Windows of Opportunity

To have a Techie Life is not limited to using any or all of the MAC or Apple products. 

It does not mean that you should no longer look at or have a second look at the latest Windows-based tablets.

The advantages of MAC products were always the service aspect due to the number of Apple stores located worldwide, the design and the number of applications that are available for download.

According to the latest count, the number of downloads of MAC applications are now getting close to 25 Billion.

As of today however, there are still more PC or Windows-based computers being used worldwide. Which means that there are still more people individually or in the enterprise using them. Many are used to the Windows-based applications embedded or downloaded on their computers.

When the competition became a battle of tablets and smart phones the MAC and Android products were suddenly beating the Windows-based ones. This is because of the birth of mobile operating systems installed in these tablets and smart phones.

Realizing this, Microsoft decided to install its Windows 7 and 8 operating systems in tablets and ultra books. This means that these devices have become fully operating PCs as well. It further means that all applications and files in your old PCs are transferable and usable in the new tablets or ultra books.

As I told my barber, I use an iPad 2 because of the many applications available to me, the service I get at Apple stores and, of course, the beautiful design of my device.

As exhibited at the International Consumer Electronic Show (CES) last January, the Windows-based tablets, ultra books, and Windows 8 phones, have been designed to compete with those of MAC and Android.

To be more competitive, Microsoft also decided to put up Microsoft stores worldwide. One of these stores is located in Tysons Corner Mall, which is about a 10 minute drive from my house.

I visited the store yesterday and it looks like they are serious in providing better service to Microsoft/Windows users.

Like the iPad, the latest tablets and ultra books I saw are also touch screen. They are competitively priced and beautifully designed. The advantage I see is the fact that they are fully operating PCs.

Over the years while I was attending the International Consumer Electronic Show (CES) I was always seeking a tablet that had an off-line search engine. This is because there are people like me who store libraries of documents, music, video, photos and other files in their computers. For security and easy accessibility, they prefer to keep them in their tablets.

Since they are stored off-line, they should also be retrievable and searchable off-line. As a lawyer, for example, I store all the laws and court decisions in my computer. I would like easily searching and retrieving them.

I can do this with the built-in search engine of my PC and my downloaded Google Desktop search engine. I cannot do it in my iPad 2. It cannot be done in Android tablets. It could not be done in earlier Windows tablets.

In the latest Windows 7 and 8 tablets, all Windows applications are downloadable. This includes the Google Desktop search engine, which then allows the tablet to index all the files in the internal hard drive and in the external hard drives that you connect as well.  Of course, this makes them searchable too.

I cannot do this in my iPad 2. I do not know yet if the iPad 3 would have that capability.

Regardless, this presents some Windows of opportunity for Microsoft.

PRODUCT REVIEWS

RUNNUR

One product that caught my attention during the MACWORLD Conference was the “RUNNUR”.  It is a “strap worn across the body from shoulder to hip. It carries all the essential items you need to get you through your day.”

As can be seen in the picture, there is a pocket for each of your essentials:  ID, sunglasses, cash, credit cards and other valuables, phone, MP3 player, camera, snacks.  It has a Bottle Pouch and a Carabineer to hold keys. 

It is quite useful for Hiking, Travel, Cycling, Sporting Events, Fitness, Dog-Walking, Festivals; for the Beach Goers and the Urban Dweller alike. I got one and I love it!

EARPHONES/EAR BUDS

AFTERSHOKZ

Among the earphones that I possess, the one I bring to the gym is AFTERSHOCKZ. It does not cover my ears. It is a Sport headphone that enables joggers, bike riders, skiers, skateboarders, hikers and other athletes to safely use their portable music players while staying connected to their surroundings.

Since AfterShokz headphones rest outside the ear, users are able to also hear ambient noises such as oncoming traffic, car horns, ambulances or other warning noises, potentially preventing accidents. Headphones that cover the ear and ear buds that nest inside the ear significantly restrict a user’s ability to hear these important sounds.

CLARITY ONE

I listen to Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Michael Buble, Harry Belafonte and the like. My favorite interpretation of the U.S. National Anthem is Marvin Gaye’s. These people have such beautiful voices that you do not want to miss any sound. You want to listen not just to the singer but to the sound of every instrument as well.

Clarity One has given me this pleasure beyond compare as I listen to my music. I understand that it is because of its Pure Sound Processor.  It is one sound technology that retains all the harmonics in music and voice that passes through it.

From my iPhone, iPod or iPad, the technology definitely produces “pure, clean and undistorted sound.” It is extremely good. I highly recommend this product. I cannot leave home without it!

AUDIOFLY

AF78 Series

Although this product was launched, it is not yet available for distribution.  I listened through it, but not long enough to make a definite judgment to compare to others. But it sounded great.

This is Audiofly’s premium hybrid in-ear headphone offering. It features a rare combination of a balanced armature device normally found in professional earpieces, as well as a 9mm custom dynamic driver.

The sample I was provided with was a less expensive version, AF33.  This version that a couple of friends and I tried is actually good. This should be an indication that the premier AF78 should be a superior version.

Techie Life vs. Tequila

My barber is younger but unlike me he has been enjoying more his Tequila than a Techie Life.

After my trips last month to the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2012 in Las Vegas,  Nevada and the MACWORLD/iWorld Conference in San Francisco, California,  it looks like the interest to learn and make use of new gadgets  grew on him.

He already has a smartphone but has been seeing me with my iPad 2 not just in the barbershop but everywhere I go. He wants to know its features and uses as he also intends to buy one.

He offered me a bottle of Tequila to describe my chosen Techie Life.

My iPad 2 has a memory capacity of 64 GB (gigabytes) – the highest and most powerful among the iPad 2s. To appreciate this powerful and large capacity; if I put only eBooks/documents in the device, I could store more than 60 million pages of documents or eBooks. That’s the entire library of a school, college, or community.

But I do not do that. This is because I also download and store songs, videos, photos and applications to complete my personal library.

SONGS

As I write this article, I notice that I have 131 songs. I have downloaded or synced through ITunes with my MacBook Pro the songs of Frank Sinatra (Duets I & II), Tony Bennett, Julio Iglesias, Michael Buble, Harry Belafonte, Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder. Of course, several albums of the Beatles are also stored and accessible. A new special album of budding young singer Jason Myles Goss is one that I play very often because it contains my favorite song, “Coffee in the Morning, Wine at Night”.  I also have varied versions from different artists of some Christmas songs like Jingle Bell Rock and Oh Holy Night and various interpretations of the U.S. National Anthem (like Marvin Gaye’s and his duet with his daughter), America the Beautiful and many more.

VIDEOS

I currently have 140 videos in my device.  They were mostly downloaded from You Tube, from TED, home movies taken from my video camera, from some selected TV shows and movies and some eHows and educational materials.

My iPad 2 has a built-in speaker, an audio player/recorder, a video player/recorder and 2 cameras that can take either still or moving pictures/videos. This means I can either listen and watch through the speaker and monitor or use an earphone/ear bud. I have several earphones but the most pleasing one with the most advanced sound technology for me is ClarityOne. I carry it with me.

PHOTOS

I have 152 photos and counting. They are mostly taken from my iPad 2 but some were downloaded from my MacBook that consist of family albums of special occasions.

I have special apps that could modify or improve the photos and edit and produce the videos.

APPLICATIONS

Currently in my device are 327 applications. I actually have more in my iTunes library but I decided to install only the said apps.

I have apps that allow me to store and access my contacts, calendars and my email messages.

Of course, my device has WiFi capability, which means that I can access the Internet anywhere there is a hot spot. In places where there are no hot spots, I subscribe to a data plan that still allows me to have Internet access. Safari is the built-in Internet browser of my iPad.

What this really means is that I can access the whole wide world.  Using search engines, I can find out any What, Where, Who, When, Why and How that are available in other computers and libraries in the world. It is about localizing global knowledge. I can easily transition from being an ignorant being to one that is learned and knowledgeable.

I have access to news in print, audio and video. I also blog and update my friends and relatives in real time, upload photos and videos also in real time.

My apps allow me to access Facebook and Twitter instantly and to communicate either with video or just plain audio with anybody anywhere for free via the Internet.

Offline, I have apps to take notes, to create documents either in word, spreadsheet, and presentation. I can do any of these either by writing using stylus, typing, touching the screen or even speaking or dictating.

I could convert documents into the iBook or eBook format. I could store, retrieve and search them speedily. I could create music regardless of quality.

I also have a software app that allows me through my iPad to access my other computers remotely.

Of course, I have embraced what Techies call the “Cloud”. Instead of storing my personal or business library of documents, photos, songs, videos and other files in an offline hard disk, I can now store them in the “Cloud” or online for easy retrieval through my device.

In my next columns, I will specify and describe these and more amazing apps that now occupy my Techie Life.

More apparent than real, their effects seem to becloud my vision of life. But this I am sure – the effect on my vision is not as “cloudy” as that of Tequila.

PRODUCT REVIEWS:

iPAD Stands and Covers 

 

1.          iRest Lap Stand

            The iRest is the first tablet stand designed specifically for use on the   lap.  It frees your hand for a comfortable viewing and typing experience away from the desk.

            Created by award winner Rain Design, Inc. iRest is exceptionally light at only 15 oz. and its aluminum quite thin with 1.5mm or 1/16 of an inch.

            The iRest also features soft foam cushions that rest on the lap and a   torque hinge that makes it easy to adjust the angle up to 60       degrees.  It   prevents hand fatigue from holding the iPad and raising    the screen for easier viewing.

            I tried it at home. It is very simple, sturdy and comfortable to use. It is also            reasonably priced. I like it.

            It was awarded Best of Show at the MACWORLD in 2011.

2.   iBallz

Does your iPad have balls? If none, having the iBallz would provide  you with

balls that would make your iPad safe even when it falls. With its carrying case, you can safely transport your device around the house, office or on errands. The zip off cover allows for quick access to your iPad, so you are not constantly pulling it in and out.

            It also allows for several comfortable positions like: resting on your lap, hanging from    or leaning against a wall, tilted up towards you on your desk or coffee table.

            I tried it and even intentionally bounced it with my iPad. It is nice to have. Just for the guarantee of a safe landing when it falls is worth the investment.

3.   Prop’n GO

            Made by Padded Spaces this product is actually a 3 in 1 device:  Stand, Cover, and Backpack. It also has an accessory pocket so that the power cords, headphones, etc. don’t come in contact with your iPad. You should be comfortable using it on a couch, in bed or  other soft surface.

            The heights, angles, or positions are adjustable so that it would be good when reading or watching movies.

            The product could also be useful for other devices such as Kindle, Nook and other tablets – not just for the iPad. It’s a great device. I’ve    used it and I like it. Perfect on your bed, on your couch and on your desk!

4.   Powis iCase

            This is the case and stand, which is dubbed  the Kama Sutra Master Stand for the iPad.  This stand can actually be pre-designed if you pre- order. With a beautifully designed cover, the sample that was provided to me  was really as good as it was billed.

         While using it, I counted at least 9 positions. As billed, I used it for reading the news, watching a movie, playing a game, writing emails, presenting to a colleague, checking the NBA scores, and running an app. The Powis iPad case really secures your iPad in the most comfortable position for your activity.

5. REV 360

The product that the Hub International LLC provided me to review is what they call the revolutionary Hand Stand that is a Rotating iPad Case. It is called REV 360 because I assume it is revolutionary and rotates 360 degrees of “ergonomic freedom”.

It is sleek and durable. Indeed, it brings a revolutionary, rotational accessory that allows users to spin effortlessly the iPad 360 degrees for quick transition from landscape to portrait viewing and back again.

It also allows easy manipulation of the touch screen without accidentally launching apps or randomly scrolling. The Silicone iPad Case is really designed durably to provide protection for iPad 2 without scuffing. It has an elastic strap that is comfortably one-size fits all.

It is fun using it especially when I rotate the disk. This one is also worth buying.

What would interest our Filipino readers is that one of the Founders of the company is a half Filipino named Preston Hodges.

The rest of the products will be reviewed in the next issue of our paper.

“KAMA SUTRA” Positioning At MACWORLD

It was all MAC or “iProducts. I did not see anyone possessing a device other than a MAC computer, iPad, iPhone, iPod or some device with a MAC OS or IOS. The battle was on 3 A’s: applications, accessories and attention.

There are now about 500,000 apps and counting for iPhones and iPads. During the last quarter, there were 37 million iPhones, 15.3 million iPads, 5.2 million MACs and 15.43 iPods added to potentially download many of the apps.

I met a couple of enthusiasts who claim to have already purchased 1500 and 1800 apps respectively. I have a long way to go but I thought that I had a good start with my MACBOOK PRO, iPAD2, iPhone and IPOD and their corresponding apps.

At the MACWORLD/IWORLD Convention, I attended 3 TECH TALKS. They were all about apps that the speakers felt were useful for iPad 2 owners. 

TOP APPS FOR IPAD 2

The first TECH TALK was on the top apps for iPad 2. I already have most of them but they might interest many of the readers: 1. Facebook; 2. Twitter; 3. Skype; 4. Facetime; 5. G-Whizz;  6. Aim;  7. Localmind; 8. WordPress; 9. Blogsy; 10. Clibe; 11. Blurb Mobile; 12. Flipboard; 13. Instagram; 14. Instapad; 15. Tripit; 16. Words with friends; 17. Soundhound; 18. Match.com; 19. Dating Dna; 20. Zoosk; 21. Scout.

The last 4 apps are “dating” apps and I did not download them. I have the first 17 and I love them. If you have an iPad 2, I advise you to download them. They are mostly free and if not, each costs definitely less than $5.

PRODUCTIVITY APPS FOR IPAD 2

The second TECH TALK was on productivity apps for iPad 2. Those discussed were: 1. Evernote; 2. Baby Monitor; 3. Aroundme; 4. AudioNote; 5. Penultimate; 6. Kindle store web app for iPad; and 7. Polkast.

They obviously make iPad 2 users more productive. I also have and love all of them. My advice is, you should also download them and try them out. Again, they are mostly free.

SUPER TOOLS FOR IPAD AT WORK

The third TECH TALK was on the super tools for iPad at work. The speakers asked iPad users to embrace the cloud. They advised users to download any or all of the following: 1. Dropbox; 2. Sugarsync; 3. Box.net; and 4. iCloud. To access any of them you can use any of these apps: 1. Evernote; 2. Ipassword; and  3. GoodReader.

Some core business apps were recommended: 1. Pages; 2. Numbers; 3. Keynote; 4. Quick Office; 5. Office2; 6. CloudOn; 7. Word; 8. Excel; 9. Power Point; and 10. OnLive Desktop.

There were other core business apps mentioned : For database management, the FileMaker Go for iPad was recommended. For Task/Project Management, the apps are: 1. Omnifocus; 2. OmniGraffle; 3. Carbon Fin Outliner; 4. Instapaper; 5. PDF Expert; 6. Billings Touch; 7. Invoice2Go; and 8. TelePrompt+.

For meetings we should use the following apps: 1. Idea Flight for iPad; 2. Agendas; 3. GoToMeeting for iPad; and 4. WebEx for iPad.

For note-taking, these apps were suggested: 1. Notability; 2. Penultimate; and 3. SoundNote;

For communications: 1. Aim; 2. Beejibe; 3. iChat; 4. Skype; and 5. Whistle Phone. The last app gives you a phone number and your iPad rings when somebody calls the number.

For travel, you should download: 1. Kayak; 2. Tripit; 3. Flight Track; 4. BizXpense Tracker for iPad; and 6. TravelTracker – Personal Travel Assistant.

Other apps worth mentioning are: 1. Square; 2. LogMeIn; 3. Ignition; and 4. Air Display.

With most, if not all, of these apps downloaded in your iPAD, you are expected to be a top, productive and super user. As my barber said on this downloading advice, “Tech IT or leave it!”

There were new amazing applications that were unveiled during the show. I will discuss some of them in my next article.

“KAMA SUTRA” POSITIONING

MACWORLD/IWORLD was also a battle of accessories and attention. The most notable one was on IPad stands and covers. To get the attention of the media, the firms who were promoting their products hired their respective PR (Public Relations) firms.

One PR lady sent me an email with the following subject: “What is your favorite position?” 

In the body of the email she said, “Stay focused……I’m referring to the 9+ positions of the Powis iCase, of course.

Visit us at Booth 1049 during Macworld/iWorld and see what the Kama Sutra Master of iPad cases can do.

Want to try Powis iCases in the privacy of your room? Visit www.powisicase.com to choose the case you would like to review. Let me know and I will have it ready for you to pick up at Booth 1049.”

Thus, the PR lady defined to a certain degree one criterion that could be used in the choice of stands and covers for the iPad. Offering a sample product to try out and review was definitely a plus.

This certainly caught my attention.  Bearing that in mind I looked at similar amazing products whose PR firms also invited me to visit their booth and also  provided me with samples for review. Among them were: the iRest; the Prop’n GO; the iBalz; Proof; and Rev 360.

I will write a review on these iPad stands and covers and other MAC-related products in a separate article.