Bob Hodgen's Blog

New Blog

2010-02-16T14:18:00.003-05:00

I'm going to try to move my blog over to a new website: http://bob.hodgen.me/

We're hosting the site ourselves on a Mac Mini Server located in our home.

Please stop by for a visit.

Bob

Thoughts on iPad

2010-01-30T11:40:00.003-05:00

It's been a few days now since the announcement of the iPad and the dust has settled. The pundits seem to have divided into two camps:

The first group are those who are disappointed by the iPad's lack of a camera, multitasking, flash, and being stuck with AT&T for data. For them the iPad didn't live up to the mountain of hype before the announcement.

The second group are excited and "get" something about the User Interface and what it promises for the future. Place me in the second group.

I remember when the iPhone first came out and tech pundits bemoaned it's lack of multitasking and flash. At the time there were other phones which arguably had a richer feature set--and there still are. Despite this, the iPhone has become a runaway hit. One reason is the User Interface. On the iPhone, the operating system is not in the way, it's transparent. Have you ever tried to use a Windows Mobile phone?

Some people like fiddling with settings and getting "under the hood" of their operating system. They spend so much time tweaking the system that it interferes with getting real work done. These people tend to be tech savvy "geeks" who look down on the average computer user with distain.

Most people just want to read the web, check out Facebook, or send an email. To them the operating system shouldn't get in the way. That's what the iPhone and now the iPad manage to do. There's no need for the end user to get into the file system to read an email or surf the web.

I"m excited about this and what the iPad means for the future. It means that someday the operating system will disappear. It will still be there of course, below the surface, it just won't matter to the average user.

The iPad also marks the beginning of the end of the "desktop metaphor" and mouse. It's the start of a more tactile interface with physical manipulation of objects via tablet or trackpad.

The iPad is in version 1.0. Like the iPhone, the iPad's hardware and software will evolve and get better over time. I can't wait to see what the iPad becomes!

Storing Your Data in the Cloud

2010-01-23T19:10:00.006-05:00

How do you get started with "The Cloud?" What are the easy options? What does it cost?

Moblie Me is Apple's solution to storing data in the cloud and syncing between all of your Macs and iPhone. You get up to 20 GB of storage, the only downside is that it costs $100 per year. I've been a Mobile Me user for quite a few years. For me, it's worth it, but I'm a Mac fanatic. Mobile Me has a "find my iPhone" feature that can locate your lost or stolen iPhone via it's built in GPS. If your iPhone has been stolen it can be remotely "wiped" to protect your data.

Dropbox is a cloud storage service which is free for up to 2 GB of storage. Dropbox does a good job of keeping files synced between Macs, PC's and iPhones (via a free app). A Dropbox folder appears in finder and it's easy to drag and drop files into or out of Dropbox. For capacities beyond 2 GB, Dropbox is upgradable for a price, 50 GB is $99 per year or $9.99 per month. Given the free 2 GB offer, I think it's an easy way to test drive "the cloud" without having to commit money.

My Desk

2010-01-21T21:22:00.003-05:00

My Macbook Air next to Robert's 30" Apple Cinema Display, Mac Pro below.

Moving my music to the cloud

2010-01-20T17:51:00.006-05:00

Everyone's heard the buzz surrounding "The Cloud," online storage of music, videos, and other user data. It's here and it's going to be huge.

I've been using LALA for a while now. It's a music streaming service with a difference. Like other services they allow you to play samples of music online and download songs for a price. You can listen to any song one time for free. If you like the song you can purchase rights to stream it as many time as you like for ten cents. You can also download the MP3 for 99 cents.

Where LALA is different is that you can "upload" your music library from iTunes and then stream your music as many times as you want for free. They understand that it's your music and you have already purchased the rights to play it. Now you can access your music from the web on any computer that you own. The service is free.

In my case, I have about 26 GB of music in my iTunes library. With the limited storage on my Macbook Air I'm not able to fit it all on the 64 GB SSD. That's where LALA comes in. Now, when I'm connected to the web. I'm able to stream any song in my music library to the Macbook Air.

The latest news is that Apple bought LALA. This is huge! Signs point to this music streaming feature being added to iTunes in the near future. It makes particular sense in light of the impending release of Apple's mythical tablet. Store your music in the cloud instead of your portable device's limited storage.

What's interesting is that LALA uses Adobe Flash on it's web interface, it won't work on the iPhone. This could mean that the iPhone will finally get Flash, or that a lightweight version of LALA without flash is in the works.

Safari, still

2010-01-18T10:22:00.002-05:00

After trying out Google Chrome and Firefox, Safari is still my browser of choice. Some of the features of the others I like, but it's hard to beat Safari's integration with the Mac and iPhone using Mobile Me. This is especially handy if you're using more than one Mac like I am now. All of my bookmarks and calendars are synched between my 2 Macs and the iPhone. I love the way Apple stuff works.

Robert loaned me his Mac Pro and the 30" Apple Cinema Display while he's at FSU. He's very happy with the performance of his 17" Macbook Pro and has no immediate use for the Mac Pro and 30" monitor.

Using the 30" monitor is something else. It's like the difference between watching a great movie on television and seeing it in IMAX! No more spaces and multiple desktops--they're not needed. Everything fits on the screen. Aperture photos are incredible when seen fullscreen.

For all of that, I'm typing this on the Macbook Air, it still has a place in my life. Sometimes simple is better. It depends on the task, for Aperture I'll obviously use the 30" and Mac Pro.

Six days, twenty six time zones, and the Macbook Air.

2010-01-16T20:56:00.004-05:00

My six day trip to Europe was a success with the Macbook Air. It was considerably lighter and easier to lug around than my old 15" Macbook Pro. I was online more and enjoyed the experience. The Macbook Air really is the ultimate traveling computer.

I especially like the screen on the Macbook Air. It's much, much brighter, and a lot easier on my fifty five year old eyes. I love the two finger inverse "pinch" gesture which automatically enlarges text on a webpage.

I flew the trip with another avid Mac user. We got along well and had a good time discussing all things Apple. He has a new 13" Macbook Pro and loves it, it's very nice.

For the last few weeks I've been experimenting with using Google Chrome instead of Safari. Today, at Robert's urging, I've been playing with Firefox too. I'll report my findings soon.

Traveling Light with the Macbook Air

2010-01-08T20:33:00.003-05:00

We sent my son, Robert, off to college with a new 17" Macbook Pro and I inherited his Macbook Air. It's one of the original versions with a 1.6 Ghz processor and the 64GB solid state drive. He's been carrying it to school for the last 2 years and it's held up very well. Cosmetically, it looks brand new. The battery still lasts for three hours.

Lately, I've been leaving my 15" Macbook Pro at home when I travel. It's just too big and heavy to deal with for a minimal advantage over the iPhone. My thinking is that the Macbook Air will be able to travel with minimal fuss and bother.

So, I've committed to the Macbook Air and it's been my primary computer for about 2 weeks. It's slower by far than my old 15"MBP, but for most of what I do it works just fine. Most of the time I'm just using Safari to browse the web and the Mail app for emails. iTunes synchs my iPhone and plays music occasionally.

The Macbook Air will overheat and race it's cooling fan if I try to do too much. If I'm going to play a video I close all other apps. Playing video really taxes the Air's processors and the cooling fan runs loudly at full speed. The current model has a dedicated video card and doesn't suffer from this problem.

I've taken it on one trip so far and it wasn't any trouble to lug around and I enjoyed connecting with a screen larger than the iPhone.

What I like:

The screen is very bright compared to the 15" MBP. I don't miss the other 2" of screen.

The computer is very light and easy to travel with.

The power brick is small and light.

I love the multi-touch gestures on the large trackpad.

What I don't like:

It's slower than the 15" MBP.

It chokes on large/long videos. Particularly flash videos in Safari.

There is a fix I'm trying for the flash problem in Safari. It's "Click to Flash," an app that disables flash and speeds up Safari. I'm running noticeably cooler since installing the app.

I use "iStat Menu" to monitor things like processor load and temperatures. It's an indispensable app for me.

I"ll try to keep this up to date as I continue to travel with and use the Macbook Air as a primary computer.

Sanibel Island Smarts

2009-11-08T19:20:00.010-05:00

Photos from Sun-coast Smarts Sanibel Island trip 11-8-09.

Smart car in Gulfport

2009-11-05T23:17:00.002-05:00

My Smart car in downtown Gulfport, FL. The Lincoln parked next to me and I thought it was an interesting juxtaposition of past and future.

Shot with my Nikon D300S in raw and processed in Adobe Lightroom 3 beta. I went for the super saturated postcard look. Basically, bringing up the shadows and lowering the highlights, compressing the dynamic range. Google "HDR" or "High Dynamic Range Photography."

Home Again

2009-05-05T09:15:00.004-04:00

Back home from Frankfurt, back to my MacBook Pro.

It was a good trip and not as big a sacrifice as I thought to be without my main computer. In a pinch I can get everything done on the iPhone. It's the convenience factor that works two ways.

I took the photo of the subway station entrance in Frankfurt on the iPhone. A few steps later, without breaking stride, it was on it's way home in an email. Try that on a laptop!

On the plus side for the iPhone there's the fact that it's always with me and always connected. Emails are pushed to me right away and the web is a touch away. Walking down the street, Google Maps are in the palm of my hand. I didn't have to lug the MacBook and it's bag around airports or drag the laptop out at security for X-ray. I was really traveling light!

On the down side is the inconvenience of only running one app at a time. On my MacBook Pro I use Spaces with 4 "desktops" running different apps at the same time. It's easy to move from one app to another, and they're all active. If I"m in iTunes and my RSS reader gets a new post the icon bounces and there's a flag with the number of unread posts. Same thing with Mail.

I'll be bringing the MacBook Pro on my next trip. The benefits of having a big screen and multitasking are greater than the inconvenience of lugging the thing around. The MacBook Pro will stay in the room and the iPhone will be in my pocket when I'm out and about. The best of both worlds!

One thing at a time.

2009-05-03T17:31:00.001-04:00

I'm in Frankfurt on my layover without my MacBook.

Boingo is working out fine on the iPhone, no issues.

Skype is working well. Voice quality is excellent on the iPhone.

I can check my emails and websites just fine on the iPhone. I can Skype home. I'm updating my blog. I just can't do It all at the same time like I can on my MacBook.

The iPhone doesn't multitask. It can only run one app at a time. If I'm chatting on skype and I want to check out a website I have to log out and start safari. Skype can't run in the background while I'm on the web. I have to restart Skype to continue my chat.

If there's a Achilles heel to the iPhone, I think it's the lack of multitasking. The ability to run more than one app at a time is missing. I always have 4 or 5 apps open on my MacBook, it's what I'm used to.

Still, it beats not being online. I can get things done. And it's incredible that I can fit all of this capability in my pocket.

-- Post From My iPhone

Traveling light.

2009-05-02T12:16:00.000-04:00

At Dulles on my way to Frankfurt, I left my MacBook Pro home. I'm trying an experiment to see how well the iPhone does solo.

I'm using the iPhone app "BlogPress" to write this post. My Internet connection is via Boingo's iPhone plan.

It's a little slower typing on the iPhone's software keyboard than the MacBook. I'm a fast touch typist but the iPhone suits my writing style. I tend to edit as I write and go slow anyway. The iPhone keyboard isn't that bad.

More updates to come...

-- Post From My iPhone

I'm a proud Dad

2009-05-01T15:41:00.004-04:00

My son, Robert just got word that he was awarded a scholarship to the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference. That makes two years in a row! Way to go!

An Artifact from the Future

2009-04-30T09:59:00.003-04:00

I just turned over a thousand miles on my smart! The car is still a lot of fun to drive and I've had no problems to report.

Everywhere I go the smart gets a lot of attention. I met my daughter at Firestone yesterday to get a tire on her car replaced. All of the guys from the shop came out to see the smart. They even asked to see the engine. One of them knew it was made by Mercedes and had a safety cage. They all seemed to like it but said it was too small to fit on their lifts.

I catch lots of other drivers staring open-mouthed at my smart like they've never seen anything like it before. I"m afraid I'll cause an accident! Lots of drivers give thumbs up or shout "I like your car!" I haven't had any negative gestures or remarks yet. Maybe it's because I'm such a positive person? People of all ages are always asking about the car in parking lots. I've given away quite a few of the smart handouts.

The positive reactions I'm getting regarding the smart are an indication that this country is ready for a change. People have started to think about ditching the SUV. They know that energy is important economically, environmentally and politically. They know we're headed for a crisis and something needs to be done.

When the iPhone first came out a reviewer described it as "an artifact from the future." It was a paradigm change, so far ahead of the competition it seemed like it came from a time machine.

I've seen the automotive future--I'm driving it.

Calcutipr update for iPhone is finally here.

2009-04-28T17:41:00.003-04:00

After one week in limbo the update to Robert's iPhone app "Calclutipr" finally arrived at the iTunes store.

He's added the option to deduct tax before figuring the tip and the ability to split the check.

The program has a darker UI for those dark-lit romantic restaurants.

Calcutipr is a free app, click on the title of this post to go to the iTunes download page.

Jacaranda in Bloom

2009-04-22T17:08:00.003-04:00

The Jacaranda trees are in bloom all over Pinellas County. This is a pic of ours taken today with the iPhone and the app Pano.

Calcutipr

2009-04-21T22:29:00.003-04:00

Update due soon for Calcutpir.

My son, Robert's app for the iPhone is about to come out with an update. He's added the ability to split the check and subtract tax before figuring the tip. The UI has been upgraded and made darker, a nice change in dimly lit restaurants.

Calcutipr is Free. Check it out in the iPhone app store here.

Favorite iPhone Apps While on the Road

2009-04-21T15:33:00.009-04:00

From the very first day I've been a huge fan of Apple's iPhone. I waited in line for the debut at AT&T in St. Pete, and I was at the Apple Store in Tampa for the 2nd generation rollout.

Since I travel for a living, I've used my iPhone in more places than just about anybody. So, what travel apps do I use the most?

Boingo Wifi $7.95 a month for unlimited wifi access around the world. I use this all the time while traveling. It works at most airports and hotels. I've used the Boingo international plan for my laptop, but it's expensive at $59 a month. I'm learning to do with the iPhone on trips.

Skype Yes, they finally came out with Skype for the iPhone. What can I say, it works. Get it now. I use Skype all the time to call home from overseas. Free

Flights Lets you track flight status and check schedules in the US and Canada. An essential aid for commuting pilots! $2.99

Aero Weather A great weather app for pilots. It even decodes METARs and TAFs into plain english (for non pilots). Free

iWeathr A web app that gives quick easy access to weather radar around the US. Free

Mobile Translator Translates from English to any of 37 languages. Needs a data connection to work. It can actually speak! $4.99

I've got 8 screens of apps on my iPhone. These are just some of the apps I use while on the road.

Enjoy!

Island of Electronicus

2009-04-17T12:12:00.007-04:00

I remember this from about 1973. It was out at Tierra Verde. They played spacey music on Moog Synthesizers. The audience sat on pillows, there was a light show. They served soft drinks--no booze or drugs. It was an attempt to popularize and market Moog's synthesizers.

I met Bob Moog there at one of the concerts. I think that's me in the picture above, seated-second from left. Bob Moog is on stage at the right. Click this post's title bar to go to the source of the photo.

It only lasted a few months, I went two or three times. Each time they played louder and louder, they must not have used ear plugs.

Big storms in St. Pete today.

2009-04-14T09:36:00.003-04:00

The view from our backyard of the leading edge of the storms blowing through today.

Taken with my iPhone with the app "Pano." A composite of 4 iphone images.

Taken just after the leading edge passed, the picture shows the inflow boundary.

Segway Puma

2009-04-08T10:43:00.004-04:00

Segway and GM are partnering for a 2 seat version of the Segway called the PUMA.

Click the title of this post to go to their website.

It's a balancing two wheeler with seats for two and a roll cage. Specs are for a 35 mph top speed and a 35 mile range.

It would make an ideal neighborhood vehicle usable either in bike lanes or on streets with 35 mph or lower speed limits like the GEM and other golf cart type EV's.

Looks like it would be lots of fun!

Calcutipr

2009-04-08T00:11:00.003-04:00

Good news

My son, Robert's tip calculator app for the iPhone just got published on Apple's app store!

It's a free program he wrote as a first step in learning to program for the iPhone and Mac.

He's looking at adding features and possibly offering a "deluxe" paid version.

Dad

2009-04-04T11:26:00.003-04:00

My Dad passed away March 29th after a long battle with Parkinson's. He was 90. I'll miss him a lot.

He was the best father I could imagine having. He was a kind gentle man who didn't preach but lived his life as an example that I can only aspire to.

I remember observing and helping him build electronic projects. I learned to use tools, and work on the car. He never talked down to me, he was a wealth of knowledge and inspired my love of technical things. And German cars!

One of his great loves was building and flying kites. He's the only person I know who has built a complex parafoil kite from scratch, it flies great. I remember flying huge box kites with him on windy days in Colorado. The kites would pull so hard they'd break one-hundred pound test line. He wore heavy gloves and I think that the harder the kite pulled the happier he was.

When I got older and started sailing my Dad would crew occasionally. He wasn't what you'd call a natural sailor, but he would come along anyway just to be with me. He was my very first passenger when I got my pilot's license. He loved flying and always encouraged my aviation career. We went to a lot of air-shows and fly-ins together, including Oshkosh and Sun-and-Fun.

After my Dad retired, he and my Mom traveled the world. It seemed like they were always going somewhere. They took tours, cruises, and went to a lot of Elder-hostels together. Between his military career and their post retirement travels my parents have covered most of the globe and collected many treasured memories.

My Dad loved card games and was a very competitive bridge player. My parents played regularly and made many friends playing bridge.

Some time ago my Dad was diagnosed with Parkinson's. Over the years his condition got worse and worse. Eventually he had trouble walking and started to fall. Trips to the emergency room became regular and my Mom became unable to care for him without help. We moved him into the assisted living facility.

At the very end my Dad went into Hospice. He left this earth with dignity and without pain.

I was flying a trip from Frankfurt when he passed, I got home late that night. When I saw my Dad before I left I didn’t know it would be our last time together. He wasn’t doing very well. Most of the time his eyes were closed and he wasn’t very responsive. He was weak and barely spoke.

As I was leaving I gave him a kiss on the top of his head and said, “I love you Dad.”

He perked up and said, “I love you too.”

Those were the last words we spoke to each other.

My Dad lives on now in our hearts and in our memories. I know that I’m a better person for knowing him. I’m proud to be his son. I love you Dad.

A Florida Smart Sunset

2009-04-03T15:37:00.005-04:00

A Picture of our Smart Car in the Florida Sunset.

I used HDR techniques on a Nikon D40 raw file.

2009-03-14T17:14:00.001-04:00

At the smart car dealer picking up our white/silver cabriolet.

2009-03-07T11:24:00.001-05:00

Laying over in Frankfurt. Home Sunday night.

2009-03-06T10:57:00.001-05:00

I'm Dulles waiting to go to Frankfurt.