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Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Auvio Bluetooth Portable Speaker Review Part 1

This is just a fast review. Mother opened the Auvio yesterday, it being Christmas. The Auvio Bluetooth Portable Speaker uses a Mini USB port, not a Micro USB. It comes with a USB to Micro USB cable, but no charger. That is not so bad for me, as I have too many USB wall chargers. I guess that is one of the ways they save money.

The Auvio Bluetooth Portable Speaker is light, but that is because you get 6 hours of use instead of 10 hours with the JamBox, by virtue of the battery. But light has it's virtues- it is easier to carry around.

The sound was pleasant. Too small to be anywhere near outstanding. But, it was good. Where you place the Auvio can change the tonal quality of the sound output. I will play around with that aspect more.

This unit cost me $40 plus tax. That was a great deal for the sound quality and the volume output of this device. Can't say anything about the reliability of the Auvio, just too new. But as I test it out, I will post about it here.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

I been spending too much time at Radioshack

Well, Radioshack.com. Now, they are offering Virgin Mobile (USA) HTC One V for $49.99. Free shipping is available for orders over $50. I would buy a micro sd card. Not a bad deal, 5 MP camera with LED flash (I like to use as a flash light). Android 4.0.3 (Ice Cream Sandwich).

And I paid $99.99 for mines. I got ripped off. Well, not really. It is worth the money I paid.

HTC One V

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Opps! I Did It Again

Bought another Auvio Portable Bluetooth Speakers as a present. Ordered from Radioshack.com and will have it sent to a friend. Radioshack.com offers free shipping for orders over $50, but the speaker was only $49.99. Shipping was $6.99. So, I also ordered a 8 GB micro sd card for $7.99, letting save the $6..99 on shipping, but increasing my total sales tax. I don't think it will arrive before Christmas, but then, I don't think he is getting me anything for Christmas anyway. I really do need better friends.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Free Free Free Free

In my last post, I mention that software for iOS devices are easy to find. Well, found a link for a DVD ripper and video converter. I have not downloaded this program yet, I may in a couple of days. These programs may say for iPhone or iPad, but they have other settings. But, I usually use an iPad setting, if I was making the video file for my BlackBerry PlayBook. It would then work on an iPad and the PlayBook.

Forgot to mention it is free. No support. No manuals. But, free. Links below. Takes you to a CNET article that explains how to download the program. Read it before downloading it. You do need to download and register the program. Read the article.

CNET

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Rolling with Life

Been playing with iOS6, on my mother's iPad Mini, with Android 4.0.3 (Ice Cream Sandwich) on my HTC One V (which also has HTC Sense), and the BlackBerry PlayBook (which is supposed to be similar to RIM's BB10). Have not tried Windows Phone 7 or 8. Nor have I tried Android 4.1 or 4.2 (the two version of Jelly Bean).

My favorite OS has to be the BlackBerry PlayBook. I'm not rating the whole ecosystem, just the OS. I like the whole swiping thing. I like that 99.99% of the time, I don't need to use any physical button or rocker. To wake up the PlayBook. To adjust the volume.

Since I use the PlayBook to watch videos, I like that the native video player plays a lot of different video formats- wmv, avi, mkv, mp4 and the other m style formats (mov, m4v, etc). And with the app, Remote Media Player, I have a resume feature and a limited fast forward and reverse. Life is good.

iOS6 is alright. Like AirPrint, very easy to print from the iPad Mini. Like AirPlay. I love the iPod portion of iOS devices. I think it is the best media player. I know it plays a very restricted video container, and you need to use iTunes to put videos onto the iPod media player, but I enjoy using it to watch videos. Because Apple products are popular, videos and software are easy to find for them.

Android on my HTC seems like an OS from Frankenstein. Like it is a little of this, a little of that. I understand that with Android, I can tailor it towards the way I would like it. I can tinker to the way it fits me. But do I care? No. Do many people care? I don't know. I have seen other people's wallpapers and I find it makes the screen harder to decipher information. Playing videos on the HTC One V is been a crapshoot. I still have not found the right player. I keep reading on what is great about Android is that the media players can play anything, but I still have not found one.

Life goes on.


Sunday, December 16, 2012

Toys for Christmas

Almost Christmas, time to see what is on sale.

Radioshack.com has the Auvio Bluetooth Portable Speakers on sale again starting today, selling for $49.99. Free shipping on orders over $50!?!?!  If you are an audiophile, you would not get this. But it is small, portable and from the store demo, puts out a decent sound. I have not tried the one I bought yet. It is for my mother for Christmas. Rated with a 6 hour battery life, the Jambox from Jambone will last 10 hours. But it cost more then double the price.

Because my BlackBerry PlayBook has no expanded memory, I got the Kingston Wi -Drive from Amazon. And now Amazon is selling the 32GB model for $49.99 and free shipping. Better yet the 64GB one goes for $89.99 with free shipping. These prices will last for at least one more day. For even more storage, Amazon has the Seagate GoFlex Satellite Hard Drive for $99.99 shipped. Like the Wi-Drive, it will make it's own wifi signal, but uses a 500GB spinning hard drive and you can't recharge it, because it doesn't have batteries.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

No Frigging Apps

Yes, there is a dearth of apps for the PlayBook. And the defenders of the BlackBerry PlayBook will tell you that there is the browser. That you could use the browser for many of the things you would want. And really, you can. But not for everything. Because the browser uses wifi.

As the new owner of a Android phone, that is not used as a phone, and having the sometimes use of a new iOS device, I have now come to see apps are needed. I was looking at Voxer, a walkie talkie app, that is available for Android and iOS devices. But it could work in a browser, as Voxer uses wifi. But there are other apps that use bluetooth instead. But the browser doesn't have access to the bluetooth, so I think an app would be necessary to use bluetooth for things like chatting, texting or sending files.

I thought it would be good for my friend, who has no phone, and me to text while he is working. I course, I would need to be close to use bluetooth. But I have run into a roadblock- no app seems to work with an Android device and an iOS device. Of course, none work the PlayBook. Oh the horrors.

Using the Kingston Wi-Drive to Download

Really started using alot more. Mostly trying to figure out the best way of using it for a trip. I have streamed from the Wi-Drive to the PlayBook. It works fine, the Kingston does get warm. But you can't stream on a plane flight and stated battery life is only 4 hours. Can't say for sure how long battery life is, I have never tested mines. But I figured the best use would be to download the videos (or music) to the PlayBook.

To use the Wi-Dive on the PlayBook, you need to use the browser. Enter http://192.168.200.254/ into the browser, when you are connected to the Wi-Drive. It will stream any file that a PlayBook uses, but you can download that file. Using the PlayBook touch screen, touch and hold the file and up posted a menu and click "save link as". Downloading should begin. And it is pretty fast.

On the HTC One V, you can go to Google Play and download an app from Kingston, Wi-Drive. It will let you download from the app. I downloaded music to the One V. It was very simple.

In both devices , you do need to connect the wifi to the Wi-Drive's signal.

iOS devices also have an app in Apple's App Store. But that app will not download the files, I have read. I think, and I will try later, you could use a download manager to download the files. It would be like using the PlayBook, I would think. Use a browser. There are many download managers in the App Store.

Screen shot of PlayBook connected to Wi-Drive, trying to download a file.


FedEx came at 7:30pm

My mother's iPad Mini came in the other day. Apple promised December 11 as the delivery date, but Apple always promise things and they get there earlier. When it shipped, they promised it by no later then 4:30pm on December 5th. But it came December 4th at 7:30pm. I knew it would be there before the 5th, but 7:30pm? FedEx must be laid off people, because if they are running this late now, Christmas maybe even later for them.

Setting up the iPad Mini was a breeze. No need for an iTunes account now, as one can be made during setup, which I could do over WiFi. The Blackberry PlayBook was also very easy to setup over WiFi.  I would always recommend having any device that you are setting up, to have it connected to a power source during the process. I have bricked a device before, because, I think, it had not fully downloaded everything it needed.

My first impressions of the ipad Mini is that it is light and fast, for the things my Mom will do with it. Easy to setup. In putting of telephone numbers was a pain, as I needed to redo the earlier ones to put country codes into the phone numbers (+1). FaceTime needed it. Colors seem nice. Only real fault at this time is, in portrait mode, the words can be fuzzy and not sharp. Battery life has been excellent.

Was it a good choice for my mother? Definitely yes. All of her grandchildren have an iOS device, with whom she can now FaceTime with. FaceTime has worked for her right after setup and in putting the phone numbers or email address, for the iPod Touches and iPads. It has a bigger screen for her to read with and play her games. Solitaire. But now she complains because she has not been winning alot.

Sunday, December 2, 2012

HTC One V and me

Been using the HTC One V for a week and I must say I like it. Part of it has to do with it not looking like a iPhone. It looks different, but it also seems solid. The home screen is not like iOS. Not sure what is HTC Sense and what is Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich.  The clock/weather widget, I believe that is from HTC, is nice, though I do wish it was on the lock screen, not just the home screen.

The screen shot on the left is my home screen. The one on the right is the lock screen. I don't know why the screen shots are so fuzzy.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

HTC One V has a Chin

I did order a Samsung Galaxy Rush, it still has not shipped. But I started reading reviews of it and the reviews weren't kind. The reviews on Amazon were good, but there were not many reviews.  Then I noticed the screen resolution at 480x320 and I was not impressed. And the camera got bad reviews. And I really wanted the camera. Can't cancel the order, so I will give it to a friend and he will clean my yard. He thinks it cost me $149. I paid $69. Plus tax of course.

Radioshack had the HTC One V in stock last night for $99. Android 4.0.3 (Ice Cream Sandwich). The 3.7 inch screen has a resolution of 800x480. It has a 5 MP camera with LED flash. Overall, a better phone then the Galaxy Rush, except the Galaxy Rush has a front facing camera for video chatting.

I have been using the One V for about a day now. Not as a phone, just as an iPod Touch replacement. I will say, the screen seems to have a yellowish tint to it. Not too bad, I would return the phone if I had paid more. As I didn't,  I will keep it for now. I have played with the camera and I think it maybe better then the camera on the PlayBook. I think the HTC One V is a nice looking phone, made more distinctive with its chin at the bottom.


The Wi-Drive and the PlayBook

I don't know what has happened. The Kingston Wi-Drive is connecting again to the PlayBook.  Still using the browser and the same link - http://192.168.200.254/

Glad that is up and running, didn't want to feel that I wasted my money or that it was a bad product. Now with my mom getting an iPad Mini, it should come in handy.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Bought an Android Phone

Bought a Boost Mobile Samsung Galaxy Rush. Not that I will use it as a phone. I just want a phone that is a phone. Don't want a smart phone, because I don't want too spend money on data. What is worse, if you go over the limit, the charges could eat you alive. My reasons for buying an Android phone-

1.    Need a mp3 music player, which also allows me to download podcasts. 

2.   Remote Media Player has a remote in the Google Play store. I really love Remote Media Player for my PlayBook.  

3.   Just want to play around with the Android OS. 

4.   Want something to text with. The PlayBook can't really text.

5.   Want to see if widgets are all that people say they are. 

6.  Wanted a camera with flash. Don't know how good this camera is, but I'll find out. 

7.  Really, I just wanted the remote for Remote Media Player.  




Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Why the Auvio over the Jambox

Got the Auvio Bluetooth Portable Speaker instead of the Jambox by Jambone because the Auvio cost only $39.99 for Black Friday at Radioshack.com. I am not standing in line for Black Friday, I have seen people standing in line since Sunday, at Best Buy. They do have the Jambox at Best Buy for $129 this Black Friday at Best Buy. Or you could get it online for the same price.

I have been reading reviews of the Jambox at Amazon. The bad reviews are too many to ignore. A lot has to do with sound quality, but I'm not expecting great sound quality from either unit. But also about customers service and the battery. So, for the price, I don't think the Jambox is worth it. It does play 10 hours per charge, the Auvio will play 6 hours per charge.

The Jambox is a looker. And it comes in colors, including red, my mother's favorite color. But I think the Auvio looks fine. And it is for my mom, and I don't think she could care less.

So with the Auvio at $40, I'm not expecting much. If I got the Jambox at $129, I would,d be expecting more.

YouTube clip for the Auvio Bluetooth Portable Speaker


Black Friday On

Went to Radioshack.com and I ordered the Auvio Bluetooth Portable Speaker for $39.99 (reg $79.99). Also got a Samsung Galaxy Rush for $69.99 (reg $149.99, sale $129.99) and a SanDisk 16GB microSDHC card for $6.39.

Thought I got a good deal.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Jambox on Amazon

Jambox by Jambone is now available at Amazon for $129. I been reading the reviews and they are not that great. Besides, I don't have the money. Still, it does come in red. I guess Black Friday has some deals. Probably try for the Auvio at Radioshack.

Jambox Vs Auvio Portable Bluetooth Speakers

Black Friday coming up. Scanning the ads for portable bluetooth speakers for Mom. A coworker has a Jambox from Jambone. Thought that it would go with her iPad Mini. The thing cost $199. Best Buy have them for $129 on Black Friday. They come in red, Mom's favorite color. Still, I would need to get to aBest Buy.



Scanning more ads, I find Radioshack has the Jambox for $149. More expensive, but easier to get to a Radioshack and less crowded. But Radioshack has Auvio, their brand. And Auvio has a bluetooth speaker for $79 and on Black Friday it is $39. I gotta try for that. I work when the sale starts, so I will try online first then after work go and try to buy one.


Sunday, November 18, 2012

Need a new iPod

My iPod Touch is dying. It needs a new battery. Not really worth fixing, as it is under powered, the home button is damaged and the OS is old. Because it is on OS 3.1.3, many apps don't load onto the iPod Touch. But, not that I use the Touch for much more then audio and emails. I have my music and I download audio podcasts. I also like my email on the Touch. I don't get many emails, but I do have 6 active email accounts. On the iPod Touch, it is easy for me to scan the emails on it.

Apple, at their online store, has a refurbished 4th generation 8G iPod Touch for $129, for a limited time. It sounds like a good deal, but the 16G 4th generation is $199 new. A refurbished 32G is $179, but that is more then I want to spend.

On Craigslist, people ask for too much. Most asking prices are higher then the prices for the refurbished models at Apple. A 2nd generation 8G for $150. People have no clue. My current iPod Touch, I did get it from Craigslist for $50. Damaged Home button, you need to press it hard. The screen is scratched. But it worked for me.


I'm thinking that I should get a cheap Android phone. Not too cheap.  Must have at least Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0) and be under $100. Black Friday is coming up, maybe I'll find a good one then.


Saturday, November 17, 2012

Well, I Did It

Just ordered an iPad Mini from Apple. Expected to arrive December 11. It is not for me, but a Christmas present for my mother. I did have a chance to play with one at an Apple Store and Best Buy. Very light. It is not a Retina screen, but she is going from a 1st gen iPod Touch to an iPad Mini, so she won't be missing anything.

For my mother, it is the best choice of tablet. The lightness being the biggest factor. The only other tablet I would have gotten for her is the Nook HD, which is a bit heavier. But the Nook had performance issues. Too bad, because it has a good price, is light, nice screen and it has a micro sd slot.

But the iPad Mini offers lightweight and a nice camera. Do wish they had known included a led flash for the camera. That is my biggest criticism of the iPad Mini, no led flash. Well, until I really try it out.

Sunday, November 4, 2012

TVR - Supernatural Season 8 Episode 5 - CW


That is really a bad screen shot, but I wanted to get the title of the episode in. Seasons 6 and 7 was fine. Enjoyable, watchable and likeable. Some were bad, but what show doesn't have bad ones. But I can't seem to remember any episode, anyone that stands out. This episode stands out.

For one thing, Dean is back in action. For some reason, in season 7, Dean didn't have any action scenes. It was like Jensen Ackles, the actor playing Dean Winchester, was hurt, so they couldn't film action scenes with him. It was weird, because there seemed to be limited movement by Dean.

The new season 8 character, Benny, is a nice edition. The tension between the brothers is growing. The flashbacks of what each brother did in their year apart added nice background. All the pop culture references that make this show funny were there. But it was the tension between Sam and Dean that really made this episode and makes you wanna watch next week's episode.

This episode reminds me of why I like and watch this show. 8 seasons and it seems to only be getting better.

As a sidenote, I was reading comments in a review of this episode. The fans were arguing about Sam and Dean. They were taking sides, as to which brother wronged whom. They are more of fans then I will ever be.

Friday, November 2, 2012

Sideloading, No Thanks

I have never attempted to sideload an Android app. I have no desire, just too much work. I have thought about it. Would like a texting app. But, if I can't get it in App World, I can live without it. Because, every update needs to be sideloaded onto your PlayBook. And even if you can sideload it, you can't be sure it will run on the PlayBook.

Then there is the question of piracy. If you want an Android app, how do you pay for it? That would depend if the app had a cost. If it is free, then not a big deal. But too much work, with maybe no payoff.  My PlayBook does fine now. Not sure I need any Android app.

Monday, October 29, 2012

QMplayer for BlackBerry PlayBook

If you go into App World and search for QMplayer, you find a free app. It is free, but it is really a free trial. Which is good, for at least you get to try it. Unlike Remote Media Player or AutoPlay Video, which are more like skins for the native video player, this seems to be a video player itself.

It has some interesting features, like swiping to change volume, fast forward, reverse, video playback speed, or audio playback speed. It plays more types of video, though during my free trail phase, I didn't have a chance to test what files it could play.

Not sure if QMplayer has anything to do with Mplayer. Not even sure what Mplayer is.

But it has a free trial period, I forgot how long. Try it out, see if you like it. If you do, buy it. I didn't,  as I like Remote Media Player better. More choices are better.


Sunday, October 28, 2012

Buy This - Remote Media Player



With the security wipe and the installation of the new OS, I needed to reinstall my apps. Remote Media Player has a new version, 1.0.9. I don't know what the older version was. I knew a new version was out there, but it didn't install until I got the new OS. The app developer, Jesus Inglesia, had commented in this blog about the update, just couldn't install until now. What he has down is put more controls on the touch screen.

Now, when playing videos, you can control volume on the screen. He also now let's you forward or reverse 30 seconds of the video. In the screen capture above, you can see the arrows and the volume control. It has made my PlayBook a better device. I really enjoy all the control when watching videos. And the resume feature is great. Now, I don't have to try to get to the spot on the video I last watched. This is what the native video player should be.

Searching App World is not easy, so below is the link to Jesus Inglesia's webpage, xApps.es. It will take you to App World if you want to get Remote Media Player or any of his other apps. Or if want the Android version of the remote control. I also bought Uncompressed, which will extract rar files on the PlayBook.

xApps.es

I Must Update

I did it, I updated the OS on the PlayBook. I didn't do it earlier, just a little busy. So now I'm on OS 2.1.0.1088. I never did have the OS 2.1 betas on my PlayBook and I didn't install OS 2.1.0.1032, just went straight to 1088. I did do a security wipe, where you clear all data from your PlayBook, go back to factory settings. I think it improves performance and clears clutter. I think, I really don't know if it does. So, after the wipe, the PlayBook looks for updates and installs it. The you have add any of the apps you had before.

So, after all of that, my PlayBook seems faster. The browser seems faster too. But, the browser has crashed twice in 10 hours of use. Forgot to mention, got a new wifi router, so speed my be from the new router too.

Update good.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Monoprice 8319 Black and White

I lost my Sony earphones, so when the package from Monoprice came the other day, I rushed to open the box and grab an earphone. The 8319 were was the ones I grabbed. Hi-Fi Premium Noise Isolating Earphones - Black & White. Hi-Fi I get. Premium? Don't get me wrong, they are good headphones, but, premium, no. As for noise isolating, that comes sticking the earbuds into the ear canal.

The plastic housing for the speakers look cheap. They come with one size earbuds, so hopefully they fit. I would guess they would take take earbuds you may have from other earphones, but I always lose them. The cord lenth is listed as 48"/ 1225 mm. The wire is covered in a nylon cloth, which doesn't tangle when you stuff them into your pocket. Some reviews mention that the cloth transmits noise as it rubs against your clothing, suggesting that they may not be good for jogging. The stereo jack is straight, I prefer L-shaped,  and is gold plated.

The sound is rather good. It has a nice warmth to the music. Bass is not booming. They are a loud headphone, I needed to lower the volume on the PlayBook, as compared to other headphones, I have used.  It's not audiophile headphones, but I payed $6.75 for them. With shipping. Worth at least $20. Sound like $50 headphones. But they do look cheap. So, if you don't mind the looks, they are a good deal.


Monoprice Headphones

Finally I caved in and ordered earphones from Monoprice. Out of 9 different models they sell, I ordered 5 of them. Those in the boxes are models 9396 and 9697. They come with 3 sets of ear buds in the box.
Models 8319, 8320 and 8322 come in plastic bags with 1 set of ear buds. The one opened is 8319.

Monoprice recommends, for the 9xxx series, that you should break them in by using pink noise thru them. Not really sure what pink noise is, but I saw you could buy them in iTunes. I think there maybe websites for pink noise too, but I haven't looked into it.

Monoprice Headphones

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Android Widget Rant


I will apologize now, sorry. What is so special about widgets for Android?  I just either don't understand what they are or its just me. I don't get their appeal. I know the clock/weather widget is interesting, but meh, I don't really need that. As long as I can see the time and date, I'm fine. Weather I can see with my eyes.

There was an article in TechRebublic that says "will make iPhone users jealous ". Yeah, I don't have an iPhone and it doesn't make me jealous.  One was something called "Power Contol" so a user can adjust brightness level, turn off and on wifi or bluetooth and other things. But I can do that on the PlayBook By swiping from the top right corner of the bezel, towards the bottom left and I can control those things.

I would gather, people enjoy customizing their Android devices, I believe it is one of the appeals of Android. But I guess I don't. I don't see how it would simplify my life, make it easier or more productive.

This is a screen capture in browser and browser after swipe from top right corner of bezel.



Monday, October 15, 2012

To Mini or not to Mini

That is the question. Should I get a "iPad Mini" for my mother? It's a little early to ask that question, as there has been nothing announced, but there is a need to plan. I want to get something for her by Thanksgiving. American Thanksgiving.

She is almost 80 years old. She has a 1st generation iPod Touch, which she uses to Facebook, play games and read. But the OS is 3.1.3 and because it is so old, most apps can't be updated. Also, battery life is poor. It was always poor, now just getting worse. Now, we could get her an iPhone/smartphone, but I think she is better off with a phone that is just a phone.

I like the idea of the "iPad Mini" for her. The bigger 7.85" screen would be better for her then the new iPod Touch. It has to be as light as the new Nooks HD (11.1 oz/ 315 g). It also must have the same rear camera as the 5th generation iPod Touch, with LED flash. And front camera for FaceTime and Skype. The screen is not expected to be a "Retina" display, but "Retina" is just a made up term and overrated.

No camera with LED flash, no deal. It that is the case , we will get the 5th generation iPod Touch, red, 32 GB. $299 US. It has a 5 MP camera with LED flash. And a front facing camera.

Why an iOS device for her? All her grandchildren have either an iPhone or an iPod Touch.

My siblings and I are buying this gift for her. I'm too cheap.

Picture from store.apple.com

Sunday, October 14, 2012

AutoPlay Videos in App World

More video players are appearing in App World for the BlackBerry PlayBook. "AutoPlay Videos", from Bumblebee Computing, is $0.99 US for a "limited time" only. How limited they don't say. I don't think this is a true video player, because like "Remote Media Player ", it uses the native video player. They both play whatever the native video player plays - no more, no less.

What "AutoPlay Videos " does is play videos one after the other. You make a list of videos to play and it plays them in the order you set. It may be good for long trips with the kids in the back seat or for presentations. I have no need for this feature, but someone else may. 

It also has a search function. Which will come in handy if you have hundreds of videos. As I have the 16GB model, it doesn't hold too many video. A 20 minute cartoon, transcoded into a mkv format will be maybe 60 MB. So you could get 17 episodes into 1 GB. Then 60 GB will hold over 1,000 episodes.  Search function will be needed. Alas, not for me. 

I have not tried this one, as it doesn't appeals to me, but others may like it. It also has resume play, always a good thing. 

Remote Media Player Update 2.0

Been using "Remote Media Player " for most of my videos needs. I have used the "PB Remote Control" app to advance or reverse in 30 second increments. It is awkward have both apps on the same PlayBook, but it works and I find it handy.

After a video has started playing, swiping from the top bezel will pause the video and take the screen to the menu page. Swiping from the top again, will bring you back to the paused video. Now to resume play, you need to touch the start/pause button twice.

Now, I have mentioned this before, top is whichever part of the bezel is facing up when holding the PlayBook. With the native video player, the video will play in landscape or portrait mode, so that would give you 4 choices. "Remote Media Player " will only play in landscape mode, giving you 2 choices.

I like this app because it will let you resume from last point played and I like the remote option. But now I find more options to play your videos in App World.

Kingston Wi-Drive Update 2.0

I haven't used the Wi-Drive for awhile, till yesterday. I'm not sure, but I can't connect the PlayBook to the Wi-Drive's wifi signal. I have not tried to connect the Wi-Drive to another device, but I will post when I have something definitive to say.

Monday, October 8, 2012

Remote Media Player and the Remote Update 1.0

Have been using "Remote Media Player" for a couple of days now. Always at home, where my PlayBook has been connected to wifi. At work today, where I have no access to wifi, I was using the player and I wanted to go back 30 seconds, because you can with the remote. But I could not.  I could not use the remote app for the player. When I got home, I tried the remote for "Remote Media Player " and it worked. WiFi is needed for the remote app to access "Remote Media Player ". I should get a cheap Android phone to test how that would work as the remote. Now I'm thinking of getting a BB10 phone when they come out.

Also, "Remote Media Player " needs to be closed, or it will run in the background. Not like the native video player, which will stop playing if you go to the browser. Still, I really like the player. And the remote has can in handy, if I want to go back in 30 second intervals or forward in 30 second intervals.  And, it remembers last point played.

Sunday, October 7, 2012

TVR - The Neighbors - ABC

I saw the pilot and was not impressed. It was watchable. After seeing the 2nd episode, I will say, I would watch this show. Not a great show yet, but it has things going for it. The Weaver father, reminds me of Rodney Dangerfield. I always liked Jamie Gertz. The alien parents are interesting. I do like the Weaver teenage girl and the teenage alien boy. It has some funny moments and some heartfelt ones too. I will watch it again. Not a great show, but better then New Girl. Why that is still on the air is beyond me.


Saturday, October 6, 2012

Remote Media Player

A bad name for a good app. "Remote Media Player" is an app in App World, by Jesus Iglesias and xApps.es. It plays audio and video files. It says it can play SRT subtitles. But what I like about this player is that it can remember last point played in a video. So I bought it for $1.99. I think I will be using this as my main video player.

Biggest failing is that you can't control the volume on the touch screen. You do have the option to control the volume using the physical volume control, but I would like to control it using a touch screen.


You can get a free remote for the player. In Google Play, there is PBRemoteDroid for Android devices. In App World, the is "Remote Control for Media Player " for PlayBooks and BB10 devices. I have only my one PlayBook, so I installed the remote and the player to it. It can use the remote to control the player, but I can see only the remote or the player, not both at the same time. But it works, as I can fast forward or reverse in 30 second intervals. XApps.es list an iOS app, but I couldn't find one at this point.

I say it has a bad name because it is confusing. It is a media player that you can get remotes for. I think people will get the remotes and not know what they are for and give them bad reviews. At least the remotes are free.

This is a screen shot from Google Play of the remote


Uncompressor works

Yes, Uncompressor was able to extract 2 rar files on the PlayBook.  It was 2 different files, one a mp4 video file and a folder of pictures. So, one thing down on my PlayBook bucket list. I don't know how much I will use it, but good to know I can. It will also do tar files, but haven't tried to see if it works.

WatchMore Does More

Have used WatchMore more. Not every mkv, mp4 or avi file with an ac3 audio file was able to convert into a playable video file with sound for the PlayBook. What I have found is that you can convert files that don't play into files that do. Even files that don't  use ac3 audio tracks. I have only been able to convert mkv, mp4 and avi files. I have tried mpg and wmv video files, but never have been able to convert any.

All in all, a dollar well spent.

Upon Further Investigation

xApps website listed other apps available for the BlackBerry PlayBook. There is an ebook reader, something for syncing with Firefox on your PC, a file explorer, something about bike stations in Valencia, Spain and something about a remote media player.

Remote Media Player is a bad name. It is media player for the PlayBook. I think it uses the native video player of the PlayBook, as it will play anything that the native player will play. The site states it is a native app that can be paired with a free app for Android phones that will allow you to use an Android phone as a remote for the media player. This is similar to using a BlackBerry phone as a remote using BlackBerry Bridge. So really not that interesting. It also says it will play subtitles. 

Searching in App World, using the terms media remote brings up Media Remote Player. It again states that you need to pair the app with a free Android phone app. But the player will act as a stand alone player. But then, something caught my eye - it remembers last position played. What I always dreamed about. Yes, I don't have grand dreams. It does cost $1.99, but if it works ....


Uncompressor


I have been looking for an app to unlock a rar file. The PlayBook can unzip a zip file, but not a rar. I go to App World and input rar in search and all I would get are magna readers that say it could do it, but the reviews don't really talk about rar files. But in reading the BlackBerry PlayBook forums in CrackBerry,  someone mentioned Uncompressor.

If you use rar as your search in App World, Uncompressor shows up. It cost me $0.99 + tax. The reviews were mixed, almost half said it was great, the other half said it didn't. It looks like a native app, as compared to an Android app ported over to the PlayBook. Jesus Iglesias is the author and he has a website for his app at xApps.es.

In reading his website, I have gleamed that Uncompressor cannot extract rar files that are password protected. It also will not extract multifile rar archives at this time. Hopefully this will be rectified, but not a big deal for me.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Kinda Cheap

Upon further investigation, I found a phone at Boost Mobile that was more then $100 but looks very promising for my friend. It does cost $150, so not sure if he will get it now. It is the Samsung Galaxy Rush.
3.5" screen
1GHz processor
2 GB memory
768 ram
Micro SD slot
3MP rear camera with LED flash
1.3 front facing camera

It comes with Ice Cream Sandwich, one of the cheapest phones with. And it can video Skype, I think. New on the market, so not many reviews to be had. Screen is smaller then the ZTE Warp, but the Rush seems more up-to-date. Things like Bluetooth 4.0 and Ice Cream Sandwich. It seems like a good choice for a tight budget.

Link to gsmarena.com for the specs for the Samsung Galaxy Rush

Specs for the Samsung Galaxy Rush



Monday, October 1, 2012

The Post I Forgot to Title

My other friend has a Samsung Galaxy Prevail with Boost Mobile. I guess that the phone freezes up on him a lot. It is an Android 2.2 (Froyo) phone out the box and upgradeable to Android 2.3.6 (Gingerbread). Has a 3.2" screen and a 2MP rear camera. Now looking for a new phone for him. He doesn't have much money (I really need better friends), could use a bigger screen and could use Skype. He wants to spend about a $100.

Best thing about Boost Mobile is they don't throttle their 3G speeds. For as low as $45 a month, you get unlimited voice, text and 3G data. Phones are not subsidized, so that is an upfront cost for you. And Boost Mobile will activate for free.

The best phone for $99 was the ZTE Warp at Radioshack.com.
Android 2.3
4.3" WVGA screen
5MP camera with LED flash
1GHz processor
Bluetooth
Micro SD slot

It looks okay, but the reviews are terrible. This phone seems to freeze too. The color of the screen is also wanting, though the size is nice. The reviews also say the camera is not that good. Some 3MP cameras are better then what the Warp has. Also, not sure what version of Bluetooth it has, I have read v2.1 and v3.0. A lot of this phone seems dated. Gingerbread and not Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0). It seems to have 4GB of storage, which is better then most cheap Android phones. 512 MB of ram, which is why I think it seems to freeze up.

For the large display it seems like a good choice. But again, it seems dated. Not to worry, they are out of stock of them at Radioshack.com. So on I looked.

Link to gsmarena.com with specs for the ZTE Warp
Specs for ZTE Warp

Saturday, September 29, 2012

TVR - Guys With Kids - NBC

This review is based on the pilot. Don't watch. It's that bad.


TVR - Television Content Reviews

Since I use the PlayBook To watch television, I figured I'd write reviews of shows and tv movies and series. Post title will start with TVR, then the name and followed by the Broadcaster (NBC, A&E, MTV, etc.). Not going for writing prose, just putting it out there as to what I watch or not and why. Everybody is a critic. I do live in the United States, so that limits what show I can watch and review. Also will include a screenshot of the website I was able to view it on. Don't sue, please.

Comments

Someone posted a comment and I don't know what I did. I believe I deleted it. Don't know what it said. So, I must apologize. If it was spam, then who cares. Comment if you like, I will publish comments that are not spam and semi on topic.

Friday, September 28, 2012

I Want My SMS

My PlayBook sort of replaces my iPod Touch. I still use my Touch, a 1st generation, to listen to music and audio podcasts. I like the Touch for audio because it is easier to put in my pocket when walking. But for most everything else I use the PlayBook. Things like web surfing, paying bill, watching TV and buying things online. I read most of the news from the PlayBook too. I sometimes listen to Pandora thru the browser, playing thru the PlayBook's two speaker. It makes for a convenient radio.

But what it couldn't do was SMS or texting. On the iPod Touch, I have various apps that can do sms and mms (sending pictures). My favorite is Pinger/TextFree. But I'm mostly on the PlayBook and not on the Touch. Then I remembered Google Voice, what was once called Grand Central. I'm not sure if it is available only in the USA. Maybe Canada. But from my browser, I can now text. Which I now need, as my cell phone's screen is unreadable.

My phone contract ends in 2 months, so I will wait for a new phone. But, I may port my current cell number to Google Voice and get a new number for my cell phone. Google Voice gives you a 10 digit number, but they have no numbers with my area code. This will give me a Google Voice number with my area code, though there is a $20 fee to port the number. My current Google Voice number is my old home number with a different area code, very easy for me to remember.

Anyone can sign up for a Google Voice account and number using their gmail account, if they are from the United States, maybe Canada. Not sure about everybody else, sorry.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Hopes and Dreams

Been having a little trouble with my BlackBerry Playbook rapid charger. A couple of times, I have attached the connecter to the PlayBook and seen the charging symbol displayed. I then come back an hour later and it had not charged. In fact, the amount charged went down. I hope this rapid charger is not defective. Not sure what is happening, maybe that is why I got is for $15.

Nexus 7 Now and Then

Well, my best friend has not gotten the Nexus 7 yet. But maybe it's a good thing. Besides the new Kindle Fires (7, 7HD, 8.9HD, 8.9HD LTE), Barnes and Noble announced their new Nooks (7 Nook HD and 8.9 Nook HD+). Now, a new rumor has emerged that Google will bring out 2 need Nexus 7, selling at $99 and $199. I smell blood all around. Wait, the mythical iPad Mini is still out there.

Prices should be dropping for Christmas. Don't wait too long and don't buy too early.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Micro USB Port

My greatest fear for my PlayBook is damaging the micro USB port. A couple of times, I have tried to insert the connection backwards. In CrackBerry.com, you see people discuss how their ports are now damaged. I believe many of the charging problems people have with the PlayBook is due to damage to the port. It may by due to the quality of the component, but that would be I guess on my part.

Apple's new Lightning Connector, is a way for them to conform to an edict from the European Union, that all cell phones use a micro USB input for charging. People are complaining about the Lightning Connector and why Apple didn't use a micro USB instead. But there is a lot to like about the connector being reversible. Too bad RIM doesn't use it.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Kingston Wi-Drive Update 1.5

To transfer files on to the Wi-Dive is pretty fast from my PC. But you can download the file from the Wi-Drive to your PlayBook.  And it is fast. Well, faster then the wifi transfer from my PC to my PlayBook. In fact, to transfer from my PC to the Wi-Drive, then the Wi-Drive to my PlayBook is faster then directly from my PC to my PlayBook. Much faster. But then, my wireless router is about 5 years old.

Maps

Apple has their new maps out and there is a lot of problems. And airport in the middle of a city. Gives wrong direction for north. It has no Transit. And the most talk of missing feature- Street View.

I'm sorry, but I have always found Street View to be just creepy. I have always thought of it to be a master tool for all stalkers. I have never used it for anything useful. And when I have, I feel like a pervert.


Got to buy antibacterial lotion.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

A Nexus 7 ? No iPad Mini?

I have posted about how dim, or maybe call it washed out, the Nexus 7 screen is. So how could I recommend one for my best friend? Because the Nexus 7 would be for him, not me. He would also be viewing the screen in a vaccuum, with no other reference. It would look good to him, that's all that matters.

If the Kindle Fire HD 7.0 has anything going for it over the Nexus 7, is the screen looks a lot better then the Nexus 7. Again, a review from Casey Johnston, from Ars Technical, of the Kindle Fire HD 7.0. I like her reviews.

Kindle Fire HD 7.0 review

Now why not an iPad Mini? Just because of price. The less he has to spend the better. With the new iPod Touch starting at $299, I don't think the the iPad Mini would sell for $199. Still hoping for maybe $299. The new iPod Touch looks good, with GPS, 5MP camera and LED flash. Want one. Would like an iPhone 5, but don't really want a smartphone. I just want a phone that is a phone.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Note to Self

I may monetize this blog. If I do, I don't think I will make any money off of it. But what ever I make, I will tell you.

Photo Editing

Got a free app from App World to do photo editing, PicShop Lite. The paid version, PicShop, is $4.99. Free version are nice to try to see if you like it. I think the lite version is fine. But I really don't think I need a photo editing app for much then rotating the picture.

What I was hoping to do was post a picture and write the post on the side of the picture. I tried to do that in the previous post, but could not figure out how to do this. Will need to work on that.

Me and My Sony MDR-EX10LP


The Sony MDR-EX10LP has been okay. The higher frequencies seems to have a tinny sound. It may mellow over time, but not sure. The wire is a type that I think may harden on me and it tangles real easy. Fitting in the ear is fine, but that depends on each person, so can't say much on that. It does come with 3 different sizes, so it should fit a variety of ears.

I Chose For You

Decided to recommend the Nexus 7 8GB to my best friend to buy. I know, I have said 8GB is too small, especially for HD content, but we will get there. Hope not take too long.

He is vocation challenged (unemployed). He doesn't own a computer. He doesn't have an internet connection in his home. He doesn't have a decent smartphone. His apartment complex has a wifi hotspot near the recreational facilities.  His mobile phone plan has unlimited data. He maybe computer illiterate.

Kindle Fire 7.0 HD. First thing going against it is the first Kindle Fire. I have played with different one and they were not good. Basically an ebook reader. This new one is almost a Nexus 7, lacking GPS. Has stereo speakers. A mini HDMI port. But you are stuck with Amazon.  If he was an Amazon guy, maybe. It is a little heavy Reading on it is said to be better then the Nexus. .

The PlayBook.  Well, it is heavy. It came out in April 2011. It lacks apps. Micro HDMI port. No expandable storage, at this time. The specs for the LCD is not as good as the Nexus or Fire HD, but there is more to screen then pixel count. It has a rear facing 5MP camera with no LED flash. But still, if the price should drop to $120 for the 32GB model, maybe.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 really has nothing on the Nexus 7. It does have a SD expansion slot and a micro HDMI port. But everything else pales next to the Nexus. It does have a rear camera, but only 3MP and no LED flash.

So it's the Nexus 7. Jelly Bean. 1200x800. Quad core. Not sure if quad core is that important, but for gamers, which he is, it seems important. The bad is no SD slot and no HDMI out. It is the lightest and has the best battery life. So I guess it would do. It has GPS, which he could use.

But the kicker is an app in Google Play. Nexus Media Importer by HomeySoft for $2.99. You don't have to root your device to add external flash storage. You do need a USB OTG cable, but that is as low as $1. So, now the Nexus 7 looks like the best for him and he doesn't need to get the 16GB model.


Friday, September 14, 2012

Wi-Drive Update 1.0

Have been playing with the Kingston Wi-Drive. While the Kindle Fire, devices with iOS 4.2 or above and Android devices have an app, the PlayBook does not. To connect with Wi-Drive, you point your browser to- http://192.168.200.254/ - always to that address. 

I have not put a password for the wifi connection yet, there is an option. I have been able to play files for an iphone/iPod Touch and an iPad. Anything that you can play with the native player will play. Files play in the browser. Will play with it more and report back to here. 

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

So I Had the Rapid Charger for a Week

I do like the rapid charger. It seems to charge the PlayBook faster. It saves wear and tear on the micro USB port, which seems a little loose now. I hope one day to use the micro USB port to connect a USB flash drive to my PlayBook. I dream.

Couple of problems. First off, a couple of times, it seemed to be connected, but I needed to wiggle the connection. Not a big deal. But the other gave me concern. The PlayBook got really hot, but that was only once. To that, I will add that while charging, I was transferring content off the PlayBook, either watching a video or browsing the Web and downloading something from the Internet at the same time.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Kindle Fire HD 8.9" 4G LTE Wireless


Reading on the new Kindle Fires and the 4G model, because of the 4G model. $50 for 250MB of data a.month, for 12 months sounds interesting.  The PlayBook has only wifi, but once in awhile, you need to look things up and you have no wifi, so the limited data plan could come in handy. But the step up indices is too steep, for me.

But I found funny is that as of today, there is no FCC approval for the 4G model. It seems almost assured to pass the FCC, but Amazon has to make note about it not being approved. In the bottom left corner they start off by saying "This device...".

But what if the FCC doesn't approve the device in time? What happens? It would be funny, I guess.

The real problem with the Kindle Fires are that the don't have the ecosystem outside of the US. So, they can never do as well as Apple. No matter what anyone says, only Apple has a worldwide ecosystem for tablets, everybody else will need years to catch up.

RIM and the PlayBook has failed, but so has every other tablet. Amazon has never released numbers for the Fire. And Google has not bragged on how many Nexus 7s they have sold. RIM and the PlayBook could make a come from behind victory.  Could. It would be nice. I really like my PlayBook.

Rueters India  link to article about the FCC

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Micro Mini or Mini Micro

Just realized I have been using mini USB, when it should be micro USB. I need to edit all my post. The BlackBerry PlayBook has a micro USB port and micro HDMI out port.

If I do edit my post, it is for using the wrong words, mostly because the PlayBook has autocorrect function.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Some Shopping

USPS delivered my Kingston Wi-Drive 32GB from Amazon today. Not bad, as I ordered it 8-29-12, a Wednesday. Arrive 9-04-12, a Tuesday. Free delivery. And a holiday on Monday, Labor Day. My expected arrival was 9-11-12 to 9-17-12. Must admit Amazon does a great job at shipping, faster then most anyone else. But I believe they are the more evil then WalMart.

Also got a travel rapid charger for the PlayBook today. Was at the mall and went to Radioshack and they had one left. It was a clearence, $14.97 + tax. The seal had been broken, but everything was intact. The rapid charger uses 3 magnetic pins to charge the PlayBook. And it supposed to charge faster. What most people who have bought it like is that it doesn't use the mini USB port. The mini USB port can become damaged, so less wear and tear.

In the picture, you can see the rapid charger connected to the PlayBook. Next to it is the mini USB port and next to that is the mini HDMI.

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Blog Blog Blog

Came across an article from CNET, but before I give you the link I wanted to say this - I can't confirm if this story is true. I know they have the one source, can't say if the have another.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57505050-93/samsung-to-bloggers-promote-our-products-at-ifa-or-walk-home/

I won't say I believe this story to be true. And this is Samsung India, which I can't confirm is a subsidiary of Samsung Group. The gist of the article is that Samsung India paid for some bloggers from India to fly to Germany to attend IFA 2012, a trade show. Read the article for more details.

When you read reviews of products, you must realize that it is of models, picked out by the manufactures to not have any flaws. A good review would buy one at retail like any consumer. Would I accept a free flight and hotel to attend a trade show? Yes. But I hope that I would tell you I accepted a free trip. As long as the reader knows, let the readers make up their minds if it is correct behavior. And if Amazon wished to send me a Kindle Fire 2 to review, yes please. Apple, I want to attend the iPad Mini launch.

After reading the CNET article again, I found they have the link for the original story, I think. I will post it below. One more thing. I think companies give bloggers free things all the time, not just Samsung India. Readers have the right to know.

http://thenextweb.com/insider/2012/09/02/heres-samsung-flew-bloggers-halfway-around-world-threatened-leave/

Saturday, September 1, 2012

WatchMore from App World

WatchMore is a paid app from App World. I had bought it a few months ago. It is supposed to be able to convert an ac3 audio file into a playable file for your PlayBook. No, I'm sorry, it will convert a video file, with a ac3 audio track into a mp4 video file with a playable audio file. Not real sure what the audio file file is.

Never got it to convert a file that could not play, into a file that plays. Until today.

Found a avi video file with an ac3 audio track. The video plays in the native player, but no sounds comes out. I used WatchMore and it converted an 550MB avi file into an 470MB mp4 file that will play with audio and video with the PlayBook's native videoplayer. WatchMore says it takes 1/7 of the the total runtime of the video to do the conversion. Didn't time the conversion, so I can not verify that.

But it does work.



Posting Pictures on Blog

In the previous post, I was hoping to rotate the picture. I just could not figure how to do it. I don't mean before I uploaded it, but after I chose the picture to put in the blog. I'll figure that out later. It is a learning curve.

Sony MDR-EX10LP

Never did order any headphones from Monoprice.com. But I needed to get new earphones. Went to the Ross (Dress For Less) store near me and they these Sony earbuds. $9.99 ($10.41 w/tax). Good price for these. Amazon has them at about $12. Other retail stores near me sell them for $21.99 regular price, or $15.99 sale.

The left driver on my current headphone died.




Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Wi-Drive by Kingston

I bought a 16GB PlayBook because I didn't know anybody with a PlayBook.  Wasn't sure if I would like it, what it could do. Now that I have used it for nine months, the biggest regret that I have is that I should have spent the extra $100 and got the 64GB model. Even the 32GB PlayBook would have been better at $250, then the 16GB at $200. Should have listened to Consumer Reports. But as much memory as you can afford.

In Canada, the USA and in the UK, prices of the PlayBook have gone down. Office Depot in the US have been selling the 64GB model for $200. Great deal, as I bought my 16GB for the same price. Was very tempted on getting one. But why? Mines has been very good to me. Very reliable. More memory would be better. I'm always filling my PlayBook with files.

My solution is the Kingston Wi-Dive. A USB flash drive, with built in wifi hotspot. 4 hour battery life. Available in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB models. There are apps available for iOS, Android, and the Kindle Fire for the Wi-Dive.  Otherwise a browser should do. But will it work on the PlayBook? We shall see. I just bought the 32GB from Amazon for $60. Very good price, as the 16GB goes for about $55.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

YouTube Supernatural


Screen Captures on the PlayBook

I use screen captures for many things. When I pay bills or shop online, I take a picture of the confirmation. Same with banking. For addresses or maps. If something strange happens to me online or with the PlayBook. It just comes in handy.

To take a screen capture press volume + and volume - at the same time. It makes a camera shutter sound. If you have the volume low, you may not hear it.


Photo from readatech.com


Downloading YouTube Videos to your PlayBook

You can download videos to you PlayBook directly. It will appear in your download folder. I have used two different websites. Don't know if there is an app in App World, as App World is difficult to search. The two websites also have many ads and/or pop-ups. They do make it hard to navigate on the site, so beware. One is called filsh.net, the other ytconv.net. Links below.

When choosing a format, for videos I use mp4. Mp4 files should be able to play on most tablets and many phones.


http://www.filsh.net/

Ytconv

So now a little of the bad of the PlayBook native video player. In the lower left of the screen capture, you see stop/start. On either side you see forward and reverse, but with only one arrow each. What that shows is lack of fast-forwarding or rewind. You can use the slide control, but it doesn't get you to the exact spot you want. Hitting the forward once will take you to the next video or stop the player,it was the last video. Hitting reverse once will take you to the beginning of the video, hitting twice will take you to the video listed before. All videos are in alphabetical order. All that wouldn't be so bad if, when you close the player, it could start playing where you left off.

Also lacking when bringing up the control screen, is a clock. There are times I need to know the time. Swiping down from either top corner will show you the time, that takes too much effort. I say top because however you are holding your PlayBook, top is the highest point.

This screen capture is from a clip from CW's Supernatural, season 4, episode 6. It appears after the ending credit. The clip is from YouTube.

Monday, August 20, 2012

My Predictions for the iPad Mini

Price                      $299
Name                     iPad Air
Internal Memory   16GB
Wieght                  >300g
Battery Life           9hrs
Screen size            7.85inches
Pixel count            1024x768
Front camera         1.2MP
Rear Camera         5.0MP w/led flash

8 pin dock connector
LTE (optional)
NFC
Bluetooth 4.0
WiFi

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Skype on the PlayBook?

Skype may soon be on the PlayBook.  Not thru an app you must download, but by using Outlook.com, Microsoft new email service. It's not working yet, but soon. Or so Microsoft says. We shall see.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

iPad mini wishlist

In my first blog, I posted this -


People say you can put a 7″ tablet in your pocket. Whose pocket are they talking about? I guess if I wore a jacket, but I don’t. The Playbook, to me, is just to big for a pocket. I also find the Playbook too heavy. 
1lb      Playbook
.9lb     Kindle Fire
.75lb   Google Nexus 7, Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0
If Apple could get the weight down to .66lb, I think that would be something. For most people, they could hold with one hand and not find the weight too tiring to hold for long periods of time.
Ah, I know. Battery life would not be as long. Motorola does have the DROID RAZR and DROID RAZR MAXX, which points to how to satisfy people who want longer battery life. 
16 GB of internal storage is the minimum. 
Forward facing camera. Everybody wants Skype. 
Rear facing camera would be nice. 
________________________________________

If you have ever held a PlayBook or a Kindle Fire, it is really too heavy to hold in one hand for long periods of time. The Nexus 7 is lighter, but still too heavy.
Playbook           425g
Nexus 7              340g
iPad Mini          265g
If the rumored weight for the iPad Mini holds, it would be lighter then I had hoped. My wish would have been about 300g. Now if Apple priced this thing to move, they should have a winner. The screen resolution would need be as good as the Nexus 7, but will it be that important? The screen size will be bigger.
Here is a picture from 9to5Mac of what they think the iPad Mini would look like next to a Nexus 7. 



Sunday, August 12, 2012

Contest Time

Reading on the Internet and found 2 contest. Problem is one is for only USA residents and the other is for USA and Canada, except Quebec. And if a Canadian wins, they must answer some sort of question. The prizes are not a PlayBook, but a Nexus 7 in one and the other has a Galaxy Tab 2 7.0, ATT Galaxy S III, HP Ultrabook and other things. 

Fist up, from Engadget. Open to USA legal residents of the fifty states and DC and to Canada, except Quebec.  Read the rules. Don't blame me if you don't qualify,  as I have nothing to do with the contest. 


The second contest is from Slashgear. This is for a Nexus 7. Open to only USA residents. Read the rules and have fun. 


Also, not sure when the contest ends. Read the rules. 

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Me and My 16GB PlayBook

Don't get a 16G PlayBook

Received my PlayBook before Thanksgiving. Bought it from Buy.com. I bought the 16GB model, as it was the cheapest, didn't know anybody with one, couldn't tell if I would like it, and was not sure what video formats it would play. Main reason to buy the PB was to watch videos.

I love the PlayBook. To play videos. But the problem has turned out that I got a 16GB PlayBook. As I don't like streaming videos, I download videos to my PB. 16GB is not enough. The PlayBook can output thru HDMI, 1080p video and that can be a large file. I have seen some at 6GB. As as of now, as you can't expand memory, buy as much as you can afford. If you can get the 32GB, go for it.  You'll not regret it. 64GB is better. This would also apply to the iPad, iPod Touch and the Nexus 7. iPod Touch is a little different in that video files will be smaller. But I would put more songs on it. Nexus 7 has 8GB and 16GB. I would think the 8GB would be worthless.

I still have an iPod Touch 1st generation, 16G. I leave my music on that, more portable. I also listen to podcast on it, so I don't need to use the PlayBook for audio listening. Depending how much music someone loads up, it can take pressure off needing more bytes on the PB.


PlayBook Power Button

The power button is at the top of the PlayBook, next to the volume buttons. I don't use the power button much. But it plays a very important role. If you need to do a hard reset, you need to press the volume +, volume -, and the power button at the same time. Or if your battery is dead and not charging for is to hold the power button for 40 seconds and then plug the charger in.

But problems have arisen for some owners. Their PB's power button is flushed or below the case. Never accept this on the PlayBook. If you bought it new return it. If buying use, inspect it before buying. You want the power button to be above the casing.

For powering off the device, there is another way. On. The home screen, there is a battery icon. Touch that icon and a menu pops down. I mostly use Stand By, as power drain should be small.


The top photo I found in a review of the BlackBerry PlayBook on AnandTech.  Below is a link to the review.  While the review is good, remember, the OS has been updated since the review and some features have been added. But still no apps.
anandtech.com