Social Media Management Systems - What's What?

What are you going to stabilize the spread of new software across your company.   Problem: You have groups using Spreadfast or SocialEngage and other using nothing.

Solution: Stop the madness, and choose one platform that will meeting your current needs and allow you grow for years to come.

Here is the short list of great social media management systems:

• Sprinklr - Enterprise
• Hootsuite - small to medium
• Radian6 - Enterprise
• Shoutlet - Enterprise
• Crimson Hexagon - Enterprise
• Wildfire App by Google
• Sprout Social - flexiable

One major problem all of these systems solve is integration into the firehouse of data coming from Twitter, Facebook, Google and to the less extent LinkedIn and YouTube.

The key is to stop the proliferation of groups using different systems to manage the same content.  If you standardize your platform, monitoring, reporting and management becomes easier.

New Years Resolution time - get starting in consolidating your social systems into one after researching each company deciding which is best for the health of your company long term.

Vacation Technology Woes

How much technology do you need while on vacation?

Ideally, your plan should be to unplug and relax especially if a tropical beach is involved.  (It was.)

Ok, you got me this story is how I brought an iPad to Cabo San Lucas thinking it would cover me in case I needed to interact online.   I was lured into a false sense of security based on access to email and a few handy apps allowing me to access files back home.

As we packed for the trip, I thought to myself this time I'm not going to bring my laptop and travel light. (And we did.)   Two small rollers and lightweight backpacks would free us from visiting the dreaded baggage claim in Mexico.  Everything went as planned on board the plane to checking our minimalist luggage with the bellman at the resort until our room was ready until one dreaded email.

5:30 pm Day Two:  Happy Hour -   email reads:  please fill out this documentation URGENT with a link to a website that is not too iPad friendly.   Chrome and Safari were useless on this Website causing a cascading failure in my plan.  

I should of brought my Dell Laptop running Windows 7.   (Note to Self - Don't Forget you Laptop)

Great product to protect your tech while you are on the move

Tumi Luggage is a solid brand who puts out outstanding products.  I personally am a fan and own many original Tumi Classic pieces featuring ballistic nylon which has been very durable.

This new backpack speaks to me as well as the spokesperson Vice.  It screams "Techie!"
Check it out

A new bigger iPhone coming?

What do you think about the new iPhone 5.7 that is the same size of the Galaxy S4?

Personally, if you have read any of my previous blog posts the Galaxy S4 was a tad too big for me.  I love the OS and the screen size but it was too big for your pocket leaving you with the dreaded holster which is almost a fanny pack, right?   What are your thoughts?

Finally a Window 8/android tablet

 Samsung announced  the ATIV Tab 3, which runs Windows 8 and Android, allowing access to applications like mail, music and apps.  The battery life is stated at 10 hours plus it will feature 4g/LTE connectivity which is important.

Sign me up!  The Galaxy Note 10.1 interface blows away the Apple iPad.

Retina or Not - Is the difference worth it?

Well I can tell you the screen is bright and crisp but looking at it side by side against a Samsung Note 10.1 I couldn't visually tell the difference.

Is it worth the upgrade? I would say yes on the Mac Book and you don't have a choice with the new iPad hardware.  If you buy an iPad 3 you can get the old display but I would recommend going with the newer version.

Happy Surfing!

Apple iPhone 5s - Next Version - Revisted

Apple iPhone 5 is the best phone I've ever had period.

I've upgraded from the old ipaq - remember you had to have an ipaq to get into the special party at CES in Las Vegas many moons ago.   The little strange phone computer device with a tiny antenna.
It was cool, then.    Had the BlackBerry Bold - great for what is was and what it could do.



The new iPhone 5 is great with a longer sleeker form factor and bright screen but it has its flaws when comparing it to other phones on the market.   I have a Verzion version which will not allow you to be on a call and on the web simultaneously which is a bummer.  AT&T has the edge but if the speed is what I experienced it isn't much of an upgrade.

For instance the Samsung Galaxy S4 has its pro and many cons.  I will concede I did choose the Galaxy over the iPhone5 to start with but the AT&T service was terrible, Broadband speeds were a joke and predictive texting nearly had me committed.   When we talk about form factor the galaxy is the right size phone if you play in the NFL or are kin to ET.  Too Big.

Let's hope the next generation of iPhone doesn't grow to compete with screen size.

Tablet Wars Apple vs Samsung

I've tried both and hands down the winner in usability and functionality is the Samsung Note 10.1 over the Apple iPad 4 with Retina.

Why you say? 

Because the way the android OS seamlessly flows with finger movements or the integrated S pen.

I even purchased the Jot Stylist for the iPad with no real joy.

Go Samsung for tablet and smart tv they both work great with Directv

ASUS - Tablets- ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity TF700T

If you are looking for a great tablet look no further than the new Asus TF700T.  The specs on this tablet blow away competitors.    Purchasing a tablet with so many options is tough especially when you have Apples iPad and the new Microsoft Surface PRO/RT in the mix.   The question is do you need an iOS app or the ability to use a Microsoft program to fully utilize your tablet.  Android may be the best option.  Check out the new -

ASUS - Tablets- ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity TF700T

Modern Day Transportation

Sitting on Caltrain delayed again because someone either tried to make a red light and was hit by the train or another early morning jumper decided to end it and everyone's timely commute. I don't mean to sound harsh but wtf?

I rather see you get done help but if you are going to do it leave everyone else out of if. Frustrated yes. Caltrain says an 1/2 but the radio say 2 hours who do you think is telling the truth?

This happens all too frequently.

Caltrain needs to up their game with surveillance cameras,tire spikes do when the gates are down cars can't make it on the track

IPhone 5 vs. Galaxy S4

The new iPhone 5 is larger than it's predecessor, faster based on chip and is plugged into either 4G or LTE speeds where available based on carrier.  I did not own an iPhone before this model and I might not own one after it.

The new Galaxy S4 has some very cool features that Apple has yet to integrate.  NFC, new built in software to track health and a few other cool apps.   The downside is the size of the phone.  Granted a larger screen is great but it's too big for many people I've asked especially my wife.

We initially bought the new Galaxy S3 and were blown away about the integration point with google our Samsung smart TV and other apps.   Connectivity with At&t was terrible.  When I called to ask about our area the tech told me we were a quite a distance from the nearest 4G tower with a follow-up of "Are there a lot of trees around your property?"   We live in heart of Silicone Valley, really At&t.  

Needless to say we returned them within the 15 day return policy with a fight.  At&t tried to bill us for a restocking fee and time we used even though it was a money back guarantee.  Eventually, we prevailed but what a pain in the $%&#.

Many people are going without a land-line these days and using their mobile phone number as their home number so pay attention to connectivity at 4G or LTE speeds when you are home within the allotted time period.  Just in case you need to change carriers.