W♥M (Archive)

Living with the Apple's iPad Pro12.9 and Pencil

iPad Pro 12.9 Specs Model: A1670 (Wi-Fi) CPU: Apple A10X Fusion with Apple M10 2.36 GHz hexa-core Apple Fusion (3× Hurricane + 3× Zephyr) Graphic: 12-core PowerVR Series 7XT Display: 12.9 inches (330 mm) [diagonal] multi-touch display with LED backlighting and an oleophobic and scratch-resistant coating, Wide color display, True Tone display, Fully laminated display, Antireflective coating, ProMotion display (120 Hertz refresh rate) 2732-by-2048 pixel resolution at 264 ppi (Retina Display) Read More Apple It's hard to believe that it's only been three years since the iPad was introduced. Despite me thinking what a crap name "ipad" was, I think the name is probably well-accepted with people now. …

I’ve been living with the iPad 12.9 Pro (2017 Model) since March 2018. After using the iPad daily for about two months, here are my thoughts:

COMICS
Since I mainly wanted to read comics on a bigger screen (coming from the smaller 9.7 size), the iPad’s nearly 13 inches is just perfect for comics. The size is nearly one to one, if not slightly larger than the print version.

For comics bought on ComiXology, they upgraded their comics to nearly 4k resolution, so a typical “Epic” collection is about a gigabyte in size! While they look gorgeous on the higher resolution, you really need to make sure you have the disk space for it.

Magazine View

On the other hand, the magazine experience is only okay. I bought a subscription to PC Gamer on Zinio, and was not impressed. While the text is super crisp and readable, the art/images did not look so good on a higher resolution. I suspect on a smaller sized iPad, you wouldn’t notice... but you can clearly see the pixelation on the iPad Pro. See screen print as an example.

Until the magazine industry catches up or offers high quality resolution, I don’t think I’ll be buying it on digital (unless is free as part of a print subscription).

If you want to load your own content, the two iOS apps I’ve used and endorsed are: Chunky and Foxit PDF Reader (or the built in Books reader). Although I’m not a fan of the name “Chunky”, it’s probably the best CBR reader. I’ve even upgraded to the Pro version, even though I didn’t need or want the Pro features - I just wanted to support the Chunky creator.

SMART CONNECTOR
I have several Bluetooth keyboards, but I have never really liked pairing the keyboards. Sometime, particularly with the original Apple bluetooth keyboard because it doesn’t have a reset button, the iPad does not see the keyboard because it was previously paired with another iPad. It’s very frustrating.

With the Smart Connector, the keyboard is instant-on when you connect. You don’t need to charge the keyboard (since it’s powered through the connector).

I’ve read some reviews on Smart Connector keyboards, and they mentioned the magnets, but let me empathize on the magnets: the iPad will automatically align and stick to the keyboard. It’s powerful enough that you can lift it up and the iPad without any worry that the keyboard will drop off.

Although only Apple and Logitech makes Smart Connector keyboards, I think it’s worth it to buy one. I have the first generation Logitech iPad Pro keyboard, which is technically not meant for the iPad Pro second version, but it fits and the price was discounted to $75 (originally $149).

DRAWING
Before the new 2018 “New” iPad was announced last month, only the iPad Pro supported the Apple Pencil. I’ve wanted to draw on digital for a long time and have, in the past, used various instruments and softwares. None of them really worked for me, that is until the iPad and Apple Pencil combination.

Using ProCreate ($10), drawing was is pretty amazing. Trust me, drawing was nearly real time one to one, just like drawing in “real life”. Since it’s digital, there’s no paint mess or cleanup. Plus, producing artwork, from idea to finalized art, can be pretty fast and efficient.

Don’t take my words for it, professional artist Mark Ulriksen went from traditional to digital for The New Yorker with the same setup I have (iPad Pro, Apple Pencil, and ProCreate). Read his interview and profile at businessinsider.com

CONCLUSION
Let me get to the point: the iPad is not a laptop replacement. There are many limitations with the iOS system, for example true multitasking and file transfers. If you’re a traditional laptop user, you’re not going to be happy with the iPad, so stay with the tried-and-true laptop experience.

What the iPad is meant for, and excel at, is media consumption and portability. Watching movies and television is a joy (especially on a larger 12.9 screen) and reading is wonderful (at the higher resolution). Apple is known for their gold-standard battery life, and the iPad’s weight is a feather compared to traditional laptops.

If you like what you read, but don’t want to shell out the premium price usually associated with Apple products, the new 2018 9.7 iPad, at $329 (with Apple Pencil support), is the iPad I would recommend for you. Sure, you’re not getting the larger 12.9 screen or Smart Connector, but for most people, they’re not going to care to spend the extra cash to upgrade.

P.S. This article was written on the iPad using the Logitech Smart Connector Keyboard and Google Keep. If this was a collaborative article (requiring other people’s input), then I would use Google Docs with its sharing functionality.

Vuart examples:

vu ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com/weheartmusic

Gleeking it up

Discography [Nov 2009] Glee: The Music, Volume 1 [Dec 2009] Glee: The Music, Volume 2 [May 2010] Glee: The Music, Volume 3 Showstoppers Read More Glee http://weheartmus... As a cover lover, I accepted to review Glee: The Music, Volume 1 simply based on their cover of J...

Dream a Little Dream of Glee

The "Dream On" episode was a gas! As always, the music selection complimented the storylines graciously. It was an extra treat having two amazing guest stars, both with Broadway resumes. Idina Menzel returns as Shelby Corcoran, coach of Vocal Adrenaline and Neil Patrick Harris makes his glee debut as Bryan Ryan, Mr. Schuester's (Matthew Morrison) former high school nemesis.

Glee is charming in how, through their music selection, they have a little something for everybody. Taking us on a genre rollercoaster ride, they gave us a rock ballad, an 80's new wave party hit, an emotional show tune, and a rendition of Mama Cass's "Dream a Little Dream", a song originated in the 1930's.

Aerosmith's "Dream On" was sung as a rockin' duo by Matthew Morrisson and Neil Patrick Harris. The studio engineers detailed the music amazingly. I enjoyed this song because you can feel the energy in their voice. I was really impressed that NPH belted that high note (Dream On) and it's funny because he sounded more like Axle Rose.

Kevin McHale gave a wonderful performance in "The Safety Dance". In Artie's daydream sequence, he leaves the chair behind and dances all around the mall, flash mob-esque; it made me want to dance. This Men Without Hats song has always been a club hit and glee's cover is sure to be a 21st Century club anthem.

Lea Michele debuted in Broadway's production of Les Miserables and it was a lovely selection to have her sing a duet of "I Dreamed a Dream" with Idina Menzel, another Broadway beauty. When they sing together, harmonizing the long notes, it's as if there's only 1 person singing.

"Dream a Little Dream" was the highlight of the episode. I've always had a soft spot for this song and after hearing McHale's version, it's beyond emotional for me. You can feel the sad romance in Artie's voice as he sings in hope for the future. Serenity is delivered when he sings the melody and I get the chills when he whistles. The backup vocals are sweet and I especially love the bass on this song.

These four songs are available now on itunes. "Dream On", "The Safety Dance" and "I Dreamed a Dream" are also included on Showstoppers, the 3^rd volume of Glee: The Music.

 06/06/2010 14:29:21 ♥ stephanie ♥ gleethemusic.com ♥ fox.com/glee

Glee, for your iPad/iPhone

With the latest Glee album, Showstopper being on #1 album on the Billboard 200, Glee is more popular than ever, I've decided to see what all the fuss is about (again), by checking out Smule's Glee application for the iPad/iPhone. I've previously mentioned that I did not get into the Fox television show - the pilot just didn't do it for me. But it's a show that you'd think I'd be all over, since I am a self-confessed cover lover.

The application is basically a karaoke application, allowing you to record a song and saving and sharing it with others. The key to Smule's app is the sharing aspect via twitter, facebook, etc. Once other users "star" your recording, you get 100 gleek points, which you can get more free songs (although with all that spamming to your friends, I would just recommend buying the song for 99 cents).

Speaking of the price, the application is 99 cents and comes with three songs: "Rehab", "Somebody to Love", and "You Keep Me Hanging On". I wish there were more free songs, or sell a bundle of songs, because I don't feel like paying another $10 for ten more songs... but thankfully, you can sing along to your own iTunes library.

This application is recommended if you're Gleek (not the Superfriends' monkey) or a karaoke fan... but be warned: you may buy additional songs and become hooked on the show.

 06/06/2010 14:29:21 ♥ vu () ♥ glee.smule.com

 

 

iPod Rhythm Games

Freezepop - Get Ready 2 Rokk (For Those About 2 Rokk Mix) Freezepop iPod Applications http://weheartmus... Guess what? I have an iPod Touch Second Generation. I love it. I mostly use it for an internet de...

Certainly Guitar Hero is a cultural phenomenon. Every young person I know have these games and they are really into it too.

Somewhere along the line, the franchise was split between Neversoft (who continued the brand with Guitar Hero III) and Harmonix Music Systems (who went on to develop Rock Band).

It's no secret that I'm terrible that these rhythm games (I have no rhythm!) and don't own any for the PS3 or XBox. I am pretty sure there is a PC version, but who wants to play Guitar Hero on the computer ? It's more of a social game (and I'm anti-social).

The game have done amazingly well, earning over one billion dollars since its inception in 2005, and have made unknown bands like Freezepop into house-hold names. Established bands, like Aerosmith, are recognizing (and cashing in) on the popularity of the game.

Personally, due to declining music sales, that it's smart money to get into these games bright and early.

Below are four games dealing with music and rhythm on the iPhone/iPod Touch.

GUITAR ROCK TOUR gameloft.com ♥ itunes.apple.com Guitar Rock Tour This is actually more challenging than it looks. The four buttons at the bottom of the screen is really small, so fat-fingers people will have a hard time with this game... but for most people, playing this on medium will unlock all the songs for you. There are two play mode: guitar (4 buttons) and drums (bass, drum, and symba). Although only three buttons, the drum play is actually really hard. PRICE: $4.99 (Currently) PROS: The storyboard and 3D animations are really fun and professional. The music are well-known, popular songs like "Beat It" and "What's My Age Again". CONS: All of the songs are covers (the cover artists aren't even listed in their credits!) It's also really quick, with touring a few cities and countries before the game ends. I wish they had a landscape mode :/

TAP TAP REVENGE tapulous.com ♥ itunes.apple.com Tap Tap Revenge Obviously stolen the idea and game play from Guitar Hero. There are only three buttons and it's really easy. There are two spin-off games: Tap Tap Revenge: Nine Inch Nails Edition and Tap Tap Dance. The spin-off games costs $5 each, but I haven't felt compel to actually pay money to play 10 or so songs. Perhaps if it was a band I was really into, nothing against Trent Reznor, but perhaps if I could upload my own songs - I would be willing to pay $5 for the game. Back to the original version, this is actually a really great deal. No iPhone should be without it. PRICE: Free PROS: Unlike their paid version, you can download additional new songs, which Tapulous have released per week. The latest few releases includes Daft Punk's "Technologic" and Kaiser Chief's "Good Days Bad Days". CONS: There are a lot of awful/unknown songs on their playlist. The best song to play to is Katy Perry's "Hot N Cold", which is saying a lot for the buxom beauty.

DANCE DANCE REVOLUTION LIGHT konami.net ♥ itunes.apple.com Dance Dance Revolution DDR have been a 'revolution' since its days from Japan ala 1998. The demo version of their game (the full version is still not available), shows that it hasn't changed much in its four directional tap on the iPod. The demo only has one song and it's really hard. PRICE: Free PROS: Graphics are cute, song is catchy - although in Japanese. CONS: One song, and it's way too hard. You can cheat by tapping all four direction and it will get you a passing grade.

AERO GUITAR FREE yudo-aero.com ♥ itunes.apple.com Aero Guitar Free There is a paid version, but after playing the demo, there wasn't any compelling reason for me to pay for the actual product. The game is played by tapping, flipping, and shaking, and generally really easy to pick up and learn. PRICE: Free PROS: By adding the shaking and flipping, it adds new elements in the game. CONS: Graphics are very amateurish. It's not cute... it just looks crowded and messy, like it was designed by some kid in high school (which it probably is).

 02/08/2009 23:47:40 ♥ vu () ♥weheartmusic.com♥podcast.weheartmusic.com♥news.weheartmusic.com 

The funnest iPod ever.

AE & Prozax - Clamato Fever (Menu) AE & Prozax Read More iPod Applications http://weheartmus... Guess what? I have an iPod Touch Second Generation. I love it. I mostly use it for an internet de...

FREE STREET FIGHTER II HD REMIX SOUNDTRACK
I'll have to admit, I was pretty good back in the days of Street Fighter II as Guile or Ryan/Ken. I saw that the "HD Remix" game finally made its way to downloadable Playstation Store (incidentally, I tested out "Home" and although it looks fantastic - but what exactly is the point?).

The game, as a download, is very expensive at $14.99, more than most PS1 games! Come on, Capcom, there's no cost of manufacturing to order discs, this should be priced at $8, that's reasonable. If you're not going to buy it, like me, you can get the next best thing: a free downloadable soundtrack.

The only downside is that they want you to do the torrent thing, and if you don't have a torrent client, you'll have to download each track individually. It's a painfully slow task (I mean, it's not too much to ask them to zip all 66 files in one big file, you know?)

The soundtrack is more electronized/modernized, but you'll recognize most of these songs - even if you haven't heard these in years.

The next few items are all for tips for your iPod Touch, since I have been spending a lot of time with it.

Shozu

UPDATE YOUR VOX WITH YOUR IPOD
Although Six Apart did developed a mobile version for their TypePad, there's no Vox support. In fact, if you read the reviews, people are complaining that it's "free, but not free"... since you need a paid typepad version to get some millage out this application.

Well if you're looking for a free iPod version, check out Shozu! I did some tests here and it looks pretty decent for a mobile updater. There's some drawbacks, like the limit of number of words you can write! Weak!

Pownce users should check it out since you guys are into the moblogging thing.� It's free, so if you don't like, just throw it out.

Italk

TURN YOUR IPOD INTO A PORTABLE VOICE RECORDER
This is quite easy to do, first you'll need an iPod/iPhone-compatible mic (this means the plugin needs to have a mic and stereo headphones in the same jack). Something like the cheap Philips iPhone Microphone Adapter for $10 will work. You'll also need to get the free version of Griffin's iTalk Recorder (don't bother paying for the "professional version", which is the same software but no advertisements).

Audio recording is so-so, but you get what you pay for I reckon. Supposedly you can transfer the audio files to your computer using their syncing wifi software. Unfortunately it does not seem to work for me. I got it to connect to my iPod, but the file I drag-and-drop just turns up as a folder instead of a file. Perhaps it's just my computer's securities?

Fring

TURN YOUR IPOD INTO A PHONE
Using the same mic as above, download the free Fring on the iPod. There are several VOIP option on Fring, but the one I'm using and I found best of all, is Skype. If you already pay for Skype out, you can now call regular telephones, if you're using the free Skype version, you are limited to only other Skype users.

I found in my testing that the audio is poor (possibly due to cheap mic), and there is a slight delay - but otherwise usable.

If you don't use Fring for its voice feature, it also doubles as an IM Client - works with Aim, Messenger, Yahoo, etc.

Joost

WATCH TV ON YOUR IPOD (WELL SORT OF)
Get Joost on the iPod/iPhone and you'll be watching full episodes of really old televison shows. Don't bother browsing through their menu, the best way to find something is to do a search on the application. As for the shows that I'm interested and have seen on Joost on the iPod is Macgyver (wow these shows aren't very realistic), V, and Jericho.

Unfortunately the software is buggy, and it's not uncommon to have the software crash on you. Very annoying when you're 80% into the show and it crashes. Quality and audio is decent, watchable, but by no means a replacement for the big television or computer monitor. I just hope they improve stability.

I just wish Hulu was on the iPhone! Please make this happen!

Kaiser Chiefs on iPod

 

Kaiser Chiefs - I Heard It Through The Grapevine

GET VIDEOS FOR YOUR IPOD
Using keepvid.com or various ways to download youtube videos, you can them as *.FLV (flash video). If you are super lazy, you can install Real Audio and it will offer "Download This" as an option over any Flash video.

Once you have the videos, you can get the free iPod Video Converter to convert any video file to an iPod compatible format.

So there's this legal question about downloading music videos. To me, these are promotional videos, they are meant to be seen by many people as possible... and why would anyone care how you watch them, as long as you're watching them? And obviously you love it enough to want to permanently add it to your iPod to watch forever and ever.... Besides the videos you download off youtube is often pretty low quality.

Apple sells music videos, which I think is way overpriced at $1.99 per video. I recommend buying a music DVD you love and ripping it yourself, since you'll stil have a higher quality version on DVD as a backup.

As an example, here is the video for Kaiser Chiefs (kaiserchiefs.co.uk/myspace.com). The latest video and single is called "Good Days, Bad Days" and features what looks like it's stop-animation. I think it comes off as sort of choppy. If you like all-things-rocknrolly, they are a bit energic live, from what I remembered of them in 2007, so be sure to check them out in 2009:

01/19/09 Columbia Halle Berlin
01/20/09 Tonhalle Munich
01/21/09 Palladium Cologne
01/23/09 Rockhal Luxembourg
01/24/09 AB Brussels
01/25/09 AB Brussels
01/27/09 Zenith Paris
01/28/09 Transbordeur Lyon
01/29/09 Razzamatazz Barcelona
01/31/09 Coliseum Porto
02/01/09 Coliseum Lisbon
02/02/09 La Riviera Madrid
02/05/09 Alkatraz Milan
02/06/09 Volkshaus Zurich
02/07/09 Gasometer Vienna
02/09/09 Alter Schlachthof Dresden
02/10/09 Phonixhalle Mainz
02/12/09 VEGA Copenhagen
02/13/09 Sentrum Oslo
02/15/09 Sportshalle Hamburg
02/16/09 Heineken Music Hall Amsterdam
02/22/09 Trent FM Arena Nottingham
02/23/09 Sheffield Arena Sheffield
02/24/09 NIA Birmingham
02/26/09 Corn Exchange Edinburgh
02/27/09 AECC Aberdeen
02/28/09 Metro Radio Arena Newcastle
03/02/09 MEN Manchester
03/03/09 Echo Arena Liverpool
03/04/09 CIA Cardiff
03/06/09 Wembley Arena London

HOW TO REMOVE AUDIO BOOKS FROM MUSIC
Finally, as a tip for audio book listeners, you may want to check out MP3 to iPod Audio Book Converter. This wonderful free software converts your audio book MP3 into the correct audio book format, and you can put it in as one big long file. You may ask why you would want to do this, well the answer is simple: since all MP3s are considered as music files, when you put your library to shuffle, occasional an audio book file will pop up! Since audio book files are treated differently, you won't see these in normal music now. Unfortunately, these M4P files aren't universal as MP3s, so you may want to keep your original MP3 files.

That's it for now, if you've got a great iPod tip, please let me know. Software developers, please consider doing more with downloadable maps (that does not require internet access)! I will pay (but not over $10) for a great Minneapolis/Minnesota map with bus or train information. That's not asking too much is it?

Links: www.weheartmusic.com podcast.weheartmusic.com news.weheartmusic.com

iPod Applications

Van Halen - You've Got The Touch

Van Halen

Guess what? I have an iPod Touch Second Generation. I love it. I mostly use it for an internet device (checking email or surfing the web) while being mobile (watching television). This device is just like the iPhone, minus the AT&T expensive phone contract and camera and mic.

What I absolutely love about the iPod Touch is the built-in speakers. Seriously, all iPods should have built-in speakers.

If you are interested in getting movies you own from DVD, I recommend the paid DVD Fab and for free, I hear Handbrake does a great job (although I've never used it). Set pixels to 480x* to optimize for the iPod or iPhone.

Oh, yeah besides the internet, watching movie, and games, it also plays music. If you're in the market for a new music device, you may want to reconsider getting the Touch. The cheapest model is 8 gigs for $229, it's cheaper than most Netbooks so keep that in mind if you are thinking of getting a net device for travel.

iPod Touch

PRICE: $229, $299, $399
PROS: Too many to mention, see description above. 
CONS: You have to use iTunes.  You must use its touch interface, so if you have no fingers, you're out of luck.  I also don't like that you can't play videos in 'sleep' mode and there is no controls in landscape mode for audio (seriously, WTF is that about?).  The chrome back is easily scratch (as with all iPods) so you must spend another $30 on a iPod case.  The cost associated with any Apple products is unbelievable too. So before you dive into Apple, make sure you can afford it.

Below is my guide to ten applications that I love (mostly free too!). PLEASE send me your suggestions... I am a cheapskate, so I prefer the free ones.

GOOGLE EARTH earth.google.com ♥ mobile.google.com/apple/earth Google Earth PRICE: Free PROS: This is such a cool application, if you've never tried it on your computer, you're in for a treat. New features on Apple includes that crazy pinching and expanding touch and rotation... such a pleasure to use! CONS: Unfortunately, if you've paid for a Google Earth Pro account ($400), this application doesn't have any of those benefits.	VAY somoga.com/games/vay ♥ iTunes Vay PRICE: $4.99 PROS: I've been waiting for a game like this! It's a port from a 1994 Sega game, and it's classic RPG in the vein of Final Fantasy. Right now I'm not very far into it, but I love it. CONS: Some things could be improved, like wouldn't it be awesome if you click on the character's icon and it brings up their equipment/inventory?
POCKETPEDIA bruji.com/pocketpedia ♥ iTunes Pocketpedia PRICE: Free PROS: Despite the lame icon and name, in my opinion, this is actually a pretty useful tool if you want to remember what you own or compiling a wishlist. CONS: If it doesn't exist on Amazon, apparently it doesn't exist.	WORD FREAK anniyalogam.com/word_freak ♥ iTunes Word Freak PRICE: Free or $0.99 PROS: Five letter word for this game? GREAT! There is a paid version, but the free one is just as fun. Spent hours and hours playing this game. CONS: Ugly graphics and user interface.
iSAY gabcas.net/international ♥ iTunes ISay PRICE: $0.99 PROS: I grabbed this when it was free, now it's $0.99. It's a small amount to pay, so I'm still recommending it. Maybe if you're not very good at memorization, you may not want this game. CONS: If the makers of "Simon Says" doesn't sue them...	FUZZLE candycaneapps.com/fuzzle ♥ iTunes Fuzzle PRICE: Free or $0.99 PROS: Addictive puzzle game, similar to that other bug game, but I prefer this version. CONS: Can't see why you would want to pay $0.99 for more additional hard level punishment, it's just as good on easy!
DICE BAG iTunes Dice Bag PRICE: Free PROS: Ever finding yourself in need of a 20-sided die? Well fear not D&D fans, Dice Bag is just for you. Lots of paid dice applications, but I got this one because it costs nothing. CONS: No animations, no frills number generator.	BALANCE web.me.com/cwakamo ♥ iTunes Balance PRICE: Free PROS: This is actually such a great program. Includes password protection and I think I would pay for syncing option with my financial software like Quicken or something.  Did I mention it was FREE?  Awesome! CONS: Doesn't sync with anything.
TWITTERIFFIC iconfactory.com/twitterrific ♥ iTunes Twitteriffic PRICE: Free or $9.99 PROS: If you use Twitter, this is a must-application for you. CONS: Free version includes advertisements, paid version is a ridiculous $10. Unbelievable.  Not even sure what the paid version offers, but it doesn't seem like it's worth it to upgrade.	DICTIONARY iTunes ♥ xyster.net AA Dictionary PRICE: $2.99 PROS: Of all the dictionaries on the iPod, this looks the best. CONS: I actually grabbed this when it was free, it's now $2.99. There are a few free dictionary, so I suggest getting the free one.

Links: www.weheartmusic.com podcast.weheartmusic.com news.weheartmusic.com

 11/13/2008 10:02:54  ♥ written by vu ()