tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72010618061723922442024-03-12T18:08:33.405-07:00TabletBoss.com - The Authority on Tablet PCsTablet Boss is a great resource for information pertaining to all things Tablet! We scour the Internets for the best tablet PC content and deliver it to you in one unique place. The Boss says, 'Bookmark this site now'!brblife.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18041194067296347663noreply@blogger.comBlogger107125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7201061806172392244.post-9677157415340139622011-04-07T18:22:00.000-07:002011-04-07T18:26:16.715-07:00Apple-Created Touchscreen Shortage Blamed For RIM PlayBook Delay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-209242" height="300" src="http://www.crunchgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/rimplaybook.jpg" title="PlayBook" width="400" /></div><br />
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><br />
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div>Research In Motion—<a href="http://www.crunchgear.com/tag/rim/">RIM</a> to you and me—was forced to delay the release of its <a href="http://www.crunchgear.com/tag/playbook/">PlayBook</a> tablet because Apple pretty much <a href="http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20110406PD224.html">exhausted</a> the supply of touchscreen displays. The tablet has been delayed for about a year now, so a few extra days probably won’t make too big a difference.<br />
<div class="entry">The PlayBook <a href="http://www.loopinsight.com/2011/04/07/rims-playbook-was-delayed-a-month-because-of-apple/">will be available</a> on April 19, but unlike the <a href="http://www.crunchgear.com/2011/02/23/review-motorola-xoom-the-android-tablet-redefined/">Motorola Xoom</a> it won’t require a second mortgage to finance its purchase. It’ll come in three flavors: 16GB ($499), 32GB ($599), and 64GB ($699). It should also be noted that it has a 7-inch display, but I could have sworn I’ve seen threads online wherein people wish there was a smaller version of the iPad, the <a href="http://www.apple.com/ipad/specs/">current size</a> being a <i>tad</i> too big to comfortably tote about town without constantly being reminded, “Oh, yeah, I’ve got this thing with me.” <a href="http://www.crunchgear.com/2011/04/07/apple-created-touchscreen-shortage-blamed-for-rim-playbook-delay/">Jump</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<div class="content">I’m not sure if you should expect Android 3.0 Honeycomb to ever grace the 7-inch founder of the Galaxy Tab family, but if you are on Verizon a new update is prepped and ready to roll for the tablet. The 34.6MB update has some fixes and enhancements that promise better web browsing, more efficient (less battery drain) searching for Wi-Fi hotspots, and improved email and messaging. You can find all the info you need over at <a href="http://support.vzw.com/system_update/galaxtab.html" id="link_1302225054814_2" target="_blank">Verizon’s support page</a>. The update should be rolling out now or in the very near future, let us know in the comments below if you have received yours!<br />
[via <a href="http://www.droid-life.com/2011/04/07/verizon-galaxy-tab-update-on-the-way-its-definitely-not-honeycomb/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DroidLife+%28droid+life%29" id="link_1302225054814_3" target="_blank">DroidLife</a>]</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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Chrome OS, the web based closed source Linux based operating system from Google, is now being developed to work on tablet computers. According to <a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-30685_3-20051228-264.html">CNET</a>, "details in Google's source code reveal that company programmers have begun building a tablet version". This may not come as a surprise to many as Google had previously released a mockup last year (pictured), however this latest news shows that a release will happen, although we are not sure when.<br />
Chrome OS is different from the open source Chromium OS, launched in 2009, in that it is closed source and only developed by Google, unlike Chromium which can be compiled by anyone from the widely available source code. The closed version was originally meant to be released on specific hardware last year, however various reports have said the release will be delayed until <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/06/02/us-google-idUSTRE65112220100602">mid</a> 2011.<br />
So far Google have acknowledged the news but would not talk about any specific details, instead they said "We are engaging in early open-source work <iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=tabletboss-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1615640266&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>for the tablet form factor, but we have nothing new to announce at this time", and explained how a tablet version is not a priority at the moment, "Chrome OS was designed from the beginning to work across a variety of form factors. We expect to see different partners build different kinds of devices based on Chrome OS, but for this initial release we are targeting the notebook form factor."<br />
CNET listed a few points which show further proof of the development, these include finding a specific "user-agent string" in the source which would allow sites to see which version of a website needs to be produced, either touch-based or traditional mouse-based and a "virtual keyboard with a number of keys--tab, delete, microphone, return, and shift" which shows obvious signs that a touch screen version is in the pipeline. <a href="http://www.neowin.net/news/google-starts-developing-chrome-os-for-tablets">Jump</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<br />
<div id="channel-intro">This post is part of our ReadWriteMobile channel, which is dedicated to helping its community understand the strategic business and technical implications of developing mobile applications. This channel is sponsored by <a href="http://www.alcatel-lucent.com/" target="_blank">Alcatel-Lucent</a>. As you're exploring these resources, check out this helpful resource from our sponsors: <a href="http://www.readwriteweb.com/mobile/white-papers/cultivating-developer-ecosystem/">Cultivating a Developer Ecosystem: Understanding Their Needs</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" height="200" src="http://rww.readwriteweb.netdna-cdn.com/assets_c/2010/04/android%20toys-thumb-150x150-16429.jpg" width="200" /> </div><br />
<div class="asset-body"> In Android market share news, analysts at <a href="http://www.gartner.com/it/page.jsp?id=1622614">Gartner</a> are now forecasting the Google-created mobile operating system will reach 49% smartphone market share by the end of 2012, based on handset sales. By the end of this year (2011), Android will be the most popular operating system in the world, as worldwide smartphone sales reach 468 million units.<br />
</div>Meanwhile, iOS will remain the second largest platform through 2014, says Gartner, despite seeing slight market share decreases this year. RIM will decline, and Nokia will push Windows Phone up to the mid-tier by the end of 2012, it predicts. By 2013, Windows Phone will be the third-largest platform.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://rww.readwriteweb.netdna-cdn.com/mobile//Gartner_april_2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gartner april 2011" border="0" height="308" src="http://rww.readwriteweb.netdna-cdn.com/mobile//Gartner_april_2011.jpg" title="Gartner_april_2011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This isn't the first analyst firm to forecast that the Nokia/Microsoft partnership will have a major impact on smartphone market share. In March, <a href="http://www.readwriteweb.com/mobile/2011/03/idc-predicts-windows-phone-will-beat-rim-and-apple-by-2015.php">IDC also said</a> that Windows Phone would be boosted, arriving in the number two position by 2015.<br />
<h2>Doubting the Analysts</h2>Of course, these forecasts are not without their doubters. Both <a href="http://www.zdnet.com/blog/cell-phones/idc-predicts-windows-phone-7-will-be-2nd-behind-android-by-2015/5704">ZDNet</a> and <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/29/idc-fails-to-learn-from-previous-mistakes-issues-2015-smartphon/">Engadget</a> questioned IDC's numbers last month, and today, independent analyst <a href="http://www.asymco.com/2011/04/07/divinely-inspired-analysis/">Horace Dediu of asymco</a> is questioning Gartner's.<br />
He says that Gartner's assumption that Apple is "interested in maintaining margins rather than pursuing market share by changing its pricing strategy," contradicts statements made by Apple's COO Timothy D. Cook. He also doubts that RIM will be able to migrate from BlackBerry OS to QNX (the PlayBook OS) by 2012, as Gartner states. Finally, he doubts that the Nokia/Microsoft partnership will have that much of an effect by 2012, calling such a thing, if it was to occur, "an organizational miracle."<br />
Dediu shared a useful chart, too, which showcases the current forecasts from various analyst firms, as well as the historical market share figures. The chart clearly shows that not all firms are on the same page when it comes to the future of the smartphone market. ABI Research, for example, sees more of a future in Samsung's Bada OS than it does in Windows Phone.<br />
<img alt="Marketshare smartphones" border="0" height="311" src="http://rww.readwriteweb.netdna-cdn.com/mobile//marketshare_smartphones.jpg" title="marketshare_smartphones.jpg" width="400" /><br />
While it should be noted that Dediu is a decidedly pro-Apple analyst, he often makes more sense than some of the larger analyst firms. That said, predicting smartphone market share in an industry like this is usually a shot in the dark. Things change fast around here - long-term forecasts of any kind probably shouldn't be banked on. <a href="http://www.readwriteweb.com/mobile/2011/04/android-to-reach-nearly-50-percent-smartphone-market-share-by-2012.php">Jump</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<br />
The Samsung Galaxy S<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=tabletboss-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B003NCX6ZS&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe> will get an update to Android 2.3 Gingerbread as early as this month from what we hear today. No exact date has been provided, but we have been informed that we could expect the update sometime mid-April.<br />
We can assume at the moment that the update will be for unlocked handsets not tied down to a specific contract. However, the Three network in the UK has also stated that the Galaxy S on its network will be arriving within the next couple of weeks.<span id="more-30095"></span><br />
The confirmation came in the form of a <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/ThreeUK/status/55295249366523904">tweet</a> from the official Three twitter account and read as follows:<br />
<blockquote>@relentl3ss It’s expected in the next couple of weeks but we cannot confirm a date.</blockquote>This was in response to a question asking about the Android 2.3 update.<br />
The <a href="http://www.samsung.com/fi/news/newsRead.do?news_group=productnews&news_seq=27298">Samsung website</a> also makes mention of 2.3, along with the April release date. Remember that Samsung isn’t the best when sticking to dates, so don’t get your hopes up too high at the moment. <a href="http://www.gadgetvenue.com/galaxy-android-23-gingerbread-update-04072644/">Jump</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B0047EM82I&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Does this list apply to you? A.) You don't want an iPad. B.) You want a tablet. C.) <a href="http://www.uncrate.com/men/gear/netbooks/samsung-galaxy-tab-101/index.php">Ten inches</a> is too big. D.) <a href="http://www.uncrate.com/men/gear/netbooks/samsung-galaxy-tab/index.php">Seven inches</a> is too small. If so, you might soon be in the market for a <a href="http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy-tab" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9</a> ($470-$570). Powered by Android 3.0 Honeycomb and a dual-core 1GHz processor, the 8.9 features a 1280x800 8.9-inch display, HSPA+ networking, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a three-megapixel rear camera, a two-megapixel front camera, Sammy's TouchWiz UX interface — the first custom job for Android 3.0 — either 16GB or 32GB of internal storage, and all the glory that comes with being the only person you know who owns an 8.9-inch tablet.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B00461P7H0&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>It's the best in portability with access to a web without restrictions. It's next generation communication with amazing media capabilities. It's raw performance with incredible speed and unmatched security. It's ready for work play and everything in-between. It's the BlackBerry PlayBook - and it's everything you've been waiting for in a tablet. <a _mce_href="http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/blackberry-blackberry-16gb-playbook-with-wi-fi-playbook/10166454.aspx?path=9b0adfdddd0af92341aecddeec9c7c7aen02" href="http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/blackberry-blackberry-16gb-playbook-with-wi-fi-playbook/10166454.aspx?path=9b0adfdddd0af92341aecddeec9c7c7aen02" target="_blank">Pre-order now for $500</a>. In stores April 19.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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The iPad 2 will start shipping on March 11 in the U.S., and on March 25 in 26 additional countries. Like the original iPad, pricing will start at $499 for the Wi-Fi-only 16GB. The 32GB Wi-Fi iPad 2 will be $599, and the 64GB will be $699. For Wi-Fi+3G, the 16GB will be $629, the 32GB will be $729, and the 64GB will be $829.<br />
Despite <a class="" href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2375797,00.asp">taking a medical leave of absense</a> earlier this year, Apple CEO Steve Jobs was on hand in San Francisco to unveil the new device, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd. "We've been working on this product for awhile and I didn't want to miss today," Jobs said.</span><br />
As expected, the iPad 2 will include a front- and rear-facing camera, and a built-in gyroscope from the iPod touch and iPhone. The rear camera supports HD up to 720p at 30 frames per second; the still camera has 5x digital zoom. The front camera is VGA.<br />
The new device is thinner, going from 13.4 mm to 8.8mm thick. It's thinner than the iPhone 4, Jobs said. It is 9.5 inches tall and 7.31 inches wide, and weight 1.33 pounds. Jobs said that despite the smaller size, battery life will remain at 10 hours.<br />
The iPad 2 will include a new, faster 1-GHz A5 chip from the Apple "chip wizards." The dual-core processor boasts up to 2x faster CPU <a class="itxtrst itxtrsta itxthook" href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2381259,00.asp#" id="itxthook0" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: 0.075em solid darkgreen; color: darkgreen; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 1px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxthookspan" id="itxthook0w0" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; color: darkgreen; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">performance</span></a>, 9x faster graphics, and low-power consumption. "This will be the first dual-core tablet to ship in volume," Jobs siad.<br />
Jobs also promised that the iPad 2 will ship in black and white from day one. It will also be available on both Verizon and AT&T.<br />
On the accessory front, a $39 HDMI video-out accessory cable delivers mirrored video output up to 1080p, which works with all apps. Anything you see on an iPad screen you can see on the TV, Jobs said. There's no setup or configuration and you can charge your iPad while using it.<br />
Jobs also unveiled a Smart Cover, which will better showcase the iPad 2. Jobs said he didn't like the original iPad cover because it covered up his pretty product and made it bulkier. The Smart Cover bends and folds around to double as a stand. It instantly wakes up the iPad when you open it and puts it to sleep when it's closed. Smart Cover magnetically grasps the screen and auto-aligns perfectly, Jobs said.<br />
Smart Case comes in five poly colors, all $39, and five leather colors, which will retail for $69.<br />
Apple also <a class="" href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2381274,00.asp">showed off iOS 4.3</a>, the next version of its mobile operating system.<br />
Jobs ribbed his competitors during the presentation, dubbing 2011 the year of the copycats. People laughed at Apple for calling the iPad "magical" and said the price was unreasonable, he said, but ask those competitors now if the price is reasonable. Apple sold 15 million iPads in 2010, bringing in $9.5 billion in revenue. That left competitors "flummoxed," Jobs said.<br />
The App Store now has 65,000 iPad-focused apps. Competitors, meanwhile, launch with "at most," 100 apps, "and I think we are being a little generous here," Jobs said.<br />
Jobs also confirmed that <a class="" href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2381265,00.asp">Random House books are now </a>available via iBooks.<br />
The announcement caps off months of speculation - from when the fabled tablet would actually appear to <a class="" href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2374846,00.asp">what new features it might contain</a>. Most were in agreement that the device would include a front-facing camera, particularly since that feature is now available on competing devices like the <a class="" href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2374428,00.asp">Samsung Galaxy Tab</a> and the <a class="" href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2380797,00.asp">Motorola Xoom</a>. Others also thought a slimmer and lighter form factor was in the works. Talk about a <a class="" href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2381099,00.asp">white iPad</a> was also in the mix.<br />
<a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2381259,00.asp">Via PC mag</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<blockquote>According to the invitation received by The Loop, the event will be held at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts at 10:00 am. This is the same venue Apple has used to introduce a number of products in recent years.</blockquote>The invite, above, clearly shows an iPad which is conveniently covering the area where a camera would be.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="290" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mWJG-sB7H4Y" title="YouTube video player" width="540"></iframe><br />
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="540" height="290" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/uH7NKhNyygw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="540" height="290" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jbZ9iNKw4No" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<blockquote>Apple Inc. has started manufacturing a new version of its iPad tablet computer with a built-in camera and faster processor….. be thinner and lighter than the first model….. It will have at least one camera on the front of the device for features like video-conferencing….. the resolution of the display will be similar to the first iPad….. It will also have more memory and a more powerful graphics processor.</blockquote>They also mention that the iPad 2 will be initially available through Verizon Wireless and AT&T but no other carrier. I can see AT&T as the first carrier of the iPad 2 because that is what Apple has done previously. WSJ also believes that the iPad may not have an improved screen, however we have heard otherwise in other rumors that the iPad 2 has a thinner more lightweight screen than the first version. Will a <a href="http://www.tekgoblin.com/2011/02/09/2010/12/03/problem-with-a-retina-display-being-on-the-ipad-2g" target="_blank">Retina display</a> be found on the iPad 2, I think that what was pointed out in my previous post on the retnia display on a second generation iPad proves that wrong. I think that they need a higher resolution screen but not a “Retina” display.<br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B003CGMQ38&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>I think that this is a great leap for Apple in the Tablet market. But I believe that the front facing camera must be 1.3 megapixel and the rear must be capable of 720P video recording and the resolution of the screen needs to be upgraded for this to be able to compete with the new Android and Windows tablets currently in the market.<br />
We do know however that the new iPad is destined to do well because many people wait for the second version of a device say the original iPad for flaws to be corrected. So the iPad 2 may completely shatter the first iPad’s sales records and give Apple another boost in the market, investors estimate this number to be around 35 million. How do you think the iPad 2 will do?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<div class="lia-message-body-content"> <br />
Tax time is usually not fun for anyone, even for those of us who get money back. Part of the reason for that has a lot to do with waiting to see what the amount is, and then waiting for Revenue Canada to cut a cheque. The TurboTax Refund Calculator is an easy — and free — way to find out just how much you can expect to get back.<br />
<br />
The app is surprisingly deep in what it offers. You can determine your return or amount owing by not only inputting the basics like your income, but you can also throw in your RRSP contributions and income derived from investments, property and self-employed endeavors. <br />
<br />
This is really easy to do if you go by your T4 slip or even the last pay stub you earned for 2010. The sliders are quick and simple to use, though you can just type in the proper amounts, if that’s easier for you. The “Caroline Says” section at the bottom right corner also pops up useful facts about tax rules and deductions that might make a difference, if they apply to you.<br />
<br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B0043T6LHA&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>While there is a lot here to go with, it’s not necessarily going to be totally accurate. Hence, why Intuit says clearly that it’s an “estimate” rather than a figure that’s going to be dead on. Mind you, if you have no investments or other income, it’s likely that what you see will be what you get. <br />
<br />
And if you’re pulling in more than $200,000 a year, you can’t really use the app either, since that’s the ceiling income level. Self-employed and those with complicated taxes may not find the app quite as pervasive because it doesn’t include sliders for deductions and other write-offs. But if you’ve done the math already and know what your net income is (meaning the amount after all deductions have been subtracted), then you might be able to see the final tally.<br />
<br />
Plus, this is just meant as a snapshot of your tax situation, so you won’t be able to file anything from the app anyway. Getting an idea of what to expect is still worth trying this out though.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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The LifeBook T580 sports a 10.1-inch screen with a dual digitizer and N-Trig pen recognition, Windows 7 Professional and either an <nobr class="itxtrst itxtrstnobr itxthooknobr" id="itxthook1w0nobr" style="color: #2b65b0;"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxthookspan" id="itxthook1w0" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">Intel </span></nobr>Core i5 or i3 processor. The previously mentioned optional GPS seems to be excluded from this model. Here is the full spec sheet for the "Express Buy" unit, which is priced $1,149 at launch.</span></span><span class="width490" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><span id="intelliTxt"><span class="width490" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><span id="intelliTxt"><span class="width490" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><span id="intelliTxt"><a href="http://www.tabletpcreview.com/default.asp?newsID=1623&news=fujitsu+lifebook+t580+windows+7+tablet+pc" target="_blank" title="Fujitsu Launches LifeBook T580 Convertible Tablet"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B000W8ZS0M&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></a></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="width490" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><span id="intelliTxt"> <ul><li>Intel Core i3-380UM Processor (1.33 GHz, 3 MB L3 cache)</li>
<li>Genuine Windows 7 Professional 32-bit</li>
<li>Microsoft Office Starter 20101</li>
<li>10.1-inch HD WXGA LED backlight LCD</li>
<li>4-finger capacitive multi-touch screen with pen input</li>
<li>2 GB DDR3 800 MHz SDRAM memory (2 GB + empty slot)</li>
<li>160 GB S-ATA 5400 RPM hard drive3</li>
<li>802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi</li>
<li>Bluetooth Wireless</li>
<li>Web Camera</li>
<li>Embedded Fingerprint Sensor, dedicated Smart Card slot</li>
<li>Integrated ambient light sensor</li>
<li>Spill-resistant keyboard with touchpad</li>
<li>Lithium ion battery (6-cell, 5,800 mAh)</li>
</ul><object height="390" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XuaebdYRPFs&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XuaebdYRPFs&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="430" height="300"></embed></object><br />
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<div class="topPhoto" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><br />
BlackBerry maker Research In Motion is stepping up its efforts to take a share of the computer tablet market with the announcement of two additional PlayBook tablets for faster, advanced wireless networks.<br />
RIM said Monday at an industry conference in Spain that it will launch two additional tablets later this year to support fourth-generation networks that are suited to video streaming and high amounts of data.<br />
"We are now building on the BlackBerry PlayBook's many advantages with support for additional 4G networks that will allow enhanced business opportunities for carriers and developers and unparalleled mobile experiences for users," said Mike Lazaridis, president and co-CEO said in a news release.<br />
RIM (TSX:RIM) is expected to have its first PlayBook computer tablet out this spring, likely in March, and will be competing with Apple's iPad and tablets powered by Google's Android operating system.<br />
Apple's iPad isn't yet available for fourth-generation networks.<br />
The Waterloo, Ont., company has announced a family of PlayBook tablets to run on a variety of fourth-generation networks such as Long-Term Evolution and WiMax. The tablets will also work on short-range Wi-Fi networks and can support Bluetooth tethering.<br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B004DC64FQ&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>National Bank Financial analyst Kris Thompson said he expects a "pent up" demand for the PlayBook from enterprise users since many businesses don't support Apple or Android's operating systems yet.<br />
"Our view is that the PlayBook is more appealing to enterprise customers than to consumers, at least in the early days," Thompson wrote in a recent note.<br />
Thompson said he's expecting RIM to ship 3.6 million PlayBooks in fiscal 2012 with an average selling price of $481 and 6.2 million units in fiscal 2013 with an average selling price of $450.<br />
RIM is exhibiting at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, a major show featuring the latest developments in mobile communications.<br />
Shares in Research In Motion were down 15 cents in late morning trading at $65.73 Monday on the Toronto Stock Exchange.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<br />
We haven’t heard too many details on the BlackBerry Playbook recently, but we have some pretty important news for those of you planning to pick up the WiFi version of the device, due out within the next few months. <span id="more-121468"></span><br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B004C049JC&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>As reported from <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/09/wifi-blackberry-playbook-priced-at-500-in-office-depots-system/">Engadget</a>, a leaked screenshot has not only revealed that the BlackBerry Playbook will be coming to select retailers aside from carriers, but also potential pricing information for the WiFi version of the Playbook.<br />
If the image below is real, then we’re looking at $500 for the 16GB WiFi edition at Office Depot, meaning that RIM <a href="http://www.product-reviews.net/2010/11/10/blackberry-playbook-price-and-release-date-update-sub-500/">were not lying</a> when they informed us that the price for the Playbook would come under the $500 mark. It also means that the Playbook will be considerably lower than the <a class="itxtrst itxtrsta itxthook" href="http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/02/10/blackberry-playbook-price-and-release-date-update/#" id="itxthook0" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: 1px dotted rgb(149, 24, 28); border-top: medium none; color: #95181c; text-decoration: none;"><nobr class="itxtrst itxtrstnobr itxthooknobr" id="itxthook0w0nobr" style="color: #95181c;"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxthookspan" id="itxthook0w0" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">Motorola</span><img class="itxtrst itxtrstimg itxthookicon" id="itxthook0icon" src="http://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/mag-glass_10x10.gif" /></nobr></a> Xoom, which we’re hearing <a href="http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/02/07/motorola-xoom-price-is-800-to-expensive/">could be priced</a> between $700 – 800.<br />
If you take a look at the image, it also says week 17, which hints that the Playbook will be available sometime around April – the WiFi version at least. Let’s hope this $500 price is real as it will definitely prove to be a key factor when deciding <a href="http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/02/10/hp-touchpad-vs-new-ipad-can-apple-handle-competition-in-2011/">which tablet to pick up</a> in a few months time.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div>Since its launch, the Apple iPad has been the prime target of haute couture brands and designers, as they have filled the shelves with a range of accessories to go with your sleek and sexy iPad. The latest comes from <a href="http://www.thejoyfactory.com/products/stand/arc-purpleromance.html">The Joy Factory</a>, and it’s the Swarovski crystal-studded, special edition Arc-PurpleRomance iPad case and stand. The Arc-PurpleRomance flaunts a luxurious violet case with a Swarovski crystal accent, making it a unique gift for any special occasion. Valentine’s Day is a few days away, and this stylish iPad stand makes for a great gift for your sassy girl. Sampson Yang, <iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B002Y27P3M&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>president of The Joy Factory and consumer electronics veteran, cited…<br />
<blockquote>This chic release suits the tech-savvy woman on-the-go. Swarovski—known for their precision-cut luxury crystal—adds the perfect accent to the already stylish Arc. This slim, lightweight and durable Arc case and adjustable stand sports a sleek style and redefines effortless technology use in today’s fast-paced world. </blockquote>The PurpleRomance has a unique all-in-one design that lets you tap and type right through the built-in screen protector. Every case comes with a premium washable microfiber dust bag. While the slip-resistant coating makes for easy handling, the four adjustable viewing angles provide greater comfort while working. Moreover, it features Joy Factory’s Joytracer program, which provides a unique identification system. <br />
The limited edition Arc-PurpleRomance iPad case and stand sells for <b>$110</b>. <a href="http://www.bornrich.com/entry/arc-purpleromance-ipad-case-and-stand-targets-the-fairer-sex/">more pics</a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="TabletvsAndroid When Are Tablets Better Than A Smartphone?" class="size-full wp-image-52860 aligncenter" height="228" src="http://i.testfreaks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/TabletvsAndroid.jpg" title="TabletvsAndroid" width="500" /></div>Well, it would depend on the situation, of course. In some cases it is more than justified, and in others it’s a convenience. And of course there are times when it just doesn’t make sense. Let’s take a look at the different areas where tablet and <a class="itxtrst itxtrsta itxthook" href="http://www.testfreaks.com/blog/information/tablets-smartphone/#" id="itxthook1" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: 0.075em solid darkgreen; color: darkgreen; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 1px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxthookspan" id="itxthook1w0" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; color: darkgreen; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">smartphone</span></a> usage overlap, and see which one might be the best for the use at hand.<br />
<strong>Text Only Books Are Not A Convincing Argument</strong><br />
First of all, let me buck the trend and throw this out – for books comprised of text (novels and short stories, if you will), a tablet is not really better than a <a class="itxtrst itxtrsta itxthook" href="http://www.testfreaks.com/blog/information/tablets-smartphone/#" id="itxthook2" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: 0.075em solid darkgreen; color: darkgreen; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; padding-bottom: 1px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxthookspan" id="itxthook2w0" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; color: darkgreen; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">smart</span><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxthookspan" id="itxthook2w1" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; color: darkgreen; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit;"> </span><span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxthookspan" id="itxthook2w2" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; color: darkgreen; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">phone</span></a>. Now, this is based on a couple assumptions: 1) that you have a newer smartphone with a nice large display and 2) your eyesight is good. With those two stipulations in place, you can download a great reader for your smartphone that will allow you to adjust font sizes to a comfortable size, pick a theme that is easy on the eyes, and lets you browse and get books as desired.<br />
The same size fonts on a back lit tablet is going to look very similar on your smartphone, plus it is easier to take with you. Sure, it looks nicer on a tablet, especially with a landscape display and two columns, but the act of reading text is arguably no different.<br />
<strong><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B0047Q9GT4&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Most Comic Books Are Better On A Tablet</strong><br />
Tablets really shine when it comes to media designed for a page, and comic books are a great example of this. With a decent tablet you can usually read the page in its entirety, and you can easily zoom in to any areas that you want or need to see better. New tablets are great for existing digital comic book collections in a common format.<br />
But tablets are not always that much better when it comes to the new interactive comics. A lot of the current comic offerings are designed to slide, zoom, and position themselves for you, making it a rather enjoyable experience on both styles of devices. In fact, for the latest Marvel digital comics, I find that I end up reading them on the smartphone because it is usually with me and more accessible.<br />
Read on, <a href="http://www.testfreaks.com/blog/information/tablets-smartphone/">here</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!--
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