Padora App while riding

[ScottyUSN]

I've had the app for ever, but never used it much until the past few days.

Music quality seems doable for riding (BT A2DP). Nice to have some tunes (free) that are not downloaded to my phone.

My big question is how will Pandora effect battery life when compared to using the phones as an MP3 player? One thing bugging me immediately is I've added playlists from my account on the desktop, but they are not showing up on the phone app?

I want to find out if it's worthwhile to subscribe to Pandora One. Higher quality tunes, no ads, etc...

 

[LowAndSilent]

Depends on too many factors, but yes, it will most likely run down the battery more quickly than if you were just playing music. My wife fires up Pandora on her iPhone 4 every time we are going to be on the road longer than 45 minutes, and I'll do it if I know I am going to be in good 3G or Edge coverage for the trip. Otherwise, expect your music to quit if you enter the mountains or go through a tunnel.

My wife and I always have our iPhone plugged in and charging whenever listening to tunes.

 

[jcrouch]

I've never had a battery issue with Pandora and Iphone 3GS no matter how long my ride. I have plenty of battery after 4 hours, so I could keep going. I do, however, throw it on the charger ever night. Incidentally, Etymotic ER6i ear buds give really good sound quality,good bass response, double as good fitting ear plugs, and don't stick out, so no discomfort wearing your helmet.It definately will cut out in dead zones, though.

Jay

 

[Fred W]

I'm a Pandora One subscriber, in my second year now. I love the damn thing, and the subscription fee for a year is insignificant, IMO.

That said, I've never used it on my bike before. I should really give it a try. I have a wireless audio connection from my home office PC to home stereo and that is how I use it primarily. It is great for selecting a "station" for dinner or party music and just let it go. The only (obvious) issue with Pandora on the bike would be that you'll lose it when you go out of the 3G(+) network.

Why not just set your phone up with a charger cord inside of a tank bag?

That's what I have anyway, because the cell phone tends to run down when searching for service out in the boonies.

 

[Bounce]

Anything that requires extra xmitters to be on will drain the battery. WiFi and 3G count. If the phone can't find a tower and has to up the output to ping for towers, that too will drain the battery quicker. Turn off location tracking, turn down display brightness, and turn off anything you don't need (GPS, WiFi, Location tracking, Push notification, E-Mail auto checking, and compass (if it lets you)). All of that will extend your battery life (even when not riding these are good tips).

You'll still lose Pandora if you get outside of cell tower range.

 

[Fred W]

Isn't it easier to just hook the damn thing to a charger?

You've got a steady stream of electrons right between your legs.

 

[ScottyUSN]

I've got a powerlet outlet, I just typically don't worry about wiring up for a 3-4 hour ride. I know the phone will last with no concern. Was just curious if the app would have a significant impact on that timeline.

I was very surprised that my office (building inside a building, lots of concrete and safes) has a horrible signal (1 bar on a 3GS) yet Pandora was running without hesitation or lag.

I did find out if I updated my playlist from my desktop, I had to long off then back into the phone app in order for the playlist to update.

I have UM1's, but since going wireless (J&M Audio BT unit built into my Shoei) going back to the UM's while riding is just not worth the hassle unless it's going to be all day.

Thanks for the info. I subscribed.

 

[N_Lindz]

I love Pandora, also a two year Pandora One subscriber. My only complaint is that sometimes the application will hang and will not move on to the next song until I quit the app or fast forward on to the next song (Android version of the application), no big deal if I'm in the cage... but show stopper when on the FJR. Battery life also takes a huge hit (Moto Droid 1), so keep that charger handy.

 

[dannymax]

Another Pandora fan here....I do the monthly $.99 deal, sometimes go a couple months on the freebie!

 

[ScottyUSN]

Another Pandora fan here....I do the monthly $.99 deal, sometimes go a couple months on the freebie!

Damn, how's that work.. I just paid $36 for the first year?

 

[FordBoy33]

Another Pandora fan here....I do the monthly $.99 deal, sometimes go a couple months on the freebie!

Damn, how's that work.. I just paid $36 for the first year?

He's just paying 99 cents when he runs over his 40 free hours per month. I did that twice until I realized I could be commercial free for $3/month. Much better without ads. Enjoy!

 

[HotRodZilla]

Maybe it's the time of day I use Pandora, but sometimes I use it for up to 8 hours a day, and maybe...maybe get one commercial. Today I used it for almost 4 hours non-stop and I don't think I heard one commercial.

I don't use Pandora 1 obviously, but my standard Pandora on my Droid phone plays all the way until the phone loses all signal. I haven't tried it on my bike, but I use the crap out of it in my car at work. I plug the phone in, and would do the same on the bike. Droids don't conserve battery for ****.

 

[dannymax]

Another Pandora fan here....I do the monthly $.99 deal, sometimes go a couple months on the freebie!

Damn, how's that work.. I just paid $36 for the first year?

He's just paying 99 cents when he runs over his 40 free hours per month. I did that twice until I realized I could be commercial free for $3/month. Much better without ads. Enjoy!

Yup, that's it! Very few commercials tho, never found it to be a problem.