FACE TIME for Apple - Looking pretty Good & Busy!!

FACE TIME!! 
If you think that Apple is hurting from the bad publicity with it's new iPhone 4 antenna signal problem- try visiting an Apple store and see if you can get in. In the past two weeks, I have been in several from the East coast (Boylston St, Boston) to the West coast-(The Grove, Santa Monica, Pasadena, CA) and each time the places have been packed! all times of the day!  People are crowding these stores and standing in lines - where Apple is   taking reservations (3 week wait for the iPhone 4) and the white one is not even out yet! 

The best features -FACE TIME!  It is special!
The iPhone 4 shape is one that I could get accustomed to but the camera features are it's selling draw for me. There are other phones out there that have flashes ( some have 2) but an iPHONE is the real deal has it is the whole package with apps, design, and easy to use software.
Facetime allows real time video with cameras on the front and back- one can take pics of themselves without handing over their camera to an unknown passerby. The images are very nice quality and sure to be included in online travel galleries around the world.

Since you already pay for connectivity  (and were getting unlimited data with iPhone 3- you are grandfathered )and no worry about minutes!  Why do you need skype?  Love it!

The downsides are the signal issues - which I myself- will wait to buy the next generation iPhone 4.
With so many people buying them, I think AT&T need to upgrade their system - which I hear their rebuild is happening in Los Angeles areas this coming fall. Unfortunately, some film biz people are sticking with Blackberries until their reception is better. Can't afford to drop a call when you have an A-List actor, 1st AD, or investor on the line and trying to run a show- time means $$$$.
 For me, it's all about family

"Don't touch this! Well, yes you have to" iPad screen

How life has changed .. with touchpad screens.  I remember being told "Don't touch the screen with our hands" and now that is how we select our applications and operate our machines. The iPad screen is not the monitor of the old days but are made to be durable- at least to a certain extent.  With other LCD screens and devices using the touch screen process- this is where our world is going. 

Eventually it has to be cleaned of the finger prints which I first recommend using the black cleaning pad that comes with devices like the iPhone. One  Apple rep recommended iKlear to clean smudges. It costs about $30 but goes along way and can be used for other devices.

I hear the iPad has a coating, oleophobic coating, that protects it but anything harder than the screen, such as a stylus could produce damages. PCWorld did a test and says it is hard to scratch.

If something does happen.. here are some ideas.

Remember, "if you break it, you own it"- well that goes with most warranties too. Insurance is pretty expensive if the warranty covers YOUR mistakes and mishaps. It usually covers the machines issues- unless some nice representative hears your sob story and decides to give you a break after your dog chewed it up.

Insurance plans cover damages and need to be carefully compared for pricing and details. Priot to buying an iPad and hearing the sales pitch  from Apple and Best Buy- be sure to check out other third party companies such as: Millilamp.com, Safeware insurance, and Worthwive group.


There are also places that will repair damages for you or sell you the parts and guide you through the process. I have used the FIX-IT to replace hard drives, screens, and installing computer parts but have not opened an iPhone or iPad - although looked at the step by steps. The "magic of the laptop" was spoiled when I first opened an iBook to replace parts and realized the delicate pieces of aluminum foil like materials were what connected me to the whole world. Also, I know how easily one PULL can ruin your whole day. Find someone with some experience or pay them to help you.

Two of my favorite places for advice and step by step guides are Popular Mechanics "How to open an iPad"  and i-Fixit , which provides the tabs with the glass repair kits and researched to find the easiest way for owners to replace their own glass.

iPad Cracked Glass Repair,   
Repairs Universe


Hope we don't have to think about these things but better to be informed than without your tools of your trade and entertainment. :  )

Angry Birds

On Gaming.... "Angry Birds"

Being the summer time and unwinding a bit, I headed back to "Angry Birds" game to see if I can move to the next level. Yes! one has to play video games to get an appreciation of the strategies and recognize how kids get hooked on them. I keep thinking I can move the whole iPad as if "tiltling" a pinball machine or using the race car game that one uses the iPad like a steering wheel.
I do recommend shutting the volume OFF - the noise of the birds is irritating although I miss hearing the sounds of the items falling. Made it to the 3rd Level!! Never with that score , Yet!