Filed under: Cellphones

Well hell, that Blackberry Bold decision just got a lot easier if you're, uh, bold enough to sign a two-year contract with AT&T -- it's now free after rebate at Walmart. Yep, it's only been out for two days and Wally's already handing 'em for free -- somehow we don't think that's gonna happen with the Storm. Still, this is the one you want if you double-heart keyboards with itty-bitty keys -- just make sure you actually mail in the forms, okay?

[Thanks, Barry]

Blackberry Bold shows up for free on contract at Walmart originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Networking

So, you've been desperately searching and hoping for a way to connect your SlingCatcher into your wireless network router, right? Well back at CES in January, the company showed off a little accessory called the SlingLink Wireless -- a device that would do just that. Unfortunately, details were scarce. Things may be changing, however, as the adapter just appeared on Sling's UK site looking all fancy and official. There doesn't seem to be any indication of a price (last we heard it was $49.99), release date, or regional availability, and when we contacted Sling, they didn't seem to know much more than what the page conveys... and then pulled the info from the site. Oh well -- thank goodness for Google's cache.

[Thanks, Brian]

SlingLink Wireless adapter appears then disappears from the company's UK site originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Displays, Home Entertainment, Portable Video

We've been hearing about Optoma's Pico Projector for what feels like ages now, but at long last we've some concrete data on the minuscule beamer. Boasting Texas Instruments' DLP technology, the 2- x 4.1- x 0.7-inch device weighs in at just 4.2-ounces and features a native resolution of 480 x 320 pixels, 9 (yes, nine) lumens of brightness and a minimum projection distance of eight inches (with a maximum of 8.5-feet). We're also told that it can be recharged via an AC adapter or USB, but the 20,000-hour bulb is not replaceable. David Pogue was able to spend a little time with the unit, and overall, he was emphatically stoked. He stated that visuals were more than satisfactory when shot up on an airline seat back, and the general crispness of the picture was smashing, too. Contrary to previous reports, we've now learned that this critter will be shipping in a fortnight (or two weeks, for those who take issue with such a term) for $430, which means this can now skyrocket to the top of your holiday wish list.

Optoma Pico Projector gets pictured, specced and priced originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The key to a long drive is not all in the wrists

Filed under: Cellphones

Following the DOJ's approval last week, the FCC has voted unanimously today to approve Verizon's acquisition of Alltel, promising to create a CDMA network of insane proportions that'll eclipse AT&T to become the US' largest wireless carrier. Like their fellow feds over at the DOJ, the FCC guys attached some conditions to the approval, including a requirement that Verizon continue to honor Alltel's existing roaming agreements for four years -- presumably in an effort to protect and appease rural carriers who've been solidly against the merger all along. This'll almost certainly lead to some job losses in the Alltel camp, but look on the bright side, guys: you just might have a crack at that wild LG VX9600 now.

[Via Phone Scoop]

FCC approves Verizon's Alltel buy, deal all but done originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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