The Computer Next Door

Do We Really Need the iPad?

I have been trying to figure out if I need an iPad.  I mean, it looks nice (from afar).  I haven't seen the actual model yet but I'm sure I will once April rolls around.

What I haven't wrapped my head around yet is the price.  Do I really need another $500 gadget?  I mean, sure, it may be a fine alternative to the other expensive gadgets I also haven't bought yet that are competing for my wallet share, namely: the Kindle and the Nook.  Butl, as I have mentioned before, I am reasonably happy reading books on my multi-purpose iPhone.

So really, Apple - is this techno push, or what? Let's design a cool product and then bet the farm that developers and consumers will flock to it because it is cool?  I do wish I could be sold on this concept, but I prefer (for now) to protect my hard-earned dollars.

Losing Weight (or Not) with my iPhone

It's relatively painless to track calories with LoseIt! on the iPhone

After coming back from a tropical vacation recently, I realized it was time to get back on the wagon about tracking calories.  It's really easy to let it get away from you.  So I took up again with mobile phone application I had picked up for my iPhone - LoseIt!.

This free application helps you set goals and track calories and exercise, and then shows you a little graph of your progress. Or, in my case, lack thereof.  It really doesn't let you off the hook.  I had started my tracking before the vacation and when I took it up again discovered (uh, oh) a slight weight gain after vacation return. 

But that's why I like it - it's hard to cheat.  This combined with a private Who's the Biggest Loser competition I'm having now with a friend in a similar boat may turn this into a pretty useful tool.

Your Money on Your Phone?

My mobile app is waiting for me...and waiting for me...and waiting

Banking can be sooooooo complicated. I used to design software and customer service systems for a bank, I should know.  I slaved away in the days before user-friendly became a household term, hoping to make interactive banking products and services easier for our customers. (Hey, sometimes we even succeeded).

But now banking has come to almost everybody's mobile phone. There are small banking applications available from many major banks for different types of mobile phones - Blackberry, Android, iPhone.  The question is: Is it safe?

It's not that this is keeping me up at night, but I have not yet rushed to activate the banking application I have installed on my iPhone.  I just kind of look at it every now and then.  Is it really necessary to transfer funds while on the move?  Do I need to pay bills while having lunch in the cafe?  What's so urgent that it can't wait an hour or two until I get back to my desk?  I know in my heart of hearts this is coming down the pike to our collective Digital Future, and yet even I - a former banking software designer - still haven't moved on it.

Scary stories have also already occurred, although in far away places, like...Holland.  Check out this story from Wired.com about a nasty worm targeting the money of ING bank customers over there.

Now, granted, you'd have to be an ING bank customer in Holland to worry about it, and you would ALSO had to have "hacked" into your iPhone for the security breach to have worked (something very few people I know have done), but still...I wonder if the public at large is racing to pay its bills and transfer funds over a cup of coffee...and our good old, unreliable cellular networks.

Banks are pretty sure we'd feel this way, so they're offering guarantees.  Here's the one from Bank of America.

Sounds good, doesn't it?  It makes me want to be experimental and actually, well, bank online. It's the 21st Century, after all.

Apple's iPhone: A Poor Man's GPS?

I was pleasantly surprised when I got my iPhone recently to realize that it has a pretty good built-in GPS system.

The "Maps" application, provided by Google, can pinpoint your current location and give you directions on how to get from your current location to any destination you enter.

This is really handy if you're lost, or if you just want to estimate how long it's going to take to get somewhere.

A mounted iPhone can work as a pretty decent GPS system.

The "Maps" application also helps you find nearby services, which is something I haven't seen on other GPS systems.  Let's say, for example, you're speeding up the Taconic State Parkway from New York City, as I was recently, and want to find a place to stop for dinner.  Using Maps, you can search for "restaurants" and it will locate restaurants in the area or by ZIP code, if you know it.

All this is made easier to work with when mounted on your car's dashboard or vent system, such as with the DLO VentMount, which lets you mount the iPhone either vertically or horizontally, and eliminates most of the hassle of having a PDA in the car. 

I'm going to use Maps on a few voyages and keep you posted about how well it fares as a car navigation system.

The Barnes & Noble eBook Experience

Barnes & Noble has just debuted their digital bookshelf of over 500,000 eBook titles, and I thought I would try them out on my new iPhone (a 3GS).
Too many "libraries" make for a confusing experience on Barnes & Noble's Website

GETTING THE BOOKS

found the process of shopping for an eBook on BarnesandNoble.com pretty confusing  On the iPhone, you simply download the Barnes & Noble "bookstore" application as well as the Barnes & Noble "eReader" application.  Both are readily available from Apple's iPhone AppStore.

The Barnes & Noble website made everything more complicated, however.

For one thing, it's unclear where to go. The B&N Website bookstore has several similar components, incuding "MyBarnes&Noble" and "My LIbrary" and "My eBooks Library."  B&N works hard at making sure you buy the books, but once you do, it simply wasn't clear where to go to retrieve the books to read both on my iPhone and on my Mac. Once a B&N title is in your library, clicking on the on the eBook title merely takes you to a description of the book rather than the ability to read it in the desktop eReader software.  What I finally discovered after considerable effort  was that you have to download the books and open them on your hard drive, with all the navigation that's involved.

READING THE BOOKS

Once I got that cleared up, I went on to read a couple of books on my iPhone.  Would the screen prove too miniscule for reading a book?

I have been putting off buying a Kindle because of the price, so I was hopeful that my iPhone could become a "do everything" device, including acting as an eBook reader.

My initial experience was that it wasn't bad.  I had tried this same kind of thing on my other small screen PDA a year ago (the Palm Treo 750), which was more or less a failure (see "E-Books and the Virtual Library").  The iPhone is much better, although definitely not perfect.

Here's what I liked about using the eReader application on the iPhone:

1) There is an appropriate amount of type to read in either the vertical or horizontal position of the iPhone.  Although you can change the font size on the iPhone, the "medium" setting produces a reasonable amount of text at a reasonable size right out of the box (so to speak).

2) You can easily jump around the book once you learn how to access the contents (a left-right swipe motion on the screen will bring up the navigation controls).

3) You can set different ways to go forward or back.  I don't want to sweep constantly, so I chose a tap on either the right side (for forward) or left side (for backward) to "turn" the pages of the book.T

The big downside of reading B&N titles on both on the iPhone and on a computer is:

1) Images.  Little illustrations (at chapter headings), photos, and small tables of data (such as you find in trade books) are relatively low resolution.  This is passable on the iPhone itself, because of its small size (although the small tables really are very hard to read), but unacceptable if you're trying to read the same book on your desktop computer.  When you compare this to some of the digital scans of older books that result in PDF eBooks it's a little tough. I'm sure it's a file size issue (smaller is better?).  But I think they should have upped the ante a little and gone for quality on the imagery.

Still, for books that are largely text, the B&N eReader is nice and legible.  Not to mention handy for reference books you can take with you anywhere (and - best part - you don't need a dedicated device.)

Notes on Notes

An example of a laminated note I made for my digital camera

We all forget how to do things. The less you do something, the sooner you forget how to use it ("use it or lose it" after all).  And when it comes to high-tech, there are so many things to remember, it's easy for almost everything to go down the old memory drain unless you're doing that certain tech-related thing on a regular basis, whether it's related to a piece of software, your computer hardware, your mobile phone, your remote access to your office or home phone, your digital camera, or your home entertainment system.

I have always been attuned to the fact that I must keep notes on technology.  Way back in college I was making notes on the use of still and movie cameras (I still have these little notes, and they still come in handy).

Recently I wrote about forgetting how to use a digital SLR (my much beloved Canon Digital Rebel). What I didn't mention was the fact that I had kept a little note (and even laminated it) right in the camera case, to jog my own memory.  This was useful when I was using the camera a lot.  It's even more useful when I came back to it, without a sharp clear idea of which buttons to push, or why.

I also keep notes in a folder on my computer Desktop on how to use various pieces of software for things i want to do most often.  I call this my "Notes on Apple" file.  I have categories of how-to notes on everything from Animation to Chat to Printing to Web development.  Whenever I need to delve into something I don't do frequently (such as audio recording), my field notes from the last few years experience with different recording software are there to help me get back up to speed.

I makes notes on such things as:

• Steps in a process (like how to do certain things with a certain piece of equipment or software). Here's an example of the notes I made on using one of my cameras: Download canon_rebel_notes.rtf
• Check lists (equipment, batteries, or other items to bring with me when I'm shooting digital pictures or video)
• Commonly used settings or formats (such as your TV settings when I switch between watching a DVD, a VHS cassette, and watching television)

What's most important about keeping notes on technology?  It saves me from reinventing the wheel every time about the best way to do "X."  It's really a great time saver.

My notes on taking notes are...

1. Keep it simple. If you only have a few things you need to do, try to fit them on 3x5 cards if you prefer having them in hard copy, or as simple text files if you prefer electronic notes.
2. Name each electronic note in a logical manner (like, "Burning a CD").  A single folder is good until you have 15 or more notes - then it's time to start setting up sub-folders (Audio, Video, Photography, Office Software, etc.).
3. Keep current. If you find yourself changing the way you do things, modify your note IMMEDIATELY.  I can't recommend this highly enough - the whole point of the notes process is it has to reflect your most current preferred methodology.
4. Laminate the best of the best.  I have laminated camera notes (to protect against rain) and home entertainment notes (to protect from over-use by, say, house guests).  This may be over-indulgence on my part, but then I don't have to keep printing them out.

That's basically it.  If more people kept their own notes on how to use their technical doo-dads,  I am convinced the world would be a better and happier place...

Fun with the iPhone

It’s been over 3 months since I started using my iPhone and I thought it was time to report on it.  For the record, I’ve been using Apple computers for over 20 years and a more loyal supporter you won’t find.  I think when it comes to industrial design the folks in  Cupertino wrote the book.

A FEW "I-GRIPES"

Of course I expected my iPhone to be a good phone, which it has been.  But I think the AT&T service isn’t as good as it was on Verizon. At least it seems to me that I’m seeing “No service” far more frequently than ever before.  On the other hand, I’m using my phone far more often.  When the phone is working I have absolutely no complaints about sound quality, etc..

I do hate the headphones that came with the device.  Then again, I’ve never liked Apple’s earphones.  I’m an  “in-ear ” kind of listener.  Currently I’m using Sony (http://www.sony.com)  earphones with a Monster iCableLink Headphone Adapter for the iPhone (www.monstercable.com)  The iPhone earplug port is recessed and doesn’t accept all headphones.

My earphone set-up isn’t ideal.  The Monster adapter is several inches long.  While it’s flexible, the iCableLink adds length where length isn’t needed.  The Sony headset already comes with an extention cord that I never use. But the iCableLink is definitely a good product.  It lets you use any pair of  standard headphones from full-sized headsets to earbuds.  Most importantly the flexibility of the adapter helps to prevent damage to the minijack audio connection.  Manufacturers such as Belkin (www.belkin.com) also make adapters, albeit more rigid.

What’s most frustrating in this set-up is the lack of integrated microphone, which you get with  Apple’s earphones.  With third party earphones when you’re listening to music and the phone rings, you remove your headphones to speak.  With the Apple provided earphones you just hit the  microphone to cut the music and answer  the telephone.

There are iPhone  earphone/microphone combos on the market.  The AT&T store (http://www.wireless.att..com)  carries a  universal stereo Shure model.  Also there’s a V- Moda  Vibe Duo available on the  Apple website (www.Apple.com)

My adapter was a cost effective addition (only $9.99 plus tax) to the existing headphones I was using with my iPod.  I’m still investigating the best new options, before spending $100 or more an integrated model.  A word of caution.  I almost bought the wrong V-Moda headphones at the Apple store.  Make sure you’re getting the headset with the microphone, if you’re buying it for an iPhone.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THE iPHONE

Now, on to what I love about the iPhone.  I don’t think a device has captured my imagination like this in years.  This is no phone, this is a computer.  It’s not a smart phone  it’s a genius!

I’ve had an iPod almost since the beginning.  I own four of them  (the original, the mini,  a Nano and a Video) not including the iPhone.  Two of them I’m using as spare hard drives.  One’s permanently docked to a speaker set-up and the Nano’s what I wear in the gym.

With my iPhone I’m suddenly carrying music with me all over town.  For the simple reason I now always have an iPod with me built into my phone.  Now, I don’t tote tons of songs with me.  I feel no need to have my entire library always at my finger tips.   If you do want everything, maybe you should have the much larger iPod Classic for that purpose.

Some of the unexpected pleasures of the iPhone are as follows:

1. The Stopwatch.  I write TV promos, which have to be accurately timed for the announcer to read.  The iPhone’s stopwatch is better than the sweep second hand on my wristwatch, nor do I have to carry around a dedicated stopwatch.

2. Google Maps.  Wherever I go, I can pinpoint the address down to the block.  Comes in very handy on the street, and on the road.

3. The Alarm.  My husband’s trusty alarm clock isn’t reliable anymore.  Now all he needs is my iPhone by the bedside.

4. Instant information.  I can comparison shop in a store by going to Safari and checking out a shopping bot on the spot.  Movie schedules, trivia questions, dictionary definitions, these are all things I’ve checked on my iPhone instead of my laptop or desktop in the last few months. I may not need to know the weather in Paris every day, but it’s an icebreaker at parties.

The Wi Fi’s been pretty reliable for the most part.  I’ve gotten free wireless access in reataurants, stores, hotels and on the street.

Yes, there may be a faster iPhone in a few months.  And who knows, maybe Apple will have another price cut in the near future.  But to me, the future is now.  The iPhone’s a great device here and now.  If you’re thinking about getting one, I highly recommend it. 

iFrightening! When Lightning Strikes...

If your horizon looks like this, get off your mobile device!

There used to be a song we were sung to as kids.  "Who's afraid of thunder, thunder's just a lot of noise." True enough.  But lightning's another matter all together.  This being the season of thunderstorms it seems a good time to pass on information.

Your iPod can turn out to be iFrightening in a storm.  And it's not just your iPod, it could be your cellphone, PDA, iPhone or other electronic device.  Being struck by lightning when carrying or using these devices can result in considerable injury.  Not to mention one heck of a jolt.

You know why you put a spoon into the glass before you pour the hot water?  That's right, because the spoon's metal conducts the heat.  It's much the same with  the metal in a device that you're wearing. Energy that would have passed outside your body can travel through the metal and into your body. It's what can happen when you combine skin, sweat and metal.

Lightning kills nearly 75 people a year in the U.S.  Many people think that if you aren't being rained on there's no danger of getting struck.  Unfortunately, the fact is that lightning can hit before the rain ever appears.

So what do you do?

1. When you hear thunder take it seriously.  Look for a safe place to weather the storm.  Indoors is best. If not head for your (non-convertible) car.   

Think twice about going into your parked car if you're near power lines or trees. Keep the car windows closed and of course, don't touch anything metal.

If you're stuck outside cover your ears, and lay low.   Again, stay away from all metal (fences, poles, etc), water, trees and elevations. And don't use your mobile device in an electric storm.

2. Indoors don't use your appliances, or phones.  Also it's wise to avoid your windows, doors and water.

And you thought it was only the volume on your iPod that could be bad for you!

With thanks to www.Snopes.com.

eBooks and the Virtual Libary

There is a Second Annual World eBook Fair happening  as I write this (it is running through August 4).  Sponsored by Project Gutenberg, The World Public Library, and a handful of forward-looking publishers, the World eBook Fair's Website offers a vast panorama of downloadable titles free to the public.

All in the name of getting people reading more, which is unquestionably a noble goal. eBooks - which are simply electronic copies of books - have been around for some time but are beginning to gain momentum as a force on the Web. For consumers, eBooks have a number of benefits. The principal benefit is that you can keep an entire library on a  laptop or other portable device. So, you go on a vacation and you don't need to drag all your hardcovers or softcovers along with you - they're all on your laptop (or Palm, or whatever).

If you really want to live on the edge, you can also read them in the dark, since you're reading them on some form of device with its own, bright screen.  Therefore, presumably, you don't disturb your partner who's snoozing away innocently next to you.

There are a variety of formats available, each format requiring its own reader for the device at hand (whether Mac, PC, Palm, Smartphone, Blackberry, etc.).  A common one is the PDF-type eBook.  These can obviously be opened from Adobe Acrobat Reader, but there are other, simpler readers available, as well.

Digital Editions has appealing "bookshelves" for your books

I am experimenting with Adobe's Digital Editions reader, which is available for a number of operating systems.  It is advertised as being simpler and more streamlined than Acrobat for reading eBooks.  This is a fact - it has only a few features relating to building your eBook library or viewing your electronic books.  Otherwise, the experience is very similar to Acrobat.

Reading an eBook isn't so bad - on a PC, at least

Other readers include: Microsoft Reader, Mobipocket Reader (a multi-device mobile reader) and eReader from Palm. Additionally, some sites offer online reading of their eBooks - basically Web pages.  This latter experience does defeat one of the "mobile" purposes of packing up eBooks on your laptop or device, though, it seems to me.

Sony also has a specialized hardware reader for about $300 (sounds like a lot, although they are currently offering to package about $150 worth of eBooks with the reader).  The Sony reader looks much more like paper-and-ink than other devices. Note that I have never seen anyone actually using a Sony reader - most travelers who are interested in eBooks seem to be using either their laptops or multi-purpose mobile devices to fulfill this task.

The downside to eBooks is that they take the tactile pleasure out of reading. After acquiring a few eBooks, I found I didn't really do much with them.  They sat, unexplored in the deepest reaches of my computer's directory system.

Another problem I found was on my Palm Treo's eReader software.  It drives me crazy that the Palm continually turns off after a few minutes (unless you keep touching the screen), so reading an eBook is a non-intuitive, not-very-fun thing to do on a train or hotel room or wherever.  I still bring books with me, in other words.

Finally, some eBooks feel terribly overpriced for what you get. I can understand paying close to $20 for a book because of printing and distribution costs, but electronic books cost very little to distribute in comparison.  I think they should cut consumers a break.

Luckily, there are many sources for free eBooks which you can find in the collections of the World Public Library.  They have so many interesting titles available, in fact, I may find my paper-and-ink book collection will get a run for its money after all.

Better E-mail with Google

Recently I started using Gmail, Google's new, Web-based e-mail service, which is currently in pre-release.  I have to say, so far, so good.

Gmail is available for free for individuals and small businesses, and can be used in conjunction with other e-mail software. I for example, am using it in conjunction with Mail on my Macintosh.

You need to get a Google account in order to use Gmail, either for a business or for yourself. It works with all major browsers, and has several key features, including a top-notch SPAM protection technology that Google developed.

I signed up to use it so I could get my e-mail when I travel. I don't like to read mail on a small screen (such as my cellphone), but when I travel with my laptop, I like being able to access my e-mail

Google is also promoting other other special features, like the ability to get your mail on your mobile phone, the ability to easily search any of your messages by keyword, and the ability to chat from within the Gmail application.

Like most Google products, Gmail has a plain vanilla, simple interface.  A few things seem slightly counterintuitive. But it's  is easy to get started and to use it.  And for me, the power is in two aspects:

1) Simplified Web-based access to my e-mail

2) A powerful, comprehensive SPAM filter.

I wrote recently about how a SPAM filter (Spamfire) had helped me tone down the amount of Junk mail I received.  Well, Gmail is another order of magnitude beyond what I was getting with Spamfire.  It's like Google has declared war on SPAM.  And those of us who use it, can now benefit.

Life is a whole heck of a lot quieter now with Gmail working for me in the background. There's really no  need for me to go to Gmail to check what it's doing - Gmail simply cranks away in the background, "Frying the SPAM" as they refer to it, and, acting as our mail server.  I continue to use my e-mail program, only with a lot fewer SPAM messages.

To find out more about Gmail and how you can get it, go to:

Gmail from Google