Free wireless internet service. That's what NetZero is offering so consumers can create their own personal internet connections instead of being tied to unsecure public hotspots. But beware.
You can only have the FREE plan for one year. And you'll still need to buy a $50 antenna stick that plugs into a laptop or a $100 mobile hotspot.
Also, you're allowed only 200 megabytes of data per month, just enough for some email and web surfing. Forget watching full-screen streamed video.
If you use up your free monthly allotment, NetZero will cut off your internet access until the start of the next month and suggest you permanently upgrade to a paid 4G plan, which starts at $9.95 a month.
IPAD KEYBOARDS
Do you like the iPad but not its virtual keyboard? Consumer Reports tested five keyboards that promise to make things easier.
"With the keyboards we tested, the keys aren't necessarily larger than those on a tablet's touch screen," said Consumer Reports' Paul Reynolds.
But they have real buttons you press down on. Consumer Reports likes the ZAGGfolio keyboard for $100. It fits easily and has handy iPad-specific buttons and shortcuts.
For full-size keys, try Apple's Wireless Keyboard for just $70. But expect to pay more for a stand and case.
For an Android tablet like the Samsung Galaxy, Consumer Reports recommends the $70 Logitech keyboard.
GIFT CARDS, DAILY DEALS
Get a $10 gift card for just $5 tomorrow by visiting AmazonLocal. The gifts cards are good for use anywhere on amazon.com, not just the local deals site.
And the daily deal service: Google Offers is now in Philadelphia! Today you can get half off frozen yogurt in Old City.
Google is also aggregating deals from 11 MORE daily deal operators. That way you can get all your local daily deals in one place.
Links for the above items:
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/Accessory_keyboards_for_tablets.html
