If you’re a Mac device junkie like many of us and have a Mac at home, a PC at work, an iPhone in your pocket and an iPad in your car, check out MobileMe. This software allows you to store email, contacts, and calendars — even shared ones — in the cloud and automatically keeps them in sync across all your devices.

Other cool features include the ability to remotely locate a lost iPhone or iPad. And if you’re certain it fell into less-than-honest hands and you don’t think you’ll be getting it back any time soon, you can remotely wipe the device clean of all your data.

The Gallery enables you to create a beautifully displayed online gallery of your photos and share them with others in just a few clicks, allowing your friends and family to add photos of their own. And the iDisk app gives you the power to store and share large files online as well as access them remotely.

MobileMe costs only $99 for a year’s subscription and $149 for a family pack that gives you one individual account with 20GB of storage and 4 family accounts with 5 GB of storage. Not sure if it’s right for you? Then sign up for a free 60-day trial at: www.apple.com/mobileme.

1. Don’t leave it lying around. Although this is common sense, you’ve probably violated this rule more than once. iPads are easy targets for thieves; so don’t let it out of your sight when in a public place – and don’t leave it in plain view in your car or you might end up with a broken window in addition to a stolen iPad.
2. Use a passcode. Although it’s not 100% hacker proof, it will slow or block unauthorized users from accessing your information.
3. Consider enabling automatic data erasing. You can configure your iPad to erase your data after 10 failed passcode attempts. Clearly this is not a good solution for anyone who constantly forgets a password or those who have kids who might try to endlessly log in to use your iPad.
4. Sign up for MobileMe. As mentioned opposite, this software will allow you to locate a lost iPad for free and, if it’s not recoverable, you can remotely wipe the device of your private information.
5. Limit its capabilities. You can set your iPad to restrict certain functions such as access to Safari, YouTube, installing applications, and explicit media content using a passcode. In the corporate world, an IT administrator could set these restrictions for company devices. At home you can use this to restrict what your children can do with your iPad.
6. Install software updates. As with all software, make sure you have the latest security updates and patches installed to protect against hackers and viruses.
7. Only connect to trusted WiFi networks. Public WiFi networks are open
   territory for hackers and identity thieves. Whenever you connect, make sure it’s a legitimate, secure connection.

With hundreds of cell phone companies and countless cell phone models available, no two cell phones go head to head more often than these two. The iPhone (by Apple) and the BlackBerry (by Research in Motion) are hands-down the two most popular phones sold today. So, how do you know which one is right for you? See how each one ranks in the following categories to help you decide:

Applications – If having lots of software options on your phone is important to you, the iPhone is your clear choice. The iPhone has thousands of application options available and easily trumps the BlackBerry’s very small list of programs that only include a word processor, a spreadsheet, and a PDF application. Granted, many of the iPhone applications are frivolous, like the “How Old Are You In Neanderthal Years?” calculator, or the daily horoscope update; but some are actually useful for business purposes, such as the available project management, time tracking, or financial calculator software. Both the BlackBerry and the iPhone have software that allows you to use them as mini computers; but if you want to be able to convert your phone into a remote for your stereo, only the iPhone can do that.

Durability – From all the research we’ve done online, the BlackBerry wins in this category. The BlackBerry was actually created with business users in mind and therefore is a sturdier phone. If you have traveling sales people or remote users who need to stay connected to the office, the BlackBerry is less likely to get damaged than the iPhone. Although the iPhone has made definite strides in this area; however, dropping that phone on its face assures that you’ll have to get a new one.

Business Functionality – In the not too distant past, the iPhone didn’t have the business functionality of the BlackBerry. However, iPhones now integrate with Microsoft Exchange, which is one of the most common e-mail applications for small and mid-sized businesses. Both the BlackBerry and the iPhone have the ability to synchronize your contacts, calendar, and e-mail. Apple is also making attempts to ramp up the security of their iPhone; and as it stands today, the BlackBerry is the most secure of the two phones.

Phone Service – iPhones are available through Verizon and AT&T wireless while BlackBerrys are available with more carriers. Some business owners are happy with the wireless service they currently have and do not want to risk “dropped calls” or dead zones that may come with switching. Most carriers provide a very extensive network and are constantly improving their coverage; but if you don’t like Verizon or AT&T, then iPhone is NOT the phone for you.

Apple Tips from BeckITSystems, Inc. www.BeckITSystems.com