One of the iPad’s biggest limitations is storage. Most notebooks start at 250 GB of storage while the most expensive iPads only deliver 64 GB. While data can be stored in the cloud, people who generate content professionally including writers, musicians and filmmakers need the on-hand storage capacity that the notebook computer can deliver. In addition, notebooks deliver more in terms of processing power. For programs like CADs or for gaming with HD sound and video adaptors, you’ll need a notebook to handle the job.

For document preparation and processing, a notebook provides a superior experience. A notebook computer screen starts at 13 inches; some notebooks even have 3D monitors. A tablet screen, on the other hand, spans between seven and 10 inches. While a USB keyboard can be attached to a tablet, carrying around extra accessories like a keyboard and a docking station negates the portability advantage of the tablet. Also, the Microsoft Office suite, which is still a staple for most businesses, does not run on a tablet device. Many people prefer the convenience of Office as opposed to migrating to a cloud-based suite such as Google Docs.

A notebook computer is easier to upgrade than a tablet. For instance, if you need more memory for your notebook computer, then you can purchase a new hard drive and swap out your old one. If you decide that you want more memory for your tablet, then you have to purchase an entirely new tablet. Operating systems are also interchangeable on a notebook; you can run any generation of Windows or Linux. With tablets, however, you are locked into the OS that comes with the device.

Many analysts argue that the iPad is generally a tool for content consumption while the notebook is a tool for content creation. If current market trends hold, then the iPad may eventually take a significant bite out of the market for devices like dedicated e-Readers and portable gaming consoles. However, only one-third of iPad owners, according to a Resolve Market Survey, say that they have decided not to purchase a notebook after purchasing their iPads. The same survey found that only 25 percent of iPad owners felt that their tablet made the notebook computer obsolete.

The laptop may have been around longer, but it’s still the ultimate choice for mobile computing needs. Your notebook computer has all of the equipment, accessories and applications that you need in a friendly, easy-to-use format. Tablets may one day outsell notebook computers and desktop PCs. However, for working professionals, notebooks will never become obsolete.

Mercedes Potter is a professional inbound marketer, discussing the benefits of a laptop, who guest blogs for a variety of online publications. Mercedes is a part of an elite team of writers who have contributed to hundreds of blogs and news sites, including Reuters, SEOmoz.org and The Washington Post. Follow her @CedesPotter.

Glasses Off says their iPhone app can help reduce eye age by up to 20%

It’s scientifically proven… at some point or another, whether we like it or not, we’ll all have that dreaded day when we realize we’re holding the newspaper an arm’s length away to read it.

Presbyopia – the inability to see near objects clearly – is usually first noticed in the ages between 40 and 50, and try as we might it’s not something we can avoid. The good news is that the market is awash with reading glasses and multifocal contact lenses to ease the problem. The even better news is that recently, an app has emerged claiming the ability to reduce the condition’s effects and reduce our ‘eye age’ by as much as 20%.

Innovation, it seems, was clearly focused on the product itself rather than clever naming, as developers ‘Ucansi’ (did someone say cheesy?) prepare to launch their app-child ‘GlassesOff’.

How does it work?

The technology relies on training the eyes to see patterns known as Gabor Patches, which in plain terms are blurry lines produced through exploiting a grey background. Development has been lengthy, and it is reported that a large majority of subjects were able to see as much as two lines further down on an eye test after undergoing the procedure.

How much will it cost?

So that’s the good news. The bad news is that the app looks like it’s going to set you back around £60 ($96). Added to this is the fact that due to the need for a top notch display for the software to work, it will initially be limited solely to new versions of the iPhone – costing somewhere in the region of £500 ($802).

And the wallet assault doesn’t end there. £60 ($96) buys you the initial app and three months worth of training, however Ucansi have indicated that in order to receive further training after this period, a monthly fee will apply.

That said though, rumours are spreading fast that the company may well be looking into converting their software onto a Windows supported platform. As well as this, with the prices of corrective laser surgery stretching comfortably into the thousands, this might suddenly sound like a much more persuasive deal after all.

The future?

Certainly this is a very intriguing app and one that’s worth keeping an eye on to see how things develop. What I find most exciting though is that this could well be a step toward aiding other eyesight problems without invasive surgery… perhaps we’ll see an iCure for problems like myopia in the near future?

Robin blogs for DirectSight.co.uk about technology and eyewear

When the iPad was launched in 2010, many heralded it as a definitive technology moment in what was still a very new decade. Some perhaps saw this gleaming, pristine computing device as an outsized iPhone (which is technically true), but it very quickly became obvious that it was a game changer in the world of computing. Being a mobile device, it suddenly appeared everywhere – from smart offices, to television broadcasts, and in ordinary folk’s hands on public transport as they quietly read their broadsheet newspaper on it. Or played Angry Birds.

As a result of this boom in mobile computing, it soon became apparent that the mobile web was accelerating beyond any reasonable predictions. Is the mobile web different from the desktop web? In some ways, no: as humans we’ll always have the same broad interests, so the actual types of content we see on the web will continue. The change is in the way the content’s consumed. Someone using an iPad on the go is going to need a website that works well with the hardware, and they’re also going to be looking for information to be served up faster: no time to browse through lists.

Rise of the apps

This could – in part, at least – help explain the phenomenal rise of the app in present day computing. If you want info on a health condition and you’re on a PC, then you might go to various medical encyclopaedias, spend a bit of time finding info. With a touch screen smartphone, however, there just isn’t the screen space to do this in any kind of easy, comfortable or fun way. Info has to be tailored to the medium in which it’s presented – and in a concentrated, directed way as well. Info on health conditions is well presented in a variety of well-known and top selling healthcare apps. They’re not presented as a substitute for consulting a health professional, though. So if you have a health concern, your doctor is still the person to see.

And some apps these days are emerging aimed not at the general consumer but at healthcare professionals and medical students. Just one look at an app like Skeletal System Pro III and it’s immediately obvious how the sharp display and intuitive operating of the iPad lends itself so well to apps designed for use in a medical setting. Another clue as to the quality and professional potential for apps like these is in the price – they’re clearly not aimed at the pocket money market. Having said that, they’re cheaper than the average hardback book in the medical section of your local bookshop.

Global health trends and possible futures

It’s no secret that with emerging economies such as those of India and China, big healthcare markets will open up to offer services to the people who live in those countries. The sheer number of people means that not only will demand for healthcare skyrocket – the process of meeting that demand will act as an important driver of innovation within the industry. Potentially, even, to the extent that the fruits of said innovation will be reaped universally.

And one of the big things to consider here will be the role played by social networking and the mobile internet. Gone are the days when making appointments or receiving test results meant the manipulation and transportation of bits of paper around the physical world. Factor in the continuing rise of health informatics, and what we have is, hopefully , a  golden future that makes the 20th century – and what an incredible amount of innovation that 100 years saw – look almost antediluvian by comparison.

Ian contributes to various health and technology blogs on behalf of AXA PPP International, a healthcare service for expatriates.

Some points to take in consideration to choose the perfect business tablet PC are:

Power-

A business tablet cannot be slow and unreliable. Hence make sure that your business tablet does not compromise on processor speed and RAM. Make sure you get nothing less than an Nvidia Tegra 3 quad core processor or an Apple A5X dual core processor. A minimum of 1 GHz Processor will make sure that your applications are executed fast and smooth. Also the RAM (Random Access Memory) plays a big role in executing applications and you must aim for something around 1 GB RAM or more.

Memory-

If your business requirements are confined to spreadsheets, word documents and other data, then you donít need much internal memory. On the other hand if you deal with lot of videos, images etc. then you need to seriously consider the memory storage. Tablets generally come with 4GB internal memory to 64 GB and are sufficient for general office work. On the other hand if your memory requirements are higher, then consider buying a tablet which supports external memory card.

Operating System-

Unlike computers, changing Operating System on a tablet is hard if not impossible. You have to stick with the same operating system and wait for updates on it. Andriod, iOS, Windows 7 etc. are some of the operating system which are quite reliable and widely used. Try the operating systems and make sure that you are comfortable with it before you buy the tablet.

Keyboard-

Some tablets come with attachable keyboards (like Asus Transformer Prime) while you get the option to use a Bluetooth keyboard with some. If you are into heavy typing jobs, then consider the various keyboard and mouse options available to you and make the choice accordingly. One advantage tablets with attachable keyboards have on other tablets is that you can easily type on it even while on commute.

Connectivity-

Connectivity is very important while choosing a business tablet. Some of the connectivity options to take into account-

1. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth- Almost all tablets come with Wi-Fi for internet connection. However still make sure that it is included in you tablet. Similarly Bluetooth is necessary for data transfer between devices and is generally available in all the tablets available in the market.

2. 4G LTE- Move over 3G, 4G LTE is the new leader in mobile internet service. Having 4G LTE will makes sure that you are connected to internet even if you are not in a Wi-FI zone.

3. USB port- A USB port can come handy in many ways including adding an external keyboard, external memory storage etc. Tablets come with mini USB, standard USB and no USB options. Having a USB port for business use is however recommended.

4. HDMI port- You can directly load presentations via your tablet if there is a HDMI port available in it.

Author is an expert blogger in Tech niche and expert writer at barcode-uk.com a leanding retailer for various barcode scanner and printer products.

1. Vouchercloud

Vouchercloud is available as an app where you can receive your vouchers through text message or as a voucher code directly on your phone. This voucher is then presented to the cashier upon paying to enjoy valuable savings. The vouchers available are on a wide range of items from leisure and entertainment, from Alton Towers vouchers to eating out, to travel and many more.

The Vouchercloud app is now available on all smartphone platforms including Windows phones, iPhones, Android and Google. This enables the buyer to enjoy money saving discounts while on the go.

Another handy feature in this app is that it’ll helpfully provide you with a map of your local area, marking local participating businesses so that you can be sure that you’re always getting the best deal in town!

2. Hot Deals UK

Hot Deals UK has a wide selection of deals, vouchers, sale items and freebies available with a great app that is available for both iOS and Android based mobile devices. Get the information through push notifications, newsletters or just do a basic search in your area and see the great deals available to you. Hot Deals UK is a community run app where consumers share information and voucher codes with other consumers, so you can always count on someone to be keeping the database fresh!

3. Red Laser

Red Laser is one of the top iPhone, Windows and Android phone apps for those that want to pay the best price when you walk into any store and see a must have item. It’s so easy to use; you scan the item you’re interested in and the app will do the rest. You’ll be presented with buying options, product information, directions to retailers and more at the tap of a button.

If someone in the family has food allergies, this app is a definite must have. Scan the barcode of any food item and a list of the allergens will be available for you to check and determine whether the food is safe to take home with you.

4. Pricecheckah

Pricecheckah is a money saving tool available for the iPhone. It enables you to save money when you have the urge for an impulse buy or see something you really want. All you do is scan in the barcode or type in the name and Pricecheckah will find you the cheapest prices even from places such as eBay and Amazon, where you can order it straight away and have it delivered.

5. Spendometer

Spendometer is ideal for anyone who is trying to save money or buy on a budget. This free app lets you set daily, weekly or even monthly budgets and you just pop in your spending as you go. It will soon advise you if you are saving or overspending. Perfect for students who are living on a very tight budget and need to ensure they don’t overspend.

Whatever phone you have whether it’s Android, iPhone, Windows mobile or Blackberry, you can enjoy great shopping and discount code apps if you are trying to save money. Everyone these days is trying to save every penny possible and walking into a store and buying any item often isn’t an option. Being able to easily compare prices, receive discount codes and find the latest deals near you, is the great way to enjoy what you love but still save money wherever possible.

The team at Broadband Choices love to help you save money. Compare broadband plan prices at BroadbandChoices.co.uk.

By the time most of this year’s freshmen class members walk across the stage to receive their diplomas, a major shift in smartphone dominance is expected to have occurred. For those pursuing online degrees, their choice of smartphone may be more closely tied to the predicted shift than others, due to an innovation expected to go live when this class reaches Sophomore status.

The growth of smartphones

In June, a report by the International Data Corporation (IDC) anticipated this year’s growth in smartphone purchased to increase by 55% and continue at a growth rate that will amount to roughly 1 billion annual sales by 2015. Among those growth figures was the revelation that, of the major phone platforms available today, Android will continue to rank as number one, but Windows’ phone, expected to remain a strong second, mainly due to Nokia’s transition to using the Windows system, may actually compete head-to-head with Android due to a development not factored into the survey of only three months earlier.

Today, a good three out of four students entering college use iOS computers or iPads. However, Microsoft’s demonstration of Windows 8, its latest though not yet released, operating system may have some far reaching impacts among higher education students. For those just hearing bits and pieces about the new development, Windows 8 is truly a departure from the Windows platforms dating back to the ’98 release. The new OS integrates desktop, tablet and smartphone usability through the user interface system, Metro UI. This mosaic format in which app shortcuts are displayed as touch screen tiles (desktop users can still use a mouse to navigate the screen), could well boost anticipated strong advances by Windows among student populations not using other OSs.

Busy intersection ahead

One question, the answer to which will guide the ultimate outcome of smartphone usage among university students those most likely to use smartphones and drive larger market trends, remains unanswered, but not unanticipated. Recent enrollment increases in online classes, including the trend for more universities to offer more distance learning courses as overall matriculation increases raise capacity issues, could result in cash-strapped students turning to the less expensive smartphones that interact seamlessly with their tablets or PCs. Should this be the case, both Android and iPhone shares may suffer with the now school-popular Blackberry models fading dramatically.

The new norm

As more technology aspects of work, business, and school begin to intersect, forecasts of smartphone trends will become increasingly less reliable in relationship to time.  As new norms are established for employment, economic conditions and education, OS providers will have to become more responsive to change in both their business models and their products.

About the author: Lindsay Paho is a profession writer who covers technology trends in business and education. She lives in the Indianapolis area and is pursuing a graduate degree.

* FedEx Mobile
Compatibility: iPhone, Blackberry and Android
Cost: Free
A comprehensive app, this leads users to nearby FedEx locations, shows pickup schedules, allows users to access specific quotes, accesses shipping histories, designs and sends PDF shipping labels via email, and tracks any packages you may have in route.

* UPS Mobile
Compatibility: iPhone, Blackberry and Android
Cost:Free
This UPS app has mobile tracking for your packages, printing and sending labels through email, quotes and estimations for shipping costs and delivery times, as well as identifying nearby UPS locations for drop-off and pickup.

* Overnight
Compatibility: iPhone
Cost: $4.99
Here the iPhone app gathers shipping costs and locates the nearest UPS, USPS, DHL and FedEx locations. It also tracks any mobile packages.

* Delivery Status Touch
Compatibility: iPhone and iPad
Cost: $4.99
Delivery Status Touch offers package tracking for items in transit and before they have even shipped. Support for Adobe.com, Apple.com, Aramex, Canada Post, City Link, DHL, GlobalMail, FedEx, GLS, Google Checkout, Hermes Logistik Gruppe, Hongkong Post, Japan Post, La Poste, OnTrac, Parcelforce, Post Danmark, Purolator, Royal Mail, Poste Italiane, EMS, Posten, Sagawa Express, Swiss Post, TNT, UPS, USPS, Yamato Transport come with the app including  the option to add more. Packages being tracked are synced with your computer to easily be accessed when a mobile device is attached. This is an optimal app for people dealing with international shipping and/or tracking.

* Package Tracking
Compatibility: Android
Cost: Free
An Android app, this offers an integrated solution for tracking items from UPS, USPS, DHL and Fedex. It is a lot less comprehensive than the other apps but who will complain about its price?

Some of the top apps on this list are free and offered by the companies themselves. However, individuals may enjoy an integrated all-in-one solution, which will display data from multiple carriers at once. To date, iPhone users have access to the most shipping and tracking apps, but Android users also have some good options as well. Whichever smartphone you may have, managing and tracking packages have become something that may be done by phone.

Author Bio: J. Salvage is blogger and tech junkie who incessantly tracks the many packages she orders.

Updated 3/01/11

Probably the most talked about tablet computer besides the iPad, the Motorola Xoom looks to be worthy of a lot of the initial hype.

First, let’s check out the specs:

• 1GHZ Dual Core Tegra 2 Processor
• 10.1” LED Widescreen display – 1280 x 800 resolution
• 3G, Wifi Only, and 4G Versions (3G versions are upgradeable to 4G LTE)
• 1GB DDR2 RAM
• 32GB Onboard Storage (SD Card slot supports another 32GB of storage)
• 5 Megapixel Rear Camera / 2Megapixel Front Camera – 720p Video Recording
• Android 3.0 Honeycomb Tablet Operating System
• Supports Adobe Flash
• HDMI out and USB 2.0 Ports
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR + HID
• Wireless Docking
• Battery Life – Up To 10 Hours of Video Playback
• Weight – 730g (1.5 pounds)  (3G Version)
• Barometer, Accelerometer, Gyroscope
• Dimensions 249x168x13mm

Google Android 3.0 Honeycomb Operating System

The Google Android 3.0 Honeycomb operating system will seem quite familiar to anyone who has used an Android phone before, but the this operating system is designed specifically for tablet computers.  This is in contrast to Apple iOS which uses the same software on both the iPad and iPhone.

Here are some of the features you’ll find in Android 3.0:

• Honeycomb users will still have access to the entire Android Market of apps.  All apps for previous version of Android will run on the tablet operating system though developers will have the opportunity to create apps specifically for tablets
• An improved user interface to take advantage of the much larger screen available on a tablet vs a smartphone
• Better 2D and 3D graphics
• You can now use the Android Market on the web instead of just within the device.  That means you can use your computer to shop for apps, and then just send them to your tablet wirelessly.
• Access to the entire Internet – Unlike the iPad, the Xoom supports Adobe Flash which means that you can watch embedded videos and even play online games on the tablet.

3G Data Pricing

The Xoom is launching as a 3G tablet, though a Wifi only version has just cleared FCC approval and will be coming this summer and at a lesser price point ($600).  For those who want more range than Wifi offers, the 3G coverage will be available through Verizon at the following rates: $20 for 1GB, $35 for 3GB, $50 for 5GB, and $80 for 10GB.  These prices are month to month and no contract is required but Verizon will knock $200 off the price of the Xoom if you’re willing to sign a two year contract.  Not sure which is best?  Learn more about wireless internet verizon and 3G coverage near you.

4G LTE Upgrade

The Xoom is the first 4G tablet computer though it won’t launch that way.   A Motorola spokesperson has said that the 4G upgrade will be available for free though Xoom owners will need to send in their tablets to be upgraded – a process that could take up to 6 business days.  4G data plan pricing is not currently available though Verizon has said that users will be able to keep their 3G data plan at the same price even after getting the 4G upgrade but definitely expect to pay more for 4G speeds than you did for your 3G plan.

Note that Motorola has said they won’t be doing the LTE upgrade for those who root their Xooms so if you’re planning on rooting the device, wait until after Motorola does the 4G upgrade for you.

Xoom Vs iPad

Is the Motorola Xoom better than the Apple iPad?  In short, yes.  However, whether it compares favorably to the iPad 2 is another matter altogether.

Here’s a video that compares the two so you can see how they stack up against each other.

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOT7iz8TLaM

Motorola Xoom Super Bowl Commercial

If you watched the Superbowl, the Motorola Xoom was the tablet you saw featured.  Here’s the Motorola Xoom Superbowl commercial in its entirety.

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBUoLYOWR8I

Release Date

The Xoom tablet launched February 24th.

Price

While most people expected the Xoom to be cheaper than the iPad, that isn’t the case.   The 3G version with 32GB of onboard memory will run you $799.99 which makes it more expensive than a similarly equipped iPad ($729) though Motorola has said that the 4G upgrade will be available for free which is a feature you can’t get on the iPad.  You can get the Xoom for $600 if you’re willing to sign a 2 yr contract with Verizon for a data plan.

Bottom Line

While we feel that the Motorola Xoom is the first worthy competitor to the Apple iPad and will be the best tablet on the market when launched, we’re just not convinced that with its $800 price point (even though it does offer LTE / 4G), it’s going to be a commercial success.  The laptop I’m writing this article on cost less than that and it’s sporting a much bigger screen and a much faster dual core processor.

The truth is that unlike computers or cell phones, people don’t need tablet computers.  People may want them, but the price point has to work and right now I’m not seeing that.

User Reviews & Description

Redefining the tablet by providing more ways to have fun, connect with friends and stay productive on the go, the Motorola XOOM for Verizon Wireless boasts a dual core processor with each core running at 1 GHz, 10.1-inch widescreen HD display, and 3G connectivity (which can be upgraded to 4G in coming months). Winner of the Best of Show award at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the XOOM also offers support for Adobe Flash Player--enabling you to view the web without compromise.

Dual-core processing, Android 3.0 Honeycomb platform, and 10.1-inch HD multi-touch display (see larger image).

It runs Google's Android 3.0 Honeycomb operating system, which offers a multi-touch, holographic user interface that improves on Android favorites such as widgets, multi-tasking, browsing, notifications and customization. It also offers the latest Google Mobile innovations, including Google Maps 5.0 with 3D interaction, access to over 3 million Google eBooks and Google Talk with video and voice chat.

The Motorola XOOM features a front-facing 2-megapixel camera for video chats over Wi-Fi or 3G/4G LTE via Google Talk, as well as a rear-facing 5-megapixel camera that captures video in 720p HD. The 10.1-inch display delivers console-like gaming performance on its 1280 x 800-pixel display, and it features a built-in gyroscope, barometer, e-compass, accelerometer, and adaptive lighting for new types of applications.

Other features include a 32 GB internal memory, memory expansion via optional microSD cards (with future software upgrade), Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking with Mobile Hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth for hands-free devices and stereo music streaming, access to personal and corporate e-mail, HD 1080p video playback, HDMI output for connecting to a compatible HDTV or monitor, and a 3250 mAh battery for up to 10 hours of Wi-Fi internet browsing.

Upgradeable to 4G LTE Mobile Broadband

Comfortable in your hands (see larger image).

The Motorola XOOM will offer 3G/Wi-Fi-enabled connectivity at launch. Verizon Wireless will offer a free upgrade to its 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network in the coming months (learn more about 4G below). When upgraded, the XOOM's 4G LTE connectivity will enjoy speeds up to 10 times faster than Verizon Wireless' 3G network. Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network currently reaches one-third of all Americans, with plans to expand the network to the company's entire 3G coverage area over the next three years.

Android 3.0 Honeycomb

Specifically optimized for devices with larger screen sizes such as tablets, the Android 3.0 platform (dubbed Honeycomb) introduces a brand new, truly virtual and "holographic" UI design. Five customizable Home screens give you instant access to all parts of the system--no matter what screen or app you're in--and each Home screen offers a familiar launcher for access to all installed applications, as well as a Search box for universal search of apps, contacts, media files, web content, and more.

Scrollable and stackable widgets (see larger image).

The redesigned YouTube app (see larger image).

Multitasking in Android 3.0 is easier than ever, and you can use the Recent Apps list in the System Bar to see the tasks underway and quickly jump from one application context to another. You'll even see a snapshot of the last screen viewed in that app as a visual reminder. The Android onscreen keyboard has also been redesigned to make entering text fast and accurate on larger screen sizes.

Other features in Android 3.0 Honeycomb include:

• Scrollable and stacked widgets let you scroll or flick through content within the widget itself, on the home page, without opening the application.
• Unobtrusive notification system displays icons for different notifications (messages, downloads, system updates, etc.) in the lower right corner. Just touch the digital time display to open the entire notification panel.
• Redesigned YouTube application with a cool 3D gallery.
• Android Market for Android 3.0 is your one-stop-shop for eBooks, games, and applications.

With Android 3.0, the Toshiba Tablet provides support for Adobe Flash, delivering a complete web experience to help you explore, discover, and interact. You'll enjoy more satisfying social networking, games, streaming video and more, with all the animations you expect.

On-The-Go Productivity

For working on the go, the Motorola XOOM provides constant connectivity--including connecting to Gmail or Exchange email; opening and editing documents, spreadsheets and presentations; and viewing calendars and sending out appointments or meeting notices--with mobile broadband speeds. Its mobile hotspot capability provides an online connection for up to 5 other Wi-Fi-enabled devices. Open documents, spreadsheets and presentations, edit them on a virtual QWERTY or optional Motorola Bluetooth Wireless keyboard, and send them back lightning fast.

Optional speaker dock (see larger).

Power Accessories beyond the Charger

The Motorola XOOM has a wide range of optional accessories to expand its power and capabilities. The "smart docks" are no longer just a place to charge your device; they make Motorola XOOM a portable play and work station that fits your lifestyle. The Standard Dock can be used for watching video content or listening to music through external speakers as the device charges. The Speaker HD Dock allows you to send HD content directly to your TV or blast your tunes without attaching external speakers.

Connectivity

• Fast 3G connectivity thanks to the reliable Verizon Wireless EV-DO, Rev A network.
• Upgradeable to ultra-fast 4G LTE connectivity via the Verizon Wireless 4G Mobile Broadband network, with expected download speeds of 5 to 12 Mbps and upload speeds of 2 to 5 Mbps. See more about 4G LTE below.
• Onboard GPS for navigation and location services.
• Integrated Google Maps with turn-by-turn navigation, street and satellite views.
• Ultra-fast Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g/n) for accessing home and corporate networks as well as hotspots while on the go.
• Mobile Hotspot capability allows you to create a Wi-Fi hotspot using your Verizon Wireless 3G/4G LTE connection, which can then be shared among up to 5 Wi-Fi-capable devices.
• Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1) includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and the A2DP audio streaming Bluetooth profiles.

Communications & Internet Video chat on Google Talk with any other Google Talk-enabled device (smartphone, tablet, or PC). Access to personal and corporate e-mail (including support for Exchange and push Gmail). Desktop-like web browser (HTML5-based Android Webkit) with tabbed browsing and Chrome bookmark sync. Design and Hardware 1 GHz dual-core NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor enables web browsing at unprecedented speed and accelerated multi-tasking. Integrated NVIDIA graphics delivers smooth, full frame-rate 1080p HD video playback 1 GB of DDR2 RAM 10.1-inch multi-touch HD display (1280 x 800 pixels; 150p per inch) with native 720p video playback and pinch-to-zoom navigation. Onscreen keyboard Memory 32 GB internal memory Memory expansion via microSD card slot with support for optional cards up to 32 GB (functionality requires future software upgrade).

Camera 5-megapixel rear-facing camera for optimized resolution when capturing photos on the go. Includes dual-LED flash, auto-focus, and digital zoom. 2-megapixel front-facing camera for video chats. Includes indicator light when used. HD 720p video capture capabilities Instantly upload video to sharing sites or view and edit on the fly. Multimedia Music player compatible with MP3 and AAC/AAC+/eAAC+ Video player compatible with MPEG4 and H.264/H.263 More Features HDMI audio/video port enables you to output pictures, slides and videos in HD quality (1080p) via HDMI cable (sold separately). Micro USB port (not for charging) 3.5mm headphone jack Data encryption ensures the privacy and security of data on your tablet.

Vital Statistics

The Motorola XOOM weighs 25 ounces and measures 9.81 x 6.61 x 0.51 inches. Its 3250 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 10 hours of video playback, up to 10 hours of Wi-Fi web browsing, up to 90 hours of 3G web browsing, and up to 3.3 days of MP3 playback. It has a standby time of up to 14 days (336 hours) and an approximate 3.5-hour charge time. It runs on the CDMA 800/1900 frequencies as well as EV-DO, Rev A 3G frequencies. This device can also be upgraded to the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network in the coming months.

Motorola XOOM handset, charger, data cable, quick start guide, user manual

Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband Network

3G Network
With support for the 3G EV-DO high-speed data standard, you'll enjoy fast access to the Internet and Verizon Wireless multimedia services (additional charges applicable), with average download speeds ranging from 400 to 700 Kbps and peak rates up to 2 Mbps.

Note: The Motorola XOOM runs on the Verizon Wireless 3G network right out of the box.

4G LTE Network

The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network allows you to download photos, apps, and games in seconds and entire movies in minutes. LTE (or Long Term Evolution provides significantly increased upload and download speeds over 3G networks, as well as significantly reduced latency (or lag time). Verizon Wireless expects 4G LTE average data rates to be 5-12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2-5 Mbps on the uplink in real-world, loaded network environments.

With these blazing fast speeds, you'll be able to stream HD movies without the annoyance of constant pauses to buffer the video stream--as well as quickly download HD-quality movies right to your phone in minutes. Additionally, you'll be able to download a new song file in about 4 seconds or upload a photo to your favorite social networking site in about 6 seconds.

The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE mobile broadband network will also redefine the mobile office for business users. Business applications that used to require wired networks will be untethered forever, allowing you maximized productivity and efficiency while you're out of the confines of your office. Enhanced security lets you tap into most VPN networks with less waiting, and faster responsiveness enables you to upload 10 MB presentations back to your team in less than 25 seconds.

Note: The Motorola XOOM is not compatible with the 4G LTE network out of the box, but it will receive a free 4G LTE upgrade in the coming months.

 

Also Available for This Android Device

Kindle App for Android Read more than 700,000 Kindle books with our free application.

MP3 for Android Find, buy and play the music you love wherever you are.

Amazon App for Android Shop for millions of products wherever you go.

IMDB App for Android Connect to the world's largest collection of movie, TV and celebrity information.

Video Reviews

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvZSe4wFmgo

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvdNLyQq2Fg

So what do you think of the Xoom – are you getting one or do you already have one?  Waiting for the iPad 2?  Let me know what you think…

I haven’t talked about the iPad on that much on this site other than to say it can be used to be the ultimate large screen gps device.

Today, I’m going to talk about other must have apps for the iPad since I’ve already done it for Android and the iPhone.

Again, I don’t cover games and don’t consider any game, no matter how cool to be “must have” but you’ll find plenty of other people talking about iPad games if that’s your thing and I’m also not doing magazine issues.

Want a free iPad (the new one)?  This site looks pretty cool.

1. Air Video – If you want to stream media (like video) then get this app.   You can stream videos from your Mac or PC without having to convert them to an iPad friendly format or without having to store them on your iPad locally.  (free)
2. Kindle – Sure, Apple made a big deal about iBooks and everybody said it was going to kill the Kindle.  Well, Amazon doesn’t really care about selling Kindles – Amazon wants to sell books.  And Amazon has a lot more books available for it’s Kindle format than Apple does with iBooks.  Also, the Kindle app can share books between your desktop, iPhone, iPad and Kindle.  (free)
3. Epicurious – Not sure what to make for dinner tonight.  Give Epicurious a whirl.  With thousands of recipes to choose from and some mouthwatering pictures, you’re sure to find something that will appeal to your tastebuds.
4. Netflix – With the Netflix app you can stream Netflix movies directly to your iPad.  A great way to watch movies while you’re traveling or anywhere when you’re not in your home or apartment.   Heck, use it on your lunch break.
5. Pandora – Yes, the iPad, like all Apple products, has tight iTunes integration but Pandora is still the best app for discovering new music.  (free)
6. CoPilot Live HD – GPS navigation app built specifically for the big screen on the iPad.   ($29.99)
7. Weather HD – I remember the first list of “must have apps” I ever read and it seemed like every single one of them had a weather app.  I thought it was silly.   I just didn’t realize how convenient it was to always know what the temperature was outside.  And Weather HD is probably among the best as it’s built specifically for the iPad and really takes advantage of that big screen. (free)
8. Newsy – Keep up with the latest world news stories in video format with this app.  (free)
9. GoodReader – The best available way to manage documents and files.  It connects to Box.net, Google Docs, FTP Servers, Dropbox, local computers, and can download files from the web.   Also a terrific PDF reader. $.99
10. The New York Times Editor’s Choice – If you’re looking for that newspaper look and feel, then this is the app for you.  You get access to selected New York Times news stories (and NYT writers are cream of the crop) with this iPad app.  (free)

If you can’t display it, you’re missing out on the full Internet experience, especially online video.

Steve Jobs had been belligerent that Flash is crap and he won’t let it on his iPhone or iPad.   Adobe, being less totalitarian and more willing to give you a choice than Mr Jobs has figured out a way to bring Flash to your iPhone or iPad.

It’s called Greystripe.

Basically, it will convert anything built in Flash to HTML 5 on the fly if it detects a browser (like Safari on the iPhone and iPad as well as many Android phones as only Android 2.2 natively supports Flash) that can’t display flash.