Category Archives: Consuming

Another Year Until iPhone 3G S for Existing Canadian Customers

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Although a camera with auto focus and video would be nice, and I can imagine myself playing with the compass, the iPhone 3G S doesn’t seem particularly compelling — likely why the only name change is the addition of an S. The S is supposedly for speed, and although I do like things faster, better, stronger, I haven’t found the iPhone 3G that slow.

Much of the rest of bang of the 3G S will be available to current iPhone customers as part of the OS 3 upgrade.

Oh, the promise of better battery life is really tempting, but the original promise of the iPhone 3G’s battery life was completely bogus, so why would I believe the 3G S’s numbers. I’m still considering buying a battery sled or external battery.

Besides, because iPhone owners were required to sign a 3 year contract when it came to Canada, it will be another year before existing Canadian customers can get reasonable “subsidized” pricing. “Rogers/Fido Social Media Guy” Keith McArthur confirms here.

The good news is Kieth says “tethering included free in data plans of 1GB or more until at least the end of the year.”

Kieth does through down the gauntlet “@dasnutz Canada is a very different market than US.” in response to Jason Wilkes “@keithmcarthur why is it that Rogers wants us to sign up for a 3 year contract, yet in the US it is 2 years? Greed…”.

The problem I have with Keith’s claim is Canada stands part from many countries in allowing three year phone contracts. Challenge accepted fellow Canadians? Time to take it to our legislators?

I know Micheal Geist continues to rise to the challenge by appearing two weeks ago before the Standing Committee on Transport and Communications to discuss the state of telecommunications in Canada:

“Remove consumer barriers – Restrictive long-term contracts and the possibility of copyright legislation that could prohibit consumers from unlocking their cell phones make it harder for consumers to move between providers. Other countries place caps on long-term contracts, caps on overpriced roaming charges, and reject legislation that stops consumers from unlocking their phones.”

Apple “Tax”, Being Able to Get Things Done

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Is buying computers a strange game of screen size and hardware numbers? Or is it about looking for a solution in hardware and software that helps you get things done?

I’ve given up waiting for the next Vista update to finally fix the long pauses on my Dell desktop. I’ve given up flushing away my time on it. These days it’s always booted up in Ubuntu, where it works very well.

I’ve recently had to help a friend downgrade from Vista to Windows XP, so their laptop would “work again”. He was about to buy a new laptop instead!

Another friend just bought a gorgeous Lenovo laptop. Vista is painfully slow to start up! So, he hasn’t even been using it — instead I find him on his old XP desktop. I’ll soon have to help him install XP on the laptop, or it wil continue to be an expensive paper weight.

I’m praying that Windows 7 is good. In the meantime, Microsoft’s Lauren campaign is a great conversation starter to help people solve their computing problems by considering the costs of their frustration, and what their time is worth.

I think most people will be trashing a Windows with their next computer purchase.

Accepting Applications for iPhone Sociology Research

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I read with a big smile on my face all the stories about iPhone mania. It’s awesome to think of so many people having fun and sharing an experience.

It also reminds me what animals we are. Animals looking for attention, companionship, and to be part of a big social event.

This leads me to also imagine the sociology conferences before and after such an event. What an exciting time to be a sociologist!

On iPhone Day, I’d Just Like to Thank Nokia

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Julia and I have discussed getting an Apple iPhone, and after playing with the iPod Touch this last week, we’ll likely get one, but I don’t have the time or energy to participant in today’s iPhone madness. Instead, I’d like to thank Nokia for the Nokia 3220b. The phone is over four years old, and still works fine.

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Watching Whole TV Series

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Lately, we’ve been watching lots of movies and whole television series. The TV shows stand out more in mind as we spend much more time with the characters. Some of our favorites have been:

  • Friends (?) – Julia has watched all of the seasons, and I’ve enjoyed many, many of the episodes.
  • Grey’s Anatomy (?) – we have now catch right up to the just air 4th season finally.
  • Boston Legal (?)- we’ve watched the 1st two seasons, and are just watching the 3rd.

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Not Going To Save For My Child’s Education

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Heritage Education Funds Inc (Heritage RESP) called unsolicited a couple of weeks ago. Immediately after the caller introduced himself, I said we’re not interested. He responded, “You’re not going to save for your child’s education?”

How crazy is that? Although it deserved no response, I said, “Yes, I am, but there are plenty of other options.”

I had already intended to go through my bank, TD Bank, but if he hadn’t been so rude, I would have researched their offering independently (online).

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Ferry to the New Vancouver Apple Store?

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The email’s subject read “Grand Opening: The Apple Store, Pacific Centre.” and there is a prominent Get Directions button, but I’m not sure they would have sent it to me if they had considered where I live (if it was a person manually sending the invites). It’s a Google estimated 2 hours 47 mins “drive” includes the 2hr $55 (car included) ferry ride. Continue reading →