I had that shutting itself off problem with mine for a long time. It still does it sometimes. No one ever fixed it; it's just mildly broken. But mine is not a Mac, so this may not bode ill for yours, Jessica.

Speaking of which, I want to get an external back-up drive that connects to my computer easily and simply via USB, so I can back up all my data a couple times a week at the touch of a button. Which ones might someone recommend?

The Genius Bar guys said it was a power source issue, which means it will be free to fix, and we'll have it back in 7-10 days. (Which he said they're required to say even though swapping out a power source takes about thirty seconds. So hopefully it'll be quicker than that.)

So any peeps, especially LA peeps, or peeps who've spent time here, we're looking to move from a pay-as-you-go cell phone to some real phones and phone contracts. What networks are good, what networks should we avoid?

I've been pretty happy with Cingular for a few years now. Kristin and I are both on it.

I currently use Cingular, and am pretty happy with them as well. I think I'm about to switch to T-Mobile, though, because if you're willing to settle for a super-slow connection, you can get unlimited internet on T-Mobile for $7 a month, whereas Cingular charges me $45 a month to connect on my new Treo 680 (which is unlocked, so I can switch with no problem). Admittedly, I'm one of those people who uses the internet/texting a LOT more than the actual phone part of the phone.

I'm so pissed at Cingular right now. I'm staying pay-as-you-go and switching to T-Mobile.

I'm pay as you go with Virgin Mobile, and have had an excellent and fairly inexpensive time with it, considering.

I got totally dicked by AT&T, Cingular, and T-Mobile in rapid succession. It was like being a short nerd in a room full of tall bullies who've got my lunch money. I finally switched to pay-as-you-go with Virgin Mobile, and I'm happy with them.

I'll second Cingular. I've had it for about 6 years now. I will say, I've a pretty cool contract. I managed to get a special when text messaging was introduced, so all texts are free, and nights start at 8:00. YRMV

I've had good luck (since numbers got portable, customer service got way more customer friendly) and good service with Verizon.

Generally, when there are coverage issues, I keep service better than people with other carriers. But I do know that when there is a blind spot with them? You can absolutely count on dropping the call there.

But if you run your phone over with your car? They're gonna laff and laff. Polite mocking.