Archos 101 Unboxing!

My unit finally came in today and I am extremely pleased. I am not writing a review yet, just posting some unboxing pics.
Without looking under the hood, though, this puts the galaxy tab to shame. Its a beautiful looking device and 10 inches of goodness too!

Motorola Tablet Commercial --> Honeycomb Android

Very cool commercial teasing people hungry for an Android Tablet:

Google Maps 5.0 opens door to 3D mapping!

Google has just dropped Maps 5.0 into the Android Market!

Archos 101 tablet

I just bought at jrmusic online an Archos 101 table to compare to Galaxy Tab.
10.1 Inches!!!!
$299 For 8gb
no gps though. Not a deal breaker though.
Comparison to follow.

Ps. If you decide to get email me I found a ten dollar coupon.

New Airport X-Ray Machines: Open Letter to Congressman Waxman From One of Our Loyal Readers

A friend of mine sent me this letter regarding the airport security - x-ray machine -situation:

Dear Mr. Waxman,

When I was a child going through Los Angeles public education I remember being taught about the great patriots that throughout our nation's history had the courage to stand up and defend the rights of their fellow Americans.  I remember learning about such heroes as Rosa Parks and Dr. King, who through their courage helped end oppressive government policies and ensure that the United States of America was truly the land of the free.  Individual citizens like them helped me to understand why our nation was also called the "home of the brave". One of the lessons that I learned from these individuals through my government-sponsored public education was that it is the responsibility of every individual citizen to stand up for the rights of others and to defend the values of American liberty.  

I am greatly distressed by what is currently happening at our nation's airports.  Next week I will be among the millions of Americans who will travel to visit family for the upcoming holiday and am dreading my upcoming experience.  My wife is pregnant with our first child and by no means will we allow her to be subjected to body scanning radiation or allow the TSA to put our unborn child at risk.  We are both religious Jews and the grandchildren of Holocaust survivors and are also dreading the experience of having to be touched inappropriately by government agents as a punishment for our not wishing to subject ourselves to potentially-dangerous radiation.  (Remember, they used to say it was perfectly safe to X-ray children's feet to size shoes, and let's not forget about the drugs that the government declared safe only to find out 10 or 15 years down the line they were in fact quite dangerous).

I believe that our airports and public places must be secured to the greatest degree possible.  I understand and agree that it is the role of the government to ensure the safety of its citizens.  However, I strongly believe that the current safety measures are unnecessarily invasive and offer little more than pseudo-security meant only to make those of feeble mind and limited critical thinking abilities feel comfortable and complacent.  

I find it ironic that naked radiation body scanners and physical near-prison-style pat downs are considered perfectly acceptable and appropriate means by which to secure our airports, yet simple behavioral profiling somehow crosses the arbitrary line of excessive intrusiveness.  How is it that asking someone who they are and why they are flying, and having a trained professional study their body language and analyze their responses, is an un-American tactic but allowing body scanning and intimate touching is perfectly acceptable?  It's okay for someone to look at my naked body or touch our private areas so long as they don't ask me why I'm traveling?  Have we all gone mad?

There is no doubt that we must secure our airports and protect our citizens.  However we must go about doing so intelligently and in a manner that guards against creating a police state.  We cannot sacrifice our core values as a nation in exchange for empty rhetoric that says it's for our own good.  Many in government argued that separate lunch counters and water fountains were also for our own good.  Do you agree with those practices as well?  The individuals today who are protesting the TSA, body scanners, and pat downs are simply fulfilling their duty as Americans and I encourage you to fulfill yours as our elected representative.

Come next week my wife and I will opt out of body scanning and will be forced to subject ourselves to embarrassing 'enhanced' screening techniques. I will keep in mind that the TSA is feeling around in the dark and experimenting on us to try and find ways to keep us safe.  I'll keep in mind that they mean well but are simply misguided.  I'll remember that Israel figured this out 50 years ago and is laughing at our attempts to reinvent the wheel by wasting money on expensive technology while the human solution has been proven to be the most effective. I'll keep in mind that Janet Napolitano and President Obama will never have to subject themselves to such indignity.  And I'll keep in mind how you respond to this issue come your next election cycle.

Sincerely and respectfully yours,

*Anonymous*

A couple of accompanying videos:



AND:

Google launches improved mobile editor for Google Docs

Source: BGR: http://www.bgr.com/2010/11/17/google-launches-improved-mobile-editor-for-google-docs/

Yay, Finally!!

More Tablet Comparisons: Blackberry Playbook v. iPad

RIM recently posted a comparison between its Playbook and the iPad. iPad's biggest problem, per the video, was lack of flash and slow rendering of javascript and html5.
Personally, after using the Galaxy Tab for a few days, size is still a big issue, 7" is too small for a tablet.

Reckless Racing

Update: Very disappointed in this game.

New Google phone

http://twitpic.com/37793s

Facebook's New Messaging System

http://mashable.com/2010/11/15/facebook-messages-video/

What do you think?

Galaxy Tab from T-Mobile

Get the Samsung Galaxy Tab - Or Hold Off??

I am usually quick at getting the latest cool gadgets. But I never got the iPad since I couldn't justify it. I literally had no use for it. At work I am in front of my computer, at home, there is a computer in the living room, I have a spare laptop if I need to take it in my bedroom. On the go, I have my Droid X.

Where would a tablet fit in?

I don't know if I am looking for justification or an excuse to get one, but I have a real reason now:

At work, my desk is "L" Shapeed. I face the client, and when I need to use the computer I face the short end of the "L".

When I have a new client and I input the case information into my new case management site (designed by http://www.pandioncorp.com/). But it is annoying and inconvenient to keep turning my neck and/or chair 90 degrees to bounce back and forth between the client and computer.

Why not have a tablet in between myself and the client!?

Considering the client software is web based, both the iPad or the Galaxy Tab would work.

After looking at the below video, the only real advantage the iPad has is the bigger screen. When not entering new client information, I could dock the Tab and use it as a dedicated email screen instead of my main screen. So many uses......



What do you think?

Where the he'll is Froyo on the X

http://www.droid-life.com/2010/09/17/so-droid-x-2-2-update-whats-the-deal/

Upgraded To Droid X

I did an even money trade. Traded my Droid Incredible for a Droid X... stay tuned for updates...

Launcher Pro Plus

After all the hype about home screen launchers, I decided to give it a go with LauncherPro Plus. And I'm happy I did it.
You ask: But I was happy with HTC Sense UI!?
I say: You think your satisfied until you see something better....

Such customization, wow!
I'm not even going to list all the features... just try it!

Finally a BBM ish type chat for Android/iPhone/BB cross platform!

Why is it better than Google Talk? It has groups (that work), can embed video, pics, audio... Super fast messaging.... delivery confirmations....


Click here from your Android device:
http://market.android.com/details?id=com.enflick.android.ping


More info or other platforms:\
http://pingchat.com/#

How was I a Blackberry Addict?

I cant believe how I was once such a blackberry follower. Once I went Android I have never looked back. I roll my eyes every time I see a bb post on here, since this site is all about new and innovative technology… Its like watching a sports game recorded from 2 years ago instead of watching the superbowl live…

Google Chrome to Phone

Do you use Google Chrome? Check
Do you use an Android Device running 2.2 Froyo? Check


Welcome Google Chrome to Phone!


Transfer websites/phone numbers/maps directly from your Chrome browser --> Phone Browser. With one click!

More Voice Search Functionality!

If you have Froyo installed, 
Head over to: http://googlemobile.blogspot.com/2010/08/just-speak-it-introducing-voice-actions.html

Speak any of these commands to perform a Voice Action on your phone:

• send text to [contact] [message]
• listen to [artist/song/album]
• call [business]
• call [contact]
• send email to [contact] [message]
• go to [website]
• note to self [note]
• navigate to [location/business name]
• directions to [location/business name]
• map of [location]

And of course, you can still conduct a Google search using your voice.

Source: http://googlemobile.blogspot.com/2010/08/just-speak-it-introducing-voice-actions.html

Blackberry Poor Attempt at Advertising

Was watching Entourage & had to post this clip... BB attempting to advertise. Reallllly poor. http://bit.ly/c0UdBc

Blackberry Rim Attempt at Advertising on HBO's Entourage

I was an avid blackberry user for so many years... I bailed before the ship started to sink. I can't help but feel bad when I see RIM struggling. Especially with ads like this. "Technology is amazing"!!??

My Favorite Android Apps

As you all know, my Android device of choice is the HTC Droid Incredible by Verizon Wireless.
Here is a list of my favorite apps with brief description. Not particularly in order. I would definitely classify these as "must have" apps:

Advanced Task Killer - Set it to auto kill all or specific apps. Especially important if you still have junk apps that come preloaded with your phone. (I removed my junk apps after rooting)

Locale - profile changes depending on location or time. Many many options. Look up details in market. 
I also downloaded the Locale "shortcut" plugin which allows certain events to make other events happen. IE: when you plug in the phone to charger, a certain app will appear (I set to clock). OR at 7:00, let the weather app appear... VERY useful.


Handcent sms - great replacement sms app. Main feature is popup of new sms


Scanner Radio - Listen to local or any live scanner audio feed. Almost any live feed that is on radioreference.com. 


TIKL - PTT app


Battery Indicator - tells you how much percent left, in the top notification bar.


Evernote - Syncs notes, voicenotes, or picture with the web or a pc app that you download.


Qik video - become your own anchorman. broadcast LIVE STREAMING VIDEO to the web at your personal web address.


ALL APPS, NOT NECESSARILY FROM MY DEVICE:

Cool safe

FROYO for Droid Incredible!

All those interested in 2.2 for the DROID INCREDIBLE ONLY, you can download it now, whether you are rooted or not. (After this process you will be rooted though)
Instructions here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=737400
Some very cool updates, to name a few:
HTC Flashlight, FM Radio widget, Calculator widget, SMS widget, Sync all widget, profile widgets, 3g mobile hotspot, App sharing program, messaging app changed a bit, 720p recording (Droid Incredible, built in flash on camcorder

MORE INFO:
http://www.droid-life.com/2010/07/28/impressions-of-android-2-2-for-the-droid-incredible/

Froyo 2.2 Coming Friday?

Droid-Life.com reporting that 2.2 will be arriving for Droid Inc, DX, and Droid 1 on Friday...
http://www.droid-life.com/2010/07/26/rumor-android-2-2-hitting-droid1-incredible-and-droid-x-next-friday/

UPDATE 1:

Well FROYO came. I'm pretty impressed. There are a ton of cool things that all the big boy blogs mention. One thing I haven't seen int he write ups: "User Dictionary" for auto correct. MUCH easier to edit these. 

One thing I am not fond of: Auto rotate in all 4 directions. I mean its cool, but there should be a setting to disable it. For example, if I'm in bed and I am viewing the screen on a slight angle and it rotates, it screws everything off. I would even like a widget that would switch it on/off....

Is Blackberry Browser Catching Up?

Oh no, I sure hope not. I finally got away from my beloved blackberry. So please don't draw me back.

Salomondrin.net displays a BB 9800 slider browser speed test and the browser tests beat iPhone and Android?? No way. My bet is that even if the browser (by Webkit) is finally overhauled, the rest of OS 6.0 will still be under par! 



Source: http://www.salomondrin.net/2010/07/18/blackberry-webkit-browser-vs-android-and-iphone/

Testing Qik video at the racetrack

What better way to test Qik video frame rate while at the racetrack...
Well, it almost worked. Someone texted me (with popup notifications not disabled) and it turned down the Qik video during the race...
Didn't miss too much though, because before any of the green laps started some genius crashed and it was all cancelled.

iPhone vs Samsung Vibrant (Galaxy S) vs HTC Droid Incredible

First Round: A Look At The Hardware...

bye bye iPhone

one day there was a little boy and he was the coolest kid in town. he thought he'd show everyone how to do cool things. then the new kid showed up. he was pretty cool but people were nervous to embrace the new kid. then the new kid was able to do stuff that the old kid couldn't do. the old kid kept trying to change the way he looked to remain popular but then one day when he just changed his hairstyle and was showing off some tricks, he forgot to learn how to walk! he tried, but after a few steps he kept falling down. the boys papa was in denial until one day he realized that the old cool kid was finished. and it was on friday, july 16, 2010 when papa told the old cool kid to come home...

HTC Droid Incredible vs. Blackberry Tour

My initial perspective after only a few hours using the Incredible:
See, Blackberry is awesome in core functions, such as messaging, calendar, etc. I've tried several times leaving Blackberry moving to the iPhone, Moto Droid, and now this. The thing is, nothing will ever be as good as Blackberry for messaging. This match up comes real close - my initial: I think the pros of the Incredible outweight the cons of the antiquated BB OS. More in depth review coming...

Update 1:

Battery on Incredible is horrible. With moderate usage, battery depleted 100% from 6AM until 1145AM. (Wifi/Bluetooth enabled) with minimal (under 5 minutes) voice usage. I almost think that I got a defective battery...

Update 2:

The battery was draining at about 30% an hour. This was even with data turned off, and ZERO usage. There must have been something wrong with that specific unit. Did not help even with a replacement battery.

Update 3:

So I just got my replacement unit and I'm relieved to find out that the battery issue is resolved. Only -30% with about 5 1/2 hours of moderate usage. Wifi/Bluetooth and push apps running. I love this phone...

Update 4: (7/15/10)

Thanks to Unrevoked, my Incredible is now rooted. First order of business: delete City ID, Footprints, and some other garbage the DI comes packaged with.