Real World Computing

My iPhone has been driving me crazy these last few weeks. The power has been draining so fast that I need to recharge by lunch time if I still want a phone (and not a brick) by the afternoon. I'd been blaming my iPhone for being old but as it turns out, the problem was much simpler than that - It was location settings.  When you think about it, it makes perfect sense. After all, you have to assume that if your phone is going to communicate with the satellites (and other receivers), it's probably going to need a bit of power to get up there. Then of course you factor in the number of apps which are using location services (it's exploded since I last looked in there).... and of course, many of the apps use location services "always". Yep, that's right... even when you're not using the phone. So, how do you turn these things off? First, you need to get to Location Services. The easiest way is via these three icons; Settings Privacy Location ...

I'm surprised that nobody seems to know how to do this - well, according to my research on the web anyway. So here it is, the instructions for getting your IBM Notes (we don't use the words Lotus Notes anymore) personal address book Synched with your Apple iPhone (and presumably Android too). Note: I'm assuming that you're already running Traveler and are able to get your mail and calendar. Enabling Contacts Synchronisation In IBM Notes, Select File , then Preferences . Click on Contacts Make sure that this is turned on;     [x] Enable "Synchronise Contacts " on the Replication and Sync Tab   While you're in here, make sure that in the Recent Contacts section you have selected;    (o) Do not add any names This bit isn't critical to the procedure but it's caused us no end of grief.  It's fine if you don't have lots of outside contacts in a giant corporate address book but it's painful if you do. Click Ok . Enabling...

Why would you do this anyway? With the mobile data connection disabled, the iPhone can still hook into wireless networks, including those at home, in shopping centres and hotels, at McDonalds and Starbucks, on public transport and at the office to surf the internet and to receive data. It just won't be able to access data where there is either no internet wi-fi connection or where you haven't set it up.  As a means of keeping mobile costs down however, the wi-fi option is certainly better than a mobile data one. In particular, if you're travelling overseas, you'll want to disable the high-cost mobile internet option. Why can't I just use the Airport Mode? Airport mode is designed to allow your phone to be used on aircraft (once the plane has levelled out).  It will prevent the phone from receiving calls effectively turning it into a brick that plays games. Why wouldn't I just change my plan? You certainly could change your plan to not include data h...

Before I start on this series, I want to make my starting position clear.  I'm generally "phone-agnostic".  I've had a Blackberry Bold 9000 for years and before that it was a Blackberry 8800.  Prior to that I had a Nokia "dumb-phone". My only non-work phone choice recently was a HTC Android device for my wife. I've never spent much time with Apple and I've traditionally disliked their computers.  I guess that means that; 1. You have to take any criticisms here with a pinch of salt. 2. If I end up really liking the device, then it's even better than I say. The longer term plan for this series will be for me to start looking at how to use Lotus Traveler to make the iPhone a secure device like Blackberry. Initial Thoughts Packaging The apple packaging is very slick and much nicer looking than the blackberry packaging.  (A win to Apple). Weight The apple device weighs considerably more than the blackberry bold - probably twice...