1.Music players
Sure, I can listen to music on my smartphone, but it's not convenient on a run. TheiPod Nano is much easier to carry,
and all the music and podcasts on it doesn't eat up space on my phone.
Sure, I can listen to music on my smartphone, but it's not convenient on a run. TheiPod Nano is much easier to carry,
and all the music and podcasts on it doesn't eat up space on my phone.
Apple just updated all three iPod models, but only the iPod Touch changed significantly. The Touch is essentially an
iPhone without the cellular connection, so it isn't really a standalone music player. The ones that are - the Nano and
the Shuffle - got only minor updates, namely in the choices of color.
iPhone without the cellular connection, so it isn't really a standalone music player. The ones that are - the Nano and
the Shuffle - got only minor updates, namely in the choices of color.
Then again, as a device designed to play audio, neither needs a super-fast processor. The $49 Shuffle is cheaper
than the $149 Nano, but the Shuffle lacks a display and gives you fewer options to choose songs, forward or rewind.
The Nano also has an FM receiver and fitness-tracking capabilities - though a standalone fitness device is better for
that.
than the $149 Nano, but the Shuffle lacks a display and gives you fewer options to choose songs, forward or rewind.
The Nano also has an FM receiver and fitness-tracking capabilities - though a standalone fitness device is better for
that.
2.Fitness devices
I've worn smartwatches like the Apple Watch and general-purpose fitness trackers like the Fitbit. I've also used my
phone and the Nano to track my workouts.
I've worn smartwatches like the Apple Watch and general-purpose fitness trackers like the Fitbit. I've also used my
phone and the Nano to track my workouts.
None of that beats my Garmin GPS sports watch, which specializes in tracking running, cycling and swimming workouts.
That's not to say the other devices aren't good. The Apple Watch is quite accurate when you have an iPhone with you,
as it borrows the phone's GPS. The high-end Fitbit Surgemodel comes with GPS, as does Sony's SmartWatch 3 and Microsoft's Band.
as it borrows the phone's GPS. The high-end Fitbit Surgemodel comes with GPS, as does Sony's SmartWatch 3 and Microsoft's Band.
But the Garmin watches I've used do a lot more. You can record splits, such as the time it takes to complete a lap.
For pace, you can choose to display current pace, average pace for the whole run or average pace since the last split.
For pace, you can choose to display current pace, average pace for the whole run or average pace since the last split.
The model I currently use, the Forerunner 310XT, is bulky and isn't meant for all-day use. There's no touch screen or
anything fancy. But it's great for what it's supposed to do. Plus, because it's an older model, you can find one for well
below the $250 suggested retail price.
anything fancy. But it's great for what it's supposed to do. Plus, because it's an older model, you can find one for well
below the $250 suggested retail price.
3.ebook readers
With a standalone reader, I'm not constantly tempted to check email and Facebook, as I am reading on a tablet. In
addition, ereader screens are typically better than tablets outdoors because they have to be only good for displaying
black-and-white text - not colorful video, photos or magazines. With tablets, you have glare.
With a standalone reader, I'm not constantly tempted to check email and Facebook, as I am reading on a tablet. In
addition, ereader screens are typically better than tablets outdoors because they have to be only good for displaying
black-and-white text - not colorful video, photos or magazines. With tablets, you have glare.
I've found Amazon's Kindles among the best ereaders. They tend to be slimmer and lighter than other readers, and t
hey have reading-related extras, such as more information on characters, places and terms in a novel.
hey have reading-related extras, such as more information on characters, places and terms in a novel.
The $119 Paperwhite model will be adequate for most people. The Voyage has conveniences such as auto-brightness
for the screen, but it's also $80 more.
for the screen, but it's also $80 more.
4.Digital cameras
I used to shudder when I saw people rely on smartphones for their precious digital memories, as standalone cameras were much better. But these days, I usually leave my standalones behind, too. Smartphones have improved tremendously
and even outsmart point-and-shoot cameras sometimes with advance software.
I used to shudder when I saw people rely on smartphones for their precious digital memories, as standalone cameras were much better. But these days, I usually leave my standalones behind, too. Smartphones have improved tremendously
and even outsmart point-and-shoot cameras sometimes with advance software.
Standalone cameras still excel in two ways:
When you're zooming on a phone, you're getting a software adjustment that's akin to cropping. The zoomed images
won't be as sharp as what you get with either point-and-shoots or full-bodied, SLR cameras. Phones are too thin to have
the lens itself do the zooming by projecting out.
When you're zooming on a phone, you're getting a software adjustment that's akin to cropping. The zoomed images
won't be as sharp as what you get with either point-and-shoots or full-bodied, SLR cameras. Phones are too thin to have
the lens itself do the zooming by projecting out.
SLR cameras have larger sensors, which can pick up light better. In low-light environments, the phone camera's shutter
has to stay open slightly longer to let in enough light, a technique that introduces blur. Better phones have image-
stabilizing technology to counter that, but it's not the same as getting enough light to begin with.
has to stay open slightly longer to let in enough light, a technique that introduces blur. Better phones have image-
stabilizing technology to counter that, but it's not the same as getting enough light to begin with.
Usually, a good phone camera is good enough, but it's no match for a standalone camera, particularly an SLR, for
those special moments.
those special moments.
When phones are better
Navigation is one area where a phone will do just as well - perhaps even better - than a standalone GPS device in a car. A mapping app on a phone is more portable, for starters, and can be used for walking and transit directions, not just driving.
Navigation is one area where a phone will do just as well - perhaps even better - than a standalone GPS device in a car. A mapping app on a phone is more portable, for starters, and can be used for walking and transit directions, not just driving.
A standalone GPS device can be mounted on the windshield and won't drain your phone's battery, but you can counter
that with a mounting accessory for your phone and a charger that plugs into the car's cigarette lighter.
that with a mounting accessory for your phone and a charger that plugs into the car's cigarette lighter.
Source: NDTV
As much as I like standalone gadgets for many tasks, I don't see navigation as one of them.
No comments:
Post a Comment