Blog Posts by Marc Saltzman

It's one modern convenience most of us can't live without: our mobile phone.

In fact, they're not just for making calls and texting anymore, as they've evolved into a pocket-sized computer capable of email, web surfing, video calling, gaming, photography, GPS navigation, social networking, cloud computing and handling work documents, too.

As such, you need to ensure you're signing up for the right voice and data plan with your preferred carrier.

Here are a handful of tips to help keep your monthly bill in check.

1. What’s your usage pattern?

Choose a plan that best suits your habits. Many of us are either paying too much for what little we're using or we're not paying enough for usage -- and thus risking overage fees. If you're unsure, review your invoice as it will shed light on your voice and data usage. Then call or visit your carrier to match your usage with the best plan. You'll often get a "bundle" deal if you use the same company for your home-based services, such as Internet,

Those who own one of Apple’s iconic iPads probably have a handy accessory or two that adds some extra functionality to the tablet.

You know, like a Bluetooth keyboard that makes long-form typing on the iPad more comfortable. Or a fitted folio case to protect your investment. Or perhaps you’ve picked up a bedside clock dock for your tablet that not only charges it up while you sleep but it doubles as a powered speaker for your music, podcasts and audiobooks.

All of these sound like practical add-ons – and they are -- but don’t expect all tablet accessories to be this sensible. In fact, you won’t believe what’s out there for the almighty iPad.

The following are a few eye-rolling examples.

iPad Commode Caddy

OK, so a few iPad owners might’ve been known to bring their gadget to the bathroom in lieu of a magazine. But how about spending $100 on a vertical stand that props up the tablet for easy reading -- with a built-in toilet paper roll right underneath it? Eww.

Exclusive to Hammacher Schlemmer

Not sure which computer to buy for the summer or back-to-school?

You’re not alone.

Not only are there so many companies to choose from, but there are multiple form factors these days, such as a laptop, desktop, tablet, all-in-one desktop (with the computer built behind the screen), Ultrabook convertibles (half laptop, half tablet), and so on.

In other words, choosing a new Windows 8 PC can be an overwhelming endeavor -- so to help you decide on something that best suits your needs and budget, below we look at eight stellar considerations (not listed in any particular order).

01. Asus Taichi 21

Talk about innovation: In case you haven’t yet seen the Asus Taichi 21 ($1,399.99), it’s an Ultrabook with a two-sided 11.6-inch screen. That is, in regular mode, it looks like a regular laptop – though it’s super thin – but at any time you can enable the back of the screen to turn on (or mirror what you’re seeing on the main screen), plus the rear-facing screen is touch-enabled so you can close the

Video gamers who boast about their "mad skills" can put their money where their mouse is with Virgin Gaming, a service that lets you place a wager to compete in online matches and tournaments against other willing participants.

Sure, you might’ve already heard about Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Gaming – which turns 3 next month and has racked up more than 2.3 million members – but the company has just unveiled an app for Xbox 360 owners, dubbed Xbox Tournaments, which makes it even easier to win cash by playing against others.

To start, players age 18 years of age or older can compete in three-round, free-entry tournaments designed for gamers of all skill levels – but they’ll also have the opportunity to participate in free head-to-head challenges to sharpen their skills for cash-play games in the near future. To celebrate the launch of the app, Virgin Gaming is currently hosting a $100,000 tournament and leaderboard challenge, with “many more to follow,” assures Billy Levy, co-founder

Whether you're waiting for the next console wars to start or simply prefer playing games on your mobile phone, there's no shortage of awesome smartphone games — and ones that won't cost you a dime. Here are 10 "must have" free downloads for Apple (iOS) and Android devices.

Candy Crush Saga

The hit Facebook game is even better on your iPhone or Android. Taking a page from Bejeweled, King.com's Candy Crush Saga is an incredibly addictive puzzler that has you swap colored candies on a board to make a match of at least three in a row. Timed levels, cascading fruit and chocolate obstacles all add to the deliciously challenging gameplay. Facebook integration is still part of the game, so you can show off your high score to friends or ask them for extra "lives" to keep playing.

4 Pics 1 Word

Can you guess what the mystery word is based on four pictures? This is the premise behind the aptly named 4 Pics 1 Word. For example, you might see one photo with socks, another with two playing cards, a

You lead a busy life. Whether you have a demanding career or juggle a family – or in many cases, both – you need to stay organized and productive in today’s day and age.

While a calendar and corkboard at home are handy “old school” solutions, there are many technologies that can help you with your day-to-day life, whenever life takes you. The following are 10 such suggestions.

Smartphones

Smartphones are so popular because they’re like a mini computer for your pocket or purse. They help you stay organized thanks to calendar appointments, reminders and alarms; you can read and reply to email and other messages without having to wait for your laptop; and you’ve got access to the web, apps, cameras, and much more. Don’t leave home without it. Oh, and they make phone calls, too, if you remember those.

Cloud storage

“Cloud computing” refers to uploading, accessing and sharing content stored securely online. The benefit of free services like Dropbox, Sugar Sync, iCloud, Google Drive and SkyDrive

Video games based on a movie franchise are usually less than stellar -- and that's being kind.

So, how does Gameloft's Iron Man 3 fare, based on the new superhero movie of the same name?

Meh.

Not bad -- but not excellent either -- this free action game for iOS and Android devices is at least worth a download for Iron Man fans, and for those who like those "endless running" games like Temple Run, Subway Surfer or Rail Rush.

Taking place after the events of the new Iron Man 3 flick, you play as billionaire Tony Stark, forced to don the Iron Man suit to take on rising A.I.M. forces. Along with flying drones, you'll face off against a number of villains from the Iron Man comics, beginning with Crimson Dynamo, and followed by Ezekiel Stane, Living Laser, and the final boss, M.O.D.O.K. (Mechanized Organism Designed Only for Killing).

Gameplay consists of flying in one of Iron Man's unlockable suits, swiping on the screen to avoid obstacles -- like planes and missiles -- and tapping on enemies to

Curious about the BlackBerry Q10?

Yes, that one -- the smartphone with the keyboard many patient BlackBerry users have been waiting for. Or for those thinking about giving up typing on the iPhone or other touchscreen-based Android or Windows Phone 8 devices.

In this informal video, I unbox the BlackBerry Q10 -- the special press edition sent to many technology journalists -- and reveal what's in the package, including an assortment of accessories.

If you prefer a straight-up review of the Q10, scrub towards the latter half of the 10-minute video and I chat about the pros and cons of the device, which will be available soon through multiple U.S. carriers for $199 on a 2-year plan.

Yahoo! readers, is this the smartphone you've been waiting for or do you think BlackBerry's "comeback" offers too little (and too late)?