Traveling - Then and Now

The way we travel has changed significantly.  And I don't just mean from a long, long time ago when we traveled by horse and buggy.

 

I don't even mean those family vacations we took when we were kids and played all those backseat games with our family.  Remember keeping track of how many out of state license tags you could spot?

And I'm not even talking about back when flying was fun.

Nope, I mean in just a very short time.

Our traveling has changed from loading up the car with this -

and this -

and this -

to this -

Don't you love it?!

Everything.  On one sleek and slim piece of technology.

Books, music, games, videos, and movies.  All right here. 

Want to store some of your favorite photos to show folks?  They have never looked sharper than they look on an iPad.  

All this, along with the convenience of checking email and browsing the web.  

Want to read a magazine or a newspaper?  Right here.  

Want to tour a museum?  Yep, that too.  

Want to know the answer to the most frequently asked question on any car trip - Maps will not only give you directions on where you're going and tell you how long it'll be before you get there, it can even (in some cases) show you a satellite picture of your final destination and give you a little bit of information about it.

  

Several of you have written since I did my earlier series of iPad posts asking me if I still love it and many want to know what applications I've added.

I do still love it.

One of the first things I bought for it wasn't an application, but a cover for it.  As much as I love the sleek sexy  design, I was worried about it getting scratched up.  I wanted to protect the screen and the metal casing, so I bought a package of screen protectors, and a pretty red leather cover (which I found on sale for a really really good price by doing some comparison shopping on-line).

As far as applications go, there are TONS of freebies out there.  And if you keep an eye on the AppStore and AppAdvice you can snag some apps that are free, or deeply discounted, for a short time only.

But you may as well face it, you are going to spend some money on books, on movies, and on music.  And on apps.  You're just not going to be able to help yourself.  Just go ahead and add the figure you're comfortable with into your monthly budget.  Just saying . . .

Here are some of the applications I love.

My favorite?

It's a silly little fun guy called Talking Tom Cat.  Yep.  My very favorite.  Tom the Talking Cat is a scream.

Here's a description from iTunes Preview:  "Tom is your pet cat, that responds to your touch and repeats everything you say with a funny voice. You can pet him, poke him or grab his tail.

Record your own videos of Tom, save them to your library and send them as MMS, share them on YouTube & Facebook or send them by email."

Another "just for fun" app I like is Pottery HD, which allows you to "create" your own virtual pottery, decorate it and even virtually sell it.

You get the idea - there are so many game applications it will blow your mind.

Books.

I was one of those who swore she'd never turn her back on "real" books.  Well, I haven't.  But I have embraced the wide world of eBooks in addition to my real books. 

In addition to iBooks, I've downloaded the Kindle App and the Nook App.  Again, you can find a lot of freebies.  Don't forget to check out the wonderful Project Gutenberg for over 33,000 free ebooks.  Another feature I love about ebooks is the ability to download free samples.  If you hear about a book you think you want, read the free sample before buying it to see if it's one you really want.  I'm using this a lot to check out "new to me" authors, and to catch up on some backlists.

We've all had one of those instances that we really wanted to access a document only to realize it's on "that other computer."  Take a gander at Dropbox.  From the Dropbox home page: "Dropbox allows you to sync your files online and across your computers automatically.  It allows you to backup your files on-line.  A copy of your files is stored on Dropbox's secure servers. This lets you access them from any computer or mobile device. Dropbox uses military grade encryption methods to both transfer and store your data. A free application for iPhone, iPad, BlackBerry, and Android that lets you access and manage your Dropbox on the go. Shared folders allow several people to collaborate on the same files. Automatically create shareable online photo galleries out of regular folders."  What can I say - it's great!

Another favorite is Evernote, which is very similar in that you can access your files from any of your computers or phones.  The first thing I did with Evernote was switch about 300 notes (a lot of recipes) from my Palm to this program so they would be on my iPad and my laptop.  It's an easily searchable program and,  for me, the perfect place for quick notes and little memos. 

AND - you can also put Dragon Dictation on your iPad.  This from iTunes Preview: "Dragon Dictation is an easy-to-use voice recognition application powered by Dragon® NaturallySpeaking® that allows you to easily speak and instantly see your text or email messages. In fact, it’s up to five (5) times faster than typing on the keyboard. With Dragon Dictation you can also dictate status updates directly to your Social Networking applications (Facebook and Twitter) or send notes and reminders to yourself….all using your voice.  So when you’re on-the-go, stop typing and start speaking – from short text messages to longer email messages, and anything in between. Dragon Dictation supports a multitude of global languages. For a full list of currently supported languages visit www.dragonmobileapps.com."

And, if you just want to read a magazine, or a newspaper while you're in the car on this trip - easy peasy.  If the trip is getting kinda dull and you want to drift away for a tour of The Smithsonian or MOMA, they're right there at your fingertips.  Want to tour something other than a museum - well, oTAY - take a virtual tour of Venice, Athens, or Tuscany.  Or you might just need to check your friends' statuses at Facebook . . . 

My New iPad - Final Decision

Was there ever any doubt?

While I've been fiddling around and playing with my new toy I've been wondering about this fascination so many of us have with small electronic gadgets. We stay "connected"  to so much without ever having to leave our chairs.  And we've become somewhat addicted; worried that something might happen that we might miss.  Like little kids who refuse to take a nap for that very same reason.  I can sit down to simply check email, end up at Facebook, play a few words at Wordscaper and Lexulous and the next thing I know, hours have flown by.  I'm not saying this is a good thing, nor am I saying it's a bad thing.  It is, however, oddly different than how I used to spend my free time not too many years ago.  Very different, and at times a little disconcerting, and a bit befuddling.  And . . .  let's not forget   -   it's fun.

And that's the thing about the iPad.  It's fun.

My comments and observations about it will be old hat to those of you who are already using Mac products, particularly the iPad, but to those of us who aren't familiar with the Mac - it's a strange new world.  Some of you who are unfamiliar with Mac have written and asked some specific questions.  Well, novice to novice - I have to admit that I still don't know the answers to a lot of them, but maybe some of what I've learned so far will be helpful. 

I jumped into the iPad with no recent Mac experience.  No iPhone, no iTouch, not even an iPod of my own.  Donald has an iPod and I've contributed my share of music, but I don't have one of my own (or didn't, until now) and have never been real sure how it works.  And that's been O.K. with me - we're both fans of the same music so what we listen to while on car trips, etc. is never a problem.  I have not downloaded any music onto my iPad yet - but I expect that'll be happening pretty soon.

I never wanted an iPhone 'cause I am not a telephone person.  We have a cell phone, but never seem to know where it is until we have to find it when we're going out of town.

I did try an iTouch, but it just didn't speak to me.  I don't know why, and maybe I just didn't give it enough time.  Or maybe it was just smaller than what I wanted.

I was quite happy with my laptop, thank you very much.  

Then I saw the iPad and felt a little stirring.

The size of the iPad is just right.

And the design is sleek and classy.

I like it. 

As I said, I'm still learning and I still have a long way to go, but - there are a couple of friends around who are Mac lovers and they're helping me a lot.  And, of course, as things go - the more you fiddle and play with something, the more you learn.   AND - a huge plus is Apple Technical Support.  Apple has that nailed.  Those folks are what Customer Service is supposed to be all about.  And what it was - once upon a time. 

One thing I think is really pretty terrific is the battery life.  You can work on an iPad for about 10 hours.  The last time I tried working on my laptop using the battery only, the life was only about 2 hours.  I had to be very sparing with my internet usage while we were without power for several days this past winter.

The iPad will not, however, replace my laptop in my day-in, day-out computer use.  I'm in love with my Dell and it's what I'll continue to use for most things.  It has served me well.  For one thing, it's pretty hard to even  imagine trying to post my blogs on my iPad.  I just don't think those are the kinds of things Steve Jobs had in mind when he hatched this latest brainchild of his.

But traveling?  It'll be my iPad all the way.

And, I think it'll even replace my Palm Pilot.

That's a biggie for me.

I know I'm one of the few left with a Palm, and one of the even fewer who loves it.  As I told you in an earlier post, it's been my "back-up brain" for a number of years.  If the iPad does as good a job keeping my calendar and my contacts in good shape, I don't see any reason to maintain it and the Palm.  But before I send my Palm sailing, let's give it some time to see how well I adapt.


Here's some of the things I can do with my new little buddy - - -


I can browse the web, of course.  I can also save web pages to an app called "Offline Pages."  This means if I'm reading a lengthy article and know I'm going to want to continue reading it in an area where I won't be picking up WiFi, I can "save" it to "Offline Pages" and easily continue reading it.  VERY cool.

I can visit with my Facebook friends.  I love that I can change the font size for any reading apps, including Facebook; that's a big plus in my opinion.

I can play games

I can put books in my library (including a copy of The iPad User Guide - Yay!!).  Don't worry, those shelves may look a little bare right now, but I'm sure that'll be changing.  Again, there's the plus of being able to change the font size in books.  AND the font itself.  There were some questions in my mind about how I'd like the reader on the iPad due to the lack of eInk that other eReaders are using.  Honestly?  It hasn't been a problem.  The lighting and the brightness can be adjusted in a wide range.  I'm finding reading to be quite comfortable.   I've been waffling about wanting an eReader, but frankly - with all the other cool things included in the iPad - this one was the one for me.  I've become a lover of these electronic gadgets, but why have several when you can find one that combines so many?  I'm very curious as to what we'll be playing with and using in 10 years - what will replace the iPad?

I love Maps.  It can map directions between locations, of course, and it will show me landmarks along the way.  It will pinpoint a location and show it to me in classic map format, hybrid or terrain format, or a satellite picture (some spots even from a ground location).  I can use it and visit cool places like The Smithsonian. 

All my contacts are here, as are all my calendar events.  I like the crisp look of both of these apps.

And, of course, I can listen to my music, watch movies and videos.  Read newspapers and magazines.  Check the weather.  Receive, read and send email.  Save my pictures here (which look so gorgeous they will just blow you away).  And there are about a million beezillion apps that I haven't even begun to explore.

So, even though I'm still not sure exactly what I'm doing . . . .

I'm having fun learning,

and

My New iPad - Part 3

Yay oh Yay oh Yay!

Spending five minutes on the phone with The Right Mr. Apple Guy proved to be very successful.

All my contacts and all my calendar events now reside on my iPad.

Yay Hooray

We're now working on notes/memos . . .

more later.

Life is good.

My New iPad - Part 2

Donald let me know yesterday was "National Geek Day," insinuating that that might actually be of some importance to me.  ME!  pfft.    (The man is SUCH a smart aleck)

I have to tell you; if anyone had  told me a few years ago that I might in any way, shape or form be in danger of becoming a computer geek (or nerd!  EEK!), I would have just hooted.  But, fact is - I love computers and fritzing around with them.   I hate the phone, so email is my preferred method of contact with the world.  Facebook?  Love it!  It's a terrific source of social interaction for an introvert like me who is easily tired by some social situations.  (note:  No I am NOT shy.  Not in the least, but yes - I am very much an introvert.  As the Myers-Briggs facilitator stated - an introvert can do exceptionally well socially IF it's a social setting of their choosing, with people of their choosing, WHEN they choose it.  Spot on.).  Anyhooo - I digress . . .  for more on how I feel about being an introvert,  you can read an old post here if you're interested.

Back to the computer geeky thing . . .

I am an idiot once I try to move outside my immediate comfort zone of knowledge with computers.  And that is frustrating.

Once I "get" it, everything seems to click into place, but I don't have an aptitude or much  in the way of intuitiveness about it all. 

And to illustrate what I'm saying, here's a little progress report on me and my iPad.

I was able to pretty much set it up all by myself.  Synced it on my work computer with iTunes just as the instructions said and it all went quite well.   Luckily though, I was able to capture my favorite IT guy, and he did help me get my email account set up. 

I immediately went to the App Store and downloaded a few free Apps.  iBooks being the first one (of course).  I did somehow end up with a book downloaded.  I'm not at all sure how that happened, but it's Winnie the Pooh, so who's gonna argue about that?!  But, I need to figure out how that happened so I don't end up with a lot of books I don't want.

And I ordered a carrying case.  Red (oh boy).  It's pretty and I'm excited about getting it, but . . . this calls for a little gripe, I think.  WHY on earth doesn't the new iPad come with a carrying case?  Some sort of case or cover so that the screen doesn't get scratched?!  I'm sorry, but for the cost of these little devils, a case of some kind should, in my opinion, be a given.   Meanwhile, it needs to be stored and carried in the box it came in, and for an extra precaution, also in the plastic wrap it came in.

The next thing I did was copy photographs over from my computer.  I knew there would be duplicates of some because as I save pictures to use here in the blog, or to email to friends and family, I save them with a different name so that when I finish with a particular photo and delete it, I won't be deleting my only copy.  Well,  it took FOREVER for the pictures to copy over and no wonder.  There were duplicates of every single picture and 5 copies of many.  What I "think" happened is that it copied my "My Pictures" folder AND my camera software pictures folder.

All those pictures were going to be eating into space and memory, so I contacted Apple and they quickly helped me out.  They recommended deleting all the pictures and starting over which is exactly what I wanted to do.  I'm going to take some time and carefully choose the photos I want to copy next time.

Regarding contacting Apple.  This deserves high praise.  Apple wins a prize for being the easiest company in the computer industry to get in touch with.  If you go on-line to apple.com support and fill out a short little request and request that they call you back, they do.  Within ONE MINUTE!!  Amazing.  There are many companies that you cannot get in touch with no matter what.  I finally got in touch with one huge computer entity's accounting office just because it was the only phone number I could come up with.  I was then told there was NO technical support in place  -  sorry.   No customer service either.  I was told to check out their on-line FAQ and that should answer all my questions.  (It didn't)

Which brings me to another point.  If you're like me, and not very technically savvy, it's actually pretty difficult to even know the proper questions to ask.  Or is that just me?  For example.

I talked with Apple this morning about how to get all the information from my Palm Zire 72 transferred to my iPad.  All my contacts, calendar events, and miscellaneous notes.

I was told to call Palm support and have them help me.  That they would help me transfer all that into an Outlook file.  Then to get back in touch with Apple and they would help me import it onto my iPad.

I got ahold of Palm, and they understood immediately what I needed.  They took control of my computer (a little scary) and downloaded all the info into a file.  It took a LONG time.

I then called Apple back, gave them the case number from my earlier call and asked if they could help me.  I was, apparently, using all the wrong words and unfortunately, I was talking to someone who was giving me credit for being a whole lot smarter about all this then I am. (or so dumb it wasn't going to work no matter what).

Their answer to all this was that everything needed to be in an Outlook file.  Right.  I agreed.  And it was.  Actuallty, it must have been even before I called Palm because my entries in my Palm Pilot do show up on my computer (after syncing) in Outlook.  I have an Outlook Calendar and my contacts are also there. 

Anyway.  Mr. Apple Guy walked me through to the iTunes sync screen necessary to do what I wanted to do, but it didn't work.  I'm sure we probably could have worked it out, but I was frustrated.  And tired.  Tired and frustrated.  NOT a good time to try to do something when you don't have a clue as to what you're doing.  I started this whole process at about 11:30 a.m., and it was now 3:30 p.m.  I thanked Mr. Apple Guy for his time, said we'd get back to it tomorrow, thank you very much, and hung up.  Truthfully, I'm tempted to just start the long arduous task of entering all that info manually.  But.  I'll just be patient and try again tomorrow.  We'll see how it goes.  I'll let you know.

In the meantime, I have used the iPad for email, and I've used it for Facebook, and I've just kinda wandered around in it a little trying to learn my way around and I'm sure I'm going to love it.  I watched the video guide at apple.com and it's very good, although I do think they could have included a little more.  Or do a second, more in depth version, perhaps.  For example - surely I'm not the only person interested in knowing how to delete photos.  

So.  That's where we are.

I'll continue posting on my progress, so if you're interested, please continue checking back every few days.  AND, please - any of you who have an iPad, please feel free to jump in with hints and suggestions.  Obviously, I'm in need.

Part 3 coming soon . . .

My New iPad - Part 1

You've just met my friend Molly, Queen of Gadgetry.  After reading about what a tech savvy woman she is, I should be embarrassed to tell this.

I have a new iPad.

I do.

I'm excited.

Except, I haven't even taken it out of the box yet 'cause I am totally intimidated by it.  

If you're a Facebook friend, you already know this.  But lots of folks have popped in at Facebook to tell me I don't need to be scared of it, and my friend Jill (who conveniently lives right up the road, AND is the proud owner of an iMac along with being a self-confessed computer nerd) has offered to help me with it.   And Molly has talked me through some of my tentativeness, so I'm slowly getting there.

So.

Stay tuned!

As I get busy and start playing working with this little toy important piece of equipment, I'll keep you posted on how it goes setting it up, how I like it, what I don't like, etc.  And while we're doing this, any of you who can hop in with hints and tips will be MUCH appreciated.  Any iPad stories you care to share?  Good or bad - let's hear 'em!  Do you have particular apps you can recommend?  Some I should avoid? 

I am the total opposite of Molly.  I'm really not much of a gadget person.  My Palm Pilot has been my closest relationship ever with a gadget.  And now, bless its heart, I'm on the verge of leaving it behind (I think) as we transfer all the information I have accumulated on it over the years to the new iPad.  I feel a little bad, and even a bit fickle about all this actually.  I've called my Palm Pilot my "electronic brain," and I've relied on it to be my "back-up brain" for a long time, and it's been very loyal and steadfast.  I have loved it.  And I'm VERY nervous about transferring my life off it onto the iPad.  Wish me luck!  and check back to see how it's coming along!

Part 2 Coming Soon !