Category — misc

So I had mentioned in my last post that I got an iPhone recently — my new toy.  It has some really great perks for a PDA user that make my life simpler.  Here are some of the things I like about the iPhone …

•  Syncing my google calendars to my phone and vice versa, instantly.  Mr. Juicefairy and I share multiple calendars on Google so we can plan our schedules around each other’s with ease.  Now with the phone I don’t have to log onto the Internet to change my schedule, I can do it straight from the phone and it will update immediately.

• Gmail updates to my phone quickly and I can read emails and see attachments and pictures easily.  

• Seeing a web page in it’s true form is great and makes finding info on a web page a lot quicker.  Especially one that you are already familiar with on a computer.  Although I wish the font was bigger.  I always have to zoom in about three times normal size to read.

• Downloading free apps that can make your life more organized and fun.

• Voicemail is awesome!  I don’t have to listen to messages I don’t care about nor listen to the AT&T lady rattle off selections I don’t need.

Things I really dislike about the iPhone (and I hope someone from Apple is reading this so they can pass it along to the right people) …

• When you copy a number from the internet/email/text message you can’t paste it to the phone function so you can call it immediately. On the Treo all phone numbers were automatically links in any window so you could click on them and call the number immediately.  It is sooo annoying to try and memorize a number from the web and then type into the phone function.

•  There is no picture mail.  Even the simplest of phone can do this.  How come the iPhone cant?

• There is no light on the outside of the phone to let you know there is a message or missed call.  I have to turn the phone on to see if I missed anything.  I like to be able to glance across the room and see my phone light blink, letting me know that there is a missed call.

• There is no “ignore” function when someone calls.  I can turn the sound off (by hitting the volume button) so the call stops ringing but I cant push it to voicemail immediately.

• All of the “option” buttons are little pictures.   No words.  So it makes figuring out how to work a program cumbersome.  The Treo had a menu you could access (by a button on the phone) while in any program, that would give you access to all of the available functions (like a menu on a computer).

A lot of fans of Apple products are always calling them ingenious but these seem like pretty simple things to forget to add onto a phone.  The iPhone does make a pretty great PDA and organizer but I wouldn’t say it is the most intuitive phone per-say.  Overall I think it is worth the money and I am glad I made the switch but I am really hope some updates come out to solve a few of my gripes.

Up next … my list of favorite FREE iPhone apps.

Every once in a while I run across products that I think are a good buy or just a good idea in general. Here a few fun finds that I came across in the last few months that I thought I should share.

Finally someone has come up with a more green, yet still convenient, replacement for paper plates. Earth Shell has started making paper plates and bowls are made from limestone, corn and potatoes, and are completely biodegradable in water. They’re also microwavable and won’t get soggy while heating liquids and greasy foods. A package of 25 is only $2.49 . You can look here to see what stores near you carry them so you don’t have to pay on shipping. I suppose it is still greener to bring a washable plate or bowl, but this is a better alternative to plastic or Styrofoam plates.

I think this is a really cute idea but definitely a splurge or a gift item. Cargo makes a lipstick called “Plant Love” that has wildflower seeds embedded in the paper packaging it comes in. So for $20 you get a very pretty shade of lipstick (Lindsey pictured above) and a pretty plant.

Hostess with the Mostess posted about these great chalkboard napkin rings from the MoMA store. You can use chalk to mark the name of your guest on the ring, using the ring to not only hold the napkin but also as a place card. Unfortunately they are$65 for a set of four. However, I think it would be very easy to buy plain wooden napkin rings somewhere and paint them with blackboard paint, which they sell at Home Depot. Same great idea, new improved price!

Blunt Money has a great article (which I found via Fabulously Broke) on how to clean your email box. While Gmail has a great spam blocker, it is annoying to watch the growing count of unread email in your Spam box. If you are like me and her, you delete the spam everyday because it bugs you . It really is a useless task since Gmail automatically deletes it for you after 30 days. Blunt Money came up with a filter you can use to make your Gmail see spam as “read” messages. Therefore, no need to watch the growing spam! Brilliant!

Lately there has been a lot of talk over how potentially bad for our health drinking out of disposable plastic water bottles can be. I didn’t know I was loading my body with potential carcinogens so I started using a glass Voss bottle which I refill.  A week ago I realized the downside of carrying around a glass bottle when I dropped it and it shattered all over the place.  So here are two other options I figured I would share.  Camelbak makes a BPA free bottle that is safer than disposable water bottles and lacks that “plasticy” aftertaste with repeated use.  They are the safe choice for under $20.  The Sigg bottle seems to also be a popular choice.  Made by a Swiss company these bottles have taste and scent neutral liners that don’t leave a lingering smell or taste of the last beverage you drank. They are also manufactured in an ecologically-friendly environment and are 100% recyclable after their very long lives.  They are the long lasting choice for just over $20.