Trips I Want to Take this Summer

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:16:30 -0700

Inspired by Katie’s group of things that we have to do this summer, I have also thought about things i really want to do. Aside from being a working stiff, I do miss being in college and having that ability to do pretty much anything you feel like. So what’s on my to-do list this summer.

1. VISIT BERKELEY!
Lets face it all my best buds are up there for the summer and I can’t believe that we’re at different colleges. So for at least a little while I really want to head up and live like a Cal student.
1. Figure out more things to do!
I know sad, this list only began and I’ve run out of ideas, but I feel like we should all come up with something and actually do it!

Day 1 With iPhone OS 3.0

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:12:39 -0700

The first thing I have to say is that this thing is snappy. Strike another reason why I shouldn’t buy an iPhone 3G S. The phone feels a lot more stable, it doesn’t drop calls, and the quality of calls have improved. In addition, installation of apps is a lot easier and appears faster. 3G doesn’t cut out nearly as often, and overall the experience with 3G seems a lot better.
What I really love about this update though is the universal search. I use it on my mac all the time to find things across different applications, folders, and locations. I always had issues with my iPhone not being able to search through my Inbox to find just the right message or attachment in a reasonable amount of time, now that is solved. By flicking across to the left most home screen, you’ll find the new spotlight feature, which is implemented amazingly well and is blazing fast.
I haven’t been able to test push notifications and there are no apps that currently support it in the app store, though I’m sure that’s bound to change on June 17th when the OS is released to the general public.
Regardless I think this is a great revision and I’m excited to see what new apps are out there for this version of the operating system. For as many revisions were made to the OS, the real gem of this phone has always been the app store, and I am quite ready to see some apps I’d be willing to pay more than $1 for.

iPhone 3GS: Why Are You So Expensive?

Mon, 8 Jun 2009 14:56:04 -0700

Today saw one of the most product packed WWDC keynotes that I’ve ever seen. Though Steve didn’t make an appearance, Phil Schiller introduced huge changes to Apple’s lineup. The company has realigned its pricing to the current global recession and decreased prices across the board. Cupertino also released a new iPhone, which was widely expected going into this morning’s keynote.
Yet again AT&T proved to be behind the demise of customer’s satisfaction with the iPhone. All iPhone 3G owners are ineligible for the upgrade pricing to the new iPhone 3GS. I probably wouldn’t have upgraded to the new device anyway, the changes are minor in comparison to the iPhone 3G. What does bug me is that AT&T is constantly after my money. I already pay a premium for data service, I already pay a lot more than I should for voice, text messages, and MMS, and now you’re trying to stiff me on the phone?
Pricing for Current iPhone 3G Customers
8GB iPhone 3G..................$499
16GB iPhone 3GS..............$599
32GB iPhone 3GS..............$699

In addition, the legacy carrier for the iPhone will not support MMS until later in the summer, and tethering has also been delayed indefinitely. Carriers all over the world have responded and given iPhone users what they want, but AT&T seems to be stuck in the dark ages.
As for the Device. Well I’m not that impressed, but I will say that the Voice Control feature is pretty awesome. What I’m not happy with, is that as a normal iPhone 3G user I won’t get this feature. I can’t see how Voice Control is anything more than another iPhone app, so I’m pretty surprised that it’s not being included in the iPhone 3.0 OS release on June 17th.
I applaud my former employer for getting the phone out a lot quicker than last time. That month long period of waiting between WWDC and the actual iPhone release was terrible for retail employees “Do you have any iPhones?”, I really wanted to reply “Uh....no, please stop living under a rock”, but regardless we’ve only got a week and a half to wait to see the latest and greatest out of Cupertino. I like everyone else will check the thing out, but I don’t expect to be dazzled. Or at least, I don’t expect the reality distortion field to take my credit card and my hard earned cash.
What I do expect is a lot of people lining up to buy themselves a perfectly good, $99 iPhone 3G.

The Hangover: A Must See

Sat, 6 Jun 2009 13:48:31 -0700

I went to watch the hangover last night, and I’ve got to say, I haven’t seen a more hilarious movie in a long time. This summer is clearly producing better movies than I ever would have expected. You’ve got Andy Bernard, being....Andy Bernard. His Cornell drinking skills are clearly being put to the test. He still dresses like an epic prepster, and he still sings acapella. Go, laugh, and don’t get weirded out by awkward male nudity.