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All posts tagged "ipad"


Monday, May 28, 2012

PicFrame For Making Photo Collages

Posted by Michael Knutson in "Apple Software (OS X)" @ 02:30 PM

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/picf...7528?mt=12&ls=1

"PicFrame helps you combine multiple photos into amazing looking frames that you can save to your computer or share to Facebook. With 34 adjustable frames, rounded corners and plenty of patterns, you will always have a unique look."

I added this to my iPhone a few days ago, and a version is now available for Mac OS X. More from the App Store:

"Since PicFrame was released on the iPhone and iPad we have often been requested to create a Mac version for people to use on their desktop, well here it is! PicFrame on the Mac is just as easy to use, select a frame, drag and drop your photos in, tweak the border size, give the photos rounded corners, add a color or pattern, resize the adjustable frames and save the photo or share it to Facebook.

Main Features:- 34 adjustable frames- Support for up to 5 photos- Rounded corners- Change the border size- Zoom and drag the photos around- Easy color picker for border color- Multiple patterns to use for the border- Ratios 1:1, 3:2, 2:3, 4:3, 3:4, 16:9- High resolution- Share to Facebook- Drag and drop photos into the frame "

Pretty nice for a couple bucks on each platform ... and really, really easy.


Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Let The Satechi R1 Hold Your Tablet

Posted by Jeff Campbell in "Apple iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad" @ 05:00 AM

http://www.mactech.com/2012/04/03/s...iety-situations

"Tablets and larger mobile devices have changed our lives since the debut of the iPad, and we love holding those devices in our hands. We touch, create, and consume all while we have the device on our laps or hands."

But sometimes it is helpful to have a handy stand available, just like this one. At $49.95 USD it isn't too cheap, but it appears to be pretty functional, and it works for any number of devices that have a 7" to 10" screen, such as Galaxy Tabs, Kindle Fires, Asus Eee Pad and the Blackberry Playbook. You can find out more about this device at the Satechi site.


Thursday, February 2, 2012

Jot Touch Stylus From Adonit, Too Much?

Posted by Jeff Campbell in "Apple iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad" @ 03:00 AM

http://www.imore.com/2012/01/29/han...-stylus-adonit/

"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?


Saturday, January 28, 2012

Flygrip Will Ease Your One Handed Fears

Posted by Jeff Campbell in "Apple iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad" @ 03:00 AM

http://www.ubergizmo.com/2012/01/fl...e-handed-usage/

"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?


Monday, January 16, 2012

Has Your iPad Replaced Your Laptop? Yea, Me Either, But Soon Perhaps...

Posted by Jeff Campbell in "Apple iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad" @ 02:00 PM

http://www.appleinsider.com/article...ir_laptop_.html

"More than one in ten iPad owning business professionals have indicated that Apple's touchscreen tablet has become their portable device of choice, completely replacing their laptop."

It's getting closer and closer for me all the time, mostly due to the improvements in the work space where I spend most of my day, but also in the fact that more and more content is available for the iPad (i.e. mobile flash sites switching to HTML5). And in meetings it has pretty much replaced pen and paper for me. It is just so easy to use in my opinion. What are your thoughts?


Saturday, August 20, 2011

European Union To Get The Galaxy

Posted by Hooch Tan in "Laptop Thoughts News" @ 07:00 AM

http://gigaom.com/mobile/court-allo...sell-in-europe/

"According to Dutch site Webwereld, the Dusseldorf District Court has issued an interim statement allowing Samsung to again sell the Galaxy Tab throughout the EU nations, with the exception of Germany. The German court will have a formal hearing on August 25, at which time the sales injunction could return."

Tablets are a hot commodity, and it is understandable that companies would take great efforts to protect their sales. However, it seems that Apple's attempt to block the Galaxy Tab from the European Union has hit a snag. The whole Apple iPad/Galaxy Tab battle does signify a greater battle since all tablets are likely going to share a lot of similar properties. The ultimate decision by the courts will probably affect the future of tablet interfaces, and even hardware design.


Wednesday, June 22, 2011

When You Want Something Other Than an iPad

Posted by Hooch Tan in "Laptop Thoughts News" @ 01:30 PM

http://technologizer.com/2011/06/20...alternatives-2/

"Sure, it’s easy to point at specific things that other devices do better (or at least differently) than the iPad, and some of the people reading this article can explain why they chose another tablet and don’t regret the move. (If you’re one of them, please do!) Still, sales figures for tablets show that when consumers compare the iPad to other choices, an overwhelming percentage conclude that the iPad is the best option."

There are lots of reasons why someone might prefer a different tablet than an iPad but one thing I am quite sure annoys a lot of people is that when you whip out your fight-the-masses-and-not-be-like-everyone-else tablet, someone nearby will look over and ask, "Is that an iPad?" Just let it go. No matter whether your choice is a Galaxy Tab, A RIM PlayBook or Motorola Xoom, to a lot of people, they are all iPads. Do you remember how long it took for people to stop calling every PDA a Palm Pilot? Oh, that's right... The good news is that there are a lot of options other than the iPad, and no matter what the public mindshare is, you can rest well knowing that your choice fits your needs, even if is a real iPad.


Tuesday, June 14, 2011

My Favourite iPad Bag: the iPad Travel Express by Waterfield Designs

Posted by Jason Dunn in "Laptop Thoughts Accessories" @ 07:00 AM

This is a review video of the iPad Travel Express, made by Waterfield Designs in the USA. This is a well-designed, sturdy bag that's perfect for carrying your iPad (with or without the Smart Cover), the Apple Bluetooth keyboard, the iPad sync cable and AC adaptor, along with a few other small items (wallet, phone, MP3 player, etc.). It's not a low-cost bag - you're definitely paying for the quality of the materials and the fact that it's made in the USA - but it's one of the best bags of its type that I've used and I highly recommend it. The DecalGirl skin shown in the video can be purchased here. [Affiliate]

Jason Dunn owns and operates Thoughts Media Inc., a company dedicated to creating the best in online communities. He enjoys photography, mobile devices, blogging, digital media content creation/editing, and pretty much all technology. He lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with his lovely wife, his wonderful son Logan, and his sometimes obedient dog. He's got an interesting thing happening to him this week - he's equal parts excited and scared.

Do you enjoy using new hardware, software and accessories, then sharing your experience with others? Then join us on the Thoughts Media Review Team! We're looking for individuals who find it fun to test new gear and give their honest opinions about the experience. It's a volunteer role with some great perks. Interested? Then click here for more information.


Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Evernote Peek: The First Smart Cover Learning App

Posted by Jason Dunn in "Apple Software (iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad)" @ 10:15 AM

http://blog.evernote.com/2011/06/08...mart-cover-app/

"Several months ago, Phil and I were sitting in a plane playing around with the just-released iPad 2. Of all its features, the thing that floored us was the ingenious Smart Cover. It didn't seem like an accessory so much as an extension of the device. As we sat there opening and closing the cover, a question struck us: could we use the cover to control an app that would make Evernote even more useful Turns out, the answer is yes. We give you Evernote Peek, the world's first Smart Cover app. Available now."

Here's one thing I've learned over the years: if you have a hardware feature that developers can tap into, they will - and they'll do creative things you never guessed they could. This is a perfect example of that - and I think it's brilliant. It's a whole new class of application that came about simply from Apple coming up with a feature that turns the iPad on when the Smart Cover is lifted.


Tuesday, June 7, 2011

The Twelve South BookBook iPad Case: Clever and Cool

Posted by Jason Dunn in "Laptop Thoughts Accessories" @ 07:00 AM

This is my review of the Twelve South BookBook, a very creative and clever carrying case for the iPad and iPad 2. Ever wanted to carry your iPad in stealth mode, hiding the fact that you have an expensive tablet computer on you? Then this is the case for you. Available in two colours - Classic Black or Vibrant Red - this case is a leather-bound, hand-distressed, very novel way to protect and carry your iPad or iPad 2. The BookBook can be purchased via the Laptop Thoughts Amazon store for $69.99 USD.

Interested in the skin on the iPad 2? You can get it from DecalGirl [Affiliate].

Jason Dunn owns and operates Thoughts Media Inc., a company dedicated to creating the best in online communities. He enjoys photography, mobile devices, blogging, digital media content creation/editing, and pretty much all technology. He lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with his lovely wife, his wonderful son Logan, and his sometimes obedient dog. He's in the midst of a pretty big process right now - he hopes it goes well.

Do you enjoy using new hardware, software and accessories, then sharing your experience with others? Then join us on the Thoughts Media Review Team! We're looking for individuals who find it fun to test new gear and give their honest opinions about the experience. It's a volunteer role with some great perks. Interested? Then click here for more information.


Monday, June 6, 2011

Waterfield Design's iPad 2 Suede Jacket Reviewed

Posted by Jason Dunn in "Laptop Thoughts Accessories" @ 09:00 AM

To watch in full screen 1080p, please click on the video title and go over to YouTube.

This is my review of the Waterfield Design iPad 2 Suede Jacket. It's a simple product that works exceptionally well - if you're looking for a simple sleeve for your iPad 2, this is an affordable, effective product. The Ultrasuede is extremely soft and will protect your iPad from scratches and scuffs - but of course won't protect it from anything more than that. The pouch on the back is handy for carrying a few iPad accessories, and with prices starting at $19, it's an affordable option. If you're looking for a simple, lightweight way to protect your iPad v1 or iPad v2 - with or without a Smart Cover - I highly recommend the iPad 2 Suede Jacket.

Jason Dunn owns and operates Thoughts Media Inc., a company dedicated to creating the best in online communities. He enjoys photography, mobile devices, blogging, digital media content creation/editing, and pretty much all technology. He lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with his lovely wife, his wonderful son Logan, and his sometimes obedient dog. He's surprised how much he uses his iPad 2.

Do you enjoy using new hardware, software and accessories, then sharing your experience with others? Then join us on the Thoughts Media Review Team! We're looking for individuals who find it fun to test new gear and give their honest opinions about the experience. It's a volunteer role with some great perks. Interested? Then click here for more information.


Thursday, May 26, 2011

IK Multimedia's Amazing Music Tools for Your iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch

Posted by Jason Dunn in "Laptop Thoughts Accessories" @ 11:30 AM

http://www.ikmultimedia.com/Main.ht...tware/index.php

For some of you, none of this will be new - but if you're like me and hadn't heard of these impressive products before now, check out these videos...

There are three products that are particularly exciting for musicians/vocalists who own an iPad or iPhone/iPod Touch: the iRig Mic, the iRig, and the iKlip. They also have some impressive software that goes along with these products. Any Laptop Thoughts or Apple Thoughts readers using this hardware or software? What do you think of it? I play bass guitar and sing, but no longer have an amp in my home...so the idea of being able to plug into my iPad and play is really appealing, not to mention being able to lay down a vocal track if inspiration hits!


Vogel's RingO: A Universal Tablet Mounting System

Posted by Eric Juillerat in "Apple iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad" @ 10:00 AM

There are 15,873,213.5 iPad cases and stands, and dozens of iPad mounts. While that statement may not be completely accurate, it would be fair to say there are a lot. So what's with another review of the same old stuff? In a word, "System". A complete and comprehensive eco-system of compatible cases, stands and mounts for tablets. And as far as I can see, there may only be a few tablet "Systems" in existence. We're going to look at one - Vogel's RingO Universal Mounting System. Welcome to the Pros, my friend.

Read more...


Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Tablets For Real Work? If You Keep Your Expectations In Check, Yes

Posted by Jason Dunn in "Laptop Thoughts Talk" @ 12:00 PM

Last week I did something for the first time: I took my iPad 2, my Apple Bluetooth keyboard, and a pair of headphones - nothing else - and went to my local library to do some writing work. Read more...


Wednesday, May 4, 2011

DisplayLink iPad App Gives You An Extra Monitor

Posted by Jason Dunn in "Apple Software (iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad)" @ 08:00 AM

If you're an iPad owner, you should check out the DisplayLink iPad app. I downloaded it last week but didn't get around to checking it out until now - in short, it uses your iPad's WiFi connection to turn your iPad into another monitor on a Windows 7 computer (sorry OS X users). I had it up and running in about 90 seconds - you simply install the Windows 7 desktop application, it adds a virtual display, and on the iPad your computer will show up as a location that can be connected to. That's right, you can have an extra monitor on multiple computers (not at the same time of course). Under Windows 7, you can manipulate your iPad as if it were a connected monitor. Read more...


Friday, April 22, 2011

Competitors Don't Understand How to Beat the iPad

Posted by Michael Knutson in "Apple Talk" @ 09:00 PM

http://www.businessinsider.com/want...eat-ipad-2011-4

"When unveiled in 2010, Apple didn't know why iPad would be a major hit.* After spending most of the keynote explaining some of iPad's basic features, such as email, reading books, and surfing the web, Apple left the fundamental question of why iPad would become popular to the marketplace to answer.

*I didn’t write “if iPad would be a major hit”, but instead, “why iPad would be a major hit.” Apple has a history of releasing major products only after it knows it is worthy of becoming a hit."

Why? Apple has transferred innovation to the user. Apple offers initial satisfaction, followed by continuing satisfaction and enjoyment. Competitors don't really understand why people are buying iPads. Walk into any Apple Store (or Best Buy) and look at faces as people play with iPads. Electronic crack. The bottom line is that the author feels that they are winning on emotion (winning hearts and minds), taking cost out of the equation. His feeling is that the only way that competitors can be successful is either by making a low-price commodity item (does this mean a throw-away tablet?) or by out-innovating Apple. With Apple having a stranglehold on the components market, competition on price alone will continue to be difficult, so that leaves beating Apple at introducing new features or even developing something completely different (Monty Python, anyone?). With nearly 20 million iPads sold, I wonder how many of the niche players will simply drop out of the competition.


Tuesday, April 12, 2011

More Doom and Gloom for the Xoom

Posted by Michael Knutson in "Laptop Thoughts Talk" @ 10:00 AM

http://www.conceivablytech.com/6717/business/6717

"No tablet besides the iPad is selling in volume at the moment. The Galaxy Tablet, Samsung's big hope, sold about 250,000 units in the high selling fourth quarter even though stores had around 2,000,000 to sell. Motorola's Xoom supposedly shipped in similar numbers and since it has launched sold around 100,000. This is against 300,000 for the iPad 1 over its launch weekend and most estimates have the iPad 2 at around twice that during it's launch weekend and Apple appears to be selling every one of those they can build."

It seems that everyone has become an expert on mobile device market share. Here's a story from a somewhat well-known analyst opining that, while devices are available, and have been shipped to retailers, only a fraction of them are selling. Gosh, why could this be? Maybe because the economy is still struggling, and that consumers are finding it hard to plunk down their hard-earned money on relatively unknown devices? iPad 2 devices are selling, maybe in part because they're known to the consumer, and are a 'safe' purchase. Look at the UI of an iPad vs. the UI of the Xoom. The iPad whispers "friendly and uncomplicated," while the Xoom screams "techie and Android." Standing at a Best Buy several days ago, the iPad 2s were being swarmed by potential buyers, while the Android area had a teenager playing and game on a Xoom, and me. Several Galaxy Tabs were there, but drew no interest. Admittedly non-scientific, but observation can be a powerful tool. What does Motorola need to do to get potential buyers interested in the Xoom? Technology comparisons just aren't working. Ideas?


Wednesday, March 30, 2011

The Joy Factory iPad Wall/Cabinet Mount

Posted by Eric Juillerat in "Apple iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad" @ 07:00 AM

Seinfeld fans out there will recall how George felt about crushed red velvet. To borrow his sentiments, I'd wrap myself in carbon fiber if I could. If it has carbon fiber in it, I have to have it; mountain bike, watch, ring, Lamborghini Aventador, it doesn't really matter. So when I saw that The Joy Factory had just released a carbon fiber iPad mount, well, yeah, it had to come home. Read more...


Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Tekkeon’s New Dual Port Power Pack, Certified by Apple for iPod, iPhone and iPad, Charges Two Devices at Once

Posted by Jason Dunn in "Laptop Thoughts Accessories" @ 09:00 AM

http://www.tekkeon.com/products-tekcharge1860.html

"TekChargeTM MP1860A, a dual port power pack with two USB outputs, simultaneously charges and powers your iPadTM, iPhone®, iPod® nano or iPod® touch, and a second small portable device. With mobile power at your fingertips, this high-capacity, lightweight battery lets you enjoy hours of extended play time on many of your small portable electronic products. Most portable devices are often in need of recharging after a few hours of use. By taking advantage of the TekCharge MP1860A rechargeable lithium ion battery, you can enjoy hours of extended play time on your iPad, iPhone, iPod, mobile phones, smartphones, Zune® and MP3 players, portable routers, e-readers, and other small portable electronic products. As an added bonus, TekCharge MP1860A includes a flashlight so you have emergency light at your fingertips."

Got an iPad or another tablet that needs a hefty bump of juice to charge? The Tekkeon MP1860A might have a uninspired product name, but it offers plenty of power - up to 2.1 amps, enough to charge an iPad or iPad 2. It's also been officially certified by Apple, so you know it will work. The battery holds 4400 mAH of power, which should be enough to recharge several smaller devices and partially recharge the iPad or another tablet device. I'm working on a review of another Tekkeon battery pack and it's quite impressive. Tekkeon really knows their batteries!


Monday, February 21, 2011

What's the "Perfect" Tablet Size for You?

Posted by Jason Dunn in "Laptop Thoughts Talk" @ 02:00 PM

http://www.gottabemobile.com/2011/0...on-your-tablet/

"Over the weekend, news leaked of Apple preparing a larger iPod Touch to compete with low end tablets that offer a smaller screen size than the iPad's 10" display. This comes after Steve Jobs has stated a that a 7" tablet isn't the same as a true tablet in a 10" model. Add to that the fact that Samsung has a 10" tablet arriving very soon in the next generation of the Galaxy Tab. It was an inevitable upgrade, but it has me wondering what the "perfect size" for a tablet PC really is. Do companies see the 10" profile being the only answer or are they simply trying to gauge the perfect approach for consumers."

Apple's flat out refusal to make a 7 inch iPad is typical of their "We have the perfect product for you as long as you like it in this size, this colour, and with these features" approach. But if they release a bigger iPod Touch, well, that solves the problem of them not having a bigger iPad yet not having to back-peddle on their statements. I for one would love to see a bigger iPod Touch - 5 inches would be excellent I think.

I'm a huge fan of my iPod touch - we have two in our house now - largely because it's such an amazing educational tool for my 18 month old son Logan. We're purposefully keeping him away from TV and computer use, but with limited iPod Touch use (I'd guess less than 30 minutes per day) he's learnings letters, numbers, shapes, colours, and how to navigate a user interface.

So, survey time! What's your ideal tablet/slate screen size?


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