The app seperates everything by day and is easy to edit incase you make a mistake. And everything can be customized to fit your specific needs.

If you click on an individual tab, it goes into more detail about who paid for who (this is really nice when one person pays for only one other person in the group- it adds it to the bill, but seperates it out from the other expenses.)

And last but not least, it lets you know who owes what and to whom.

I would highly suggest this app to anyone going on a long weekend away or a longer RTW trip with a larger group.  We only had three of us, but I can only imagine how helpful it would be for more people. Gone are the days of feeling like you paid more or it didn’t even out fairly!

Currently I am using an iPhone 3GS with the following editing apps:

ReelDirectorby Nexvio – This is a great little editing app. In the style of iMovie or other consumer level video editors, this app allows for clip trimming and splitting, transitions, titles, and soundtrack (music or voice over). Two things to keep in mind when using this program are: 1) Always shoot with the same orientation. 2) Music can only be added by WiFi, this app cannot currently access iTunes on the iPhone.

UPDATE: The new update to ReelDirector allows for video rotation, so it is no longer necessary to shoot in the same orientation.

SlowMoby Nexvio – This app can adjust frame rate of videos on the iPhone between -8.0x and +2.0x.  When I first started editing on my iPhone, I really liked the limited choices given by the ReelDirector toolkit, I was just doing a recap not a final product, but, after my trip to Nashville, I realized that I needed to speed up and slow down clips in order to pack the best shots into a viewable length of time.  Things to remember when using this app: 1) Make sure to Save the clip at the speed you want before exiting the app. 2) The videos generated are new clips, and do not overwrite the original clip.

While Nexvio is not sponsoring this post (Hey Nexvio- Sponsor this Post!), right now they are the best apps that I have found.  Also, I will continue to look at their offerings first because of their impeccable customer service.  Any time I have had a problem working with their apps, they have helped me figure it out within the same day (Monday – Friday).

If you are interested in iPhone video editing, Operation Vespa is another blog that has documented their travels with their iPhone and these apps, and is worth checking out. For more of a look at the possibilities of dramatic film making using the iPhone, What do I knowis site about the entire production (minus shooting) of a short film done on a iPad.

Shooting the Webisode:

Camera- I use a Canon Vixia Hf S100.  Overall, this is a great prosumer product.  As I’ve played with it, I have found it to be as simple as point-and-shoot but also able to evolve to accommodate more rigorous tasks.  For “V3′s Goin’ Show” though, I use just a little more than the point-and-shoot components, as I have found I can play with alot of stuff in post production .  Some days I’m really excited about the quality of the picture, but other days I have to light the scene alot more to really bring out the colors.  If you watch the first three episodes, you can see the lighting style evolve as I played with what not only looked best in the camera, but what looked best on the computer.

Lighting- I found a great tutorial online that talked about three-point lighting, but more importantly to me, it discussed a $10 solution to lights.  I use clip-on workmen lights, $10 each at a hardware store, and daylight CFLs ($3-$4).

I personally feel this is a great way to start, but realize the choice to save money here, reflects on the overall video quality.  However, since I am still learning, it was worth it to me to save $90 on lights.

Microphones- I lucked out.  I happen to record live music so I had some mid-range mics around the apartment.  On the first two episodes I used two shotgun mics, and on the third episode I substituted a omni-directional mic for one of the shotgun mics.  The audio quality isn’t great with these because they have to be somewhat further away to be out of frame, but they do make great leaps forward from the camera’s on-board mic.

Running sound created new problems, the camera only has a 1/8″ input and most quality mics run XLR or 1/4″ outputs.  Radioshack came in handy with some converters and extension cables, but one thing I wasn’t too clear about when I stared was matching stereo to stereo.  Right now, I have a converter that takes the signal to mono (one channel) and that’s why most of the audio for the webisodes runs out of only one speaker.

I recently purchased a couple of lapel mics (stereo) from Radioshack and will test those on the next episode.

Post:

Editing Software- The editing is currently done in iMovie ’09.  As I found out several times from Apple, iMovie ’09 is given the ‘pro’ label, but lacks the ability to do more complex tasks.  My biggest issue so far as been sloppy audio in the final mix, sound will appear from clips that have been silenced or the sound will slide to different points in the mix.  tip: For the sound, I have been given one piece of advice that seems to make a huge difference; instead of muting the audio try detaching the audio and deleting it.

Webshots- All of the webshots in Episodes #1 & #2 were done with SnapzPro.  This program has a 30 day free full-trial, so I got to really liking it before it cut out on me.  The $69 price tag is holding be back from purchasing the full version, but I would still highly recommend this program to anyone doing intensive screen captures.  Portions of Episode #3 were screen captured with Grabber a program standard on Mac’s, but it only captures pictures.  However, the quality of the picture is great and, when combine with a ‘ken burn’ style camera movement, the image appears to be a smooth movie that I really like.

Videos- I wanted to make sure to point out how I acquired the youtube videos.  First off, I ask permission for the use of each video, unless the video is clearly a promo spot from a website that I am featuring.  I’m not sure if it is necessary to ask for permission, but I ask anyway because I want to use people’s work who are excited about letting others use what they have done.

Once I get permission I use the download codes featured on blastingvolume.com.  This site is kept up to date and allows for easy downloading of youtube videos in a range of formats (HD to high quality).  I cannot say enough about this site, it’s the resource for grabbing youtube videos.

Going Live:

I started where I think most people start, I added my webisode to my youtube channel.  I have since branched out, but one fact keeps getting mentioned in forums, no online webseries can survive without a youtube presence.

In episode #3, I branched out to using blip.tv.  Blip.tv allows for easy export and tracking across many different servers all from their central page, which I love.  The load time is a bit slower than youtube, but the quality of the image is better.  My main reason for using Blip.tv was to export “Goin’ Show” as a podcast as well as launch it on TV devices (like Roku and Tivo).  I’m still working on getting it into those distribution markets.

Since the file loads slower, I currently use blip.tv to export the episode to youtube, and then attach the youtube link to most of my distribution portals.

The basics

• Sign-up for (or already have an account on) Twitter.
• Have graphic editing software at your disposal (Photoshop is my preferred application).
• Source some copyright-free images to integrate into your background, or create your own artwork to include on your new background.

Creating the image

• Download the Twitter background template I’ve created. It’s in Photoshop PSD format.
• The file contains 4 layers: a basic background color layer (which you can customize/fill with whatever general color you’d like), a Twitter source layer (shown for reference so you can see how your design will look on Twitter), an Instructions layer (contains some notes regarding width and spacing requirements for your design), and a Design layer (where I recommend you actually create your custom design).
• Create your design by implementing different graphics, text, etc. into the template file. The yellow highlighted section is what nearly every user will see – regardless of their screen resolution. It’s most important to put your vital graphics or text in this area. Everywhere else is just icing on the cake, as only users with higher screen resolutions will be able to view the other areas of the image. For reference, here’s what our final Twitter background looked like when we were done designing.
• You may notice that the image has some BIG dimensions; this is to assure that, should you use a texture or large image within your background, it will be able to properly fill the screens of those users with high screen resolutions. You certainly don’t have to fill up this entire canvas with artwork – it’s just a guide for safety.
• Before saving your final image, be sure to turn off or delete the Instructions and Twitter source layers – otherwise you’ll see these on your Twitter page!

Implementing your new background

• Login to your Twitter account.
• Click the Settings link at the top of your home screen.
• Click the Design link on the following page.
• Scroll down and click “Change background image.”
• Click “Choose file,” and select the file you created.
• Click “Save Changes” and your image will be uploaded.
• Your new background image should appear live on Twitter!

That’s it! Believe it or not, the most difficult part is deciding how you want your design to look. Experiment with different colors, fonts, textures, and imagery— the possibilities are endless! If you’re confused or need some guidance, leave a comment and I’ll do my best to assist. Oh, and as I said before, if you want a custom background but would rather not go through the process, send me a message and I’ll do a design just for you at a special $25 rate. I wish I could create custom backgrounds for everyone at no charge, but I’ve got some world travel to do! Hope this post is helpful!

The iTrans NYC app runs $3.99 and works in two parts.  First, it is a handheld map of the New York Subway System, eliminating both the folding and unfolding of a paper map or constant searching the stations for a wall mounted one.  Secondly, it has a directions feature that allows users to find routes from/to a station, name, address, or intersection.  Both of these abilities come in handy for the native and the tourist.  Now, The iTrans NYC app didn’t start out a favorite, but won me over in the end.

I downloaded this app expecting to instantly become a captain of the NYC transit system, not so.  Instead, I first found it hard to locate myself or correspond the subway routes with the surface streets around me.  Upset with the limitations, I spent a few moments before bed one night familiarizing myself with the subway system and plotting my upcoming routes.  The next day my pre-planning was really paying off; I didn’t need the app, I was saving precious iPhone battery, but, eventually, I hit a snag and needed a subway map. I hesitantly returned to iTrans NYC, expecting to become frustrated, but having spent only a few minutes looking over the map the previous night, the apps utility came to life.  I now understood how the app worked and grasped exactly what information it was giving me.

I would highly recommend buying this app to people who plan on using the subway for more than a day or two. If you are in town on a very short trip, or you plan on only using the subway sparingly, this app might not be worth it. For me though this app is now a staple of my New York City kit.

We visited all the booths and sat through several of the talks and workshops gathering as much information as we could about what is happening with travel for 2010.  The talks proved to be the most informative with experts like Jen Leo from the LA Times, Johnny Jet and Rick Steves.

Here’s what the experts had to say:

Best iPhone Apps for Travelers with Jen Leo

• Well-known Apps: Southwest, Kayak, Google Maps, Priceline, TripIt, Skype
• Lesser-known Apps:

Flight Track Live ($4.99) – Let’s you know when the plane left the gate and which terminal you need to go to.

G Park and iCar Park ($0.99) – Identifies where you parked your car, gives visual and directions for getting back.

AAA Roadside Service (Free) – If your car battery dies, need to change a tire, general car problems.

Road Trip Fun ($0.99) – List of games and directions on how to play favorites.

• International Apps:

Babelingo ($1.99) – Translates phrases into 11 different languages.

Pano ($2.99) – Takes panoramic pictures.

Travel Fish ($7.99) – Guide Book-like allowing you to book a trip, see pictures, attractions, lodging and restaurants.

Rick Steves Walking Tour Podcast (prices vary) – Walking tour of different European cities.

The Best Tips for Getting Travel Deals Online with Jen Leo (moderator), George Hobica, Johnny Jet & Sam Shank

• Sign up for low air fare alerts such as Air Fare Watchdog, Kayak, Bing Travel, Yapta and farecompare.com.
• Sign up for frequent flyer programs. Some sites send out a weekly newsletter with promo codes for a percentage off airfare.
• Choose a site like Kayak over Travelocity or Expedia because Kayak searches internally through all airlines sites and the others don’t.
• Always check out the airlines directly to get an idea of what they are selling the tickets for and compare that to prices on Kayak or Orbitz.
• If you are flexible with your trip, use Orbitz flexible search option.  Can search specifically weekends or leaving only on Mondays, etc and compare over a month time to see the cheapest price.

Budget European Travel Skills with Rick Steves

• Travel in a way to connect with the locals and the culture.
• Try to think about how to minimize crowd connection.  Major cities like Rome and Paris are so congested and busy during the day, but at night no one is around and you’ll have the romantic experience you want all to yourself.
• Learn a little history before you go so you know the difference between time periods and design styles.
• Find a good map.
• Do things as if you lived there.  If you go to church every Sunday, go to church.  Just because you aren’t at home and can’t go to your church, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go.  You are in some of the most beautiful cities with huge cathedrals and so much history— go to Mass and have a unique religious experience.
• “If art isn’t fun, you don’t know enough about it!” See the art where it was commissioned to be made.  Use it as a way to time travel to that period and experience the life at that time.
• Go to sporting events- you’ll see a lot of locals and the events are always full of energy.
• Fly into one city and out of another.
• “Start mild and work your way to exotic.” If you’ve never traveled out of your state before, start with England where many day to day experiences are very similar to yours here. Then work your way to Greece, where you can’t speak the language or even read the symbols on the street signs.

The biggest tip I took away from the LATTAS was to prepare myself well for my trip. Whether through the latest tech gadget or even in a history book, the places I travel to are going to be more enjoyable if I know not only what I’m looking at, but also how to best take it in. Did you attend the show? What do you think about the experts advice?

There are lots of great features packed into the slim iPad case. Here are the most important “pros” to consider as a traveler:

• Portable, but with a nicely sized screen. It’s a lot easier to travel with an 0.5″ thick iPad weighing in at 1.5 lb. than it is a laptop or netbook. This device was specifically built to go wherever you go.
• Great battery life. With an estimated 10 hours of battery life, you can use the iPad for quite a long time without needing a recharge. That means long flights can be spent watching movies, listening to music, and reading eBooks on your iPad— instead of being annoyed by possible over-sharers sitting next to you.
• Travel-centric apps up the wazoo. There are thousands of travel-related applications available from Apple’s App Store, and we’re likely to see a bunch more on the way specifically built for use on the iPad. Additionally, the built-in apps of Calendar, Notes, and Maps are vital components to any traveler’s technology arsenal.

With just that short list of “pros,” it’s difficult to think of reasons NOT to buy an iPad. In short, there’s really only one big negative to this new device— lack of creation options. The iPad’s primary focus is consumption: watching movies, listening to music, browsing photos, etc. Sure, you can write emails, notes, and create content with some downloaded apps, but you can’t create everything. Example: Want to snap a photo of that majestic waterfall? Don’t even think about it. Unlike the iPhone, there’s no camera built-in to the iPad— you’ll have to use your own camera, transfer the image to a laptop, and then sync your laptop to your iPad in order to do anything with it on your fancy new device.

The iPad is no doubt a sexy, magical, technological marvel, and it packs some amazing features into a slim, portable case. It’s definitely on my list of “must haves,” but I wonder if it’s best to wait until the next version gets announced before plunging for the purchase. My guess is that we’ll see a camera, USB port, and some other fun features added in the next revision of the product… but the question is: can you wait that long?

Oh… and one more thing. A friend asked me if the iPad could replace the already very popular Amazon KindleeBook reader. While the iPad does have a gorgeous built-in interface for reading eBooks, I don’t see how it could overthrow the Kindle as an actual book reader. The iPad wins out in the competition for stunning graphics— which is a huge plus when it comes to browsing digital newspapers and magazines— but it loses when it comes to providing an easy-on-the-eyes interface for reading a novel. The Kindle uses e-paper technology for its screen, which literally looks like text typed on paper. The iPad uses an LED screen, very much like any standard computer monitor, which results in eye fatigue and glare under sunlight— neither of these is a problem when it comes to the Kindle. So if you’re in the market for a way to consume books while you travel, I definitely suggest getting a Kindle.