Geocaching

One of my favorite things to do these days is to go geocaching, with my family or by myself. If you don't know what I'm talking about, check it out at the geocaching.com site. One of the things I like about it is the opportunity to combine technology with getting out and exploring the great outdoors.

For myself, I think I've got a superb solution for going completely paperless (i.e. avoiding printing and carrying around cache information) in my geocaching pursuits.
My equipment:

• T-Mobile MDA - Made by HTC, it is a Pocket PC running Windows Mobile. Allows me to receive and send email and use 3rd party applications such as cache tracking and GPS software.
• Garmin GPS10 - Garmin's GPS receiver for PDAs and smartphones. It works with both Palm and Pocket PC devices. I have the older model that has since been replaced by the Garmin Mobile 10.
• Cachemate - software for tracking and recording finds. Also provides support for travel bugs and waypoint navigation using a GPS.
• Spoiler Sync - (optional) queries your gpx file to retrieve the spoiler images from geocaching.com so you can sync them onto your device for viewing later.
  
• Subscription to geocaching.com

With the MDA I can receive and unzip the results of a pocket query. On the device I can then import the cache data into Cachemate.

The GPS10 links to the MDA using a bluetooth connection. This allows you to use your MDA as a fully functional GPS device with turn by turn directions. Handy while driving to the cache location but the directions adhere to roads. When nearby the cache, I switch over to Cachemate to use its direction and distance readings to take me directly to the waypoint. Once found, I record the log, find time and any travel bugs found into Cachemate.

I can then log the find on the geocaching site or if I can't wait, I access the geocaching.com WAP site on my MDA and log it there.

Happy caching!

iPod o' rama

I've gotten into the iPod lifestyle in a big way.

My mp3 history started with a Dell Jukebox my wife, Nancy, gave me several years ago. It was easy to use but I was limited to my CD library or "other means" for my song selection.

Then a year ago, I was given an iPod shuffle at work and fell in love with iTunes and the ease of syncing it up with the iPod.

When the nano was introduced, I jumped all over it. With 4GB of storage and the small size, I knew it was the right one for me. I like the small size, color screen and large storage capacity. Having the contact list, calendar, photos, etc. are a plus but the small size is critical for being truly mobile. True, the screen can easily scratch but when the backlight is on, its hardly noticeable (to me anyway).

Accessories - stop the madness!
I'm sure the average consumer spends much more on accessories than the actual iPod itself and I'm no exception. Here is the list:

• Lanyard - Plug it into the dock connector, throw it over your neck and you're completely mobile. I can pick my playlist and drop it inside my shirt or jacket and its easy to forget you're wearing it. No bulging pocket or geeky hip attachment to annoy you.
  
• Griffin RoadTrip - I've tried a Belkin battery powered FM transmitter before and was unimpressed. Interference from other stations was a problem when driving around and dealing with low batteries were a pain. With the RoadTrip, you plug it into the cigarette lighter, drop the iPod into the slot and you're "good to go". I have had no problems with interference from other stations, avoids low battery issues, and charges the iPod. I view it as my substitute for Satellite radio. My own song or podcast selection (more on podcasts later) with no commercials.
• Decal - I got a decal for the front and back from decalgirl.com. Cheap and helps me avoid obsessing about the outside appearance getting beat up. I went with Dark Burlwood but at last check there are 166 different designs to choose from.
• Dock - I like the idea of dropping the nano into a dock connected to my stereo so I can enjoy it in the living room. It makes it very convenient but I'm not using it as often as I thought I would. I usually just end up using the lanyard around the house.
• JBL On Stage II - What a great unit! Nice size and great sound. It makes a very nice boom box. Plus it has a remote for volume and pause/play. I use it in the bathroom where I can crank the tunes while I shower. I know Apple has introduced something similar, but I think its over priced and I like the form factor of the On Stage better.
• iH5 Clock Radio - Last but not least, the iH5 seems to be available everywhere and after checking out the reviews, seems to fit the bill nicely as a clock radio/iPod player. Sound is very good and does everything you would expect a clock radio to do plus charge and play your iPod. Of course you can wake to your favorite playlist. My only complaint is the beep when you turn on or off the alarm.

Podcasts

A lot of hype about podcasting these days. And I think its not just hot air. The seamless experience of finding a podcast that interests you in iTunes, subscribing to it and loading on your iPod make it a joy. Its my satellite radio substitute. In fact I find myself listening to podcasts much more frequently than music.

• Some of my G rated favorites are "NewsHour with Jim Lehrer", the various NPR flavors, "American Experience", and Leo Laporte's voluminous output (especially This Week in Tech)
• Non-G selections include "Diggnation", "The Dawn and Drew Show", "Tiki Bar TV" (okay this one is video and doesn't work on the nano, but its hilarious)

You have to start somewhere...

Well, I'm a tech geek and have been for decades. I frequently find myself getting buried researching the latest cool thing and then wanting to share what I've discovered with my friends and relatives.

Well, why not just use a blog to share what I'm doing? That way I can scratch my geek itch by documenting my journeys of discovery and geek out on blogging at the same time. What joy!

Subjects to be covered in the future include iPod, TiVo, GPS, HDTV, Digital Photography, Cell Phones and ?.

So without further adieu...