Why I Didn’t Buy An iPad

Despite the guy’s insistence, I didn’t seriously consider an iPad. I was at the Apple Store a few weeks ago, explaining that I wanted the low-end MacBook for some writing projects. I didn’t want to spend a lot of money on capabilities I didn’t need, just let met me have some music playing while I type.

“Have you considered the iPad?” Well, no, I replied. “You ought to.” And he proceeded to tell me the cost and weight advantages of the new device. Since it wasn’t out yet, though, he couldn’t be sure about some of the specs, and since I couldn’t hold it or try it out, I told him I’d pass.

A few days later, I was on the phone with a rep from the online Apple Store. I had tried to purchase a refurb’d MacBook, in my price range, and with the portability I desired. Unfortunately, the transaction didn’t go through – I suspect I had two (or three) browser tabs opened at the store, and that such a tactic prevented the site from accepting my purchase.  I explained that I liked the price on that entry-level MacBook, and the gentleman kindly offered to call me when that particular model, now sold out, is back in stock (I’m still waiting on that call). He then suggested that “maybe an iPad is what you need.” With only a couple of weeks until the launch of the iPad, perhaps it would make sense to pre-order one, it sounds like a perfect solution to my pricing concerns.

“No,” I replied, “I don’t think the small screen and the awkwardness of lugging a keyboard around and the limited capabilities of the iPad are for me. Besides, I need something now, and I’m not inclined to wait another few weeks.”

After that second exchange, I realized that the company has been – rightly, and I don’t fault Apple for this – rallying the sales team around the new device. And why not? The profit margins on the iPad are surely quite decent, and for Mr. Jobs to stay the prophet that he is, Apple has to sell a lot of iPads so the “change-the-world-I’ve-got-an-iPad” mentality is inescapable. Apple wants – needs – us to be unable to imagine life with iPad. So, press the potential buyer, pitch this as the perfect item, and appeal to their (low) price as a way to meet my needs AND save money.

Look, I like Apple products a lot, and have for years. We have a bunch of Macs and iPods in our family. In fact, a couple of months ago my dad who is 79, surprised us all by buying a new 24 inch iMac (and now he has a better computer than me!). But I know what I need – repeat, need, and it ain’t an iPad. As seductive as the hype and ads and speculation have been, I just thought it through and decided I would not be happy owning an iPad, especially in light of these specific projects. And, having been an early adopter on a couple of other Macs, I’ve learned that waiting a year will always…always….always…save me money and get me a better Apple product. That’s how it has worked on computers, iPods and iPhones.

So despite my previous post about getting an iPad, I’ve decided to wait on the thing. Maybe next year.

BTW, if you are unpersuaded by my thoughts here, read this piece over at Fast Company that outlines some good reasons to wait on that iPad purchase.

And if you already have an iPad, check this out and see if you are really irritating people with your iPad love.

Five Tips For New iPhone Users

I love the simplicity of the iPhone, and often tell people it “just works.” That’s a lot different than previous cell phones I’ve used. It isn’t for everyone, but as the growing sales numbers reflect, more people are paying the premium for Apple’s elegant mobile computing solution. A friend just purchased a new iPhone, and we’re getting together for lunch today for a little tutorial. Apart from the basics, here are some notes I made of tips I need to tell him:

1. Buy a charger for the car. Unfortunately, your phone will need recharging at the most inopportune time. Make sure you have it when you need it by plugging it in while you drive. Cost: Deals online for as little as $3-5.
2. Buy an external battery. There are batteries that snap into the phone’s dock/charging port and provide several hours of power. You’ll find a battery handy when you phone runs out of juice just when you need it most. I keep one in my laptop bag at all times. Cost: $15-25.
3. Buy and use a headset. Be smart, be safe, and use a headset. While the corded earbuds that come with your phone are alright, untangling the cord is a big pain – and it is impossible to do while driving. If you don’t have one, find a good Bluetooth headset. I have a Plantronics model I picked up at Amazon for half off, and I really like it. Cost: Range for good headset is $50-$75.
4. Take advantage of free apps. Developers often have special, limited-time free offerings. Also, many dvelopers offer a free “lite” version of an application, with reduced capablities, in hopes that you’ll like it so much you’ll want to pay for the full version. Either way, this is how I’ve found some gems, and it is really the only way I get games (I don’t have this phone for games, but every now and then it is nice to let the kids play something while we wait at the doctor’s office, for instance). Cost: Nothing! I check dealnews.com daily for the latest freebies.
5. Buy a few select apps. I’m not inclined to pay more than $.99 for a phone application, but I have done so for a travel app that tracks flights and keeps me up-to-date on airport weather. I also bought an audio recording app (before Apple made that functionality standard in the iPhone OS). I’ve been very selective about the apps I’ve bought, and I’d advise slow-going for new users. Cost: Varies widely, although most apps are under $10.

I’m sure “power users” could add some tips, and I’d welcome those comments.

Update: Nine Ways To Exert Influence

Thanks to friends who commented here at the blog, and many more who made suggestions over at Facebook, about ways we can exert influence effectively.

Ideas for the 10th item on the list include:

• Listen (see comment at previous post)
• How about ‘Action’ You can’t influence anyone until you actually do something. Didn’t Drucker say. “All planning must deteriorate into work.”?
• Compassion. The most powerful influence we can have on people is when they know we care.
• Generosity. Live open-handed in this tight-fisted world with whatever you have and you will be a positive influence on others.

I hate to choose from such good suggestions, but have to admit that the one that really grabbed me is…

…I don’t know. Drat, thought I had closed this conversation off. Guess it’ll sit in limbo a while longer. Not too late to give your suggestion, though!

Nine Ways To Exert Influence

We all have influence, and few of us wield it effectively. If you want to maximize your influence, here are nine ways you can do so in your daily life. Most of these aren’t difficult, but do require some thoughtful living:

1. Relevance: Make connections with people who work for you, and for whom you work. Ask personal Qs, and remember the details of their lives.
2. Wise words: Don’t spout off with your opinion. Proverbs 15: Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps his mouth shut. And express appreciation for everyone you meet.
3. Excellence: Excellence honors God, so strive after it. People are attracted to great quality.
4. Authenticity. Words matter, so do what you say. Meet commitments. Don’t over-promise.
5. Approachability. Reveal, but not too much. Don’t be scripted, be candid.
6. Emotion. It is okay to be vulnerable, in fact, this is a winsome quality in a leader. Just don’t go overboard.
7. Modeling. Do as I do…you know the power of watching someone live out an admirable life.
8. Passion. Passion is contagious, and will pull people along with you toward the goal.
9. Conviction. Stand strong, don’t be ambiguous, and exhibit a commitment.

Most popular lists these days are 10 items long. Let me know what I’ve missed here, and I’ll add #10 from the best of your suggestions.

You KNOW Digital TV Is Here

In less than 24 hours digital broadcast television, as mandated by our government, is a reality. And you’re prepared, right? You have a newer TV set with a built-in digital tuner, or you bought one of those converter boxes for your old analog television?

If not, maybe you have cable or a satellite TV service.

If “none of the above” applies to you, maybe you’ve decided that there’s not much to watch so you don’t care. Although I fall into this group philosophically, I’ll admit that we have a converter, but I’m not really sure why.

When I read reports that 2.5 million households aren’t prepared for this transition, I’m not surprised. Nor am I alarmed…perhaps those folks don’t want broadcast TV. I’m certain they don’t NEED broadcast TV.

Regardless, the timer is in its final hours. This has been one long and expensive conversion. Better be worth all the time and trouble!

Seniors and Technology

I’m part of that “sandwich generation,” which has younger children in the home, and aging parents (and in-laws) in need of growing amounts of assistance. We are grateful for our children, and of course are committed to their well-being. And we’re very thankful for our parents and all they’ve done for us over the years…and we willingly and gladly assume greater responsibility for their well-being, too.

That said, there are some technologies that will help them – and us – more easily navigate the coming years.

Coffee…Research Confirms It Helps Your Brain

One more reason to drink the stuff.

Really.

What People Are Doing Online

Forrester Research has some very interesting charts about online activity, by age grouping, at the Business Week website.

So Long, Old Friend

In a bit of technology irony, and some unexplained pack-ratting, here’s a pic of my first iMac being shipped back to Apple…in the box which held my first Apple, a “Classic II.” Time to be recycled.

Back in 1992, that Classic II was cutting edge stuff…with a nice little integrated design that was elegant and even portable. I even upgraded the RAM to a whopping 4 MBs. That’s right: Megabytes.

In ‘98 the iMac was quite revolutionary. That machine had a 4 Gigabyte hard drive…whoa! And I upgraded the RAM to 192 MB. Enough, right? Well, for then it was. Old Faithful died earlier this month. Hard drive, CD drive, memory…something on that steadfast companion finally quit.

That machine lasted more than 9 years and survived six kids playing on it and with it. It hummed and whirred along with little or no care required. Even until its dying days it was running high speed internet and MS Explorer 5 for Mac (which was not supported by Microsoft for oh, about 5 or 6 years).

My wife thinks I’m silly for even taking these pictures, and if she read this post would think even worse of me, I am sure. But there’s something to be said for a computer that just works, which is what that iMac did. So long, old friend.

Thankfulness

Sitting at home before joining some friends for the Thanksgiving meal, I am reminded of the rich blessings God has given our family.  We enjoy so many gracious gifts from our heavenly Father, none of them deserved:

• Our five senses to enjoy the sights of a wintery Colorado day, the myriad of smells wafting through the house, the many delicious tastes we’ll indulge in today, the joy of the delicate way in which a warm fire can touch our faces, and the sounds of children playing together in the other room.
• Family scattered around the country, people we’ve loved for so many years and feel so close to, despite the miles between us (that includes our oldest son, off with a classmate for the weekend, and away from us for the first Thanksgiving in 19 years!).
• Friends around the world with whom we have shared laughter and tears.
• The ability to work, and to have an incredibly meaningful and fulfilling job.

So much for which to be thankful to God! Psalm 100 reminds us to thank Him for all His good gifts. I hope you are able to do that today. And every day in the coming months.

Thankfulness itself is a gift, right?