No words can express my sadness about Steve Jobs. The tech industry lost an innovator. A visionary. A leader. A man not afraid to dream and bold enough to follow that dream. You don't have to be an Apple Fan to realize that Steve Jobs single handedly forced competitors to deliver better products and services. We the consumers benefitted from Steve's love for building products that people didn't even know they wanted.
Your TechBender is sad. The maturity of Apple Products motivated me to start blogging about tech gadgets. Apple forced the competition to be better. They influenced the tech world to come with their best. Steve Jobs was the driving force behind some of the greatest technical innovations of our time.
It's a sad day. But it's ok. You see, Steve succeeded in changing all of our lives. Can you imagine a world without an iPhone, or maybe a Mac? How about an iPad? Or possibly an iPod? Love Apple or no, this world would be a different place without those products.
Steve, you were THE rock star of the tech industry. You will be missed. RIP, knowing your legacy lives on in millions upon millions of homes around the world, including mine.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
BorrowedSugar is Sweet
Things are heating up at BorrowedSugar. The premise is “living local” backed by a content engine that focuses on that objective. Borrowed Sugar is already up and running in Austin, San Francisco, as well as Denver and is ready to roll out more cities. My friend Dan Street, the mastermind behind this great local search tool, thinks the tool is “better than everyone else” and now he’s out to prove it!
As a favor to the TechBender, if you are interested, please register at BorrowedSugar, enter your email and city location and you will become among the first in your city to see the site when it is rolled out. As soon as 100 emails are received from any geography then that area will move immediately to the top of the list for roll-out.
Please forward this along to any of your friends who may also be willing to help me help Dan spread the word.
Thank you in advance!!
Love,
Your Friendly Neighborhood TechBender
Monday, May 16, 2011
And I Thought 7 Inches Was a Good Thing - Tablet Review
Hi. It's your friendly neighborhood TechBender here. Yes, I'm still alive. Seriously. I promise. It's me... Oh stop.
The other night, while taking care of some tech-related business at Best Buy, I decided to put my hands on some of the new tablets that are currently on the market. Since my last post this past January, Apple has announced, released, and blown the hinges off the tablet market with the iPad 2. Last October, I wrote an article entitled Books & Pads & Slates & Tabs....Oh My! where I discussed tablet computers and the challenge of catching up with the original iPad. While BlackBerry, HP, Samsung and Motorola were busy trying to come up with an answer to the iPad, Apple was behind the scenes quietly working on improving their device. The result was the iPad 2. I followed that up with the article Motorola Comes Out Swinging at CES 2011, where I discussed that maybe, just maybe Motorola had developed the much needed competitor. Yes folks, I do think Apple should have competitors. Healthy competition pushes all parties to make cool tech gadgets your friendly neighborhood TechBender loves to spend his money obtaining.
After putting the Motorola Xoom through its paces, I must say, great job Motorola. You delivered. I still think your entry price of $599 for 32gb is a bit too high to directly compete with iPad 2, but that's this TechBender's opinion. In terms of hardware, operating system, and ease of use, you're what I expected. It's always a good thing to be what the TechBender expected.
If $599 is a little too rich for your blood, and you're looking for an Android 3.0 device instead of an iPad or iPad 2, then I would suggest the Acer Iconia Tab A500. It's a 10.1" display Android device at a price point of $449 at Best Buy. It's a bit heavier than the original iPad, but you can't beat the price. It does almost everything the Xoom can do, at a more affordable price.
But what about Samsung Galaxy Tab and BlackBerry PlayBook? What can I say, folks, they fell short. They didn't make the Techbender smile. They missed the height requirement. I just don't get the 7-inch form factor for Tablet devices. For eReaders, I am all about some 7 inches, but for a full tablet computer, a 7 inch just doesn't satisfy. I'm not even going to talk about the interface of the PlayBook, which is laggy and is the opposite of intuitive. I rarely do this, but I have to watch out for my readers. Do not buy a PlayBook until they release a larger-sized screen, add native e-mail support and upgrade the touch screen responsiveness. I expected so much more from the PlayBook, but it's simply not ready to compete with the Xoom or iPad. At $499 for a 7" screen and an unpolished, unintuitive user interface, this device is not TechBender recommended.
In previous TechBender posts, I've introduced the concept of the circle of technology. Your personal circle encompasses all the devices that make up your technical life. In my world, a 7 inch satellite computer just seems too small to be useful, when my phone is 3.5 inches and my laptop is 15 inches. I want something in between. The only circle I can think of where a 7 inch screen would be useful is if the user did not have a smartphone. So, the TechBender recommendation is, if you own a smartphone and are in the market for a tablet, jump up to a larger size tablet. Both sizes are similar in cost so you're getting more screen for your buck. Please note, I'm not knocking eReaders. eReaders are devices that do a few things well, and are focused on reading. Tablets should do a lot of different things well, outside of just reading.
The device that I haven't mentioned in this review is the Barnes & Noble Nook Color. I highly recommend this device. Of course, this recommendation is a bit contradictory to what I've already written because the Nook Color is an eReader, which I just mentioned means it's not a direct tablet competitor. Also, the Nook Color is 7 inches. Didn't the Techbender just say he didn't like 7 inches in a tablet? Let me bend your mind around this a little bit. The TechBender has never been one to follow all of the rules, just most of them. And he especially breaks the rules in terms of price. In the case of the Nook Color, Barnes & Noble has turned the device into a tablet by recently releasing a version of Android for the device to give it more functionality. So, why recommend it? The price of the Nook Color is $249, and Barnes & Noble is not planning on increasing the cost. Yes, you read correctly, $249 for a functioning tablet with Android and Angry Birds. For the money, you can't beat the value of the Nook Color.
So, if you're in the market for a tablet, I recommend the iPad 2 or the Motorola Xoom. If money is an issue, I would suggest either the Acer Iconia Tablet at $449 if you prefer Android or the Original iPad which is running around the same price. If you are patient, you can also pick up a refurbished original iPad on the Apple.com site at $150 off retail. If you do not own a smartphone, then the 7 inch Samsung Galaxy tab may be the right device for you. I do not recommend the BlackBerry Playbook because the interface is not intuitive and it's still missing key features, such as a dedicated mail client. If you're not sure about a tablet, but have a few dollars to burn, then the Nook Color by Barnes & Noble is a great entry device that will not break the bank. Whatever you choose, tablets are here, and they are taking over.
Happy Tech Geeking! Oh yeah, the TechBender is back. My apologies for the hiatus.
The other night, while taking care of some tech-related business at Best Buy, I decided to put my hands on some of the new tablets that are currently on the market. Since my last post this past January, Apple has announced, released, and blown the hinges off the tablet market with the iPad 2. Last October, I wrote an article entitled Books & Pads & Slates & Tabs....Oh My! where I discussed tablet computers and the challenge of catching up with the original iPad. While BlackBerry, HP, Samsung and Motorola were busy trying to come up with an answer to the iPad, Apple was behind the scenes quietly working on improving their device. The result was the iPad 2. I followed that up with the article Motorola Comes Out Swinging at CES 2011, where I discussed that maybe, just maybe Motorola had developed the much needed competitor. Yes folks, I do think Apple should have competitors. Healthy competition pushes all parties to make cool tech gadgets your friendly neighborhood TechBender loves to spend his money obtaining.
 |
| Motorola Xoom http://www.motorola.com/ |
If $599 is a little too rich for your blood, and you're looking for an Android 3.0 device instead of an iPad or iPad 2, then I would suggest the Acer Iconia Tab A500. It's a 10.1" display Android device at a price point of $449 at Best Buy. It's a bit heavier than the original iPad, but you can't beat the price. It does almost everything the Xoom can do, at a more affordable price.
But what about Samsung Galaxy Tab and BlackBerry PlayBook? What can I say, folks, they fell short. They didn't make the Techbender smile. They missed the height requirement. I just don't get the 7-inch form factor for Tablet devices. For eReaders, I am all about some 7 inches, but for a full tablet computer, a 7 inch just doesn't satisfy. I'm not even going to talk about the interface of the PlayBook, which is laggy and is the opposite of intuitive. I rarely do this, but I have to watch out for my readers. Do not buy a PlayBook until they release a larger-sized screen, add native e-mail support and upgrade the touch screen responsiveness. I expected so much more from the PlayBook, but it's simply not ready to compete with the Xoom or iPad. At $499 for a 7" screen and an unpolished, unintuitive user interface, this device is not TechBender recommended.
In previous TechBender posts, I've introduced the concept of the circle of technology. Your personal circle encompasses all the devices that make up your technical life. In my world, a 7 inch satellite computer just seems too small to be useful, when my phone is 3.5 inches and my laptop is 15 inches. I want something in between. The only circle I can think of where a 7 inch screen would be useful is if the user did not have a smartphone. So, the TechBender recommendation is, if you own a smartphone and are in the market for a tablet, jump up to a larger size tablet. Both sizes are similar in cost so you're getting more screen for your buck. Please note, I'm not knocking eReaders. eReaders are devices that do a few things well, and are focused on reading. Tablets should do a lot of different things well, outside of just reading.
 |
| Nook Color http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ |
So, if you're in the market for a tablet, I recommend the iPad 2 or the Motorola Xoom. If money is an issue, I would suggest either the Acer Iconia Tablet at $449 if you prefer Android or the Original iPad which is running around the same price. If you are patient, you can also pick up a refurbished original iPad on the Apple.com site at $150 off retail. If you do not own a smartphone, then the 7 inch Samsung Galaxy tab may be the right device for you. I do not recommend the BlackBerry Playbook because the interface is not intuitive and it's still missing key features, such as a dedicated mail client. If you're not sure about a tablet, but have a few dollars to burn, then the Nook Color by Barnes & Noble is a great entry device that will not break the bank. Whatever you choose, tablets are here, and they are taking over.
Happy Tech Geeking! Oh yeah, the TechBender is back. My apologies for the hiatus.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Motorola Comes Out Swinging at CES 2011
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| CNet's Molly Wood after Motorola keynote. |
The original plan, because there's always a plan, was to keep an eye on CES all week and give you great people a rundown of the gadgets that are coming to market. But, Motorola changed the plan.
If you've been paying attention, many times the TechBender has talked about the rise of tablet devices and the fact that Apple cornered the market. As recently as last month, the TechBender suggested you wait until 2011 if you didn't want an iPad. Whether you like Apple or no, when the iPad was released last April, competitors were caught flat-footed. Ok. I'll admit it. They were caught with their pants down. With a large screen, apps, instant on, and The App Store, the iPad changed the game. The small number of tablets released in 2010 just weren't up to par and didn't offer the value you get with iPad. Google said this year the current Android operating system, Froyo, was not optimized for tablet use; yet we see the Galaxy Tab and others trying to generate some revenue.
Well, I'm happy to report, Motorola may have taken eleven months to release a tablet, but they were eleven months well spent. Tonight, during the Motorola keynote, the Motorola Xoom was announced. And from what the TechBender saw, IT IS SWEET!
In partnership with Verizon, the Xoom is a 10" screen tablet that will run Google's upcoming Android 3.0 Honeycomb operating system (OS) that is optimized for tablet use. With a hefty and powerful dual core processor, this means smooth running when using 3D Google Maps or participating in live video chat on Google Talk using either the front or rear facing camera. And for my followers who are Apple naysayers, I have outstanding news for you, Adobe Flash will come installed. (cue stadium cheering here...) With a first quarter release, you might be hesitant to move to a first generation device, even with all these great features. Well, Motorola took this announcement one step further. The intial tablets will have 3G installed. Later in the year, they plan to release 4G tablets. Guess what? The 3G tablets are upgradeable to 4G. How cool is that! Look out Apple, the competition has finally arrived.
Stay tuned for more news from CES as cool gadgets are announced.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Winny's Last Minute Gadget Buying Guide
If you are still looking for that perfect gadget for that special someone on your list, keep reading to see your TechBender's thoughts on cool stuff that you can still pick up in time for the big day. These gadgets are in no particular order.
iPod Touch 4th Generation
This is one of the top gadgets this year. With cameras, FaceTime, and access to the Apple App store, an iPod Touch is the ultimate mobile computer. Some have asked me to compare the Nintendo DS to the iPod Touch. In my opinion, the Touch wins because even though the price of $229 is higher than the DS, games and Apps are cheaper on the Touch.
Apple TV
If you have music or especially video in your iTunes Library, or if you have Netflix, then Apple TV is a quick gift with a small footprint. At $99, its an affordable way to enjoy your own library and some Internet TV in your media center without a lot of complicated setup. Apple TV wirelessly streams media from any iTunes library in your network. It also has apps that can stream rented media from the iTunes store and Netflix.
Windows Phone 7
I'm really impressed with Windows Phone 7 (WP7) devices. With handsets from HTC, Samsung, Dell, and others I think over time these phones will compete directly with the iPhone. If you've read my blog post about the right devices for you, I feel WP7 is for those that want a SmartPhone with an easy learning curve and don't need every App on the market. The operating system comes with seamless Microsoft office integration and native Facebook feed. All hardware also comes with really good cameras. If you want to buy a phone for someone on your list and this is their first SmartPhone, you can't go wrong with WP7.
Microsoft Kinect
Microsoft released their answer to the Wii. Kinect is a sensor that connects to XBox 360 that reads your motions. Basically, you are the controller, and you use motions to play games like Dance Central, Kinect Joy Ride, and Kinect Sports. Like the Wii, this gadget is designed for fun by the whole family with games that take little to no skill. Also, Microsoft has solid support to help with setup.
Tablets
There are some great tablets on the market right now; however, if you're not willing to get an iPad, then I'd wait until next year to buy anything else. The other manufacturers are about a year behind the iPad and haven't perfected the technology. The Samsung Galaxy Tab, for example, is a 7" tablet, but reviews show that the Android operating system hangs up the device from time to time. If you really want to buy a tablet, the iPad is the way to go. Just know iPad 2nd Generation is coming out in a few months.
eReaders
If you don't want a full tablet, then eReaders are a great choice. I equally like the Barnes & Noble Nook Color and the Amazon Kindle. You really only need the wi-fi version of these devices. I think 3G is nice but rarely used unless you plan to read the newspaper while away from wi-fi. The wi-fi only versions start around $130.
If you have a specific device that you want some advice about, leave a comment. These are the things I'd want in my stocking. What about you?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Winny's Quick Tip: Editing Playlists On iOS Devices
So, as you know, every now and again I get a little ornery and need to pick up some new tunes to match my mood. What you may not know is your TechBender has a plethora of interests outside of tech gadgets, including Triathlon, Weight Lifting, Acoustic Guitar, Endurance Coaching, reading good fiction....the list goes on and on. Why do I bring this up? Well, one of the athletes I coach is contemplating a half marathon next February, which made me start thinking. (Uh oh. Winny is thinking again.)
Now, the TechBender is not one to walk away from a physical challenge and started contemplating the possibility of running in said race next year. And of course he mused about finding some fresh music to listen to while training for the race over the winter months. He'll need some good tunes to get him out of a warm bed to endure the cold runs.
After checking out some music videos on the Vevo App and picking up Willow Smith's new single Whip My Hair for the mini-TechBenders, I discovered Ke$ha's album Animal. After downloading two tracks using his iPhone, the TechBender immediately wanted to add them to his Run Playlist. And now he's sharing this tip with you. The TechBender knows you like learning new things. So here you are boys and girls, I'm breaking off some knowledge for ya'!
HOW TO EDIT PLAYLISTS ON AN iOS DEVICE:
Simply navigate to the iPod App, choose the appropriate playlist and touch 'Edit'. Next tap the '+' symbol in the upper left corner and scroll to the track you want to add to your Playlist. Touch the track, then tap 'Done' at the top of the screen. You'll then be back at the 'Edit' screen.
If you'd like to change the order of songs, simply touch and hold the three lines on the right of any song. You'll see the song lift off the screen, then drag it to the position you'd like in your Playlist. Once you have the tracks in the appropriate order for your listening pleasure, scroll to the top of the screen, or double-tap the top of the screen, then touch 'Done'.
That's it. You've now edited a Playlist, on the fly, right on your Apple device. This technique works with iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad. Don't forget to sync your iDevice so the media you purchased is backed up on your computer. Enjoy and happy editing!
Disclaimer: Your TechBender apologizes for referencing himself in the 3rd person so heavily in this post. It's late and he's a bit delirious.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Now, the TechBender is not one to walk away from a physical challenge and started contemplating the possibility of running in said race next year. And of course he mused about finding some fresh music to listen to while training for the race over the winter months. He'll need some good tunes to get him out of a warm bed to endure the cold runs.
After checking out some music videos on the Vevo App and picking up Willow Smith's new single Whip My Hair for the mini-TechBenders, I discovered Ke$ha's album Animal. After downloading two tracks using his iPhone, the TechBender immediately wanted to add them to his Run Playlist. And now he's sharing this tip with you. The TechBender knows you like learning new things. So here you are boys and girls, I'm breaking off some knowledge for ya'!
HOW TO EDIT PLAYLISTS ON AN iOS DEVICE:
Simply navigate to the iPod App, choose the appropriate playlist and touch 'Edit'. Next tap the '+' symbol in the upper left corner and scroll to the track you want to add to your Playlist. Touch the track, then tap 'Done' at the top of the screen. You'll then be back at the 'Edit' screen.
If you'd like to change the order of songs, simply touch and hold the three lines on the right of any song. You'll see the song lift off the screen, then drag it to the position you'd like in your Playlist. Once you have the tracks in the appropriate order for your listening pleasure, scroll to the top of the screen, or double-tap the top of the screen, then touch 'Done'.
That's it. You've now edited a Playlist, on the fly, right on your Apple device. This technique works with iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad. Don't forget to sync your iDevice so the media you purchased is backed up on your computer. Enjoy and happy editing!
Disclaimer: Your TechBender apologizes for referencing himself in the 3rd person so heavily in this post. It's late and he's a bit delirious.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Books & Pads & Slates & Tabs....Oh My!
Samsung Galaxy Tab, Apple iPad, BlackBerry PlayBook, HP Slate 500 Tablet PC... Yep, the tablet wars have officially begun. Since its release back in April of this year, tech geeks like your very own TechBender have been awaiting suitable contenders to challenge the iPad's industry-changing presence. Sure, we've seen some low end Android tablets released on the market. Those were simply what I affectionately describe as 'quick dollar knock offs'. They are so weak and clunky, I'm not even going to mention them by name. It's taken well over six months, but just like Santa, some new players have come to town. But will these competitors take market share away from the iPad? Are they a little too late coming out of the gate? Let's take a brief look at each tablet and I'll give the TechBender 'best guess'. (Note: You may want to read this article about what the iPad can do before you read any further.)
Galaxy Tab:
The Galaxy Tab will be the first Android 2.2 based tablet computer to challenge the iPad. With a 7" screen, both a front and rear facing camera and access to the Android market, this little puppy is full of potential. It has a 1Ghz processor (generally speaking, the higher the number, the faster a computing device will perform tasks), and claims to have a battery life that allows 7hrs of video playback. The 'cool' feature for the Galaxy Tab is the inclusion of SWYPE input. Users will have the ability to swipe their fingers around the keyboard to write. It's been proven that SWYPE input is THE fastest way to type. Check out these videos on how SWYPE works. The Galaxy Tab will come in a 3G/Wi-Fi version on Verizon. The Verizon 3G plan will be a $20/month plan with 1G of data included. There are hints on the internet that there will be a Wi-Fi only version coming soon. The Galaxy Tab is rumored to be released on Verizon in early November.
BlackBerry PlayBook:
The 1Gz dual core, 7" PlayBook is BlackBerry's first tablet solution. Running the proprietary BlackBerryTablet operating system, the PlayBook is an enterprise ready device that is ready for video conferencing with its front facing camera, 5 megapixel rear camera, and 1080p LCD screen. Using Wi-Fi, users will have access to BlackBerry App World. Users can also access the internet using this devices 'cool' feature, which is the PlayBook will seamlessly tether with BlackBerry phones to connect to 3G using the phone's BlackBerry service. BlackBerry is targeting business users with this device and is rumored to have it available at the beginning of 2011.
HP Slate 500 Tablet PC:
Aimed at enterprise, the Slate 500 is the first Windows 7 fully 'PC-like' tablet computer. So, think of the Slate 500 as a laptop that has only a touchscreen interface. With a 1.83Gz processor, full Windows 7 32bit operating system and USB port, think of this machine as a fully functioning 8.9" screen PC in your pocket. Need I say more? I mean, it's a laptop without a keyboard! HP claims a five hour battery life, but we'll see what the real life battery life turns out to be. The cool feature of the Slate 500 is the USB drive and Bluetooth. Imagine plugging in a mouse and using a Bluetooth keyboard at the same time. This will drain the battery, which is why I'm wondering about true battery consumption. But, it's cool nonetheless. The HP Slate is available now for business customers.
So, these are the tablet devices. These are the players. Now, will these tablets beat the iPad? Hell no! Whoops! I think I got a little carried away. I better explain myself before I get accused of being an Apple fanboy again. My reasoning behind these devices not stopping the iPad train have nothing to do with Apple and all to do with timing. You see, I don't think it matters that the PlayBook and Galaxy Tab have 7" screens versus the 9.7" on iPad. I don't think it matters that the HP Slate 500 is running a full Windows 7. I don't think it matters that the BlackBerry and Samsung both have front facing cameras. One thing I didn't write about but is true is that all three competitors have more RAM memory than the iPad. The HP is $799, the 16gb Samsung Galaxy Tab will be $600 with a monthly contract on Verizon. The PlayBook pricing has not yet been announced. And, guess what? Just because the iPad is cheaper, starting at $499 for a 16gb model, that's still not the reason I think these competitors won't overtake the iPad's popularity. In my TechBender opinion, all these great options don't really matter and won't stop the iPad from being the device of choice for the next two years at least. Why? Why oh why great Techbender, are you a naysayer? If you're not an Apple fanboy, then prove your point!
It's simple folks. Timing is everything, and the competitors waited too long to get on the bandwagon. Remember when I mentioned it's been six plus months since the iPad was released? And did you notice that the only device now available in the US is the HP Slate 500? Anyone who wants a tablet computer right now only has one choice: iPad. HP is selling their devices only to businesses. So, the average consumer isn't aware of how to buy the device. That also means the iPad is the only tablet being marketed to consumers. Thus, iPad is the only choice. Those that are ready can pick one up at an Apple Store, online at Apple.com, at Target, Best Buy and even Wal-Mart. And for those that are waiting on the competitors to release the devices, guess what Apple is going to do in January, just three months away? You are correct! Apple will release the 2nd generation iPad, and it will be better, stronger, faster (better bionics) than these late releases from BlackBerry and Samsung. And once that announcement is made, people will wait another three months for that best in class device.
Basically, you don't have to be a fanboy to realize Apple is ahead of the game. Until the competitors come up with a device that has unique innovation, Apple will remain one step ahead, because they released first and caught the competition flat on their feet. 6+ months!
What do you think? Will the next iPad have a camera to work with FaceTime? Let me know your thoughts.
The Galaxy Tab will be the first Android 2.2 based tablet computer to challenge the iPad. With a 7" screen, both a front and rear facing camera and access to the Android market, this little puppy is full of potential. It has a 1Ghz processor (generally speaking, the higher the number, the faster a computing device will perform tasks), and claims to have a battery life that allows 7hrs of video playback. The 'cool' feature for the Galaxy Tab is the inclusion of SWYPE input. Users will have the ability to swipe their fingers around the keyboard to write. It's been proven that SWYPE input is THE fastest way to type. Check out these videos on how SWYPE works. The Galaxy Tab will come in a 3G/Wi-Fi version on Verizon. The Verizon 3G plan will be a $20/month plan with 1G of data included. There are hints on the internet that there will be a Wi-Fi only version coming soon. The Galaxy Tab is rumored to be released on Verizon in early November.
The 1Gz dual core, 7" PlayBook is BlackBerry's first tablet solution. Running the proprietary BlackBerryTablet operating system, the PlayBook is an enterprise ready device that is ready for video conferencing with its front facing camera, 5 megapixel rear camera, and 1080p LCD screen. Using Wi-Fi, users will have access to BlackBerry App World. Users can also access the internet using this devices 'cool' feature, which is the PlayBook will seamlessly tether with BlackBerry phones to connect to 3G using the phone's BlackBerry service. BlackBerry is targeting business users with this device and is rumored to have it available at the beginning of 2011.
Aimed at enterprise, the Slate 500 is the first Windows 7 fully 'PC-like' tablet computer. So, think of the Slate 500 as a laptop that has only a touchscreen interface. With a 1.83Gz processor, full Windows 7 32bit operating system and USB port, think of this machine as a fully functioning 8.9" screen PC in your pocket. Need I say more? I mean, it's a laptop without a keyboard! HP claims a five hour battery life, but we'll see what the real life battery life turns out to be. The cool feature of the Slate 500 is the USB drive and Bluetooth. Imagine plugging in a mouse and using a Bluetooth keyboard at the same time. This will drain the battery, which is why I'm wondering about true battery consumption. But, it's cool nonetheless. The HP Slate is available now for business customers.
So, these are the tablet devices. These are the players. Now, will these tablets beat the iPad? Hell no! Whoops! I think I got a little carried away. I better explain myself before I get accused of being an Apple fanboy again. My reasoning behind these devices not stopping the iPad train have nothing to do with Apple and all to do with timing. You see, I don't think it matters that the PlayBook and Galaxy Tab have 7" screens versus the 9.7" on iPad. I don't think it matters that the HP Slate 500 is running a full Windows 7. I don't think it matters that the BlackBerry and Samsung both have front facing cameras. One thing I didn't write about but is true is that all three competitors have more RAM memory than the iPad. The HP is $799, the 16gb Samsung Galaxy Tab will be $600 with a monthly contract on Verizon. The PlayBook pricing has not yet been announced. And, guess what? Just because the iPad is cheaper, starting at $499 for a 16gb model, that's still not the reason I think these competitors won't overtake the iPad's popularity. In my TechBender opinion, all these great options don't really matter and won't stop the iPad from being the device of choice for the next two years at least. Why? Why oh why great Techbender, are you a naysayer? If you're not an Apple fanboy, then prove your point!
It's simple folks. Timing is everything, and the competitors waited too long to get on the bandwagon. Remember when I mentioned it's been six plus months since the iPad was released? And did you notice that the only device now available in the US is the HP Slate 500? Anyone who wants a tablet computer right now only has one choice: iPad. HP is selling their devices only to businesses. So, the average consumer isn't aware of how to buy the device. That also means the iPad is the only tablet being marketed to consumers. Thus, iPad is the only choice. Those that are ready can pick one up at an Apple Store, online at Apple.com, at Target, Best Buy and even Wal-Mart. And for those that are waiting on the competitors to release the devices, guess what Apple is going to do in January, just three months away? You are correct! Apple will release the 2nd generation iPad, and it will be better, stronger, faster (better bionics) than these late releases from BlackBerry and Samsung. And once that announcement is made, people will wait another three months for that best in class device.
Basically, you don't have to be a fanboy to realize Apple is ahead of the game. Until the competitors come up with a device that has unique innovation, Apple will remain one step ahead, because they released first and caught the competition flat on their feet. 6+ months!
What do you think? Will the next iPad have a camera to work with FaceTime? Let me know your thoughts.
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