iPhone App - Looking for feedback

[KenS]

Ok, I got tired of waiting for somebody else to do it, so I'm building an iPhone application to keep cigar info with me. I want to build a native iPhone app, but I'm starting it out as an iPhone-optimized web app first, connected to a backend database. I have several ideas for functionality, but would like to get feedback from some fellow inmates first.

At this point, I have the basic framework done, and anybody should be able to view it at

www.vapor nova.com/mobilestogie/

(you'll have to delete the space between 'vapor' and 'nova' because together, the vbulletin software thinks there's a bad word in there ).

It will load on a regular browser, but is clearly optimized for an iPhone (or iPod Touch) screen.

At this point, it has a fairly complete list of current production cubans, but only a smattering of non-cuban info. You can also see that I will probably build in some Inventory capabilities, but that is not coded yet.

Here's the kind of feedback I'm asking for:

1. What other data elements should I include in the info screen? (I'm not trying to recreate MRN on the iPhone, but I'm sure there are several more things that I should be including.)
2. Does the terminology on the pages make sense?
3. for items 1 and 2, how should the data elements be different for NC's?
4. Suggestions on any design elements would be welcome as well. I'm trying to make this very 'iPhone-friendly' in terms of simplicity, speed, etc., but I'm no designer. So, suggestions are welcome.
5. Does the site work ok on your browser/iphone/iPod? If not, please provide specifics so I can try to correct things.
6. If I add a page to enter/edit the NC information live, would some of you crazy bastages help load it up with data on the more common NC's?
7. Lastly, what kind of functionality would you want in something like this? (Personal Inventory, reviews, connectivity to other info, etc.)

Any feedback is appreciated, and hopefully somebody finds this useful even in this early stage of development.

(disclaimer: this isn't my day job, so I don't promise that I'll have a huge amount of time to build this out, but I will try to be as responsive as possible)

That looks awesome, though you spelled Montecristo wrong.

[KenS]

Originally Posted by Darrell

That looks awesome, though you spelled Montecristo wrong.

Hey now, was "check spelling" on the requested feedback list? I didn't think so.

Thanks

[KenS]

Originally Posted by Darrell

That looks awesome, though you spelled Montecristo wrong.

Fixed.

[perogee]

no Ipod/Iphone to try it on, but it looks good
the only thing I am noticing is that the columns do not line up (IE as browser), though that may be something on my end.
Are there any plans for flavour profiles in the descriptions? (or flavour high points)

[KenS]

Originally Posted by perogee

no Ipod/Iphone to try it on, but it looks good
the only thing I am noticing is that the columns do not line up (IE as browser), though that may be something on my end.

I think I'll need to do some browser-specific css coding if I decide to keep this available for desktop browsers. There are some custom styles used to optimize for iPhone, that IE won't understand. I noticed that there is even a little misalignment of the rows in FireFox on the Mac. This is the fun of web development; damn browser differences. Imagine the fun our mods on this site must have

Are there any plans for flavour profiles in the descriptions? (or flavour high points)

Probably, but I think this is the type of info (like ratings) that might need to be user-specific. Other peoples' thoughts on this?

[KenS]

By the way, if you have a Mac, but don't have an iPhone or iPod Touch, you can see how this application looks on those devices by downloading iPhoney, which is a free iPhone simulator app (I think it's basically a skinned browser -- very cool).

So far, my web app looks correct on there

[gpugliese]

Looks great!

Doh, didn't notice the Discontinued at the bottom. Maybe add the date they were discontinued?

[KenS]

Originally Posted by gpugliese

Looks great!

Only thing I can think of that would be worth adding is a date range of production? Or, a "Current" or "Discontinued, 2002" option.

When you look at the list of cigars within a brand, anything that is Limited Edition, Regional Edition, or Discontinued is listed separately at the bottom. But yes, I keep thinking about the date ranges too. Trying not to create a maintenance nightmare

[Footbag]

I would add edit now before it goes 1.0. As people smoke they can add the details.

Very cool!

Looks good so far. Let us know when you are finished. Would love to have it on my iphone!

[ucla695]

That looks great! This is going on my iTouch for sure, which I currently use to take notes on cigars I'm smoking! It'd be great to have this info handy. I also think that it would be great to be able to enter review info. Well done.

[KenS]

Update:

I've spent a lot of time reworking the code on this to get it ready for a native iPhone/Touch app, but for now it's still web based.



Other changes:

• Slightly redesigned screens and colors. Looks a little better, I think.
• User login for adding/editing cigar info. (and User/password management).
• No login required to browse information.
• Displays who added (and last edited) each cigar.
• Cigar length can be entered in mm or inches. App will figure it out and store correctly.
• Clicking on the "Mobile Stogie" header returns to home screen

So, now I'm looking for a few folks who are willing to put it through its paces and see how it behaves. I'm not enabling "self register" yet, so you'll need to PM me with your email address, and I'll register you and email you the info.

To test this correctly, you'll need:

• An iPhone, iPod Touch, or Safari Browser (windoze or mac). I can't predict how it might behave on other browsers, but since I'm ultimately targeting a native iPhone/Touch app, I'm focusing on the Safari browser capabilities. Sorry, for now it does not work on a blackberry.
• A willingness to add cigar info into the database and cleanup any missing data that you can.
• A willingness to provide feedback, as well as patience if I don't change things instantly

Most of the previous feedback focused on personal inventory and tasting notes, both of which really need the native app coded, so those are "coming soon". What I plan to add next is:

• A place to add some type of price info
• An additional characteristic for NC's like "line" or "sub-brand", since NC brands are all over the board in this regard.
• Additional views of data ("my adds", "Missing Data", etc.)
• Search capability
• Appropriate "back buttons" to aid in navigation.

Comments on those features are welcome!!

Finally, even if you don't want to signup for testing, feel free to browse the site, as the CC data is pretty complete already and is a handy reference, especially on the iPhone.

Again, the site is www.vapor nova.com/mobilestogie/ and you have to get rid of the space in the name, since the CA software thinks I'm posting about ****

[KenS]

Here's a link that will work directly to go to the Mobile Stogie website.

[Lee]

Wow! You've put a lot of work into this lately Ken. It looks great!

[shilala]

Wow Ken, that's sick.
All I can say is "Thank God I don't have to database my cigars."

[alley00p]

Ken, I just put the web app on my iPhone and it looks great!

I'd be happy to do some testing for you, if you're still looking! Let me know...

Merry Christmas to you and your family!

[KenS]

Originally Posted by alley00p

Ken, I just put the web app on my iPhone and it looks great!

I'd be happy to do some testing for you, if you're still looking! Let me know...

Merry Christmas to you and your family!

PM me your email address please, and I'll register you for edit capability. Thanks for your help!

[DPD6030]

Great job Ken. Now if I only had an I-phone.

[KenS]

Originally Posted by shilala

Wow Ken, that's sick.
All I can say is "Thank God I don't have to database my cigars."

This database wouldn't be big enough for all your cigars