Better on-line photos!

A little photo juju for folks who like to post pictures: Use your phone or computer's built-in photo-editing features before posting that picture! Fix it up for better results:

• Use the "Auto-enhance" feature for starters.
• Too dark? Use the "Light, Shadows" control to bring the subjects and background out from the shadows. Or use the "Light, Brightness" to increase the overall lighting.
• Dull look? Use the "Light, Contrast" control to increase the separation between lights and darks.
• More pop? Use the "Color, Intensity" to add more color and the "Color, Saturation" control to increase the wash.
• Zoom in on the subject or straighten the picture? Use the "Crop" or "Rotate" controls.
• When posting a picture on-line, it's usually better to brighten it up rather than posting it "as is". This is because most cameras expose for prints, not monitors.

With just a little attention, you'll see the difference - and so will your friends!

Droid does - but do you want it to?

I'm perplexed by the "Droid Does" (tm) marketing blitz, which seeks to deflate the sails of a certain smartphone that doesn't run apps concurrently, etc.

The thrust seems to be "We allow full access to the platform, and they don't!" But, I'm thinking, do you really benefit from that? For one thing, it's an open door to virus, phishing, and commandeering abuse - and who really wants more of that?

Sounds like they should re-visit their marketing message to me.

Interesting article on "The best smartphone OS"

Heads up: Highly subjective! Make sure to read some of the feedback comments, too. Nevertheless, entertaining and enlightening.

http://mobilitysite.com/2009/01/palmpre-vs-iphone-vs-winmo-vs-android-vs-blackberry-fight/

Bye Bye PDA!

After working through four generations of Palm OS PDAs, it's clear I won't be upgrading to a new one. It's not because I don't want to, it's because Palm's become a phone company. The shift occurred quickly, once the Treo succeeded in integrating phone and PDA functionality.

Now, I'm in a rut. I still like the pocket fit and five-function management of the PDA. Of course, I can upgrade to a smartphone. But I really don't want the on-going cost of the pricey service plan.

The other options are:

• HP iPAQ: A nice device, but it looks pretty lonely out there. Doesn't give me good feelings for its longevity.
• Netbook: Yeah, it'll do what I want. But it won't fit in my pocket, so it's a luggable as far as I'm concerned.
• iPod Touch: Probably my best option, assuming Apple sticks with it. It'll do the basic five functions (calendar, mail, contacts, to do, and notes), sync with a PC, and more.

Hey, I think Apple's found another market opportunity :-)