Browsing Month February, 2010

This just in…The iPad is NOT a computer!

February 24th, 2010 // 1:18 pm @ Terrance Gaines

Is it an iPod Pro or MacBook Touch?

As the rumored iPad preorder date draws near, I feel it is my duty to get something off my chest in hopes that “something” I have to in fact “get off my chest” helps somebody who hasn’t decided whether or not they are gonna go out and buy the iPad…

THE IPAD IS NOT A COMPUTER!

The Lowdown:

It will not replace your laptop and it is not slated to abolish the netbook or tablet pc category. I hear the next question coming:

“Well if it’s not a computer, then what is it?” Good question! I will attempt to answer this to the best of my abilities.

- It’s a web browser
Apple has one of the smoothest, easiest to use browsers out there with Safari. That statement will be amplified when you use it on the iPad. The ability to browse multiple graphically enhanced websites, save bookmarks with ease, waste time watching youtube videos, and tackle just about any other web-based task will be one of the iPad’s strongpoints.

- It’s an e-book reader
For those of us who haven’t picked up an actual hard-copy book in years will welcome the iPad and the new iBooks ebook store launched simultaneously. You will be able to purchase books the same way you purchase songs via iTunes and then the books are neatly displayed on the iPad via a virtual bookshelf similar to your average retail bookstore isle.

- It’s a music/picture viewer
No surprise there. Everything you can currently do with an iPod or iPod Touch, you can do with the iPad…only bigger (you eyes will thank you)

- It’s a Mobile Application Device AKA, “MAD” (I just coined a new acronym for the iPad…I need to get on that trademark ASAP!)
Mobile Apps have taken smartphone devices by storm. The ability to buy and use an app in seconds to assist in everyday activities (directions, weather, communications, news, etc.) has revolutionized the way software is being developed and deployed. I see a day where electronic app stores that enable you to gain access to software immediately will replace ENTIRE software departments of brick and mortar electronics stores! (If there are any still around). Devices like the iPad will take full advantage of the simplicity of using apps in place of big and clunky devices and software that takes up a ton of space on a computer.

Now I do have some gripes about the iPad that should’ve been seriously considered before launch:

- No Multi-tasking
I switch between my Twitter app, RSS reader app, and mobile browser on my smartphone like a madman. Not to be able to quickly copy/paste a web link to Twitter (after I have shrunk the URL with yet another app) will be something that will irk me if I am using the iPad. But hopefully the folks at Apple wise up and update the OS to enable those of us WITHOUT one track minds to multi-task ’til our hearts content

- No Flash
Since a nice piece of video on the web is in Adobe Flash format, watching “Family Guy” via HULU is a NO GO for me via iPad as it stands. But watching YouTube will be in full force, so I will just have to search through the regular youtube crap to get to the goodies…until HTML5 takes off.

To summarize, if you think you will be able to use your iPad to stay home from work and still telecommute during an 1″ Atlanta snowstorm, you will be sadly mistaken…even that may change as Cloud Computing gains steam.

But if you want to do any other sort of entertainment, communication, or App Store-related task (there is an App for just about everything) WITHOUT squinting at your smartphone, lugging around your laptop, or waiting for your netbook to power up, the new iPad “MAD” will fit the bill perfectly! Once folks get out of the mindset that the iPad will be the end all be all of ALL computing, I think they will appreciate what the iPad is and what it has to offer.

Category : Computer/Networking Tech &Mobile Tech &Web Tech

Best Buy Mobile’s M:iQ App

February 12th, 2010 // 1:04 pm @ Terrance Gaines

For the last couple of weeks, I have been looking for an app to back up my BlackBerry contact’s information. I was using Google Sync, but it kept messing up the way I stored my contacts on my phone. I want my information backed up EXACTLY THE WAY I STORE IT! After a couple of apps (and a couple of FAILS) I found a free app that may just do the trick.

The Lowdown:

Best Buy Mobile has put out M:iQ an app that pretty much backs up ALL of my phone’s media:

Contacts
Calendar
Messages
Calls
Photos
Videos

All of it is securely backed up and ready to be retrieved if your phone is lost, stolen, or if you’re like me, switch phones every couple of months. It doesn’t save music or other apps, but that can be done via BlackBerry Desktop Manager that comes with every phone.

What I like about M:iQ is the online interface to view all of your information. It is very clean, and it’s very easy to edit the information. So if you are like Mrs. Tech, and you HATE entering/editing information directly on the phone, you can log into your online profile and edit the information there and sync it to your phone.

In addition to just viewing/editing your stored data, you can also send your contacts messages, share your pics and videos AND update your status to all the major social media sites! – That is where M:iQ shines. Any media that has been backed up you now have control of it via the web. That means if there is a pic you want to share on Facebook, you don’t have have to mess with your phone to do it. Just view the pic via M:iQ and share it immediately!

(I did mention the app is free right?)

The only two drawbacks I have encountered is:

- You can’t set a specific time to backup your data. You can only do it automatically, which I am assuming is when data has been changed; or by manually starting the sync.

- The app SUCKS my phone’s battery life. I am currently using the BlackBerry Storm 9530 on Verizon so my experience may be different if you have a different phone/carrier. But just in case, keep an eye on your battery indicator, and a charger in your pocket.

Those two seem like easy fixes to me, so lets hope the devs are already on their job.

Even with those two drawbacks, I would still suggest this app to anybody with a BlackBerry (or any other phone Best Buy Mobile sells…sorry iPhone folks!)

To download, go to miqlive and find your compatible phone, or get it via BlackBerry App World

Category : Mobile Tech

Sonos – Multi-room Audio without the wires

February 3rd, 2010 // 12:39 pm @ Terrance Gaines

Multi-room audio - The EASY way

It was thought that the ONLY ways to enjoy quality music throughout your home was to either pre-wire your newly-built “McMansion” with miles of audio cable, install in-wall or in-ceiling speakers and connect it all to a CD changer or FM tuner in the basement; OR pay someone to come out and retrofit your 50-year old home with all the above equipment (which costs more). Oh, there is also the old-fashioned way: Buy two powered tower speakers, hook them up to a beefy amp/receiver AND JUST CRANK IT!

Well there is another option – Wireless! Now don’t get me wrong (and let me ease the anger of audiophiles everywhere), connecting all of your audio equipment directly (wired) is still going to provide you with the best sound quality and if done right, will ensure the lowest amount of signal interference. But as technology advances, newer ways to do the same ol’ same ol’ will advance as well.

The Lowdown:

Enter Sonos, a multi-room audio system built around wirelessly sending audio signals to different components around your home without the complicated and costly process of your typical wired multi-room audio distribution system.

Sonos claims that it’s system will provide the user:

“- Wireless that works like magic
- A multi-room system that’s flawless, flexible and fun.
- Instant access to endless music.
- Setup that’s out-of-the-box simple.“

[click the links for detailed descriptions]

They way they accompish this is by:

1. Connecting a ZoneBridge or ZonePlayer to your broadband router

2. Placing additional ZonePlayers in all the rooms where you want music, either by connecting said players to existing audio equipment (A/V receiver and/or powered speakers). Or adding players that include amplification and sound output.

3. Once the ZonePlayers are in place, you can control the players and your music collection by either the Sonos PC or Mac program, a Sonos portable controller, or by dowloading an app that will convert your iPhone or iPod Touch into a Sonos Player (Yes, you can control your multi-room audio system with your iPhone).

You can also listen to Internet radio (free or fee) and other online music services like Rhapsody, Napster & Pandora.

“You don’t need to be a tech genius or a wireless expert. You don’t have to break through walls or hire someone to re-wire your house. And you don’t need to know what hex keys and SSID are. All you need is a high-speed Internet connection, a router and two fingers so you can push the buttons on every ZonePlayer. When you want to expand, just add more ZonePlayers and Controllers and get those fingers ready.”

Prices for the ZoneBridge and ZonePlayers start at about $100 bucks, the Sonos Controller is $350 (iPhone or iPod Touch app is free) and the Sonos program for Mac or PC is free as well. They also have bundles they suggest as a simple way to get all you need with one purchase.

For all you audiophiles that contest enjoying your music collection via a series of complex audio connections is the ONLY way to do it…do yo’ thang. For everybody else who just wants some music in the kitchen while they cook, Sonos may be an ideal alternative.

*cough*Since I did such a nice writeup, maybe Sonos will send me some products to review*cough*

Category : Home Tech