Endomondo sports tracker

The programe console on a smartphone screen

IF you pack a smartphone, there are hundreds of fitness apps out there.
One of the most interesting Android OS apps that I've come across is the Endomondo sports tracker.
This software links your phone's GPS and a cellular network to track your sporting activity.
In my case, its cycling and I gave it a try on Sunday.
I found the accuracy to be amazing as it tracked my movement from Karak to Bentong - minute-by-minute.
The ride data is then uploaded onto Endomondo's website where the distance, elevation and calories burned are displayed.
You can then share this on Facebook or on a blog.
So, that said, its gonna be loads of fun with the Endomonodo on my LG Optimus 2X

LG Optimus ME

LG's Optimus ME is an entry-level smartphone loaded with features

IT could have been a nokia or apple iphone 4.
Nokia, well, sucks in a way because they couldn't keep up with times.
Iphones, urm, not my thing.
I got an LG Optimus ME after signing-up for an additional data package.

FIRST IMPRESSONS

The LG Optimus ME is a lightweight cellular phone. Its entire casing is made of plastic and has a 320x480 pixel touch screen.
Its a small phone with the right size for my pocket and seems to be unobstrusive at all times. And since its also pretty light, its seen a little bit of pocket time.
On the whole, its a handsome little phone - GPS enabled and capable of web-browsing, push email and a whole lot of features.
What I like, is the USB thetering and Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities.

THE GOOD

This phone doesn't lag on starting up. Battery life is pretty decent and charging is at ease with a USB cable. You can plug it onto your PC and it'll charge. A special Android driver is needed in order to connect the phone to your laptop.

It has a simple interface, very friendly even to beginners.

THE BAD

If you have a need for speed, this phone is slow. Run too many applications, it would come to a crawl. Since the screen is also very small, you would need reading glasses is your age is pushing the 40s. I found that the touch screen is not as responsive as my gen 4 apple ipod.

THE UGLY

If you expect a line of accessories for this phone. Forget about it. And yeah, I was unlucky because my LG Optimus ME crashed and hanged. I got it replaced with a bigger, better, badder and faster LG. *Read my next review..

Gone Android.. *bleep! bleep!*

I've been resisting smartphones for as long as it takes.
Barely a week ago, I took the plunge.
I signed up for a data plan to be included in my monthly cellular phone voice line package.
This is an additional RM68 on top of the RM48 minimum commitment billing.
Why data?
Having given much thought to touring and staying plugged into the net, I've narrowed down my choices from carrying a mifi-router to an Andriod OS phone with wifi hotspot capabilities.
The choices at this moment, are limited.
I came across some HTC models, which turned out to be very expensive and crappy.
I did made it clear that I won't blow money for a cellphone.
And after sifting through a pile of spec sheets, I ended up with an LG phone. *Read my review.
I could have settled for an iphone 4, but nah, its not my thing.
Why? For operating a wifi hotspot, you have to pay for the apps. This is an upgrade on OS 4.03 for the iphone. So, screw that.
After trying out the data line with my HP Mini netbook, I am confident that the link would not be broken while we are on the road...

The Motorola Android phone is here...

Its a pity how Motorola, the telecommunications giant that started it all, is now in the gutter.

They tried to compete with Nokia, a world leader and Sony Ericsson, who makes useless phones and now, Blackberry and the Apple iphone for a market share here in Malaysia.

I am a fan of none and view the cellphone as a tool solely for keeping in touch.

And like I said earlier, I have no need for pushing emails onto my cellphone.

I even rejected the offer for a RM120 data plan where reporters can claim for their monthy network fees.

Now, that said, Motorola's smartphone operating on Google's Android OS has attracted my attention.

A recent media release stated that it will be on sale for RM2.3k.

For something that goes on sale in the US for a few hundred bucks, I don't think Motorola is going to get a single sen from me.

So, the Android phone can go eat some shit.