A quick look at the 02 Joggler

I had a quick play with an O2 Joggler at an O2 Shop, and I quickly realized that I don't want to spend £149 (or even £49) for it as it has one feature missing and that missing feature is a show stopper - it doesn't have a web browser!

Instead of being a handy "kitchen computer", it's been hobbled into a digital photo frame with a calendar. Until there's an upgrade that includes either a browser or an app store (that has a browser available) I wouldn't bother spending money on it. It's a shame, as it if wasn't for the lack of a web browser it would have had a place in my kitchen.

Hopefully, somebody else will release something in the same form factor (basically, a large internet tablet), but with a browser. Ideally, it would be running either Android or Maemo. Maybe somebody will work out how to hack the Joggler to run Android and or Maemo. I'll have to keep an eye out.

Starbucks WiFi Switch

I've just been to the nearest Starbucks - there's now a BT Openzone sign on the wall. A quick WiFi scan with the Nokia shows that T-Mobile is no longer there (even though a T-Mobile sign remains on the door).

Vodafone Find & Go Sat Nav - Why?

I stumbled over Vodafone's Find & Go Sat Nav service when I was looking at the Vodafone Website, and I've got to ask, why would anyone ever use it?

For £5 a month you get turn by turn navigation - but dedicated GPS units can now be had for 50 - 60. It means 2 devices, but the dedicated GPS is probably going to be a better turn by turn navigation experience then your phone.

I use the GPS on my Nokia N95 8GB a lot (I prefer Google Maps over Nokia Maps, but both are free). I've never been in a position where turn by turn would be useful - while walking I just need to know where I am and where I'm going and the screen is too small to make it useful as an in-car GPS (that's what my Garmin nüvi 710 is for). If for some reason I do want directions on my N95, Google Maps can provide them.

So, like I said at the begining, why would anyone pay Vodafone £5 a month for Find & Go?