My phone is an inexpensive one. I really don't have the need for a
fancy one, but they have some pretty cool features.

It would be nice if I could store the prices of the foods I frequently
buy and compile a list of how much each store I shop charges for them.
I would think a phone with a bar code reader would make this easy.

On 7/9/2011 2:44 PM, Metspitzer wrote:
> My phone is an inexpensive one. I really don't have the need for a
> fancy one, but they have some pretty cool features.
>
> It would be nice if I could store the prices of the foods I frequently
> buy and compile a list of how much each store I shop charges for them.
> I would think a phone with a bar code reader would make this easy.
>
>

I have a bar code reader on my phone. I use it occasionally.

Seems like it would be a lot of work to do what you are describing when
considering things like price changes. If a can of peas was $0.69 the
last time how do you know it will be that the next time? This would be
especially true with items such as meat that usually account for a large
amount of the total.

On Jul 9, 11:44*am, Metspitzer > wrote:
> My phone is an inexpensive one. *I really don't have the need for a
> fancy one, but they have some pretty cool features.
>
> It would be nice if I could store the prices of the foods I frequently
> buy and compile a list of how much each store I shop charges for them.
> I would think a phone with a bar code reader would make this easy.

Just get a little notepad and a pencil.

On Sat, 9 Jul 2011 12:20:20 -0700 (PDT), Chemo the Clown
> wrote:

>On Jul 9, 11:44*am, Metspitzer > wrote:
>> My phone is an inexpensive one. *I really don't have the need for a
>> fancy one, but they have some pretty cool features.
>>
>> It would be nice if I could store the prices of the foods I frequently
>> buy and compile a list of how much each store I shop charges for them.
>> I would think a phone with a bar code reader would make this easy.
>
>Just get a little notepad and a pencil.

Yeah. A hand held computer that is more powerful than the ones used
in the first space missions and use pencil and paper.

Good idea. Maybe I will buy a map too....and an abacus........and a
dictionary.....and a tape recorder.........

In article >, lid says...
>
> On 7/9/2011 2:44 PM, Metspitzer wrote:
> > My phone is an inexpensive one. I really don't have the need for a
> > fancy one, but they have some pretty cool features.
> >
> > It would be nice if I could store the prices of the foods I frequently
> > buy and compile a list of how much each store I shop charges for them.
> > I would think a phone with a bar code reader would make this easy.
> >
> >
>
> I have a bar code reader on my phone. I use it occasionally.
>
> Seems like it would be a lot of work to do what you are describing when
> considering things like price changes. If a can of peas was $0.69 the
> last time how do you know it will be that the next time? This would be
> especially true with items such as meat that usually account for a large
> amount of the total.

You might want to take a look at "Splashshopper". It's available for
iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, Windows Mobile, and PalmOS, manages shopping
lists handily, and includes the ability to track multiple stores.

"Metspitzer" > wrote
> On Sat, 9 Jul 2011 12:20:20 -0700 (PDT), Chemo the Clown
> > wrote:
>
>>On Jul 9, 11:44 am, Metspitzer > wrote:
>>> My phone is an inexpensive one. I really don't have the need for a
>>> fancy one, but they have some pretty cool features.
>>>
>>> It would be nice if I could store the prices of the foods I frequently
>>> buy and compile a list of how much each store I shop charges for them.
>>> I would think a phone with a bar code reader would make this easy.
>>
>>Just get a little notepad and a pencil.
>
> Yeah. A hand held computer that is more powerful than the ones used
> in the first space missions and use pencil and paper.
>
> Good idea. Maybe I will buy a map too....and an abacus........and a
> dictionary.....and a tape recorder.........

The tool that works best is not always the most powerful or expensive.

On 7/9/2011 4:52 PM, J. Clarke wrote:
> In >, lid says...
>>
>> On 7/9/2011 2:44 PM, Metspitzer wrote:
>>> My phone is an inexpensive one. I really don't have the need for a
>>> fancy one, but they have some pretty cool features.
>>>
>>> It would be nice if I could store the prices of the foods I frequently
>>> buy and compile a list of how much each store I shop charges for them.
>>> I would think a phone with a bar code reader would make this easy.
>>>
>>>
>>
>> I have a bar code reader on my phone. I use it occasionally.
>>
>> Seems like it would be a lot of work to do what you are describing when
>> considering things like price changes. If a can of peas was $0.69 the
>> last time how do you know it will be that the next time? This would be
>> especially true with items such as meat that usually account for a large
>> amount of the total.
>
> You might want to take a look at "Splashshopper". It's available for
> iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, Windows Mobile, and PalmOS, manages shopping
> lists handily, and includes the ability to track multiple stores.

I've never looked into some of these smart phone apps because my
personal phone couldn't use them, but I do have a blackberry for work.
Do these apps have a cost to download? I hear everyone talking about
their iphone apps. Do they pay for them? I guess I could research it
but since my personal phone doesn't support them, I just haven't
bothered. Now I wonder what I might be missing.

>

On 7/9/2011 4:26 PM, Metspitzer wrote:
> Good idea. Maybe I will buy a map too....and an abacus........and a
> dictionary.....and a tape recorder.........

I actually have two dictionaries. Paperback and small enough to carry
in my laptop bag or purse. Leave one at home and have one mobile. I'm
old school.

Cheryl > wrote:

>On 7/9/2011 4:26 PM, Metspitzer wrote:

>> Good idea. Maybe I will buy a map too....and an abacus........and a
>> dictionary.....and a tape recorder.........

>I actually have two dictionaries. Paperback and small enough to carry
>in my laptop bag or purse. Leave one at home and have one mobile. I'm
>old school.

I always travel with a magnetic compass. On important trips I have
two in case one gets lost.

You've heard of "death by GPS" but never death by compass.

Steve

On Sat, 09 Jul 2011 23:59:35 -0500, Andy > wrote:

> It can also be prone to failure, so it needs
> trial and error testing for each bar code/card.

Let me know when the technology improves and I might be interested.
Until then, I'll stick with my dumb phone.

--

Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.

On Sun, 10 Jul 2011 00:57:17 -0400, Cheryl >
wrote:

> I actually have two dictionaries. Paperback and small enough to carry
> in my laptop bag or purse. Leave one at home and have one mobile. I'm
> old school.

You're too young and have too many gadgets to be old school!

--

Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.

On Sun, 10 Jul 2011 05:04:09 +0000 (UTC),
(Steve Pope) wrote:

>Cheryl > wrote:
>
>>On 7/9/2011 4:26 PM, Metspitzer wrote:
>
>>> Good idea. Maybe I will buy a map too....and an abacus........and a
>>> dictionary.....and a tape recorder.........
>
>>I actually have two dictionaries. Paperback and small enough to carry
>>in my laptop bag or purse. Leave one at home and have one mobile. I'm
>>old school.
>
>I always travel with a magnetic compass. On important trips I have
>two in case one gets lost.
>
>You've heard of "death by GPS" but never death by compass.

Actually-- The most dangerous thing in Vietnam was "a second LT with a
compass."<g>
[add in a fire mission for effect]

Jim

sf wrote:
>Andy wrote:
>
>> It can also be prone to failure, so it needs
>> trial and error testing for each bar code/card.
>
>Let me know when the technology improves and I might be interested.
>Until then, I'll sit with my thumb up my ass.

What's with that superficial comma?

The devil's apprentice! LOL

On 2011-07-10, Brooklyn1 <Gravesend1> wrote:
> sf wrote:

>>Until then, I'll sit with my thumb up my ass.
>
> What's with that superficial comma?

It's not superficial. It's used to set off an introductory element.
The sentence:

Then I'll sit with my thumb up my ass.

.....does not require a comma. If you'd pull your head outta yer ass,
you'd know this. Until then, try and find some pictures of women with
tits that don't look like they're trying to smuggle watermelons.

> The devil's apprentice! LOL

More like Satan's stooge.

nb

On 7/10/2011 12:59 AM, Andy wrote:
> "Ed > wrote:
>
>>
>> > wrote
>>> On Sat, 9 Jul 2011 12:20:20 -0700 (PDT), Chemo the Clown
>>> > wrote:
>>>
>>>> On Jul 9, 11:44 am, > wrote:
>>>>> My phone is an inexpensive one. I really don't have the need for a
>>>>> fancy one, but they have some pretty cool features.
>>>>>
>>>>> It would be nice if I could store the prices of the foods I
> frequently
>>>>> buy and compile a list of how much each store I shop charges for
> them.
>>>>> I would think a phone with a bar code reader would make this easy.
>>>>
>>>> Just get a little notepad and a pencil.
>>>
>>> Yeah. A hand held computer that is more powerful than the ones used
>>> in the first space missions and use pencil and paper.
>>>
>>> Good idea. Maybe I will buy a map too....and an abacus........and a
>>> dictionary.....and a tape recorder.........
>>
>> The tool that works best is not always the most powerful or expensive.
>
>
> "Ed > wrote:
>
>>
>> > wrote
>>> On Sat, 9 Jul 2011 12:20:20 -0700 (PDT), Chemo the Clown
>>> > wrote:
>>>
>>>> On Jul 9, 11:44 am, > wrote:
>>>>> My phone is an inexpensive one. I really don't have the need for a
>>>>> fancy one, but they have some pretty cool features.
>>>>>
>>>>> It would be nice if I could store the prices of the foods I
> frequently
>>>>> buy and compile a list of how much each store I shop charges for
> them.
>>>>> I would think a phone with a bar code reader would make this easy.
>>>>
>>>> Just get a little notepad and a pencil.
>>>
>>> Yeah. A hand held computer that is more powerful than the ones used
>>> in the first space missions and use pencil and paper.
>>>
>>> Good idea. Maybe I will buy a map too....and an abacus........and a
>>> dictionary.....and a tape recorder.........
>>
>> The tool that works best is not always the most powerful or expensive.
>
>
> While bar code scanners are plentiful on cell phones with cameras,
> without a cell phone model which was neglected to be mentioned, it would
> be futile to begin to name softwares.
>
> Try to be more specific in the future.
>
> Depending on steadiness, camera scanning is quite prone to errors. The
> laser scanners at the supermarket are much faster and accurate.
>
> Also due to the constant change in product pricing, you'll never be able
> to keep a database of products up to date without a lot of trouble.
>
> The one "reverse" bar code scanner is something like "CardStar" (iPhone)
> that displays barcodes of your membership cards that can be scanned by
> laser scanners. Lightened my wallet and/or keychain load of them all.
> Even my library card works! It can also be prone to failure, so it needs
> trial and error testing for each bar code/card.
>
> Andy

I don't want to be a "member" to give someone my money to get food. The
main place we buy groceries is a large store owned by a local family.
They have both good quality and prices and they do not do tracking so
you don't need to be a "member" to shop there. So there are no signs
"eggs $5.99, with member card $1.99" throughout the store. The other
place is a regional chain and they have posted signs stating "no member
card required". They also have signs stating they don't have injected meat.

On 7/10/2011 12:55 AM, Cheryl wrote:
> On 7/9/2011 4:52 PM, J. Clarke wrote:
>> In >, lid says...
>>>
>>> On 7/9/2011 2:44 PM, Metspitzer wrote:
>>>> My phone is an inexpensive one. I really don't have the need for a
>>>> fancy one, but they have some pretty cool features.
>>>>
>>>> It would be nice if I could store the prices of the foods I frequently
>>>> buy and compile a list of how much each store I shop charges for them.
>>>> I would think a phone with a bar code reader would make this easy.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>> I have a bar code reader on my phone. I use it occasionally.
>>>
>>> Seems like it would be a lot of work to do what you are describing when
>>> considering things like price changes. If a can of peas was $0.69 the
>>> last time how do you know it will be that the next time? This would be
>>> especially true with items such as meat that usually account for a large
>>> amount of the total.
>>
>> You might want to take a look at "Splashshopper". It's available for
>> iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, Windows Mobile, and PalmOS, manages shopping
>> lists handily, and includes the ability to track multiple stores.
>
> I've never looked into some of these smart phone apps because my
> personal phone couldn't use them, but I do have a blackberry for work.
> Do these apps have a cost to download? I hear everyone talking about
> their iphone apps. Do they pay for them? I guess I could research it but
> since my personal phone doesn't support them, I just haven't bothered.
> Now I wonder what I might be missing.
>
>>
>
Apps are typically very reasonable and some are free.

On 7/9/2011 4:52 PM, J. Clarke wrote:
> In >, lid says...
>>
>> On 7/9/2011 2:44 PM, Metspitzer wrote:
>>> My phone is an inexpensive one. I really don't have the need for a
>>> fancy one, but they have some pretty cool features.
>>>
>>> It would be nice if I could store the prices of the foods I frequently
>>> buy and compile a list of how much each store I shop charges for them.
>>> I would think a phone with a bar code reader would make this easy.
>>>
>>>
>>
>> I have a bar code reader on my phone. I use it occasionally.
>>
>> Seems like it would be a lot of work to do what you are describing when
>> considering things like price changes. If a can of peas was $0.69 the
>> last time how do you know it will be that the next time? This would be
>> especially true with items such as meat that usually account for a large
>> amount of the total.
>
> You might want to take a look at "Splashshopper". It's available for
> iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, Windows Mobile, and PalmOS, manages shopping
> lists handily, and includes the ability to track multiple stores.
>
>
Unless it hits against a database that allows it to get current prices I
don't think it would work for what the OP is describing.

On 7/9/2011 4:26 PM, Metspitzer wrote:
> On Sat, 9 Jul 2011 12:20:20 -0700 (PDT), Chemo the Clown
> > wrote:
>
>> On Jul 9, 11:44 am, > wrote:
>>> My phone is an inexpensive one. I really don't have the need for a
>>> fancy one, but they have some pretty cool features.
>>>
>>> It would be nice if I could store the prices of the foods I frequently
>>> buy and compile a list of how much each store I shop charges for them.
>>> I would think a phone with a bar code reader would make this easy.
>>
>> Just get a little notepad and a pencil.
>
> Yeah. A hand held computer that is more powerful than the ones used
> in the first space missions and use pencil and paper.

Its way beyond that. Earlier programmable calculators were more powerful
than the computers used on space missions.


>
> Good idea. Maybe I will buy a map too....and an abacus........and a
> dictionary.....and a tape recorder.........

On 7/10/2011 1:04 AM, Steve Pope wrote:
> > wrote:
>
>> On 7/9/2011 4:26 PM, Metspitzer wrote:
>
>>> Good idea. Maybe I will buy a map too....and an abacus........and a
>>> dictionary.....and a tape recorder.........
>
>> I actually have two dictionaries. Paperback and small enough to carry
>> in my laptop bag or purse. Leave one at home and have one mobile. I'm
>> old school.
>
> I always travel with a magnetic compass. On important trips I have
> two in case one gets lost.

My phone has a magnetometer and there is an app that exposes the data
from it on a compass display.


>
> You've heard of "death by GPS" but never death by compass.
>
> Steve

"Cheryl" > wrote
> I've never looked into some of these smart phone apps because my personal
> phone couldn't use them, but I do have a blackberry for work. Do these
> apps have a cost to download? I hear everyone talking about their iphone
> apps. Do they pay for them? I guess I could research it but since my
> personal phone doesn't support them, I just haven't bothered. Now I
> wonder what I might be missing.
>
>>
>

Many are free, some have a cost, but usually moderate, from 99¢ to about
$10. A few have recurring monthly fees, but they are more specialized.

Some are practical and useful, but some are just silly. I've used the
calculator and the stop watch a few times, but mostly, I can use a simple
method by the time you get your app up and running. Unit conversions can be
handy and the money exchange rate updates for you. Fact is, the Euro hovers
within pennies on a regular basis and I can do the conversion close enough
in my head faster than you can whip out the phone. The bar code scanner is
not so hot at finding information.

I do like the fact I can catch the weather and instead of taking the
newspaper to the john, I can read the headline news on the phone. In any
case, a phone is not a substitute for real life.

On 7/10/2011 10:40 AM, Andy wrote:
> > wrote:
>
>> I don't want to be a "member" to give someone my money to get food.
>
>
> Supermarket cards don't cost anything. They yield discount savings.

It has exactly nothing to do with a cost for the card. So what I wrote
about the stores we shop in having both good quality and prices and no
cards is incorrect?


>
> Do you have membership at a wholesale club? They charge an annual fee.
>
> Do you own a car? You pay an annual registration fee.
>
> Do you use a telephone? You pay a monthly fee.
>
> You're argument for not using a "membership" card is lame.
>
> Andy

You could jump to conclusions since I didn't mention anything about the
cost of a card.

On 7/10/2011 10:22 AM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>
> "Cheryl" > wrote
>> I've never looked into some of these smart phone apps because my
>> personal phone couldn't use them, but I do have a blackberry for work.
>> Do these apps have a cost to download? I hear everyone talking about
>> their iphone apps. Do they pay for them? I guess I could research it
>> but since my personal phone doesn't support them, I just haven't
>> bothered. Now I wonder what I might be missing.
>>
>>>
>>
>
> Many are free, some have a cost, but usually moderate, from 99¢ to about
> $10. A few have recurring monthly fees, but they are more specialized.
>
> Some are practical and useful, but some are just silly. I've used the
> calculator and the stop watch a few times, but mostly, I can use a
> simple method by the time you get your app up and running. Unit
> conversions can be handy and the money exchange rate updates for you.
> Fact is, the Euro hovers within pennies on a regular basis and I can do
> the conversion close enough in my head faster than you can whip out the
> phone. The bar code scanner is not so hot at finding information.
>
> I do like the fact I can catch the weather and instead of taking the
> newspaper to the john, I can read the headline news on the phone. In any
> case, a phone is not a substitute for real life.

Weather on the go is one of my biggest uses. We go on long bicycle
rides. Prior to a smartphone if the weather looked iffy we just wouldn't
go. Now I can pop up live weather radar and see what the track of a
storm is and work around it while out on a trail.

On Sun, 10 Jul 2011 11:01:23 -0400, George >
wrote:

> Weather on the go is one of my biggest uses. We go on long bicycle
> rides. Prior to a smartphone if the weather looked iffy we just wouldn't
> go. Now I can pop up live weather radar and see what the track of a
> storm is and work around it while out on a trail.
>
You don't need a smartphone for that. Weather sites do hourly
predictions that are spot on. Look it up on your computer before you
leave and you'll be fine. The thing that would make me want a smart
phone for here is if I worked downtown and took public transportation
to get there, I'd be using nextbus.com a lot because MUNI sucks.

--

Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.

On Sun, 10 Jul 2011 09:38:06 -0400, George >
wrote:

> Unless it hits against a database that allows it to get current prices I
> don't think it would work for what the OP is describing.

Wouldn't it be great if it could clue into the data base of the store
you're in and you could just hit "save"? Then you could make lists of
prices of what you buy at various stores to compare them and be able
to compare today's price to the price last week.

--

Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.

On 7/9/2011 1:44 PM, Metspitzer wrote:
> My phone is an inexpensive one. I really don't have the need for a
> fancy one, but they have some pretty cool features.
>
> It would be nice if I could store the prices of the foods I frequently
> buy and compile a list of how much each store I shop charges for them.
> I would think a phone with a bar code reader would make this easy.
>
>

I don't think a bar code reader would do this for you. There are apps
that will keep track of notes and stuff and you might want to consider
one of those.

I have a shopping list app that allows me to enter prices as well as a
bit of other information and that might be helpful.

Almost all of the apps on my phone are free. One of them cost me 99
cents, a one time fee. Another, which lets me tether my phone to the
netbook without incurring a separate fee from my phone provider was
about $13, again a one time fee. I pay about $15 per year for MLB At Bat
so DH can keep track of baseball scores and even listen to "radio"
feeds of his beloved Yankees.

I have some super helpful apps on my phone including a
Spanish/English-English/Spanish dictionary which makes like here a lot
easier. The shopping list app keeps several lists for me for different
stores I shop at like one for the supermarket, one for Sam's Club, one
for Target, one for WalMart, etc. I also keep a list of favorite wines
and their vintages so if I spot one on sale, I can nab it.

I have an app that I make check lists on so I don't forget my errands, etc.

I have used the bar code scanner programs to check prices on big things,
like electronics and it's been very helpful.



--
Janet Wilder
Way-the-heck-south Texas
Spelling doesn't count. Cooking does.

On Sun, 10 Jul 2011 08:54:06 -0400, Brooklyn1 <Gravesend1> wrote:

> sf didn't write:

> >Until then, I'll sit with my thumb up my ass.
>
> What's with that superficial comma?
>
> The devil's apprentice! LOL

Sitting with your thumb up your ass is your problem, not mine.

--

Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.

On Sun, 10 Jul 2011 09:35:25 -0400, George >
wrote:

> I don't want to be a "member" to give someone my money to get food.

Count me in. I absolutely hate all the non-grocery stores that expect
us to have cards now and they don't even have the courtesy of giving
us the small ones we can keep on a keychain; they expect us to carry a
full sized card.

--

Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.

George > wrote:

>On 7/10/2011 1:04 AM, Steve Pope wrote:

>> I always travel with a magnetic compass. On important trips I have
>> two in case one gets lost.
>
>My phone has a magnetometer and there is an app that exposes the data
>from it on a compass display.

Cool, I did not realize this was an available cell phone feature.

Steve

On 7/10/2011 12:53 PM, sf wrote:
> On Sun, 10 Jul 2011 11:01:23 -0400, >
> wrote:
>
>> Weather on the go is one of my biggest uses. We go on long bicycle
>> rides. Prior to a smartphone if the weather looked iffy we just wouldn't
>> go. Now I can pop up live weather radar and see what the track of a
>> storm is and work around it while out on a trail.
>>
> You don't need a smartphone for that. Weather sites do hourly
> predictions that are spot on. Look it up on your computer before you
> leave and you'll be fine. The thing that would make me want a smart
> phone for here is if I worked downtown and took public transportation
> to get there, I'd be using nextbus.com a lot because MUNI sucks.
>

Gee, I guess I should have asked you about that before buying my phone.
Just how would an hourly observation help define where the boundary and
trend of a storm is one could judge if you should proceed or change your
plans? Often bad weather could be close to where you are but not be an
issue. How would it work if say you were out on trail for 4 or 5 hours?

On Sun, 10 Jul 2011 11:56:18 -0500, Janet Wilder
> wrote:

> I have used the bar code scanner programs to check prices on big things,
> like electronics and it's been very helpful.

It has a database that compares prices for you or you enter the prices
as you go from store to store?

--

Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.

On 7/10/2011 1:10 PM, Steve Pope wrote:
> > wrote:
>
>> On 7/10/2011 1:04 AM, Steve Pope wrote:
>
>>> I always travel with a magnetic compass. On important trips I have
>>> two in case one gets lost.
>>
>> My phone has a magnetometer and there is an app that exposes the data
>>from it on a compass display.
>
> Cool, I did not realize this was an available cell phone feature.
>
> Steve

I don't know how common that is. It actually is pretty amazing when you
think about all of the stuff they can "bake in" to a smart phone and how
little it costs. It also has a solid state gyro.

I discovered the magnetometer feature by accident. Nothing in the native
interface displays it. I installed an app to get more info about how the
GPS operated for something I was trying to do and noticed it gave me
information about the strength of the earths magnetic field and had an
option to display a compass. At first I thought it was a pseudo compass
like you typically see on a GPS but I disabled the GPS and it still
worked. I then moved a big nail nearby and the weak field from the nail
affected the reading.

The other amazing thing is the quality of the GPS chipset. It can often
see 5 satellites inside the house in the same location where my older
handheld GPS sees nothing.

George > wrote:

>On 7/10/2011 1:10 PM, Steve Pope wrote:

>> > wrote:
>>
>>> On 7/10/2011 1:04 AM, Steve Pope wrote:

>>> My phone has a magnetometer and there is an app that exposes the data
>>>from it on a compass display.
>>
>> Cool, I did not realize this was an available cell phone feature.
>>
>> Steve
>
>I don't know how common that is. It actually is pretty amazing when you
>think about all of the stuff they can "bake in" to a smart phone and how
>little it costs. It also has a solid state gyro.

I've spend a good part of my career designing the innards of cellphones.
Much less time actually using them.

The reason they can get all those features in is that the products are
such high volume. A particularly high volume cellphone chip might
conceivably sell one billion units over its lifetime. So it justifies
teams of hundreds of engineers adding features to the chip.
When I worked for Texas Instruments we sold 2 million chips per day
that went into cellphones.

There are some higher volume chip products, such as the RFID tags
that go into retail products on the shelves. There might be
5 billion of those sold per year. Possibly more at this point.

>I discovered the magnetometer feature by accident. Nothing in the native
>interface displays it. I installed an app to get more info about how the
>GPS operated for something I was trying to do and noticed it gave me
>information about the strength of the earths magnetic field and had an
>option to display a compass. At first I thought it was a pseudo compass
>like you typically see on a GPS but I disabled the GPS and it still
>worked. I then moved a big nail nearby and the weak field from the nail
>affected the reading.

Cool

>The other amazing thing is the quality of the GPS chipset. It can often
>see 5 satellites inside the house in the same location where my older
>handheld GPS sees nothing.

I'm also really pleased with the audio quailty and camera quality
on my phone, and it's not particularly high end. Even the FM radio
works really well.


Steve

On Sun, 10 Jul 2011 14:02:53 -0400, George >
wrote:

> On 7/10/2011 12:53 PM, sf wrote:
> > On Sun, 10 Jul 2011 11:01:23 -0400, >
> > wrote:
> >
> >> Weather on the go is one of my biggest uses. We go on long bicycle
> >> rides. Prior to a smartphone if the weather looked iffy we just wouldn't
> >> go. Now I can pop up live weather radar and see what the track of a
> >> storm is and work around it while out on a trail.
> >>
> > You don't need a smartphone for that. Weather sites do hourly
> > predictions that are spot on. Look it up on your computer before you
> > leave and you'll be fine. The thing that would make me want a smart
> > phone for here is if I worked downtown and took public transportation
> > to get there, I'd be using nextbus.com a lot because MUNI sucks.
> >
>
> Gee, I guess I should have asked you about that before buying my phone.
> Just how would an hourly observation help define where the boundary and
> trend of a storm is one could judge if you should proceed or change your
> plans?

If you think your range is going to be that large, widen your search.
Duh.
> Often bad weather could be close to where you are but not be an
> issue. How would it work if say you were out on trail for 4 or 5 hours?

Like I said, they have hourly predictions. You're going out for a
morning ride and they say it'll be raining at 3PM, get home before
then. It's not brain surgery.

--

Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.

On Sun, 10 Jul 2011 13:24:13 -0500, Andy > wrote:

> I took the card and walked away as
> well, not filling out the form. It's working fine.

Huh, good to know they don't need to be activated. I doubt they care
whose name is on a card either, they just want to know buying habits.

--

Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.

In article >,
says...
>
> On Sun, 10 Jul 2011 14:02:53 -0400, George >
> wrote:
>
> > On 7/10/2011 12:53 PM, sf wrote:
> > > On Sun, 10 Jul 2011 11:01:23 -0400, >
> > > wrote:
> > >
> > >> Weather on the go is one of my biggest uses. We go on long bicycle
> > >> rides. Prior to a smartphone if the weather looked iffy we just wouldn't
> > >> go. Now I can pop up live weather radar and see what the track of a
> > >> storm is and work around it while out on a trail.
> > >>
> > > You don't need a smartphone for that. Weather sites do hourly
> > > predictions that are spot on. Look it up on your computer before you
> > > leave and you'll be fine. The thing that would make me want a smart
> > > phone for here is if I worked downtown and took public transportation
> > > to get there, I'd be using nextbus.com a lot because MUNI sucks.
> > >
> >
> > Gee, I guess I should have asked you about that before buying my phone.
> > Just how would an hourly observation help define where the boundary and
> > trend of a storm is one could judge if you should proceed or change your
> > plans?
>
> If you think your range is going to be that large, widen your search.
> Duh.
> > Often bad weather could be close to where you are but not be an
> > issue. How would it work if say you were out on trail for 4 or 5 hours?
>
> Like I said, they have hourly predictions. You're going out for a
> morning ride and they say it'll be raining at 3PM, get home before
> then. It's not brain surgery.

He's not talking about "will it be raining somewhere in this area at
3PM". He's talking about looking at the _current_ radar, which can be
very different from the radar 3 hours ago, and making a decision about
which route to take.

You don't spend much time outdoors do you? On a bicycle that hour can
move you more than 15 miles if you're in decent shape. A good day's
ride can take you from San Francisco to San Jose and back.

On Sun, 10 Jul 2011 16:51:01 -0400, "J. Clarke"
> wrote:

> In article >,
> says...
> >
> > On Sun, 10 Jul 2011 14:02:53 -0400, George >
> > wrote:
> >
> > > On 7/10/2011 12:53 PM, sf wrote:
> > > > On Sun, 10 Jul 2011 11:01:23 -0400, >
> > > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > >> Weather on the go is one of my biggest uses. We go on long bicycle
> > > >> rides. Prior to a smartphone if the weather looked iffy we just wouldn't
> > > >> go. Now I can pop up live weather radar and see what the track of a
> > > >> storm is and work around it while out on a trail.
> > > >>
> > > > You don't need a smartphone for that. Weather sites do hourly
> > > > predictions that are spot on. Look it up on your computer before you
> > > > leave and you'll be fine. The thing that would make me want a smart
> > > > phone for here is if I worked downtown and took public transportation
> > > > to get there, I'd be using nextbus.com a lot because MUNI sucks.
> > > >
> > >
> > > Gee, I guess I should have asked you about that before buying my phone.
> > > Just how would an hourly observation help define where the boundary and
> > > trend of a storm is one could judge if you should proceed or change your
> > > plans?
> >
> > If you think your range is going to be that large, widen your search.
> > Duh.
> > > Often bad weather could be close to where you are but not be an
> > > issue. How would it work if say you were out on trail for 4 or 5 hours?
> >
> > Like I said, they have hourly predictions. You're going out for a
> > morning ride and they say it'll be raining at 3PM, get home before
> > then. It's not brain surgery.
>
> He's not talking about "will it be raining somewhere in this area at
> 3PM". He's talking about looking at the _current_ radar, which can be
> very different from the radar 3 hours ago, and making a decision about
> which route to take.
>
> You don't spend much time outdoors do you? On a bicycle that hour can
> move you more than 15 miles if you're in decent shape. A good day's
> ride can take you from San Francisco to San Jose and back.

It's not difficult to check all zip codes in between for an hourly
forecast if that's such an issue. If it's going to rain, stay home or
change your route. It's not brain surgery.

--

Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.

On 7/10/2011 1:09 PM, sf wrote:
> On Sun, 10 Jul 2011 11:56:18 -0500, Janet Wilder
> > wrote:
>
>> I have used the bar code scanner programs to check prices on big things,
>> like electronics and it's been very helpful.
>
> It has a database that compares prices for you or you enter the prices
> as you go from store to store?
>
It will show you the prices at other national stores and one of them
will also show local stores that are not chains. I like the one that
shows me the local stores, too. I have a couple of similar programs in
my browser that will give me the best price at all the online merchants.
Cool.

--
Janet Wilder
Way-the-heck-south Texas
Spelling doesn't count. Cooking does.

On Sun, 10 Jul 2011 16:27:37 -0500, Janet Wilder
> wrote:

> It will show you the prices at other national stores and one of them
> will also show local stores that are not chains. I like the one that
> shows me the local stores, too.

That would be handy, for those with smartphones... what is it called?

> I have a couple of similar programs in
> my browser that will give me the best price at all the online merchants.
> Cool.

Yes, KEWL... I'll assume you have a FF addon, which one is it?


--

Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.

On 7/10/2011 4:51 PM, J. Clarke wrote:
> In >,
> says...
>>
>> On Sun, 10 Jul 2011 14:02:53 -0400, >
>> wrote:
>>
>>> On 7/10/2011 12:53 PM, sf wrote:
>>>> On Sun, 10 Jul 2011 11:01:23 -0400, >
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Weather on the go is one of my biggest uses. We go on long bicycle
>>>>> rides. Prior to a smartphone if the weather looked iffy we just wouldn't
>>>>> go. Now I can pop up live weather radar and see what the track of a
>>>>> storm is and work around it while out on a trail.
>>>>>
>>>> You don't need a smartphone for that. Weather sites do hourly
>>>> predictions that are spot on. Look it up on your computer before you
>>>> leave and you'll be fine. The thing that would make me want a smart
>>>> phone for here is if I worked downtown and took public transportation
>>>> to get there, I'd be using nextbus.com a lot because MUNI sucks.
>>>>
>>>
>>> Gee, I guess I should have asked you about that before buying my phone.
>>> Just how would an hourly observation help define where the boundary and
>>> trend of a storm is one could judge if you should proceed or change your
>>> plans?
>>
>> If you think your range is going to be that large, widen your search.
>> Duh.
>>> Often bad weather could be close to where you are but not be an
>>> issue. How would it work if say you were out on trail for 4 or 5 hours?
>>
>> Like I said, they have hourly predictions. You're going out for a
>> morning ride and they say it'll be raining at 3PM, get home before
>> then. It's not brain surgery.
>
> He's not talking about "will it be raining somewhere in this area at
> 3PM". He's talking about looking at the _current_ radar, which can be
> very different from the radar 3 hours ago, and making a decision about
> which route to take.


Exactly, you are moving and the weather is moving. If you have tools
like live radar you can enjoy a lot more trips instead of sitting home
because of a weather forecast. Now you can dynamically determine if it
applies to you.

I used to do the "we can't go because of the forecast" thing pre
smartphone and I am quite sure having good live weather data is a major
asset.


>
> You don't spend much time outdoors do you? On a bicycle that hour can
> move you more than 15 miles if you're in decent shape. A good day's
> ride can take you from San Francisco to San Jose and back.

On 7/10/2011 5:09 PM, sf wrote:
> On Sun, 10 Jul 2011 16:51:01 -0400, "J. Clarke"
> > wrote:
>
>> In >,
>> says...
>>>
>>> On Sun, 10 Jul 2011 14:02:53 -0400, >
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> On 7/10/2011 12:53 PM, sf wrote:
>>>>> On Sun, 10 Jul 2011 11:01:23 -0400, >
>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> Weather on the go is one of my biggest uses. We go on long bicycle
>>>>>> rides. Prior to a smartphone if the weather looked iffy we just wouldn't
>>>>>> go. Now I can pop up live weather radar and see what the track of a
>>>>>> storm is and work around it while out on a trail.
>>>>>>
>>>>> You don't need a smartphone for that. Weather sites do hourly
>>>>> predictions that are spot on. Look it up on your computer before you
>>>>> leave and you'll be fine. The thing that would make me want a smart
>>>>> phone for here is if I worked downtown and took public transportation
>>>>> to get there, I'd be using nextbus.com a lot because MUNI sucks.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Gee, I guess I should have asked you about that before buying my phone.
>>>> Just how would an hourly observation help define where the boundary and
>>>> trend of a storm is one could judge if you should proceed or change your
>>>> plans?
>>>
>>> If you think your range is going to be that large, widen your search.
>>> Duh.
>>>> Often bad weather could be close to where you are but not be an
>>>> issue. How would it work if say you were out on trail for 4 or 5 hours?
>>>
>>> Like I said, they have hourly predictions. You're going out for a
>>> morning ride and they say it'll be raining at 3PM, get home before
>>> then. It's not brain surgery.
>>
>> He's not talking about "will it be raining somewhere in this area at
>> 3PM". He's talking about looking at the _current_ radar, which can be
>> very different from the radar 3 hours ago, and making a decision about
>> which route to take.
>>
>> You don't spend much time outdoors do you? On a bicycle that hour can
>> move you more than 15 miles if you're in decent shape. A good day's
>> ride can take you from San Francisco to San Jose and back.
>
> It's not difficult to check all zip codes in between for an hourly
> forecast if that's such an issue. If it's going to rain, stay home or
> change your route. It's not brain surgery.
>

I don't believe you get it.