Six-Million-Dollar Dream Steve Austin, "The Six Million Dollar Man," seemed like an improbable fantasy during the TV show's heyday 30 years ago, but today's prosthetic limbs and "bionic" implants are turning that old science fiction show into fact. And with improved devices and procedures, these implants are growing in popularity, especially with baby boomers. Considering the size of the baby boomer generation, you're probably wondering which companies are poised to benefit from the surge in demand. Read on to find out, and check out our Tech Alerts section to learn the latest trends in the iPhone and online brokerages. 
Toby | 
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 Baby Boomers Go Bionic
Joint replacements and other 'bionic' devices gain traction By Paul Carton The '70s TV show, "The Six Million Dollar Man," followed the adventures of a man who was "rebuilt" in a clandestine medical procedure after being injured in a plane crash. In the show, the main character's right arm, left eye and both legs were replaced by "bionic" implants that enhanced his strength, speed and vision beyond that of most humans. It was practically all fiction back then, but today cardiac implants, joint-replacement devices and other "bionic" limbs are readily available. And, according to a recent ChangeWave survey, they're increasingly popular -- particularly among baby boomers. Read on to discover the companies and devices poised to benefit from this surge in demand. | | Make the Move to optionsXpress Transfer your account by 6/30 and get $100! Plus, we'll pay your transfer fees! Visit optionsXpress today! |
Tech Alert: Got Any 3G, Steve? For all of the Apple (AAPL) iPhone's success, there are still some major issues owners would like addressed -- and the biggest one is 3G capability. 3G capability is the No. 1 feature iPhone owners want integrated into the next-generation iPhone, according to a recent ChangeWave survey. Owners cited this feature ahead of third-party software, GPS functionality and e-mail integration. 
The survey also uncovered the same concern among 779 consumers who said they're interested in buying an iPhone in the future. When we asked them why they hadn't yet purchased an iPhone, 25% said they were holding out for the next-generation iPhone (14%) or for 3G network compatibility (11%). That's good news for Apple, assuming the next generation of the iPhone is 3G compatible. Hey Steve, are you seeing the same numbers we are? We'll know in June. | | Don't Lose to a Death Spiral The markets fluctuate weekly. Inflation is rising and the U.S. dollar is falling. Not even money markets offer a safe haven right now. But if you sit on your cash, you'll be missing out. Preserve your buying power and grow your wealth during these hard times. Learn about true recession-proof investments that pay high dividends and don't rely on the U.S. economy's recovery. Get the full story. |
Tech Alert: High Marks for Chuck It seems like brokerages are campaigning for our business at every turn with reduced service fees, free trades or wildly inflated claims about having the best data and most-satisfied customers around. But just how satisfied are their customers? A recent ChangeWave survey asked more than 2,000 investors to rate their satisfaction level with the online brokerages they use. While satisfaction levels were relatively strong overall, it turns out that there is definitely a standout in the industry. The highest percentage of "very satisfied" ratings goes to Charles Schwab (SCHW). 
Scottrade and Fidelity rounded out the winners' circle coming in second and third respectively. At the other end of the spectrum, only a quarter of the respondents who use T. Rowe Price reported that they were very satisfied with the service
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