Mobile Technology Tryouts

One of my hobbies is mobile technology. I'm always checking-out the stores and trying new gadgets. I even read a few blogs like:

http://www.engadget.com/

http://gizmodo.com/

Still, I'm somewhat reserved and slow to adopt new technology. I usually try to make-do with what I have. I also like to wait and see what the industry standard becomes before I plunk down cash.



It took me a few years to get the iPhone. I got the 3G in 2009 and would probably still have it--had it not been sacrificed to a waterfall in the Sierras.

It was hard to pay $400 for a new 3Gs (yeah crab-Apple offers no insurance). But the unexpected positive is all the video I've taken since then. It's certainly enriched my memories and this blog, too.

Here's a look at some of the gadgets I tried in Reno, NV. It's a good time of year to try stuff out. Most stores give at least until New Year's to return Christmas season purchases.

I kept this Mophie Juice Pack. It's battery jacket that encases the iPhone. It doubles the battery life of the iPhone.

A different make and model I got at Walmart had cast shadows on the camera when in direct sunlight (middle).

I used the Kensington dongle-battery a few times. It was good for a 30-40 % charge to the iPhone. The Uno I never used. It's supposed to quadruple the battery life of the iPhone and other devices. But it's large and requires a wall outlet for charging.The Mophie Juice Pack covers the iPhone's charge port, so I had to return the Kensington, too.

I'm debating what my next laptop will be. Either an ultrathin 13-15" or a smaller 10" netbook.

What I have now is a 17" desktop replacement. It's a Dell with poor battery life and dedicated graphics I never use. It will stay with me for several more years. Still, I'd like to have a more portable and practical PC.

I've even been considering the always-more-expensive, Macbook.

Both Verizon and AT&T are now offering subsidized netbooks--when you sign up for a new broadband contract. Hey, at least the wireless modem is built-in right? Or is that a bad thing, LOL?!

Verizon is offering the Gateway I showed in the prevous video for $30. AT&T has this Nokia for $300! The thing I like about the Nokia is the 12-hour battery, which sits flush.

Unfortunately, the performance reviews on both of these laptops is mediocre. The choice of processor and only 1 GB RAM makes video and media-rich web-surfing sluggish.