iMail

Letters to the editor and publisher of iPhone Life magazine. Unless otherwise indicated, 
all responses are from Rich Hall, Managing Editor of iPhone Life (rich@iphonelife.com).


Don't keep sensitive docs on iPhone!

You published some great tips for on-the-spot use of my iPhone camera in the Summer, 2010 issue (iphonelife.com/issues/2010Summer/TipsForIPhone3GS). However, I'll pass on the tip that suggests keeping photos of wills, birth certificates, and Social Security cards on my trusty iPhone. Imagine if some unscrupulous person stole or found my lost iPhone. What a gift those documents would be to someone needing a new identity!


Gwyneth Sleuth

iPhone Life
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Thanks, Gwyneth. Point well taken. However, you can take security measures for your iOS device. First, in Settings > General, you can create a simple or complex passcode. Then use the passcode to enter the iOS home screen. Secondly, there are a number of secure wallets and password apps in the iTunes store. Finally, MobileMe users can track online iPads, iPhone 4, and iPhone 3GS devices and then delete device data remotely.]


Too much iPad coverage in iPhone Life and
weekly iPhone Life newsletter?


iPL-newsletter-header

Since most of the content of this newsletter is now focused on the iPad—which I do not own nor intend to—I suggest you create a separate publication for iPad and keep this one focused on the product I own and use. Adding irrelevant iPad content greatly dilutes the utility of this newsletter and my magazine subscription to me.


Tom Mortenson

Tom, thanks for the feedback. Our magazine, web site, app, and newsletters are dedicated to users of iOS devices. Currently, iOS devices include the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. These devices not only share a similar user interface, but common apps and accessories. That means more often than not, tips and reviews apply to all three devices. At the same time we emphasize what's new. Last issue it was the iPad. This issue it is iPhone 4.


Hal Goldstein, Publisher, iPhone Life

Likes the latest version of 
Documents To Go and B&N Reader

I just got the Documents To Go update for the iPad ($11.99, app2.me/286)—it's amazing! Apple has some serious work to do if it wants its iWork suite to compete successfully.


Documents 2 Go Exchange & Gmail attachmentsWith Docs2Go and a Bluetooth keyboard, the iPad becomes a useful, short-term, laptop replacement. Docs2Go provides easier and more universal access to e-mail attachments. Instead of having to synchronize weeks worth of e-mails (and attachments), I can access current e-mail attachments pushed to me via Exchange server and open them with Docs2Go or another app that recognizes the document. My only criticism is that originally Dataviz did a deplorable job of providing instructions on how to access and download Exchange e-mail. (So much so, that they were flooded with tech support calls the day after the update was released.)

Barnes & Noble eReader for iPadStill, after weeks of struggling with iWork, Docs2Go is a relief; it's so intuitive and fully featured. You have to dig through its onscreen menus, but all the important features are there; in this respect, Docs2Go leaves iWork in the dust.

My favorite eBook reader finally made it to the iPad. BN eReader for iPad (app2.me/2542) is a free app, but you pay for the eBooks. (The prices of B&N eBooks seem to have gone up, perhaps to mirror the higher prices charged by Apple's iBook Store.) The various eBook reader apps (iBook, BN eReader, and Kindle) have different features; my Barnes and Noble bias is driven by the number of books I already have in that format.

Library view; BN eReader for iPad.

Rene J. Siegel

Old friend likes iPhone Life


Recently, I switched from a Blackberry to an iPhone. After purchasing my first copy of iPhone Life, I recognized your names from your older publication supporting the HP 200 LX (The HP Palmtop Paper). I feel like I have been reacquainted with old friends. When I subscribed about 20 years ago, I was a young pastor integrating my technology background with my work as a Presbyterian minister. Today, I still work for the same Church, but in a much different capacity as a denominational executive.


As a longtime subscriber of the Palmtop Paper (I faithfully read every issue cover to cover), I have great confidence that the content of iPhone Life magazine will display the same passion, dedication, and expertise as the earlier publication. I was delighted with the first issue and wish you all the best supporting this new mobile platform.


Rev. Eric Hoey

Tagline: 
Letters to the Editor
Issue: 
Sept/Oct 2010
Department/Section: 
Regular Departments
TOC Weight: 
6