TechTalk - Selling my iPad (again!)

Yes, I know.  I've had 3 different iPads, and this time its no different.  I really miss playing with the apps, but now that I'm in graduate school, I find that I spend too much time playing games that I probably shouldn't be playing.  Random games that involve flicking of my fingers to increase my score, or growing something has become monotonous and these games merely has a different them to them.  

Going back to playing games on my Xbox and selling my iPad.

Anyone want one?!  64GB with 3G! =D

Who knows, I am really looking forward to the new Windows 8 tablets.  Or trying out a ICS Android tablet.

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

TechTalk - Best Tablet Browser

Over the course of the past 2 years, I've had my share of tablets, from iPad, Dell Streak 7, HTC Evo View 4G, HTC Flyer and Blackberry Playbook.  Each running different OS systems, iOS, Android 2.2 (Froyo), Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) and BB OS.

So... who has the best browser?!?

My favorite browser on a tablet the one that can be found on Blackberry Playbook.

Why!?

Well, I know the apps are limited (very limited) but the browser more than makes up for it.  Example, it is true that iOS and Android has applications to stream television from NBC, ABC, FOX, etc. but you won't need those apps for the PlayBook.  All you have to do is go to the website like you would on your computer, stream and watch the show.  This is great for sites that don't have "apps" that still run their website on flash... examples... CW, Logo, Cnet and Yahoo (and countless more)

You'll be able to watch embedded views on these sites!

Streaming Project Runway All Stars on Lifetime

Yes, while other tablets have other capabilities and tons of other applications, for $199 you can get the best internet experience on a tablet...

called the Blackberry Playbook.

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

Reading is dead... I think NOT!

With technology evolving and the digital medium taking over the world and accessible everywhere, I am glad that books have evolved as well.

Today where local Blockbuster stores are closing because everyone streams or get their fix via mail, the book medium is along for the ride.

I remember a couple of years ago where I could get lost in Borders and wonder where the last 4 hours has gone.  I don't think I've been to a book store this year other than to meet other students for studying.


This past month has rekindled (get it?) one of my hobbies.  Reading.

I can't even count how many travel books I've read or mystery novels (Sue Grafton style).

Now that books are available at the palm of my hand like movies, I've read 5 books in the past 3 weeks.  I was planning to read school books, but there will be a time for that.

I am debating on buying some of my school books online, but the page numbers would be completely off if I needed to cite.   HMMMMM...

The great thing about Amazon's Kindle is you don't need a Kindle to read books, you can read on your smart phone, on your computer, on your iPad.


They also have the technology called Whispersync, so you can read from your iPad, close the application, then open the book on your PC or Mac and it'll start off where you left off.

Not to mention the price, most eBooks are cheaper than their physical counterparts.

Me - A summer bookworm? Who would have thought?

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

Pets and iPad.

Cat and iPad



Dog and iPad



Mahalo for reading (watching).

Until next time.

Apple iPad... One week later...

I have decided that I will be returning my Apple iPad.

Gasp!  I know, right?  I will be returning it not because I am unhappy with the device, I am returning it for the same device with added functionality... 3G.

As most of you know, I am one of the few individuals out there who has owned all 3 models of the iPhone and now no longer own the device that has changed the mobile scene.

Since I do have a 3G enabled device, there are certain instances where I do not have access to WiFi and 3G would be handy, so basically that is only reason I am returning my iPad.  That and I am debating on the 32GB version and the 64GB version.

I currently have a 64GB and though I have an iMac with a 1.5TB HD and I've used over 500GB of data, I feel that I don't really need to carry 64GB of music/videos and such.

To illustrate, here is a snapshot of what is in my iPad.

I have almost 1700 songs with 9 movies and a lot of music videos and video podcasts along with my whole photo collection and almost 80 application.

Yet, I will have 14.9GB to spare.

I think I will be buying the 32GB iPad + 3G.  I will be cutting down on the amount of photos I carry as well as coming up with a better system to filter my photos.

Ok, enough about mechanics... Let's talk about the device itself.  I still likes it a lot, I use it on a daily basis, yet I do not carry it around with me everywhere.  I do not use it at work, since I'm on the computer all day, nor do I use it all day in class, I use it maybe once every 2 hours to quickly check email.

As for the applications, I have downloaded many applications specific to the iPad and I have to say...
5 STAR APPS:  Netflix, ABC Player and Dragon Dictation.

These apps are the cream of the crop.  They not only work as intended but also surpass your expectation of the application and the interaction you come to expect.  Dragon Dictation is an application where you speak into the microphone and it takes your vocal speech and turns it into text, which you can then email, save, etc.  Surprisingly accurate.  With ABC player, though limited in the amount of episodes available, I have been able to catch up Desperate Housewives for free!  Netflix, not only does it have the full functionality of the website, you can stream movies and looks as good as the HDTV!

1 STAR APP: iStudiez Pro

I was looking forward to this application as it was one of Wired 15 iPad Apps You Should Download!
Needless to say, it has great promise for students and keeping them organized, but consistent crashing while trying to add your information left me furious.  It is the first application that I contact Apple for a refund, told Wired they suck for recommending this app and I even emailed the developer asking for a refund.  Surprisingly, the iStudiez guys apparently know there is a problem, so hopefully an update can work out all of kinks. 

Hi Max,

Thanks for your letter, we are sorry for the inconvenience.

Right now we are working hard to submit the critical update asap.
Thank you for your patience.

Kind regards,

[name deleted for privacy]
iStudiez Pro Lead Architect

The app with the biggest potential is: iBooks.

I love this application.  I have purchased a book, and I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was.  I was pretty shocked it downloaded as fast as a song on iTunes.  There is 1 major drawback though, content.  I searched for 3 books I wanted to buy and they were not available.  Hopefully when this matures like iTunes did, the amount of content will flourish.

Off to bed!  I have to wake up at 6 to run in the AM!

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

iPad... the first 24 hours... first impressions

Alright, where do I begin?

First, I am glad I preordered the iPad at my local Apple store as the one I purchased online via Apple.com will not be arriving until Monday (Thanks UPS).

The packaging is classic apple, and this time more symmetrical. After opening the box, the iPad stares at you like a 8 month old waving you to pick her up. Upon lifting the iPad from its cradle, standard documents are within an envelope. Interestingly enough, the instructions for the iPad is a small 4 by 6 placard instructing you which buttons are for which. Under the placard is your USB cable and the thingy you plug into the wall.

I was surprised how heavy it feels, at 1.5 pounds it is not very heavy but heavier than what I thought it would be.

First set up can take a while, mines took over an hour. It will be longer or shorter depending on the quantity of your photos. I have over 6000+ photos and it has to optimize them for the iPad. I have over 10 movies, 50 music videos, 6000+ photos and 1000+ songs and I didn't fill up the 64GB iPad. Granted I have over 1TB of data on my iMac, but I don't need to have all of that stuff on my iPad.

Alright, you've heard that the iPad screams... yup... more like a "that's all you've got attitude?". The iPad dares you to touch touch, retouch, swipe and it will follow all your commands with speed and accuracy. I almost hear her whisper, "what bitch? is that all you've got?"

Apps optimized for the iPad is awesome! I have used Netflix, Backrounds HD, ABC, Aurora Feint, iBooks, Photos, Videos (where your music videos and movies will be accessed) and yup, I'm a fannilow. Current iPhone/iPod touch apps do work with zoom, but they aren't as crisp on the iPad.

Email and internet on the iPad is really cool. I was surprised how accurate my typing is on the iPad. You can either grab the iPad and use your thumbs to type, which is somewhat slow and cumbersome if you have small hands, or you can lay or flat, or on your lap with a case and you'll have a full keyboard on landscape mode. I had no problem typing away and replying to emails.

Speaking of accessories, you will need a case to protect your baby. I decided to buy the case that Apple produced for the iPad and it works great. Small kine note, if you plan to dock your iPad, be warned you will have to REMOVE your case to dock your iPad... might be a small thing, but casings normally lose shape and form the more you take them off and put them on...

Oh yeah... the sun... the iPad attracts sunlight, so you probably won't be using this in direct sunlight without glarification in your eyes.

The battery life is crazy. Apple estimated 10.5 hours, I am thinking more like 12 hours, I never like my computer, iPad super bright, so I have my brightness on 50% setting and 12 hours is easy to get on an iPad. I also had the bluetooth setting off.

CONS... (yes there are CONS)
1) If you're use to having access to your data on the go, the moment you don't have WiFi access the iPad might feel a little naked, restricting you to certain functions that do not require WiFi.
2) Application prices. iPhone and iPod touch users are use to $0.99 cent applications, not on your iPad! The top 10 application on the iPad have an average selling price of $6.89 as opposed to $2.09 for the top 10 paid application on the iPhone.
3) There is no "Private Browsing" on Safari, so if you use someone's iPad, don't do something that you'll be ashamed for them to see. o_O

Alright, I think that pretty much covers it as I haven't had breakfast yet and yadiyadi ya...

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.