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.

Are There Cobwebs In Your iTunes?

Have you played any music recently on your mp3 player or computer and felt a little behind the times? Might there be some cobwebs in your music collection? Well, I have some good news. For a limited time, you can find $.69 songs in iTunes. Yes, a sale!

So navigate to iTunes on your iPhone, iPad, or computer and liven up your library with some one hit wonders, classics, or even songs that you forgot you wanted. And even if you don't own an iPod of some kind, iTunes is an awesome music management program and works with most mp3 players.

Once you take a look, leave a comment about any songs you grabbed and why.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

The Party's In Full Swing, Windows Phone 7 Is At The Door

For all you Windows Mobile Phone users (you know - Blackjacks, Moguls, etc...) the new Windows Phone 7 is here. Yesterday, Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft, was in NYC telling the world about the new mobile phone operating system and the type of hardware on which it will run.

I almost forgot Microsoft was releasing the newest challenger in the mobile phone market. I mean, all we hear about is “iPhone this” and “Android that”, all while BlackBerry attempts to jump up like the little kid who isn't getting enough attention, yelling "Look at me! Look at me!" So, now that this mobile phone party is in full swing, can Microsoft come in and sway everyone's attention? Can they gain market share in a saturated market that has us all looking in the direction of apples and robots?



Old School
PPC-6700 from Sprint

 Microsoft helped pave the way in PDA phone development - all the way back to Windows CE and Windows Mobile 5. We were multi-tasking in our pockets on these early phones. Remember the PPC-6700, one of the first fully functional touchscreen smartphones that was like carrying a mini-computer in your pocket? This phone was a pioneer in what you could do with a mobile device. But somewhere along the way, Microsoft lost focus. Yes, there was Windows Mobile 6, and Windows Mobile 6.5......but these were just operating systems that added or expanded Windows Mobile 5. Where was the innovation? Where was something new? Where was the 'one more thing'?

Microsoft may be late to the party, but I'll tell you that the new Windows Phone 7 (WP7) operating system is trying to make the mobile device party even bigger and better.

With an entirely new interface, a well thought out user experience and integration with Marketplace, Microsoft is coming out with a strong platform and looking to directly compete with BlackBerry, iPhone, and Android. So how will they do it? Microsoft is going to market these phones like commercials on Super Bowl Sunday. Prepare to be blitzed with advertising.
According to USA Today, Microsoft plans to release three WP7 phones on AT&T; using hardware from LG, HTC, and Samsung. T-Mobile will also get some WP7 phones, by HTC and Dell.  The first devices will debut in the United States on November 8th on AT&T.


New School: HTC HD7
Photo courtesy of i.telegraph.co.uk



Now, you may be wondering, "TechBender, you've blah blah blah'd about Windows Phone 7, but how does it work?" I told you Microsoft was coming out strong. So strong in fact, they've put up a Facebook app that allows you to play with the interface. So, click on over and check out the new interface for yourself so you can see what features might interest you.   The interface is designed to work with your life, and includes native integration with Facebook and Twitter.  WP7 also includes instant on photos even when the phone is asleep.  Simply hold the photo button and the camera quickly turns on to capture those fleeting moments.  Also, you don't download apps to this phone. Rather, you use the native applications that are based on your lifestyle, such as social networking, gaming (especially X-Box users) and business. The best part is, there will be 5 pieces of hardware to choose from in the US. So, users who like keyboards will like that they can find a phone with a keyboard, while those who like touchscreen will be happy with the 1Ghz standard processor required on all WP7 phones, which means a quick and responsive onscreen keyboard across all devices.


Who should be interested in Windows Phone 7?  If you've ever owned a Windows Mobile Phone in the past, like using Outlook Mobile and Mobile Office on your handheld device and you don't need a lot of apps, then in November you might want to drop into an AT&T or T-Mobile store and play with a phone to see if you like it. And don't hesitate to refer back to the WinnyTechBender post about iPhones, Sex, and Choosing the Right Smart Phone to help you choose the right phone for you.  I'll be sure to post an update to this blog when I can get my hands on a WM7 phone.  I mean, your TechBender is good, but I don't have enough status to get a demo phone....yet.....

Ok Microsoft. You came to the party late but it looks like you brought some great party favors. We'll see if anyone's interested in what you cooked up. Talking about all this partying is making me hungry. Someone pass the chips.