Not too much new to report. I've been keeping up with my exercise/practice routine for the most part...3x per week for both. This week was a bit rough with other commitment.
I took last Friday off to build some cables. Most of them went good. Last weekend we visited my parents for Father's day. Saturday was Park Lane rehearsal. Music on the Lawn is coming up in a few days.
We've been getting lots of rain so the rivers are flooded but the grass is nice and green! The weeds are well under control as well. I'll need to hit it with some fertilizer soon.
We had our second small group meeting. Small turnout. Rather disappointing.
No cavities! iPhone 4 is on order and will be here in a few weeks. Gave up on trying to sell the sound system. Work carries on. We had a team building event at our house. It was a good time and a nice break.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
iphone...2 years later
I thought it'd be great fun to go back to my 'first impressions' post and see what I thought now:
There is quite a bit to report here and I'll plan on posting several time.
* this may be the second post....sorry!
Let me start off by saying that this is one of those life changing sorts of technologies. I think nothing these days of making a phone call at home, jumping in the truck and finishing the call somewhere else. Remember when 'cordless' phones were all the rage...you could even go out on the front porch and use it. Now think about wi-fi...you could even use it on the front porch...now think about walking out of the local arena, chatting with a friend, deciding on a place to meet, looking it up on the internet (while walking to your car), having directions by the time you got there and then deciding what you were going to order on your way to meet up...welcome to iphone. Now imagine waiting for an appointment, getting a call to schedule another appointment, jumping on your calendar, and scheduling the appointment during the call. Welcome to life changing technology.
* yes yes yes...iphone makes your life better by allowing you to do what you want when you need to and where ever you happen to be!
Cool: everyone looks to see what you have and impressed that this is the 'new' iphone...I'm sure that effect will wear off in about 4 minutes
* yes, these days everyone has a smart phone...I still believe the coolest cats have ipones...they certainly get the Internet all abuzz...like when some dude gets hammered and loses his prototype in a bar!
Physical: The phone is surprisingly heavy. It makes the other phones I have feel like cheap plastic junk. The drawback to the weight (1 oz) heavier than my other phones is making a long call with no headset...amazing how buff I'll be in a few weeks holding that extra oz up to my ear! The thing is feaksihly thin. The switch to turn the ringer on and off is really nice.
* I've gotten used the the weight...biceps still not overly impressive. the back got all scratched up, probably good they are going away from the plastic...the black didn't help any. I have at least one crack that I caused but other than that it's held up well, particularly the screen.
Phone: The phone is adequate but not stellar. If you want the world's best cell phone get something else, if you want the best little techno-mate I've seen get an iphone. The volume of the ringer, the speaker phone and the handset could all be louder however they all seem to sound good (especially the ringers...to bad my phone is on vibrate 99% of the time). The bluetooth sync is easy and iphone is really smart when it comes to letting your select the source for a call. Integration with contact and websites is awesome and the visual voicemail is really nice...makes total sense.
* phone still not the best...voicemail is great although once in awhile it takes some time to come through...not sure why.
Ipod: still learning how to do that...any help on the best way to sync music? I can't seem to get manual mode to work. It was really neat to be at the gym jamming on some tunes and just have them fade away so I could take a call.
* I figured it out...although with so many great music services available I find myself using it less and less...great to make setlists for rehersal
Safari: WOW...sure it could support flash but seriously, find me something better. I was on a walk and could almost instantly find that we were under a thunderstorm warning when I saw the lightning in the distance. I can check mail, surf, and have all sorts of information at my fingertips almost instantly. We don't have 3G yet but edge isn't too bad. I still can't wait for 3G.
* still waiting for flash.....still waiting....more sites have a mobile version so that is very nice. I had 3G for a bit...it was great...then I moved...where the **** did my 3G go? Changed my mind about Edge.
Mail: really the only problem I have here is that I don't think my cable account will sync when not on the cable network...I was thinking about switching to a more portable email address already so I guess now is a good time to do it. Works great with our Yahoo junk mail account (just in case I want to keep up on the spam).
* got cable mail to work...then moved and changed to ymail...still waiting for my company to open up a port for me....still waiting.....
Calendar: I remember now how great it was to have a PDA...I love love love having an electronic calendar back. I'm having some sync issues (until I get it on the enterprise account) and Jodi's won't sync at all...I still need to do more work there
* sync works fine...of course I wouldn't need it if my work would open the port....still waiting....still
Camera: probably better that other phones I've had but disappointing seeing how nice everything else is
* still very handy...good things the new ones take movies and have a flash
Interface: mind blowing
* still is...some very creative ways of using multi touch and the accelerometer out there
virtual keyboard: I've not used a little bitty plastic keyboard much but this one seems just fine
* no issues what so ever...still the blue tooth keyboard support will be a nice addition...think traveling for work and being able to do email on a full sized keyboard at the hotel (or airport or what not)
Unlock: I still get a smirk on my face every time I slide that little bar
* OK, I got over that
Missing:
- tasks list (hello) * there's an app for that
- the absence of the ability to use a stylus and the ability to recognize handwriting really hold the iphone back as a computer replacement * yup...extra confusing now that I have a tablet PC....one uses your finger one uses a stylus....is it to much to ask for both devices to use both interfaces??
- GPS seems like it could work lots better * it has gotten much better with the updates...still not a replacement for on built into your car or our Garmin
- cut and paste functionality * got it!
- microsoft pocket word and excel * there could be an ap for that...I'll need to go look
- a cradle * got it
- a windshield wiper and fluid so that it can continually clean the screen as you put your greasy little fingers all over it * microfiber towels work great for cleaning iphone...I keep one in my desk!
- the sync software doesn't seem to be very configurable or let me really move files like I'd like * there's an app for that...downloaded it but have never used it
Issues:
- when trying to down load a high resolution picture the phone crashed...yes, it is ridiculous to try to download a high resolution picture to view on a little screen * can do....try not to use Edge
- smudges and smears front and back *add to that scratches and cracks
- I'm sure at some point (like when a larger model comes out) I'll wish I had more memory than 16 GB (I can still remember when the first gig hard drives hit the market about 1995) * I'll be getting the 32 GB soon
There is quite a bit to report here and I'll plan on posting several time.
* this may be the second post....sorry!
Let me start off by saying that this is one of those life changing sorts of technologies. I think nothing these days of making a phone call at home, jumping in the truck and finishing the call somewhere else. Remember when 'cordless' phones were all the rage...you could even go out on the front porch and use it. Now think about wi-fi...you could even use it on the front porch...now think about walking out of the local arena, chatting with a friend, deciding on a place to meet, looking it up on the internet (while walking to your car), having directions by the time you got there and then deciding what you were going to order on your way to meet up...welcome to iphone. Now imagine waiting for an appointment, getting a call to schedule another appointment, jumping on your calendar, and scheduling the appointment during the call. Welcome to life changing technology.
* yes yes yes...iphone makes your life better by allowing you to do what you want when you need to and where ever you happen to be!
Cool: everyone looks to see what you have and impressed that this is the 'new' iphone...I'm sure that effect will wear off in about 4 minutes
* yes, these days everyone has a smart phone...I still believe the coolest cats have ipones...they certainly get the Internet all abuzz...like when some dude gets hammered and loses his prototype in a bar!
Physical: The phone is surprisingly heavy. It makes the other phones I have feel like cheap plastic junk. The drawback to the weight (1 oz) heavier than my other phones is making a long call with no headset...amazing how buff I'll be in a few weeks holding that extra oz up to my ear! The thing is feaksihly thin. The switch to turn the ringer on and off is really nice.
* I've gotten used the the weight...biceps still not overly impressive. the back got all scratched up, probably good they are going away from the plastic...the black didn't help any. I have at least one crack that I caused but other than that it's held up well, particularly the screen.
Phone: The phone is adequate but not stellar. If you want the world's best cell phone get something else, if you want the best little techno-mate I've seen get an iphone. The volume of the ringer, the speaker phone and the handset could all be louder however they all seem to sound good (especially the ringers...to bad my phone is on vibrate 99% of the time). The bluetooth sync is easy and iphone is really smart when it comes to letting your select the source for a call. Integration with contact and websites is awesome and the visual voicemail is really nice...makes total sense.
* phone still not the best...voicemail is great although once in awhile it takes some time to come through...not sure why.
Ipod: still learning how to do that...any help on the best way to sync music? I can't seem to get manual mode to work. It was really neat to be at the gym jamming on some tunes and just have them fade away so I could take a call.
* I figured it out...although with so many great music services available I find myself using it less and less...great to make setlists for rehersal
Safari: WOW...sure it could support flash but seriously, find me something better. I was on a walk and could almost instantly find that we were under a thunderstorm warning when I saw the lightning in the distance. I can check mail, surf, and have all sorts of information at my fingertips almost instantly. We don't have 3G yet but edge isn't too bad. I still can't wait for 3G.
* still waiting for flash.....still waiting....more sites have a mobile version so that is very nice. I had 3G for a bit...it was great...then I moved...where the **** did my 3G go? Changed my mind about Edge.
Mail: really the only problem I have here is that I don't think my cable account will sync when not on the cable network...I was thinking about switching to a more portable email address already so I guess now is a good time to do it. Works great with our Yahoo junk mail account (just in case I want to keep up on the spam).
* got cable mail to work...then moved and changed to ymail...still waiting for my company to open up a port for me....still waiting.....
Calendar: I remember now how great it was to have a PDA...I love love love having an electronic calendar back. I'm having some sync issues (until I get it on the enterprise account) and Jodi's won't sync at all...I still need to do more work there
* sync works fine...of course I wouldn't need it if my work would open the port....still waiting....still
Camera: probably better that other phones I've had but disappointing seeing how nice everything else is
* still very handy...good things the new ones take movies and have a flash
Interface: mind blowing
* still is...some very creative ways of using multi touch and the accelerometer out there
virtual keyboard: I've not used a little bitty plastic keyboard much but this one seems just fine
* no issues what so ever...still the blue tooth keyboard support will be a nice addition...think traveling for work and being able to do email on a full sized keyboard at the hotel (or airport or what not)
Unlock: I still get a smirk on my face every time I slide that little bar
* OK, I got over that
Missing:
- tasks list (hello) * there's an app for that
- the absence of the ability to use a stylus and the ability to recognize handwriting really hold the iphone back as a computer replacement * yup...extra confusing now that I have a tablet PC....one uses your finger one uses a stylus....is it to much to ask for both devices to use both interfaces??
- GPS seems like it could work lots better * it has gotten much better with the updates...still not a replacement for on built into your car or our Garmin
- cut and paste functionality * got it!
- microsoft pocket word and excel * there could be an ap for that...I'll need to go look
- a cradle * got it
- a windshield wiper and fluid so that it can continually clean the screen as you put your greasy little fingers all over it * microfiber towels work great for cleaning iphone...I keep one in my desk!
- the sync software doesn't seem to be very configurable or let me really move files like I'd like * there's an app for that...downloaded it but have never used it
Issues:
- when trying to down load a high resolution picture the phone crashed...yes, it is ridiculous to try to download a high resolution picture to view on a little screen * can do....try not to use Edge
- smudges and smears front and back *add to that scratches and cracks
- I'm sure at some point (like when a larger model comes out) I'll wish I had more memory than 16 GB (I can still remember when the first gig hard drives hit the market about 1995) * I'll be getting the 32 GB soon
End of May, First Part of June
Sorry to disappoint, but check out the snazzy new layout!
OK on to business.
Park Lane has finally gotten together again and started rehearsals. It was great to see the guys and play real songs with real people. We got a photo taken as well.
I worked a bit on the new drum set. Sounds great. Most people want to know if it's better than the Starclassics. I'd ask you...what's better chocolate chip cookies or brownies? I don't know either, all depends on your mood!
I started to exercise more regularly. I have a regimen of 3x per week, 3x per week practice, and one day off. It's been great. I've been eating better as well but Jodi is doing way better than me. Speaking of practice, I've been watching Jojo Mayer's video. It's great. I've been tuning up some of my technique. I also started to play with a metronome during Park Lane rehearsals. I don't have an opinion if it's better yet or not...I do think it helps to keep you focused.
On the technology front I got a Sonos system. It allows you to stream music wirelessly and control things from your iphone. It's amazing. I should have got something like that years ago. Speaking of iphone, the new model is coming out soon and I'm due for an upgrade.
You may remember me commenting on my iphone two years ago.
http://drummerm.blogspot.com/2008/07/iphone-first-impressions.html
I said something to the effect of 'this device changes life as I know it'. Two years later I still agree. We got rid of our laptop. It integrates with other devices (Sonos, SYNC, level when installing shelving in a new home) and services (Pandora, Sirius, ebay etc). It can replace other devices (metronome, mp3 player, GPS). It is continuing to evolve and change to my needs thanks to the app store...and mostly for free or very cheap. Jodi said that some other phones are more powerful...they don't have nearly as many apps so for now I plan on sicking with an iphone. Of course I read the other ones can do porn...it helped VHS trump Beta and got the internet started so who knows, maybe in a couple of years the droid will be the only surviving smart phone?
Our home has a new roof, siding, and the deck is stained. Our contractor did a great job. The mortgage company...actually the inspection company hired by the mortgage company has been a major pain in my rear. If I ever have something like this happen again there is no way in heck that I'm going to let the mortgage company take the money! I'm the customer and I will win!
The grass is doing well. Improvements over last year include 1. we actually have grass 2. the grass is green (often times a rich dark green color) and 3. there are virtually no weeks (including those of the 18" tall variety!). We've had lots of rain lately so things are good now. We'll see how it does as the summer progresses. We landscaped the side of the house that was the former weed garden. Things were going well until we got the rock to fill it in. Jodi is not a fan of the rock.
Finally we had our first small group meeting. It was pretty good. We had a good time and people seemed comfortable. I'm looking forward to the second one.
OK, that's about all the exciting stuff I can think about for now. I'll try to keep this more up to date but if not don't sweat it.
OK on to business.
Park Lane has finally gotten together again and started rehearsals. It was great to see the guys and play real songs with real people. We got a photo taken as well.
I worked a bit on the new drum set. Sounds great. Most people want to know if it's better than the Starclassics. I'd ask you...what's better chocolate chip cookies or brownies? I don't know either, all depends on your mood!
I started to exercise more regularly. I have a regimen of 3x per week, 3x per week practice, and one day off. It's been great. I've been eating better as well but Jodi is doing way better than me. Speaking of practice, I've been watching Jojo Mayer's video. It's great. I've been tuning up some of my technique. I also started to play with a metronome during Park Lane rehearsals. I don't have an opinion if it's better yet or not...I do think it helps to keep you focused.
On the technology front I got a Sonos system. It allows you to stream music wirelessly and control things from your iphone. It's amazing. I should have got something like that years ago. Speaking of iphone, the new model is coming out soon and I'm due for an upgrade.
You may remember me commenting on my iphone two years ago.
http://drummerm.blogspot.com/2008/07/iphone-first-impressions.html
I said something to the effect of 'this device changes life as I know it'. Two years later I still agree. We got rid of our laptop. It integrates with other devices (Sonos, SYNC, level when installing shelving in a new home) and services (Pandora, Sirius, ebay etc). It can replace other devices (metronome, mp3 player, GPS). It is continuing to evolve and change to my needs thanks to the app store...and mostly for free or very cheap. Jodi said that some other phones are more powerful...they don't have nearly as many apps so for now I plan on sicking with an iphone. Of course I read the other ones can do porn...it helped VHS trump Beta and got the internet started so who knows, maybe in a couple of years the droid will be the only surviving smart phone?
Our home has a new roof, siding, and the deck is stained. Our contractor did a great job. The mortgage company...actually the inspection company hired by the mortgage company has been a major pain in my rear. If I ever have something like this happen again there is no way in heck that I'm going to let the mortgage company take the money! I'm the customer and I will win!
The grass is doing well. Improvements over last year include 1. we actually have grass 2. the grass is green (often times a rich dark green color) and 3. there are virtually no weeks (including those of the 18" tall variety!). We've had lots of rain lately so things are good now. We'll see how it does as the summer progresses. We landscaped the side of the house that was the former weed garden. Things were going well until we got the rock to fill it in. Jodi is not a fan of the rock.
Finally we had our first small group meeting. It was pretty good. We had a good time and people seemed comfortable. I'm looking forward to the second one.
OK, that's about all the exciting stuff I can think about for now. I'll try to keep this more up to date but if not don't sweat it.
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