Get a 16 GB iPhone 3G for Half Price

AT&T is now selling the version of the iPhone 3G with 16 gigabytes of internal storage for just $150, which is half the regular price. There's a small catch though: it's been refurbished.

"Refurbished" is AT&T's way of saying a device has been used before, but not for very long. As the company says:

Refurbished phones are previously owned devices that have been unused or lightly used and returned during the 30-day trial period. Each refurbished phone is independently quality tested and loaded with the latest software to meet current factory standards. Some refurbished iPhone 3G devices will have minor scratches.

Refurbished iPhone 3G devices carry a warranty of 90 days or more.

Getting this price requires agreeing to a two-year iPhone service contract. The regular price for a new iPhone 3G with 16 gigabytes of storage is $300, so buying a used model saves $150.

This carrier is also offering the 8 GB version of this smartphone for just $100; the regular price for a non-refurbished unit is $200.

To learn more, or make a purchase, visit the AT&T website.

Nearing the End
Previously, refurbished iPhones with 16 GB of storage sold for $200, but AT&T is likely lowering the price because a new model is expected to be released this summer.

Still, the current model will be getting an upgrade to a new version of Apple's smartphone operating system in a few months. This will bring some additional features, including peer-to-peer gaming and cut, copy, and paste.

More about the iPhone 3G
The iPhone 3G is Apple's second-generation smartphone, and the "3G" in its name refers to its support for 3G cellular-wireless networking.

This model has an HVGA touchscreen, Wi-Fi, and GPS.

It has the ability to run native third-party applications that have been approved by Apple. In addition, it is able to connect to Microsoft Exchange for corporate email service.

Solo Netbook Mini Instant-Messenger Bag

The Solo Netbook Mini Instant-Messenger bag is designed to carry up to an 11-inch netbook and meets TSA checkpoint-friendly requirements. Is this downsized messenger finally the bag your netbook has been waiting for? Read on for our full review.

We’ve seen our fair share of netbook sleeves, but the Solo Netbook Mini messenger bag counts as the first full-featured netbook bag we’ve reviewed in-house. It certainly offers more storage than a sleeve, and with an airport security checkpoint-friendly design, there’s a lot to like here. Still, we have a couple of reservations about recommending the mini messenger bag.

Solo Netbook Mini Instant-Messenger Bag Specifications:

• Netbook Compatibility: 11.0 in.
• Laptop Pocket Size: 11 x 6.5 x 2 in.
• Dimensions: 11 x 7 x 4.75 in.
• Construction: Twistec Poly
• Weight: 2.3 lbs / 5.8 kgs

Build and Design
The Solo netbook messenger bag is made of black, water-resistant polyester accented in green. A plastic buckle keeps the front flap closed, and a couple of metal clasps hook to the shoulder strap. Open the flap and you’ll find two “Digital Asset” pockets designed to securely stow PDAs and other slim devices.

Being a checkpoint-friendly bag, it has a designated netbook-only compartment to give TSA security officials a clear x-ray view of the computer. The other compartment offers a couple of padded pockets and more storage space.

A Velcro strap along the bottom of the bag releases the dual compartments, allowing them to unfold for TSA inspection. If all goes well, you’ll just unfold the bag, send it through the x-ray scanner, and pick it up on the other side without ever removing the netbook. Of course, TSA has the upper hand here and can always ask you to remove the computer from your bag.

In Use

The Solo netbook bag feels sturdy and the build quality is solid. The Lenovo IdeaPad S10 fits perfectly in the netbook compartment, bulky battery and all. The shoulder strap hooks to the bag with sturdy metal clasps. The adjustable strap is comfortable on the shoulder with a sliding, cushioned shoulder rest. The carry handle is also well-padded and would work well for day-to-day use.

Despite the comfortable strap and carrying handle, the mini messenger bag handles like a lunch box. It's square and bulky even when it's empty. Loaded with the S10, power adapter, and a few devices in the "Digital Asset" pockets, there’s little room for anything else. Likewise, the outer zipper pockets will be best suited to hold very slim devices when the bag is full since they're pretty tight to begin with.

The messenger bag provides enough room for a netbook, power adapter, a couple of slim devices, and not much else. It's best suited to carry only minimum netbook essentials. Unless you travel very lightly, this won't replace your carry-on bag.

We didn’t have a chance to test this messenger in airport security, but my experience with checkpoint-friendly bags has been positive. It seems that as TSA officials see more checkpoint-friendly bags, the more widely accepted they are becoming.

Conclusion
The Solo netbook messenger bag is exactly what it appears to be – a very small bag for a small computer. Despite a boxy design, it’s a well-constructed little case. While it provides all the space your netbook will need, it can’t offer much more than that. If you don’t mind the lunchboxy design, and if all you need is a home-away-from-home for your netbook, then this might be the bag for you.

Pros:

• Quality materials, sturdy design
• Airport security checkpoint friendly
• Comfortable shoulder strap

Cons:

• Bulky, boxy design
• Limited storage space

Pricing and Availability
The Solo Netbook Mini Instant-Messenger Bag is available starting at $39.99 through