Angela Lollar

First post from the iPad

Just a test blog! So far we like it!

Consumer Report - Pioneer Avic-F900BT

Some of you may recall a post I did over a year ago on the Pioneer AVIC-Z1.  I got this unit from TGIWF after he moved on to his car computer project.  I LOVED the Z1.  Much more than TGIWF did, but it was my first really cool gadget and he's not in the car for more than an hour each way everyday to and from work.

Well, I got the bright idea to upgrade my little Z1 by adding XM Traffic so I'd have up to the minute traffic updates on my in-dash nav unit!  Well problem there: I also had the bright idea to install it myself.  While I did read the directions, with a little help from my husband hooking up the red wire you're NOT supposed to, and me CUTTING the connection to the little red wire, I managed to blow up my AVIC-Z1.  Very sad day with lots of frustration.

In comes the decision to upgrade, or invest in the 2 year+ old dead navigation system.  Lucky for me, the same week I blew up my Z1, Pioneer introduced their new F-Series line of navigation systems.  After much research (which was very little...just looked at what it had) I decided to go with the Pioneer AVIC-F900BT. 

You'll likely read very poor reviews on this unit if you're looking to buy one now, because while I am happy with it now, it took a few weeks of frustrations and waiting for Pioneer to update the firmware package for me to be impressed.  I have to remember that when you're an early adapter of new products, you've got to be ready for the frustrations.  TGIWF and I talked the first few days I had it and after my less than impressive demo for him, we both decided it was a trash unit.

BUT, since I was busy doing other things (getting married), I threw the new unit on the back burner and decided to wait for the firmware update.

GOOD MOVE!  I've had the updated unit for a few weeks now, and just yesterday when I left work, the F900BT (aka. CHAD as I've affectionately named him) managed to reduce my road-rage mentality by informing me that HWY 36 was backed up with an accident, but it was only 2 miles ahead of me and I'd likely still be home by 6:15p.  This information was provided by the MSN Direct feature that is optional with $129 lifetime subscription fee.

If the giant indicator that the big van in front of me and all those around me was not enough of an indicator, CHAD would have chimed in 5 minutes in to my drive to alert me that there was trouble up ahead and that I had the option to take a detour, if I wanted.  Since CHAD also told me that the accident was so close, I chose to ride through it and I got home quickly.

This is a picture of CHAD...the F900BT and what the screen looks like while it's in traffic and in the Navigation mode like I had him yesterday.  The red line indicates a slowing in traffic and the little road hazard signs show there is a build up in traffic.

Once I was aware there was a problem, I had the option to find out more details, thus learning how far I was from the accident, if it was Eastbound like I was, and the street intersection where it was.

Lucky for me, I got to use this handy feature AGAIN on my drive to work today.  Not only was there an accident, there were THREE accidents on HWY 36 on my way in, delaying me by 45 minutes.  I realized having this tiny bit of info on where and why enabled me to switch over to the iPod, listen to my tunes, and cruise to work, to get there when I get there.

Overall review on the Pioneer AVIC-F900BT:  Certainly not as fabulous as the AVIC-Z1, but also about $1,000 less in price.  Great for a starter unit or for someone that doesn't like to keep a car more than 2 years that has that kind of money to toss around.  Not a Garmin, but much it's only work the money if you get the MSN Direct Traffic features.

Mortgage Contract Services

Tom Parisi

It’s shameless plug time.  A few months ago, I started the painstaking process of refinancing my home in a horrible market.  I needed to refinance, but like everyone else, my appraisals and comps were just not pulling in what I needed them to in order to refinance without money down. 

Despite what my property tax says my house is worth!  (Yes, I disputed it!)

I did like most do, I called a friend of the family that works at 1stBank.  At first, it all sounded good and worth the time and money to refinance.  Until I met with the WORST appraiser with the WORST attitude that claims I paid too much for my house two years ago and that “you are delusional if you think your house is worth that much!” 

First of all, don’t ever call me delusional, because I am a woman that does her research.  Second of all, just because you work for the bank and not me, doesn’t mean I’m not your customer.  Dump the attitude, buddy.  Needless to say, I pulled out of my loan application with 1stBank just because of this one guy and will forever steer my friends clear of home loans with 1stBank!

I remembered that one of my other buddies had this exact same issue with his house a month prior.  I called him venting my frustration, and he gave me Tom Parisi’s number.  Tom works with Mortgage Contract Services, a brokerage firm based in Berthoud, CO.  Now normally a broker cost more, we all know that.  But I’ve come to realize, there’s a reason.  I paid minimal more for my loan, but ended up saving the added price difference with the interest rate and loan that Tom was able to find me. 

Now I just got this guy’s name from a friend, but from the second I called Tom to see if he could help me, I got the feeling that I might be his only customer.  But I wasn’t.  Tom was working on plenty of other refinances and I was just one in the stack.  I’d never guess it!  He called back within hours of my leaving him a message, sometimes at 8:00p and 9:00p at night!  He knew me by just my first name.  He was we educated in my neighborhood, despite knowing nothing when we first started.  He was professional, honest, upfront and above all else…helpful!  He truly had my best interest and needs at heart, and he worked his tail off to get me the loan I wanted.  I’ve become a walking billboard for Tom, and those of you that know me, know I don’t give referrals unless I feel really strongly about it.

Tom is now helping Phill refinance his house, and I’m out of business cards to pass out!  (Tom, send me some more!!)

If you’re considering a refinance, or you have a ARM that’s about to adjust, call Tom.

Mortgage Contract Services is located at 543 3^rd Street in Berthoud, but Tom “the master” Parisi can be reached on his mobile at          970-405-3571       or by email at tpar111@yahoo.com

Consumer Report: The iPhone

I've heard this has happened to quite a few people. Those that were lucky enough to get their hands on a real live iPhone were not able to activate them due to a overload of users on the iTunes system.  One of the board members at our company just blogged about having this problem and I suspect this will not be his last negative blog about the "iBrick", as he has so appropriately renamed it. 

How do I come to my conclusion, you may ask?  Since most of you know I already have a XV6700, I can answer NO…I did not replace my beloved Pocket PC (SHAMELESS PLUG: Services provided by Verizon Wireless).  A family business partner successfully grabbed a iPhone that he was able to get functioning and I got to play with it yesterday.  Phill will also be receiving one “soon” as AT&T likes to state it, or as I interpret it = who knows!!

I personally am not impressed. Too much flash and not enough substance. I was not impressed with the keyboard at all, and they've put more emphasis on the internet, iPod and YouTube function than they did the email and phone business needs. AT&T is also not offering services for a business plan. That alone kills it for the corporate world. The iBrick was nowhere NEAR as functional and useful as my silly XV6700 or the good ol' Palm Treo.

My review: So far, not living up to the hype. My board member re-named this well as the iBrick.  I believe his follow-up email said it was ending up in the iTrash!

In A Separate Product Review…

I just blogged about TGIWF’s new ZUNE due in later this week.  On his blog, he points you to a ZUNE promoting web-site which has fun little creatures and movie clips.  I’ve been meaning to blog about Lily Allen anyway, but since I saw this web-site this morning, I had to finally sit down and do it today.

Lily Allen is a artist based in London that I was turned on to by my friend Perez, and her infectious sound was highlighted in one of the ZUNE promo’s.  Click here and check out what TGIWF describes as the people-eating gumby creatures.  Lily Allen is the featured music artist for this clip.

Since downloading Lily Allen’s new album, Alright, Still…and playing it non-stop, both in my car and on my laptop at work, I’ve now turned all of my friends on to this London talent.  My former step-teen, Sam has since bought a copy and the song Knock ‘Em Out is featured on her MySpace account.  I have also infected her friend Mimi, Sarah W. Lindsay L. and countless others.  If you enjoy Gwen Stefani as much as I do (who has a new album “The Sweet Escape dropping on December 5, 2006), you will definitely enjoy Lily Allen.

You can check out the latest video from Lily Allen, Littlest Things below as well as Gwen Stefani's new single, Wind It Up.  Would you believe I listen to this stuff and the Dixie Chicks?

More Technology for TGIWF

TGIWF has ordered the new ZUNE from Microsoft which is due out November 14^th.  For those of you that aren’t lucky enough to work for a guy that knows about ALL of the new toys coming out, the ZUNE is Microsoft’s direct threat to Apple’s iPod.  It’s not here yet, but there are already things I like about the new MP3 player.  The biggest plus is that it doesn’t involve iTunes…a program I just don’t like.  But then again, I’m not a huge fan of Phill L.’s Mac either.  I’m a Microsoft girl…what can I say. 

Priced at a $249.99, the ZUNE software can import unprotected audio files in WMA, MP3, AAC; photos in JPEG; and videos in WMV, MPEG-4, H.264.  A long time coming, TGIWF and a are both anxiously awaiting “the package”!  Sitting here writing this blog at Phill L.’s house, I think I may have just helped Microsoft sell a ZUNE to neighbor Chuck L.  He’s got a Video iPod now and walked in on me looking at the ZUNE site and is in ahhh.  We may have a second Video iPod on eBay, along with the one TGIWF will undoubtedly offload.  The ZUNE will defiantly complete.

Unfortunately, since I am still attempting to keep TGIWF anonymous, I’m unable to link you to his own blog which will no doubt have a product review by the end of the week, I’ll post my own blog highlighting TGIWF’s review, so be sure to check back. Those of you that know me well already know TGIWF’s blog anyway and can check it out on your own.

Open Letter to Airport Security

I hope that by writing this letter, I will not be located and arrested for I have made it past security with lotion, perfume, liquid make-up, and coupons.  That's correct!  In our heightened scare of the most recent "Orange Alert", I easily skidded past the confiscation basket with my goodies as they were concealed in a most unlikely place.  My woman's magazine.  That's right!  Any woman's magazine that you buy, wether it be In Style, Ladies Home Journal, Good Housekeeping, Real Simple, Vogue, Allure -all come with many samples of these newly banned products.  Congratulations TSA...you're doing no good. 

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

So Phill L. and I saw Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest earlier this week.  I loved the first   movie and wanted to see the second, but had the fear of “Hollywood sequel” in me.  It always seems that if Hollywood has a big hit movie on their hands, they’ve got to ruin it by making another…and another…and another, until it no longer opens big at the box office.  Forget going down on a high note.  There are a few great movies that Hollywood did leave alone: Pretty Woman, Titanic (where else could they go?), Mr. & Mrs. Smiths, Police Academy…So needless to say, I was afraid they’d ruin Pirates with the second installment.

I will say I was actually impressed for the most part.  Until about 2 hours into it when I had been sitting there for so long and didn’t see and end in close sight.  That’s because there is no end.  That’s right…they ended it with no ending to make you come back in a year to see the NEXT Pirates.  One thing is never good enough.  I would have been content with just the first one, and probably won’t go see the third one at this point, because I can already guess the plot.  (STOP reading if you don’t want me to ruin it for you!)

Pirates of the Caribbean – The Quest for More Moviegoers Money: Captain Jack Sparrow will conquer the beast that swallows him while Elizabeth continues to be perplexed on whom she really loves, Jack, or the blacksmith kid William Turner.  Keith Richards will make his acting debut as Jack Sparrow’s father and will require no more make-up than what he normally wears now.  Will Turner/blacksmith kid and perplexed Elizabeth will set out with villain Barbossa from the first Pirates movie to save Captain Jack with the help of Jack’s father Keith Richards. 

Once reunited with Jack, the group will set forth to fulfill young Will’s promise to his father that he will save him from the evil curse of Davy Jones.  They will succeed and in the end, Elizabeth will choose Will Turner and the two will be married by Captain Jack Sparrow in the company of all the pirates on the island where they all get drunk.

The End (we hope!)

Dixie Chicks - Taking the Long Way

I picked up the new CD by the Dixie Chicks, Taking the Long Way.  I haven’t listened to it  all the way through, and have read reviews that this album is supposed to be more rock than country, but I still hear classic Dixie Chicks in it.  They are still very infectious and produce great music. 

I really hope they are able to rebound their career and it looks like they just might pull it off.  Listen: Taking the Long Way.

Road Trip!

So Phill L. and I just got back from a road trip to pick up a motor home from JP’s RV’s in Whitmore Lake, MI.  We drove the pre-owned condo on wheels from Detroit, MI to Denver, CO leaving Thursday and arriving on Sunday afternoon.

Along the way, we discovered a number of neat things, including the chain of Meijer’s stores, which is basically an upscale version of Wal-Mart with much friendlier people and better prices.  And although Wal-Mart and Kmart welcome RV’s to spend the night in their parking lots, we were questioned in Kalamazoo, MI at 9:00a as to what our intentions were. 

Our BEST discovery had to have been the Garmin nuvi that we borrowed from friend, Rick.

This thing was incredible!  Not only was it extremely accurate, but helpful with finding rest area’s along the I-80 route, restaurants, shopping centers and most importantly, full service RV Campsites.  Although it was helpful with locating campsites, I did rely heavily on my Verizon Wireless XV6700 with wireless internet access to help me find the full services campsites.

Having these extra toys along for the trip made it fun and much less frustrating and 20 times better than the old fashioned ATLAS maps. 

We were indeed the youngest retirement couple with the best gadgets that we met on our trip.  But today we have both come out of retirement and joined the working world again, handing over the reigns of the motor home back to his mom and dad and returning to our respective jobs.