Liz315 » gadgets http://liz315.com blogged by Liz Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:44:35 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Fitness Technology Makes Working Out Cool http://liz315.com/fitness-technology-makes-working-out-cool/ http://liz315.com/fitness-technology-makes-working-out-cool/#comments Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:44:35 +0000 Liz http://blog.the315.com/index.php/2009/10/08/fitness-technology-makes-working-out-cool/ A few months ago Wired magazine covered fitness technology and the data tracking revolution. A month before that issue, I bought a Garmin Forerunner 305. I’ve made getting in shape a priority many times, but this time around it is so much cooler. Getting in shape is more interesting thanks to fitness technology like the [...]]]> A few months ago Wired magazine covered fitness technology and the data tracking revolution. A month before that issue, I bought a Garmin Forerunner 305. I’ve made getting in shape a priority many times, but this time around it is so much cooler. Getting in shape is more interesting thanks to fitness technology like the GPS enabled heart rate monitors, advanced data tracking software and online fitness communities.

For me, it all started with Positively Chiropractic and Endura Coaching. They inspired me to work out smartly and efficiently, not just work hard, get tired and think I did enough. Anyone serious about a sport knows the ins and outs of training matter but for those of us who just want to “get in shape” smart training also plays a huge part in how successful we are with the programs and our ultimate health.

Smart training aside, fitness tech provides me with amazing metrics. And seeing metrics allows me to see progress. If you are a geek and care about your health, fitness tech is the kind of thing you should get into.

]]> http://liz315.com/fitness-technology-makes-working-out-cool/feed/ 0 The Downside of Gadgets and Travel http://liz315.com/the-downside-of-gadgets-and-travel/ http://liz315.com/the-downside-of-gadgets-and-travel/#comments Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:24:00 +0000 Liz http://blog.the315.com/?p=63 Next weekend I am heading to Asia- the Philippines and Japan to be exact. And besides loving the travel, I love that gadgets can help me stay connected while traveling. You all know how much I have blogged about gadgets and convenience (if not, just look).

However, one major point of frustration is the fact that [...]]]> Next weekend I am heading to Asia- the Philippines and Japan to be exact. And besides loving the travel, I love that gadgets can help me stay connected while traveling. You all know how much I have blogged about gadgets and convenience (if not, just look).

However, one major point of frustration is the fact that I need a 3G phone for Japan. The last few days I have pondered my need for connectivity and what I could use to survive in Japan without voice, text, GPS and email at the tip of my fingers at all times. I think I have concluded that it will be WiFi with my Eee and calling cards with pay phones. Admittedly, this solution hurts a little. It is so old-school. I feel a bit lacking in my gadgetry that I don’t have a better idea. And renting a phone will just get me ripped off – I would be better off buying a 3G phone on eBay, which is also a waste, but at least you keep the phone. (Still, I might cave in to the rental idea.)

A day before I leave the new 3G iPhone goes on sale. It is so tempting! But I can’t imagine signing up with AT&T right now and parting with my BlackBerry – I want to wait for more options.

My final thoughts- I had believed that there were a lot of really cool phones out there. I am not sure why all “world” phones don’t support 3G. After this research, I realized that devices and service still have a way to go. However, maybe I will see some awesome and inspiring stuff in the electronic neighborhood (Akihabara) of Tokyo.

]]> http://liz315.com/the-downside-of-gadgets-and-travel/feed/ 1 Mobile Phones http://liz315.com/mobile-phones/ http://liz315.com/mobile-phones/#comments Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:37:00 +0000 Liz http://blog.the315.com/?p=57 So, after spending an hour yesterday cleaning the trackball on my BlackBerry Pearl while hoping I didn’t break it, I have been thinking a lot about mobile phones:

First thought, can I even call it a phone anymore? I definitely email more from this mobile device than I speak into it. But then again, VOIP and [...]]]> So, after spending an hour yesterday cleaning the trackball on my BlackBerry Pearl while hoping I didn’t break it, I have been thinking a lot about mobile phones:

First thought, can I even call it a phone anymore? I definitely email more from this mobile device than I speak into it. But then again, VOIP and Fring might revive this for others.

Second thought, how much does size matter in relation to capabilities? For those of you that know me in person, you know that the pockets on my clothes cannot be that big. That is why I own a little Pearl with little buttons on it. It fits me. If Apple was to release an iPhone with 3G and GPS, would I consider it worth the extra bulky pocket?

(Side thought, the new Google Maps app makes a pretty respectable attempt at finding me without GPS. Not creepy at all!)

Third thought, the cameras in phones still leave something to be desired. My digital camera is small and cute and has nice features and takes good pictures. The BlackBerry Pearl camera, well, I have to be pretty desperate to use it. (To be fair, I like that they got a flash in there.) And I know the iPhone takes pretty good pictures. But admittedly, they still have a ways to go.

Fourth thought, and you know what, I want video, too. (So, demanding!)

Fifth thought, I want my music to listen to and videos to watch without carrying another device. Again, still lacking here. My music collection wouldn’t fit on any of the current phones.

Sixth thought, back to the dirty trackball. I will trust my friends with iPhones that touch screen is the way to go. At least I wouldn’t be cleaning a tiny trackball for an hour every few months.

Last thought, I think Wi-Fi would be fun, too.

So, the final equation is: BlackBerry Pearl features and size + 3G + GPS + Canon SD1000 + video + 60 GB iPod + touch screen + Wi-Fi = perfect mobile device!

Now, I just have to wait for someone to make it – which is ok, I am stuck in a contract anyway :/

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