For those of you paying attention, you are right… this question has been posed before.  It seems timely to ask it again, though.  Do you have your cell phone in a case or not?  If so, is it an “all the time” case or is it something more along the lines of a holster?

My Touch Pro is in a clip case that keeps the keyboard locked in place, and then is in a NiteIze bag on my hip while I’m mobile.  I’ve used alternative cases in the past for different phones, but the carry case that it is in now works the best to prevent dust buildup for me.

What about you?  Is your cell phone naked, or do you keep it in a case?

Today’s JAMM Store Deal of the Day is AutoFile Plus for Windows Mobile.  You can register AutoFile Plus for half the regular price, so be sure to check it out.

The price of the discounted software is $14.99

You can download a trial and/or register your copy here.

The programs details and specifications are below:

AutoFile™ is your vehicle and automotive fuel economy (mileage), trips (business, personal), and service / expense tracking software for Palm OS®, Pocket PC, and Windows Mobile handheld PDAs, and it includes Windows PC companion software! Keep track of multiple vehicles easily and quickly on your handheld or desktop PC. Generates service reminders by date and/or odometer reading. Print reports, generate graphs, import and export data. Easily generate reports for IRS or tax purposes. It’s time to drop the paper log book and switch to AutoFile today!

Features:

• Track multiple vehicles
• Track fuel records (gas fillups) and fuel economy
• Track trip miles by category, reason, client, destination
• Track services and expenses
• Reminders for future service items
• Save memos of insurance info, accidents, club memberships, etc.
• Supports miles / km and gallons / liters
• PC companion software for your desktop PC
• Print reports and summaries
• Graph fuel economy, miles driven, fuel costs, service costs
• Import / Export data from your existing software or spreadsheet
• Print and save reports

Minimum Requirements:

• Windows Mobile / Pocket PC

Display Dimensions
240×240, 240×320, 240×400, 320×240, 320×320, 400×240, 480×480, 480×640, 480×800, 640×480, 800×480
Operating System
Pocket PC 2003, Pocket PC 2003 SE, WM5, WM6, WM6.1, WM6.5

Oh happiness!!!  I LOVE football, and I am obsessive about fantasy football.  I am in a league at work, and on Sundays I am constantly running back and forth to my computer to check my score.  Plus, I get so nervous when I am going to be out of town over a Sunday….what if the internet is down or I run out of time to get my line-up changes in.  Well, now Yahoo! will have their own Android app to give you access to your team.  You’ll be able to make roster changes, set your line-up, and check the scores.  This is so great for me since we use Yahoo! for our league.  No news on price or when it will officially be released (it will be ready for this upcoming season), but I am already sold.  I’d even pre-order it if I could.

Via phandroid

In this week news from USB Fever you will find a safe WATERWEAR case for your iPad or tablet.

I don’t own one yet, but once I will get my hand on a tablet, I will take it with me even on the beach. Thus a suitable cover to protect it will be a must.

If you already have one, this week new arrivals at USBFever feature a WATERWEAR case which is good both for iPads or tablets. The case is made from a transparent material with a triple zipper design to lock your device and which allows its control.

Here is what you get for $49.99:

Introductions:
This Waterwear case for iPad / Tablet PC is a carrying case made from a durable, transparent material with a triple zipper design to lock iPad or a tablet PC safely inside and keep it away from water and dust. WATERWEAR uses a thin yet strong clear material enabling control of the device through the case. Bring it into the kitchen or into the bath and enjoy videos, web browsing and music wherever you are.

The locking mechanism includes a combination of zippers, velcro and snaps to guard your device from the outside elements. An iPad optimized insert spacer is included for keeping iPad stable inside. There is extra space inside to accommodate a small pocket WiFi device or other items.

Use Waterwear case in the kitchen to search for recipes. Control the touch screen without worrying about getting iPad wet or dirty. Bring it with you when you take a bath or go outdoors by the pool or to the beach. The convenient strap lets you hang Waterwear case from a hook or carry it around with you on your shoulder or neck. The strap is removable and the length of the strap can be adjusted.

This case is suitable for / Compatibility (please see its specifications carefully):

• Apple iPad
• Tablet PC
• UMPC
• eee PC (Netbook)
• DVD Player
• eBook

Specifications:

• Size: 250(W) x 360(H) x 11(D)mm
• Weight: approximately 150g
• Strap length: approximately 48cm

Package Contents:

• Waterwear case for iPad/Tablet PC x 1
• iPad insert pad x 1
• Strap x 1

In case this is not what you are looking for, here are some other new USBFever products:

Mini Sim to Micro Sim Trimmer / Cutter
http://www.usbfever.com/index_eproduct_view.php?products_id=1909

USB RCA (Video only) to PC Adapter
http://www.usbfever.com/index_eproduct_view.php?products_id=1910

Silicone Case for iPhone 4 (or 4G) with Color Bean Dot
http://www.usbfever.com/index_eproduct_view.php?products_id=1911

Tyre-Look Hard Back Cover Case for iPhone 4 (4G)
http://www.usbfever.com/index_eproduct_view.php?products_id=1912

Car Gooseneck Windshield Mount for Nokia X6
http://www.usbfever.com/index_eproduct_view.php?products_id=1913

Universal In-Car Head-Rest Mount for HTC / Blackberry / Nokia / Samsung / LG
/ iPhone / iPod
http://www.usbfever.com/index_eproduct_view.php?products_id=1914

Universal Cellphone 8X Telescope
http://www.usbfever.com/index_eproduct_view.php?products_id=1915

Custom-made Belt-Tightened Bike Mount for larger handlebar for iPhone /
iPhone 3G / iPhone 3Gs
http://www.usbfever.com/index_eproduct_view.php?products_id=1916

Universal Belt-Tightened Bike Holder for larger handlebar for PDA, GPS,
Phone, iPhone, iPod, MP3
http://www.usbfever.com/index_eproduct_view.php?products_id=1917

Headrest Mount for eeePC / UMPC / iPad
http://www.usbfever.com/index_eproduct_view.php?products_id=1918

Universal In-Car Head-Rest Mount for HTC / Blackberry / Nokia / Samsung / LG
/ iPhone / iPod
http://www.usbfever.com/index_eproduct_view.php?products_id=1919

Custom-made In-Car Headrest Mount for iPhone 3G / iPhone 3Gs
http://www.usbfever.com/index_eproduct_view.php?products_id=1920

Universal In-Car Headrest Holder for eeePC / UMPC
http://www.usbfever.com/index_eproduct_view.php?products_id=1921

Stereo In-ear Earphone for iPhone / iPod
http://www.usbfever.com/index_eproduct_view.php?products_id=1922

Anti Glare Screen Protector for iPhone 4 (or 4G)
http://www.usbfever.com/index_eproduct_view.php?products_id=1923

Themed Hard Back Cover Case for iPad (Graffiti)
http://www.usbfever.com/index_eproduct_view.php?products_id=1924

Custom- Made Bike / Bicycle Handlebar Mount & Holder for the Apple iPhone 4
(4G)
http://www.usbfever.com/index_eproduct_view.php?products_id=1925

Custom-Made Car Windshield Mount for iPhone (4G)
http://www.usbfever.com/index_eproduct_view.php?products_id=1926

Wooden Desktop Cradle for iPad
http://www.usbfever.com/index_eproduct_view.php?products_id=1927

Leather Case for iPhone 4 (4G) (side Open)
http://www.usbfever.com/index_eproduct_view.php?products_id=1928

Silicone Bump case for iPhone 4 (Frost white)
http://www.usbfever.com/index_eproduct_view.php?products_id=1929

MonoPod Collapsible Self-protrait Stick
http://www.usbfever.com/index_eproduct_view.php?products_id=1930

Via: USBFever

One of the great discoveries I made on my iPod Touch was the new (at least to me) genre of line drawing games.  This is the category of games in which you must guide vehicles to a particular location, typically a port, harbor, airfield, parking spot, or other sort of final destination.  The king of these games was Flight Control from FireMint.  While I cannot confirm whether Flight Control invented this genre, the folks at Firemint certainly perfected and popularized it.  Fast forward a few years, and the game I loved on the iPod Touch is now available for the iPad, and that giant high resolution screen makes this game better than ever.  Since that time, there have been numerous knockoffs, each with its own unique twist on the concept.  Some use cars, or boats, or even rocket ships (though oddly no trains), and like Flight Control, some even rely on airplanes.  I thought it would be fun to check out some of the different variations of this popular gaming genre available on the iPad.

Flight Control: According to Julie Andrews, the beginning is the very best place to start, and in this genre, of course, that means the aforementioned Flight Control.  We have covered this game extensively here at JAMM, so I am sure many of you are already familiar.  In short, you must guide various planes to the correct color-coded landing field.  Of course, this genre gets its name from the primary means of guiding the planes across the screen…connecting the plane to the landing field by drawing a line with your finger (does this remind anyone else of Picture Pages?).  As you progress, of course, the speed, number, and variety of the planes will increase.  To add to the complexity, Firemint offers a myriad of different maps, each with its own unique challenges.  You will earn a point for each plane you successfully land, but watch out, let two planes crash and your flying days will come to a swift end.  Flight Control offers a great look at the basic gameplay.  As the genre has continued to grow and develop, others have attempted to add features in order to distinguish themselves from the granddaddy of line drawing games.  So, let’s take a look at a few of the unique twists which others have added.

Harbor Master (Imangi Studios):  This one picks up right where Flight Control left off.  Instead of airplanes, though, you must guide boats into the correct harbor.  There is only one map associated with this free game, but you can download three more (featuring pirates, sea monsters and a busy harbor town) for $0.99 each from within the game.  The big twist here is that unlike Flight Control, your goal is not just to dock the boats.  Here, the boats carry cargo, which must be unloaded.  You need to guide each ship into the correct, color-coded harbor, wait for the cargo to unload, and then guide the boat (technically, I should call it a ship) back out to sea.  This back and forth, two-way action really adds an extra element of challenge.  I also really liked the unique elements in each of the maps available for this one, though I wish there was an option to buy all three maps at once for a reduced price.

Harbor Havoc 3D(Backflip Studios):  Harbor Havoc is technically not an iPad game.  It was, however, a favorite on my iPod Touch, and I am including it here (it will still work on the iPad, even if it is not optimized for the screen) to highlight the unique features the folks at Backflip Studios added.  First and foremost, the game is in 3D, as the name indicates.  This works out really well.  This is not the kind of 3D that jumps off the screen at you.  What it means is that different vehicles will travel on different planes, which do not collide.  There are helicopters in the sky, boats and ships on the surface of the water, submarines under water, and rovers rolling across the ocean floor.  As such, the type of obstacle becomes just as important as its location.  The other really nice development on this one is the ability to weigh anchor.  I wish more games in this genre would include a feature like this.  Just tap any vehicle, and it will stop in its tracks, anchoring to the ocean floor (helicopters hover),  Just tap again to get moving.  This is an incredibly handy feature, especially later in the game when the boats, ships, helicopters, submarines, and rovers seem to be appearing out of nowhere as the speed increases significantly.

Valet Hero (Gamegatos): We are moving now from ships and planes to a more Earthly vehicle, cars.  This game puts you in the role of the valet at one of five different locations.  This is a pretty complex game, as you attempt to direct each car to the correctly colored parking spot, but be careful since the cars can move at different speeds.  End up with a faster car behind and old clunker and your game will end before it begins.  The other interesting twist here is that your score depends not just on whether you park the cars, but also how you look doing it.  You will earn bonus points for pulling through the spot or backing into it.  You also will earn additional points for parking straighter in the spot and parking cars in quick succession.  Each map also has four levels of difficulty, meaning you will really have 20 different games in there.   I was really impressed by the twists this game added.  Unlike most line drawing games, though, you will not keep going until you crash.  Sure, a crash will end your game, but you also have a limited number of cars to park on each level.  As you progress through the levels, you will have more cars to park (not to mention a great mix of colors to contend with).

CrossRoads HD (fabulapps): This one comes at us literally hot off the press.  It is so new, the iPad version is not technically even available in the app store yet.  Again, you must guide cars as they navigate through the streets of six unique maps, including a carnival, Halloween fright night, Christmastime, the Moon, The World of Fabula, and traditional Japan.  Like the other games, you must guide the cars to the correct buildings (marked by color coded pads in front).  Aside from the intricate and unique maps, you will also need to contend with obstacles which appear throughout each level, partially or fully blocking your view of the map until you destroy them.  In addition to being a really cool interpretation of the genre, it is also the only one which features a multiplayer option.

The Squadron (Republic of Fun):  The Squadron is the answer to the question that none of you ever probably asked…though you will be happy to see the answer.  What happens when you combine two of the top gaming genres on the iPad into a single game.   In this one, the developers have combined elements of both the line drawing games and tower defense games, with spectacular results.  The game takes place during World War 2.  Allied forces have discovered an ancient archeological relic, which could become a powerful weapon.  Of course, the forces of evil are close at hand, attempting to take the relic for themselves.  This is where the game begins.  You control airplanes flying over the relic.  The enemy will arrive by the convoy, driving tanks and trucks along the roads leading through the jungle.  You must guide your planes in order to destroy the enemy convoys before they reach the relic.  Don’t worry, as you progress, more planes will arrive…and you can even earn bombs which you can use to destroy all of the enemies on the screen.  On the other hand, the enemy will grow stronger as well, tossing more than your fair share of anti-aircraft fire at the planes (it would be nice if you could destroy these guns).    Keep those planes firing, because once enough trucks reach the relic in the center, the game is over…and this one ends with a bang…or at least a giant green explosion…

Galaxy Control 2 (Top Line Soft Systems): So far, we have looked at almost every type of Earth-bound vehicle (except trains).  So, I think it is time to check out a game which is out of this world…literally.  The action in this game takes place in an orrery view of the solar system, meaning you can view the orbits of all of the planets around the sun.  As you might imagine, each planet is a different color, and you must guide the incoming rocket ships to the appropriately colored planet.  What makes this one truly unique, though, is the fact that the planets are constantly moving along their orbit paths, meaning you must guide the rockets to land on a moving target.  Oh yeah…and watch out for those asteroids.  This all really adds a whole new dimension to the genre. 

Rocket Cop HD (Headlight Software): The last game in our walk through the line drawing genre again sees us guiding rockets through space.  Unlike Galaxy Control, however, you are not necessarily always aiming at moving targets (though some maps do involve moving space stations).  In this one, you control colored bases (and space stations).  You must guide your rockets into the bases, while simultaneously avoiding asteroids falling through space, as well as the occasional alien attack.  You can fight off the asteroids and aliens with missiles launched from any of your bases.  Be careful, though, because you only get three crashes.  Any combination of three hits to your rockets or bases will end the game in a blaze of glory.  Like Harbor Master, only the first map is included in the free version.  A single in-app purchase, however, will unlock the remaining 6  maps.

These line drawing games have really developed into one of the finest game genres on the iOS, and the iPad provides a spectacular format in which to play.  What really impressed me was the different creative elements that each game offered.  They each took the same basic gameplay elements, but added unique details which made each game stand out.  Sure, the gameplay in some worked better than others, but I was really impressed by the creativity they all showed.  Whether it was 3-D underwater submarines, shooting down aliens, or protecting ancient artifacts in the jungles of World War 2, this genre just continues to improve at every turn. 

Every game in this article is available from the iTunes App store and range in price from free to $2.99.  Some also require additional in-game purchases in order to unlock certain maps.