Activity for April 21

Comment - Twelve billion iBalls fall into Gizmodo's lap
(Apr 21, 2010 - 10:52 AM)

Completely agree. I was thinking exactly the same thing after reading this. I read Joe's article the other day and thought that the articles were redundant on a news story that has already gotten too much coverage. And to the point, I read Carmi's because I knew it would be better thought out and more complete.
Comment - 10 questions to ask before buying iPad
(Apr 19, 2010 - 1:55 PM)

Anyone who knows me, knows I am no Apple fanboy. In fact, I laughed when they launched the iPad. I thought it was completely stupid. However, I bought one and I have to say this article is VERY misleading and wrong in many instances:

1. Can you rub your tummy, wave your hand, chew bubblegum and blink your eyes at the same time?

No, the iPad is not a true mult-tasking device at this point. However, 4.0 is anticipated and is supposed to correct this issue. The iPad is incredibly fast and jumping between applications is a breeze. Many accommodate saving your last spot.

2. Do you watch videos at places other than YouTube?

This is just plain wrong. Video is offered in a ton of different forms and is a big part of the iPad. Netflix is brilliant and streams perfectly. Yes, it is true that Flash is unsupported but that is only the tip of the iceberg. There is a terrific app called "Air Video" that allows you to watch virtually any of your video files from a streaming library. ABC has launched a custom app as well. Sure, there is no HULU but there is a lot of content.

3. Do you like to eat with your fingers?

Eating with fingers is usually consider barbaric and messy while the iPad is the opposite. This is simply a stupid analogy. I do not like to eat with my fingers but I love the graceful and smooth movement of the iPad. The iPad is a joy to use in this aspect.

4. Do you have trouble managing your inbox?

I actually find the iPad less than useful for my Gmail. I prefer the regular interface but again, it goes to the last point. Using a touch screen is efficient and more comfortable than many other interfaces.

5. Did you rebuy music or movies you already purchased to get the content in a new format?

This is ridiculous on so many levels. This is not the same device and as such, requires new software. In fact, I think Apple made a mistake even allowing people to use iPhone-Touch apps to work on this device. It only re-affirms people's idea that this is just a big iPod. The apps are more functional in many cases and utilize this new platforms capabilities and are worth the extra money.

6. Do you like to read while sitting on the toilet?

Juvenile and beneath the normal quality of Betanews. The iPad is great for reading in any location.

7. Is your music library bigger than a cereal box?

I learned long ago when I moved from an 80 GB iPod to a 64GB Touch that is a ludicrous prospect to try to carry all your music with you. First, why?? Can you listen to everything in your library at any given time? Do you need access to all your music? I have more than 100 GB of music ALL legally obtained (yes, I am starting a three step program) and I simply manage my library.

However, I do not use the iPad for music. It makes no sense to carry around music on the device when the iPhone or iPod do it so much better. To me, I would rather listen to my iPod while I work on the iPad.

8. Have you pined for an Apple laptop but couldn't justify, or afford, $999 for the white MacBook?

Honestly, if you want a laptop, save your money and buy a laptop. This is the worst reason to buy the iPad. It will be insufficient in so many ways that you will end up returning it. The device is meant to be transitory and like a Netbook. The iPad is ideal for people needing a quick and easy way to get to their entertainment, work and other tasks when they are AFK or for people who like having a small and very fast access to the Internet.

9. Do you enjoy reading bulky magazines, like Brides or the old Computer Shopper?

The iPad is no where near the size or shape of either of those and with the iPad you can carry HUNDREDs of magazines, books and films. Maybe Joe needs to beef up on the veggies since my 12 year old totes it around without issue. If you want something smaller, buy an iPhone or iPod.

10. Do you travel often by air and find annoying and time wasting the security process of removing your laptop from its bag?

Again, the iPad is no substitute for a laptop but it is a great travel companion if you do not need all the horsepower of a computer while you are out and about. I think it is perfect for vacation when you need access but do not need to work or for short work trips where you need access to data.

This is one of the most disappointing articles I have read here in a while.
Comment - Verizon touts Android's superiority over iPhone
(Oct 19, 2009 - 4:21 PM)

Android has come a long way since G1 and it continues to evolve and improve. My wife has an iPhone 3Gs and I have a myTouch 3G. The thing that strikes me as that Apple has really banked on the apps to push the OS. I have all sorts of cool widgets on my desktop so I don't have to open apps to see my Todo and calendar and phone numbers and weather and everything else.

Apple certainly has made an excellent product but I believe Android will quickly pass Apple unless they stop relying on third party developers as their advantage and start to stick a little more innovation in the OS.
Comment - Android 'Donut' SDK released: What's new inside
(Sep 16, 2009 - 11:38 AM)

The iPhone is a brilliant device but I believe strongly that Android will eventually overtake it simply because of its open architecture and he number of hardware vendors supporting it. While Apple is a terrific company and truly revolutionized this platform, they also rule with an iron fist. Being locked into AT&T strangles the competitive field for them. Many people I know are tired of being locked into Apple decisions and a single source for everything.
Comment - Palm Pre: Rounding up (or down) the reviews
(Jun 4, 2009 - 3:35 PM)

I am not certain the battery use is as big an issue as it is presented. The touchstone allows you to keep it charged with no connectivity and we still do not know what is killing the battery. Maybe they have WiFi, Bluetooth and the GPS all enabled at the same time. It may only take a couple quick tweaks to make this issue go away.

Personally, I am not ready to declare the iPhone a victor until the Pre has actually entered the ring.