TechTalk - 2 reasons why I HATE Windows Phone

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the Operating system, the live updating tiles, the integration between the various social networks.  Actually, I've had two Windows Phones the past year - a Dell Venue Pro and a HTC HD7.  I would completely recommend Windows Phone to anyone as long as they understand the Two  Reasons I Hate Windows Phone.  Yes, its a love/hate relationship.  We're currently in the broken up stages.  I currently have an Android phone.

Reason #1 - Hard Reset

A "hard reset" is basically erasing everything off your phone as if it were brand new.  While this may not appear to be a big deal, there isn't a way to re-download all of your apps automatically.  Apple iPhone have the iTunes ecosystem where all apps are stored locally, so theoretically, you can just "sync" your phone.  While Windows Phone uses Zune (and its great at wireless syncing) if you have need to perform a hard reset, you will be forced to manually download all of your apps via your phone or (online Windows Marketplace).

Why do I need to perform a hard reset?

Your Windows phone is tied to a Windows LIVE email (you don't have to use a .LIVE or .HOTMAIL), but once you set up your email as a Windows Live email, that is set on your mobile device.  Recently, my Xbox live account was hacked and after contacting Xbox support, they changed the Windows LIVE associated with my account for "safety reasons" with a new random email.  This basically renders your Marketplace useless, if you try to assess application or update your phone - your phone will AUTOMATICALLY provide your current Windows LIVE email, with another Gamertag.

If you aren't a gamer, this probably isn't a big deal, but many Windows Phone users love to play games and probably currently have an Xbox as well and achievement points are just topping on the cake, needless to say changing emails and gamertags is a frustrating experience.  There is a workaround, but it will involve you (not xbox) creating another email, associating your current (unused) gamertag to that email and finally associating your email with your original gamertag.  Needless to say, I no longer a windows phone after this experience.

Reason #2 - Applications

While the number of applications is just a number to me in regards to marketplaces, there are applications that doesn't exist in the Windows ecosystem that I like to use on nearly a daily basis.

Applications such as Yelp (the Windows version doesn't have a check in method), RunKeeper (an application which tracks your workouts - cycling, running, etc.), Instagram (my current favorite picture sharing application).  Check out http://www.windowsphone.com/en-US/marketplace before you decide on a Windows phone - chances are you've invested in an Apple or Android ecosystem and your favorite applications may not be available on this ecosystem.

Microsoft, I love your operating system and I wish you the best with the release of Windows 8, but being an early Windows phone adopter and not having access to the latest and greatest after 2 iterations of the operating system is quite a bit much to bear.

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

TechTalk - Moving from Mac (Apple) to PC - Part 1

Hi everyone!


As a former Apple-fan, I never thought I would be writing about this topic - how to transition from Mac to PC.  Over the course of the next month (or so), I'll be writing about how to transition from Mac to PC.  What applications to use, how to perform certain tasks as well as compatible application and hardware.


This week - Why?!
Next week - iPhoto replacement


Why a PC?  I needed a new laptop.  While my 8-9 year? 12" Powerbook G4 was still functioning, I needed something more recent to be able to run certain applications for graduate school.  Well, that and it was time!  I sold my 24" iMac when I left Hawaii, and I decided I wanted a 17" laptop.  I didn't answer the questions - did I?


My main reason - Cost - I purchased a refurbished Dell 17R N7110 (I know, crazy model names) for $580.10 (including taxes and a 17% discount) which included one year of at home home repairs if things were to go wrong.  A refurbished 17" MacBook Pro is $1719.00 (No, Apple doesn't have discounts for refurbished items).  

Source: Apple.com 04/21/2011

Alright, you might say - Max, the specs on the Apple laptop is definitely better!  Let's see.

	Dell 17R N7110	Apple 17” MacBook Pro
Processor	Intel Core i5-2430M (2.40GHz, 3MB Cache)	2.53GHz Intel Core i5
Display	17.3 inch High Definition (1600 x 900) LED Display with TrueLife	17-inch LED-backlit glossy Hi-Res widescreen display (1920 x 1200 pixel)
RAM	6 GB DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz (2 DIMMs)	4GB (two 2GB) of 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM
Hard Drive	640 GB SATA Hard Drive (5400 RPM)	500GB Serial ATA, 5400 rpm
Disk Drive	12.7X Blu-ray (DVD+/-RW + BD-ROM)	8x double-layer SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)

The MacBook Pro has a better processor and a better display, but comes with lower RAM and HD, and doesn't have a Blu-Ray player.  Also, my new Dell has a HDMI connector - I just plug it to my HDTV and voila I can use my TV as a 2nd monitor to play blu ray movies or whatever else.


Now it is true, there are additional costs for owning a PC.  I paid $8.99 for a Antivirus software.


Needless to say, for $1,000++ you can buy an iPad if you really want to join Apple's Ecosystem.  I'm transitioning from Apple to PC and everything that goes with it.  I've left my iPhone about 2 years ago - I had no desire to pay $100/month for a cell phone plan - but that's another blog.

Next week. PC's answer to iPhoto

Mahalo for reading. 


Until next time.

Apple iPad... One week later...

I have decided that I will be returning my Apple iPad.

Gasp!  I know, right?  I will be returning it not because I am unhappy with the device, I am returning it for the same device with added functionality... 3G.

As most of you know, I am one of the few individuals out there who has owned all 3 models of the iPhone and now no longer own the device that has changed the mobile scene.

Since I do have a 3G enabled device, there are certain instances where I do not have access to WiFi and 3G would be handy, so basically that is only reason I am returning my iPad.  That and I am debating on the 32GB version and the 64GB version.

I currently have a 64GB and though I have an iMac with a 1.5TB HD and I've used over 500GB of data, I feel that I don't really need to carry 64GB of music/videos and such.

To illustrate, here is a snapshot of what is in my iPad.

I have almost 1700 songs with 9 movies and a lot of music videos and video podcasts along with my whole photo collection and almost 80 application.

Yet, I will have 14.9GB to spare.

I think I will be buying the 32GB iPad + 3G.  I will be cutting down on the amount of photos I carry as well as coming up with a better system to filter my photos.

Ok, enough about mechanics... Let's talk about the device itself.  I still likes it a lot, I use it on a daily basis, yet I do not carry it around with me everywhere.  I do not use it at work, since I'm on the computer all day, nor do I use it all day in class, I use it maybe once every 2 hours to quickly check email.

As for the applications, I have downloaded many applications specific to the iPad and I have to say...
5 STAR APPS:  Netflix, ABC Player and Dragon Dictation.

These apps are the cream of the crop.  They not only work as intended but also surpass your expectation of the application and the interaction you come to expect.  Dragon Dictation is an application where you speak into the microphone and it takes your vocal speech and turns it into text, which you can then email, save, etc.  Surprisingly accurate.  With ABC player, though limited in the amount of episodes available, I have been able to catch up Desperate Housewives for free!  Netflix, not only does it have the full functionality of the website, you can stream movies and looks as good as the HDTV!

1 STAR APP: iStudiez Pro

I was looking forward to this application as it was one of Wired 15 iPad Apps You Should Download!
Needless to say, it has great promise for students and keeping them organized, but consistent crashing while trying to add your information left me furious.  It is the first application that I contact Apple for a refund, told Wired they suck for recommending this app and I even emailed the developer asking for a refund.  Surprisingly, the iStudiez guys apparently know there is a problem, so hopefully an update can work out all of kinks. 

Hi Max,

Thanks for your letter, we are sorry for the inconvenience.

Right now we are working hard to submit the critical update asap.
Thank you for your patience.

Kind regards,

[name deleted for privacy]
iStudiez Pro Lead Architect

The app with the biggest potential is: iBooks.

I love this application.  I have purchased a book, and I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was.  I was pretty shocked it downloaded as fast as a song on iTunes.  There is 1 major drawback though, content.  I searched for 3 books I wanted to buy and they were not available.  Hopefully when this matures like iTunes did, the amount of content will flourish.

Off to bed!  I have to wake up at 6 to run in the AM!

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Apple Early Adopter - SUCKS!

EARLY ADOPTER

I love Apple products. I love buying their products the 1st day it comes out.

Unfortunately, this has a major setback. Since AT&T only allows an upgrade every 18 months, I will have to wait until December to get a full price upgrade.

Oh well.



Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Apple iPhone 3.0

APPLE IPHONE 3.0

I can't believe all the changes that will be coming for Apple 3.0.

It will basically make the current iPhone, pretty much perfect.

Cut and paste? Check
MMS? Check
Background Notification? Check
Note Sync? Check
Shake to Shuffle? Check
Delete individual SMS? Check
Text VCards? Check

OMG... there are so many new changes coming.. I am going to fall in love with my iPhone all over again.



Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

My New Baby!

MY NEW BABY!

Yup, here she is. She's still getting use to her new home. Lots of things to familiarize her with through updates.

Welcome home!

I still don't have a name for her yet, but she's very fast (with 4GB RAM) and surprisingly has lots of storage (1.5 TB HD @ 7200 RPMs).



Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Apple = Greenest Company?

APPLE = GREENEST COMPANY?

Apple has recently touted its recent MacBook and MacBook Pro to be the greenest on the planet.

One thing that Apple can work on is packaging.

Seriously? You sent a product the size of 2 CDs in a container that can fit 15-20 of the same product.

I love my Apple, but today its leaving a sour aftertaste.

iLife 09


Same box with a few things



Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

An Apple Conundrum

AN APPLE CONUNDRUM
To MacBook or not to MacBook?
To iMac or nor to iMac?

Those are the questions that have been plaguing my mind for the past 3 weeks.

I have decided to get a new Apple computer. I deserve it and also my iBook G4 though recently revamped is getting sluggish for my multitasking needs.

The new MacBooks look great. I have played with it at the Apple Store and the graphics processor is super fast. I can scroll down 1000s of photos and I see photos as opposed to white squares on my iBook while the photo loads. The biggest downfall? No FireWire port. I have 300GB of iTunes library on my external hard drive and I need FireWire as USB is way too slow to access data from the external HD.

The iMacs have always been iCandy and it definitely has the processing power of everything that I need to do. Not to mention if I get a new one, a large HD, I don't need a external HD to access my data. I'll just use it for Time Machine. The only downside? Its not portable. There are 24" iMacs on Apple store that are refurbished for $1499.

I am debating on waiting until MacWorld convention in January to see what Apple unveils before making a decision on any purchases or maybe if Apple has a great deal on Black Friday maybe I'll just jump on board.

What to do?




Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Love & Hate - Apple

LOVE & HATE - APPLE
I was super excited yesterday night when I got a phone call that my laptop was ready. (Click here for regarding earlier post) During my lunch break, I drive to Kahala mall to see my laptop and I honestly couldn't tell any difference, but then again, everything that was changed was internal. After work, I rush home to get my iBook started. Super grateful for the fact that I had Leopard Operating System, why? Because it has Time Machine (a super awesome feature), and I had backed up my laptop the night prior the incident.

I turned on my laptop... Great Leopard graphics come on... Then, it asks, so I already own a Mac and if I would like to transfer my files? Yes, please, I'd like to transfer my files from a previous Time Machine back up.



After that, it asked which information I wanted to transfer (everything of course)



5 minutes later..



An hour later.............



Once the transfer was completed, it restarted itself and welcome me to the home screen where a familiar picture appeared (a picture of me). After entering my password and hitting enter, the large icon wiggled from left to right, indicating that had input the wrong password. I tried my password again, as it is 12 alpha-numeric characters. The icon said no again as it showed my password hint. Of course I know what it is! Hello, its the same password I've had on the laptop for 3.5 years! So maybe they reset the password, so I just hit enter, no luck. I called the Apple Store immediately and told them the situation. They said to come in as its hard to diagnose a computer via the telephone. Another trip to Apple Store Kahala Mall. I was ready to throw the laptop out the window. Once at the Apple Store it was pretty quick, he plugged in an external HD, booted up my laptop via the external OS, and reset my password. Since I was having problems with passwords, he wanted to erase my keychain (password saver), but guess what? The letter K wasn't working. Weird because everything was working the night before it broke. Easy solution...

A new keyboard...



I'm at home now and everything is great...

SUMMARY...
4 trips to the Apple Store
First trip, diagnosed my iBook and it was going to cost $280.
Second trip, deciding to fix my iBook and dropping it off.
Third trip, picking up my iBook during lunch.
Fourth trip, getting the password fixed and a new keyboard.
$280 + taxes

Was it worth it? Yes! Yes Yes! They replaced the logic board on my laptop along with the hard drive, and a new keyboard. Parts alone would have set me back $700. I basically have a brand new laptop. The first go lasted 3.5 years and I won't be surprised if this lasts another 3 years or more.

Why do I love Apple? They're at your beckon call.

Love you Apple! Welcome back iBook!

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

iBook Drama, Tattoo, Surfcamp?

IBOOK DRAMA
I woke up Saturday and there you were flashing in different colors, I knew what had to be done. As I pressed the power button for the last time, 3.5 years flashed before my eyes. To my old apartment in Kawaiahao St., our first trip to Australia 3 years ago to driving around San Diego looking for free WiFi because the address was saved in an email. I knew something was wrong, majorly wrong. After taking it to the Apple Store, good news is it wasn't my hard drive or the screen, the bad news is that it was my logic board (for PC users = motherboard). My iBook was out of warranty as I've had it more than 3 years and the logic board was gong to cost $600. Fortunately, Apple has a great program, they will fix whatever is wrong with your laptop for a flat fee of $280 (plus taxes, of course). I'm pretty happy that my iBook will be up and running soon. :)

TATTOO
My tattoo is infected. Actually, its not so bad as it sounds. Only 1 tattoo is infected and only in 1 part, the one on my hip. I assume it just rubs a lot on my pants and hasn't had time to heal properly. The doctor was able to get me some topical anti-biotic, so hopefully I'll be up and running soon enough.

SURFCAMP?
I am debating on booking a surfcamp in Morocco. This sounds like a great deal.

Surf camp Morocco is located in the calm surf village of Tamraght, 19km north of Agadir and 4 km outside of Taghazoute, at the Atlantic coast of Morocco. The atmosphere here is very tranquil and relaxed, but only a short taxi drive away you can go clubbing in the busy resort of Agadir.

Morocco is an exciting country famous for its Berber culture and renowned cuisine. Open-air markets throughout the country are piled high with rugs, woodwork, jewellery and leather - said to be the softest in the world. The local people are very friendly and the country has an exciting oriental atmosphere.

Located at the Atlantic coast, northwest of the great Sahara desert, Morocco has excellent conditions for surfing. The coastline is blessed with big Atlantic swell and hot offshore winds coming from the desert. The surfing in Morocco is well suited for both beginners and experienced surfers. The surf school is completely mobile, meaning that classes are held in different beaches depending on the surf conditions of the day. For the more experienced surfing crowd, Morocco has a lot of challenging surfing to offer. Join a surfari and you will be transported to great uncrowded breaks every day.

The area around Agadir has a nice micro-climate, meaning that it seldom rains and average day temperatures vary between 22 °C (72°F) in winter (November – February) and 28°C (82°F) in summer (May – August).

The surf school usually holds classes at lovely Banana beach, located very close to the surf camp. But the surf school is also completely mobile, meaning that lessons can be hold at the most suitable beginner wave up or down the coast. Depending on your level of surfing, the surf instructors will guide and help you to improve your surfing skills.

We guarantee that after one week of surf school the complete beginner will be able to surf and the experienced surfer will have improved greatly.

The following is included for students attending the surf school:

* Pick up/ drop off at Agadir airport
* Accommodation – standard or upgraded
* 5 hours Surf school, every day of your stay
* All surf equipment needed
* Breakfast, lunch and dinner
* Video service, so you can check out your moves

If you have arranged your own acommodation, you can also book surfschool only. This includes 5 hours of surflessons per day, pick up from your hotel in the Agadir area, all equipment needed and lunch.

The accommodation we offer is located on a hill 4km outside of the surf village of Taghazoute. A nice patio, perfect for barbecue parties, offers a great view of the banana beach and nearby surf breaks of Anchor point and Devils rock.

Depending on your preferences we can offer you two different types of accommodation, standard or upgraded.

Standard accommodation means that you will share a fully equipped surf villa with other surfers. The villa contains of several twin and triple bedrooms, meaning that if you are traveling alone you will probably share a room with other surfers but if you are traveling in group of two or three people you can get your own room. You will also share a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, living room etc. with the other guests at the surf camp. This is a great opportunity to meet different surfers from all over the world, to share experiences and have a good time.

The upgraded accommodation is located on the same premises as the standard accommodation but offers more privacy, ideal for couples. If you book upgraded accommodation you will get a cosy double room with private bathroom, a small private kitchen and TV.

Guests at the surf camp never go hungry. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included for all the guests that has booked surfschool or surfari package (breakfast is also included in "accommodation only"). Evening meals typically consist of the best local ingredients, including fresh fish, meat and vegetables. These can be prepared and cooked in a variety of ways including BBQ or "Tajine" (traditional earthenware pot used to cook in), and blended with local Moroccan spices. Vegetarian options are also available on request.









Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Sports, Movie Galore, Thifty Shopping

SPORTS
This week has been a big weekend for me in regards to sports simply because I only watch 3 sporting events on TV. Tennis, golf and soccer. This past week has been so awesome. Watching Venus and Serena make it to the round of 16. The #1 player in the world get spanked by Zheng, ranked in the 120s. Maria Sharapova getting her ass handed to her by a fellow Russian ranked below 100. Yup, a lot of upsets. No American men are in the round of 16 for the first time in decades. I hope the William sisters meet in the finals, but that's just wishful thinking. Today, I also watched the match between Spain and Germany. Given the past matches I thought Germany was going to win, but not even close. I'm surprised that Spain only won by 1 (1-0), I really thought that they were going to win 3-0 (at least). Spain had control of the ball almost the whole time, and they just kept attacking and attacking. Viva Espana!


MOVIE GALORE
During the summer time, I normally don't watch a lot of movies. I'm normally out and about running, yoga, surfing, beach bumming, but since my car has been acting up recently (I drove her the 1st time today in about 1.5 weeks) I've had a lot of time not only to play video games, but also to watch movies. I've seen probably 5 movies the past 10 days, which is really a lot for me. At the theaters, I saw Kung Fu Panda, Wanted and Wall-e. Guess what? They are all awesome movies! Kung Fu Panda had me laughing from beginning to end. I really haven't laughed that hard in ages! My favorite scene is with the chopsticks! Yesterday, I saw Wall-e and true to Pixar form, the movie was really an emotional roller coaster. I can't believe, I had an emotional connection to robots who couldn't form a sentence. On the other end, is Wanted, just a great kick-butt summer movie! I really enjoyed it. Great action, good acting, and yeah I guessed the twist at the ending, but hey, still well done. Hmmmmm... Its hard to just recommend 1 movie. If you had to see just 1, it would really just depend on what you were in the mood for. Just non-stop laugher, Kung Fu Panda, for comedy, action, and a message!, Wall-E. For action on speed, caffeine, crack, and whatever stimulus, Wanted is the movie for you. All A movies!
WALL-E

WANTED


THRIFTY SHIPPING
I love eBay. Recently I received coupons, 1 for 10% off, and the other for $10 off shipping that I could use 3 times. Well, I've gotten a couple of great deals. First a video game, I basically saved $15, than if I bought it at the store, 2nd Microsoft Xbox points, I saved $10 and lastly, my big purchase today, I bought an Apple Gift certificate on eBay! The gift certificate was valued at $275.00, I bought it at $262.00, and I had a 10% coupon, so my total was $235.80. Not to mention, I earned $15.72 eBay bucks which is good towards a future purchase so my total cost = $220.87. I am going to use it to buy my new iPhone coming about 7.11 along with the insurance plan that covers the phone for 2 years! Super! Well, its bed time for me, and yeah gotta work out in the AM.


Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.