Post by: Xairbusdriver on August 23, 2008, 07:09:09 PM
Post by: krissel on August 25, 2008, 01:09:12 AM
Things to come.
Post by: Xairbusdriver on August 26, 2008, 08:23:08 AM
I also have a great birding catalogue that displays any bird I might think I see.
Then there is "Bible" from YouVersion© that must have 15 different translations on it!
WeatherBug is handy for checking the weather near our Grand Kids.
Finally, "Epocrates Rx" has lots of information, dosages, conflicts with other drugs, costs, generic availability and even pictures of all know pills/capsules. As I am prescribed more drugs, it helps to know more about them and to be able to double-check what the drug store gives me.
BTW, these are all free, that being my maximum price, so far!
Post by: danf63 on August 26, 2008, 10:27:18 AM
1. Things, which has been pretty helpful. I don't have the desktop version and the developer said this version can be run independently. $10.
2. vCardMailer: send contacts from Address Book. One of the best apps I have. $1.99
3. Bloomberg: financial news and stock tracker. Much better than the built-in stock tracker. Free.
4. PangeaVR: view QTVRs. Free.
5. Trulia: Real estate app. Some bugs, but really nice. Free.
6. Movies: Find movies and theaters, times, buy tickets. Free.
Dan
Post by: Mayo on August 26, 2008, 10:34:43 AM
BTW, Greenpeace dissected an iPhone in order to see what toxic materials are used in its components... One thing that surprised me is that the iPhone battery is glued and soldered into place!
Post by: jjoan on August 26, 2008, 12:02:36 PM
QUOTE(Xairbusdriver @ Aug 26 2008, 08:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Beeing won uf thee wurldz wurst spelurz haz maid thee iPhone handie four me cinse eye kan acces acksess git two a dikshunarie!
I also have a great birding catalogue that displays any bird I might think I see.
Then there is "Bible" from YouVersion© that must have 15 different translations on it!
WeatherBug is handy for checking the weather near our Grand Kids.
Finally, "Epocrates Rx" has lots of information, dosages, conflicts with other drugs, costs, generic availability and even pictures of all know pills/capsules. As I am prescribed more drugs, it helps to know more about them and to be able to double-check what the drug store gives me.
BTW, these are all free, that being my maximum price, so far!
I also have a great birding catalogue that displays any bird I might think I see.
Then there is "Bible" from YouVersion© that must have 15 different translations on it!
WeatherBug is handy for checking the weather near our Grand Kids.
Finally, "Epocrates Rx" has lots of information, dosages, conflicts with other drugs, costs, generic availability and even pictures of all know pills/capsules. As I am prescribed more drugs, it helps to know more about them and to be able to double-check what the drug store gives me.
BTW, these are all free, that being my maximum price, so far!
Post by: Al on August 26, 2008, 12:48:36 PM
Since I am an avid shore fisherman I use the app Tides alot.
I have both Texas HoldEm and Adrenaline Poker along with some racing games, Cro-Mag Rally and Crash bandicoot.
NowLocal will give you the news in your area from all available sources.
Internet Radio, AOL Radio and Pandora. I also have VoiceNotes.
The most handy app for me is an app called OmniTuner. It will tune all sorts of stringed instruments. As long as I have my phone I can tune mine and anyone else's ukulele.
But, the most handy feature for my iphone is podcasts. In the mornings I watch the news from CNN, NBC, ABC and CBS all from podcasts.
Mayo, I may be switching to the 3G iphone soon, but, I have not had many dropped calls on the one I have now. But, to compare. I was in my local Apple Store the other day and noticed that my phone could pick up the 2G signal better that the 3G iphone was. Still when I pulled up a web page the 3G phone did it in 1/3 to approx. 1/2 the time, even with less signal strength.
Post by: Xairbusdriver on August 26, 2008, 01:29:49 PM
One thing I like is that many of the aps can still be used even if the phone is in "Airplane" mode. That mode keeps any calls from coming in or out. Basically the same as turning the phone part off.
Post by: Mayo on August 26, 2008, 01:30:47 PM
Post by: Xairbusdriver on August 26, 2008, 03:42:13 PM
Post by: Mayo on August 26, 2008, 04:25:06 PM
Crackberry... ATT tells folks that something is wrong with the hardware/software provided by Apple.
Apple tells folks that it is a network problem i.e. ATT's problem.
Disgruntled iPhone buyers wish they had their old phone back...
So It Goes.
Apparently Steve Jobs has personally acknowledged in a personal e-mail of exactly one line (Steve is well-known for his succinct e-mail) that there is a problem and that they are working on it. (I am prostrating myself toward Cupertino as I type this, not an easy feat for a 54 year old man dealing with a funky back.)
Truth Be Told, I'm not even sure that I need an iPhone... Part of me just wants a relatively simple phone that fits in my pocket, has excellent audio and is reasonably rugged. So I have also been reading professional and user reviews about Motorola, Nokia, LG, etc. phones. Unfortunately I seem to be stuck with ATT because T-Mobile's coverage in my neighborhood is poor (the cell will replace my home office land-line...) and I want a tri or quad-band GSM phone for network compatibility when traveling. (There is a cell tower around the corner and down the street from my house; I guess we can assume that it is owned by ATT...)
You know, it's all Fred's Fault. I ran into Fred at a Wake The Dead concert and what do you think was the second thing he said to me during our first conversation in 15 years? "Hey, do you want to see my iPhone? It has changed my life." I felt myself getting a contact-high just from talking with him and then he pulled out his iPhone... Is this what crack addicts feel when they score??? Damn you Fred! It's viral consumerism! I've been infected!
Thankfully I am in no hurry either psychologically or reality-wise to buy anything... I can Wait and See what happens. I can stop in at the local ATT store to fondle the phones whenever I please. I'm 54; as I've gotten older I've become more comfortable with delayed gratification...
Post by: Xairbusdriver on August 26, 2008, 06:04:02 PM
Hs said, she said, they said, we said...
Post by: Mayo on August 26, 2008, 09:48:19 PM
The many negative user reports trump that test in my mind. As more than one user has written, what is more relevant? A lab test or real-world reports from people using the phone for its intended purpose? Just take a gander at the iPhone forum over at Apple... Not to mention a variety of other forums.
The problems seem to occur most often during the hand-off between a weak 3G network to the 2G network. Some people report having fewer problems if they turn off the 3G capability, but that sort of negates the reason for buying a new 3G iPhone, doesn't it?
Whatever the technical reasons or the explanations offered by ATT and Apple, a person would have to be crazy to not take into consideration the large number of customer complaints regarding the iPhone. Being a Mac Fan I find myself giving Apple more than a little slack, just like a lot of other people who have/had high-hopes for the new iPhone. But in the end I have to give some credence to all the complaints, just like I would for any other cell phone.
Like I wrote previously, I can just wait and see how it shakes out... I'll let the early adopters deal with the headaches for the time-being.
Post by: Al on August 27, 2008, 03:15:33 AM
QUOTE(Mayo @ Aug 26 2008, 04:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
But in the end I have to give some credence to all the complaints, just like I would for any other cell phone.
That would be prudent for anything we purchase. Wise thinking, Mayo.
I was thinking of doing the switch tomorrow. But, now I will do a little more research first regarding weak signals and dropped calls.
Seems fitting cause the 3G in the exact same location was getting only 60% signal strength compared to my 2G iphone at 100% inside the Apple store. (wifi turned off)
I do want it the most for the faster internet, but, it is still first and foremost my cel. phone. Heavily dropped calls are unacceptable.
Post by: Xairbusdriver on August 27, 2008, 11:07:54 AM
And now,
Back to our regularly scheduled topic...
I finally bit the bullet and paid for a game of all things!
"aMaze" from fungyre.com One reason I bought it so I could have something that did NOT have an i starting it's name! 
I was also able to access the Maps function and find the location of a local store when I kept getting a "Safari cannot find the server for maps.google.com..." Even though I could get to the UK site. But that's a little farther than I wanted to drive...
Post by: Mayo on August 27, 2008, 12:13:49 PM
This topic has been officially hijacked!
But I am a Very Benevolent Hijacker, by all means a Pacifist Hijacker... So all alcoholic drinks on the carts are declared Free To All.
We will be landing only to replenish our supplies of food, drink and to pump-out the potties...So kindly sit back and enjoy the in-flight entertainment...
Another comparison test has been done with results similar to the other test BFD. Meanwhile, the complaints continue to pile-up and Mr. Jobs announced today that he is taking early retirement and his voluminous stock options, Thank You Very Much!
Post by: Xairbusdriver on August 27, 2008, 09:47:35 PM
NO, NO, NOT THE FEATHER PILLOWS!
Post by: krissel on August 28, 2008, 03:05:22 AM
http://legacy.macnn.com/articles/08/08/28/...nnas.work.fine/
Post by: Mayo on August 28, 2008, 10:36:18 AM
I didn't really intend to hijack the entire thread, just a post or two...
Kindly continue... If there is anything new to add regarding the 3G glitches I'll create a new thread.
Another friend who is infatuated with her new iPhone is returning home today after three weeks visiting family back east, and she has promised to do her best to tempt me further... Last night she told me that it saved her during her visit because while there is no Internet access at her family's farm she was able to get online using her iPhone.
Me? I stopped by the ATT store yesterday afternoon and checked out a number of phone possibilities, including the iPhone. And unless my friend succeeds in getting me hooked I have to say that I am leaning toward a more phone-like option than the iPhone, which will leave me more pennies for that new portable Mac...
Post by: Xairbusdriver on August 28, 2008, 05:42:11 PM
If possible, I simply pull into a parking lot, parking lane, etc. to talk. If those places aren't available, the call just doesn't get answered until I can park. We weren't supposed to even talk in the cockpit about sports, hobbies, cars, etc. when flying below 10,000'. Just when using the checklists or speaking to ATC. Above that is different. But if it's that important in the air, where 99.99% of 'the other guy' is under some ones control, how much more important is it when no body is controlling 99.9999999% of those 'other guys!' 
But I digress, as usual...I think the iPhone is the beginning of truly useful computing in a miniature size for the average person. The phone part is simply an add-on. Sure, I'll be paying more than I did for our old, extremely un-intuitive phones that were capable of 'using' the interweb. But that action could easily be defined as 'torture!' I'm sure the Blackberry is great. I know millions are in use. And hey will probably get even better. I just think the iPhone is showing how developers could make use of this kind of device better than any other one on the market.
"On the market" is also something that can change and certainly will. Google seems to possibly have a better idea of how to treat developers and they are the closest competitor I think Apple has. MS may be able to improve and/or buy something, but they can't be called 'innovative' just because they say they are. They may become like IBM, still around, doing some great things but not the market leader/maker they were 40 years ago.
So, reports of dropped calls are not as important to me as they are to many, many others, I'm sure. Nor am I trying to stay in touch with an employer! But I think some of these complaints are, first of all, based on problems with AT&T and the fact that most iPhone buyers expect closer to 110% satisfaction from their purchases. Secondly, we all know that complaints are much more widely communicated than satisfactions. I don't know of any 'Help' sites that even have a section for "Everything is perfect, no problems here!"
However, MFI does have quite a few posters, on their home page, anyway, that wonder why problems are posted there when no one else has ever seen or heard of them.Anyway, no one really owns this thread, except the members and viewers of TS. I just happened to start it. After the first post, the thing has its own 'life' no matter where that leads!
And, as we've noticed, some don't have extremely long lives, at that! So, as long as I'm safely in my home, I don't worry too much about 'hijacking.' I just enjoy hearing peoples intelligent opinions about a lot of Mac stuff!Now then, as the Commander said...
Carry on!
Just do it with as little 'noise' as possible! OK? Some of us are sleeping!!
Some of us are sleeping!!Post by: Mayo on August 28, 2008, 06:13:17 PM
Hogan talked about using an iPhone app that predicts sun activity for any location on earth; I think it is called "Sol" but I didn't find it when I did a Q and D Google search... Anyhoo, it sounds like a great program for nature photographers and anyone else who cares what the sun is going to do at a specific spot on the planet.
Thom also mentioned that he is able to monitor the weather on his iPhone up to the edge of Denali National Park in Alaska; I assume that a standard Internet connection is not possible there... That sounds pretty cool too.
I'm keeping an open mind about the iPhone. If I switch our single ATT line to a family plan and add an iPhone it isn't too much more to pay considering I'll be rid of one land-line that costs around $30/month.
Whatever phone I get I'll probably buy a Jawbone or similar headset since I now use a wired headset when talking on a portable phone.
Post by: sandbox on August 28, 2008, 09:09:28 PM
The network http://coverage.t-mobile.com/
The simple phone http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/phones/Cell-P...e=Samsung-Blast
In my experience Samsung has the best antenna in the business.
This phone has mail, messaging, Bluetooth and a good keyboard.
This is another one but it has a price tag. A friend uses one and it seems to work well.
http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/phones/Cell-P...okia-5610-White
I don't know where you hail from so I can't say if your in a t-mobile void.
Crackberries work well on T-mobile around here and I would go phone to phone with any iPhone.
Sprint probably has the fastest network in this area, but T-Mobile is catching up. Sprint has a area problem and lacks availability but when you can connect, it rocks.
Post by: Xairbusdriver on August 29, 2008, 09:49:49 AM
Found this from Ted Landau today and it pretty much agrees with what I said earlier, although with somewhat more authority and credibility!
<Is an iPhone Worth Buying Now?>
Post by: Mayo on August 30, 2008, 12:02:12 PM
I read Ted Landau's article... more grist for the mill!
Post by: sandbox on August 30, 2008, 06:54:39 PM
QUOTE(Mayo @ Aug 30 2008, 01:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I already checked the T-Mobile coverage and unfortunately it is terrible at my house... There is a cell tower right around the corner but apparently it belongs to ATT.
Call us at: 1-800-T-MOBILE
or
http://www.t-mobile.com/Contact.aspx
Don't be surprised if they fix your problem, it's already been done here, when a T-Mobile blackhole was found in Palm Harbor Fl. You will find prompt, courteous and knowledgeable tech support team that will understand your concerns and speak clearly so that you can fully comprehend what they can do for you.
QUOTE
2007 Highest Ranked Wireless Customer Service Performance"
"2007 Highest Overall Satisfaction Among Wireless Cell Phone Users" Southwest West and Northeast, and North-Central, Southeast and Mid-Atlantic in a tie
“2007 Highest in Overall Customer Satisfaction with Wireless Retail Service”
Overall customer satisfaction
J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Wireless Regional Customer Satisfaction Index StudySM—Volume 1
This study is the most comprehensive customer satisfaction study conducted by J.D. Power and Associates for the wireless category. This study measures customer satisfaction based on 42 specific service-related issues, grouped into six key areas: call quality, customer service, service plan options, brand image, cost of service and billing.
"2007 Highest Overall Satisfaction Among Wireless Cell Phone Users" Southwest West and Northeast, and North-Central, Southeast and Mid-Atlantic in a tie
“2007 Highest in Overall Customer Satisfaction with Wireless Retail Service”
Overall customer satisfaction
J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Wireless Regional Customer Satisfaction Index StudySM—Volume 1
This study is the most comprehensive customer satisfaction study conducted by J.D. Power and Associates for the wireless category. This study measures customer satisfaction based on 42 specific service-related issues, grouped into six key areas: call quality, customer service, service plan options, brand image, cost of service and billing.
Post by: kbeartx on August 31, 2008, 04:29:21 AM
QUOTE(Al @ Aug 26 2008, 12:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The most handy app for me is an app called OmniTuner. It will tune all sorts of stringed instruments. As long as I have my phone I can tune mine and anyone else's ukulele.
I can see why this is a must-have for Hawaiians, though not as critical for the rest of us [except mebbee if you live in Nashville, with all those guitar pickers, mothers, and cats]
- KR Bear, former guitah playah
Post by: Xairbusdriver on December 20, 2008, 06:29:02 PM
I've set a new high on the price of my iPhone app purchases! I just spent $1.99 for a single app! Well, it does have 13 different measuring tools in it. So that works out to ~15.30769231 cents a piece...still quite reasonable, IMHO.Post by: csonni on December 21, 2008, 11:36:30 AM
Post by: Xairbusdriver on December 21, 2008, 02:14:18 PM
Post by: danf63 on December 21, 2008, 08:27:05 PM
Pricey? A little. Some people buy computers more frequently than I do, some buy better cars, everyone spends their money on what they can afford and what they find to be of value. I wouldn't mind decent competition to bring the price down, but I've played with a lot of these things and nothing matches the iPhone.
And actually, only T-Mobile (a company I had for 6 years and was perfectly happy with) is cheaper. Verizon limits bandwidth, which is a deal-breaker. I used bandwidth in the gbs last month.
Dan
Post by: krissel on December 22, 2008, 01:27:54 AM
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/21/business...xprod=permalink
Also use your iPhone (probably your iTouch, too) to control music throughout your home.
http://www.sonos.com/demo/iphone/demo.html
Post by: RHPConsult on December 23, 2008, 10:26:21 AM
However, an accessory Streamer . . . .
allows me for the first time in nearly 2 decades to use a cell phone and have clear, unimpeded wireless connection to any other phone. The phone, of course, must be Bluetooth equipped.
Unless you are hearing impaired you may not know what a revelation such an advance can be to someone who has been denied the effective use of a cell phone.
As an extra added attraction, the Epoq, when its Streamer is connected to my iPhone (and presumably any other Bluetooth device), allows me to hear (in stereo and HiDef) my iTunes Library. Music and audiobooks are truly compelling, especially in cars and planes.
No, I don't own any stock in Oticon.
PS: As an extra added attraction to this post, here's the interesting history of the Bluetooth nomenclature. Perhaps everyone here already knows this, but it was news to me when my audiologist sent me this fascinating story, which she had obtained from Oticon . . .
In 1995 the Swedish phone company, Ericsson, conducted a pilot study on the feasability of a wireless system that basically would replace corded interfacings between various electronic devices. Such a system should have a short range and allow multiple devices/users to operate at close proximity to each other without interference (which is not the case with, e. g., FM technology).
The outcome of the study was positive and Ericsson formed a consortium of high-tech companies to develop the technology for the short-range transmitting/receiving device.
During the formative stage of the consortium it was decided that a code name was needed to name their effort.
Over an evening, discussing Nordic history and the future of wireless technology, the consortium decided to code name the technology after the 10th century Danish king Harald Blåtand - Harold Bluetooth in English. The king had been instrumental in uniting warring factions in many parts of what today are Denmark, Sweden, Norway and northern Germany - just as the technology is designed to allow collaboration between differing industries such as computing, cell phone, automotive, TV and now the hearing aid industry.
The name stuck.
In 2000 the Bluetooth technology hit the commercial market. Its technology is referred to as frequency-hopping digital spread-spectrum technology, but the name Bluetooth is more fun.
The Bluetooth logo combines the old Scandinavian Runic letters of H (looking somewhat like an asterisk) and B.
You will hear much more about Bluetooth in the future.
PS: The Danish king did not have a blue tooth and his real name was not Blåtand. It was Blaa Tan. Blaa in old Danish meant dark complexioned person and tan meant great, strong man. Over the hundreds of years after his death in a viking battle in 985, the nickname Blåtand was derived from his real name. Imagine if the technology had been named: DarkCompexionedGreatStrongMan.
Now, ABD, take that to your Christmas reception and amaze your friends and colleagues when frequency-hopping digital spread-spectrum technology is introduced into the conversation.
Post by: Frances144 on December 23, 2008, 02:45:30 PM
iPod - has books, dramas, radio stuff and a few games, and podcasts that make me laugh - only listening ones though, not watching ones - they bore me!
iTouch - has Bette Davis movies, a few films but nothing with subtitles and a pile of Star Trek animation and lot and lots of apps.
All ready to keep me entertained in hospital coz bugger all else will!
Post by: Xairbusdriver on December 23, 2008, 03:08:27 PM
Post by: Xairbusdriver on December 24, 2008, 03:27:28 PM
Post by: krissel on December 24, 2008, 11:34:18 PM
Post by: Xairbusdriver on December 31, 2008, 12:21:27 PM
QUOTE
Jim, check out post 31 in this thread, first link
OK, ok. I failed (again) to check all the links and I know better! 
At least I came to the same conclusion as one of our finer Moderators! So, here's another link relating the experiences of one "geek" and his wife. Try to avoid reading too much 'sexism' into the article, he gets "raked over the coals" by a couple of commenters for that.
Wonder what some of them did after seeing the "Dog house" video!!! Post by: Xairbusdriver on January 02, 2009, 04:06:24 PM
Post by: Xairbusdriver on October 25, 2009, 04:25:41 PM
Post by: Frances144 on October 25, 2009, 04:42:49 PM