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How to make the best use of my commute - Printable Version

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How to make the best use of my commute - Irixmark - 2010-05-20

DavidZ Wrote:
bodhisamaya Wrote:I start up a conversation with someone on the train almost every day and so far have only met with enthusiasm from Japanese people. ...
You live in Kansai, don't you? Smile Very different vibe from the trains in Tokyo...
Wonder where the original poster is living.
Yes! In Nagoya I could always do small talk with people on trains... Here in Tokyo, the only times when I can ever strike up a bit of a chat is when I'm carrying the 赤ちゃん and the old ladies start smiling and waving (they all wish that they had grandchildren). Does get quite repetitive, though, so I don't mind that I'm just listening to podcasts when I'm by myself.

How to make the best use of my commute - Rekkusu - 2010-05-20

Jarvik7 Wrote:
Rekkusu Wrote:You would probably get the wrong power plug, so you'll have to rebuy that if you really want your iPod on a dock. Otherwise you can just use the USB cable to charge it with your computer, like most people do anyways Wink
iPods haven't come with AC adaptors for many years, ever since they lost firewire support (and possibly before).
Mine did (or at least my iPhone did, can't remember if the touch came with one too). Talking about the USB -> AC thingy you get with it, http://yixintech.be/ebay/photo/GSM/iPhone_ac/iphone_charger.jpg Wink

How to make the best use of my commute - ocircle - 2010-05-20

Jarvik7 Wrote:Battery life is also pretty poor
My netbook lasts 11 hours. I pretty much only charge it when I go to bed.
If you are on a crowded train, I don't know if using an iphone (which is far easier to steal) is wise either.

How to make the best use of my commute - caivano - 2010-05-20

Jarvik7 Wrote:
ocircle Wrote:I would buy a netbook and install anki on it.
I'd like to see someone trying to use a netbook while standing on a packed train, or while standing at all really.
It's pretty easy to use standing up actually so long as the train's not full on packed, and I have a ancient eeepc. Obviously an ipod would be easier. Can you add cards on an ipod though? I guess if you can it would take ages...

How to make the best use of my commute - Daichi - 2010-05-20

caivano Wrote:Can you add cards on an ipod though? I guess if you can it would take ages...
Yeah, it helps to have a computer somewhere in the chain to add cards to your anki deck, but I don't think adding cards on the go is the best use of your time. It is possible to use Anki Online once you have your deck setup.

How to make the best use of my commute - zanzou - 2010-05-20

I usually use my cell phone (Xperia X10, Android device) for reviewing Anki through the online interface while on the train. Works perfectly, fills up all the time I need it to.

Also use it to listen to podcasts on the train as well.

But since you're probably not wanting to pay for a cellular data plan along with your purchase, I think getting an iPod Touch is a great idea.

How to make the best use of my commute - caivano - 2010-05-20

Daichi Wrote:
caivano Wrote:Can you add cards on an ipod though? I guess if you can it would take ages...
Yeah, it helps to have a computer somewhere in the chain to add cards to your anki deck, but I don't think adding cards on the go is the best use of your time. It is possible to use Anki Online once you have your deck setup.
haha true, but I use the netbook at work when work is quiet so I add cards then, I just run everything off usb so no need for the internet. Also it looks like I'm doing proper work on the laptop, whereas sitting on an iPhone would look pretty bad Wink

How to make the best use of my commute - Nukemarine - 2010-05-20

Oh, since we're talking about commuting techniques, here's a non-computer option.

1. Print out scripts or books onto sheets of paper you can carry in a folder. Mark them up, make notes, just read them, whatever. Plus, reading printouts at work doesn't look as bad as reading a book or your iPhone (even if it's the same story you're reading).

2. Newspapers or magazines. I have on good counsel that those things are everywhere in Japan.

How to make the best use of my commute - Tzadeck - 2010-05-20

ocircle Wrote:
Jarvik7 Wrote:Battery life is also pretty poor
My netbook lasts 11 hours. I pretty much only charge it when I go to bed.
If you are on a crowded train, I don't know if using an iphone (which is far easier to steal) is wise either.
We are talking about Japan here.

I know, I know, crime exists in Japan too, yada yada... but let's be real, nobody's stealing your iPhone.

How to make the best use of my commute - bizarrojosh - 2010-05-24

one thing I found really helpful when I had to commute in the states was my netbook. I was able to do all of my reviews on the bus (I had a seat so I could use it while riding) and if I needed to do anything else (like watch a (low quality) movie or look at some pdf) I could do that too. The screen size was bigger than the ipod I had so it was much much more enjoyable. The 1 hour commute one way wasn't too hard on the battery and when I got to my school I could usually plug it in. So it worked out well.

If I was standing up, however, I don't think I would have used the netbook at all.

How to make the best use of my commute - Javizy - 2010-05-24

You can slip in a load of extra reviews outside of your commute if you have an iPod. If you're queueing in Starbucks, waiting for your friend to arrive, walking down a long road, making the mistake of going clothes shopping with your girlfriend, or otherwise finding yourself with a few spare idle minutes, you can pull your iPod out of your pocket and go. I get through at least 100 reps per day thanks to situations like these.

As for the commute, what if you need to wait 10 minutes or more for a train? Are you going to pull out a netbook standing on a platform? What about occasions when you're not carrying a bag? iPods are extremely portable. The ability to "whip them out" makes them the perfect replacement for a 電子辞書 too.

How to make the best use of my commute - caivano - 2010-05-24

This conversation is kinda going round in circles but in answer to your questions. If I have to wait 10 mins and I can sit down then yeah I sometimes use the netbook. If I'm standing up I will use kanji cards / manga / DS, ditto for waiting for a friend. I nearly always carry a bag (with said study stuff) but on the odd occasion it's just me and my wallet and phone and I have the urge to study I sometimes read old messages from Japanese friends.

btw I'm not arguing ipods are a bad idea... they're just not the be all and end all.

How to make the best use of my commute - aphasiac - 2010-05-24

I definitely recommend an Ipod Touch. so many good learning apps, plus of course you can listen to Japanese music / podcasts whilst doing them.

Currently I'm studying using the app 'Japanese Sensei', and it's awesome - really easy to use, has built in SRS and can't believe how much my vocab has grown since I started. Also works as a basic dictionary.

When I'm not doing that I watch random anime episodes and j-movies, yeh ipod is one of the best things I ever bought..