Rumors of iPad Mini

Rumors that Apple is on the verge of producing a smaller version of its iPad are circulating once again. Reputable media sources including PCWorld, Bloomberg, and The Wall Street Journal have all cited unnamed “people familiar with the situation” who claim that Apple’s suppliers in Asia are gearing up for mass production of a smaller tablet in the fall.

iPad Mini vs Google’s Nexus 7
Talk of an iPad mini began not long after Apple introduced its 9.7” tablet to the world back in 2010. In fact, rumors surfaced as recently as November that Apple would take on Amazon’s 7” Kindle Fire by producing a better quality 7” tablet of its own. Obviously, that didn’t happen.

Now that Google has announced it will release a 7” device of their own in July, it seems many can’t help but speculate that the industry giant will stomp out the competition with a far superior yet inexpensive 7” iPad mini.

Innovation not Imitation
It’s anticipated that a smaller iPad would compete directly with, and take market share from, Google’s Nexus 7 and Amazon’s Kindle Fire. But really, how likely is it that Apple will produce a tablet that even the late Steven Jobs said was a bad idea? Then again, Jobs was famous for debasing products right before Apple released a similar “revolutionary” product.

One thing that bothers me about the “iPad mini” rumors is that Apple is all about innovation – not imitation. Apple is the trail blazer, the top dog, the leader to follow. Apple’s strategy has rarely been reactionary; however the tablet market is anticipated to grow by an astounding 85% in 2012. Certainly, that may give Apple enough reason to consider producing a lower-priced tablet designed to reach the masses.
Small Tablets are the Future.

PCWorld recently featured an article by Mike Elgan who stated, “It has become clear that there are major markets for two sizes: An iPad size in the 10-inch diagonal range, and a smaller size in the 7-inch diagonal range.” Elgan goes on to explain that the two different sizes serve distinctly different purposes. The larger, more expensive device is likely to be used for work and heavy-duty tasks at home, in the office, and in Wi-Fi locations.

The smaller, less expensive tablet could be taken to the beach or the park because the affordability of such a tablet will allow people to use it on the go with less concern for damage or theft.

Only time will tell whether Apple agrees with Elgan’s analysis, though those eager for an iPad mini have suggested the slate could be 7.8” on the diagonal. If so, that would be approximately 40% larger than other 7” tablets, making it a bit heavier and less portable.

Random Picking Of Over Thousands of iPad Apps

The commercial craze surrounding iPad gave us the impression that this nifty machine is small enough to trot yet packed with superior apps that would put an ordinary smart phone to shame.

Apple has made it a point, in fact, a selling point, that thousands of apps were designed specifically to iPad consumption. These apps range from the leisurely and educational to the business centered. At present, additional apps are still in the process of been developed to ensure that all kinds of processes are possible to be accomplished in the iPad.

Interesting apps are present in the iPad, which may not appear to be immediately useful, but to some extent, is on a good-to-know basis. For instance, there exists a table of elements app called The Elements that has absolutely no use for corporate individuals and just about everyone else. Unless we are still attached to academic Chemistry or have great propensity to create our own potions, the Table of Elements seems like a whimsical addition to iPad's list of apps. But it does not hurt to find this app, for one, it could come in handy in the face of an alien take-over.

One useful app would be the Epicurious, a comprehensive indexed cookbook. The user could randomly search for a recipe by simply using one of the ingredients names as the search keyword. It will return a list of recipes that includes the key ingredient and the user can further narrow down the search by adding more key recipes.

Other lifestyle apps are offered too that can supplement the Epicurious app such as the Grocery IQ and Mcormick Recipes apps among others.

Games and entertainment apps have a wide array of selection from scholarly to mundane to high speed racing. Even the game apps have been specially redesigned for iPad. Gaming is such a great experience on the iPad because of its rich display, ultra fast processor and multi-orientation screen. The user can flip the tablet from portrait to landscape to better enjoy the gaming activity.

Scrabble and Soduko are two of the most popular educational game puzzles that were integrated into the iPad apps. Puzzle games such as Labyrinth, Monkey Flight, Traffic Rush, Superstar Chef, Bloons Light and more. For the puzzle addict, iPad sounds like a stairway to arcade/puzzle games heaven.

Racing games have so many incarnations in the list of iPad apps such as Real Racing HD, Asphalt 5, F1 2010, Fast Lane Street Racing Lite, Fast and Furious The Game Test Drive, Need for Speed: Undercover among others. There are about hundred of racing games to choose from.

The iPad owner can decide which apps to download on the iPad depending on his lifestyle or tastes. Everything is available on the App Store and almost all of it has been rehashed to adapt to the iPad's specifications. With over a hundred thousand of apps to choose from, it would be impossible not to find one that will spark one's interests.

Multimedia Heaven Found on iPad

For most of the things we have heard about the iPad, its most popular feature is its tablet design. It sounds aesthetically centered, but beauty is just a secondary consideration when purchasing a gadget. The main purpose for acquiring a gadget is to take advantage of its ability to make the user's life better, whether in business or leisure.

To the average consumer, features make or break the purchasing deal; besides, even if the buyer is not technologically inclined, he will find a way to get to know his newest object of gadgetry affection.

Internet on the iPad is handled by Safari; recently, they have approved the Opera Mini app. Safari is the fastest Web browser in the world, according to Apple engineers. No doubt about the source definitely, because Apple created Safari. Now, for some reason, they have allowed Opera Mini to be included in the App Store; however, even the app does not support Flash. To those who aspire to continue harvesting their FarmVille crops on the iPad: better luck next time.

The iPad boasts a crisp and advanced split screen-style email application. When the device is placed on a landscape orientation, it displays both the opened message and the list of emails on the inbox with a two-liner preview. Attachments and images are displayed by default alongside the text in the message. For some reason, the split-screen inbox reminds me of Outlook; I don't know, I could be confused.

Graphics are highly appreciated with iPad's vivid color display. It utilises IPS or in-plane switching that allows for an extremely wide angle so you can look at your pictures from various points and still get a good view. Same goes for viewing maps on the iPad; its spacious screen and interactive display will allow the user to manipulate and zoom the map for better resolution. 

For persons who enjoy viewing and collecting photos, there are several ways to store pictures in the iPad. You can import photos from your digital camera or SD card using the iPad Camera Connection Kit, an accessory that is sold separately. You can also synchronize the iPad to your computer using iTunes and—voila!—you have successfully incorporated photos into your iPad.

Videos and movies are great to watch on the iPad for its wide screen effect and crisp display. The battery can run for ten hours so you can watch movies to your heart's delight without having to deal with a blinking power indicator. YouTube has created an app specially designed for Apple computers to make up for the absence of Flash in the device.

Naturally, the iPad—like all other Apple computers—powers its entertainment and file sharing features through iTunes. This application will enable the user to share, download, and purchase media content such as music, videos, and photos. 

Of course, the mother of all Apple apps is the App Store, where the user can purchase applications and content to be stored in the iPad. About 150,000 applications have been created and the numbers keep on growing as the iPad begins to respond to consumer demands. 

Microsoft Surface RT Review

Microsoft’s recent announcement that it’s entering the tablet market by producing not just one, but two tablets can hardly be called a “launch” as the Microsoft for Windows 8 RT and the Microsoft for Windows 8 Pro won’t even be available for another 3-6 months. Compare that with Google’s announcement of its first tablet, the Nexus 7, which will be available approximately a month after the company introduced it at its recent Google I/O event.

Regardless of the long wait time and the absence of a few important details, there are many who are eager to get their hands on one of these two slates – both of which are anticipated to be somewhat high-end.

Microsoft Surface for Windows 8 RT
Although the RT version of the Microsoft Surface tablet will include Microsoft Office, it will run a pared down version of Windows 8. To get the full Windows 8 you’ll have to wait three additional months for the Pro model. Even so, the RT model offers lots of fun features. Let’s take a look.

Specs for the Microsoft Surface for Windows 8 RT:
* Processor: NVIDIA Silicon Tegra-based ARM
* Weight: 1.48 lbs
* Thickness: .37”
* Screen: 10.6 inch “Clear Type HD”
* Pixels: 1280X720 (best guess)
* Storage: 32GB or 64GB of internal storage and microSD slot
* I/O: USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2X2 MIMO antennae, forward and back facing cameras
* Extras: Touch/Type Cover options, built-in kickstand, stereo speaker
* Available: Fall of 2012, release of Windows 8
* Pricing: “Comparable with other tablets”

The specs leave us guessing on pixel density and exact pricing, but it also piques our interest and desire to know more.

Touch Cover with Integrated Keyboard
One of the more innovative aspects of the Surface for Windows 8 RT tablet is its cover, which duals as a keyboard. The 3mm thick Touch Cover magnetically attaches to the tablet and offers an integrated pressure sensitive keyboard designed to distinguish between fingers merely resting on the keys and actual keystrokes.
Another interesting thing about the Touch Cover is that the color of the cover influences the background displayed on the screen. Microsoft execs demoed this at the announcement showing attendees how the hot pink keyboard caused the background to turn a brilliant hot pink. The screen’s background color changes from turquoise to red to black depending on the color of the keyboard being used with the tablet.
For those who prefer a truer keyboard experience Microsoft also offers the 5mm Type Cover which has actually keys.

It’s interesting to witness the various forms tablets are taking. On the one hand are the smaller 7” inch value models offered by Google and Amazon, while on the other hand are the new Microsoft Surface for Windows 8 tablets with size and specs similar to the iPad. What size and features do you prefer in a tablet?

Microsoft Surface PRO Review

Surface Pro a Blend of PC and Tablet
A review of the specs for the Pro version of the Microsoft Surface tablet makes it obvious that this is the company’s attempt at taking the best from both PC and tablet, to re-envision what a tablet could be.
During the introduction Microsoft CEO, Steve Ballmer explained the consideration of both devices in this way, “We designed Windows 8 for the world we know, in which most computers are mobile.”
Even Microsoft founder, Bill Gates weighed in on this aspect of the Surface tablets.

Quoted in a recent PCMAG.com article Gates stated, "I actually believe you can have the best of both worlds. You can have a rich ecosystem of manufacturers and you can have a few signature devices that show off, wow, what's the difference between a tablet and a PC?"

Microsoft Surface for Windows Pro
Take a look at the specs to see if you agree.

* Processor: Intel Core i5 (Ivy Bridge)
* Weight: 1.99 lbs
* Thickness: .53”
* Screen: 10.6 inch “Clear Type Full HD”
* Pixels: 1920X1080 (best guess)
* Storage: 64GB or 128GB of internal storage and a microSDXC slot
* I/O: USB 3.0, Mini Display Port, 2X2 MIMO antennae, forward and back facing cameras
* Extras: Touch/Type Cover options, built-in kickstand, stereo speaker
* Available: January 2013 (Three months after the release of Windows 8.)
* Pricing: “Similar to an Ultra-book”

Digital Inking
One thing many reviewers are excited about is the tablet’s digital inking design. Microsoft gave its Surface for Windows 8 Pro version the ability to write directly on the screen with a stylus. Its Gorilla Glass 2 is chemically bonded, which reportedly makes the use of the stylus-on-tablet feel very much like pen-on-paper.

We’re looking forward to giving both the Surface for Windows 8 Pro and the Surface for Windows 8 RT tablets a try; however Microsoft has yet to announce pricing information or a firm release date.
The new Microsoft Surface for Windows 8 Pro and Microsoft Surface for Windows 8 RT are somewhat different; however their similarities could easily lead to confusion. To help you to compare the two and understand their differences review for the Microsoft Surface for Windows 8 RT.

Little Known Features Of iPad

iPad is a bombshell. There's so much in it that it could take some serious time spent with it before one can actually use its full capacity. Here's a quick view of some of little known features this multifunctioning device has.

Built-In Dictionary
It's a no-brainer that a device that has superb features for e-reading is also backed with a decent built-in dictionary. Both the word processor and the iBooks application has dictionary for quick reference to words that you may find vague. Apple is also thoughtful enough to include a quick search of the eBooks using a keyword, just as you would do with a website. As if this is not enough, it is also easy to get quick access to online dictionaries via Safari, so it really isn’t a big deal if some unfamiliar words make you stammer while you read Apple's massive collection of eBooks.

Auto-Adjusted Screen Brightness
The developers of iPad went so far as program the device to adjust its brightness according to specific environments to make eye strain less of an issue for users. This is particularly important for people who frequently use the device in different lighting conditions.

Don’t wish for perfection though. Despite the brilliant design and programming that went into the creation of the product, it still has some limitations. Text and images look washed under direct sunlight, for one.

Home Screen Bookmarking
The home screen, is without a doubt among the most versatile features of the device. Aside from allowing the display of the shortcuts to specific applications, iPad's Home Screen also displays your bookmarked websites. For the end users, this means that you can go straight to your favorite websites with just one touch of the bookmarked websites icon.

Browser Dashboard
Forget tabbed browser, iPad's Safari offers users a different view of opened 'tabs'. Like the tabbed view we get from laptop or desktop browsers, the dashboard view allows the opening of multiple web pages, only with iPad's Safari, the web pages are shown as thumbnail images of all opened sites. This allows for easy switching between websites. All it needs is a single tap.

Smart Links
Mailing is more convenient with iPad. The device is programmed to recognize address, names, numbers and link these to relevant information. This function benefits users by cutting short the time spent on searching online or in the device's storage for information relevant to the inquiry. For example, when addresses are tapped, maps and directions show up on the screen. When a name or a telephone number is tapped, the entire information on the contact list is revealed.

Slideshow Soundtracks
We're done with boring, quiet slideshows. Apple's iPad brings forth the option of integrating music and sounds into its slideshow app. Now, that's a good way of jazzing up any presentation you create using Keynote.

Background Music
And you thought only slideshows can have a background music…Even while you are searching the web or playing any of Apple's apps, you can have music continuously playing on the background.

Looking At Features The iPad Does Not Have

Technology that's revolutionary, unique, and breakthrough—such are the adjectives that were attached to the iPad as it was launched by Apple early this year.

Its launch was arguably graced with one the most massive marketing concepts since the iPhone. Apple has a way of making grandiose statements about their products that result to great commercial interest. Sure, there exists a considerable gap between the positive and negative feedback, but these only fuels up the interest that is surrounding the latest Apple ingenue.

A lot has been said about the iPad's features and performance. iPad detractors have belittled its purported presence in the industry. Most of the comments belie on the gadget's lack of special qualities to actually take over one of the more popular devices today.

It cannot take over the iPod Touch primarily because of the difference in size. The main selling point of the iPod Touch is its handiness. For a relatively miniature piece, the iPod Touch can store so much files and deliver outstanding performance. It can play movies, videos, music, and games. In addition to that, an iPod Touch can connect to the Internet through wireless technology. It is practically the best amongst the slew of music players that came our way.

It cannot take over the iPhone or any smartphone in existence. The iPad does not support SMS, which is an inherent characteristic of a mobile phone. Moreover, it cannot perform the most important mobile feature: voice calls and its advanced sister, video calls. It cannot make video calls mainly because it does not have an integrated camera. It has a detachable camera that is sold separately as an accessory. It sounds fussy, definitely not the kind of device you would like to tote every day.

The iPad cannot take over the ominous laptops, whatever brand is in question. A laptop is heavy duty; its clamshell design protects the screen. It has a keyboard and a mouse and provides various input and output channels such as USB ports, flash drives, memory card slot, CD-ROM and HDMI socket. A laptop is a one-stop device that will enable you to accomplish your tasks in one sitting. Most importantly, a laptop is designed to support multitasking by allowing the user to open and run more than two programs at once.

Although it does have a case, which again, is sold separately. The iPad case is dual purpose; aside from protecting the display screen, it also serves as an iPad stand. A keyboard dock accessory is also available for those who prefer the convenience of typing away in an actual, physical keyboard.

For sure, a lot of iPad supplements will be introduced in the future, like an external hard drive or a mouse. In a practical sense, would anyone really want a gadget that offers the same features as the existing gadget already does? Not to mention the existing gadgets that have all the features tucked in without the need to purchase one accessory after the other.