Monday, March 10, 2014

23 mobile things- thing #8

I tend to sign up for many social media sites but either forget to use them or decide against it. The only 2 I use regularily are facebook and linkedin. I do have a twitter account but it's been years since I used it. I do have both the facebook and linkedin mobile apps and check them quite frequently.

I downloaded Hootsuite to see if being able to check both facebook and linkedin at the same time would be helpful or not. It is easy to refresh the feeds and get the info, but I couldn't figure out how to post or comment on anything like I can in regular facebook. Also, it seems geared to someone with a twitter account.

Though I like the idea of Hootsuite, it doesn't seem to be as useful to me as it could be. I would rather check the few apps I have. For professional development and networking, I would probably stick with linkedin. However, I do welcome any librarian friends on facebook.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

23 mobile things: thing #7

For this part of the experience, I decided to try Bitly. I had already used Delicious in library school to save bookmarks for a project and hoped that Bitly would be the same thing. It would be nice to be able to save my favorite websites and access them wherever I went. However, neither Bitly nor Delicious worked for me. I couldn't figure out how to import my Firefox bookmarks into Bitly and there was no help for that.

I did find out I could transfer bookmarks from Delicious to Bitly. Unfortunately, when I logged into Delicious, every one of my links is duplicated and I can't erase the duplicates. Also, Firefox is incompatible so I can't import those.

It seems to me that Bitly, Firefox and Delicious should be compatible with each other. Otherwise there doesn't seem to be a point in content sharing. I could use Pinterest, but I had more experience with Delicious and thet type of application.

Sunday, March 2, 2014

23 mobile things- thing #6!

This time I looked at Quick Office as a way of editing and saving documents on my Iphone. I have always used Google Drive and Gmail to send and save documents I want to use elsewhere. Before Quick Office, I would have to download my documents to my laptop to make any changes before uploading back to Google. I could never edit anything unless I emailed it to myself first.

After using Quick Office, it has gotten better. Though not perfect, it is a nice step in the right direction. I am able to create and edit files on the go and save them to my cloud drive. I can even create a powerpoint on the bus and finish it at work.  I love I have used it to edit lists of things I need to do or books I want to get. I love the way you can track the changes made and center the text.

The only problems I see with Quick Office are the limitations. There is no way to see or add page numbers or change the margins. It would be nice to be able to insert pictures into the document as well. Maybe, at least for the Iphone version, one could insert things saved to Photos. This could be cleared up in another version. I know that it can never be the same as Office, but these could make things better. All in All, this is a great use of mobile technology as long as you get used to the Iphone keyboard.

Saturday, March 1, 2014

23 mobile things thing# 5- notetaking

While I use my iphone for many things, note taking is usually not one of them. When I do, the app that came with the phone is used, mainly to remember certain things. However, I did have Dragon on my old phone and looked into using it again at the library.

The problem with Dragon for me is that I would need to find a quiet place to use it. Because it relies on the microphone, it either picks up other conversations or doesn't recognize my note. When I used it before, it was to send texts without having to type it in. However, I now have Siri to do that. Otherwise, I would try the voice memo app for notes during meetings.

When thinking about how I would use the Iphone for keeping organized lists personally, I like my current set up and do not plan on changing it. The various apps listed would work depending on the needs of the individual user.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

23 mobile things thing #4

When using an RSS feeder to keep up with the news and other information, I used to use google reader. I was able to check on it through the web easily. When that left, I tried many other possibilities until I landed on Feedly. It doesn't work with internet explorer, but it does have a free Iphone app you can download. Until I got to this point in the 23 mobile things, I was content using this alone.

For this, I downloaded and tried Flipboard. The setup was fine, and I am able to view what I want. I was reluctant to try it because I am used to Feedly and can get all my news and technology info that way. However, after trying Flipboard, it does have things that Feedly doesn't. One example is the ability to see new books that are coming out as well as current books in categories such as reference, travel and nonfiction. This lets me keep up to date. This way, when I get asked for certain books, I have a clue about what it is.

My thought is that I will use both Feedly and Flipboard in the future. For times when I want to see quick and up to date news without extra stuff, I use Feedly. When I have time to read through multiple sources to get what I want, as well as look at things to help professionally, I will use Flipboard. Between the two, I should be able to stay well informed and in touch with the world. This is the point of the applications involved.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

23 mobile things- thing#3 utilities

For this blog, I downloaded Red Laser. At first glance, I was hesitant because it didn't seem useful. However, after scanning a few barcodes for different products, I changed my mind. Personally, I could use it to track the ads and sales for a certain item and even check prices online. It also lets me scan qr codes and opens them in Safari.  Professionally, I could use it to create qr codes to advertise library programs and events. I could also use the scanner to check prices for people if they would rather buy an item instead of check it out, or if the library can't get it any longer. Another utility app I found and use is called iCatchall: 27+ apps in one. The most useful parts of this is the currency converter, the tip calculator, and the level. It also tells you when the next full moon is and has many fun sounds and games. Considering it's free, the price is well worth it.

Sunday, February 9, 2014

23 mobile things- thing#2

When thinking about my iphone 5, the tips given are really useful. Another one would be how to get the flashlight to work, through swiping up and choosing the right button. When closing apps by holding the home button and swiping each one, it is possible to do it sideways by sliding your finger to the right. Two can be closed at once as well. The tips shared allow me to make the best use of my iphone. Probably the only thing I still don't know how to do would be transfering pictures to a computer directly without using itunes.