iTunes "payment information"

Apple iPhone - iTunes "payment information"

For Xmas I bought my wife a new iPod Touch, and yesterday I tryed to use the app store app to update her apps. I got a message tha said I was trying to access iTune with a new compute and that I needed to update/verify my payment information. The only "missing" information was the 3 didget security code from the back of Credit card. When I entered the number from the back of the card iTunes tells me it is the wrong number. Not possable since I'm looking at the back of the card. Im just wondering if anyone else has had this happen.

iPhone iTunes
I did also. I recall having to do something from the computer at apple.com in my account settings.

Go to your account from your computer and see what it says.

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My card is a Visa and once I had to enter the all 6 digits? and other times I had to enter just the last 3....

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I had this situation in here Germany and I was worried that it had to do with being in different country with a U.S. iTunes account and credit card. Ultimately, I just re-entered all the numbers for the credit card, and the 3 digit code, and everything worked just fine. did that from the iphone itself not on the computer.

Downloaded new iOS for my 3GS and apps quit working

Apple iPhone - Downloaded new iOS for my 3GS and apps quit working

Is there a specific way to address this problem. Should they be deleted from iPhone before installing new iOS and then reinstalled.

Need some help as this is driving me crazy as some are paid apps.

iPhone iOS
When you install the new iOS it will wipe the iPhone, so make sure you back up all your data. That includes copying your photos and other things to your computer that iTunes does not backup or sync.

After the new iOS is installed then power cycle the iPhone. Then sync it. The apps should work.

That they don't work with the new iOS is rare, but it is on the developers end. The ones that don't have not been updated by the developer. Contact the developer for information on how to get them to work again or when they will be updated.

Unremovable iPhone 4 screws

Apple iPhone - Unremovable iPhone 4 screws

An iPhone 4 pentalobe screwdriver costs $9.95 from iFixit.

iPhone Battery
The screwdriver that iFixit sells works, but it isn't an exact fit. I hope that a correct fitting one will be out soon. You can use the iFixit kit but be aware that you must be very careful to avoid stripping the screw head.

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you can also use the a philips screwdriver actually the same one for the 3g 3gs and 4 original screws. It will work before we got our pentalobe screw driver i used a philips screwdriver to remove the screws

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There is a kit for opening iPhone 4 on eBay for $5.99 + $3.50 shipping.

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You have to wonder what business model they used to justify this. They sell millions of iPhones, so multiply that by - what - 2 or 4 screws per iPhone. Even if the screws are a penny each for Apple, that is still a lot of money, especially when you figure in tooling costs, distribution costs, the cost of labor each time a phone is brought into Apple, etc. Probably in the millions of dollars.

Now - what percentage of people will actually change their batteries themselves? 1% 0.1%? I just don't see how they are losing enough money on do it yourselfers that it justifies all the expense.

The only conclusion I can come to is that this is lawyer mandated. Since the batteries can get as hot as hot lava if they are shorted, a clumsy or inexperienced person doing it themself can be in real danger. Apple doesn't want a lawsuit. The problem? This won't stop a determined user from doing it anyway. That small percentage is a very determined, stubborn percentage and will stop at nothing to do the job themselves. So - the new screws accomplish NOTHING.

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The new screws achieve exactly what Apple is likely to want.

Have plain philips screws there and there is the likelihood of an "average joe" trying to open it and causing a problem.

Put pentalobe screws in and that likelihood is now almost zero.

Less warranty claims. Less complaints. Less problems.

And while you can quote 1% as a number of people who might want to change their batteries, don't forget that 1% is still 160,000 iOS devices (on the last number I saw) so that's 160000 more possible warranty claims.

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Isn't warranty voided when you open the iPhone?

The only thing I see they are trying to avoid are lawsuits.

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Warranty may be voided if you open the iPhone, but that doesn't stop people trying to claim warranty after they have opened the iPhone and broken it.

Msg. won't quit downloading

Apple iPhone - Msg. won't quit downloading

Anybody know why an email would not finish downloading to my 3gs (OS 4.1)? I can't access this message, so I don't know who it's from or to what address it is going (I have 4 email addresses). I've tried a hard reset, with no luck. Any suggestions??? All other mail seems to be working fine.

iPhone Email
Try syncing your iPhone and see if message persists.

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Try opening that on a computer.

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Do you mean by hard reset that you turned off and rebooted? That's usually an indication it's locked up. Some times it can be fixed by trying another function and coming back. Other times a re boot is required. Hopefully iPhone 4 is better about it.

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I have turned the phone off and back on many times, and eventually tried hitting "reset" within the settings, which reset all of my preferences, etc. It is still spinning in the mailbox app, saying "downloading 1 of 1" with the download bar all the way full.

This is more of a nuisance than a problem. I just wish it would go away!!!

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For all of you that are having endless downloading, in the Mail, Contacts, Calendar settings, how do you have the following set?

Show? 25, 50 or 200 emails?
Preview? None to 5 lines?
Organize by Thread? on or off?

And is it a IMAP or POP account you are having problems with?

Threading has been an issue in the iOS Mail app. Turning off threading gets rid of posts that are improperly started and thread. These appear as NO Sender, NO Subject, and No Message. Turning off Threading reveals all of the above.

If you notice, it seems that only those of you with gmail or yahoo accounts are having problems.

The Continuously Dying iPhone 3GS

Apple iPhone - The Continuously Dying iPhone 3GS

I think it's time to start digging the hole.

My iPhone is about 18 months old. For the past couple months, it seems as though the battery is running shorter and shorter. I put my phone on the charger before bed, so I start the day at 100%. Throughout the workday, I have it on radio player that charges the phone.

Lately, though, I'll come home at 5:30 p.m. and have 100% charge on the phone... later on, it will be down around 90%... I'll play a few games, get on the web, etc... and anywhere from 34% to 58% (tonight), it dies on me.

Power on, takes longer than normal, and then back on.
For about ten seconds.

Repeat, repeat, repeat.

I have tried letting it sit while dead for several hours, hoping to calibrate the battery. I've tried the double-home-click to close all the apps. I've tried many things, but nothing seems to help.

So, is it time to call the family in for the funeral service??

iPhone New
A friend of mine had that issue. She had never backed it up.

Took to apple store. They did restore and battery life got better

Not sure how. But that worked.

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A restore might help, but remember it will have the latest firmware installed on
it if you do so. (4.2.1)

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Is there any problem in getting the latest firmware? In Settings-> About it says I'm on Version 4.2.1 (8C148a).

The nearest Apple store is 90 minutes away. It's -1 today, high of 8. I may have to s*ck it up a bit until it warms up.

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A few thoughts -

If you leave apps running when you lock the phone, it will use up the battery. Shut down all apps before locking.

If you don't use the wi-fi, shut it off in settings. That wastes power.

Your radio player - is it designed specifically for the iPhone 3Gs? I have two useless "iHomes" that don't charge the iPhone, but do play through it. My car hookup also does not charge it for the same reason. I also have a car charger that doesn't work for the 3Gs. It is very likely your radio player doesn't charge it either.

Finally - if you are sure the battery is dead, and unless you just WANT to spend money on a new phone - go to one of those iPhone battery web sites, and spend under $10 for a new battery and the tool to open the phone. A 12 year old kid can change the battery - so you probably can, too.

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If you are on 4.2.1 you have the latest fw for now, so no problem with an update.

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Reducing brightness has certainly helped mine.

Finding FREE Audiobooks

Apple iPhone iTunes - Finding FREE Audiobooks

I tried a few apps that were supposedly about free audiobooks. One had some good titles, but only a handful available every month (or week), no catalog. Another couple were filled with advertisements, and nothing for free.

I've thought that there's a ton of classic, public domain, and other books out there. Am I wrong? Are there apps or websites for this? (I don't need to organize or modify or even get book cover images.)

iPhone iTunes
I use Stanza which has a ton of free books and uses Project Gutenberg which digitizes copyright expired books by volunteers. Nook also offers some free books and some low priced books.

I believe both ereaders are free from iTunes.

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http://www.audiobooksforfree.com/

http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Main_Page

http://librivox.org/

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Another application that you could try is the free OverDrive Media Console. You can download library books (audio & ebooks) directly to your iOS device. I've used it for a couple of weeks now and for the most part it works well. The cons are that the selection of books are currently very limited (in my area), availability (you have to go into a queue), and the process of getting a book can be a bit cumbersome. Other than that the app works fine. :) Oh yeah, except for the part where the audio book portion frequently jumps back a bit when relaunching the app. A work around is to book mark your location.

Reading back through this paragraph it doesn't sound like a ringing endorsement for the application but I find it's definitely worth trying out because it works as a nice supplement to my other ereaders.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/overdrive-media-console/id366869252?mt=8

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To say that "the process of getting a book can be a bit cumbersome" is an understatement.

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad my local county library subscribes to Overdrive, but it tends to have mostly WVMs, instead of MP3s. So either I have to keep one iPod formated for Windows, or go through extra steps to get it into iTunes and to into my iPhone. I prefer to have them on my iPhone.

Also some authors and/ or publisher even go so far as to restrict whether or not you can move the book to a portable device, and /or Apple iDevice.

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I use the free download service of all the latest greatest and classic audiobooks of my local library. I don't know where you live but if it is in the USA this service is free and wonderful.

I've just spent 2 days filling my new shiny red iPod nano with loads of audiobooks, everything from Patricia Cornwell to Terry Hatchett!!

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I belong to our state library. They have an agreement with netlibrary.com. I can download out of their "collection" free audio books and eBooks. Some good, some not so good. I am sure some bigger city libraries must have agreements and even bigger "free" netlibrary collections. I believe ours is heavier on the eBooks than the audio books.

Verizon iPhone sim card

Apple iPhone - Verizon iPhone

Since I am a Verizon subscriber and Verizon is going to be releasing its own version of iPhone I am considering getting it but I have several questions about it.

1. Will it have a SIM card like AT&T iPhone?

2. Can the iPhone be unlocked and be used with a different (local) SIM card or is it locked to that particular SIM card.

The reason that I am asking is that when we traveled to Europe last summer my Verizon/Motorola phone was useless outside USA since it did not have a SIM card. Since Verizon uses different technology (CDMA) than its competitors I relied on my wife's T-Mobile phone. After unlocking and buying a local SIM card it was ready to use.

Will I be able to do the same thing as I did with my wife's T-mobile phone after unlocking and putting a local SIM card or will the phone try to reset itself to a new #/SIM card and do the same thing again once I put the original SIM card back into the phone after coming back to USA.

When I was in the Verizon store last week I was told that some of their Blacberry's and Droids have SIM card. Since they do, do those phones work on a duel system since Verizon uses CDMA technology.

iPhone Sim Card
The Verizon iPhone does not have a SIM card, and it is not a world phone. Your experience with overseas travel will be the same as with your old Verizon phone.

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Same answers here, as you got on the iomug list. Asking here, won't change the answer you got there.

The Verizon iPhone will be CDMA, will not have a SIM card and won't work in Europe.

Mophie juice pack in belt case

Apple iPhone - Mophie juice pack in belt case

My brother has an iPhone3 and has requested a Mophie Juice pack and a belt case that will hold his iPhone in the Mophie Juice pack for his birthday next week. Does anybody know which belt cases will be big enough?

iPhone Case
Look at the belt cases made by Mophie for this purpose. There are three of slightly different styles numbered as 5000, 5500, and 6000. I have used the 5000 for over a year and a half and love it. It has a magnetic closure that keeps it closed even when the whole case/phone/JuicePackAir is dropped (done this several times). Just decide which of the three styles you or he prefers.

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Thank you so much. I wanted to make sure I got him something he will like.
:)

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Also. I have found best buy has a great selection on oversized belt carriers.

I say oversized cause I has the plastic shell on my 3G and normal iPhone belt holders were too small.

Best buy had more

Two iPhones with one iTunes

Apple iPhone - Two iPhones with one iTunes

I have 2 iPhones, mine and my GF's. I would like to sync music etc on hers and contacts, apps on mine. Is it possible to set what syncs for each iPhone depending on which one is plugged in. Another words would iTunes know that I am plugging mine, therefore, sync: contacts, pictures, music, apps, books. If hers plugged in; sync: apps, music, photos. Is this possible.

iPhone iTunes
Yup, each device uses the 40 character UDID to identify it - you can plug as many iPhones, iPods, or iPads you want and iTunes reads from the device what to sync - backups will be stored in the computer (location depends on OS) in /User/Library/MobileSync/iTunes/40charactername/ or \Users\User\AppData\iTunes\MobileSync\40charactername\

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I'm up to six devices of various types & vintages with no problems.

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Same. No problem here with 2 iPads, 2 iPhone, 4 iPod Touch. From old to new.

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Of course. Each iPhone (or iPod, or iPad) is recognised as a different device by iTunes. Each one has its own preferences and settings.

If you had your own users on the computer, you would each have your own iTunes. I assume you share a user?

Printer for suggestion for iPhone

Apple iPhone - Printer for suggestion for iPhone

Can you suggest a printer that works with iPhone's air print.

Which printer is best to print over all and pictures.

iPhone Printer
HP B210A works beautifully with my iPhone. You can get it for less then $100 however replacement ink cartridges are extremely expensive.

Quick way to make a ringtone (3GS)

Apple iPhone - Quick way to make a ringtone (3GS)

1 - Convert the audio file to .M4A format using the software of your choice (I use Xilisoft video converter 6) should be around 30 seconds length or less

2 - Rename the extension from .M4A to M4R

3 - Click on it to import to Itunes

4 - Sync the phone

5 - On the iphone, go to settings -> sounds -> ringtone
It should be on top of the list.

Done!

iPhone Ringtone
Or you can just use iTunes for number 1 by clicking Create AAC Version. And also, tracks as long as 40 seconds work.

Splitting tracks

Apple iPhone iTunes - Splitting tracks

I have an audiobook that is 1-long-track (it was ripped to mp3 from cassette by a relative -- it's not available as an audible d/l & even the cd is...hard or impossible to find, so I take what I can get!).

What would y'all suggest I use to split it up into smaller chunks?

iPhone
I prefer using iTunes by creating AAC versions of each segment you want it split.

Get Info > Options > set the Start Time and Stop Time > OK
Then Create AAC Version.
Then do it again with another segment.

This would be hard work since it's all manual. But this is the only way you can be sure the audiobook is not cut in the middle of a chapter.

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Having been clued in to the "options box" menu to change the type from "music" to "audiobook" at least the file now has the 30-sec-backup button on screen, which helps a lot.

I tried the iTunes split method -- easy & works. I don't see any need to try other s/w at this time.

I don't know what Archie means by not being cut in mid-chapter. The whole book is one-long-file. If I try to AAC it by time, I'd have no way of knowing it's not splitting in mid*sentence*.

It's only a couple of hours long, so wouldn't be that much work to convert in, say, 30-minute chunks (with some overlap, perhaps). I may or may not get around to doing it, depending on when I want to listen to it. :-)

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What I meant was, for your case, I would look for the end of a chapter and take not of the time. And then I'd cut it right there so I'll have the audiobook cut by chapter. One chapter, one file.

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There's an app called Audiobook Builder. However, it isn't free...about $10. If you're using a Mac, you could check it out here: http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/23162/audiobook-builder

I used it and to split a long audiobook track. Worked for me.

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I second audiobookbuilder. I listen to lots of audiobooks and this app is $10.00 well spent!

If you're on a Windows machine, Google free audio file splitters. I believe there's quite a few of them.

mp3bookhelper should do it for ya.

Cheap external battery?

Apple iPhone - Cheap external battery?

Has anyone tried one of those cheap external batteries sold on eBay for 7 or 8 dollars with free shipping? Do they work at all?

iPhone battery
I wouldn't trust them - the only 'cheap' externals I am aware of are the ones that use Double AA batteries and are just a 'conversion' that take battery power from AA and send it over a 30 pin connector to the iPhone for a quick top off. You would be much better off investing in either a Mophie Battery Case or if you prefer one of the Power Blocks that allow you to charge via USB cable -

Power Blocks
http://www.mophie.com/category-s/53.htm
Reserve - $40
Boost - $60
Powerstation - $100

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What about those silicon cases with built in battery and solar panel in the back...seems to be the perfect solution your iphone always charged:

On ebay search for "iphone silicon solar"

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I've bought several from eBay or couple inexpensive online dealers for 8-10 each. Don't know what you are looking at but buy from someone with lots of good sales for the item you are looking at.

Ones I've gotten have filled a nearly empty phone once. So figure less than a full charge to be honest. If really working on a project, mail, just leave plugged in and work. Like of bulky and need to be careful, but have been pleased. If going to town put a couple of them in a carrier just in case needed. Wifi in town if often weak so sucks power. Just our experience.

Have used on an iPod, but iPad needs much more battery.

Radio in ITunes

Apple iPhone - Radio in ITunes

I occasionally use "Radio" in ITunes to listen to music/etc. on my MAC. I would also like to listen to various "Radio stations" on my IPhone and IPad (using WiFi).

How can I do this? I tried dragging a radio station on to my Playlist but this did not work.

iPhone iTunes
There are several apps for that. Do a search of the app store. I use iHeart radio.

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Try using the app called tunein radio. It will find radio stations and you can listen to them over wifi and 3G.

Create another account for Itunes

Apple iPhone - Create another account for Itunes

I'm getting ready to purchase the iPhone when it comes to Verizon.

My daughter has used my mac for her iTune account for her iPod and then her iPod touch. So Does anyone know how I can create an account for my self separate from hers using iTunes? I'd appreciate any suggestions.

iPhone iTunes
Store - sign out then store log in and should be a button to create new account.

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Depending on how you two interact, Bonnie, you might want to set up a second User to protect & separate your data and her data. That way you don't need to log out of iTunes and re-enter each time. Just switch Users.

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OK, now I have another issue. I tried setting up a new account only to find out the email I tried using was already there. A long with the one my daughter is using. So I couldn't remember the password, so I changed it, only to find out these two account are both contacted to her account. I can't find where I can delete it, and she's afraid if I do it will delete her songs and money she has on the account. I'm a bit lost now. Any suggestions?

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there are several ways to do this, some of which depending on the OS / computers you use.

Do you use a Mac/OS X or Windows? Do you have separate computers or share the same computer?

First, she isn't going to lose anything - everything that has been purchased is stored on the computer, apps can be redownloaded at any time at no charge, music/movies/tv (due to the industries) can only be downloaded once but you can authorize, copy and play on up to 5 machines at any time (IE if you authorize 5 machines then get a new computer, you have to de-authorize one before authorizing the new one).

It sounds like you are sharing the same computer - If that is the case and want to keep libraries separate, ≈ - I would use David's suggestion and create a separate user account at the system level so when you log in, you only see your library and when she logs in she only sees her library.

If you don't want to use different system account and/or have separate computers, you can use the various features to recover your password on your e-mail address (aka iTunes ID aka Apple ID). Then log in to that account (Store Log in) then authorize the computer (Store > Authorize This Computer) and you can log in and out to make changes and maintain as necessary. This will also allow you to 'share' content on devices, meaning you can sync her music/apps/etc and she can sync yours.

If you have more than one computer, you definitely want to enable Home Sharing (Advanced > Turn On Home Sharing) - this will allow every computer to access every other computer's library on the network regardless of Apple ID as long as the computers are authorized and turned on.

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I have a mac/os I think the problem is I had another account that was connected w/hers and couldn't remember the password so I had them reset it. And that's where the problem lays. We use the same computer, but I don't want the account to be shared, I'd like them to be separate, and at this point I can't seem to do that?

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Sure you can - just create a new user account on the Mac > System Preferences > Accounts > + > Administrator - set this one up for you and once you get everything you want it in your 'new' account then you can go back and change hers to managed/parental controls, if you like (you never mentioned age, etc so if you want to manage her control of the machine, you can set it there).

When you turn on the computer from then each of you click on the corresponding account and if you have it set, enter the password. Each of you will have a folder in /Users/ for iTunes library as well as documents, etc and as setting the new account as administrator, you can still access the data that was under her (the current main) account if you want/need to.

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I'm sorry to sound so confused, but are you talking the mac's system preferences or iTunes? I'm still unclear how do do this. I have two users id's, mine and hers that are attached to the same library, which has all her stuff. Can I break the two accounts up, or do I have to create a new account w/a new email address? This is my first time w/iTunes.

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we are suggesting you create two Mac User accounts. If you follow above suggestion, go to

System Prefs (under the Apple menu) > Accounts

You can create a second User of your Mac. Both Users can be 'open' and once but only one is active (on your screen) at a time. You can easily switch between them using the drop down menu of Users at the top right of the screen in the menu bar.

When you switch to her account, the Mac accesses her files, her documents directory, iPhotos, iPunes items, etc. She can't see your directories or change them.

Similarly when you are in your account.

It's simply a way to create separate protected directories of ALL your items, including iTunes files.

Tivo to iPhone

Apple iPhone - Tivo to iPhone

I have transferred a recording from my TiVo to my Mac using Toast 10 Titanium TiVo transfer but cannot figure out how to get that recording onto my iPhone so that I can watch the recording at a later time. Is there a way to get it into iTunes?

iPhone Tivo
This subject may be a matter of copyright violation.

I am not familiar with "Toast 10 Titanium TiVo transfer", so I don't know what form it leaves it in. There is probably DRM protection, probably MacroVision. This may prevent you from going further.

If you have it in a digital version, it maybe too large to move to your iPhone. You can use an app like Handbrake to change it to a digital version that is appropriate for your iDevice.

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Thanks for the reply. I did a bit of further research and found a free program that does exactly what I need to get TiVo recordings onto my iPhone. Sweet little program that I found pretty easy to use.

http://code.google.com/p/itivo/

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You can transfer directly to iTunes and then sync with the iPhone.

In the Tivo Transfer (I'm assuming this is still it, I have an older version of Toast), select Toast It. This will launch the DVD burning application. In that app, select all the recordings you want to put into iTunes and select Export rather than Burn. When you select Export, it will give you multiple options on how you want to export it - i.e. for Apple TV, iPhone, iPods, etc.

Audiobooks? I am missing something

Apple iPhone - Audiobooks? I am missing something

Could someone please list step by step how to manage audiobooks in iTunes for a 3gs.

iPhone iTunes
If an audio file in iTunes is not behaving as a proper audiobook it might be possible to change it's type within iTunes.

Click once on the file. Go to File > Get Info, click on the Options tab in the info window and change the "Media Kind" to what you want it to be. It will then show up in the appropriate Library in the left-hand pane.

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I have done that. It does behave as a book, but it is listed in the music section not the audiobook section. Drives my computer OCD nuts. I call it there, because it doesn't exist in my daily life otherwise. :)

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I have a lot of audiobooks. Normally mp3 is seen as audio-file. The file must be m4b to be an audiobook shown in Books. When it is mp3 you see it in Music.

I have 3 audioboks-makers: the best is Audiobookbuilder. This one you must buy. It can combine more files to one single audiobook and you can add a picture to the file. Then you know what audiobook it is. The software convert the file mp3 to m4b. The send is Audiobook Wizard. This is free. The third is Audiobookbinder. This is also free. They do all the same things.

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Somebody may have mentioned this already -- but you do not have to convert to m4b. Hmmm.....well, let me say that with iPod you don't. For all I know, iPhones may act differently.

For iPods, just import the mp3 files into your iTunes library. Then select all of the files, and hit "get info". Then you can go to "options", and set "media kind" to "audiobook". This sounds a bit complicated, but you can do it to all of the book's files at one time -- and it's a lot simpler than converting to m4b!

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Oh Man this is one great hint I wish I'd known about sooner!

I've imported several ripped-from-CD audiobooks (plus the ripped-from-tape file I got as a gift, along with the tape :-)) & of course they all end up in "music". I never knew I could change that. Now I have & not only do they now appear in my library in the 'books' section, they've got that 30-second-rewind button that I'm so fond of using!

I did have to put the book-name in front of all the track numbers (no matter where the files were) just to keep things easy, but that was just part of the chore of the import. (copy/click-click-paste, click-click-paste, click-click-paste.....)

I've also "relocated" a number of podcasts that for some reason I had to d/l directly as mp3 from their sites.

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This works fine on the iPhone also. In older versions of iTunes these options were not available and you had to convert to m4b so that the device software remembered where you were in the book.

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I have set the media kind to audiobook in iTunes with my ripped audiobooks. It is still seen as music. I have made each book it's own playlist. I have even added the book cover.

Seems I saw once how to make a bookmark in the iPod portion of the iPhone. Can someone refresh my memory?

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Be sure you're not just setting the GENRE to "audiobook". That is an entirely different setting, and it won't get your audio files moved over to the book area. You have to set the MEDIA KIND to "audiobook".

Airport router vs Cisco Valet

Apple iPhone - Airport router vs Cisco Valet

I am in need of replacing a dying Linksys WRT54G router. We have had it for years so it has been a long time since I have had to set up a network in the house and I recall that it was not an easy feat when I did it years ago but I finally got a working network where we have a PC laptop, iMac, 2 iPhones, 3 TiVos and a wireless printer. I dread having to do this once again when I get the new router so I am hoping to find something that is easy.

I have been seeing on TV the Cisco Valet which is advertised to be easy peasy to set up so I am contemplating purchasing the Valet. I also am thinking of buying the Apple Airport Extreme MC340LL/A or the AirPort Express Base Station MB321LL/A There is a pretty substantial difference between the Valet ($89 on Amazon) and Airport Extreme ($159.00) and am looking for feedback on the 3 routers.

iPhone wifi
I can speak only to the Airport Extreme. I like it. Easy to set up using a Mac and I've had no problems. Wireless printer, iPhone, ATV all have "found" it

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I agree, I have a mixed network of four Macs and one Linux server using my Airport Extreme. Very easy setup and it allows me to have a network drive and my HP Laser plugged into it.

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Do not get the Airport Extreme. It's way overpriced, is actually not that easy to set up, doesn't support NTFS for USB attached network storage, and it runs extremely hot. Mine cooked itself after about two years.

For roughly the same price as the Valet, you can get a Netgear that has more functionality and is incredibly easy to set up. Mine was little more than simply plugging it in and giving it the same network settings the Airport had. Total time from taking it out of the box to being fully online was about 5 minutes, and most of that was taken up by plugging in the physical connections (network cables to the modem and wired items and power cord).

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I recommend the airport express. That's my favorite.

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I agree with Jeff. Apple charges too much for the same thing. It is harder to configure than alternatives, that are cheaper. I bought an Extreme and still use it and it runs very hot compared to others.

I suggest you avoid NetGear. I have experience with several that just stopped working after a year or two. I set these up for both daughters and a couple friends. Several units died after about a year.

I find Linksys to be more durable, reasonable in price, and very easy to configure, compared to Apple.

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I'm on my 4th Apple Airport, they seem to last me about 2.5 years, although I honestly don't remember buying number 3, which would up the longevity.

I have kept my flat on a desk or shelf, but would not call them hot. Warm enough to attract a cat, definitely. Warm enough to cook itself, I would think not, but then again I am only getting about 2.5 years each. And yes, I did have an early ones with the overheating capacitors.

Since I keep staying with Apple, it is literally plug and play. I usually don't even change the wall wart.

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> I'm on my 4th Apple Airport, they seem to last me about 2.5 years, although I honestly don't remember buying number 3, which would up the longevity.

If my Netgear router lasts as long as the Airport, I'll have gotten more value out of it since it costs less.

> I have kept my flat on a desk or shelf, but would not call them hot. Warm enough to attract a cat, definitely. Warm enough to cook itself, I would think not, but then again I am only getting about 2.5 years each. And yes, I did have an early ones with the overheating capacitors.

I got the Airport Extreme to replace a Linksys shortly after I got the iPhone 3G, which was about two weeks after its release (I wasn't in line early enough) because the Linksys wouldn't let the iPhone connect to WiFi.

The Airport died on my a few months ago. It always ran hot. Maybe not hot enough to literally cook itself, but it was definitely more than warm to the touch, and sometimes the top surface was on the hot side. Apple said that was normal.

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I just had a slightly different experience.

I'm not getting a lot more life out of them than you, especially if you compare it to the life I have gotten out of two G4 desktops. I ran both full-time at full processor capacity for nearly 6 years running Folding@Home. In that time I replaced a fan in each and a power source in one. They both still function today.

As for bang for my buck, no, you are getting better value, but you know what you are doing, but many of us need the easier route.

Just remember, for most of us, wireless router set up is an moderately advanced task. That is why we turn to you, the expert for help, Jeffery. I have in the past had a uncommon set up and it required assistance to set up and troubleshoot. They have rolled some of what I was doing into current versions of the software.

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I am far from being an actual expert in it, I do not support routers, wired or wireless, for a living or anything. What I am is a technically minded computer geek, and I do work in IT. My only practical experience with routers is my own, and some family and friends.

I actually found the Airport Extreme to be harder to setup and maintain. The only time I've had to call Linksys for support on my old Linksys routers was when one of them actually broke, when I was trying to do something truly advanced, or when it wouldn't let my iPhone connect. I have not (yet?) had to contact Netgear support. The Airport, otoh, I had to call Apple several times because the setup was just plain obtuse. In trying to something only slightly more than a basic config, I even managed to stump the tech at Apple!

The problem I have with the Airport setup is that it uses a proprietary client-side configuration program rather than a web based setup like everyone else. Apple's Airport Manager has too many menus, toolbars and tabs, AND you need to be running their Bonjour Service (Windows) to even use the software. (If you're using an iOS device, you pretty much have to be running that service anyway...) The same setting I was looking for is easy to find on the old Linksys and my new Netgear.

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Interesting.

I'm still using the DLink router I've had for...at least 6 years, I forget exactly...& have had no problems connecting my various iDevices from the 2nd gen Touch to the iPhone4. They all find the router, ask for & accept my p/w, & I'm up & running.

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Do you have to reset it once a day at least?

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If you mean me & my DLink, no.

I hardly *ever* reset it. It's connected to my DSL modem & on 24/7 unless I either turn off all the power or the server goes down or somesuch.

Even if my computer is off it's still on & blinking & I can wifi with my iToys.

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I have an Airport Extreme mounted vertically on the wall in a special mount that Apple has and it runs no hotter than my old Buffalo or Linksys routers.

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Is there any wireless router which does not need a windows or Mac computer to set up?

Since in normal cases, a CDÂ is provided and needs to be run in the computer; It asks many questions so as to set parameter and this is a very daunting task for an average user.

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Yes. Most (all?) default to using DHCP, which means that they automatically allocate addresses to computers on the LAN (local area network). You just connect the router to your modem (assuming you have a separate DSL or cable modem) and switch it on. This gets you working straight away but you have an unprotected network until you go into the admin function and enable encryption, etc.

IMO setup CDs (often Windows-only) are supplied only because the setup in Windows used to be so unnecessarily difficult (I assume that is no longer the case with Vista or Win7).

We have a Belkin 54G router and this just worked straight away with our Macs.

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Ditto for me. I have a wireless printer, MacBook Pro, iPhone, Apple TV, and husband’s MacBook; all of these have no problems at all getting and staying connected.

Listen to Radio

Apple iPhone - Listen to Radio

Is there a way to listen to a radio station on a 3G if the station doesn't have an online site?

iPhone Radio
A couple of hundred stations do have dedicated iPhone apps, it is wonderful to have a "one tap" icon on the screen and get a distant station when I am driving. Radio networks such as Clear Channel have applications that let you select the city and station, but of course those are unworkable while you are driving.

If the station has no online presence at all, you are out of luck - but - the iPhone is rumored to already have an FM chip embedded. We can hope that IOS 4.3 will activate it. The last I heard, Apple was holding back until they could find a way for the user to tag a song and buy it in iTunes. But I hope they abandon that and just let us use the radio.

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Try the iHeart radio App.

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I recommend Pocket Tunes!
Also Wunder Radio is good.
I prefer Sirius XM app!

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Try the Tunein Radio app. :)

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Try tunein radio

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Download the Radio Caroline App. Best station in the world.

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Downloaded Pocket Tunes for my iPhone 3Gs and it failed multiple times in Irvine, CA, on a 19 mile bicycle ride. Had to stop and reset. It works fine in my house with our WiFi network.

I believe this is due to the really bad AT&T network locally. I've complained a number of times and always they tell me, We're trying to upgrade the network. Maybe so, but it's still bad.

BTW, I'm an XM/Sirius customer, and that company still wants $2.99 per month for service using the app on the iPhone. Anything to squeeze the customer for more money.

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You can pay a one time fee if you want.

I too am a subscriber.

I am a lifetime member so online is free which I can do from Pocket Tunes.

But for the custom Sirius XM app I had to pay extra.

iOS 4.3 brings Personal Hotspot to GSM iPhones

Apple iPhone - iOS 4.3 brings Personal Hotspot to GSM iPhones

Perhaps some of our Verizon users could comment on what hotspot use does to battery life.

iPhone iOS
What I don't understand - why on earth would I want to create a wifi hotspot? I see this commercial where someone sits down, creates a hotspot, and everybody around them starts using it. I have a hard enough time keeping spammers, pedophiles, porn0graphers, phishers, keyboard loggers, trojan horses, and other scum out of my affairs as it is without giving them wifi access through my phone. Wouldn't they also be bandwidth vampires running up my data usage and costing me additional fees?

What am I missing here?

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I am sure it can be password protected.

But i would use it with my iPad or laptop.

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Other devices like Printer, Scanner, domestic gadgets like toasters, TV, music system etc. would sooner or later will become part of your personal wireless network at home or while on the move.

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You password protect it and I know many full time rvers who use hotspots to connect at least two computers to the internet. I'm sure there are others who use all five connections.

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You would have the option of password protecting your hotspot so you could, for instance, use it with your wifi laptop but no one else could use it.

I don't know why the commercials show a bunch of random people in the park using it. Makes no sense to me.

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It would be like when I use my Sprint Overdrive. It is a 4G WiFi Hot Spot.

It is password protected so I can use my MacBook Pro or MacBook Air on it.

The EVO from Sprint dose that and Droid X on Verizon. On my iPhone I do not care if it has a Hot Spot since I do have a Overdrive.

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The Palm Pre Plus on Verizon also offers the hotspot. I don't know about costs with the Droid, but with the Palm the hotspot is free up to 5 gB. The hotspot was one of the major deciding factors when I upgraded my old phone to the Pre Plus.

I am stuck with Verizon because of coverage issues. I can't WAIT to see if I'll be able to get the new iphone at a reasonable cost.

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Last night my power went out (fortunately only for about 10 minutes).

If I had Wifi hotspot capability, I could have activated it and continued online with my laptop, even though the DSL modem and the Airport wireless router were dead.

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Advertisers are the ones who got the idea all wrong. They presume that it is still the time of unconditional giving and sacrifice. Well, not with your personal hotspot. You use it for your iPad that has no 3G and your computer. Well, maybe your bestfriend's iPod touch... But not for anyone. That's why it's got password anyway.

These MyFi/Personal Wi-Fi/Personal Hotspots are everywhere where I am. But their commercials just don't get the point why people buy them. Probably the advertising agency's fault.