Gadgets
Donald Stidwell
about my gadgets and how useful they are. Honestly, I've yet to find a
device that gives me the mobile experience that I desire.
- I've gotten rid of my iPod Touch - I gave it to my son when I
visited him in August. As much as I liked the device, I just kept
asking myself "why do I have this thing?" As a PDA, it falls far short
of WM and Palm devices. As an iPod, it doesn't hold enough. Mobile
Safari and video viewing where the best things about the device for
me, but neither were compelling enough to convince me that I really
needed the device and that it served a useful purpose. Also I've
discovered that I really don't like touch screen devices. Impossible
to operate single handed and the smudges and smears on the screen
drive me nuts. So I got rid of it and bought the new 6G iPod classic
with 120 gigs. Love it and am happy.
- T-Mobile Wing. This is a device that has such wonderful potential
but is severely crippled by a slow processor and inadequate RAM. I
understand the need to squeeze as much battery life out of a device as
possible, but that's why they invented spare batteries. Compared to my
HX-2415, it is so sloooow and I'm always bumping up against memory
constraints. Yes, I've tried different ROMs from XDA-Developers but
they all had various issues that made me still generally dissatisfied
with the device. (The last one I loaded actually corrupted files on my
micro-SD card somehow). More and more I was finding that I was using
my ex-retired HX-2415 more and more because it's more capable in terms
of speed and I never run out of memory on it. I still think the whole
non-volatile RAM thing on WM5/6 was a mistake. It makes the devices
slower than older devices and memory management is far harder.
- Loox 720 - absolutely perfect device. Unfortunately it died an
ignoble death the last time I dropped it - cracked the screen. Sigh -
I miss it.
- HP iPAQ HX-2415. I think I've had this device longer than any other
device. It's about three years old - an eternity for me to hold on to
a device. I have an extra regular battery and an extended battery as
well. Takes a licking and keeps on ticking. The sound quality on this
puppy is actually better than any iPod I've ever used which surprised
me greatly when I did a comparison. Other than the absolutely horrid D-
Pad, I have no complaints about this device and it's now my main
device again.
- Blackberry Curve - I owned one for a day when I was in Texas
visiting my son. Gave it up when I realised that it couldn't do HTML
email nor was there a decent way of reading attachments, particularly
MS Office docs. Loved the form factor, the keyboard, the ability to
use with one hand, and the push email works perfectly, plus the screen
is really beautiful. Voice quality seemed superior to the Wing and the
Voice Command app on the Blackberry actually worked, unlike on the
Wing where it's a hit or miss proposition. But the first two issues
where a deal breaker. However, T-Mobile has released an updated ROM
(4.5) that addresses both of the original issues I had, so I've
ordered another to replace my Wing. Should be here in a couple of
days. (And as a bonus, I'm getting it for $99 after a mail in rebate -
which makes it $50 cheaper than when I first bought it and returned
it). However, because BB doesn't have any decent Bible programs nor
eReader, I'll have to use it in conjunction with my HX-2415 to retain
all the functionality that I want in mobile devices.
- iPhone - not a contender. Won't change carriers for it (the main
reason I stay with T-Mobile is their outstanding customer service. I
wasn't really eligible for the BB upgrade at the price I got which is
really for new customers, but the T-Mobile rep worked the deal for me
anyway. I've never had anything but great experiences with T-Mobile's
customer support and their prices are still the best for what I need).
While their coverage isn't the best, it mainly covers the areas where
I frequent. And I object to the iPhone for the same reasons that I
wound up giving up my Touch. I HATE touch screen devices and I am not
happy that everyone and their brother is jumping on the touchscreen
bandwagon - even RIM. And no voice dialing? You've gotta be kidding?
No cut and paste? Huh? One-handed use is out of the question obviously.
- T-Mobile G1 - not a contender. Too ugly and too new. Reviews are
mixed, but everyone realises that as a V1 device it has a long way to
go.
Don
--
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing
I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth
unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the
prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)
Jeff Kirvin
Donald Stidwell
On Oct 26, 2008, at 18:36 , Jeff Kirvin wrote:
>
> I think you might actually like an unlocked Palm Treo Pro. My 800w
> is an awesome mobile device, with great A2DP sound quality and
> adding Kinoma Play makes it a serious media device. The Treo Pro
> adds a flush touchscreen (while maintaining a quite usable keyboard)
> and a 3.5mm headphone jack for folks who like that sort of thing (I
> actually use a nice pair of Skullcandy earbuds, but I use them with
> my Jabra BT3030, which is a dogtag-like pendant that turns any 3.5mm
> headphones into a A2DP headset). For any heavy lifting though
> (writing, heavier web surfing) I use my HP Mininote netbook, often
> tethered to the Treo for EVDO internet access if I can't find an
> open WiFi hotspot.
>
Actually, this is only other device I've seen that I would consider.
Based on your comments on your blog and others around the blogsphere,
I suspect that this may actually be an ideal device. However, it's
expensive, which is why I haven't given it really serious consideration.
However, if the Curve doesn't work out (T-Mobile has an unconditional
14-day return policy, thank goodness) I'll probably bite the bullet
and order one of these.
Don
Brenda Wallace
<donald....@mac.com> wrote:
> as an iPod, it doesn't hold enough. Mobile
> Safari and video viewing where the best things about the device for
> me,
I agree there. Web browsing and watching videos are about all i use my
ipodtouch for - when it was away for repair for 6 weeks i realised how
little it added to my gadget tote.
> Also I've
> discovered that I really don't like touch screen devices.
I like the ipod touch hardware - i just get frustrated that i can get
data from one app to another app - e.g. from a webpage to an email.
From an email to my calendar etc.
...
> So I got rid of it and bought the new 6G iPod classic
> with 120 gigs. Love it and am happy.
I listen to music on my nano still. basic things like being able to
delete songs i've heard too many times -- and using it to carry music
from home to work and syncing to my work desktop. Can't do that on the
touch due to lock down.
> - HP iPAQ HX-2415. I think I've had this device longer than any other
> device. It's about three years old - an eternity for me to hold on to
> a device.
Ditto for my PalmTX. It feels like gadget industry is taking off the
last year or two.. and yet here's you and me both hanging onto the
central palm computer we had 3 years ago. It's all gone "mainstream"
-- and some how mainstream means lacking features. (or rather:
lockdown is fashionable)
So -- what other gizmos?
I'm carrying a bluetooth laser virtual keyboard - a bluetooth gps --
and on out of town trips, an altec lansing slim speaker set for my
ipod. Also plantronics 590c headphones, but i'm looking to upgrade
those.
Bert Latamore
Nothing wrong with finding a device that fits you and sticking to it. Nothing says you always have to be bleeding edge. And I agree with Brenda, these devices are going mainstream, but the mainstream only wants a couple of things and they want if very simple and glitzy. The developers I know are saying that the iPhone has two major advantages. First and foremost, Apple has its usual iron clad control over everything. The only way you can market a third party app is through the iStore, which means that if Apple doesn't want your app, you are out of luck. We have already seen one fairly public incident where Apple pulled an app already in the iStore because it would compete with something Apple was bringing out. And I notice that while SplashData has brought out what looks like a terrific new digital photo management app that lets you manage photos across your desktop, Palm or WinMobile PDA, and Facebook and Pacassa, it has yet to announce an iPhone version. When I talked to Mark Slain in June I got the impression that the iPhone was a major target device for this app, and he has several other apps ported to the iPhone. I wonder if Apple is blocking his photo app because it will compete with the Apple one.
The other disadvantage is that under the covers the OS on the iPhone is apparently pretty simple and lacks the basic functionality of even the Palm OS, making it hard to reproduce functions on it. At least that is what I heard from one developer.
Given that you are a Tmobile customer, have you taken a look at the new Android phone Tmobile announced a month or so ago? That might offer you something.
Personally, I like my Vaio UX for some things at least. The big disadvantage of it as a handheld is that it is a Windows device. I don't mean that as a slur at Microsoft (in this case), but Windows was never designed or intended for handheld use. I tend to use my PDA for making notes on the fly in various programs. The problem is that it takes longer to wake Windows up from sleep mode than it does for me to turn on my T3, open an application like shopping list, search and find the thing I just realized I need to get at the grocery store, check it off and put my PDA back in my pocket. So I end up leaving it on the desk and have to go back to it to make these kinds of entries.
The UX is a big handheld, but it can fit in a large pocket and is comfortable in my hand (and I do not have large hands). The other major issue is battery life. The internal battery only lasts about 75 minutes when I sit and read. Of course the Palm internal battery doesn't last much longer in consant use, but it is designed to save its power when you aren't using it, whereas once again Windoes is not good at that. There is theoretically an external attachable battery for the UX, but it costs $350 and is on backorder again (I checked last week). However, the power cord/transformer unit is tiny and ceasly carried in your pocket. I tend to take that with me and plug the UX in whenever I can.
On the other hand, it has full Windows functionality, a beautiful screen that is readable in all lighting conditions including bright sunlight, built-in WiFi of course, and a slot for a SIM card. It comes with Cingular (ast least mine did), but the card is removable, so I presume that you can put a SIM for any cellular service you want in (I don't use cellular for data transfer, so I have no experience actually using it).
I have to admit that I don't use the UX often as a portable outside the house, partly because replacing it is very expensive andI don't want to risk it. But as a supplement to my T3 to do thingsthe T3 doesn't do well, including being a full mobile office, it is great. And it has saved me several times when we lost power and I had to decamp to the local coffee place to work for (in two cases in the last yer) several days.
Bert
Bert Latamore
IT Industry Freelance Writer
ComputerWorld Online blogger
Laura Conrad
Bert> Given that you are a Tmobile customer, have you taken a look at the new Android
Bert> phone Tmobile announced a month or so ago? That might offer you something.
I'm a Tmobile customer, and I've looked at it, and the current version
is missing a really important feature.
I'm not at all sure I really need to be able to browse the web on my
phone, but I certainly need to be able to use my phone as a modem for my
laptop. And as I understand it, the new phone is missing that feature.
I don't know what they think anyone uses a data plan for, but I'm
certainly not paying for one that doesn't give me the ability to connect
from another computer.
Since I don't have a land line any more, using the cell phone is both
the way I get connected when I'm traveling, and the backup for my
broadband at home.
--
Laura (mailto:lco...@laymusic.org http://www.laymusic.org/ )
(617) 661-8097 233 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139
I missed "The West Wing" every day and the people I worked with. And
I missed putting on a show every week. What I didn't miss was the
feeling of constantly having a term paper due.
Aaron Sorkin
Bert Latamore
Since we have terrible cellular reception in our home, which is where I also work, my "backup" for power and/or high speed cable loss is to pack up and move to the coffee place in Front Royal, about a half hour away. Not the best arrangement, but it does work.
Bert
Donald Stidwell
The plethora of devices available is really dizzying. I don't
understand how the average consumer can feel comfortable making
choices with so many available, but I suspect they don't expect as
much of their devices as we geek types do. I'm rather astounded that
the iPhone is doing so well given it's limitations, but again, I
suspect that most folks don't care about them. Although I just can't
imagine how folks live without voice dialing and the ability to use
the device with only one hand. To me, these two issues alone seriously
compromise the utility of the phone.
Bert Latamore
Bert
Laura Conrad
Bert> Interesting. I am sure that was a Tmobile decision -- Android should be capable
Bert> of making that connection. Can you do it through Bluetooth or use it as a WiFi
Bert> modem to create a mobile WiFI "hotspot" that lets you connect?
I haven't looked into it very hard, but as I understand it "tethering"
is a completely missing feature.
Tmobile has offered tethering on all the other phones I've had from
them, so I don't know why they wouldn't want it on the Android.
I'm assuming it will get there in some later version. And until
FBReader (or some other good reader software) gets ported to it, I'm not
all that interested anyway.
Bert> Since we have terrible cellular reception in our home, which is where I also
Bert> work, my "backup" for power and/or high speed cable loss is to pack up and move
Bert> to the coffee place in Front Royal, about a half hour away. Not the best
Bert> arrangement, but it does work.
My favorite bar is only a few blocks away, but working there wouldn't be
a good arrangement for a number of reasons.
--
Laura (mailto:lco...@laymusic.org http://www.laymusic.org/ )
(617) 661-8097 233 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139
Jesus, I'm Thirsty. (Danku)
'Who's getting the beer?'
Judas stepped up to the bar.
He'd had a windfall!
Danny Reynolds
Donald Stidwell
On Oct 27, 2008, at 09:09 , Bert Latamore wrote:
>
> Given that you are a Tmobile customer, have you taken a look at the
> new Android phone Tmobile announced a month or so ago? That might
> offer you something.
>
No, I mentioned that the G1 isn't even a contender. Just on looks
alone I'd reject it, and it's still too immature to seriously consider.
I've never really even considered any type of UMPC due to size and cost.
Actually, for all its warts, I find the WIndows Mobile works pretty
well as long as you have sufficient horsepower and RAM and of course,
this is where the Wing is weakest.
Don
Donald Stidwell
update down the line. T-Mobile doesn't typically restrict this.
PhilippeR
the iphone (I use a good one called "Say Who"), so that is not an
issue, and when it comes to making phone calls I can and do use the
iphone one-handed. I am, however, not about to tell you it's the
perfect device as there is no such thing. Once I commit to a phone and
a company, it's because I have decided that I will have a particular
device for a minimum of 1 (and more likely 2) year. Frankly I am
growing tired of following the endless chain of new devices, and I am
losing my desire to experiment. I bought (and kept) the iphone in
August, because I found it to be a lot of fun to use: it's ok as a
phone, though it lacks some pda fundamentals (no search for the
calendar and a limited one for contacts). I carry it and a Kindle (the
best reading device I have ever owned, and I read a lot) and do not
need a laptop. Soon every electronic device will come in one
expandable ring that I can put on my finger, and .....
On Oct 27, 10:27 am, Donald Stidwell <donald.stidw...@mac.com> wrote:
> I'm pretty sure that I've read that this will be addressed in an OS
> update down the line. T-Mobile doesn't typically restrict this.
>
> On Oct 27, 2008, at 10:14 , Bert Latamore wrote:
>
> > Interesting. I am sure that was a Tmobile decision -- Android should
> > be capable of making that connection. Can you do it through
> > Bluetooth or use it as a WiFi modem to create a mobile WiFI
> > "hotspot" that lets you connect?
>
> > Since we have terrible cellular reception in our home, which is
> > where I also work, my "backup" for power and/or high speed cable
> > loss is to pack up and move to the coffee place in Front Royal,
> > about a half hour away. Not the best arrangement, but it does work.
>
> > Bert
>
> > wrote:
> > >>>>> "Bert" == Bert Latamore <bert.latam...@gmail.com> writes:
>
> > Bert> Given that you are a Tmobile customer, have you taken a
> > look at the new Android
> > Bert> phone Tmobile announced a month or so ago? That might offer
> > you something.
>
> > I'm a Tmobile customer, and I've looked at it, and the current version
> > is missing a really important feature.
>
> > I'm not at all sure I really need to be able to browse the web on my
> > phone, but I certainly need to be able to use my phone as a modem
> > for my
> > laptop. And as I understand it, the new phone is missing that
> > feature.
> > I don't know what they think anyone uses a data plan for, but I'm
> > certainly not paying for one that doesn't give me the ability to
> > connect
> > from another computer.
>
> > Since I don't have a land line any more, using the cell phone is both
> > the way I get connected when I'm traveling, and the backup for my
> > broadband at home.
>
> > --
Donald Stidwell
On Oct 27, 2008, at 12:16 , PhilippeR wrote:
>
> Bert, Don: there are several (and free) voice dialing applications for
> the iphone (I use a good one called "Say Who"), so that is not an
> issue, and when it comes to making phone calls I can and do use the
> iphone one-handed. I am, however, not about to tell you it's the
> perfect device as there is no such thing. Once I commit to a phone and
> a company, it's because I have decided that I will have a particular
> device for a minimum of 1 (and more likely 2) year. Frankly I am
> growing tired of following the endless chain of new devices, and I am
> losing my desire to experiment. I bought (and kept) the iphone in
> August, because I found it to be a lot of fun to use: it's ok as a
> phone, though it lacks some pda fundamentals (no search for the
> calendar and a limited one for contacts). I carry it and a Kindle (the
> best reading device I have ever owned, and I read a lot) and do not
> need a laptop. Soon every electronic device will come in one
> expandable ring that I can put on my finger, and .....
>
Thanks, Philippe. I didn't realise there were voice dialing apps for
the iPhone.
I understand the use of the iPhone single-handed but, at least with
the Touch, I didn't find it very convenient or comfortable. But I have
to admit that my inherent dislike of touch screen devices is probably
colouring my judgement!
I completely sympathise with your lack of desire to keep up with the
endless stream of new devices. The array is positively dizzying and
it's gotten as complicated buying a new phone as it is buying a new PC.
Gate
Gate
have too many lying around, but I thought I had the solution with the
Samsung Omnia. It does everything I want (I do like touch screens on
my daily PDA things), but has serious memory issues. I guess there's a
memory leak, but I can't find it. So, I'm still not completely
satisfied. I'm with AT&T, and very happy with it, but I don't like the
iPhone for my Everything Device. My Touch is fun to play with, but
it's not all around good enough for me to use it for a PDA. With all
my husband's and my medical appointments, I gotta have the Today
screen tell me what I'm supposed to do, and only WinMo has done that
successfully for me. I'm still looking... (don't want that Treo,
though! no keyboard, please!) I do think the non-volatile RAM thing is
the worst thing ever.
Bert Latamore
What software do you use on Win Mobile to track your PIM information? I'm just curious as I have not found anything adequate on WIndows itself. Fortunately, CESD is developing a new PIM system based on Datebk that will be portable to multiple platforms, starting with Windows. So as soon as PIMlical reaches Beta test stage (it is in Alpha test right now) I hope to have it on the UX.
Bert
Stewart
Another big limitation of the G1 is that the Bluetooth stack doesn't
support the use of a bluetooth keyboard. For people that want to do a
bit of writing, this is a huge reason to avoid the device.
Being able to use an external keyboard is one of the main reasons I
bought a Nokia N82 recently. I can use the iGo keyboard I used to use
with my T3. Heck, I can even use Apple's beautiful wireless keyboard
with it - something I couldn't do with an Apple iPhone.
cheers
Stewart in Calgary
Bert Latamore
Another issue I have is that I really like the Fitaly keyboard for use when I don't have a real keyboard (or when I am just jotting a line into my PDA and it isn't worth getting the keyboard out). That kind of limits me to WinMobile, Windows, and Palm for mobile devices. I presume I could adapt to the iPhone thumbboard, but I would not really want to go back to writing on a screen which is much slower and puts a lot of wear on the screen surface.
bert
Gate
SPB shell to keep it front and center on my today screen. I'm toying
with the idea of trying another Blackberry device. I hated my first
one, but understand they've gotten better. I don't like keyboards, but
I might be tempted to try again. That would mean starting over,
though, and I might be too old and too tired for that....... Nawwww...
Donald Stidwell
immature yet. I gave it a quick look when I first got my Blackberry
last week, and it lasted a day. It's no where near as functional as
the WM version - which is to be expected in a v1 software.
If you're considering a BB, you might find the Storm interesting (I
think that's the one with the touch screen). Not sure when it will be
out or what carriers will offer it, but it's basically an iPhone for
Blackberry.
Don
Gate
Verizon, which is hopeless where I live. So now I'm in line for a
Blackberry Bold. Should be here next week. My carrier is a re-seller,
so doesn't get stuff as quickly as others. Anyhow, I saw one today,
and played with it a bit, and think I'll try that next. Sorry if PI
isn't up to snuff on the BB, but dern! I didn't even know it was
possible, so that makes me very happy. I'll surely give it a try.
Thanks for the info.
Don Nordeng
1. a phone - for phone calls
2. paper - for calendar and to dos
3. ipod nano - for podcasts
Anything I need to carry i print and put in my paper organizer.
Bert Latamore
I also really need email which is my primary form of communication, just as important as my phone.
Oh and I am always reading a book in my relaxation time. Did I mention that book?
So how much paper would that entail?
And then I do need alarms to remind me of meetings and appointments so I am not looking at my watch every 30 seconds for the half hour before.
And I need backups of all that in case something happens to it. Can I do that on paper?
Bert
Bert Latamore
Editorial Consultant