4/26/2011: Tech Tuesdays Podcast #2B (41 mins)

TECH TUESDAYS
EPISODE #2B


Podcast Topics:
  1. Library Tech News - Library Spring Festival (00:55 | 41:03)
  2. Tablet Buyers Research (02:21 | 41:03)
  3. Getting the Internet on Your Tablet: 3G vs. WiFi (25:00 | 41:03)
  4. Tablet Features and Drawbacks (33:35 | 41:03)
Resource Links:





Thanks for listening to our first Tech Tuesdays podcast on the Digital Lovers Blog (http://bpl-it.blogspot.com/) brought to you by the Information Technology Department of the Bossier Parish Libraries (http://www.bossierlibrary.org/). We would love to hear from you! Feel free to use the online form provided by FormSpring.me to submit a question or comment on today's topic.

Are You Going this Saturday?

Buyer Research: Android Tablets

Last week we focused on the Apple iPad. Today, we are going to continue our discussion with tablet computers and dig a little deeper in the realm of Android. Unlike the Apple iPad, Android is an operating system (OS) that can be used by anyone. For instance companies who use Microsoft products may also use Android OS to widen their market. Dell, Acer, and Samsung are a few companies who sell Microsoft computers and Android tablets. For you to better understand how Android works, I am going to use the Samsung Galaxy Tab as well as the Motorola Xoom as my Android Tablets.

Android first started being developed in 2003. In 2005, Google bought Android Inc. This move appeared to set Google up for the mobile market. In the early development of the Android OS, not many details were given other than it was a mobile device OS. Android's official release to the public was on October 21, 2008. This gave public developers a chance to "play" with the Android OS and start development on apps and such.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab was the first major Android tablet to hit the market. Sure, there were other companies that offered the Android Tablet, but Samsung utilized the OS to it's fullest. The Galaxy Tab was released on September 2, 2010. The Samsung Tablet has been advertised as a media player/computer. The Galaxy Tab originally had a 7 inch version, but according to (http://www.samsung.com/global/microsite/galaxytab/) Samsung has developed an 8 and a 10 inch tablet that will be releasing soon. The main difference between the iPad and the Galaxy Tab, other than the OS, is the ability to upgrade the memory. The Galaxy Tab has a 16GB microSD card preinstalled and can be upgraded to a 32GB microSD card.

The Motorola Xoom(zoom) was the second major tablet released with the Android OS. The Xoom is the first device to run Android 3.0; the most recent version of the Android OS. Motorola has been a leader in developing and utilizing equipment for the Android OS. Motorola was one of the first major cell phone producers to release the Motorola Droid. In saying that, they have done a good job of leading the way for many mobile devices. The Xoom is a prime example of this. If I may get "techie" for a minute; the Xoom has a duel-core processor and 1GB of RAM. That's faster than some of the computers on the market right now. Like the Galaxy Tab, the Xoom can hold up to a 32GB microSD card.

Features:
All Android tablets have access to the Android Market. Here, apps can be downloaded and utilized on your Andriod Tablet. Most Android tablets, especially the newer ones, have cameras with them. The battery life of Android tablets are impresive as well. Like the iPad, they can give you at least 10 hrs. of use. Depending on what you are doing on your tablet, possibly longer. Android Tablets are also 100% touch screen. A keyboard or mouse is not needed in using an Android Tablet.

Below is a few images of the Samsung Galaxy Tab and the Motorola Xoom.

                       Motorola Xoom                                  Samsung Galaxy Tab
Resources/Links:
Samsung Galaxy Tab info>  http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy-tab
Android OS info>  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_(operating_system)

Buyer Research: Apple iPad2

This is the first of three articles on buyer research for tablet computers. As you know, our focus this month on the Digital Lovers Blog is tablet computers. So far, we have articles defining a tablet computer, the difference between a tablet PC and a tablet computer, and the history of tablets. We also have a podcast that introduces you to tablet computing. But as you can see by the article title, we are going to focus on the Apple iPad2.


The iPad was first released to the public in April 2010. The iPad2, and most recent version of the iPad, was released in March 2011 (less than a year apart). The iPad is the only brand of tablets where the operating system (OS) is unique. What does that mean? Apple is the only company that sales/licenses the iPad OS (which is the same OS as the iPhone and iPod Touch). iPad led the way for the year of the tablets (2010). Apple advertised the iPad as "a platform for audio-visual media including books, periodicals, movies, music, games, and web content" (Wikipedia). Apple has not said anything about the iPad replacing your computer, nor can it. Yes, it can be an addition to your computing devices, but the iPad cannot replace your computer.

Features:
iPad, like most tablet computers, is 100% touch screen and does not require an external keyboard or mouse. The iPad has a virtual keyboard that appears when typing information in the appropriate field. Your finger is considered the mouse. The iPad does not have any ports that allow USB use or other external devices. You cannot expand the memory either. When you purchase an iPad, the memory you have is what you are stuck with. The iPad has a decent battery life, "up to 10 hours of video, 140 hours of audio playback, or one month on standby. Like any battery technology, the iPad's LiPo battery loses capacity over time, but is not designed to be user-replaceable." (Wikipedia). Since Apple does not allow its users to change the battery, you have to send the it to an Apple Store.

iPad allows for users to install small applications called "apps." These apps can be a number of things such as games like Angry Birds, utilities such as Google Earth, and ereaders such as Kindle. Some apps are free, others are not. Apps that have to be bought start at $.99 and can cost up to $50 or $60. Most of the higher end apps are for developers who need "fancy" stuff. Apps bought through the Apple AppStore are charged to your iTunes account.

Price:
Apple did their research when they started selling the iPad. They knew that at the time nothing compared to their product. Because of that, they were not limited to other companies offering their product at a cheaper price. Since then, many companies have released their version of the tablet computer. But Apple has not changed pricing strategy. The new iPad2 is available in 6 versions: 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB WiFi only | 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB WiFi + 3G. The 16GB WiFi only iPad2 can be sold for $499, $599 for 32GB, and $699 for 64GB. The WiFi + 3G versions cost more and a contract with AT&T or Verizon is needed for the 3G feature to work (for pricingVerizon Wireless | AT&T). The WiFi + 3G versions are as follows: 16GB $629, 32GB $729, and 64GB $829. (Apple Store). Apple, along with 3G providers, has however lowered the price for the original iPad (or iPad1). See Cnet.com for more details. All in all this is a good product, but when it comes to usage and features that is left to the customer.

Be sure to check back next week as we have more articles about the Android Tablets and Windows 7 Tablets. Also be on the look out for the second part of our podcast on April 26. If you thought the first show was good, then you will for sure enjoy the second half!

Resources | Links: 
Wikipediahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPad
3G for Verizon Wireless http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/mobilebroadband/?page=plans
3G for AT&T http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/devices/ipad.jsp
Online Apple Storehttp://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_ipad/family/ipad/select?mco=MjE0OTI0MDI
Cnet.com http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-31747_7-20046927-243.html

4/12/2011: Tech Tuesdays Podcast #2A (13 mins)

TECH TUESDAYS
EPISODE #2A


Podcast Topics:
  1. Library Tech News - Spring Festival 2011 / Gorilla Joe Music Video (00:43/12:44)
  2. Virtual Keyboard or Physical Keyboard: That is the Question! (01:47/12:44)
  3. Just How Old are Tablet Devices? / Is the Apple iPad the Best Choice? (07:39/12:44)


Resource Links:





Thanks for listening to our second Tech Tuesdays podcast on the Digital Lovers Blog (http://bpl-it.blogspot.com/) brought to you by the Information Technology Department of the Bossier Parish Libraries (http://www.bossierlibrary.org/). We would love to hear from you! Feel free to use the online form provided by FormSpring.me to submit a question or comment on today's topic.

The History of the Tablet Computer

With all of the excitement brought on by the Apple iPad, many erroneously believe that tablet computers are a relatively new concept. However, that's far reality! In this article, we will trace the history of the tablet computer as far back as the 1950s, which makes the tablet computer well over 40 years old!

Styalator (1950s)

In the 1950s, there was the Styalator, an electronic tablet with a pen for computer input and real-time software for handwriting recongition. 
RAND Tablet (1964)


RAND tablet (1964)

More popular than the Styalator was the RAND tablet developed in 1964. It had an electronic slate tablet and a pen but cost a whooping $18,000 (see image to the right). 

Dynabook by Alan Kay (1968)

In the late-1960s, the Dynabook was the first fully-functioning tablet computer conceived by computer scientist, Alan Kay. Originally targeted to children and was to be considered a "child's computer," anyone could have utilized the Dynabook.

Below is a Youtube video shows its features, as you can see, it was considered thin, lightweight, utilized a stylus for drawing, had WiFi access (really!?!), along with a built-in keyboard and was powered via  rechargeable batteries.

Just like today's iPad2, the Dynabook also retailed for around $500.


Here are a number of other links of interest, each with its own unique way of outlining the history of the tablet computer:
  • A Brief History of the Tablet Computer by John Pope - read now
  • Pictorial Timeline of Tablet PCs by Huffington Post - view now
  • Timeline of Tablet PC History via Wikipedia - read now
  • The History of the Tablet PC by IGN Gear - read now

Want to follow this blog? Click here to "Like" us on Facebook to follow the Digital Lovers Blog!

Are they Tablet Computers or Tablet PCs?

During my research for this blog post, I found some interesting information on this topic. In my first blog released this month, I gave a definition of a Tablet Computer. Again they are devices that only have a touch screen, no keyboards or mouses are needed to use or navigate through these devices. They are also smaller than a laptop, but bigger than a smartphone. So are these devices called Tablet Computers or Tablet PCs? Again, this is a great questions and hopefully this blog will help clear the air.

Tablet PCs have been around for a while. Tablet PCs are laptops that have the ability to turn the screen around 180 degrees and lay flat on the keyboard. This allows the user to write on the monitor with a stylus. You can also use your fingers to type or draw directly on the screen. Programs, such as Microsoft Office, can be installed on these devices. Tablet PCs are not as common as they where a few years ago, but they are still manufactured and are still sold by companies like Dell. An image of a Tablet PC is below.
Dell Tablet PC closed
Dell Tablet PC open













Tablet computers are a bit different. They are flat devices, such as the iPad, that are popular today. These devices are lighter, thinner, and more compact than the Tablet PCs. Tablet computers do not have the ability to install programs. However, they have the ability to install small applications or "apps" as they are more commonly called. Apps can be games (Angry Birds), utilities (Battery Saver), and books (Kindle App).

Apple iPad
So what makes the Tablet Computer more popular than the Tablet PC?  Simple; it's smaller, thinner, and more mobile. But it mainly comes down to what the customer wants. If you want to "keep up with the Jones'," and want something that wont weight you down, then a Tablet computer may be the way to go. If you want a devices that functions like a laptop, but with a few more added features, then the Tablet PC may be your tablet of choice. Either way you go, I feel both devices can be helpful/useful in their own way.

Tablet Computers: Overgrown Touchscreen MP3 Players or What?

Tablet computers are mobile devices that do not have a keyboard or a mouse as input tools (such as desktops and laptops), but instead have a touch screen where users can write with a stylus or use a virtual keyboard that appears on the screen when inputting information. Basically, it’s a device that is touch screen only. Tablets are usually smaller than a laptops and can be using in places where a laptop is too big.  But remember, tablets are 100% touch screen.


Apple iPad (100% Touch screen)

Do I Need One?

This is a question I often get asked and the answer to this question depends on how you are going to use it. If you are on the road a lot and work away from your office, then yes a tablet would be a good addition to your computer collection. If you are a student and are able to take notes on electronic devices, then you may also be interested in a tablet. People who are in a sales position may also see a need for a tablet. They are always showing off their company’s products.

Some people who may not need a tablet are those who are looking to find a cheaper device to replace their laptop. Tablets will not replace your desktop computer or laptop for many reasons. We will discuss about tablets replacing computers in our podcast, so be sure to tune in.


If you have a smartphone and a laptop/netbook, chances are you do not need a tablet. You can do all your work on your laptop. When you need access to the Internet and WiFi isn’t around, use your smartphone to search the web. After all, didn’t you purchase a smartphone partially for its web browsing features?

How Can I Use a Tablet?


Tablets are used for many different reasons. The ones I mentioned earlier were a student taking notes in class, a salesperson showing off their product, and working away from their office/home. But you can also access the Internet on a tablet. Most tablets have a WiFi or 3G connection feature. Some have both.  Most tablets also have the ability to store music and photos. In short, I like to think of tablets as an overgrown touchscreen mp3 player.

For more information on if you have a need for a tablet, check out this article: http://www.gottabemobile.com/2008/09/30/tablet-pc-101-slate-tablet-pcs/

April is Tablet Computers Month...

Heard a lot about tablet PCs but not sure what they are? Or maybe you received a new tablet for Christmas, but you're not sure what you can and cannot do with it. Well, for the entire month of April, we'll focus on helping learn what tablet computers are, how they work and whether or not, it will benefit you in the long run.

Also this month, we will continue offering a newest podcast - Tech Tuesdays on the Digital Lovers Blog, which will air right here at 6:30PM on April 12th & 26th. Therefore, our anticipated blog postings and podcast discussion topics are as follows:

  • The History of Tablet Computers
  • Tablets vs. Laptops: Are They the Same?
  • Why is iPad So Popular?
  • What Makes a Tablet Computer Work? - an look at the current "operating systems" available.
  • Who Needs a Tablet? - the benefits of having a tablet computer.
  • Buying a Tablet Computer - which brands are available, features, and pricing.
  • How Can I Get Internet on My Tablet? - what are my options for Internet service?
  • Can I Get a Tablet Instead of a PC? - or Will a Tablet Replace My PC?

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DID YOU MISS LAST MONTH'S DISCUSSION ON COMPUTERS & PRINTERS?

Throughout the month of March, we covered Computers & Printers from desktop, laptop and netbooks, along with tips and techniques for inkjet printers. In case you missed it, check out these links!

  • Tech Tuesday Podcast #1 - Learn more
  • Windows 7 vs. Vista vs. XP: Computer Speeds by Charlie - Read now
  • New Windows PC + Old Printer = Will They Work? by Jaketha - Read now
  • One or Two Easy Ways to Save on Printer Ink by Jaketha - Read now