Wal-mart is now selling the iPhone for $2 less than the price you pay at other retailers.  Hey, it’s still cheaper.  That’s one subway ride, at least at the moment.

Mint.com, the popular online finance management tool just released its first iPhone app.  I haven’t tried it nor will I test it at all.  I don’t really like having all my financial accounts in one place.  I think it makes for an easy target for theft.

Gizmodo posted a comparison between several phones based on their 3G web browsing performance.

Click image to enlarge

I was only able to try web browsing on the iPhone and G1 (Google phone).  For now, I agree with Gizmodo.  I find it easier to browse using the iPhone, despite its lack of basic and important features.  The iPhone’s “pinch” method of zooming in and out is just clever.  Click here for the full review at Gizmodo.

GeekSugar.com and Windows are giving away two laptops: Windows Vista powered Acer Aspire Gemstone Blue Notebook, which comes with Dolby Home Theater sound and a CineCrystal full 16-inch HD display and a Windows Vista powered Sony VAIO CS laptop that weighs only 5.7 pounds and comes with an Intel Centrino 2 processor, 4GB of RAM and a whopping 320GB hard drive.

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TheTechLounge

The Blackberry Storm is coming November 21st and I’m salivating!  Not only does it look slick, it has the features that are expected of a smartphone which the iPhone doesn’t have.  My iPhone is beginning to look less and less attractive.

Features I like on the Storm the the iPhone doesn’t have:

• removable battery
• expandable memory
• ability to edit basic office files including Word, Excel, and Powerpoint files
• picture and video messaging
• video recording
• tethering

Ars Technica

Every time I hang out at McDonald’s to get my parfait fix, I get frustrated coz I have to use the AT&T voice network to go online while an AT&T Wi-Fi was available.  The AT&T Wi-Fi was not free so I didn’t use it.

But great news!  AT&T Wi-Fi access is now available to iPhones for free nationwide.  Yay for faster online speeds :).  AT&T Wi-Fi hotspots can be found in airports, hotels, universities, restaurants and a lot more.  Click here for more information including access instructions.

Impact Lab

The data plans that come with the iPhone don’t include text messaging.  You have to either add a messaging plan or pay per text.  After voice and data plan monthly charges, nobody needs another.  So I compiled a couple of ways you can send texts messages for free from your iPhone.  Some also apply to other smartphones.Remember that the recipient may incur charges for the messages you send.

1.  AOL Instant Messenger (AIM)

Just like your computer-based AIM, the AIM iPhone app can also send text messages to phones.  Access to AIM on the iPhone is included in the data plan and does not count as a text message.  Recipients of your messages can reply directly to your message and you will receive the replies via AIM.Click here for instructions at Wired: How-To Wiki.Read on to see more ways to send text message for free from you iPhone.

+ Read on…

I bought two types of cases for the iPhone and here is what I think of them:

Apple.com

Belkin Silicone Sleeve

It’s one of the prettier silicone designs in the store. The case doesn’t add too much bulk to the phone. The cut-outs are positioned well. The buttons are covered which added extra protection. The button covers are protruding so it is not hard to figure out where to press. It actually made it easier to press the buttons. The screen protective cover only covers the screen area and doesn’t extend to the black areas. It does the job though and touch sensitivity is not affected too much. It was also easy to put on. The case is loose though. And over time, it gets even more loose. It is true that the case easily comes off when taking the phone out of pants pocket. Over time, the case easily comes off when phone is taken out of my purse too. Because it is loose, dirt easily gets inside. When you take off the case after a few days, you’ll find the back of the phone dirty. The bottom part of the case (below the home button) is thin and sometimes get caught with other things. Right now I’m sticking with hard shell cases until I find a silicone case that fits well. I’m currently using the Griffin Wave case.

Griffin Wave Case

iLounge.com

The case looked very chic. It has this smooth finish that feels great to the touch. However, since it is made of plastic and no rubber grips, it is more prone to slippage unlike its silicone counterparts. The case fits the iPhone well, but not perfectly. Dust can enter the case and settle inside. The installation is a bit difficult. Due to its interlocking curved sides, it is very possible to scratch the surface of the iPhone while installing the case. You also need to apply a little strength to install it. The clear protective cover for the iPhone screen is thick and affects the touchscreen sensitivity a little bit, but it works. I decided to not use the Griffin clear protective cover and use the one from Belkin (above) instead.