Sometimes Silent

The Treo 755p already comes with many great apps included like: Google Maps, Pocket Tunes, Voice Memo, etc but here are the apps I added:

1. pdaNet - My absolute “Killer App” is pdaNet. This app lets me easily use my Treo to get internet access for my laptop. I hook up my Treo via its included charge and sync usb cable or via Bluetooth, launch pdaNet (which I have keyed to the “N” button) and that’s it, I’ve got access on my laptop.
Cost: $34.00 - PC Only (sorry Mac folks, folks even tried to use it with Windows emulators and it didn’t work).
Alternative: There is a hack to do this. There is also a Mac hack out there too.

2. Pocket Tunes Deluxe - Pocket Tunes already comes with the Treo but I like the deluxe version because of the bookmark feature and the streaming radio feature. I listen to a lot of long podcasts so the bookmark feature is very handy. Also good to have if you are listening to audiobooks. I often use a Treo skin called High Fidelity which has a “jump” feature letting you move forward or backwards in different increments of time by touching one button. Handy for skipping podcast intros, commericals etc. It’s easy to switch skins and a variety of free ones are available to suit your needs.
Cost: $37.95
Alternative: Pocket Tunes (Free, comes with your Treo).

3. Adobe Reader for Palm - Free app from Adobe, lets you convert PDF’s to an easier to read version for the Palm.
Cost: $0.00
Alternative: Use the included “Documents” app (DataViz Documents To Go). This shows the PDF as it’s originally formatted so may require more scrolling to read documents.

4. Softick Card Export II - Handy app that turns your Treo into a miniSD card reader. Easy way to move files back and forth, you can also use your Treo like a regular storage flash drive this way.
Cost: $14.95
Alternative: Use the included Palm Installer app, Use a regular card reader and pop out your miniSD card

5. Clean Uninstall - Program which lets you cleanly and completely uninstall apps. Cleans up files sometimes left behind. Note: this app was a left over from my Treo 600 — which had much less room for apps compared to the 755p, I still like the idea of having a clean machine though.
Cost: Shareware $14.95
Alternative: Built in delete program.

6. FlieZ - Lets you manage files on your Treo or your Treo’s miniSD card. Shows you capacity and amount used of either.
Cost: $0.00
Alternative: Built in “Card Info” app

7. TCPMP - Free video player app. I got this in order to play a wider variety of videos. Be sure to also download the plug-ins for whatever type of file you want to watch (MPEG, MP4, AVI, etc)
Cost: $0.00
Alternative: Built in “Videos and Pics” (Kinoma for Video).

Bonus:
Mundu IM - I used to have this on my Treo 600. You can have multiple IM accounts running, threaded chat etc. This isn’t yet “certified” for use on the 755p but the trial seemed to run ok though I didn’t test all the features like sharing pictures.
Cost: $11.00
Alternative: The reason I don’t have it on my Treo 755p is that there is a multi IM client included on the Sprint Treo (has threaded chat etc). Also, since I have unlimited Text Messages now, I use text messaging more often now instead of chat (which is also shown in a threaded interface).

1st Aid - First Aid directory. I haven’t installed this yet, but it seems like a good idea and it’s a top download at MyTreo.net.
Cost: $0.00

Directory Assistant - This small app came in handy on my Treo 600. It’s not as pretty as Google Maps or the web versions of other directories but it has some nice features like being able to save results, etc. I haven’t installed it on my Treo 755p yet but since I have extra room I might add it.
Cost: $0.00
Alternative: Google Maps, Webpage of Google Local or Yahoo Directories, etc.

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treo, apps, palm, treo 755p, programs
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Google Maps

This free app rocks! It’s formatted for the Treo screen and even shows traffic conditions!

My one complaint is that I can’t access the saved addresses in my normal Google Maps interface. Of course, since I’m using my Treo, my addresses are right on my phone, but it would’ve still been nice to have a log in for my Google account.

Still… this is a great app. I could’ve used it on my trip to the Google offices last week.

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American McGee is the creator of “American McGee’s Alice” the twisted tale of Alice in Wonderland colored with a heavy dose of tragedy, violence, and insanity told in the context of a shooter video game. [How’s that for a description eh?] Very cool and spooky with fantastic design both visually and programmatically.

I only just discovered his blog and find that he’s posting about a hypothetical situation of really “advanced” AI for gaming.

Ok, so… what if EA (for example) started putting “EA AI!” stickers on some of their games. Tell players that in order for the advanced AI to work it has to connect with some master server to “download new strategies” or whatever (you get normal AI otherwise)…

The twist is that the AI is really a sweatshop like situation where real people are controlling the mobs. I commented that his idea reminded me of the situation in Neal Stephenson’s “A Young Lady’s Illustrated Primer”. “Project M” when EQ let folks control mobs was also a fun time for some.

Anyway, I’m glad I found his blog, its going into my RSS reader.

Technorati Tags: gaming, american mcgee, ai

So I learned something new the other day about mouse control and Firefox.

If you’ve got a middle button, usually it’s also the scroll wheel, you can use it to open links in a new tab if you’re using FireFox!

I love this because I often open new sites in new tabs rather than a new window or on the same page.

So, there ya go, I’m just a little bit geekier, and maybe so are you!

Technorati Tags: firefox, computer tips

I went to Sigil Games Online’s Vanguard fan gathering, Fanguard San Diego 2006.

It was a blast. I learned a lot and had fun seeing old friends and new. Extensive write ups and even video are up at The Safehouse as well as my “live” mobile phone pics of the event.

As far as gaming news, for a game that hasn’t come out yet, there sure are a lot of folks stomping at the bit for information. The game is in Beta 2 though, so I’m sure some attendees were already playing it in that form at least. A character creation demo and a game play demo at the higher levels of the game was shown and panels filled out the rest of the day. I was on one of the panels, the one for Sigil Affiliate Websites, my first time being on something like that, come to think of it. I’m told I did well and I thought it was fun to do but I shouldn’t slouch at the panel (echos of my mom’s voice there).

The game? It’s come a long way and I expect it will go even further. The animations are smooth and the world, as mentioned is on of Keith’s paintings come to life. Game play looked like it has many possibilities, the ui, which was evolving, had many things to watch, a little too many but not as many as when I saw it at E3. It’s just getting better so I’m excited to see what’s next.

Props to Boing Boing

the electric sheep screen-saver

This is an interesting Open Source app.

When these computers “sleep”, the screen saver comes on and the computers communicate with each other by the internet to share the work of creating morphing abstract animations known as “sheep”. The result is a collective “android dream”, an homage to Philip K. Dick’s novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep

Props to The Safehouse - The Workshop Forum

Technorati Tag: open source, screensaver

Well I guess I’m building up quite a record for attending these game gatherings.

I’ve been to basically the first EverQuest fan gathering in which EQ employees attended (they even bought subway sandwiches). I’ve been to the first Vanguard gathering. And I’ll be at the first WoW gathering. I was invited to the first DAoC gig but it was the same weekend as my sister’s graduation. I’m looking forward to attending to see how it goes and to spend time with friends. I’m also happy it’s within driving distance from my sister’s place so I won’t have to fly nor stay in an expensive hotel.

So we had some folks leave before World of Warcraft made it big and now we’ve got 3 folks leaving now to form a new company called Red5.

I think I’ll try to attend BlizzCon and see the state of the game. I suspect everything will be just fine.

flagrantdisregard.com Flickr Toys

I’m back from my trip but still catching up on a lot of stuff so just posting this quick link before I get into my trip report etc.

Check it out though… the page is sponsored by the letter E… that’s my big brother…

;)

~ e