There are a lot of things from my college days that I still yearn for -- the independence, the fun, and even (sometimes) going to class!  But one thing I truly do not miss is carrying around dozens of bulky textbooks every day.  I'm convinced that schlepping the heavy course books has permanently messed up my posture, but that's besides the point.

As eReaders continue to grow in popularity, the days when students were forced to haul around 20-pound backpacks may be coming to an end.  If you've got an eBook (like the Kindle or Nook), there are several services that allow you to purchase digital textbooks.

Mashable suggests using one of five digital textbook services to help make life a little easier for students and readers on the move.

1.  Project Gutenberg

A library of digital books, the site offers more than 38,000 free works in plain text, HTML and PDF formats.

2.  eCampus

The great thing about eCampus is that it not only allows consumers to purchase online textbooks at competitive rates, but it also allows them to highlight text and take Internet notes.  Over 100,000 digital pieces are available.

3.  Google Books

Wow -- Google really does do everything.  Google Books allows users to peruse through over 2 million titles on any mobile device.  It's easy to access and well-organized.

4.  Kno

This eBook service is unique in that provides users with 3D diagrams and a "Quiz Me" option that tests readers' knowledge of textbooks' information.

5.  Zinio

The company's slogan is "Read Anywhere, Anytime," and it holds true.  Zinio's Web site allows users to download digitized magazines to Apple mobile devices as well as those powered by Android.

As you can see, thanks to eReaders and digital book services, students and heavy readers alike no longer have to lug their branded books around all day!  Not to mention the fact that eBooks can also help you save a few bucks.  Do you ever purchase digital texts?

Foxnews.com is reporting today that Twitter will be putting a harness on its privacy settings.

The announcement comes shortly after the social media giant admitted that they copied entire entries in smartphone address books and saved them to servers - without the knowledge of the user.

When one uses the Twitter iPhone app and clicks on "Find Friends" the app copies the entire entry, saves it to its server and then proceeds with the search. According to the Los Angeles Times, these entries are held on a server for 18 months. This completely goes against Apple's policy on applications, stating exclusively that transmitting a user's information without their knowledge is illegal.

To better understand the process, Twitter Spokesperson Carolyn Penner said that language such as the current "Scan Your Contacts" will be replaced with "Import Your Contacts" or "Upload Your Contacts." By doing this, the Twitter user will be giving permission for these entries to be held online for the aforementioned amount of time. No word on when these changes are supposed to take place.  

While you can't keep your smartphone, tablet or computer safe from everything on the Internet, you can protect these devices from scratches and bumps with promotional iPod covers, custom imprinted iPad cases and promotional computer bags.  

In case you haven't noticed by now, I'm pretty into my iPhone and iPad.  I love my Apple devices so much because there's a plethora of great apps that help make my life a little easier and a lot more fun.  One application that's quite popular is Instagram.

Instagram allows users to snap photos, add filters, and share their masterpieces via several different social media outlets.  You'd be surprised by how gorgeous some shots come out!  I've personally had the pleasure of snagging great photos of the mountains of New Zealand, rainforests of Australia, and the beaches of Mexico with my promotional iPad case-protected tablet.

Now, according to Mashable, Instagramers can put together their own posters using their favorite photos with the help of online retailer Firebox.  Mashable reports that "By clicking the Buy button on Firebox’s Instagram poster product page, Instagram members are prompted to add their own or someone else’s username to retrieve public pictures for that account."  Once a user has chosen the photos he or she wants to include, the poster's length will vary depending on how many are included.

Do you use Instagram?  If so, what's your favorite way to share your photos?

If you love having latest and greatest in technology, you'd better start saving up.  Rumors are spreading across the Internet this morning about a new Apple iPad that may be released this March.  With the supposed next generation iPad, presumably called the iPad 3, Apple hopes to maintain its top position in the tablet market. 

How will the new device differ from the iPad 2? According to CNET, "The next iPad will look similar in design to the iPad 2, but run with a faster chip, an improved graphics processor, and better resolution, AllThingsD reported, citing anonymous sources. The tablet could also feature a 2048x1536 Retina Display, bringing its resolution in line with the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S."

If you've got promotional iPad cases for your iPad 2, you might have to purchase a new one.  Some are predicting that the new Apple tablet will be even thinner than the last, making it lighter and more portable.

If you're like me, you can't get anywhere without using your iPhone's Google Maps app.  And every time you look at your promotional iPad case, you feel the need to play at least one round of Words with Friends.  Mobile device applications help make day-to-day life a little easier and a lot more fun.  But according to one study, there's an even bigger benefit to the recent explosion of apps.

Just five years ago, before the iPhone was introduced, there were no jobs for creating and developing applications.  But in that short period of time, the "app economy" has expanded exponentially, creating jobs throughout America.  Mashable reports that "The new 'app economy' has created about 466,000 jobs in the United States since 2007," according to a TechNet survey.

In California, the app-related job market has increased by almost 24%, and the New York / New Jersey area has seen a 9.2% growth.  What positions are being impacted by the increased use of applications?  Jobs for programming, tech marketing, and interface design are all on the rise.

Has the growing "app economy" affected you? Share your thoughts below!

While I anxiously wait for my iPad, I couldn't help look at all the iPad cases that were available. Since owning a iPhone 4, I have haven't used my computer besides for gaming reasons. The iPad will definitely be plus with a bigger screen. Our Promotional iPad Case section has a variety of silicone and leather cases that can fit any budget. My personal favorite has to be the iPad Bluetooth Case. It comes with a wireless keyboard built into the case which is a huge plus for all your typing needs. It pairs with the tablet through a bluetooth connection.

A Taiwanese television commercial is coming under fire for mocking the late Steve Jobs.  The Android tablet TV spot features Taiwanese impersonator and comedian Ah-Ken donning angel wings and a halo, and runs for approximately 20 seconds.  Check out the clip below:

While the advertisement does not specifically Mention Jobs' name or any Apple products (like the custom iPod cover), Ah-Ken, who sports a black turtleneck and jeans in the spot, looks eerily similar to the Apple cofounder.  At one point, the comedian even says, "Thank God I get to play with other tablets," while taking out an Android-powered ActionPad device.

According to Mashable, the TV ad is particularly hard-hitting because the late Jobs had expressed that he felt Google's Android operating system was a copy-cat of Apple's iOS.

What do you think -- is the new commercial disrespectful?

This past Thursday January 26th, Ken, Laura, Samantha and myself attended the SAAGNY winter showcase 2012.  The plethora of trade show items were amazing.  Any promotional product you could think of was there.  Any item you may want imprinted they had on display.  It really makes you think about how many of these items you come in contact with every single day.  We all had a great time walking the show and are looking forward to selling many of these item to our customers!

After months of speculation about the possible release of the iPhone 5, on October 4, 2011, Apple surprised us all with the unveiling of the iPhone 4S.  The new mobile device was an update on the iPhone 4, and featured a more advanced camera, a dual core processor, and an advanced voice control system, Siri.  But some Apple fanatics are still holding out for the iPhone 5, hoping for a redesigned phone in 2012.

Yesterday, Mashable reported on a new round of iPhone 5 rumors that have begun to circulate.  According to Mashable, word on the street is that the iPhone 5 will have a "redesigned front rim in rubber or plastic, possibly to connect the face to a new aluminum back plate or to cover a new antenna system."

Additionally, the phone will allegedly feature a four-inch screen and is set to launch next autumn, so mark your custom planners! 

Do you trust the rumors, or is this just another set of unfounded ideas?  Share your comments below!

When I was a little kid, I remember one of the most exciting parts of Christmas was imagining where Santa Claus could be at any given moment.  I always found myself pondering how one man could travel across the globe in 24 hours, and when he'd get to my house with promotional gifts.  Of course, I was a child in the 1990s, and technology wasn't what it is today.

Now, little ones can get constant updates on jolly old Saint Nick's whereabouts thanks to OnStar and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).  According to CBS News, those who use OnStar will be able to click the blue OnStar button to receive an update on Mr. Claus' location.  To take it a step further, NORAD will provide tracking through apps on mobile devices and on Facebook, Google+, YouTube and Twitter.

Take a look at how it all works: