Downside to iBook App

If you've read my blog in the past, you know I'm a big fan of the iPad and the Kindle App.

Occasionally, I will read a book on Apple's iBooks App. Recently, I downloaded a copy of Hugh Ambrose's "The Pacific" on this App and have been enjoying it on these cold winter days.

But the iBooks App has a flaw, especially if you are an owner of an Android phone (your probably know where I'm going with this).

Unlike the Amazon Kindle App, which seamlessly updates your current reading material from device to device, regardless of platform. So since Android Marketplace will never have the iBook App, there's no shot to read my iBooks content on my Samsung Fascinate.

Another gap for Apple: while the Mac App store has a Kindle App available, there's no such App available for iBooks so I can read my books on my laptop.  This may be a temporary problem. Apple has made Mac App versions available for it's other popular software, including Facetime.  

The platform compatibility gap for iBooks is one more reason why I'll stick with the Kindle App moving forward.

Reading more

Six months into life with iPad, I can honestly say that I am reading more....and it's not just because of that device.

While iPad certainly has influenced my reading via electronic device over the past six months, I give more credit to Amazon that I do to Apple for that change.

According to a new survey published in the WSJ tonight, a pretty significant chunk of the population is reading more.

I would have to say I definitely can identify with the folks identified in this trend. I blame the Amazon Kindle App.

The Kindle app's WhisperSync technology is terrific when you have the Kindle application loaded on multiple devices.

I have the app loaded on my MacBook Pro, my iPad, and on by Droid Eris smart phone.

The app's ability to instantly update each device so you can pick right up where you left off makes it incredibly convenient to "read on the run."  I'll find myself catching a few pages of the selected book I'm reading on my cell phone while waiting in line for lunch or if I find a rare spare moment in my day.  And if I'm sitting at home on my MacBook Pro, I just open the device and I find myself right where I left off.

Cool and convenient.

iPad is fun to read on but the ability of the Kindle app to span across all my devices is an even more powerful reason why I read more these days.

Like A New Phone: Android 2.1 Update Pumps up Droid Eris

When I purchased the HTC Eris back in January I made a calculated choice.

I liked the sleeker, iPhone like design of the Eris over the Motorola Droid. But there was a calculated drawback. The Eris was not yet loaded with the updated Android 2.1 OS update. It was stuck in second gear with version 1.5

At the time, HTC and Verizon were saying the update would come any day. Five months later, my phone updated on Sunday.

The difference the new upgrade makes on the Eris is like night and day.

The phone runs faster. The apps are better. And the device is made much more versatile.

One of the things I like about the new upgrade is that it is much more versatile and much more flexible. For instance, while the OS sucks down a lot of power, there are a tone of shortcuts to extend your battery life. I'm sharing a video below that provided some great tips on conserving battery life.

Another thing I really appreciate is the access to more advanced apps. This expands the phones ability to become what I need it to be.

A key favorite app I discovered quickly is the iSyncr application by JTR. This app allows you to sync your Droid phone up with your iTunes library. The app comes in a PC and a Mac version.  I loaded the Mac version on my phone ($2.99 charge), hooked my Droid to my Mac, and after a few simple clicks had synched my entire iTunes library with my Droid phone. Yes, including art.

I'm 48 hours into the new update. It's a winner...and was worth the wait.  So far.

I'll keep you posted. Maybe I don't need that iPhone after all....

Here is the video on how to improve battery life (features HTC Desire, but for Eris, you'll get the point)



I may make my own version for the Eris soon.

Crossed over the MacBook Pro

After some considerable thought and a lot of shopping, I took the plunge and bought a MacBook Pro this weekend to replace my old PC laptop computer.

My Toshiba laptop performed admirably for six long years (a life time in the computer world). I owe a lot to that old computer (a master's degree and a  whole lot of other stuff), but it was just soooo slooooowww and a I recently realized it was time to go shopping.

With the arrival of the income tax refunds I really started doing some research on the upgrade, I decided to go with the Mac for a few key reason.

1.  Mac's versatility.  As an old PC guy, I was really wary about all my investment in PC/Windows based software, in which I run my personal life.  The guy at the store really helped me find the right solution for my needs. Using Parallels software, I have seamless integration between Snow Leopard and Windows 7.  Everything seems to work excellent so far. I'll keep you posted.

2.  Mac speed.  I've been playing with a ton of laptops lately.  Although Windows based computers seem to perform better on the new Windows 7 platform, I really thought that the MacBook pro was lightning quick even compared to the latest and greatest from Mr. Gates camp. Tonight, I booted up the old Toshiba to transfer some files and found I'm already spoiled my new MacBook's speed.

3. Mac's interface.  For my video, blogging and music hobbies, the Mac just seems so much more simple than the Windows platform I grew up with all those years.  Give Apple credit for really doing a good job of making the experience with their product a delight from the moment you crack the seal on the box.  I must say that I haven't had any problems adjusting to the Mac environment. It will take some time to become as proficient as I am with Windows. However, I found that there is even a learning curve with the new Windows 7 platform, so I considered this change worth the risk.

Please so far. I'll keep you posted on my experiences with the MacBook Pro.