Stylish with Substance

We're not quite ready to give away our own things at the moment, but in the spirit of this recession we love highlighting some other sites' giveaways for you. It's really all win-win in one way or another. (Unless you're sad to lose, sorry if you do.)

In the Tech Category:

• $50 iTunes Gift Card - deadline: Feb. 19th
• iPod Touch - deadline: TONIGHT Feb. 13th (is it your lucky day?!)

 

In the Jewelry Category:

• $100 Andzia Gift Certificate - deadline: Feb. 17th
• LeelaBijou Leaf Pendant (pictured) - deadline: Feb. 20th

In the Bag Category:

• Bunch o' Louis Vuitton! - deadline: March 3rd

Apple Computers is giving us working proof that environmentalism fails in the face of business. If a company produces things made of solar power, we think that's green, as in environmentally-friendly, right? But if that company attempts to patent this technology, therefore not wishing to share/spread/encourage all competition to do the same (we're not in competition when the Earth's life is at stake though!) - that's not about saving the world at all, it's about getting the edge = getting the green, but not lush leafy green; dark, dirty dollar signs green.

Dirty is right! And it's not sexy. Sure, sitting out on my back patio un-plugging away on my fully wireless-ness until I can't take the global Florida heat anymore sounds like an attractive prospect, but this - it's not "hot". In fact, I find it rotten.

*Update*

We don't regularly post eco blogs, so I'm going to list here the green social bookmarking sites we've submitted this post to, and actually link to the permalink there. Vote if you agree, and/or comment if you do or don't!

• @ Plant Change


• @ Hugg


• @ Mind, Body, Green


• @ Green Voice


• @ Care2


• @ NewsLadder (progressive politics / causes)
  


• @ Mixx *This site just has a green category, and I'm probably about to add it to our links here.

When I bought my laptop, Dell was (unbeknownst-to-me) about to debut laptop skins---with custom "you-designing" available (see next post), and I was bummed I missed out on THAT. (I did get my skin later though.)

And just recently Dell put out the XPS laptop available with a "flamingo" pink actual body, shiny metal and all - also (Product) Red, blue and black.

Now after checking out the "Build Your Dell" features, I don't feel so bad at all.

I mean: Should I/you get a computer/laptop just because it's pink??!!!

Pros

• Pink available


• Good, powerful options


• Matching bags, sleeves and accessories available.

Cons

• It's only the XPS machine, whereas I bought the special "media" (good for recording sound, video display and high storage, etc.) Inspiron. My machine suits me best! (And that is the most important thing, we must remember.)


• It's not available in anything smaller than 15.4" size. No matter the color, that won't do for some!


• Windows XP is no longer offered, only Vista can be purchased with the PC (at least online).


• They're really hawking the stupid product offers, it's quite annoying and could be really confusing to the lesser knowledged.


• If you get a stick-on skin, it will fit the machine A-OK-Enough and you can put your own artwork on it! Plus this adds protection. What good is a shiny pink gadget with scratches? Huh? Huhhh???!

Well, I'm satisfied. Stay tuned for more on those skins (oh it's probably spelled "skinz" if I know the world we live in now well enough!)... But if you're still intrigued by this machine or need a new laptop anway, check out the Dell XPS online now - and if you'd prefer a different notebook, remember the skins/z!

PCs with fingerprint sensing technology marketed to make computers more secure may not quite do that job as well as hopefuls assume.

Hackers can scan what your fingerprint looks like and skilled techies can copy it. Could this then open a Pandora's box of identity theft? If fingerprint identification becomes bigger in other areas of life & business, watch out.

This means in terms of Internet hacking, it's not safe at all.

Which does also mean that password protecting your PC may just leak your password out, so be careful which characters you choose. Although, a tough one to type will make it annoying to boot up, and especially annoying for closing and opening notebooks. I say forget it.

These may just be opinions, but I've discussed with knowledgeable people (I do admit, I'm just one of those "dummies").

Read more about fingerprint scanning PCs on SmallBusinessComputing.com (image credited to them).

Motorola has officially announced the KRZR K1, aka the Canary. It should be available in the 2nd half of this year, which is sooner than was speculated. The first round will only offer the phone in dark gray and blue colors, though. But of course due to the popularity of pink, it's of opinion that pink should follow in only a matter of time.

Source: Mobile Tracker

HP has a new campaign called "Personal." They aim to make computers, well, more personal. I haven't seen much that relates to real life in their heavy-affects ads, but one thing struck me: the apparent ability to design really rockin' fashion and other design items. Yet I couldn't find that in one of the computers' listed features (even though the capability was a strong element to the ads).

I conducted multiple searches of HP.com and didn't find anything. This is an example of really poor marketing.

I'd love more info on this, though, if this software or whatever really does exist. Many in this fashion blogging community will be very interested in this, I think.

Check out HP Personal for yourself.

The Ogio Chassy laptop bag struck me for a few reasons. 1. It's pink. 2. Tons of pockets, and I quote, "jewelry / make-up / no - boys - allowed pockets." Wow, that's some serious marketing.

There are also "back panel mail and receipts file pocket - rear fold-out water bottle pocket." Heavy duty perfection.

Tip: This bag is does not convert into a backpack, as some images make it appear. I wish it would, because I've realized I need the support sporting heavy machinery. Maybe in the next collection!

Choose this messenger at 12"h x 15.5"w x 3"d in pink, green, highlighter blue or white and lined in polka dots, for $73.95.

Introducing the Motorola "Canary" or the Razr 2. Cute Gadgets got photos of it via Engadget, but only Cute Gadgets showed the picture I'm most interested in:

Yes, it's a phone as slim as the Razr, but much less wide. No word on colors, but when it comes out in pink for Cingular, it'll be perfect, and it will be mine all mine. With my clumsiness, I think my current phone will be dropped too many times and need a replacement by then. The Canary is set to come out in 2007, but will a pink version come quickly right after??? I can only pray! (Yes, pray! For a phone, yes sillies.)

I don't know what I love more now, my iPod Mini in Pink, the one I've loved dearly for years, or this newly found purple skin for it. Uh-oh!

The iSkin Mini is a slim silicone cover for the iPod Mini. And it's currently on sale for $22.99 at the iStore (no Apple relation). It doesn't just come in purple, but also protective pink, lime green, dark blue, black and grey. They all come with a clear screen protector, an attachable clear clip (so you don't have to worry about giving that function up) and side "bumpies." The iSkin allows your iPod to remain compatible with all iPod accessories.

Opted or missed out on buying an iPod mini? iSkin offers covers for all variations, including 4th Generation Skins in even more "skin tones"!

Damn, I'm envious, I could have a newer, larger iPod with a color. Then again, I like the shiny metal on my iPod Mini, so I'm really good.