Sunday, December 1, 2013
The Gadgeteer: GPS ~ APP'S vs Stand-alones
The Gadgeteer: GPS ~ APP'S vs Stand-alones: GPS ~ Smartphone APP’s vs Stand-alones © 2013 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BOB SKIDMORE CORRESPONDENT ...
GPS ~ APP'S vs Stand-alones
Smartphone APP’s vs Stand-alones
© 2013 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
BOB SKIDMORE
CORRESPONDENT
GPS technology, although not always totally accurate,
has become part of our everyday life. Since the advent of Smartphones, several apps
have appeared affecting GPS sales. Sales of stand-alone models have plummeted
some 15-20% and all indications are this decline will continue. So, what’s best
for your needs? Here’s what my research reveals…
Smartphone apps are available by several suppliers.
Cost ranges from totally FREE with payable options such as voice commands and
downloadable maps to some pricy versions available from the large GPS
stand-alone manufacturers who are looking to stay in the race and increase
market share. In either case upgrades are generally free and immediate.
One of the most popular apps is SCOUT GPS, Maps,
Voice, Navigation & Traffic. It’s very accurate and is totally
FREE, so you can’t beat the price. Another app that ranks high on my list is GPS
Navigation 2 – Skobbler. It comes in at 99¢ for the basic app and then offers
voice commands at $3.99 and expanded worldwide navigation with single country
to worldwide maps ranging from $2.99 each to all maps at $7.99. The
downloadable map feature is nice in that it allows you to view specific
addresses when not navigating and send a link to your computer via email thus
allowing you to print a hard copy.
So what’s the downside to Smartphone apps even when
you have one of the top ones? All apps operate by using the data side of your
mobile provider’s service. Since many plans offer you unlimited data, this is
not generally a problem when driving in the U. S. Where it does become an
expensive issue is when your travels take you to Canada, Mexico, Europe or
other continents. As discussed in a previous article, http://bit.ly/1faJ0gY, data service in other countries should be avoided
unless you are prepared to pay hundreds and perhaps thousands of dollars.
Stand-alone GPS models rely on direct satellite
linkups that cost you nothing to access worldwide. Several manufacturers offer
worldwide capable mapping devices. Some have the software built-in, while
others provide slots for memory cards. I recently conducted an overseas test of
the GARMIN NUVI 2577LT featuring built-in North American and European maps
with additional maps available.
(TIP: The
Apple App store features an app, COORD’ CONVERTER, that’s useful when the
address is not found on the GPS. Simply take the coordinates shown and manually
insert them into your device. If you’re using a computer go to itouchmap.com)
The GARMIN NUVI 2577LT features a 5” display,
which is typically larger than most Smartphones and is only surpassed in size by
an iPad. Suction mounts along with a car cord, which also serves as a built-in
antenna, are included.
(TIP: Suction
windshield mounts are quite often unreliable as they detach while driving. An
optional folding dashboard friction mount is a handy option. http://bit.ly/1g5lSnb
)
The display shows the road ahead, but split screens to
hazard info and screen shots of exits, except for round-a-bouts, which really would
be very handy, a nice feature when traveling overseas. In addition, voice
prompts alert you to upcoming congestion. Perhaps most interesting is a red bar
that pops up on the screen indicating that you are entering an area of caution.
This is a way of indicating a radar trap is ahead without violating any law
that prohibits radar detectors. An ingenious feature!
(TIP: Sunshields
for the 2577LT are available from third party vendors. Check on line for
suppliers.)
In conclusion, Smartphone apps are great for
occasional domestic use. If you travel outside the U. S. you may want to
consider a stand-alone model. Yes, rental car companies do offer optional GPS
units, but cost, learning its operation quickly and availability are facts to
be considered. The GARMIN 2577LT is one of the best I’ve seen. It’s
compact, as is the collapsible friction mount, making it easy to transport in
carry-on luggage. Map updates are not included in the purchase price, but are
available as a lifetime option (part # 010-D0131-00) for $114.00.
GADGETEER’s RATING:
SCOUT GPS *****
GPS Navigation 2 – Skobbler *****
GARMIN 2577LT: *****
MSRP: $229.99 • Portable friction mount 010-11280-02
$24.99
Bob Skidmore is a freelance
writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not
represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are
solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer. The manufacturer
generally supplies products at no cost for the articles and no other
compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels
worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many
superior ratings.
##
Friday, November 1, 2013
Communicating When You Travel Abroad
© 2013 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
BOB SKIDMORE
CORRESPONDENT
In this wired world,
communicating back to the USA via your smartphone, or laptop is relatively easy
and affordable when you know how. Here are a few tips gleaned from a recent
trip to France, Spain, Amsterdam and Sweden.
Many, but not all,
smartphones now have the ability to work in other countries, something that was
not possible just a few years ago. Most US carriers offer a temporary
discounted add-on international option to your current plan. In my case Sprint
offered a $5.00 monthly charge, pro-rated if less than a month, that links you
with various European carriers at preset prices.
(TIP: You are not charged if you do
not answer the incoming call. Since caller ID displays the caller’s number you
can easily determine if and when to answer a call. You could also opt to call
the caller back from a less expensive or FREE service or respond by email or
text. Voice mail messages do not appear on your phone’s display, but are
accessible by calling your mobile phone number and when answered pressing star
followed by entering your pass code when asked. If you do not already have a
pass code you need to set one up by visiting your carrier’s website. )
Most countries belong to an
alliance that charges $1.99 a minute for incoming/outgoing calls and texting at
5¢ incoming and 50¢ per outgoing text. Non-alliance members, such as Sweden,
charge the same texting rates, but a $2.99 per minute incoming/outgoing phone
charge. Generally, when you cross the boarder from one country to another you
will receive a FREE text indicating the rates in that country.
(TIP: European phone providers cover
different areas of a particular region, so it’s not uncommon to see the
provider’s name change while moving around in the same city or country.)
Data service is not included
and such service should be avoided, as the cost is extremely high. This means
your use of a GPS would not work unless you are willing to pay the high cost of
data.
Data service can easily be
turned off on your smartphone by accessing the system settings function. Turning this service off has no effect on
your smartphone’s ability to connect with wi-fi. You simply go to your settings
and select the wi-fi service that’s available. Your US carrier will walk you
thru the settings process. Be sure not to turn off the CELL SERVICE feature, as
doing so will eliminate phone call reception.
If you subscribe to the VOIP
service for your home that’s offered by Vonage, you have a FREE iPhone App
available to you known as EXTENSIONS. This app allows you to use the Internet
connection on your phone to call worldwide, toll-free. I used this a lot in my
European travels.
Another alternative is FACEBOOK MESSENGER. This feature permits
you to send instant messages that can only be seen by the person that it’s
intended for. Naturally, it does require Internet access and the recipient must
be a Facebook member.
(TIP: There are many hotspots in
Europe that are FREE. The problem I noticed is that most of them want some
information about you before you can connect. The questions are generally in
the language of the country you’re in, so, if you can’t read the language you
could have a problem. Also, you may willingly be subscribing to their junk
emails. Many airports offer FREE wi-fi, or a pay option that provides faster
service. Charles de Gaul Airport, for example, allows you only 15 minutes of
FREE service, after which you must pay. European smartphones also allow tethering,
a feature US providers have banned since they don’t want you to not purchase
their service for other devices such as iPads and laptops. Tethering allows one
phone to act as a hotspot so other phones, iPads and laptops can connect to the
Internet via that phones ability to access the Internet via their mobile
provider. This proved to be a valuable feature while on the road with a
relative, receiving an important text and needing to respond by calling the US.
Apps by PDA and FoxFi are available for Android phones that allow tethering.
Unfortunately, Apple removed them from the Apple store eliminating this
capability. )
Bob Skidmore is a freelance
writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent,
or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his
points of view and not those of the manufacturer. The manufacturer generally
supplies products at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is
received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of
review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior
ratings.
##
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
GRIPGO, OR GRIPLESS, That is the question
That is the question….
© 2013 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
BOB SKIDMORE
CORRESPONDENT
Taking your smartphone on
the road sounds easy till you try to access it while driving. Many gadgets are
brought to market as the ultimate solution to this problem. One such product is
the heavily advertised, GRIPGO.
The GRIPGO is a sticky mount platform fitted on an arm that affixes to
your windshield with a supplied suction cup, or to the dash with the aid of a
self-stick plastic disc.
(TIP: Suction cup mounts offer limited
holding power over time. Temperature, surface shape and texture all contribute
to their over all reliability.)
The platform or holder
designed to hold your smartphone in place consists of a very sticky surface.
The sticky surface does not transfer to the device, however, removal of the
phone can be extremely difficult. The platform is attached to a tiltable arm
allowing a somewhat precise height adjustment. What’s missing to making this
fully adjustable is a swivel base.
The sticky surface is made
up of a proprietary material that definitely holds the phone in place, but also
sticks to hair, paper and other things that come in contact with it. Thus,
keeping it clean can be a real challenge. Removing the phone can be an even
bigger one. I tested several different phones and several with Mophie battery
packs and all proved very difficult to remove. If you were in a hurry to exit
your vehicle this would be a definite deterrent.
(TIP: Save the original plastic
covering used to cover the sticky surface in shipping. This can be used when
you remove the GRIPGO for storage. It will aid in preventing unwanted items
from sticking to it.)
My overall opinion is don’t
believe everything you see in an infomercial. It certainly seems to work there,
but than how many retakes did it take to achieve perfect results? So, don’t
waste your money! This is a product that looks good in the informercial, but
does not make it in the real world.
MSRP: $14.95 - $24.99
GADGETEER’S
RATING: *
Bob Skidmore is a freelance
writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent,
or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his
points of view and not those of the manufacturer. The manufacturer generally
supplies products at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is
received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of
review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior
ratings.
##
GRIPGO, OR GRIPLESS, That is the question
That is the question….
© 2013 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
BOB SKIDMORE
CORRESPONDENT
Taking your smartphone on
the road sounds easy till you try to access it while driving. Many gadgets are
brought to market as the ultimate solution to this problem. One such product is
the heavily advertised, GRIPGO.
The GRIPGO is a sticky mount platform fitted on an arm that affixes to
your windshield with a supplied suction cup, or to the dash with the aid of a
self-stick plastic disc.
(TIP: Suction cup mounts offer limited
holding power over time. Temperature, surface shape and texture all contribute
to their over all reliability.)
The platform or holder
designed to hold your smartphone in place consists of a very sticky surface.
The sticky surface does not transfer to the device, however, removal of the
phone can be extremely difficult. The platform is attached to a tiltable arm
allowing a somewhat precise height adjustment. What’s missing to making this
fully adjustable is a swivel base.
The sticky surface is made
up of a proprietary material that definitely holds the phone in place, but also
sticks to hair, paper and other things that come in contact with it. Thus,
keeping it clean can be a real challenge. Removing the phone can be an even
bigger one. I tested several different phones and several with Mophie battery
packs and all proved very difficult to remove. If you were in a hurry to exit
your vehicle this would be a definite deterrent.
(TIP: Save the original plastic
covering used to cover the sticky surface in shipping. This can be used when
you remove the GRIPGO for storage. It will aid in preventing unwanted items
from sticking to it.)
My overall opinion is don’t
believe everything you see in an infomercial. It certainly seems to work there,
but than how many retakes did it take to achieve perfect results? So, don’t
waste your money! This is a product that looks good in the informercial, but
does not make it in the real world.
MSRP: $14.95 - $24.99
GADGETEER’S
RATING: *
Bob Skidmore is a freelance
writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent,
or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his
points of view and not those of the manufacturer. The manufacturer generally
supplies products at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is
received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of
review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior
ratings.
##
Sunday, September 1, 2013
MOPHIE ~ Juice Pack Helium For The iPhone 5
-->
iPhone 5 On-Board Battery Pack
© 2013 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
BOB SKIDMORE
CORRESPONDENT
Many months ago I reviewed the Mophie Juice Pack, an
external power source for the iPhone 3 series. In the months that followed an
iPhone 4 version was introduced. It too was a great power source, but poor
molding resulted in connection and lens port issues. Factory revisions offered
little or no improvement. So, let’s revisit Mophie and its latest product, Juice
Pack Helium for the iPhone 5.
One of the biggest downfalls of any smartphone is
battery time. iPhone is certainly no exception. Yes, there are many tricks to
conserving power, but the fact is, it’s hardly possible to operate one for a
twelve-hour day without a recharge. So, the Mophie Juice Pack Helium offers a
solution, in he form of an attached, on-board, battery pack that looks and
feels like part of the phone.
(TIP: To
conserve power turn off your apps when they’re not is use. Just double click on
HOME button > A set of apps
appear at the bottom of the screen > Hold finger on any one till apps wiggle
> Tap each red dot and they will disappear. You’ll not loose anything.
You’ve turned off the app’s thus eliminating non-essential power drain.)
The Juice Pack Helium easily attaches
to your iPhone 5. Its built-in lightning plug automatically connects when the
Juice Pack is mounted, thus connecting and supplying power from the Juice Pack
when needed. A cutout for the camera’s lens, unlike the previous model, allows
for non-reflective picture taking. A pass-through audio connector slot allows
access to the accessory jack. Since this slot is considerably recessed, a short
extender cable is supplied. If there’s a negative, this is it, as it’s just
another item to loose and certain external microphones dangle from the phone.
Operation is like any other Mophie product. When your phone shows a battery
time remaining percentage of around 25% you switch over to Juice Pack mode. The
Juice Pack now begins charging the phone’s internal battery without service
interruption. This takes about an hour and generally results in a 100% charge.
You’ve now almost doubled your battery time. Charging of the combined unit is
accomplished with a supplied special USB cable.
(TIP: The
Juice Pack Helium is rechargeable for over 500 cycles. A full cycle means
charging is from 0% - 100%. Partial cycles do not count as full cycles. Some
days you may never need to engage the pack, so the usable lifespan could be
several years.)
The MOPHIE Juice Pack Helium works very well.
The improvements made add much to its usefulness and the slight additional
weight of 2.44 Oz gives it a better feel. I did, however, notice that a slight
bit of case pealing took place on the left side of the silver metallic model I
tested. This happened only days after receiving the unit and with very careful
usage. Since then, no further peeling has taken place.
(TIP:
Rocketfish mobile makes the perfect hip-mount case for this combination. For
further details go to http://bit.ly/15XGjKl.)
MSRP: $79.75 • Rockfish hip case $24.95
GADGETEER’S
RATING: *****
Bob Skidmore is a freelance
writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not
represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are
solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer. The manufacturer
generally supplies products at no cost for the articles and no other
compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he
feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason
for many superior ratings.
##
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