Travel And Photo Today

CHINA ADVENTURE … Planning The Action

Photo Trekker — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 01:54:10 +0000

I’m in the final phase of prepping for my China Adventure. Got my toothbrush packed, my cameras are cleaned and tuned up. I have my passport with it’s new China Visa. Yep….I’m just about ready.

This will be my first trip to China and I’m really looking forward to it. I’m planning to take a whole bunch of photos (of course) and also hoping to write a few articles to share my impressions and experiences. I’m doing some fine tuning on my list of things to do, see, etc. Maybe you would like to help? Would you like to participate in this adventure? I’m always looking for input – new ideas, concepts, etc.

To help you out, here is my general travel plan.

Flight from Kansas City to San Francisco and then on to Beijing. From there I will visit Xian, Chengdu, and Lhasa Tibet. Then I head to Chongquing where I embark on a cruise on the Yangtze visiting Wanxian,and Fengdu, then passing through the Wu and Qutange Gorges as well as the Lesser Three Gorges: Dragon-Gate, Misty, and Emerald Gorge. Finally I will visit Wuhan briefly before moving on to Hong Kong. Flight home is from Hong Kong to Kansas City, again via San Francisco.

So that is where I will be. If you have been to China and have your own favorite “must sees” then let me know. If you have never been to China but have some ideas – let me know. If you have some thoughts about interesting photos or subjects for articles – let me know. Share your ideas with me and I’ll share the journey with you. This is going to be a great China Adventure!

Count Down To China …… Enjoy The Adventure!
Dr. B, The PhotoTrekker

iPad Keyboard Case – Zagg Folio

Photo Trekker — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:49:47 +0000

: Zagg Folio / zagg image

I’m entering my final preparation phase for an upcoming Journey To China. One item I needed to add to my travel gear was a case/keyboard for my iPad (3). After doing considerable research and inspecting several models I settled on the Zagg Folio. Although designed for the iPad 2 the website reported it as being “compatible” with the new iPad. I ordered one. Here’s my initial take on the my new Zagg Folio.The Zagg iPad Folio and Keyboard was backordered and took quite awhile to ship. It finally arrived.. I’ve been looking forward to having this item for writing while I am on the road. It provides a total protection case and bluetooth keyboard. I really enjoy my iPad (I now use the “new” iPad) and use it multiple times each day for a variety of tasks. But when it comes to writing something longer than a brief email – well I really struggle typing on the flat glass panel. I have the Apple Bluetooth keyboard which works well. But it is large and I am reluctant to travel with it. What I wanted was a case with a nice small “real” keyboard that I could use for writing when traveling. The folio case is a plastic device. It is compact and seems to be fairly sturdy. Unlike “smart covers” the Zagg Folio provides protection to both the front and the back of the iPad. The folio is kept closed with a plastic latch when not in use. Using the case with the iPad requires the case to bend in various places so that the iPad is positioned for reading or typing. I am a bit concerned that, over time, this bending will degrade and possibly break the plastic case material and or the “skin” which adds the color component to the case (see below). No problem now of course. Time will tell.The iPad fits into the upper portion of the folio, sliding into a track which holds it very snuggly. And I mean REALLY SNUGGLY! It is not going to fall out. Indeed, it is very difficult and awkward to remove the iPad from the case. I’m not sure if this tight fit is by design or not. I somewhat suspect that this case was initially designed for the iPad 2 which has a depth of .34 inches. The “new” iPad, is just a tad bit thicker – .37 inches, and can be made to fit. Maybe yes, maybe no. Either way, for the “new” iPad the fit is very tight. I don’t think it needs to be so tight. I had hoped to be able to easily remove my iPad from the case for casual reading, etc. without leaving it in the case with the keyboard. Also, since the iPad can be used only in landscape mode while in the case there are times when I want to remove it so I can use the iPad in portrait mode. Now it’s true, I can remove the iPad – but it is a struggle and a hassle. There is no good way to get a grip on the iPad or the case without risking damage to one or the other. ( Note – I have now resorted to using sand paper to sand down the groove into which the iPad fits – this has relieved the snug fit problem slightly – but I’m still not really satisfied. And besides – you shouldn’t have to do your own modifications to a device which is advertised to work with the New iPad).

The Zagg is offered in a variety of colors. I chose the red and it looks great. The color is actually a “skin” type of covering which is designed to fit the case nicely by snuggly fitting inside a small lip or ridge running around the exterior of the case. With the “skin” properly in place it fits flush with the ridge creating a nice smooth finish. Unfortunately, on my case there were several points where the “skin” had been slightly misaligned during application. As a result there are several points where the “skin” overlaps or overhangs the containment ridge slightly. With the “skin” edge exposed, I am concerned that, with use, these points will likely catch on things and the “skin” will begin to loosen and peel away. Again, time will tell.

My primary purpose for obtaining the Zagg Folio was my desire to have a small, compact “real” keyboard to use when traveling. In this area I am really pleased with the Zagg. The bluetooth keyboard is small, measuring roughly nine and one half inches by four and one-quarter inches. It fits well within the lower portion of the case. Although smaller than a standard keyboard, I find the spacing of the keys to be very workable and the keys provide good travel and response feedback. I have no trouble with “touch typing” on the keyboard – something I found totally impossible on the glass panel of the iPad. As a result, typing is a much more fluid and enjoyable experience.

So what is my overall opinion? I would give the Zagg Folio a grade of “B”. It affords good protection for the iPad. The keyboard works well. I would like to give it an “A” but I can’t due to the tight fit problem for the New iPad and the slight misfit of the color skin. I plan to contact Zagg about these issues. I’ll let you know their response.

Meanwhile I am planning to take the Zagg Folio with me on my China Adventure. It should get some use as I will attempt to write occasional updates while on the road. So stay tuned.

UPDATE: ———–

I contacted Zagg and discussed my difficulty with the tight fit of my New iPad. They confirmed that they developed a modified version of the Zagg Folio for use with the New iPad – taking into account that the new version is a bit thicker. But, they also reported that the Folio that was shipped to me should have been the New iPad version. After I described my difficulties they are agreed that my problem sounded atypical. They offered to send me a replacement – assuring me that this one would be the New iPad version. So – perhaps a solution is on the way. I hope so. I also hope it arrives before my upcoming departure for China. As before….. Stay tuned.

Use Your iPad On The Road …………And Enjoy The Adventure!

Dr.B, The PhotoTrekker

Off Topic Post – Rock Chalk Jayhawk! – KU!

Photo Trekker — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:52:47 +0000

Allen Field House - Home of KU Jayhawks / bwb-images

Yep – you are correct. I haven’t been really active on this site recently. Haven’t written an article in a bit. But there is a really good reason. For those of you who might not be aware, this is March – and College Basketball does this very special thing in March. The NCAA has their end of the year basketball tournament. They have a special name for it – but they copyright and/or trademark everything these days – so let’s just say it sounds a lot like March Sadness.

Now for me, basketball is what get’s me through the blah winter months of January and February. It keeps me going until Spring arrives. And I have to say I am very fortunate. I am an alumnus of two colleges which manage to put out some very high caliber basketball teams – Michigan State University and the University of Kansas. This year both teams did very well. KU won the Big 12 and MSU tied for the Big Ten. As a result of great seasons MSU received a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament while KU received a #2 seed. Yep – both very good teams.

So…..for the past several weeks I have been doing more basketball watching and reading that article writing. We have now reached the final weekend of the tournament. The semi finals are Saturday and the championship game is Monday. Unfortunately, MSU was eliminated in an earlier round but KU has continued to string wins together resulting in their being one of four teams remaining the tournament, along with Ohio State, Kentucky, and Louisville.

Who will win? Time will tell. But trust me – I will be watching! I know – it is really silly for a grown man to pin his happiness on a bunch of late adolescent males playing a game in long baggy shorts. But I can’t help myself. I’m a fan.

I will be yelling and screaming for The University of Kansas – Good Old KU. I’ll be back to writing soon. (Keep in mind that I leave for a journey to China in less than a month so I will likely be writing around that topic in a variety of ways.)

But that is after this weekend. Right now it’s Rock Chalk JayHawk – Go KU!

Enjoy The Journey

Dr.B, The PhotoTrekker

Cruise Photography Tips ….. Ocean Going or River Boat?

Photo Trekker — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:31:50 +0000

A View from Santorini / J Caulfield

Guest Article on Cruise Photography by John Caulfield

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The Long And Short Of It

My wife and I love to travel and we are hooked on cruising. The last intelligent thing I have to do on a packaged cruise is remember where I parked my car at the airport. Once I have written that information down and safely tucked it away in my billfold, everything else can be the as close to adult daycare as you want it to be.

One of the decisions you do have to make when picking out a cruise is “Ocean Going” or “Riverboat Cruise”. We have been on both and the intent of this blog is to give a few pros and cons of each mode;

Ocean Going Cruise Liner

Dockside in New Zealand / J Caulfield

Big majestic ships allow you to enjoy the immensity of the ocean. If you are lucky enough to get a clear moonlit night on a calm sea, it is the sort of thing that you will remember a long time. It is hard to capture the serenity of those moments with your camera. That is a good thing. It’s the essence of “being there” versus reading about it.

Lots to eat, shows to go to, gambling, choice pools to swim in, new people to meet, shore excursions galore.
A room with a balcony, will allow you to set up your tripod and do photo shoots right from that vantage point as the ship transverses scenic vistas.
“Queue” is a term you will soon learn – to hate. If it is a big ship, and you sign up for ship sponsored shore excursions you will have to line up (queue) to get off the ship on onto the shore excursion transportation. I don’t like “burning daylight” in the Princess Lounge waiting for my tour group to be called.
A Day at Sea / J Caulfield

Get in shape before the cruise. If you plan to be an active photographer, you will need to be on port, starboard, or top deck to get the best vantage points. Plus you need to anticipate where the ship will be so you can get to those spots in a timely basis. There will be hundreds of other camera toting folks vying for some of those same spots. It can be a jungle out there.

River Boat Cruising:

J Caulfield

Obviously, no ocean views. Don’t look for dolphins swimming along side. You are on a river that may be 4 – 100 feet deep. We were on a Viking river boat cruise up the Danube that started in Budapest and ended in Nuremburg, Germany.

French balcony – another new term for me – interpretation – a sliding glass door with no outside deck. These boats are long and narrow so they can get them trough locks along the river.
A Lock on the Danube / J Caulfield

Good news, when the boat docks at a port, you can be off the boat in 5 minutes. Queues are almost nonexistent. You don’t take a tender boat to get to shore.

Easier to get around onboard. You can be anywhere on the boat in minutes and you normally don’t have to fight for a photo vantage point. You may, in fact, be the only one onboard with a 70-200. You will be known as the “ship photographer” – be sure to give out your card and let them buy images from your website – you could make millions!
Hop on hop off - no queue / J Caulfield

Limited restaurant menu, no glitzy shows, casinos, tuxedoed dress up diners, wooden horse races, selection of swimming pools or 24 hour soft serve ice cream.

So which is best? Hmm….long pause…. Answer, it all depends. Where do you want to go? Alaska is not big on river boat cursing. Nor is the Canada New England shore line. But if you want to explore the interiors of Europe then the Rhine and Danube are “river boat ready”. The important thing is to choose a mode and commit to it, study the journey, engage the fellow travelers, don’t allow yourself to complain but celebrate the fact that you are seeing new country and creating a lifetime of memories.

John Caulfield, Photographer

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My thanks to John for his guest article. John is a great guy and a wonderful photographer. Here is his brief bio:

John Caulfield Biography

John Caulfield - Photographer

I am a freelance photographer concentrating on event and portrait photography. My images have appeared in newspapers, magazines, travel brochures, advertising brochures, promotional books, billboards and on TV. My educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from St. Louis University and a MBA from the University of Kansas. I augmented my photography skills by taking Fundamental Photography, Photoshop, and Digital Photography courses at Johnson County Community College.

I am a long time board member of Digital Dimensions and Beyond, a local Kansas City photography club.

I retired in August 2011 from Cleaves-Bessmer-Marietti, Inc., a Kansas Citybased manufacturer’s representative with 33 employees selling electrical products in a 5 state area. I spent 35 years with CBM, Inc and was President/CEO for 10 years.

In addition to photography I enjoy time with my wife Laura, 3 daughters, a son-in-law, 2 grandchildren, ham radio, computers, church activities and golf.

John can be reached at jcaulfield@kc.rr.com

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Keep on Cruisin’ …………………. And Enjoy The Adventure!

Dr.B, The PhotoTrekker

Thanks again, John. And if anyone else has an interest in doing a guest article ……. let me know!

New iPad …… 1st Impressions

Photo Trekker — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 01:03:38 +0000

iPad / Apple Photo

Well, I have been the proud owner of my New iPad for a grand total of two days now and thought it was time to share some initial impressions. To help you keep my impressions in perspective, I use my iPad for a variety of tasks. I am a photographer and use the iPad to display photo albums and portfolios to prospective new clients and to present initial results to clients when I am doing a new shoot. I read a lot on the iPad – books, magazines, blogs, etc. I write some articles. I play some games. When traveling I use it to watch movies (in flight) and to listen to music. I love the size, versatility, and ease of use. I had read the pre release stats, etc.on the New iPad so I knew this wasn’t going to be an earth-shaking techno revolution in the world of tablets. I wasn’t expecting miracles. Still, keep in mind that I have been working with my Original iPad ( 16 gig, black model, wi-fi only) for several years and had not upgraded to the iPad 2. So I did expect the New iPad to be a noticeable improvement. That said, keep in mind that my impressions are based on the move from the Orignal iPad to the New iPad. I’m sure that owners of the iPad 2 would have rather different expectations and impressions. For reference, the New iPad I selected was the 64 gig model, in white, with Verizon 4G capability.

The Retina Display: The incorporation of the “Retina Display” has been one of the most highly touted “improvements” in the New iPad. As I have said previously (related article) I have always been rather pleased with the display on the Original iPad. For my purposes it appeared very acceptably sharp with good color and clarity.

My New iPad presented me with a rather interesting screen experience. On my first day of ownership, once I had loaded everything up and started working with the New iPad, I noticed what I will call a slightly pinkish color cast or tint to the screen. It was really only noticeable on pages with large white areas, such as when writing an email, etc. I didn’t really see it in photo images. But the more I worked with it the more this pinkish tint bugged me. I looked at the same pages in different lighting situations, I “rebooted”, I changed brightness settings. Nothing seemed to make it go away. Sometimes it appeared stronger or more noticeable and sometimes less so, but it was always there. And it really irritated me, definitely detracting from what I had hoped would be a great New iPad experience. I did an internet search and found noting about the problem with the New iPad. There were some old articles about pink tint on older iPhones. Finally, out of frustration, I went back to the Apple Store to get help.

I’m not going to give you the moment to moment review here – just a few basic pieces. My iPad did not show the same clear pinkish tint to the screen at the Apple Store (of course). The Apple sales person, who was very patient and attentive, did say that my issue might be related to the white frame. He said some people have noticed that with the white model the frame seems to pick up or reflect various colors and this might be what I am noticing. He also said this is the reason that most televisions use a black frame. This explanation appealed to the photographer side of me – to a degree. And also, I may be a bit more critical or sensitive to color cast issues than the non-photographer? Who knows. Anyway - the sales person offered to swap out my white model for a black model and I agreed to give it a try. At least there was hope in this suggestion. The result? I’m happy to say I see no such pinkish color tint on my replacement iPad. What caused the problem? Was it a funky screen? Or was it the white model in combination with my critical eye? I have no idea and may never know. But I do know that I’m happy (and greatly relieved) that the pink tint is gone! My sincere thanks to an understanding and helpful Apple sales person.

Beyond the “pink tint” issue, I am generally pleased with the Retina Display. Sharp images, clear, good color. I hope to put it through more serious paces in the future. At this point I have used it as I did my original iPad – writing emails, reading, viewing images. And I do notice a difference. There is a bit more clarity and definition to text and images. It’s good. But so far I am not exactly blown away by the changes / improvements. Perhaps I am not really looking at the right materials and / or apps? Maybe some HD videos will reveal some, as yet hidden, potential of the Retina Display.Time will tell. So far my impression is that it’s nice - but not outstanding.

In future articles I will share additional impressions. Meanwhile ——–

Keep On Travelin’ ………………. And Enjoy The Adventure!

Dr.B, The Photo Trekker

New iPad ……. Good For Travel?

Photo Trekker — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 14:17:12 +0000

iPad / Apple Photo

The New iPad (not the iPad 3 or the iPad HD – so guess I’ll call it the New iPad) was announced previously and released to consumers last week. In a previous article I wrote about my indecisiveness regarding an upgrade to the New iPad (see related article). I continued to be ambivalent. I did not place a pre-order. My plan was to wait and see - see how others like the New iPad – see what reviewers had to say. Good plan. Logical thinking and all that.

On the day of the New iPad’s release I was up early to do my pre-China trip workout at a local high school football stadium (I’ll write more about that in a future article). I finished up about 7:45 AM and thought – well I’ll just drive by the good old local Apple Store ( I am one of those fortunate – or unfortunate? – enough to have an Apple Store in the neighborhood). Thought I would see how many people were camped out – how long the lines were – you know the routine. So I pulled into the parking lot. What do I see? Well there were 3 policemen for crowd control. There about 6 Apple employees in their tidy blue shirts to deal with customers and keep them in line and orderly. Apple had planned well. They even had a table with coffee and donuts for customers. The coffee and donuts were “free” – which as I have mentioned before on numerous occasions – is one of my most favorite words. So clearly the Apple Store was prepared for the crowd. The only thing missing was – wait for it – the crowd.

I arrived at Apple promptly at 8:05 AM, five minutes after the store had opened. By then Apple had already let customers into the store with each being assigned to a sales person. So the store was certainly “active.” But outside the store there was perhaps a total of twelve people waiting! So……………impulse got the better of me and I jumped in line! (After all, the coffee and donuts were FREE!) A friendly sales person asked what type of iPad I would be purchasing. My usually frugal self heard my totally un-frugal impulse blurting out ” 64 gig, white, Verizon.” Really – like those words blasted out of my mouth on some type of auto pilot – I have no idea where they came from. It was maybe some type of out-of-body experience?

Bottom line – I was in and out of the Apple Store by 8:30 AM with my New iPad. I talked with various staff while I was there. Their general consensus was that a huge number of people had done a New iPad pre-order on line – to the point that the pre-orders for the day of release had “sold out.” But, as a result – the “front door of the Apple Store” demand had lessened. Later in the day I was told the same thing by sales staff at Best Buy. Works for me!

So now I have a New iPad. My hope is that it will be a great companion and tool for travel and writing. Time will tell. I’ll be sharing my experience and impressions in future articles.

Springtime is Great!…… Enjoy The Adventure!

Dr.B, The Photo Trekker

Digital Book Pricing …..Hope for a Better Deal

Photo Trekker — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 18:06:11 +0000

Digital pricing can impact everyone – including travelers. Smart travelers tend to travel light. The arrival of e-books and various digital “readers” was a blessing to the traveler who wanted to take various magazines, books, novels, trip guides etc. on the journey but didn’t want all the added bulk and weight of “hard copy” literature. I know that whenever I travel I tend to load up my iPhone and iPad with lots of reading material – just in case. You never know when you might want to read up on a new locations, kill a few hours of airport time during an unexpected delay, read a novel to help move you toward sleep as your body adjusts to a multiple time-zone shift. You get the idea.

I have to say that I love digital books and literature in many ways. But there are two problems I have with digital books. And they really slow me down and make me very reluctant and selective in regard to purchasing digital books. Problem Number One – you can’t share digital books or loan them or gift them as you can with hard copy books. Problem Number Two - digital book pricing really irritates me. Digital books cost far more than they need to cost.

When I purchase a “real” hard cover book I own it. I can read it – see it on my bookshelf – loan it to a friend – gift it to a friend or the library or charity. I can do what I please with it. These are things that book publishers don’t want me to do with my digital books (heck, I suspect they would probably like to find a way to keep me from doing them with my hard cover books). And, I might add, they are creating all the same types of headaches for libraries – refusing to sell tem digital books or limiting the number of times that a digital book can be “loaned out”. Good Grief!

I feel that the price I pay for the hard cover books is reasonable for what I get. Have you looked at the price of digital books? The cost is way out of proportion to any reality / cost basis. Some costs are the same for hard cover and digital editions of books – but many are not. Who out there believes that the true direct cost of a digital copy of a book is anywhere near that of a hard back copy ? No way that makes any sense.. I have nothing against a company making a profit. But there is a differential in costs between hard cover and digital books which is not nearly reflected in the price. Charging these high prices for a digital copy of a book makes absolutely no sense.

Well, let me correct that – these prices and policies make no sense to anyone other than those who stand to make a profit from the sale of these high-priced digital books. (And again let me say that I have nothing against a company making a reasonable profit.) But now, it turns out (and as many have suspected) that quit possibly book producers have colluded and conspired to collectively agree to charge these inflated prices. (Just goes to show you that just because you are paranoid doesn’t mean that people aren’t plotting against you!)

This week the Wall Street Journal did an article this reporting that the U.S. Justice Department is about to sue various publishers for practices such as these (related Journal article). They report that Apple and Steve Job’s ideas and policies are at the center of the case. It appears that Apple initiated moves to change the way that publishers charge for e-books. You can find information related to this in Walter Isaacson’s recent biography on Apple’s ”Steve Jobs.” Check out Chapter 38 “The iPad”, subheading “Publishing And Journalism” which is on page 503 ( This of course in the hard back edition – I didn’t purchase the e-book so I have no idea about that page number.) The Wall Street Journal reports that the suit is related to allegations involving various publishers ”colluding to raise the prices of electronic books.”

I have no idea how this will all turn out. Believe me, I will be following this issue. My hope is that the result will involve a move toward more realistic and appropriate pricing and policy structures for digital books. But then, of course with Big Business and Big Government involved – just about anything can happen! I’m keeping my fingers crossed. But meanwhile I continue to enjoy reading and loaning my hard back books - except of course when I load up my iPad for a long journey.

Read Right – Travel Light!….Enjoy The Adventure!

Dr.B, The Photo Trekker

Free iPad 3 ……. Beware!

Photo Trekker — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 10:00:56 +0000

CAUTION ! This is a simple, and hopefully obvious, cautionary note. You’ve heard the saying, “there is no free lunch?” Well, the same applies to Apple devices. If you receive an email or internet message / notification offering you a way to obtain a “free iPad 3″ - maybe to be a “tester”, a reviewer, or some other such temptation – well, the word “SCAM” should immediately come to mind. There is no free lunch – and there is no free iPad 3.

Be Cautious (and smart)…………And Enjoy the Adventure!

Dr.B, The Photo Trekker

iPad 3 ……… Yes or No?

Photo Trekker — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 13:47:10 +0000

iPad 2 / Apple Photo

Today Apple is scheduled to make a “big” announcement. Most anticipate that Apple will be presenting the iPad 3 (or perhaps the name will be the iPad HD?) - the latest edition of the wildly success tablet in Apple’s inventory. Tech magazines and blogs have been writing about the upcoming release of the iPad 3 for months now. Everyone – well at least those that are into this tech / computer / Apple stuff – is wondering about just what new goodies Apple will install in the iPad 3. Every author and magazine seems to have their own ideas about what we’ll see – but no one really knows. Apple does a very good job of keeping new product development under wraps. They love to do the big media event – new product release. And they do it really well. There may be things to fault in the way Apple does business – but their marketing approach tends to be real cutting edge.

But apparently Apple is about to let the cat out of the bag later today and present its new babyto the world – the iPad 3. We will soon see what they have brought to us in the hope that we will instantly embrace (and buy) the iPad 3.

I am one who was initially skeptical of this “tablet” style tech device. It wasn’t cheap and I wasn’t sure if or how I would use it. But I eventually jumped on the band wagon and got the iPad (original version). Admittedly my jump on board was a bit tentative – I got the basic entry-level version – 16 gig and wi-fi only. But I have come to really love iPad. I use it a lot - and that is I use it a lot each day. I use it for presentation of photography projects and portfolios to prospective clients (as well as to friends, family, and other photographers). I use it to read the daily news on various apps. I use it to read up on sports as well as watch live streaming sports events. I use it to search the internet, play games (Words With Friends anyone?), read books, watch movies, stream Netflix, plan trips, make reservations. I also use the iPad for writing – things like this article for example. So you get the idea – I use my iPad a lot, for all kinds of stuff.

In most ways I find my original iPad is excellent for my needs. Basically I am a happy camper. For me, the screen resolution is really very good. Do I need HD? Not that I can tell. My issues with my current version? Now I find that the 16 gig version is too limiting – I need more room for storage because I have found so many ways to use the iPad. I would like a camera – primarily for Face Time (I think the size of the iPad makes it a rather awkward camera – there might be some uses out there – but not many. I’ll continue to use my DSLRs or my iPhone). I think I would also like to have a version that allows the option of broadband data use – probably with Verizon. Beyond those features I’m not sure I need anything more.

So in looking at my list of items I’d like in an iPad upgrade I see that they are already available – in the iPad 2! And now that the iPad 3 is about to be released, the price of the iPad 2 is already coming down. So……I’m going to watch and see what Apple has up its sleeve today. What will this iPad 3 really offer? Will there be any other surprises? Maybe there will be something to prompt me to go for the iPad 3. But then again – it seems the iPad 2 is a great device which will be a great upgrade for me and do all I need it to do. Time will tell. What are you going to do?

Love Your Tech …………. And Enjoy The Adventure!

Dr.B, The Photo Trekker

Sale on “Jump Drives” …… Save The Memories

Photo Trekker — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 11:00:17 +0000

Just heard of a nice sale on Jump Drive USB Flash Drives. These are the Real McCoy – made by Lexar – not some unknown and soon to be forgotten company. Thought I would pass the info along. You can never have too much memory when you travel. These little Jump Drive work great – they are small and flexible and are perfect to back up and store all of those travel photos. Well – other photos too. Actually, you can save all sorts of stuff on them – data files, documents – back up anything. These low prices allow you to save between 18% to 25% of the regular prices. And here is a nice little added bonus -

SHIPPING IS FREE!

(as you may recall “free” is my favorite word)

8 GB Jump Drive Sale price – $9.95 ( click here ) regular price $11.95

16 GB Jump Drive Sale price – $17.95 ( click here ) regular price $21.95

32 GB Jump Drive Sale price – $29.95 ( click here ) regular price $39.95

64 GB Jump Drive Sale price – $59.95 ( click here ) regular price $ $79.95

(Disclosure — These drives are available at these low prices through Adorama – the camera and electronics store. You may remember that I am an affiliate of Adorama. If you decide to purchase their items it would be nice if you did so by clicking through on the links above. This will not only give you the full sale price but it will also help support this site. Thanks.)

Keep On Travelin’ !…………. And Enjoy The Adventure!

Dr.B, The Photo Trekker