January 27th, 2010
True to the rumors of the last several weeks, Apple announced the iPad today. There are 75 million people who already know how to use it, they allready own iPhones. The interface is very similar, just larger. The existing 140,000 iPhone apps will work on it also, and with pixel doubling they can be expanded to fit the large 9.7 inch backlit color display. Think of it an an iphone of steroids that has the features of the iPhone, a notebook, and a Kindle all rolled into one. Starting at $499 for the 16GB WiFi model and topping out at $829 for the 64GB WiFi + 3G model, there are 4 other price points in between based on memory and connectivity. Most mobile wifi plans for your laptop cost about $60 from most carriers, but Apple struck a deal with ATT to provide 250mb/month at $14.99 and unlimited for $29.99.
Accessories include a dock which props the unit upright in “picture frame” mode, a real keyboard, and a nice carry case. Also included is a big make over for the iWork suite of applications so they can work on the iPad and take full advantage of the interface.
The standard WiFi version ships in March and the 3G version ships in April.
//Jon
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September 28th, 2009
Wow! I just installed WPtouch on this blog as a test. I think I’ll keep it, and install a few more.
WPtouch automatically transforms any WordPress blog into a better viewing experience for users of iPhone, iPod touch or Android touch mobile device. It detects the mobile device automatically and presents the mobile theme. There is a switch at the bottom of any mobile page that alows the user to turn off the mobile theme and revert to the normal one.
It has all the standard WordPress blog features such as search, login, categories, tags, archives, photos & more. It also has links at the bottom of each article so you can email the article (link), post a link to some twitter clients, and post a link to some social bookmark sites. There is also a button to increase the fint size. The admin panel offers customization of these features and the options to add more.
Using optimized code, the WPtouch theme will also dramatically lower the download time for your blog resulting in a more pleasing viewing experience for mobile users.
Have an iphone? Load up this blog and give it a try.
5 stars!
//Jon
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September 28th, 2009
My trusty Treo 650 died last month so I succumbed to the iphone hype and purchased the 3GS. There has been plenty written about the pro’s and con’s of the iphone line, so I won’t add to that fodder. I do want to express my disappointment about the battery life and share my solution.
If you load a phone up with the capability to do a lot of cool stuff, it is reasonable to assume that users will want to BE ABLE to actually USE the cool stuff. You can, but only if you do so very sparingly. My Treo could go 2 days without charging; my iphone can barely make it through one day, and that is if I’m in my office working. If I’m on the road and I actually USE the phone for calls, internet, email, etc., then I can expect it to be down to 20% by mid afternoon.
My advice. . . (read more)
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September 28th, 2009
I scored a good deal today. Periodically I have been checking the camera section at our local Target store and watching the prices on the HD camcorders. Admittedly, these are the low end HD camcorders, along the lines of the FlipCam’s. But they are small enough to fit in your pocket, easy on the battery, and can take up to a 32GB card. In good light they do a reasonable job.
This model was on close out. Originally $149, last week it was $109, and today it was $59! The only one they had left was the demo model which I scored for $42.00! Not a bad deal.
The pictures are not great, but OK. If I want great pictures I’ll use my Fuji. Sample pictures are beyond the break. . .
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Tags: Cameras
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June 8th, 2009
I sent out the following Twitter today “Finally cut Comcast cord. Watcing HDTV over the air. 15 local channels & Netflix via TIVO, TV, Movies, & internet on HDTV via Mac Mini.”
Why? I’m shopping with my dollars, thats why. Comcast was costing me between $75 and $110 per month, the variance attributed to on-demand movie rental. When something went wrong the service was horrible. A cut cable in the neighborhood usually resulted in a temporary cable strung over neighbors laws, or across driveways in the street. This could last for weeks until it was repaired properly. Picture pixelation was a problem, especially during storms. And finally, no al-a-carte choices, you have to take their ‘bundles’ most of which we didn’t watch, just to get that one channel we did want to watch. Enough is enough. Now I’m down to the $12.95/month for the Tivo TV guide service and Netflix which I was already paying for. The savings will pay off the new gear in about 1 year. Payback could be less for you, it depends on how sophisticated your system is, and how much gear (like a used computer) you have available already.
My Setup
I had a Channel Master HDTV Over The Air (OTA) antenna installed on the roof (actually it is in the attic). It pulls in 15 stations in Atlanta, all the networks plus their “sub channels”, PBS, and a few others. There are actually a LOT more channels in Atlanta, but I don’t speak Spanish or Korean, and I don’t watch the Christian channels. Most stations have sub channels. For example, NBC channel 11 has 11.1 (Network programming), 11.2 (weather) and 11.3 (Universal Sports).
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May 8th, 2009
This is simply awesome. The MiFi from Verizon lets you carry around your own personal WiFi router connected to their 3G network. What makes it different than a cellular modem card it that this is a router and allows up to 5 others to connect to the same device. Read the article for more.
MORE: Since I posted this I have had the opportunity to test this device. It performs well even on areas with marginal 3G coverage. If you want to test one with no committment to a contract you can rent one for days or weeks. I rented one from Rovair.
State of the Art – With a Private MiFi Hot Spot, Be Online Wherever You Like – NYTimes.com
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April 9th, 2009
Great gadget for simple network based storage or backup of your files, and you can access the from anywhere, even your iphone!.
Pogoplug review: ”
When we first caught wind of the Pogoplug — a small box that essentially lets you turn any USB hard drive (and drives only) into a network device — we were pretty darn excited. Having a house full of disparate storage boxes and no easy way to connect to them made the prospect of the ‘plug seem very enticing. Not only does the Pogoplug make your drive accessible via your PC (with accompanying software), but it — we think more importantly — makes the drive accessible via a web front-end and an iPhone app. We finally had a chance to break one of these out and see how it performs, and our findings are below.
Continue reading Pogoplug review
Filed under: Storage, Networking
Pogoplug review originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read’|’Permalink‘|’Email this‘|’Comments”
(Via Engadget.)
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April 9th, 2009
I’ve got to make one of these. It would be perfect for use with Evernote which is my extra brain for remembering stuff. Evernote can already convert text in any photo you upload, for example business card, or a shot of the white board at a meeting, and return it to your Evernote DB with the text scanned so it is searchable. This adds another dimension to that idea. Way Cool.
Cardboard Scandock turns your iPhone into a document scanner: “
High tech meets low tech with this simple corrugated cardboard stand, that makes capturing document images with your iPhone a snap. If you’ve ever attempted to scan a document by just holding up your phone, you’ll know that a blurry image is often the result. This simple stand created by University of Cincinnati DAAP student Kyle A Koch, is an elegant and green solution that holds both the phone and document in the perfect position to get a sharp capture. The stand comes flat packed for just $16 through the Ponoko design store.
Of course if you insist on something a bit more high tech, you could always make a scanner using Lego.
Ponoko, via Red Ferrett
“
(Via DVICE.)
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February 12th, 2009
For the iPhone users who have experienced short battery life (like when Wifi is turned ON) then this gadget may be the answer. It is certainly the best looking add-on battery I have seen for the iPhone.
//Jon
Via Macworld
Mophie Juice Pack Air gives iPhone longer run time by Peter Cohen, , Macworld.com mStation|mophie has introduced the Juice Pack Air for the iPhone 3G. It costs $79.95 and it’s coming this Spring. The ultra-thin Brenthaven Metrolite BP The Juice Pack Air is billed as “the world’s thinnest Apple-certified external battery for the iPhone 3G.” Inside is a 1200 mAH lithium polymer battery that can double the amount of time you have to talk, , listen to music or access the Internet.
The Juice Pack Air comes in a form-fitting hardshell case for the iPhone 3G. The case features a a pass-through USB connector that lets you charge and sync with iTunes. The case sports a four LED charge status indicator and an on-off switch; when off, the Juice Pack Air functions just as a case.
Mophie plans to make the Juice Pair Air available in black, white and purple.
link: Mophie Juice Pack Air gives iPhone longer run time | iPhone Central | Macworld
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February 12th, 2009
Now this is cool. Duct tape is mighty handy and should be part of any toolbox. But magnetic duct tape is simply over the top!
//Jon
via OhGizmo!
By Luke Anderson
I think it is almost universally agreed that duct tape is nearly the most useful tool on the planet. At the very least, it is by far the most useful tape out there. However, I’ve discovered another very useful adhesive that will have a permanent place in my toolbox. Yes, I do sound like I’m getting worked up over tape, but you have to admit that Self-Adhesive Magnetic Tape is rather appealing.
The concept is rather simple; just cut off a strip of tape, stick it to the wall, another piece goes on the item you’re hanging. Now just slap the two things together and it stays. This is rather handy for items that you might need to take off the wall and hang back up again. Sure, you could buy velcro strips and get a similar effect, but those wouldn’t be nearly as fun. Not to mention at $16 for a 5-meter roll, this stuff is probably a lot cheaper.
[ Pro-Idee ] VIA [ RedFerret ]
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