Mark

My Alexa traffic rank finally broke under the million mark. Now this blog's Alexa rank is at 868,831. Previously it was at 1,099,938. This is the best rank reported for this blog and the first time it is in 6 figures. Hopefully this healthy trend would continue. My next goal is to break below the 500,000 mark. Thanks for all the visit.

Trying to Win a Nintendo Wii from CircuitCity Sweepstakes

The Nintendo Wii keeps getting snapped up by holiday gift shoppers and I barely have a chance to even add it to my freaking cart. I am hesitant to choose the option of buying one from eBay or Craigslist for a jacked u price. So the best way out now is to win one. It is one of the hottest item on the wishlist this holiday season. Thanks to the low inventory, this item has been living the hotlist for a while.

The 21 Days of Wii Sweepstakes. Here I come. "Wii would like to play." Wish me luck and I hope I can win one for my loved one. Like eBay's commercial said, "It's better when you win it." and FREE.

If you can't win one from somewhere and really want to buy one, check out the Nintendo Wii sellers at Amazon

All I Want for Christmas Giveaway by Overstock.com

Yes, it's already December. Christmas Day is just 3 weeks away! I still remember when the Laser Disc technology was still hip back 10 years ago, my Dad bought a LD with a sweet compilation of Christmas songs. My favorite is none other than Twelve Days of Christmas. And I found out today that Overstock.com, yeah the big "O", is currently having a All I want for Christmas Giveaway promotion starting today, Dec. 3rd.

We would get the chance to win gifts that you’ve chosen from Overstock.com and they can be worth up to $1000! And you can enter everyday! Not only you get to play for yourself, you can invite 5 friends to join to increase your chances of winning. Here's how it works, if you win, they'll win too! That's definitely a good way to spread some early Christmas love.

Wait, there's a Grand Prize at the end of the 5 day contest. The grand prize is each and every gift you’ve registered to win over the duration of the contest. So if you don't win anything in the daily giveaway, you still stand a chance to win it all! Amazing! I can't wait. Let me roll out my wishlist. Nintendo Wii, Sony PS3, XBOX 360, Garmin GPS unit, iPod Touch, and the list goes on. I am going to wish for a XBOX 360 today.

Wishlist This: Belkin N1 Vision Wireless Router

It has been a while since the last time I searched for a deal on a wireless router. As I mentioned in the previous post, I was looking for a reliable wireless router for my family. Then I came across this $70 deal at OffceMax for the Belkin N1 wireless router which has a retail price of $149.99 on Belkin's website. It has a cool built-in Network Status Display lets you see your connections working. "Each icon represents a network component, so you can easily monitor your connections for fast troubleshooting." The display has icons of Security, Wireless, Wired, Router, Modem, and Internet which lets the users know which is active and connected, making it easy to view your router status.

Then, I found a router with a much cooler display also from Belkin. It's the Belkin N1 Vision wireless router. It retails for $179.99 on Belkin's site. It was dubbed as the most advanced interactive network display. It has 6 choices of display which includes time and date, current broadband speed, usage within the past 24 hours, and connected devices. This is definitely my type of router, but not quite my type of price. Paying $180 for a draft n wireless router is just plain ridiculous. I've learned and I should've known. Cool toys come with hefty price tags.

In the end, I bought a D-Link DI-524 wireless router from eBay for $20.35.

Shopping for A New Wireless Router, Thinking D-Link DI-524

My family back home finally subscribed to broadband internet, thanks to the much persistent nagging by my little sister. So now I am thinking of getting a new wireless router for them. I've had a few experiences with wireless routers, Gigabit, Linksys, Netgear and then Belkin. My first one, the Gigabit, was a cheapo. The Linksys was touted as one of the best but connections kept dropping once every few days. Then a great deal at Staples came by and I purchased the Netgear wireless kit of router plus PC card and another kit of router plus USB adapter. It turned out that the Netgear wasn't as stable too. I ended up selling one of the routers, the PC card and also the USB adapter.

Then I got a D-Link DI-524 wireless router for a hot deal price of $25 (back then) from Fry's. That was my best experience with wireless routers. So I am thinking of getting that since I thought it's reliable and all that. It's just for normal wireless internet around the double storey semi-d. I wouldn't wanna pay close to $100 for the draft n routers. And there's no other place to pick up a bargain other than eBay and Craigslist.