I logged into “My Sprint” to make sure I wouldn’t be charged for going over by data usage on my Sprint 3G Data card, and I just found out I am actually still on a gradfathered account. Wonderful! Seems I have a somewhat unlimited data plan since I got in before Sprint (and other carriers) started implementing their data usage limits.
This year I went through web hosting hell, let me tell you… but I’m quite sure many of you may know what I’m talking about. Let’s see, this year I went through GoDaddy.com, HostDepartment.com, Xo.com/Concentric Networks, and ahhh, finally Register.com. Plus, I get to try everybody elses web hosting provider in the Bay Area. None of these hosts are perfect but one of them certainly tries.
My experience with hostdepartment.com was the worst. These guys sell dirt cheap hosting, and as they say you get what you pay for. Denial is the first thing that comes to mind with this kind of support. Basically you have no telephone support and you really need to know what you are doing to set things up. The problem with their denial is that when it comes time to holding them accountable for problems with their web hosting, their tech support will generally blame you for the problems.
I finally switched everything to register.com two months ago, and let me tell, you what a difference! I don’t make a penny for telling you this, so listen up. I don’t care if you have to pay up, or its a pain in th neck…if your current web host sucks, and your website is important, then move (period.) This is much easier said than done. But, if you are serious about having a web presence, this is one of the most important decisions you will ever have to make. Assuming you are involved with this decision. And no, the company who sold you your domain name does not have to be the same company that “hosts” your website.
Many of my clients simply make the mistake of not researching this, and it is understandable because even your average tech has only an opinion of what he thinks you need, and you never really know what you are getting with web hosting providers until you actually try them, and by that time your committed for 1 year or many more. Most people would rather just suffer with their current host than try to find out how to make DNS nameserver changes. Yes, I know…the mere thought of having to figure out what DNS is, is dreaded for most people. So, if you leave it to someone else to decide, then hopefully you chose a tech who knows what he/she is talking about first of all, and second he/she should have experience with a few hosts. Generally, your webmaster will make this decision for you based on what he/she is comfortable with. In some cases the office manager or owner may take the lead when a company is started and that is when a domain is registered. My point is, make the right decision when you choose your web host for your domain.
Let’s get to more technical details later. For now, just consider the following research I have done and concluded about “register.com”:
We can go into more detail on many of these features after the break.
Ok, so I can’t really talk about this one much until I seek counsel…
But, I can tell you this…it works well, very well thank you. Apple? Are you listening? We know you are watching. We need a Netbook, or Tablet or something this fall!!
I’ve tried it on a Dell Mini 9 because of its popularity for running OSX perfectly…errr, well, maybe just some stinking Power Management issues we can live with.
The Dell Mini 9 can actually still be bought from Dell (at this time,) even though they have discontinued it.
All I needed for my Hackintosh was an 8GB Patriot USB Flash Drive, an Apple Macbook Pro, a Dell Mini 9 running Microsoft Windows XP, a Sony (DVD-R)/USB CD Drive, a small phillips screwdriver, a 16GB (or 32GB SSD Flash Drive,) and a lot of patience.
I also heard a rumor (via Gizomodo) that some geek at Best Buy had a Hackintosh running inside the store. Wow, cheers to you mate… I thought that was cool, should raise quite a few eyebrows. But, err maybe that guy at Best Buy should seek counsel too.
Look, if you have to… here is the only link you’ll need to Hackintosh a Dell Mini 9 Into the Ultimate OS X Netbook.
good luck, & see you after the break.
I’ve been searching around for a Media Server to allow me to access and share my Movies, Music, Pictures, etc… from my Mac and my PC. It seems there really isnt a clear cut leader in this field. I’ve tried Microsoft Windows Home Server (WHS), Windows Media Center, Apple’s Front Row, boxee.tv, XBMC (Xbox Media Center), and a few others including Nero’s home media solution.
If you want to get technical, then you’re going to have to first learn the difference between true streaming and on demand video streaming. You’ll also have to consider the new DLNA standard as well as uPnP.
More and more people are building massive libraries of videos, pictures, and music. This is why a media server that can (aggregate, as boxee.tv says) all this into one interface on your big TV is what most people some to want these days but cannot seem to find. It seems that there really isn’t a “great” solution yet that does everything. You have to compromise in some area since not one of these products has everything you would need froma good home media server.
More after the break.
iPhone 3GS 32GB
Ok, so I gave in and finally got a contract with AT&T. The dreaded telecommunications company now has me hooked for two years. The benefits, are pretty decent service across 95% of the Bay Area and a better call plan. Unlimited minutes with AT&T has given me a chance to see how well they can hold a call these days. And I must say I do get very few dropped calls compared to my previous service with Verizon and Metro PCS. One thing you have to know is this, reception varies from cell phone to cell phone.
Ok, so if you’ve been reading along you have already heard that I had been complaining about AT&T and the problems they gave me on their Prepaid GoPhone service. Weird thing is that after my complaints to Apple and AT&T on the phone and also through my bog I received a call about a day later from what sounded like the AT&T Gestapo! I was asked if I would participate in an AT&T survey on how well that had handle my recent calls. So I agreed and when they asked me if how I felt about using their service I told them I would probably be canceling, and so the lady asking the questions said thanks and hung up.
So, a few days went by…(actually a week) and I finally visited the AT&T Store in Belmont, CA. Wow, these guys actually listened to me and did something about the problem I was having with my old iPhone 2G. But I ended up upgrading to the 3GS anyway. Another tip, the AT&T guys at the Retail Stores seem to be a great way to resolve issues with iPhones (versus Apple.) It’s too bad they can’t help consumers with their DSL problems.
So, back to the iPhone 3GS… wow. That’s all I can say so far, besides fast, fast, fast (compared to the the 2G/3G.) And the Video Camera, well finally Apple! Here’s a clip from a recent Hackintosh I captured with the Video Camera on the iPhone 3GS:
iPhone 3GS video of HackintoshiPhone 3GS video of Hackintosh
I recenty purchased a Cradlepoint 3G Router which has a 4-port Switch and all the features you would expect from a router at this level. Wow, this thing just works. I took it out of the box and plugged in my 3G card and within about 10 seconds the web interface told me it was connected to the Sprint 3G network.
Incidentally, I tried every major 3G card out there from (AT&T, Sprint, TMobile, and Verizon) and I get to try everyone elses in the Bay Area. From my testing in the Bay Area, I have concluded that Sprint has the fastest 3G Network based on overall actual usable bandwidth.
Moving right along, I had evaluated a unit that I thought could replace traditional DSL or Comcast Cable, over a year ago but the technology just wasn’t ready yet. I think this technology is finally somewhat maturing. Cisco/Linksys has also come out with a model Linksys WRT54G3GV2-ST that has a 4 port switch.
Linksys WRT54G3GV2-ST
I will have to try that one out and get back to you. I promise to try it and summarize after the break.
Ok, so I’m back at the AT&T store and we’re going through the motions (I’m on my Macbook Pro connected to the net via Sprint 3G Card.)
The assistant manager is gonna check my account… so I wanted to take this time and remind us all about what the Get Tech Blog is all about. It’s simply this. The situation I’m in with my iPhone (almost 1 week of waiting for iPhone activation after the update to the iPhone Software 3.0.) is very frustrating and I’ve been whining about it in my blog… yes, I’m guilty of the things I tell you shouldn’t be doing.
After all we are all human right, err except maybe for a few drones at AT&T. The rest of us are not drones, so let’s all relax. And so that’s what I’ve done. Just chill out. Yes, I know it’s a Cali thing but it works.
The worst thing I could have done as the hours and days went buy was to work myself and get angry about this. AT&T just didn’t deserve this, nobody does. I’ve said time and time again that we are in the stone age of computing. Things just don’t work the way they are supposed to. Take Microsoft Windows for example, it is far from perfect. And people complain and get frustrated over it every day.
I say, know your limits. Or, know the limits of your technology more so. For example, if you keep Windows XP clean and free of viruses and use it for it’s intended purpose without nefarious activity, you may just have a pretty solid computer (just don’t update it! Yet.)
So, I’m being patient and trying to work on this problem with the guy at the AT&T store.
Hitek Mike at the AT&T Store
Ok, so it seems as though my blog is starting to sound like a Help Desk log…
I will try and spare you my painful details, but here goes..(by the way this is one of the reasons I don’t want a contract with AT&T!)
..below you will find a snapshot of my current iPhone Plan with AT&T. Many of you might not realize it but you do not have to have a contract with AT&T to have and use an iPhone with their service.
On the other hand, I will tell you this…I have gone through some pains (so that you won’t have to) to get the iPhone activated. Not just on my first, but on my second, and also on my third iPhone I had serious delays that hampered my use of this phone for anything at all. Once Apple and AT&T put you through this process of either activating a new phone or upgrading an existing phone and you get stuck, then ohhhh boy! It’s not fun, it’s not pretty. The iPhone is usesless at this point and you cannot even use it to play songs, or anything.
Don’t think it’s just the prepaid users. I have heard of many stories detailing how longtime loyal customers of AT&T’s contracts are having the same issues.
Anyways, its Apples under the tree now. Rotten Apples.
So, for me it’s been anything but fun with this new iPhone Software Update 3.0. The whole experience has been a disaster (at least for now.) My iPhone does not work for anything, and Apple and AT&T have both said it should work. Kinda.
AT&T GoPhone for iPhone
This was the final straw… AT&T has basically said that since I do not have a contract with them I can no longer use the service that I have paid for to use with my iPhone (kind of defeats the purpose of having prepaid right?)
After 12 years of having to deal with AT&T and the problems they cause for consumers in the Bay Area I have decided to pick up where I left off.
Here are some facts about the problems with AT&T and their wireless service:
- “Court Rules Lawsuit Against AT&T/Cingular Can Proceed”
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2009/05/arbitration_att.html
- AT&T has been crafty about legislation to prevent consumers from suing them, so not only are we stuck with this Monopoly but they are protected by law from us complaining. Maybe things are changing now that we have consumer affairs on their tail.
- In May 2009, I was able to recover a $500 Credit from AT&T for a customer who had their DSL disconnected on accident by a 3rd party party marketing company. (was this an admission of a problem they created?)
I am on a quest for justice. I have seen the wrongful practices by AT&T go on for much too long now. Tell me your comments or compaints about AT&T, I will share more of my customer stories here later.
By the way, it looks like Go Phone Prepaid Plan only works on all iPhones except the iPhone 3GS. This is since the iPhone 3.0 Software Update. See you after the break.
Apple iPhone + iTunes fails again!
Wow! What a mess. Apple has once again blundered the release of their coveted iPhone software. Here we go again…
The problem lies within their Servers which have not been able to keep up with the demand for this new upgrade that was released Wednesday June 17, 2009. I tried updating around 9:00AM this morning and my iPhone has not worked since! It is now past 9:30PM and I’m going to bed! Damn you Apple! I usually don’t go to bed this early but there’s nothing exciting about an iPhone that’s useless.
This is one of the reasons I’m not an Apple Fan Boy. I obviously love most of their products but Support of the iPhone product with AT&T’s network is on the sketchy side according to some recent bloggers.
I called AT&T Customer Care this evening and they transferred me to Applecare. This called was dropped on their end and I never received a call back. [6/19/09 Called Apple Customer Care 4:14AM the automated line transferred my back to AT&T.
I asked AT&T for a Ticket number since they were having me start all over for help. So the attendant told me she needed to transfer me to another extension to give a ticket, so she put me on hold.
... the next person who answered was an AT&T Tech...he decided to put me through another series of questions that I had already answered (and also told me he could not give me a ticket #]…so, he told me he was transferring me to Apple…Shane from Applecare answered.
Shane at first tried to get off the phone with me by telling me I did not qualify for phone support since my phone was out of warranty. After I explained to him that this problem was due to their software update he put me on hold and told me he could help.
(1 hour of being on the phone, later…) Kenneth (Senior Product Specialist at Apple) got on the phone with Shane (Apple) and told me he could help me from here. At this point Shane starts to ask me the same set of generic questions and I cut him off. I explain to him that the problem is in their activation servers. Shane tells me the problem is not theirs and the activation servers are actually AT&T’s problem.
I was then tranferred to Shamill (AT&T) and again she asked my the same set of questions I had already answered and she told me the guy from Apple gave her my account info (which was wrong.) So I gave her my account info. and explained again that there was not a problem on my end and that it was the activation servers…she put me on hold and told me she would check with her activation team.
(15 minutes later…) Shamill (AT&T) hangs up on me (while joking with the Apple Rep, she didn’t realize I was listening) and then calls me back. She tells me to try it again. I tell her it still does not work and she asks me for the error message, I tell her it is the same message! When she tells me she has to talk to her team, I mention that I need a Ticket # in case I get disconnected again, she tells me AT&T does not do trouble tickets the way Apple does and puts me on hold. After 20 minutes of holding, she tells me cannot assist me and that she will transfer me to AT&T GoPhone Support.
Becky from AT&T GoPhone Support tells me I should upgrade to a Plan so that they can help me since she cannot help… apparently because I switched my IMEI once when I lost my (second) iPhone they found a way to tell me there was nothing more they could do. (I got the feeling they were forcing me to get into a contract.)
6:03AM Brandon from Apple gets on the phone with Shamill (AT&T) and starts me through the process all over again. 45 minutes later Brandon and I conclude that AT&T will not be taking responsibility even though the problem is on their end. I told him I would file a complaint and he was nice enough to take my complaint an d document it accordingly.
Note, AT&T apparently no longer allows GoPhone prepaid customers to activate an iPhone. I guess I was one of the early lucky ones (since 2007.) But since my phone was already activated and I have a already paid for my service, how can they just tell me they cannot activate my phone?! Am I just out of luck because I did the 3.0 Software Update?
Note, I filed a complaint with the FCC (http://www.ftc.gov.)
Note, I filed a note/consumer complaint with KRON4 and Channel 7 news.
Note, I posted a request for legal assistance to assist in the matter and prevent AT&T from these practices.
more to follow…
Well, tomorrow they start selling the iPhone 3GS, let’s hope they don’t forget about the original G’s.
Wow.
I’m not sure what the purpose of the vehicle is, but it sure is cool looking.
It has a very high end looking PTZ Camera mounted on the front of this custom Mercedes Box Van. It looks like the owner/operator(s) were taking video of the Golden Gate Bridge.
(these pictures were taken on my iPhone 2G with 2.02 Software)
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