A Great Power Charger for Multiple Devces at a Time

We all have so many mobile devices these days and we need to have a place to charge them up...but where?  Here's an all-in-one charger that plugs into a single outlet but can charge 4 devices.

Before

 

Thank goodness for the Antec Quad Port USB Charging Station. We have two of these puppies at my home. My wife uses one for all of her devices...iPad, iPhone, keyboard for the iPad and bluetooth ear piece. They are all neatly charged from a single charger.

I pack the Antec Quad Port Charging Station when we travel. It's a neat package of just USB cables to the devices and a single 110v plug. How cool is this.

The Antec Quad Port Charging Station has a single plug-in but has places for four (4) USB ports for the cables for charging. Two for higher voltage like the iPad and the other two for general devices like smart phones, etc.

The Antec Quad Port Charging Station costs $29.95 direct but can also be found on Amazon.com for $22.88. This is one of the most useful tech gadgets we own.

Antec Quad Port Charging Station Specifications:

• 4 port USB
• 2 port 1 AMP
• 2 port 2 AMP
• AC input: 100-240Vac, 0.8A, 50-60Hz
• DC output: 5V
• USB output: 2x2A, 2x1A

My 10 Most Useful iPad Apps - June 2013

To me, a most useful app is one that I use virtually every day. It helps me get something done or provides useful information to me in a manner I can use. Since I have a vision disability I need larger print so many apps have a bias to this required feature. As a result, many very useful apps are not on my list if I cannot see it well.

I write this article regularly and some new apps move into my Top 10 while others move. This time is no exception.

My Personal Productivity apps:

Mail I am in and out of e-mail on my iPad, smart phone and laptop all through the day. I prefer the iPad's included e-mail app as I like the way it allows me to have all of my e-mail accounts appear in a single mailbox view. This is easy and convenient. The app also allows me to make the text larger so I can see it better. Included on the iPad.

Pocket Informant Pro
I've tried many calendar apps on my iPad as I look at the calendar every day. I am always looking for one where I can get the text large enough for me to read as well as be a good calendar. Pocket Informant is more than a calendar though. I have my contracts, to do list and notes all in one. I have returned to Pocket Informant Pro but I am still looking. $14.99.


Nightstand Central
Since I have to charge the iPad and I need a nightstand alarm clock with very large letters; Nightstand for iPad fits the bill perfectly. I just set the iPad up as my night stand alarm clock and plug it in to charge. The numbers are 1 3/4 inches tall, shows the weather for my location and I can even dim the screen so it doesn't light up the room all night.
FREE but there is a pay version that allows for your own background photos as wall paper. FREE with a $2.99 version that allows for your own photos as a background.

Social Media:

Tweetbot (alternate Twitter app)
I am in and out of Twitter every day and post a link to this Tablet Grandpa blog on Twitter. It took me a while to understand and then love what Twitter provides. It shows short and easy to read quips, information and links to what people are saying and I get to choose the people. See my article on how Twitter is useful.
I gladly paid the $2.99 since I can easily read it throughout the day.

Facebook
I have a love / hate relationship with Facebook and Facebook replacement apps. Replacement Facebook apps have some extra features beyond Facebook's own app and I like that but none of them have everything. What irks me most is that I cannot enlarge the text enough to make it comfortable to read. I put up with it because I really enjoy staying in touch with my friends and family and communicating with some of them. Eventually, someone will make that perfect blend of features and ability to enlarge the text for me. Until then love / hate it is. FREE

My News and Information sources:

Feedly
For reading news, blogs and other articles on the web; I've used an RSS (really simple syndication) reader to pull articles into a single place where I can skim and go to the detail if I choose. I've used Google Reader for many years but Google has decided to discontinue it in July 2013. Feedly also works on my Android smart phone too. FREE


AP Mobile
There are many news apps for the iPad, some of which I like very much but none allow me to enlarge text enough to make them comfortable to read. That's right, AP mobile is the only one I have found so far. Also available for iPhone and Android smart phones. FREE

Contra Costa Times (part of the Bay Area News Group)
A new entry to my Top 10 Most Used iPad Apps. My local newspaper has had an iPad app for about 2 years but it was so slow and aggravating that I gave up on it. Well, they improved the performance and I am as happy as can be. My local newspaper, easy and enjoyable to read and I can even share individual articles via e-mail, Facebook or Twitter. FREE but requires a subscription.
 



 Pocket

I love to read but it so difficult with my vision disability. I require large text and a nice contrast between the task and paper in order to see properly. As a result, books and newspapers are out. However, Pocket saves me because I can "clip" web sites, web articles and other news on the web to Pocket where I have the text set to very large on a very white background. Via my smart phone, I can "share" tweets from bloggers that will put the bloggers article right into Pocket where I can read it comfortably. Pocket also strips out web and blog advertising and just shows you the text and included pictures. Pocket is FREE.

Intellicast HD
I am a bit of a weather junkie and have used many free and paid weather apps for the iPad. Beyond being easy to read, I love looking at radar images of weather. I can see a 2 week forecast as wells as an hourly forecast over the next 24 hours. Many free weather apps limit you to one or just a few weather locations but Intellicast allows many cities. Intellicast is my current weather app of choice but I continue to look at the latest and greatest weather apps. FREE

My Personal Health app:

MyFitnessPal Calorie Counter
Over the past months I have been on a weight loss program initiated by myself under a doctor's care. Monitoring calories and exercise are two elements and this little gem of an app has kept me informed and provided needed information about calorie intake. MyFitnessPal's screens allow you to quickly and easily enter your food consumption by meal item and portion size to give your precise calories consumed. It's database of food items as wells as a very large list of common restaurant menus, show a very accurate calorie intake count. This way you can precisely know throughout the day how many calories you've partaken or, more importantly, how many calories you have left that you can eat. Exercise is very important to weight loss and how many calories burned from it.
I track calories, water intake (64 oz. per day for most of us), cardio and strength exercises, weight and inches for waist, hip and neck. Available for Android, iPhone and Windows Phone 8. See my article about MyFitnessPal. FREE


Here are a few apps that I like very much and use frequently--just not every day.
eWallet Go to remember my passwords.  $4.95
Flixster Movies to see the next show time wherever I am.  FREE
Microsoft OneNote for personal and other notes to save.  FREE
Evernote. Also for note taking but a little different from OneNote. I can't decide which. See my article about Evernote.  FREE
Penultimate for quick and easy note taking on the fly. See my article about Penultimate. FREE


Please share your favorite iPad apps so we can all experience them too. Thanks.

Windows 8 and the Start Button--It RETURNS!

The Windows Start Button is coming back with Windows 8.1 but that's not until October. But wait, you can get it now with any one of these apps.

 

Lots of talk, good and bad, on Windows 8 and that's pretty normal as seen over the past 20 years or so for Microsoft. I too have an opinion on Windows 8 and it's mostly good. How's that you say.

 

A few months ago I wrote articles asking the question, should I upgrade to Windows 8 and should I get a new PC with Windows 8. I love technology and I don't mind change so that makes me a bit abnormal. Beyond that, Windows 8 has some good and some bad but what doesn't. To put my word down, I like Windows 8 and can live with the deficiencies until the next version, 8.1, due out in October. Windows 8.1 will deliver much for those that won't need the "touch" features or Windows 8 on a tablet. That means people will use, what is called, the "desktop" which reminds us of Windows 7 but with better performance and other good features.

 

That brings me to today's article. Until Windows 8.1 drops in October, we can get the Start Button back now and skip the "Metro" or "Windows 8 Start Screen" and go right to the Desktop that looks like the familiar Windows 7.
 

I currently use Classic Shell. Classic Shell provides you with 3 choices of a Windows Start Button. Windows Classic, Windows Vista/7 or even that of Windows XP. I'll be many of you are smiling large right now.

 

Graphic Credit: Erez Zuckerman, PCWorld

 

Read the entire PC World Review article written by Erez Zuckerman.

By the way, Classic Shell is FREE.

 

Start Menu 8 is another FREE app that provides an almost perfect copy of the Start Menu--the resulted menu seen when clicking the Start Button. Be warned though. Start Menu 8 asks permission to install other Paid software. I don't like this one bit myself but wanted to share.

 

Skip Metro Suite 3.0 allows you some really nice flexibility with the Windows 8 Start Menu as well as letting you skip the Windows 8 Start Screen and go right to the Desktop. I have this program installed and used it for about 2 days and stopped. I just don't mind seeing the Start Menu. I bypass it with a single click or the return key as the Desktop tile is in the upper left or first position and hitting Return executes the first tile.

 

 

Skip Metro Start Screen is another FREE app.

Start 8:

Adds a Start Button to the Windows 8 Desktop

Adds an enhanced Windows 7-style menu

Pin Windows 8 apps(the modern Start Screen apps) to the start menu

Allows you to directly boot to the Windows 8 Desktop--bypassing the Start Screen

The cost is $5.00 although there is a 30 day trial.

 

 

UPDATE:  A friend shared another Start Button program for Windows 8 called Vistart. I didn't try it myself but it looks pretty good (see the graphic below). It too is FREE.

Graphic Credit: ViStart

For those cautious about Windows 8, and I don't really blame you; here is a new, 36 page Windows 8 End User Training Brochure that is very much worth reading before you invest in a Windows 8 PC or upgrading to the Windows 8 operating system. Microsoft calls this a training brochure but I think of it as the perfect Quick Start Guide to Windows 8. The only downside to this document is that there are 2 pages that are either too technical or not practical for novice PC users like us. Other than that, the guide is terrific and will only take you about 15 minutes to get through. I wish this guide was introduced right with Windows 8 but I'm only crying for a moment.

 

Please share your thoughts on Windows 8 by writing a comment below.

 

Office Replacements for iOS and Android

 

Android and iOS Won't See Microsoft Office until October 2014 Says Microsoft. Other office productivity apps are here and will have time to improve and gather customers until that time or will consumers purchase a Windows 8 tablet so they can use Office 2013? Only time will tell. Let's take a look at what is out there now. Unless otherwise noted an app will include a replacement word processor, spreadsheet and presentation app.

 

I've found quite a list of Office type apps but I have not tried them all. The purpose of this article was to put together a list to save all of you some time. Closing the one for you can be very personal. Many will only look at Free while others will be willing to pay since they might spend more time with the app. S far I am using Quick Office HD even though it will connect with Microsoft's SkyDrive cloud service.

 

Microsoft OneNote, a note taking tool that synchronizes via the web like Evernote, is part of Microsoft Office and there is an iOS and Android version right now. Not so for Word, Excel or PowerPoint and Microsoft now says Office for iOS and Android to be available October 2014. What does one do in the mean time? Wait or try something else until then.

 

Software	iOS	Android
Quick Office Pro HD. iOS - $14.99. Android - $14.99	X	X
Quick Office. Free	X
Documents To Go Standard-Office Suite. $9.99.	X
Documents To Go Premium.	X
Documents To Go Main App. Android - FREE. Documents to Go Full App. Android - $14.95		X
Apple's Pages, Numbers and Keynote. $9.99 each.	X
Google Drive. Free. Formerly Google Docs	X	X
CloudOn.	X	X
OnLive Desktop.	X
SkyDrive. Office Apps Free. Found at SkyDrive.com and works on iOS and Android devices.	X	X
Office2HD.
Smart Office 2.	X
Documents Free (mobile office suite). Free	X
Office Suite 7 Viewer for Android - FREE. Office Suite 7 Pro. Android - $14.99		X
Polaris Office Viewer Android. Free.		X
Polaris Office. iOS $19.99 down to $12.99. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/polaris-office/id513188658?mt=8. Android - FREE	X
Kingsoft Office. Android - Free		X
Assistant - For Office. $9.99		X

 

 

Please share comments about which app you like or dislike. I would love to hear.

 

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Windows 8 End User Training Brochure for Beginners. Short, Sweet and Pretty Good

Download this new Windows 8 End User Training Brochure--I call it a terrific, 36 page Getting Started Guide. I strongly believe Microsoft could have dramatically changed people's first impression of Windows 8 if this simple document was made available early on.

It is an easy and fast read at only 36 pages and those pages have great pictures with easy to understand text. In fact, this FREE guide could be read before one purchases Windows 8. It would certainly remove many fears of the new operating system.

One of the things I really like about this guide is that it is written for beginners. The language is kept plain and avoids "geek speak". It also shows how to use the mouse and keyboard to get around as well as touch. We must remember that many will upgrade to Windows 8 on older PCs instead of buying a new computer that has the new touch feature.

Also note the very good description of Internet Explorer 10. I've heard from many beginners that they don't like Internet Explorer on Windows 8 because there are no longer tabs. Indeed there are tabs but they are out of the way to allow for a much better view of the page and those friendly tabs can be easily seen with a single click or swipe.

 

I also question a few things about this guide but don't take these as serious faults. Microsoft shows the File History feature on page 19. I think of File History, a very good yet different method of backing up files but for those beyond "beginner" status. Yes, having a method to backup important information is valuable but I consider many other topics much more important for beginners to become more comfortable with Windows 8.

Another unnecessary topic for this guide is on page 24 where Microsoft describes Windows To Go, Windows 8 Enterprise In Your Pocket. Just how many people does Microsoft think will use this feature, let lane beginners? I'm sure some will but, heavens, not beginners. Geeze Microsoft.

If Microsoft wanted this user guide to show all features of Windows 8 then they left out quite a bitf but I don't believe they wanted this. If this guide was to introduce a beginner to Windows 8, which I like very much, then I believe a few topics (like the two above) could have been left for another document.

Bottom line, get this guide now and discover that Windows 8 is pretty good indeed.

UPDATE:

Myself and others have made the comment that a document like this should have been made available at launch, in fact, Microsoft produced the Windows 8 and Windows RT Product Guide.

If this article was of value to you, please share with your friends and family. Thank you.

 

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Do It Yourself Video Magnifier

There are many devices to help the visually impaired. Some are really good and others not so much. Some of the best are quite expensive. Of these are the video magnifiers that have a combination camera and monitor. The camera points down at what is to be read and projects it to the monitor. Well, I've built my own and saved well over $1,000.

First, here is what you can buy on the market now. They range in price from $1,500 to $3,100.

 

 
Here is what I put together.

 

I've been using and love the iPad right at launch a few years ago and have bragged about how it allows me to read even though I have a vision disability. Now I'm using the iPad and it's camera and taking it to a new level. All I had to find was a stand that could hold the iPad above the table so the camera could view a book, newspaper or whatever small print item I needed to read.

 

What got me thinking about building my own device came about when I discovered some software for the iPad that looked almost identical to the software on a video magnifier machine. This software was about $30.00 but got me thinking. I then searched for other software and found loads of them and many under $10.00. I then had to find the tablet stand and that took a while. I'm a big Amazon.com person so I just searched and searched.

 

Parts List and Prices

iPad. $499. New
Arkon Tablet Stand. $38.23
VGA cable. $8.64VGA to iPad 3 connector. $29.95

I looked at many iPad apps for this and have settled upon Vision Assist because it has some nice features beyond what the camera and it's zoom capabilities. Vision Assist not only has zoom but brightness, reverse text and can even change the background to yellow with black or blue text. These are common capabilities found low vision magnifying viewers. Vision Assist works on the iPhone too so you can even carry this with you for reading menus in restaurants, theatre programs, etc. Vision Assist costs $5.99.
 

There are a few other tablet stands out there. I've started with the Arkon but might evolve to one that puts the tablet a little higher.

 

Arkon Table Stand for 10" Tablet

 

VGA to iPad 3 Connector. $18.40 from Amazon. NOTE: for iPad 3. 

6 ft. High Resolution Monitor VGA, Male to Male cable.

For the latest iPads, there is a "Lightening" to VGA or "Lightening" to HDMI connector.

 

With a newer TV, you could  use an Apple iPad to HDMI adapter and an HDMI cable.

I've found 2 other uses for this device. I recently did a comparison of Android and iOS phones and used my device to project the phones to a screen. Instead of a TV I connected the iPad to a projector. Participants were as curious about my home made device as they were with the phones. I can change to scanning software on the iPad and take a picture of a document and convert it to a PDF for e-mailing or faxing right from the iPad. No need for a FAX machine or copier.

Google Keep - A Simple Note Taking App That Rings Big

I have used, and still use a variety of To Do List or Notes apps. I might be a little fixated with them but I digress. I seem to rely on them for their unique advantages but not rely on a single one. Google recently released a new app called Google Keep and it is getting mixed reviews from tech pundits.

 

 Click here to start the video manually

There are some big names in the note taking world like Evernote and Microsoft's One Note. However, simplicity is the name of the game these days and Google Keep gets a note because of just that. I love that the app starts up instantly and I can speak a note, save it and exit the app in seconds. It really does save time when I think of something I need to do and don't want to forget and that's what technology is supposed to do--save us time and energy. And as important to me because of my vision disability, the notes and text are big and easy to read. Best of all...it's FREE.

 

I can see my notes on any mobile device as well as my PC using Google Keep. The notes are large and clear and this bodes well for my vision disability.

 

Another big reason I like Google Keep is that I can use it on my Android smart phone or on the web on my PC or iPad. Use Google Keep on any other device or PC from https://drive.google.com/keep/.

 

I am not going to replace any of my note taking apps with Google Keep. I am, however, going to stop putting those quick reminders in them and use Keep instead. There are more feature rich note apps out there and I use some of them, but don't skip looking at Google Keep if all you want or need is something quick, easy and time saving.

I've been using Google Keep for over 2 months and haven't deleted it. I still use it but I am not "in love" with it. It's still simple, easy to read and all but... I think I'll keep looking. Don't blame Google Keep for this as it might be just the think for you.

 

See Get Started With Google Keep by CNET

 

Google Operating System, Unofficial news and tips about Google. March 20, 2013

BGR (Boy Genius Report) Google Launches Google Keep note-taking service March 20, 2013 by Dan Graiziano

NOTE: Google Drive is required for Google Keep. Google Drive is FREE too.

Please write a comment. I really appreciate it.

Turn Your Old Smart Phone Into A Security or Baby Cam

If you have an older smart phone laying around, put it to use or sell it. How about a security or baby cam?

With software use the phone as a security camera. I have a little windshielf suction holder for the phone that I set on the desk with the camera facing a desirable direction. Then I use FREE software to take a silent photo if the phone notices movement. The photo is then e-mailed to me for viewing as well as stored on a private web site. Here are some software titles for this purpose. Motion Spy Camera or Spy Camera OS for Android and SpyCam, Motion Detector Pro, Bodyguard Pro for iOS.

 

Tip: Have a place for the phone where it can be charged and always available.

 

If you don't want to or can't sell the phone, either give it to someone or put it to some use. I've found a few chores my old phone can still do and do nicely.

 

Put a few games on it and let the grand kids play. Even though the phone might not be able to make calls (mine cannot) it can still connect to WiFi and I put a few games on it and it's always charged up and ready for the kids. Oh, and don't forget to have a pair of ear buds to keep things silent too.

 

 

Connect speakers to it and use it to play music. Since there is quite a bit of space on the older phone as I don't have that many apps on it, there is loads of room for music. 1 GB can accommodate over 100 songs so it works nicely.

 

Use the phone as an extra camera. It's always nice to just grab this phone to take pictures. I have the phone automatically upload photos to Dropbox where I sort or discard as needed. This way I never have to remove the memory card or deal with e-mailing photos.

 

Use the phone as a portable FAX machine. Free software like CamScanner, Handy Scanner, PDF Document Scanner for Android or Cam Scanner FREE, Tiny Scan, Genius Scan for iOS.

You might be surprised how much your old phone might be worth. Here are some sites that will buy your old phones for cash. Craigslist, eBay, Gazelle.com or BuyMyTronics.com.

Share your smart phone uses in the comments and I'll share with everyone.

 

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