Da Nag -- I'm using Outlook installed locally on my PC. I need a phone I can sync without going through an Exchange server. And - I do not want to have to go through Google's gmail to synch. That's a little too cloudy for me. That's why I am particulary interested if the Droid Eris has a direct-to-Outlook sync capability.
iPhone questions
- Thread starter JamesTXSD
- Start date
Nerd fight!!! 
Agreed. But unlike the desktop computer market, smartphone adoption is far from ubiquitous. There is huge room for growth and consumer adoption. The potential market for these devices, is far larger than the installed base. In my circle of friends and family, smartphone adoption is pretty slim overall. Even more telling - I'd guess only 30-40% of my co-workers have them, all of whom are fellow nerds.
Point being - while the iPhone has an obviously huge advantage in numbers right now over other offerings, it does not have a stranglehold on the population as a whole. Looking at it from that perspective, its adoption is minuscule. If something better/cheaper comes along, there is still plenty of room for competition...unlike the desktop market.
And cost, will definitely be one of the determining factors in this battle. Even amongst those I know who are intrigued by smartphones, there are many who simply won't shell out the bucks - myself included. If these devices hit the sub-$100 barrier with no long-term contracts, they'll simply overtake 'dumb" phones. From a cost perspective, Apple won't be able to compete - they'll need to rely on the same model that makes then successful on the desktop, which is the unique and complete user experience - something I think is far tougher to stay on top of, in the smartphone market.
It has - and in fact it's overtaken Windows, Sun and every other OS out there, in a relatively short time. I'm only being somewhat facetious...I'm of course, referring to servers in the data center and embedded devices.
Point is, Linux on the desktop is a far greater challenge than in other areas. Applications drive hardware, not the reverse - and it's far more difficult to replace applications on desktops, than on centrally managed servers or for homogeneous hardware. Desktop computers also have another huge hurdle that prevents users from switching OS's, that doesn't exist on servers - peripherals. There are countless peripherals, that have Mac or Windows requirements.
Smartphones are an entirely different beast. Their support model is much more like servers, than like desktops...which makes the previously mentioned application and peripheral hurdles, far easier to overcome. Everything is centrally managed. Hardware is extremely limited, compared to desktops. OS's are far more simplistic than their desktop counterparts. All of these issues, point to an environment that has a far lower barrier to enter than desktop OS's.
And finally...Google has a huge advantage in the GIS/mapping arena, which is quickly becoming one of the more compelling reasons to pick up a smartphone. Jim already touched on how well Google's earliest developments in this technology work on the Droid, and it will only get better. Geo-locating is becoming an integral part of many applications. In this regard, nobody can currently compete with Google - they have far more data tied to maps, than anyone else.
If one agrees with the above, suggesting Apple's days of dominance in smartphone market are numbered, doesn't take a huge leap of faith.
Can't blame you in the least - that seems like a smart financial move. With an app as unique as yours, there's little risk in being late to the Android party if it does take off. For something more generic, or with more competition - being first out can have its advantages.
ActiveCaptain":26t8qw3f said:
Agreed. But unlike the desktop computer market, smartphone adoption is far from ubiquitous. There is huge room for growth and consumer adoption. The potential market for these devices, is far larger than the installed base. In my circle of friends and family, smartphone adoption is pretty slim overall. Even more telling - I'd guess only 30-40% of my co-workers have them, all of whom are fellow nerds.
Point being - while the iPhone has an obviously huge advantage in numbers right now over other offerings, it does not have a stranglehold on the population as a whole. Looking at it from that perspective, its adoption is minuscule. If something better/cheaper comes along, there is still plenty of room for competition...unlike the desktop market.
And cost, will definitely be one of the determining factors in this battle. Even amongst those I know who are intrigued by smartphones, there are many who simply won't shell out the bucks - myself included. If these devices hit the sub-$100 barrier with no long-term contracts, they'll simply overtake 'dumb" phones. From a cost perspective, Apple won't be able to compete - they'll need to rely on the same model that makes then successful on the desktop, which is the unique and complete user experience - something I think is far tougher to stay on top of, in the smartphone market.
ActiveCaptain":26t8qw3f said:
It has - and in fact it's overtaken Windows, Sun and every other OS out there, in a relatively short time. I'm only being somewhat facetious...I'm of course, referring to servers in the data center and embedded devices.
Point is, Linux on the desktop is a far greater challenge than in other areas. Applications drive hardware, not the reverse - and it's far more difficult to replace applications on desktops, than on centrally managed servers or for homogeneous hardware. Desktop computers also have another huge hurdle that prevents users from switching OS's, that doesn't exist on servers - peripherals. There are countless peripherals, that have Mac or Windows requirements.
Smartphones are an entirely different beast. Their support model is much more like servers, than like desktops...which makes the previously mentioned application and peripheral hurdles, far easier to overcome. Everything is centrally managed. Hardware is extremely limited, compared to desktops. OS's are far more simplistic than their desktop counterparts. All of these issues, point to an environment that has a far lower barrier to enter than desktop OS's.
And finally...Google has a huge advantage in the GIS/mapping arena, which is quickly becoming one of the more compelling reasons to pick up a smartphone. Jim already touched on how well Google's earliest developments in this technology work on the Droid, and it will only get better. Geo-locating is becoming an integral part of many applications. In this regard, nobody can currently compete with Google - they have far more data tied to maps, than anyone else.
If one agrees with the above, suggesting Apple's days of dominance in smartphone market are numbered, doesn't take a huge leap of faith.
ActiveCaptain":26t8qw3f said:
Can't blame you in the least - that seems like a smart financial move. With an app as unique as yours, there's little risk in being late to the Android party if it does take off. For something more generic, or with more competition - being first out can have its advantages.
The Straddling Nerd":3cmwo9og said:
I agree - at least I think I do; it sounds like something I could agree with if I understood it. Everything, that is, except the part between the commas.
Apple has not yet (and by your take on it probably never will) attained dominance in the smartphone market. BlackBerry still wins. But Apple has an entire generation - soon to be two generations - of iPod users who will not change for nothing. Apple doesn't build smartphones - they put phones into iPods and every kid in school wants one.
I suggest the iPhone will be a huge player for about as long (and for a lot of the same underhanded reasons) as MS has had the desktops dominated. It's going to change, for sure, but not in the years you have left to work in the business or the years I have left to be able figure out how to work one of the stupid little smartphones. But the iPhone will not be the defining player because even though they are very cool to play with, they are much too restrictive to get any work done.
Google and Droid are going to be huge, for sure, but they have to make a cool looking phone first. Kids in school will make fun of kids in school with the clunky looking and 1990's feeling Droids regardless of how great they work. And if you do not believe it is kids in school who control the direction of the smartphone market then you haven't been in a shopping mall for the last few years. I mean, c'mon, if I didn't have kids in school I would still be using a BlackBerry instead of the iPhone (and probably be a lot happier with it).
Oh, and one more thing, Bill.
You":3cmwo9og said:
Yeah. Haha. They said the same thing about the typewriter vis-a-vis the word processor.
toyman":2stz2gl8 said:
Hi Dave,
I don't use the slide out keyboard... I was already used to the keyboard on the iTouch, so the on-screen on works well for me. For someone who types with their thumbs, I'm sure the slide out keyboard would be fine.
I agree that the iPhone just looks cooler. I added a Body Glove case to mine that looks like armor... not sleek, but it clips on my belt and would add a good deal of protection in case it drops.
The screen on the Droid is a bit bigger overall than the iPhone and better resolution. Easier on my eyes, since my arms aren't getting any longer.
I think you said you'd wait for the price to come down... in the meantime, I'm using the features beyond the phone every day.
I like it.
Call me old fashioned ,But I have a Verizon B Berry Storm 2 . Keyboard is totally usable now [after the Storm 1 experience, it a BIG improvement,and I had a year to practice with fat thumbs] 16 gig storage ,WIFI,twice the ram of the old one,GPS works faster than any marine GPS I have ever owned with Google Maps and Blackberry Maps for street and available nautical stuff, Screen is great,plus its a relatively bulletproof Rim product , I have totally acceptable all day or better battery life ,even with GPS and Bluetooth running,and I use my phone ALOT [but have a collection of batteries from previous B Berrys that fit for backup at boat shows and such].There are more useful apps every day[app store on the phone w/ plenty of free and pay apps, 44 new ones in the last 7 days], I use the 2MP camera all the time . Nobody touches Blackberry's push e mail,all my accounts pile into one place.Great stand alone Outlook Calendar,notes and tasks sync[yea me too,but I dont use Outlook E Mail Im a Thunderbird kinda guy], and I can have my head in the cloud if I want to with Google and Yahoo sync. Viigo [good free program] is there for news,podcasts,weather,etc.Ubertwitter,Facebook,Blackberry Messenger [IM program for B to B ],Weatherbug, all get used .I can open any MS Office Doc,PDF I even have the cute level app like the I Phone courtesy of the accelerometer.
Also a great Info forum/owners/accesories site www.crackberry.com
Down sides ,Browser is not the best, but I dont use my phone to browse much.Phone is not the best,but acceptable. There are my observations on Blackberry's 9550 touch screen phone.
when I think smart,fun, and business ,I think Blackberry . I have had windows mobile devices as well and they do some things well ,but just like outboards alot comes down to service and intended use!But I do like the Droid song in the ads . Its catchy.Reminds me of Cat Stevens.
I dont work for Verizon or RIM.Yet.
Marc
Also a great Info forum/owners/accesories site www.crackberry.com
Down sides ,Browser is not the best, but I dont use my phone to browse much.Phone is not the best,but acceptable. There are my observations on Blackberry's 9550 touch screen phone.
when I think smart,fun, and business ,I think Blackberry . I have had windows mobile devices as well and they do some things well ,but just like outboards alot comes down to service and intended use!But I do like the Droid song in the ads . Its catchy.Reminds me of Cat Stevens.
I dont work for Verizon or RIM.Yet.
Marc
FWIW - BlackBerry has a new one called Torch that has a full size touch screen nearly as big as iPhone's and better resolution than the iPhone 3Gs I have, a mobile browser as good as or better than Safari, a slide out 100% BlackBerry keyboard that kicks the butt of anything else, and a foolproof, dirtproof fingertip trackpad that works flawlessly and intuitively. I'm two weeks into the 30 day trial period and it is looking like I am back with BlackBerry. Still AT&T because it works the best in my area, and I am still grandfathered into the no-limit data package.
To it's credit, the iPhone still functions as an iPod touch, replete with WiFi capability, even with no phone subscription.
I also have to say that the build quality does not live up to the BlackBerry reputation. The sliding section is a little loose and the little square trackpad inset into the thing is slightly crooked. Those things do not affect the functionality, but they bug me a little. Battery life is great, however. Way better than the iPhone I have and probably better than the new iPhone.
Speaking of the new iPhone - I think Apple really srewed up by not (still!) having the things available for walk-in purchase. I would have upgraded to the new one on four different occasions if AT&T or the Apple Store would have had one to sell me. Then I would not have been elgible to upgrade to the new BlackBerry for another year.
The BB does not have the app selection of iPhone - not even close - but there is only one that I even miss (a good tide table app). I do have the Navionics West app on the iPhone (and it still works because the data is all onboard and can be updated via WiFi), but to tell you the truth I have never used it. Nor can I see myself ever wanting to.
The kids think I am crazy for even considering changing from the iPhone. They say they will never have anything else. Oh sure - wait until they have to pay for them themselves!
To it's credit, the iPhone still functions as an iPod touch, replete with WiFi capability, even with no phone subscription.
I also have to say that the build quality does not live up to the BlackBerry reputation. The sliding section is a little loose and the little square trackpad inset into the thing is slightly crooked. Those things do not affect the functionality, but they bug me a little. Battery life is great, however. Way better than the iPhone I have and probably better than the new iPhone.
Speaking of the new iPhone - I think Apple really srewed up by not (still!) having the things available for walk-in purchase. I would have upgraded to the new one on four different occasions if AT&T or the Apple Store would have had one to sell me. Then I would not have been elgible to upgrade to the new BlackBerry for another year.
The BB does not have the app selection of iPhone - not even close - but there is only one that I even miss (a good tide table app). I do have the Navionics West app on the iPhone (and it still works because the data is all onboard and can be updated via WiFi), but to tell you the truth I have never used it. Nor can I see myself ever wanting to.
The kids think I am crazy for even considering changing from the iPhone. They say they will never have anything else. Oh sure - wait until they have to pay for them themselves!
Captains Cat
New member
Love my Droid X. Particularly since it can serve as a wifi hotspot and give me wireless internet on the boat. Unlimited data.
Charlie
Charlie
20dauntless
New member
I'm traveling internationally for several months now and am using an old BlackBerry Curve. I really wish Apple and AT&T would allow the iPhone to be unlocked without the hassle of jailbreaking it. The BlackBerry does have a better keyboard than the iPhone and I think it handles email better, but for everything else I much prefer the iPhone. I'm in South Africa now, though, and unlimited data and BlackBerry service cost me less than $9 US for an entire month. Not bad!
Does anyone know of prepaid data options or BlackBerry service in Canada? That would be really convenient when boating in BC.
Does anyone know of prepaid data options or BlackBerry service in Canada? That would be really convenient when boating in BC.
Herb,Walldog":2zo8g8iv said:
I never use the real keyboard either. My fingers are too fat for it and the autotype word selector thingy that pops up when you type on the virtual keyboard is absent with the real keyboard. That feature is a big time saver when typing and it's strange that it doesn't pop up with the real keyboard.
The "autotype world selector thingy" on my Droid works much better than the same thing on the iPad or the iPod Touch... but, the bigger virtual keyboard sure makes typing easier and faster. Like you guys, I never use the pull-out keyboard on the Droid. Sure would make a more sleek form without it.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Captains Cat
New member
The new Droid X doesn't have the pull out keyboard, only the virtual one. Guess I'll get used to it before I have to put my index finger into a pencil sharpener to hit the right key the first time. :cry
Charlie
Charlie
Captains Cat":15oj5tcq said:
Charlie, go to your apps and search for "Swype" it will let you have a keyboard option that you put your finger on the first letter of a word and slide or swipe it over the next letter, never removing your finger from the keyboard. It was a little difficult for me as I am a fairly proficient touch typist and I do not visually know where the letters are located. But for me it is much better than using my thumbs on the real keyboard. You can also hunt and peck as normal. I find the voice input works great, I just forget to use it.
OK,
We bit the bullet and ordered a Motorola Droid 2 from Verizon, arrives next week! Now, has anyone put together a list of apps for Brats? I know some are Apple specific (at least for the time being) but it sure would help for a newbie like me to know where to go to get weather and charting apps for example. If no such list exists what would you think of starting one?
We bit the bullet and ordered a Motorola Droid 2 from Verizon, arrives next week! Now, has anyone put together a list of apps for Brats? I know some are Apple specific (at least for the time being) but it sure would help for a newbie like me to know where to go to get weather and charting apps for example. If no such list exists what would you think of starting one?
Patti & Barry,
We have the current Droid and downloaded the same Navionics charts that you have on our $xxxx plotter for about $9. The GPS works very well but the charts have the same errors that we are all used to.
What I found really amazing was asking Google Earth to "find" my present position and it turned up a satellite shot that actually showed the dock I was attached to. I tried waving my arms but nothing happened :lol:
In cases like the Bremerton marina which simply does not appear on the Navionics chart (even on a Westport 43) google showed us within one slip of actual.
You can also get the marine weather forecasts and radar and AIS, although the AIS site is not really designed for such a small screen and is really hard to navigate by fingertip.
It also works as a phone :shock:
Merv & Kathy
We have the current Droid and downloaded the same Navionics charts that you have on our $xxxx plotter for about $9. The GPS works very well but the charts have the same errors that we are all used to.
What I found really amazing was asking Google Earth to "find" my present position and it turned up a satellite shot that actually showed the dock I was attached to. I tried waving my arms but nothing happened :lol:
In cases like the Bremerton marina which simply does not appear on the Navionics chart (even on a Westport 43) google showed us within one slip of actual.
You can also get the marine weather forecasts and radar and AIS, although the AIS site is not really designed for such a small screen and is really hard to navigate by fingertip.
It also works as a phone :shock:
Merv & Kathy
Patty and Barry
Android favorites - not all are marine specific
In the process of switching from Iphone to Android EVO w tether to Mac - or other wifi devices.
Marine Android APPS:
Navionics British Columbia - covers from Olympia to Northern BC - does not require cell reception once it is onboard your phone - Iphone version has google maps overlay for land - expected to be on Android version - however the overlay does require cell reception. GPS on my EVO never lost contact in 3 weeks of cruising to Desolation Sound and back and worked much better than the RayMarine and Lowrence plotters I had on board - had several updates in last two months.
GPS Status - free app - there are two with similar name. Copies coordinates converted to decimal format into txt msg application - very easy and economical way to send location information back to US when in Canada. [Sprint] [use it like Spot - though unlike spot it requires cellular towers to transmit the message - does not require cellular for position and coordinates however.
Ferry Weather: - url link to wind reports updated often about wind speed in Puget Sound http://i90.atmos.washington.edu/fer...an link to written NOAA Marine forcasts: http://i90.atmos.washington.edu/ferry/Ferryjs/mainframe1.htm
Google earth
NON-MARINE APPS
Owner: puts data of choice on locked home screen for "ICE"
Pandora - streaming music
HandsOnlyCPR - demo and pacer for doing hands only cpr - free from Amer Heart Assoc -can call 911 from the app
CoPilot Live - Maps of North America -on board - does not require internet after they are downloaded the first time - frequent updates- best price is usually holiday related -
Evernote - [free and paid] more features on Iphone - but catch up to Iphone is promised very soon since Android update to 2.2 to allow apps to run off Micro SD card. Evernote recently promised the capability to store all data on micro-SD card - this is my most used app in Cloud, on Mac -Iphone [previously] and Android EVO [also available for windows] - for work and play - Premium edition $45/yr is worth the cost if you have a lot of data to manage. For storing photos, texts, notes, web pages - voice memos - amazingly it does optical character recognition on photos so it can find the word wine if you just take a picture of the bottle and then later want to remember that label at the store. I use this to photo my - ditch kit, tool kit, med kit, electric repair kit, clothes bag stuff for the CDory - easy to tell what is on board from my Mac or Smartphone. Great search features. - keep track of receipts, search pdf files etc.
Epocrates -free- health care app - medications, side effects, drug interactions. Non-health care personal may be able to register????
GTasks - finally an app with Android that is onboard the smart phone [for when there is no reception] that syncs with Google-tasks.
Got to Do another Task App that syncs on line with Toodledo [cloud] - this application so far is the easiest way to do the GTD or Getting Things Done strategies promoted by David Allen.
Jorte - free calendar application that greatly improves on your on board Android calendar - can actually see details in month-week, two week views.
CardioTrainer -Free in beta but a lot of fun - it uses the accelerometer to measure your workout - running, walking, cycling, lifting, - etc - coverts it to calories, tracks your route, you can adjust the voice feedback - can be set to start and stop related to motion for the runner at the red light. - good visual presentations of your workout - wt loss component looks good but still in beta.
Power Control -free -is a built in Android widget - that really separates Android from Iphone - easy way to turn on and off -screen brightness, bluetooth, gps, wifi - no hunting for power control -useful when in US near US border and you want to use your gps but not get charged for Canadian towers -
Lexi-drugs from lexi.com One of the most powerful applications for health care persons MD, RN, DO, DDS, NP- most major medical texts are available - updated often - best tech support in the industry - I use Lexi-drug, Lexi-Calc and Lexi-interact [drug interactions]. - there are lay applications re: herbal and over the counter products as well. Usually have 30 day free trial.
Look forward to hearing other favorite Android apps from CBrats
Thanks
Jim
Android favorites - not all are marine specific
In the process of switching from Iphone to Android EVO w tether to Mac - or other wifi devices.
Marine Android APPS:
Navionics British Columbia - covers from Olympia to Northern BC - does not require cell reception once it is onboard your phone - Iphone version has google maps overlay for land - expected to be on Android version - however the overlay does require cell reception. GPS on my EVO never lost contact in 3 weeks of cruising to Desolation Sound and back and worked much better than the RayMarine and Lowrence plotters I had on board - had several updates in last two months.
GPS Status - free app - there are two with similar name. Copies coordinates converted to decimal format into txt msg application - very easy and economical way to send location information back to US when in Canada. [Sprint] [use it like Spot - though unlike spot it requires cellular towers to transmit the message - does not require cellular for position and coordinates however.
Ferry Weather: - url link to wind reports updated often about wind speed in Puget Sound http://i90.atmos.washington.edu/fer...an link to written NOAA Marine forcasts: http://i90.atmos.washington.edu/ferry/Ferryjs/mainframe1.htm
Google earth
NON-MARINE APPS
Owner: puts data of choice on locked home screen for "ICE"
Pandora - streaming music
HandsOnlyCPR - demo and pacer for doing hands only cpr - free from Amer Heart Assoc -can call 911 from the app
CoPilot Live - Maps of North America -on board - does not require internet after they are downloaded the first time - frequent updates- best price is usually holiday related -
Evernote - [free and paid] more features on Iphone - but catch up to Iphone is promised very soon since Android update to 2.2 to allow apps to run off Micro SD card. Evernote recently promised the capability to store all data on micro-SD card - this is my most used app in Cloud, on Mac -Iphone [previously] and Android EVO [also available for windows] - for work and play - Premium edition $45/yr is worth the cost if you have a lot of data to manage. For storing photos, texts, notes, web pages - voice memos - amazingly it does optical character recognition on photos so it can find the word wine if you just take a picture of the bottle and then later want to remember that label at the store. I use this to photo my - ditch kit, tool kit, med kit, electric repair kit, clothes bag stuff for the CDory - easy to tell what is on board from my Mac or Smartphone. Great search features. - keep track of receipts, search pdf files etc.
Epocrates -free- health care app - medications, side effects, drug interactions. Non-health care personal may be able to register????
GTasks - finally an app with Android that is onboard the smart phone [for when there is no reception] that syncs with Google-tasks.
Got to Do another Task App that syncs on line with Toodledo [cloud] - this application so far is the easiest way to do the GTD or Getting Things Done strategies promoted by David Allen.
Jorte - free calendar application that greatly improves on your on board Android calendar - can actually see details in month-week, two week views.
CardioTrainer -Free in beta but a lot of fun - it uses the accelerometer to measure your workout - running, walking, cycling, lifting, - etc - coverts it to calories, tracks your route, you can adjust the voice feedback - can be set to start and stop related to motion for the runner at the red light. - good visual presentations of your workout - wt loss component looks good but still in beta.
Power Control -free -is a built in Android widget - that really separates Android from Iphone - easy way to turn on and off -screen brightness, bluetooth, gps, wifi - no hunting for power control -useful when in US near US border and you want to use your gps but not get charged for Canadian towers -
Lexi-drugs from lexi.com One of the most powerful applications for health care persons MD, RN, DO, DDS, NP- most major medical texts are available - updated often - best tech support in the industry - I use Lexi-drug, Lexi-Calc and Lexi-interact [drug interactions]. - there are lay applications re: herbal and over the counter products as well. Usually have 30 day free trial.
Look forward to hearing other favorite Android apps from CBrats
Thanks
Jim