Sometimes a laptop just isnt worth the $500-$1k expense, or I just don’t have the money to buy a laptop, whats a good substitute?

A big thing to think about before you decide whether to go with a laptop or something, is to think what exactly you need it for.

Most people use laptops mainly for surfing, sharing/transporting slideshows, information, images, and work, or just to have around for something to do.

There are plenty of computers now adays, everyone and every place has some sort of computing device, whether it be some sort of mobile device, a laptop, or a desktop computer. So how can we get everything you need in your daily computing (assuming you dont have a laptop) on  your desktop to being mobile, without a laptop.

For me, it has always been an external hard drive, now especially since they are USB and for incredibly cheap one can have anywhere from 1gig to 500gigs to 2 terabytes of space at their disposal.

There are some things you can add to your external HD that will make it better for your personal use no matter where you use it.

Ninite Easy PC setup. Its basically 1 installer that has all your simple programs. Say you are on some piece of crap confusing computer in a library, you need your programs set up to start viewing and downloading torrent videos and your usual browsing. Put a customized ninite installation onto your harddrive, click install when you need everything.

Use teamviewer or some sort of remote access application. Set up teamviewer on your home computer, then take a copy for installation on your harddrive. That way anywhere you go you can quickly set up your remote app and be connected to your home computer perfectly.

Not having a cellphone in these days can make communication with others almost impossible. But some of us are not willing to fork out the cash to start paying a monthly phone bill. Here are some sweet tips on how to call or text people without a cellphone.

First a great post from lifehacker is one that shows you how to turn your Itouch to an Iphone. We all know that the Itouch and Iphone are basically the same thing, only one is made for phone calls, and one is not. So by installing a few apps on your itouch, you can get it up in running as a cellphone without even jail breaking it. Most of the suggestions require a wireless connection though to be of any use.  Voip and a wireless communication hub and you will be all set.

Great services that I have used in the passed when I was wireless are:

AIM (aol instant messaging) for texting back and forth with anyone for free.  Back in the day it was only online based usage. Now by just registering an account and adding your friends numbers/digits into the buddy field, it can automatically send and recieve text messages. Completetly free. Its very simple to set up.There can be frustrating times when you are using AIM to text, that it will say random things like the phone is offline. Just keep using it. I have used it with several mobile service providers and they have all worked great so far. Biggest hassle comes from people who have useless/trashy phones or plans.

Google Voice is another great free service. You will recieve your own private number,  it does require you to have a preexisting number to verify with. With Google voice you can send/receive text messages, and people can leave voice-mail. There are many other features that Google Voice has, so be sure to check it out if you are looking for extra free mobile communication.

Skype is an excellent service for free phone calls from computer to computer. New accounts sometimes come with free 5 minutes of calling, in case you need to register a new account to use for just 5 minutes (new accounts take less than 10 seconds ) and there is no verification process. Register and you are in. If you want to keep using the same account to make phone calls, Skype has a relatively cheap, in comparison with other services, international calling plan.  Probably the cheapest mobile service plan in the market. But be wary of their texting.

Fringe is a skype-like service, that has dedicated itself to cheaper or even free service. It can be downloaded for computer or as an app for your mobile device. Calling is p2p, so it requires a wifi or internet connection (easy to get on your devices nowadays). Fringe is free so unlimited calling! Unlimited phone calls and text messaging.

Always Broke is a survival guide for the penniless.

But who says that the financially stricken can’t have fun and brag about their monetary hacks as well.

Tips for saving, finding and spending money. And maintaining everything on the way.
To start off the blog, lets talk about freebies. AT&T has a fun contest up that is very simple and only requires email and a shipping address.

Be sure to check it out and try to get some free tech gear. Today they seem to be offering the Ihome, a nifty looking carrying piece for your Apple Handheld’s and Mobile products. and also some sweet portable speakers to dock your isomething in. This is the prize for just today from AT&T, later one there will be more. AT&T will be having freebie giveaways for the rest of December it looks like!

Check out the contest post your win results.

Websites like TheBotNet.com will probably have an automated bot up in a couple of hours to use it with. That way you can not only sign up once a day, but a couple thousand like you really want to