Here's our first look at the new Blackberry Torch 9800. It's coming out on September 24th in Canada. Telus and Rogers confirmed they'll carry the Torch. Rogers has announced the price will be $199 for a three-year contract.

Just as it is critical to have a supportive chair and a work surface at the correct height, it is essential to know how to use a computer correctly to avoid serious repetitive strain injuries.  

The following suggestions should be considered no matter what kind of computer you’re using.   

1. The Keyboard 

Make sure that when using the keyboard your wrists are flat to avoid pinching the nerves in the wrist.  Often keyboards are raised at the back to produce an incline similar to typewriters.  This is not helpful and can create wrist strain.  Support hands while not typing with a gel wrist rest.

Keep your elbows at a 90 degree angle to reduce strain.

If you use a mouse on the right hand side, consider a keyboard with a detachable number pad to allow for closer placement of the mouse.  You should never have to reach to use your mouse.

2. The Mouse

Speaking of the mouse, find one that fits comfortably in the palm of your hand and requires gentle pressure to operate.  A symmetrical mouse allows you to interchange hands (a great idea) or share use of the mouse with others. 

Your forearm should be supported by an armrest or support.  Wrist rests may be employed to provide a soft resting place for the hand when not mousing. The heel of the hand is best placed on the rest. 

A scroll wheel helps avoid repetitive clicking when moving up or down a page.  

Apple is hosting a music-centered event today at 10amPST/1pmEST. GetConnected Media will provide up-to-date coverage on the conference (make sure to check back here). Anytime there's an Apple event, it comes will many rumours and speculations. What should we expect?

If the rumours are true, Apple will finally revamp their moribund Apple TV with a cheap device running the iOS. While that may not seem like much of a change, it will mean apps on TV, easily shared videos, and possibly video messaging. Most importantly a huge platform for Apple’s new iAds service to find eyeballs. In fact, the iTV (almost certainly not its final name) might just be the device that finally routes around traditional networks and brings both high-end and web-only content direct to audiences, with Apple acting as the gatekeeper. Or it could be a total dud, since no-one, not even Google, has yet to rewrite the way North Americans watch television. But people have discounted the iPod, iPhone and iPad, and have been wrong.

Speaking of the iPad, there’s a strong case to be made that Apple’s “magical and revolutionary” device will see a refresh come Wednesday. The iPad has sold far beyond expectations, but there are a few features it lacks which if implemented could take advantage of Apple’s latest iPhone innovations.

Apple has spent the past decade dominating markets no-one knew existed. First they defined the music download space with the iPod, then they rewrote the rules of the mobile phone business with the iPhone. Their latest salvo was the iPad, which took the nascent tablet market and kicked it into overdrive. In each case, Apple’s competitors took too long to come out with compelling products and let the Cupertino giant define the terms of the game.

Samsung is having none of it. Less than 6 months after the iPad made its debut, the Korean electronics monolith is teasing the Galaxy Tab, a 7 inch tablet computer that actually looks like a compelling alternative to the iPad. Though little is known about the Tab, we do know it runs on Google’s Android OS, has a camera on the backside of the device (a feature the iPad thus far lacks), and may also have a front-facing camera for video calling. It will also have a 1024 by 600 pixel screen, producing stunning pictures on a device that also (drum roll)....runs Flash.

An advertising placement can be seen in the Facebook game, Car Town, where players will see a billboard of Honda’s latest sport hybrid car. In the game, players use virtual money to purchase, customize, and store vehicles in their own virtual garages. Users can drive their customized cars and compete in challenges for prizes. The Honda CR-Z coupe is on a billboard right outside the user’s garage – where they start each game.

Steven Center, VP of National Marketing Operations for American Honda, believes Car Town was appropriate for users to engage and experience Honda in a fun environment that isn’t overtly commercial. Jessica Fini, a spokesperson for Honda, said the promotion has also helped Car Town double its users in one week.

According to a study conducted by EMarketer Inc., it is expected that advertisers will spend $293 million in the social games in 2011, which is more than double of what they spent just last year.

Numerous studies show a direct link between comfort at your workstation and productivity.  In fact a summary of 250 studies on the impact of ergonomic equipment shows average productivity gains of 25%. Add to that the benefit of avoiding serious and sometimes permanent musculoskeletal injuries (such as low back pain and carpal tunnel syndrome) and it makes sense to invest time into making sure your office space suits your body and your work. 

As defined by the Association of Canadian Ergonomists, ergonomics is the science that examines the interaction between humans and the other elements in a system to optimize human well-being and overall system performance.  Bottom line, if you’re comfortable then you’ll get more accomplished.

Here are two important ergonomic considerations for your workspace:

1. The Chair

Consider this the driver’s seat in your office.  Imagine going for a long drive in an uncomfortable car seat?  That’s exactly what you may be doing every day if your chair isn’t designed to support you.  

The chair must place you in the correct position for work. Since people come in all shapes and sizes, this means one chair does not fit all.  

When selecting an office chair, look for adjustability in