NetZero Personal Mobile HotSpot MiFi Review

Technology


NetZero $300 Value Review, Giveaway


Loyal Mommy Blog Expert readers know how intense my family of six, including four teenagers (triplets plus big brother born just a year apart), my hubbie and I are about embracing the latest wireless mobile technology. Having acquired a new Motorola XYBoard Tablet, another iPad, and a Nokia Lumia smart phone within the past month alone, our wireless device collection continues to expand, now numbering over 18 laptops, tablets, readers, cell phones, smart phones and other devices -- and is showing no signs of slowing growth any time soon.


NetZero 4G Personal Hotspot

MBE partnered with NetZero for this story and giveaway

So when I was asked to do a review and giveaway of the NetZero 4G Personal Hotspot MiFi wireless router product which was just released in March 2012, I realized I couldn't have been selected for a more practical blogging assignment. This is such a cool family-friendly tech tool because it has the capability to provide portable Internet service on the go, connecting up to eight devices simultaneously. For sure with our tech focused lifestyle, this is a product and service that my very wired family needed badly.

Apparently we are not unlike other wired family households, part of a much larger consumer trend that reveals an ever-increasing appetite for more and better mobile connected devices. The statistics back this reality up. According to CEA research, smartphone revenue is expected to crest $37 billion next year (16% increase over 2012) and tablet sales are expected to surpass 105 million units, the equivalent of $35.6 billion in sales (a whopping 54% more than this year).



So, without further adieu, here is my hands-on experience report. 


NetZero Personal HotSport Review

Setting up the NetZero 4G Personal Hotspot, which comes with its own micro USB cable, rechargeable battery, wall charger, Getting Started Guide and connection software CD, was a breeze. The device comes partially charged so you can start using it instantly right out of the box. All that's needed to get it working is the required Activated NetZero 4G Mobile Broadband Service and a Wi-Fi enabled device and you are in business. There are no activation fees, contract commitments or overage charges. 

The device sells for $99.95 as of press time. The service coverage area map shows coverage across the U.S. in and near 80 cities including all major metropolitan areas and most larger cities. However there will be times when there is no signal if you are outside these areas, especially in remote parts of the country. With that said, it's highly recommended that you check the NetZero coverage map  -- like you would when signing up for any cell phone service -- to ensure this is the right solution for you.

Four NetZero 4G Mobile Broadband Service Plans are available
  • $9.95/month, 500MB
  • $19.95/month, 1GB
  • $34.95/month, 2GB
  • $49.95/month, 4GB

With this mobile hot spot's 6-hour battery life, 
I've already discovered that it is particularly handy on the go while traveling around my hometown of Los Angeles by car with family because it is portable and compact, measuring just 3-1/4" x 3-1/4" square and weighing only 4.4 ounces.
 



In fact this gadget is so tiny it fits in my over-crowded handbag! Already my high school kids are loving this, benefiting from using it because they have access to the Internet enroute to and from home and school and can now work on their homework on their laptops and tablets while I drive. We do a lot of family vacation trips, too, so I plan to bring this along whenever we travel.


This is also going to be great for me to use when I travel for business and I expect it to be invaluable when I cover International CES in Las Vegas in January because I'll have Wi-Fi access on both my iPhone 5 and my iPad 2 as well as any new laptops, tablets or smartphones I may receive for review during the conference.

This is too good of a technology product to keep to myself. So I am thrilled to let you know that NetZero has provided a NetZero 4G Personal Hotspot MiFi device plus 3 months of Platinum service (a $300 value) for Mommy Blog Expert to give away on this blog. Read on to find out how you can win this awesome and useful prize that busy moms, dads, kids and whole families will definitely appreciate.


NetZero 4G Personal Hotspot 
Plus 3 Months Free Service
Prize ARV$300

GIVEAWAY

Ends 12/26/12


NetZero 4G Personal Hotspot out of the box

How to Enter Giveaway

Just leave a comment(s) below this post. Contest ends December 26, 2012 at 12 midnite PST and is open to legal residents of the U.S. only. One winner will receive the NetZero 4G Personal Hotspot device plus three months of free Platinum Service. The prize package has a total value of $300. Winner will be selected at random from all entries received and will be notified via email and must respond within 48 hours to claim their prize. 

Required (Mandatory) Entry

Simply leave a comment saying why you'd like to win this prize. Don't forget to include your social handle in the comment section so the winner can be contacted.

Optional Extra Entries 

Earn extra entries to win for doing one or more of the easy options listed below. Just be sure to return to MommyBlogExpert (MBE) to leave an additional comment after each individual extra action you do to confirm so we can record all your additional chances to win.

1. Follow @mommyblogexpert on Twitter 
2. Follow @mommyblogexpert on Facebook
3. Follow @mommyblogexpert on Pinterest
4. Follow @netzero on Twitter
5. Follow @netzero on Facebook


More Family-Friendly
Mommy Blog Expert Giveaways

ENTER Them All HERE


Disclaimer: I am a member of the Mom It Forward blogger network. MBE partnered with NetZero through Mom It Forward to provide me with this compensated review opportunity. Thoughts are my own. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Kids AppGear ZombieBurbz iPad Android Interactive Games Giveaway, Ends 1/22/13

Games
Giveaway details below



Kids ages 9+ and kid-like adults who enjoy iPad and Android tablet based interactive technology games and who are into the current zombie craze that's sweeping America are going to love this trio of AppGear ZombieBurbz mobile application games manufactured by WowWee Group. Each of the three amplified reality games is sold separately. 

This is a really fun game collection that comes boxed with 4 Zombie figures in each set that interact with your tablet, offering hours of entertainment for older kids and families on the go. Great for airplane travel and family road trips. Check out what a blast this is. 


iPad is not included and is shown in this video for demonstration purposes only

AppGear 
ZombieBurbz

GIVEAWAY
Ends 1/22/13
Prize Package includes the three sets pictured, each with different collectible Zombies
  • AppGear ZombieBurbz Diner
  • AppGear ZombieBurbz Services
  • App Gear ZombieBurbz High
HOW TO ENTER
Just leave a comment(s) below this post. Contest ends January 22, 2013 at 12 midnite PST and is open to legal residents of the U.S. only. One winner will receive all three ZombieBurbz AppGear games pictured in this post, ARV approximately $30. Winner will be selected at random from all entries and will be notified via email and must respond within 48 hours to claim their prize. 

Required (Mandatory) Entry
Simply leave a comment below this blogpost saying what why you'd like to win this prize. Don't forget to include your email address, Facebook and/or Twitter contact info in the comment section so the winner can be contacted.

Optional Extra Entries 
Earn extra entries to win for doing one or more of the easy options listed below. Just be sure to return to MommyBlogExpert (MBE) to leave an additional comment after each individual extra action you do to confirm so we can record all your additional chances to win.

1. Follow MBE on Twitter 
2. Like MBE on Facebook
3. Follow MBE on Pinterest
4. Subscribe to MommyBlogExpert

***Bonus Entries***
You can earn even MORE chances to win each time you TWEET the message below, up to 3 times each day. Don't forget to return to leave a comment on this post with the direct link right after every Tweet you do so you'll receive an entry for each of your RTs.

Tweet to copy and paste:

Zombie Burbz AppGear iPad Android Interactive Games Giveaway, Enter up to 3x daily to WIN til 1/22/13 http://tinyurl.com/c8ookwb

More Family-Friendly
Mommy Blog Expert Giveaways

ENTER Them All HERE

Thanks to Online-Sweepstakes.com for including this contest in their directory of current giveaways.

FTC Disclosure: I did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this particular post. Thoughts are my own. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Twitter Party Calendar This Week With Prizes December 16-22 Continuously Updated

Twitter Parties




Updated 12/21/12  - Sneak Peek at Coming Weeks Too!

Get all the details in this free constantly updated Twitter Party Master Calendar listing tons of family friendly parties including specifics on prizes you can win and links to RSVP and participate. Includes Twitter Parties in the U.S. and Canada. Be sure to check back often every week as new events are added on an ongoing basis -- often with new prize-winning opportunities added several times per day. You'll also get a sneak peek at Twitter parties coming up next week and in the month ahead. Now listing Facebook parties with prizes too.

Be the first to know when the latest Mommy Blog Expert Twitter Party schedule goes live by following MBE on Twitter Facebook and/or by subscribing to this blog right now.

THIS WEEK

Monday, December 17

Lands End Procrastination Destination Twitter Party 11 am - 3 pm ET with @LandsEndPR @LEprMichele @5minutesformom @AudreyMcClellan and others. WIN one of 36 prizes to be given away. Participate with hashtag #lastminute

Simple Winter Skincare Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @simpleskincare @RomyRaves @BeautyBanter @FashionFoieGras @Sugarlaws. Prizes: FIFTEEN (15) $50 American Express giftcards + gift bags filled w/ full-size products. #SimpleWinter RSVP

Tribute to the Troops Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @WWEMoms @lisasamples @RachelFerrucci @WrestlingAddict @TheOnlineMom and others. Prizes: iPod Touch, iHome Speaker Docking System and more TBA. #WWEMoms RSVP

Treat Cards Twitter Party at 2 pm ET with @treatcards @resourcefulmom. Prizes: TEN (10) 5 token winners, TEN (10) 10 token winners. Grand Prize: VIP Membership #TreatCards RSVP

Lane Bryant Holiday Fashion Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @LaneBryant @CleverGirlsColl. Prizes: EIGHTEEN (18) $30 Lane Bryant gift cards. #LBHoliday RSVP

How I Stroll Baby Jogger Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @babyjogger @resourcefulmom @momfluential. Prizes: FOUR (4) $40 Visa gift cards each w/ a baby equipment item. #howistroll RSVP

Barilla Twitter Party at 9 pm ET @BarillaUS @JylMomIF @Dadventurous @TroyPattee @MomItForward Prize: $50 gift pack from Barilla. #BarillaLasagne #gno RSVP

Holiday Travel Stress Twitter party at 9 pm ET with @TravelingMoms @KimOrlando @DebMomof3. Prize: TBA  #TMOM RSVP

Tuesday, December 18

Hoya Lenses Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @lomargie @suburbanmomclub. Prizes: THREE (3) $25 American Express gift cards and TWO (2) pair of lenses with EX3 technology ($200 value each). #HoyaLenses RSVP

Jingle Spuds Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @IdahoPotato @resourcefulmom. Prizes: FIVE (5) $50 grocery gift cards + Idaho Potato Swag Bags #jinglespuds RSVP

Holiday Swap Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @MicrosoftCanada @SimplyStacieNetPrizes include an Xbox 360 Bundle. Canada only, To participate follow hashtag #HolidaySwap

Bloggy Moms Guide to a Better Blog eBook Launch Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @BloggyMoms. Prizes: ONE (1) winner will receive a copy of the new book + $500 Gift Card #BloggyMoms RSVP

Pathfinder Twitter Party at 9-10:30 pm ET with @NissanEspanol @LatinaMomBlogs @Latinomarketing + others. Prizes: TWO (2) $50 gas cards and TWO (2) $200 Visa Giftcards. #EncuentraelPathfinder RSVP

Wednesday, December 19

Holidays with 1DSmiles Colgate Twitter Party at Noon ET with @colgatesmile @janetgoingcrazy @proverbswife. Prizes: FOUR (1) Walmart gift cards, one each of $25, $50, $75 and $100. #1DSmiles #cbias RSVP

Frozen Favorites Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @BrettBMartin @wicproject. Prizes: Sam's Club Gift Cards in the following denominations $25, $50, $75 and $100. #FrozenFavorites RSVP 

Starbucks Delicious Pairings Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @CrazyAdventures @MimiBakerMN @jerranalleyPrizes: FIVE (5) $100 Walmart giftcards. #DeliciousPairings RSVP

Save a Hero Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @ResourcefulMom @KiddeSafety @safekids @NFFF_News @HelptheGoodGuys @BuckyCovington. Prizes: TWO (2) Kidde Safety Worry-Free Kitchen Alarms, TWO (2) $50 Home Depot giftcards. ONE (1) Grand Prize: All 4 Kidde Safety Worry-Free Collection Alarms + $100 Home Depot GC.  #SaveaHero RSVP

Canada Beef Campbell's Twitter Party at 8:30 pm ET with @LoveCDNBeef @CampbellCanada @EatinEatoutMag @ShesConnected. Prizes: TEN (10) $50 American Express gift cards, TWO (2) $180 Prize Packs, ONE (1) One Year's Supply Campbell's Beef Stock ($125 value). Canada only. #LoveCDNBeeft RSVP

It's the weekly @TheOnlineMom Twitter Party at 9 pm ET. To be eligible to win a XBox 360 with Kinect RSVP & participate in party with hashtag #XBoxFamily #TheOnlineMoms.

Baby Gizmo Lifeproof Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @BabyGizmo @LifeProof. Prizes: THREE (3) Lifeproof gift cards, TWO (2) $80 GCs and ONE (1) $150 GC. #LifeproofHoliday RSVP

Thursday, December 20

Frozen Favorites Twitter Party at Noon ET with @LeanCuisine @brettbmartin @wicproject. Prizes: Sam's Club Giftcards, 1 each $25, $50, $75 and $100. #FrozenFavorites #cbias RSVP

Disney Princess Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @lomargie @kellysluckyyou. Prizes: FOUR (4) $100 Walmart gift cards.  #DisneyPrincessWMT RSVP

Gift of Style Gillette Twitter Party at 1 pm ET. Prizes: FIVE (5) Gillette prize packages; ONE (1) Grand Prize winner receives a Gillette prize pack + $50 Target giftcard. #GiftofStyle RSVP

Dependable Maytag Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @MaytagBrand @MomCentral @MusingsSAHM @akronohiomoms Prizes: SIX (6) $50 Amazon gift codes during party, plus TWO (2) $50 GCs for tweeting before it starts #DependableMaytag RSVP

Hershey's Cookie HQ Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @HersheysKisses @ResourcefulMom. Prizes: FOUR (4) winners will receive a Hershey's prize package; ONE (1) Grand Prize is a Hershey's prize package + a $50 giftcard #CookieHQ RSVP

Last Minute Holiday Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @iamthatlady @maritramos @couponnw @aleamilham @savings @savings_nation. $300 in Prizes: ONE (1) Kindle Fire HD ($199 value), FIVE (5) $10 Amazon gift cards and TWO (2) Burt's Bees Head to Toe Kits #LastMinuteSavings RSVP 

Friday, December 21

Holiday Candy Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @KellysLuckyYou. Prizes: $400 in Walmart Gift Cards #HolidayCandy #Cbias RSVP

Weekly Verizon Wireless Twitter Party hosted by @theonlinemom at 3 pm ETPrizes: Motorola DROID XYBoard Tablet and Jawbone Bluetooth Headset. To be eligible to win participate in chat, use hashtag #VZWBuzz and RSVP

NEXT WEEK

Monday, December 24

TBA

Tuesday, December 25

Christmas

Wednesday, December 26

It's the weekly @theonlinemom Twitter Party at 9 pm ET. Prize: TBA. To be eligible to win a prize RSVP & participate in party with hashtag #TheOnlineMoms.

Thursday, December 27

Next @CafeYak #MomInspirations Twitter Party at 9 pm ET talking about new beginnings. #Mominspirations

Friday, December 28

Weekly Verizon Wireless Twitter Party hosted by @theonlinemom at 3 pm ETPrizes: TBA. To be eligible to win participate in chat, use hashtag #VZWBuzz and RSVP

COMING SOON

Sunday, December 30

Menage a Trois New Year's Eve Twitter Party with @menageatrois @CleverGirlsColl. Prizes TBA. You must be 21 to participate and prizes will be given to U.S. residents only (except for California, sorry).  #menagewineNYE RSVP

More Twitter Parties constantly be added to this list as soon as they're scheduled so stay tuned by following this blog.  

About this Weekly Twitter Party List
Compiled by MommyBlogExpert.com Twitter Parties are listed free of charge in this weekly schedule. If you'd like to add an event to the Mommy Blog Expert Twitter Party Calendar email janis at janiselspas dot com with Twitter Party in the subject line including all the details and links in the body of your  message.

Also available, for a nominal fee, to host, co-host or serve as a panelist for your own brand Twitter party. To inquire, please email janis@janiselspas.com for information with Twitter Party Consulting Query in the subject line.

FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert does attend some Twitter parties as a guest and also works as a host, co-host, and panelist on others. However, I did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Kids Digital Video Camera Helmet Board Mount Sports Action Review + $300 Val GIVEAWAY

Cameras
See Giveaway below review, ends 1/4/13




Here's a great gift idea for active kids ages 7 and up and adults that are into sports like cycling, rip sticking, skateboarding, snow boarding, skiing and even those who get their kicks from traversing zip lines and other extreme thrill activities. Come to think of it, the Action Shot Digital Video Camera from Jakks Pacific is so much fun for tweens and teens to use to capture all the action and stunts that you might even be able to get a sedentary child off the couch and outside to get some fresh air as well as increase their physical fitness movement if you give them this Christmas present.

Image from Action Shot
The Action Shot Camera is a portable mini-camera that not only can be mounted to a helmet, but also can be attached to bike bars and boards for a unique action-packed first person perspective. This is ideal for documenting cycling sports like motorcycling, BMX, motocross, road biking, and unicycle as well as just about any extreme sports where you wear a helmet like zip lining, rock climbing, skating, snow boarding and downhill and cross country skiing.

My own kids -- triplets, age 15-1/2 and big brother just one year older -- are all athletic so this is a blast for them to get to test drive for this review. My oldest son has already tried it while road biking and my daughter is going to be rip sticking with this over the weekend.

Also my hubbie and I can't wait to take turns with our children seeing what the Action Shot Digital Video Camera can do the next time we go on a zipline and whilst we are skiing and snowboarding later this season at Mammoth Mountain, California, our favorite family haunt for Winter sports.
The dual purpose camera shoots video at 30 frames per second in Standard Def or 60 frames per second via its compact QVGA Resolution 24mm lens. After kids are done recording their live action adventures and have Wi-Fi access on a Mac or PC computer or laptop, they can upload the footage, editing with free online software and then posting and sharing the excitement with friends and family. Users can also capture maximum still 640 x 380 res photos in standard mode or shoot several images at once with the stop frame mode. 

Priced at just $49.99, the highly functional Action Shot Camera that we tested is a great alternative to much more pricey cameras in this category. This digital video camera comes boxed with 128MB onboard memory and includes the Click & Grip Mounting Case, Mini USB to USB Connector & Charger, head/helmet mounting kit with strap and board mount with adhesive.


Image from Action Shot
I also received the Micro SD Card (sold separately) that's recommended to increase the camera memory. If you need help with finding the correct removable micro media card see How to Choose the Right SD Memory Card. The other product I received for this review is the Action Shot Mounting Accessories Kit which sells for $24.99 and includes a bike mount, an angle mount, a carrying storage bag, two board mounts and adhesive for attaching mounts.

Other Action Shot products include
  • HD Action Shot Camera $99.99
  • Portable Video Viewer Attachment $29.99
  • Water Proof Case $19.99
  • High Impact Protective Case $9.99
Stay tuned. I'll be posting some footage from this camera later, after the kids have time to edit their work during the holiday school break.

Meanwhile: Guess what? I've got some really great news for you. You're in luck because right now Action Shot is holding an awesome Holiday Giveaway to win an impressive prize package!

Image from Action Shot Facebook Contest
Win this $300 value prize package 
personally selected by Motorsports Celebrity Travis Pastrana 

Enter Action Shot Cam's Holiday Prize Pack Giveaway
HERE 

Visit the Action Shot Camera site for more information about their complete product line and where you can buy it. To stay up to date on the latest news from the brand, you can also follow them on Twitter and Facebook.

FTC Disclosure: This review was made possible by Mom SparkMedia. Thoughts are my own. I received an Action Shot Camera and this separate Action Shot Mounting Kit for the purpose of this review. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Potato Pancake Latkes with Hazelnut Rustic Carmelized Apple Sauce Chanukah Recipe

Celebrations
Hanukkah 2012 ~ December 8-16




Each night of Hanukkah I was planning on sharing a new original homemade latke potato pancake recipe that I've created for this Jewish holiday. This eight night festival has been flying by way too fast... tonight is the fifth night already causing me to be way behind schedule in publishing all the latke recipes I've been dreaming up. 

So I'm trying to play catch up today to deliver the kosher Latke recipe I made on the second night for Mommy Blog Expert's 8 Nights of Latke Recipes seriesThe rustic apple sauce that's served with these actually tastes like baked apples and is absolutely heavenly. I hope you enjoy the unusual, but scrumptious combination as much as my family did.
2nd Night Crispy Latkes with Hazelnut Rustic Carmelized Apple Sauce
by Janis Brett Elspas, Mommy Blog Expert

Serves 8. Total preparation time about 40 minutes

Potato Latkes

8 peeled potatoes
1/4 of a yellow onion
3 eggs
1/4 cup flour
1 t. salt
1/4 t. black pepper
Olive oil for frying
The secret to crispy, golden brown delicious latkes: Make sure your pan and oil is nice and hot before you put the potato pancakes in to fry. Also be certain to space them out in the frying pan to ensure even browning as well for that to die-for crispy brown result.

1. Preheat a large frying pan lightly coated with olive oil over medium heat.
2. Immediately after peeling potatoes immerse them in a pot of cold water to keep from turning brown.
3. Hand grate potatoes the old-fashioned or using a food processor for grating.
4. Finely chop onion.
5. Mix all ingredients together, except the oil, in a large mixing bowl until blended.
6. Turn heat up under frying pan to high and spoon potato mixer into hot oil flattening each latke slightly. Do this carefully so oil doesn't spatter. Also don't crowd latkes in pan to ensure the best result -- instead cook in batches.
7. Fry to golden brown then gently use spatula to turn and brown the other side.
8. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.

Rustic Apple Sauce

4 Granny Smith Apples, sliced with skin on
2 T. butter or margarine
2 T. brown sugar
3 T. raisins
1 T. Torani Hazelnut Syrup*
¼ cup sliced almonds

*OK-D kosher certified ~ Most varieties of Torani are parve but this one and a few others are Dairy

While the latkes are frying, start making the rustic applesauce as follows:

1. In a second fry pan melt butter or margarine.
2. Add sliced apples and sprinkle with the brown sugar, cooking over medium heat, stirring gently occasionally, till lightly brown, about 10 minutes.
3. Turn off heat and add raisins and drizzle on Torani syrup, tossing gently so apple slices aren’t mashed up. Set aside.
4. When the latkes are ready, spoon the rustic applesauce onto each individual plate instead of using jarred applesauce. Then sprinkle the sliced almonds over the apples to garnish.
5. Serve & Enjoy

Don't miss MommyBlogExpert's other 8 Nights of Latkes Recipes:
1st Night: Traditional Crispy Brown Potato Pancakes

FTC Disclosure: No payment was received for this particular post, however I did receive the syrup from Torani to make this. All opinions are my own. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.