We have an update on last night’s post sbout how my iPhone pre-order shipment looked like it was destined to show up early according to the UPS tracking number provided by Apple. Many other happy iPhone customers received the same information from UPS. A couple days later, the received news that their shipments would not show up early and that the “receiver” had asked for the shipment to be delayed.

I won’t repeat all of the details, but I do have an update. Apple just sent me an email regarding the delayed shipment:

To Our Valued Apple Customer:

Thank you for your recent order with Apple.

Our records indicate that your iPhone 3G S pre-order has shipped.

Our carrier’s website may have displayed an incorrect delivery

date for your order. However, we expect your iPhone order to be

delivered on time on June 19, 2009.

You can view the most up-to-date status of your order at

<http://apple.com/orderstatus>.

Thank you for shopping at the Apple Online Store.

Sincerely,

Apple Online Store Team

I don’t think they displayed the incorrect information for everybody Apple, I just think your expending a lot of effort in order to hold orders back until the actual release date. Question is, is it to be fair to all who are buying the shiny new device or is it because your system is not ready for the activation of the phones?

UPDATE – iPhone 3Gs Pre-Order Shipments (Definitely) Being Delayed by Apple? is a post by Adam Helweh from Notebooks.com.

The new update came in at a fairly slim 230 MB and took me about 10-15 minutes to complete. To my knowledge, that was an extremely fast update compared to last year’s 2.0. For those of you who have not updated yet, here is a quick checklist for you before you get into all the 3.0 goodness.

1. Update all of your apps on your device or via iTunes.

   Most of the app developers have provided OS 3.0 compatible updates to their software. There are sure to be stragglers, but update what you can now.

2. Synch your iPhone to backup your data.

   Once in a while things don’t go according to plan. Before updating your iPhone I strongly suggest that you synch your device and wait patiently for it to backup all of your data. This is your rescue when things go wrong.

What do you think of the update?

Update and Rejoice! iPhone OS 3.0 is Available to Download Now is a post by Adam Helweh from Notebooks.com.

iPhone 3Gs Pre-Order Shipments Being Delayed by Apple? is a post by Adam Helweh from Notebooks.com.

1. Flip Video Camera:

   The very handy Flip Video camera has been selling like hot cakes over the last year. I recently hosted an event and saw no less than 10 of the 50 attendees using their Flip Video cameras to capture the action. Their size and ease of use make them a great device for people who don’t want to deal with all kinds of buttons and lenses. The devices have become to popular that Cisco Systems took notice and recently acquired Pure Digital Technologies Inc., the company that makes the Flip Video camera.

   If it’s so cool, why will the iPhone 3Gs keep you from buying this?

   One of the most significant upgrades to the iPhone with the 3Gs model is the ability to shoot video. Apple recognized that users shot more photos with the iPhone than any other mobile device over the last couple years. With that said, Apple has invested some extra effort into their latest model. The 3Gs model now captures VGA (640 x 480) resolution video at 30 frames per second. Not everyone has their Flip Video camera with them at all times, but you almost always have your iPhone with you. I am sure we will see a surge in iPhone video sharing over the next 6 months.

   

2. GPS System:

   I received my first GPS only a couple years ago from my wife as a gift. After using it for only a couple of weeks I realized that it was a device that I would soon miss if anything ever happened to “Jason” (that was the name of the voice we chose on the GPS to announce the turn-by-turn direction). Eventually someone did break into my car one evening and kidnap poor Jason. Not long after I purchased another GPS to fill my need to aimlessly roam about the state without worrying I would ever get lost. Long before I first used “Jason” GPS systems were already being used by many on the dashboards of their cars and quickly became more compact and portable. For those who travel for business or like to get out and explore the countryside, GPS are a lifesaver.

   If it’s so cool, why will the iPhone 3Gs keep you from buying this?

   It took some time, but the first generation iPhone eventually got what I would call ‘GPS like” functionality. It really didn’t do a great job doing much more than detecting your location within 3 miles of where you where standing. The iPhone 3G improved upon that adding a real GPS chip. Now, with the addition of the magnetic compass and a new application from Tom Tom, the iPhone 3Gs brings the complete package. I am eagerly awaiting the release of the new Tom To app and car kit. 90% of the addresses I need are already store in my iPhone contacts. Stack on support for hands free calling and and the ability to play your iPod music on your car stereo and your golden!

3. Nintendo DS:

   The Nintendo DS handheld gaming device has single handedly kept Nintendo alive during the trying years before their latest big hit, the Wii. Recently Nintendo released an updated handheld gaming system called the “DSI”. This upgrade features the same fun collection of games to choose from with the addition of things such as a small digital camera, support for playing Mp3′s, and a web browser for surfing the web. All great additions to a solid device tat has been sought after by millions each holiday season. No other handheld gaming system has been able to get close.

   If it’s so cool, why will the iPhone 3Gs keep you from buying this?

   What’s better than a hugely successful handheld gaming device to keep you company on long trips and boring evenings? How about a hugely successful device that doubles as one of the best handheld media players on the planet, captures great photos/video, has a full featured web browser? The iPhone has all of that and has proven itself over the last year as one of the best handheld gaming devices available. Although Nintendo has positioned the DSI to be an device worthy of being carried in tow by adults and kids alike. But lets get real, what would you rather pull out of your bag on a crowded bus or while waiting in line? Although the Nintendo DSI has quite the array well known game titles to choose from, the convenience of having dozens of great titles right on your iPhone make the device extremely popular. The iTunes app store has made Apple millions of dollars and has blossomed the carriers of many independent developers who keep churning out a never ending supply of games. Out of the 20 categories represented on the iTunes app store, the lion’s share of downloads are from the “Games” category. These games will continue to keep many casual gamers busy for some time to come.

3 Devices the iPhone 3Gs Will Keep You From Buying is a post by Adam Helweh from Notebooks.com.

First look at the iPhone 3Gs in the Wild… Very Fast! (w/ Video) is a post by Adam Helweh from Notebooks.com.

1. You have one email address that you check no more than once a week:

   One of the most widely used features by the largest number of iPhone users (besides the phone feature itself) has to be email. The convenience and ease of setting up and managing multiple email accounts on the iPhone is incredible. If you rarely check your email or don’t have an email account at all then the iPhone is probably not for you. No need to waste your hard earned cash on a $30/month data plan if your not going to need it.

2. You have no intention on installing iTunes or synching your iPhone:

   To some current iPhone users this might sound ridiculous, but I know a handful of people who have never once attached their iPhone to a computer and have no idea why they should. By not synching your iPhone to your iTunes account, you miss out on a number of things… most notably backing up the data (or lack thereof) on your iPhone. Imagine the fry guy drops his iPhone in the fryer accidently while sending his girlfriend a flirty text message when the boss isn’t looking. He could just buy himself a new iPhone and be up and flirting in a no time right? Sure, but all his friend’s phone numbers, photos of his girlfriend from their weekend roadtrip, and other data would be lost. Back ups are good a thing.

3. You don’t like to travel or attend events:

   There are a ton of features that make the iPhone 3G and the new iPhone 3Gs a perfect companion for those of us who are not hermits. You could add new and interesting people or businesses to our address book (don’t forget to shoot a quick snapshot to add their smiling face to their contact information), manage your appointments with the handy calendar application, and capture special moments using the new 3 megapixel photo and video camera with autofocus on the iPhone 3Gs. Add these features to a growing list of social networking applications, like the Facebook and Twitter apps and you can share your experiences with friends and family every step of the way. Lets not forget to integrated GPS and Google maps to guide you to new destinations on road trips. Don’t like people or can’t stand traveling outside of the city limits? Then these features might not get much milage from your phone.

There you have it. A few reasons why the new iPhone 3Gs or the original iPhone 3G might not be your cup of tea. I love my iPhone and I recently pre-purchased an iPhone 3Gs to replace my 1st generation iPhone. Although I think the iPhone is a device that can open up a whole new world of experiences for anyone willing to use all the tools, applications, and games available on the platform, it is safe to say that it is a device that not everyone should spend their hard earned money on. Do you know anyone who seems to have purchased an iPhone for the “coolness” factor, but doesn’t really use more than one or two features? Could they get away with purchasing a standard cell phone with no data plan?

3 Reasons the iPhone 3Gs is Not For You is a post by Adam Helweh from Notebooks.com.

Xavier posted the commercials with some brief comments about the latest Microsoft “Laptop Hunter” advertisement.

First, I think that too much attention is being given to these ads. Microsoft has quickly pushed out a few other marketing efforts this year starring Gates, Seinfeld, a variety of common folk and celebs claiming to be PC’s, the hidden “Mohave Project” and finally some cuddly kids who can enhance a photo within two clicks of a lambs tail. You might notice that they share one thing in common, in every one (with the exception of the Seinfled/Gates ones) the stars of the adverts proclaim proudly “I’m a PC”. My question to you is, what is a “PC”?

Is the connection made by the average user to the operating system or with the computer itself? In the latest “Laptop Hunter” videos the supposed citizens on the street have chosen a Toshiba, HP, and Sony if I remember correctly. With the multitude of PC options available by so many brands, wouldn’t it be easier for them to concentrate on the operating system, its features, and potentially any additional software packages that they produce which are available on the PC?

When watching the adverts you can clearly see that those who Microsoft sends in to pick out their laptop under $1,500 obviously don’t seem to do any research before purchasing the computers. Most of their efforts are based on the aesthetics and the price tags associated with each computer. The mother and son in the latest commercial discuss the need for a “fast computer” so they can check things on a website just before running out to her son’s practice. In other words, they simply need a computer to surf the web, send emails, and possibly type up some homework. If that’s the case then why not go for a $600 laptop? Oh wait, because of the Blueray drive in it. We all love to pay a great deal extra to be tethered to our laptops to watch hi-definition entertainment. It must be for the quick road trips to games and practice right?

So far I think the commercials are a bit condescending to PC users who have expressed loud and clear that an affordable PC is no good if the operating system sucks.

I can’t remember the last time I heard someone complain about their experience with their Mac. The most common comment I have heard is “It just works.” How much would you pay for something to just do what its supposed to do? Would you pay more than the “other guy”? Apple adds a great deal of additional value to their products with out of the box software like iLife, Mail, and OSX which empower users to do an incredible amount of things within minutes of firing up their Macbook for the first time. My last Windows laptop and desktop provided me nothing but trial software and a couple of hard-to-use applications. I never really had an issue with Windows XP, but I was blown away my first time using OSX Leopard.

Microsoft needs to focus on creating a reliable, user friendly product that integrate well with whichever vendor the buyer chooses. Whether they choose a $500 laptop or one at $1,500, they are both going to have Windows installed on them. There is no way around this. When buyers are “wowed” money is no object. Apple has done a great job at “wowing” a record number of buyers over the last few years. Will Windows 7 be Microsoft’s turn? Isn’t the “wow” what they promised with Vista?

If we see some innovation from Microsoft over the next couple years then price won’t be the focus of their commercials. Lets see the real “wow” from the guys in Redmond shall we?

Microsoft’s ‘Laptop Hunters’ Commercials Ignore What Matters is a post by Adam Helweh from Notebooks.com.

In any case, I use both Skype and iChat on a daily basis for voice conversations with clients, friends, and others I work with. In the past I relied on either my computer’s built in microphone or on my combination headphone/mic usually used for my iPhone.

The TR-10 is perfectly shaped to plug into an available usb port and place right next to you on your desk or coffee table. Do you find yourself using Skype or iChat for group conference calls, huddling around a single computer trying to understand what’s being said by the people on the other side? Just get one of these puppies and place it in the middle of the huddle. The TR-10 is pretty loud and does a good job of making sure your voice is heard by those listening to you one the other line.

The TR-10 has two modes that can be changed by the flip of a switch on the side of the device. One is the previously mentioned speakerphone mode. The other allows you to pick up the TR-10 and put it to your ear like a corded phone. If this is the feature that makes you want to purchase the TR-10, I suggest you pass on it and check out one of iPevo’s handheld Skype phones. The shape of the TR-10, position of the cord, and little rubber feet used when laying flat in speakerphone mode make it feel awkward and sometimes uncomfortable when held to your ear. Keep it placed on the table and your golden.

A couple other notable features of the TR-10 make it more than just a speaker and microphone. The device itself sports a series of buttons to control your conversation. You can initiate conversations with the push of a button, control the volume, mute, and even record conversations using the Ipevo Control Center application. These all come in handy when you have your laptop placed across the table and you need to place someone on hold or record something to review later.

One thing to be aware of when using the TR-10, you must have the Control Center software running in order to use the device. On multiple occasions I started conversations with people on Skype only to find myself fumbling to get the Control Center application started while the person on the line wonders what’s wrong with their connection. Even worse, do not run the iChat and Skype versions (remember, there are two versions) at the same time. You and the person on the call will hear a very annoying echo due to both applications broadcasting the conversation.

Overall, I think the TR-10 is a great addition to your laptop bag. With a newly reduced price of $49.00 (previously $79.99) you might want to grab one of these today.

Review of the Ipevo TR-10 Speakerphone for Skype & iChat is a post by Adam Helweh from Notebooks.com.

 After installing the Zumodrive app on your notebook (Mac or PC ) you will be able to access it in your system tray. Just like Mobile Me, you will see a new drive icon available right next to your local drives on your computer. You can access stored files using the previously mentioned Zumodrive directory or through the web app making your files available wherever you might be. 

Zumodrive takes it a step further by allowing a number of easy sharing options to be used for each individual file and entire folders. You can link to any file or folder, embed appropriate file types into an web page using the embed code provided and you can also allow users to access “shared” folders or files with varying levels of access. Sharing is as simple as adding user’s emails to a list and specifying whether or not they can only view files, view and download, or view and edit files.

There is even a version history on each file and a record of recent activity if you want to check and see when and what files files have been accessed. Zumodrive also creates photo albums from folders of images and generates an easy to navigate slideshow viewer to display them.

Although I have only recently signed up for the service I was immediately impressed with the level of options and detail put into the application, both on the desktop and on the web.

The fun doesn’t stop there though. Zumodrive also has a free iPhone app called Supersize Me . The iPhone app lets you browse general files and documents from your Zumodrive via the web and adds a couple other features. Most notably is the music section of the app that enables you to store as many Mp3′s as you would like on the cloud and play them like the  ipod music app  directly on your iPhone. In essence, the web app is streaming your music library directly to your iPhone. This feature is best used with a wi-fi connection. Testing out the feature on my 1st generation iPhone using the Edge service took a significantly longer time to stream a song, but eventually it started and played without any hiccups.

There are a lot of little bells and whistles to play with and considering the fact that it just opened up to public beta users I would expect more useful features in the future from  Zumodrive. It is currently available for the Mac, Windows, and the iPhone (Android support coming soon).

You get 1GB of storage free for signing up and the next level of plans starting at $2.99/month for 10GB all the way to 500GB for $79.00/month. Compare that to Apple’s Mobile Me service at $99 per year with 20GB of storage space and significantly different focus of features and it’s a bit of a toss up. I would miss my push email, calendar and contacts in Mobile Me so I don’t think I would jump ship just yet. A well thought out interface, cross platform support, and useful features makes Zumodrive something to try on for size.

Supersize Your Computer and Mobile Devices with Zumodrive (Video) is a post by Adam Helweh from Notebooks.com.

On February 12th Apple added a feature to enable Mobile Me users to quickly and easily share large files with others. In the past many people would resort to using popular services like Yousendit.com to send large files, multiple megabytes in size, to others without having to upload them to a personal host or server. Now when you select an individual file you see an option to the right to “Share File…”. Simply fill in the recipient’s email address and enter a message and your file is ready to be sent. You also have the option to password protect the file or kill the link after a specific number of days. In order to send multiple files you must select multiple files and in the ‘List of Actions” menu on the top choose to compress the files into one package. Then select that file and share as mentioned previously.

more recent update on February 25th reveals some improved performance related updates:

Mail

• Compose window address selector shows all email addresses for contacts, not just home and work addresses.
• Newly added email addresses to Contacts appear in the compose window selector without having to logout and login.
• Improved printing of HTML formatted messages.

Contacts

• vCard export supports all text fields.
• Improved results when searching with both first and last names.
• Improved Japanese name ordering.

Calendar

• Faster start time when accessing Calendar for the first time.
• Faster performance when switching between day/week/month views.
• Calendar now retains your last view settings, such as day, week, or month view, as well as showing or hiding the To Do panel.

Apple has come quite a long way since the fiasco of the initial Mobile Me launch. The addition of these easy file sharing features could make it a more appealing offering for some who have been on the fence. What do you think? Do you have a Mobile Me account? What feature do you feel Apple should focus on next?

Now Share Large Files the Easy Way with Mobile Me is a post by Adam Helweh from Notebooks.com.