Posts Tagged "Ebook Reader"

Should You Get The Apple Ipad?

Apple launched the iPad Tablet Computer with great fanfare at the end of January. But should you get one?

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First of all let’s look at the features of the new iPad tablet. It allows you to browse the internet using Apple’s Safari browser. It allows you to create documents, spreadsheets and presentations using Apple’s iWork 2010 Office Software (which is currently used on Macs). It has an ereader, allowing you to read books on the iPad, and Apple have launched the iBooks store which allows you to buy ebooks directly from Apple for your iPad. It allows you to watch videos, and play games. And you should be able to read newspapers on it as well – the New York Times has already developed an app to allow their newspaper to be downloaded to the iPad.

Essentially Apple have made a single all-purpose one stop tablet computer in a handy size that is portable. Whether you should buy one depends on what your own needs are.

Book readers were disappointed to learn that the iPad did not use the iInk technology that is incorporated in the Amazon Kindle and Sony Digital reader. (iInk technology is kind to the eyes and allows you to read for hours without strain). However, Apple pointed out that their device was backlit and allowed you to read in bed. If you are a book-lover who only wants an ebook reader you might want to try the Sony Digital reader or Amazon’s 6″ Kindle, both of which are cheaper than the iPad (because both only read books and don’t have the other functions of the iPad).

If you are a business person who spends a lot of time travelling, an iPad might be ideal for you. It will allow you to create documents, contact your office via the internet and read newspapers such as the Financial Times, all on the go, on a single tablet. And the size of the iPad (9.7″ screen and weighing 1.5 pounds) makes it less cumbersome to carry than a portable laptop. The iPad doesn’t have a USB port – but Apple sell dongles that attach to the iPad which do have ports and which you can use to transfer documents to and from your PC.

Gamers might also be interested in the iPad – but note that Sony are also releasing the Sony Dash, which allows you to play games, listen to music, watch video and browse the internet, and is cheaper than the iPad (because it doesn’t have the ereader functions or the office functions). However, if you are a gamer who also wants to be able to write essays, do work and surf the net, then the iPad is a better solution.

If you simply like gadgets and want a handy sized tablet computer to use while in the garden or while lying on the sofa, then the iPad is a must-have. It’s simply the most advanced tablet device on the market right now. Apple have released a software developers kit so that software houses can develop apps for the iPad. As with the iPhone, it is the apps that will make or break the device, and it is likely that the quality and breath of the apps mean that you should go ahead and buy the Apple iPad tablet.

Apple Ipad Review: Is The Ipad A Device For You?

EVEN THOUGH the excitement level has come down a tad bit, people are still lining up to purchase the touchscreen device, which was officially released today. However, most are wondering whether the device is truly worth their money or not. The device which falls within the $499 – $799 price band, for the non 3G models, falls well out of easy purchase range and could become a disaster if the first generation users are not satisfied with it.

Looking at the Apple iPad, the device’s first attraction is its sleek look, which can easily win many points for design itself. The 9.5 inch x 7.5 inch iPad is half an inch thick, weighing just 680 grams and can be taken everywhere with ease. With a comfortable contour, the device is stunning in display too, with an LED backlight emphasizing the 1024×768 pixels display, that is covered by oil resistant coating.

However, the user interface is awkward to say the least, using the iPhone OS on a 9.7 inch diagonal display. The homescreen can put users off, with the tiny icons spread over a lot of empty space. The widgets would have looked better, had the app icons been placed on the lower portion of the screen and the dashboard like widgets on the top portion, insetead of being crowded around.

Moving to third party apps, several look great on the Apple iPad, like Safari, Mail and Photos. The rest however look like dwarfed copies on the Apple iPad screen. The interface is fast and allows many apps to run in the background and keep memory free too. You can access an app quickly be just tapping on it and the speed holds good in rendering web pages too.

As an eBook reader, the Apple iPad makes for a good experience, with the display ensuring that it appears as if you are reading a glass covered page. With the multi touch support, it becomes an engaging experience too, with simple touches enabling browsing the pages or looking up meanings on the dictionary. But, its not advisible to use it outdoors, as direct sunlight will make it appear like a bad white balance job, with users going through considerable strain to make out the words. The worst however, is trying to watch a video in sunlight.

Videos and multimedia can really prove to be a dealbreaker. Though the resolution is great and you can get more on the iTunes store, would you really like to crouch over the device to watch movies and other content on the device for hours? Doing this on the move is still OK, but otherwise, its better to plug in DVDs on your laptop, PC or TV. For music, its the same case too, with a hi resolution speakers on your stereo a much better option, than listening to music on the pint sized device.

Moving on to the third and for some, the most important Apple iPad multimedia function – Gaming. While its not an Xbox 360 or Nintendo Wii, as action and movement can prove to be awkward, board games on the Apple iPad are a great experience.

For the more official work inclined users, the Apple iPad offers the Pages and Numbers apps, which do decent documents and spreadsheets on the go. But its not time to bin your PC or laptop for the Apple iPad, as it cannot replace the two on these fronts. It works better managing the online keyboard for replying to mails and short memos or notes, than to type whole documents or spreadsheets. The cloud is a good function too, but how useful it will be is a question that cannot be answered now.

So, is the Apple iPad the device for you? If you do not mind forking out the cash for it and are not looking at the touchscreen device as a replacement for your laptop or PC, you may consider purchasing it. This applies better to users on the go, who aim to travel light, but whether it will be the next laptop or even the iPod or the iPhone, is a question that only time can answer.

Would Chrome Tablets Create A Threat To Ipad?

Apple has touched a new market with its iPad device, which is mid-sized tablet PC integrating features of smartphone, eBook reader and PC. Up till now, tablet sector has been under-performing due to high prices as well as limited functionality; they are outshined by normal laptops. Therefore, iPad may not face much competition from other PC vendors.

Google’s Initiative

In January, the search giant had released its own branded ‘superphone’, called Nexus One. After that, Google has also showcased its tablet based on the Chrome operating system. Now, it might worry Apple from the Google’s new initiative. It is predicted that the Chrome-based tablets will offer attractive features and various web based apps that may affect Apple iPad sales.

Earlier this month, a Chrome-based tablet has detailed that boasts a virtual keyboard, contextual control and multiple tabs for multitasking, or please users that requires simple functionality, like surfing the Web, checking e-mails or editing Office docs. The Chrome based tablets will be available later this year, which will use web-based operating system to produce more revolutionary product than Apple’s tablet.

Here, the feature discusses few advances in the Chrome-based tablet, which may pose a threat to Apple’s iPad.

1.    Google’s tablet is for multitasking

Apple has legacy to design products that are complete and the devices for the future. But, Google also knows how to remain on the top. Google will offer multi-tasking in its tablet, which is lacking in iPad. It is reported that you cannot switch over to Safari to read the news, if you are visiting pages.

2.    Web-based apps

Apple introduced its iPhone operating system in the iPad, but a Web-based operating system could deliver several features, which may include off-site storage of data that can be access wherever net connection is available. Further, users can also avail features of cloud computing on the Google devices.

3.    The Web Is the App Store

Apple’s App Store will offer over 140,000 applications available for download to its iPad. But, Chrome operating system will also have competitive advantage over others as the software does not require so many apps, because the Web is its app store.

4. Ubiquity is the key

Apple’s operating system is only available to iPad, while Chrome can run on various devices, which means users will have wide variety of PC vendors to choose from. Further, this means that there will be lot of competition between different Chrome based tablets, which give benefits to consumers with low prices. $499 for an iPad is a great price, but lack of 3G and small hard drive will transfer buyers to Chrome tablets.

5. Chrome OS for light weight systems

Chrome operating systems could not compete with Windows 7 or Mac OS X. But, it is suitable for netbooks and tablets, which comes with basic functionality like Web surfing and basic document editing. Just like Android platform, Chrome based devices can also offer multitouch options, which can match the outstanding multitouch experience of Apple’s iPhone.

With Apple Ipad, Devices Would Be Transformed

Apple Inc had introduced one more interesting gadget from its stable, called iPad, a slender tablet computer. The device will be available in March, and said to be transformed the mobile, eBook reader and PC industry. Further, it is predicted that the other vendors will also catch the new genre of computing, which combines the features of Smartphone and a laptop.

The feature here discusses the features of the device that blurs the line between various devices.

Apple iPad

According to the famous iPhone maker, the new iPad is the device for the future. It comes with 9.7” LED-backlit IPS multitouch screen, which allows browsing, emailing, and watching photos, eBooks & videos a fun. It weighs just 680g and supports Wi-Fi and 3G. The company had also used its own processor, called A4 chip in the tablet. In addition, the new device will support about 140,000 apps that are available on the App Store.

Apple’s iPad will be available with a price tag in between $499 – $829 depending upon the storage options (16, 32 and 64 GB). However, with some contract with carriers (AT&T), the device would be available cheaper than the listed price.

The new device raises quality bar for others

Apple’s iPad lacks few features present in laptops and mobile handsets, like camera, Flash software necessary to handle videos and animations on the web. But, the half of an inch thick, the device satisfies needs of various users which include reading eBooks as well as newspapers and magazines. Users can avail the device as computer, eReader or more than a Smartphone. They can access internet and watch HD videos on the iPad and it will also support most iPhone apps.

In the presentation, Apple CEO, Mr. Steve Jobs claimed that the tablet PC will be the best for certain functions like the Web, reading e-books and playing video. With its attractive screen, it is much more capable than its smartphone, iPhone. Up till now, about 42 million people are using the iPhone around the world.

The company is also planning to introduce its own e-bookstore that will connect with iBook, an e-reading program. Apple had already formed relationships with five major publishers viz. Hachette, Penguin, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster and Macmillan. It is reported that these companies will charge about $12.99 to $14.99 for most general fiction and non-fiction books.

Channel insiders have indicated that Apple has been working on a tablet computer for more than a decade. Now, the improved technology, cheaper hardware and wireless networks, the company has able to bring the device finally to the market.

Discussion

Various companies are already offering various tablets PC, but they never caught on with consumers like Apple. In 2001, Microsoft had predicted that tablets would be the most popular form of PC sold in America within five years. But, due to high prices and limited functionality, they are outperformed by normal laptops. However, after the introduction of Apple’s iPad, the situation has changed.