Happy birthday to us- Geekapalooza #5- win a Sony U71!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. THANKS FOR ENTERING!

Happy birthday to us, happy birthday to us, happy 3rd birthday jkOnTheRunnnnnnn, happy birthday to us.

Can you believe it?  Three years ago today jkOnTheRun was born, with us never anticipating how far it would come in such a short time.  What began as a simple place to talk about mobile technology has grown into a site that hundreds of thousands of people come to visit each month.  I get seriously humbled when I think about that.  You folks are the best readers on the web bar none.  It’s only fitting that our next contest in the Geekapalooza series should be starting on this our Blogiversary so we’re throwing out all the stops!

This special contest has you playing for not one prize, not two but a whole mobile kit.  First up is the smooth leather Vaja Messenger Bag that you saw in this jkOnTheRun review.  This is one of the nicest gear bags you’ll ever see, much less touch.  MSRP $380.

Next up is something that we know you’re going to love putting in that Vaja bag and hitting the road.  This prize is a device I consider to be the original ultra-mobile PC and one I used as my only computer for over a year.  Yes, the winner of this contest is going to walk away with my beloved Sony U71!  This device has been lovingly used by yours truly and is in perfect condition and even though it’s almost 3 years old the specs still rival those of some UMPCs today:

• Intel Pentium M 1.1 GHz
• 512 MB memory
• 30 GB hard drive
• Docking cradle (USB ports, Firewire ports, VGA out)
• Headphones with remote control
• CF slot
• WiFi
• Bluetooth (with included Billionton CF card)
• Touch screen (5") 800 x 600
• Note that the Sony USB folding keyboard is not included

Heck, rather than list everything it’s got just go through all of the articles I’ve written about (often using) the Sony U and see for yourself.  MSRP- Priceless  :)

This prize package is already one of the best you’ll see anywhere but we can’t stop there, no siree.  We can’t give out a Sony U71 without throwing in some cool accessories to fit in that Vaja bag.  First up is the Sony carrying case with integrated stand which makes using the U with a keyboard very nice.  MSRP- who knows?

One case for the Sony U is not enough so we’re throwing in the PDAir leather case for stylin’ with the Sony.  MSRP- originally a lot.

Last but not least you may have seen my articles about the Sony U as part of one of the smallest desktop PCs when used with a Bluetooth keyboard so we just have to throw in that keyboard.  This is the original Stowaway Bluetooth keyboard that complements the Sony U perfectly.  There’s something special about this keyboard though, it’s been autographed by Kevin and I making it the official jkOnTheRun Bluetooth keyboard and hopefully adding the personal touch to this prize package.  MSRP- can’t be bought at any price (mouse and phone not included).

Last but not least the lucky winner is going to snag an external Sony slimline DVD burner (DDR3) that connects to the Sony U dock.  The burner will boot the U and draws all needed power from the dock connection and originally retailed for $400.  Sorry I forgot to take a photo of the drive, it’s the smallest external drive I’ve ever seen though.

So there you have the total prize package and I think you’ll have to agree it’s a doozy!  The winner is going to be one lucky person and since it’s such a good package you’re going to really have to work for this.  Read on after the jump to see what you have to do for this prize.

Looking back through all of the posts on jkOnTheRun for this contest has driven home to us how you can often track our personal lives by what you read here.  We decided to make the scavenger hunt for Geekapalooza #5 a little more personal than the others so here’s what you need to answer to be eligible for this super prize package.  The contest will run until midnight 19 May CDT (Saturday night) and we’ll randomly select the winner from all correct entries submitted as a comment to this post at that point.  Ok, here’s what you need to answer:

1. Kevin and James first worked together on what defunct web site?
2. JK had what emergency surgery 6 years ago?
3. What famous heart surgeon performed that surgery?
4. For how long after the surgery was JK unable to speak?
5. What hastened JK’s release from the hospital?
6. Kevin first announced his engagement where on the web?
7. What is the name of JK’s dog that aided in his recovery from the surgery?
8. Name JK’s grandson (first and middle names).
9. Name JK’s dog that had to be put to sleep.
10. How many fires have been experienced in the JK household?

Finally, in addition to providing the correct answers to the above questions, for #11 tell us in a few words how long you’ve been following jkOnTheRun and what you like best about the site.

That’s it, not too big a task for all the loot up for grabs.  Good luck to everyone and thanks for making this all worthwhile for Kevin and I.

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