Google
 

Saturday, March 24, 2007

Hands on with the Garmin Nuvi 350

So I plopped down $400 or so for Garmin's Nuvi 350 from Amazon.com for my dad's Christmas gift a while back. At that time, it was one of the better rated models and was a steal considering other big box retailers were selling it for $500+. Since then, the price has come down as the model will probably be discontinued for its bigger and "better" successor the 660.

Some quick notes. The actual device itself is very lightweight and pretty easy to use. I thought the screen would be a little too small and clumsy, but it actually works quite fine. Switching between maps is sometimes a pain and I haven't quite gotten it figured out yet. The device works well, using mostly main roads (so side street detours can prove troublesome), but unfortunately it doesn't have any construction information about detours, etc. So if you are off the suggested route, you'll hear endless directions to try and put you on something where you can't go.

So far, so good, however. Further review after continued use.

One Love,
Look

Monday, March 5, 2007

The Incredible Shrinking Interest Rate... Citibank eSavings


If you've been paying attention to interest rates in the past few months, you've noticed they've leveled off after the Fed stopped raising its rate. Banks have quietly reduced the APYs offered on their accounts, with Citibank being the sneakiest (to me) of them all.

So without warning I've noticed the rates they offer have freefalled. From a high of 5.5% it decreased to 5.0% then 4.75% and now 4.65%. Having so many different webpages and different ways to access the site, I didn't even notice the decrease to the recent 4.65% rate until recently. I think they should show the rate on the login screen or at least show you the eSavings details including interest rate/APY when you log into your account.

As such, I've moved most of my money in the Citibank eSavings account to Emigrant Direct and locked in a CD at 5.20% APY. With its current trajectory Citibank will fall to a level of ING at which point I will take most of my money there out. The only reason I leave money in there is for bills and such. O wells. Citi, kiss my $$$ goodbye.

One Love,
Look