Archive for September, 2008

Google Calendar as a Medication Reminder Really Works

Tuesday, September 30th, 2008

Hello Everyone, 

The following is a very gracious letter I received in response to my article entitled “Doctor Doctor Give Me The News”.  [Click Here to read the original article.]

Mark

Hi,

My name is Dorine.

I have a T-Mobile Dash and I was able to create medication reminders on my phone by following the directions that you posted.  It is an individual thing. For me it is a lifesaver because I have a T.B.I. and often forget to take my medications.

Thanks Mark I like having my independence.

It irks me to have an aide remind me.  I am on my way to being caretaker free.

Dorine

REPLY FROM MARK

Hello Dorene,

Thank you for taking the time to send this feedback. 

I wish you all the best.

Most sincerely,

Mark

Why Google Calendar Instead of Microsoft Outlook

Tuesday, September 30th, 2008

QUESTION FROM JAY

Hey Mark,

I wanted to talk to you in regards to the principle of why you posted that article in your blog. [Click Here to read the article being discussed.]  Not to harshly criticize the content, or even the effectiveness of the application, but more so for my own interest as I am looking at entering into assistive technology consulting for my local area.  (more…)

Complaint about Doctor Doctor Give Me The News

Monday, September 29th, 2008

From Marco

Subject:  Doctor Doctor Give Me The News

why aren’t you having a balanced approach to the technology reviews that is out there.  Every  thing that you have been posting on to your blog has been favoring google as if they need support and you have been demonstrating an anti Microsoft bias in your postings to your blog.  Kind of funny considering you are using or probably using windows mobile on your mobile device since google doesn’t have an accessible operating system for any of their products.  (more…)

Doctor Doctor Give Me The News

Monday, September 29th, 2008

Hello Everyone,

INTRODUCTION
Recently, I received several emails requesting that I make a recommendation for an accessible medication prescription reminder application that can be used on a mobile device.

While there are both commercial and free medication prescription reminder applications available for use on a mobile device, I cannot recommend them at this time for several reasons not the least of which being that they are not comfortably accessible with screen reading software, like Mobile Speak, for the blind and low vision.

Not to worry my friends for as is often the case, Google provides a free, easy-to-use, and reliable tool that will remind you when to take your medicine.  (more…)

Start Tripping With TripIt

Friday, September 26th, 2008

Hello Everyone, 

I invite you to, like me, start tripping
with TripIt. 

TripIt is a personal travel assistant that automatically organizes all your travel plans. TripIt is free and makes it easy to (1) quickly organize all your travel plans — flights, hotels, cars, trains, cruises and more; (2) automatically get itineraries with all your plans, weather, maps, restaurants and more; (3) easily access your itineraries via paper, email, personal calendar or mobile device; and (4) share your trips and see where you overlap with friends and colleagues. (more…)

Like An Android Part 2

Thursday, September 25th, 2008

Hello Everyone, 

I hope you enjoy this approximately 11 minute podcast CNET News review of Google Android, T-Mobile, and the world’s first Google phone.

Click Here to listen.

Mark

Like An Android

Wednesday, September 24th, 2008

Hello Everyone, 

I hope you enjoy this approximately 9 minute audio CNET News review of Google’s new mobile operating system, Android.

Click Here to listen.

Mark

The SMT5800, Now I Understand

Wednesday, September 24th, 2008

Hello Everyone,

Because of all the recent emails I’ve received regarding the Verizon Wireless SMT5800 Smartphone, I decided to go into a corporate store and take a look at it, today.

I must admit, I was very impressed with what I saw.  The SMT5800 is a very, very handsome device.  It has a good solid heft to it and it is very well put together.  I really like the way the phone slides revealing the full QWERTY keyboard which is remarkably tactile.  In fact, I could hardly keep myself from opening and closing the phone while I reviewed it.  It was so much fun.  Were I to own this model, I doubt very seriously if I would get any work done because I really got a kick out of opening and closing that thing. 

Verizon Wireless, like the other two major wireless providers in the USA, continues to sell models with Windows Mobile 6.0. 

Don’t worry A T & T Wireless Blackjack 2 users, the BJ2 is still my first love; but I will admit I regretted having to give the SMT5800 back to the store manager. (Smile)

I will definitely begin recommending the SMT5800 for Verizon Wireless subscribers.

Congratulations to all of you who chose this very high quality, ultra convenient Smartphone.  

Most Sincerely,

Mark

Updated Keyboard Layout Description for the Samsung Blackjack II With Either Windows Mobile 6.1 or 6.0

Wednesday, September 24th, 2008

Hello Everyone, 

Recently, AT&T Wireless released Windows Mobile 6.1 for the Samsung Blackjack II Smartphone.  This is a free upgrade that I strongly encourage you to install as it greatly improves the responsiveness and functionality of the Samsung Blackjack II Smartphone. (more…)

Go With Go Daddy

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008

Hello Everyone, 

Did you know that you can now register Internet domain names directly from your mobile device?

Well, my dear friends, you can!

(more…)

Registry! Registry! Read All About It!

Saturday, September 20th, 2008

Hello All,

I found the following article posted on the WM Experts BLOG entitled “How To Edit The Registry”.

It is an excellent introduction for those of you who desire to demystify the dank and dark doldrums that is Windows Mobile.  (Smile) 

Enjoy,

Mark

(more…)

Google, Show Me The Way

Wednesday, September 17th, 2008

Hello Everyone, 

The following press release from Google is one of the most exciting I’ve read in quite a while. 

For the record, I am now using this little trinket on my Samsung Blackjack II Smart Phone and my world has gotten a little brighter.  Google, show me the way.  (Smile)

Enjoy,

Mark (more…)

It’s How You Move Me

Tuesday, September 16th, 2008

Hello Everyone,

This is for those using Windows Mobile 6.1 wireless devices.

As you know, WM 6.1 now displays SMS (text messages) in what is referred to as threaded or conversation view.  This makes a text message conversation appear similar to that of an instant message complete with a text message history.

NOTE 1:
Please be aware that the following information applies to the Standard Edition of Windows Mobile 6.1 ( for Smart Phones) as opposed to WM6.1 Professional (Pocket PCs) because as a general rule, WM6.1 Pro has a bit more functionality; hence Pocket PC users may find the information in this article either redundant or unnecessary.

NOTE 2:
At the time of this writing, Windows Mobile 6.1 Smart Phone users do not have a direct option  to disable SMS conversation/threaded mode.  Currently, Smart Phone users may either download third-party applications that will disable this mode or they may modify the Windows Mobile 6.1 Registry (for advanced users, only).

NOW, BACK TO OUR SHOW: (more…)

What A Difference You Make In My Life

Monday, September 15th, 2008

“So Mark, what is the difference between Symbian and Windows Mobile phones?”

Hello Everyone,

Regardless of how many times I am asked the above question, I cannot find a succinct and satisfactory answer.  Does such an answer even exist?  I do not know but I can tell you that the following article brilliantly written by CNET’s Rick Broida (May 2, 2008), entitled CNET’s Quick Guide to Handheld Operating Systems, makes me oh so aware of the difference they, the operating systems that is, make in my life. (Smile)

Enjoy,

Mark (more…)

Slow Your Roll

Tuesday, September 9th, 2008

Hello Everyone, 

Samsung Blackjack II users who have either upgraded to or purchased a model running Windows  Mobile 6.1 will notice a new feature that is sure to enhance their Windows Mobile experience.

This new feature has to do with the navigation (JOG) wheel on the Blackjack II. 

Click Here for a keyboard layout description of the Blackjack II.

Previously, one could not adjust the speed ratio at which the selection bar would move in relation to the turn of the wheel.  However, just like its big brothers Windows XP and Vista when dealing with pointing devices, now this ratio can be adjusted by the user. 

Here’s how it works: (more…)

You’re So Vain

Monday, September 8th, 2008

Hello Everyone, 

Ever get frustrated with trying to figure out how to dial vanity telephone numbers?

A vanity telephone number is one that uses the alphabet as a mnemonic to remembering the number.  For example (800) FLOWERS. 

Well now you can dial to your little heart’s content with the new Vanity Dialing feature now available on many WM6.1 mobile devices such as the Samsung Blackjack II Smart Phone. 

Here’s how it works: (more…)

Bring It On Home To Me

Monday, September 8th, 2008

Hello Everyone, 

Just a quick note to let you know that Windows Mobile 6.1 users can now select which website is automatically displayed when opening Microsoft Pocket Internet Explorer. 

To set the browser’s default home page: (more…)

Just One Voice

Sunday, September 7th, 2008

Hello Everyone, 

While those using Windows Mobile 6.0 Professional (touch screen) devices have always enjoyed the convenience of Microsoft’s Voice Command, with the upgrade to Windows Mobile 6.1 Standard Edition, those using non touch screen devices such as the Samsung Blackjack II may now take advantage of this handy tool as well without having to purchase it as a separate product. 

What is Voice Command? (more…)

To Tweak or Not To Tweak Windows Mobile 6.1

Sunday, September 7th, 2008

Hello Everyone,

Among the many changes those upgrading to Windows Mobile 6.1 are noticing are (1) the SMS Inbox is now displayed in a threaded or conversation mode view and (2) sent SMS notifications are disabled. 

As usual, Microsoft, while brilliant in it design, is amazingly dull in its implementation.  By this I mean, it would have been nice for those using Windows Mobile 6.1 devices to have a way of enabling and disabling these features.  Please note that while there are a couple of Windows Mobile devices that allow these features to be toggled on and off, at the time of this post, most WM6.1 devices do not. (more…)

Are You Advanced Enough?

Saturday, September 6th, 2008

Hello Everyone,

The following is my reply to a statement that deals with what being an advanced, intermediate, or novice technology consumer means:

… Yes, I tend to agree that categories such as advanced, intermediate, and beginner are very subjective but, alas, it is the best we can do given so many variables. 

I’ve been thinking about this ever since I read this post.

Generally, I think of an advanced technology user as someone who possesses enough knowledge or confidence to recover from almost any non catastrophic problem with little or no immediate person-to-person assistance. 

Again, this, too, is subjective but, for those with whom I have supported in a customer service environment, this definition has served me well. 

Kindly,

Mark