Commuter TL

Obama did not write the stimulus bill. Perhaps if he did we would not see that great rush to embrace earmarks that congress gave us. The chimp is a metaphor for congress, specifically the House of Representatives.

I have the same concern. The resellers that I have spoken with indicate that it may be some time before they have Macs with Leopard installed (One said early November, another said late November). Should I settle for a dvd in the box or should I wait?

I've been waiting for one of their more advanced units (e.g.: X970T) to come to the US, especially if they are compatible with both US and european maps. The transatlantic functionality is a big deal for me because I travel to europe and I value the Michelin red and Green Guides. (Those maps and guides can consume a lot of my baggage weight allowance.) The 930 did not have transatlantic capability.

In addition to the v7 operating system now available in europe, I note a couple of additional differences: 1) the TMC antennae is not included in the US X970, but will be available as an accessory ; 2) the warrantee is 1 year not the usual 2 that they have in europe; and 3) the "ViaMichelin Advantage" program does not appear to be included.

I am cautiously optimistic about this unit, but would like to read some "on the road" reviews and get more detailed info from US ViaMichelin. They have shared only very basic info so far, at least compared to the european ViaMichelin site's info on the X970T. I will be especially interested to know how this X970 (no "T") unit integrates internationally with ViaMichelin's services and mapping

Even worse for you caller when you are overseas. While in London, you leave a message at a restaurant to make a reservation. They will never call you back because your Cingular number is overseas long distance to them.

Cingular is not my first choice for GSM network. $40.00 or more for internet in addition to voice (starting at $40.00 also) is horrible. I get two lines at Sprint with internet for the same price. What I am gravely concerned about is whether it is unlockable. What use is a GSM worldphone if you can"t put a Brit SIM chip in while in the UK. I refuse to pay $1.00 or more per minute overseas. Could probably still use it in WIFI hotspots though.

That said, I halted efforts to buy an unlocked Treo 680 to use on T-Mobile. The iPhone does everything I need/want in a convergent device. Bravo Apple.

the first HD-DVD - the critically-panned 2005 Kevin Costner/Jennifer Aniston romantic comedy "Rumor Has It."