iStuff
I am still using the iPad to write, and it is getting better. As I predicted, Documents to Go updated their app recently, and it fixed a lot of the glitches, including the biggest one, which is the arrow key glitch on the wireless keyboard. Synching is easy, and it has yet to screw up a sync and make me lose work like my old phone used to to (not often, but enough that it was a source of anxiety). I keep waiting for the iPad to fuck up, but so far…
It is by no means a perfect device, but I don’t think I would have made it through my trip to Australia without it. A full laptop would have been too heavy/bulky to carry around everywhere, and my old HP iPaq phone just didn’t have the muscle or the interface to be my only access point to cyberville. The iPad was the perfect temporary computer.
But it sucks for exercising.
I am a writer. By nature, this means I am generally lazy and out of shape, keeping odd hours, eating junk food, and sitting at a computer for long hours.
In an attempt to make myself feel better and stave off future angina, I have been starting to get off my ass and exercise a bit, walking 4-5 miles around the loop of Prospect Park and through its environs several times a week at a good strong pace that keeps my heart rate up.
The problem is that whenever I go, I take my ipad, ipod, and phone, which forces me to take my murse at least, and often my full backpack, which is a pain in the ass and hinders my exercising. But what if I needed to make/receive a call/text? What if I had a good idea while walking and need to write it down? What if I needed to check my email or facebook or twitter? What if I want to listen to music/podcasts/audiobooks? These things all happen frequently. I also like to bring snacks. Usually an apple, a sandwich, and a drink. And sometimes a book (or manuscript).
But today, I got my iPhone.
The iPhone has the potential to the be dream device to serve, at least temporarily, as all the above devices, allowing me to leave them for a few hours in the same way I could leave my desktop for a few weeks so long as I had the iPad. Porting my phone number was a breeze, and all my apps transferred, too, so I have Documents to Go on there, allowing me to theoretically write on it, if I want to deal with the tiny screen/keyboard. I have 4500 songs on it, so I’m not going to run out of music. IBooks will even remember what page I’m on in a book I’m reading on the iPad.
So screw you, iPaq 910 not-so-smartphone. I hope you burn in Hell. I may yet desecrate your corpse, but for now, suffer the humiliation of being relegated to my junk drawer for all the angst you have caused me over the years.
Now all I need to carry to the park is my sleek and moderately stylish black mini fridge bag with the water bottle, conveniently slung from a shoulder strap. I think this will work for a while, but 4 miles is starting to feel like nothing, so I will either need to add a second loop, or stop flirting with real exercise and start jogging.
If I do that, I will need some new running shoes (my Payless sneakers and Costco mandles can’t hack that), and some kind of armband thing like this.
I suck at shopping. Any iRunners out there have advice on shoes or means to secure the iPhone?
I use an amphipod belt-bag. It doesn’t bounce while you run and for such a small thing, you can put a lot of things in it like keys, iPhone, ID, money, etc. And it’s not bulky. I have the airflow lite. See here: http://www.amphipod.com/235/235.html
As for shoes, I suggest you go to a running store and get properly fitted. Your shins and knees will thank you for it. Brands don’t matter, it’s the fit that counts 🙂
It seems you’ve gathered the whole i-family together. Now there’s nothing that can stop you!
I just hope you won’t decide to start a career as an athlete with all those loops that you’re about to start doing :))
Welcome to the dark side, Pete!
I’m not sure how Documents to Go synchs throughout devices but if you need a quick way to note stuff, try Simplenote. It will synch notes between every device automatically and it’s free.
Regarding typing on the iPhone, you’d be surprised at how fast and accurate you can type on the dinky little screen, it’s no iPad by any means but a fine way to take down the odd idea.
I second the suggestion to go to an actual running store and getting fitted there. My suggestion for holding all your stuff is getting a dog to go along with you and get THEM a backpack 😀
Yeah! I vote for a dog. You could call him Twilight Dancer or something ^^ Or Abban if he’s going to carry your backpack 😀
All though a dog takes alot of time, and we just want you to sit down and write, really..
‘ I also like to bring snacks. Usually an apple, a sandwich, and a drink. And sometimes a book (or manuscript) ‘
i cant help imagining sum1 eating a book….
I use an incase arm case, which straps your iPhone to your arm while you run, so you can listen to music.
But, honestly? Exercise needs to be unilateral. You want to remove distractions and focus on kicking your own ass. Other than music, I wouldn’t take anything and dedicate workout time to working out.
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You should so get running. Running means you could go the four miles in like 30-40 minutes, where as walking probably takes you somewhere around an hour. That means 20 extra minutes you can work on Daylight War and so get the book out sooner for us rabid fans.
A dog would be great for the exercise. You can get into great shape pretty easily jogging with a dog. I would not recommend taking a bag of any sort while jogging though. Jogging can be tough on the back even without extra weight slung on it.
I also agree about getting fitted. Shin splints and other foot/leg/back issues suck. A good pair of shoes can stop that. And drink water. Dehydration is probably your worst enemy when it comes to running.