Jim Hamm announces this latest helpful info: "Here is an article http://www.righto.com/2012/05/apple-iphone-charger-teardown-quality.html explaining in detail, if somewhat lengthy and technical, why Apple's iPhone charger is so expensive for such a small device. In a word: quality. I have seen similar chargers for much less of a price, but didn't buy one. Glad I resisted the temptation to cheap out.
"Also, Mr Shirriff took apart one of the cheap chargers from China and explains, in another of his articles, the why and how they are so cheap. Since I'm on my iPad I can't go and get that link to the article and include it here. But you can click the link when you read this article."
And Jim closes with this helpful reminder, "Remember, the old adage. -- which I now, late in life, subscribe to: you get what you pay for."
Your Smartphone Might Save Your Life
A nine-minute video TV interview is a must-see; a smartphone could be the future of medicine. We thank Jim Hamm for this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=r13uYs7jglg
Jim comments, "Here is an intriguing video on a way to possibly help contain burgeoning medical costs: use a smartphone for diagnostics."
In this video Dr. Eric Topol discusses and demonstrates the use of a smart phone and new apps that can monitor your health and possibly save your life.
Take a look at http://appleinsider.com/articles/13/01/25/doctors-see-apples-iphone-as-life-saver-in-the-future-of-medicine
About IMAP and POP
"If you'd like to understand better what the email protocol 'IMAP' is all about, here is an article that gives a good description of it," begins Jim Hamm with his trademark grin. He acknowledges, "Understandably, you may not care. If the client you use for email works for you, and you're not inclined to change, then just bypass this article.
"As an ancillary note, I use IMAP— and like it — but no longer use an email client, like Apple's Mail, on any of my computers or iOS devices. I use the web-based Gmail as my email client. That is, I log into Gmail on their server and do all my email reading, etc., there — not on my computer. I find this to be much simpler: all my emails are always coordinated and in-sync between all my devices, all of the emails I've ever received are permanently stored there (mighty handy to look up an old email from a long time ago), and I never have to worry or fuss with doing an update to my email program -- Google takes care of that for me — and I never have to tell anyone to 'hold sending any email to me while I travel' — I've got plenty of storage space in Gmail."
Dropped Your iPhone in Water?
"Here is a useful tip for your iPhone, which you might want to save -- just in case," says Jim Hamm. The 4-11 article about saving your iPhone after dropping it in water is posted at the top of the page. But, scroll on down to catch, "How to Block Spam Text Messages on the iPhone (or Any Phone)." Note, too, how to subscribe to OSXDaily for helpful info.
Digital Watermarking
Curiosity piqued from the April issue of CostCo Connection it was time to look for more info on digital watermarking. With an iPhone or iPad or similar smartphone or tablet device a person can get info that's hidden from the ordinary view. "Digital Watermarking - New technology links print and online" was the headline. The sidebar article tells how each new edition of the magazine will be using this new type of interaction.
A Google search brings up some likely places to start finding out more.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/132555474/Digital-Water-Marking technology and technique described
http://appfinder.lisisoft.com/ipad-iphone-apps/digital-watermark.html 50 apps so you can watermark your photos and digital works - iPad iPhone Apps
https://itunes.apple.com/app/mypix-photo-watermarking-sharing/id451642347?mt=8 see what iTunes has to offer.
http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3397207 forum discussions on best programs for Mac.
iPhone Camera Tips
"If, like me, you use your iPhone camera all the time," Prez Art Gorski gets our attention, here are "useful tips you should know."
Shopping with iPhone at Walmart
"Here is an interesting article about how the iPhone may be used, in the future, when shopping at a Walmart store," says Jim Hamm. It's taking the idea of self-checkout to another level in 200 stores in the U.S. as a start.
Compare Smartphones
Read about the latest smartphone, thanks to John Carter who sends this info: "Samsung announced its Galaxy 4 yesterday. Yes, it's a tiny bit larger (5" long instead of 4.8"). Yes, it is thinner (slightly). Yes, the display is fantastic and the new user interface is WOW! Yes, the 13-megapixel back camera and the 2-megapixel front camera can take photos and videos simultaneously.
"Wow! That's a lot of Gee-Whiz! But, is it 100% compatible with iCloud, iTunes, iPhoto, and iMovie? I don't think so." John's pronouncement: "The battle is on for the best smartphone."
Good Info on iPhone
A new article has been posted in the PMUG website in the Tips 'N Tricks page (under Benefits) about the iPhone. It's called "How I Use My iPhone." John Carter gives us a quick overview of his experience with the iPhone. This came about as a result of a short presentation that he gave at the joint meeting of PMUG and PCS on February 23, 2013. John says, "Caution! If you don't already have an iPhone, this article may encourage to get one right away."
How to Update to iOS 6
John Carter gives directions, "iOS 6.1.2 update is available. How should you proceed? This notice is going out to a large group of people, and you may get this notice more than once. If you do not own an iOS device, you may disregard this notice.
"First, how often do you perform a backup of your iOS device (iPod Touch, iPad, iPhone)? Did you know that you can backup your iOS device either by connecting it directly to your computer, or by Wi-Fi if you have the option set in iTunes to do a sync with the device over Wi-Fi? For the iPhone and iPod Touch, you can also set an option to automatically sync the device when the device is connected to the computer (this option is not available for the iPad)."
Here's John's next suggestion, "Backing up an iOS device can be done to either a Cloud storage or to your computer using iTunes. Most devices can exceed the free 5GB storage of any Cloud storage, so it's probably best to backup to your computer."
And, now for a caution, "Also, before doing a backup or an update, do an update of iTunes, sync your device, and then perform a backup followed by the update. You should also then perform another backup after the update is complete. The before update is necessary in case something goes wrong with the update process and you need to restore and start over again.
"When you connect your iOS device to your computer, iTunes may automatically start up. If it doesn't, you'll have to manually start iTunes. When iTunes starts, you may get a notice that an update for the device is available. If you haven't done a device backup since the last time you made any changes to the content of the device, you should cancel the update, perform a sync, then perform a backup, and then do the update followed by another backup".
Pay attention to John's warning, "If you find that when doing an update using iTunes that the downloaded file is corrupt (the update is approximately 1GB, and a file this large may not be properly handled), rather than perform the update using iTunes, try the update from the device itself (Settings -> General -> Software Update). One setting in 'Disk Utility' may be the culprit of a corrupt download. That setting is 'Verify Checksums' (open Disk Utility -> Preferences and uncheck that option).
"Even with this option unchecked, the large file might still be corrupt. Another possible cause of a corrupt download is some firewall setting in the Internet modem (unproven). If that happens, then it is really necessary to perform the update from the device itself. To do that, disconnect the device from the computer, power-cycle the device, and then go into Settings -> General -> Software Update. You may even find that the download goes much faster when updating from the device."
Now, a call for patience! John says, "In all, it may take several minutes to do all these steps, so your patience is necessary.
"Following this procedure will ensure that your device will be updated properly and your content will not be lost."
And, in closing John reviews it:
- Update iTunes.
- Sync your device to iTunes.
- Backup your device.
- Perform the update either from iTunes or from the device.
- Backup your device again. (Got it? Thanks to John Carter!)
Verizon High Speed is Here
Prez Art Gorski tells us, "I just checked Verizon's coverage map and the new high-speed 4G LTE network is live in this area. If you have an iPhone 5 on Verizon, the bar at the top of your screen should say 'LTE' now. If it says '3G,' check your settings to make sure you have LTE turned on. Enjoy the vastly faster speed!"
iPhone App Shows the Prices
Going shopping? Jim Hamm passes on helpful info. "Here is an app for the iPhone or an Android phone that you might find handy: ShopSavvy.
"When in a store, say, looking at a product possibly to purchase, you can use this app to scan the bar code and it will show prices of local retailers as well as on the internet to compare to the price in the store you're shopping in. Best Buy, for example, was matching internet prices before Christmas, but I'm don't know if they plan to do this all the time. Wouldn't hurt to ask if you're shopping in Best Buy."
Make iPhone Apps Easier to Read
"Here's a tip on the iPhone that might be helpful, if you're not already aware of it," Jim Hamm says. "If, say, you're having trouble reading phone numbers on your iPhone Contacts list, here's how to get the numbers bigger and easier to read: go to Settings > General > Accessibility > turn on Zoom. Now, when you open Contacts simply use three fingers and double-tap the screen. Immediately the numbers become larger. Double tap again to reduce back to normal size. This even works on every screen on the iPhone -- at least every one I tried."
Jim continues, "Along this same vein, while you're in the Accessibility mode on the iPhone, you can set the font size in Large Text to be much larger automatically in five apps: Mail, Contacts, Calendars, Messages and Notes. You can pick the size of the font you want."
How to Revive a Frozen iPhone
Not having an iPhone, I thought of Zee and Jim Hamm. Maybe this tip will be useful, so I emailed them this link to Here's the Thing blog. Jim's reply, "I wasn't aware of the website, and subscribed to their newsletter."
He went on to explain, "Interestingly enough, last eve my new iPhone 5 locked up and I used this tip to unlock my phone. It worked.
"The new iPhone 5 is very nice — lighter and thinner than my iPhone 3. I also have the new iPad Mini — very nice and light also. . . 47% of the weight of a regular iPad, but has 66% of the screen size. A nice tradeoff. Zee is to receive hers Thursday." (So much for the Christmas surprise, Jim?)
Jim closes with, "I missed you at the joint PMUG/PCS meeting last Saturday. Big John Carter gave a good presentation, as usual."
Speed Up Web Browsing on iPhone, iPad
"Here is a tip that might speed up your web browsing on an iPhone or iPad: turn off Javascript. I just did it, and will see if it impacts my web browsing one way or the other. I've disabled Javascript on all my computers and haven't missed it at all. Javascript is a great medium (access point) for malware hackers to get into your computer," declares Jim Hamm.
New to View
"Here is a free offer for ClipBuddy for the Mac. I've not tried it, but since it's free I will give it a try. Note that it's normally priced at $29.95. This offer expires on October 31st," writes Jim Hamm. Earlier today he'd emailed with mention of a new iPhone - iPod Touch - iPad app called MyRadar Pro which he saw someone use to monitor the severity of the storms in the Memphis area. See it here. Jim will tell us more later . . .
iPhone 5 in Your Future?
"If you've got, or plan to get, the new iPhone 5, here is an article you should read about compatibility issues and how the new adaptor works, writes Jim Hamm. Stay tuned for more info soon.
What's the Latest?
Rumors, facts, photos, buyer's guide, blogs and forums — all that and more about Mac, iPhone, iPod, iPad at macrumors.com Kyle Smith reminds us. From his vantage point as tech/sales at MacMedia in Peoria I'd asked him what's the latest, so I'd have something to report at PMUG on Saturday. Apple has issued invitations for Media Event on October 23. There's always more happening at Apple!
iPhone 5 Maps Test
This article on iPhone maps, just in from Jim Hamm, is well described and illustrated. "Here's an article reviewing the new maps feature in the iPhone 5. Conclusion: Pretty darn good."
And, look at that same site http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/car_gadgets/ for info on car buying, reviews, in the news, recalls, video, 2012 Auto Shows in New York, Chicago, Detroit.
iMessage Tip
Although he hasn't tried it yet, Jim Hamm forwards this info: "Here's a tip concerning iMessage. And following is a quote from the article. "With the combination of iOS6 and the OS X 10.8.2 update, Mountain Lion's Messages app can now send and receive iMessages using an iPhone's number as the identifier.' Since I haven't upgraded to iOS6 yet, I haven't been able to try this out."