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Tagged With "mobile"

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Re: Staying In Touch on the Road: Part 1

Mac ·
It's a nightmare! A fair chunk of my packing now includes various chargers, connection cables and mains power adaptors for phones, iPads, Kindles. cameras.... Oh, plus a universal backup power supply battery (RAVPOWER - good value) in case I cannot get to a mains socket - just to keep in touch! I have to say that the Euro proposal to have ONE single charger for all devices has some merit!! PS - watch out that chargers that are sold as suitable for iPhones are often not powerful enough to...
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Re: Staying In Touch on the Road: Part 2

Travel Rob ·
This is a great report PHeymont!Exactly the step by step instructions we all need.Can't wait for parts 3 and 4.
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Re: Staying In Touch on the Road: Part 1

Mac ·
The RAVPOWER unit that I went for is shown on the following link (a real mouthful): http://www.ravpower.com/ravpow...hite-us-version.html This model has enough power to fully recharge an iPad! Currently available from Amazon for USD 36.00 They also do more powerful packs. (Hope this doesn't cut across any "No Advertising" policies
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Re: Staying In Touch on the Road: Part 2

Former Member ·
There is a lot to know on this topic. Thank you so much for the education.
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Re: Staying In Touch on the Road: Part 1

DrFumblefinger ·
No, Mac, that doesn't cross any sort of policy. We want to help travelers get good honest feedback about products that might be helpful to them on the road (or conversely that aren't worth the money). What's not tolerated is people paid to promote products on our website and providing dishonest information. Ravpower is exactly the kind of unit I'm looking for. Need to go order it soon.
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Re: Staying In Touch on the Road: Part 1

Paul Heymont ·
In the Duel of the Devices, I'm going to declare the RAVPower unit the winner. Both of these devices are essentially external batteries, something that's becoming more popular as more phones come with non-removable batteries. There are two critical differences, however: capacity and output. The PowerStick has a capacity of 750mAh (about half the power held by an average cellphone battery) and a maximum output current of 700mA (phone chargers usually supply 1000mA). The RAVpower device has a...
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Re: Staying In Touch on the Road: Part 1

Paul Heymont ·
By the way...here's my solution to the other charger issue (plugging in at home). It's a 5-port USB host that has a short cord to plug in (no brick to get in the way at the outlet) and takes 5 standard USB cords for your devices...the kind that come with your device, although more are available cheaply. The five outputs include 2 2100mA for iPad, 2 1000mA for most phones, and 1 1300mA for Samsung. All can be used for any device up to the designated output (that is, you can plug your phone...
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Re: Staying In Touch on the Road: Part 1

Former Member ·
PowerStick only charges from a USB port. The PowerStick has a capacity of 750mAh Perfect ! That is all that I need for my modest travel needs - just a little juice for a camera or my old flip (!) phone, if needed during a day of sightseeing. The PowerStick is only about the size of a pen, takes no thought to use and does not involve batteries. My kind of tool. Travelers who carry a lot more toys have greater needs than little me.
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Re: Staying In Touch on the Road: Part 1

Former Member ·
Well, I understand the urge for simplicity and not getting tied down...but both the PowerStick and the RAVPower ar e batteries. The RAVPower isn't big; about the size of a cellphone. But it costs 30% less, and will actually put a full charge on a phone, which the other won't. In fact, it will put a full charge on about 6 phones.
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Re: Staying In Touch on the Road: Part 4

Travel Rob ·
Great Info! Skype is great but I found Magic Jack versatile when the other person is not sitting on a computer. I am also a fan of Google Voice ,but I don't think I'm using all their features.
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Re: Staying In Touch on the Road: Part 1

Former Member ·
Ran across this device for charging smartphones http://www.jackeryusa.com/
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Re: Hotels.com: Most mobile bookings are last-minute

DrFumblefinger ·
That actually makes a lot of sense. The beauty of smartphones and the like is their ability to let you get things done at the last minute -- complete with price comparisons, etc. I know that a lot of hotels offer deep discounts the last day if they have a lot of spare inventory, but you're taking a risk at a busy time in a busy place. I tend to be more of a planner and to save my travel time for traveling and not looking for hotels. But to each his own.
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Re: Charging your mobile devices on the go

Paul Heymont ·
That article has good advice...but should have noted one thing more: Not all USB ports on planes and trains carry power for devices (including chargers). Some are data links only; if you don't know about a particular plane or airline, check or don't count on it!
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Re: Airbus opens new Factory in the USA

GarryRF ·
On my frequent visits to Philadelphia from England I always fly with US Airways. Not an exciting experience - just a reliable journey with convenient times. But my last round trip was an amazing transformation. AMERICAN AIRLINES and US Airways have merged and the staff were amazing. The plane was a new Airbus 330 both times. The legroom was more than enough. I usually purchase extra legroom and this time I'm glad I didn't. The food was good and served hot. Free cans of Cola and orange etc.
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Re: Airbus opens new Factory in the USA

DrFumblefinger ·
There's a lot of competition on the TransAtlantic routes, so airlines need to put their best effort into drawing in customers. Just so you know, that's not usually what American is like when you fly it domestically. But I'm glad you had a great experience with them.
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Re: Airbus opens new Factory in the USA

Travel Rob ·
Really happy that Mobile, Alabama got that as it's bringing in a lot of jobs to the area.
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Re: Help with mobile phone for Morocco

AnimaniacToo ·
I did some initial research today on cell phone rentals also, and have come down to 2 options basically, any experience notes with either of these companies would also be appreciated: www.mobal.com ($29 to buy a phone, and then pre-paid card loading) www.cellularabroad.com (straight rental, but calling rates may make it a cheaper option in the end than mobal). thanks!
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Re: Help with mobile phone for Morocco

PortMoresby ·
While I haven't been to Morocco for over 2 years, phone service for locals in non-industrialized nations all over the world tends to be cheap phone, available locally, with prepaid sim cards that you reload. It depends a great deal on what services your friend wants and can they, for instance, do without data and use the wifi in their accommodations or will they go to pieces without having it all, all the time. If that's the case, I can't help and will be expensive, all things relative, I...
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Re: Help with mobile phone for Morocco

PortMoresby ·
One more thought. Think long term. If you're likely to travel again and might need a phone again, buying one will be even more cost effective. And buying one after you arrive will be least expensive. Phone service in the US is notoriously expensive. People in developing countries all have mobile phones because of the lack of infrastructure for land lines. So low-income working people all over the world rely on cell service and it must be cheap. So doing as the locals do when you travel...
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Re: Help with mobile phone for Morocco

Paul Heymont ·
If you take a look at http://prepaidgsm.net, you’ll see the reason for PortMoresby’s recommendation. It’s not the cost of the phone, it’s the cost of every minute, often many times that of a local SIM. For example, the Mobal SIM comes with a rate for Morocco of $1.50 a minute outgoing and $1.50 a minute incoming. Meditel, one of the Moroccan carriers, charges (depending on plan) about 10c a minute up to 40c a minute, and no charge for incoming. Mobal will sell you data at $28.99 for ONE...
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Re: Help with mobile phone for Morocco

PortMoresby ·
I have a Mobell (same company as Mobal) UK sim that I got years ago, very convenient, phone bills charged to my credit card, rather than having to keep track of the balance and "top up". However, calls are relatively expensive although I don't mind for the convenience and limited use when I'm in the UK. Knowing full well it would cost me, about a £ a minute because I was in Italy, I allowed a British friend who was meeting me in Italy to call me when she arrived using her UK phone and my UK...
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Re: Help with mobile phone for Morocco

Paul Heymont ·
Mobell and Mobal are one and the same, divided only by a trademark issue. Mobell is a British-owned company, and had to use an alternate name for the U.S. to avoid confusion with the then-unified Bell System, aka AT&T.
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Re: Government St., Mobile: A Great Historic Street (Pt. 1)

GarryRF ·
Fascinating look at some American history Rob. I enjoy seeing the similarities in architecture. Many European and American buildings share a common design. It's always interesting to see where the style came from. Each building has a story to tell. Interesting subject Rob.
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Re: Government St., Mobile: A Great Historic Street (Pt. 1)

DrFumblefinger ·
Are the homes all private, or are some of the open for tours? It sure seems a pretty city, and I'd never even heard of Government street before. Thanks for bringing it to our attention.
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Re: Government St., Mobile: A Great Historic Street (Pt. 1)

Travel Rob ·
Thanks for the nice comments. Wait until you see the public buildings on Government St in Part 2 ,equally as impressive! The houses above are mainly private homes. A few homes on the street have offices in them. Some of the homes might make it on the historical homes tour once a year, but you'd have to check in advance . http://www.historicmobiletour.com/#!homes/c1hpk The Mobile area does have open to the public the Bellingraph Gardens and Home which is highly regarded and another place on...
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Re: Help with mobile phone for Morocco

AnimaniacToo ·
New question - the person I'm helping to plan this for is a fairly nervous sort and wants to have as much nailed down in advance as possible. Is there any reason not to grab one of these cheap unlocked phones now and then do the sim card there? http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DZS2E76 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009IRGQPO Thanks for the help!
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Re: Help with mobile phone for Morocco

PortMoresby ·
I see no reason why not. I don't think you'll find anything for less after arrival and it's always nice to have 1 less thing to do, especially in a new destination.
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Re: 4 fairly new travel apps that really work

TravelingCanuck ·
What a great blog. I will certainly be trying out CityMapper and FLIO on our next trip to Paris in the fall. Thanks for the useful tips.
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Re: Staying In Touch on the Road: Part 3

Former Member ·
PH - You are explaining so much about mobile communications. Thank you for putting it in words non-geeks like me can understand. I am learning a lot by reading this series.
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Re: A Visit to Hank Aaron's Childhood Home

Paul Heymont ·
Thanks for a great nostalgic look at one of my baseball heroes: a great craftsman on the field, and a solid human with not a lot of "front" and a real commitment to team and to others. Some of today's players should visit!
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Re: A Visit to Hank Aaron's Childhood Home

DrFumblefinger ·
I still have a Time magazine somewhere from the week that Hank broke Babe Ruth's record. I collected things this and recall what a big deal it was at the time (justifiably so). A nice look at a piece of classic America. I've never been to Mobile, but I'm intrigued now.
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Re: A Visit to Hank Aaron's Childhood Home

Travel Rob ·
DrFumblefinger- Mobile is really worth a visit and I'm sure you'd enjoy it! I'm putting together a few pieces on Government St. in Mobile . I am so impressed by that street alone .Really one of my favorite historic streets anywhere.
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Re: A Visit to Hank Aaron's Childhood Home

vivie ·
Very interesting...Next best thing to being there! Merci Rob.
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Hotels.com: Most mobile bookings are last-minute

Paul Heymont ·
Hotels.com, one of the leading on-line bookers, reports that over 60% of its mobile app users are booking same-day. It also reports that mobile app users tend to shorter stays than traditional customers. CLICK HERE for more.  
Blog Post

Government St., Mobile: A Great Historic Street (Pt. 1)

Travel Rob ·
I haven't heard anybody else say this, especially in the local area, but Government Street in Mobile, Alabama is one the most spectacular historic streets in the world, even today. I had a chance to walk a good portion of Government St. in March of...
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Top 8 mobile apps for scanning purposes

whatsappupdate ·
Mobile apps find their contributing use in several domains like payment, entertainment, health, virtual assistants etc. They also find good use as scanners over the desktop counterparts which dont offer mobility Mobile Scanner Apps Mobile scanner apps find their use in scanning any documents and also can assimilate text from the scans. The standard of these apps are close to its desktop counterparts. Several apps related to this are present in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
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Europe: Say goodbye to roaming fees, but not so soon

Paul Heymont ·
Airport cellphone users...plans still underway to end their roaming charges.      Photo: Dmitry Rozhov   The previously-announced plan to rid Europe of cellphone roaming charges is still on track, but delayed at the station for...
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Mobile, Alabama's Mayor Says Deal Close in Bringing Back Carnival Cruise Lines

Travel Rob ·
Mobile's Mayor, Sandy Stimpson, announced the city is in the final stages in bringing Carnival Cruise Lines back to Mobile. The Mayor says all particulars will be revealed by the end of the month when the contract is finalized and then it will be up...
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Airbus opens new Factory in the USA

DrFumblefinger ·
    Airbus is in the process of opening it's first manufacturing facility in the United States.  The company claims the factory will be the most efficient in the world and will have it focus on building the largest versions of its...
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T-Mobile expands 'Simple Global' to include all of Europe & South America

Travel Rob ·
 T-Mobile announced the addition of 20 new countries to Simple Global. They wrote, "With today’s expansion, T-Mobile Simple Choice™ postpaid customers enjoy unlimited data and texting at no extra cost and low flat-rate calls for just...
Blog Post

It's Official, Carnival Fantasy to Sail Out of Mobile, Alabama

Travel Rob ·
Mobile Alabama's Mayor, Sandy Stimpson, announced earlier that the city was close to signing a deal to bring back Carnival Cruise Lines To Mobile. Now, it's official and the Carnival Fantasy will be sailing out of Mobile starting in the fall of...
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European phone operators told: Hang up on roaming charges!

Paul Heymont ·
The European Parliament, legislative body of the E.U., has voted (534-25!) to put an end to roaming charges with E.U. for all mobile phone users. the change is to take effect by the end of 2015.   Even with caps imposed in recent years, the...
Blog Post

Staying In Touch on the Road: Part 1

Paul Heymont ·
PICKING THE RIGHT TECH FOR YOUR NEEDS   This is part 1 of a 4-part report on communication for travelers.   Years ago, traveling meant being out of touch with home, and struggling with unfamiliar pay phones for local calls for...
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Staying In Touch on the Road: Part 2

Paul Heymont ·
HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR OVERSEAS PHONE SERVICE?This is part 2 of a 4-part report on communication for travelers.  No—the girl in the Renoir is not really on her cell…but you can be! Usually, the first question most people ask...
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Staying In Touch on the Road: Part 3

Paul Heymont ·
GETTING YOUR PHONE READY TO GOThis is part 3 of a report on communication for travelers. In the first two parts, we discussed the kinds of service available, and how to choose the one you want.  Obviously, using your own smartphone is the best...
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Staying In Touch on the Road: Part 4

Paul Heymont ·
ET—HERE’S HOW TO CALL HOME! Right! I promised you alternatives to paying high cellphone call rates for calling back home. Using one of these low-cost strategies lets you spend more on data (or dinner!) and lets you choose a SIM by the best...
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Air Travel Gets Even More Digital...

Paul Heymont ·
Just a few of the recent steps taking air travel further into the 21st century.   American Airlines, which recently traded in its 40-lb pilot books for iPad-based and rapidly updated files, is now doing the same with its flight attendant...
Blog Post

A Visit to Hank Aaron's Childhood Home

Travel Rob ·
This year is the 40th anniversary that Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth's Home Run record and a great time to see Hank Aaron's Childhood Home and Museum. I  had a chance to go to Mobile, Alabama this past month and see the home.  It's an...
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Help with mobile phone for Morocco

Paul Heymont ·
A friend is planning a Morocco trip next spring—6 weeks, I'm envious—and would like to have mobile phone service. She doesn't have a cellphone; the friend she's traveling with does, so any advice both about getting a local SIM, and buying a cheap phone with SIM would be appreciated. I took a quick look at http://prepaidgsm.net and found that there are three operators listed, but I have no way of knowing which to recommend or beware! Any help gratefully appreciated...
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Gear up Chandler’s, Apps for Pitching High

AnandRajendran ·
Gadgets have become the best friends for the people around the world. A survey states that 85 percent of the population does have a cell phone for themselves. It is not just a cell phone which we are talking about, the tablets, laptops, iPods, and smartphones. In today’s generation, things are getting done by staying at one place with the help of the gizmos. Business people want to know the ways in which they can get their work done in no time. Now, everything has started to become digital,...
 
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