Search found 57 matches

by Kelmscott
Sun Dec 19, 2021 6:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How long to wait for a passport to arrive?
Replies: 68
Views: 9973

Re: How long to wait for a passport to arrive?

Just received mine.

Ordered 3 weeks ago to the day, expedited.
by Kelmscott
Sat Nov 13, 2021 12:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: COVID Tests for International Travel - Insurance and Logistics?
Replies: 43
Views: 4265

Re: COVID Tests for International Travel - Insurance and Logistics?

Hi! We just got back from Barcelona. We were very cautious throughout our entire trip, wiping down hotel surfaces, not allowing housekeeping service, double masking on the plane, etc. Luckily, everyone there wore masks in public places, even on the streets, so we felt safe. However, getting stuck there was a major concern, but we decided to risk it. We love to travel and had the flexibility if we did test positive, to quarantine there. The cost would have been an issue, for sure. I'm sorry but I can't help you with your insurance question. For testing, you may want to buy a testing kit in the US before you leave for your trip. United Airlines sent us a link to the Abbott BinaxNOW kits -- they're CDC approved. We bought ours online. We recei...
by Kelmscott
Sat Sep 18, 2021 6:26 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: A Simple Bogleheads Retirement Using Variable Percentage Withdrawals (VPW Forward Test)
Replies: 784
Views: 236858

Re: A Simple Bogleheads Retirement Using Variable Percentage Withdrawals (VPW Forward Test)

Just wanted to say thank you, Longinvest, for all of your hard work and incredibly informative posts! I've learned a ton from you over the years.
by Kelmscott
Wed May 12, 2021 11:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: how to get rid of junk mail for my mother
Replies: 42
Views: 3724

Re: how to get rid of junk mail for my mother

I also used the Paper Karma app. It worked well.
by Kelmscott
Tue Mar 24, 2020 2:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Chewy pet food delivery
Replies: 26
Views: 3231

Re: Chewy pet food delivery

Mine was delayed about 5 days and I only received a partial order. The rest is scheduled to ship next week because they're out of stock.
by Kelmscott
Tue Feb 04, 2020 5:56 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VASIX down 23.84% today
Replies: 3
Views: 901

Re: VASIX down 23.84% today

For sure -- lots of folks reporting kooky numbers. Hopefully they'll get it fixed soon.
by Kelmscott
Tue Feb 04, 2020 5:52 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VSMGX - VG Lifestrategy Moderate 11% drop today, why?
Replies: 8
Views: 1084

Re: VSMGX - VG Lifestrategy Moderate 11% drop today, why?

I'm not seeing the correction yet. Oy.
by Kelmscott
Tue Feb 04, 2020 5:48 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Why is VFORX down almost 4% today?
Replies: 16
Views: 1721

Re: Why is VFORX down almost 4% today?

No, there's an issue. My accounts are down 30% from yesterday. Hence, the sweat. Can't get through on the phone, they must be getting bombarded.
by Kelmscott
Tue Feb 04, 2020 5:42 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Why is VFORX down almost 4% today?
Replies: 16
Views: 1721

Re: Why is VFORX down almost 4% today?

I just logged onto my accounts, too -- something is way off. I'm starting to sweat!
by Kelmscott
Mon Jan 20, 2020 1:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Career change at 47
Replies: 116
Views: 13953

Re: Career change at 47

jfn111 wrote: Mon Jan 20, 2020 11:01 am It's pretty easy to make $20,000 a year as a home inspector. (Probably 2 inspections per week).
The best inspectors I work with are former GC's. They know what to look for as far as shoddy work or potential problems down the road.
Yes! Came here to suggest this. You're a shoe-in for this kind of job!
by Kelmscott
Wed Jan 01, 2020 8:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Boston condo purchase and renovation experience?
Replies: 21
Views: 1917

Re: Boston condo purchase and renovation experience?

Oh, please save the plaster! You won't regret it. I agree with the above poster re: noise.

If you hire a skilled electrician with experience with historic buildings, you should be able to re-wire without major damage to the plaster.

I just finished re-wiring a 150 year old house with original plaster walls. Each room had, maybe, a 3" hole to "fish" the wires. Easily patched.

Good luck. And I would double that budget!
by Kelmscott
Tue Dec 17, 2019 4:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2019 VW GTI or Hyundai Elantra GT N?
Replies: 43
Views: 2563

Re: 2019 VW GTI or Hyundai Elantra GT N?

I love hatchbacks and stick shifts. I've always owned German cars, but a few years ago I grew tired of the high maintenance costs and persistent check engine light that seems to have plagued my BMWs and VWs.

I looked at GTIs, Elantras and Fits... ended up with a Mazda3 hatch. Beautiful car. Zippy, responsive, has tons of safety features (cross traffic alert is fab), it's easy on the fuel (42 MPG on highway, 35 in town)... Japanese reliability and, almost, German performance. Take one for a spin. I think you'll love it.
by Kelmscott
Mon Sep 30, 2019 2:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Travel Insurance - Chase Sapphire Reserve
Replies: 12
Views: 1724

Re: Travel Insurance - Chase Sapphire Reserve

I've had that card for years, it's been great!

I used the insurance once -- to compensate me for a vacation rental that went unused because we were stuck at home during a blizzard. Flights postponed/cancelled.

I wrote a letter to Chase, sent them a receipt of what I paid and the rental contract, provided documentation of the flight delays/cancellations ... and then I received a prompt reply. I believe I received a check within 2 weeks.

I was shocked at how simple it was -- you just need to provided the exact proof/documentation they need. I did this all via email.
by Kelmscott
Sat Aug 03, 2019 12:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How can I get a good room when I check into a hotel I booked online?
Replies: 30
Views: 3743

Re: How can I get a good room when I check into a hotel I booked online?

Always book directly with the hotel. They'll be more willing to give you an upgrade and listen to your requests if you book directly with them.

And, more often than not, they'll match or beat the price you've found on the travel site. Hotels pay these sites a fee of 15%+ so they'd rather have your business directly.

If you book online with a hotel, you can often write a comment/request: "Please put me in a quiet room, away from elevator, etc."

If there's no room for a request, call them and ask.
by Kelmscott
Fri May 17, 2019 3:52 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Impact of early semi-retirement on SS when the time comes?
Replies: 15
Views: 1939

Re: Impact of early semi-retirement on SS when the time comes?

Once you re-register on the Social Security.gov site you can download the past earnings data files directly ... super easy to plug right into a spreadsheet.
by Kelmscott
Wed May 08, 2019 2:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Areas similar to Jungfrau region in terms of transportation
Replies: 23
Views: 2231

Re: Areas similar to Jungfrau region in terms of transportation

In northern Italy, the Dolomites' Val Gardena is well connected by public transportation -- buses, gondolas, lifts and funiculars run from valley towns to peaks/valleys. Hut to hut hiking is very popular, with restaurants/huts well-placed along trails and many of them offering overnight accommodations. We're headed there in a few weeks, basing ourselves in Ortisei -- sans car. You can buy multi-day passes for the lifts/gondolas and bus system. Much cheaper than Switzerland, too. You may also enjoy the English Lake District. One of our favorite spots. We've spent weeks there, walking miles and miles daily from a base in Keswick. During the "season" -- spring/summer/fall -- they have a circuit of buses (some double-decker) that trav...
by Kelmscott
Sat Apr 27, 2019 2:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is 2 weeks in Amsterdam a bit much?
Replies: 45
Views: 4356

Re: Is 2 weeks in Amsterdam a bit much?

I love Amsterdam. Definitely spent several days in the city, then add daytrips to Delft, Leiden, Haarlem, Utrecht, windmills, etc...all doable by train.

Take the train to Bruges, Belgium if you haven't been. Stunningly gorgeous. You could easily spend several days in Bruges.

Visit Ghent/Gent on the way to/from Bruges. Beautiful historic center, lots of activity. Don't miss Van Eyck's masterpiece, the Ghent Altarpiece/Adoration of the Lamb, while you're there.
by Kelmscott
Mon Jun 18, 2018 7:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which Supermarket are you?
Replies: 155
Views: 13006

Re: Which Supermarket are you?

In spring/summer/fall, we get our produce via weekly CSA share from the local organic farm, which includes a giant bag of veggies, berries and locally roasted coffee beans. And sometimes eggs.

Most everything else comes from Aldi. Since our local Aldi renovated/expanded, I shop there all the time. I'm saving 50% compared to our other local grocery store, Giant. (I track spending to the dollar.)

For specialty things that I can't find elsewhere, it's Wegman's.

Often I make an occasional run to the local Syrian market for olives, hummus, baba ganoush and freshly baked pita.
by Kelmscott
Sat Jun 02, 2018 10:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 125K Spend - Would you do this ?
Replies: 53
Views: 6452

Re: 125K Spend - Would you do this ?

Get a split King. Two separate frames. Two separate mattresses/platforms/box springs. You won't feel anything when the other moves/gets up. You can personalize the layers on each side -- firm on one side, soft on the other, etc.
by Kelmscott
Sat Jun 02, 2018 1:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Leave Job (Philly) and move To Arizon (Phoenix)?
Replies: 67
Views: 7239

Re: Leave Job (Philly) and move To Arizon (Phoenix)?

I believe you shouldn't even spend time pondering this until you actually visit Phoenix. You may love it. You may hate it.

Hard to make an informed decision, otherwise. I can't even fathom moving to a place I have never visited before.

Where do YOU want to live, OP?
by Kelmscott
Wed Mar 21, 2018 5:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Downloadable Social Security Benefit Estimator (repost)
Replies: 116
Views: 31156

Re: Downloadable Social Security Benefit Estimator (repost)

Thank you so much, Neurosphere (and SSCritic, too) for putting the time and effort into creating this excellent spreadsheet!

It's a million times easier to work with than AnyPIA and it's put my mind at ease with my SS calculations for the future.

I really appreciate it. :beer
by Kelmscott
Mon Feb 12, 2018 7:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bonavita 1500 vs 1800/1900? (coffee)
Replies: 16
Views: 2803

Re: Bonavita 1500 vs 1800/1900? (coffee)

Kayanco -- I don't know why the discrepancy in temperature. I've never checked ~ the coffee is always piping hot -- so much, in fact, that we can't sip it for a while after it's brewed. It stays hot for hours in the carafe.
by Kelmscott
Sun Feb 11, 2018 5:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bonavita 1500 vs 1800/1900? (coffee)
Replies: 16
Views: 2803

Re: Bonavita 1500 vs 1800/1900? (coffee)

We have the 1500 and LOVE it! Probably the best coffeemaker we've ever had. Can't compare it to the larger one, though.

One little annoyance: it says 5 cups, but the reservoir only holds enough water for 3.5 large mugs. The carafe doesn't fill to the top after it's all brewed, so we add a pint of water at the end of the brewing cycle to make a "full" pot, which is enough for 4 large mugs.

If you're a coffee fanatic and drink more than that, I'd spring for the larger model.
by Kelmscott
Fri Jan 26, 2018 3:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [UPDATED 1/26/2018 ] 55+ Early retirement offer.
Replies: 90
Views: 16302

Re: [UPDATED 1/26/2018 ] 55+ Early retirement offer.

Congratulations, Dottie! I'm happy it worked out for you! :sharebeer
by Kelmscott
Mon Dec 18, 2017 8:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can I afford it: Dodge Challenger
Replies: 122
Views: 11710

Re: Can I afford it: Dodge Challenger

barnaclebob wrote: Mon Dec 18, 2017 5:00 pm Scat pack seems like a poor name choice.
:P
by Kelmscott
Wed Nov 29, 2017 5:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Too much house, right?
Replies: 88
Views: 11482

Re: Too much house, right?

I would never buy it, simply because of your statement "... home we'd border on one side is actually an equestrian park w/ a small arena for training horses (not for rodeo etc), and the other two homes that border, ONE IS A TOTAL EYE SORE and one is a gorgeous million dollar beauty."

Why would you want to spent all that money and build a lovely house next to an eye sore?

If it's been that way for a long time, chances are it will never improve and it will bug you for years.

I would be wary of a horse farm, too. I grew up about a 1/4 mile from a thoroughbred farm and when the wind was moving in a certain direction... peeeww!
by Kelmscott
Wed Nov 29, 2017 5:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Unexpectedly in the housing market--should we buy this house or wait?
Replies: 29
Views: 4118

Re: Unexpectedly in the housing market--should we buy this house or wait?

I would say no, especially after reading about the commercial land.

Large, busy buildings and noise is one thing, but don't forget about lights -- parking lot lights, security lights, etc. They are bright and relentless -- a real drag when they stream into your house at night.
by Kelmscott
Thu Nov 09, 2017 5:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Comments on Kia Soul?
Replies: 36
Views: 4229

Re: Comments on Kia Soul?

I would consider a Mazda over a Kia. Have you driven a CX-3 or CX-5? They're getting rave reviews. I have a Mazda3 and love it.
by Kelmscott
Sun Nov 05, 2017 1:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Has anyone bought a Samsung Note 8?
Replies: 33
Views: 3495

Re: Has anyone bought a Samsung Note 8?

If you travel overseas quite a bit, you may want to check out T Mobile. They have free data usage in most other countries and minimal phone call charges. Their phones (most of them, anyway) have wifi calling capability, which is great overseas. I have an LG G6 with a T Mobile unlocked phone. Free Pandora streaming, too, with no data charged. Love it!
by Kelmscott
Fri Oct 13, 2017 3:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: First Winter (Dec/Jan) Vacation in Europe. Any suggestions please!
Replies: 26
Views: 3760

Re: First Winter (Dec/Jan) Vacation in Europe. Any suggestions please!

Sixt is good. But also look at Kemwel and AutoEurope. They're brokers. You won't need an international drivers permit, your US drivers license will be just fine. However, I wouldn't rent a car. Europe's public transportation system is excellent, there's no reason to rent a car. It's such a hassle, anyway -- you don't want to spend time looking for parking, wondering what the street symbols mean, dealing with the hassle of figuring out parking kiosks/tickets, etc. Many medieval towns, for example, don't have parking in town for visitors -- you'll have to park on the fringe of town and walk in, anyway. Driving on highways and the Autobahn is not for the timid. Never, ever cruise in the left lane -- it's a deadly place to be, with cars coming ...
by Kelmscott
Thu Oct 12, 2017 4:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: First Winter (Dec/Jan) Vacation in Europe. Any suggestions please!
Replies: 26
Views: 3760

Re: First Winter (Dec/Jan) Vacation in Europe. Any suggestions please!

Worth it? Absolutely! We love traveling in the off-season. We travel to Europe during the winter often and have been to Germany many times. You'll enjoy having many places that would normally be mobbed during the warmer months all to yourselves. Just remember to pack layers -- fleece, sweaters and a waterproof jacket or shell -- and you'll have a ball. Remember, there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. It's too bad you'll miss the wonderful German Christmas markets -- most end right before Xmas. Berlin's continues after Christmas, though, so if you end up there, you'll get a taste of what they're like. What you interested in? History? Great landscapes? Historic architecture? Castles? I would be tempted to stay in Germany the...
by Kelmscott
Sun Sep 10, 2017 8:22 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social Security bend points/early retirement estimates
Replies: 21
Views: 5880

Re: Social Security bend points/early retirement estimates

There's a calculator on the Social Security site called Any PIA... have you seen it?

https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/anypia/anypia.html

You can download your earnings, plug in assumptions (shorten your work career, add projected income, etc) and it'll give you an estimate of what early retirement will be on your PIA.
by Kelmscott
Mon Aug 28, 2017 6:08 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help with transferring accounts from Ameriprise to Vanguard
Replies: 14
Views: 3051

Re: Help with transferring accounts from Ameriprise to Vanguard

I have no advice, just a warning. Make sure you document EVERY transaction with Ameriprise. Make copies of letters. Write down names of employees and date/time if you call them. Do not assume anything and verify, verify, verify.

I inherited an Ameriprise IRA a couple years ago. The transfer to Vanguard took a whopping 3 months and dealing with Ameriprise was the worst experience I've ever had dealing with a company, ever. Be glad you're leaving its stranglehold!
by Kelmscott
Mon Aug 07, 2017 12:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Question for Buick Verano (non turbo) or Mazda3 owners
Replies: 35
Views: 3310

Re: Question for Buick Verano (non turbo) or Mazda3 owners

I have a 2015 stick shift Mazda3 hatchback. Love it.

I bought the Touring model and had aftermarket heated seats installed.

It's my first non-German car -- I've always owned BMWs, VW or MINIs, and the first new car I've ever bought. It was the closest car I could find that mimicked the handling of the German cars, without the pricey repair bills. I've had no issues whatsoever.

Fuel mileage is great -- I'm averaging 37 MPG with a mix of city/highway. Closer to 42 on long trips. Mazda automatics are a wee bit more efficient!
by Kelmscott
Mon Jul 31, 2017 5:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Moving to the suburbs - how much can i afford?
Replies: 22
Views: 1874

Re: Moving to the suburbs - how much can i afford?

I just read this in the New York Times' Real Estate section today ~ What to Do When You've Picked the Wrong Suburb.

https://tinyurl.com/y7a488ec

You may find it helpful.
by Kelmscott
Mon Mar 06, 2017 10:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Telluride Film Festival
Replies: 9
Views: 1291

Re: Telluride Film Festival

And I second Flobes' recommendation about Durango!
by Kelmscott
Mon Mar 06, 2017 10:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Telluride Film Festival
Replies: 9
Views: 1291

Re: Telluride Film Festival

We always fly from Newark into Montrose, connecting in DEN or sometimes Houston. Montrose is about 1.5 hours away.

There's shuttle service, too, from Montrose, so you don't need a car in Telluride. But, since you are staying outside of town, you will probably want to rent a car, unless you can bike or use Uber/taxis.

Yes, be careful of the altitude if you're not used to it.. drink lots of water and be careful with the alcohol, it's much more potent at that elevation.

Have fun. Play some pool at the Hotel Sheridan and have a beer at the Last Dollar Saloon for me. One of my favorite places on earth.
by Kelmscott
Wed Nov 09, 2016 2:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Request Suggestions for Family Holiday Activities-South Central PA
Replies: 6
Views: 1750

Re: Request Suggestions for Family Holiday Activities-South Central PA

The charming, historic town of Jim Thorpe, PA has a great Christmas festival every year... http://www.JimThorpe.org

Train rides with Santa, carolers, horse-drawn carriages, etc ... the town is beautiful to begin with, but when it's decked out for the holidays it's just great. We've been to the festival a few times and have stayed at the big Victorian in there: http://www.InnJT.com

You should also look at Christmas displays at Hersheypark... http://www.hersheypark.com/seasons/christmas
by Kelmscott
Mon Jul 18, 2016 1:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone Skilled at Redeeming Credit Card Travel Points?
Replies: 25
Views: 3087

Re: Anyone Skilled at Redeeming Credit Card Travel Points?

If you are looking for StarAlliance member flights, it's easy to search (and book) using United's web site/reservation system.

(See http://www.StarAlliance.com for member listings. You can even do a flight search on there to see the routes/carriers first.)

On United.com, click the reservation tab, add your origin/destination, dates, etc ...then click on the "search for award flights" you'll be able to see a week or month at a glance, so you can adjust dates based on availability.

If you're booking an open jaw ticket, sometimes it's easier to book each leg separately (2 one way tix) for award miles.

United's reservation system contains almost all of the StarAlliance members' award availability, so it's a great resource.
by Kelmscott
Sat Mar 22, 2014 10:04 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Solo 401k Form 5500 requirements; Filed 5500 are public!
Replies: 9
Views: 3694

Re: Solo 401k Form 5500 requirements; Filed 5500 are public!

It seems that single participants that file form 5500SF are excluded from the online database.

From the IRS's web site:

"Beginning January 1, 2012, Form 5500-SF information for “one-participant plans” will not be available to the public on DOL’s website."

See page here: http://www.irs.gov/Retirement-Plans/Fil ... h-Database
by Kelmscott
Wed Jan 16, 2013 3:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Walmart to offer unlimited iPhone 5 plan for $45/mo
Replies: 45
Views: 7773

Re: Walmart to offer unlimited iPhone 5 plan for $45/mo

I just dumped my contract with AT&T when it ended last month and switched to Straight Talk for my iPhone 4.

Easy to switch, no difference in service/coverage whatsoever (since ST uses the ATT network), and it sure is nice saving about $35 per month!
by Kelmscott
Thu Jan 10, 2013 9:51 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buy vs Rent - am I looking at this correctly?
Replies: 22
Views: 3485

Re: But vs Rent - am I looking at this correctly?

Many co-ops do now allow rentals, or if they do, it's only for 1 year. Make sure you check the co-op board's by laws.

Sometimes there is also a "flip tax" when you sell, too.
by Kelmscott
Wed Jan 09, 2013 10:18 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can we afford it? (International trip)
Replies: 92
Views: 9726

Re: Can we afford it?

I wouldn't spend the money, but that's me. I could never rationalize spending $9,000 on airfare-- that would pay for almost 3 of my annual trips to Europe -- including meals and lodging! Your flights are long, but they're broken up by a 14 hour layover, when I'll assume you'll be checked into a hotel and can rest and/or walk around. Is that what you have planned? If that's the case, you have a 7 hour flight, which isn't that awful. Then a very long layover where you're out of the plane. And the 11 hour flight which, yes, is long, but it will go quickly. If you have an aisle seat, you can move around/stretch (and you should be doing that, anyway). Grab a few books or your Kindle, listen to music, watch movies, doze off, eat a few meals, etc ...
by Kelmscott
Thu Jan 03, 2013 3:49 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What was your 2012 return?
Replies: 275
Views: 30954

Re: What was your 2012 return?

Love the t-rex, that was brilliant. :beer

My return was 11.7% with an AA of 70/30.

Onward and upward!
by Kelmscott
Sun Nov 04, 2012 9:06 pm
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: [merged donation threads] Dear Bogleheads - time to pony up
Replies: 277
Views: 25660

Re: Dear Bogleheads - time to pony up

Just sent money via PayPal. I'm happy to donate to such a worthy web site and group.

Thank you for having one of the most lively, informative and life-changing forums on the internet.

I know it's a lot of hard work and energy to keep it going, but it sure is appreciated.

Cheers! :beer
by Kelmscott
Sat Oct 27, 2012 3:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Confession + POLL: I succumbed to an iPad mini
Replies: 97
Views: 7880

Re: Confession + POLL: I succumbed to an iPad mini

RR2, you should definitely check out the Nexus 7. It's faster than my iPhone. And just as smooth. No freezing, sputtering. Nada. It's running the latest version of Jelly Bean. I honestly can't tell the difference between the 2 operating systems. Except the iOS menu button is missing at the buttom of the tablet. On the Nexus it's on the screen instead. That's taking some getting used to. I like the slimmer size because I'm finding I can use my left thumb quite easily, not sure if that would be possible with the Mini. But check it out, see what you think.
by Kelmscott
Sat Oct 27, 2012 3:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Confession + POLL: I succumbed to an iPad mini
Replies: 97
Views: 7880

Re: Confession + POLL: I succumbed to an iPad mini

Yeah, crazy, huh?

I found it on the site of a retailer in NYC. I couldn't believe it when I saw it, but I put in my cart and shockingly the transaction went through. And I received it yesterday. Apparently it happened a few weeks ago to some folks who ordered from Staples, too. They were able to receive them before the store or Google noticed. Both sites now have posted a release date of 10/29, unfortunately, so someone put the kibosh on the early release.

But, yes, it's a 32 gb and it was $249. :happy
by Kelmscott
Sat Oct 27, 2012 3:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Confession + POLL: I succumbed to an iPad mini
Replies: 97
Views: 7880

Re: Confession + POLL: I succumbed to an iPad mini

I was going to buy one. I monitored the rumors daily, for weeks, really, in anticipation. Unfortunately, the pricing changed my mind. I was really disappointed. After hearing raves from lots of folks, I ended up buying a 32gb Nexus 7. My first Android device. I was a bit nervous, but you know what? It's an awesome little machine. The OS is smooth and easy and it's super convenient to sync with all things Google. It's so close to my iPhone's set up that it was a breeze to learn. It's really polished, the resolution is crisp and it's super speedy. And frankly, I like the Nexus' smaller size, I can just use one hand to hold it and it fits in a pocket. Not sure that's possible with the Mini. The price was right: $249 for 32gb with WiFi. An iPad...