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Hardware CRIMP?
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Posted by Stephen Zeoli
Jun 1, 2011 at 04:17 PM
Sorry if it sounded as if I was trying to tell you what would work for you. I don’t like to do that. I was just daydreaming, based upon thinking about where the thread was going!
Steve Z.
Posted by Ken
Jun 1, 2011 at 05:03 PM
Alexander Deliyannis wrote:
>Quite right; Android 2.x was aimed at phones, period.
>Android 3.x has been developed for tablets.
True, but in some ways, this is not all bad (except for being left behind as new versions of the OS are released). With 2.x on a 7 in. tablet, it is almost like an enhanced PDA rather than a tablet. Granted 2.x does not offer what 3.x and beyond do, but sometimes simpler is better. However, the way that software is updated on Android devices, this could be an issue. If the Galaxy Tab were $50 to $100 USD cheaper, then it would be an easier purchase as my investment is more limited.
—Ken
Posted by Ken
Jun 1, 2011 at 05:06 PM
JohnK wrote:
>As always, the rule is: buy the product for what it is now, not what it might
>become.
I do not disagree, but the way that they update Android devices, it may be a bit more frustrating experience, as developers are often releasing new versions of their programs quite frequently. I would be concerned about a release that both corrected bugs, but required a newer OS.
—Ken
Posted by WSP
Jun 1, 2011 at 05:15 PM
OK, since we’re daydreaming, let me elaborate on my favorite computer fantasy. As I said before, I’m especially preoccupied with the problem of carrying laptops or netbooks to libraries and taking notes there. I like to imagine that in the future my computer will be the size of a smartphone, connected at home by bluetooth (or some similar wireless technology) to my keyboard, monitor, scanner, and printer. When I want to spend a day at the library, I will walk out of the house with my phone-sized computer in my pocket, and when I arrive at the library, there will be various wireless monitors and keyboards available in the reading room; I’ll simply connect my own computer to whatever peripherals I need there.
This doesn’t seem like science-fiction technology. Our smart phones are already miniature computers; all we need now is compatible monitors and keyboards in public places like libraries. Or maybe monitors will be supplanted by some sort of projection capability in the computer/phone.
Bill
Posted by Ken
Jun 1, 2011 at 05:17 PM
Stephen Zeoli wrote:
>If it were me, rather than carrying around and paying for an iPad and a netbook, I’d just
>go with the 11” MacBook Air. Close to the same cost, no Windows operating system to deal
>with. Practically the same rapid start up time. Far more robust applications to
>choose from (than the iPad). In fact, I’m almost talking myself into it as I write…
>Talk about hardware CRIMP!
>
>Steve Z.
I had considered the 11” Air, but for the price, I could look at an X220 laptop or tablet from Lenovo.
What I am finding frustrating is that my different work styles lend themselvs to different pieces of equipment! I like my smartphone because it always has a wireless signal, and I can receive notifications or information almost anywhere. A 7 in. tablet would make an excellent PDA, but I do not wish to pay for 3G or 4G service at this time. An iPad would be a great device for consuming information when I am not necessarily on the move, and combining it with a keyboard makes it a nice alternative to larger hardware when note taking is required. A small laptop like the Air or the X220 is truly a portable office, but its size, weight and cost are not close to something like the Tab. I do not wish to own one of each, but I have yet to find the right combination of hardware that will come close to meeting my needs. I should just hold off a bit more to think about which golas are most important, and how I can get there without spending a small fortune on equipment. A very frustrating subject, but all of your help and advice has been most useful.
—Ken