Sunday, February 27, 2011

iWant: iPad2 Features


This week we're going to steer a little off track from the normal iWant format. Speculation is running rampant that Apple will be announcing their latest iPad iteration during a media event on March 2nd.   Instead of telling you how desperately I want one, I'm looking to start a discussion.  Stir the pot.  Add some spice to this lil' ole' blog.  I'll tell you what features I want in the new Apple iPad 2, but more importantly I want you to tell me what you want to see.  From the crazy,  to the practical, to the down-right genius- I want to hear your ideas.  And who knows...maybe the folks in Cupertino are watching.  A guy can dream, can't he?  Without further adieu, here are the top five features that I'd like to see in the iPad 2.  Sound off with your top 5 in the comments!


Top 5 features that iWant to see in the iPad 2
  1. Front facing HD camera - but add a little Apple magic to auto-enhance my mug when I'm Face Timing or Skyping
  2. Adobe Flash Support - yeah I know, not a chance.  But after spending time with Flash 10.1 on the HTC Inspire 4G, I kind of want it in everything.  True desk top browsing can't happen without it yet.
  3. Better Exchange Email Support - really need task sync support, an easier Global Address search, and invitation tracking for meetings/appointments.
  4. A really cool keyboard accessory - c'mon, you're Apple!  Come up with sleek, mind-blowing keyboard accessory.  Accessory manufacturers have had their chance and plenty of time!
  5. 4G... iOS awesomeness with faster than ever page load times and crisper than ever streaming video...I'm in!!!

Mike's TechReview: HTC Inspire 4G


Alright sports fans... I was lucky enough to snag one of AT&T's newest SmartPhones, the android powered HTC Inspire 4G.  I've been using the Inspire 4G for a little over a week so here's a hands-on review with my initial impressions; the good, the bad and yes, even the ugly.

The Good:
  • Build quality
  • Killer 8MP camera
  • Finally Froyo
  • Snappy, 1 GHz processor
 The Bad:
  • Where's the 4G?
  • A bit bulky
  • 3.5 mm audio...on the bottom?
The Ugly:
  • No HTML email w/ Exchange 2003
Hit the break for a recap and final impressions!

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Mike's Tech Take: AT&T vs. Verizon iPhone 4




It’s one of the most heated debates in the technosphere right now, so I figured that I’d weigh in with my opinions on AT&T's iPhone 4 vs. Verizon’s version which launches in stores on February 10th.

If you’re a current or prospective iPhone user, the choice to buy AT&T or Verizon’s iPhone 4 comes down decisions in a few key areas, in my opinion.  Hit the break to find out what they are!

iWant: snakebyte™ Premium Bluetooth Remote


Okay, so this week’s iWant item is something that looks like it will cure one of my techno diseases… Toomanyremote-itis.  This disease affects many technophiles around the world, particularly those who use Sony’s Playstation 3 as a DVD/BlueRay/media hub like I do.  The problem is simple – most gadgets’ remotes use IR technology, but the PS3 uses Bluetooth.  That said, universal remotes like Logitech’s Harmony 880 can control just about everything in your home that uses IR…but not your Playstation 3. No matter what I’ve tried in the past I’ve always ended up with too many remotes, too many “power” buttons to press, and too many batteries to replace.  Other side effects of Toomanyremote-itis include having to provide an instruction manual entitled “How to watch a DVD” to anyone looking to do so in my home, including my wife.

Friends… I think the suffering is over.    More details after the break!!!