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Podcast (5techaud): Play in new window | Download (Duration: 14:19 — 11.9MB)

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So you got a brand new iPad. You do a lot of travelling (economy coach), so one of the reasons why you bought it was so you can use it during those 3-4 hour flights. In today’s episode, we look at the WiFi in airports, airlines, and if they are worth the purchase.

Why Can’t you just get one WiFi package?

First of all, remember the Wifi in the airport is not the same WiFi in the plane. Most of the time, they are two different companies. Therefore, you might have bought the “Day package”, but you can only use in airports that have that type of WiFi.

Boingo Wireless Hotspot

Boingo is a  company that brings wireless hotspots to many airports, along with other areas. Prices starting at $4.95 a month, it will connect 2 devices to airport Wifi. They do have partnerships with other WiFi companies, like AT&T, so you may be able to log on to those accounts and not have to pay for WiFi in the airport.

Free WiFi Airports

There are a bevvy of airports that offer free WiFi service. McCarren International airport in Las Vegas is one of them. Some ask for email addresses, others give you choices, like filling out surveys or watching a quick video. To find the list of free WiFi, check out this list at WiFi Free Hotspot.

Keep in mind – Some of these airports are large, and if an airline has it’s own wing, they might just not have the free WiFi with it.

WiFi on a Plane

So a lot of planes are starting to get satellite Wifi on the plane. This is great for the daily flier, because they can check their email, and do business without having to wait to touch ground to connect. Of course, the WiFi is controlled via satellite, and works best above 10,000 feet (because there are few obstructions, and a lot less radio interference).

It doesn’t mean you are going to get 50 down/ 50 up speed. In fact, I did a few speed tests, and you will be lucky to get 1 MB download speed during your flight.

Don’t Expect to Watch Netflix on the Flight

The internet speeds barely hit 1 MB. Cloud interference could slow the connection. Finally, the amount of people using the wireless on the plane will also contribute to bad speeds. One part of internet speed you don’t normally look at is the time it takes to send a packet of information. All tests I did showed a very slow response time for sending and receiving.

So in return – getting your email works well. Basic surfing of web pages is ok. YouTube takes forever. It would be best to pre-download movies to watch on the plane.

How to get Free Wifi on a Plane

You most likely will have Gogo Internet on your plane. AirTran, Alaska Air, American, Delta, Frontier, United, US Airways, and Virgin all use this service. Over 1,500 planes have the service, and it doesn’t matter how far you go, they will offer service (pro-rated). You can purchase a 24 hour pass for $12.95 if you are in the plane all day.

The best part about Gogo, though, is they offer free service to certain websites. For example, you could shop on Amazon.com without having to pay for the gogo service. You could also get certain news, and see where your plane is, how high you are in the air, how fast you are going, and the forcast for your destination.

They also offer free service promotions from time to time. When I was flying from Austin, I got a free 30 minutes by just giving them my email address. There is currently a promotion where Blackberry users on United flights get a deal.

Podcast (5techaud): Play in new window | Download (Duration: 7:42 — 5.3MB)

Podcast (ipad365): Play in new window | Download (Duration: 7:42 — 94.6MB) | Embed

Crack and Break it for iPad

I know you want to do it. Just give that iPad a good whack in frustration. However, you don’t want to do that to a $500 (or more) computer. So we have to find virtual ways to break the iPad screen.

That is where Crack & Break it comes in. With Crack and Break it, you can smash your iPad screen just by tapping it. Put on a custom picture, and break it to the point the screen falls to pieces. If you want to break other types of glass, Crack and Break it also has glass blocks, lightbulbs, florescent bulbs to break. For an in-app fee, you can get more items to break.

With the lightbulbs, I make a game out of it. See how fast I can break the lit bulbs. If the designer could put a timer in the game, it would bring a challenge to the app.

The app is free and works with iPad and iPhone. Crack & Break it comes with a 3 1/2 star rating. The app is by Giorgi Otiashvili.

Podcast (5techaud): Play in new window | Download (Duration: 7:18 — 5.5MB)

Podcast (ipad365): Play in new window | Download (Duration: 7:18 — 83.8MB) | Embed

How to do your own Cute Nails for iPad, Android

Looking for new and exciting ways to show flair? Why not start at the nail? You get them trimmed, buffed and shined up. So why not make them stand out.

How to do your own Cute Nails is an app that gives you tips and ideas on ways to spruce up your nails. From Tuxedos, to flowers. Even Easter eggs (happy Easter, by the way).

You can Watch tutorials for creating these masterpieces. You can also view photos and get inspiration for your own creations. There are also tips on painting, and nail care, so you have have healthy, strong nails.

There are over 250 tutorials, including one where you can really show off your Apple fanboyism.

This app is free, but there is a premium version for $1.99. This app has an average of 4 1/2 stars. This app is created by Webelinx and there is also a version for all iOS devices and Android.

Podcast (5techaud): Play in new window | Download (Duration: 5:52 — 4.4MB)

Podcast (ipad365): Play in new window | Download (Duration: 5:52 — 82.2MB) | Embed

Cab4me for Android

Today is Sunday Funday on Android365, the place for all your Android apps. Which Android device do you use?

Cab4Me is a way you find a taxi. Pull up your location on your Andoid smartphone or tablet, then find out which cab companies will be able to pick you up. This is a great app if you are out of town and need to find a cab. Get a taxi when you are not in a taxi zone.

This app is available now and is also available for iOS devices.

• Get a Roku – Prices start at $49 

Square now for Android

We also look at the Square credit card dongle now for Android. This application was available for iPhone and iPad up until last week. Once you download the application, you purchase the credit card reader into the Android device OS 2.1 or better. Supported models include:

• Google Nexus S
• HTC EVO 3D
• Motorola Photon 4G
• Samsung Galaxy

When you plug the dongle in the phone, you are ready to swipe a credit card. The information passes through securely and no card info stays on the phone. You then sign your name right on the phone.

When I was in Austin, TX, some pedi-bikes (rickshaw) used Square to collect payments. That also reduces the amount of cash to stay on their person. Since the phone had 3G and 4G connections, you could be anywhere in the city and use Square.

Subscribe to iPad365 on iTunes – iPad365 RSS - Twitter: @iPad365 - YouTube iPad365 Playlist

Check out yesterdays app – ElectroTrains

April Fools.

Podcast (5techaud): Play in new window | Download (Duration: 8:54 — 6.8MB)

Podcast (ipad365): Play in new window | Download (Duration: 8:54 — 100.2MB) | Embed

Doodle DJ for iPad, iPhone

This will appease the artist and the musician at the same time. When I downloaded it, I spent an hour playing. That is how addictive Doodle DJ is.

You have a a 16 square by 16 square grid, in which you can draw on. As you draw, the boxes highlight. You can change the look of the screen to stars and drawn boxes, to give it a more artistic feel.

When you are done, hit the “Play” button. Your art will then create sound.

The grid is aligned to a Bm11 chord – Lowest line plays an A, next is B, then D, E and F#. The progression repeats 3 times, with an “A” on the top. There is no way to change the tone lines, which might be a good enhancement for a future release.

The polyphony seems to be 16 – so you can highlight a whole row and get the hodge-podge of sound.

Best part – see what I did when I drew my name. Better yet, see what happened when I drew “iPad365″.

Doodle DJ is put out by LemonDoo.You can also get the app for iPhone. It comes with a 5 star rating.

• Meet anywhere with your iPad, GoToMeeting keeps you going – Get a 30 day free trial of GotoMeeting

Subscribe to iPad365 on iTunes – iPad365 RSS - Twitter: @iPad365 - YouTube iPad365 Playlist

Check out yesterdays iPad app – Parkopedia

Watch Doodle DJ on YouTube