Tigsfan's Mumblings http://tigsfan.com Software, Quotes, Pictures, Android, and sports. It's all here. posterous.com Tue, 05 Jul 2011 14:57:00 -0700 Pros/Cons on the HTC Thunderbolt by Verizon http://tigsfan.com/proscons-on-the-htc-thunderbolt-by-verizon http://tigsfan.com/proscons-on-the-htc-thunderbolt-by-verizon

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Pros: 

  • CM7/OMFGB compatible phone (HUGE bonus)
  • Strong Dev Community 
  • Unlocked (able to flash alternative kernels)
  • Outside of the poor screen durability, the overall build is well done and definitely much better then the Fascinate or the OG Droid Incredible.
  • Camera quality is fantastic (best on a phone I've owned)
  • Same for video quality, fantastic.
  • Stock sense is bearable, but no more then Blur. 
  • 4G is awesome (if you're in an area that uses it)
  • A company that believes in unlocked bootloaders
  • Amazing processor (blows away the Droid X, Fascinate, OG Droid, Incredible)

 

Cons: 

  • Screen is easily scratched, I've already had 3 significant scratches on my screen, while just being in my pocket. I carried my Droid X around for months without even a single scratch. Definitely missing that gorilla glass screen. 
  • GPS lock on stock is a total joke (5-10min to get directions)
  • Requires extended battery to get full day of use (from what I've seen)
  • Data connection seems to be often hit or miss
  • Lack of HDMI output
  • Lack of dedicated camera button (THIS SHOULD BE STANDARD)
  • Still no stock Gingerbread? No Google Talk w/video (without root)?
  • Random reboots for seemingly no rhyme or reason

Overall, my experience with this phone has been a bit disappointing. This is mainly due to the huge hype surrounding the Thunderbolt's release, and the major cons mentioned above. I hope to see HTC/Verizon release a large update soon to address these issues as most are frustrating: GPS lock, data loss,  and ran0dom reboots, as these errors render the phone to the point of unusable. From my experiences with Samsung and Motorola phones I can safely say that Motorola has the best build quality, and radio of any of the three major brands. The OG Droid and the Droid X were both tough phones that could take a beating and still feel like quality, all while happily locking onto GPS in a second, and not experiencing the random reboots and data connection loss. From what I've seen, while HTC seems to be catching up, they need to significantly improve their stock experience to be on the same playing field as Motorola. And for heaven's sake, add a camera button! 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/28756/meavatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KClxPrz8el Chris tigsfan Chris Thu, 02 Jun 2011 17:51:00 -0700 First T-bolt CM7 Screenshot http://tigsfan.com/first-t-bolt-cm7-screenshot http://tigsfan.com/first-t-bolt-cm7-screenshot

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Featuring:

- The outstanding JAMT theme for CM7

- The excellent Minimalist Slate ADW theme by @david1171

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/28756/meavatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KClxPrz8el Chris tigsfan Chris Sun, 08 May 2011 08:25:02 -0700 First Loons game of the season. http://tigsfan.com/first-loons-game-of-the-season http://tigsfan.com/first-loons-game-of-the-season
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Taken with picplz.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/28756/meavatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KClxPrz8el Chris tigsfan Chris Wed, 02 Mar 2011 15:28:26 -0800 Ooh! Look what just arrived from @teefury :) #droidberg http://tigsfan.com/ooh-look-what-just-arrived-from-teefury-droid http://tigsfan.com/ooh-look-what-just-arrived-from-teefury-droid
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Taken with picplz.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/28756/meavatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KClxPrz8el Chris tigsfan Chris Wed, 02 Mar 2011 12:00:00 -0800 The Best and Most Lacking Apps for the Xoom/Android 3.0/Honeycomb http://tigsfan.com/the-best-and-most-lacking-apps-for-the-xooman http://tigsfan.com/the-best-and-most-lacking-apps-for-the-xooman

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Those who know me, know that I am a bit of an Android fanatic. So when the Xoom came out, Google's first forray into Honeycomb tablets, I jumped in and bought one. Here are some of the best apps, most-lacking, and random thoughts about the Xoom. 

 

Best Apps I've Tried: 

Pulse - My must-have app for the Xoom. Great viewing and browsing of rss feeds/articles.

CNN for Android Tablets - Arguably one of the prettiest apps designed for Android 3.0, offers live coverage of news, and recent articles.

Teamviewer - While not directly stated to work with Android 3.0, it does work, and this app is great for remotely controlling my PC.

Dungeon Defenders HD - My current favorite game to play on the Xoom. Optimized for Tegra 2 processors, amazing graphics. 

RoboDefense - Recently updated to provide support for the Xoom. Graphics are far less stunning then DDHD, but still a fun game.

Movies by Flixster - The must-have movie app for the Xoom.

Accuweather - The best weather app I've found specifically designed for Honeycomb. 

Google Sky Map - Very cool app, made even cooler by being on a 10.1" screen.

Gmail - Completely redesigned for Honeycomb, functions like the web version with a great reader view. 

Google Calendar - Also redesigned for Honeycomb. Love the month view redesign.

Google Body - A recently released app that allows you to search the human body for specific muscles, nerves, and bones. Stunning app.

Google Music - Redesigned for Honeycomb, though lacking the "Sync" feature that I was hoping to utilize on my new tablet. Hoping that Google will release Google Music to really take this app to the next level.

Angry Birds (Seasons and Regular) - Its angry birds, but bigger. Need I say more?

Newsr - Excellent Google Reader application created by Chris Stewart, who suggested I check out the app in the comments. Really nice work Chris! Great UI frontend for Google Reader, and excellent design for Honeycomb tablets.

 

Most Lacking Tablet-Friendly Apps: 

A Twitter Client - Yup, there is no official or unofficial twitter app released for Honeycomb. The best you can use at this point is the official twitter website, or a blown up version of one of the twitter apps available.

A Google Reader Application - Yes, you can use the Google Reader app, but it has yet to be Honeycomb-friendly. While it will stretch to fit the screen real-estate, I'm looking for a full-blown Tablet friendly client. 

Google Voice - First of all, shame on Google for not making even the regular app available to Google Voice users on the Xoom (it can't be found in the market, or even sideloaded). This is a MUST HAVE app for my tablet, and I'm hoping that Google will wise up and quickly release an official Honeycomb GVoice client. 

Facebook (Tablet Friendly) - The Facebook for Android client does work on the Xoom, but it does not feel optimized for Honeycomb in any way. I'd like to see an official client be released.

Adobe Flash - Eventually coming to the Xoom, but still not here. Needed.

 

Other Thoughts on the Xoom:

Google Books is an intriguing book application, but has some major flaws. First and foremost, it is unable to open downloaded EPUB, PDF, or Adobe DRM files. Considering there are apps available on the market (Aldiko for one), that offer this ability, this was extremely dissapointing to see such a basic feature lacking on the official Google Books application. The only way to read books on the Google Books application is to download them through Google. 

Also of note, while I can see myself reading articles and maybe a book here or there on the Xoom, it is still much less comfortable then the Nook Color in both readability, and weight. 

Google has taken a big step with the Xoom, and after seeing the release of the iPad 2 today, I can still safely say I'm happy with my purchase. I only hope to see continued support from Google as well as developers for this budding platform. 

 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/28756/meavatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KClxPrz8el Chris tigsfan Chris Sun, 27 Feb 2011 11:40:14 -0800 My Xoom running Teamviewer, for remote access to my PC. #win http://tigsfan.com/my-xoom-running-teamviewer-for-remote-access http://tigsfan.com/my-xoom-running-teamviewer-for-remote-access
Media_https2i1picplzt_clfxq

Taken with picplz.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/28756/meavatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KClxPrz8el Chris tigsfan Chris Sun, 20 Feb 2011 07:54:00 -0800 My Take on the Ideal Library Website http://tigsfan.com/my-take-on-the-ideal-library-website http://tigsfan.com/my-take-on-the-ideal-library-website

The other day I was thinking about what I would consider to be the perfect library website. This is what I came up with: 

Future_library

Features: 

  • Large search box, which searches across all sources of materials for the patron.
  • Search is the focus of the site.
  • A Cover-Flow esque design that incorporates the newest or top titles being checked out.
  • A clear "My Checkouts" link that takes the patron directly to all of their checkouts (along with their respective due dates)
  • Small, unobtrusive chat on the bottom of the page.
  • eResources gets a clear dedicated link near the Checkouts link to encourage users.

Notes:

Obviously this is just my take, and I know that there would be several other factors to actually get a design like this working properly (having an all-inclusive search would probably be next to impossible).

Also, I have not decided where I would put a news section on the website. Probably near the bottom left corner. Only extreme alerts (Library closings, Important news) would be placed above the search box. 

 

To see the full wire-frame in greater detail and to leave comments, check here. 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/28756/meavatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KClxPrz8el Chris tigsfan Chris Mon, 14 Feb 2011 18:03:43 -0800 My androidified self... This app is addictive http://tigsfan.com/my-androidified-self-this-app-is-addictive http://tigsfan.com/my-androidified-self-this-app-is-addictive
Media_https2i1picplzt_gpbcu

Taken with picplz.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/28756/meavatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KClxPrz8el Chris tigsfan Chris Sat, 12 Feb 2011 16:52:21 -0800 Its a Droid world.... New Droid figurine from my wife for Valentine's Day! :) http://tigsfan.com/its-a-droid-world-new-droid-figurine-from-my http://tigsfan.com/its-a-droid-world-new-droid-figurine-from-my
Media_https2i1picplzt_npbpd

Taken with picplz.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/28756/meavatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KClxPrz8el Chris tigsfan Chris Thu, 10 Feb 2011 09:01:14 -0800 Just bought this shirt from teefury.com today. Droid-Berg! http://tigsfan.com/just-bought-this-shirt-from-teefurycom-today http://tigsfan.com/just-bought-this-shirt-from-teefurycom-today
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Taken with picplz.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/28756/meavatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KClxPrz8el Chris tigsfan Chris Wed, 02 Feb 2011 12:07:01 -0800 Snow covered apartments... Nature still impresses me. http://tigsfan.com/snow-covered-apartments-nature-still-impresse http://tigsfan.com/snow-covered-apartments-nature-still-impresse
Media_https2i1picplzt_tdbhi

Taken with picplz in Midland, MI.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/28756/meavatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KClxPrz8el Chris tigsfan Chris Fri, 28 Jan 2011 10:09:52 -0800 Untitled http://tigsfan.com/41257515 http://tigsfan.com/41257515

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/28756/meavatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KClxPrz8el Chris tigsfan Chris Tue, 21 Dec 2010 05:42:57 -0800 Nook Color Rooted http://tigsfan.com/nook-color-rooted http://tigsfan.com/nook-color-rooted

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With ADW Launcher and Clockr widget

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/28756/meavatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KClxPrz8el Chris tigsfan Chris Sun, 12 Dec 2010 21:17:44 -0800 One Last Look http://tigsfan.com/one-last-look http://tigsfan.com/one-last-look

_java

Final day at the Tech Center...
via sendy

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/28756/meavatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KClxPrz8el Chris tigsfan Chris Sun, 12 Dec 2010 18:42:36 -0800 Quote of the Evening... http://tigsfan.com/33834509 http://tigsfan.com/33834509

The library connects us with the insight and knowledge, painfully extracted from Nature, of the greatest minds that ever were, with the best teachers, drawn from the entire planet and from all our history, to instruct us without tiring, and to inspire us to make our own contribution to the collective knowledge of the human species. I think the health of our civilization, the depth of our awareness about the underpinnings of our culture and our concern for the future can all be tested by how well we support our libraries.

--Carl Sagan in Cosmos

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/28756/meavatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KClxPrz8el Chris tigsfan Chris Sat, 23 Oct 2010 07:18:00 -0700 Current Droid X ROM and Theme http://tigsfan.com/31345857 http://tigsfan.com/31345857

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via Touiteur

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/28756/meavatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KClxPrz8el Chris tigsfan Chris Tue, 19 Oct 2010 04:29:09 -0700 My Top 5 Favorite Phones Over the Years http://tigsfan.com/my-top-5-favorite-phones-over-the-years http://tigsfan.com/my-top-5-favorite-phones-over-the-years

When someone asked me the other day about the number of phones I have had over the years the other day, it got me thinking two things. 

1) I have had a lot of cell phones 

2) What are some of my favorites? 

So I decided to document my top five favorite phones for the heck-uv-it. I decided to go by how awesome the phones were at the time of launch (and why), as obviously comparing smart phones to non-smart phones can be difficult. Let's get to it.

  1. The Motorola Razr (2005) - Love it or hate it the Motorola Razr was a phone that shaped a generation. Sleek, stylish (albeit not the most functional), this was the phone to have. And, in the early days of phone hacking, this was a phone that you could hack and modify away with. I remember changing the outer screen to show a Detroit Tigers symbol instead of reading "Verizon." I remember using MotoPhone tools, and making my own ringtones. This phone introduced me to the world of phone mods and that is why it made the list.  
  2. The Motorola e815 (2006) - This phone was just a great overall phone. Great camera (it blew away the Razr), Great Speakerphone, Great big flip screen, and best of all it had "apps." Sure, the apps mostly consisted of games and over-priced ringtone downloading software, but it was an impressive phone to say the least. Still one of the best when it came to overall phone quality. 
  3. The Sony Ericsson w810i (2007) - The Sony Ericsson w810i is still a phone I recommend, despite the fact that it is almost four years old. It has a "candybar" design, that was sleek, yet tough. I must have dropped this phone a hundred times and it never so much as got a scratch. It had the most impressive camera that I had ever seen in a phone (and wasn't trumped until the Droid series), and also came with some great music software. And the best part? You could put a "custom" ROM on it. Basically, you received the phone from At&t (Cingular at the time?), handicapped, with features disabled and a bland user interface. But, after you did some slight hacking, and put on a custom firmware, you were able to unleash the full potential of this phone. On top of being able to unlock some awesome features and a sleek interface, you could also put on your own ringtones via SD card, install your own Java apps, and it didn't require a data plan!  There are still sites dedicated to hacking this phone, and it still is impressive.
  4. The Motorola Droid 1 (2009) - Ahhh, the Droid 1. I had been a proud owner of this phone up until last month. This was the smartphone I had waited for. With an Android OS, that tightly integrated to my Gmail, GCal, and everything else social, I had found the phone I was looking for. It could be hacked (and it was), it was tough, and it introduced me to the Android world. This phone put Android on the map, and it is still one of the highest quality cell phones I've held. After being rooted, it could be overclocked, themed, hacked, and was fully unlocked for the public to develop on. Despite the included QWERTY being sub-par, this was a great phone, and a great first introduction to Android. 
  5. The Motorola Droid X (2010) - The Droid X has been the most impressive phone I have owned to date. It has a ridiculously huge screen (4.3") and boasts a 1Ghz processor, which makes the phone extra snappy, and quick. I'm not a fan of the MotoBlur that was added onto the basic vanilla Android OS, but the rest of this phone more then makes up for it. An amazing camera and even better camcorder, make this one of the first phones that can ALMOST replace a digital camera while on the go. It also has a large internal memory of 8gbs, and a micro SD slot. While I don't like the locked bootloader on this phone, the rest of the hack-ability is mostly there, with the ability to root the phone, and install custom themes and ROMs. A true behemoth of a phone, and one of the best Android phones to date. 

1 2 3 4 5
See the full gallery on Posterous

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/28756/meavatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KClxPrz8el Chris tigsfan Chris Mon, 11 Oct 2010 14:15:00 -0700 Autumn...The Jester. http://tigsfan.com/30253501 http://tigsfan.com/30253501

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via Touiteur

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/28756/meavatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KClxPrz8el Chris tigsfan Chris Wed, 01 Sep 2010 20:45:00 -0700 Latest Theme on my Droid: Incognito http://tigsfan.com/latest-theme-on-my-droid-incognito http://tigsfan.com/latest-theme-on-my-droid-incognito

Incognitotheme

I absolutely love the look of this theme on my Droid. Here's a rundown of what's going on: 

Theme: Incognito 1.5.1 (courtesy of @bgill55) 
Launcher: LauncherPro
Launcher Icons: Find them here courtesy of Rob Higareda as well as the custom dock here. 
Widgets: BattStatt and Tajm by Tomas Persson

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/28756/meavatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KClxPrz8el Chris tigsfan Chris Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:06:00 -0700 Big Ten Division Layout for 2011 http://tigsfan.com/27083328 http://tigsfan.com/27083328

Img_20100901_140259

via Touiteur

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/28756/meavatar.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KClxPrz8el Chris tigsfan Chris