I chose to take a look at Bitly, which I have used for years to shorten URLS. This time I downloaded it to my iPhone and created an account using Facebook. I copied a link, pasted it in, and the app went off into lala land for many minutes, probably because I use wireless and don't have a data plan. I stopped it, copied a different link, went over to the Bitly app, where it said, "Link Detected - want to save this link you copied?" I clicked "Save it", and it seemed to work. But then when I went to "Your Links", nothing I copied was there. The app must have changed since the 23 Things "Getting Started with Bitly" was created, because there was no "Next" option and the screens looked nothing like the directions on 23 Things. Guess I should have tried this back in January.
The menu icon gave me options for Your Links, Bundles, Your Friends' Links, and Trending Links. Your Links brought up the same search screen as the initial screen that again went off into lala land endlessly. Bundles was empty. Your Friends' Links, which I thought might load something from Facebook, also searched endlessly. Trending Links gave me a "Realtime error".
My phone generally works fine without a data plan, but this particular app is pretty useless. It's too bad, because I was thinking it would be like the old Delicious, which was great for keeping a set of bookmarks in the cloud. I'm bummed. I may try it on the iPad, but my phone is where I really could have used it.
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
23 Mobile Things - #6 - Creating & Editing Docs
I chose to try QuickOffice, although when I saw the two star rating, I almost chose CloudOn instead. I though QuickOffice would be useful because I use Google Drive.
I downloaded and opened the app, signed into my Google account, and looked through the directions for Powerpoint, which could be useful when presenting at a conference. I also looked through the Word directions, then turned to my Google Drive, which had my name on it. I looked at the recent documents and then things got weird.
Did I mention that I share the iPad with my 16 year old son? Did I mention that he also uses Google Drive? IPads want to belong to someone, and despite the fact that I signed into MY Google account, somehow QuickOffice belongs to him. Finally, I saw an option to add another Google account, which allowed me into my documents. (When I'm signed in, does that mean he can access my documents? Since they are mostly work related, it doesn't really matter, but it's weird.) I opened a spreadsheet, which did not allow me to edit, but offered me the opportunity to buy an app. I could view it, though. Then I tried to open a Word document, which also offered me the opportunity to buy an app. Hmmm.
Creating a document did work. I also created a Powerpoint slide and a spreadsheet. I have to say that it's not nearly as easy as using a PC, but I could see that if the only device I had on hand at a conference or a meeting were an iPad or iPhone, this could come in handy. Would I remember the gestures if I used this app infrequently? Hmmm.
I think for notetaking, I will still use Evernote, but I think I will keep this app on the iPad.
I downloaded and opened the app, signed into my Google account, and looked through the directions for Powerpoint, which could be useful when presenting at a conference. I also looked through the Word directions, then turned to my Google Drive, which had my name on it. I looked at the recent documents and then things got weird.
Did I mention that I share the iPad with my 16 year old son? Did I mention that he also uses Google Drive? IPads want to belong to someone, and despite the fact that I signed into MY Google account, somehow QuickOffice belongs to him. Finally, I saw an option to add another Google account, which allowed me into my documents. (When I'm signed in, does that mean he can access my documents? Since they are mostly work related, it doesn't really matter, but it's weird.) I opened a spreadsheet, which did not allow me to edit, but offered me the opportunity to buy an app. I could view it, though. Then I tried to open a Word document, which also offered me the opportunity to buy an app. Hmmm.
Creating a document did work. I also created a Powerpoint slide and a spreadsheet. I have to say that it's not nearly as easy as using a PC, but I could see that if the only device I had on hand at a conference or a meeting were an iPad or iPhone, this could come in handy. Would I remember the gestures if I used this app infrequently? Hmmm.
I think for notetaking, I will still use Evernote, but I think I will keep this app on the iPad.
Saturday, May 31, 2014
23 Mobile Things - #5 Notetaking
I've been meaning to try a to-do list app for ages, so I was happy to see Remember the Milk on this list. We still use a Lotus Organizer list that I set up while on maternity leave nearly 20 years ago to track tasks like taking the car in for oil changes and fertilizing the lawn. It has worked well, but it's not able to be shared and is only located on one of our PCs. We print a to-do list each month and put it on the refrigerator, but it would be nice to have something we could share that also pushed reminders.
First, I had to use Password Safe to generate a password. Since the passwords are shared on four devices, I was using Google Drive to sync. Apparently Apple devices don't like Google Drive. I spent several hours trying to get the system to work, then switched to Dropbox. Unhappy me, but happy Apple devices! Why can't we all play together nicely?
Finally, I was able to log in to Remember the Milk. It seems great for reminders of things to do this week. I also figured out how to add events far in the future that will repeat indefinitely. However, I can't figure out how to view your whole to-do list all at once, and I don't see how you could enter something like "Do this during the month of October". I could see I might easily enter to-do items multiple times with slightly different terms. I also don't like the "handwriting".
I don't think this could replace our Organizer list, but I could see myself using it to add a note at work to remind me to do something when I get home. Currently, I use email for this purpose, but I suppose I might be able to retrain myself to use my phone notifications. I wonder if I could add a reminder for someone else. THAT could be really useful.
For work purposes, I use the Outlook task list to remind me of repeating tasks. It's crucial. I don't think an app could replace it.
For notetaking on the iPad, I find Evernote quite helpful. I've started taking notes at conferences using Evernote and it's nice to have them all available in one place when I want them.
First, I had to use Password Safe to generate a password. Since the passwords are shared on four devices, I was using Google Drive to sync. Apparently Apple devices don't like Google Drive. I spent several hours trying to get the system to work, then switched to Dropbox. Unhappy me, but happy Apple devices! Why can't we all play together nicely?
Finally, I was able to log in to Remember the Milk. It seems great for reminders of things to do this week. I also figured out how to add events far in the future that will repeat indefinitely. However, I can't figure out how to view your whole to-do list all at once, and I don't see how you could enter something like "Do this during the month of October". I could see I might easily enter to-do items multiple times with slightly different terms. I also don't like the "handwriting".
I don't think this could replace our Organizer list, but I could see myself using it to add a note at work to remind me to do something when I get home. Currently, I use email for this purpose, but I suppose I might be able to retrain myself to use my phone notifications. I wonder if I could add a reminder for someone else. THAT could be really useful.
For work purposes, I use the Outlook task list to remind me of repeating tasks. It's crucial. I don't think an app could replace it.
For notetaking on the iPad, I find Evernote quite helpful. I've started taking notes at conferences using Evernote and it's nice to have them all available in one place when I want them.
Friday, May 30, 2014
23 Mobile Things #4 - Keeping Up
This is one time when being late to the table paid off. I had to choose between Flipboard and Zite. Having no initial preference based on description, I read a blog post by another person doing the 23 Things who had chosen Zite and disliked it, hence I picked Flipboard.
Based on her analysis of Zite, Flipboard is just as bad. I really, really dislike the layout. I currently follow about 30 RSS feeds using Feedly. I used to use Google Reader, which I liked, but sadly, it met an untimely demise. Feedly has served my purpose well since I began using it. I find the interface intuitive and clean. Flipboard is crowded, nonlinear, and to my mind, nonsensical. It's just a mishmash. I'm looking for information, not entertainment. Ugh. And I really dislike the flipping. Just ugh.
I appreciate this Thing, though. At least I know that Feedly is still what I want for my RSS feeds.
Based on her analysis of Zite, Flipboard is just as bad. I really, really dislike the layout. I currently follow about 30 RSS feeds using Feedly. I used to use Google Reader, which I liked, but sadly, it met an untimely demise. Feedly has served my purpose well since I began using it. I find the interface intuitive and clean. Flipboard is crowded, nonlinear, and to my mind, nonsensical. It's just a mishmash. I'm looking for information, not entertainment. Ugh. And I really dislike the flipping. Just ugh.
I appreciate this Thing, though. At least I know that Feedly is still what I want for my RSS feeds.
Friday, March 21, 2014
23 Mobile Things # 3 - Utilities
I liked this thing. Apps prescreened by librarians are a good thing. I already had Wi-Fi Finder on my phone because I don't have a data plan, but it was not useful if I couldn't get online to find free wifi. I didn't know about the database I could download for off-line access. I downloaded it, and now this app is so much more useful!
I had QRReader on my phone because as we switch our periodicals to online only, we have put a sheet in a plastic magazine cover on our magazine display racks where the print would normally go with a QR code leading to the online version. I need to test all the QR codes. For this thing, I tried RedLaser. I like it a bit better than QRReader because QRReader just automatically looked for a QR code when you started it. I like that this one has an icon to start reading, so you could conceivably do something else first.
We also plan to put QR codes with a link to our mobile catalog out on the ends of our stacks, but we have not yet had time for that. I like the idea of a QR code library tour, too. Or put a QR code on our study rooms with a link to an online reservation page.
I had QRReader on my phone because as we switch our periodicals to online only, we have put a sheet in a plastic magazine cover on our magazine display racks where the print would normally go with a QR code leading to the online version. I need to test all the QR codes. For this thing, I tried RedLaser. I like it a bit better than QRReader because QRReader just automatically looked for a QR code when you started it. I like that this one has an icon to start reading, so you could conceivably do something else first.
We also plan to put QR codes with a link to our mobile catalog out on the ends of our stacks, but we have not yet had time for that. I like the idea of a QR code library tour, too. Or put a QR code on our study rooms with a link to an online reservation page.
Monday, March 17, 2014
23 Mobile Things #2 - Mobile Device Tips
I share an iPad with my 16 year old son and last summer, I bought an unlocked iPhone 5c. I have no data plan, just a prepaid phone plan with wireless.
I found lots of the tips interesting, but the reality is, I can't remember any of them when I need them. Luckily for me, the user interface on the iPad and iPhone is fairly self-explanatory, but unless you use a feature frequently, you are unlikely to remember it when you need it. I think the most exciting tip for me was the ability to delete email by swiping, but on my phone, the trash option isn't there, only the ability to archive. I think that's because I have it connected to my gmail account.
I found lots of the tips interesting, but the reality is, I can't remember any of them when I need them. Luckily for me, the user interface on the iPad and iPhone is fairly self-explanatory, but unless you use a feature frequently, you are unlikely to remember it when you need it. I think the most exciting tip for me was the ability to delete email by swiping, but on my phone, the trash option isn't there, only the ability to archive. I think that's because I have it connected to my gmail account.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
23 Mobile Things #1 - Blogging & Registering
I did the previous 23 Things programs and found them very useful. I have co-owned an iPad with my son for two years now. We find that sharing ownership works well. I take it to conferences, he uses it to check Reddit, and we both read the Star Tribune on it when we travel. I recently bought an iPhone and am still getting used to it.
Although we have a number of apps loaded, the sheer number of potential apps is overwhelming. I'm grateful to try some that have been preselected by librarians as potentially useful to me, both personally and professionally. Also, our library currently circulates Kindles, Nooks, and laptops, but I can see that mobile devices like iPads may be in our future. I hope to find apps useful for circulating iPads, as well as apps that could help our staff.
Although we have a number of apps loaded, the sheer number of potential apps is overwhelming. I'm grateful to try some that have been preselected by librarians as potentially useful to me, both personally and professionally. Also, our library currently circulates Kindles, Nooks, and laptops, but I can see that mobile devices like iPads may be in our future. I hope to find apps useful for circulating iPads, as well as apps that could help our staff.
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