MPN Specials

I do not know where to start.  There are so many free iPhone applications, the list almost seems endless.

When I first got my iPhone, I got so carried away, I exceeded the 11 page viewable limit almost immediately. See my previous post Too Many iPhone Apps.  Fortunately, with the latest version of operating system (iOS4), you are now able to group your applications into folders.

Here is my starter list.  I broke it into two parts, 1) the most obvious must haves (these are in addition to the few that come with the iPhone) and 2) the additional nice to haves.  This list is in no particular order.  Please keep your eyes open for my upcoming Paid Applications list.

Obvious/Must Haves: Continue Reading »

Whether it is an iPhone, a Blackberry, or any other smartphone, you need to be very careful of not being overcharged when you travel.

I occasionally get to travel, not as much as I would like, but I always enjoy it.  However, whenever I travel internationally, I am afraid that my smartphone (iPhone) bill will be the most expensive part.  I have heard horror stories of people returning home to discover cell phone bills of over $2000 when they barely used their phone!!

So what can you do to prevent this, short of leaving your phone at home or off during the entire trip?

It is rather simple: Continue Reading »

Have you been watching World Cup Soccer?  Are you betting on the games? Are you wondering whether Switzerland will beat Spain?

There are a whole slew of iPhone applications that allow you to take the excitement of the games with you, every stat, key plays, and more.  Know all the details of Spain vs Switzerland, Chile vs Honduras, world cup games today, South Africa vs Uruguay and more.

There is no way to review all the World Cup Soccer applications.  I chose one at random.  A free one.  It is called:

The ESPN 2010 FIFA World Cup app.

It works on the iPhone as well as the iPod Touch.

Description

Free Version:

* Live scores
* Tournament stats and tables, including bracket view
* Exclusive US and global news and analysis
* Full tournament schedule
* Extensive profiles of all 32 teams, groups and top players
* Free ESPN original video vignettes profiling all 32 teams
* Personalization – select your teams and show your support!
* National anthems for all 32 World Cup teams!
* World Cup tournament history dating back to 1930
* Profiles of all 10 host venues
* Fantasy Bracket Predictor – put your knowledge to the test and choose next year’s World Cup champions
* Soccer Power Index: Check out ESPN’s exclusive rankings of the top 100 FIFA teams
* Share favorite teams, news articles, and comments via Facebook, Twitter, and Email

For a single in-app purchase of $7.99, get all of the following exclusive features:

* NOTE: Live audio and video-on-demand is only available in the US:
* Live ESPN radio streams of all 64 matches
* In-game video highlights delivered within minutes of real-time, including goals, shots, saves, bookings, and other key events for all 64 matches
* Video recaps, studio analysis, and original features from ESPN’s coverage team in South Africa
* Premium alerts, including breaking news alerts, game alerts, and customizable team alerts for all squads
* Live play-by-play commentary from ESPN’s editorial team, detailed stats, and field visualizations of every game

Enjoy The Games!!

Well, as you saw in my previous post, I decided to get an Apple MacBook Air.

I got very lucky!  I found a used one for sale by a friend of mine, so that helped make the decision easier for me.

However, I wanted to do a clean install on it, so it was completely configured with my own data, files, configurations preferences, and not have any hidden remnants of her’s.

Now, if you are not familiar with the MacBook Air, it does not have it’s own DVD/CD drive.  You need to use one remotely, that is on another computer.

I wanted to do a fresh install of Mac OSX Leopard, then do an upgrade to the latest version, which is Snow Leopard.  Although the procedure an tools are very easy to use, for various reasons I ran into one problem after another doing the install. I am relatively knowledgeable with computers and great at debugging problems, but there comes a point where it is sometimes just easier to get “professional” help.

Sometimes, the have done what you are looking for many times, they have immediate access to other knowledgeable people, and most importantly, they have all the tools and equipment right there.  Besides, I sometimes just enjoy going into the store to talk to the employees to get the latest updates, a different perspective, and new insights.

Such was the case this time. Let me explain the entire experience:

1. I tried doing the installs at home, but ran into one small problem after another.
2. I went to www.Apple.com and made an appointment for the Genius Bar.
3. At the appropriate time, I went to the store.
4. I was immediately greeted by an Apple Rep at the door, who asked if he could help me.
5. He “checked” me in for my appointment, and told me to wait in the back of the store, next to the Genius Bar.
6. I went to the back of the store and my son immediately found an iPad to play with the entire time I was being helped.
7. Almost right on time, they were ready to help me.
8. I explained my problem and told what I needed, I also thought of any possible question I could.
9. He pulled out a portable disk drive with all the necessary software already on it.  Connected it to the USB port on my computer, and installed the latest versions of OS X (Snow Leopard) and iLife.
10. They took an hour to install, during which time I went and did my own thing elsewhere, came back and picked up my computer and went home to complete my software migration and configuration process.

Overall, I give the whole process of using Apple’s Genius Bar an “A grade”.  It was an easy, pleasant experience that went smoothly.

Cheers,
Richard Lazovick

I was recently in the market for a new computer because one of mine was so old it was just too slow to be productive.  It came down to a choice between getting an iPad or another laptop computer.

I knew I wanted to stick with an Apple based product, and not a PC since my other devices (desktop computer and phone) are both Apple based and they just work so well together, especially when it comes to synchronization. (A great topic for a future post.)

I already use a relatively new Apple iMac as my main desktop computer, so all I needed is a device for when I travel.  I wanted something that was easy to carry and functional.  I quickly narrowed it down to either an iPad or an Apple MacBook Air.

Here are the major Pros and Cons of each.

Advantages Of The iPad

• Small/Convenient
• Very fast at what it does
• Very easy to use
• Great for surfing the web, reading email, and watching movies
• Lots of fun!  Just feel great to use

Disadvantages Of The iPad

• Not full featured
• Not fully compatible with Microsoft Office (can read, but not export to)
• No keyboard (can get an external one, but would be one extra thing to carry)
• Not compatible with all websites – e.g., does not do Flash video.
• Does not do true multitasking
• No built in video camera

Advantages Of MacBook Air

• Small, easy to carry and convenient to use
• Has a real keyboard
• Can run all the same software as any other Mac
• Has a built-in video camera

Disadvantages Of MacBook Air

• Not as fast as a higher-end Mac computer
• Does not have a built in DVD/CD drive
• Fewer external ports, no Firewire Port
• Does not have the “Fun” factor of the iPad

The Final Decision

The Decision was a tough one.  I had to decide what I really wanted and needed the computer for.

Both devices are very small and easy to carry, yet big enough to easily read and be functional.  The question came down to whether I needed the power of a full computer or could get by with the sexy, fun, gadget-like device.

Since I already had a full featured desktop at home, when will I use the laptop/iPad?  I always tell myself I want to be able to work and do everything I need from a coffee shop or when traveling, but in reality do I do that?

I sat down, looked at all the applications on my current laptop and went through them one by one to see which I have used on my recent trips.

After much soul searching, I finally decided: Yes, I want to have the flexibility and freedom to do what I want, when I want, where I want.  The MacBook Air is a great device.  I bought that for now, and someday will hopefully get an iPad 2.0 or later when all the bugs are worked out and it has more of the features I want/need.

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Cheers,
Richard

I am so excited!  Apple officially announced it’s newest version of the iPhone operating system, the OS4, and it’s latest version of the iPhone, the iPhone 4G.

It looks like they are calling them the iOS4 and iPhone 4.

I talked about this in a previous post:

New iPhone OS4 & 4G

You can also get more information from the Apple site itself at:

iOS4 Software Update and iPhone 4, iPhone 4 Notify Me

The new iPhone4 can be pre-ordered starting June 15th and will be available starting June 24th. The date for the new iOS4 is still unknown.

Cheers,
Richard

AT&T announced a new feature for the iPhone, as well as a new data plan for the iPhone and other SmartPhones.

Hopefully this will be a good thing, but in reality, only time will tell.  For most of us, this should end up saving us some money.

First, the data changes to the data plan rate structure:

Currently – At least with the iPhone, you are required to get an unlimited data

New Options -
a) Data Plus – 200 MB of data for $15/month. Additional 200MB for another $15.
b) DataPro – 2GB of data for $25/month. Additional 1 GB of data for $10.

AT&T claims that the Data Plus plan is more than sufficient for 65% of the iPhone/SmartPhone users, and the DataPro plan is good for 98% of the iPhone/SmartPhone users.  In theory, that means that 65% of the users will save $15/month and the remaining 33% will save $5/month.  What can possibly be wrong with that?

TETHERING

The new feature that is being offered on the iPhone is Tethering.  The phone has always had this feature, but AT&T is only now allowing it to be used.  Simply put, tethering is the ability to share the phone’s network connection with another device, such as a laptop computer or iPad.

c) Tethering – Additional $20/month for DataPro customers. (That’s right, you need to sign up for the DataPro data plan to be able to use tethering)

NOTES:
1) All new SmartPhone/iPhone contracts will require you sign up for either the DataPlus or DataPro plans.  The unlimited Data Plan is no longer available for new contracts.  This is the current understanding.  The actual details are not announced yet.
2) You can easily check your data usage by logging into your account on www.wireless.att.com
3) Keep in mind, that once you tether your phone to a laptop or iPad, your data usage is likely to take a quantum jump up.  So be careful to keep track of your usage when you first make the switch and enable tethering.

I hope this helps clarify and keep you up to date.

Cheers,
Richard

If you have an Apple iPhone or iPod Touch or know someone who does, you have probably already heard the news, rumors, excitement, and buzz about the new Operating System (OS) that is coming out.

Now, keep in mind that until Apple actually officially releases the new OS everything you read or hear about the new OS4 is just rumor and conjecture. It is highly likely to change.

Before I get into the new features, let me explain a few of the basics:

1: What is an OS4? – An OS is an Operating System. The operating system is simply the software that runs the phone itself.  It is the software platform upon which the user interface and all the applications run.
2: The difference between OS4 and 4G. – The OS is the operating system.  It is software based.  Another way to put it is, it is the code or instructions that runs on the hardware.  In comparison, hardware is the physical device.  Since the software is just code or instructions, it can be easily upgraded and changed over time, simply by downloading it onto the phone. Frequently, it is upgraded by the manufacturer as they make improvements.  It is up to the manufacturer to decide whether they want to charge you for those changes or not.  Since hardware is the physical device, if you want to get the latest changes you need to get a new device.  You have to physically change the device you hold in your hand.  Thus, manufacturers or suppliers usually charge for the new version.

In specific, If you already have an iPhone or iPod Touch, it is probably running OS3, or the third version of the Operating System software.  There have been several tweaks and minor updates to this version of software over the past year or two.  In June, Apple is expected to release Its next major upgrade, OS4.  This version of the OS has some really cool and exciting features.

Apple is also expected to release a new version of the hardware in June.  This will be the 4th generation of the hardware.  It has some really cool new features also!

To get ALL the benefits of the new OS4, you will need the 4G version of the iPhone or iPod Touch.  However, if you already have a 3G or 3Gs version of the hardware, you will get many of the benefits of the new OS.

I will highlight some of the new features here:

Apple iPhone / iPod Touch OS4

• Multitasking – This is one of the most exciting new features.  Multitasking is the ability to run multiple programs at once.  This feature already exists in a limited form, but will be greatly expanded in this new release.  The neat thing is, they claim they have done it in a very special way that will not slow it down significantly or consume excessively more battery power. This feature will only be available on the iPhone 3Gs and iPod Touch 3G (and, of course, newer versions).
• Application Folders – This is a really nice/convenience feature. It is the ability to organize your applications into categories. For instance, you can group all your social networking applications into one folder, your financial programs into another folder, etc…  This is not a big deal if you have only a few programs, but if you have a lot, such as I do, it can be significant.  Let me clarify: Currently, to find an application, I either have to scroll through pages to find that application or I need to go to Spotlight, remember the name, and start typing the name.  In contrast, with folders, I should be able to go to my home page, click on the appropriate folder and find all the applications in one place that will fit my needs.
• A New Mail Application – The new mail application will have a unified Inbox, fast Inbox switching, and threaded emails.  If you only have one email account, this is not a big deal.  But if you have multiple accounts, this is a huge convenience.  The biggest benefit here is that you can see all your email at once or view each email account separately.  It is your choice.  See my previous post: Email on the iPhone vs the Blackberry. These changes further closes the gap between the iPhone and the blackberry for business users.
• Fast Application Switching -  Quicker switching between tasks and a better ability to resume an application where you left off, after closing it.
• Game Center – Apple will introduce a centralized gaming service where players can connect to other players in a multiplayer network. This is similar to the Xbox Live and PSN.
• iBooks – This is a trickle down from the iPad.  In addition to reading your Kindle books, you can also buy and read your iBooks. Yes, you can download the books you already bought on your iPad too.
• 5x Digital Zoom – This is the ability to zoom in on a subject before you take a picture.  It is already available with applications such as Free Zoom, but it is nice to have it built into the main camera program.  Don’t confuse digital zoom with optical zoom.  Digital zoom is uses software to extrapolate what the camera sees and expand a certain portion. Optical zoom uses the lens to zoom in on the subject. As a result, it is very convenient, but the quality is not as good as with optical zoom. Most digital cameras have a combination of both optical and digital zoom.
• Bluetooth Keyboard – The iPhone will be able to use a wireless keyboard.
• Other – There are many other changes and enhancements to the operating system.  These are the ones I found most significant.

Apple iPhone / iPod Touch 4G

Unlike the new OS4 release, Apple has not announced the 4G.  Everything about it is conjecture with two caveats: 1) Apple has a history of announcing new versions of the iPhone in June and releasing them in July and 2) an Apple employee “accidentally” left a prototype of the iPhone 4g in a bar, someone found it and sold it to Gizmodo.

• Additional Front Facing Camera – for video chats.
• Improved Main Camera - on the back
• Flash for the Camera – for low light and night pictures.
• Micro SIM Card – Like on the iPad, instead of the regular SIM card found on the current iPhone. This is the card that you can slip from one phone to another and identifies it as yours, with your phone number etc.
• Improved Display – much higher resolution, clearer, crisper images.
• Secondary Mic – possibly for improved noise cancellation, e.g. better pick-up  & less feedback.
• Misc Body Changes – it looks like the physical casing of the phone and some of the buttons have changed, but it is really too soon to tell.

To get more information, you can go to Apple’s site, or do a Google search on Apple iPhone OS4 or Apple iPhone 4G.

I hope this helps you understand Apple’s planned new iPhone adn iPod Touch offerings.

Cheers,
Richard

My wife recently went on a trip to China and accidentally lost our handy little pocket sized digital camera. It was a good quality Panasonic point and shoot camera. One of the nice things about it was that it had a really nice lens, with good optical zoom.

Well, right after she got back, I left for a trip back east for my high school reunion. I wanted to bring a small camera, so I had to get a new one, but I did not have the luxury of researching the different options. I stopped in Costco on the way to the airport to quickly pick one up.

They had a daunting selection, but I did not have a lot of time. After looking at the selection, I quickly narrowed it down to one, made my choice, and made it to the airport on time. Fortunately, I am very happy with my choice. Here is what I bought, and the thought process that went into my selection. Continue Reading »

Apple’s iPad 3G is now here.  That is right, for those of you that have been waiting for it, you can now get it.

But if you are like the large majority of us, you are wondering whether the more expensive 3G version is really worth the added expense. You are asking yourself, and your friends: “Should I get an iPad 3G?”

I have read many reviews and people’s comments on those reviews.  It is great to see all the controversy over the topic.  There are opinions, excuses, conjectures and insults.

But, in my mind the issue is really simple. Continue Reading »