Peek

• Gizmodo has whipped up a really helpful chart which rates 3G web browsing on a number of cell phones. — Gizmodo
• Starting in the new year, Philips will be turning its DVD business over to Funai who will manufacture the discs under the Philips name for the US market. — The New York Times
• The Peek email device can now open JPEG, GIF, PNG, and BMP images, and send text messages. Just enter your contacts 10-digit phone number into the TO:field of the email message and it will be sent as a text! — CrunchGear
• Starting Dec. 28, the iPhone 3G will be available for purchase at Wal-Mart and Sam's Club. — The Boy Genius Report
• It's giveaway time! Be sure to log in for your chances to win a Nintendo DS Lite and fitness games! — geeksugar

• Oh man, I feel like we've been told four different dates on this release. But I can finally say, you can go get a hot new BlackBerry Bold today! — CrunchGear
• Learn how to make your own election 2008 dashboard widget in only 10 seconds! — Boing Boing
• The Peek email-only device will be offering unlimited text messaging to its service starting next month. — Gizmodo
• Tony Fadell, the head of Apple's iPod division and who is responsible for taking his iPod ideas to Apple in 2001, will soon be leaving Apple. — Valleywag
• Out with the old and in with the new. Wal-Mart plans to start taking some of its shelf space used for CDs for video games and Blu-ray discs instead. — Switched

Remember the email-only device, Peek, that I got a peek of early (I know, I know, but I couldn't resist)? It looks like it'll be available for sale on Monday at Target, and it's already available for preorder on its website.

I guess we weren't the only ones who were into this simple little device — not only does NYT tech columnist (and my idol) David Pogue love it, the turquoise and cherry colors are already on back order.

I can't wait to see Peek on Target shelves — and at $100, with the $20/month subscription service, I'm curious to see who'll be picking these up. Are you going to get one?

Today I got my hot little hands on the spanking new email-only device, the Peek, and couldn't be more stoked. It immediately appealed to an unconventional, less-is-more side of me. The Peek does email, and only email — but it does it well.

Debuting in a few weeks at Target stores and GetPeek.com for $99, the device is directed at the person who doesn't want or need a smartphone — or the contracts that accompany them. In fact, there's no contract for the Peek because it will run on T-Mobile's network for a $20-per-month flat fee.

The Peek's creators make it clear that they didn't design the device for the hardcore techie, considering many of us have phones that already provide email access. They do aim to please consumers who have a basic phone that works just fine but want to stay connected to email. As they told me, it "doesn't complicate what you've already got." I need my iPhone apps and web browsing capabilities, but I empathize with the goal.

For my first thoughts on the Peek's form and functionality, just read more

Maybe California is getting to me, but I think this sweatshirt is just too cute for lil boys. The hipster kid's line Surf Royalty sells surfer–type gear like this swell sweatshirt ($68).
The green hoodie runs about a size too big, perfect for the stud muffin trying to play it cool. And for you moms who don't know what gnarly means, just check out your lil dude's back. Surf Royalty defines it as:

"gnarl*y [nahr–lee], adjective: intimidating; dangerous; usually describing waves

Maybe you'll end up being a betty.