Expert Blogs

Louis Senecal

Louis Senecal has been a mobile enthusiast since 2001 with the release of the HP Jornada Series Pocket PC. He reviews products for BostonPocketPC.com. He uses mobile tech to make his life more organized and entertaining. In addition to being a dad and a husband, Louis has a career in the Loss Prevention industry. He has been a volunteer firefighter for more than a decade and supports his community in various volunteer capacities.

iPad 1 & 2 Accessories

Over the past year, I got to play with a lot of iPad Accessories. While I will not be getting the iPad 2 in the near future, I thought I would put a list together of the accessories I reviewed that should also work with the iPad 2 out of the box.

By Louis Senecal, March 6, 2011

Review: Scosche flipSYNC II

The flipSYNC II is a “keychain Charge and Sync Cable for iPod & iPhone.” It’s designed so it’s compact and can be used with your keychain. But there is nothing saying you have to use a keychain with it.

By Louis Senecal, March 2, 2011

Who’s Upgrading from an iPad 1 to iPad 2 ?

I saw the specs and features today of the iPad 2. I think they are some very good updates, I’m not sure if I myself am going to upgrade (at least this year). Based on my CURRENT iPad usage, there is really nothing different that I could justify doing on an updated device. My core uses are PIM, documents, web surfing, iTunes, and some games. (That’s not to say my usage would not change with new features though).

Cost is the other factor for me personally. I have a lot of money invested in my machine. Selling it on craigslist does not seem to be an option right now. Apple dropped the prices by $100 on all iPad 1’s today. They are even cheaper if you buy a refurb. You can by a 16GB Refurb from Apple directly for $349.00.

By Louis Senecal, March 2, 2011

Review: ZAGGaquabuds

One of the things I like to use my devices for is music and movies. I don’t usually watch movies unless I’m traveling, but I do listen to music more frequently. I prefer to use my Bluetooth headset when I am walking or doing yard work. I do occasionally use wired headset in these circumstances, but most of the time use the wired sets when I am stationary.

I tried the ZAGGaquabuds while I was on vacation, mostly in the airport and on the plane.

By Louis Senecal, March 1, 2011

This and That

I went to Florida for a week so I am catching up on things. Here are some misc thoughts from my trip and email catch-up.

My iOS Gear I took was fairly light. I brought my iPad as well as the GNS GPS receiver I just reviewed. I used my dedicated TomTom car unit but brought the GNS as backup. TomTom stayed in the rental car pretty much the whole time. (I did not want to leave the iPad in the car.)

I debated on bringing a keyboard with me for the iPad. I ended up not and I did not regret it at once. I used the iPad heavily at the airport and on the plane. During the week, I was busy enjoying the various amusement parks in Orlando and trying to get a sun tan. I would have used it more during the week when I was at the place we stayed but there was no internet service.

By Louis Senecal, February 26, 2011

Updated RedEye Mini App

Last Year I reviewed the RedEye Mini from Thinkflood. There was also a manufacturing recall of the unit shortly after that as well but I never heard any updates directly since. I am assuming they got everything all straightened out as they have released an updated app for it.

http://www.iphonelife.com/blog/5811/review-thinkfloods-redeye-mini

Part of the press release is as follows:

"ThinkFlood has released a new dedicated application for their popular RedEye mini device today.

By Louis Senecal, February 26, 2011

Review: Speck Fitted Case for iPad

The Speck fitted case is a two piece hard shell case. The inside has a nice soft touch to protect your device. The outside has the hard casing, but the fabric adds it owns texture and style.

By Louis Senecal, February 19, 2011

Review: GNS 5870 MFI GPS BT Receiver

Global Navigation Systems, (a.k.a. GNS) has created and sells a plug and play Bluetooth GPS receiver for IOS devices. It’s called the GNS 5870 MFI. (MFI stands for Made for iPhone). I’m not a stranger to testing out and using GPS systems but this is the first one I have used for my Apple product, so I am excited to work with it. Even though I have some knowledge of GPS, I am by no means an expert in this area. There are two things I look for though. One, a quick satellite lock, and two, it just needs to work.

There is no jail breaking required. I’m testing this out on my Wi-Fi only iPad. The Nav App I am using is Co-pilot.

By Louis Senecal, February 13, 2011

Review: Arkon Headrest Mount & Custom Fit Protective Holder for iPad

If you are in the market for a vehicle mount for your iPad, here is one to consider during your research. Arkon released a Headrest Mount for iPad (model IPM-RSHM). It is designed to attach to your headrest for the people behind you.

The contents come sealed and protected as you can see in the picture. You receive instructions, the iPad Casing, and the actual mount.

By Louis Senecal, February 10, 2011