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Change in hardware/change in software?
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Posted by Ken
Jul 14, 2014 at 04:30 AM
The continual changes in hardware and software sometimes seem to make it difficult to get things “set up” for any extended length of time. Just as we think we have everything as we like, a program or device is no longer supported, or we upgrade and try to find a new optimal solution. I am not a big fan of relying on my smartphone as anything other than a device of convenience, but as much as my last phone delivered the web to me at my convenience, it was a horrible piece of hardware that never seemed to get out of its own way. My contract recently ended, and as much as I normally do not like upgrading for the sake of being able to, I could not wait until I was given the choice of choosing a new phone.
My trusty iPad2 has been been by my side for the past three or so years, but I found that it was really best for web surfing. As handy as many of the app that I had were, I just found that I preferred doing any serious work with a keyboard and screen(s). So, my laptop rode in my brief each day, but was used less and less except around the house. In light of this, and my ability to choose a new phone, I decided to “go big” and get a phablet. I just picked up a Samsung Galaxy Note 3, and have been getting acquainted with it these past few days. I enjoy a larger screen as I do not talk on my phone as much as use it for information retrieval. And, its larger screen size makes it a bit easier to use than my old phone, giving me a bit of a mini tablet.
Now, all of this is nothing new to any of us, but I am curious to see if my habits or app usage changes with this change in hardware. Asana’s app seems to be a bit improved from the version on my previous phone (which was really not a very useful app for actively managing my tasks/data). And, I am curious if the digitizing pen will change my habits for collecting small bit of information that sometimes escapes me if I do not put it to pen and paper. I will post any significant changes or observations if they should arise, and am looking forward to seeing if I can leverage this change to be a bit more on top of my data, especially my extensive task lists. I suspect that my iPad 2 will still be used extensively, but it may no longer ride in my brief on a daily basis. I am hoping for the best, as I could use a bit of a productivity bump to keep up with my life these days.
—Ken
Posted by Dr Andus
Jul 14, 2014 at 02:20 PM
Ken wrote:
The continual changes in hardware and software sometimes seem to make it
>difficult to get things “set up” for any extended length of time. Just
>as we think we have everything as we like, a program or device is no
>longer supported, or we upgrade and try to find a new optimal solution.
My way of dealing with this problem is that I have decided to 1) stick with old software and hardware for as long as possible, 2) actively resist being drawn into a hardware upgrade path (such as upgrading from iPad 1 to iPad 2 etc.), and 3) only invest into new hardware that work with very simple OS that get automatically updated at no additional cost (such as Chromebook or Boogie Board Sync).
>My trusty iPad2 has been been by my side for the past three or so years,
>but I found that it was really best for web surfing. As handy as many
>of the app that I had were, I just found that I preferred doing any
>serious work with a keyboard and screen(s).
I’ve had the same experience, which is why I’m reluctant to carry on buying tablets, whether iPad or otherwise. I’ve just found that other than for the basic tasks (reading, writing, note-taking, surfing, calendar, contacts), most of the productivity etc. apps I’ve tried where mostly nice ideas in theory, but not all that easy to use in practice. The iPad 1 was like a concept device, a prototype for what might be possible one day when the hardware is better… Maybe things have changed by iPad 4 and Air, but I’m miffed about having been abandoned as an iPad 1 user, and these days I prefer to use my Chromebook for most of these tasks anyway.
Posted by Ken
Jul 15, 2014 at 05:06 AM
I normally try to get the most out of hardware as I do not have unlimited amounts of money and time to keep switching out to the next BSO (Bright Shiny Object). But, my last phone was a disaster, and when technology gets in the way of being productive, action is usually necessary. I have mixed feelings about my iPad2. It has served me very well these past three years and has been used heavily as a device for reading the web, something that I do quite frequently. But, the moment any significant input is required, I find that wait until I am on a device that has a good keyboard, and that has a mouse attached. I suspect that I would enjoy a MBA or a Chromebook, but until I clear out some of my older technology taking up space in the house (as they have not been properly decommissioned during the transition period and then relegated to the bottom of my seemingly endless task list), my beloved would not be too happy with me if I brought home “another box” to live in the house.
—Ken
Posted by Ken
Jul 28, 2014 at 03:59 AM
Well, on the promise of clearing out some boxes, of which I have already started, and finding a bit of spare funds, I let a little GAS get the better of me and picked up an Acer Chromebook to try out. I am still getting used to its keyboard, one of the primary reasons it was under consideration as I just could not find an acceptable typing arrangement with my iPad2, but as our members east of the pond are fond of saying, it is cheap and cheerful. It has taken the concept of computer as appliance to the next level, as it is quite easy to not have any identifying data stored on the machine, thus reducing the hassle factor to almost zero if died or was lost or stolen. And the fact that it boots up in seconds makes it a strong second to an iPad for leaving around the living room for simple tasks. I like my Lenovo laptop for when I am going to work at my desk, but the whole plug in/boot up process takes minutes before I can get to work. I am always a bit concerned about budget technology, especially one at this price (under $200USD) but unless this machine behaves in some unruly manner, I may make an exception. I hope it proves to be as useful as my iPad2, but with a focus on input as opposed to consumption. I am curious to see how things will progress. Lord knows I need all the help I can get with respect to getting organized.
—Ken
Posted by Dr Andus
Jul 28, 2014 at 10:10 AM
Ken wrote:
>picked up an Acer Chromebook to try out.
>
>Lord knows I need all the help I can get with
>respect to getting organized.
Hi Ken,
speaking of getting organised on a Chromebook, I can suggest the following:
Services:
- Google Calendar
- Google Drive, especially Google Sheets
Apps:
- WorkFlowy - to dos, outlining
- Chrome Remote Desktop - to access your PC
- Writebox - for distraction-free writing
- Caret - text editor
- Text - text editor
Extensions:
- AdBlock
- Clipboard History
- Cloudy Calculator
- Cool Clock
- Create Link
- Extensions Update Notifier
- Notable PDF
- Send from Gmail
- Speed Dial 2
- Tab Activate
- Split Screen
- Evernote Web Clipper
Also, the bookmarks bar is useful for quick surfing.