Small Business Tech

On occasion I like to take some time to think about a new product before I post my thoughts. I usually get better results when I wait a few days to read and ponder. I have waited a few days to write down some thoughts about the just announced Apple iPad. I want to reflect on the device as a business tool.

Form factor. If you ask me it looks like a big iPhone. It is not the first tablet PC. There have been plenty in thhe market for many years with very little success. The biggest problem with a tablet is the poor position to hold it while you are typing. You almost need to stoop over it to type unless you do the two thumb procedure. You better have big hands to use your thumbs. For just web browsing or data perusal it would be a good form factor for a short period of usage. It is thin at just 1/2 inch thickness and most of the front is glass. I cannot imagine that I would carry this anymore beyond my home or office. Breaking my phone or notebook make me nervous enough.

Limitations. Based on published reports it will not include Adobe Flash so that rules out watching streaming video from Hulu, TV.com, or any number of other sites. You would need to limit your video media to downloaded podcasts or purchased iTunes programs and movies. That is a shame. The other limiting factor is the same that afflicts the iPhone - it will only run one application at a time. There are a couple of exceptions much like the iPhone, but most applications will only run one-at-a-time.

The name. I hate to judge someone else's marketing decision, but there had to be a better name out there. I understand that iPad is similar to iPod, but iPad is just rife with parody.

It would be neat to use an iPad while watching television or in a meeting, but I cannot imagine much use beyond those tasks. It would have very little substantial application in the business environment.

Labels: Apple, iPad, iPhone, tablet

In spite of the great reviews for the new iPhone 3G, the first day is not going well. AT&T is blaming Apple software problems, and Apple is blaming AT&T server infrastructure for failures to activate the new phones.

You can follow the news live on twitlive.tv

Labels: Apple, iPhone

The reality of this device is not quite as nice as you might image from the title, but the Jerk Stopper could save you a lot of money and trouble. The Jerk Stopper is a simple solution for a problem that should not even exist.

The goal of the Jerk Stopper is to limit the damage to power plugs in notebook computers. I have seen many notebook computers with power plug damage due to someone tripping over a power cord and ripping the outlet from the computer. Most of the time the damage is extensive because manufacturers generally directly solder the plug to the computer main board.

The installation of device is simple. You thread the power cable through the U-shaped groove and snap the two pieces together. You then install the device into an available USB or RJ-45 jack. The premise is that the RJ-45 or USB jack are much stronger than the power inlet. The cost for this device is low at just $9.95.

It is not right that it should not be necessary to purchase an extra device to protect your notebook computer. Some manufacturers have taken the step to create right-angle power plugs which offers a big more protection than straight-in connectors. More needs to be done by notebook computer builders to provide better connectors and strain-relief designs. Until they do it there is the Jerk Stopper.

By the way, one manufacturer has created a solution with mixed review. Some Apple notebook computers have a magnetic connector that simply pops away when the cord is tugged. There are complaints that the cord falls off of the computer, but it is better than the alternative.

Labels: Apple, notebook computer

It can be said that Apple started this small-computer trend with the MAC-mini, but others are picking up the ball and running with it. In addition to the very small ASUS eee notebook computer there are other companies entering the fray with small desktop computers as well. Most of these companies are small shops, but you can bet that bigger names such as Dell and HP will jump on board if they see an opportunity.

One of the small shops is Sharp and Tappin of England. They have created the PicoPC which uses the same low-power processor as the gPC now available at Wal Mart. You can purchase the computer as a kit or a ready-built, tested unit. The cost is still prohibitive, but it will get better if more manufacturers join the fray. The unit pictured on the right costs 295 Euros or $424.89 at the current exchange rate.

Labels: Apple, Asus, eee, thin client, Wal-Mart

Steve Litchfield has the top-10 run down on his video podcast. The iPhone rant begins about 5 minutes into the video.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=-xnFAngx3UQ

Labels: Apple, iPhone

Apple ran an ad during last night's episode of 60-Minutes on CBS. June 29th is the day.
ars technica

Labels: Apple, iPhone

We are possibly less than a month away from the Apple iPhone. AT&T is hurrying to rid itself of the Cingular branding to get ready for the big launch. I do believe that the iPhone is going to be a big break through for mobile telephones and mobile computing. Am I going to buy one - absolutely not. I am excited about the release of the iPhone because of how it will encourage other phone and PDA builders to push the boundaries of mobile services and ease of use. The iPod gave us a plethora of options and advancement in the world of mobile music devices. It also has driven the price of units lower.

The main reasons that I will not purchase an iPhone is very high cost and the network. The iPhone is anticipated to cost from $499.00 to $599.00 depending on the amount of flash memory. I am not a Cingular customer, and I am really happy with my current wireless providers.

By the way, if you are searching for an MP3 or video player for summer be sure to check out this iPod killer list.

Labels: Apple, iPhone