Mommy's Portable Brain

I have to say....

2010-04-01T20:46:00.003-04:00

After browsing just this first batch of Apps for the iPad - developers have kicked it up multiple notches.

I'm seeing a lot for kids - and they don't look like they are lacking in content! There is a money & time App I think we will be getting around here. Hey, i'll try almost anything to get it to sink in to that brain. :D

Wait, that means more "sharing" of devices. Hmmm...... maybe I should rethink this some!

iPad still showing in KY, it's driving her crazy. Here is hoping morning brings travel news :D

iPad Apps are showing up!

2010-04-01T07:38:00.004-04:00

The Apple Feed is showing them, the rest of us can only get to them thru sites that give us the feed nice and pretty. I could do that too (as an Apple Affiliate) - but then i'd have to learn to do some coding, and well, not going to happen! LOL!!

http://appshopper.com/ipad

The prices are higher on some than I expected - it will be a good thing the kid can't spend on iTunes without me buying for her. The description of the full screen Scrabble game had her dreaming of her iPad last night. Full board on the iPad, with your tile racks on your Touch or iPhone - then you can just "flick" the letters to the board! LOL!!

Anyway, first up around here will be the Apple Trio of Pages, Numbers and Keynote. I can't wait to try out the cute nifty Pico projector I "had" to buy last week. I figured it might be the last time i had the money to do so - and we can use it for a variety of things. Not as great as a full size one - but cheaper and SMALLER!

After those 3 - who knows what will happen. I'll keep you posted though!

Still sitting in Louisville - it's killing her. Her Dad told her that the end of the airport where the FedEx planes and UPS planes are is all underwater.... so it wasn't coming! LOL!!

Oh and Happy April Fools Day!!! Makes me think of knee surgery for some reason.....

OHHHHH, but really, first up will probably be the NETFLIX APP!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, instant view movies!!!!!! Still hoping it is NOT an April Fools Day joke! LOL!!

So picture this.....

2010-03-28T11:08:00.003-04:00

These files (or similar, I just got the link for these today so it is handy).......

Writing Practice Sheets

plus

(youtube link)

I'm just drooling at the thought. And, this PadNotes app is probably only the FIRST of this type of App for the iPad - I can't wait to see where it all goes! I need to get scanning some stuff and build my PDF stuff to send to the iPad.

The kid's iPad is "Prepped for Shipment" - she is excited!!!!! Less than a week to go and I can report real world feedback.

Meanwhile, life is STILL crazy!

Ohhhh, price drop!!!!!!

2010-03-10T08:01:00.002-05:00

I'm going crazy at the moment. Swamped with things that shouldn't be sucking all my time - but are, so i'm not ignoring the BLOG, i just haven't had time.

However, I just got a notice that Mobcip (the safe kids browswer) dropped in price to FREE!!!!!!!! Quick, go snag this while you can - it rocks!!!! I have no regrets paying $4.99 for it - but would have loved to have snagged it for free too.

Enjoy your Wednesday - I should back to "normal" by next Tuesday. I hope.

Mobicip,

My App of the week!

2010-02-20T14:05:00.004-05:00

I have to say, this is one that I never thought *I* would use. I bought this for my oldest daughter to work up to running a mile in CAP. She still isn't using it much. Brat. But she is making her PT numbers so it is ok.

So for some reason, I woke up Tuesday and decided that instead of using the cheap-ass-running-shoes I'd bought the day before to do Wii Active, I was going to try Couch to 5K. I figured it would be too much, i'd end up walking the 30 minutes - mainly due to my knees.

I attempted this after taking my shower, but before the kids were up. The treadmill is not flat at all - I used my handy dandy Stanley Level App afterwards and it is about 3.7 degrees. I seriously felt every. single. degree. I will be honest here, I about died. I made it thru about 1.5 runs and then was able to run number 9 (or is it 8?). But I kept going - with the heater blowing on my back making me hotter, and all the while amazed at the lack of pain in my knee!

See, I had knee surgery April 1, 1988. Back before MRIs..... which meant going in the doctor had no way of knowing the major cause of my pain. After 6 weeks of PT, we were set to do a lateral release to fix my patella tracking problem, and clean up the soft cartilage underneath the patella.

Low and behold, he discovered another problem. See that synovial fluid? Well, that "sack" was wedge between my Femur and Tibia. His first post-op words to me were, "It hurts to run doesn't it?"

Really? Is the sky blue? Do birds fly? PE was pure torture for me in school. TORTURE. Running "hurt" - not "fall over in dire pain and cry" pain, just "hurt". Constant ache. I don't keep doing things that hurt - especially not for YEARS. Boy was I happy that my high school was so small I only had to take PE for 2 years. 2 years of poor grades because, I couldn't run (Thank You Miss Peters for those lovely grades by the way, my GPA appreciated them).

So then he says, "You could have had a medical excuse for PE all these years." I glared at him. (Note, I love my orthopedic surgeon - I'd fly to CA to have him fix me up now if I could, he rocks! He laughed when I glared - and it wasn't the last time I did it either! LOL!!).

But I have never ever RAN again. Nothing more than running after kids. I've attempted the stairmaster, step aerobics, stationary bikes and various other things, but NEVER RAN.

Because running hurts.

However, I had to do something this week. I sent in my application to become a Senior Member in CAP, with the intent of doing all that I can to help the Cadets get the most out of the program. In turn, I'm getting the ability to train in Search and Rescue - my small way of finally being able to give back to those that gave so much to my neighborhood 3 years ago.

But, how could I inspire the Cadets to strive for more - including the monthly PT sessions - if I wasn't able to show that I was doing something to help myself? That seems totally hypocritical to me you know?

So I decided to try to run.

And I just completed Week 1, Day 3 with success. My speeds are up over 1mph from Tuesday, the treadmill is still at an incline but I'm leaving it, and, most importantly, I RAN ALL THE RUNS!!!!!!!!!! (and lived to tell about it! 9 of them, so 9 minutes of running!!!) Wait, the true most important thing -

It didn't hurt.

Not at all. I'm shocked, I'm amazed, I'm ___________ that it doesn't hurt.

I may never enjoy it, and I'm pretty sure my left knee (you know, the one with the torn ACL) couldn't take running on uneven pavement, but maybe someday I will be able to do that. Although, the perk of the treadmill is that it keeps MOVING. LOL, I don't have the guts to turn it off during a session - so I have to keep going. Pavement - not so much helping me :D

But this week, I have to thank Alex Stankovic and his C25k App. Because this NEVER would have happened without it. And, Angela - you too, because you exposed me to the App in the first place, so really, without YOU doing this, I wouldn't be. Isn't that inspiring??? (Angela doesn't like to run at all... but keeps plugging away, which IS inspiring. If she can do it, so can I - I just wish we could do it together instead of long distance!)

I can do this (as long as my arch holds up in the cheap-ass-running-shoes, I dream of comfy expensive ones like I could buy before kids!) and who knows how much I will be able to RUN by April 1, a mere 22 years after I apparently got the problem fixed! (oh, and I will still re-start the Wii Active 30 day challenge this coming week!)

C25k (Couch to 5k), $2.99,

I'm swamped!

2010-02-16T15:48:00.003-05:00

Up to my eyeballs in paper work. I need an iPad, seriously, I have a TON of PDFs to read - and I don't want to print them out.

Darn it, I just need an iPad. NOW. :D

But anyway, Emergency Services stuff for CAP creates a ton of paperwork and testing and trying to convince the kid she really can take that college level class OPEN BOOK like her Commanding Officers told her too.

Ye. Gads.

Did I mention I need an iPad to read all these PDFs on???? :D

Oh. No.

2010-02-09T09:54:00.002-05:00

I'm doomed.

Aperture 3 was released today. Finally!!!!

Guess that means I hit up the Mac forum at dpreview to see how the reviews go!!!

The big problem - I'm gunna have to bite the bullet and upgrade my computer to Leopard. HMPH. That sounds like work.

OK, time to leave for Speech!

I think there is a word for me.....

2010-02-09T08:26:00.003-05:00

And it is "sucker" :D

Let me start off saying, I never had a Commadore or Amiga or TRS-80 computer (or an Apple II ___ either). Not for lack of wanting, but my Dad was busy launching rockets at the time and I think he thought they were all about games so we didn't get any? Or they were just too expensive?

But that translate too, I often feel like I missed a whole gaming something, never knowing why things are so BIG. Take the announcement of this new game available to buy, Giana Sisters by Bad Monkee. Apparently it was a knock off of Mario Bros. and Nintendo had it pulled wayyyy back when - assuring it instant cult status! LOL!!

I loved playing Super Mario Bros. on my brothers SNES. I'm ok admitting that to you guys, along with the fact that we had every level to Pitfall on the Atari 2600 mapped :D

SOOO, what does this mean? I'm going to have to buy this game. It is probably as close to Mario as we will get for a long time on the iPhone/Touch/Pad platform, and it looks fun in the video. Touch Arcade gave it a good first impression, so here I go.... sucker! LOL!!

Which isn't to say it is going to surpass my current obsession with playing Mile By Mile. Which I can manage to play when I wake up in the middle of the night and even win! They did a great job with that game - I'm moving it to my "don't touch" page of Apps!

The best part of it? Kid #1 likes playing and now will probably play the actual card game with me!! I won't however hit her up for a game at 2am, teenagers tend to be grumpy when awoken in the middle of the night.

I also think I just volunteered for some other duties via email, which is ok. I'm happy to help out and looking forward to that new adventure!!

And on the great To Do project, the solution we have in place is working well! That is a relief, I haven't heard "I can't find......" in 2 whole weeks! She has it all, right there in her hand. Does that mean I 1-upped my teen???? LOL!

I'm still scouring for Apps that are going to make the iPad just ROCK. One thing I realized is that if I had the Cadets sign up for O-Flights on it - I might actually be able to READ the stuff they write. Yahooooo!!!!!

OK, back to the reality of the day, Crazy Tuesdays!

Tracey

Giana Sisters, $4.99,

Mile By Mile, $1.99,

Playing with paper!

2010-02-06T18:07:00.002-05:00

Bwahahahaha.... when it was suggested I needed to re-start playing with paper today, I'm pretty sure this is NOT what was meant!!! I had to use legal paper and shrink it down to 90% because my big printer is out of some ink colors :(

(for those of you that don't know what "playing with paper" is - I'm a scrapbooker on hiatus, I scrap both digitally and paper, when my current life upheaval is done with, I can play again)

Some free puzzle games for the weekend!

2010-02-06T09:08:00.007-05:00

OK, the crazy week is over. Finally.

I was going through the price drops to FREE and found some puzzle games to try out (really, do I NEED more? no... LOL!!). I have NOT played any of these yet - in fact, something keeps mucking up my iTunes connection and I can't download from my computer. Hmmm, someone is trying to save me money???

Ohhh, I see that the iTunes links are now using the iTunes Application Preview - instead of that annoying transfer link, it will open the page up in your browser if you have iTunes installed (at least, I think that is what I read at 3am yesterday).

First up, An OnTarget Game by Nth Fusion.

Strain your brain on this magic square variation! OnTarget presents you with a grid of arrows pointing in different directions.

Rotate the arrows so the correct number are pointing at each target. Sound easy?

It's harder than you think.

Next, Swizzle by Primitive Dog

Swizzle is an original puzzle game with up to 10,000 unique solvable puzzles for each level...and there are 6 levels!
Initially resembling "15", the slider puzzle, SWIZZLE takes the idea much further. Tiles don't just slide, they flip in rows, columns AND diagonals, revealing the numbered reverse of the tiles, and with Diagonal flipping, tiles can lie sideways and even upside down.

Starting with the beginner 2x2 grid, numbered 1-4 on the front, and 5-8 on the reverse, the tiles are flipped automatically making the challenge to return the tiles to the original numerical order in the lease number of moves.

Each Puzzle can be individually selected using simple spin controls and the best score (lowest moves to complete) are recorded and displayed for each.

As you improve, and learn new techniques, you can return and replay any puzzle again and again to try to improve your score.

Next, 25 Boxes by Platina Games

25 Boxes will put your brain and your peripheral vision to the test. Search for numbers, letters or symbols and point at the box in the opposing grid where they fit. To use your peripheral vision, try to keep your eyes focused on the grid that is filled. The game consist of 25 levels, levels 20 to 25 are a bit harder because the input grid is turned or mirrored. To get a good score, you have to be fast and make no errors. For every error that you make, you will lose 1000 points. If you don’t finish the level before the time runs out, the game will end.

I guess that is probably enough brain taxing for the day!! I'll be back later :D

An OnTarget Game, free at posting,

Swizzle, free at posting,

25 Boxes, free at posting,

Farmville style game a comin'!

2010-02-03T11:32:00.003-05:00

OK, I don't play Farmville.

I have valid reasons (not that I need to justify it! LOL!) - in my former working life, my family worked in Ag and my first job in the biz was drawing field maps. Add in other tasks over those years - well, I'm not playing a farming game! :D

Touch Arcade posted an article on a game coming soon from Ngmoco called "We Rule" that might help those with the missing Farmville on the iPhone/Touch. It reminds me of the Wii Game My Sims Kingdom that the kids got for Christmas here, but with lots of extras.

I can probably play this one since it's not true "farming" :D It will be interesting to see where Ngmoco takes it - their Touch Pets is free, but you have to either play a bit a day or buy credits. I much prefer to just pay and play. So I will be watching to see how this one progresses.

OK, now off to take the birthday girl to lunch!

Happy Birthday!!!!

2010-02-02T15:52:00.002-05:00

My oldest turned 14 today.

How the HECK did that happen???

She will be getting the iPad to replace her dying iBook she uses for school. Of course, now the impatient waiting begins... :D

I'm excited because I think it will work out great for school stuff. I just wish I had my hands on it NOW to try all my ideas out! LOL!!

I'd also like to take a moment to remember those that lost loved ones and their homes 3 years ago today. Things are still not 100% "normal" around here. I guess this is the new normal. There is still panic here with every severe storm we have....

Here is a game for me!

2010-01-31T13:58:00.002-05:00

I grew up playing Mille Bornes (wiki) with my parents and their friends. I have not been able to get my oldest interested in playing - so I guess now I can play by myself with Mile By Mile from Itera Research. The graphics look great, but that seems kind of strange to have pictures in a card game. I'm sure I'll adapt! My luck, I'll get stuck in the scenes with snow. HMPH.

Oh I see the first review is up and pointing out a flaw - the game state isn't saved if you have to exit. Oops. That could be a problem with playing on an iPhone if you have to take a phone call. The other thing it mentions is that you can't play your own music. I have to say, this never bothered me until recently. I keep wanting to play my music while playing Aztec Quest and it doesn't work, or should I say, "still" doesn't work - I keep trying every Wednesday during gymnastics. Hopefully these are both addressed with an update.

But, for a $1.99 and good review(s) - I'm there! I'm actually assuming you play against AI opponents - it doesn't actually SAY that in the description or review. I wonder too if there is a multi-player option? I'll have to find out.

I'm also going to include the other option in the App Store. OK, I'm a graphic geek - this one doesn't not appeal to me to rush and buy it. But I'll include a link so you can check it out for yourself.

Mile By Mile, $1.99 at posting,

Right of Way, $2.99 at posting,

Compression is today's Free App!

2010-01-30T11:45:00.002-05:00

I had this on my iTunes wish list after reading about it on Touch Arcade in the last few weeks. So I downloaded it and attempted to figure out how to play it. Laying on your side while also playing Thomas the Tank trains with the kids - not really the time to try it out! LOL!!

If you are a Tetris fan, then you should enjoy Compression. I think the hardest part is the "match 3" part doesn't appear to let you do an L shape... and I do that a bunch. Oops!

So be sure to check it out if you like that kinda of puzzle games.

As for me, back to dealing with a sick kid.

Compression, free on 1/30, 99 cents after that,

Remembering Challenger.

2010-01-28T10:53:00.003-05:00

Please take a view minutes today to remember the Crew of the Challenger.

"We will never forget them, nor the last time we saw them, this morning, as they prepared for their journey and waved goodbye and 'slipped the surly bonds of Earth' to 'touch the face of God.'" ~ Ronald Reagan, January 28, 1986

Watch the keynote!

2010-01-27T19:51:00.001-05:00

Watch the full Apple Keynote introducing the new iPad here.

Guess I should go watch it huh? LOL, having been able to get the audio feed was cool - but I guess seeing the pictures that go with it at the correct times will be even better. :D

iPad.

2010-01-27T14:37:00.002-05:00

Hate the name.

Love the product.

Child can see all kinds of info on Apple.com already - and I can't. HMPH.

She wants it for her birthday next week :D

Oh, and i'm happy with the 3g month to month pricing. *I* could now consider this instead of a new phone with data... I think. :D

Back later!!

It's time!!!!!

2010-01-27T13:04:00.001-05:00

AND, with the geek tech - SOUND!!!

http://www.ustream.tv/leolaporte

Rory's Story Cubes

2010-01-26T16:30:00.003-05:00

Well, I guess I kinda lied.... I just bought this App! Why the quick decision to buy - they have a video on their website of it in action. That helps soooo much since you can't demo Apps. It's loading now, and I'll be putting it to the kid test in a bit. Probably won't get a good stab at it tonight though - it's only a 20 minute drive.

The other kind of App I'm hunting for is one that would give you a sentence all mixed up, then have you put it in the correct order. The kid didn't do so hot on her language testing in that area - and something fun on the Touch for practice would be great. I'm just not seeing anything that is "mixed up". There is one I'm pondering - Sentence Builder. It's a start, and I think that she would benefit from it, but I'm going to hit them up for more info on the levels.

ANYWAY.... guess I should go see if any kids want to eat before we go.

(I'll embed the video of Rory's Story Cubes here for you to check out!)

Rory's Story Cubes, $2.99 at time of purchase,

Sentence Builder, $2.99 at present,

Digging deep in the App Store!

2010-01-26T16:03:00.002-05:00

I'm hunting down some things for the middle child.... haven't pushed "buy" on anything yet, so I'm not going to share any links yet! I have one I really want to try with her - but yikes, $4.99 is a lot at the moment. She isn't the target market for it, so I need to review their samples and scripts online more.

Some of the others are in the 99 cent range - so I'm more apt to pick a few of them up to test tonight. Wait, do I have stuff to type tonight? What am I supposed to do while waiting for the oldest at her meeting?

Hmmmm, guess I had better figure that out soon!

Hope everyone is having a great week - tomorrow is THE BIG DAY. 10am Pacific...... I'm ready, how about you???

Shhhhh, don't tell anyone ok?

2010-01-24T17:59:00.002-05:00

But, I'm having to read the manual for something!

LOL, I can't believe it, but I just cannot wrap my brain around how these Task's work in these various Apps. I tend to think "start date" - they think, "due date". I obviously have not been part of the "to do" culture long enough.

Back to reading!

So my new direction...

2010-01-23T17:30:00.004-05:00

Is working. I think!

(note, this is for the homeschoolers mainly - the rest of you feel free to think I'm nuts!)

I got sidetracked in the middle, and actually, I have so many ways I can take this now that I'm second guessing myself.

Here is a sneak peek - I'd show you more but I have to erase some stuff off the other screen shots, and I should be typing right now.

Oh, my goal with this project. To have assignments available for the child to work from, and for me to easily see what she has done and what I need to check. I love Homeschool Tracker - but I need a portable piece. My kids don't work well from paper lists - just like I'm not a paper planner person. So for now, I'm not using HST+. Talk to me when my life is "normal" again. And, having as few pieces of paper to have to "pick up and go" is important right now. There is loads more to this whole process, but that is probably enough background for now.

Basically, I entered assignments in a free Toodledo account (I will probably upgrade to the Pro account to have subtasks - I just don't have the cash for that right now, there is also stuff you can do with alarms). From there, I can do almost anything with it... importing it into Pocket Informant is my current thinking. I own it, it syncs with it, might as well use it (I'm not a big "to do" list user normally). Toodledo has an app also, and I think she'd probably like 2Do after it syncs with Toodledo in March.

I can also export the data in a variety of formats - I can easily go back to my original thought using TapForms using a CSV export, I can get it into iCal (ha, even my lowly 10.4 version!), and basically.... do what I want with it.

Right now with the direction I'm heading - she will view the assignments in Pocket Informant, mark them complete... and I can see that in MY copy of PI because we are both syncing to Toodledo.

How cool is that?????

OK, so here is hoping that is how it works right? Now, back to work!

The online view:

Pocket Informant Task list and detail view (I only have one due date set at the moment):

Pocket Informant,

Toodledo,

2Do,

Don't you hate when....

2010-01-23T09:51:00.004-05:00

You change your mind in the middle of a project? At least, I guess, I wasn't totally "in the middle" of the typing part - just in the "i've sorted out what i'm doing and this is it and after testing I can start"..... then BAM, you get another idea. More testing, less sleep....

Am I the only one that does this?

At least, it went from costing me money to FREE using an App I already own!

Now back to testing and then typing (although I just found the text questions all typed out so that just saved me a weeks work!!!). Maybe some advil - my wrist hurts for some reason.

Don't forget to pick up your Free App A Day - today is Crazy Snowboard - my crazy 5yo loves this game!! (have you seen her on Tony Hawk's Ride on the Wii? She is NUTS!!!!)

Mobicip is on sale!

2010-01-21T18:19:00.002-05:00

It is currently $2.99!

I talked about it here, and I have bought it - but gee, apparently I didn't have the wifi password on for the kids... so they couldn't use it! LOL!! I fixed that, but I don't know if they have even tried it. I do notice that my oldest child has picked up my Dad's habit of turning wifi OFF at ever turn (for battery life).

Hope that helps someone out!

Hey Stacey - I have a game for you!

2010-01-21T08:50:00.003-05:00

Why did I think of you when I saw this? :D OK, I could confess that it made me think of someone else too - but gee, what fun is that? I can't tease that person about it like I can you!

I'll probably stink at this game btw..... but I can sing all day long on The Beatles Rock Band and Band Hero (btw, The Beatles is the superior program - it is a class act!). Just don't make me play an instrument on anything but easy.... I confess to being a band dropout. All that playing music and marching at the same time was hard! :D

Enjoy - coming February 8th!

Full story at TouchArcade.

Today i'm back to working...

2010-01-20T14:57:00.002-05:00

On that "Notebooks" project. I'm setting up some questions for a child to answer for history. I upload the text file (and it has to be *.txt to be edited) and then she can edit/answer them on her Touch. Then print or send them back... it actually works pretty cool - once you figure out that you can't have the WePrint and SyncDocs using the same port. Whoops!

All in all, this very very cool. The anticipation of new "Slate" from Apple is building for me - I really can see a huge amount of possibilities with this for us. But being able to have at least all our written stuff portable for now is a plus, I'm just hoping that someone gives me a way to fill in scanned forms/worksheets. I'm anxious for next Wednesday to see what it brings!!

OK, guess it's back to work huh?

Apple Tablet? iSlate? SOMETHING is coming!!!

2010-01-18T12:23:00.002-05:00

OK, for a variety of reasons - i'm very very excited about the rumors flying around about this possible product. I see visions in it - I just hope all I envision is possible with it!

Rumors pin-pointed "an event" for January 27th.... so "everyone" (geeks?) have been waiting.... and throwing out what ifs.... and waiting.

Wait no more. Invites ISSUED!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Engadget!!!!!

Yes folks -- the rumors are true. Apple is holding an event on January 27th to show off something the company is calling their "latest creation." Hair standing on end? Good. The proceedings will take place at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater in San Francisco, and will get underway at 10AM Pacific. We'll be there live -- as usual -- covering every little second of the action. So get ready!

I'm ready.... wish the bank account was!!!! LOL!

Free App a Day!

2010-01-18T08:50:00.004-05:00

The great team that brought us the Appvent before Christmas is back! Apps will appear worldwide free for 24 hours - so grab them while you can! I missed a couple of good ones at Christmas - won't let that happen again!

Thanks guys!!!!!!!!!

http://www.freeappaday.com/

Every day of the week FreeAppaDay.com will introduce a free app for 24H. A good breakfast and FreeAppADay will always be here to jumpstart your day !

Games for kids that love horses....

2010-01-16T11:02:00.002-05:00

I'm coming up blank here in my searches.

Well, some are quite... how shall I say, "don't look like they are worth _____ ", and the rest involve a bit more gambling instruction that I'd like.

She is however enjoying Littlest Pet Shop and Bridge Odyssey. I think if Bridge Odyssey had a horse instead of an elephant - she'd be set! LOL!! The part I find funny about her at Bridge Odyssey - I'm pretty sure she has NO CLUE that it is a physics game and she is learning. Cool beans!!

But meanwhile, if anyone knows of a decent horse type App - let me know. If you happen to be a developer - well, here is the missing genre in the App Store!

Happy Weekend everyone!!!!!!! Supposed to get some rain in these parts - and I have SHORTS on, which is a far cry from the SLEET we were "enjoying" last weekend.

Littlest Pet Shop, $2.99,

Bridge Odyssey, $0.99 (ok, where is the cents key?)

Bridge Odyssey Lite, Free,

Free Game this weekend!

2010-01-15T14:46:00.003-05:00

OK, this looks pretty cool - and, it's free all weekend, so pick it up while you can! Maybe I'll actually get to play it at some point over the weekend??? :D And look, you can post your results to Facebook and challenge your FB friends! Maybe I'll do better at this this week than I am at Bejeweled Blitz. Wouldn't take much.....

Dark Nebula - by 1337 Game Design

Dark Nebula,

I think I'm giddy with excitement!!!

2010-01-15T10:14:00.003-05:00

Because, I feel like I just hit the "flashcards for kids with language issues" jackpot. I'm not sure I can afford all these 99 cent apps, but I have a few that I will be getting today. How come no one told me about them??? HMPH.

So who is this developer that just earned all my (non-existent) iTunes cash?

Kindergarten.com

I cannot even begin to link to all their Apps - I'll put a link to them in search form on iTunes at the bottom. In reviewing their website they look like they have some great ones still to come too!

So for today, I think I will snag the Emotions and the Receptive Identification - Combined and then report back. Meanwhile, if you have used any of them - please leave me a comment! (and if you have any other favorites - I'd love to hear them!!)

OHHHH, and has anyone bought/used the Time Timer app? I'm curious.... I think I need it also, for the oldest child.

iTunes link to all Apps by kindergarten.com

ABA Receptive Identification - FFC Combined

ABA Flash Cards - Emotions

Time Timer, $4.99 currently

Not loving the....

2010-01-15T09:10:00.003-05:00

Neked Touch. (Shush people :p)

It's so thin and tiny - I need a case sooner than later. Last night I had to "borrow" the case on the 8gb so that I could use it in bed. The spot I put it in - it about fell off and down between the wall and bed!

It's funny how used to something you get. The case is a DLO Jam Jacket Game I had picked up at Best Buy as an open item. I needed something to put on it before I would hand it to the kids. It has these thick ends - grips for playing games. Well, let me just tell you, they make it really nice to hold onto when reading in bed too! AND, the Touch survived a 4 foot fall a couple of weeks ago in it. I moved the wrong finger - and bam, it hit the concrete - landing on it's face. I was afraid.... but all was good!

But I think i'm going to save up for this one from SwitchEasy, the new Torrent (ok, not in love with the name - makes me think of piracy). I cannot believe all the STUFF you get with their cases! It really is everything but the kitchen sink like they say!

Everything But the Kitchen Sink
As a SwitchEasy
tradition we have
included everything you need to
protect and accessorize
your iPod Touch 2G.
With our Torrent™ package,
you'll get the following:

Two anti-static Screen Guards
One Microfiber Wipe
One Squeegee Screen Guard applicator
Two Universal Dock Adapters (Pearl White and Piano Black)
One Video Stand
Two Power Jack Connector Protectors
One 3.5mm Headphone Adapter

So while at first glance, it might SEEM expensive, if you go pricing other cases (major brand players), you will see it really isn't that much more - and you get more for your money! It has been well reviewed everywhere I have read about it, and I like the white/grey look. I've about given up finding a Touch case with a belt clip I like - I'll just have to put it in a holster when/if I ever get a smaller phone (I will NOT wear 2 belt holsters! LOL!!).

Now to save up and live paranoid until I get there! LOL!!

Finally!!!

2010-01-13T14:00:00.003-05:00

I'm happy to report, I have more MUSIC on my Touch than anything else. Finally! While I normally listen just to 1 or 2 playlists, the fact that if I decided I wanted to listen to XYZ, I couldn't, has been bugging me.

That is now FIXED!

After a horrid time actually getting my package yesterday (all UPS - Amazon went to bat for me after "someone" decided to not deliver the package yesterday), I got to play with it this morning. Only for a few - then I spent a bunch of time cleaning up the 8gb for the kids. I have yet to finish dumping "their" apps off of mine though - that will be a work in progress I think.

So tonight, during gym, I can listen to music and try out all the new stuff!!

First up, the audio-clips for the flashcards.

(and, this does not include ANY audiobooks, ugh, but that is 8gb all on it's own - i'm going to throw them on my "click wheel button doesn't work iPod Video" to use in the car until it croaks)

New Touch on it's way!!!

2010-01-11T13:39:00.002-05:00

OK, i've been saving up to get my "big" Touch. The 8gb I bought in July was a proof of concept, and just to tide me over until the September refresh.

Due to a variety of reason I won't bore you with, I ended up without the money I had set aside for this purchase. :(

Soooo, I saved my birthday and Christmas money. I was finally able to decide what combo I was going to do - and place the order today! Now here is hoping that it ships FedEx and he gets here by 9am. We have a busy day out of the house today, and I'd like to be able to have it on hand to entertain the kids with.

So I relented and ordered the 32, which will mean the kids will be able to pool their Christmas money and order themselves a 32 also! The 8gb will go to the oldest child to use for SCHOOL STUFF. :D

Anyway, now I can stalk my order status to find out how it is shipping!

Updates to the Dragon Apps!

2010-01-09T08:13:00.003-05:00

I snagged these when they came out, even though they were iPhone only at the time, because, you know - they were FREE :D

Last night Nuance had updates for both Dragon Search and Dragon Dictatation drop in the App Store that has enabled their working on the Touch. 2nd generation or later, and obviously requires a mic. Which would be why I can't try them out for you. If you don't have the Apple Headphones with Mic, there are a couple of ones you can buy. I'll hunt those links down in a bit and edit this with them.

PLEASE be sure to actually READ the Terms they ask you to agree to. They will be uploading the names of your contacts to their servers to help with the translation. There is/was a lot of controversy on this - you can decide for yourself how you feel about it. In their support area they have a support item covering the Privacy policy. The uploading is now optional, which is how it should have been in the first place.

From the link above (there is more than I cut/pasted by the way)

Optional Contact Name Upload
1) If you are a new user, downloading the application for the first time:

When you install the application, you will be presented with a screen asking you if it is OK to add your names to the vocabulary, after accepting the EULA.

If you click ’YES’
Dragon will read only the names from your contact list, not email addresses, phone numbers, addresses, or other personal information
Dragon will upload these names to the server, where they will be associated with the unique, anonymous 40-character device ID (UDID) from your iPhone
Whenever you dictate, Dragon will use these names to improve accuracy and spelling when you refer to friends, colleagues, etc. in your dictations
When you use Dragon, it will periodically synchronize names in your contact list to the server unless you change the Settings (see below)
If you click ’NO’
Dragon will not read your address book and will not upload any names to the server
When you dictate, Dragon may have a harder time understanding phrases or sentences that contain names and spelling of names
Dragon will not upload names in the future unless you change the settings

I should be able to test these out next week - i've been waiting!!! Let me know how they work for you :D (and if anyone knows why the heck this formats wonky and I can't get my correct margins back - tell me!)

Dragon Dictation, free,

Dragon Search, free,

Oh this one is FUN!!!

2010-01-01T18:43:00.004-05:00

Koala Dartz by Starbyt

We all were quite addicted to this for awhile. It's easy enough for the 5yo to play too! AND, best of all, it's free at the moment!

You have the Koala shoot darts at the balloons to pop them - in the screen shot below, you have to bounce it off the fans and break through the wall. Gee, I didn't like this level! LOL!!

So go pick up Koala Dartz while you can!

Koala Dartz, free at posting

Happy New Year and iLounge’s 2010 iPod + iPhone Buyers’ Guide

2010-01-01T13:44:00.004-05:00

If you haven't already come across this gem - be sure to go download it. They pack a ton in there - so just trust me, download it!

Back to reading it. My App budget is busted already! (Hmmmm, this happened last year too - I see a trend!) I'm not sure if I should admit to how many of the Apps in here I already own either. At least some of them I picked on free!

And by the way - HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm looking forward to the year progressing and on a variety of fronts, it will indeed be better than the last one.

Today is a school day.

2009-12-30T13:55:00.003-05:00

Well, for me.

I'm alone for a bit - and can work on the Tap Forms database for school assignments I'm deploying. Of course, the biggie is remembering how the heck I got the file over there earlier in the month. :D

I was able to pick Tap Forms up on sale for 99 cents! At the time, I wasn't sure what I was going to use it for - it was on my wishlist though, and I had iTunes cash, so I snagged it. If this works as well as I'm hoping - it would be a bargain at the current price even of $8.95. You can do a lot in it that you would buy other apps for - so that is something to consider if you are comfy creating your own "stuff".

OK, back to work - I'll upload some pictures later if it all turns out.

After I go have another brownie!

Grocery List Apps.

2009-12-27T17:15:00.003-05:00

OK, I was asked today about what I would suggest a person buy/use.

Well, that is a hard one for me - because right now, I'm still using Handyshopper on my Treo. I know, not very helpful huh? But, well, it rocks. Everything else is a compromise. We Handyshopper users are hard to please.

But i'll revisit what I have and see what i'd suggest from them. I guess you can call me a "grocery list power user". The admin over at Splash Data did.....

What I own for the Touch:

Splash Shopper and the desktop version - high hopes, they aren't into improving it at this point. Not useable with my imported Handyshopper list - it's too big apparently.

Grocercies Grocery List - this is still installed on my Touch, it's "almost" what I want. Almost. I do wish I had bought the full version instead of just the grocery portion.

Grocery Gadget Lite - if i recall, i decided I don't think like this app.

iShopping - too simple for me

ShopShop - too simple for me

So my plan is to revisit this topic in the next day, and update my opinions. The main thing for me is that I need something that tracks prices (per store is nice) so that I can know the total when I arrive at the register. I plan my list based on having say, $150 cash with me, and I need no surprises. Online entry is nice, but if the portable side isn't up to snuff - then it's useless. Anything that requires a data connection obviously won't work, and the apps that let you take pictures are way cool, if only there was a camera on the Touch (seriously, make one that connects via the dock connector and i'll buy it people).

So I shall check it all out and report back!

Ohhhh, Peggle is on sale!!!

2009-12-27T14:55:00.003-05:00

I have just one thing to say.

"Yes, it is worth the $1.99."

Heck, it was worth the $4.99 I paid (caving while waiting for a sale after I missed the 99 cent one this sumer).

You have until January 3 to get it at this price..... (Peggle is what broke the click wheel button on my iPod Video last year - if you have a click wheel iPod that will run games, I can also suggest it for that.... :D)

(and feel free to pick up Bejeweled 2 while you are shopping, and Bookworm! LOL!! I got my all time high on Bejeweled Blitz today - 235,250!!)

Peggle,

Bejeweled 2

Bookworm

Clicked purchase on "Print & Share"

2009-12-27T12:34:00.004-05:00

I hope I didn't muck up and pick the wrong one - it's been bugging me about which version to get. I'm trying to look into the future and see what the heck we *might* need, which as we all know - don't work so hot sometimes.

I decided on Print & Share over Doc Printer because..... honestly, I just don't know! LOL!! Maybe I decide I wouldn't often need to print direct from my MobileMe files? That they could download first, then print? Seriously, do not make me try to talk thru this pre-purchase process. You don't have enough time!

I'm off to go try it out, including printing from Notebooks. I'll report back later on how it goes! Oh and this is definitely a niche app - I can't imagine everyone "needing" it - i have visions of big wonderful things on the homeschool front! :D

Print & Share, $6.99 at time of purchase

My first "Christmas" purchase!

2009-12-26T18:43:00.003-05:00

I was lucky enough to receive a $25 iTunes card from my kids for Christmas - let the shopping commence!!! LOL!!

I didn't know I "needed" this App until I tried it out (thanks to the suggestions to someone on MacRumors!). I did write with my finger, but didn't save that - I then went and got my new Pogo Stylus out and tried it. Pretty darn cool!

And, by the way, my Dad LOVES his "hot pink" Pogo Stylus. Loves that he might be able to see it in the chair when (not if) it falls, AND, he was just trying last week to find something to use for this purpose!! Christmas present hit of the day - love it!! The iPhone version of the clip fits over his case just perfect like they said. It does NOT fit over my dLO game jacket though, so i'm out of luck.

OK, so now, what to spend the other $24.01 on?? Maybe I should get some new songs too?????

FastFinga, 99 cents at time of purchase,

Merry Christmas!!!

2009-12-24T10:54:00.003-05:00

It's been chaos here baking - but i expect it to get "boring" again after tomorrow. OF course, there are a ton of new Wii games arriving to take up that time - when will i have time to play with my Touch? :D

Never fear, i'll be around.

So, may you and yours have a Merry Christmas (or whatever floats the boat at your house - just eat, drink and be merry!), and here is hoping the Big Guy comes thru for you in the gift area!

(Like playing pinball? Check out this post at Touch Arcade for links to a couple of freebies right now, pretty darn FUN!!!!)

Isn't this cool?

2009-12-21T09:11:00.003-05:00

http://richardsolo.com/deximp-flipfoldablepowerdock.aspx

It would have been a great Christmas present for my hard to shop for parents - but alas, it's sold out until March. Which leaves me still needing something for my Mom....

I have 4 packages due to be delivered this week. 3 are out on trucks for delivery - YAHOOOO UPS & FedEx - the 4th, is at least sitting at my post office. Now if they can manage to deliver it before the due date.... you know, the 24th.

Apparently there is going to be a freeze on price changes in the App Store from the 23-28th (I think that is what it means anyway). I see that EA put a bunch of games on sale again, and hey, The Littlest Pet Shop was released today! I'm pondering getting that for my middle child.

Also pondering the best way to spend this money I have for gifts for them..... :D

Hope everyone is enjoying their Holiday Season - and not running around like maniacs tooooooo much!

I did order something cool for my Dad - it will show up today and i'll try it out and report back. He better not click the link if he is here reading. I swear they shipped it not more than 20 minutes after I ordered it!

OK, back to pondering Christmas baking... and maybe wrapping some presents since the tree is up now.

ETA: As I was hitting publish, the doorbell rang.... FedEx!!! Now to go try it - it's tinier than I thought it would be.

Littlest Pet Shop, $2.99

I think you sunk my Battleship!

2009-12-17T17:17:00.002-05:00

OK. I'm a sucker. I admit it, and i'm addicted to the App Store apparently.

As a spur of the moment thing yesterday morning I purchased Battleship from EA. I decided to ignore the reviews stating the wifi and BT features weren't working well... loaded it up, got my Mom loaded up and headed to Disney for a few hours.

My Dad and I started playing - it took 2 tries to get the BT to stay connected, but once it was there for the whole game. I was in the 3rd row of the van, he was in the passenger seat up front. It was a good game - came down to one shot for both of us, each of us had a 50/50 shot of winning. I won!!!!! The animations in the game make it fun - and you can see where they are pondering and aiming as they fire. I kept waiting for the middle child to lean over and say, "Gee, that was close!" and give it away - but I got lucky and she kept her mouth close! LOL!!

We finished about as we got on Property at Disney (the long way because of a Turnpike mess). It was a fun way to play a classic in the car. Honestly, it beat the travel sets and all the little pins going everywhere. The only thing I ran into was that it seemed to drain my battery - but my Mom's Touch is the same one and it didn't take the hit. Both were fully charged at the start. My case is thicker in spots - so maybe the BT had to work harder? Not sure.

All in all, if you are looking for something fun and easy enough for the younger set, give it a go! OH and you can do pass and play too - you don't have to have 2 devices for it to work.

Now if only EA would add a way to play online with friends not on your local net. There is Facebook for playing Scrabble, which is cool - but that doesn't help you play with non-FB friends and family.

OK. Dinner time! (Sweet & Sour meatballs if you are interested!)

Battleship, $2.99

Scrabble, $4.99

Some freebies for you today!

2009-12-15T07:32:00.002-05:00

Note, some are for today only, 12/15. This is a quickie because i'm going to end up running late this morning!

First off, Ping! is free for 24 hours today. I had the message via Push at 2am - so i'm assuming it started around midnight? Ping! is an app that is similar to Black Berry Messenger, but works between iPhones and Touch's. You pick an ID and message - beyond that I can't tell you more. I have an ID though! LOL!!

Also in a similar vein, TextPlus is free (ad supported). With it you can send TM's to other users, or to any supported cell phone carrier. I've tested it with Verizon. Again, I haven't used it much - but it's there when i'm ready (and have someone to send messages too).

This one popped into the App Store today, the cartoon Children's Bible. They are giving away the story of the First Christmas free, with additional stories available for download in App. I haven't downloaded it yet, but will be here soon. I will probably take a cruise thru it before letting the kids at it though. They say it's aimed at 7-13 year old kids.

Another free for TODAY App is the new game, Soft Freak Fiesta. I know nothing other than - the screen shots look cute. And that it's free for 24 hours! LOL!! I'll get it downloaded and see what I think later (it's going to be "one of those days").

Finally, don't forget about Appventcalendar.com's daily freebies. Today game is Balcassa - which right now, looks hard! I don't think i'm awake totally yet. I was at 2am though.... HMPH

So that is all you get until later, now I have to attack the day!

There is one GOOD thing about the new look at the App Store.

2009-12-12T10:10:00.003-05:00

ONE.

You can add an App to a wish list.

Otherwise, I'm not a fan at all of the new iTunes 9 layout - and last night it rolled out to the rest of the App Store. I have already left feedback at apple.com/feedback, and if you have an opinion - feel free to do the same!

But the wish list thing is nice, I'll use that all while dreaming of the ugly cluttered white pages to go back to the classy looking stuff they were in iTunes 8.

Not much else going on - entertaining the 2 youngest while big sister is camping with CAP for the weekend. A special dinner out and a trip to Build-A-Bear to get the free credits didn't help the youngest much either. So now it's on to helping Grandma decorate the Christmas Tree and maybe a jump down to Disney's Hollywood Studio's to see the lights (unless it's COLD again tonight, oh and wet).

Enjoy your weekends everyone!!

I'm reading a book.

2009-12-07T12:12:00.002-05:00

You know, the kind with printed pages, new-ish release, so a hardback, borrowed from the library.

I hate it.

Not the actual content - that is good. But the fact that i had to have the light on, and then couldn't get comfy in the cold room. I wanted to snuggle under the covers with my Touch and read it - at least my arms would have been warm that way.

The problem is, I have been borrowing books from the library this past year. Then I got a few for my Touch and read those, and then there is all the stuff I had bought back when I had my Palm (Clie). i'm happy to say it's a non-issue because Peanut Press became eReader, which is now part of Barnes & Noble. It looks like I bought my first book on May 14, 2001, and they are still there for me to download - EVEN the ones I have that are no longer available to buy. Which is cool. Which also means that any nook books will work on it at some point!!!

I love reading books this way, the Sony's always had higher-res screens and it never bothered my eyes. I always had a book with me this way - without it weighing a ton. Honestly, I could be a poster child for reading in this format if they asked me to be. The prices aren't as good sometimes at eReader as they are from Amazon in the Kindle format. So that is something to remember to check. I haven't read enough in the Kindle app to make a comment. in fact, most of my reading this year on the Touch has been in Apps that are self-contained. When I finish 206 Bones in hardback, i'll go back and re-read some of the others.

I just wish my library was doing the electronic books like some apparently are out there. They did audiobooks for a year - and they were Window's only. HMPH. If the librarian was happy with me - i'd put in a suggestion that they look into it. However, I ticked her off when I told her the policy of not issuing BOTH library cards was dumb. I mean, as a taxpayer i bought the cards that have a regular credit card sized card AND a keytag card. Give me them both. Nope, we can't be trusted with 2 cards. AND, you can't check out anything without your card. So if we pop in, and the kids don't have their art bags with them - everything goes on MY card. I want their keytags on my keys..... so I wrote a letter (email) to the Mayor & Town Council Members, and the library people posted online.....

Oh. Um. I got sidetracked huh? Which could bring me to an app, CardStar. Which is cool.... I have all the library cards in there.... they refuse to allow me to use it at the library. Sometimes i feel like the only techno-geek in the whole town..... here I am trying to streamline my life and clutter, and they are shooting me down. HMPH.

SOOOO, it is about time to take the kids to the library for art class. Maybe i'll read that heavy book during it!

Appvent - Free Game every day!

2009-12-07T09:01:00.002-05:00

http://appventcalendar.com/

I snagged today's freebie - polyhedra. Not that i've had a chance to load it, but hey, I downloaded it! (and actually remembered to check the website 2 days in a row).

They may or may not be your thing, but you might discover a new favorite - so check it out!

Many thanks to the Developer's offering their games this month!!!

Price Drop on Catan!! (for a day!!)

2009-12-05T09:02:00.002-05:00

I still have some birthday iTunes Cash left. Just noticed that Catan is on sale for $2.99. I think i'll go ahead and pick it up. We are getting the board game for Christmas, so this will go with that. I'll just not install it for now!

I don't know if it's a sale or price drop - I'm supposed to be hemming some pants for a parade right now. I got distracted! LOL!! But if it's something you might be interested in, snag it cheaper! I know there was mention that the developer said they were going to do expansions as in-app purchases too - in case you were wondering on that.

Ahhhh, this answers that question:

***********

BARGAIN for a day

12/5/2009

***********

There is hardly a board game award that the "Settlers of Catan" game, created by Klaus Teuber, has not won. This classic has a global fan community and has been translated into 30 languages over its last 14 successful years.

Catan, $2.99 from $4.99

My favorite App is having an Anniversary sale!!

2009-12-03T08:16:00.003-05:00

I haven't said much about it yet, but it rocks. Monday sitting in the Endocrinolgist office he mentioned needing to be kept in the loop on B's scoliosis. I knew that, and instead of having to dig in my bag for the copy of the last xray - i whipped out the Touch, went to the appropriate Notebook and SHOWED HIM the PDF scan. Because I am supermom! LOL!!

A few weeks ago I was able to be-bop into B&N to use their free wifi while out of town, which turned out to be DOWN, so they sent me to Panera, and emailed my mom a copy of a report the doctors office needed to make a referral. She faxed it for me, all while i wasn't at home and able to do it myself. Granted, if i'd had the sinkin' iPhone i would have been able to do it myself, but well, this worked too.

All that isn't even why I bought it (but is the reason, I NEED the 64gb Touch!), I bought it for school stuff.

After reading this post on a BLOG, I knew that I too could go in this direction. So i'm not quite there yet - forgive me because i've been a tad bit busy at the doctors office (and lawyers). :D In fact, I need to re-read it today and set some things up.

ANYWAY, version 3 is out - and they had to make some changes to get approval. i haven't read up on that yet, but they added PRINTING!!! Imagine having in your hand all your files for a class - and your child saying, "I don't have XYZ", you don't need to get up - you just whip out your handy dandy portable brain and print it right there!!!! Homeschool mommy nirvana...... (printing requires the additional purchase of a product by Eurosmartz - now to figure out which one of those i need!).

So check it out, Notebooks by Alfons Schmid.

Notebooks at the App Store, $5.99 regular price, on sale for $3.99

Fun freebie this morning!

2009-12-02T09:32:00.002-05:00

Ramp Champ by The Iconfactory and DS Media labs

A new twist on the classic boardwalk games skee-ball and pinball, Ramp Champ will delight and challenge players young and old. Flick your finger to roll balls down each of the themed ramps to earn virtual tickets which can be redeemed for prizes and digital loot. Great for games lasting five minutes or several hours, Ramp Champ's unique puzzles & themed challenges will keep you coming back for more.

I don't know how long it will be free, but I picked this up this morning and played for a bit. It was fun! I'm sure it will amuse kids in the waiting room for a decent amount of time (since, after Monday's appointment we will be spending MORE time in them, anyone have a child with epilepsy? (absence seizures for now)). I see there are add-ons you can purchase in App. Must amass more iTunes funds.

I'm back - I started typing this while on hold and had to leave the house! The good news - it's still free!

So download this Skeeball game and have some fun! Be sure to leave the developer a review if you enjoy it :D

Ramp Champ, free at posting

The BIG weekend.

2009-11-28T10:29:00.002-05:00

Hope everyone is having a great weekend. We have survived Thanksgiving and Black Friday (oh, and my 41st birthday) so far. I actually went shopping yesterday - I'm not sure that going Christmas shopping for other people is my idea of a fun time for a birthday. Hmmm......

The kids bought be an iTunes card - $25 and I'm down to $7.04. Darn Thanksgiving Weekend sales! LOL!!

I added the following to the collection:

Scrabble
Monopoly (the Classic Version)
Trivial Pursuit (hellllooooo, does anyone know the answers in the Entertainment category? THAT made me feel old last night!)
Toy Story Mania (for the younger 2 that the above would be hard for)

and just now, pulled the plug on "The Settlers" i had posted about earlier.

Yesterday while venturing to Disney to take advantage of their "Get in Free on your Birthday" deal - in the form of using the money to upgrade my 3 day ticket to a Seasonal AP - my mom and I left Grandpa with the kids. He and the oldest were playing Monopoly via wifi. They were STILL playing the same game when we got back! It was nice they could play in comfy chairs and not have to worry about the other 2 kicking the board. They were able to play horses and watch Santa Buddies while they played - everyone was happy.

Thanksgiving had been a day of Scrabble over wifi. Other than some quirky issues with the game - that they fixed in Monopoly (the Touch didn't go to sleep in Monopoly) and some wayyyyy funky words allowed, that was a hit too. So if you are at all interested in them, be sure to pick them up this weekend on sale.

Ohhh, and while they were playing over wifi on 2 Touches, there is a setting for "Pass and Play". Which is cool, you can play Monopoly in the car, or scrabble with no pieces to loose!! Of course, the child would prefer to have her own and then play over Bluetooth. Don't think Santa got that hint this year.

Now I'm going to go try to warm up (hello, in the 30's this morning in Florida!) and start looking at the Settlers Tutorial. I have a bunch of stuff to print out and prep for the great american doctor marathon on Monday & Tuesday, so today might be my only relax and play day. Oh wait, I was going to Best Buy to check on a Christmas Present. Hmm, relax after that!

Enjoy the weekend everyone!

Sales!!!!!!!!!

2009-11-25T07:50:00.002-05:00

OK. The App Store is going to get expensive this weekend - I'm almost not happy that I treated myself to Olive Garden last night because I could have spent more on some things on my wish list. Maybe I will get an iTunes GC for my birthday on friday?

Here is what has me so excited so far - EA is having a sale thru Sunday! There appears to be others too, so i'll add those as I find them. Which isn't to say that i will post EVERY Black Friday sale, so be sure to take a cruise thru the App Store to see what you might find. Be sure to share with us too!

So my "excited these are on sale but I have no money" Apps are (so far, and I would re-read all the reviews before I bought them): note, all links are to the US iTunes Store

Scrabble, on sale for $2.99

Trivial Pursuit, on sale for $2.99

Yahtzee, on sale for $1.99

Sim City (but this doesn't get great reviews), on sale for $2.99

The Sims 3 (I'm actually not excited about this - but a child would be), on sale for $4.99

Monopoly (Classic Version, which is a new release), on sale for $2.99

Monopoly Here and Now, on sale for $2.99

Tetris (ok, I don't think playing this on the Touch would work for me - any opinions?), on sale for $2.99

For now that is what I have to share - now i'm off to hunt around for more.

I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving - if you aren't American and don't care - well, use it as an excuse to have some sort of dessert in my honor :D

I'm also hoping to be able to pick something up in the store to have a contest here on the BLOG, so stay tuned for that. I can't promise any info this long weekend - and I will be out of town more than in on Monday and Tuesday.

More on Kids and the Touch

2009-11-21T10:54:00.004-05:00

Time for a "review" of a product I don't own.

Imagine that.

Apple has included some parental controls in the iPhone OS(directions are for the iPhone, but similar on the Touch). I strongly suggest that you review them if you have given your kids an iPhone or Touch. Also note, they can get around them - don't assume that they are still in place if you set them up, but let them do the syncing. Be the smart involved parent - check to see what they are doing on the device. This is not a case of "set it and forget it" if you have enabled them. (which i understand is a huge debate - and I'm honestly not interested in that here on my BLOG :D)

There is a product/app that I probably should have mentioned in the other post. I think i just forgot because for me, it is a given that i'd throw this on any device the kids had free reign on. That is Mobicip. Mobicip is an alternate browser for the iPhone/Touch. At a minimum, you purchase the App for $4.99 and configure it, then disable Safari. You get to choose from 3 levels of website filters - Elementary, Middle School and High School. To further enhance that, they offer a Premium membership, which is $9.99 a year (per device). This allows you a whole wealth of choices in the control area - like excluding certain sites and such. You know, in case your child is grounded from a site for making some not so great choices. Not that THAT has happened here.....

Because I don't own the App yet, I can't share a lot - except I was waiting WITH the developer for their Approval from Apple. I was very happy when it went through. Please take the time to weigh the options if you give your child access to one of these devices. One thing to keep in mind is that even if you have your home net locked down and such, that doesn't prevent them from free access when going other places with available wifi. I personally think this is an oversight on Apple's end (and, I have expressed that on their feedback page), especially with their push to market the Touch as a gaming device. I know a few parents that honestly had no clue their kids could access what they could on the Touch. It's not just a music player :D There is just stuff available online that kids aren't ready to see until you as the parent decide (in my opinion), and products like Mobicip make it easier for you.

So take the time to check out Mobicip and see if it is something you might need.

Kids and "The Touch"

2009-11-18T10:37:00.004-05:00

OK, some of you know, the one thing my kids wanted last year (all 3 of them) was the Nintendo DS. That didn't happen for a variety of reasons, one of which being the ongoing cost of games. We have a couple of Game Boy Advance's and Leapsters and then of course a Wii. WAYYYYY enough in the game cartridge arena.

But now, there is "The Touch". Or, as the middle one is now quick to point out - "You mean the iPod Touch". Insert 10yo eye roll here. They were calling it the iTouch and I made the mistake of pointing out in some circles - they'd get their fingers chopped off :D

So, "The Touch". Almost all the games you could want for under $10 each. 3 games for the price of 1 for the DS. And it doubles (triples?) as a music player, and then there is the mom that loads it up with EDUCATIONAL stuff. I mean, what child wouldn't be excited about custom math drills?

Shush. You are on my side not theirs! LOL!

But as I sit here a year later, with Apple themselves posing the iPod Touch as a gaming device, I can say that I have more stuff on mine for them than me. I have a narrow window of games that appeal to me - I could technically not buy another one and be happy. I think that I would buy the their own iPT's without hesitation this Christmas if I could afford them. I actually pondered for a lot of hours last year getting the oldest one instead of her Nano. The use she has gotten out of the Nano is huge, and the iPT wouldn't work for all of that - so I don't regret going the direction I did. However, this year the App Store offerings have evolved into making me ponder the "big picture" of how we can use it for school too.

The other thing that got me thinking about this today was the new Harry Potter Spells Game. How, that is right up their alley - and how you need 2 people to make it do some things, and how much cheaper that is on "The Touch". Hey, it's only $5 and that would cover all 3 kids! So for me/us, this just seems to be the way to go in the portable entertainment area.

Not that they are getting them, but it probably would be #1 on the list if finances allowed it. Maybe 2010 birthdays? At some point I'll get to upgrade mine as planned and this 8gb will become "the kids". How well will they share?? Just keep in mind - the odds are if you are a parent and own an iPhone or Touch, well, you will have to share. HMPH.

If you are shopping for an Apple Product, don't forget to check the Refurb Store. All products carry the same 1 year warranty and are eligible for Apple Care. Often they are overstock, returns and such. But the family owns 8 or so refurbs - from iPods to Computers and they all have been great. You don't get the feeling that you bought something 2nd rate when you visit the store with a problem either. In fact, the Refurb Store is an Apple Fan's secret that they share, so consider this post my Holiday shopping discount gift to you!

OK, time to go watch some NASA TV with the kids (Go Atlantis!!) - speaking of which, if you haven't already, be sure to pick up the new NASA App (it's free!!). Lots of cool stuff, and you can get their twitter feeds without being on twitter!

Harry Potter: Spells, $4.99

NASA, free,

Flashcards, part 2.

2009-11-17T14:53:00.008-05:00

Which, is not the same as, "Bronchitis, part 2" that appears to be happening in the youngest. I guess I should be thankful for a few day reprieve huh?

OK. School work related.

I had been hunting for a flash card app for, well, months. I ended up compromising on one of my requirements - a Mac Desktop Application - because of price. However, I'm not dissatisfied at all - quite the opposite!

I ended up choosing Flashcards Deluxe by OrangeOrApple.com, and resigned myself to using online upload. I create text files in Text Edit (because it copies and pastes nicely into the upload, aka, it's easy!) on my Mac. You can have 3 sides and a category on your cards. You can also use codes to get various types of formatting - bold, italics, color, and more! Pictures and sounds are also able to be added. You can add those during the upload, or directly from the card on the iPhone or Touch. I have yet to be able to do sounds because I am having a microphone issue - as in, I don't have one that works on anything. I have done pictures though - via a zipped upload on the web!

My cards so far have covered a variety of types. The new ones I just created are one-sided. These are for me to not have to carry a stack of papers to drill a child with her Language Therapy. Anything to cut down on the paper I have to carry works for me. But I do have 2 sided and even 3 sided cards. The 3 sided contains: "item name", "item picture" and "name and picture" together. The kid those are for is happy with the way they turned out.

I did a few screen shots for this entry today - if you want to see more, just let me know. Ernie has some on his website too. I just take this moment to add - Ernie ROCKS in the customer service department. Go see how quick he is to address about every entry on his Feedback Forum. That is another reason I'm not regretting not getting everything I had on my list, I got Ernie and customer service is number 1!

Today's Text file:

word || word - the || means to double space the items on the card

After typing the list, I copied and pasted it into the online area on the website (you can do this from your computer too - I've done that, but hey, this IS easier!). And yes, this picture has a typo that I fixed and reloaded them (in the Deck Name).

After they have uploaded, you touch the + button in the App to download them to your computer (obviously, you need to be on wifi or have a data connection). If you have pictures or sounds to add - you upload them right after this. It will prompt you for them, and tell you what files you still need to add. THis makes sense when you do it - i'll try to get to some cards with them again to show you another time.

Huh, I now have that picture stuck on the side. Guess I'll keep typing and add pictures to the end - maybe i'll be able to fix the formatting later :D (on that note, does anyone know why blogger adds pictures to the top of the post in Safari Mac? It drives me crazy).

So, after you touch the +, you then reach a spot to enter the "Deck Code" - which is a name YOU pick for the upload. I write in on the paper i'm typing from, AND name my file that on the computer.

You don't have to enter the "Deck Name" - if you entered one on the upload, it will auto-fill it for you.

After this, you are good to go use the cards! There are options to set if you would like - in this case, I drill them all in random order, and do the ones we get correct. In case you are wondering, my daughter has Auditory Processing Disorder and struggles greatly to hear the difference between i and e in words. Makes reading so much fun at times!

The card looks like this:

And then you are set to go! Hopefully that helps you in the flashcard area. There are a TON of options out there, and everyone has different needs. I'd still love to have multiple choice - but these are perfect for now.

Currently priced at $3.99 - but falls into the "priceless" category for ditching the clipboard of drill work I had with me for a few days.

Flashcards Deluxe in the App Store

Gift Tracking App

2009-11-13T08:32:00.007-05:00

Yes, I do remember, I cancelled Christmas. I'm pretty sure I'm the only one buying it though. I can honestly say i never expected to be having Christmas here with 5 people. Which translates to, I probably won't have much say in it - like the birthday's have been this year.

ANYWAY, I was able to snag a free copy of Gifts this morning (Christmas Gifts List is the full App Store name). It's a nice winter themed Gift Tracking App, simple, clean and too the point. I have a variety of other multi-use apps i could have used for this, but the festive look of this had me hoping I'd be lucky enough to get a copy.

When you add a person, you get the screen to enter a name and budget amount. You can edit that later by clicking the gear icon on their page if you don't want to face the reality of it at the time. Not that *I* would ever do something like that. However, the odds of me ever hearing what the budget might be, very much reality!

When you select a person, you then can add their gifts. My only beef here might be that the "notes" don't show up unless you click on the actual item. I think it would be cool if they were shown in the smaller grey font under the name. So I would have: Playmobil - Costco (if I knew the name of the set, I would have that instead). But it would be a nice at a glance to make sure you are buying the correct model of something.

You can also lock it with a PIN number, which is nice to keep prying eyes OUT. I also don't have it on a Springboard page either - so you have to know that it is there (it lists as, "Gifts") and search. Which might change if I decide to rearrange everything. Again.

I think that it is going to handier than the Handyshopper list I used last year on my Treo. That lacked the budget feature. I also hope the developer will implement some skins - so that I can switch to "birthday" mode after Christmas. Now to just ponder the items that need to go on the list.

Gifts, $0.99

Bejeweled update!!

2009-11-11T12:07:00.005-05:00

It's been a rough few days around the house. However, the tide is turning - I think - we have been 11 hours with a fever holding under 100. There is hope!!

Upon arrival home from the orthodontist (side kid stayed in car w

ith me, NOT in the waiting room in case you were wondering), I saw on FB that there is an update to Bejeweled to add Blitz mode. I'm trying to update now and will check it all out.

Bejeweled was the first PDA game i ever played. In black and white on my Sony Clie. I still have it on my Treo all these years later. I got my mom hooked on it to - along with a number of friends :D

I"m not so sure about some of the new stuff - but as long as the basics stay there, i'm cool.

Now to get it downloaded! (and maybe, just maybe, they will update Peggle to include Peggle Nights!!!)

(We can be sure to add - that I still stink at the Blitz mode and should take my glasses off to play! LOL!!)

Pondering a game....

2009-11-08T09:23:00.005-05:00

Well, more like trying to decide between 3, all are $5 (eta: oops, Civilization went up to $6.99)

Catan is first up. We don't own the board game, I've never played it, but it's on the Christmas Wishlist. Expansion packs are supposed to be coming later, available with the "newish" downloadable content option (in app purchases) available to developers now.

The Settlers is next up. Again, don't own any versions of it for the computer. There is a nifty movie of it - let me find that link.

Gee, that is a lovely LONG link. And has mucked my formating all up. HMPH. I'm going to see if it fixes putting it at the end.

Then there is Civilization: Revolution, there is also a Lite version for that one. Oldest child played that for hours one day. Again, we don't own the computer version of this, it's been on the buy list for awhile though.

Then again, maybe I should skip them all - if the child finds out about them I might never get MY Touch back!

Anyone have any opinions? Right now, The Settlers is the one that appeals the most to me. Don't ask me why, it just does. Of course, I probably won't end up getting it "soon", probably should have decided yesterday and done it. Another thing that is appearing to be cool is that the iPhone OS games are in the $5-10 range, and they are often the same as the $30 DS versions (and some other systems). The Developers aren't exactly pleased with that - BUT, they have the added ability with the $5 range to get more people buying and trying. Which means more money in the long run often. For me, it makes the Touch the much more affordable gaming system for the kids, with the added bonus of no cartridges to loose.....

Of course, my 6 hour stint in the ER last night with the sick child would have been a good time to try them out. Except, she probably would have been irked at me. So we watched TV and I didn't do anything more than really update FB on her status. But it was the perfect chance to play games! LOL!!

OK. Back to pondering and waiting for the pharmacy to open.

Catan

The Settlers

Civilization: Revolution

The Settlers trailer

2009-11-08T08:57:00.007-05:00

This mucked soooo much formatting up, I'm just posting it alone.

99 cents worth of fun!

2009-11-05T19:30:00.008-05:00

I'm always on the prowl for games that will last a long time. Right now I am playing (and the kids help out when they get ahold of the Touch) 2 that really, for the 99 cents they cost - are long term players.

First up, Blue Block by Aragosoft.

Blue Block is a sliding block puzzle inspired by the game Rush Hour invented by Nobuyuki Yosigahara. The goal of the game is to move the blue block out of the grid.

Blue Block is the holly grail of all the Rush Hour style games available, because it contains all the existing puzzles that can be solved with 20 or more moves.
Features
- 6 difficulty levels from Kids to Crazy
- 39963 levels
- Keep track of your best scores
- Near unlimited game play

Seriously, I'm stuck on Level 34 of the easy ones. Anyone have some advice? LOL! Game play is easy - just slide the blocks around to let your Blue Block out. Sounds easy enough.... (eta: I got it!!! I should have posted about it a few weeks ago!!!)

The Lite version contains all of the kids and easy versions, and some of the harder ones. Honestly, you probably could entertain yourself for hours with just the lite version. But hey, go for the gusto and get the full. Or heck, there is a DOUBLE version, I'm pretty sure I'm not up to attempting to move two blocks out yet!

All in all, a solid 5 stars from this household. Great variety of levels, easy to look at for long periods of time, and lets you move on even if your daughter makes a puzzle take 54 moves when it should have only have taken 18. I'm going to make HER re-do that one!

Blue Block, full version, $0.99

Blue Block, Lite version, free

Blue Block Double, full version, $1.99

Blue Block Double, Lite version, free

OK, the next one has to wait until tomorrow - I have a date with the TV. Bones is on!!

Did you know?

2009-11-05T10:27:00.006-05:00

I have yet to figure out when this appeared. Really, I do NOT think it was there from the start with the iTunes version 9 update, I'm sticking with "it appeared in 9.02". WHY? Because I have needed it since the get go and if I was blind to it being there... well, just don't rub it in ok?

SO, what happens when you have more Apps to install than Apple gives you space for? They install, but you have to use Spotlight to search for them. Which works if you actually remember what is there and what it is named. What was missing was the ability to PICK what was in the search area. I see you can do that now, and happily did that last Friday night. Much better!

To find this, you access it on the Applications Tab in iTunes, with your iPhone or Touch connected. The mini pages on the right scroll - and if you keep going you see the "grayed out" pages showing your Spotlight Apps. There is a quirk/feature/bug, if you move one of the Apple Stock Apps there - it doesn't show up. I have Calendar, Stocks and Weather moved off for now.

There also seemed to be an issue with it moving the first app on the page to showing up - I never was able to figure out what it was doing last Friday. Maybe I'll attempt that this week. Or heck, it really isn't important.

Another thing to keep in mind is that when you have extra apps - if you clear a spot off on a page, the next time you sync you will get your "first" Spotlight app in that spot. No blank spots allowed on the pages with it using overflow for apps. I'm not sure if I will call that a bug or a feature yet.

Oh and I'll be honest here, I remember about 4-5 of the Apps on the search pages - unless the kids specifically ask me about one.

But I'm beyond thankful for this first version of App organizing, it was much needed and the reason I bit the bullet and upgraded to 3.0. Although cut and paste is nice too!

My Home page.

2009-11-04T20:13:00.005-05:00

OK, so in the "geek world" it seems like everyone wants to know what your home page is worth.

I'll share a picture of mine - I don't like adding it up though! I will do an in-depth review or summary on these apps later.

Non-Apple standard apps, with links to the developers websites, and links to the App Store (which helps me out):

SplashID Lite - no need here for the full version, I just have a few things that I need to keep track of occasionally.

WunderRadio - listening to radio around the world, or scanner feeds (available for other devices)

iPeriod - hey, I'm female. They even send you an email telling you that it is coming in 7 days. Gee, so that is what is wrong? Sorry kids, wrong day to act up!

Gas Cubby - the better to see how bad of mileage the Van gets

Free RSS - quick and easy way to see what is new on a few pages I follow (not in love with it, but it gets it done for now, and doesn't use Google Reader)

Pocket Weather World - an awesome weather app!!

Facebook - easy way to see what anyone is doing

Notebooks - this app rocks. They are going to be adding printing to it and then, well, nirvana!

The precious dock space:

Illness Tracker - medical tracking software that almost meets my needs

Quarter-Maestro - pantry inventory (I really need to USE this to meal plan), I would not recommend this if you don't have a Mac to run the desktop on though.

Pocket Informant - what the built in calendar should have done (available for other devices)

Trip Cubby - how I know that i have driven 4,548 miles since June 18 for doctors appointments (at 18 mpg)

And there you go. The most used Apps on my Touch.

App Store Junkie (or so I thought!)

2009-10-17T13:52:00.015-04:00

That is me.

However, somehow I managed to MISS the return to the store last week of a game I have wanted since before January. Edge. Check out this video!

When I bought my Touch, it is one of the first things I went looking for... and failed to find. I had other stuff to sort out, so i didn't put a ton of effort into it at that time. However, I went looking again for it, and discovered the MESS that Mobigame were involved in. Spent a few hours reading up on it - and getting frustrated for them.

You can delve into it yourself at ChaosEdge - Help Stop the Trademark Troll. Which is a NICE name for this guy and his antics. It appears that EA's involvement in a counter-suit against him will have the pocket depth to perhaps deal with him once and for all.....

But meanwhile, EDGE by Mobigame is back in the App Store. I've gotten to play a few minutes and am looking forward to playing more! If you download it - PLEASE be sure to rate it and leave a review in support of the good guys.

But I still can't believe that I missed it. HMPH.

Price at time of purchase, $4.99

Link to free lite version:

Link to paid full version:

Flashcards.

2009-10-13T08:50:00.004-04:00

I've been pondering Flashcard apps for a loooonnnnggggggg time. Very long time.

I bought Flashcards Deluxe last night and started typing text files. Then this morning tried some with pictures - which went better than I thought it would.

Stay tuned for a full review, but for now, i'm going to go ahead and give it a 4 out of 5 MPB rating. Only missing a full five because I have to use text files to upload instead of drag and drop. I have to play with that some more and see how it works for me.

$2.99 at time of purchase, and it looks like an update has been submitted to Apple.

Weather. You know you love to track it!

2009-10-11T10:49:00.003-04:00

I recently read a thread on MacRumors about the launch of a new weather app. Well, I'd yet to find one that worked great here in FL, so I had to check it out.

It was, Pocket Weather World by shifty jelly, the developer of one of the leading weather apps in Australia. I hem-hawed on it for a few days - until they said that Radar was coming. I haven't look

ed back!

They had some technical issues upon their launch (on the content provider side) - but the response to getting them worked out was great. The support side of an app often will sell me on a developer - and these guys are top notch.

This past week week I've enjoyed being able to see the weather at a glance in various parts of the world. Having a friend out of the country made it more interesting. So hey, let me know if you are going anywhere and I will stalk your weather while traveling.

This app will be perfect once they add radar and alerts (also coming). Because I don't have an iPhone, I don't use Push. Pocket Weather World will push the weather to your device though. You can choose what you want it to display. Apple prevents the use of negative numbers, so they are trying to sort out how they are going to report them. I have to say, I'm very thankful to NOT have to worry about that!

I will post some screen shots later.

Pocket Weather World gets a 4 out of 5 on the MPB rating scale. $2.99 at time of purchase.

2009-10-11T09:02:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Mommy's Portable Brain.

Which would be talking about my iPod Touch, and sometimes my Palm Treo 700 phone.... between the two of them - they keep me on top of things. Most of the time. :D

Obviously, a new work in progress!