Sunday, August 11, 2013
I didn't think I'd like Windows 8
Took the plunge on a touch laptop yesterday at the Sony Outlet Store. I thought I'd need Windows 8 for Dummies or a class at the Microsoft Store. But Mr. Google answered all my questions so far. I have been debating replacing an older laptop, and an odd article about a virus attack on Linux tipped the scale. Windows is the most attacked platform, but it's probably also one of the best protected. And I can't get a Citibank virtual credit card number on a Mac (which has halted the credit card fraud problem). They say an upgrade that will restore the Windows Start Button is coming out shortly, but once you get past that inconvenience, Windows 8 Touch is actually kinda fun.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Keeping Android Out of Trouble
I detailed previously the problems I had trying to use a tablet during a real estate deal. Since then I have spent nine intense weeks remodeling the referenced property. Both these experiences have demonstrated how an Android device will hang up under duress. The root problem, it seems to me, is cache. Remembering that your device is routinely trying to do fifty things at once, I have found that clearing the cache keeps it out of trouble. After trying a half dozen cache cleaners, I settled on App Cache Cleaner Pro. I put it on my main home screen, set it to clear cache with one touch, and to clear cache hourly if I don't. Not a single problem since.
Monday, July 29, 2013
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Follow me on twitter
@houtek is my userid. I am gratified by the number of blog views here. Frankly, I post more on twitter these days, but I'll try to add more here, as well. Thank you!
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Tablets not ready for travel
As fate would have it, we decided to do a real estate deal while on this trip, and I found the tablet was not up to the heavy demands of digital signing of real estate contracts and shopping research for furniture. Part of the problem is the lack of mobile web sites. Part, I think, is the fact that Android is trying to run 15 programs at once, while Window only does one thing at a time. I did get better performance after stripping out every non-critical app I could find. Also, there were physical gripes, like the fact that you can't move the cursor in an entry field in some cases. Lots of frustrations. Will be carrying a Macbook or laptop next time.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
The Tablet's First Day on the Road
Well, this was a very busy day. Used the smartphone for most stuff before takeoff, loved the FlightTrack app, was feeding updates as they happened. Had to turn the phone off on takeoff of course, so I fired up the tablet mid-flight. Used the Samsung sleeve / stand and the onscreen keyboard. Signed up in advance for Go-Go wifi in flight, worked well except for app updates. Sent and received several emails without problems in the Gmail app. In some web pages, noted inability to move cursor to correct an entry, resolved by clearing cache and re-starting the entry. We had a late departure due to a small mechanical concern, and I was able to get a more accurate arrival time from the FlightTrack app than I was from the head stewardess. One of the stewardesses was jazzed over my 8400 mAh backup battery -gave her the QVC item # E224235. Settling in tonight with the Samsung physical keyboard on the hotel wifi. Overall, I'd give it an A-, which isn't bad for an active day.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Traveling Tablet - a picture of the subject
Tablet on the Road - Hardware
Amazon.com: samsung galaxy tab 2 7.0 - After two 10" iPads and a 10" Samsung Galaxy Tab, I decided a 7" tablet was easier to carry. Will also be taking the Samsung Galaxy Tab Keyboard Dock, which gives you a full keyboard. Would estimate the two together weigh about the same as a MacBook Air. I will do everything I would normally do on my smartphone. And anything for which I would reach for a laptop, I will try the tablet / keyboard dock combo. I've already noticed that the formatting of the webpage for updating the blog is a little awkward on 5 and 7 inch screens - will have to write Google a note about that. Add phone, charging cords, extension cord, and two backup batteries, and we're ready to go!
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Traveling with a Tablet not a Laptop
Hitting the road for a bit. Decided the best way to resolve my doubts about the suitablity of a tablet vs a laptop is to try it! I have all the apps and bookmarks I think I'll need. So I'll blog a bit as I go, and give this thing a real road test!
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
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