Thursday, September 9, 2010

Samsung Intercept

Samsung Intercept Mobile Phone - Gray Steel
Samsung Intercept
So part of working for Best Buy Mobile is getting sweet deals from the carriers. Recently I got deal from Sprint that included a Samsung Intercept (Samsung Intercept Mobile Phone - Gray Steel). Coming from an older Windows Mobile Phone (AT&T Tilt) I am really pleased with the abilities and speed of the Intercept. Being that this is an entry level Android unit (and I got it virtually free) I really can't complain that it gets a little sluggish when there are more than 10 apps running!

Xentris Wireless Vehicle Windshield Mount for Mobile Devices - Black
Xentris Window Mount
One of the things I really like is the Google Maps Navigator Beta. This nav system is absolutely free but performs almost as well as a Garmin or Tom Tom. Considering the price difference and convenience of not having to carry around multiple devices, the Google navigator is probably going to destroy the GPS manufacturers. To compliment my new phone and safely use the navigator I picked up a windshield cell phone mount (Xentris Wireless Vehicle Windshield Mount for Mobile Devices - Black). The pic here is of the vent mount unit, but the link and purchase info is for the windshield/dash mount.


V-MODA Faze Headset for Apple iPod and iPhone
V-MODA Faze
While I really enjoy my Motorolla Bluetooth set (Motorola S9HD Bluetooth Wireless Stereo Headphones - Black), I find myself forgetting to charge them. They've never fallen off while running or mowing, and they've got incredible sound quality. But if they're not charged up they don't make any sound at all. To compliment my S9HD I picked up a the V-MODA Faze (V-MODA Faze Headset for Apple iPod and iPhone). So far I've been pretty happy with them. Sound is good (not as good as the S9HD, but they're also half the price), and I've had no complaints from people I've called. Driving is safer and more comfortable with the S9HD especially when using the windshield mount, but overall the Faze is worth the money in my book.

Other things to consider if you're picking up a Samsung Intercept:
1) INDISPENSABLE - ZAGG InvisibleSHIELD for Samsung Intercept Mobile Phones - Clear  If you have a touchscreen phone of any sort you must get a Zagg Invisible Shield.  At work we've taken our keys and smashed them into the Zagg shield to no effect.  One of my guys had a customer that accidentally dripped solder on his phone.  The Zagg shield was ruined, but the phone had zero damage.  Now I don't recommend that anyone try to damage their Zagg shield, but if you want protection for your screen that will outlive the phone itself, the Zagg Invisible Shield is the way to go.  Your local Best Buy Mobile will install these for a fee.  They're like window tint, so if you want to save yourself the time and money have them install it for you.


2) Rocketfish Mobile Snap-On Case for Samsung Intercept Mobile Phones - Black Matte also in Blue

3) INDISPENSABLE apps: M:iQ (in your phone's browser type in "m.miqlive.com")and Advanced Task Killer (download from your Android Market)


M:iQ is kind of like Mobile Me, but for free. You can back up your pics, vids, calendar, contacts, etc. and access it anywhere you can get online.

Advanced Task Killer (often called ATK) is necessary because Android apps don't usually turn off when you exit them.  When you hit your home button the app continues to run in the background, killing your battery life and possibly your data plan.  ATK, as the name implies, kills apps.  You can set which apps are to be left running and kill the rest.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

An argument for gun control

We should exercise greater control of our guns (the title is obviously a play on words).  Once the scaredy-cats learn feel comfortable with the fact that gun-carrying citizens are as accurate in judgment as they are with a firearm it shouldn't be hard to convince everyone that it is right and proper to provide citizens with a means to defend against attackers. After all, it is the fear of what people do with guns that leads to the desire to limit who can or cannot own/carry a firearm.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

It doesn't get much better than this

I just grilled a rib-eye so perfect I nearly teared up as I was eating it.  It was expertly seared so that the inside was red as a tree frog's eye, but the blood was cooked to clear juice and infused with the stuff of rich Texas mesquite.  I almost couldn't eat it.


Add in some fresh HEB French-like bread , Ranch Style beans with sweet onion, and cold Miller Lite, and you get the meal that caused the shortest verse in the Bible: "Jesus wept."


Did I mention that I'm wearing my boots and talking like the What-a-burger dude?  (I called Tiff "Darlin'")  I swear the ground on which I walk melds with my being and produces the deepest tones.