iPad apps

Let's face it, apps are the main reason to buy an iPhone, iPod Touch, and/or an iPad. I have been using some cool apps with my iPad.

Let's start with Sportscenter XL ($4.99). This a cool app. Although I was on the fence about purchasing at first. I am happy with the download. Sportscenter XL allows you to watch embedded videos from ESPN's websites. And if you have an account, you can receive news and scores on your favorite sports teams.







The ABC player app (free) ranked as one of the top download apps upon the iPad's release. This app let's you stream ABC shows such as Lost, V, and Modern Family. There are a couple of ads. One long one before the show starts to stream and a couple of short ones sprinkled throughout the viewing experience. Quite similar to viewing Hulu (crossing fingers for a Hulu app).




Netflix has an app (free but a subscription to Netflix is needed) as well. This app is what made me buy an iPad.




I watched the finale of Spartacus: Blood and Sand on my iPad. The picture and sound was excellent.

More apps will follow. These three are just a small sample of the many apps on the App Store (some good and others not so much).


-- Post From My iPad

My iPad and me

I have had an iPad since launch. I must say I really enjoy it. More than a huge iPod touch or iPhone, the iPad is a more portable laptop but with functionality. Portability is key for me.



A few weeks ago I took a trip to Las Vegas. My laptop was almost unreachable on the long, cramp flight to Vegas. This alone may me think about getting the iPad just before the device launched.




After a lot of research, seating forums, and blogs, I decided to get one. I had iPad fever! April 3 rolls around and I am up daly at Best Buy. Not many people were out there so I was able to snag a ticket for a 64 Gb model.




I have several movies on this thing. Netflix has a great app if you are a member. I still have plenty of space to go for downloaded and ripped DVDs.

Of course there are some drawbacks like not being able to watch videos on websites that use flash. The qwerty touch keyboard does take some getting uses to.

In later blog post, I will discuss the apps.

The iPad may not replace your laptop but Apple's latest device is an excellent compliment.


-- Post From My iPad

Verizon FIOS Green Screen of Death

I recently upgraded my Fios receiver in my bedroom after buying a new HDTV (I love Black Friday). Once I got the new box I was excited. I hook the box up via HDMI to the TV. After several minutes had past due to the activation process, I was ready to watch TV. At first every thing was lovely. This only last a few seconds. The screen on my TV showed nothing but a green screen but the audio was fine.

Verizon blamed my HDMI cables at first. I told them I used different ones but was yielded the same result. They finally admitted the model HD receiver, QIP-7100, does not play well via HDMI cables with all HDTVs. A patch will not be available for months. Verizon sent me to the store to get the old version, QIP-6200. This model has been updated. Why this one is updated and the 7100 has not been updated is beyond me. Of course, Verizon put an order in and sent me to the store but the only carries the 7100 series.

Now I will have to wait for update. I am using component cables. I would rather use HDMI. But the idiots at Verizon have no idea when their boxes will be upgraded.

I am not the only one with this problem.  Google search it and you will find others with similiar problems dating back to January 2009.  They were told a fix would be coming in "a month".

Verizon FIOS customers beware if you have an HDTV, use HDMI cables, and get the HD receiver QIP-7100.