Tag Archives: iPhone 3G

Wishlist: Mobile Data

Posted on by
2

You know what I want more than an iPad, next generation iPhone, a vacation, or six-pack abs (okay, well not more than that)? I really want to cellular data for my notebooks.

In September 2009, my parents and I traveled to Oahu, Hawaii (cue these posts). Just prior to the trip, a non-jailbreak hack was available for my iPhone that allowed internet tethering – and boy do I sure miss it now. When we arrived at our rented condominium in Hauula (non-touristy area), I discovered that there were absolutely no hotspots around. Initial panic, right? However, all I had to do was connect my iPhone to my Dell Mini 9 – and voila!… Les Internets! It was a very, very nice feature to have. I took my netbook out to the picnic bench alongside the beach – though I had no reason to be actually using a computer while on vacation. It was all just for the capability factor. Internet… Everywhere!

And so now, here I am craving it again. I really want to go lay in the park with my netbook and maybe do some reading or writing – but the internets do not dwell there. This isn’t the only time my need for cellular data with my notebook(s) has existed. I think about the road trips I go on from time-to-time with the family – sitting in the back seat, nothing to do. Chances are I’m tooling around on my iPhone because that’s the only thing that’s got internet.

But, I also feel bad about “needing” wireless cell data capabilities. Should I really be that connected to the internet all the time? Is it really necessary? I’m no business man – I don’t need to check/reply to emails every hour. I’m just a kid living a casual life as a student. Maybe in the future…

Bowsers of Browsers: Safari vs. Chrome

Posted on by
4
Battle of the B(r)owsers

Battle of the B(r)owsers (original graphic)

Much of the hype from WWDC 2009 revolved around iPhone 3G S and Macbook Pro. One aspect of the conference that seemed to fly under the radar of popularity is the release of Safari 4.0 for Mac and Windows. The last time I gave Safari a try to be my default browser, it was going up against my long-time use of Firefox 2.x. As I remember, Safari lost the match. As of today, some time has passed and Google’s Chrome browser has overthrown my love for Firefox. This is the new standard Safari has to live up to in my opinion, anyway.

When I initially launched Safari 4.0, it took a little time to start up – but that’s to be expected. From there on afterwards though, Safari had pretty similar startup rates to Chrome. In fact, the appearance of the Safari browser is so close to that of Chrome. Although I am not all too sure, I think Chrome copied Safari rather than vice versa.

Safari goods when contrasted with Chrome:

  • Equally snappy webpage loading
  • RSS
  • SnapBack
  • Top Sites grid-style graphic interface
    • Very sleek and smooth
    • Notifies you if one of your top sites has updated with new content since you last visited
  • Smooth transitions
  • More to come…

Safari bads when contrasted with Chrome

  • Address bar doesn’t forward to search engine
    • In other words, when you enter search terms in the address bar, it assumes you are searching for an exact domain, thus you receive a “server not found” error
  • No tab button
  • Opening a new tab shifts position of your webpage up or down
  • Loading webpages lag out more than they do in Chrome

Final Thoughts

Safari is pretty neat – it has some fundamental features that are absent in Chrome. However, it’ll take more from Apple to make Safari stand out from the crowd. At this time, it seems that they are just meeting benchmarks, rather than exceling beyond standards.

Initial Thoughts: iPhone 3G S (Updated)

Posted on by
6
iPhone 3G S

iPhone 3G S

Whoopie… I can’t wait for next year when the next iPhone is out and my contract is due. Today’s new iPhone 3G S is nice, but nothing was presented that is mind blowing new –  I mean everything seen today should have technically already been there. It’s almost as if iPhone 3G S is more of a “catch-up-to-the-crowd” release than a “breakthrough” device. One more year… 2009 is the year to get everything set to standard (i.e. video record, voice control, etc.). 2010, however, should break new ground for the iPhone lineup. Bring it on!

(UPDATE) … So here’s my prediction for changes in the 2010 iPhone. This is completely my imagination and best logistical thoughts.

  • New external design
    • Thinner
    • Less weight
    • New production materials
  • Faster data
  • Less bluetooth restrictions
  • Umm… Google Latitude, anyone?!
  • Improved camera
    • Higher resolution
    • LED flashlight
    • Liquid-Optical zoom
    • HD video recording
    • Possible forward-facing, under-glass camera
  • Support for Flash

Also, I am really looking forward to Hulu making a scene on the iPhone. It’s coming, but all I can do until then is wait. Hrmm… Technology can be so amazing, but it’s almost like a drug. You get so addicted to it’s awesomeness that you keep on craving more!