Yesterday I updated my IOS things to IOS 5 (the ones I could, I have some old stuff). I haven't decided if it's really worth it yet. It was a hassle doing the upgrade, the servers at Apple were hammered, and it took a while to get things done. The process timed out several times. But it all got done.

I thought Apple would do better at explaining how to do things, but the procedure for getting wireless sync from iThings to iTunes on a computer was obscure, and it was a "learn by trying everything" process. It finally works, but there are some misleading statements in various places. Much like other companies, they just don't give you enough information on what's going on for you to make an educated guess and how to proceed when something happens that's not expected.

This whole iCloud business continues to leave me mystified. I converted my MobileMe account over to it, since I'd have to do that anyway in a few months when MM goes away. I'm still not sure what the interaction between iCloud and the iTunes store is (if any). Again, they don't tell you enough for you to figure out what's going on.

My contacts seemed to have transferred OK, but I'm confused about what's going on with the Calendar. The iCloud and MM calendars ended up with different things in them. I just don't think Apple has put enough thought into explaining what is going on.

It finally rained today, after months of no rain. I'd almost forgotten what rain and thunder was like. Too bad it will be absorbed in the ground by nightfall. I can only hope it will help the dirt trails at Walnut Creek Park, they've been getting pretty unpleasant to ride on because of the large chunks coming loose. I'll gladly give up several days of riding to get a better surface. It's all too easy to have a wheel skid and the bike go out from under you with all that loose stuff out there.

More chances of rain tomorrow. Fingers crossed.

Bike rides

I went out yesterday and rode 15 miles on my trail bike (bicycle). That's a full 50% further than my previous longest distance. The temps are finally dropping enough so that it's still fairly nice by noon... only about 80F. The route I took was the entire length of the Brushy Creek Trail. I started in the middle and rode to both ends, figuring that I could bail out easier by parking at the middle.

The trail is mixed concrete pavement, crushed granite, dirt, and some sandy sections. I really don't like the sand, but the rest is pretty nice. There is shade for a lot of the distance. It's a pretty popular path for the area, so it was moderately busy, but everyone is very pleasant and co-exists nicely. I'll likely hit this one three or four times a month. It's about a twenty minute drive from my house.

A whimper, not a bang

I waited six months to get a new iPod Touch so I could get the latest model (mine is two generations behind). Turns out the "new" iPod Touch has the same model number as the "old" one, so it's the same hardware with the new software. I think I'll be waiting a while longer, the am era in the current model is not very good, to be charitable about it.

This was the least exiting Apple announcement even in quite some time. There's just nothing there I'm very interested in. The recent Amazon product announcement last week was much more interesting.

Of course, this is of academic interest only, as I can't afford to buy any of these gadgets at the moment.