One of the more expensive presents I had for Christmas was
an Apple mini iPad. I’ve been exceptionally pleased with it. I particularly
enjoy watching videos such as those produced by Sean Mulligan*, featuring his
Paradox sailboat, ‘Scout’. By syncing it with my iPhone I’ve transferred a
number of Apps, including a FlytoMap navigation system for use at sea and on land.
There’s a good chance that I’ll take it with me when
cruising ‘Minnow’. Last year, I relied on my iPhone for all Internet viewing
and for communication via emails and texts. If I take the iPad with me I shall
be able to do these things on a grander scale when within effective range of a
WIFI signal. I am told that if I make arrangements with my mobile phone
provider I shall be able to link the phone to my iPad for access to the
Internet.
One thing I am not pleased about is that I bought the mini
iPad online from a firm that has not honoured their agreement to supply it free
of charge, including an exemption of paying import duty. After receiving the mini
iPad I was invoiced by the carrier to pay UK Vat at 20% of the price paid. The
online company that sold me the tablet advised me to pay the custom duty, and
at the same time, they said they would reimburse me. That was two months ago! I
have been trying to get the money ever since.
Today, I gave them an ultimatum saying that if they didn’t’
honour their agreement to pay the VAT I would go global by publishing an
article here at my blog and by Tweeting on Twitter. They got back to me with an
assurance that they would pay me by the end of the week. They have until 16.00
on Friday, 7th February.
If the cash is not transferred to my account by then, I
shall do as I promised.
Links
*Sean Mulligan’s YouTube Channel
IPhone Nautical Chart Navigator
2 comments:
Welcome to the club...my son gave me an iPad for my 60th and I have to say it's become indispensable . Re. using your iPhone as a wifi hotspot see here....http://ipod.about.com/od/iphonehowtos/ss/Use-Iphone-Personal-Hotspot.htm
Cheers
Paul
Paul,
Thanks for the link. I'll make a decision about linking my phone to the mini iPad a week or so before I set off on my cruise - assuming that happens.
You've probably gathered that the UK weather is very unsettled on account of the jetstream being so far south. Realistically, the weather cannot improve unless the jetstream returns to its normal more northerly position.
If gales persist into the spring, I shall not be going cruising - more likely, weekending or for a few days at a time.
We shall see.
Cheers,
Bill.
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