terminal

Have you ever wondered why it's so difficult to find information about when your wireless contract ends? Or have you ever gotten so angry at a service provider that you threaten to cancel all the services you get bundled from them?

Well, you're not alone. This week in Ask Maggie, I answer one reader's question about finding information on a wireless carrier's Web site as to when a contract ends. I checked in with the major carriers and will walk you through how you can access information about contract expiration and early-termination fees online.

I also … Read more

Breaking up is hard to do, but when you're slapped with an early termination fee, the sting hurts even more. Then tack on a sales tax, and who wouldn't be crying in their beer?

In this week's Ask Maggie column, I tackle a tough question about being charged a sales tax on top of an early termination fee for canceling a wireless service early. I also tell a reader about a U.S. carrier that cuts customers a break on their monthly bills when they bring their own phone. And finally, I explain the likelihood of whether … Read more

Single virgins looking for love now have their own niche dating Web site called YouAndMeArePure.

Awkward URL aside, the Web site hopes to be an accessible way for virgins to meet and date other virgins. Like all dating Web sites, there's obviously no way to prove that subscribers ($30 per year) are who they say, although the site does sell bona fide male and female "V-Cards" meant to be given away as a sign of commitment to another holder. Also, there's no rule that states you have to be a virgin by choice, so Wilson might … Read more

NEW YORK--If you want to know what the very latest tech toys are, don't go to Best Buy or an Apple Store. Go to the lost-and-found department at Grand Central Terminal.

That's because in a train terminal that services 700,000 people a day, and more than 2,000 lost items a month, those with the latest cell phones, laptops, or other tech gear are bound to lose them while at Grand Central. And there's a really good chance those people will be reunited with their hot new items.

"We start seeing technology as soon as … Read more

By 2015, the government wants 30 percent of all military vehicles to be unmanned. With advances in AI and lightweight, long-lasting computer systems, this goal isn't as sci-fi as it sounds. We've covered the coming of these automated battle machines before, and now there's a new one being tested by the U.S. Marines.

Meet GUSS, the Ground Unmanned Support Surrogate. It's basically an autonomous off-road golf cart used for troop support. It can carry heavy loads a squad might need or quickly evacuate injured soldiers back to base on its own. It's somewhat similar … Read more

If you've got wireless questions, I've got answers.

More than 90 percent of the U.S. population now has a cell phone. And as hot new smartphones, such as the iPhone 4, HTC Evo, and Motorola Droid, gain in popularity, consumers around the country are trying to figure out what phone is right for them. Meanwhile, wireless operators are touting faster 3G networks and 4G wireless networks to entice new customers. Carriers are changing service plans and early termination fees. And consumers are confused.

Having reported on the wireless beat for six years, I've fielded hundreds of … Read more

A word of warning to AT&T subscribers who would switch carriers when the company's iPhone exclusivity deal with Apple finally ends: The cost of doing so will soon rise--substantially. Come June 1, AT&T is raising its early-termination fee on smartphones to $325 from $175.

The increase comes amid speculation that AT&T's iPhone-exclusivity deal with Apple is nearing its end. But a company representative tells me it has "nothing to do with the iPhone or any other device."

$325. That's a pretty steep increase from $175. Though to be fair, … Read more

Can you pass up an entire episode devoted to things that absolutely rule more than the world, me AND you combined? I didn't think so.

Breaking News: Full of LOSS! iPhone finder found http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2010/04/iphone-finder/

The Knight XV is a Hummer on steroids http://dvice.com/archives/2010/04/nothing-can-tou.php

21-foot robotic baby http://io9.com/5526040/21+foot+tall-robot-baby-to-defend-peoples-republic/gallery/

Biomechanical Terminator mic stand makes even karaoke look cool http://nerdapproved.com/misc-gadgets/biomechanical-terminator-mic-stand-makes-even-karaoke-look-cool/… Read more

U.S. mobile operators, , in letters sent to the Federal Communications Commission earlier this week, defended their use of early termination fees and explained how they are informing consumers about their policies.

In January, the FCC asked each of the four major wireless carriers, AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Sprint Nextel, and T-Mobile USA, along with Google to detail how they inform customers of their fees in statements on corporate Web sites, in brochures and sales scripts, and in monthly bills. The companies had until February 23 to respond. Earlier this week, they filed their answers to the FCC's … Read more