TalonFlyer
Dec 2, 04:39 PM
TalonFlyer..
Here is how I grade the Car Kit (1-10):
Mounting: 8
Rotation: 7
Articulation: 3
Hands-Free: 4 (Weak, speaker is facing away from you, VOX'ing problem)
GPS: 6 (Only very slightly better that the built in GPS)
Compatibility: 3 (Can't use iPod Touch)
Bluetooth: 2 (Phone will not pair until docked, can't pair with other devices)
Overall it's a $79.00 retail mount with a questionable hands-free, only a small incremental change in GPS accuracy and a useless bluetooth implementation. I'll give it a generous 5 out of 10 for now.
*************************************************************
Nice review, and thanks. It sounds like you might have gotten a unit that is sub par. The rotation and articulation of the car kit in many of the Youtube videos seems very tight, very solid with strong mounting. Did it just loosen up over that short time or did it start out not so great? Maybe send it back?
I thought I remember reading that the Handsfree Bluetooth is duplex so I'm also not sure where your issue comes from. That said, I may get that as a separate item on the visor of my car if its below quality. I have another car with a BluAnt unit in it and its terrific.
Also, there are now several places where you can order the car kit for much less money. I have an order into BTL for $87 which sounds like a more reasonable price for the unit. I'm sure it will continue to drop.
Thanks again!
I updated my post and yesterday I returned the Car Kit.
This is a slick looking mount with to many functional limitations.
I exchanged the car kit and had the same hands-free issues.
What I noticed after many calls is that there is a GATE circuit (similar to an AGC (Automatic Gain Control) circuit) that is turning off the speaker most likely to reduce background noise. The problem is that this GATING is causing the audio to be choppy making it very difficult to hear your call.
The useless hands-free along with other limitations make it far to expensive to just sit around and charge the phone.
You cannot mount it on you dash due to the off-center swivel making it impossible to rotate it vertical (unless the mount is hanging over the edge a little).
Why the bluetooth does not connect until docked does not make any sense and makes it even less valuable.
Having to remove the case every time is a real pain as well.
Why do you need a different unit for the iPod touch? The connection is the same and if the little pins retracted it would work.
They did a great job getting everyone excited, but then Bernie Madoff did also.
The bottom line, it's not worth it, get something else.
Here is how I grade the Car Kit (1-10):
Mounting: 8
Rotation: 7
Articulation: 3
Hands-Free: 4 (Weak, speaker is facing away from you, VOX'ing problem)
GPS: 6 (Only very slightly better that the built in GPS)
Compatibility: 3 (Can't use iPod Touch)
Bluetooth: 2 (Phone will not pair until docked, can't pair with other devices)
Overall it's a $79.00 retail mount with a questionable hands-free, only a small incremental change in GPS accuracy and a useless bluetooth implementation. I'll give it a generous 5 out of 10 for now.
*************************************************************
Nice review, and thanks. It sounds like you might have gotten a unit that is sub par. The rotation and articulation of the car kit in many of the Youtube videos seems very tight, very solid with strong mounting. Did it just loosen up over that short time or did it start out not so great? Maybe send it back?
I thought I remember reading that the Handsfree Bluetooth is duplex so I'm also not sure where your issue comes from. That said, I may get that as a separate item on the visor of my car if its below quality. I have another car with a BluAnt unit in it and its terrific.
Also, there are now several places where you can order the car kit for much less money. I have an order into BTL for $87 which sounds like a more reasonable price for the unit. I'm sure it will continue to drop.
Thanks again!
I updated my post and yesterday I returned the Car Kit.
This is a slick looking mount with to many functional limitations.
I exchanged the car kit and had the same hands-free issues.
What I noticed after many calls is that there is a GATE circuit (similar to an AGC (Automatic Gain Control) circuit) that is turning off the speaker most likely to reduce background noise. The problem is that this GATING is causing the audio to be choppy making it very difficult to hear your call.
The useless hands-free along with other limitations make it far to expensive to just sit around and charge the phone.
You cannot mount it on you dash due to the off-center swivel making it impossible to rotate it vertical (unless the mount is hanging over the edge a little).
Why the bluetooth does not connect until docked does not make any sense and makes it even less valuable.
Having to remove the case every time is a real pain as well.
Why do you need a different unit for the iPod touch? The connection is the same and if the little pins retracted it would work.
They did a great job getting everyone excited, but then Bernie Madoff did also.
The bottom line, it's not worth it, get something else.
oneighturbo
Sep 16, 08:21 PM
well i just placed my order for a 15" MBP 2.0 base model w/ an iPod 60GB
i chatted with a rep and pointed out that i have 14 days to return. i have 30 days to submit the iPod rebate (which requires a upc cut from MBP box)
so my status shows ship date of the 19th and arrival of the 26th!
so kinda in a pickle with dates but the 60GB will only cost me $120 in the end.
BTW, Im a first time mac buyer even though ive used em for years at work!
http://static.flickr.com/81/244990126_78cbf5958d.jpg
i chatted with a rep and pointed out that i have 14 days to return. i have 30 days to submit the iPod rebate (which requires a upc cut from MBP box)
so my status shows ship date of the 19th and arrival of the 26th!
so kinda in a pickle with dates but the 60GB will only cost me $120 in the end.
BTW, Im a first time mac buyer even though ive used em for years at work!
http://static.flickr.com/81/244990126_78cbf5958d.jpg
SandynJosh
Nov 23, 12:05 PM
Apple learned that with their old music player, you know the one before the iPod, oh wait there wasn't one...
Oh yah, there was one. It was a CD player that was soooo bad hardy a soul bought it and it's barely remembered. I think it happened while Steve was at Next abd the idjuts were in control of of Apple. It may have set a record for a short lifespan, not counting Microsoft's vaporware that was never spawned.
Oh yah, there was one. It was a CD player that was soooo bad hardy a soul bought it and it's barely remembered. I think it happened while Steve was at Next abd the idjuts were in control of of Apple. It may have set a record for a short lifespan, not counting Microsoft's vaporware that was never spawned.
treblah
Aug 3, 11:56 PM
The "tests" kind of sucked and wasn't that informative. Didn't tell us a whole lot...but either way I hope they get into the MBPs!!
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celticpride678
Apr 9, 07:57 PM
The answer is 2, not 288 (it can't be that)
Following PEMDAS (Parenthesis, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction):
9+3=12
12*2=24
48/24=2
2 is the final answer.
Following PEMDAS (Parenthesis, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction):
9+3=12
12*2=24
48/24=2
2 is the final answer.
BJNY
Aug 4, 06:08 AM
I've been hoping for months, but barely speculated by others.....
• 19" & 22" Merom-based iMacs (current iMacs already look "old" to me)
• backlit slim USB2 keyboard
• new category: home theater component-sized Conroe-based Mac (no Cube/MiniTower; Woodcrest goes into Mac Pros)
iLife, iPhone & all other rumors seem like smokescreen.
• 19" & 22" Merom-based iMacs (current iMacs already look "old" to me)
• backlit slim USB2 keyboard
• new category: home theater component-sized Conroe-based Mac (no Cube/MiniTower; Woodcrest goes into Mac Pros)
iLife, iPhone & all other rumors seem like smokescreen.
itcheroni
Apr 16, 01:12 PM
To some extent I can because I looked it up last night. Now I'm an expert. ;)
The simplified version ...
You're buying and selling options which have a set value and an expiration date. If the set value doesn't meet the market value by the expiration date then those options are worthless. Options that have more time before their expiration date have more value than options near that date because there is more time for the market to go up and reach that value. The value of these options decay as they approach their expiration date, with the greatest rate of decay occurring in the few weeks before that date arrives.
So now that I have a bit of an understanding about what you do, here are a few thoughts ...
"Siphoning" was a poor choice of words. And for that I apologize. "Wagering" would more accurately describe what is happening here. The option has been given a value and if the market reaches that value then the option is worth something, if not, it is worthless. Value can also be achieved by selling the option to someone before the expiration date. So you are betting on, buying and/or selling a financial product.
Anyway, the principle (there's that word again) point that I'd like to express is that your chosen way of making an income effects your perspective on the issue of capital gains. The money you make in these transactions is considered a capital gain, so it's no wonder that you would be against a capital gains tax and cast it in a negative light.
I'm really not trying to get personal here. I don't know you. You might be the nicest person in the world. But when it comes to the issue of taxing capital gains you have a huge vested interest that is bound to color your views and leave me to question your objectivity on this matter.
It's not wagering any more than you're wagering when you work on a graphic design project. I've tried my best to explain the reasons why I believe taxes effect the economy negatively. Instead, if you would like to consider the way I make money (even though my trades are all short term, less than 1 year, so they are all already taxed at the ordinary income level) and choose that as a reason to keep believing what you want to believe, what can I really say? You win.
The simplified version ...
You're buying and selling options which have a set value and an expiration date. If the set value doesn't meet the market value by the expiration date then those options are worthless. Options that have more time before their expiration date have more value than options near that date because there is more time for the market to go up and reach that value. The value of these options decay as they approach their expiration date, with the greatest rate of decay occurring in the few weeks before that date arrives.
So now that I have a bit of an understanding about what you do, here are a few thoughts ...
"Siphoning" was a poor choice of words. And for that I apologize. "Wagering" would more accurately describe what is happening here. The option has been given a value and if the market reaches that value then the option is worth something, if not, it is worthless. Value can also be achieved by selling the option to someone before the expiration date. So you are betting on, buying and/or selling a financial product.
Anyway, the principle (there's that word again) point that I'd like to express is that your chosen way of making an income effects your perspective on the issue of capital gains. The money you make in these transactions is considered a capital gain, so it's no wonder that you would be against a capital gains tax and cast it in a negative light.
I'm really not trying to get personal here. I don't know you. You might be the nicest person in the world. But when it comes to the issue of taxing capital gains you have a huge vested interest that is bound to color your views and leave me to question your objectivity on this matter.
It's not wagering any more than you're wagering when you work on a graphic design project. I've tried my best to explain the reasons why I believe taxes effect the economy negatively. Instead, if you would like to consider the way I make money (even though my trades are all short term, less than 1 year, so they are all already taxed at the ordinary income level) and choose that as a reason to keep believing what you want to believe, what can I really say? You win.
dernhelm
Nov 22, 05:03 AM
Hasen't Apple been working on the iPhone for "a few years" at least?
No, the rumor mill has been grinding on the iPhone for several years. Apple hasn't necessarily been working on it for that long.
No, the rumor mill has been grinding on the iPhone for several years. Apple hasn't necessarily been working on it for that long.
tuna
Mar 29, 09:51 AM
I still don't get how this is better than Dropbox, hopefully it can compete with Dropbox though to make the service better.
I am up to 7GB I believe of free storage on Dropbox too.
And what's the point of having 5GB of data in the cloud if mobile data plans only allow you to download 2GB?
I am so tired of hearing about this.... Do you think that when somebody makes a game for the Wii, 360 or PS3, that Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony don't make any money from it?
Its a false analogy. Game systems are developed and marketed at a loss (at least for a while) and royalties on game sales help make up for it. This is how it has been historically.
iOS is a computing platform. It is not the status quo for the OS developer to seek royalties from the software that runs on it. And further, iOS hardware is outrageously profitable in itself.
I am up to 7GB I believe of free storage on Dropbox too.
And what's the point of having 5GB of data in the cloud if mobile data plans only allow you to download 2GB?
I am so tired of hearing about this.... Do you think that when somebody makes a game for the Wii, 360 or PS3, that Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony don't make any money from it?
Its a false analogy. Game systems are developed and marketed at a loss (at least for a while) and royalties on game sales help make up for it. This is how it has been historically.
iOS is a computing platform. It is not the status quo for the OS developer to seek royalties from the software that runs on it. And further, iOS hardware is outrageously profitable in itself.
citizenzen
Apr 14, 05:23 PM
I think we can all agree that there is a lot of waste in government. The fact is, a lot of it is hard to find.
I'd try to take the time to find it.
There are people who specialize in that.
Let them loose. See what they find.
I'd try to take the time to find it.
There are people who specialize in that.
Let them loose. See what they find.
nuckinfutz
May 9, 02:51 PM
The best thing about using the free Google Sync, has been that my family has been able to move between different phone models so easily.
We've swapped between iPhone, WinMo, WebOS, Blackberry and Android... and each new phone gets all our contacts and calendar entries within a few minutes after taking them out of the box and putting in our Google account info.
It's great that the calendar info is shared between every computer we have as well.
Our kitchen Touchsmart computer, running a custom iGoogle homepage with Google calendar, is the nexus point for checking our family schedule each morning.
Does MobileMe support all devices as well? And what's worth $100 a year about it?
And that's also the worst thing about Google or any web based tool. There's a layer of abstraction with a web based
tools versus native. In address book or iCal that data is part of a systemwide API that any 3rd party developers can access. This means I can install and app and it automatically knows who's in my contacts and often will start to autocomplete email address based on who's in my contacts list. Doing mail merge is easy when your contacts are local. Addressing letters in Pages is as easy as dragging the contact vcard over to the proper field.
Ditto for iCal. If you don't like Apple's option no worries get something more networking robust like Busycal and voila all your data is there with a little secret sauce on top. Install a CRM tool and bam there are you calendar events and contacts.
Everyone talking about how great web based tools are for sync always fail to mention what they "give up" by going to web based tools and from my experience they are giving up a lot of potential productivity.
MobileMe has no desire to support WinMo, or RIM or Palm WebOS. They are free to develop their own systems and I'm glad Apple is not trying to be all things to all platforms. MobileMe has ironed out a lot of the initial growing pains and wrinkles and for me it just hums along.
My question to Google fans ....if your password got compromised and your emails and contacts got deleted. How would you recover?
We've swapped between iPhone, WinMo, WebOS, Blackberry and Android... and each new phone gets all our contacts and calendar entries within a few minutes after taking them out of the box and putting in our Google account info.
It's great that the calendar info is shared between every computer we have as well.
Our kitchen Touchsmart computer, running a custom iGoogle homepage with Google calendar, is the nexus point for checking our family schedule each morning.
Does MobileMe support all devices as well? And what's worth $100 a year about it?
And that's also the worst thing about Google or any web based tool. There's a layer of abstraction with a web based
tools versus native. In address book or iCal that data is part of a systemwide API that any 3rd party developers can access. This means I can install and app and it automatically knows who's in my contacts and often will start to autocomplete email address based on who's in my contacts list. Doing mail merge is easy when your contacts are local. Addressing letters in Pages is as easy as dragging the contact vcard over to the proper field.
Ditto for iCal. If you don't like Apple's option no worries get something more networking robust like Busycal and voila all your data is there with a little secret sauce on top. Install a CRM tool and bam there are you calendar events and contacts.
Everyone talking about how great web based tools are for sync always fail to mention what they "give up" by going to web based tools and from my experience they are giving up a lot of potential productivity.
MobileMe has no desire to support WinMo, or RIM or Palm WebOS. They are free to develop their own systems and I'm glad Apple is not trying to be all things to all platforms. MobileMe has ironed out a lot of the initial growing pains and wrinkles and for me it just hums along.
My question to Google fans ....if your password got compromised and your emails and contacts got deleted. How would you recover?
Sedrick
Mar 27, 10:42 AM
There is just so many things wrong with storing all your own music in 'the cloud' that it boggles me there's still fools who think it's a great idea.
Enjoy paying larger data fees to access your own damn music while drinking that Kool-aid. Everyone involved in this scam (but you) will be laughing all the way to the bank.
This is clearly an answer to a question no one asked.
Enjoy paying larger data fees to access your own damn music while drinking that Kool-aid. Everyone involved in this scam (but you) will be laughing all the way to the bank.
This is clearly an answer to a question no one asked.
KnightWRX
May 4, 06:33 PM
This is great, with Snow Leopard I couldn't buy it for weeks as they were constantly "out of stock" in the shops.
Really ? Apple Store in Montreal had plenty of copies on Day 1 and for weeks afterwards. Piles and piles of the stuff.
Really ? Apple Store in Montreal had plenty of copies on Day 1 and for weeks afterwards. Piles and piles of the stuff.
bella92108
Apr 5, 02:09 PM
That ad should be pulled for one reason, it's ugly as sin.
Then pull 90% of themes from cydia... 75% of the wallpapers are some asian chick sitting on the hood of some car the users will never be able to afford. hahaha
Then pull 90% of themes from cydia... 75% of the wallpapers are some asian chick sitting on the hood of some car the users will never be able to afford. hahaha
janstett
Aug 7, 07:36 PM
Wow, I want one! This will be my next PC desktop, definitely. Now it's a question of timing.
I have a 15" MacBook Pro, and my PC desktop is a 3.6 GHz Pentium D Extreme (two cores each with Hyperthreading, looks like 4 cores) that doesn't really need to be replaced yet. I want my first desktop Mac, but I'm trying to work down my debt and then save for a sports car, so I have to make some sacrifices...
The Mac Pro will have to wait (as long as I can resist the temptation). Besides, by that time something better will inevitably come along. But I have to give Apple applause. I like the SATA drive cages. And finally nVidia support for X86 (I wonder if the MacVidia project is now dead). 3 GHz dual Woodcrest is very, very tempting :) Maybe I can get my job to buy one...
I have a 15" MacBook Pro, and my PC desktop is a 3.6 GHz Pentium D Extreme (two cores each with Hyperthreading, looks like 4 cores) that doesn't really need to be replaced yet. I want my first desktop Mac, but I'm trying to work down my debt and then save for a sports car, so I have to make some sacrifices...
The Mac Pro will have to wait (as long as I can resist the temptation). Besides, by that time something better will inevitably come along. But I have to give Apple applause. I like the SATA drive cages. And finally nVidia support for X86 (I wonder if the MacVidia project is now dead). 3 GHz dual Woodcrest is very, very tempting :) Maybe I can get my job to buy one...
pmz
Mar 28, 11:48 AM
My problem isn't necessarily with Apple, my grief is with carriers who have tied most of us in to 2 year fixed contracts. Whether this is due to Apple's insistence, or whether carriers have signed up to the 'yearly cycle' idea, there are thousands of us stuck in the middle here.
Any 3GS user who bought new and has a 2 year contract (usually because it was the most economical) now has a huge dilemma. Do we switch phones and get new contracts on different phones, or do we go Pay As You Go to cover those 3/4 (potentially more) months?
Ultimately, if happens, I'll end up going for the new BlackBerry Bold Touch (Dakota), just because I don't want to be strung along for a few months, racking up minutes/text/data costs. It'll be sad, but ultimately, its just a phone I guess...
NB: ALL OF THE ABOVE IS PREFACED BY AN 'IF THE RUMOUR HAPPENS'!
I don't see how anyone has a huge dilemma. If you're saying those that bought a 3GS on launch, didn't upgrade last year, and now are at the end of a 2 year have a "problem", that doesn't sound like much of a problem to me.
Call up AT&T and say your contract is up, you'd like to renew and buy a new iPhone which you qualify for, but you're not buying a new iPhone until iPhone 5 comes out. If they don't allow you a grace period until iPhone 5 is available, tell them you're gone, and that Verizon seems like a good option since AT&T doesn't want you for another 2 years.
The difference between public policy and what they can/will do for you when you're "threatening" to switch, is very different. The only time you have any leverage to get something you want out of AT&T is a once every two years opportunity when you're contract is up and you have the option of switching.
Any 3GS user who bought new and has a 2 year contract (usually because it was the most economical) now has a huge dilemma. Do we switch phones and get new contracts on different phones, or do we go Pay As You Go to cover those 3/4 (potentially more) months?
Ultimately, if happens, I'll end up going for the new BlackBerry Bold Touch (Dakota), just because I don't want to be strung along for a few months, racking up minutes/text/data costs. It'll be sad, but ultimately, its just a phone I guess...
NB: ALL OF THE ABOVE IS PREFACED BY AN 'IF THE RUMOUR HAPPENS'!
I don't see how anyone has a huge dilemma. If you're saying those that bought a 3GS on launch, didn't upgrade last year, and now are at the end of a 2 year have a "problem", that doesn't sound like much of a problem to me.
Call up AT&T and say your contract is up, you'd like to renew and buy a new iPhone which you qualify for, but you're not buying a new iPhone until iPhone 5 comes out. If they don't allow you a grace period until iPhone 5 is available, tell them you're gone, and that Verizon seems like a good option since AT&T doesn't want you for another 2 years.
The difference between public policy and what they can/will do for you when you're "threatening" to switch, is very different. The only time you have any leverage to get something you want out of AT&T is a once every two years opportunity when you're contract is up and you have the option of switching.
PeterQVenkman
Apr 18, 03:40 PM
So devoid of innovation that everyone has basically copied the iPad and iPhone's OS and product design over the last 3 1/2 years.
The OS, sure. Samsung made that look VERY close to iOS.
The product design at Apple, however is just reinterpreted stuff from Dieter Rams. Products that function well start to look similar for a reason, though. If it ain't broke....
http://www.errortype.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/rams.jpg
The OS, sure. Samsung made that look VERY close to iOS.
The product design at Apple, however is just reinterpreted stuff from Dieter Rams. Products that function well start to look similar for a reason, though. If it ain't broke....
http://www.errortype.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/rams.jpg
thedarkhorse
Apr 21, 04:10 PM
I'm sure that if they make it rack mountable it will still be able to be used and look right as a desktop/workstation.
If they leave the only expansion card the video card and add thunderbolt ports for other IO I could see them going this route. Though seeing as though thunderbolt carries the monitor signal and has to be built on the motherboard, they may have to come up with some new type of GPU card that just supplies the raw power and sends the video signal to the motherboard and out the thunderbolt port. I don't know if that's in the realm of possibilities of what PCIE video cards can do now.
If they leave the only expansion card the video card and add thunderbolt ports for other IO I could see them going this route. Though seeing as though thunderbolt carries the monitor signal and has to be built on the motherboard, they may have to come up with some new type of GPU card that just supplies the raw power and sends the video signal to the motherboard and out the thunderbolt port. I don't know if that's in the realm of possibilities of what PCIE video cards can do now.
jayducharme
Nov 2, 12:00 PM
Now Sophos can begin developing viruses against which their software can defend us.
cactus33
Apr 23, 10:31 PM
Although I'd absolutely love this, I highly doubt it'll be here for a while.
I think the first step would be increasing displays to like 1800x1080 on the 13", and 1900x1200 on the 15" and 2400x1440 on the 17" - while keeping the same user interface size. That would be awesome.
Then in the next 5-10 years, I'd expect full retina.
I doubt it would be a full jump from 1440x900 --> 3200x2000 on a 15" or something like that.
I think the first step would be increasing displays to like 1800x1080 on the 13", and 1900x1200 on the 15" and 2400x1440 on the 17" - while keeping the same user interface size. That would be awesome.
Then in the next 5-10 years, I'd expect full retina.
I doubt it would be a full jump from 1440x900 --> 3200x2000 on a 15" or something like that.
ptaylor874
Nov 3, 10:10 AM
Oh - BTW - Anyone know if they are planning to stock them in Apple stores?
As for the price - everyone complains that it is too expensive for "a mount". But, it's not just a mount. A simple mount wouldn't be worth more than about $30. It's got a GPS chip in it that is similar in quality to a standalone units GPS chip, plus a speaker (the built-in speaker isn't loud or clear enough) and a mic. I understand the enhanced GPS chip is accessed via Bluetooth, so other GPS programs can use it instead of the on-board GPS chip. It can serve as a handsfree speakerphone, so no need to buy a car kit if your car doesn't support Bluetooth (mine don't).
All together, I honestly do think this price tag is a little high - it would be more reasonable at $99, but I'm still thinking seriously about getting one.
As for the price - everyone complains that it is too expensive for "a mount". But, it's not just a mount. A simple mount wouldn't be worth more than about $30. It's got a GPS chip in it that is similar in quality to a standalone units GPS chip, plus a speaker (the built-in speaker isn't loud or clear enough) and a mic. I understand the enhanced GPS chip is accessed via Bluetooth, so other GPS programs can use it instead of the on-board GPS chip. It can serve as a handsfree speakerphone, so no need to buy a car kit if your car doesn't support Bluetooth (mine don't).
All together, I honestly do think this price tag is a little high - it would be more reasonable at $99, but I'm still thinking seriously about getting one.
ticman
Dec 10, 06:24 PM
Ok I have installed the car kit. It was more difficult than i thought ONLY because while I have a sloping dash board and it's leather, it is NOT smooth leather but rather a grainy textured leather. I could not get the plastic disk to stick to the surface--even if I put it higher up on the dash toward the windshield where it is flat. Thoughts of crazy glue were beginning to run through my mind.
I installed it on the windshield just to see if I'd like it. It was great but a tad too far to see clearly (even with glasses); I didn't like the wires hanging down; and it did draw my eye every time i used the rear view mirror and obstructed my view (but only a bit--could probably get used to it in time).
So I was at the point of wondering if I was going to return it to Apple Store when I found a space that would work that was left of the radio and had a small flat plastic area. The disk is only partially on the plastic but holds incredible firmly. By moving the suction cup to the right edge of the flat disk, I can see the entire screen easily in either portrait or landscape mode without covering the radio or any controls.
AND the unexpected PLUS is that it sits below the dashboard and won't require me to disconnect it to put in the console when away from the car. I was not comforable with the idea of leaving the kit in full view which may or may not invite break-ins. Another plus is very very little cord from kit to lighter area is needed so wires hanging or dangling are at a minimum. The wire from audio to my audio input in the center console is easily accomodated by the 3 foot audio cord. I used the plastic holders that were pictured in previous post so that wires are contained and not obtrusive.
With regards to using Bluetooth for handsfree driving. My car is very quiet and I and my callers had no problem hearing each other. I just hold the main button and do voice dialing. Piece of cake.
LOL I had the audio cord connected to the car kit but was not using audio to play music (aux was not on) and I couldn't figure out why Navigon wasn't taling to me. When I put radio on in Aux mode the instructions came through the car speakers. When I used ipod to play music and had GPS on both come through the car speakers with music volume being lowered when voice directions were being given.
All in all I am very pleased with the kit and the way it performs.
I installed it on the windshield just to see if I'd like it. It was great but a tad too far to see clearly (even with glasses); I didn't like the wires hanging down; and it did draw my eye every time i used the rear view mirror and obstructed my view (but only a bit--could probably get used to it in time).
So I was at the point of wondering if I was going to return it to Apple Store when I found a space that would work that was left of the radio and had a small flat plastic area. The disk is only partially on the plastic but holds incredible firmly. By moving the suction cup to the right edge of the flat disk, I can see the entire screen easily in either portrait or landscape mode without covering the radio or any controls.
AND the unexpected PLUS is that it sits below the dashboard and won't require me to disconnect it to put in the console when away from the car. I was not comforable with the idea of leaving the kit in full view which may or may not invite break-ins. Another plus is very very little cord from kit to lighter area is needed so wires hanging or dangling are at a minimum. The wire from audio to my audio input in the center console is easily accomodated by the 3 foot audio cord. I used the plastic holders that were pictured in previous post so that wires are contained and not obtrusive.
With regards to using Bluetooth for handsfree driving. My car is very quiet and I and my callers had no problem hearing each other. I just hold the main button and do voice dialing. Piece of cake.
LOL I had the audio cord connected to the car kit but was not using audio to play music (aux was not on) and I couldn't figure out why Navigon wasn't taling to me. When I put radio on in Aux mode the instructions came through the car speakers. When I used ipod to play music and had GPS on both come through the car speakers with music volume being lowered when voice directions were being given.
All in all I am very pleased with the kit and the way it performs.
emotion
Nov 22, 05:43 AM
What's he banging on about? By "PC guys" who does he mean? Microsoft?
If this is the case is he saying that Windows Mobile (the OS he's stupidly paying for some of his products) isn't up to scratch? I can't see Palm surviving the year if he's this mixed up.
I have been using PDAs for years. I like using them. I've tried quite a few and where Windows CE (and variants) fail is they try and be too computer like. Palm OS is nice in that it does the simple stuff that you need on the move (and in meetings etc) well. It would be hard for Apple to figure this out and improve on the situation. They already have half the software written (iSync, iTunes, iPhoto).
The only thing Apple need to decide is: to they try and tackle the hard problem for a PDA/smart phone ie. data input. How do you write text on the device. This is the thing that killed the PDA market imo and why you see so many devices with thumbboards these days instead of (or as well as) touch screens. If they don't they have an extended iPod. Which might work out ok.
The other problem is the data rates mobile phone carriers charge. They need to be EDGE/HSDPA, flat rate and VOIP enabled. Not many carriers can manage that (T-Mobile are close in the UK though).
OK, rant over :)
If this is the case is he saying that Windows Mobile (the OS he's stupidly paying for some of his products) isn't up to scratch? I can't see Palm surviving the year if he's this mixed up.
I have been using PDAs for years. I like using them. I've tried quite a few and where Windows CE (and variants) fail is they try and be too computer like. Palm OS is nice in that it does the simple stuff that you need on the move (and in meetings etc) well. It would be hard for Apple to figure this out and improve on the situation. They already have half the software written (iSync, iTunes, iPhoto).
The only thing Apple need to decide is: to they try and tackle the hard problem for a PDA/smart phone ie. data input. How do you write text on the device. This is the thing that killed the PDA market imo and why you see so many devices with thumbboards these days instead of (or as well as) touch screens. If they don't they have an extended iPod. Which might work out ok.
The other problem is the data rates mobile phone carriers charge. They need to be EDGE/HSDPA, flat rate and VOIP enabled. Not many carriers can manage that (T-Mobile are close in the UK though).
OK, rant over :)
Jape
Nov 3, 08:57 PM
I just received notice that the tomtom car kit I ordered from Bottom Line Telecommunications has shipped, and should be here in a couple of days. I paid $90 shipped. (Don't know if they have any more in stock.) I expect it will be available elsewhere online for discounted prices soon.
I agree that it would be nice if it were cheaper, but if you add up a separate quality car mount, power cable, hands free kit, and external gps, you're going to be close or over $90 in any case. So maybe it's a luxury, but not a ridiculous one. Everyone with an iphone is paying at least $840 a year for the privilege of using it, and if all you wanted was cell phone service you could pay half that. So if you think it's too expensive, don't buy it; but I don't know why so many feel they have to act so outraged over the cost.
They do have more of these in stock, but I was wondering if you have used their services before. it seems a little weird that they would offer it at such a low price, and they do not use paypal.
http://www.shopblt.com/cgi-bin/shop/shop.cgi?action=thispage&thispage=00000TOMTOMU01_BCA2728P.shtml&order_id=!ORDERID!
I agree that it would be nice if it were cheaper, but if you add up a separate quality car mount, power cable, hands free kit, and external gps, you're going to be close or over $90 in any case. So maybe it's a luxury, but not a ridiculous one. Everyone with an iphone is paying at least $840 a year for the privilege of using it, and if all you wanted was cell phone service you could pay half that. So if you think it's too expensive, don't buy it; but I don't know why so many feel they have to act so outraged over the cost.
They do have more of these in stock, but I was wondering if you have used their services before. it seems a little weird that they would offer it at such a low price, and they do not use paypal.
http://www.shopblt.com/cgi-bin/shop/shop.cgi?action=thispage&thispage=00000TOMTOMU01_BCA2728P.shtml&order_id=!ORDERID!
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