Geek News Central is the technical site for Geeks. We Spin tech for the common man. With a Family of Tech Shows and Content.


Tag: Tablets

ASUS to Show Two New Tablets at CES

Posted by Alan Buckingham at 10:44 AM on January 7, 2012

asus tablet

ASUS was so excited they couldn’t wait for CES next week.  Vice President Samson Hu laid out the company’s 2012 plans at a press event in Taipei and what he had to say was certainly attention-grabbing.  There were some things that had already been rumored – like an ASUS ARM tablet running Windows 8, which he confirmed will be coming by the end of this year.  But he also let everyone know about two new tablets that are coming a lot sooner than that.  In fact they will be shown at CES in just a few days.

At CES we will see a 7 inch tablet called the ASUS Eee Memo Pad and a new, as yet unnamed, 10 inch tablet with a high-resolution screen.  With the 10 inch tablet it’s unclear if this will be a completely new device or a revamped version of the ASUS Prime.  ASUS has beefed up their development department in hopes of reaching their goal of 6 million tablets sold in 2012.  With a combination of Android and Windows 8 tablets coming this year they just may reach that goal.

Source: Netbook News

Tags: , , ,

Posted in ces, tablet

Comments Comments Off

Price of Chromebook Drops. Will You Buy it Now?

Posted by Jeffrey Powers at 1:00 PM on November 21, 2011
Chromebook Display at Google Places Event

Chromebook Display at Google Places Event

Google announced they are dropping the price of the Chromebook by 30%. Some Chromebooks will be as low as $299. But questions still arise if a Chromebook is in your holiday wish list, when you can get a Kindle Fire, nook Color for less. Even the iPad could be in more stockings than the ultra-portable laptop.

Chromebook came out back in June as Google’s answer to a PC that didn’t have a complicated OS to it. You would load the Chromebook up to a Chrome browser; inside, all your applications would be in the cloud and the data you create would also mostly reside in a cloud drive. However, if you were in a 3G deadspot or didn’t have Wifi, then your work would be rather limited.

Competing with a Tablet

Chromebook’s price drop is pretty much an attempt to counter the prices of the Kindle Fire and nook color tablets, which debuted to the general public last week at $199 and $249 respectively. The tablet – which you could connect a bluetooth keyboard and mouse – could technically become a more functional notebook than a Chromebook itself. And with prices at $100 lower than the device,  will a Samsung or Acer Chromebook even be in your holiday purchase radar?

What is Chromebook’s Market?

Google Chair at SF Airport

Google Chair at SF Airport

Chromebook has to figure out where their niche is going to be. Maybe as a laptop for the kids, or a machine you can keep in the kitchen to call up recipes or as a kiosk in a public place? Back in September, I saw the Chromebook lounge in the San Francisco Airport. Those kiosks would be great for people that have hours to wait but don’t have a computer to check their Facebook profiles or email on.

Remember when the Netbook was a popular item two years ago? What happened to that? The answer is the netbook disappeared fast. You can still get a netbook, but just like the Chromebook, why should you spend $300 or more for a device that is the same speed and power as a Kindle Fire or nook Color?

So now we can start to see the impact of these two new tablets are bringing to the holiday shopping season. Chromebook has to compete with something more compact and useable. Google has not released any data regarding Chromebooks sold, but a DigiTimes report (premium content site) says it all:

“In June 2011, Acer and Samsung launched their Chromebooks ahead of other PC brand vendors, but by the end of July, Acer had reportedly only sold 5,000 units and Samsung was said to have had even lower sales than Acer, according to sources from the PC industry.”

What does that mean to Chromebook? Simply: It’s time to drop prices and hope the Chromebook will sell well in Q4.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted in Chrome

Comments Comments Off

Reading Together, Reading for Pleasure

Posted by Andrew at 6:46 AM on November 10, 2011

Booktime LogoMore time is spent reading with children but parents are finding modern life tiring and stressful, according to research commissioned by Booktime. The average time spent by parents reading with their child (4  & 5 year olds) is now one hour 26 mins per week, an increase of 10% over 2009. 60% of parents read with children for pleasure on a daily basis.

Tiredness was cited as the main reason for shared reading not being fun, but it was the tiredness of the parents (18%) rather than the child (6%) that was the problem. Getting home from work in time was also a problem, with 30% of dads getting stuck at work.

Regardless, 71% of parents and carers said that reading with their child was always or usually the highlight of the day. 80% of the parents said that reading was associated with fun with 86% of children laughing out loud.

The book is still the main reading device (86%) but other devices such as smartphones, tablets and e-readers are becoming more prevalent. By the time a child is six, nearly a quarter of parents use technology in addition to paper-based books.

In a time of economic doom-and-gloom, this relatively minor story made my day. It costs so little to read to children especially when books are available from libraries or the Booktime programme, yet the benefits to both parents and children are immense. As a father of a 4 year old daughter, I love reading with her, especially at bedtime. It’s just us, with no distractions and we read the story together. If she grows up with a love of reading and learning, I will have done my job as a parent.

Booktime is a national (UK) free books programme for pre-school children that aims to promote the pleasure of reading by encouraging families to have fun reading together. This year, nearly 1.4 million books will be given away in partnership with Pearson.

Tags: , , , , , ,

Posted in book, ebook, Gadgets, Information, tablet

Comments Comments Off

Tablets: Serious Computing Devices or Toys?

Posted by Alan Buckingham at 5:35 PM on September 21, 2011

exopc slate

I ran across an article on Electronista in my news feed today that really got me thinking.  It seems a new survey conducted by Citigroup found that, of 1,800 people surveyed, 62% of those planning to purchase a tablet considered the purchase “a toy” (you can read a more in-depth analysis of the survey at that link).  After a few minutes of thought I realized that I feel, somewhat, the same way.  The majority of this survey likely encompasses average users.  Sure, I plug a keyboard into a tablet and work, but my family finds it pure entertainment.

With the addition of Google Docs and, now, Office Live 365, a tablet can be a work environment that’s easy to carry when you’re on the go.  Of course, you’ll need a real keyboard because nobody wants to type a long article or Word doc on the on-screen equivalent.  Throw in email as another productivity chore that can be tackled when using it as a computer, but again, if the response is in-depth, you may want that keyboard.  Meetings can be handled via Skype or Google+ Hangouts, so there is yet another productivity app that you have with you in an easy-to-carry device.  But, most I have named require a real keyboard, which adds to the bulk.  You may even want a mobile mouse if you’re really serious.  Oh, and you will need a stand to use it this way also.

My wife and kids and the majority of the computing public?  They want a tablet to play games, check social media, browse the web, read a book with the Kindle app, use a remote control app for the home theater, check sports scores, and on and on.  In short, it’s a toy for them.  They will never plug in a keyboard or mouse to it, they will never write a document on it, they just don’t see it that way.  To them, that’s what desktops and laptops are for.

For all of the talk about the PC being dead, I think the diagnosis may be a bit premature, or as Mark Twain put it “rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated.”  Even for business travelers the notebook is still the number one tool.  After all, who wants to carry, and hook-up, all of those accessories?

So, am I missing something here?  Do you feel differently?  Are tablets really ready for prime-time when it comes to real computing tasks and day-to-day work?  Let me know in the comments below.

Tags: , , ,

Posted in tablet

Comments Comments Off

Is There an Amazon Android Tablet Coming?

Posted by Alan Buckingham at 2:05 PM on July 8, 2011

Rumors are making their rounds on the internet that Amazon will be releasing their very own Android tablet sometime in the third quarter of this year (which could be tomorrow or September or anytime in between).  In fact, today I even saw projected sales numbers – 1.2 million shipments in the first 3 months.  So what is actually known about this release?  NOTHING!  Amazon still is mum, so it’s all speculation.  Still, with the success of the Kindle, Amazon has proven that they can enter a hardware market and make a strong run.

Given the Amazon initiatives into the tablet and smartphone market with apps for Kindle, MP3 store, Video Store, and music cloud, it seems like a no-brainer for them to release their own devices.  Amazon also seems poised to make the biggest splash since Apple.  They have more behind them than any other tablet maker.

Reliable rumors say that Amazon will be releasing two devices, but all we really know about them, at this point, are code names – Coyote and Hollywood.  We assume this means two different size tablets, as opposed to a tablet and smartphone.  Perhaps 7″ and 10″?  We have also heard that one would run the Tegra-2 processor, while the other will sport a Tegra-3.  So, perhaps, they will be the same size and vary between entry level and pro devices?

That’s a lot of questions and absolutely no answers.  All indications point to these rumors being based in fact, though, so I assume we will find out more pretty soon.  So, would you buy a tablet from Amazon?  Do you think that Amazon entering the tablet market could mean real competition for Apple?

Tags: , ,

Posted in amazon, Android, tablet

Comments 1 Comment

GNC #679 Wisconsin Internet Battle

Posted by geeknews at 8:48 PM on June 13, 2011

Geek News Central Podcast Start the show out talking about the Wisconsin Internet Battle and close out talking about big medias battle of Roku, Boxee, etc..

Sponsored by:
GoToMyPC access your computer Free for 30 Days!
25% off 4GH GoDaddy hosting plans (12 months+) Use Promo Code CES2
Offer: $7.99 .co, first year only (code works for $7.99 .coms as well) “COFEB3”
GoDaddy services saves you lot’s of money, check out my Promo Codes Today

Subscribe Today: Audio | Video | iTunes | Zune
Download the Show File

Follow @geeknews on Twitter
Geek News Central Facebook Page
Purchase GNC gear from the Ohana Store!
Show Hotline 24/7 1-619-342-7365 or e-mail geeknews@gmail.com

Show Links
Wisconsin Internet Battle.
Cable 4.5 gbps?
Skype coming to Comcast.
50% of iPhones never Synced.
Is Your Pin on the List.
Twitter.com going after Twiter.com.
Instagram at 5 Million Users.
Anonymous going after Fed Reserve?
YouTube going after Money Makers.
Flying Radiation Calculator.
Great Pyramid Video.
Ingenuity at its best.
Apple Genius Unionized?
Cardiac Arrest Algorithm.
New Surveillance Initiative.
Judges Fed Up.
Space Station on Mars Swamp gas.
Opportunity keeps on Trucking.
Meteorite Analysis.
Archive.org Black Listed.
Gee No Evil.
32 Anonymous Operatives Arrested.
New Heart Pump.
Apple TV Apps Close?
FCC tells Traditional Media your on your own.
Advertising Changes that is good!
Hope for Xbox.
Court Battle on Seized Domains.
Apple iCloud Security.
Google Doc Templates.
Mixtab Rss Reader.
Car Sales Tips.
Canadian Streaming Sites.
1gbps Internet Service.
Turn your iPad into a Phone.
Boxee Update Coming.
Hack Shield for Pace Makers.
Roku in Walmart.
Galaxy Tab to AA.
Web Designer Tools.
More Android Malware.
Cable Providers get Some Help with IPTV.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Posted in Podcast

Comments Comments Off

Dell Tablet Roadmap Leaked, 10″ Streak Pro in June

Posted by Alan Buckingham at 7:04 AM on April 23, 2011

There have been rumors circulating on the internet for a while now about a Dell Streak 10″ tablet that would be called the Dell Streak Pro.  Now the folks over at Android Central have come up with the proof.  They have published a leaked tablet roadmap from Dell that lists, not just the Streak Pro, but two other tablets.  The list features photos, release dates, and product specs.

The Streak Pro will pack an NVIDIA Tegra T25 processor and run Android Honeycomb.  The 1280 x 800 resolution is standard for a 10″ device.  There is no mention of memory or storage capacity.  There really aren’t any surprises here other than the release date of June, which is earlier than what had been rumored.

More of a surprise were the other two listings – Latitude ST tablet and the Latitude XT-3 convertible tablet.  The ST is another 10 inch tablet, but pack a much stronger hardware punch than the Streak Pro.  The ST will come with 1366 x 766 resolution, an Intel Oak Trail 1.5 GHz processor, 128 GB of storage, and 1080p output.  The XT will, supposedly, ship in October.  That’s far enough away for a lot to change.

The XT-3 is a 13″ convertible with Windows 7 and a list of impressive hardware that includes an Intel i3, i5, or i7 processor, 4 GB of RAM, and 1080p output.  The target date is July of 2011.

There were no prices listed and the dates are probably tentative at best.  Of course, while all of this looks legitimate we can’t write any of it in stone since it’s a leak and there has been no confirmation from Dell.

Tags: , , , , , ,

Posted in Android, dell, tablet

Comments 1 Comment

Samsung responds to iPad 2 with ‘The World’s Thinnest Mobile Tablets’

Posted by Don at 11:17 AM on March 23, 2011

Earlier this month Apple revealed their follow up to the iPad, cleverly named the iPad 2. When Samsung saw it they were a little put back and decided to take their upcoming Galaxy Tab 10.1 back to the drawing board. Now, they have revealed the new tablet and it’s got a little brother, the Galaxy Tab 8.9.

The new Galaxy Tabs both run Android 3,0 (Honeycomb), sport front and rear facing cameras, a micro SD card slot and an HD display. They both feature a 1GHz dual-core processor, gyroscope and accelerometer, Wi-Fi connectivity and Bluetooth. On top of that, Samsung claims they are “the world’s thinnest mobile tablets” both coming in at a measly 8.6mm thick and thinner than the iPad 2.

Both models will also come with Samsung’s TouchWiz UX, a new user interface laid on top of the Android 3.0 operating system “offering superior multi-tasking and enhanced user interaction and navigation.” That’s not the only feature Samsung added to Honeycomb, both devices will feature their Reader’s Hub and Music Hub, offering users tons of music, books and magazines via download. Social networking diehards will have the Social Hub at their disposal, “which will aggregate email, instant messaging, contacts, calendar and social network connections into a single interface.”

What’s really exciting about the reveal is the competitive pricing Samsung announced. Apple revealed their iPad 2 with the same pricing model as the original and Samsung is right on their heels. The 16GB 10.1″ model will hit shelves for $499! That’s the same price you’ll pay for a Wi-Fi only 16GB iPad 2! The 16GB 8.9″ model takes it a step further coming in at $469! Not bad Samsung, it looks like you’ve got some real contenders here. There will also be 32GB models available at launch for $599 and $569 respectively.

The Galaxy Tab 10.1 will officially hit shelves on June 8th. Unfortunately, Samsung wasn’t as specific about the release date of the 8.9″ model, only saying the smaller version would be available “early this summer.” That’s pretty vague but, early this summer could very well mean June, right? I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

Tags: , , , ,

Posted in Android, Gear, tablet

Comments Comments Off

Carphone Warehouse Sells 1 Million Android Smartphones

Posted by Andrew at 4:21 PM on March 16, 2011

In a press release yesterday, The Carphone Warehouse announced that it had sold one million Android handsets in Europe with a year-on-year growth of 2000%. The Carphone Warehouse has been a strong supporter of Android with exclusive arrangements on handsets such as the Samsung’s Nexus S and a similar deal on the forthcoming Motorola Xoom tablet.

CPW also has by far the best range of Android handsets on the High Street with HTC, Samsung, Sony Ericsson and LG all featuring in its stores. CPW sells the iPhone too, so it’s a fairly level playing field for customers when it comes to choosing a handset.

“The speed with which Android has stormed the market is phenomenal,” said a Carphone Warehouse spokesperson. “Year on year growth is well over 2000%. It’s no surprise that Android smartphones have become the smartphone of choice for so many of our customers. Hitting one million Android sales in Europe is great as it proves that our dedication to offering an extensive range and securing top exclusives has really benefited not just us, but our customers too.”

The growth of Android is astonishing, especially as I don’t think it really has any cult appeal, compared to a certain other smartphone. It would be very interesting to see how many of the purchasers went into the store to buy an Android phone or did they go in to buy a smartphone? Maybe they just went in to get a phone.

The smartphone market seems to be very much a two horse race at the moment between iOS and Android. Can Microsoft and Nokia catch up to the leaders and will HP’s WebOS make it to the post? Interesting times ahead.

Tags: , , , ,

Posted in Android, iPhone, mobile, smartphone, tablet

Comments 3 Comments

Deloitte’s 2011 Teaser Predictions

Posted by Andrew at 12:00 AM on January 18, 2011

Deloitte’s Technology, Media and Telecommunication’s practice have given a sneak peak of their global predictions for 2011.

First up, over 25% of all tablets bought in 2011 will be purchased by businesses, with retail, healthcare and manufacturing purchasing over 10 million. Initially, the use of tablets in business will be by people who have brought their own device into work but by the end of the year, businesses will be buying for employees.

Secondly, less than 50% of all “computing devices” sold in 2011 will be traditional PCs and laptops. Peter O’Donoghue, head of Deloitte’s technology industry practice, adds: “In 2011, more than 50% of computing devices sold globally will be smartphones, tablets and non-PC netbooks. 2011 will mark the tipping point as the growth of applications for non-PC items outstrips traditional software sales and consumers embrace a wider variety of devices.”

When you consider that PC sales will hit 400 million in 2011, you suddenly realise how big the non-PC market has become, that it’s grown from almost nothing in only a few years and that the growth is likely to continue at the expense of the PC market.

Finally, Deloitte is of the opinion that no single OS will dominate the smartphone or tablet market. The top 5 operating system developers have plenty of cash to keep the OS wars going through 2011.  The top 5 aren’t named but I’d guess that it’s Google, Apple, RIM, Nokia and Microsoft. Deloitte points out that this fragmentation causes problems and additional cost for application developers, media companies and IT departments.

The full report will be released on Wednesday 19th January.

Tags: , , ,

Posted in Android, Apple, Information, Microsoft, Nokia, Operating Systems, RIM

Comments Comments Off

« Older Entries