Laptop Thoughts: News & Reviews on Laptops, Netbooks, Slates, and More.

"One of the big differences between the Barnes & Noble NOOK Tablet and the Amazon Kindle Fire is that the NOOK Tablet offers twice as much storage space. While Amazon's tablet has just 8GB, the NOOK Tablet is now available with either 8GB or 16GB."

So you say you want to use more space on that shiny nook you bought for your own programs? Well B&N seems open to that. Not bad for all of the Nook users out there who are itching to fill up their tablets with more apps!

"A new Google patent application that was published by the by the US Patent and Trademark Office earlier this month, reveals that Google will offer Android OEMs new options to unlock future Android devices. One method simply involves using voice recognition while a second method involves a nifty two-icon methodology."

I'll just say I'm not a fan of any of Apple's lawsuits. It's unfortunate that things have gotten to a point where Google needs to patent an idea for a lock screen just to protect themselves. I do love Google's new idea for unlocking. I'm not so sure about the voice based unlock but dragging items to a target sounds very cool to me. It seems like it would give a lot of flexibility while still making it unlikely that you'll do something accidentally.

What do you think of the new unlock screen? Do you like the idea of a voice activated unlock feature?

"The Ultrabook can basically be described as a Mac Book Air for the non-Apple user. However, the form factor does take a bit of getting used to."

Seems like more and more industry pundits are coming around to the UltraBook way of thinking. Rob Enderle often has his own spin on things, but his view here is pretty much spot-on (except, IMHO, his comment about Apple being design over function - my MacBook Air is pretty darned functional!). Anyway, unburdening a typical backpack can be an interesting process, lightening it with an UltraBook is an added plus. Rob does a quick review of three systems, from ASUS, Toshiba and Dell, and, of course has opinions on each one, but prefers the Dell XPS 13 in the final tally, and likes the lessened load on his back. I agree, and I've taken to using an older laptop now as my "desktop" computer, and carrying only a lighter system at other times.

"Most modern smartphones, tablets, MP3 players, and other gadgets rely on USB-based chargers. Some of these come with their own AC wall adapters, while others include nothing more than a USB cable-meaning you have to plug them into your computer to get them charged."

The nice thing about this thing is that you just plug it into the existing outlet, so it's basically a cover. No need to replace the current outlet so you don't have to worry about shocking yourself silly. And it goes for the small sum of $15.00 USD at Lowes (currently out of stock in my area), or you can get it at Amazon.com for $12.47 USD (currently in stock with both white and almond colored versions).

"The last year has been a phenomenal one for the Android ecosystem. Device activations grew 250% year-on-year, and the total number of app downloads from Android Market topped 11 billion. As the platform continues to grow, we’re focused on bringing you the best new features and innovations - including in security."

I've never had a problem with a bad app doing serious damage. The worst problem I had was an app that was giving me advertisements as notifications. It wasn't hard to find the app and after I removed it the notifications stopped. This blog post explains some of the safeguards that are in place to protect your Android phone. One thing they highlight is the "Bouncer" service that Google developed to scan the Android Market and look for bad apps. It's good to know that however bad this problem is on Android Google is taking it seriously.

Have you ever had a problem on your Android device caused by a virus or malware?

"Samsung wants to make an Android tablet for everyone, which is why they have four screen sizes: 7.0", 7.7", 8.9", and 10.1". For many, their 7.0" and 7.7" tablets provide an excellent level of portability while also giving you plenty of screen to warrant a great tablet experience."

A super AMOLED Plus screen with a pixel density of about 196 ppi (iPad 2 is about 131 ppi, for comparison) at 1280x800 makes this tablet a delight to the eyes. Two models are currently shipping: one with wifi and one with wifi and unlocked GSM/UMTS bands. A 4G LTE version is planned for 2012 from Verizon. An unusual (but interesting) feature, the Tab 7.7 has an earpiece, making phone features a possibility, bit it is not yet enabled in the software. Overall, this is a great tablet, but is currently hampered (per the reviewer) by Android 3.2's quirkiness. Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) is expected sometime in 2012 Q1. Battery life is outstanding, thanks in part to the Super AMOLED Plus screen's efficiencies. There are currently several resellers, and costs start at $572 for the wifi-only version, or $668 for a version that'll work with an AT&T SIM. With Android 4.x onboard, this may be getting close to the perfect tablet: long battery life, beautiful screen, and fast!

"Google has released a pretty useful update for their Android version of Google Docs, providing offline access for your files and a better overall experience for tablet users by providing high-resolution versions of your documents."

This was a much needed update! To not have access to files when you have no network is just dumb. Large collections of media or things you don't need often, maybe that can stay in the cloud, but small text files, documentation, or notes, I want available all the time. It sounds like the synchronization is done well also. I played with it a bit and it's easy enough to save a file locally as shown in the screen shot above. Improving the app for tablet owners was a very smart idea as well. Really, I think that should have been done when the first Xoom was released but better late than never.

"The folks at Adonit have been working hard on their new product, the Jot Touch, a pressure sensitive stylus with a built-in antenna and a free SDK kit for drawing app developers."

Too much as in it seems pretty complicated to me, but then again i'm used to just a regular old stylus or the tip of my finger. I suppose being able to have tight control over the end of the stylus would be useful for those doing intricate work on their iPad or tablet, but for the regular user like me, I don't see the value. What are your thoughts?

"So you're walking with your iPhone in one hand, and a Starbucks latte in the other, and granted it is possible to use the iPhone in one hand, it could prove to be "fatal" since one hand tends to offer less support compared to two, and we all know that heart wrenching feeling when your brand new gadget slips out of your hand and onto the hard pavement."

Basically very simple, as all this does is attach to the iPhone case or the iPhone itself and you slide your fingers in and can start using your iPhone one handed without fear of dropping it. I can also be attached to the back of your iPad, or any other tablet for that matter. As you can see from the photos, it doesn't have to be an Apple product to work. Three sizes (small, medium and large) depending on the finger size and you can get them for $29.95 USD each from the Flygrip store located here. That seems a bit spendy to me, and I think I would rather just spend that on a better case. What are your thoughts?

Product Category: Camera Bag

Manufacturer: Manfrotto

Where to Buy: Best Buy, Amazon

Price: $50 - $99 USD

Holds: DSLR with lens attached as well as 1 to 2 other lenses, 17" Macbook (15.4" laptop) and personal effects.

Specifications: Product Height 12.2", Product Width 7.5", Product Depth18.9",Product Weight 2.2 lbs.

Pros:

• Lightweight;
• Cost Effective;
• Lots of Storage Space.

Cons:

• Shoulder Pad is not Comfortable;
• No Regular Tripod Attachment;
• No Easy Access Side Pockets.

Summary: The Manfrotto Unica VII Messenger Bag is a great camera bag for photographers on the go or who travel frequently. It is stylish and has an easy access top zipper that lets you get to all your gear in a hurry. That same zipper makes it easy to grab your laptop out for airport security checkpoints and, yes, the whole bag is carry-on friendly for both domestic and international flights.

The ability to carry a pro body with a battery pack attached and a 17 inch laptop along with other lenses and equipment without weighing a ton or requiring you to stop and find a place to sit your bag down in order to access your equipment is a lifesaver. The messenger bag style makes it easy to carry around all day and doesn't scream "I have an expensive camera in here!". The price point on this can't be beat - at $50 - $100, it easily compares to bags twice the price. Read more...