ALWAYS SOMETHING NEW AND SOMETHING OLD

Nothing ever stands still in the computer industry. This month, we're reporting on a new mass storage wristwatch and old scenarios with rebates and cyber cafes.

MASS STORAGE ON YOUR WRIST WATCH

Small flash memory units have been shown as jewelry worn on a neck chain. But now you can have flash memory on a wrist watch…the ultimate in multi-tasking???

Recently introduced, the Meritline RIST™ USB Watch has a microscopic USB Flash Memory Drive inside the watch than can support up to 256 mg of disk space. The watch allows you to access and transport data safely and conveniently. A 2-foot retractable, modified, USB cord is supplied with every watch and can easily be connected to any computer with a USB port. Once connected, the computer will automatically detect it as a removable drive and you can begin synchronizing data between school, work, and home with ease. Simply drag and drop or copy and paste your favorite MP3s, video/personal files, or applications. The RIST™ memory Watch requires no batteries or software. The movement of your body keeps it going. Just plug and play and you're on your way!

It has a sleek brushed stainless steel case and a bold modern face with a stylized silicone rubber wristband. The smooth Japanese movement will sip battery power for up to 3 years. The unit includes a CD for data transfer and password security system. It is compatible with Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP, Linux 2.4 or higher and Mac OS 8.6 or higher and comes with a one year warranty. You can get an idea of how it works by looking at the online manual at: Click Here to Download the User Manual (PDF Format, 830 KB).

The unit lists for $235 but a search for the product name will reveal that it can be bought for about $135. It's a handy gadget and a great conversation piece. Look up Meritline Rist watch for a photo of the watch and price comparisons.
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GAMES REBATERS PLAY

If you've bought something that offers a rebate, it's wise to keep track of what you're supposed to get and follow up if you don't. Companies that offer rebates do so with a devilish gleam in their cash registers. They know that only a fraction of consumers apply for such payments.

I'm a consumer who follows up and follows through. I bought a new computer and a few peripherals recently that allegedly netted 6 rebates.

I followed specific directions of what to send and made a photocopy of every receipt, offer, and UPC code required to go with it. I know you would believe that of the 6, two wrote back telling me they were missing something and if I wanted the rebate, I'd have to respond within 7 days, (What if I was out of town?) I immediately photocopied and mailed back the copy of the original submission. About 2 weeks later I did get the rebate.

On another, I was told me to check the Website to see if my rebate was in progress. Every time I did so, it said my rebate was pending…for 12 weeks! It was due in 8 weeks. So I phoned and was told it would be forthcoming in 2 weeks. The rebate did show up in about a week, but I suspect that I would never have received it if I hadn't phoned.

All of which is a time consuming pain in the neck. To simplify matters, I keep a record on Excel of what's due, when I bought the item, from whom and how long it should take. I date the photocopy, too.

Next time you buy something offering a rebate, don't just sit and wait. Keep records and be pro-active. Keep the companies on the ball and, maybe eventually, they'll realize it may cost more to dole out rebates and the bookkeeping involved, than it would cost to lower the price to begin with. Wouldn't that be nice?

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CYBER CAFES ARE EVERYWHERE

Do yourself a favor and leave your laptop at home where you won't have to worry about loss or theft. In every country, there are enough Cyber Cafes or internet access places where you can check your email, log into the internet and possibly download your digital photos to your computer at home …if you've left it on.

If you don't want to leave the computer on, then dump your photos in OFOTO.com or one of the other resources that will accept your downloaded files. Then, when you get home, retrieve them and you've saved yourself many potential headaches.

Another option is to go into camera store, and have them transfer the photos from your memory stick or camera to a CD. Then you can continue taking photos

During out recent Caribbean cruise, we found Cyber cafes in Jamaica, Panama City, Puntareinos, Costa Rica, and three different cities in Mexico. In each stop finding a cyber café was as simple as asking a policeman or taxi driver where one existed. In one city, we were looking at a map when a young boy and his father asked if they could help. We pantomimed a computer and the boy took us directly to a stairwell leading to a second floor cyber café.

You'll be amazed at how inexpensive computer access fees are in Mexico. I read the $12.00 per hour sign and rushed through the messages. The attendant said it was under $1.00 US and she would give me the change in pesos. I told her to keep it. That $12.00 meant pesos!

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Dona Meilach is the author of over 85 books with 10 on computers. Her latest book, just out, is TEAPOTS: MAKERS & COLLECTORS. Other computer organizations interested in running this column should contact the author. The column is also available as a free E-zine. Subscribe DCC: Contact dmeilach@msn.com. Dona’s Computer Capers may also be found at http://www.smalladdictions.com/Skateboard.