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5G iPod: The iSubwayMaps Review
October 19, 2005
So I picked up a new iPod (Black, 60gig) at the SoHo Apple Store yesterday. Y’know, for map testing. Really. Funny, I don’t know if I’m trying to convince you or me. Anyway, I’ve had the thing for nearly twenty-four hours and I’m ready to pitch in my two cents on this thing. I’ll just go down a list of features/issues and then talk about each briefly.
Appearance
Firstly I have to say that I was rather surprised at how small it is when compared to my 4G (fourth generation) 40gig iPod. The 5G is a tiny bit wider, but is still comfortable to hold in your hand. On top of that, it’s slimmer than any full-size iPod ever produced.The Screen
If you’ve used a 4G iPod, you’ll be surprised by how much brighter and crisper the LCD is on this one. If you’ve used an iPod Nano, well then it’s basically the same. Each pixel is crisper and text is much easier on the eyes. The 320×240 resolution is the largest screen ever seen on an iPod and it makes photos and videos look spectacular.More review goodness after the jump:
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New York is Back!
October 18, 2005
Here it is, folks. My New York MTA Subway Map is ready. I’ve designed it based on a few references, as is noted on the download page. I’m so happy to have this one up. Right now I’d like to let you all know that it’s kind of in a test phase. As I designed this map by hand (on a computer, of course) it’s entirely possible that there are any number of mistakes. I’d love for you all to download it and use it. Feedback and/or corrections are greatly appreciated! Nevertheless, it’s up! I hope you all enjoy it!ADDENDUM
As there are a few errors in the map at the moment, I’m going to consider this a BETA release. This means that it’s not a final product and you can expect bugs and errors. To submit an error, leave a comment below. To see a list of the current bugs, read them after the jump below.As always this map is 100% FREE. Download it, distribute it, do what you want with it. Just give me credit. If you like it feel free to donate. If you don’t want to donate, that’s fine too.
ON THE HORIZON:Officially licensed Chicago CTA Map. License given to me by the Chicago Transit Authority for free, might I add. Just like Washington DC’s WMATA. I have a CD of the official Chicago map sitting on my desk beside me. Awesome. Also, I’ll finally start looking at all of the submissions you all have sent me. Sorry for the time in getting those up. I’ve been focused entirely on getting this New York map up — as well as celebrating my 28th birthday on October 13th.
—Little Bill (yes, it’s 3 in the morning. Yes, I have to work in less than seven hours…)
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New York Map Update…
October 13, 2005
Just an update for everyone. I’ve been working every evening on this map. It’s really tough to get just right but here it is thus far. I’ve got Brooklyn to finish, and then some proofing, and then it’ll be up on the site. You can take a look at a larger image of the map if you like. Warning: it’s a large file.This New York subway map is geographically accurate to New York City, and the train routes are very close to the actual routes. I had to take some liberties here and there for legibility. Lower Manhattan is rather cramped but it seems to work.
— Little Bill
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The Apple Takes a Bite Out…
October 11, 2005
So I just received a telephone call from Apple’s lawyer. They’ve cease and desisted the use of the word iPod from the site’s name and domain name. So from here, going forward, the site is now iSubwayMaps.com.— Little Bill
…I suspect I’ll get a call from Bill Cosby’s lawyer next.
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Chicago License: APPROVED
October 11, 2005
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has approved my request for a license to distribute the CTA map here on the site! I just got off the telephone with the most excellent Greg in their publications office and he will be mailing me a disc with the official map. So there you have it. Chicago to be back up on the site shortly! Thanks for the patience in all of this! Everyone go to Chicago and ride the CTA!— Little Bill
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New York Subway Map Update
October 08, 2005
So I’ve been working all night on the iPodSubwayMaps version of the MTA Subway Map. Some of the areas are rather complex and have taken quite a time to do, such as the Queensboro Plaza area in Queens and the Atlantic/Pacific Avenue areas in Brooklyn but I think I’m getting the swing of the map. Next step is to add in all the station dots, station names, handicap information if I can fit it in, and line names. I used many sources for reference when designing this including Google Maps, the onNYTurf Google NYC Subway Map and the SPUI Free Subway Map. Here’s a sneak peek at how it’s looking so far. -
Site update…
October 07, 2005
Just to let everyone know that the site is still alive and running. I have yet to hear back from the MTA for the New York map and am still working on my own version. Please bear with me as this is a very complex map and I want to get it right for you. Last thing I’d want is another innacurate map. It’s been a hectic week in my personal life, as I’m in the middle of an apartment move. More maps (official and created by me) to come…
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iWay – iPod Yahoo Directions
October 07, 2005
Check this out. This is a great idea. The people over at iWay have written a program that allows you generate road directions for display on your iPod. You simply input your starting and ending destination addresses and click a button. iWay will then generate a zip file with all of the waypoints — in both text and images — for your road trip.My only advice for the iWay guys, in my limited but growing knowledge of copyright law, is to find a different image to use other than the Apple advertisement of the silhouetted spikey haired guy as your image before you get your own cease and desist letters as well!
Great stuff guys! Check it out!
iWay — via Lifehacker
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Boston!
October 02, 2005
According to The Boston Globe the MBTA has no problem with putting subway maps on your iPod! Keep downloading folks!Also, no word yet from Chicago… but I’m still keeping optimistic I’ll hear back from them shortly.
More on the New York map soon, guys. Hold on!
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Washington DC!
September 30, 2005
The Washington DC WMATA has just sent me a license to use their Metro map for FREE! Everyone go to DC and ride the metro! It’s wonderful and clean and effective! This sets a wonderful precedent and I hope other cities understand, as WMATA does, that these are for the public’s benefit, not my own wallet’s!WMATA’s email after the jump!
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Press
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Agencies would do well to find ways to work with folks with good ideas instead of just turning loose the lawyers.
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Might the MTA have overreacted and in doing so deprived commuters of something useful?
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The man's trying to do good in the world.