a multi-tasked stream of consciousness or perhaps just emails to myself
Recently I’ve been traveling quite a bit and really thinkng about the Kindle
I have a trip to San Diego for DEMOfall leaving this weekend, and while the Kindle won’t be able to make it for tomorrow or Saturday, I could have it shipped to my hotel for the return trip …
Sometimes things happen online that are simply too close to who you are not to believe that your data is being collected, collated and used for marketing (or observation) purposes. Â
For my recent  trip to Dubai, I spent quite a bit of time researching things via google and even spent some time on the local google site for Saudi Arabia (possible client there).  My ticket was purchased only a few days prior to my departure and when I arrived at the airport I was pre-flagged for security with the triple-S.  The guy at the Emirates check-in counter said it was a DHS thing which means either they simply chose me randomly (and not either of my other colleagues) or they are checking with the big G.
About 10 minutes ago, I clicked a webclip link from within GMail through to the IHT and see an ad for Emirates Air and the Airbus A380 – the very plane and airline I flew home. Â What an interesting coincidence… Â I’m not feeling too paranoid or anything, but that’s seems more than just random selection to me.
There seem to be two Operators here in Dubai (DU and Etisalat) and while both offer voice service only Etisalat seems to have data. It took me a while to figure this out actually and for most of Monday I was convinced that my phone was dropping into some sort of limbo state when the carrier switched to DU.
I am using a T-Mobile Blackberry SIM in my E71 and N82 while here and I found that regardless of which phone I was using the data service would simply die on DU. I though the issue was Blackberry related and so I switched over to the BB, saw it work and then would switch back. It was not until Tuesday morning though when the BB actually switched over to DU and then I realized what was happening … Once I manually selected the network I wanted data returned and messaging has been very reliable since.
In a related note, I was hoping to get access to the Etisalat HSDPA hispeed network but it seems they have vastly overpromised what is really here. While the site claims they offer 7.2 Mbps, I have been seeing between 100 and 500Kbps which is less than I get at home on the ATT system. Disappointing for sure, but the coverage is quite consistent at least and it works everywhere but on the elevator in our hotel. I switched the N82 over to UMTS only (yes I know it’s not HSDPA) but just think the speed is over-promised. In the N78 (with hispeed activated) which I also have here I am seeing similar network performace. I supposed it is possible that the ever sucky and limited TZones data service is forcing me to second class over the more expensive internet service, but that’s all I get on this TMO SIM.
Technorati Tags: Nokia, Dubai, Etisalat, UMTS, HSDPA, Travel, mobile
I am currently sitting in the Lufthansa lounge in Frankfurt on my way to Dubai for business … Had a wonderfully smooth flight to Frankfurt last night – thanks to the Lufthansa 747 and Ambien!
While this is my first time in Germany, I unfortunately won’t get to see much more than the airport. I’ll be in Dubai on business for a few days and looking forward to my first experience in the Middle East!
Curiously I was pre-selected for security (SSS) on the way out of JFK last night. I’m wondering just how random that might have been given my last minute ticket purchase combined with my recent search history in Google. I even used Google Saudi Arabia recently … I’m not saying they’re watching me or anything, but the guy at the Lufthansa gate mentioned my name popped up in homeland security …
My cell is dead for the moment. I’m waiting for my company to tell TMO to activate international. Have to see what kind of connection I get at the hotel once in Dubai for VOIP calls home. I’m sure that will be fine, but it’s a tad disconcerting to be in a place without phone service – at least Boingo is here keeping me connected along the way.
Technorati Tags: ландшафтFrankfurt, Dubai, travel, boingo, t-mobile, voip, lufthansa
Andy Abramson figured out an awesome work around for the alleged VOIP lockout on the American Airlines Wifi service which launched this week. The best part is that it’s pretty damn simple and can be done by anyone once you are connected. Using a new service called Phweet he connected to a Joanna Stern from Laptop Magazine who was in the air using AA’s Gogo Wifi.
Phweet using flash in the browser to connect two twitter users who’d like to have an actual conversation. Instead of exposing a phone number, it enables a VOIP call by connecting tweet’s to the Phweet web service. I actually received a phweet last night on my commute home, but had connectivity issues (thanks for the missing tower in west chester, ATT) so I was unable to try it directly. Signing up for Phweet is simple – just use your existing Twitter credentials.
This is great news for anyone looking to actually use a network connection the way it should be used – open and unrestricted. I really don’t want to hear everyone making phone calls in the air, but at the same time no institution should be restricting how the net is used. I would imagine as a result of this, we are going to see some new VOIP implementations based on flash …
Technorati Tags: voip, american airlines, phweet, twitter, gogo
I’m sure this is not news to anyone who’s a long time mobile worker, but man does Windows make mobile connectivity a complete pain in the ass! When I try to use either DUN or Joikuspot (wifi) to connect with my phones I am forced to reconnect or repair the connected repeatedly during the course of an attempted session. Why does windows even have repair as an option?!
On my Mac it literally just works. If there’s a connection glitch because of low signal from the mobile, I can just simply reconnect. There’s no need to repair because there’s nothing actually wrong with the connection.
With the Nokia Tablet it also just works. I can use either wifi or DUN to get online and as I’ve blogged many times before I do this daily in both directions on my commute. Today I decided to use my work laptop, something I do much less frequently and am just amazed at how poorly Windows plays here.
I’ve had issues on various hotel and client site wireless networks as well so I know it’s not just the mobile connectivity thing I’m trying now … At least with joikuspot I can reconnect, when I’ve used DUN, the connection seems to get stuck when it needs to reconnect. Nothing like spending more time trying to connect than actually being online.
Technorati Tags: windows, networking, mobile, nokia, joikuspot, DUN
Boingo Mobile has been updated across platforms. If you use a Nokia Handset (N or E Series), Nokia Tablet or a Windows Mobile Handset it’s worth checking out the new download.
I’m still waiting to hear back from Boingo and Nokia on the E71 bug before installing this version … Even so I find Boingo to be an indispensable travel companion. The Tablet and my laptop auto-connect when in range which is killer. You have to run the app on the Nokia handset, but that’s not an issue as I don’t leave wifi scanning on anyway.
I’ve been using Boingo for a while now and have successfully traveled across the country and most recently to Toronto. Boingo has enabled easy connectivity from Airports, Coffee Shops and hotels on my laptop, phones and Nokia Tablet. There have been occassional glitches in connecting but I’ve found that one of the devices I’m carrying has always been able to connect without issue.
On the return this week from Toronto, I noticed that my E71 was not allowing me to use Wifi and I tried restarting the phone but things still failed. Checking the Access Points I discovered a serious error in the way Boingo had been scanning and adding AP’s on the fly:
Yes, that’s 149 Access Points! I’m not sure what the realistic limit is for a handset, but this has made using Wifi impossible. I can’t manually select an AP like the one at my parent’s beach house (where I am now on vacation) and there does not seem to be any way to select multiple APs to delete them en masse. I’m hoping I don’t have to reflash my E71 but I am not sure how else to clear this mess.
Update – I reached out to Boingo with this and it’s a confirmed serious bug. Working to resolve it …
Technorati Tags: Nokia, E71, Boingo, Wifi, Travel, Toronto, Bug, Broken
I’m in Toronto for a few days this week and have discovered that there’s a great (though not free) wireless cloud here offering very responsive access.
The speed is not far from turbo, but it feels like it’s all mine at the moment which is excellent. What’s nice about the access here though is that Boingo has things covered if you have an account. My account has come in handy during my travels the past few months and I love how easily I can auto-connect as I go. I did have issues today on both the E71 and N810, but my laptop detected and connected without even a hiccup. I think there’s something going on with how the network works here as this is actually the first time I’ve had a problem from a mobile device – knowing there was a visible network.
The coverage in Toronto is something I wish I saw more often. Granted this is not a free network, but the access is easy to see and seems to be covering a solid portion of downtown.
While NYC won’t be getting a wireless network anytime soon, it looks like I’ll be able to tap into something in Westchester relatively soon. I’ve actually seen a few optimum (the Cablevision brand) hot spots pop up on my commute and there’s one in Katonah where I live, but I don’t currently have access. Not sure if it’s just someone’s wireless home broadband connection or what…
Over the next two years, Cablevision said it will spend in excess of $300 million to make wireless Internet available across its entire operating region, which in addition to Long Island, also includes parts of New Jersey, Connecticut, New York City and Westchester.
Cablevision, the new owner of Newsday, hasn’t yet outlined which region of Long Island would be first to receive service, which it said would be free to Optimum Online subscribers.
On a conference call with Wall Street analysts yesterday, Cablevision chief operating officer Tom Rutledge said the company spent $20 million between May and the end of June to begin building the so-called Wi-Fi network, which he said the company will unveil soon.
The service eventually will allow people with mobile computers to access the Internet anywhere Cablevision service is available, but there are plans for more services, involving voice, video and data, officials said. [Newsday.com]
A free network thanks to my cable provider would be actually very cool. AT&T does not exactly seem to be racing along with plans to update their HSDPA coverage in Northern Westchester.
Technorati Tags: Cablevision, Verizon, AT&T, Westchester, wireless, wifi, 3G
Google Maps for Mobile has been updated to support Transit routing which is excellent. I’ve had that functionality for a while on the Blackberry, but since I no longer actively use one, it’s great to add this option to the E71 and others. The UI could use some work, but the functionality is certainly appreciated.
Technorati Tags: google, maps, mobile, nokia, s60, nyc, subway, bus
Travelling Light, originally uploaded by Soul101.
My friend Andy Abramson has written two excellent posts on his Working Everywhere blog that are work reading, bookmarking and sharing. While I’ve certainly traveled a lot for work, I’ve got nothing on Andy’s experience. In a series of posts, he’s shared his experiences on maintaining business class connectivity and presence as as well as some fantastic travel tips and recommendations.
I’ve been using Boingo on and off for a few months now and it’s been indispensible from my mobile devices though until now there’s been no Mac client … It’s finally here though, GoBoingo for Mac works just like the PC and Mobile editions and lets you connect to the vast international network of hotspots via the Boingo simplified connection manager.
One thing I really love about the Boingo client is that you don’t even have to know in advance whether the airport or hotel is in the system, Boingo proactively connects and lets you begin to surf.
I’ve got Boingo installed and ready on my N95, N810, MacBook Pro and work-issued Lenovo X61. I’m ready to connect and with a business trip this week, I’ll be putting Boingo to work!
One of the downsides to digital mapping and GPS is that when driving regular routes you usually know more than the system. Seems Dash has felt the same way and with My Route, they let your knowledge contribute to the system:
With the new MyRoute feature, as you travel from one point to another, Dash Express will automatically learn your preferred route in the background. The next time that you drive between the same origin and destination, the first route choice will be MyRoute, complete with traffic-based arrival time data. MyRoute can be compared to the computed Dash routes, including traffic detours, to decide which is optimal. The Dash Express via jkOnTheRun
Technorati Tags: Dash, GPS, Navigation, UGC
Great news about the soon to be released update to Nokia Maps …
As part of the Ovi brand of Internet services, which includes the Nokia Music Store and N-Gage gaming platform, Maps on Ovi will allow users to plan their trips on their desktop or laptop and then synchronize (automatically or manually) it with their smartphones. Conversely, if you’re already out on the road, you can record routes and points of interest on your handset and then upload them to the Ovi service when you return home to share with family and friends. The interface on Web side is similar to what you’d see on your phone for ease of use and a more seamless experience. [Crave]
This is a very compelling feature and something I am very glad to see coming. As I noted a while back, connecting GPS from the web to device is a killer feature. It confirms the need for the device itself to be connected, which of course is the case when it’s a handset. I’m looking forward to getting to try this … plan on the desktop, sync to the mobile. Should be ready this summer!
Technorati Tags: nokia, maps, gps, navigation, travel, ovi, sync
I’ve been actively using PC Suite to connect to the N95 on my commute for about two weeks now and while it’s about the easiest way I’ve ever connected a phone to a laptop, there are a few missing details I’d like to suggest.
Connectivity on the Metro North Train line is spotty at best. There are some awesome pockets of 3G-ness, but it’s mainly EDGE and there are some definite dark zones as well. I’ve been disconnected 5 times just writing this post … Being able to better manage what’s happening does not seem like a substantial ask. It should be basic stuff.
I should also note that my N95 has yet to freeze up in DUN mode like it regularly does when connected to the N810.
Technorati Tags: travel, DUN, Nokia, N-Series, N95, mobile, PC Suite, N810
Thanks for turning the power outlets off and defeating my ability to take full advantage of the wifi I’ve paid for. F-Off.
Would it have been too hard to keep the outlets on for the travelers who endure the standard delays here, no I did not think so.
Technorati Tags: travel, ewr, newark, continental, airport, power, outlets, bullshit, broken
In the past week, I’ve been gently ribbed a bit by some people at work regarding the number of gadgets I’ve got working but the best was the guy next to me on my return flight from Chicago who broke our in-flight silence with ” I think you win for the most number of gadgets of any person I’ve ever sat next too!” I know my usage is far from normal cash international loan payday servicesno cash advance fee credit card,0 advance card cash credit,cash advance credit cardadvance cash loan online paydayadvance cash faxing no online,advance cash faxing loan no payday,no faxing cash advancecash advance new yorkcash loan payday quickcash america payday loan,instant cash payday loan,cash loan paydayadvance cash day loan pay payday,pay day cash advance,advance cash day loan payadvance cash day loan payfast faxless cash advance,fast cash advance,easy fast cash advanceadvance cash chicago settlement,pre settlement cash advance,advance cash settlementadvance cash loan payday today,advance cash cash loan loan payday quick,advance cash loan paydaypayday cash loancash til payday loanadvance america cash,ace advance america cash,advance america cash advancecash advance servicecash in advanceovernight cash advance,advance cash loan overnight,advance cash overnightpayday loan cash advance loancash advance servicesfirst cash advance houston tx,first cash advance,first time cash advancecash fast loan paydaysame day cash advance,same day cash advance loanadvance bad cash credit services,cash advance for people with bad credit,bad credit cash advancecash till payday loanadvance cash loan payday quickadvance cash faxing no,no faxing required cash advance,no faxing savings account cash advancesultan online casinofree online baccaratfull pay video pokeronline game gambling casinofree online craps,casino craps free gambling online,craps free online playcasino roulette download,roulette casino game,casino roulettefree backgammon,backgammon download free online play,free backgammon gameplay blackjacklearn to play crapsplay free roulettevideo poker tournamentsfree video pokerfree casino bonusonline video pokerwinning at video pokerfree online casino game craps,online casino craps,casino craps gambling onlinefree casino playcasino secure online gamblingno deposit free money casinoblack jack betting strategyplay free online slotsnew online casinouk best casino online compared to mainstream, so here’s the basic rundown of what I carry and what’s getting used actively.
As you might expect I’ve got a few pieces of Nokia gear … The N95-3 is my main phone and I use the iPhone SIM as I’ve been doing for months now. The N810 connects on my commute most days in both direction for enhanced internet consumption and multimedia. It’s not uncommon to see me using the phone and tablet at the same time for different net connections (sharing the N95’s data feed). I also carry a Blackberry Curve for work and use that pretty regularly through the day — fortunately (and currently) my mail does not heat up until later in the day, so I’m left to more personal news gathering for the morning commute. I can easily move between things and often am working with two at once.
In my bag, I’m carrying a few additional phones. Currently the N81 8GB and the N95-1. I don’t actively use either and had them with me in Barcelona and I think I’m just keeping that going a bit, but I’m also a “you never know” kind of guy so 4 phones (2 with SIM cards) is cool with me. The past few weeks I’ve also using a Zune 8GB which I really like for music.
I’m packing quite a few accessories like the Stowaway Sierra Bluetooth Keyboard (awesome on planes!), 2 Proporta Chargers and an Airport Express as well as plenty of USB cables, memory cards and adapters. The Airport lets me easily share a wireless connection with everything so I only get a single charge in a hotel … it also covers another just in case scenario and let’s me potentially share a potentially limited connection in a conference situation for work.
In a related aside, I used about 1.6GB of data last month on ATT through one SIM….
Technorati Tags:
3.5G, AT&T, Canola, HSDPA, Internet Tablet, Jaiku, Metro North, mobile, N-Series, N81, N810, N95, Nokia, S60, Travel, wireless
It’s been a while since I’ve flown Jet Blue, but now as I sit on my sixth of seven flights this week I have to say this may be the best coach experience I’ve ever had.
I’m sitting by the window which is only ever my choice for a red eye, and I can’t believe how much room there is here. Even the middle seat looks decent here … I’ve got ample room to my side and the leg room is amazing. The plane, an Airbus 320, seems new and clean as these things tend to go. The tray table is both full size and adjustable so you can legitimately do some work if the need arises. I love it! Traveling is enough of a pain without being squeezed into a crappy seat without basic comforts.
I’ve been on AirTran, Delta and American so far with a return from Palm Beach on AirTran again on Sunday. The middle seats I was jammed into on my two American legs to and from Chicago were far too snug and the tray table was hard to get away from for the typing I needed to get in … Even on the N810 with Stowaway. I can lean forward without touching the seat in front of me, and I would not even care of the seat reclined all the way in my direction.
DirecTV is a bonus for me as I don’t usually watch the video (with audio) except on longer haul flights.. Tonight I’ve enjoyed some of the NCAA Womens’s National Swimming Championships as well as some of 16 Candles while listening to Hot Chip, MGMT, Radiohead and Tom Middleton on the Zune.
All told a very solid flight experience. If it’s at all possible to work JetBlue into my plans I’m certainly going to try.
Technorati Tags: Jet Blue, Travel, American Airlines, Delta
