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

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

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.

iPod Touch vs. iPad: Screen Size, Price, and Nose Hair

One of my oldest friends on Earth asked me to write a post about the differences between iPod Touch and iPad. I like responding to your requests because this blog is for you. I'm a gadget geek so you don't have to be. I read the articles and follow the trends so you know what to buy for yourself and what to put into Christmas stockings. At first glance, the iPad and iPod Touch seem like similar devices, with the only difference being screen size. They even run many of the same apps. Like I mentioned in a previous post about choosing the right PDA phone, there are several things I think you should ponder before investing in one of these iDevices.

First, think about what you want to do with the device. Are you going to do heavy web surfing or just look up information quickly? Will you download music, movies, podcasts? If so, when will you listen or watch your media? While you run? While you lift weights? While you fold laundry? Will you use your device for personal e-mail? What about work data? Do you need that data on the go or just while sitting on the couch? Do you read a lot of books? Whew! There are a lot of questions! Let's slow down so I can explain why I shot all these questions like a Gatling gun.

The best description your WinnyTechBender has overheard about the iPad is that it is a "satellite computer". The iPad is an efficient companion to your main computer. Simply push a button and swipe to unlock, you're ready to use the device. The iPad is a device whose strength is accessing content for you to readily consume. From books to music and movies, the iPad is great when sitting on a couch, lying in bed and while sitting on a plane, train, or automobile. I've read many articles that slam the iPads weight at 1.5 lbs. Most eReaders come in well under a pound; however, the eReaders can't do all the things the iPad can do.

The iPad, with its a full Internet browser for your touchscreen pleasure, is great to use watching web video and accessing most sites without issue. Like all iDevices, the iPad (and iPod Touch) cannot access Flash based websites. For the majority of users, the lack of Flash is not a problem, as more websites are migrating to a video standard with which iDevices are compatible.

So, you might be wondering - what are some specific things you can do with an iPad, other than books, movies, and music? The answer is a big fat PLENTY! The iPad has some great applications available for download through the iTunes App store, either using your main computer or directly from your device. For example, there's the ABC Player, which is a video app that allows you to watch first run ABC shows. It's a free app, and as long as you don't mind commercials, you can catch shows the day after they air live. The commercial breaks are actually shorter than when watching regular TV. This has become my preferred method of watching Gray's Anatomy, The Practice, No Ordinary Family, and Modern Family. There are a plethora of news apps available for iPad, as well as productivity apps that you can access faster than booting up your main computer. Also, through apps like Dropbox (free), Box.net (free) and MobileMe ($99/yr), you can share the data on your computer with the iPad and any device or computer that has an internet connection. If you have a file in Dropbox on the iPad, that same file is on the web and on your computer.

If you need to be connected all the time, the iPad comes in 3G models that can connect to AT&T's network without a contract. When you sign up for 3G service, right from the iPad, you are buying one month worth of internet access. This is a great option if you need access while on vacation with limited access to wi-fi, but don't want to be stuck in a long term contract.

"But, WinnyTechBender, the iPad doesn't have a camera!! What ever will I do without a camera on a device that has a 9.7" screen?" When the next generation iPad comes out with a camera, your buddy, the TechBender, still hasn't quite figured out how people are going to enjoy video chatting when the user on the other end is looking up WinnyTechBender's nose. Also, the chances of using the iPad to take pictures is remote, in my opinion. I mean, who's going to whip out a big screen satellite computer when just about every phone out there has a camera attached? Umm, no one I know. So I think the inclusion of a camera in a tablet is not a deal breaker. But that's me. You have to decide if it's important to you.

Now, I've been touting the attributes of the iPad. I haven't forgetten the iPod Touch. If the iPad is a satellite computer, the iPod Touch is the satellite computer with a small screen that fits in your pocket. The newest generation iPod Touch comes with a similar display as the iPhone 4 Retina Display. The iPod Touch can do almost everything the iPad can do, just in a much smaller format. Why is this important? If you're playing a game on the iPad, you have a huge screen. If you play the same game on the iPod Touch, you have a small screen. If I'm going for a run, I haven't come up with the solution to lug the iPad with me; however, the iPod Touch is a great walking/running device, especially with the inclusion of the Nike+ app which can track your runs and even post your run distance to Facebook and Twitter.

The iPod Touch has a mobile version of Apple's Safari web browser. Just like the iPad, you can sync the bookmarks/favorites from your main computer to your iPod Touch for access to your most frequently used websites. For instance, in my house, I have the same Fantasy Football link on my computer, my iPhone, my iPad, and my iPod Touch.

The newest feature included with iPod Touch is Apple's two-way video call technology, FaceTime. With FaceTime, an iPod Touch user can conduct video calls with other iPod Touch and iPhone 4 users. According to Apple, FaceTime technology will be released to 3rd parties later this year, so you may see this technology show up on computers and other devices very soon. The first generation iPad will most likely not get this feature, since it doesn't have a camera, which is why I predict that next year the 2nd generation iPad will include a camera. (I guess I'm going to have to trim those nose hairs after all.)

So which device is right for you? Remember my litany of questions above? When I think iPad, I think - sitting on the couch, at a desk, with plenty of screen real estate to easily consume content and also create content in a pinch. (When you think content creation, think 'editing', unless you pair a bluetooth keyboard or shell out cash for the keyboard dock from Apple.) I also think - relaxing, reading the news or reviewing a PowerPoint presentation. When I think iPod Touch, I think 'in my pocket, on the go'. I think gaming or listening to music while folding laundry. I think - I don't have a PDA phone, so this is my mini computer while I'm out and about, with access to Wi-Fi. When I think about e-mail, I think the devices are similar except for screen size. When I think movies, I think iPad. When I think Skype, I think iPod Touch. I sure am doing a lot of thinking. It's about time you take over, so let's talk price.

The base model iPod Touch with 8GB of storage is $229. The base model iPad with 16GB of storage is $499. 16GB of storage gives you about 4 movies, 20 music videos and about 1000 songs at any given time.

As with any device, the iPad vs. iPod debate is a personal choice. Which one should you buy Well, first answer, 'how will I use it?' and you'll be on your way to buying the device that will fit your circle. Now, your TechBender has some grooming to do...

Extra! Extra! Read All About It! -- CBS News for iPad (App Review)

It's here. The CBS News for iPad App has landed. With a unique interface built to work on a touchscreen device, developers have created something special with this app.

The app contains all the features you'd expect from a news organization, including top stories and news in the major categories. It also has the ability to post articles to Facebook and Twitter as well as contains daily pictures and video stories. But there are some special features that make this app really unique.

First, the interface is amazing. The app is presented in two main pages, one for news and the other for news shows. Yes, CBS News clips and stories are available to stream. In portrait view the top half of the screen contains top news that the reader navigates by swiping the stories, much like the featured apps in the App Store on iPad. The bottom half of the screen contains news stories by category with a mix of text and video news articles which are accessed by touching the thumbnail photos. Made specifically for touchscreen, the navigation is smooth and easy to use. This app is a total departure from traditional computer navigation and is customized for ease of use and efficiency on a touchscreen device.

When the app is moved to landscape orientation, the view changes to news articles sorted into columns.

With an in-app browser and the ability to mail articles, it seems that CBS has really put a lot of effort into making this app a full news experience for iPad users. They've even included the ability to save articles for offline reading, so users don't need Instapaper. CBS also includes AccuWeather which uses Location Services built into the iPad. Market information is also found on the main screen, with the ability to add customized ticker symbols. Both of these features create a one stop shop for quick access to up to date information.

As with any new app, I did notice a long load time when the app is launched. Also, there's a slight delay during page transitions. Usually these issues disappear after a developer update or two. Unlike the USA Today app, the CBS News app was fully functional at launch.

This is a great app with plenty of content. I think there is a slight learning curve getting used to navigating the app by thumbnails. This is only an issue when in portrait mode. Landscape view has a more traditional menu of articles via linked text. The fact that there is a choice is a good thing and should meet the needs of users. Great job CBS!

This app is: Winny Recommended


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad