iPhone 5 - intro and concerns

12.09.25: It appears there are a few problems with the iPhone 5...

In my opinion, the main problem is very slow wi-fi ... the reason I replaced my iPhone a while ago!

12.09.12 Back in April, I posted an iPhone 4S vs Samsung item.
Today, Apple introduced its newest iPhone ... which is likely to sell approx 30 million before the end of the year ... which might raise the stock value to $750-$1000/share before year-end (currently $695).
Unbelievable, for such a limited upgrade. But Apple and iPhone customers are loyal, regardless how much better other smartphones may be.


The Toronto Star had an article today "New iPhone Offers Few Surprises" and another article today "A better smartphone, but nothing revolutionary".

Tech Republic is a trusted technical reporting service and here is their analysis of the iPhone 5.



Summary of improvements:

1. thinner, lighter and larger screen - 18% thinner and 20% lighter than 4S and a 4" display with more pixels than 4S. More pixels = better viewing.
Other smartphone have more pixels. 


2. 4G LTE capable - the 4S was 3G capable. Means faster speed. 
Most smartphones have this ... but LTE isn't available yet.  

3. larger front camera (1.3MP) than 4S (.93MP).
Most smartphones have 2MP front camera.  

4. larger internal storage than 4S or other smartphones.
Most smartphones have a card slot for up to 32GB removable storage ... which can easily be copied to your PC for backup.

5. has a better battery than 4S. Still will not last 8 hours with active use.
All smartphones allow for easily changing battery...a must for anyone using a golf GP type app during a game.

6. better back camera (8MP) than 4S (5MP).
Most smartphones have 8MP back camera.

7. panorama pictures (up to 28MP) with IOS6 - same for 4S with IOS6.

8. a new map system instead of Google Maps (untested at this time).
All smartphones have the excellent Google Maps app.

9. a different peripheral connector than 4S.
All users will need to buy new connectors for their clock radio, etc.

I am curious to see the offer from Bell and Rogers for a three year plan.
The USA expectation is $199 (16gb), $299(32gb) and $399(64gb).

In summary, for existing iPhone owners, there will be slight improvements  in this new model ... but you will pay more (for connecting things to it and probably for their telephone plan) and still not be able to switch batteries when it dies at a critical time.

BTW, I am not a fan since my 3GS iPhone had serious problems than could not be fixed free (no wi-fi reception, very poor battery life, and dead back camera).

Android phone - managing storage

07.24.12: Have you ever wanted to change where data is stored on your android smartphone?

First a little info on Android (non iPhone) phone structure.

This information pertains to a Samsung Galaxy smartphone and should be applicable to any non-iPhone. 

To view all storage areas on your phone go to Settings - Storage.

Samsung has identified its storage area on my Galaxy Note as:

1. Internal Storage (2g) - the phone

2. USB Storage (16gb) - internal SDcard (identified as sdcard folder)

3. SD card (16gb) - a micro SDcard I added (identified as sdcard/external_sd sub-folder)

All Samsung apps and files (photos, music, videos and downloads) default to the USB Storage area (folder labelled sdcard). 

Samsung has made it a little confusing by identifying the USB Storage area as sdcard folder.

You are allowed to move most apps from the USB Storage to the external sd card.

I have moved all apps, that can be moved, to the external sd card. 

If an app can be moved, it will indicate at main menu - Settings - Applications and select an app. It also allows you to easily move these apps back and forth, as your needs change.

You can change the storage location for photos and videos (taken with Camera) by making this change:

In the Camera app, switch from photo to video and tap the Settings icon and then tap the "Edit shortcuts" item and drag the storage icon to a blank area on the menu. Then select this storage icon and select "Memory card" instead of "Phone". If you don't see a storage icon, there is no external SD card recognized in the phone.

I use my external SD card for all downloads.

For downloads via a browser, open the Internet icon (Chrome browser) menu - Settings - Advanced - Default storage - Memory card.

I installed a few file manager apps but always came back to the one that came with my phone "My files". 

It has a good way of presenting the storage areas and folders within.

I don't suggest moving this app to the external sd card.

You can move/copy files between storage areas with this app.

I backup some files (pics, etc) on both the USB Storage (sdcard folder) and the external sdcard (sdcard.external_sd sub-folder).

I then take out the micro sdcard and backup to my computer or attach the usb cable and copy to computer.

If you have any useful tips, corrections or suggestions, pls let me know and I will augment this blog item. 

Viewing someone's computer screen

05.17.12: Ever needed to see something on someone else's computer screen?


This free web based app allows it very easily.


On the computer you want to make visible, just go to this site and click on "Share your screen now".


The computer wanting to see your screen enters the link (or code provided, for smartphones) , after going to www.screenleap.com.


You can then make changes on your screen and they will be available on the viewing computer.

sending emails from another country

04.21.12: This app is for those people who have dedicated email accounts (i.e. Rogers, Sympatico, Paladrome, your company, etc) and cannot access it from other PCs.


My advice, to those who only have these types of email accounts ... get a GMAIL, YAHOO, or HOTMAIL account as backup.


The app is Mail From Anywhere and it allows you to easily send emails to anyone and include attachments. It does not require or request a sender email address.

You may think anti-virus or spam filters stop these emails but they don't appear to (at this time).


This app does not allow you to read your email or reply to an email received from the app.


However, it does allow you to send an email without identifying the sender.


You have a couple of ways of using this app ... if you are intend on pursuing:


1. download to a SDcard or stick and carry with you
2. make note of the link and download (if the PC allows you to) as required


You should familiarize yourself with it (install and try on your computer), before trying on another. 

Which is the best Smartphone?

05.16.13: I have revised my smartphone comparison chart for current products from Rogers, Bell and Telus.

Bottom Line: Samsung Galaxy S4 is the best product available today. 

04.08.13: An update comparison between the leading smartphones, a few days ago.

Depending on your needs, it is getting more difficult to determine the best smartphone for your needs.

What stands out in this chart:
1. Talk time - iPhone is much lower - very important
2. Speed - difficult to determine - not important
3. Camera (front) - iPhone not as good, (Back) - equal
4. Texting - about equal

What is not in this chart is even more important to me, as a daily smartphone user who has almost replaced his computer with the phone - Interchangeable battery.

There are three main things that dramatically reduce time between battery charging:
1. screen brightness
2. using Network (wi-fi)
3. using GPS

If you aren't very careful, battery life will not last the whole day.

iPhone is the only one (of the major smartphones) not allowing you to change the battery. 

Here are 10 tips to conserve battery charge. 



12.04.12: This item outlines the Bell iPhone 4S and Galaxy Note and the Rogers iPhone 4S and Galaxy Note.


It also includes Bell and Rogers 4G and LTE offerings. Hopefully, it doesn't add to your confusion.

I have now had time to adjust to non Apple interface.
It took a while ... now understand why those who are Apple stay Apple.


Samsung is the leading maker of Android (non Apple) smartphones. Their newest entry into the cell phone space is the Note.


There are a few reasons I prefer the Galaxy Note: interchangeable battery, larger screen and resolution, ease of transferring data to/from a PC.


Some of the best Apple apps are not available in Android models yet ... but sure to appear in the future.
I will outline useful Android apps in future blog items. 

Here are the specifications for the iPhone 4 and the newest iPhone 4S. 
Pls note the very small front camera (for Skype, Google Talk, etc) for 4 and 4S.

Here is a comparison of iPhone 4S and Galaxy Note.


I'll let you draw your own conclusions on which is better for you.

Bell is offering 4G-LTE in most major areas.


Here is a diagram showing GTA areas a this time.


From what I can tell, at this time, it appears both have very similar coverage and comparable speed.

Rogers has "LTE beyond 4G" in larger city areas (including Markham and Mississauga).




LTE - Long Term Evolution. It is the new international standard for next generation wireless networks, as defined by the International Telecommunications Union.

LTE enables faster HD video streaming, gaming, communications, transactions and other connected experiences through mobile Internet. 

LTE allows significantly more data to pass through a network at speeds of up to 150 Mbps and it will become the foundation in a world defined by connected experiences.

4G - Is the fourth generation of cellphone mobile communications. It is not available yet. It will allow mobile ultra-braodband speed between smartphones and wireless laptops. HD TV steaming, and other high speed transmissions will appear seamless.


To add some confusion, LTE is not really 4G speed but it is close.
Both major carriers are inaccurate and confusing their customers by using LTE with 4G. Rogers is worse by indicating their LTE is "beyond" 4g.


Both are really offering 3GPP Long Term Evolution ... better than standard 3G speed.


LTE Advanced (LTE-A) will appear, eventually, and will be true 4G compliant.


From Wikipedia:
"The first release of the 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard does not completely fulfill the ITU 4G requirements called IMT-Advanced. 
First release LTE is not backwards compatible with 3G, but is a pre-4G or 3.9G technology, however sometimes branded "4G" by the service providers. 
Its evolution LTE Advanced is a 4G technology. 
WiMAX is another technology verging on or marketed as 4G."

a couple of useful PC apps

12.04.04: 


Ninite - a very quick and easy application updating tool for your computer. It will update specific apps you might have on your PC. Just select from the apps listed and it will update if the app is out-of-date.


Box - similar to Dropbox but provides 5gb of space (only 2gb for dropbox) but has a 25mb file size limit. 
I also find it much more intuitive to use.

Dropbox - similar to Box but has no file size and you can increase your free space by 250mb every time you get someone to sign up.


I use both Box and Dropbox - depending on file size.

gas prices on the rise

04.03.12: Get ready for a gas price increase ... again!

I am about to rant on gas prices ... but I should really be RANTING about the WASTEFUL use of our tax $s again. 
The F35 fiasco is rearing its ugly head again. But, relax, it is only an additional $10B waste of our tax $s.

Why is it we Canadians don't mind the feds partying with our tax $s ?

I guess we must enjoy paying taxes!

Back on April 25, 2011, I posted an item on Gasbuddy to help you check for lower gas prices when you need to fill up.

Well, gas prices may be $1.40/litre tomorrow and you need to take measures to encourage lower prices and to ensure you are getting a good price when you do fill up.

As you know, I have complained about gas prices in the past. 

We do pay a LOT OF TAX on our gas.

We just returned home from Myrtle Beach and we paid approx $.98/litre for our gas. 

BTW, we averaged 16k/l in our Civic (approx 47MPG - for the oldies - thanks to an Android app for my Samsung smartphone called fuelio).

What really surprised me was the price for 'regular' vs 'premium' gas.

Did you know we pay approx $.15/litre more for premium ... and the Americans pays approx $.15/Gal more for premium. 
Canadians pay a lot more for premium gas than Americans.
Why the dramatic increase for premium here in Canada?

I guess we have to pay for the F35s somehow! 

What really astounds me is how PASSIVE we Canadians are about inequities!!!

I am about to tweet Harper again and really encourage everyone to tweet him and send emails to their MP.


I also will email the auditor general on the excellent unbiased report. 

Planning for the driving future:

1. drive less

2. elect a more responsible government

3. complain to your MP

4. really think about a very efficient vehicle for your next purchase

5. get rid of those pick-up trucks and vans you are driving now - if you want to save money
6. don't but a vehicles that requires premium fuel

It really is time to start serious complaining about our wasted tax $s !!!


Although I like to rant, the one positive of increased gas prices is the growing inevitability of hydrogen fuel as the right answer.