RipCordless

A pop-culture consumer who keeps it, by design, in the shallow end of the pool.

iPhone

iPhone + iPhoto = Annoying

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Do you own an iPhone? Are you annoyed by the fact every time you sync your iPhone with your Mac, iPhoto pops up and tries to download your iPhone photos, even if you downloaded them already? I’ve been suffering with that for a while and finally snapped. After ranting about it, I decided to look high and low for a fix. Sure enough, this is a known, errrrr, problem for the Mac, iPhoto and the iPhone. Strangely enough, there is no preferences fix for the issue. You can even let iPhoto grab your latest photos but the next time you sync, even though you have no new snapshots, iPhoto still launches and annoys.

There is a fix. The fellas over at 37 signals came up with this nifty bit of Applescript that prohibits the iPhone from automatically opening iPhoto; however, your digital camera still works. It takes a little copy, a dash of paste, and a splash of common sense but the problem is fixed. Here are the instructions. Enjoy.

iPhone Conversion…

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One thing which I was looking forward to while away was the release of the iPhone 3G. I carefully watched the first release, heard rave reviews and decided I would let my Verizon contract expire with the intent to move to AT&T and purchase an iPhone.

I didn’t take that move lightly. I have been with Verizon for the better part of eight years and have few, if any, complaints. I’ve enjoyed a wide selection of phones, most recently the Palm Treo 700p. A solid, utilitarian phone but nothing to write home about. Additionally, Verizon is considered one of the most powerful networks, both locally and nationally. Again, the decision to leave wasn’t easy but the allure of the iPhone was too great.

I had saved some pennies and went over to the Apple store a couple of Sunday’s ago. I stood in a meager line, purchased two iPhones (as planned and budgeted for) and headed home. It took me a couple of days to work out the best screen protector, the most convenient method of carry, and which contacts were worth sync’ing with my Mac. That done, I’ve been putting the phone through it’s paces since. Thumbnail comment? What the hell was I waiting for.

The iPhone makes my Treo, my beloved Treo, look like a “cave-phone.” It is just rediculous how much more this phone can do with seemingly very little effort. From tne intuitive interface, to the downloadable applications, the iPhone 3G has set the standard. No wonder all other phone companies continue to work on iPhone killers… but I don’t see the death of the this extremely impressive gadget coming anytime soon. Conversely, the iPhone will grow in popularity and usability more and more, probably shredding the mobil phone market and grabbing a significant market share, much like the iPod.

After dipping my toe into the iPhone pond, I’m not coming out anytime soon. No chance.

iPhone G3 Arrives – Kinda

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People have been buzzing about the iPhone since it was released by Apple last summer. Actually it was released precisely one year ago yesterday (Monday). Many people purchased the iPhone and seem to be happy but the sales figures don’t support the hyperbole. According to Apples’ own sales report, iPhone sales went down 20% in the last quarter. Interesting enough, RIM (Blackberry) sales have jumped a like percentage. Have people gotten over the gadget-shock?

With the release of iPhone G3, the device moves to a new level of sophistication. Gone are the slow network speeds and no GPS support. Now those particular changes are included. Apple also opened it’s doors to a host of new developers who have been working diligently to create a variety of application suited specifically for the iPhone. Think Palm applications for the Palm devices. Man, the next few months should be pretty interesting as Apple moves more and more mainstream.

When I recently got a windfall opportunity to purchase a computer for school, I tried to buy a MacBook Pro but both models I purchase has small problems. I returned them both. I then went PC laptop, Dell specifically. However, as time has worn on, as I get deeper into the field of development and design, it is pretty clear Mac is the weapon of choice. What am I saying?

Apple’s marketing strategy continues to amaze me. After taking over the MP3 device market, and with a steady foothold in the web development community (something which isn’t shrinking), the next step is mobile phone domination. Will Apple have enough power, marketing poise, and support to pull it off? I’m not sure, but it looks interesting.

By the way, this entry was typed on my Mac desktop.