D-Link DIR-685, a multi-function router, backup hard drive.

In the market for a home wireless router or a backup hard drive or both, D-Link has a new gadget that combines those two functions and much more. That new gadget called the D-Link DIR -685, combines a wireless router, a home backup hard drive, and a digital picture frame.

It is equipped with the latest WI-FI(802.11n) signal which can turn an entire house into a WI-FI hot spot and come with all the conceivable home router's features like Application Rules, individual Web site blocking, a sophisticated firewall, network access list, etc. The D-Link DIR -685 has a very distinctive feature in its 3.2 inch color display screen which beside showing the router's settings, can also display some preset Internet information like Twitter posts, photos from Facebook or Flickr accounts, stocks, sports scores etc.With all these features and many more that the D-Link DIR- 685 has to offer, comes the most frustrating part: the device's user guide which comes in PDF form, does not contains a lot of information; one option in figuring it out, is to visit D-Link Web site.

In any case, if you are ready for a wireless router with a lot of potentials but unfortunately with no less irritation, the D-Link DIR-685 is an solid option. The price is also compelling: it retails for $300.

For more, see NYTimes.com

Doing good and tracking it, made easier by DoGood app.

Among the plethora of apps available at the Apple store, a new one stands out in two areas: fun and utility. That new app called DoGood, is the invention of a group of students at the University of Michigan.
The free app challenges users to do a different good deed each day, a small act of kindness , like "Make someone laugh today," or "Thank a teacher," "Give someone a hug," etc. Once the deed is done, it can be recorded by clicking "done." The app also keeps count of how many people did a good deed that day and a detailed tally of how many times a particular deed was repeated each day. It goes even further by letting you post and read stories about every deed. The app has a search function for tracking previous entries and also a statistics display screen.
One of the coolest part of the app is its ability to integrate with Facebook and Twitter to allow your friends to follow and maybe be inspired by your deeds.


For more, see Cnet.com

Second hand wedding dresses marketplace.

In these economic times, those looking to save money and do not mind wearing second hand wedding outfits or sell theirs after the big day, there is a growing marketplace for that. Whether you are buying or selling wedding outfits, various Web sites with different policies are available to let you do just that. What they all have in common, is to be a place where sellers and buyers can find each other.
If you are selling your wedding stuffs, your options will be between using a free or pay to list site.
For the first otion, you can choose between OnceWed.com or BravoBride.com.
For people willing to pay to list their items, two Web sites come to mind: PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com and SellYourWeddingDress.com.
Either way, all these sites require that you register and agree to the terms of service.

For more , see WallStreetJournal.com

HP new touchscreen wireless Web capable printer

According to PC World, printer manufacturer Hewlett-Packard is planning the release later this year of a touchscreen inkjet printer that is capable of letting users print documents from the Web without a PC.
Priced at $399 , the printer will allow users to br0wse some specific Web based content on a 4.33-inch touchscreen panel. Some of that content is provided by an initial selected group including Google, USA Today, Coupons.com and DreamWorks Animation.
Additionally, users will be able to print or upload photos directly to HP's Snapfish photo-sharing and printing service.
The company will also provide applications so that users can personalize Web-based content such as coupons and calendars that can then be printed. Users will also be able to print customized news from USA Today based on their interests, HP said. Users will not be able to print articles from newspapers other than USA Today, but support for more sites and content will be added over time.
The wireless printer will also print pictures from PCs and the iPhone through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and like other all-in-one printers, it will also copy, scan and fax documents.

For more, see pcworld.com

Personal Finance Tools available Online.

In these tough economic times, people worried about personal finances have now more than ever, the tools to help them better manage them thanks to the Internet.Whether you want to plan a budget or track your spending or investments, there are a host of Web sites that help you do just that and more importantly, most of them are free of charge.
For instance, for budgeting, Web sites like Mint.com, Wesabe.com or Geezeo.com offer basic budgeting tools for those who sign-up with them. By signing with them, you create an account and these sites automatically aggregate all your Online financial data, giving you an bird's eye view on most of your expenses.
And according to the Wall Street Journal that has extensively studied the subject, "these sites will even alert you via email or text message when a bank account is too low or when a credit card is approaching its limit."
Some of these sites, like Geezo or Wesabe, also offer a social-network aspect that allow users to share tips and advices, the Journal reports.
Moving beyond budgeting and onto financial planning, a number of Web sites like SimpliFi.net, Planwithvoyant.com or Basic.esplanner.com offer different tools of various sophistication.
For people wanting to track their investments or just in need for more information about investing, the list of options is a long one and some of the most comprehensive are: SocialPicks.com, CakeFinancial com, PortofolioMonkey.com etc.
For investors scared by the recent financial scams and scandals, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority or Finra, is the best place to go for tools to help monitor stockbrokers and learn about and avoid frauds.
According to the Wall Street Journal, you can check the professional background of current and former Finra registered securities firms and brokers, as well as find any regulatory complaints or customer disputes at Finra.org/BrokerCheck.
The Securities and Exchange Commission offers a similar tool for information about investment-adviser firms, at Adviser-info.sec.gov .

For more, see Wall Street Journal.com

Skyfire is a fast mobile Web browser.

Looking for a fast Web browser that can run Flash videos and therefore give you access to sites you could not open before? Skyfire, a mobile browser in its beta or test phase, may be the answer.
People who have tested it, are blown away by its speed which they say is faster than any built-in browser in the market, and even faster than the popular Opera browser.
Although it works for both Windows and Symbian operating systems enabled phones, Skyfire browser seems more suited for smartphones.
It is free and downloadable at Skyfire.com

Career Builder asks the public to create Super Bowl Ads.

Last month, Career Builder, the Web jobs site lunched a contest asking the public to create 25- second commercials for the company. The entries will compete for a chance to run during next year Super Bowl in February with a grand prize of $100,000 for the winner and $50,000 for the first place finish.
Potential contestants have until July 3 2009 to enter their videos. A special Web site, hire mytvad.com has been created just for the contest.