Drew Dowdell

Oh yea, UbuntuOne and Dropbox sync across ALL of my devices, not just iOS, OSX, and Windows. So I can use Linux on my laptop, Windows7Mobile on my phone and sync it with an iPad or even a wifi enabled digital camera.

While listening to the features list for iOS5 and hearing people cheer. I came to start wondering what all the big fuss was about. A lot of what is being announce has been available on Android for a while now. My Android is an ancient by phone standards, HTC Hero that has been upgraded to version 2.1. This phone came standard with version 1.6. This is basically the 1965 Chevrolet Malibu 6-cylinder of Android phones. It's not flashy, not fast, but it starts up every morning and runs. This chart is just what I know from my experiences with my old phone. Newer phones with newer versions of Android (which is up to version 2.3 now) will have even more. BTW, my phone as been able to do software updates on itself over the air since launch. I never understood why the iPhone couldn't do this. Androids also have a build in Voice Turn-by-Turn navigation system which isn't available for free on iPhone This is why I don't get why iOS5 is a big deal. <table frame="VOID" rules="NONE" border="0" cellspacing="0" cols="5"> <colgroup><col width="179"><col width="199"><col width="274"><col width="157"><col width="332"></colgroup> <tbody> <tr> <td width="179" align="LEFT" height="17">iOS Feature</td> <td width="199" align="LEFT">Available on Android?</td> <td width="274" align="LEFT">Called?</td> <td width="157" align="LEFT">Since when?</td> <td width="332" align="LEFT">Other Notes:</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="17">Notification Center</td> <td align="LEFT">Yes – Default install</td> <td align="LEFT"> </td> <td align="LEFT">At least Summer 2009</td> <td align="LEFT"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="17">iMessage</td> <td align="LEFT">Yes – Part of Google App Suite</td> <td align="LEFT">Features in GoogleVoice and GoogleChat</td> <td align="LEFT">years</td> <td align="LEFT">Can even give you a FREE additional phone number</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="17">NewsStand</td> <td align="LEFT">Yes – App Download</td> <td align="LEFT">Kindle or Nook apps</td> <td align="LEFT">a little over a year</td> <td align="LEFT"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="17">Reminders</td> <td align="LEFT">Yes – Default Install</td> <td align="LEFT">Part of Gmail suite of apps</td> <td align="LEFT">Since Launch</td> <td align="LEFT">Syncs with Thunderbird, Outlook, Gmail calendar</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="17">Twitter</td> <td align="LEFT">Yes – Default Install</td> <td align="LEFT">Peep</td> <td align="LEFT">Since Launch</td> <td align="LEFT">Tweetdeck app is better, but peep is there.</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="32">Camera</td> <td align="LEFT">Yes – Some phones</td> <td align="LEFT">Some of the newest Androids have dedicated camera buttons</td> <td align="RIGHT">2011</td> <td align="LEFT">Manufacturer dependent </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="47">Photos</td> <td align="LEFT">Yes-- Partially</td> <td align="LEFT">Photos</td> <td align="LEFT">Since Launch</td> <td align="LEFT">iOS5 can do more detailed photo editing, but Android can crop and sync with Flicker, Facebook, or UbuntuOne</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="17">Safari</td> <td align="LEFT">No</td> <td align="LEFT">Firefox, Opera, Dolphin...take your pick</td> <td align="LEFT">Since Launch</td> <td align="LEFT"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="17">PC Free</td> <td align="LEFT">Yes</td> <td align="LEFT"> </td> <td align="LEFT">Since version 1.6</td> <td align="LEFT"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="17"> </td> <td align="LEFT"> </td> <td align="LEFT"> </td> <td align="LEFT"> </td> <td align="LEFT"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="17">iCloud Feature</td> <td align="LEFT"> </td> <td align="LEFT"> </td> <td align="LEFT"> </td> <td align="LEFT"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="32">Stream Music Library</td> <td align="LEFT">Yes</td> <td align="LEFT">UbuntuOne or Amazon Cloud Player</td> <td align="LEFT">18 months for U1, 8 months for Amazon</td> <td align="LEFT"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="17">Sync Docs</td> <td align="LEFT">Yes</td> <td align="LEFT">UbuntuOne, DropBox</td> <td align="LEFT"> </td> <td align="LEFT"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="17">Photos</td> <td align="LEFT">Yes</td> <td align="LEFT">UbuntuOne, DropBox</td> <td align="LEFT"> </td> <td align="LEFT"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="17">Calendar, Contacts, Mail</td> <td align="LEFT">Yes – Default Install</td> <td align="LEFT">Calendar, Contacts, Mail</td> <td align="LEFT">Launch</td> <td align="LEFT">The basic premise of Gmail</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="LEFT" height="17">Backup</td> <td align="LEFT">Yes</td> <td align="LEFT">UbuntuOne or Dropbox</td> <td align="LEFT"> </td> <td align="LEFT">Keep it in the cloud, no need to backup</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>

feeeel that magnetic power..... most of the fastest moving objects in production on the surface of the earth use magnets and electricity. in fact, electrical torque is actually simpler than internal combustion

Still no submissions?

Ah, yes, that I could agree with.

I'm not convinced the architecture can be saved. There is too much of a handling and performance liability (ever try the brakes in one of these?!) without a major overhaul.

The CC company should be able to send the CC right to the location of your hotel (or where ever you are staying). Remember, it's in their best interest for you to use it. They'll pay the $12.95 to overnight it to you because they'll make it up in CC processing fees alone. They make about $10 - $15 on a $500 purchase.

Don't you like Torque?

Liberty needs a complete redesign from the ground up. What a perfect time to add a diesel.

The HF2.8 liter V6 non-turbo. As far as I can recall, it was a 3 year engine used in the 2005, 2006, and 2007 CTS as a base model. I don't think it was used in anything else without a turbocharger also attached.

I don't live my life at 0-60. The turbo Regal was plenty powerful enough and wasn't below the character of the car.

I wonder if there is still some uneasiness at Buick about being able to move a large sedan basing at $40k. Buick is still in rebuild mode, they might be feeling that they can't support those kind of prices yet.

This is GM's segment to lose. There are no entries here that are really outstanding. The only reason the Tacoma sell is that everything else in the market is actually worse.

How do you feel the balance is in the car? I felt that the overall balance was closer to a RWD rather than a FWD car... which could be explained with the extra weight of the batteries in the back. I know GM didn't design it with sporting intentions, but at least the extra weight is going towards a good cause.

A disturbingly well preserved Dodge Rampage Turbo puttering around near my house. The old coot driving it probably soaks his dentures in carb cleaner. Camino, I can make inquiries to getting you into his will if you're interested.

Why all the focus on the batteries? There can be efficiencies gained in making the power train more efficient, adding solar cells to the roof, making the car electronics more energy efficient, making the HVAC more energy efficient, even just turning the regenerative braking up to be more aggressive.... all would incrementally help with range.

What are the existing 2.4 Ecotech and 2.0 LNF piston speeds for comparison?

Hard for me to pick. Either way I would pick the eAssist model.

Adding DI and upping the turbo in the existing 1.4 should get you fairly close to that.

I have heard many horrid stories about that generation CR-V when it comes to A/C going bust. Apparently it's not just the CR-V but the entire Honda lineup from 2003 and 2004. There is a class action out there against Honda on it. Estimate from the dealer is $1750. I'm just trying to get Honda to eat 50% of that and I'll be happy. If only I had a loud, automotive related, social media platform to help influence their decision. 2012 Malibu, 2012 Lacrosse eAssist, Chevy Volt (technically a hatch, but still both seats fold down.)

So with 3 payments left on the CR-V, I brought up the idea of trading it in. That was quickly squashed. However, the idea is now is that we'll keep the CR-V (hopefully Honda will be helping us with the cost of the A/C system replacement, that is still pending) and then put the normal car payment for the CR-V into a separate savings account for a down payment on the next car. Because we'd still have the CR-V for winter duties, Albert just wants to go with something very fuel efficient and not a crossover. The Cruze and Fiesta were too small for his taste and the Lacrosse was far too big (rules out an eAssist Lacrosse) and the Regal didn't get good enough mileage. Of all the test vehicles we've been sent, the Ford Fusion Hybrid seemed "just right" to him and is the car he's most likely pick out for himself. So it looks like that's the way we'll be going.

Sorry KF, I'd go with the Thunderbird (actually Cougar) over any of the Monte Carlos of that generation. Talk to me again a few years into the 80s and my choice would have switched.

Now see? I could totally drive that black one.

link doesn't work for me?

it's downright chilly here tonight... could light a fire.