Vegas on the cheap in 21 easy steps

Whether you’re hitting the Consumer Electronics Show or Adult Entertainment Expo, get ready to learn the hard way that the Strip is an expensive place to be. Cheap hotel rooms lure you into the city, and you make up the difference everywhere else. So, when you blow your cash at the tables and your reserves at the strip joint gentlemen’s club of your choice, you’ll need a few ways to pass the time while waiting for your flight. Here are a few of my favorites for staying distracted when the slots and strippers have drained your wallet on the first day.

Fill your bags with freebies at the Las Vegas malls. The Shop Vegas Passport is free, and nobody will judge you for not actually spending your own cash while holding your hat out. Then, take advantage of free wireless internet access at the Palazzo or Venetian.

Listen to some tunes and root for your favorite at a dueling piano competition. There are three from which you can choose. Harrah’s and Treasure Island don’t charge a dime, but everything’s more expensive in New York (the New York New York hotel, that is), where you’ll be hit up for a $10 cover. Or, if you want to see people who know famous people, watch six of her band members at the Palms.

Need more? Damn, you’re greedy! Check out the whole list of 21 ideas under $21.

[Thanks, LA Times]

Mobile phone + projector = The Logic Bolt

It seems like it was just a couple of days ago when I reviewed the 3M pocket projector, and predicted more devices with built in projectors (it was in fact 3 days ago). CES is here, so this means a slew of new gadgety goodness.

One of the first products to catch my attention is the Logic Wireless Bolt.

This mobile phone features a touch screen interface, quad band GSM, support for Powerpoint, Excel, Word as well as the ability to connect directly to most video sources.

The phone (and their press shots) make it clear that this is not actually their own development, but a rebranded version of a product announced last year by Engadget. Click the link for the rest of the article, and to read the most interesting part of the announcement.

The phone is scheduled to be released later this year, but what really caught my attention in the press release, is the news that T-Mobile has lined up to be the exclusive US carrier for the Bolt. The phone will retail for $600, or just $100 when purchased with a 2 year T-Mobile contract, which is astoundingly cheap in my opinion.

The Bolt supports video file playback and you’ll be able to use it to project movies or other content on a suitable surface. The device claims over 2 hours of playback on a fully charged battery.

UPDATE: All references to T-Mobile have now been removed from the press release web site. Someone either spoke too soon, or the deal has not actually happened.