by Rod on September 2, 2010
Earlier today Samsung made the official annoucement of the 7-inch Android powered Galaxy Tab. The device looks to be the next popular Android device but we know this changes on a weekly basis. If you are wondering the devices does have a front and rear facing camer so video chat is an option. If you listen to the tech press a 7-inch device seems to be ideal for use as it has optimal weight for and eReader.
The Galaxy Tab will not be available until October 11th. Pricing currently in Europe ranging from €699 ($890) to €799 ($1,020). UK Pricing appears to be £680 ($1,050). [click to continue…]
by Brent on September 1, 2010
Let’s go down the list here, in order of size. All of these devices will ship with Android 2.2, and they’ve also all got microphones and accelerometers. However, perhaps fatally, these tablets (like some others) do not have access to the App Marketplace. You’ll get your “custom-sized” apps through Archos’ AppsLib, which doesn’t sound like fun. The number of apps is limited and doesn’t update often, although you can usually find most of the most popular available. Google apps will also not be present, which means you’ll have Archos’ replacements for maps, music, and so on. Now, this can be resolved by rooting the devices, and then side-loading the Google apps, but it is a pain and these devices are chronically under-powered. Nevertheless, if you you want is a decent large-screen media player or ebook reader, at the price, any of these might do nicely.
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by Rod on September 1, 2010
It is almost like every on and their brother waited for this week to announce their up and coming devices. It is almost like Apple has something planned this week and they want to make the hype cycle as short as possible. Rydeen gPad is a 7-inch resistive touchscreen tablet with 800x480 resolution, Marvell ARMADA 166-800MHz processor, Bluetooth, and GPS running some version of Android.
I played with a resistive touch screen recently and let me say that device found its way back to the store after several minutes of frustration and having to go back to using a stylus. The device does have a front facing 2 megapixel camera for video chat. Pricing on this will be key but I would rather pay more money and get a device with great performance. [click to continue…]
by Rod on August 31, 2010
The ViewSonic view pad is a 7-inch Android 2.2 powered tablet with phone capabilities. The tablet/phone has front and rear facing camera's which are great for taking pictures or doing video chat. The device has a full size SIM slot so you can go from your day-to-day phone into the device and have voice and data available, assuming no subscriber tricks. It does not have a ear piece for voice calls so you will need to use a bluetooth headset like the Plantronics Voyager Pro or stay wire with the VModa Vibe II. The technical specs are not in the release but if Engadget is correct this only has a 600MHz ARM processor as it is the OlivePad rebranded. Hopefully this is incorrect. Please be incorrect. Press Release after the break. [click to continue…]
by Rod on August 30, 2010
Korean carrier KT has announced their own 7-inch Android Powered Tablet, called the Identity Tab. If you think it is the Galaxy Tab you re without a doubt wrong. The devices has a 1 GHz processor, 8 GB of internal storage, 3 mega pixel cameras, WiFi, Bluetooth and a DMB TV Tuner built-in. It is unclear what version of Android the device will be running but likely that wont be as silly and Dell and put 1.6 on the device. [click to continue…]
by Rod on August 26, 2010
When I initially saw Newsy I thought this was a great concept. It aggregates news from multiple sources and delivers it to you on the iPad. You get some analysis, but it is video news vs text which hits a broader audience. Newsy recently updated to versions 2.1 for the iPad which is a minor update to improve usability and social networking. Newsy is also available for the iPhone and Android devices. Press release after break
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by Rod on August 25, 2010
Imagine if you could build your own laptop. That is how I feel sometimes when I think about iPad accessories if you keep adding things you will have a great netbook. KeyCase iPad Folio is and iPad case with a built in keyboard. The KeyCase iPad Folio has been FCC approval but should be handy to all those iPad users that really want to have a keyboard available when using. How can you argue, with a Bluetooth keyboard built-in the case it really makes the iPad functional as a data entry device. When I have used my Freedom Pro Bluetooth Keyboard with my iPad my productivity increases 10x. There is no word when the case will release but is is for sale at GearZap in the UK for £59.95 (about $92) although is is currently out of stock. I personally will wait until it is on my trusted retailer, Amazon.
[Via Engadget]
by Rod on August 24, 2010
This video for showing so little shows so much. The samsung Galaxy Tab looks good. Only a 7 inch screen running Android 2.2, Swype keyboard, HD Movie playback, GPS, and more options. It is a movie trailer for a tablet. If they don't totally screw it up this will offer and option in the tablet space. Video after Break.
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by Rod on August 23, 2010
"How long until we get there?" This single question must be built into the DNA of every child, because there is likely not a parent in the world whose kids have not uttered these words on a short or long road trip. I can drive my three kids to their grandparent’s only 20 minutes away and at some point, one of the three will ask that dreaded question. My son and I went to watch the Washington Redskins get handled by the Baltimore Ravens. To my surprise, he never asked the question. Before you ask, no I did not tape his mouth shut. I just gave him the iPad loaded with music, games, and TV shows.
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by Brent on August 19, 2010
Nobody has ever accused Apple of playing well with non-Apple formats. However, for whatever reason, a number of quite good apps have suddenly been approved in the App Store that allow you to play extend video formats. They are still a bit rough in some cases, but if they are allowed to remain (you know how capricious Apple can be) they will probably mature into great applications. [click to continue…]