GeekSugar

Daily Tech: Japan Sells More Than 500,000 Nintendo DSi's

GeekSugar — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 12:01:22 PST

Nintendo's latest handheld gaming device, the DSi, has already sold more than 500,000 units in Japan during its first month on sale. - Kotaku
Apple's new In-Ear Headphones With Remote and Mic are finally available to order on the Apple website. - Gizmodo
Laptop Cop has a new feature - Lojack location service! Now a browser add-on will broadcast the location of your laptop if it ever gets stolen. - TechCrunch
Here's some helpful advice for all of you iPhone owners. If you plan on traveling internationally this holiday season, make sure to turn your data roaming button off. - CrunchGear
It's giveaway time on geeksugar! Be sure to log in and enter our laptop giveaway for your chances to win a Windows Vista powered Sony VAIO CS laptop or a Windows Vista powered Acer Aspire Gemstone Blue Notebook. - geeksugar

How to Self-Motivate in 5 Steps

SavvySugar — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 05:15:05 PST

Whether or not the new year means a whole new you, following these tips for self-motivation can definitely lead to a more productive you in 2012. Tackle to-dos and breeze through your schedule with these simple steps:

Plan ahead. It seems like a no-brainer, but creating a to-do list for tomorrow's chores is a crucial part of productivity. Begin by writing a detailed list of individual tasks, then outline an agenda with specific time blocks assigned to each project. Next, decide which items you need to help you complete the list: a sheet of stamps to mail those holiday cards or a packed gym bag for your trainer session, for instance. Gather the necessities ahead of time to make sure your morning runs smoothly.
Be an early operator. Finish the most frustrating projects early in the morning to put yourself in productive mode and get the main stressors out of the way. Feeling accomplished acts as a major mood-booster, and positivity plays a key role in self-motivation.
Keep yourself accountable. To avoid that "I'll just do it tomorrow" moment, set up calendar alerts on your phone or laptop to remind you of your errands. Having to face the notification will force you to think twice. Likewise, tell a friend or family member what you plan to get done. That way, you'll feel a healthy dose of guilt if you consider copping out of your responsibilities.
Fashion a reward system. Gold stars, smiley face stickers, a manicure at your favorite salon - whatever it is, choose a gift for yourself that aligns with your larger goals. If you're hoping to save money, for example, then you probably shouldn't shell out for a new dress to reward yourself. Remember that the size and nature of the reward doesn't matter - simply knowing that there is a reward will be enough to keep you chugging along.
Multitask when you can. Sometimes trying to take care of too many things at once can backfire, resulting in poor performance or half-finished assignments. Still, there are certainly instances when you can add more to your plate, so try to combine jobs - like catching up with your best friend while grocery shopping - to save time and energy.

If You Send a Text From Your Work Phone, Is It Fair Game For Employers to See?

GeekSugar — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:45:52 PDT

That's the case that will soon go in front of the US Supreme Court, and it's likely they're going to rule in favor of the employer. After a California cop used his police department pager to send a ton of messages (some explicit) to his estranged wife and mistress, his employer looked into his text usage and read the messages. The police officer sued his employer, claiming an expectation of privacy, and won. Now, California is fighting back, claiming no wrongdoing - and it has taken the case all the way to the Supreme Court.

This particular case focuses on people employed in the public sector using devices paid for by taxpayers, but it could set a precedent for any company that provides its employees with cell phones, laptop computers, and any other mobile device. If texts and emails are sent on company devices, should employers be privy to them? And if so, should they have to disclose this before giving you the device?