Les L. Shu

So, I love my new iPhone 4S, but…

Apple’s online order tracking system has been somewhat wonky, to the point that even the call center folks (a bunch of friendly people) were somewhat confused.

The most useful feature on my iPhone is now gone

After upgrading from an iPhone 3G to an iPhone 4S today, I noticed immediately one of the most useful features (for me, at least) has been removed: the ability to enable/disable 3G.

My apartment lies in a weird dead zone. Although AT&T’s 3G network covers my neighborhood and my phone registers a very strong 3G signal with full bars, the service isn’t reliable. The full bars are misleading. I can’t make or receive calls (often calls are sent straight to voicemail without ever ringing my phone), and I can’t send or receive text messages. (Data is never an issue for me as I rely on my Wi-Fi network while at home.) There are a few spots where my iPhone would somewhat work, such as leaning against my windows or standing in a specific spot in the bathroom. And, the problem seems to affect more advanced phones; 3G-capable dumb phones seem immune. Once I exit my apartment building, however, the phone works like a charm on 3G.

I discovered that a simple solution solves the problem. With my iPhone 3G, I could enter the Network options within the General menu in Settings, and disable 3G. This forces the phone onto the slower but highly reliable EDGE network. My phone calls come through crystal clear and text messages get sent without fail, no matter where I stand in my apartment. I don’t worry about the slow data speeds on EDGE because, as mentioned, I rely on Wi-Fi for faster speeds.

So it’s unfortunate that my new iPhone 4S lacks this handy feature. These phones are designed to automatically switch to EDGE when 3G isn’t available, but that isn’t the situation I face. I will have to test the iPhone 4S’s reception further to determine whether the iPhone 4S has the same issue as my 3G; so far, reception seems improved, although I did encounter more than a few dropped calls, which does not bode well.

UPDATE: Still “receiving” missed call, reception is still lousy.

UPDATE 2: OK, so perhaps reception is better with the 4S. I was able to make a call and send/receive messages in most areas of my apartment, however, there does seem to be pockets of dead zones that still exist. Interestingly, iMessage, working off my Wi-Fi, hasn’t been as stable; it could be an issue with my ISP, which isn’t out of the ordinary.

If I had to buy an Android tablet, it’d be this one

http://www.kineticshift.com/2011/panasonic-toughpad-a-rugged-tablet-in-and-out-thats-actually-useable

It’s a little late for Thanksgiving, but Christmas is just around the corner

http://www.kineticshift.com/2011/fitness-journal-tips-and-tricks-for-a-fit-thanksgiving-and-other-holidays

The basic lesson is to watch what you eat and don’t overeat. Easier said than done, I know, but do try.

Amazon Kindle Fire

Does the new Amazon Kindle Fire foreshadow something more to come, not just a better tablet but potentially an Amazon phone? It certainly has the capability.