Tablets & Smartphones

I've been thinking about buying a smartphone sort of thingy just so I can use it for testing website developments. This would do the trick, I think, and it is relatively inexpensive. It's not a phone, per se, but I only need it to view the internet and don't want phone service with a data plan. Then again, maybe I should get an Apple iPod Touch.

 Archos 32 3.2-Inch Internet Tablet <----> Apple iPod touch 8GB (4th Generation)

But a full-on tablet would be neat, too. I could also use it for testing websites and applications, plus it might be handy when we have to use wifi ashore (like McDonald's in St Maarten). It would also be useful to have it set up as a GPS to use while sailing. Navionics has an app that looks interesting.

But what tablet to buy? Which have built-in GPS? We've heard that you have to be careful in buying Android tablets because many won't allow upgrading to the next version of Android and then new apps won't run on your old OS, etc.

The flavor of the month seems to be the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer but maybe I should just stick with Apple and get an iPad2. Might cost a tad more but is probably better in the long run. There's a nice waterproof case for it as well which would be a prudent investment.

Today I found this GPS Bluetooth receiver on Amazon which will be very handy for lots of you... Check it out!

Dual Electronics XGPS150 Universal Bluetooth GPS Receiver for iPad 2, iPad, iPod touch, iPhone and Other Smartphones, Tablets and Laptops.

It's a real crappy day here. We actually have Christmas winds. I haven't seen Xmas winds in years as we seem to get them in February. It is very windy with white caps and the occassional rain shower in the anchorage in Gallows Bay.

Bought a Warren Zevon album (The Envoy) to cheer us up!

So it goes :)

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Caturday & First Day of ZAPPADAN

Today is the first day of Zappadan to celebrate everything Zappa!

Frank Zappa died December 4 (1993) and was born on December 21 (1940) and thus explains the dates of the Zappadan season.

Oops, it's not Caturday... it's Cunday!  Cilly me...

Way back when (hint: Carter was still president), we spent a night at the Edgewater Inn in Seattle because this hotel sounded so intriguing in "The Mud Shark"... It's true, you could get bait & tackle and fish from your hotel room but unfortunately we had a view of the parking lot and the only waterfront we had was a wet carpet from a leaky window :)

Get some ZAPPA TUNES
from Amazon and let the festivities begin !

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Caturday: Working on our boat... I hear raindrops!

Just about ready to get to work on the boat after another cup of coffee.

A friend of ours recommended the song "Working On My Boat." I quite enjoy it. You can listen to a sample HERE.

We have had 3 days in a row without rain and have been able to do some exterior epoxy work. We plan to do a bit more this morning.

What's that I hear? The pitter patter of cat paws on the deck? No, it is raining! Oh well, it is only 9am so maybe the weather will improve.

It's Caturday! Here's a picture of Willow being too cool for the room :)

They are having great fun this morning chasing each other to and fro... much frolicking...

Let the sunshine in!

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Paris Boat Show start this Saturday

Just read an article that the Paris Boat Show (SALON NAUTIQUE INTERNATIONAL DE PARIS) starts this Saturday, December 3rd and runs through the 11th.

This was always a high point of the year for us.  It is huge show and is still held in Paris, France at the Porte de Versailles in 4 pavillions. Lots of boats and equipment to see.

Love to be there... even though it is a tad chilly :)

Might be a another nice day here in St Croix. We have had TWO days without rain ...

So it goes...