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All posts tagged "reviewed"


Wednesday, July 18, 2007

HTCs Slide-Out s710 Reviewed at MobileBurn.com

Posted by Mike Temporale in "ARTICLE" @ 12:15 PM

http://www.mobileburn.com/review.jsp?Id=3544&source=HOMETOP

"The HTC S710 was a handset that I can honestly say I was excited to test. That doesn't happen very often, but the combination of Windows Mobile 6 Standard, a regular phone keypad, and a slide out QWERTY keyboard was very enticing to me. Sliding QWERTY keyboards are not something new to the Windows Mobile world, especially to HTC, but no other handset thus far has combined the two in a smartphone, though the Helio Ocean claims the honor of being first such handset to market. Despite not being first overall, the S710 is still the first to do it with Windows Mobile 6 Standard, and currently is the only such device on offer."

User submitted image

You might have read an article or two on this device already, but don't let that stop you. Mobile Burn always has the best pictures around. And their reviews are pretty darn good too. ;)


Friday, July 13, 2007

Plantronics .Audio 910 Reviewed at SmallNetBuilder

Posted by Mike Temporale in "ARTICLE" @ 06:00 PM

http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/content/view/30079/70/

"How many Bluetooth headsets have you gone through? The Plantronics .Audio 910 is the fifth Bluetooth headset that I've used. And like all the headsets before it, the .Audio 910 was disappointing. My sense of the past three years of Bluetooth is that things are improving, in that the .Audio 910 was less disappointing than the last headset I used. But, the improvement is slow and apparently we customers had better adjust our expectations downward."

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Bill, from SmallNetBuilder, makes an interesting point in his review of the Plantronics Audio 910, finding a good Bluetooth headset isn't an easy task. There are a number of OK headsets, and some Good ones too. However there are few if any, exceptional headsets on the market today. While there has been a lot of talk, both good and bad about the new Jawbone headset, it hasn't managed to come out as the standard for a great or exceptional headset. I'm looking to replace my current headset, and thanks to this review, I know what I won't be getting. I just wish I could decide 100% on what to get.


Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Toshiba's G500 Smartphone Reviewed at Pocket-Lint

Posted by Mike Temporale in "ARTICLE" @ 12:00 PM

http://www.pocket-lint.co.uk/reviews/review.phtml/2418/3442/toshiba-g500-smartphone-mobile-phone.phtml

"Large and bulky, the phone is probably one of the ugliest handsets we've seen in the last 6 months and sports a large 2.3-inch screen with the usual array of d-pad, hang-up, and connect buttons beneath it. Below all this slides out the keyboard, no not a QWERTY keyboard, but just a regular 12 key dial pad and its left us puzzling why the device is the size it is. Heck we�ve seen thinner, smaller QWERTY keyboard models"

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This doesn't look like a strong start for Toshiba in the Smartphone arena. I like the overall design, but I'm not thrilled with the size or outdated version of Windows Mobile. Of course the HSDPA, WiFi, Fingerprint Scanner, 2MP camera, are all nice features. But I don't think it's enough to offset the size and outdated platform. I'm expecting this device to do as well as HPs Voice Messenger. I hope I'm wrong, but I don't see these going very far.


Friday, June 1, 2007

Aliph Jawbone Bluetooth Headset Reviewed

Posted by Mike Temporale in "ARTICLE" @ 10:30 AM

http://reviews.digitaltrends.com/review4374_main21878.html

"A new company called Aliph, has built their first offering around what they call Noise Shield technology. The idea is simple � the headset should only care about sound when the person is talking, which requires moving their mouth (and thus, the name "Jawbone" for their first device). The headset extends over the muscle that moves the jaw so that when the mouth moves, a small rubber piece moves. This acts as a switch that tells the headset, �Hey, there�s someone talking here!� Noise that occurs without the wearer moving their mouth is greatly diminished. Ventriloquists will want to look elsewhere."

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I've heard some good things about this headset. I've used a number of different headsets over the years, and I keep coming back to a wired headset or this Motorola one I have. They're either too hard to put on quickly when the phone is ringing, or they sound like crap. So I'm wondering what you guys use? Is this one really as good as I've heard and read?


Tuesday, April 10, 2007

From the Perspective of a Pocket PC Veteran - Samsung�s Blackjack SmartPhone Reviewed

Posted by Doug Raeburn in "HARDWARE" @ 09:00 AM

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Product Category: Windows Mobile SmartPhone
Manufacturer: Samsung
Where to Buy: Wirefly (Affiliate link)
Price: $499.00 - free after rebates with new Cingular Wireless account
Specifications: Samsung site

Pros:
[*]Small and lightweight;[*]QWERTY keyboard;[*]Bright screen;[*]Very fast wireless data connectivity.
Cons:
[*]Smartkeys easy to press by accident;[*]Proprietary connectors;[*]Battery life only fair;[*]Mediocre camera.
Summary:
As a longtime Pocket PC fan and resident geek/gadget freak among family, friends and co-workers, I've faced the following question many times in the past:

"When are you going to move to one of those 'all-in-one' units that combines a PDA and a cell phone?"

I'd reply that most such devices were either too large as a cell phone or too small and limited as a PDA, at least for my needs and preferences. Some recent devices that look and act much like a PDA, but with roughly the same size as a cell phone, have tempted me to take the plunge. So here's my review of my new Samsung Blackjack, along with some comparisons to a couple of the very devices it's supposed to combine and replace. Can a diehard Pocket PC guy achieve satisfaction with a new kind of device? Join me in my odyssey into the world of Windows Mobile SmartPhones...
Read more...


Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Toshiba's New G500 Reviewed at PocketPCItalia.com

Posted by Mike Temporale in "ARTICLE" @ 08:15 AM

http://www.pocketpcitalia.com/Recensioni/Smartphone/Anteprima-Toshiba-Port%C3%A9g%C3%A9-G500/

"The Toshiba Port�g� G500 is a smartphone of type slider, that is with tastierino numerical to passing with mechanism to sliding, than for its winning design and for its compact dimensions it could it appeal to also to the feminine public. But it is not that one the target next to which Toshiba it has thought in realizing this product. Draft in fact of a device from the remarkable constructive quality (edited by the Toshiba laboratories, since the producer is one of the little to realize own dispositive you in the own plants) and equipped of detailed lists of wrap high that render the Port�g� G500 particularly adapted to the advanced professional user, beyond naturally the fan of technology."


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Alright, maybe the Google Translation isn't all that good, but it's still a good article that I think is worth checking out. As we have all heard during the 3GSM conference, Toshiba is back into the Windows Mobile arena and this time they are offering a Smartphone - slider style too! Overall the specs are pretty nice. However, there are 2 main issues. The first one being that the phone is only Tri-Band. Hopefully Toshiba will release 2 different Tri-Band versions so that everyone can enjoy this device. The second issue is less of an issue and that is the fact that the phone runs Windows Mobile 5. The reason I say it's not much of an issue, is because I've heard that it will be upgraded to Windows Mobile 6. :D


Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Live Search for Windows Mobile Reviewed at the Two Inch View

Posted by Mike Temporale in "ARTICLE" @ 10:15 AM

http://www.twoinchview.com/134-live-search

"Microsoft has been growing their Live services lately, pouring effort into creating a suite of online services that will entice Internet users to take advantage of their offerings for search, email, location-based services, and many others. And they�re not just focusing on the desktop world: there are a rich assortment of Windows Mobile-based solutions for smartphones such as the Treo 750 and T-Mobile Dash. One such solution is Windows Live Search, software that recently came out of beta and is a free tool for finding things quickly and easily from your Windows Mobile smartphone"


Jason takes an indepth view of Live Search (the cool mapping one) over at The Two Inch View. I'm a big fan of this software and I use it all the time. While in Seattle last week, it helped me pin-point a Cingular Wireless store that was just down the street from where I was standing. I might have walked off looking in the wrong direction if it wasn't for this app. I know we've talked about this app before, but if you're not familiar with this software give Jason's review a read and let us know your thoughts. For those of you that already use this great app, share some stories about how it saved your life, or not. :LOL:


Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Slingbox and SlingPlayer Mobile Reviewed by CoolSmartPhone.com

Posted by Kris Kumar in "ARTICLE" @ 07:30 AM

http://www.coolsmartphone.com/article709.html

"This, my friends, is the Slingbox. The guys at Sling Media let me borrow one for a week and now, three weeks later, I've still got it. If the truth be known I can't bring myself to give it back. I figure that if I keep quiet, they might just forget I've still got it. :) What makes this box so good isn't just what it does, but how it does it. But wait, I'm getting ahead of myself here. What is it? What does it do? The picture above gives you more than a clue - put simply it'll let you watch your TV anywhere, but it's not just your TV. It'll control your satellite box, your cable box, music system and more. You then get to watch your TV from anywhere in the world - all you need is an internet connection, the Slingbox software (which is constantly updated with the latest infrared codes etc) and a computer or a Windows Mobile phone."

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I am sure by now everyone has heard of place-shifting and Slingbox. In case you are trying to figure out whether it is a worthwhile investment or not, then check out CoolSmartPhone.com's review. The review not only includes the usual fare of pictures but also talks about real life scenario testing - watching UK television broadcasts live in Cancun during a vacation. 8) In case you want to check out how the SlingPlayer looks on a Smartphone or want a second opinion, then check out Mike's review over here.


Tuesday, February 13, 2007

HP iPAQ 510 Voice Messenger Reviewed by LAPTOP Magazine

Posted by Kris Kumar in "ARTICLE" @ 05:00 AM

http://laptopmag.com/Review/HP-iPAQ-510-Voice-Messenger.htm

"HP's latest iPAQ doesn't look like an iPAQ at all. It's a compact candy bar phone without a keyboard, and that features Wi-Fi and runs Windows Mobile 6. The 510's biggest innovation, however, is its Voice Commander technology, which enables the phone to read your e-mail aloud, open applications via voice, and respond to e-mail with voice notes. These features would be especially convenient for commuters who drive to work--if HP's execution were slightly better. At only 2.8 inches wide, the iPAQ 510 (See Photo Gallery) forgoes the QWERTY keyboard in favor of a standard number pad. The dark-gray body with black trim looks executive-chic, but this handset weighs a hefty 5.8 ounces and measures 0.7 inches thick, compared with the much sleeker dimensions (3.5 ounces and 0.6 inches) of the Cingular 3125. The reward for the iPAQ 510's extra bulk is a relatively large battery that promises 6.5 hours of talk time, versus the 3125's five hours."

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The name iPAQ brings back memories of the revolutionary design that the then Compaq introduced in the form of the H3600 Pocket PC. It was miles ahead of the others, way back in the early 2000. Now HP has announced its first Windows Mobile 6 Standard phone which in my opinion lacks style and substance. I expect more from a company with the size and power of HP. :roll: This phone's unique selling proposition is its Voice Commander technology, which enables the phone to read e-mail aloud, open applications via voice, and respond to e-mail with voice notes. Unfortunately according to the reviewer this features is not quite ready for prime-time.


Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Microsoft�s Voice Command 1.6 Reviewed

Posted by Jerry Raia in "SOFTWARE" @ 12:00 PM

http://www.twoinchview.com/124-microsoft-voice-command-16-reviewed

"Speaking is the most natural form of human communication, but paradoxically, it�s also the most difficult way for computers to understand us today (though someone with truly horrible handwriting might argue that point with me). Being able to control a computer with your voice has been the Holy Grail of computing for years, but we�ve only inched forward in the past few years � the main challenge is around context."

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Jason Dunn has done a nice little review over at Two Inch View of Microsoft's Voice Command. What has almost become the application we love to hate, I still think it is pretty good. Even though quite a few people report troubles with headsets, I have found the software amazingly good at understanding what you want.


Thursday, January 18, 2007

Cingular's BlackJack Smartphone Reviewed at MobileBurn.com

Posted by Mike Temporale in "ARTICLE" @ 01:00 PM

http://www.mobileburn.com/review.jsp?Page=1&Id=3050

"The very pocketable BlackJack measures up at 113mm x 59mm x 12mm (4.5" x 2.3" x .47") with an added 3mm bulge where the camera is located. For comparison's sake, that's a few millimeters narrower and shorter than Motorola's popular Q. When you add to that a feathery 105g (3.7oz) weight, a QVGA display, and a full QWERTY keyboard, you have the basic building blocks for a very desirable smartphone. The BlackJack makes use of two different black finishes on its body. The front face of the device has a satin look to it that does a decent job of staying clean. The back cover has a different finish, one that is similar to the soft touch, rubbery finishes seen on some Motorola devices like the KRZR K1. That finish looks good and feels nice to the touch, but does show off dirt a bit more."

User submitted image

Mobile Burn always does a great job of reviewing devices and this is no exception. The review even makes some comparisons to the other popular QWERTY devices on the market. If you're still undecided about which QWERTY device to get, give this a read and it should set you straight. ;)


Tuesday, December 19, 2006

eWallet 5.0 Reviewed at ClintonFitch.com

Posted by Mike Temporale in "ARTICLE" @ 01:00 PM

http://www.clintonfitch.com/reviews/ilium/ewallet-5-0/default.asp

"eWallet 5.0 takes an already outstanding application and makes it even better. All of the features that have been in eWallet since the 3.x days are still there: complete customization of wallet cards, custom categories, and 256-bit encryption. What has been added though in 5.0 takes the application to a wholly new functionality and usability level. With 5.0 you can sync to virtually any type of device and media type: USB cards, your PC, other PCs on your network and remote locations via FTP. Further, that synchronization process has been completely overhauled, making synchronization more reliable and faster. Top it off with an new easy-to-follow companion tool and a completely new icon set and easier customization of those icons and you come to appreciate how far this application has come along. If you are a user of eWallet already then 5.0 will prove to be a worthy upgrade. If you are new to eWallet now is the time to get it!"

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In case you missed the announcement; Ilium has released version 5 of eWallet. Clinton Fitch has posted a review of the latest version. I've been using it from the private beta and it's a great update. Clinton's review is focused on the Pocket PC, but that doesn't change the look or any of the new sync features. Check it out and let us know your thoughts.


Thursday, November 23, 2006

Metallic Marvel: The Dopod 595 Reviewed

Posted by Darius Wey in "HARDWARE" @ 12:45 PM

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Product Category: Tri-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE + single-band UMTS Smartphone
Manufacturer: Dopod
Where to Buy: 3 (Australia) or other authorized Dopod sellers
Price: $603 USD (or $785 AUD) from 3 (Australia); varies from store to store
System Requirements: Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, Windows XP, or Windows Vista; USB port
Specifications: Windows Mobile 5.0 (Smartphone), Samsung S3C2442A 300MHz CPU, 64MB RAM, 128MB ROM, tri-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE + single-band UMTS (and undocumented support for HSDPA), 2.2" QVGA (65K-colour) TFT-LCD, 1.3-megapixel CMOS camera (primary), 0.1-megapixel CMOS camera (secondary), Bluetooth 2.0 (with A2DP & AVRCP), IrDA, microSD, USB 1.1, 112.4mm x 49.0mm x 14.8mm, 120g (with battery)

Pros:
[*]Supports UMTS + HSDPA;[*]Slim form factor;[*]Fast performance;[*]Bright, high-resolution display.
Cons:
[*]Tri-band GSM;[*]Poor battery life;[*]All-in-one Mini-USB port limits the use of third-party accessories;[*]Backlight lacks uniformity.
Summary:
The Dopod 595 (HTC Breeze) is proof that there's still a place in the market for non-QWERTY candy bar Smartphones. It's slim, looks professional, and is a solid performer, but unfortunately, it's not all rosy. Curious? Read on to find out! Read more...


Monday, October 30, 2006

Think Outside Stowaway Sierra Bluetooth Keyboard Reviewed

Posted by Rocco Augusto in "NEWS" @ 06:19 AM

http://experiencemobility.com/2006/10/igo-think-outside-stowaway-sierra.html

"If you are looking for a means to comfortably enter text into your Bluetooth enabled device, I give this device my highest recommendation. I expect that this device (like so many other Think Outside products) will provide years of perfect service. However there is just one little problem. Now there are two perfect solutions for text entry with your Bluetooth devices; the Stowaway Ultra-Slim Bluetooth Keyboard and the Stowaway Sierra Bluetooth Keyboard. The problem you will have is deciding which one to use."

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Experience Mobility has reviewed the iGo Think Outside Stowaway Sierra Bluetooth Keyboard complete with images of the devices mirror like exterior. At one point in time, I owned a Think Outside Bluetooth keyboard and while it seemed like a fantastic idea, I found myself constantly annoyed with the amount of time it took to set it up for use with my phone. It wasn't all bad though, I was quite impressed with the how great the battery life was on my keyboard. :)


Thursday, October 5, 2006

Virgin Mobile's Lobster 700 Reviewed at MoDaCo

Posted by Mike Temporale in "ARTICLE" @ 07:30 AM

http://www.modaco.com/index.php?showtopic=247039

"Virgin Mobile are definitely late to the 'Windows Mobile Party'... but it looks like they plan to make up for lost time with the launch of their new 'Lobster 700' device, which focuses on providing a Mobile TV and Radio experience. The platform that underpins the Mobile TV offering is a 'DAB-IP' platform provided by BT and named 'Movio'. The system uses the DAB Digital Radio system to deliver both DAB Radio and Live TV, with added features such as a 7 day TV guide and interactive 'red button' functionality, which will be familiar to those readers using Digital TV already."

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Paul has just posted his review of the new Lobster Smartphone from Virgin Mobile that supports DAB TV. If I understand things correctly, this device supports broadcast television, so you don't need an expensive data plan to watch TV on your device. It's not streamed over the internet to you. It looks like a nice device, overall. However, I would be more inclined to use a SlingBox and watch my own TV and any shows that I might have recorded on my Media Center than watch a limited number of live broadcast channels. Of course, that's just me. :)


Wednesday, September 20, 2006

HTC MTeoR Reviewed at LIVEdigitally

Posted by Mike Temporale in "ARTICLE" @ 06:45 AM

http://www.livedigitally.com/2006/09/18/htc-mteor-review-best-smartphone-yet/

"Some people want 3D gaming, some people want social networking, me, I want productivity with a little dose of entertainment on the side. I need access to my email, access to browse Web pages, Solitaire, and SlingPlayer Mobile - that�s the cake. Everything after that is, well, icing. After using the HTC MTeoR for a few weeks, I think it�s more like a cookies & cream (with real Oreos) ice cream cake with a layer of mint chocolate chips, covered in hot fudge, and a nice dollop of whipped cream on top. Okay, it�s just a phone, but it�s the best darn smartphone I�ve ever used."

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Jeremy Toeman over at LIVEdigitally, has posted a review of the new HTC MTeoR Smartphone. In case you haven't guessed from the quote above, he really likes this phone. I'm told by many sources, including Jeremy, that this phone is not nearly as ugly in person as it is in pictures. I'll let you guys know if that's true or not when I finally get to put my hands on one of these next week. Anyway, Jeremy has done some good UMTS tests (while overseas) using his Slingbox and he's extremely impressed with it's performance. If only it had the right bands for US enjoyment. :(


Monday, June 26, 2006

HTC Monet: TV Smartphone Reviewed

Posted by Mike Temporale in "ARTICLE" @ 07:00 AM

http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/trurl_pagecontent?lp=zt_en&trurl=http%3a%2f%2fwww.sogi.com.tw%2fpark%2fcontent.asp%3fa_id%3d1320

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Does everyone remember this Smartphone? Previously it was known under the name "Trilogy". It's back and it's now known as the HTC Monet. :roll: Name calling aside, there are a couple changes to this phone - the main one is the use of DAB-IP for the TV signal. The word is that Virgin Mobile is very close to launching this phone. Chances are pretty good that it's a European launch and not North America. I'm undecided if the North American market is ready for another Windows Mobile Smartphone with a hump ;)

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  • Source: MoDaCo


Sunday, June 4, 2006

Xda IQ, O2's Version of the HTC Tornado, Reviewed by 4WinMobile

Posted by Kris Kumar in "ARTICLE" @ 05:05 PM

http://www.4winmobile.com/viewtopic.php?t=2506

"O2 have built themselves a sizeable reputation as a provider of great PDAs, starting with the innovative Xda and then moving through to the Xda Exec and more recently the MiniS. O2 have now extended the Xda line to include the Xda IQ, which is based on HTC's Tornado reference design. The IQ uses the latest technology from HTC and Microsoft to bring a WM 5.0 Smartphone to the UK market. The question is will it live up to its heritage?"

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The O2 Xda IQ's packaging looks as stylish and amazing as the handset itself. 8) O2 has re-branded the HTC Tornado as the Xda IQ, which shares its style with the i-mate SP5 and the Qtek 8310. In case you are planning to buy the Xda IQ (or the SP5/8310) then you should check out this detailed review. By the way I love O2's home screen wallpaper, the one with the water droplets. Where can I find one for myself? :wink:


Tuesday, April 11, 2006

NewsGator Mobile for Windows Mobile Reviewed at the::unwired

Posted by Mike Temporale in "ARTICLE" @ 07:45 AM

http://www.theunwired.net/?itemid=2990

"The charme of NewsGator, which will also be released as a Windows Mobile client soon, is that all of the different platforms synchronize seamlessly, enabling you to easily switch between NewsGator aggregators. That's why I enjoy to use NewsGator because while I commute to the office, I could read the latest news RSS feeds on my Windows Mobile devices, in the office I either access my NewsGator account through my Outlook client or through the web interface (which is AJAX-enabled now) and at home I can read the latest news on my XP Media Center Edition PC, right from my couch"

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I never much cared for reading RSS feeds in Outlook, so I stayed clear of NewsGator. Of course, when they purchased FeedDemon, the best RSS client on the market, things changed for me. I took a closer look at their offerings, and I'm pretty excited about all the synchronization that is done between the various clients. Once I've read a post, I want it to be marked read on every device I own. I don't want to spend time searching through old news and NewsGator has done a great job at this. Check out Arne's review over at the::unwired if you're looking for a complete RSS solution. :)


Thursday, March 23, 2006

SlingPlayer Mobile Version Reviewed by Clinton Fitch

Posted by Mike Temporale in "SOFTWARE" @ 08:15 AM

http://www.clintonfitch.com/reviews/sling/spmobile/default.asp

"The mobile version of the SlingPlayer allows you to use your Windows Mobile Pocket PC (and soon Windows Mobile Smartphone) to view your local television and recorded content right on the device! Further, there is no programming of the client required. When you synchronize your device with your PC with ActiveSync, all of the Slingbox information is copied to your device. Literally, you can be watching television from your Windows Mobile device within minutes. SlingPlayer Mobile is installed either by ActiveSync or by a direct CAB install on your Windows Mobile device and will require approximately 1.3MB of storage space. The player can be installed either in your device�s main memory or on a storage card."

Currently, only the Pocket PC is supported, but Clinton confirms that a Smartphone client is coming soon. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like he was able to review the Smartphone client. :( For those of you in Canada, never fear, Sling is getting set to launch these north of the border really soon. :D


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