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iPhone data plans to surface before launch day
Another day, another rash of iPhone rumblings for the fanatics. As we sit just over a week away from the launch, a piece in USA Today gave way to the fact that Apple's forthcoming handset is to thank for "2,000 extra sales people" joining AT&T's force -- some of which will actually remain long-term to assist with the barrage of new customers. Additionally, it was (unsurprisingly) noted that larger markets would get a greater quantity of phones, but those who can't snag one immediately can place "mail orders" that should be shipped out "in three to five days." Most interesting, however, is the conversation surrounding the elusive data plans; initially, it was insinuated that customers would be forced to wait until the 29th in order to learn about the potential option(s), but a followup over at iLounge allowed AT&T spokesman Mark Siegel to clear things up. He stated that folks would know the details "before the 29th," and while we've no idea what kind of price premium you may face, he also claimed that it wouldn't "be anything exotic." Of course, you'll hand over just about anything it asks in order to take one home, right?[Via AppleInsider]Read - USA Today iPhone detailsRead - iLounge followup
Thieves swiping HOV exemption stickers from hybrids
For those of you enjoying the free-flowing high-occupancy vehicle lane on the Capitol Expressway (in your HOV-exempt hybrid, no less), stay sharp, as it looks like those oh-so-valuable stickers that reside on your ride appear as gold to thieves. Apparently, "two to three dozen" victims per month are surfacing in California, where the now-extinct stickers are presumably fetching a pretty penny on the underground markets. The labels -- which were handed out to some 85,000 hybrid owners in years past to give them the same speedy privileges are carpoolers -- are no longer being administered by the DMV, which means that those that were able to take advantage are now targets. Interestingly, hybrid vehicles that are up for sale in the area are fetching "nearly $4,000 more" than comparative models so long as they come with the coveted sticker pre-installed. Notably, the DMV claims that the "carpool stickers are treated chemically so they crumble apart if tampered with," but that wee tidbit isn't likely to slow down a desperate bandit.[Via Fark]
TiVo fundraising with self-branded toasters / snowglobes
While just about everyone has experienced their fair share of ups and downs with TiVo, it's great to see the smiley TV box raising funds for two meaningful causes. The firm is offering up self-branded toasters and snowglobes (for $45 and $28, respectively) to its employees in order to raise money for the James Kim Memorial Fund and The Katrina Fund. Of course, it could be slightly difficult to get your hands on either of these adornments if you can't badge into TiVo HQ everyday, but perhaps a saintly reader could be a liaison for a group buy? Regardless, even if you're still using one of the eight toasters you got as a graduation gift or you've severed all ties with TiVo (and jumped ship), here's to lending a helping hand to those in need. Keep reading for a taste of TiVo toast...[Via PVRWire]
Christmas comes early at Apple: free shuffles for all!
Whichever way you slice him -- cold, calculating genius, or harmless, lovable fuzzball -- Steve Jobs is nothing if not a total Apple fanboy. In fact, he's so into his own dogfood, that he's sharing the love with every single employee of Apple by handing out free 2G iPod shuffles to all. Everybody from corporate on down to retail is getting their very own $79 mini-mini-DAP to have and hold, as Stevie J. recently revealed via a company-wide email. Apple gave away free copies of the original iPod shuffle as well, back in the day, and employees can expect the new version in the mail by the end of the month.[Thanks, Caleb W.]
