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22Mar/110

Samsung Galaxy S Sync Issue

I've had this problem for ages but it hasn't been a big enough issue for me to spend time on.

Every time I connected my Galaxy to my laptop device driver installation failed and the initializing screen would continuously refresh until I hit the home key or unplugged the USB.

I got around this issue by moving files to and from my phone using the external SD card. Painful!

Looking for a quick solution, I was very close to factory resetting my phone but I was concerned about messing up the carrier configuration.

THE SOLUTION:

After a quick backup of my music and pictures to the external SD card one last time, I unmounted and formatted the internal SD. Immediate response when I plugged the phone back into my laptop!

Steps to format internal SD.

Click Settings

SD card and phone storage

Scroll down to Internal SD card

Unmount SD card

Format SD card

You're done!

PS. I'm running 32 bit Windows 7. I understand there are some issues related to 64 bit but there is an updated driver for that.

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7Dec/080

Top 7 iPhone Accessories

Here are my latest picks for the top iPhone accessories.  There are several options in each category depending on your primary usage.  My primary considerations in accessories are:

  • Portability
  • Productivity
  • Experience enhancement

Screen Protector

Absolute no-brainer! This is the first thing you do, while your phone is activating even.

Charger 

Solar Charger

Solar Charger

As much as I enjoy the diverse applications of this phone, the battery life is a big disappointment (Somewhat better with the 2.2 update - the jury is still out).  There are many discussions going on how to preserve your battery, most involving turning off services or 3G, on the web already.  I'll post my preferences on that later but in the meantime, I just charge regularly.  That is, until I get my new case; see the next item on the list :)     
  • The chargers that came with the iPhone 3G were recalled. See the article here for info on what to do about that.
  • Car Charger - under $10
  • Solar Charger - You can also opt for this Solar Charger case. 
  • My top pick for a non-solar charger: Incase 2-in-1 wall and car charger. Cut the number of cords cluttering up your laptop bag and grab this one. The 5 ft cable is nice.

Case 

Incase Battery

Incase Battery

I bought this elan holster the same time I got my iPhone but I really should have held off. Great holster but there's no clear space for the camera?!?  Purchase FAIL.

I've had the phone for several months now so I have a much clearer vision of my needs in a case.  There are some terrific options. If someone can combine #1 and #3 I'm your first customer. My favorite cases:    
  • Case with close up lens - for the productivity junkie. Clarifi excites the productive side of my personality. I see me happily scanning barcodes, business cards, and other evernotes.
  • Telescope - for the photog. Telescopic 6X zoom looks good. ThinkGeek has a version of this for the non-3G iPhone.
  • Case with Battery - lets face it, this is for everyone.  Most especially the truly mobile workforce. Mophie probably had the best battery case on the market but check out the newest contender from Incase.  

Headset 

MyVu Video Shades

MyVu Video Shades

A few options here also, depending on your needs.  Are you a:   
  • Conference Call Commando - Jawbone is the way to go.  Warning - there have been reports of pairing issues with 3G.  My top pick at the moment but the next option has a huge cool factor.
  • Frequent Flyer - Holy video glasses batman! Or just a batman video.  Widescreen movies in a narrow seat = awesome flight, or at least more tolerable!
  • Music Lover - Bose kicks some ear and you know it! A few other good options for audiophiles but I'll leave that argument for another time.

Docking Station 

Griffin PowerDock

Griffin PowerDock


Do you just need power or are you sans stereo?

  • Stereo / Alarm Dock - I liked the look of this one from TunePro until I saw it had no speaker  shielding for GSM interference. 
  • Better Stereo / Alarm Dock options to be found here, including another Bose reference (I should get a commission from them).
  • Multiple Docking - great if you have a family of iGear.  Top pick for now because it keeps counter top clutter to a minimum.

Car Mounting

Windshield mounting is a great idea!  Clear visibility for GPS pathfinding and it leaves all the ports accessible.  Drive safe folks.

Audio Visual Cable

AV on the go. Want to share the latest diggNation with your friends on your new big screen?       

That's it for my current picks.  New accessories are released every month.  If you come across something terrific share the link with me.
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About Jon Reid

Coder, cook, columnist and family man whose aim is to help build the tech community in NL.
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