Apple is well known for having quality computers that retain their value longer than PC’s, but like any electronic device after a few years they get to a point where you can’t give them away. After looking at recent sold Ebay listings of retro Apple equipment you might have to rethink giving away that old Mac equipment from the 70’s and 80’s.

Why are they going up in price? Well the answer lies in the amount of equipment that was made back in the day, in fact some items fewer than 100,000 devices were produced. Another factor is some of the old Macintosh equipment was made in the United States which in itself is rarity.

The rarest items of all are the Apple 1, these were hand assembled by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, only 61 of these units are known to exist and they sell for 100’s of thousands at auctions.

Items are also very collectable because, people like to reminisce by using retro games and applications on these machines rather than use emulation.

Equipment also is highly desired at various museums of technology and even Hollywood has a good collection for movie props.

Some examples below are some recent Ebay sales:

An Apple Macintosh Portable M5126 Mac w/Rebuilt Battery sold for $625.00 (Pic on below)

• A 1984 Macintosh 128K Model M0001 sold for $2500 with the buy now option. (Pic on below)
• So if you’re looking for some cash maybe it is a good time to sell some old Apple equipment or even put it in a safe for later when it will be worth even more.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_I

http://ebay.com/

Not too long before we will see Straight Talk offering the embattled iPhone 6 on the $45 plan. This will be the quickest that Straight Talk will have a latest iPhone model after release. The question that I want to know is how much it will be?

LONG BEACH, CALIF. – October 20, 2014 (SDG MEDIAWIRE)– JVC Mobile, worldwide provider of innovative and value-driven car entertainment products, announced it is shipping four in-dash receivers from its anticipated 20 new-for-2015 products. The immediate availability of two multimedia centers and a pair of CD receivers gives retailers and consumers the latest technology and smartphone integration in time for the holiday season.

As next-generation models of the current KW-V10 and KW-V20BT receivers, the new KW-V11 (MSRP $299.95) and KW-V21BT (MSRP $349.95) double-DIN units feature a stylish, symmetrical design that accommodates a larger, 6.2-inch WVGA touch screen. A fully reimagined touch panel allows users to place their favorite function tiles on the screen for a customized control experience. The screen also includes Monitor Touch Control, so users can adjust volume by performing a circular motion on screen and select media by swiping up/down or left/right with their finger. Additionally, each receiver can be controlled with factory-equipped steering wheel buttons using a third-party adapter, or with the optional RM-RK258 wireless remote control.

Both receivers are designed to connect seamlessly to the iPhone to access stored music and video as well as receive streaming media and Internet resources using the smartphone’s broadband access. Each includes the ability to control specific apps on an iPhone 4 or 4S from the receiver and play back audio from the iPhone 5 and 5s.

Other benefits include a USB input that charges the connected device, an audio/video input, playback of multiple audio formats from a CD, DVD or connected device, a 5-band parametric equalizer and 11 preset equalizer settings that provide pinpoint control of sound quality, and connections for external amplifiers (front / rear / subwoofer) with 4.0-volt outputs for precise level matching.

The KW-V21BT adds Bluetooth-enabled hands-free phone compatibility for safer phone calls and audio streaming, with a new “auto pairing” function for iPhone that eliminates the need to scroll through Bluetooth menus and match pairing codes. In addition, plug-in compatibility with SiriusXM receivers provides access to hundreds of channels of specialized audio programming.

Siri Eyes Free is another feature of the KW-V21BT, allowing the user to control the iPhone and the receiver using his or her voice. Press one button on the receiver to wake Siri, the iPhone’s virtual assistant, and provide voice commands to select music, send and receive text messages, set reminders and more.

The entry level KD-R660 (MSRP $89.95) and KD-R460 (MSRP $84.95) are next-generation models of the current KD-R650 and KD-R450, respectively. A new symmetrical design adds screen space and physical buttons. One of the most notable improvements from last year’s models is Android Auto Mode. Android®-based smartphone users can connect their phones to the receiver via USB. The user can browse, play and control stored media on the smartphone from the receiver after installing the free JVC Music Play smartphone app available on Google Play. Without the app, users can stream services or play back stored media by simply plugging in their phone or tablet and controlling source functions from the device.

Both receivers include an easy access front-panel charging USB port and 1/8-inch auxiliary input, two sets of pre-amplifier outputs (front and selectable rear / subwoofer) for the KD-R660 and one set (selectable rear / subwoofer) for the KD-R460, an included remote control, connectivity to factory-installed steering wheel buttons, and a dimmer that synchronizes with the vehicle’s headlights.

Additionally, the KD-R660 connects to the iPhone to play and control stored media as well as Pandora® and iHeartRadio®, using the iPhone’s broadband connection.

“It was very important to us to make these products available to our vendors and loyal JVC Mobile consumers prior to the holidays,” said Jacob Hardin, national marketing and training manager at JVC Mobile. “All four units are indicative of the combination of technology and favorable pricing we’ve built into our upcoming 2015 product line. With entry level units able to directly interface with select Android smartphones, we give consumers an expanded media experience at highly attractive price points.”

About JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation
JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of JVCKENWOOD Corporation and is a leading developer of imaging, home and car entertainment and navigation products for the consumer market, two-way radio communications systems for public safety, private industry and amateur users, and video equipment for the broadcast and professional markets. For detailed information, call JVCKENWOOD USA at 1-800-950-5005 or visit us at http://us.jvckenwood.com, www.kenwoodusa.com and www.jvc.com.

With companies losing customer credit card data on what seems like an almost daily basis and social network websites that are compromising our private information with no remorse. I thought it was time to put some basic safety tips up to help others. You don’t have to be a criminal to have privacy; it is your right as a human being. I realize many won’t like this list, because habits are hard to break. So here’s the list of the top 8 (Actually 10) things to do immediately to protect your identity online.

#1 Don’t Use Social Networking.

Don’t use any social networking avoid it at any cost, the NSA is collecting your private information, and has access to the networks whenever they want, this will never change. The NSA and other Departments don’t require a court order to access all your information (thanks to the Patriot Act.) Even if you are not a criminal, do you really want some nerd from the NSA stalking you? Companies (or Partners) are also being sold/given your information to profile you for advertising.

This profiling will be used to give you a higher or lower price, it can be used to discriminate based on race and gender as well. Major supermarket chains are using pictures for facial recognition linked to your social network profile which brings us to (#2)

#2 Never Upload Photos.

Don’t upload photos or any pictures of yourself or your family to any website or application that transmits photos. They sell and exploit your pictures, the pictures are not secure. Leaks like the Fappening (iCloud) and the Snappening (Snapchat) have leaked thousands of private photos some are even nude and underage.

The big companies don’t care about your data, so don’t let them have it. Also request that friends and family don’t upload your image as well, hopefully they will respect your request.

#3 Avoid using online payments, Apple Pay or Google Wallet.

Credit card payment systems and sites like Paypal are hacked by amateur criminals on a regular basis if you can find a price locally at a store that is similar to online that is better. Pay with cash when possible. Resist using payment systems like Apple Pay or Google Wallet, this is just another way to be tracked, tagged and put in the system.

#4 Never Use Online Storage Systems.

Never ever use Dropbox, Skydrive or Google for storage this is probably one of the most dangerous fads that’s going out of control at the moment, you will be hacked. Go to an electronics store and pick up a 4 Terabyte hard drive they are so cheap they are nearly giving them away. There is far less chance of someone breaking into your house than your online storage. Never store online.

#5 Don’t use Google, Bing or Yahoo for personal searches.

If you are going to use a search engine for personal information related to anything like health, looking for a lover and anything that you wouldn’t like everyone to know then don’t use a search engine like Google, Bing or Yahoo this information collected and is used to profile you. There are search engines that are powered by these search engines that apparently don’t track your usage.

(Bing) Duck Duck Go http://www.duckduckgo.com/

(Google) Start Page http://www.startpage.com/

Use these as a last resort; you can also use all search engines through an anonymous proxy for best results (see #6)

#6 Use the Internet Through An Anonymous Proxy.

Another way to keep safe from the NSA and corporations is to use an anonymous proxy. An anonymous proxy is used to route your traffic to another location making websites think you’re in another location.

TOR is a good Internet browser for no fuss anonymous access to random proxies that will hide your identity from sinister types and the good news is that you can get it for Apple, Windows, Linux and other platforms for free. (Always have the latest version of TOR, as NSA can crack encryption of older versions)

Also there are some good hardware options that will hide your traffic too for a more permanent setup for your household.

#7 Always have Anti-virus and Firewall Software Up-to-Date.

You don’t even have to pay for this software; there are free versions of the software that will do the job like AVG Free, and Zonealarm Basic. Much like the last 25 years of computing virus activity has been running rampant, so you would be crazy to not install an AV.

Many operating systems have holes that allow hackers to get into your network and devices attached, use a firewall to block criminals that want access. After revelations that many of the back doors are being exploited by NSA, there is no better time than now to take action.

#8 Use Encryption.

Always use encryption, encrypt your emails, files and other communications. There is lots of open source software out there that you can use to encrypt your files. Never place passwords in an excel spreadsheets and use trusted software such as Keepass to encrypt your passwords.

#9 Put Tape Over the Camera.

The camera and microphone in your laptop, tablet or smart phone may be compromised in the name of national security, keep an open mind to this we are not completely sure what has been programmed into the chips and software of some computers and phones.

#10 Stay Calm.

Do these actions, and you've won half the battle, you will be ahead of the rest!

Additional Information:

• Facebook is using you.http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/05/opinion/sunday/facebook-is-using-you.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
• Forbes - How Facebook Secretly Aids Government Searcheshttp://www.forbes.com/sites/kashmirhill/2011/07/12/how-facebook-secretly-aids-government-searches/
• Abine - Google handed over 11,385 people’s personal info to the government in the past 6 months http://www.abine.com/blog/2012/google-gives-user-information-to-the-government/
• Publica - Yes, Companies Are Harvesting – and Selling – Your Facebook Profile https://www.propublica.org/article/yes-companies-are-harvesting-and-selling-your-social-media-profiles
• Walmart and Facebook facial recognition http://wontek.com/news/walmart-and-facebook-facial-recognition
• Snowden files : NSA can crack almost any Encryption including Tor anonymity network http://thehackernews.com/2013/09/NSA-can-crack-TOR-Encryptio-Snowden-files-.html
• Wontek - What is TOR browser? http://wontek.com/what-is-tor-browser.html
• The NSA Probably Has Installed a Virus on Your Computer — and Everyone Else's http://mic.com/articles/74845/the-nsa-probably-has-installed-a-virus-on-your-computer-and-everyone-else-s
• Wontek -689,003 People turned into lab rats on Facebook without consent http://wontek.com/news/689003-people-turned-lab-rats-facebook-without-consent.html
• Wontek - DuckDuckGo: an Amazing Search Engine with Real Results http://wontek.com/duckduckgo-amazing-search-engine-real-results.html
• ZDNET - If you have something to hide from the government, don't use Dropbox http://www.zdnet.com/blog/government/if-you-have-something-to-hide-from-the-government-dont-use-dropbox/10283
• Business Insider - Edward Snowden, Days Ago: 'Get Rid Of Dropbox http://www.businessinsider.com/edward-snowden-warned-of-dropbox-hack-2014-10

Downloads and tools:

Duck Duck Go - http://www.duckduckgo.com/

Start Page - http://www.startpage.com/

Tor Browser - https://www.torproject.org/

AVG Free - http://free.avg.com/us-en/homepage

Facebook has released a chat room app called “Rooms”, this so called anonymous chat room/forum software is touted as the solution for people wanting privacy when talking online. This is being done in an effort to steer people that don’t use Facebook because they sell /steal and giveaway peoples personal information to the NSA and others . Also, let’s not forget they also conduct psychological tests on their users (1).

Like Facebook suddenly cares about privacy and anonymity!

No doubt at first people are going to jump on this software thinking they can talk freely like it is 1999 again. I guess in time we will see when the cops turn up somewhere because of intercepted private chats that threaten national security. The idea that an evil corporation like Facebook wants anonymity for users is a joke.

Remember this company founded by Mark Zuckerberg that said “The days of you having a different image for your work friends or co-workers and for the other people you know are probably coming to an end pretty quickly, Having two identities for yourself is an example of a lack of integrity.” (2)

It’s no secret that Facebook and the NSA are buddies exchanging ideas and information, and no doubt looking at the source code for this new app it will reveal even more about how it really does record your identity and what is sent back to the NSA. (3)

It will be easy for Facebook and the NSA to work out who is using this “Rooms” app, all they have to do is match up the persons facebook login ip with the IP of the posting in Rooms, and there are way more ways they can do it other than IP address obviously. Warn the people you care about to stay clear of this app.

(1) Wonek - 689003 People Turned Lab Rats Facebook Without Consent

(2) Michaelzimmer.org - Facebooks Zuckerberg having two identities for yourself is an example of a lack of integrity

(3) Forbes - Facebook Secretly Aids Government Searches

AT&T has finally been made accountable for lying to its customers about the “Unlimited” data plans that are not unlimited. AT&T was slowing customers Internet data down to 95% of the regular speed after reaching a dismal 2GB of data usage.  

2GB of data can easily be reached in a few hours of watching Netflix on your phone, which many people do these days. However the F.T.C (Federal Trade Commission) has been forced to make an example out of AT&T for lying to customers.

AT&T says that emails and text’s alerting customers of changes to the unlimited data plan were sent. Email and texts containing something along the lines of unlimited data was only full speed until 2GB for 3G and 5GB for 4G LTE technology, and after this time speeds would be slowed.

However the majority of customers never received this notification. When the data connection was slowed down it’s considered useless for any modern internet applications.

However it seems that AT&T seems to think that it has done nothing wrong, claiming that it was transparent with customers.

AT&T isn’t the only one doing this. MVNO’s (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) are using the same deceptive advertising and branding methods as AT&T, and it is high time they had their date with the F.T.C.

One prime example is Tracfone’s : Net10 and Straight Talk brands they  have “unlimited data prepaid plans” running on AT&T, however instead of slowing customers speeds down they were disconneting them off the phone network completely after 2GB on 3G.

After this started happening a few years ago Tracfone let customers know a few months later that there was a 2GB cap on high speed data, and slowed their connections down after reaching the cap.

There are very few telecommunication companies that make honest claims anymore, so as a consumer you must be very careful to make sure you are not ripped off by fine print, or in this case no fine print at all. Be sure to let F.T.C know when companies like AT&T and Tracfone are not standing by their advertised product.

Source: NY Times

Not really new but we hadn’t added this phone to our Straight Talk page, the LG Ultimate 2 or model number (LG L41C) This is a great little phone with a dual core CPU for $129 currently on Straight Talk , Net10 and Tracfone.

Want a piece of history? Also a powerful Camera, well there is 2 days to bid on the Sony HXR-MC2000U 64 GB Camcorder that we used at CES 2013. As you can probably tell Wontek doesn’t do videos anymore so we are saying goodbye to some great gear that we don’t use anymore. This camera has some great specs so if you’re in the market for $2000 camcorder going cheap… Check out our ebay page here http://www.ebay.com/itm/321568585884

Not a new phone but we just added it to our database of Straight Talk phones, we have being playing a bit of catch-up getting out phones up-to-date. This is a basic phone, you can get it at Walmart or online now here: LG Optimus Fuel

LG Optimus Fuel

Adding this phone to our database, it just happens that this phone is free (refurbished) at the moment with the purchase of a recharge card. So good deal if you want a backup phone right, because you have to purchase a recharge card anyway if you’re with Straight Talk. Free shipping too. Get the deal here ZTE Midnight Refurb for FREE when you purchase an Airtime Card Starting at $45

The idea of a refurbished phone to some people might sound a little risky, it is true that you're never 100% sure of what you’re going to get. I want to explore the refurbished phones that are offered by prepaid brand Straight Talk and see if they are good value and is it worth taking the risk? or is there absolutely nothing to worry about?

I have personally had a few different refurbished phones from Straight Talk over the last 3 years, and let me be completely honest; they are being overlooked by people wanting a good value phone. These phones are in perfect condition infact not a single scratch; battery is like new or might even be new... I can't find any difference between a refurbish model and one that is in a bubble pack on the shelf. Maybe I have just been lucky and found phones that were never used and sent back to Straight Talk for whatever reason but they are great value from my point of view.

What do you get? Well you get all the stuff that is in the bubble pack, the only thing being that they are in a small cardboard box, probably better packaging than the actual bubble packs (and easier to open)

There is the manual, the charger, back plate for the phone, battery, memory card (if part of the deal) activation card and of course the phone itself. Each of the items that are included for the actual phone are individually packed in a plastic sleeves with a part number sticker placed on the wrapper. The phone has a protective sticker on the touch screen and there is a sticker over the battery area warning to not remove the sim card (if it has one) and also a reminder to give the battery a full charge before using the phone.

I have had a few different Android models and an LG290C back in the day, and I never have had a problem. The phones have a 1 year warranty from day of purchase so really it's pretty hard to go wrong with one of these Straight Talk Refurbished phones.

More information: Straight Talk’s Website

Back to: Straight Talk Reviews

We got an email today  from someone who noticed a new $35 Unlimited plan on the Straight Talk website and they took this screenshot and sent a link, In the * conditions it says Straight Talk 500MB of high speed then throttled, however the page wasn’t there when I checked, so I don’t know if this is a fact or a hoax.  
If this is real then it will give Republic wireless a real run with their $35 plan.
No more information at this stage, we will keep you’ll updated as news comes to hand.

Update: It is true, The Sweeper has given us a screenshot that show that they have started advertising in stores...

I am going to personally change over to this plan, good deal.
 

If you have ever called Straight Talk 800 number or chatted with them on the website, there is one question they have great difficulty answering. That question is “What is support like?” they simply can’t answer this question. Is this because there is a lake of support? anyway here it goes:

**************************************************

Jessica: Hello! I’m a Straight Talk Mobile Specialist. Are there any questions I can help you with?

You: I am looking at getting this phone

Jessica: A Chat Specialist will be with you soon.

Jessica: We appreciate your patience. A Chat Specialist will be assigned to you soon.

Jessica: We appreciate your patience. A Chat Specialist will be assigned to you soon.

Jessica: We appreciate your patience. A Chat Specialist will be assigned to you soon.

Jessica: Thank you for visiting Straight Talk today! I would be happy to provide you information on the different phone we have, and help you pick the right one.

Jessica: Before we continue, let's move this chat so that we will not lose each other through our conversation. Please click 'Move My Chat' to move it now.

You: done

Jessica: Thank you for moving the chat.

Jessica: May I ask you a few questions to better assist you today?

You: yes you can ask me a question jessica

Jessica: Do you currently have service with Straight Talk?

You: no

Jessica: Thank you for considering Straight Talk! May I know the zip code where you manage to locate the phone?

You: 90210

You: i love you

Jessica: Are there any particular features that you would like your phone to have?

You: camera

Jessica: Do you talk, text, email, and use a lot of data with your phone?

You: yes

Jessica: Is there a specific phone you had in mind?

You: iphone

Jessica: May I ask if there is a specific price range that you would like to stay within?

You: $300.00 to $800.00

Jessica: Do you have a particular plan in mind already?

You: no

Jessica: Are you planning to transfer a phone number to our service?

You: maybe

Jessica: Based on what you told me about how you use your mobile device, I recommend iPhone 6 Plus 16GB the phone will cost $750 and you can use the unlimited $45 plan.

Jessica: The phone have great specs and offers a 4G LTE speed on your area. We currently have free overnight shipping, how does that sound?

You: great!

You: thank you so much Jessica

Jessica: Do you have any questions about our product before we proceed?

You: what is the support like?

Jessica: Just to clarify what do you mean by support?

You: support...

Jessica: What questions can I answer for you about our products?

You: I want to know what support is like?

Jessica: It like guiding a person.

You: excuse me?

Jessica: I'm going to end this session in order to assist other customers. Should you have further questions/comments, our Customer Care can be reached by calling 1-877-430-2355.

***********************************

Hmmm interesting right, or am I just an ass?

Straight Talk has a really cool LTE home router is coming, this device has it all. Using the AT&T LTE network this device has 4 LAN ports for wired computers (Which I personally still use) Wi-Fi and a VoIP port which I am going to guess is unlimited knowing Straight Talk. This device is the complete home solution network replacement. I will be interested to see if it has the same plans as the other home devices using the Hotspot service plans. Another thing I really would like to know is the price. I am going to guess that the price range will be $150 to $250 given the router has all the features you would expect with a good home router. Check out the manual for more information. If you have any more details please let us know and we will update the page and as always give you credit.

Who says they don’t make flip phones anymore? Here is a new Flip phone coming out on Tracfone and its brands. It will be a cheap phone, initial price around 30 bucks then will come down to $10. So if you want a phone for what it is made for, that being taking phone calls this is the one to grab.

This Huawei Magna Android Phone from Net10 is availble online or at Walmart, seems like a pretty solid phone for $100 with its Quad core CPU, the screen is 4" that seems to be the main let down but you can't expect to much for the price.

Tracfone LG 237C, a CDMA flip phone. Very basic but high quality for the price. Not much you can say about a phone that is nothing new to flip phones. I personally love flipping open these phones, smart phones don't have that feeling.