more US wireless money-saving options

while doing research for my own clean break with verizon, I stumbled upon some great deals with various US wireless carriers that I thought I'd share with others out there who are looking to save some money:

• simple mobile: $40 unlimited everything
  simple mobile's $40/month plan now includes unlimited 3G data. so that's unlimited talk, text, and 3G data for just $40 per line. that's nearly the cheapest deal you'll find anywhere in the US right now.




• walmart family mobile: unlimited talk and text, free data for 3 months
  the first line is $45/month, so this isn't the cheapest plan for those who only need one line. but every line after that is just $25/month, so this can end up saving a lot of money if you need multiple lines.
  data is free for the first 3 months (for those who sign up before the end of 2011), and after that it's pay-as-you-go, which means this is also for those who need little or no data. note that the unlimited data offer doesn't include picture messaging, but each new activation gets 100M free data anyway, so the picture messaging will probably come out of that.




• t-mobile: $30 unlimited text and data
  this one's kind of strange: you get unlimited data (the first 5 gigabytes are at 4G speeds, the rest will be slower) as well as unlimited texts, but you only get 100 minutes of talk. I suppose if you text and use the web a lot, but hardly talk, this would work for you. another possibility would be to use this with a service that lets you make free data calls, such as whistle phone.




• virgin mobile: $35 unlimited text and data
  much like the t-mobile plan, this one gives you unlimited texts and data (the first 2.5 gigabytes at 3G speeds), but only 300 minutes of talk.




• republic wireless: $20 unlimited everything
  yeah, you read it right. $20/month (technically $19) for unlimited talk, text, and data. there is a pretty big catch though: republic wireless enables prices like this by offloading your mobile traffic over wifi. what this means is if you do most of your cell phone usage (whether it be talking, texting, or web) within distance of a wifi signal you have access to (for instance at home and work), then republic wireless can save you a hefty amount of money. if you can't meet that requirement, however, I wouldn't recommend it. the best part is you get 30 days to change your mind and get your money back.

these plans all do require you to buy your phone up front, but with the money you'll save paying these kinds of rates (the most expensive plan mentioned here is $45/month), you'll be able to afford a nice phone. the best part (other than saving a lot of money, of course), is that all of these plans are contract-free. no more dealing with crummy customer service or paying more than you like because you're locked into a contract.

what are you waiting for? stop reading and go save some money!

saying goodbye to verizon :)

I cannot wait. in just a few weeks, I'll be saying goodbye to verizon wireless for good. I'm essentially following my own advice, starting at step 1 (don't renew your contract), and I couldn't be happier, for several reasons:

1. Verizon (and the other major carriers) forces you to have a data plan if you have a smartphone.
   okay, so I thought they did this so they would get their money back on subsidized phones. wrong. they're just greedy. I say this because you can't even go out and buy a used smartphone on craig's list and put it on one of the major networks without having a data plan. you can feel free to try, but when you take a look at your next bill you'll have a nice new shiny data plan added.




2. Verizon is CDMA-based
   I like to travel, and I'd like to be able to use my phone when I travel. Verizon uses a wireless standard (CDMA) that is limited to the United States and just a few other countries. if you use a provider that's based on GSM (the global standard), all you have to do is unlock your phone, which is cheap, and you can use your phone worldwide.




3. last, but most certainly not least, price!!
   these plans are all based on 2 lines, with at least 1500 minutes and 500 texts per line. first up, the 4 major carriers:
   

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   carrier	plan	price	minutes	text	data
   at&t	nation 1400 familytalk + family messaging unlimited	$130	1400	unlimited	none
   verizon	nation family shareplan 1400 + 500 messages/line	$110	1400	500/line	none
   sprint	everything messaging family 1500	$100	1500	unlimited	none
   t-mobile	unlimited value - talk + text	$80	unlimited	unlimited	none

   
   these aren't even an option for me, because the major carriers all require contracts as well as a data plan with a smartphone. plus, Verizon and Sprint are CDMA-based.
   
   but thankfully those aren't my only options. there are many smaller carriers that don't require a contract, and use the same networks as the larger carriers, all at a fraction of the price. I won't include CDMA-based ones like MetroPCS, Cricket, Virgin, or Boost, but here are few GSM-based ones:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   carrier	plan	price	minutes	text	data
   h2o wireless	h2o unlimited	$80	unlimited	unlimited	none
   simple mobile	unlimited talk, text, and 3g web	$80	unlimited	unlimited	unlimited
   walmart family mobile	unlimited talk & text	$70	unlimited	unlimited	unlimited for 3 months, pay-as-you-go after that

   
   



it looks like the best deal is walmart mobile, but unlimited data with simple mobile for just an extra $10/month is mighty tempting...

but just this week a new player has entered the mix that may blow all of the others out of the water. if the leaks are true, republic wireless will be offering unlimited talk, text, and data for a measly $19 a month. we'll just have to wait until Tuesday to find out...

Living with less (or no) data on Android

So I promised a little while back that I'd write up a post on some great Android apps that work offline. Of course many apps fall into this category, but these in particular are replacements for apps that otherwise normally rely on a data connection:

• Aldiko
  I'm guessing most book reader apps will let you read books offline (once you've downloaded them), but this one is so good I haven't tried any others. I love it because it has a lot of public domain books for free, like many of the older classics.


• CoPilot Live
  (link to USA version 8 )
  
  Did you know you can use your Android phone for GPS navigation even without a data connection? CoPilot Live is a full-featured GPS app that lets you download map data ahead of time so you can use your phone as a GPS offline. It's not perfect, and nowhere near as good as Google Navigation, but it's well worth the savings on an expensive monthly data plan.
  
  I'd recommend version 8 over version 9, mostly because the developers are using some pretty crummy bait-and-switch techniques and have split version 9 into "Standard" and "Premium" versions. The catch is the Standard version doesn't actually come with any features one might consider standard in a GPS app/device today, like 3D navigation, text-to-speech, and alternate routing. Let them know (via your wallet) that you think that's lame.
  
  
• ESV Bible
  Many of the Bible apps out there require a data connection, and even when they let you download specific translations for offline use, it may not be the ones you want. If you're looking for a good, accurate, literal translation, the ESV is an excellent choice, and this app will do the trick.


• Merriam-Webster Dictionary
  This is a full-featured English dictionary that works just great offline (except for a minor feature or two, like word-a-day). By full-featured I mean that it even lists example usage, origins, synonyms and antonyms.
  


• GoMeals
  If you're watching what you eat, most calorie counting apps require a data connection to look anything up. While GoMeals is a little sluggish, it does contain the entire CalorieKing database, which is quite extensive.

Here are a couple more useful apps that better enable you to reduce your data consumption, particularly useful when you have a limited or pay-as-you-go data plan:

• Onavo
  This is a really cool app that will let you monitor your data usage by app, and even limit or block specific apps. There are some other great apps out there that let you monitor your data usage, like My Data Manager Free, but this is the only one I've seen so far that lets you go the next step and block data usage for particular apps (at least the only one that doesn't require your phone to be rooted). The developers have stated that it's only free for a limited time, but it just may be worth paying for (provided it's not a recurring fee, which would defeat the purpose).


• Widgetsoid
  This app lets you create customizable widgets that will let you toggle many settings, including your data connection, allowing you to turn off mobile data altogether when you don't need it.

Note that if you are connected to the internet, some of these apps will use some bandwidth for advertising. But the point is that they will work fine without a connection at all.

Feel free to add your own suggestions to those of us who refuse to allow the wireless providers to rob us of additional hundreds of dollars a year for mobile internet. And feel free to check out my previous post on saving money on your cell phone bill:

How to reduce your cell phone bill

Ubuntu 11.10 brings with it more Vala

I've talked about Vala a couple times on this blog, and the release of Ubuntu 11.10 tomorrow brings with it another Vala app and more attention to this incredible programming language. The app is a backup client called Déjà Dup. You can read more about it here and see some screenshots here.

While I'm at it, here are some other cool vala apps I've run across:

• Geary (email app)
  Yet another app by the Yorba team, who has been prominent in promoting Vala and who I've blogged about before. This app seems pretty low-key at the moment, but considering the success of their flagship app, Shotwell, expect to be hearing more about this one in the future.


• Lingo (dictionary)
  This one's by the elementary team, who I've also mentioned before as they've had a lead role in leading the vala charge. I mentioned in that same post that they would be rewriting their Purple dictionary app in vala, and it looks like Lingo is the result of that rewrite.


• Lucruri (notes and tasks)


• Pino (twitter client)


• Switchboard ("modular desktop settings hub")
  Another one by the elementary team. They place a heavy emphasis on a clean and stylish UI; the screenshot at the top of the page is an early build of Switchboard.

Also, as apparently I predicted, the elementary team is going to be rewriting their Dexter address book app in vala (see link for source).

How to reduce your cell phone bill

Note: while this article is mostly specific to US wireless providers and practices like subsidized phones, many of these tips could probably be applied anywhere.

1. Don't renew your contract

   Saving money on your cell phone bill will take some time and research, and the last thing you want to do is get locked in again to your overpriced contract. You'll want to be especially on your guard against "deals" your wireless company may offer, such as the ability to get a new subsidized phone by renewing your contract as early as six month before it expires.



2. Shop around

   Okay, maybe this sounds like common sense, but you'd be surprised at the number of people that renew their overpriced cell phone contract because they haven't taken the time to look around for a better deal. The carriers are taking advantage of this, particularly Verizon and AT&T, whose prices are, well, not very competitive (yes, I'm saying they're expensive ;)).
   
   This part will take some time. Here are some things you'll want to consider:
   
   

   1. Look at coverage maps

      Most major carriers in the US cover at least 95% of the population, but it never hurts to get an idea of how good your reception will be at work, home, etc.
   
   

   2. Consider what carrier your friends and family have

      You have to be careful with this one, because it could cause you to get locked in to an overpriced carrier because they offer free mobile-to-mobile and most of your friends and family have that carrier. Having said that, if most of the people you call are on a certain network, even if that network is overpriced (Verizon, AT&T), you still might be able to save money if you can get away with a plan with fewer anytime minutes due to free mobile-to-mobile calls.
   
   

3. Don't leave out the small guys

   There are many smaller carriers out there who offer much better prices than the big guys like Verizon and AT&T. Some of them actually operate on the same networks as the larger carriers, and so you'll get the exact same coverage for a cheaper price. Here are a few examples:
   
   
   
   • Boost Mobile (Sprint)
   • H2O Wireless (AT&T)
   • Simple Mobile (T-Mobile)
   • Virgin Mobile (Sprint)
   • Walmart Family Mobile (T-Mobile)
   
   There are also other carriers that operate their own smaller networks, but have roaming deals with the bigger carriers, so once again you still get coverage areas comparable to the major carriers:
   
   
   
   • Cricket Wireless
   • MetroPCS
   • US Cellular
   
   
   One small thing: in the US I recommend GSM carriers (any carrier using T-Mobile or AT&T's networks, including T-Mobile and AT&T), because you can get their phones unlocked and use them if you switch GSM carriers. CDMA phones (used by everyone else) are much more limited. You'll also be able to use your GSM phone if you travel overseas.
   
   There's a more comprehensive list of US wireless companies that operate on the larger companies' networks here:
   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_US_MVNO
   
   Here's a similar list for Europe:
   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mobile_network_operators_of_Europe



4. Stay away from contracts

   This might seem tough considering all of the major carriers will try to push a contract on you, but if you can get on a plan without a contract, you can potentially save some money, for a couple reasons:
   
   

   • Freedom to change

     The fees carriers charge for breaking contracts are quite ridiculous and only getting higher, especially for smartphones. Most of the time breaking a contract isn't a viable option. If you're not on a contract, then you don't even have to worry about those fees. If you happen to see a better deal with another carrier, you have the freedom to make the switch right away and start saving money.
   
   

   • Lower monthly bills

     Many carriers, even some of the major ones (like T-Mobile) offer cheaper plans that are contract-free. The catch is you either have to buy a phone at the unsubsidized full price (which can be incredibly expensive), or provide your own phone, which brings us to the next point...
   
   

5. Consider a used phone

   I know, I know, you're thinking, "Used!? Are you crazy?" That's why I said "consider." ;) If you're really serious about saving money on your cell phone bill long-term, buying a used cell phone can save you tons of money.  A brand new basic cell phone can cost you upwards of $200. For smartphones, prices easily go above $500. You can literally save hundreds of dollars buy buying a used phone.
   
   There are tons of them on ebay, but you can normally find a better deal on craigslist if you're willing to put in a little more work. There are plenty of folks out there who get new subsidized phones every year or two, and since they didn't pay much for them, they're willing to part with them for a relatively small amount.
   
   Just make sure that it's compatible with the carrier you picked earlier. Most of the small carriers will list what major carrier's phones they're compatible with. If you're not sure, just ask. Also, if you buy a GSM phone (AT&T, T-Mobile) and want to use it on another carrier, you may need to get it unlocked. If so, see here: Cheapest way to unlock GSM phones
   
   Maybe you're thinking that it's cheaper to just sign a contract and get a really nice phone really cheap, or even free. The thing is, you're not really getting a deal, in particular if you're buying a smartphone. Do the math: most carriers require you to have a data plan for your smartphone. Data plans average around $30 a month. Over two years, this means you're paying an extra $720 for that "free" or "cheap" smartphone of yours. Capiche?
   
   Which once again brings me to my next point...



6. Can you live with less data?

   If you get a subsidized phone on a major carrier, you may not have much of a choice. but you may be able to choose a much cheaper data plan if you're willing to live with less data. Some of the smaller carriers mentioned earlier even offer pay-as-you-go data plans, or will even let you put a smartphone on their network with no data plan at all, provided of course you buy the phone up-front or provide your own (most major carriers won't let you put any smartphone on their network without a data plan. Just ask them).
   
   And think about it, do you really need unlimited data? You probably have wifi at home, and you probably have it at work. More and more coffee shops, restaurants, and other businesses are offering free wifi. The majority of the time you don't even need data.
   
   You might even be able to get rid of data altogether. Either way, there are plenty of alternative apps that don't require any data at all. This post isn't getting any shorter, so I'll post about those later. (Edit: you can see that post here: Living with less (or no) data on android).



7. Trade your contract

   If you do happen to be locked in a contract, but want to switch to another wireless provider, your options aren't limited to waiting it out or canceling your contract. Most providers will let someone else take over your contract. If someone using the carrier you want also wants your carrier, you may be able to simply take over each other's contracts. There are several sites that help facilitate this, but I recommend Cell Escape because it's free.

coming soon: memory-mapped db for OpenLDAP

short version:

I just ran across a site with news of a new database backend for OpenLDAP that's designed to be completely mapped to memory and is supposed to be faster, more memory efficient, and much easier to configure:

Memory-mapped Database for OpenLDAP

long version:

I'm a huge fan of OpenLDAP. not only is it the fastest and most scalable implementation of LDAP (see at the bottom for sources), best of all it's open-source. configuring it for optimal performance, however, is easier said than done. you have to configure indexes, the database cache size, the IDL cache size and of course the good ole entry cache size. Howard Chu, the current chief architect of OpenLDAP, describes the process pretty well:

"...it requires careful tuning to get good results and the tuning aspects can be quite complex. Data comes through three separate layers of caches before it may be used, and each cache layer has a significant footprint. Balancing the three layers against each other can be a difficult juggling act."

the good news: that quote comes from a site I just ran across where Chu announces a new database backend that's designed to be completely mapped to memory, known as "back-mdb". in Chu's description of back-mdb, he uses words like "extremely fast," "memory efficiency," and my favorite, "trivial configuration." I can't wait! (yes, I'm a giant nerd)

Chu said back-mdb will be ready sometime this month at the earliest, but whenever it comes, it will be worth waiting for. here's the link if you want to check out the details:

Memory-mapped Database for OpenLDAP

and here are those sources I promised you, ripped entirely from my wiki:

• fastest implementation of LDAP:
  
  
  
  • compared to 389/Fedora DS
  
  
  • compared to OpenDS and ApacheDS
  
  
  • compared to Oracle Internet Directory and OpenDS
  
  
  • compared to AD
  
  
  
  


• most scalable implementation of LDAP

A few good open-license Arabic fonts

Edit: I went ahead and put these here so I can maintain them more easily: Open-license Arabic fonts

Did you know the Arabic script is the second most-used writing system in the world? (source)

In case you happen to be looking for a decent Arabic font for your website, software, or publication, I've run across a few good ones that have an open license:

• DejaVu Sans and DejaVu Sans Mono
  These fonts support a lot more than just Arabic, but they do Arabic quite well. They come bundled with most GNU/Linux distributions. There are other DejaVu fonts, but as far as I can tell they don't support Arabic.


• Droid Naskh
  This font was created by the Arabic typographer Pascal Zoghbi for Google. You can read more about it here: http://www.29arabicletters.com/foundry/?m=1-1-1&fid=26


• DroidSansArabic
  This is the Arabic font for the Android OS. it was commissioned by Google and created by Ascender Corporation.


• Kacst
  A font from the folks behind the Arabeyes project supporting Arabic on *nix. More about this font and other fonts by Arabeyes here: http://projects.arabeyes.org/project.php?proj=Khotot


• SIL Arabic fonts
  SIL has released two fonts under an open license: Scheherazade and Lateef. Note that these fonts don't contain individual glyphs for all of the forms (initial, medial, final), and so if you use them in an environment that doesn't support the advanced shaping features of OpenType or AAT (such as Android), the letters won't be properly connected.

Currently unreleased fonts:

• Shasha
  Yet another Google commissioned font, this one appears to still be in progress. Interestingly, it bears a strong resemblance to DroidSansArabic. You can read more about its development here: http://shashafont.com/


• Ubuntu Arabic font
  (Thanks to Phil R for pointing out this one)
  It looks like Canonical (the company behind Ubuntu) has commissioned Dalton Maag to create an Arabic font for Ubuntu. Nothing released yet, but here are some previews:
  Ubuntu Arabic, in print!
  Hebrew and Arabic on track

Pretty cool to note that Google commissioned 3 of the font families mentioned. Certainly Google isn't perfect, but they do contribute quite a bit back to the community.