Got my Motorola Milestone

Android Phones

My family members have iPhones - and they look great.  They seem to perform well, the user interface is superb - another great example of Apple's excellent design and business execution.

However, I quite often like to walk to the beat of a different drum.  Since I run Ubuntu on my laptop at home, I have always planned to get an Android phone.

Why Android?

When it was first announced that Google was creating an Open Source operating system for phones/PDAs - I was immediately interested.  I believe there are a number of issues around how Apple controls the applications that are available for downloading.

Oh, and you HAVE to buy their hardware to get their operating system...

Which Device?

That's a hard one.  I have just bought a Motorola Milestone (Droid in the USA).  It has a screen that appears a smidgen longer than the iPhone.  After using it for a few days, my immediate thoughts are that it's a pretty good platform.  It also has the benefit of a side-sliding keypad if you want to write longer text input.  It has multi-touch AND it uses Corning's Gorilla Glass - so it's a lot tougher and scratch resistant.

Motorola Milestone

The Future?

At present the number of applications for the iPhone exceeds those for the Android, but think about it a bit more...  You have one platform where a company controls the applications that get listed, and another platform that has both an organised marketplace AND the ability for companies to publish their own applcations.

Many of the useful applications for the iPhone have already been made available for Android phones.  Last night I installed Shazam - an application that "listens" to some music that's playing (not on your device - as long as it's audible), then tells you the name of the song, the artist and a load of other information - amazing.

One last thing.  Like Ubuntu, Android is based on Linux - so it has to be good.

;-D

Configuring the Milestone for Optus

I use Optus as my carrier.  When I connected to the Optus network, it didn't auto configure my settings for Internet access, etc.  For those of you who gt a Milestone on Optus, here is what you have to do (credit to GeekyGirl in this post)

Name: Optus

APN: internet

Proxy:
Port:
Username:
Password:
Server:
MMSC:
MMS Proxy:
MMS Port:
MCC: 505
MNC: 02
APN Type:

Name: Optus Internet
APN: yesinternet
Proxy:
Port:
Username: * -- just an asterix here nothing else

Password: *

Server: *

MMSC:
MMS Proxy:
MMS Port:
MCC: 505
MNC: 02
APN Type:

MMS Settings -

Name: Optus MMS
APN: mms
Proxy: 202.139.83.152
Port: 8070
Username: *
Password: *
Server: *
MMSC: http://mmsc.optus.com.au:8002/
MMS Proxy: 61.88.190.10
MMS Port: 8070
MCC: 505
MNC: 02
APN Type: mms

Unlimited FUN with Funambol!

:: Limited Time Offer ::

OK readers here's the deal.  The first 10 people who email me at peter@thetyrrells.id.au will be granted UNLIMITED Funambol accounts.  At present, when you sign up you get a 90 day trial account.

This offer is on the Funambol web site BUT IT ENDED on 1 JANUARY 2010.

I have been given a brief extension, so get your request into me.  In your email just supply your name and email address (you will later register for Funambol using the name & email address you send to me).

First in, best dressed!

For Multimedia Lovers

Serious or Fun - Ubuntu Studio is for you
If you are think of taking the plunge into the world of Ubuntu - that's great.  If you like to tinker with audio, video or graphics then wait!

Don't install the standard Ubuntu before you have a look at Ubuntu Studio.  This community has done all the hard work for you.  They have selected the best Open Source software and packaged it into Ubuntu.

Please note I haven't used Ubuntu Studio myself as I'm not into the audio & video editing, etc - but I have read quite a number of articles that give it the thumbs up.

Funambol - sync everything!

Sychronisation made Easy

I've been using Funambol for a few weeks now and I'm impressed by its capabilities.  I'm running Ubuntu Linux on my Toshiba laptop (64 bit).  I use Mozilla Thunderbird with the Lightning plug-in to handle my Contacts, Calendar and Tasks.

On my PDA (HTC Touch 3G) I'm running Windows Mobile 6.5.  Now I have tried various methods to synchronise between these 2 machines using a USB connection and I have had some success.  But it all seems a little cludgy.  Then I found Funambol.

What is Funambol?

Funambol is a web-based service that allows you to synchronise information like Calendars, Tasks, Contacts, Notes and "Briefcase".  It supports many different connections such as Linux (Thunderbird, Evolution, etc), Windows (Outlook), Mac, Windows Mobile, iPhone and soon Android.

Funambol provides plug-ins for these platforms that allow you to perform the synchronisation.  Various settings give you control over how the synchronisation process works, etc.

You can register for free (see the Funambol logo on the right hand side bar).  Registrations up to 31 March 2010 will be free (see conditions on their web site).  If you choose to be part of the Funambol community, you may be eligible for unlimited access.

My Thoughts

I have found it a very easy process to register, download and install the plugins - and make it work.  You can even elect to upgrade your support and the Funambol functionality, but the free functionality works fine for me.

Happy funambulating!