A Volkswagen Camper and Bus Expert on your iPhone?
Wow, so where did January go? What with lots of work on, a weeks holiday and an awful lot of snow, this month just seems to have flown by so I apologise for the lack of updates to the VW Camper Van Blog lately.
Anyway, I have something a bit different for you in this, the first VW Camper Van Blog article of 2010. As regular readers will know, I am a graphic designer by trade and as such I have quite an unhealthy obsession with Apple Mac related products. So when I received an email from Paul at Veloce Publishing regarding a new iPhone app that they had developed on the subject of VW Buses and Campers, I jumped at the chance to ‘take it out for a spin’ to see what it was really like.
I had been wondering for a while how long it would take for the VW scene to pass over to the rapidly expanding iPhone and iPod Touch app market. I have seen the Samba Clock App but to be honest thought this was a little ‘half arsed’, after all, it is only a clock and costs £2.39! I thought that there was much more you could do to combine the passion of the VW Camper and Bus scene with the capabilities of the iPhone.
Well, after having spent a quiet hour on my recent holiday looking over the app, I have to say the VW Bus - The Essential Buyers Guide app is a vast step forward from the basic samba clock. The app features 18 sections containing information on what you need to know before you buy a VW bus. Categories include comparisons between the first three models of bus (Split, Bay and Wedges), what to look for when you view the vehicle and key questions to ask yourself before you buy (like, can I afford the upkeep of a 40 year van??).
The app also features a video section which talks you through the differences of the three first bus models, how to make a quick 15 minute evaluation of a vehicle, what to expect in terms of paint and rust problems and how easily these can be rectified.
Having spent some time using the app, it is clear it is targeted at people who are new to the VW bus scene and it should therefore be treated as an introduction and buyers guide. Hardcore Dubbers will probably not find anything here they do not already know. However, for ‘newbies’ the information is clear and concise and will definitely help when taking the plunge on your first van.
Below is a demonstration video showing the VW Bus app in use:
After getting to know the app for myself, I asked for some feedback on the app via Twitter (follow me here). @Roger_White commented ’I haven’t used the app because it does not have any information on the T4, but I will recommend it to my dad who has a Bay’. @gregspace, who runs a VW Camper Van Hire company in Devon said ‘Had a weak moment and purchased it last night! Its actually not bad, more like a buyers guide than the definitive story but well worth the couple of quid’.
Aside for the lack of info on the T4, the only criticism I have for the app is perhaps a lack of content. Like I said, I only spent an hour using the app and in that time I had read all the content and watched all the videos. I also think the videos could have been used to better effect as they are essentially a series of photos accompanied by a voice over. There was nothing contained within them that could not have been written down in an article showing the photos alongside. It would have been nice to see some actual video footage of VW vans and perhaps the addition of more of a presenter as opposed to a voice over.
That being said, this is by far the best VW iPhone app that has been released so far on the app store and is a must for all people looking to join the costly hobby of owning a classic VW Van.
The VW Bus Buyers Guide app is available on iTunes priced at £2.39 (Click here to purchase). for more information regarding the app visit the Veloce website.
Have any of you used the VW Bus iPhone app? It would be great to get your feedback.
Posted by Steve
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Posted
on Sunday, January 31st, 2010 at 6:05 pm
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I am a new reader and a new owner. We own a 1978 Westfalia Camper Type 2. My husband is currently restoring it to semi functional status. Are there any fun NJ shows or events we can attend to speak to other camper van owners like us?
I will take your advice on the new app. Unless it is advice about maintaining the interior, I don’t speak the language.
Hi Jane,
Thanks for your comment.
There are loads of shows and events to attend in which you can learn lots of info. Most people in the scene are very helpful and enthusiastic and will be more than happy to help you out with any questions.
Have a look at the Volksworld Show coming up in March (http://www.volksworld.com/vwshow.html), it will certainly give you some great ideas for what to do with your van!
Thanks
Steve