Computer Club April program “Are we there yet?”

Joyce Shumate

When someone is planning a dream trip, whether it’s to a foreign land or a long trip to see more of the United States, there are often a lot more questions than answers. Friends might have told them that a smartphone or tablet is an essential travel tool, but how to use it to make travel easier and less stressful may not be totally clear.

On April 15 the Computer Club monthly program answered those questions using a power point presentation given by Dianne Thomas and Nancy Lammers. The program covered many of the popular travel apps for mobile devices.

This was a very well attended program given that many residents are currently planning their trip home or summer vacation. The attendees learned about many of the more popular apps that will help them with their travel plans. Most of the featured apps are free and available for virtually all mobile devices such as the iPhones, iPads and Android phones and tablets.

One such app is Google Maps which is great for planning a route. The app offers directions for anywhere you might be traveling with options for adapting the directions for driving, biking, walking or using public transportation.

Another great app is Around Me. This app quickly identifies your location and shows you nearby businesses that you may need such as restaurants, hotels, gas stations, banks and more.

Travel App Box is one app that will help you unclutter your iOS or Android device. It does cost $1.99 but for that you get 15 different tools that include helpful things like currency converter, flight status, transportation networks for over 40 cities and many other useful tools.

The next Computer Club’s Program is on May 20 at 7:00 p.m. in the Madera Clubhouse Ballroom. Daryl Laux will present The Quail Creek Website – How Do I? If you have ever wanted to learn more about using and navigating the Quail Creek website or if there is some aspect that seems mysterious, you need to attend this very informative program.

As with all Computer Club monthly programs all residents and their guests are invited to attend.