More help needed for a technology challenged person

[Marilyn Dalrymple]

Hello Everyone:

 

I'm ready to purchase my first smart phone and I know many of you are very familiar with such animals. Can some one suggest what is good and easy for a beginner, please? Android? iPhone? Another brand?

 

Thank you in advance.

 

Marilyn

****
Have you ever wished you could tell your childhood self a thing or two about growing up?
Would the knowledge you know now have saved you from learning things the hard way?

It's Tough Growing Up: Children's Stories of Courage
Marilyn Dalrymple and Joan Foor
www.itstoughgrowingup.com
***
Where's Ezra? A children's story about being and having friends.
Marilyn Dalrymple, author; Leslie Duffey, Illustrator

[Elson T. Elizaga]

Nokia Purview 808. I just saw this, and surprised about the 42 MP.  I'm not familiar with smart phones: http://www.dpreview.com/

[Marilyn Dalrymple]

Thank you for the information.  I appreciate it very much.

 

Marilyn

 

****
Have you ever wished you could tell your childhood self a thing or two about growing up?
Would the knowledge you know now have saved you from learning things the hard way?

It's Tough Growing Up: Children's Stories of Courage
Marilyn Dalrymple and Joan Foor
www.itstoughgrowingup.com
***
Where's Ezra? A children's story about being and having friends.
Marilyn Dalrymple, author; Leslie Duffey, Illustrator

 

From: elson@...

Sent: Sunday, July 01, 2012 5:46 PM

To: photoforum@...

Subject: Re: More help needed for a technology challenged person

 

Nokia Purview 808. I just saw this, and surprised about the 42 MP.  I'm not familiar with smart phones: http://www.dpreview.com/

[mark-461]

For me its Iphone.  The only one to really avoid is the Blackberry as far as I am concerned.  Company seems to be in real trouble.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: More help needed for a technology challenged person
From: Marilyn <marilyn160@...>
Date: Sun, July 01, 2012 4:47 pm
To: List for Photo/Imaging Educators - Professionals - Students
<photoforum@...>

Hello Everyone:

 

I'm ready to purchase my first smart phone and I know many of you are very familiar with such animals. Can some one suggest what is good and easy for a beginner, please? Android? iPhone? Another brand?

 

Thank you in advance.

 

Marilyn

****
Have you ever wished you could tell your childhood self a thing or two about growing up?
Would the knowledge you know now have saved you from learning things the hard way?

It's Tough Growing Up: Children's Stories of Courage
Marilyn Dalrymple and Joan Foor
www.itstoughgrowingup.com
***
Where's Ezra? A children's story about being and having friends.
Marilyn Dalrymple, author; Leslie Duffey, Illustrator

[Marilyn Dalrymple]

Thank you, Mark.  It seems Iphone is very popular and there must be a reason for that – it does what it’s supposed to without a hassle.

 

Marilyn

****
Have you ever wished you could tell your childhood self a thing or two about growing up?
Would the knowledge you know now have saved you from learning things the hard way?

It's Tough Growing Up: Children's Stories of Courage
Marilyn Dalrymple and Joan Foor
www.itstoughgrowingup.com
***
Where's Ezra? A children's story about being and having friends.
Marilyn Dalrymple, author; Leslie Duffey, Illustrator

 

From: mark@...

Sent: Sunday, July 01, 2012 7:34 PM

To: photoforum@...

Subject: RE: More help needed for a technology challenged person

 

For me its Iphone.  The only one to really avoid is the Blackberry as far as I am concerned.  Company seems to be in real trouble.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: More help needed for a technology challenged person
From: Marilyn <marilyn160@...>
Date: Sun, July 01, 2012 4:47 pm
To: List for Photo/Imaging Educators - Professionals - Students
<photoforum@...>

Hello Everyone:

 

I'm ready to purchase my first smart phone and I know many of you are very familiar with such animals. Can some one suggest what is good and easy for a beginner, please? Android? iPhone? Another brand?

 

Thank you in advance.

 

Marilyn

****
Have you ever wished you could tell your childhood self a thing or two about growing up?
Would the knowledge you know now have saved you from learning things the hard way?

It's Tough Growing Up: Children's Stories of Courage
Marilyn Dalrymple and Joan Foor
www.itstoughgrowingup.com
***
Where's Ezra? A children's story about being and having friends.
Marilyn Dalrymple, author; Leslie Duffey, Illustrator

[Andrew Davidhazy-2]

I guess I am "sold" on the iPhone. It is probably not the cheapest way to go but since Sue is handling the bills I am not concerned about cost!! ;)

Andy

PS: besides, the new ones have Siri ...

[Lea Murphy-2]

I've had the iphone since the first one came out...I'm on iteration number three now (4s). It's lovely and can be cost effective spending on your carrier and plan. 

You're in for a treat with a smartphone!

Lea

some of the greatest moments in life appear on the heels of the hardest parts of our journey

On Jul 1, 2012, at 10:14 PM, Marilyn <marilyn160@...> wrote:

Thank you, Mark.  It seems Iphone is very popular and there must be a reason for that – it does what it’s supposed to without a hassle.

 

Marilyn

****
Have you ever wished you could tell your childhood self a thing or two about growing up?
Would the knowledge you know now have saved you from learning things the hard way?

It's Tough Growing Up: Children's Stories of Courage
Marilyn Dalrymple and Joan Foor
www.itstoughgrowingup.com
***
Where's Ezra? A children's story about being and having friends.
Marilyn Dalrymple, author; Leslie Duffey, Illustrator

 

From: mark@...

Sent: Sunday, July 01, 2012 7:34 PM

To: photoforum@...

Subject: RE: More help needed for a technology challenged person

 

For me its Iphone.  The only one to really avoid is the Blackberry as far as I am concerned.  Company seems to be in real trouble.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: More help needed for a technology challenged person
From: Marilyn <marilyn160@...>
Date: Sun, July 01, 2012 4:47 pm
To: List for Photo/Imaging Educators - Professionals - Students
<photoforum@...>

Hello Everyone:

 

I'm ready to purchase my first smart phone and I know many of you are very familiar with such animals. Can some one suggest what is good and easy for a beginner, please? Android? iPhone? Another brand?

 

Thank you in advance.

 

Marilyn

****
Have you ever wished you could tell your childhood self a thing or two about growing up?
Would the knowledge you know now have saved you from learning things the hard way?

It's Tough Growing Up: Children's Stories of Courage
Marilyn Dalrymple and Joan Foor
www.itstoughgrowingup.com
***
Where's Ezra? A children's story about being and having friends.
Marilyn Dalrymple, author; Leslie Duffey, Illustrator

[karl shah-jenner]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Lea Murphy" <lea@...>
To: "List for Photo/Imaging Educators - Professionals - Students"
<photoforum@...>
Sent: Monday, July 02, 2012 12:03 PM
Subject: Re: More help needed for a technology challenged person


I've had the iphone since the first one came out...I'm on iteration number
three now (4s). It's lovely and can be cost effective spending on your
carrier and plan.

You're in for a treat with a smartphone!



just a quick heads up for iphone enthusiasts who may be unaware, the next
iteration of the iphone will have a redesigned plug making all the iphone
interfaced gadgets obsolete - chargers, docks, all the addons and gadgets,
the lot.

This insistence on using proprietary interfaces rather than USB (or USB +)
makes them a rather expensive proposition.

My old windows mobile uses USB and i'm happy with that.

[PhotoRoy6]

Blackberry is for business and never got into  the mobile phone as an entertainment device which Apple did.

Blackberry might survive as a company. They have put off their new operating system which was scheduled to be out for this Christmas.  If they modify the OS to include entertainment feature RIM (Research In Motion), the manufacturer might not go under. I wouldn't recommend it either as a phone unless everyone else in your organization has one or as a stock  unless you like to gamble on turn a-rounds. Lottery is better investment for my money.

 

window based phones are cheaper than Iphone

Roy

 

 

In a message dated 7/1/2012 10:37:33 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, mark@... writes:

For me its Iphone.  The only one to really avoid is the Blackberry as far as I am concerned.  Company seems to be in real trouble.

 

[Marilyn Dalrymple]

All on this list have been great with your comments, suggestions and recommendations.  I respect the advice given here (which is why I always ask here) and know I can trust the advice given.  Andy – this one’s coming out of my pocket book, and I’ll be responsible for the bills, so I’m being very careful, plus I want my husband to think that I know what I’m doing{;->

 

Thank you, to all who responded.  I think I have enough info and today might be the big day – I think I’m ready to make the purchase.

 

Marilyn

 

****
Have you ever wished you could tell your childhood self a thing or two about growing up?
Would the knowledge you know now have saved you from learning things the hard way?

It's Tough Growing Up: Children's Stories of Courage
Marilyn Dalrymple and Joan Foor
www.itstoughgrowingup.com
***
Where's Ezra? A children's story about being and having friends.
Marilyn Dalrymple, author; Leslie Duffey, Illustrator

 

From: lea@...

Sent: Sunday, July 01, 2012 9:03 PM

To: photoforum@...

Subject: Re: More help needed for a technology challenged person

 

I've had the iphone since the first one came out...I'm on iteration number three now (4s). It's lovely and can be cost effective spending on your carrier and plan.

 

You're in for a treat with a smartphone!

 

Lea

some of the greatest moments in life appear on the heels of the hardest parts of our journey

On Jul 1, 2012, at 10:14 PM, Marilyn <marilyn160@...> wrote:

Thank you, Mark.  It seems Iphone is very popular and there must be a reason for that – it does what it’s supposed to without a hassle.

 

Marilyn

****
Have you ever wished you could tell your childhood self a thing or two about growing up?
Would the knowledge you know now have saved you from learning things the hard way?

It's Tough Growing Up: Children's Stories of Courage
Marilyn Dalrymple and Joan Foor
www.itstoughgrowingup.com
***
Where's Ezra? A children's story about being and having friends.
Marilyn Dalrymple, author; Leslie Duffey, Illustrator

 

From: mark@...

Sent: Sunday, July 01, 2012 7:34 PM

To: photoforum@...

Subject: RE: More help needed for a technology challenged person

 

For me its Iphone.  The only one to really avoid is the Blackberry as far as I am concerned.  Company seems to be in real trouble.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: More help needed for a technology challenged person
From: Marilyn <marilyn160@...>
Date: Sun, July 01, 2012 4:47 pm
To: List for Photo/Imaging Educators - Professionals - Students
<photoforum@...>

Hello Everyone:

 

I'm ready to purchase my first smart phone and I know many of you are very familiar with such animals. Can some one suggest what is good and easy for a beginner, please? Android? iPhone? Another brand?

 

Thank you in advance.

 

Marilyn

****
Have you ever wished you could tell your childhood self a thing or two about growing up?
Would the knowledge you know now have saved you from learning things the hard way?

It's Tough Growing Up: Children's Stories of Courage
Marilyn Dalrymple and Joan Foor
www.itstoughgrowingup.com
***
Where's Ezra? A children's story about being and having friends.
Marilyn Dalrymple, author; Leslie Duffey, Illustrator

[mark-461]

Now I maybe old, but I am not that old.  Since when has any woman EVER cared what their husband thought???  lol

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: More help needed for a technology challenged person
From: Marilyn <marilyn160@...>
Date: Mon, July 02, 2012 9:10 am
To: List for Photo/Imaging Educators - Professionals - Students
<photoforum@...>

All on this list have been great with your comments, suggestions and recommendations.  I respect the advice given here (which is why I always ask here) and know I can trust the advice given.  Andy – this one’s coming out of my pocket book, and I’ll be responsible for the bills, so I’m being very careful, plus I want my husband to think that I know what I’m doing{;->

 

Thank you, to all who responded.  I think I have enough info and today might be the big day – I think I’m ready to make the purchase.

 

Marilyn

 

****
Have you ever wished you could tell your childhood self a thing or two about growing up?
Would the knowledge you know now have saved you from learning things the hard way?

It's Tough Growing Up: Children's Stories of Courage
Marilyn Dalrymple and Joan Foor
www.itstoughgrowingup.com
***
Where's Ezra? A children's story about being and having friends.
Marilyn Dalrymple, author; Leslie Duffey, Illustrator

 

From: lea@...

Sent: Sunday, July 01, 2012 9:03 PM

To: photoforum@...

Subject: Re: More help needed for a technology challenged person

 

I've had the iphone since the first one came out...I'm on iteration number three now (4s). It's lovely and can be cost effective spending on your carrier and plan.

 

You're in for a treat with a smartphone!

 

Lea

some of the greatest moments in life appear on the heels of the hardest parts of our journey

On Jul 1, 2012, at 10:14 PM, Marilyn <marilyn160@...> wrote:

Thank you, Mark.  It seems Iphone is very popular and there must be a reason for that – it does what it’s supposed to without a hassle.

 

Marilyn

****
Have you ever wished you could tell your childhood self a thing or two about growing up?
Would the knowledge you know now have saved you from learning things the hard way?

It's Tough Growing Up: Children's Stories of Courage
Marilyn Dalrymple and Joan Foor
www.itstoughgrowingup.com
***
Where's Ezra? A children's story about being and having friends.
Marilyn Dalrymple, author; Leslie Duffey, Illustrator

 

From: mark@...

Sent: Sunday, July 01, 2012 7:34 PM

To: photoforum@...

Subject: RE: More help needed for a technology challenged person

 

For me its Iphone.  The only one to really avoid is the Blackberry as far as I am concerned.  Company seems to be in real trouble.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: More help needed for a technology challenged person
From: Marilyn <marilyn160@...>
Date: Sun, July 01, 2012 4:47 pm
To: List for Photo/Imaging Educators - Professionals - Students
<photoforum@...>

Hello Everyone:

 

I'm ready to purchase my first smart phone and I know many of you are very familiar with such animals. Can some one suggest what is good and easy for a beginner, please? Android? iPhone? Another brand?

 

Thank you in advance.

 

Marilyn

****
Have you ever wished you could tell your childhood self a thing or two about growing up?
Would the knowledge you know now have saved you from learning things the hard way?

It's Tough Growing Up: Children's Stories of Courage
Marilyn Dalrymple and Joan Foor
www.itstoughgrowingup.com
***
Where's Ezra? A children's story about being and having friends.
Marilyn Dalrymple, author; Leslie Duffey, Illustrator

[Emily L. Ferguson-2]

At 11:47 PM -0400 7/1/12, Andrew Davidhazy wrote:
>I guess I am "sold" on the iPhone. It is probably not the cheapest
>way to go but since Sue is handling the bills I am not concerned
>about cost!! ;)
>
>Andy
>
>PS: besides, the new ones have Siri ...

Uh oh.  Someone better warn Sue.

Andy's got a new woman!

--
Emily L. Ferguson
mailto:elf@...
508-563-6822
New England landscapes, wooden boats and races
http://www.landsedgephoto.com
HOT OFF THE PRESS! SAILING SEPIA IMAGES VOL II:
http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/elfpix
Check out my Spring daily photograph project at:
http://tinyurl.com/3a6m7g6
And Summer:
http://tinyurl.com/22juo5s
Autumn now complete here:
http://tinyurl.com/26pdgz9
Winter concluded here:
http://tinyurl.com/2co5wkg

[karl shah-jenner]

I was looking for a definitive comparison site re the phones but find them
all a little -what.. biased ?  incomplete?  something like that..
http://www.redmondpie.com/ios-5-vs.-android-4.0-ice-cream-sandwich-vs.-windows-phone-7.5-mango-comparison/


My experience has only been with winmobile, though I've a few friends who've
got iphones, and I've heard some of their grumbles and complaints.
Generally though they seem happy to have an iphone and accept whatever
limitations they experience or imagine they experience. (bills aside).

Win mobile is based on Windows CE which has been around since forever and is
definately not as limited as they state in th above link. I know for a fact
cloud backup is available for Win mobile, and while I don't know the precise
OS they speak of above, I'd be amazed that the statement about the OS not
being customizable were true given a plethora of skins available to change
the appearance of every earlier incarnation of the OS, and the nuts and
bolts nature of windows to change settings.  And yes, I have a flashplayer
so I know not what they talk of .

I hear Android has had some security issues, but phones are inherently
insecure..  loose one once and you'll know what I mean, irrespective of the
operating system..  There are some third party programs and Windows offers
one free that allow you to locate lost phones or even lock them (or 'brick'
them in iSpeak), and some can allow you to silently call your missing phone,
have it report it's location to you  via GPS AND let you listen to what is
happening where the phone is located.  Sounds like a plus until you realize
that someone can install this by stealth and use it to spy on you.
security.. hmmm.

Irrespective of all that, all modern phone hardware is good these days
(exploding batteries or screens not withstanding) so  you might find other
features help make the decision.  As has been mentioned, SD card support,
gps modules, accelerometers, interface facilities such as standard earphones
and USB, bluetooth, wifi, IR communications - not all phones have
everything.  Being able to 'backup' all your TV and AV remotes to your phone
and use the phone to control all your appliances is pretty cool if the phone
has IR capabilities (not to mention being able to take control over TVs in
waiting rooms )

I  love that I have a true Sirf GPS module in my particular htc, which means
it's fully functional without psudo-gps network support - and having tried
over a dozen GPS programs I'd highly recommend Igo over all the others,
unless U-turns are something you enjoy.  It's a lot more adaptive than any
other and takes hints exremely well.  Not a Big Name in the game here, I was
kind of impressed to find a Hungarian program beat the stuffing out of
programs specifically designed for my country.  I found a freeware gps
program for my travels in Laos too, windows /CE developers tend to write
lots of software for obscure applications and Laos is off the map for all
the big name gps mappers.

Integrated or sliding keyboards, clamshell, touchscreen only - different
physical layouts suit different people, the rise of the touchscreen-only
type phones has seen the other styles slide a bit but they still have their
followers.  If you find yourself typing lots on phones then keyboards can be
handy - although some users find Swype and similar programs better.

Software wise, the SPB suite of programs are well coded and very usefull,
specifically Traveller - a killer program which is now available for iPhones
as well.  well worth a look at if you travel and their source for weather
data seems more accurate than some other sources.

I confess to not using my phone for entertainment purposes much, but the
standard MP3 and video player programs have been handy on the odd occasion
when I find myself locked in a cupboard and  I don't use any e-reader
functions, that's what the kindle is for.  All phones seem capable of
entertaining people, and yes, plenty of games there if you are into that.

On the whole everyone I know seems happy with their phones and will defend
them furiously - that's a sign they're happy, right?  Well, up until they
scream and hurl them at a wall or start uttering dozens of reasons why their
phone is no good, but this is usually just prior to purchasing the newest
model.

I didn't mention blackberry as the only people I know who have them were
forced to carry them by their employers and they always seem reluctant to be
seen using one.

[Marilyn Dalrymple]

I appreciate all your information, Karl.  Thank you for taking so much time
to help me out.  I'm sure I'm not the only one who benefited from your
comments.  I took the plunge and bought an iphone.  This is a learning
experience for me and in the future I'll know what I do or don't like about
iphone and with a little more experience and knowledge maybe I can make a
better choice.  One nice thing for me is, the store where I bought the phone
is only a few blocks from my home and the people are very helpful and
knowledgeable.  The store in particular was recommended because of this.
They had many phones to choose from (so confusing!), but I had to make a
choice.

I'm eager to get started, but I had to read so many papers and give so much
information about myself I could have sworn I was buying a house or high end
car.

Now it's up top me to get learning (it's worse than trying to learn my first
camera).

I still appreciate all the help I got very much.  I took notes to the store
with me, and thanks to all the information I got from this list I was able
to ask some intelligent questions.

Thank you, to all.

Marilyn





****
Have you ever wished you could tell your childhood self a thing or two about
growing up?
Would the knowledge you know now have saved you from learning things the
hard way?

It's Tough Growing Up: Children's Stories of Courage
Marilyn Dalrymple and Joan Foor
www.itstoughgrowingup.com
***
Where's Ezra? A children's story about being and having friends.
Marilyn Dalrymple, author; Leslie Duffey, Illustrator
-----Original Message-----
From: Karl Shah-Jenner
Sent: Monday, July 02, 2012 6:24 PM
To: List for Photo/Imaging Educators - Professionals - Students
Subject: Re: More help needed for a technology challenged person

I was looking for a definitive comparison site re the phones but find them
all a little -what.. biased ?  incomplete?  something like that..
http://www.redmondpie.com/ios-5-vs.-android-4.0-ice-cream-sandwich-vs.-windows-phone-7.5-mango-comparison/


My experience has only been with winmobile, though I've a few friends who've
got iphones, and I've heard some of their grumbles and complaints.
Generally though they seem happy to have an iphone and accept whatever
limitations they experience or imagine they experience. (bills aside).

Win mobile is based on Windows CE which has been around since forever and is
definately not as limited as they state in th above link. I know for a fact
cloud backup is available for Win mobile, and while I don't know the precise
OS they speak of above, I'd be amazed that the statement about the OS not
being customizable were true given a plethora of skins available to change
the appearance of every earlier incarnation of the OS, and the nuts and
bolts nature of windows to change settings.  And yes, I have a flashplayer
so I know not what they talk of .

I hear Android has had some security issues, but phones are inherently
insecure..  loose one once and you'll know what I mean, irrespective of the
operating system..  There are some third party programs and Windows offers
one free that allow you to locate lost phones or even lock them (or 'brick'
them in iSpeak), and some can allow you to silently call your missing phone,
have it report it's location to you  via GPS AND let you listen to what is
happening where the phone is located.  Sounds like a plus until you realize
that someone can install this by stealth and use it to spy on you.
security.. hmmm.

Irrespective of all that, all modern phone hardware is good these days
(exploding batteries or screens not withstanding) so  you might find other
features help make the decision.  As has been mentioned, SD card support,
gps modules, accelerometers, interface facilities such as standard earphones
and USB, bluetooth, wifi, IR communications - not all phones have
everything.  Being able to 'backup' all your TV and AV remotes to your phone
and use the phone to control all your appliances is pretty cool if the phone
has IR capabilities (not to mention being able to take control over TVs in
waiting rooms )

I  love that I have a true Sirf GPS module in my particular htc, which means
it's fully functional without psudo-gps network support - and having tried
over a dozen GPS programs I'd highly recommend Igo over all the others,
unless U-turns are something you enjoy.  It's a lot more adaptive than any
other and takes hints exremely well.  Not a Big Name in the game here, I was
kind of impressed to find a Hungarian program beat the stuffing out of
programs specifically designed for my country.  I found a freeware gps
program for my travels in Laos too, windows /CE developers tend to write
lots of software for obscure applications and Laos is off the map for all
the big name gps mappers.

Integrated or sliding keyboards, clamshell, touchscreen only - different
physical layouts suit different people, the rise of the touchscreen-only
type phones has seen the other styles slide a bit but they still have their
followers.  If you find yourself typing lots on phones then keyboards can be
handy - although some users find Swype and similar programs better.

Software wise, the SPB suite of programs are well coded and very usefull,
specifically Traveller - a killer program which is now available for iPhones
as well.  well worth a look at if you travel and their source for weather
data seems more accurate than some other sources.

I confess to not using my phone for entertainment purposes much, but the
standard MP3 and video player programs have been handy on the odd occasion
when I find myself locked in a cupboard and  I don't use any e-reader
functions, that's what the kindle is for.  All phones seem capable of
entertaining people, and yes, plenty of games there if you are into that.

On the whole everyone I know seems happy with their phones and will defend
them furiously - that's a sign they're happy, right?  Well, up until they
scream and hurl them at a wall or start uttering dozens of reasons why their
phone is no good, but this is usually just prior to purchasing the newest
model.

I didn't mention blackberry as the only people I know who have them were
forced to carry them by their employers and they always seem reluctant to be
seen using one.

[Christopher Strevens-2]

I have just bought a windows phone. The keyboard is a problem. Chris

Sent from my Windows Phone

---

From: Marilyn
Sent: 03/07/2012 03:12
To: List for Photo/Imaging Educators - Professionals - Students
Subject: Re: More help needed for a technology challenged person

I appreciate all your information, Karl.  Thank you for taking so much time
to help me out.  I'm sure I'm not the only one who benefited from your
comments.  I took the plunge and bought an iphone.  This is a learning
experience for me and in the future I'll know what I do or don't like about
iphone and with a little more experience and knowledge maybe I can make a
better choice.  One nice thing for me is, the store where I bought the phone
is only a few blocks from my home and the people are very helpful and
knowledgeable.  The store in particular was recommended because of this.
They had many phones to choose from (so confusing!), but I had to make a
choice.

I'm eager to get started, but I had to read so many papers and give so much
information about myself I could have sworn I was buying a house or high end
car.

Now it's up top me to get learning (it's worse than trying to learn my first
camera).

I still appreciate all the help I got very much.  I took notes to the store
with me, and thanks to all the information I got from this list I was able
to ask some intelligent questions.

Thank you, to all.

Marilyn





****
Have you ever wished you could tell your childhood self a thing or two about
growing up?
Would the knowledge you know now have saved you from learning things the
hard way?

It's Tough Growing Up: Children's Stories of Courage
Marilyn Dalrymple and Joan Foor
www.itstoughgrowingup.com
***
Where's Ezra? A children's story about being and having friends.
Marilyn Dalrymple, author; Leslie Duffey, Illustrator
-----Original Message-----
From: Karl Shah-Jenner
Sent: Monday, July 02, 2012 6:24 PM
To: List for Photo/Imaging Educators - Professionals - Students
Subject: Re: More help needed for a technology challenged person

I was looking for a definitive comparison site re the phones but find them
all a little -what.. biased ?  incomplete?  something like that..
http://www.redmondpie.com/ios-5-vs.-android-4.0-ice-cream-sandwich-vs.-windows-phone-7.5-mango-comparison/


My experience has only been with winmobile, though I've a few friends who've
got iphones, and I've heard some of their grumbles and complaints.
Generally though they seem happy to have an iphone and accept whatever
limitations they experience or imagine they experience. (bills aside).

Win mobile is based on Windows CE which has been around since forever and is
definately not as limited as they state in th above link. I know for a fact
cloud backup is available for Win mobile, and while I don't know the precise
OS they speak of above, I'd be amazed that the statement about the OS not
being customizable were true given a plethora of skins available to change
the appearance of every earlier incarnation of the OS, and the nuts and
bolts nature of windows to change settings.  And yes, I have a flashplayer
so I know not what they talk of .

I hear Android has had some security issues, but phones are inherently
insecure..  loose one once and you'll know what I mean, irrespective of the
operating system..  There are some third party programs and Windows offers
one free that allow you to locate lost phones or even lock them (or 'brick'
them in iSpeak), and some can allow you to silently call your missing phone,
have it report it's location to you  via GPS AND let you listen to what is
happening where the phone is located.  Sounds like a plus until you realize
that someone can install this by stealth and use it to spy on you.
security.. hmmm.

Irrespective of all that, all modern phone hardware is good these days
(exploding batteries or screens not withstanding) so  you might find other
features help make the decision.  As has been mentioned, SD card support,
gps modules, accelerometers, interface facilities such as standard earphones
and USB, bluetooth, wifi, IR communications - not all phones have
everything.  Being able to 'backup' all your TV and AV remotes to your phone
and use the phone to control all your appliances is pretty cool if the phone
has IR capabilities (not to mention being able to take control over TVs in
waiting rooms )

I  love that I have a true Sirf GPS module in my particular htc, which means
it's fully functional without psudo-gps network support - and having tried
over a dozen GPS programs I'd highly recommend Igo over all the others,
unless U-turns are something you enjoy.  It's a lot more adaptive than any
other and takes hints exremely well.  Not a Big Name in the game here, I was
kind of impressed to find a Hungarian program beat the stuffing out of
programs specifically designed for my country.  I found a freeware gps
program for my travels in Laos too, windows /CE developers tend to write
lots of software for obscure applications and Laos is off the map for all
the big name gps mappers.

Integrated or sliding keyboards, clamshell, touchscreen only - different
physical layouts suit different people, the rise of the touchscreen-only
type phones has seen the other styles slide a bit but they still have their
followers.  If you find yourself typing lots on phones then keyboards can be
handy - although some users find Swype and similar programs better.

Software wise, the SPB suite of programs are well coded and very usefull,
specifically Traveller - a killer program which is now available for iPhones
as well.  well worth a look at if you travel and their source for weather
data seems more accurate than some other sources.

I confess to not using my phone for entertainment purposes much, but the
standard MP3 and video player programs have been handy on the odd occasion
when I find myself locked in a cupboard and  I don't use any e-reader
functions, that's what the kindle is for.  All phones seem capable of
entertaining people, and yes, plenty of games there if you are into that.

On the whole everyone I know seems happy with their phones and will defend
them furiously - that's a sign they're happy, right?  Well, up until they
scream and hurl them at a wall or start uttering dozens of reasons why their
phone is no good, but this is usually just prior to purchasing the newest
model.

I didn't mention blackberry as the only people I know who have them were
forced to carry them by their employers and they always seem reluctant to be
seen using one.

[Trevor Cunningham-2]

This is dated, but speaks volumes about the Apple customer army:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FL7yD-0pqZg

*Caution*, there is some sour language in the video.

On 7/1/12 5:47 PM, Marilyn wrote:

> Hello Everyone:
> I'm ready to purchase my first smart phone and I know many of you are
> very familiar with such animals. Can some one suggest what is good and
> easy for a beginner, please? Android? iPhone? Another brand?
> Thank you in advance.
> Marilyn
>
>
> ****
> Have you ever wished you could tell your childhood self a thing or two
> about growing up?
> Would the knowledge you know now have saved you from learning things
> the hard way?
>
> It's Tough Growing Up: Children's Stories of Courage
> Marilyn Dalrymple and Joan Foor
> www.itstoughgrowingup.com
> ***
> Where's Ezra? A children's story about being and having friends.
> Marilyn Dalrymple, author; Leslie Duffey, Illustrator

[Marilyn Dalrymple]

Thank you,Trevor.

Marilyn





****
Have you ever wished you could tell your childhood self a thing or two about
growing up?
Would the knowledge you know now have saved you from learning things the
hard way?

It's Tough Growing Up: Children's Stories of Courage
Marilyn Dalrymple and Joan Foor
www.itstoughgrowingup.com
***
Where's Ezra? A children's story about being and having friends.
Marilyn Dalrymple, author; Leslie Duffey, Illustrator
-----Original Message-----
From: Trevor Cunningham
Sent: Wednesday, July 04, 2012 7:24 AM
To: List for Photo/Imaging Educators - Professionals - Students
Subject: Re: More help needed for a technology challenged person

This is dated, but speaks volumes about the Apple customer army:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FL7yD-0pqZg

*Caution*, there is some sour language in the video.

On 7/1/12 5:47 PM, Marilyn wrote:

> Hello Everyone:
> I'm ready to purchase my first smart phone and I know many of you are very
> familiar with such animals. Can some one suggest what is good and easy for
> a beginner, please? Android? iPhone? Another brand?
> Thank you in advance.
> Marilyn
>
>
> ****
> Have you ever wished you could tell your childhood self a thing or two
> about growing up?
> Would the knowledge you know now have saved you from learning things the
> hard way?
>
> It's Tough Growing Up: Children's Stories of Courage
> Marilyn Dalrymple and Joan Foor
> www.itstoughgrowingup.com
> ***
> Where's Ezra? A children's story about being and having friends.
> Marilyn Dalrymple, author; Leslie Duffey, Illustrator

[karl shah-jenner]

a bit more on the smartphones, worth mentioning since they're mainstream now

Androids really do seem to be having ongoing issues with security:
http://www.news.com.au/technology/smartphones/android-phone-users-warned-over-botnet/story-fn6vihic-1226418405007



and another nasty has popped up in the iPhone that people really need to
know about which suggests old iPhones should be destroyed and not resold or
passed to a third party (not very environmentally friendly but hey):
http://www.news.com.au/technology/smartphones/iphone-security-glitch-means-personal-data-could-be-accessed-by-strangers-even-after-memory-wipe/story-fn6vihic-1226416998615

"The problem arises with certain apps .. which use the phone's unique ID
(known as "UDID") to log you in.  (If you wipe your phone and ) ..your phone's
new owner downloads the same app they will be automatically logged in under
your name together with all your data, the report said"

 Now sure the apps they refer to are iffy ones, but any site or program
could use such a method of logging and the user would need to do a lot of
digging to find which sites and programs used the UDID as an identifier and
would need to avoid that program/site unless they wanted to risk revealing
sensitive information.  which as they say, can never be wiped from the phone
as it is the acutal phone that provides the UDID.


Some things people using these phones can and should do is use the variously
available software for backing up their data regularly and install software
that permits them to either remotely locate or wipe and lock their phones
should they be lost or stolen.  Be aware though that passwords with such
things should be very complex, as such programs can also be used to spy on
the legitimate user - and some of these programs can be set to stealth mode
so they're undetectable on the phone, which in it's self is a "security
threat"... and some antivirus will actually report them as viruses - which
they are really, just viruses the legitimate owner is using to control their
own phone for their own protection.


here are 2 such things for winmobile:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=464336
http://smartphonetracker.blogspot.com.au/

k