Thursday, May 31, 2007
Thoughts on Apple iPhone
We are possibly less than a month away from the Apple iPhone. AT&T is hurrying to rid itself of the Cingular branding to get ready for the big launch.
I do believe that the iPhone is going to be a big break through for mobile telephones and mobile computing. Am I going to buy one - absolutely not. I am excited about the release of the iPhone because of how it will encourage other phone and PDA builders to push the boundaries of mobile services and ease of use. The iPod gave us a plethora of options and advancement in the world of mobile music devices. It also has driven the price of units lower.
The main reasons that I will not purchase an iPhone is very high cost and the network. The iPhone is anticipated to cost from $499.00 to $599.00 depending on the amount of flash memory. I am not a Cingular customer, and I am really happy with my current wireless providers.
By the way, if you are searching for an MP3 or video player for summer be sure to check out this iPod killer list.
The main reasons that I will not purchase an iPhone is very high cost and the network. The iPhone is anticipated to cost from $499.00 to $599.00 depending on the amount of flash memory. I am not a Cingular customer, and I am really happy with my current wireless providers.
By the way, if you are searching for an MP3 or video player for summer be sure to check out this iPod killer list.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Memorial Day images from Sanford, Florida
I enjoy photography. I am not that good, but I enjoy it none the less. Here are some images from the Memorial Day service in downtown Sanford this morning. Warning - these have not been photoshop'd or edited much.
Picasa Album
Picasa Album
Labels: images, Memorial Day, Sanford
Sunday, May 27, 2007
A New Way of Home Computing
Zonbu is soon to release a new type of computer for the home user. It features low power consumption and online backup of data. The greatest features are that it is always updated and includes many useful software applications.
The purchase cost is low, but there is a monthly subscription fee based on how much storage that you need. If you compare the costs of a computer, software, and backup media - this could be a positive product for someone that is not proficient in setting up or maintaining their own computer. This also covers computers for kids when the adult does not have the time to maintain the computer? (guilty) This will also keep the kids from "using" your computer. One downside of this computer for younger kids is that it will most likely not run any video games.
This type of computer is called a thin-client. The bulk of the storage and application data is stored on a central server somewhere. This not a new idea. It was discussed by several companies in the 90's. It has even been implemented by some organizations such as the Florida city of Largo.
The purchase cost is low, but there is a monthly subscription fee based on how much storage that you need. If you compare the costs of a computer, software, and backup media - this could be a positive product for someone that is not proficient in setting up or maintaining their own computer. This also covers computers for kids when the adult does not have the time to maintain the computer? (guilty) This will also keep the kids from "using" your computer. One downside of this computer for younger kids is that it will most likely not run any video games.
This type of computer is called a thin-client. The bulk of the storage and application data is stored on a central server somewhere. This not a new idea. It was discussed by several companies in the 90's. It has even been implemented by some organizations such as the Florida city of Largo.
Labels: kids, Linux, thin client
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Something Light Hearted for a Sunday
I love local TV spots. The low production values and witty scripts are a lot of fun. The first one has made the rounds on the Internet.
The Central Florida (Orlando) area has some fun local infomercials and spots as well.
The Family Auto Mart has been on the air for many years.
The Central Florida (Orlando) area has some fun local infomercials and spots as well.
The Family Auto Mart has been on the air for many years.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Phone Support
I know that it feels like this when we troubleshoot a problem over the phone, but just be patient with us.More Dilbert fun
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Trouble Calling Free Conference Calling Services
If you have experienced problems using free conference call services such as FreeConferenceCall and FuturePhone, you should be able to use them now. The reason for the trouble was that many carriers were blocking access to these services.
Jacqui Cheng has more information in his article.
Jacqui Cheng has more information in his article.
Labels: cell phone, conference call, wireless
Friday, May 4, 2007
Day One With Windows Mobile 6
I evaluated and ultimately began using the T-Mobile Dash Smartphone a couple of months ago. I have been hesitant to write it up since I have learned that Windows would be releasing a new version of Windows Mobile and T-Mobile would be offering installation.
I will go into a further review of the Dash in a later post, but I can give you a quick description. The Dash is actually built by HTC for T-Mobile and is exclusively distributed by T-Mobile. It has an extremely small keyboard which is actually easy to manipulate once you use it for a short time. It is a good form factor for a PDA/phone, but not quite small enough to hold to one's head. I know some that use it this way, but I find it much more comfortable to use a headset.
The download of the upgrade from T-Mobile got off to a false start. When I first attempted to download at 9:30 in the morning, the only download was for the MDA model. A quick call to T-Mobile indicated that the Dash download would be ready about Noon EDT. The download was available at 1:00. It was a 55 Megabyte size file which downloaded in a few minutes.
The initial installation takes about 10 minutes, but then the Dash takes many more minutes to sort itself out. It is disconcerting when it spends 5 to 10 minutes locked on the boot screen. One two occasions I was wondering if I would be making a trip to the local T-Mobile store. All ended well including that it automatically reinstalled my Garmin XT navigation software. Other software needed to be reinstalled.
The next problem was that the ActiveSync software on the desktop computer needed to be upgraded. ActiveSync version 4.5 is required. It was a quick trip to Microsoft downloads and an install. My Garmin Mobile 10 navigation software automatically reloaded. A note taking application had to be manually reloaded.
The first thing that I miss is that the bluetooth headset operates completely differently. The button on the ear piece no longer initiates or ends calls. Voice tags also appear to have disappeared.
A new feature is a female voice that announces phone calls by contact or phone number as well as incoming email subjects and senders.
I will post more as I use it more. I was originally going to create some screenshots, but decided against since they are all over the web anyways.
I will go into a further review of the Dash in a later post, but I can give you a quick description. The Dash is actually built by HTC for T-Mobile and is exclusively distributed by T-Mobile. It has an extremely small keyboard which is actually easy to manipulate once you use it for a short time. It is a good form factor for a PDA/phone, but not quite small enough to hold to one's head. I know some that use it this way, but I find it much more comfortable to use a headset.
The download of the upgrade from T-Mobile got off to a false start. When I first attempted to download at 9:30 in the morning, the only download was for the MDA model. A quick call to T-Mobile indicated that the Dash download would be ready about Noon EDT. The download was available at 1:00. It was a 55 Megabyte size file which downloaded in a few minutes.
The initial installation takes about 10 minutes, but then the Dash takes many more minutes to sort itself out. It is disconcerting when it spends 5 to 10 minutes locked on the boot screen. One two occasions I was wondering if I would be making a trip to the local T-Mobile store. All ended well including that it automatically reinstalled my Garmin XT navigation software. Other software needed to be reinstalled.
The next problem was that the ActiveSync software on the desktop computer needed to be upgraded. ActiveSync version 4.5 is required. It was a quick trip to Microsoft downloads and an install. My Garmin Mobile 10 navigation software automatically reloaded. A note taking application had to be manually reloaded.
The first thing that I miss is that the bluetooth headset operates completely differently. The button on the ear piece no longer initiates or ends calls. Voice tags also appear to have disappeared.
A new feature is a female voice that announces phone calls by contact or phone number as well as incoming email subjects and senders.
I will post more as I use it more. I was originally going to create some screenshots, but decided against since they are all over the web anyways.
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