Newt3

PC's and Android Phones...

I really tried to like PC's. For years I would buy the their new incarnation. But none ever really worked for me. The hardware was cheep and the operating system was flaky... The same is true of Android. I switched from an iPhone to a Verizon Blackberry Storm. Then upgraded to a Storm 2. Neither really met my needs. Went back to the iPhone... and later switched to a Verizon Droid. It was OK but still didn't meet my needs. Next switched back to an iPhone. Then because my entire family is on Verizon... I switched back to a Droid, and later upgraded to a droid x. Of all the non-iPhones, the droid x comes closest to meeting my needs. The droid x has a great screen, and camera. Its fast and loaded with non-removable Verizon crapware. Syncing with a computer is a pain... Verizon's thinks we all use PC's so gears its sync interface to PC's. I have spent ton's of time figuring out how to get the system to work for me... but it cant.

So its back to the iPhone for me... its AT&T I know, but the little computer that can also make phone call's  just works.

Retirement...

Just another peaceful retirement morning. No rush, no traffic, no meetings,.... just peace and quite. This is the 27th day of just beautiful mornings...

Verizon screwed the Droid X....

Verizon, just one of the blood sucking leaches that masquerade  as a service provider, has pretty much screwed up an otherwise good phone, the Droid X, with crapware. Guess they took the lead from PC makers. Verizon's crapware cannot be removed unless you root the phone and void there warranty and terms of use agreement. How nice.

Its back to the iPhone for me... its a crapware free zone.

R-Pod 175...

Sandy and I purchased a 2010 R-Pod 175 from Jack and Nancy in Tucson, AZ. Jack was kind enough to deliver the unit to our home in Chandler, AZ last week on Thursday. This R-Pod is in better then new shape as Jack performed many of modifications discussed in this Wiki. Upon receipt our first action was to replace the bed. We found a queen size (60" x 80") foam mattress at our local Cosco's called NovaForm, Memory Foam 12". It comes vacuum packed. We just placed it on the bead frame, cut open the sealed bag, and within a couple of minutes the mattress expanded to fill the bed space. No cutting or other action was required. The very next day we took the R-Pod on its maiden voyage to Rancho Sedona RV park in Sedona, AZ. This was a 140 mile trip through some very steep mountains. Our pod towed flawlessly. The tow vehicle is a 2007 V6 4WD Toyota 4Runner. Passed many slower vehicles and achieved around 14 mpg. Needless to say we are pleased with the towing experience. The living experience at our campsite was great. As expected we discovered things we had forgotten to pack, but otherwise it was a most positive experience. Will post pictures on the bed modification and trip experience in the appropriate sections in a couple of days.

We do want to thank the members of the r-pod nation wiki community for all their help and sharing of R-Pod experiences. It made our decision to purchase both easy and a posative experience.

bluehost is very bad news...

Beware of bluehost.com (Web Hosting Company), they automatically set you up for a 24 month "Renewal NOW". This setting is hidden some place on there web site. To cancel your account you have to call into their offices. Doing so is not an assurance they will actually cancel. I know, in my case I called to cancel my account and was told it was done. Then several months later I find a charge on my credit card for $190 to cover a 24 month renewal.

Another netbook…

I purchased a new HP Mini 210 netbook from Sam’s Club. I have a limited need for a windows system and think this might work. Its been awhile since I set up a new PC and I forgot the pain. This system came with Windows 7 Starter. So my first action was to upgrade to Professional. Next was virus protection, and ESET’s nod32 is my choice. Cleaning all the unwanted junk took some time. Then installing Office 2007. Finally, I created a set of restore disks, backed up HD to an external drive and created an emergency recover disk. I am so spoiled… non of this is required with the Apple Mac.

 

The HP Mini 210 is definitely an improvement over my previous HP netbook. Centering the touch pad makes an improved typing experience. Windows 7 is a big improvement over XP. The keyboard is improved and the system seems much lighter. Its still underpowered with only a 1.66 GHz Atom processor. Perhaps upping memory to 2 GB will help. The system has only a three cell battery with 5 hr life. In spite of its shortcomings I like the system for light work and portability. I may need to invest in a 6 cell battery for a longer life.

This post is via Windows Live Writer… its great. Puts the fun back into blogging.

Nexus One...

Encountered what I think is a unique bug using my Nexus One Google phone. When calling out the answering party could not hear me talk. However, incoming callers had no problem hearing me. Clearly this is not a hardware problem. As others have discovered, there is no way to contact Google for help except via email. Email to Google must be routed to the trash, cause there was no acknowledgement or response in over 24 hours. I called the service provider, T-Mobile, who rerouted me to HTC. HTC was very professional and resolved my issue. Just restore the phone to its factory settings, log into your gmail account and all is well.

The Nexus One with Android is really a great system. However, the total lack of customer support from Google ruined the experience. Until Google wakes up, I can never recommend anyone purchase their phone or use their services. Google customer service is the proverbial black hole. 

Time to switch back to an iPhone.

Windows 7 Laptop...

With the release of Windows 7, I purchased a new HP Pavilion Entertainment PC, model dv7. Its defiantly not a unibody MacBook Pro. This is a 7.7 pound black plastic monster and is intended to replace an Asus Netbook running the very tired Windows XP OS. This system was purchase form Sam's and could be returned within 90 days. At this point I think it a keeper. Noted that HP did not load all the typical bloat ware and everything worked right out of the box. Interestingly it has a combo drive that reads and rights CD's, DVD's, and plays Blue-Ray's. The screen is LED backlit, but not as brilliant at the Apple display. The system has been configured to do all my usual stuff and will be my exclusive laptop for the next few weeks. So far I really like Windows 7 OS and this system. The 2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P7550 processor seems snappy. Over time will see if the system slows...

 

Microsoft's First Store...

Fashion Square Mall, Scottsdale,Arizona

I visited the new Microsoft store at the Fashion Square Mall in Scottsdale , Arizona this weekend. Fashion Square is very large, three level, upscale mall, thats polite for very pricy. It took some time to find the place as the directory had not been updated to reflect its location and there were no long crowds leading the way. There was one big banner hanging over the food court announcing the store opening. However, it provided no directions. Asking around at the various stores did ultimately get me to my destination. My very first impression upon entering was... Its Apple! A little shocking. In my flippant way, I asked the greater if this was an Apple store. Her reply was no, its Microsoft and we have more technology. I snapped a couple of pictures with my Blackberry and did a walk around. This is really a nice store. Lots of PC's on display. Seemed like there was a table for most major brands of laptops, e.g. Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc. There was not much in the way of desktop systems. Noted a couple of Microsoft touch tables and a small gaming section. Only saw Microsoft software on display. There were no third party application or peripherals in view. Needed an external hard drive, but none for sale here.

Overall I found the experience pleasant. Did note, as expected, there were no bargains. My suspicion is this is really just a big advertisement opportunity for Microsoft. From my pictures you can see there were not many customers and saw no one leave with a new computer. Contrasting with Apple's store where they always seem crowded and you see a stream of customer leaving with new systems.

Contigo Warning Danger...

I purchased a Contigo Mug June 2, 2009. Its a great looking mug and well made. Only one problem. When filled with hot coffee if tilted it not only leaks it sprays. This thing is a lethal weapon. I contacted Contigo who advised that my mug was defective and provided an address where I could return it for a replacement. I returned the mug. However they never sent its replacement. I have sent them several emails with no response. I have since contacted American Express and contested the charge. 

So don't purchase from Contigo. They are not to be trusted. Once Contigo has your money you no longer exist.