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The world is currently poised on the brink of recession. Years of unsustainable economic growth is finally taking its toll and a global economic crisis has taken hold. Some industries will be more affected than others. One industry that could be seriously affected is the mobile phone industry.

A research firm called ABI Research has recently released figures to suggest that the mobile phone industry could be in serious trouble. It has found that on a global level, mobile phone sales have fallen by almost five percent against the same time in 2007. This final quarter sales reduction sets against 2008`s full year results which were an increase on the previous year.

It has been felt that the mobile phone industry is one that will suffer through the global credit crunch and the figures from ABI Research will do little to help that. All feeling is that the present year will leave mobile operators struggling with sales of standard mobile phones. Even so, the white knight of mobile broadband looks as though it could seriously assist the mobile phone companies from major problems.

2008 saw companies such as 3 and O2 add many new packages to their mobile broadband tariffs. It is now possible to get speeds of up to 7.2Mbps and monthly download allowances of up to 15GB all this along with promise of free laptops and netbooks. The final quarter also saw Virgin enter the mobile broadband market. This now means that all of the major mobile phone operators have mobile broadband offerings.

The research also hinted at 3G phones will also have strong demand. High profile phones like the Blackberry Storm or iPhone will continue to have high demand in 2009.

Find out more about mobile broadband uk and pay as you go mobile broadband.

The other day, I found myself into one of those typical one-man shows that my boss keeps calling meetings. Basically it goes like that: He talks, then talks, then talks again, and others are supposed to listen attentively to each single word he says (especially because recording is ABSOLUTELY forbidden due to privacy rules in our line of business). And just when one starts to wonder about being on a tropical beach, or at home watching TV, he asks your opinion and you have to wake up from your world of dreams and utter an acceptable reply.

At a certain point, I noticed that one of my colleagues was writing down short notes, while others were scribbling all the time, and he also had a second pen on the table, and kept it pointed in the direction of our boss, while writing with another one.
During a coffee break, I asked him what is it that he was doing, and he informed me that yes, we all know that our boss is a maniac of secrecy, but he found his way to record our meetings: he was using a digital pen recorder to avoid having to take written notes, by recording the speeches and listening to them later at home, filtering out the relevant information.

Apart from the fact that I would not take my work home with me (and that’s why I will never get promoted….), I have to admit that my colleague had a brilliant idea. Not only he can record these boring meetings, but he can also take quick notes by recording them on the go (while driving home, for example) and then downloading them into his PC via a USB cable.
But the most interesting feature is that his digital pen recorder can actually be used also as… a pen, because it LOOKS like a pen, a spy pen, that is.
Yes, you got it right, one of those micro digital recorders that seem to come straight out of James Bond movies along with all those miniaturized gadgets and submarine cars.

Basically, it’s an MP3 recorder embedded into what looks like a normal pen, which can be activated with just one button, so that it would look absolutely inconspicuous (also due to the absence of LEDs on the body), and can store up to 72 hours of conversation or audio notes depending on memory size and recording parameters, thanks to its long-lasting lithium battery, up to 10 meters of distance and with absolute clarity of sound.

The recorded files are then transferred from the spy pen into a normal PC, through USB connection. When inactive, it automatically enters stand-by mode and yes, it can be used as a normal pen. So if you want to take notes, you can feel free to do it, without having to worry about not fully grasping all that is said around you while you are writing, the pen will do it for you!

This kind of items can be purchased, along with many more, on specialized Online Spy Shops, along with several items for the security of your personal and business interests.

In these times of financial uncertainty many of us are doing every little bit to try and save on the cost of living. Driving a car is a big part of many people’s lives whether it’s going to the shops or commuting to work many of us cannot live without our four wheels.

As a result of the petrol prices going up many motorists began acting on all manner of crazy myths such as having a spoiler decreases wind resistance and gets you a few extra miles. In reality by adding an extra weight such as a massive spoiler will in fact increase your fuel usage as it has the same affect as having an old tool box in the boot.

Other odd beliefs include going to fill your car full of petrol early in the morning as petrol is likely to be cooler and it is believed that the fuels are denser at lower temperatures. Hence many people believe you get more fuel for your money in the morning, this is a bit silly but even if there was a grain of truth all fuel is kept in storage under the forecourt at a constant temperature.

The truth is that if you are looking to save money on the running costs of your car then there are better savings to be had in a different area, car insurance. There is a lot more scope for savings to be made with insurance and a whole lot more sensible than some of the tales of petrol savings.

The cost of fuel has actually come down quite a lot over the past few months and so if you are still struggling with the running costs of a car then car insurance is always a possibility for savings. By taking the pass plus scheme you prove that you have been taught to drive in a variety of extra situations such as motorway driving and this has helped younger drivers or recently qualified drivers to get cheaper quotes from insurance.

Cutting back on your car usage will help bring insurance costs down too, as well as cutting down on the trips to the petrol pumps. Another tip that has helped in the past is adding another driver to your policy; many insurers state that adding drivers with a clean record over the age of 42 can get you a significant discount.

It’s worth having more than one driver on your policy any way just in case you are unable to drive your vehicle such as if you are injured or away on holiday. There are plenty of other tactics people employ to try and get cheap car insurance but remember that if you get carried away and lie because lying on your car insurance application is fraud and at the very least it would render your coverage void and could lead to a conviction.

Let`s be honest … regardless of which state you call home, you are going to be required to carry auto insurance. For anyone who lives in California, driving without auto insurance can wind up being quite costly. All in all, such action shoots down the entire intention of attempting to drive in the Golden State without auto insurance … to save money! Now we`re going to discuss the trouble that awaits you should you choose to operate a motor vehicle in California without proper insurance coverage. On top of that, we`re going to discuss the out-of-pocket money you`ll assuredly have to pay should you cause a damage-inducing accident. Once that`s finished, you`ll be given a lesson in how you could have avoided all the trouble and saved a lot of money by simply investing in the proper amount of car insurance online.

Foremost, should California police pull you over without auto insurance, you`re already in a bad way. Contingent upon the number of times you`ve been cited for driving without insurance, you could be looking at a fine of $1,000.00 or more. And even though that`s alot, it doesn`t end there. Also plan on losing your license and having your car impounded. To get your car out of impound, you`ll be charged additional fees. Yes, the fee meter is running up fast. The irony is, it`s going to cost you more money not having insurance than had you done the right thing and obeyed California`s law regarding auto insurance. Still not enough to change your mind? Then keep reading.

Maybe you`re driving down the street with your precious family pet in the car. The animal distracts you for one split second and, wham! You run a red light and crash into a vehicle coming from another direction. Yup, you`re definitely at fault. You`re the one who disregarded the stop light. And, to make matters even worse, you`re not carrying California auto insurance. How will that fact impact you? To start, you`re liable for any damages to the other driver`s car. You`re additionally responsible for any physical harm done to the other driver. And worse still, your one-time full-size vehicle is now a compact. The bills associated with such at-fault accidents – other person`s car and medical bills, not to mention, your car – are probably going to amount to thousands of dollars. As a matter of fact, it`s most likely going to be more money than you are able to raise.

When the smoke clears, what do you get? Simply the knowledge that it`s cheaper to buy California car insurance than to risk driving without it. Your best decision is to get online and start perusing cheap California car insurance quotes … today! Take the time to conduct side-by-side comparisons to find the plan that is just right for you. And remember – driving without car insurance in California is always the wrong choice.

Save Money when Buying a Used Car

When buying a used car steer clear of special imported or exotic cars, as you may battle to obtain replacement parts and mechanics that can service and repair them.

Select a used car that is well known and that have a nationwide network of dealers and Service Centers.

If you have a car that you want to trade in, have the engine and underside steam cleaned, the car washed and polished, the carpets and upholstery cleaned and remove all unnecessary items from the cubby hole, centre console and trunk before you go shopping for a used car. Doing this can increase the trade in price offered substantially.

If you want to trade in your present car and it is still under a hire purchase agreement, contact the financial institution and get the settlement amount. You can now start your search for a good used car.

Buying a used car from a reputable registered used car dealer is the best and safest option.

When buying a used car from a private seller, you may buy a bargain but it can be very risky. Before you even look at the car, check the paperwork, if you have any doubts about them, leave this deal well alone.

Remember if you buy a stolen car, it will be confiscated and you will lose the money that you have paid for it.

When buying a car at an auction, you may buy a bargain but be very cautious. Most cars sold at auctions have been repossessed or are cars from firms or private persons that have been liquidated.

Usually these cars have been neglected and services have been skipped due to their owners’ financial circumstances.

This option is definitely not for the inexperienced buyer. Keep in mind that the price you have bid does not include the auctioneers’ commission or value added tax. This can increase the price by up to 24%.

damage that have been repaired, overspray on window and door rubbers is a sure sign of this.

When checking the interior look inside the cubby hole or centre console for the service or warranty book. You will usually find the previous owners address and phone numbers in the book, make a note of them so that you can contact him later and find out why he got rid of the car.

If you want to trade in your present car, find out what the dealer will offer you for it, when he made his offer do not appear over eager and accept his offer straight out.

The profit margins on used cars are much higher than on new cars. Therefore the dealer can afford to offer you a better deal. Do not try to negotiate a better deal at this stage.

If you have uncovered any faults tell him that he must first fix the faults and that you want to sleep on the deal and will contact him the next day. He may tell you that he have another person that is also interested in the car, 99,9% of the time this is only sales talk trying to close the deal, don’t fall for it.

Keep in mind that there can be a substantial difference in insurance premiums between different cars. High performance cars have very high premiums and cars that have a tendency to be stolen more frequently also have higher premiums.

Never include insurance cover premiums in a hire purchase agreement as you will pay additional finance charges on it.

If you don’t have a short term home content insurance policy that allow you to insure cars as well then take one out as they have the lowest car insurance premiums and you also don’t pay any finance charges on them. Obtain quotes from at least 4 different insurance companies before making your decision.

If you found the previous owners details in the service book, contact him and try to find out why he got rid of the car.

The next day you can inform him that you will buy the car if he increases the offer he made for your car and or lower the price of the car that you are interested in. He can only say yes or no, if you don’t try to twist his arm you just may have lost a few hundred or a thousand bucks.

Check out every aspect of the proposed deal before you hand him any money or sign an agreement.

Article written by Pieter le Roux an expert used car mechanic with forty years experience of the used car trade.
http://used-car-expert.blogspot.com For more information on used cars, request a free copy of his “Used Car Guide and Checklist” on what and how to check by sending an email to: pieterleroux48@gmail.com

Printer ink isn’t cheap. Manufacturers often price printers low, making you think you got a great deal—until you have to buy more cartridges. It’s not unusual to spend more money on ink over the lifespan of your printer than you did on the printer itself. However, there are a few things you can do to save on ink.

Buy third-party ink. Third-party ink companies either refill old manufacturer cartridges or make their own ink and cartridges using the manufacturer’s design. Their ink can cost a lot less.

Try an ink refill kit. Today’s ink refill kits are often designed with specific brands and models in mind—so they’re much easier to use than they were in the past.

Print in Draft Mode. Most printers have a setting that lays down less ink. Your text will be lighter than normal, but if every document you print doesn’t have to look perfect, this setting is ideal.

Print as little as possible. Store and share your documents electronically instead.

Change your computer’s clock. Some cartridges come with an expiration date that will shut down the cartridge even if there’s plenty of ink left. To get around it, try turning your computer’s clock back a year.

Avoid using colour ink. Colour ink costs more, and many printers will automatically print in colour even if you’re printing a page of black-and-white text.

Buy consumables in bulk. You can get significant savings from buying paper and ink in bulk from the manufacturer.

Printer manufacturers make most of their profits from consumables. But you can keep costs down by incorporating a few simple habits every time you print. With these tips, you can save money on ink and other consumables in the long run.

About the author

Mr Pete Warrior is business owner of the ECommerce business Ink and Media Ltd based in Witham, UK. For more information and a range of Epson printer ink cartridge products visit http://www.inkandmedialtd.co.uk/acatalog/Epson_printer_cartridges.html

The next time you buy a printer, here are a few questions to ask first that will keep you from going over-budget on your ink.

How costly is the ink? Don’t get a nasty surprise when you next go to the store to buy ink. Instead, check out the prices beforehand.

Is this the printer I need? It’s not uncommon for some customers to buy more printer than they need—and get stuck paying for expensive ink when the cheap stuff would have worked just fine.

Are colour cartridges separate or 3-in-1? Buy a printer that allows you to replace each colour cartridge separately, and you’ll be able to save money on ink over the life of the printer.

Can I recycle the cartridges for a discount? Some companies will allow you to send cartridges back and may even give you a discount on original manufacturer’s ink if you have some cartridges to trade in.

Do these cartridges have smart chips? Sometimes smart chips will tell printers to freeze up when they sense the cartridge is empty—even if it’s not completely empty—or once an expiration date expires, no matter how much ink you’ve used.

Can I buy compatible cartridges? Compatible cartridges are manufactured by a third party company using the original manufacturer’s specifications, and they can be much cheaper than original cartridges. However, they’re not widely available for all brands.

If you don’t take time to research printer ink costs before buying a printer, you could wind up paying more than you planned on. Consider all these factors, and you should be able to find a printer that meets your needs without breaking your budget.

About the author

Peter Warrior is managing director of Ink and Media Ltd. An online retailer based in Wickford, Essex, UK. For a selection of ink and toner cartridges by all major brands visit http://www.inkandmedialtd.co.uk/acatalog/Laser_Toners.html