The DigitalRV Blog

You’ve heard the term podcast, but you’re really not sure what it is, why you should care, or if it could reduce your fuel costs?  Well, now is a perfect time to get an explanation of Podcasts and Podcasting.  I’ll tell you up front, it won’t affect your fuel price.  Sorry.

From Wikipedia you can find the following definition of Podcasting:

Podcasting is the method of distributing multimedia files, such as audio programs or music videos, over the Internet for playback on mobile devices and personal computers. Podcasts are distributed using either the RSS or Atom syndication formats.

The term podcast, like “radio”, can mean both the content and the method of delivery. The host or author of a podcast is often called a “podcaster”.

The term podcasting came from Apple’s IPod.  People would create their internet broadcast for use on MP3 players like the Apple IPod.  But now podcasts have evolved well beyond those with an IPod.  Anyone with a computer can listen to or watch a podcast (provided you’re connected to the internet of course).

Why are podcasts interesting to Digital RV’ers.  Well, they open up a whole new world of information exchange for us.  Unlike radio or broadcast TV, Podcasts are available when you’re ready to get them.  They’re “on demand content.”  You don’t need to be somewhere Thursday night between 9 and 10 to get your favorite podcast.  Instead, you can download it the next time your stopped for a while and have internet access.

Currently, the Podcast universe for RV owners is pretty slim.  A fantastic resource for Airstream owners is The Vinatge Airstream Podcast.  Informative, entertaining, and chock full of cool ideas and interviews, it’s a must listen to for any Airstream owner.  Actually, I think most any RV owner would love listening in.

A “start up” podcast is tied in with Gadget’s Airstream Blog.  The first set of video podcasts on this site attempts to document some of the places and sites this author has been to since starting full timing in an Airstream Safari Spring of 2006.  Additional episodes will be forthcoming, and improving as the podcaster settles in.

Check back, as the next few articles will explain how to get podcasts, and for the adventurous, how to make them.

Today marks 2 months since I began full-timing as a “well connected” RV’er. With a few months in now, the big question of “What’s been working?”, comes to mind.

Therefore I’ll give you the top list of what’s been used, not used, acts as a paper weight, or I wouldn’t leave behind for anything.

Items you couldn’t pry away from me….

1. My Mac Laptop: For other folks building their Digital RV, you can use a Windows too. But my laptop has been my primary mode of communications, entertainment, work, new source, and more.
2. Kyocera KR1 & Verizon Wireless Card: Put these two together, because they work hand in hand. Not my number one item, as I could find other ways to connect to the internet if push came to shove. So the laptop beats them out.
3. Verizon Wireless Cell Phone: Pretty straight forward here. This is my only phone now….
4. Garmin 2610 GPS: This thing has been super while traveling, and in new towns. I’ve found groceries, laundry mats, and Rich Luhr, all with this device!
5. LaCie’s 100GB FireWire / UBS 2.0 Drive: This drive is FireWire or USB powered. No additional power source beyond your computer. That’s a huge plus. My Lacie stores my media files (entertainment), photography (your entertainment), business documents, etc.
6. Canon SD550: This is my little pocket sized camera. If you’ve been following my personal journal, you know that I supply a great number of photos. The Canon has been fantastic for photos and short video clips!
7. Mobile Mate SD Card Reader: This little card reader was featured in a previous post here. It’s used every day, and is ultra convinient!
8. IPod: For both travel days, and rest days, the IPod is super. Been listening to tons of music as I travel, and then background music in the trailer as I type. The IPod has now passed my XM on daily usage time.
9. XM Radio: The XM has been quieter lately. When I’m driving it’s on often (after the IPod), but getting to camping locations I don’t use it as much. Too busy meeting new people, talking tech, selling a few books, etc. When I want my news though, the XM is my first choice!
10. IGo 130:  This is my little portable power supply.  It rocks.  Recharges my Mac, Windows PC, IPod.  I need more adapters for it to cover my phone and a few other items.

There’s my top 8 items. Basically, these devices are used every day, often! That’s the hallmark of a good product / digital device in your RV. How often do you use it. Once a day, sounds pretty necessary. Once a week, does it really need to come along? Good question.

Less used items that I’ll still keep with me

1. Elgato EyeTV EZ: I haven’t been watching TV every day, so the EyeTV hasn’t been getting exercised enough. It’s nice though, not constantly viewing TV. While I might be super “connected”, at least I’m not watching a screen the second I come into the trailer (except when I’m typing).
2. Canon Printer: My printer sits stored away the bulk of the time. However, I need it to print out business documents, letters, etc. I wish I had a smaller one, but I’m unwilling to spend several hundred dollars on an ultra portable one that only gets used once or twice a week.

That’s it for the top device list today.  And for the “not so top” list as well.  Basically, my digital devices have indeed helped enhance my RV living so far.  I expect that they will continue to as well.

Finally, after a small test trip, a few weeks at the beach, lawyers, doctors, and tons of preparation, my rolling tech fest is getting ready for “the big trip”. About time too!

For the techno junkies out there, I thought that a list of what rides in the truck with me might be of interest. The gadgets listed below help with navigation, entertainment, communications, and remaining connected with the world. Maybe my list is over-kill, but I am a confessed gadget junkie. To my knowledge there are no rehab centers for gadget junkies, so I guess I have to cope with it on my own.

The Truck List:

• Garmin 2610 GPS: Keeps me on track, and informed. I know where upcoming exits are, what services are there, etc. Also helps find that last minute camping spot when I’ve gone too far for the day.
• XM Radio: Entertainment & News. What would I do without my XM. I shudder to consider the possibility.
• Verizon Wireless Motorola Cell Phone and Blue Tooth Head set: Great way to stay in touch with friends and family, call to fix a tire, or for emergency purposes.
• Apple’s Ipod: With 7.5 days of music on my Ipod I’m certain I won’t get bored immediately. Maybe I’ll listen to the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy again!
• Phone charger and Ipod Charger: Pretty obvious what these are for.
• Digital Camera, Canon SD 550:   Taking photos along the way.

Well, that’s the list of the digital gear in the truck. So far all of it has served me well on shorter trips. You’ll notice, the computers aren’t listed. I don’t need to distract myself with a laptop while driving. Got enough other stuff thanks!

Just a note and reminder.  The personal journal of the author of the Digital RV is available at:

http://www.hikenbike.net/wordpress

You’re currently at the tech blog for the Digital RV, and yes, it has been quiet here.  No worries though.  Several new items will be posted shortly.  Just gotten busy with clean up items before my digital rv hits the road!