Money Saving Tips: PC Tune Up Software

 

People often do not realize that Windows-based computers require maintenance to keep they running at optimal speeds. Much like a vehicle needs oil changes to run properly a car needs to be flushed and cleaned out to ensure longevity. A software I have personally use is called “Tune Up Utilities” This software is very simple for even the non-technical of users and works on 3 computers for the very low price of $29.99. A Tune Up in a local retailer will cost you about $70 each where as this software will keep your computer running smoother daily for as long as you own it.

Tune Up utilities will ask you basic questions in a practical way about how you use your computer then configure itself accordingly to make the most of your hardware so that it runs as best as possible. A great software that doesn’t require a subscription and will save you at least $70 a year while keeping your Desktop or Notebook PC running at top speeds.

 

Check your local stock here

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Money Saving Tips: Microsoft Office Alternate

Microsoft Office Home & Student, (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) $120 for the single user or $150 for 3 User edition. is a quite expensive program that many people use on a daily basis, especial College students and business professionals. While the program is very well worth it the price tag may be a deterrent for those on a budget. Corel has a long standing name in software development and has designed a very compatible Office Suite software up to 58% lower than its Microsoft counterpart.

Now while this software is not 100% compatible, it is a great alternative with it’s one and three user editions ($50 & $100 respectively). Find this at your local Office Supply store such as Office Depot, Staples etc. and get your productivity up to par

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Money Saving PC Virus Removal Tips

 

Typical Virus Removal Cost $199(per computer), my charge $75(per computer), this Solution, $39.99(for up to 3 computers with 1 year subscription including Anti-virus and 24x7 Tech Support), Interested?

I'm sure you've had one before, matter of fact if you are using a free anti-virus program right now I'm sure you probably have some malware on there right now. Don't feel like paying north of $170 to fix the problem or Having to Restore your entire computer losing all your data and Programs? Well, you're welcome.

 

 

 

Step 1) Anti-Virus

AVG has been making names for itself in the Tech World for some time now with its limited version of Anti-Virus called AVGfree available on Download.com but the paid version gives you so much more features that's its pretty much nonsense not to use it to clean Viruses off your computer. With this $39.99 software, available of AVG.com or locally at Office Depot, you can actually install on up to 3 computers to protect for 1 year. So grab it even if you only have 1 because you can share or sell the other 2 licenses with friends/family to split the cost. Its as simple as Installing, following on screen prompts(being sure to be connected to high speed internet), and then running a full system scan. Be advised this 1st step alone will take hours to complete, I recommend letting it run overnight or during a time frame you do not need your PC at all.

 

 

Step 2) Malware Removal

Now normally this would be a first step since the free version of MalwareBytes is not an Anti-Virus per say, but more of a removal tool. Sounds confusing but the idea is that typical Anti-Virus programs prevent infection, not cure it. This software is actually free and, believe it or not, used by your local retailers in those $200 services, insane right? Install, update and run a full system scan with this software after AVG has completed. Again this can take a while so let it run as long as needed without interruption.

There is a paid version called Malwarebytes Pro that acts as both a remover and anti-virus if you wish to do that instead of AVG, but it does run $24.95 for 1 PC (multi-licensing discounts available) for Download only, having a disc will run an additional $9.95.

 

 

Step 3) Correct Registry Errors

This may sound funny, but it actually stands for "Crap Cleaner". Now I don't entirely understand why Microsoft does it this way, but there's a Slew of trash on your computer that you don't, have never, and will never use. But it's there, causing performance issues on your computer from within hidden folders you didn't even know existed. Now in all fairness you yourself have probably caused some of these issues downloading free programs and not uninstalling them properly, or the developer themselves didn't know how to write it all the way accurately and sometimes even windows updates themselves can cause issues. Mainly because people blindly install whatever's there without reading. All updates for windows are not all updates you need. Learning which ones you need is a time consuming process that most don't want to do learn, so just pay someone else to handle it at least once a year, its called an "Optimization" or "PC Tune-Up" at most locations. With Ccleaner (another free program) it will actually clear out a ton of junk files, temp files, internet histories and even fixes Registry Errors(main cause of crashes and performance issues).

Download CCleaner free here

 

 

Well, there you have it. If you simply do not have the $200 to spend getting your computer fixed correctly this is a Band-Aid that you can put on it to better the problem. Keep in mind though that this solution is make shift, there is still a large degree of computer expertise needed to fix the problem. Viruses are not all the same and this solution will only ensure most of the software issue is mended. This solution does not take into account that your virus issue could've damaged your hardware as well. Also variables will more than likely come up because these programs scan what could be viruses and will catch normal files necessary to run your programs that utilize the same format. By now you may be thinking... that $200 ain't so bad. You're right, you aren't paying for a product when you get a virus removed, you are paying for the expertise of getting the job done right.

But just in case though we offer remote and mail in service internationally if you need it done correctly for an affordable price (include city/state/country and Problem experiencing).

 

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Android Battery Life Extender Tips by @ChicagoKing

Droids are 1/3 of the leading smart phones next to the Blackberry & the iPhone. The problem most people have with Droids are the battery life. Here i will give you a few tips on making your battery life last MUCH longer

 

1) Download a Task Killer

 

Android phones run "background apps". Applications that will run even after you think you have closed them. The best Task Killer is "Advanced Task Killer”. Make sure you download the one with the BLUE CROSS on the Android logo. Once you download it, the logo will remain on screen. When you pull your screen down it'll say "Ongoing Apps".

 

Now open the app > hit the menu button > go to settings > scroll to auto kill & set it to "Aggressive" > Click on Auto Kill Frequency and set it to your preference. "Every Half hour" would be your best bet.

Another good option would be to set the Advanced Task Killer as a widget on your phone screen. This way every time you tap on the widget it kills all the background apps instantly.

 

2) Mobile Data

To get on the web or use apps that require the internet (Facebook, twitter, dictionary) you have to have access to the internet. Whether it be the phones mobile network or Wi-Fi. Now the phones mobile internet consumes A LOT of battery life. A simple fix to this is to turn the mobile network off when you're not using an app that needs Internet, or when your phone is locked etc.

There are 2 ways to do this. You can hit you menu button > settings > wireless & networks > and look for the Mobile network box Uncheck the box to turn off your mobile internet. Another way is to add the mobile network widget on your screen somewhere. Hold down on your screen > add widget > settings > mobile network

Now all you have to do is click the mobile network widget & BAM mobile network is off. Also turning off your mobile network will not interfere with you getting calls or receiving texts, so don’t worry. Now if you are at home or somewhere with access to Wi-Fi CONNECT IT AND TURN OFF YOUR MOBILE NETWORK. This is extremely helpful, especially if you don’t have unlimited data. Using your own Wi-Fi does not contribute to data used on your phone plans data consumption.

 

Follow these instructions & your battery life will last you just fine. And as a side note , it doesn’t hurt to get a second battery with an external charger. Ebay is your friend

*Some versions of Android will require slightly different steps to the menu option available above*

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Must Have Apps: ArcMedia - Player Extraordinaire

 

 

You ever been sent a video from a Pretty Young Thang Droppin it like its hot on her Webcam for you and you can't play it on your phone at work because it was saved in Windows Media Video format? Oh, Just me? Well...

Either way, Windows Media Video is pretty annoying because its optimized for Windows Operating System/Phones and I feel Microsoft wants to keep it that way in a feeble attempt to keep their mobile devices relevant in the mass market. Usually when you try to play these files on a Blackberry device you will only get Audio, on Android and Apple mobile devices it won't even open and play. Luckily though, for you horn toads, the ArcMedia app available in the Android Market for free will do the job just fine. In some cases it will buffer and you lose up to a few seconds on the start and ending of the video, but at least it shows.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONALITY

For you non Freaks, this application actually includes a streaming and download function for videos on major websites in mp4 and even flv which includes Facebook & YouTube so you don't have to wait for that slow buffer, you can actually download your favorite vids and take them on the go now to be viewed with no internet connection at all. Great for Plane rides and road trips where you may not always have a signal.

The free version of this app does have a few advertisements but they are not intrusive to me at all, but there is an ad free version for a one time fee of $3.26 if you are so inclined to do so. Clink the Picture below to get the free version to test out for now.

 

 

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Must Have Apps: Shop Savvy - Scan & Save Cash

 

 

My first step into Extreme Couponing (because I'm not about that Clip n Save Life) is Shop Savvy. At first glance its a simple Barcode scanning app that will allow you to use your phones camera and internet connection to find the price of random items further making associates in the workplace expendable (which is kinda scary in the long run) but it goes a step further to actually check all local and internet prices of that same UPC so that you can genuinely see if you are getting the best available price on a Product.

Now of course when checking the local prices keep in mind these are not guaranteed and are based off other peoples scans and editing of Pricing data so the app will not count as price verification. Also before dashing out to drive 5 miles down the road to save 20cents check to see if the store you're in has a Price Match Guarantee so you won't have to bother (You will still need to find it on the company website to verify). If the item you are seeking is something you don't need immediately and you are trying to save a few bucks the Online sites are almost always cheaper but they do also need to be shipped and that cost is not included in the scan. So Happy Shopping Folks, Go save some Cash.

 

 

The App even goes further to give you exclusive online and local deals on Products along with Reviews on Products you have scanned so that you can make informed decisions.

 

                                                          

 

For some reason the Android App seems to get more Local results than the free Apple one, but for $1.99 you can upgrade to the Premium version which I’m sure is more functional. Evil Geniuses, smh.

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Must Have Apps: Download All Files

 

Tired of the Limitations your Android device puts on the types of files you can download directly to your device? Download All Files is the app you need to further unlock the capabilities of your Google Powered Mobile OS by allowing you to retrieve any Email attachment or Browser file easily. This plug-in integrates to your menu options and only pops up when applicable so "learning" how to use it is as simple as telling it where to save your file. I have personally don't Photos, zip, mp3, wav files, mp4, and even wmv as large as a few hundred Megabytes with no problems at all. There have been absolutely no bugs so far for me and many of the other Half a Million downloaders who give it a 4 out of 5 star rating on the Android Market. Unleash your Android device and get this Free App today.

Click Here to Download from the Market

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Must Have Apps: Lookout Mobile - Security on the Go

 

 

Viruses, Malicious Apps, Phone Missing, Photos/Contacts Lost... Do you want to be able to avoid these issues? Believe it or not you can do this for FREE on Blackberry, Android, Windows and is even available for Beta testing on Apple's iOs system.

 

With built in Anti-Virus this program will automatically scan your phone, SD Card and newly download Apps to ensure no malicious codes are waiting to infect your phone or worse, lay dormant until you hook it up to your computer and transfer it to infect your entire PC.

 

 

 

Each Lookout Mobile account also comes with free backup of your contacts and photos (multiple devices can be set on each account) so that in the event your phone is reset you can easily restore your information with minimal loss of data.

 

 

If your device ever goes missing this software is extremely useful. I've dubbed it the "Beat Yo A$$ App" because using Google Maps it sends a Email (text message if compatible) to your device and locates your device within 300 meters (30ft if device equipped with GPS) showing you where it is via the website. So if someone's sticky fingers have lifted it but won't come clean simply locate the device and send a message to it to Let off a Siren until you unlock your phone and shut it off or the battery is pulled, regardless if its on silent/vibrate or not. That way, you can lace up your timbs and Beat some... I mean alert the authorities and get your device back using Proper, legal, non-violent methods.

 

Lookout Mobile is a relatively small and extremely battery conscious as it claims to use as much energy as a 33 second phone call daily. I can definitely attest to this because upon adding it to both my DroidX and Blackberry Curve & Bold there have been absolutely no performance issues in Processor, memory or Battery and it runs 24hrs a day.

A Premium version is available for $3 a month that will add the functionality to scan websites you view in real-time for potential security breaches, give you diagnostic information about the apps currently on your device to see what they are doing behind the scenes (similar to Superbox) and allow you to transfer your pics and contacts to a new phone wirelessly if you've upgraded or switched regardless of device or carrier from and to.

Over 10 Million, yes diamond status, users have downloaded this and given it a 4.5 out of 5 star rating and it has yet to fail me. So get you a copy here http://m.MyLookout.com

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Must Have Apps: Ping.fm - Multi Social Network Posting

 

Tired of maintaining multiple Social Networks? Having to remember all passwords and log in individually to post the link to promote your Blogs, music or event? Save the Hassle.

For those of you who have never Heard of Ping.fm, it’s a Site that makes Social Networking SO MUCH EASIER by allowing you to connect all your Accounts and Blogs to one location so that you can post to any one individually or all simultaneously by sending one message, it even allows you to automatically share the newest article you wrote on popular free blogsite such as Blogger, Wordpress & Tumblr utilizing the very same Feed links already employed by them and many popular Reader Browser Plugins. oh and best of all… its FREE.

I’ve been using this a while now and the fact that it works on every possible mobile device, site, instant messenger, bird call (okay I’m trippin’ but you get the point) with either a Text message, email or mobile web form makes it great for non smart phone users and the availability for Apps in every smartphone arena from Apple, Android and Blackberry, all the way down to Symbian (Nokia), PalmOS, Windows Mobile and even the Sidekick makes it super functional. You cant beat an app that makes it simple to share your thoughts to your friends family and fans without the need to actually spend any extra time at all.

Personally I use BlackPing on my Blackberry device because it allows me to Post to all my sites or even just one of my choosing which helps me keep my Twitter Followers and Facebook friends up to date on my latest articles, Music and Poetry since I am barely on Facebook anymore. Wherever I have a following or connection, they are able to see my work whenever I post. There are tons of them that work on All Mobile phones, computers and Browser Extensions as well available here, but Which App do you use and why?

 

Check out all the Networks you can Simultaneously Post to using Ping.fm

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Must Have Apps: Memory Booster Pro

 

You know when you got an older phone and after a while of downloading new and more demanding, higher level functioning Apps designed for newer devices, using Wi-Fi more often, turning your phone off less and you start noticing your phone may slow down for a minute or two then be back to its normal self? Well that's because you've used up all your RAM memory and it has to reallocate it. This stand alone app is a great supplement Quick Pull so that you get the most out of your device all day. Memory Booster Pro is the best I've used out of the many I've tried because it has a scheduling feature where you can auto-clean it every few hours, and since its simply running the built in Memory cleaning that comes supplied within All Blackberry OS's, the file size for the program is extremely small and non intrusive on Phone performance. I use Quick Pull for my reset every morning before I start my day and auto-schedule for the evening when I'm getting off work so my phone is always running at peak efficiency whenever I need it.

Download Memory Booster Pro from the App Store
http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/39879

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Are You Cool to Drive? Blow Me

 

When I saw this in Bed Bath and Beyond I definitely thought of a few people I could get this sort of gag gift for... Darn Alchys. This is not a medical or Dept. of Transportation approved device, but it is an actual breathalyzer that uses breath to measure they electrical properties which can then be calculated to a semi accurate BAC (Blood Alcohol Content). With Green, Yellow and Red indicator lights feel free to see who is the most plastered and who has just been faking it all night. Posers, those “Beer Goggles” was just you liking UgMugs. 

 

 

They stress, as do I, that it is not saying if you are in the green range that it is okay to drive tipsy, your senses are still impaired. It simply is an estimate, a comparison to legal limits. Tipsy driving isn't technically illegal, but swerving and killing someone because your dumb behind tried to pull a Dante Stalworth is... Don't Drink and Drive Idiot (subliminal to Lyfe Jennings)

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4 Reasons the Asus Transformer is > All Other Tablets

 

Looking for a New Mobile Device but wanna make sure you are getting the "Tablet of Tomorrow" so you won't have to change out so often? We'll... The future is now. Asus, High End Gaming Motherboard Manufacturer, has come into the Market with the highest performing, best screen, most Upgradeable and functional Tablet the World has ever seen; and they are doing it less expensive than any other out to date.

The 10.1 Inch Android EeePad Transformer is a Wi-Fi Enabled, Nvidia Tegra 2, Dual Core, 1GB RAM, Dual Camera/Camcording, remote desktop entering, web conferencing, ultra customizable BEAST of a mobile device, The 1.5lb Workhorse is extremely lightweight but far from Light in the Ass. Now I could sit here and tell you all the super technical reasons why this is the best on the Market amongst the many like tablets but let me focus Solely on the Value, because when all's said and done, Isn't that what matters to you most?

 

1) Price: 16GB - $399.99. 32GB - $499.99

Now Honestly, coming from a Premiere name in computers and computer parts for that price is insane. Especially when its more than Likely at least double the Processing Power and RAM in your current smartphone, unless you have the Motorola Atrix (but let's be real, Motorola Sucks with Android). That's BUGGED

 

 

2) What's Included: Polaris Office & MyCloud

Hmmmmm, What That Be? Polaris Office is exactly what you are thinking it is, a Fully compatible Microsoft Office Viewing, Editing and Creation tool built right into the Tablet. But Mag, Documents To Go does the same thing on all Mobile Operating Systems and it's Free *Y'alls voice*. 1st off, WRONGS, Documents To Go, while a great program, only let's you view and edit for free but not create; that'll cost you $15.00 for the app to do Word, Excel & PowerPoint. Oh and by the way, Asus OWNS the Licensing for this App so you won't find it in the Android App Market.

 

MyCloud may be new to some of you but the technology is far from that, this is not some new form of data saving, just perfected over the course of time. The first Mobile operating system to employ this was actually Microsoft who put utilized it in the Sidekick in 2002 under the name "Danger". For those who don't know the "Cloud" data management system simply means your files (pictures, movies, music etc.) are not saved on the device, but remotely so that you may access them through any internet connection. Why? To give you added storage space and access to any and all files you own. Now companies have this service where they charge per GB of space with a monthly or yearly fee or PogoPlug which allows you to use your own home to do the same but the best part of this with Asus... ITS FREE and UNLIMITED for the first year. It then defaults to $3 per user & $0.30/GB/Month thereafter, but ONLY for the amount of space you actually use as opposed to a prepaid tiered amount. Cool Huh?

 

Oh and for you slightly more Techie people, MyCloud also includes its own FREE Internet radio and Remote Desktop feature so that you can Log into, See, Hear and Control your Computer using the IP address. This is available with other units too via an app call SplashtopRemote on PalmOS, Apples iOs and Android ... At a cost($9.99).

 

 

3) Accessories: $149.99 - Docking Station

This aint your ordinary Dock. While all Tablets have cases, screen protectors, stands, stylus etc. etc. etc. this is where Asus goes FAR BEYOND the capabilities of nearly every other Manufacturer. This Powered Keyboard docking station doesn't just hold the Tablet upright, it basically turns it into a Mobile Netbook. The Keyboard dock, just as slim as the tablet itself, doesn't add much weight or bulk when attached because it folds into itself to make it less than 1 inch thick. With a full Keyboard it makes typing a Breeze and even enhances use by adding a Touch Sensitive Mouse Track Pad which proves very helpful in Office Software, photo editing, gameplay and then some.

 

 

4) Expandability: From 16GB to Infinity

We have all run into that instance where we don't wanna buy something because a newer one will come out, newsflash, Technology won't stop. Just get one that is able to handle what you need that you can grow with. The Asus Transformer focuses more on this for the customers sake than any other company producing these mobile devices.

The aforementioned Docking station also comes equipped an SD card reader supporting up to a 32GB card which coupled with the 32GB capable MicroSD slot your 16GB Tablet has directly on it, it can now become an 80GB for as little as $100. But... It also sports 2 Full Sized USB2.0 ports for plugging in Broadband cards (for internet on the go), Flash drives and even Portable Hard Drives; So instead of spending that $100 for two 32GB cards on sale how about you just get a 1TB Hard drive? How many other Tablets have a thousand Gigs of space? I'll wait........
                ......thought so.

 

 

So you see when it comes to Performance Capabilities most Premier Tablets are pretty much the same, but subtle differences are what's gonna be the difference between your overall Happiness with the Product in the Long Run. Most companies have focused on a way to under equip their units in an effort to ensure you will buy another while Asus has Jam Packed everything they possibly could into one unit at a Lower cost giving you, the customer, the Greatest Value. Hope that helps you out, Any questions feel free to ask.

Compared Against: Apple IPad2, Blackberry Playbook, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Toshiba Thrive, Acer Iconia Tab, Motorola Xoom

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PogoPlug - Its like Drop box… on Steroids

Are you tired of purchasing memory card after memory card to save your ever growing digital media library? Ever wanted to listen to a song, play a movie or open up a photo you had saved on your home computer but not on your mobile device? or worse, have you ever spent more money on a device specifically because it had more storage space? Well fear no More, because starting as low as $29.99 PogoPlug is the solution to your digital life's woes.

Before we continue, ensure you’ve got a High-speed internet connection or you will just be aggravated at all the benefits you could have investing in creating your own Cloud Storage system.

 

 

As you can see above PogoPlug has 4 distinct products that you can choose from, each is a one time fee instead of a monthly or yearly one like many other services so you can already see the immense value in getting this service over time.

Free vs. Premium Software

Going the all software route is a cheaper option for those who leave at least one computer on in the home at all times. The free software will allow you to access all of your files from a web browser or Mobile App (Palm, Apple, Android) that are included in the Internal or USB connected hard drives of the computer itself. This means as long as the computer is on, and you have internet access at home you will be able to access 100% of your files anywhere in the world. The Premium software adds one key ingredient that makes it ideal for those concerned with Entertainment, Media Streaming capabilities. With Media Streaming conversion technology you can instantly view Movie and audio files as opposed to downloading the entire file from the home computer. Great for those who have limited storage space on their mobile device or in a slow connection area.

 

PogoPlug vs. PogoPlug Business

These two options are for those who do not wish to leave their computers on 24hrs a day running up electric bills and increasing wear and tear on their computers. These options include an actual piece of Networking Hardware with a Gigabit Ethernet connection to plug directly into your Router and 4 USB 2.0 ports to add Hard drives for expanded storage. The greatest part of these devices is that as long as you are using Desktop Hard Drives that have external power sources, you can utilize USB hubs to add far more than 4 hard drives so the storage space capabilities are literally endless. The Pogoplug Business, made for the person with employees, can add multiple users with their own passwords and logins to access data, evaluate usage stats such as viewed and downloaded, along with permit certain log ins or users to have Read-Only access to give others the ability to simply view the files but not make changes to or download.

There was also a PogoPlug Video that was the Standard device with Media Streaming capabilities that has recently been recalled due to overheating that hopefully will come back to the market after the cooling fan has been added. It is simply a standard device with a Real-Time Video Conversion Processing Chip and Premium Software available at $199.99.

 

With this device being a one time fee for a Lifetime subscription the initial cost is well worth the investment. Believe it or not the information you have stored is saved directly onto your devices and not uploaded to a third party so you never have to worry about Tech Support or someone's servers going down as in the case with Traditional Cloud systems. this means added security and privacy of your files for whenever you want to access them or send them to others without having to worry about Email attachment limits, or seeking through thousands of links and advertisements to get to where you want to be. I mean imagine, all of your music, movies and photos accessible to be Used and shared at a moments notice. Greatness is at your fingertips, reach out and take advantage. 

 

June2011 Recall: http://blog.pogoplug.com/pogoplug-video-recall-2-507/

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Must Have Apps: Photo Editor Ultimate (BB Photoshop)

 

Wanna do a Side by Side comparison or shrink the size of a picture right from your Black Berry quickly and easily? Well here you have it, With Photo Editor Ultimate you can do all of these things and More.

 

For those that are familiar with Photoshop, think of this as a Mobile version of such that allows you to paint, recolor, decolor, rotate, resize, combine multiples, and even add effects to your Mobile snapshots to save, upload and/or send to others. Great thing about this program is that it works fast, doesn't take up too much space in Application memory and saves as a separate file so you don't have to worry about messing up your original files as you play with all the settings and features available in the free version of this Program.

For those that want additional creative control for $1.99 you can get the upgraded version which includes the ability to place layers on photos (for adding text and overlaying of 2 separate photos), saving as different files types, and a slew of fully functioning features.

 

Below is an example of a Side by Side done right from the Blackberry itself. Took all of 20seconds too. Even the non techie can enjoy.

    

    

    

    

 

 

And Even Resize it to Perfection

 

 

Check out Photo Editor Ultimate FREE! You can find it at http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/25411
Paid Version
http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/25410

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