Sprenzy Shopping Blog: Tag ipod

iPhone - A Simply Amazing User Interface

Chuck — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 23:26:00 -0400

iPhone… Overhyped? Overpriced? Poor business phone? Bad network? Maybe. Is it the ultimate all-in-one converged device? I think it’s the best one available right now. Say what you want about the iPhone, just make sure you test one out to really appreciate its simple, elegant and absolutely amazing user interface (UI).

I have owned a Windows Mobile 5.0, a Pocket PC and a Palm device and it always took me a few days to completely figure out how to use the phone and operating system. The iPhone’s UI is so well designed, it only took me a few minutes to understand it. There’s truly no need for a user’s manual.

I can’t say enough about the iPhone’s interaction design and functionality integration (between the phone, iPod, Internet, etc.). Using your fingers to scroll, zoom and navigate is pure joy and puts a smile on my face each time I use the iPhone.

Here’s a review roundup:

Apple’s iPhone: an initial (but in-depth) review from AppleInsider
Apple iPhone review by PC Magazine
Review: Apple IPhone Rocks, Rolls, and Doesn’t Disappoint by Wired
iPhone Review at Engadget

I love my new iPhone, but it’s not without flaws, which are highlighted in most reviews. Despite these flaws, it’s still hands down the best and most entertaining phone I’ve ever owned. The beauty of the iPhone is that its deficiencies can be fixed through software updates. The only thing that can’t be fixed with the iPhone is 3G data connectivity.

I didn’t plan on buying an iPhone and was going to wait for the 2nd Gen phone. But after reviewing my Verizon bill, the $50 a month I pay for unlimited data and 250 text messages is a complete ripoff. So on Saturday morning, I went down to the Apple store in San Francisco and picked up an 8 GB iPhone. I’ll be saving $40 a month by switching to an AT&T plan, which means I’ll break even in 15 months compared to sticking with Verizon’s overpriced data plan.

Sorry Verizon and Motorola Q, it was fun, but there’s a better and cooler gadget that you can’t come close to competing with… Hello iPhone!

Wake Up To an iLuv i177 Clock Radio

Chuck — Mon, 07 May 2007 01:01:00 -0400

My girlfriend needed a new clock radio and iPod docking system. Her requirements were a dual alarm and a simple, aesthetically pleasing design. Sound quality wasn’t a top priority because we have a nice vacuum tube amp and Definitive Technology tower speakers in the bedroom. My requirements were a display dimmer and a gentle alarm.

I did some research and found iLounge’s clock radios ratings. Based on our requirements, I narrowed the products down to the Timex Ti700 and iLuv i177. My girlfriend preferred the iLuv i177’s design and appearance so we bought the iLuv.

After a week of use, we are both pretty happy with the iLuv i177. The i177 is intuitive to use. The volume of the alarm can be adjusted if waking up to an iPod or radio, which at the lowest setting is the perfect volume for us. It’s loud enough to wake the girlfriend but not too jarring for me. The LCD display has three dimmer settings and an off mode, which I prefer, because I like a completely dark room. The sound quality is more than adequate given our needs and actually better than expected from a small clock radio.

The only negative is the default buzzer alarm if you don’t have an iPod docked. It’s extremely loud and is piercing like a fire alarm. I highly recommend not using the buzzer alarm. Additionally, setting the time using the dial knob is annoying because you have to spin it until you hit the right time linearly, i.e. there are no hour or minute buttons. But this is a non-issue after the initial time and alarm setting.

Playlistmag.com has a good iLuv i177 review along with a review of the JBL On Time. Playlist concludes…

“Both the iLuv i177 and JBL On Time are nice clock radios, and each has strengths and weaknesses. In short: If it’s an alarm clock you want, the iLuv i77 is the best choice and includes nice extras such as a remote and an iPod shuffle port. If you desire something more akin to a small stereo, with the added benefit of a clock and alarm, go with the On Time.

Overall, I found the iLuv to be a better value, while the On Time had far superior sound. Yet, while I would highly recommend the iLuv—as an alarm clock—I can’t say the same about the On Time; although it performs well as both a clock and a stereo, it doesn’t truly excel at either.”

I agree with this conclusion. The iLuv i177 is a great iPod alarm clock, just don’t use the buzzer alarm unless you like be jolted out of a sound sleep.

iPhone - Gadget Holy Grail?

Chuck — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 02:05:00 -0500

After watching Steve Jobs’ Macworld keynote address and introduction of the iPhone, all I can say is… wow, brilliant, amazing, spectacular, fantabulous… there aren’t enough superlatives that I can give the iPhone. The user interface and design are simply beautiful, intuitive and elegant. The iPhone consists of three devices rolled into one.

A widescreen iPod with touch controls
A “smart” phone
A mobile Internet device

If Apple released these products individually, each device would be revolutionary. Words cannot describe how cool and mind blowing the iPhone is. To truly appreciate this gadget, you’ll have to watch the 2007 Macworld keynote address. If you can’t watch it all, skip to 01:23:20 in the keynote address or 00:57:00 in the iPhone introduction video to see Steve Jobs demonstrate a real world example of iPhone use… music, phone call, photo, email, web browsing, end call, automatically back to music… wow!

Unfortunately, the iPhone won’t be available until June 2007. Pricing is $499 for a 4 GB model and $599 for an 8GB model. Both require a two year contract with Cingular, the exclusive iPhone wireless carrier.

I’ve had a bad experience with Cingular in the past but I’m completely ready to drop Verizon and my Motorola Q come June. As you can tell, I’m super excited about the iPhone but I’m just as psyched for future Apple products using multi-touch technology.

Is the iPhone the holy grail of gadgets? I don’t know, but it comes pretty darn close. Maybe Apple can add 3G, wireless iTunes synching, GPS, over-the-air HDTV antenna, a heart rate monitor…

To get a complete overview and specs of the phone, go to Apple iPhone.

Update 01.17.2007: Added an entertaining video from Dave Pogue of the New York Times.

Fitness Gear That Motivates

Chuck — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 15:56:00 -0500

With the New Year, many people have made goals to lose weight and exercise regularly. Whether you are starting an exercise routine for the first time or a fitness fanatic, staying motivated is the key to getting fit and maintaining it. Motivation can come in many forms, such as training for a race/event, an exercise partner or the possibility of dessert with every ~~five~~ three mile run.

To help you reach your weight loss or exercise goals, here are some fitness tools that can keep you motivated to workout.

Heart Rate Monitor (HRM) - To get the most out of every workout and to ensure you are pushing yourself to the right limits, get an HRM. I prefer Polar HRMs with a wearlink transmitter, which has a flexible cloth chest strap. To learn more about HRMs check out, Heart Rate Monitors - What’s Your Max Heart Rate?
Nike+ iPod Sport Kit - If you already own an iPod Nano, this will be the best $30 you’ll spend to keep motivated on a run. I’ve been using the Nike+ Sport Kit for the last several months and I won’t go for a run without my Nano and Sport Kit. I love knowing my current pace and getting a message from Lance Armstrong or Paula Radcliffe after I beat a personal record. Additionally, the Nike+ website provides run/goal tracking and community features to inspire more running.
Garmin Forerunner - Get the accuracy of GPS to monitor your speed, distance, pace and calories burned with the relatively sleek, wrist-mounted Garmin Forerunner 305 (HRM) or Garmin Forerunner 205. For cyclists, check out the Garmin Edge Series GPS cycling computers.
10 Minute Solution DVDs - Do you have 10 minutes to spare? Whether it’s pilates, yoga, kickboxing or dancing, there’s a DVD available with multiple 10 minute workouts to target and isolate various body parts. If you can’t get to the gym or go for a run, watch and follow along with one of these DVDs to get a quick workout.
Traineo - A free and simple website that allows users to report goals, workouts, diet and weight to a group of friends who monitor and support each other. Users can also join larger support groups to get encouragement from people with similar health and fitness goals.

If you are new to working out or getting back on the bandwagon, try to set manageable goals. Small wins obtained quickly will keep you motivated to work harder. As you achieve these smaller goals, keep on raising the bar and soon enough you’ll achieve that ultimate fitness goal.

Nike+ iPod Sport Kit Review Roundup

Chuck — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 02:08:00 -0500

The average Thanksgiving meal contains 3,000 calories and if you snack all day it can reach up to 4,500 calories. I certainly did my share to raise the average calorie intake. I’m guesstimating I put down 5,000 calories easy. Call me an over-achiever if you want. Now I’m on exercise kick to keep off the unwanted weight during the holiday season. One of my favorite new toys, which motivates me to run more often, is the Nike+ iPod Sport Kit.

If you already own an iPod Nano, the Nike+ iPod Sport Kit adds voice feedback (male or female) and visual display of your run/walk time, distance and pace. The Sport Kit consists of a small sensor (accelerometer) and a receiver that plugs into your Nano. The sensor is designed to fit into Nike+ running shoes but still works with any shoe if you can properly secure it.

Next you will find several Nike+ iPod Sport Kit reviews and a review of the Marware Sportsuit Sensor+, which attaches the sensor to any shoe.

Playlistmag.com: Nike+ iPod Sport Kit Review - “When Lance Armstrong or Paula Radcliffe told me, through my nano, “Congratulations! You’ve just run your fastest mile.” I felt like they were talking directly to me—even though I knew they weren’t. The Nike + iPod Sport Kit is simple but ingenious, easy enough to use for beginning runners and technophobes alike, while reliable enough for even competitive runners.”
PC Magazine: Nike+ iPod Sport Kit Review - “With its great community features, the Nike + iPod Sport Kit adds an extra element to running and walking that can actually inspire and motivate you more than simply listening to music and timing yourself.”
The Adventure Blog: Nike+ iPod Review - “If you enjoy running, walking, or hiking, I highly recommend the Nike+iPod system. It’s a very well designed product that is easy to use, offers great value, and should be a benefit to anyone into fitness. It’s online portion should also help you track your data over time, set goals, and make progress in increasing your distance and speed.”
iLounge: Nike+ iPod Sport Kit Review - “What Apple and Nike have achieved with the Nike+iPod Sport Kit is a nearly unqualified triumph: an expansion of the iPod nano into a digital sport running and walking partner, using add-on technology that works well and is easy enough for anyone to use. While we won’t go so far as to claim that it will replace the need for gyms or even just their treadmills, the Kit’s cool features - voice feedback, big on-screen text focused on your workout goal, PowerSongs, and Nikeplus.com - are generally so well-done for the reasonable price that you can easily look past the system’s few flaws.”
The Final Sprint: Marware Sportsuit Sensor+ Review - “Marware’s Sportsuit Sensor + is a terrific adapter for runners who want the benefits of the new Nike+iPod Sport Kit, but don’t want to spend the extra cash on Nike+ Ready shoes. For only $9.99 it is an investment you won’t regret and we highly recommend it.”

Since I’m a Mizuno and New Balance fan, I haven’t purchased a pair of Nike+ running shoes. On my initial run with the Sport Kit, I placed the sensor between my shoe laces and tongue. It fell out 40 feet into my run but I didn’t realize it until three blocks later. Luckily, I was able to find the sensor before it was run over by a car.

After this initial blunder, I secured the sensor by placing it into a small Ziplock sandwich bag and then tucking the bag underneath the laces. An alternative and better solution is using Glad Press’n Seal wrap to make a pouch and tuck it under the shoe laces (shown top right). Both solutions are cheap, easy and waterproof. My only concern is the durability of the Press’n Seal, so I ordered the Marware Sportsuit Sensor+. Check out other sensor/shoe mods at theappleblog.com.

I’ve run with the Nike+ iPod Sport Kit eight times so far and I really enjoy using it. I’ve used it out of the box and uncalibrated. The distance accuracy is very good as I’ve only seen a 0.01 mile discrepancy on my known 1 mile and 3.25 mile markers. From my experience, if you keep the sensor flat or parallel to the foot bed, the distance and pace accuracy is pretty good uncalibrated. But if you attach the sensor on the top of the shoe tongue or on an angle, calibration is definitely required. I’ve also noticed total distance is less accurate on hilly running routes.

Overall, I still prefer running with the 2nd generation iPod Shuffle because it so small and lightweight. But getting distance and pace voice feedback is extremely useful during my runs. And it’s very helpful if you need to train at a certain pace. For its simplicity, run/mileage tracking, community features at Nikeplus.com and a low $30 cost, I highly recommend the Nike+ iPod Sport Kit to enhance your runs. It could also be great stocking stuffer for people who like to run with their Nano.

Other Nike+ Accessories:

Nike+ Clothing - the Nike+ clothing is expensive at $70+ per shirt. But it’s an option, if you don’t like carrying your Nano in your hand or using an armband. I have a short sleeve seamless top, which works well but you can’t see the Nano display. I prefer looking at the display every now and then during a run.

Nike+ Armband - I don’t like wearing armbands so this accessory is not for me. Similar to the Nike+ clothing issue, you can’t see the display while using the armband.

iPod Shuffle (2nd Generation) Review Roundup

Chuck — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 01:39:00 -0500

This past Monday, I received my new 1 GB iPod Shuffle (2nd Generation) to replace the original Shuffle that died. After playing around with it this past week, I’m very happy with my new toy.

Apple improved the Shuffle by making it smaller and lighter. The built-in clip makes it easier to carry, even when you don’t have pockets. Additionally, the aluminum material has a much better look and feel than the cheap plastic of the original.

The only feature from the first generation Shuffle that I miss is the ability to connect directly to a USB port. The new Shuffle requires a mini-jack dock. But I have no issues giving up direct USB connectivity for the great size and form factor of the new Shuffle.

Here are some useful reviews:

iLounge Review - “Because of its small size and simplicity, Apple’s incredibly small second-generation iPod shuffle will still be a viable option for many users; it’s a very good, generally recommendable option if you need a low-capacity music player. However, in our view, unless you’re as size- or weight-obsessed as a supermodel, or just don’t want to spend a dime more than the new shuffle’s $79 asking price, the even better lowest-end iPod nano is a smarter long-term purchase in literally all regards.”
PC World Hands On Review - “I like Apple’s new iPod Shuffle. Given that 1GB of capacity is no big shakes these days, the lack of a screen seems less deplorable than during our last Shuffle review. If you’re on a budget and you want a good, albeit minimalist, audio player, get the Shuffle.”
Playlistmag.com Review - “This iPod is sure to be the season’s most popular stocking stuffer, largely because it’s robust, holds more than enough music for even a day-long workout, and is priced to move.”
PC Magazine Review - “The second-generation iPod shuffle is impressively small, and the built-in clip makes it ideal for working out, running, or just casual listening. Its lack of a screen or any extras like an FM tuner—or even support for many iPod accessories—is countered by its impressively diminutive size and low price.”
Apple Insider Exposes Possible Issue - “It may have been a million-to-one shot, but one user’s early experience with Apple Computer’s second-generation iPod shuffle left him (and his new digital music player) a little bent out of shape.”

The Shuffle is not for everyone. If you need an LCD screen to skip to a specific song, then this MP3 player is not for you. However, if you want a super simple, small and lightweight MP3 player, then the new iPod Shuffle is a great player. It’s perfect on a run, during a workout or as a second iPod for use on the go.

Picture: Size Comparison between Shuffles and Nano

SHOP (RED) - Help Eliminate AIDS in Africa

Chuck — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 18:24:00 -0400

Last Friday, (RED)/(PRODUCT) RED launched in the U.S. In case you missed the announcement or Bono and Oprah’s shopping spree,

“(RED) was created by Bono and Bobby Shriver, Chairman of DATA to raise awareness and money for The Global Fund by teaming up with the world’s most iconic brands to produce (PRODUCT)^RED branded products. A percentage of each (PRODUCT)^RED product sold is given to The Global Fund. The money helps women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa.

What’s the meaning of the parentheses or brackets? Well, we call them “the embrace.” Each company that becomes (RED) places its logo in this embrace and is then elevated to the power of red. Thus the name – (PRODUCT)^RED.

You, the consumer, can take your purchase to the power of (RED) simply by upgrading your choice. Thus the proposition: (YOU)^RED. Be embraced, take your own fine self to the power of (RED). What better way to become a good-looking samaritan?!”

There has been debate whether (RED) is a good idea or simply another way for corporations to sell more products, as seen on Read/WriteWeb and MetaFilter blogs. I can understand why some people are cynical about (RED) and large brands perpetuating consumerism.

For better or worse, we do live in a consumer-centric culture driven by large brands. As a complete gearhead, I am guilty of contributing to the consumerism issue. However, when I do buy products, I am conscience of purchasing from stores and brands that are socially or environmentally responsible, for example, REI, Patagonia, and 1% for the Planet.

Getting back to (RED), I think it’s a great awareness building campaign for the AIDS epidemic and poverty issues in Africa. Consumers are going to buy products in our society. If (RED) can capitalize on our consumer-centric culture and divert money to The Global Fund, I say more power to (RED), Bono and Bobby Shriver. I would rather see $10 go to The Global Fund from a purchase of an iPod Nano (PRODUCT) RED, then no money and no awareness raised from a purchase of a normal iPod Nano.

If you want to Shop (RED), the current (PRODUCT) RED partners are:

Motorola - Red Motorola RAZR (US) and Motorola SLVR (UK)
Gap - Red clothing
Converse - Red Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers
Armani Emporium - Red clothing and accessories
Apple - Red iPod Nano
American Express - Red credit card with 1% of purchases going to The Global Fund (UK only)

To learn more about (RED) and Bono’s One Campaign, I recommend reading Bono’s note. Also, the (BLOG) RED is a good way to stay abreast of (RED) news. I have been to Tanzania and have seen first hand the extreme poverty, lack of educational services and lack of infrastructure. So personally, (RED) is a very important cause, which I plan on supporting, as well as donating directly to The Global Fund.

iPod Shuffle Why Have You Forsaken Me?

Chuck — Mon, 21 Aug 2006 20:34:00 -0400

My iPod Shuffle died on me last month. Of the four iPods I own (1st generation Mini, 60 GB Video, 4 GB Nano and a 1 GB Shuffle) the Shuffle was my favorite iPod.

I used it all the time in the gym, running and riding my road bike. Note: You shouldn’t ride your bike wearing earphones… my public service message. After my Shuffle died, I was searching for ways to fix it and then thinking about buying a new one.

I discovered that there is a defect with the iPod Shuffle. PC World wrote about the issue last month. If your iPod Shuffle flashes green and amber lights, it could be in trouble. It appears that the issue occurs more often than the normal iPod defect rate. There’s even a blog devoted to the defect at Shufflers Unite.

After reading about all the troubles, I guess I’ve been fortunate that my Shuffle lasted 15 months trouble free. I did have a glitch 6 months after I bought it but was able to recover it. It also turns out that my Shuffle died due to a dead battery and not the orange/green light issue. So it’s now a USB flash drive.

Despite the defect, I’m still considering purchasing another Shuffle. I’ve been using my Nano running and cycling but I still prefer the Shuffle. Some people have complained about no display screen on the Shuffle but it’s not necessary when you are exercising. If I wanted to skip a song, it was easy to reach into my rear jersey pocket and push the skip button. Whereas with the Nano, it’s not as easy using the click wheel and lack of tactile feel to the buttons. Additionally, the Nano is usually locked to prevent accidental click wheel changes.

I also love the size and weight or lack there of with the Shuffle. I used to stick the Shuffle in my pocket of my running shorts and never noticed it there. The Nano definitely bounces in my pocket. I didn’t think 0.72 oz would make a difference but it does.

If the 1 GB Shuffle total price drops below $75, I will probably get another one despite the defect. Call me a sucker but it gets me through long climbs up Mt. Tam on my bike. Any product that motivates you to work-out harder or longer is priceless.