- I find the GPS on the device practically useless. It takes so long to get in sync with the Sat, you might as well just type in the address manually.
- When the apps start to act up, they don't close gracefully. It seems like the apps create memory leaks that the OS does not recover from. The only way to get it back is a reboot. Feels like you are using Windows 98.
- Windows Live Mobile is fucking awesome. It's actually stable, and one of those uber functional apps. I would actually call it the killer app for Windows Mobile devices. You'll be far less annoyed with using a stylus when that little stick gets you a ton of information you'd have to download a half dozen iPhone apps to get.
If I was a better typer, I'd probably love the iPhone. But a dedicated keyboard is a must have feature for me, and given that need... This phone is fairly solid. Personally I think I'd prefer the X1 keyboard though. I think they nailed the form factor.
Showing posts with label Phones. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Phones. Show all posts
November 25, 2008
November 17, 2008
Running Phones?
So as I noted on twitter, I got this new phone. It's decent... but is it better than an iPhone... I feel no, and My reasons are below.
Bottom line, it all comes down to Windows Mobile. After 2 or three selections, eventually you end up in a platform that look uncannily like Windows NT 4.0. Several dialog boxes come up, and they are extremely small. Fairly annoying actually. They are small enough for the phone to include a stylus, like a old palm device. That gives you an idea. I can't use it with fingers alone.
Also, let's be honest, the apps just aren't there, and all the attention is going to Android and the iPhone OS. If you want 3rd party support, looking to Palm, OpenMoko, or WinMo... is just lacking. Even Blackberry is lacking in that regard.
I'm probably going to hate the keyboard, but I'll learn to live with it. Because don't get me wrong, I like the hardware keyboard of the Fuze. I think Sprint's version has a even better keyboard, but hardware is better than not. Also, the 3r party support is decent. It's just that third party apps rarely have the shine that iPhone apps do. And beyond what's currently out, there's more development forthcoming on the iPhone than WinMo. Since I will have this phone for 2 years, I don't want to be stuck with yesterday's apps. Looking for a nice blogging app, I know they are out there, I just want a good one. Also have to download and try a podcatcher app.
Also how the phone switches view modes by using the keyboard as an activator rocks. This is actually common on a slider phone, but when someone nails it perfectly, you have to admit they nailed it.
The Marathon
Glad I finally did it. Finished 1830th overall,with a time of 4 hours, 43 minutes. I fell apart during the second half of the race. My first 13 mile split was under 2 hrs. But I know I can run it, and I know a little bit what to expect. I want to do one in the spring, and then get ready for Richmond again in the fall of next year. I really want to break 4 hours before the end of 2009. I think that is possible. Also I want to run a 40 minute 10K.
Of course, thanks to my brother... all I could think of during the whole race was don't be like this guy. I love my brother.
I tried Mozy for the Mac, and it messed up my OS. Had to use Time Machine to restore my computer from the backup doing some damage to the file system. Thanks. For Nothing.
Bottom line, it all comes down to Windows Mobile. After 2 or three selections, eventually you end up in a platform that look uncannily like Windows NT 4.0. Several dialog boxes come up, and they are extremely small. Fairly annoying actually. They are small enough for the phone to include a stylus, like a old palm device. That gives you an idea. I can't use it with fingers alone.
Also, let's be honest, the apps just aren't there, and all the attention is going to Android and the iPhone OS. If you want 3rd party support, looking to Palm, OpenMoko, or WinMo... is just lacking. Even Blackberry is lacking in that regard.
I'm probably going to hate the keyboard, but I'll learn to live with it. Because don't get me wrong, I like the hardware keyboard of the Fuze. I think Sprint's version has a even better keyboard, but hardware is better than not. Also, the 3r party support is decent. It's just that third party apps rarely have the shine that iPhone apps do. And beyond what's currently out, there's more development forthcoming on the iPhone than WinMo. Since I will have this phone for 2 years, I don't want to be stuck with yesterday's apps. Looking for a nice blogging app, I know they are out there, I just want a good one. Also have to download and try a podcatcher app.
Also how the phone switches view modes by using the keyboard as an activator rocks. This is actually common on a slider phone, but when someone nails it perfectly, you have to admit they nailed it.
The Marathon
Glad I finally did it. Finished 1830th overall,with a time of 4 hours, 43 minutes. I fell apart during the second half of the race. My first 13 mile split was under 2 hrs. But I know I can run it, and I know a little bit what to expect. I want to do one in the spring, and then get ready for Richmond again in the fall of next year. I really want to break 4 hours before the end of 2009. I think that is possible. Also I want to run a 40 minute 10K.
Of course, thanks to my brother... all I could think of during the whole race was don't be like this guy. I love my brother.
I tried Mozy for the Mac, and it messed up my OS. Had to use Time Machine to restore my computer from the backup doing some damage to the file system. Thanks. For Nothing.
October 27, 2008
Long term gain, short term loss.
Best Buy is carrying the Touch Pro now, and it's the most awesome hardware out there on the market. While I like the tabs of the Sony Xperia X1 (reminds me of some funky Linux windows management GUI), the accelerometer of the iPhone 3G (awesome for gaming), or the Storm (feedback + multitouch?!??!?!?! how insane is that), the Touch Pro is straight business. That's the best looking keyboard I've seen on a phone. Combine it with a GUI that does a decent job of hiding the garbage that is WinMo, a VGA screen, good touch ability, as much 3rd party support as the iPhone, it's God damn awesome. A bit pricey at $300 (or $750 unlocked WTF?). Chances are though I will end up waiting for the AT&T version, so I can move into the corporate account. But it has to be available in just a few days, especially with word that Verizon is getting their version ready as well.
Saw W last night. Like it overall. Was a bit overboard with the psychodrama. The dreams at the end were weak and overbearing. It's like Oliver Stone wanted to beat down stupid people with the message "Our President has daddy issues! We went to war becuase his daddy has daddy issues!" But the portrayals were spot on. That alone worth makes it watching. It jumps around in time a lot, but it serves the movie well. I was under the impression that the various quotes (like Powell's "you break it you buy it" or Tenet's "Slam Dunk") were all in different contexts, but the way the movie keeps the principles together gives you the "internal debate" feel that Bush probably had in his head. As storytelling, it's a effective way to make dozens of different meetings and arguements into a single movie. Oh, and I love Powell v. Cheney. Speaking of Powell, every lne was like "When I was with your dad..." or "Your Dad would have done..." and that seemed disingenuous. I don't recall any biography that refers to Powell constantly referencing Bush 41 that way. Might have done it once or twice IRL, but he did it like a dozen times or more.
Starting to run again, just in time for the big race. It's gonna hurt. Bad.
I'm working the polls this year. Actually, I'll be in City Hall, working with the CAP Central Absentee Prescient. If you live in the city, and mailed in your absentee ballot, there's a decent chance I'll be the one opening the envelop and making sure it counts on election day. It's actually a pretty cool little way to give back to the community. Think of people like Ashley in Michigan, or people in the military, I'll get to make sure people who signed up to defend this country actually have a voice in its government. Kick Ass. But working from 5:30AM to 10PM or 11PM doesn't. Still, it's personally refreshing to see that these ballots actually get counted in the same day totals, and not added in as an after thought for the final tally at Wikipedia.
Learned a lot about the voting process, provisional ballots, etc. Personally, I don't think the system is a fraught with problems as some activists would have you believe. On one hand, there are people who want to win, and will use the rules to their advantage. On the other hand, you're dealing with the public which didn't attend an all day class on a Saturday to review the ins and outs of federal and state election law. So I understand people's concern. All I can say is show up early, expect to wait a little bit, bring a government issued ID, be polite to everyone around you, and don't carry or wear any material referring to the campaign or election to the poll booth.
I never really finished my post on Goldman, but I'm at a loss as to who to vote for Mayor. The last candidate discussion is tomorrow, and I'll be at the Library of Virginia for it. Hopefully someone will stick out. Otherwise... probably just skip that part of the ballot, or vote for the person who is last in the polls to help insure a runoff.
Saw W last night. Like it overall. Was a bit overboard with the psychodrama. The dreams at the end were weak and overbearing. It's like Oliver Stone wanted to beat down stupid people with the message "Our President has daddy issues! We went to war becuase his daddy has daddy issues!" But the portrayals were spot on. That alone worth makes it watching. It jumps around in time a lot, but it serves the movie well. I was under the impression that the various quotes (like Powell's "you break it you buy it" or Tenet's "Slam Dunk") were all in different contexts, but the way the movie keeps the principles together gives you the "internal debate" feel that Bush probably had in his head. As storytelling, it's a effective way to make dozens of different meetings and arguements into a single movie. Oh, and I love Powell v. Cheney. Speaking of Powell, every lne was like "When I was with your dad..." or "Your Dad would have done..." and that seemed disingenuous. I don't recall any biography that refers to Powell constantly referencing Bush 41 that way. Might have done it once or twice IRL, but he did it like a dozen times or more.
Starting to run again, just in time for the big race. It's gonna hurt. Bad.
I'm working the polls this year. Actually, I'll be in City Hall, working with the CAP Central Absentee Prescient. If you live in the city, and mailed in your absentee ballot, there's a decent chance I'll be the one opening the envelop and making sure it counts on election day. It's actually a pretty cool little way to give back to the community. Think of people like Ashley in Michigan, or people in the military, I'll get to make sure people who signed up to defend this country actually have a voice in its government. Kick Ass. But working from 5:30AM to 10PM or 11PM doesn't. Still, it's personally refreshing to see that these ballots actually get counted in the same day totals, and not added in as an after thought for the final tally at Wikipedia.
Learned a lot about the voting process, provisional ballots, etc. Personally, I don't think the system is a fraught with problems as some activists would have you believe. On one hand, there are people who want to win, and will use the rules to their advantage. On the other hand, you're dealing with the public which didn't attend an all day class on a Saturday to review the ins and outs of federal and state election law. So I understand people's concern. All I can say is show up early, expect to wait a little bit, bring a government issued ID, be polite to everyone around you, and don't carry or wear any material referring to the campaign or election to the poll booth.
I never really finished my post on Goldman, but I'm at a loss as to who to vote for Mayor. The last candidate discussion is tomorrow, and I'll be at the Library of Virginia for it. Hopefully someone will stick out. Otherwise... probably just skip that part of the ballot, or vote for the person who is last in the polls to help insure a runoff.
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