TechFriday: Highlighting one of my favorite apps – Notability

| January 2, 2015

The slower work days between Christmas and New Years has given me a little time to clean up my files and office, both paper and digital. One productivity app that I’ve been using on my iPad for over 2 years is Notability and I’ve collected a bunch of “notes” and PDFs that have been semi-organized […]

TechFriday: Simple Savysoda RSS News Reader App is best

| December 19, 2014

Most media saturated consumers are frustrated using the various apps from big-name news sources for scanning, skimming and reading 100s of news articles each day. Some individual apps are pretty good, others are a real pain … particularly the newer “in your face – ad heavy” versions. The gripes are that each app is different […]

My Zagg keyboard case and a WSJ tablet keyboard review

| December 10, 2014

One of my favorite technology reporters, Joanna Stern with the Wall Street Journal, offered her thoughts on tablet keyboards just as started to use a Zagg Folio Keyboard case that arrived on Tuesday. I’ve been waiting for a Brydge Keyboard for iPad Air2 (the space gray ships on Dec. 15th I’m told) and have been pecking […]

Tech Friday: What about free streaming music from T-Mobile?

| December 5, 2014

While traveling to northeast Ohio this past week, I finally tested the “free streaming music” available from T-Mobile on my 4G/LTE connected iPad Air 2. I streamed it for an hour driving on the interstate without a hiccup and glanced at my recently reset 200MB free data “meter” (screen shot left) and didn’t show any […]

On the wait list for a Brydge Keyboard for the iPad Air2

| November 20, 2014

It has been challenging using the new iPad Air 2 without a tactile keyboard since I’m use to using an iPad 2 as a replacement traveling notebook. Typing on the glass screen is less than optimum, so I’ve been searching for a better quality replacement than the previous Logitech Bluetooth keyboard. Unfortunately few “fitted” keyboards […]

iOS 8.1.1 update available for Apple mobile devices

| November 17, 2014

Hard to verify since Ino long using the iPad2 (now Air 2), but Apple has released an update iOS called 8.1.1. The update claims to “increase stability and performance” for those using older iPhones and iPads. This was a big complaint with the iPad 2 and will hopefully return performance to at what lease was […]

TechFriday: Apple iOS users have new free Microsoft Office apps

| November 7, 2014

Microsoft is offering standalone versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint for iPhone, giving users a much better productivity suite for the mobile devices. Prior to the new mobile apps, users who wanted to use Office on an iPhone had to use “Microsoft Office Mobile,” which really only allowed users to view documents and input text. […]

Two iPhones, an iPad and MiFi mobile life update – $74/mo

| November 1, 2014

Slowly but sure I’m corralling my carry and travel computing gadgets and getting a handle on wasteful monthly expenses associated with keeping them connected. Those who have followed my blog from a technology perspective have probably detected my economizing while still “trying” to remain in current century computing. This year our grown children are on […]

Test post from iPad — Surfing at 1000 frames per second

| October 31, 2014

Chris Bryan Films

TechFriday: Apple special event scheduled – the new iPad Air?

| October 3, 2014

Rumors have been floated but Apple hasn’t announce the date for the new iPad until today. October 16th is scheduled for a "special event"… assumed to be the launch of its new iPad. Most expect an iPad Air 2 device with the new A8 processor and touch fingerprint sensor. It is also possible we’ll learn […]

TechFriday: Contemplating an iPad2 to iPad Air2 upgrade

| September 26, 2014

As a iPhone, iPad and iMac Apple customer, it is challenging to know what products to upgrade and at what time. As much as I would like an iPhone6 or 6plus, I’ve opted to stick with the current iPhone 5s (and 5) in order to save a few dollars on our cellphone plan as we […]

A long evening with Apple iDevices and iOS8 software updates

| September 18, 2014

Most of Wednesday evening was spent backing up and cleaning up … and then downloading and installing Apple’s iOS8 release on a couple iPhones and an iPad (if full iCloud functionality is desired, then prepare for Mac OSX Yosemite install). Once finished, then the app update fun began and so as a reminder to those […]

The AppleEvent was successful, but the bar was high

| September 9, 2014

Tim Cook lead another #AppleEvent in the age of social media and I both watched and "tweeted" along with the tech interested across the country and world. The event was "as expected" in that Apple launched the new iPhone6 and 6plus … larger phones. They will be offering up their new iOS8 on September 19th […]

Watching $AAPL as the buzz is all about Apple today

| September 9, 2014

This content is restricted.

TechFriday: Google Sync workaround for the iPhone and iOS

| August 8, 2014

I am late to the game in addressing a workaround for a newer Apple iOS devices (recently updated my iPhone 5 to a “secondhand” 5s) and the changed Google Sync services. The changes happened in 2013, but since my old devices were still working it wasn’t a big deal … now it is! Initially, iOS […]

TechFriday: Contemplating an iPad upgrade

| August 1, 2014

Ever since I picked up a secondhand iPad2 a couple years ago, it has been my go-to device for traveling, reading and quick notes. I do miss the full computer experience, but it is hard to beat for day to day mobile computing. Truth be told though, I’m starting to have speed envy and wondering […]

A better USB cable – 28/24 AWG and Gold plated connectors

| July 31, 2014

A couple of days ago I whined about my failed or failing charging/sync cables used  on phones, tablets and electronic devices. I then started searching for the replacements but was discouraged with the delayed shipping for non-branded cables from China. Then after reading about the cheap quality, I revisited Amazon decide to find out if […]

Tech Friday: Low cost or free wireless data based on apps

| July 4, 2014

For those of use experimenting with free wireless plans and wondering if it is possible to have free cellphone service WITH data, Freedompop is inching closer. So far my experience has been marginal with both the limited free phone service and wireless hotspot. Usually when using data I push my 500MB per month limit and […]

Freedompop Voice and Text app for the iPhone – not bad!

| May 7, 2014

Posted this to Freedompop’s forum and thought I would archive it. If you are confused about Freedompop getting into the voice and text business, check out this clear as mud article in the Motley Fool. I’ve been running the Freedompop Voice and Text app for a few days before going "full in" with the Freedompop […]

Freedompop LTE connects – Sprint carrier iPhone 5 does not

| March 26, 2014

This morning in a discussion with a friend about the new Sprint HD Voice being rolled out, I mentioned that my LTE capable iPhone5 was not connecting to the 4G Sprint towers in the area that did service my Freedompop4G LTE data access device. I’ve yet to figure out why some areas are servicing Sprint […]

My old Gateway Notebook has a new lease on life

| January 14, 2014

{adinserter 2} My aging 2007 Gateway NX570XL notebook computer is now running like it did when it was a new computer thanks to replacing the harddrive this past weekend. I replaced my “previously replaced” 320GB 7200RPM drive when installing Windows 7, but the porky speed was beginning to become an issue. This time I opted […]

Sprint LTE connected Freedompop hotspot active at my house

| October 28, 2013

I arrived home Monday afternoon and realized my Freedompop 4G LTE hotspot was still turned on in the car (device I use to connect my computer and iPad to the Internet while traveling). When I picked it up, the “LTE connected” light was still on and I thought, "hmm, that can’t be LTE 4G in […]

Announcement from Apple on a variety of devices

| October 23, 2013

Yesterday’s Apple product event came on the heels of last months lackluster iPhone 5c and 5s announcement (I watched on and off on my iPad – Jony Ive in photo on right) . First off, there wasn’t anything earthshattering just as with the new iPhones, but the updates and upgrades will be “want to have” items. […]

The Freedompop MiFi500 4G LTE hotspot finally arrived

| October 15, 2013

I don’t have time to play with a new gadget just yet, but did I received the new Freedompop MiFi 500 hotspot today — it was ordered on August 22. From a quick wireless connection I think it is going to be a reasonable replacement in order to connect to the Internet while traveling. When I switch […]

Enjoyed Monday Night Football on Slingplayer for iPad

| September 17, 2013

A little geeky for Monday Night Football, but I watched some of the Bengals vs Steelers game on my iPad2 while streaming from the Slingbox. Obviously a bigger high definition television, like the 51″ Plasma that Taylor and I looked at today, would be a better way to watch. (he is planning to buy a […]

Will soon be trying Sprint LTE with a Freedom Spot MiFi 500

| August 23, 2013

As a long time Sprint customer, I’ve been waiting for the LTE service to become in order to have better data connectivity for my iPhone 5 and with a wireless MiFi hotspot. Their service has been a painfully slow rollout in Ohio, but looks like it will soon be here. More importantly, I’m looking forward […]

Initial thoughts regarding the Freedompop Overdrive Pro

| August 2, 2013

Disappointing to say the least. The latest device available from Freedompop (low cost/ free wireless hotspot) is the Sierra Wireless Overdrive Pro utilizing the Sprint 3G/4G WiMaxx network which I thought might be similar to their previous 4G only devices – Photon. Unfortunately the refurbished Overdrive Pros are all that impressive from the moment one […]

Favorite Tablet Apps: One of them has to be Zinio

| July 25, 2013

After participating in a smartphone and tablet mobile device survey today and analyzing the apps that I regularly use, only a handful stood out. One app that has impressed me as each subscribed magazine issue arrives is Zinio. I’m not sure that I’m totally ready to give up the trip to the mailbox for the […]

Tinkering with the IPad app Uncrate

| April 29, 2013

2014 Volkswagen GTI on Uncrate – link Volkswagen XL1 on Uncrate – link

Tech Friday: iOS apps stuck in updating mode

| April 19, 2013

Sometimes the iPhone or iPad will get stuck in updating mode from the App Store and no matter how many “kills” of the app or rebooting of the device the app continues to show a stuck progress bar or “waiting” message. Often an easy fix: On the home screen, tap the icon until you see […]

Streaming HD feed from the iPad to my TV thru HDMI

| April 4, 2013

While setting up the iPad with my new (old 30 pin version) AV adapter and Kiosk Pro app, I decided to check out the new Slingbox on my workshop TV. Wow … it streamed from my HD cable box over WiFi just fine and improved the quality of the picture too. As for programing the […]

The 1994 tablet sure resembled today’s iPad and clones

| March 25, 2013

In the 1980s I worked for a division of Knight Ridder Newspapers in Akron, Ohio call Portage Newspaper Supply Co. (now McClatchy Company). Portage handled central purchasing for the chain’s 58+ newspapers with nearly everything that was needed to produce the printed paper, as well as a few independent products (I believe all that is […]

Impressed with the new half-priced Jambox bluetooth speakers

| March 19, 2013

Occasionally I make one of those spur-of-the-moment impulse purchases that doesn’t give me buyer’s remorse. I have been wanting a bluetooth speaker to improve the sound coming from my iPhone or iPad without resorting to plugging in the 3.5mm cable or using earbuds. I thought, “hmm, this will work great on the desk and even […]

Is the new RAM Mount clip going to hold up?

| December 3, 2012

After the first RAM-Mount iPad holder broke at the clip, I called the customer service line and they gladly replace the previous plastic part with a new “slightly beefier” clip ($9 shipping charge). I’m still not convinced the new part (left) will hold up for the long term as it is still a bit snug […]

Mobile devices are close to replacing everyday computers

| November 26, 2012

Mobile smartphone and tablet devices are closing in on replacing at least our portable notebook and laptop computers (story link), but according to early “Cyber Monday” sales numbers, laptop/notebook computers are the number one sellers. I’m personally not ready to eliminate the notebook or desktop computer, but mobile OS devices have improved dramatically and I […]

The Ram Mount for the iPad has a weak point

| November 20, 2012

My Ram Mount iPad car mount has a weak point and I am wondering if I’m alone or if this is a design problem? From what I can tell, the weak point is where the latch makes a 90-degree turn (see photo). Initially it was very tight to snap the roller-latch mechanism to hold the […]

It is time to upgrade my original Slingbox and add an iOS app

| November 19, 2012

Upgrades, discounts, sales, coupons … way too much temptation. There is yet another reason to ignore email advertising or online marketing. Unfortunately I’m not taking my own advice and caved in to SlingMedia’s offer of a discount to upgrade my device either of their newer Slingboxes – 350 or “melted and warped” 500. I’ve opted […]

Apple refreshes line of Macs and introduces the iPad Mini

| October 23, 2012

Watching the Apple news trickle in this Tuesday afternoon after munching down my small but FREE piece of pizza from Dominos (National Sampling Day) … and that’s a lot cheaper than the starting price of $329 for the 7.9” iPad Mini. Price aside, it looks like another great Apple product and leave a little room […]

FreedomPop: A free wireless 4G Internet connection

| October 8, 2012

Last week I started testing the new wireless Internet being offered by FreedomPop.com. The service is interesting because light data users can connect and use the Internet basically for “free.” Higher data use plans are available for those needing more, but requires paying for it, helping to build out the user base or completing offers […]

Apple’s iOS 6 is available for download to many devices

| September 19, 2012

Ahead of the “hopeful” Friday delivery of a new gadget, the iPhone 5, I figured I’d give the new Apple iOS 6 a try on my iPad2. The download was made available this afternoon, but was a bit slow … which is no double due to it being 561 MB and that a “couple” other […]

Android and Apple iOS devices to be less similar in the future

| September 9, 2012

After Samsung’s recent lost to Apple in federal court, Android users will start to see a few changes to the look and feel of their phones and tablets and those being designed by Apple. One would assume that the individual manufacturer’s tweaks to Google’s Android — skins –will be modified from the current attempt to […]

Jury says Samsung infringed on six patents held by Apple

| August 25, 2012

It’s no secret that I’m a long time Apple user and have done my part in supporting the company as computer and gadget buyer and as an $AAPL shareholder, but I’m also rebellious when their eco-system boxes out competitors. I dislike Apple telling me what software I can and can’t install on my computer devices […]

How secure are your online accounts … really?

| August 5, 2012

Internet security was again in the news last week with Gizmodo’s Twitter account getting hacked and although we are all vulnerable, many of us figure it will happen to someone else. I use to be concerned that “one” of my accounts or logins would be hacked, but after realizing just how interconnected things have become, […]

Looks like a nice tablet: Nexus 7 review | The Verge

| June 29, 2012

Read this review and thought: “I sometimes pay this much for a software update?” Hmm … now give me a phone this nice without a contract and I’m interested. Google’s Nexus 7 tablet is not exactly a surprise. Nor is the fact that I’m able to work on a review of the product just hours […]

Tech Friday: Free online email services compared

| June 8, 2012

Like many long time Internet users, I have signed up and used my share of free client based and online email services over the years. One from back in the 90s that American Express offered was free to small business customers, but ended up spun off and turned fee based a decade ago. Since I’m […]

Cheap protection for the back of an iPad

| May 8, 2012

I couldn’t resist spending $3.35 on a plastic snap on slim fit back at Amazon to put on my iPad. I’ve be semi-pleased with the non-skid surface (not sticky) when holding the tablet for reading outside the case and now no long cringe when the aluminum back slides on a rough surface. For just a […]

Losing your smartphone, e-reader, tablet or notebook computer

| April 28, 2012

Airlines say they are warehousing hundreds of iPads and other tablet computers and e-readers left behind by travelers. Carriers try to reunite the devices with their owners but are often thwarted by the lack of ID tags, password protection and Apple Inc.’s reluctance to track down owners based on serial numbers. — WSJ   Scott […]

Test recording a little audio with the iPad while mobile

| April 19, 2012

This content is restricted.

Tech Friday: Zite – a personalized magazine app for the iPad

| April 13, 2012

There are a number of news reading and article assembling type apps available for computer, phone and tablet platforms. I’ve looked at a few, but tend to shy away since they collect too many articles. Zite is a free one for the iPad (and iPhone) that I’m starting to like … probably because I’m only […]

My Apple iPad 2 and Kensington keyboard/folio thoughts

| April 7, 2012

Here are a few more first impressions … well I suppose second impressions … as I start to incorporated the “new to me” Apple iPad 2 in my daily use. One of the additions wanted was a bluetooth keyboard and some kind of case, so added the Kensington KeyFolio Pro2 bluetooth keyboard and folio/case. The small […]

Enjoyed tethering with the iPad during a busy week of travel

| April 6, 2012

I spent the week traveling “primarily” using the new to me Apple iPad 2 as my personal computer and am working on a longer version of “my impressions” that I’ll either post tonight or Saturday. I CAN say that I now understand why the tablet niche is dominated by the iPad and have to admit […]

Finally decided on a tablet – a lightly used Verizon 64GB iPad 2

| March 26, 2012

Those of you who read my blog once in a while know that I’ve struggled to decide which way to go when it comes to eReaders, Android tablets or iPads (or smartphones for that matter). I’m no longer on the fence; as timing would have it, a family member of one of my customers upgraded […]

Temperatures of the new iPad are warmer than the iPad2

| March 20, 2012

Since I already use a sometimes hot smartphone, very hot Gateway notebook and have a smokin’ hot wife  (oh, scratch that last Pastor Joe “NASCAR” Nelms plagurized line) … I’m not sure I’m anxious for another “temperature” hot device? Hmm, the discounted iPad2 is looking better all the time. It looks like we weren’t the […]

My quick impression after spending an hour with new iPad3

| March 19, 2012

I spent an hour playing with my friend’s new iPad (3) over a lunch this past weekend and may have had too high of expectations. It was nice, but didn’t leave me with the must have desire that I expected. The AT&T 4G version operated similar to my son’s wifi only iPad 2 that I […]

Do you really want to wait in a line for the new iPad?

| March 16, 2012

I’m not planning on going to Walmart to stand in line at 12:01AM to buy the new iPad, but would like to end up with one at some point. From the reports I’ve been reading, the battery life is still excellent (10 hours), the retina display unbeatable (super sharp) and the added weight/thickness hardly noticeable […]

The new iPad – the 3rd generation. Surprised? Not really.

| March 8, 2012

Apple introduced their highly anticipated “new iPad” and although most of the specs were as expected, CEO Tim Cook didn’t reference it as the iPad3 … just the new iPad (although it is the third generation). A few leading features are the new 9.7 inch retina display with 2048-by-1536-pixel resolution, a class leading 10 hour […]

Leaked info on the Asus Padphone gadget combo

| November 22, 2011

After Asus introduced its Padphone prototype in the spring of 2011, additional phone/tablet Padfone information was leaked yesterday regarding the specifications (below). According to several tech sources the new Android phone will use the Snapdragon SoCs chipset and Adreno 225 GPU. The new chip supports global frequencies including the HSPA+ and LTE offering very impressive […]

Wi-Fi Hot Spot security: Connect with Care

| August 28, 2007

As Wi-Fi becomes a way of life for many Internet connected notebook computer, PDAs and Smartphones users, there is a tendency to become too comfortable in ‘making the connection.’ I find it almost a necessity in my travel, but nevertheless, I do rethink the places I connect. Coffee shops, restaurants and hotels are pretty regular […]

Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee

  1. lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
  2. digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.
My Desultory Blog