iPhone Part 2

Well Apple has gone and done it. In the latest firmware update for the iPhone, they blocked all third party applications. It basically turns the iPhone into an iToy. It's really sad because I really like the phone but without being able to install useful third party applications which increase the capabilities of the phone, it's just a really cool web browser. Well the iPod part is useful but I never use it so that doesn't matter to me. The thing I don't understand is how a company like Apple that is so innovative can make such bone-headed decisions like this one. They have pretty well just guaranteed that the iPhone is going to only appeal to a small niche market just like they did with Macs . . .

Apple should really think this through because there are some other really cool devices on the horizon that are going to have the cool features of the iPhone but with even bigger screen, third party app support, and without the limitations of the iPhone.

Check out these links:

http://www.deeda.com/
http://www.htctouch.com/

iPhone

So I was at a software conference last weekend called No Fluff Just Stuff. It was in Redmond and it was kind of interesting for a software geek like me but what was really cool, was that I ACTUALLY WON AN iPHONE!!!! Holy cow, I couldn't believe it, I never win anything but they were giving away door prizes and I somehow got lucky. Now I will say I have been intrigued by this phone but didn't think it was worth the $599 price tag. Well, the price has actually already dropped by $200 to $399 but I still wasn't about to buy one. Well, if someone wants to give me one, I'll take it :-) And . . . . after using the phone for a few days . . . I CANNOT BELIEVE HOW AWESOME THIS PHONE IS. While my last phone technically did most of the stuff this phone did, this phone make it immensenly easier (and funner) to do the same things. I hardly even use my computer to check email anymore because it's so darn easy and convenient to do right on the phone. Browsing the web . . . no problem, email . . . no problem . . . pictures, music, video . . . no problem. The texting is really cool . . . it groups all the messages into ongoing conversations. One the other hand Apple is making a few bone-headed descisions over the phone. One of these things is the fact that they are doing anything and everything they can to prevent third party software from being installed on the phone. I think this is a big mistake and this kind of thinking is what has kept Macs out of the main stream for so long (even though they are superior to PCs). Even so, there is software out there now that lets you install third party applications and in a matter of minutes, you can have the phone totally customized and full of all kinds of useful add-on applications.

A couple of useful websites I've found for the iPhone are:

http://www.iphoneatlas.com/
http://www.hackint0sh.org/forum/indexpage.php

I'm telling you, if Apple doesn't screw it up, this phone is going to dominate the cell phone market . . .

Suntop Peak Lookout

Suntop Sunrise 09-2007

I went up to Suntop this morning for the sun rise and took a million pictures. Here are some of the ones I liked the best. The gate near the top was closed so I ended up having to hike up to the lookout in the dark . . . oh well but I didn't think to bring a flashlight. I surprised the forest service worker who was sleeping in the lookout. He says, he has never seen anyone up there that early. What a shame because while it was foggy and cloudy down below, as you can see from the pictures, it was absolutely beautiful up above all that.

Tolmie Peak

Tolmie Peak

I should stop being so lazy and actually write more about my pictures and trips but there is never enough time in the day . . . so once again the abridged version: Here are some pictures from Tolmie Peak. I FINALLY got the digital SLR camera I have been wanting FOREVER, so these pictures were me playing around with the new camera.

Mt. Defiance, Mason Lake, and Bandera Peak

Mason Lake - Mt Defiance - Bandera

Caleb and I hiked up Mt. Defiance and Bandera Peak today. We also went to Mason lake and were right by about four other lakes. It was about twelve miles total. I told Caleb it was a short, easy hike. Oops. Well, in my defense, they've changed the trail and it's a lot longer than it used to be. But the old trail was steeper so I suppose it's probably easier now than it used to be.

Motorcycle Ride to Stevens Pass, Old Blewitt Pass, Chinook Pass

Motorcycle Ride - Steven Pass, Old Blewett Pass, Canyon Road, Chinook Pass

Creighton, Steve, and I did a 360 mile ride today. We totally lucked out with the weather. It was mostly in the upper 70's for a lot of the ride.
Click here for some more pictures.