Rogers Rate Increase - March 1st

01.30.12: Many Rogers subscribers have received a letter this month outlining a $2 rate increase for home phone and Internet.
In addition, it tries to encourage you to upgrade your Internet modem ($1.50/mo more). 

The letter doesn't include your current rates and indicate if you will be impacted.


It is up to you to take the time to review a previous bill (sign in, click on "Account Info", click on "Change package" for Home Phone, and click on "View my services" for Internet) and review your services as they relate to the price increase letter.

For the Internet, if you click on Compare packages (left-click pic), you will be able to evaluate your requirements and adjust your plan accordingly.
If you have Hi-Speed Express, you have 12mbps speed and 60GB usage. This is probably the standard package for most users. You will see a $2/mo increase.


My Recommendations:
In my opinion, Rogers, a while ago, increased Internet speed for its customers without asking ... in an attempt to be more competitive with the Bell Fibe service offering ... and are now going to charge us for for making them more competitive!! 
As I have indicated in the past, at service renewal (or any rate increase), always check the competitor's rates and consider switching (after advising your current supplier of your intentions). You may be surprised.

Internet: 
consider dropping to a lower plan to save, particularly if you do not do much downloading.



Home Phone: 
As the A La Carte Features are increasing by $2/mo, I suggest you discontinue as many as possible.
As radical as this may seem, I have been advocating discontinuance of home phone and use of cell phone instead. 
You can easily save more than $575/year!


Internet Modem Rental: 
Rogers would be very pleased if you upgraded, as it saves them expense replacing your existing older rental modem if it breaks down.  unless you enjoy giving Rogers money for no benefit, ignore this upgrade.

Take your smartphone when travelling

01.26.12: Have you always left your cell phone behind, due to roaming cost, etc?


Here are some good reasons to take it with you:


1. you can use the camera shot to retain a copy of your e-card for check-in instead of producing, carrying or locating the paper.

2. Use your smartphone’s camera to take a photo of your bags especially if you’re going to travel by air. If your bag is lost in the airport, you can show the photo to the airport staff. 

3. If you’re staying in a country where you’re not familiar with the language, it’s a good idea to take a photo of your hotel (or street corner signs). Might help if you get lost and can't find someone who speaks english.

4. If you’re terrible with remembering numbers, take a shot of the hotel room door (or write it down in the virtual notebook of your phone).

5. List all your major items (and approx value), in case a suitcase is lost. Remember, the maximum insured amount (per suitcase or carry-on) is approx $1,800. 

Mega Pixels - how many do you need

01.23.12: This questions comes up a lot and I have done some research.


The simple answer is 12MP.


The real answer is it depends ... and that is why there is no definitive answer.


To answer the question for you, you need to ask yourself questions:


1. Are you shooting in low light? Larger sensor and more mega pixels. 
2. are you zooming and then cropping? More mega pixels.
3. are you printing large pictures? More mega pixels.
4. are you mainly viewing on a computer? Less mega pixels.
5. how large an image sensor? The larger the better.


Resources:
A technical resource to help explain.
A print resolution chart that might help.
How Many Pixels Do You Need?
The best DSLR answer.

blocking ads while Webbing

01.11.12: Adfender - browser blocker for ads


Once in a while, a truly good and free app arrives.
This one runs silently (is not visible), easy to install, can show you how many ads it has blocked, shows cookies you might want to easily delete (click to enlarge pic).


I have started using it and will let you know if there are any reasons not to use.


BTW, don't bother adding another app to your computer if not bothered by the ads you see.