The Nexus One isn't for sale on Verizon yet.
In brighter news my daughter has a pajama party at school today that should be super fun. And I get to miss it for a doctors appointment to see how my pelvic fracture is healing. I may be off crutches and onto a much less conspicuous cane in a few short hours.
The real question that comes from all this is: what kind of cane should I get? The options:
1. the silver aluminum with gray, rubber bottom cane.
2. the old school, basic one piece wood cane.
3. Pimp Cane.
Not an easy decision. We'll have to see what they cost.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
Nexus One
With all the time, I almost forgot that I'm due for a cell phone upgrade soon. I have the fantastic service of Verizon Wireless which gives me great voice coverage nearly anywhere I go. Admittedly the internet speed is slower than AT&T's, but if it's still darn good, and if I need to call someone it's not a problem...unlike AT&T which is actually super spotty.
So I've been reading about the Nexus One. A phone from google that was released for T-mobile and unofficially for AT&T if you buy the unlocked version without a contract. It is being touted as a possible iPhone killer. But whatever, I just want a solid smart phone that looks good, does the job, and is fairly easy to use. And of course it needs to be on verizon's network. It's rumored that the Nexus One will be released for Verizon on March 23rd, 2010. I've been lazily checking the Nexus One website (the only place to purchase the phone as of yet) and it hasn't "dropped". It's 9:25 in Seattle, 12:15 AM on the east coast, so I was hoping to see the website change so I could get my new phone. No such luck yet.
So I've been reading about the Nexus One. A phone from google that was released for T-mobile and unofficially for AT&T if you buy the unlocked version without a contract. It is being touted as a possible iPhone killer. But whatever, I just want a solid smart phone that looks good, does the job, and is fairly easy to use. And of course it needs to be on verizon's network. It's rumored that the Nexus One will be released for Verizon on March 23rd, 2010. I've been lazily checking the Nexus One website (the only place to purchase the phone as of yet) and it hasn't "dropped". It's 9:25 in Seattle, 12:15 AM on the east coast, so I was hoping to see the website change so I could get my new phone. No such luck yet.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Tuesday
Without daily obligations I've found it challenging to maintain my sense of day discrimination. Everyday is really the same to me now. The weekends are just days when my friends with real jobs have free time to hang out with me. Other than that, my days are running together.
I made it to the Gym tonight. My four year old daughter, Reilly, went to Kids Club; she loves going to "gym school" while I workout.
On our way home from the gym she must have been feeling somewhat saucy from her time at Kids Club, because she accused me of being an economic moderate. So I made her carry my backpack up to our 4th floor apartment.
Here she is in our living room after the punishment; she maintains a positive attitude just to spite me.
I was at the store earlier today buying Monster Energy Drinks and Microwave popcorn when I noticed this. Maybe old news to some:
That's right, it's J & D's brand Bacon Pop, bacon flavored popcorn. I was intrigued. How did they get the pigs inside the corn kernel before popping? Is PETA aware? There was no time for such questions as I further perused the box and found this:
As a lover of Bacon and Mayonnaise, and also Salt, I was further intrigued. I was unfortunately on my crutches and in no shape to take off on any delicious scavenger hunts. So I settled for my Orville Redenbacher's 94% fat free kettle corn and hit the check out line. Baconnaise will haunt my dreams.
I made it to the Gym tonight. My four year old daughter, Reilly, went to Kids Club; she loves going to "gym school" while I workout.
On our way home from the gym she must have been feeling somewhat saucy from her time at Kids Club, because she accused me of being an economic moderate. So I made her carry my backpack up to our 4th floor apartment.
Here she is in our living room after the punishment; she maintains a positive attitude just to spite me.
I was at the store earlier today buying Monster Energy Drinks and Microwave popcorn when I noticed this. Maybe old news to some:
That's right, it's J & D's brand Bacon Pop, bacon flavored popcorn. I was intrigued. How did they get the pigs inside the corn kernel before popping? Is PETA aware? There was no time for such questions as I further perused the box and found this:
As a lover of Bacon and Mayonnaise, and also Salt, I was further intrigued. I was unfortunately on my crutches and in no shape to take off on any delicious scavenger hunts. So I settled for my Orville Redenbacher's 94% fat free kettle corn and hit the check out line. Baconnaise will haunt my dreams.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Digicam
I picked up the Canon SD780 a couple days ago and I've taken a bunch of pics with it. It is a nice little camera for what I want it for. The pic to the left is from our recent trip to the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. The one below is from a recent Seattle Sounder preseason MLS game.
It's a solid point and shoot and fits right into my pocket without any hassle.
As this is a "commuter blog", about my commuting by bike, bus, car, etc...I thought it would be appropriate to include a bit about my mode of conveyance. As I've mentioned before, I'm stuck at home with a pelvic fracture, and I've been off work for about a month, so I haven't been commuting at all. My car, though, is acting up. It's a 2002 mercury sable, idling rough, but not stalling out. The check engine light came on about 1 week ago. I'm headed to Oreilly auto parts later today to borrow a code reader and see if it's something simple I can fix. We shall see...
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Digital Camera
I've had a lot of free time because I'm off work with this broken pelvis. Let me tell you, I have found insane ways to waste time. Such as reading about digital cameras online. If I have an afternoon to waste, I can read about digital cameras and BOOM 3 hours gone, just like that.
Anyhow...I've been reading a lot. I also went to Best Buy, Radioshack, a local store called Talls Cameras, Costco, and Target checking out cameras. The easiest thing to do when looking at cameras and reading online reviews is to get caught up in the minutiae. When I set out, I was pretty sure I wanted a Canon because I've been impressed when using Canons owned by friends. Canon also has a pretty good reputation for making quality cameras. Quality is actually on the top of my list, though it would be nice to save some money, I want a camera that is going to last. Of all the cameras I've seen, the Canons appear to be far and away the most sturdily built. I've been impressed with some Panasonic and Nikon models as far as picture quality and features go, but they all seem so shoddily built it is astounding.
The reason I am even in the market for a new camera is because my previous Nikon s550 bit the bullet. The lens would stop opening on startup and the camera would give a "Lens Error" message; the camera became non-functional. This was on a 2 year old camera that has been treated well. I'm hoping that buying quality from the outset will help avoid this problem.
So I've been looking at a few of the Canon point and shoots, specifically the s90, sd3500, sd1400, and sd780. Despite the price range of $180 to $430, the reviews for the cameras individually are remarkably similar. When reading reviews in general, you have the basic users who have only owned basic cameras; these folks love whatever they bought because it is fancier than their previous camera. Then there is the subset of people who are camera savvy and understand the limitations of buying a point and shoot camera; these folks seemed to write the most reasonable reviews, factoring in value and function to provide an overall summary of the camera's quality. Then another subset of folks who are camera savvy and are shocked that the $180 point and shoot had fewer picture setting controls and produced inferior pictures to their $800 DSLR; these folks tended to give the $400 camera 1 star reviews.
In all my research, I've learned something new (actually I think I read about this a couple of years ago, but I just didn't care too much about it at the time). This is old news to serious digital camera users. What I learned is called the "Megapixel Myth." Generally, folks perceive a digital camera's megapixels as the measure of quality (along with Zoom, LCD size, and various other features, but generally the number of megapixels is the poor man's way of judging a camera's value). I've learned that this is highly inaccurate. The bottom line for judging a camera's value is really the quality of image it produces. And it turns out the increasing megapixels does not necessarily increase image quality. The issue ends up being more related to the size of sensor onto which the pixels are mounted.
-For Example: a camera with 14 MP on a 1 inch sensor, where the pixels are not crowded or decreased in size to allow 14MP to fit, will often produce a better image than a camera with 18 MP on the same size sensor.
So when comparing cameras, megapixels have really become obsolete. The specification to look at is really sensor size; which unfortunately is not often listed on manufacturer websites. The manufacturers are apparently more interested in perpetuating the "Megapixel Myth" and increasing sales than giving useful data. This last bit is probably really because the public has gotten so used to linking megapixel count with quality. It would be economic suicide to develop cameras with better sensors and lower pixel counts and expect the public to realize that these cameras produce better images. It would be suicide to do it suddenly anyhow, it seems that the industry is slowly drifting away from megapixels as evidenced by Canon's G11: it's a 10 MP top of the line point and shoot which sells for $500.
As I was saying, when reading about digital cameras it is easy to get caught up in the minutiae. For instance, I was seriously looking at the Canon s90, which is expensive at $430. It has a large image sensor and lots of image setting adjustments for high end camera users. It really looked like a sweet camera...and I wanted it. I had to take a step back, however, and drift back to reality. The real reason I want to get a camera is to be able to have something in my pocket to take basic pictures. The s90 would fit the bill, but so would all the other cameras I've listed above, and those at half the price. The other issue is that as cameras get more expensive, they get minimally larger. So the camera at $180 is super tiny, while the s90 at $430 actually gets to the point where it would likely be uncomfortable to just throw into a pocket and go (unless I was wearing cargo pants). So this just defeats the purpose. The other issue is that this camera is going to be going everywhere, it might get bumped, dropped, or even absolutely destroyed. I do not want to spend $430 on a camera that is too big and might get busted. Another thought about these cameras is that in general, with good lighting, the cheap camera will take picture that rivals the picture from the expensive camera. I can't justify spending twice the cash to have the camera with the fancy features that will take some pictures better sometimes. The s90 did look sweet though.
So from the the list of cameras above, the only striking difference that matters to me is the image sensor size. And the only camera with the larger image sensor it the s90. I've ruled that camera out (unfortunately). The rest of the cameras have very slight differences in MP, zoom, lens angle, and picture adjustment options. And all the Canons appear solidly built and have good reviews online regarding build quality.
So in the end (as it usually does), the debate has come down to price. The sd780 is only $180 at Costco, and they throw in a 2GB SD card which save me 10 bucks. I'm going to pick one up tomorrow.
Anyhow...I've been reading a lot. I also went to Best Buy, Radioshack, a local store called Talls Cameras, Costco, and Target checking out cameras. The easiest thing to do when looking at cameras and reading online reviews is to get caught up in the minutiae. When I set out, I was pretty sure I wanted a Canon because I've been impressed when using Canons owned by friends. Canon also has a pretty good reputation for making quality cameras. Quality is actually on the top of my list, though it would be nice to save some money, I want a camera that is going to last. Of all the cameras I've seen, the Canons appear to be far and away the most sturdily built. I've been impressed with some Panasonic and Nikon models as far as picture quality and features go, but they all seem so shoddily built it is astounding.
The reason I am even in the market for a new camera is because my previous Nikon s550 bit the bullet. The lens would stop opening on startup and the camera would give a "Lens Error" message; the camera became non-functional. This was on a 2 year old camera that has been treated well. I'm hoping that buying quality from the outset will help avoid this problem.
So I've been looking at a few of the Canon point and shoots, specifically the s90, sd3500, sd1400, and sd780. Despite the price range of $180 to $430, the reviews for the cameras individually are remarkably similar. When reading reviews in general, you have the basic users who have only owned basic cameras; these folks love whatever they bought because it is fancier than their previous camera. Then there is the subset of people who are camera savvy and understand the limitations of buying a point and shoot camera; these folks seemed to write the most reasonable reviews, factoring in value and function to provide an overall summary of the camera's quality. Then another subset of folks who are camera savvy and are shocked that the $180 point and shoot had fewer picture setting controls and produced inferior pictures to their $800 DSLR; these folks tended to give the $400 camera 1 star reviews.
In all my research, I've learned something new (actually I think I read about this a couple of years ago, but I just didn't care too much about it at the time). This is old news to serious digital camera users. What I learned is called the "Megapixel Myth." Generally, folks perceive a digital camera's megapixels as the measure of quality (along with Zoom, LCD size, and various other features, but generally the number of megapixels is the poor man's way of judging a camera's value). I've learned that this is highly inaccurate. The bottom line for judging a camera's value is really the quality of image it produces. And it turns out the increasing megapixels does not necessarily increase image quality. The issue ends up being more related to the size of sensor onto which the pixels are mounted.
-For Example: a camera with 14 MP on a 1 inch sensor, where the pixels are not crowded or decreased in size to allow 14MP to fit, will often produce a better image than a camera with 18 MP on the same size sensor.
So when comparing cameras, megapixels have really become obsolete. The specification to look at is really sensor size; which unfortunately is not often listed on manufacturer websites. The manufacturers are apparently more interested in perpetuating the "Megapixel Myth" and increasing sales than giving useful data. This last bit is probably really because the public has gotten so used to linking megapixel count with quality. It would be economic suicide to develop cameras with better sensors and lower pixel counts and expect the public to realize that these cameras produce better images. It would be suicide to do it suddenly anyhow, it seems that the industry is slowly drifting away from megapixels as evidenced by Canon's G11: it's a 10 MP top of the line point and shoot which sells for $500.
As I was saying, when reading about digital cameras it is easy to get caught up in the minutiae. For instance, I was seriously looking at the Canon s90, which is expensive at $430. It has a large image sensor and lots of image setting adjustments for high end camera users. It really looked like a sweet camera...and I wanted it. I had to take a step back, however, and drift back to reality. The real reason I want to get a camera is to be able to have something in my pocket to take basic pictures. The s90 would fit the bill, but so would all the other cameras I've listed above, and those at half the price. The other issue is that as cameras get more expensive, they get minimally larger. So the camera at $180 is super tiny, while the s90 at $430 actually gets to the point where it would likely be uncomfortable to just throw into a pocket and go (unless I was wearing cargo pants). So this just defeats the purpose. The other issue is that this camera is going to be going everywhere, it might get bumped, dropped, or even absolutely destroyed. I do not want to spend $430 on a camera that is too big and might get busted. Another thought about these cameras is that in general, with good lighting, the cheap camera will take picture that rivals the picture from the expensive camera. I can't justify spending twice the cash to have the camera with the fancy features that will take some pictures better sometimes. The s90 did look sweet though.
So from the the list of cameras above, the only striking difference that matters to me is the image sensor size. And the only camera with the larger image sensor it the s90. I've ruled that camera out (unfortunately). The rest of the cameras have very slight differences in MP, zoom, lens angle, and picture adjustment options. And all the Canons appear solidly built and have good reviews online regarding build quality.
So in the end (as it usually does), the debate has come down to price. The sd780 is only $180 at Costco, and they throw in a 2GB SD card which save me 10 bucks. I'm going to pick one up tomorrow.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
...
Laying in bed looking at digital cameras online. It's cold today. I woke up and the temp inside our house is 60 F.
Soccer practice is coming up at 10:00.
As far as cameras, I'm planning on buying a Canon point and shoot. I'm going for a point and shoot over an SLR partly for cost, but mostly because I need something with a smaller form factor that I can easily put in a pocket. I've never owned a Canon myself, but I've used Canons that friends and family have, and I've been generally impressed. They certainly seem to perform better than the Nikon, Samsung, and Casio digital cameras I've had in the past.
In the running:
1. Powershot SD 3500 IS
2. Powershot SD 970 IS
3. Powershot SD 1400 IS
4. Powershot SD 780 IS
**In the midst of writing this post, I've gotten word from my orthopedist that I can return to work on crutches as long as I continue to keep weight off my left leg. This is happy news as I've been home for the last 4 weeks. Let me tell you, that is getting old.**
To sum up, I don't have enough info about the digital cameras yet. Once I get it all figured out I'll let you know and get some pics up on the site. I've got a $60 gift card to Best Buy or Amazon.com, so that will likely be where I pick up the camera. We'll see.
Soccer practice is coming up at 10:00.
As far as cameras, I'm planning on buying a Canon point and shoot. I'm going for a point and shoot over an SLR partly for cost, but mostly because I need something with a smaller form factor that I can easily put in a pocket. I've never owned a Canon myself, but I've used Canons that friends and family have, and I've been generally impressed. They certainly seem to perform better than the Nikon, Samsung, and Casio digital cameras I've had in the past.
In the running:
1. Powershot SD 3500 IS
2. Powershot SD 970 IS
3. Powershot SD 1400 IS
4. Powershot SD 780 IS
**In the midst of writing this post, I've gotten word from my orthopedist that I can return to work on crutches as long as I continue to keep weight off my left leg. This is happy news as I've been home for the last 4 weeks. Let me tell you, that is getting old.**
To sum up, I don't have enough info about the digital cameras yet. Once I get it all figured out I'll let you know and get some pics up on the site. I've got a $60 gift card to Best Buy or Amazon.com, so that will likely be where I pick up the camera. We'll see.
First Post
Hi!
I'm a bike, bus, and auto commuter in Seattle right now. I'm currently out of commission for a bit because of a nasty fall from my bicycle that gave me a pelvic fracture. I prefer to bike or bus to work. My job has me commuting to three different locations within Seattle depending on job requirements. I'm starting this blog to share my thoughts, photos, and adventures (should they arise) as I make my way commuting to and from work. And anything else is of course fair game.
Step 1: I need to buy a digital camera so I can take some pictures.
Step 2: Heal up, dammit!
I'm a bike, bus, and auto commuter in Seattle right now. I'm currently out of commission for a bit because of a nasty fall from my bicycle that gave me a pelvic fracture. I prefer to bike or bus to work. My job has me commuting to three different locations within Seattle depending on job requirements. I'm starting this blog to share my thoughts, photos, and adventures (should they arise) as I make my way commuting to and from work. And anything else is of course fair game.
Step 1: I need to buy a digital camera so I can take some pictures.
Step 2: Heal up, dammit!
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