Prepaid cell service—as in service without a contractual obligation or early termination fee—continues to surge in popularity. If you’re intrigued by making the switch from a traditional contract plan, but haven't been keeping up with the fast-changing options to do so, here’s why you might want to try prepaid:

1. Prepaid plans offer a diversity of pricing schemes. You can buy prepaid service in three different ways:

• Prepaid bundles. These range between 30 to 5,000 minutes and cost $10 to $400;

• Pay-as-you-go plans. These charge 5 to 25 cents per minute used, with or without a $1 to $2 daily access fee or per-day-use charge; and

• Monthly-fee plans. These are much like a traditional contract plan, and range from 50 minutes to unlimited minutes per month.

2. You may save money—especially now. In the last Consumer Reports survey of satisfaction with cell-phone service, more than 70 percent of those who had switched from a regular contract-based plan said prepaid was costing them less. And that was before what’s starting to look like a price war in prepaid. The latest salvo: Two Tracfone monthly plans under the brand name “Straight Talk,” available in about half of the country. One plan offers 1,000 voice minutes, 1,000 text or multimedia messages, and 30 MB of data over Verizon’s network for just $30; the other unlimited voice and text, plus 30 MB of web access for $45.

Boost Mobile offers unlimited voice, text messaging, web, and push-to-talk for $50 per month. Virgin Mobile offers unlimited voice plans for $50 from $80, but charges an additional $10 for unlimited text messaging, and for 50MB of web access.

3. Prepaid phones are no longer just plain vanilla. True, you can’t— at least yet—get prepaid plans for the iPhone, Palm Pre, and some other hot phones. But you can get models with cameras, web access, Bluetooth capability, and QWERTY keypads.For example, MetroPCS Communications offers the Blackberry Curve, while both PCS and Leap Wireless offer various Nokia, Samsung, and Motorola phones. (See our full Ratings of cell phones and smart phones, available to subscribers.)

4. Apps and capabilities are growing. A few examples: Virgin Mobile phones have access to social networking, chat, and find-a-date services. Boost offers Fox Sports newscasts, games, and navigation applications.

5. You may not need to buy a new phone. Prepaid service isn’t provided only by relatively unfamiliar names, but by the major contract carriers. (Sprint offers prepaid through its separate Boost brand.) In some cases, you don’t need to switch phones to switch plans. You may even be able to use your GSM phone (from AT&T, Net10, T-Mobile, and Tracfone) with another GSM carrier.

However, prepaid plans aren’t for everyone, and not every prepaid option is a bargain. We’ll detail what to watch out for in an upcoming blog.—Jeff Blyskal

Since we first blogged about it, our older Apple MacBook Pro battery continued to expand even more than the photo at the right, popping open eventually.

What did not continue was Apple's "battery exchange program"—it closed a year ago. And Apple's battery update notice, recommending a software update and offering a free replacement battery to MacBook and MacBook Pro owners whose batteries had "visibly deformed," also closed in May, 2009.

If you have this problem, other than buying a new battery for more than $100, your only recourse is to try to get Apple to grant you an out-of-warranty replacement. We suggest speaking with a customer satisfaction representative, and refer to our original blog posting, Apple's bloating batteries, to emphasize that you are not the only victim of this design flaw. —Dean Gallea

Starting this fall, you’ll be able to download movies and more from Blockbuster OnDemand to select Samsung HDTVs, Blu-ray players, and home-theater systems.

As we reported last week, Samsung hasn’t offered any movie downloads for its TVs, unlike rivals LG, Panasonic, Sony, and Vizio, which have deals with either Netflix or Amazon on Demand. Samsung Blu-ray players have had the ability to stream movies from Netflix for a while now, but the televisions have been limited to content from YouTube, the Flickr photo-sharing site, and news and weather feeds.

The Blockbuster access will be available on LCD and plasma HDTVs in the 650 series and above, as well as the so-called LED TVs in the 7000 series and up, according to a news release issued today. If you already own one of these TVs, you can download a free widget from Samsung to access Blockbuster (when it becomes available). The widget will be integrated into new sets sometime this fall. You’ll have to do a firmware upgrade for Blu-ray players and home-theater systems you already own.

Blockbuster OnDemand charges $1.99 to $3.99 per download. —Eileen McCooey

Samsung's 46-inch LN46B650 LCD TV

Panasonic Viera TC-P46G15 Plasma TV

Although we’re now just a week or so from posting our latest LCD and plasma TV Ratings (available to subscribers), our engineers have already starting testing additional LCD and plasma models for the Ratings we’ll publish in August.

Here’s what’s currently being evaluated in the CR TV labs (listed here in alphabetical order by brand):

LCD TVs
LG 42LH50: This 42-inch 1080p TV with 120Hz technology has the company’s NetCast Internet service, providing online access to instant Netflix videos and other content via Yahoo Internet widgets. It also has a room light sensor to save energy by adjusting TV brightness to the room’s light conditions.

Samsung UN46B8000: This pricey 46-inch 1080p LCD is an ultra-slim (1.2 inches) set with edge LED backlighting. The set, a 240Hz model that actually quadruples the TV’s frame rate, includes Samsung’s Medi@2.0 Internet service, with access to online content, including Flickr and YouTube, via Yahoo Internet widgets. It can also wirelessly connect to a home network via an optional USB dongle, and comes with preloaded with some content, such as games, workout routines, and recipes.

Samsung LN46B650: This 46-inch mid-line 1080p set has 120Hz technology, and sports a new, ruby Touch of Color design. It includes Samsung’s Medi@2.0 Internet service, plus the ability to connect wirelessly to a home network via an optional USB dongle. Like its pricier, sleeker brandmate, it comes with some preloaded content.

Samsung LN26B460: This smaller-size Samsung LCD is a 26-inch 720p set with three HDMI inputs, more than most TVs of this size. It has a headphone jack for private listening.

Sharp Aquos LC-C5277UN: This 52-inch 1080p, 120Hz model is sold through warehouse clubs. It has five HDMI inputs, one more than most TVs we’ve seen, and features a sensor that automatically adjusts the TV’s brightness to room light conditions.

Sharp Aquos LC-C4677UN: This is the 46-inch version of its larger sibling, described above. Like that model, it’s a 1080p, 120Hz set that’s sold through warehouse clubs. It also has similar features, including five HDMI inputs and the ambient light sensor.

Sony Bravia KDL-46XBR9: This pricey, 46-inch set is part of Sony’s flagship XBR line. Unlike earlier models, which required an optional Internet module to connect to the web, this set has built-in Internet capability. Key features include 240Hz technology that actually quadruples the TV’s frame rate to reduce motion blur, and Bravia Internet widgets to access online content. The company just announced that Netflix has been added as a content partner for Internet-enabled Bravia TVs.

Sony Bravia KDL-40VE5: This 40-inch 1080p LCD, a 120Hz model, is part of Sony’s “eco-friendly” VE5-series line that claims reduced power consumption. One reason is a new type of fluorescent lamp (“hot” cathode fluorescent lamp). In addition, it has two built-in sensors: one adjusts the TV’s brightness to room light conditions, and the other will shut off the TV’s picture if it detects that you’ve left the room. If it doesn’t sense you’ve returned after 30 minutes, it shuts the TV off.

Vizio VO420E: a low-priced 42-inch 1080p set that’s sold through Walmart. Features include picture-in-picture and SRS TruSurround HD sound.

Plasma TVs
Insignia NS-P501Q-10A: This 50-inch 720p plasma TV, sold as Best Buy’s house brand, is low-priced for its screen size. It includes SRS TruSurround HD sound.

LG 60PS60: The largest set in our labs, this step-up 60-inch 1080p plasma has THX certification, and includes a THX-mode preset optimized for movie-viewing. It also includes a USB port for playing digital photos and music.

Panasonic Viera TC-P54V10: This 1080p Panasonic plasma, with a 54-inch screen size unique to Panasonic, is a pricier, step-up model that replaced the old PZ850 series. It has THX Certification, and the company’s Viera Cast Internet service, which can access online content from various partners, including Amazon Video on Demand. It also has an SD card slot, and can play high-def AVCHD video files.

Panasonic Viera TC-P46G15: Part of the G15 series sold through regional dealers and A/V specialty stores, this is a 46-inch 1080p plasma—another size unique to Panasonic—that includes THX certification and the company’s Viera Cast Internet service. It also has an SD card slot, and can play high-def AVCHD video files.

Panasonic Viera TC-P54G10: This 54-inch 1080p plasma is part of the company’s G10 series, which is similarly featured to the G15 models but sold through national chains. The set is THX certified, and includes the company’s Viera Cast Internet service, and an SD card slot with AVCHD video playback.

Panasonic Viera TC-P54S1: This 54-inch plasma, part of the company’s entry-level 1080p S1 line, is also THX certified, but lacks the Viera Cast service offered in higher-priced series.

Check back with our blog shortly, as we’ll let you know when our latest LCD and plasma TV reviews are posted.—James K. Willcox

With tweets on Twitter limited to only 140 characters, many Twitterers economize by shrinking lengthy URLs for embedded links, with help from Web sites that specialize in such shrinkage. Now, at least one such site has been hacked.

URL-shortening site Cligs last month sent more than 2 million Web addresses to an entirely different destination. Phishers are also taking advantage of the trust users have in TinyURL Web addresses by using them to mask malicious destinations.

But easy solutions are available, PC Magazine points out. You can easily decode those cryptic URLs by pasting them into—what else—a URL lengthener. One such tool: Untiny. Just cut and paste the shortened URL into the box, and you’ll get the original address. Make sure it’s legit, click, and you’re good to go.

In other Twitter news, the site announced it was suspending accounts infected with a form of the Koobface virus. The suspended sites were sending out “bogus tweets” when the user logged in. The tweets included TinyURLs that sent users to Koobface malware sites. —Donna Tapellini

This photo was taken in the late afternoon. Note how the warmer sunlight creates softer, less conspicuous shadows, particularly on the face. This lighting technique can improve your HD video as well. (Click to enlarge.)  [ Photo: T. Sullivan ]

Sony recently announced two new flash-memory camcorder models for consumers, the HDR-CX500V ($1,100) and HDR-CX520V ($1,300), which will be available in September. It's proof that Sony, like all camcorder makers, is continuing to expand its line of HD camcorders while introducing fewer and fewer standard def models.

But in the rush toward this more detailed video format, are we getting more than we bargained for? In the world of show biz, many makeup artists, who are responsible for making celebrities look great in front of the cameras, are concerned about how much detail HD captures. Apparently, HD will, indeed, make a mountain out of a molehill. Even makeup companies are getting into the act: On the Sephora website, you can buy an "HD Elixir" which claims to have an "immediate smoothing effect" on the skin that will make you look better in front of an HD camera.

So what's an average Joe or Jane to do when it's time for his or her close-up? Here are a few tips to help you look good, or at least look better, on HD:

This photo of me and my daughter was taken around noon on a cloudless, sunny day. Note how the bright sunlight creates more visible, distracting shadows on both our faces. The raking light also picks up every wrinkle and blemish on my face. (Click to enlarge.)  [ Photo: T. Sullivan ]

• Lighting plays an important role in how you look on camera. If you're shooting outdoors, consider capturing your video during the early morning or late afternoon/early evening light, which most often have a warmer quality and are more forgiving on your subjects.


• Shooting at high noon on a cloudless day in direct sunlight can create harsh shadows, particularly around the eyes. Direct sunlight, which may rake the face, can emphasize imperfections.


• If you want to soften the HD video in your camcorder, see if it has a "softening" setting. This will actually make the image quality softer and less detailed. Consult the manual or scroll through the camcorder's menu for such a feature.


• If you've already captured video on your HD camcorder, but still want to soften it up a bit, check your video-editing software to see if it has a filter that will soften the image quality. One that does is Sony's Vegas 9, which includes a defocus lighting effect that can soften detail.

For other suggestions on how to make your subjects look better in HD, including some tips on applying makeup, check out the following websites:

• MSNBC.com


• Videomaker magazine

If you've found a way of making your subjects look better in HD, we'd love to hear your tips and suggestions. —Terry Sullivan

Powering high powered electronic devices on the go can be a headache. How do you handle it?

Summer travel season can easily create power struggles in airport terminals, as the gaggle of geeks seeking to recharge laptops, cell phones, and other gear outstrips the supply of working outlets.

I had first-hand experience of this last week when I was waylaid in Terminal C at Logan International Airport in Boston after a flight was canceled. Over four or so hours, in a terminal choked with travelers, I saw (and, I confess, perpetrated myself) some quasi-military tactics to take and hold functional, well-located outlets.

But I also witnessed some random acts of power-sharing kindness, and had time — plenty of time — to gather the following tips for energy-seeking air travelers:

Gather intelligence. During my delay, I was blessed by the company of many friendly Coloradans (we were all waiting for flights to Denver). They shared their knowledge about where outlets were and which actually worked (only about half, it seemed). There’s also the AirPower Wiki, which details outlet availability airport by airport – even terminal by terminal, in some cases.

Several devices to charge? Bring a multi-outlet wall adapter. Packing an adapter that allows you to plug several devices into a single outlet increases the chance of getting the power you need, and frees up extra outlets for others. A single outlet should have no problem handling the power demands of two portable-electronic devices. If you’re traveling abroad, you’ll likely need another adapter to handle differing voltage, plug design, or both. Sites like the World Electric Guide can be helpful.

Investigate in-flight charging. As seasoned road warriors know, many planes have power outlets under seats. But only certain seats on certain planes are so equipped, and a 12-volt, cigarette-lighter-style adapter may be required to access power. Fortunately, there’s a website, seatguru.com, that details which seats on which planes have a power supply, and of which type.

Share and be nice. I’m partly addressing myself here since, during a bathroom break at Logan, I used the ethically-dubious tactic of holding a coveted outlet by leaving my power adapter plugged in while taking my netbook and bags with me.

My Coloradan neighbors, meanwhile, shamed me with their Western niceness. A woman seated next to a four-plug power supply dubbed herself the “hub coordinator” and cheerfully plugged people in and out of the outlets. One guy offered me time on the outlet he was using. The young woman next to me confessed to guilt at tying up an outlet to play video games on a laptop, when “people like you are working.” (I quickly offered absolution, since she’d been waiting for six mind-numbing hours.)

How do you handle the power requirements of your gear when traveling, by air or otherwise? Share your stories and tips below. —Paul Reynolds. 

Bing-vs-Google, a new website, lets users contrast and compare the two search engines side by side. (Click image above to see a snapshot of Bing-vs-Google.)
[ Image: screengrab ]

Google or Bing? Been wondering which search engine is right for you? Now, you can put them to the test yourself with Bing-vs-Google.

As the name implies, the site puts the two side-by-side for a real-time search engine showdown. Merely type in your query, and a split screen page (see image) with live results from both pages comes up, letting you simultaneously view the results of both searches and see which one is best for you.

Bing, Microsoft’s new search tool, claims it provides a context for searches, making results more pertinent to users. Bing also has a versatile taskbar that displays related searches and a search history (which can be turned off), and offers a no-click preview of the first few paragraphs on a page.

But do any of Bing’s additions make it better than the reigning search champ, Google whose name has become synonymous with Web searching? (“Let me Google that.”)? And will those features help Bing dethrone Google? Time will tell.

In the meantime, give Bing-vs-Google.com a try, and let us know which site’s search results you prefer and why. —Will Dilella

With the Supreme Court's decision, "Remote DVR" may be on the way, but when that will be and how much it will cost remain to be seen.

The Supreme Court’s recent decision not to hear a final appeal by broadcasters and movie studios seeking to block Cablevision’s proposed “remote DVR” technology opens the door for the company, and others, to offer such a service.

Unlike a conventional DVR, which stores programs on a hard drive in the cable box in your living room, Cablevision’s planned remote DVR service lets you store programs on the company’s servers. Because the technology resides within the cable system’s network, subscribers can use their existing cable boxes instead of renting new equipment. This would free consumers from the storage limits of their hard drive (often about 30 hours of HD video). It could also theoretically make the service cheaper, since the cable companies don’t have to deploy and service separate boxes.

So when will we be able to get this new service? Unfortunately, no time soon, since Cablevision says there’s no timetable in place for a rollout of its remote DVR service. Instead, Cablevision’s first application of the technology will be far more prosaic: Subscribers with standard cable boxes will be able to pause live TV when the phone rings—something I (and Cablevision subscribers with DVRs and cable-phone service) can already do with my DirecTV DVR service, which displays Caller-ID information on the TV screen.

As a result, many questions remain as to how the service will really work.

For example:

• How much will Cablevision charge for its remote DVR service? Current subscribers pay a $10 per month DVR service fee, but nothing extra for the box itself.
• Will existing cable boxes need a firmware or software update to work with the remote DVR service?
• Will the company continue to offer conventional DVRs to subscribers who prefer them, and allow those who currently have them to keep them?
• Will there be preset limits on the amount of storage each subscriber gets, or price tiers allowing you to pay for greater storage if you wish?
• Will you be able to simultaneously record two shows while viewing a previously recorded selection?
• Will you be able to fast-forward past commercials, the way we do now, or will that feature be blocked?
• And will we be able to make DVD backups of recorded shows to free up our allotted storage space, or to archive shows we want to keep permanently?

In fact, it seems a bit odd to me that Cablevisions has no definite plans to offer the service, especially since its announcement of an impending remote DVR rollout was what got them sued in the first place. Maybe it’s the conspiracy theorist in me, but I’m thinking the delay could be due to backroom negotiations between Cablevision and broadcasters to limit the ability to fast-forward through commercials. A perhaps less intrusive approach would be for cable operators to work with broadcasters to insert newer, more targeted ads in the stream that would have greater relevancy and appeal to viewers so maybe they won’t want to skip them.

Another thought is that given the inefficiency of having to make separate recordings of every program subscribers want to record, the company may be investigating if there’s a way to store a single “master” recording of a program that could be shared by all those who want to view it. The legality of this approach is unclear, given the narrowness of an appeals court's prior ruling. While it did affirm the right of consumers to “time-shift” personal recordings per the original Betamax decision back in 1994, an essential element of its decision was that the recordings would be made and controlled by subscribers, not the company.

So what do you think? Do you like having a DVR that stores programs locally? Would you opt for a remote DVR if it were a cheaper option? What if it cost more but got you more space? And would you be willing to give up fast-forwarding through commercials if the ads you received were more closely targeted to your interests? Let us know what you think. –James K. Willcox

Here’s your chance to easily opt out of many of those ad-trackers that follow your every move as you surf the Internet. A new, free tool called TACO, or Targeted Advertising Cookie Opt-Out, lets you do just that.

Developed by a student fellow at the Berkman Center for Internet & Society, TACO places cookies in your browser that prevent 84 online ad networks from tracking your browsing habits. Right now, the tool works only with the Firefox browser.

Without TACO, you’d have to visit a large number of Web sites individually and opt out of each network’s program. —Donna Tapellini