10 Things You Can Do with a $100 TouchPad

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By Brent Rose

from http://gizmodo.com/

The TouchPad may not be the perfect tablet, but it is selling for $100 right now, but it's going fast. Actually, it's pretty much gone. But if you did manage to snag one, here are ten good uses for it.

1. E-book Reader

The TouchPad has a mighty fine Kindle app, but at only $99 it's cheaper than even the Wi-Fi only Kindle (at $140), and it does a lot more. Sure, the screen may not be as easy on the eyes as E-ink, but you can read it in the dark, so there's that.

2. Music Player

Guess what? The TouchPad, with its speakers from Beats By Dre, has the best speakers on any tablet we've ever tested. With so many music-streaming services out there and tons of good cloud music options, you could set this up somewhere in your house as a dedicated music streamer. Or just load up the internal storage with your own music and head out the door.

3. News Reader

My morning routine: I load up a bunch of my RSS feeds on my phone while I'm walking to the train, and then I read these feeds while underground on my way to Gizmodo HQ. The TouchPad has a sweet read-it-later app called Paper Mache(basically webOS's answer to Instapaper), and it should get you up to speed during your morning commute without cramping your eyeballs.

4. Airplane Movie Viewer

Unless I'm absolutely desperate, I refuse to pay for a movie on an airplane. $5 to $10 to watch a movie on a 5 inch screen on the seat in front of me? Pass. Instead, load up your TouchPad with a flick or two, and you're ready to fly the friendly skies.

5. Recipe Book

As Matt suggested earlier, load up Epicurious, bring that baby into the kitchen, and get cookin'. Spill a little sauce on it? Whatever! You only paid 99 bucks for it. You would cry the tears of a thousand lonely grandmas if you got tahini on your iPad 2.

6. Put Android On It

This will make Matt Buchanan scream in ring-wraith-like rage, but it must be said: development is underway to port Android (first 2.3 and then 3.x) over to the TouchPad. I'm fairly certain that Matt would argue that WebOS on tablets is better than Android on tablets, and in many ways I'd agree, but Android has the distinct advantage of having a pulse, whereas WebOS is pushing up the daisies. If it's important to you that you keep getting software updates to keep up with the Joneses, then this might be something to consider (once it's ready). If not, I wouldn't worry about it.

7. Tablet For Your Toddler

Do you bristle every time you kid goes near your fancy, expensive tablet? Instead, take your cheapo TouchPad and bookmark a ton of kids websites. It doesn't matter if there aren't a ton of native kids apps, because it plays Flash games! Just go to Kongregate or some such site and bookmark a ton of kid-appropriate games. It'll save you a headache during car trips and you won't care if he bashes it with his plastic hammer.

8. Dedicated Toilet Tablet

I may lose you here. I'm okay with that. Nobody likes to talk about it, but everybody uses their phones while they're taking a crap. Wouldn't you rather have a larger display while evacuating your bowels? Yes, it's kinda gross, but your touchscreen is already supposedly more bacteria-covered than most public toilet seats. Just keep a bottle of hand sanitizer next to it. And hide it when you have company.

9. Dedicated Couch Tablet

I have a certain friend who comes over a lot and while we're watching TV, he grabs my laptop to check his Facebook and read up on his favorite blogs, and I will not be able to get my hands on it again for the rest of the night. It's habitual, and it sucks because I want to be dicking around on it. If I kept a cheapo tablet by the couch then he could do his thing, I could do mine, and there need be no bloodshed.

10. Vacation Connectivity

I like traveling to rough n' tumble, out of the way, maybe not the safest places. Sometimes I want to bring my laptop, but I don't dare ruining it. I wouldn't want to ruin an expensive tablet, either. Bringing a $100 TouchPad could be a great solution. Connect whenever you have Wi-Fi to figure out what you're going to do while traveling, and you can avoid internet cafes and such. And if it's stolen by guerillas, well, it's not the end of the world.

Mad Man Builds Ridiculously Cool 40-inch iPhone

Benjamin Bachmeier turned a 40-inch LCD Full HD display into a perfect giant iPhone replica. It doesn't run iOS but Mac OS X, but it's gigantic buttons are fully functional. It's computer, a display, a table and completely ridiculous.

He calls it the iTableous. It's not even a Mac, but a Hackintosh running Mac OS X and Windows 7. Funnily enough, I think this is the only time that I've actually liked the white iPhone 4. [Benjamin BachmeierInsanely Mac]

XO-3's - One Laptop per Child (OLPC): tablet

Read more: Fuseproject and One Laptop Per Child Unveil $75 Tablet PC for Kids! Fuseproject's XO 3 Flexible Tablet Computer – Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World

Designed by Yves Behar's Fuseproject, the XO-3's new design features an all plastic tablet screen which is semi-flexible and extremely durable, and just like the original XO, the display can be optimized in both transmissive and reflective modes for indoor and outdoor lighting conditions. The XO-3 supports many use scenarios to fulfill kids’ learning needs: from horizontal book mode to portrait reading mode to multi-touch--so many hands can play and learn together on the same screen--to a full-touch keyboard and a back facing camera. Read more from the full press release or download the high resolution pictures from Flickr.

Computer Table!: Ideum's MT55 Pro Multitouch Table

Computer Table!: Ideum's MT55 Pro Multitouch Table Incite gadget-envy with this touchscreen computer, which stands nearly three feet tall, balances its 4' wide 16:9 HD LED table display atop an aircraft-grade aluminum base/frame (avail in your choice of 100+ colors), comes with a built-in Bose stereo, and's blazing fast thanks to an Intel Quad-Core i7-870 processor, which is, like, inside of your computer, and apparently a really good processor. Order up one of these beasts at Ideum.com

American Airlines Switching From Paper to iPads, Will Save $1.2 million In Fuel

by Jaymi Heimbuch

from: http://www.treehugger.com/

Photo by lrargerich via Flickr CC

American Airlines is eyeballing iPads as a light-weight way to carry flight charts. And the company guesses the change will save it over a million dollars a year in fuel costs.

The move towards digitization and dematerialization is hitting the airlines now. MarketWatch reports that American Airline pilots have started testing out US-approved iPad tablets as a way for going paperless. A 1.5 lb tablet device will carry maps and other paperwork that can weigh as much as 35 lbs, saving space in the cockpit as well as removing excess weight from the flight.

The airline estimates a savings of $1.2 million a year in fuel costs alone -- not to mention how much will be saved in paper. Plus, the pilots will likely have an easier time accessing the information with the ability to zoom in on maps or easily find particular data.

The transition also marks a change in allowing electronic devices to be turned on during take-off and landing. According to MarketWatch, this will be the first time use of the device is allowed during all phases of flight. But that certainly doesn't mean passengers will be allowed to use their own iPads during these times.

Meanwhile, Alaska Air is looking to go the same route, providing iPads to its pilots for manuals, though maps will still be provided on paper.

The carbon footprint comparison of tablet devices vs paper is getting a whole new component with this use. Normally we hear about issues such as electricity consumption, durability, and lifespan, but now we'll also have to weigh in how much fuel is saved during travel by carrying a tablet instead of piles of paper.

Apple Insider reports that Samsung is also wanting to help airlines go paperless, with Galaxy Tab devices offered as entertainment devices for passengers. However, they aren't able to replace flight charts like iPads can because they aren't able to run the FAA-approved flight charting app.

Tablet Newspaper (1994)

Could The iPad Be A Cure For Autism?

by Jennifer Johnson

from http://hothardware.com/

 

The iPad is definitely a well-liked gadget, and now parents with autistic children have one more reason to like this handy little tablet: it may help reduce the number of violent meltdowns their children experience each day. According to experts, the iPad actually can reduce the symptoms of the disorder by helping kids deal with life's sensory overload.

The Holmquist family can tell you first-hand what the iPad has done for their autistic 3-year-old son Hudson. After a school therapist suggested the family buy an iPad, the Holmquists decided it was worth a try. Now that the family has been using the iPad for a little while, they'll tell you it is a miracle device.

Hudson was diagnosed with autism in 2010. Before the iPad, he had several violent meltdowns a day. Now, after using the iPad, he has fewer violent meltdowns. According to mother Laura Holmquist, "The iPad has given us our family back." She continued saying, "It's unlocked a new part of our son that we hadn't seen before, and given us insight into the way he connects with his world."

You may be surprised to learn that autism experts aren't surprised by this. In fact, the iPad has been gaining recognition for helping autistic children since it first came out in 2010. Certainly part of the attraction is the number of child-friendly educational apps available. Another key reason why the iPad works so well for autistic children: it lacks a keyboard and mouse. Without these peripherals, there is less distraction for the children.

Given the fact that other tablets have similar functionalities (and lack of peripherals), we have to think other tablets could help autistic children as well. Could it be that we'll see more tablets in schools and other educational environments? Time will tell.

Tablet wars Part II: Apple iPad 2 vs Motorola Xoom vs HP TouchPad vs BlackBerry PlayBook

By: Bharat
From: http://www.gizmowatch.com/


With release of the much lighter and better, camera-equipped iPad 2, the tablet market is left awestruck again. While the first generation iPad remains to be the highest selling tablet, the iPad 2 with great features at same old price stands to gain ground over its predecessor. Google’s steadily trying to make a difference with its Android OS, and other manufacturers are constantly employing the latest versions of the Android OS to play catch-up with the iPad – that now stands even more impressive as the iPad 2. Thus, to learn which tablet plays heavier in which segment and where it actually hurts the other, we’ve compiled a face-off - Apple iPad 2 vs. Motorola Xoom vs. HP TouchPad vs. BlackBerry PlayBook for your notice, jump down for the best.

Full iPad2 Specs vs. Competition: Who’s Best? [Infographic]

At the unveiling of the iPad 2 this morning, Apple's presenters noted that 2010 was the "year of the iPad," adding that 2011 would not be the "year of the copy cats," taking a stab at the competition before presenting the latest features of the all new iPad 2. How does the competition stack up? Check out this infographic to see for yourself.
 

The Touchscape Multi-Touch Coffee Table Makes Coffee Fun

By Nayla Khan

Advertisement

We all know that a lot can happen over coffee. But now it is time to change the phrase a little. A lot can now happen over the coffee table. In fact the table can give discussions a guide and get actively involved in conversations. No, the table is not going to do the talking but it can help you in a number of ways. Thanks to the brand new concept of the Multi-Touch Coffee Table from Touchscape.

The concept of the touch screen is pretty well-known now. This very technology has been incorporated into the coffee table. The Multi-Touch Coffee Table has a 47 inch high definition LCD screen incorporated onto its surface. You might have seen something like these being used in movies but it won’t be long before you could run your fingers on one such screen in your very own living room.



This patented MT technology bearing coffee table screen boasts of having an HD 1920 X 1080p resolution. It is capable of tracking as many touches as can be fit on the screen. It has been powered by a Quad Core Processor and the surface configuration can be a Windows 7 touch input device similar to the Microsoft Surface. It can also serve TUIO touch events to be used with SUSHI or multitouch SDK. The unique experience of this table enables you to enjoy applications with your fingertips. Moving around on screen or browsing through photographs was never so easy before.

The processor is ably supported by a 4 GB memory while there is scope for storing a whopping 180 GB. That would take many coffee mugs to discuss all that data. It efficiently supports Bluetooth, Wi Fi, USB and Ethernet. Keeping with the times it is well ready to take on the 3G era in communication.

The ambient light sensor is able to adjust display based on the background lighting conditions. The self monitoring system keeps a watch on the performance by regularly checking for updates which keeps the system moving.



Since it is a coffee table it should be capable enough to support coffee mugs and this it can do with all expertise. The LCD display has features like being scratch resistant, wipe-clean top, and in the worst case replaceable.

Once you have invited guests over for coffee on the Multi-Touch table you are sure to have them visiting again. And you are going to be a beaming host to all.

If you think this is great, you are yet to go through articles on iPhone 4 Table Design and Dining Pool Table.
Via: Born Rich

Star Trek -like home computer

klapstoelpiloot | 

This is what I built in my home and this video is my own work. Both the computer and the software is self made. The interface is inspired by the LCARS interface from Star Trek.

Shown in this video are:
- Agenda/Calendar
- Shopping list (Groceries)
- Rain radar
- Train departure times (because the train station is nearby)
- Library & Media player (connected to home cinema set)
- Internet browser

Not shown, but also operational is bluetooth support (notice the Transfer button to send the shopping list to your telephone)

More will be added as I get ideas and time to develop them. Why don't I control my home lights with this? Because the needed hardware costs a LOT and the light switch next to the door is more practical in the end anyway. Maybe some day I will add it just because it is cool.

Category:

Four Android Tablets that Really Deserve Your Hard-earned Cash

By admin
From: http://www.crazytechnews.com/

iPad is a good option, but the tablet world is not just limited to it.. Well, there are many who do not fancy just an iPad. If you are also looking for some even better stuff than iPad, you, definitely, need to consider Android. Though Windows tablets have been hovering over for quite some time, Android ones are a popular option among those who want to have a different tablet experience. They work nicely and things become really exciting with their friendly interfaces.

With different screen sizes, battery life, on-board RAM and processing power and price ranges, you will find an array of Android tablets these days. Here are my selections of five best Android tablets that can offer you a great return to your money.

1. Archos 70

Source: Tech Stroke

If you are looking for a lightweight and small tablet, the Archos 70 is a thing for you. But there are certain aspects like seven-inch screens that are not as impressive as other available tablets. It features 250GB hard disk, 8GB flash, a 1 GHz ARM Cortex A8, Wi-Fi, VGA front-facing camera, integrated kickstand and HDMI output. It houses a single core processor instead of a dual core. Android can be seen at its best on this tablet.

2. Advent Vega

Source: Tablet Connect

With 1 GHz Tegra 2 dual-core processor, 10” touchscreen, 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, 1.3MP webcam and impressive battery life, the Advent Vega is a tablet for those who want great quality with styling. UK’s retailers Dixons is going to sell two tablets for this Advent range that include Advent Amico and Advent Vega. They both house Android OS. Some other remarkable features of the Advent Vega are 4GB SD memory card and have a battery life of 10 hrs. and it’s just 14mm thick.

3. Archos 101

Source: New Best Gadget

The Archos 101 houses all the features and functions that can be seen in the Archos 70 and the only difference is the touchscreen which is of 10.1” that delivers 1024×600 WXVGA. There are two hard disk versions in lieu of a hard disk version. 8gb and 16gb are the flash based option of the Archos 101.

4. Dell Streak

Source: Android and Me

There are somewhat innumerable iPad rivals that trying to thrash Apple following the same aspects that Apple has worked on. But there are some players which have tried to take a different approach and Dell with its Streak is one of these players. Dell Streak is a sleek and elegant device with 5” multi-touchscreen and great processing power and improved functionality are the things that really make it a worth-buying device. The thing which makes it a nice option is that it can also work as a smartphone and this what makes things somewhat blurred when you have to think to use it as an Android based tablet or as a smartphone. Text messaging, 5mp camera, Android interface and removable battery are some other impressive specs of the Dell Streak.

RIM Demos BlackBerry PlayBook live from Adobe MAX

From: http://hewreck.com/

Why am I excited about this tablet? Not the tablet itself but the transferability of AIR to all platforms. This will expand the market for AIR applications for tablets x-fold meaning that Android tablets will get to piggyback, much like it currently gets to piggyback on iPad enabled websites. Loving the innovation that is coming to the tablet realm right now.

I think this is an excellent demo, but I think that it feels doomed to be outshone by a retooled iPad 2. Especially since I feel pretty strongly that Apple is going to release a 399 ipad. I find it hard to believe some of these other companies are going to be able to undercut them or gain near the same marketshare.

There’s a maturity and solidity to the way this PlayBook is coming together that I find pretty impressive – So Far…

Now it’s all about refinement and developer support, and Adobe’s a very good start.

A Peek At Ubuntu's New Touch Support

by Julie Bort
from http://hothardware.com/
 
While there's still no official word on which PC manufacturers will produce a Ubuntu touch netbook, the company released a sneak-peak video that shows it's new Netbook Edition Unity interface and gesture library in action.

Ubuntu has so far certified a list of 27 laptops and 7 netbooks that work with its full-fledged recent 10.10 release, but has certified none yet for its Unity interface with a touch screen. However, one of those stamped-for-approval netbooks is Dell's Latitude 2100, which includes a touchscreen. The rumor is that the Dell Latitude 2100 does pretty well with Unity installed

The demo sure looks like its being done on a Dell Latitude XT2 Tablet PC, perhaps another clue as to which vendor will be first to offer it. The XT2 is not one of the laptops that Ubuntu has certified for use with 10.10.

PlayBook – BlackBerry Tablet Introduced

Posted by Akash Malik From : http://www.newgadget.org/

 

Recently there were rumors about the BlackBerry’s iPad Killer, the rumors have now been confirmed. Research In Motion (RIM) has recently introduced ‘PlayBook’  (tablet) at RIM’s developer event.
With 7-inch of display, the PlayBook is yet another portable tablet. Some of the features and specs have been confirmed. This tablet will sport a Cortex A9 (1GHz) dual-core processor and 1 GB of RAM. It will be having HDMI Port and USB Ports too.
Here is the complete list of features mentioned in the Press Release -

Key features and specifications of the BlackBerry PlayBook include:
• 7” LCD, 1024 x 600, WSVGA, capacitive touch screen with full multi-touch and gesture support
• BlackBerry Tablet OS with support for symmetric multiprocessing
• 1 GHz dual-core processor
• 1 GB RAM
• Dual HD cameras (3 MP front facing, 5 MP rear facing), supports 1080p HD video recording
• Video playback: 1080p HD Video, H.264, MPEG, DivX, WMV
• Audio playback: MP3, AAC, WMA
• HDMI video output
• Wi-Fi – 802.11 a/b/g/n
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
• Connectors: microHDMI, microUSB, charging contacts
• Open, flexible application platform with support for WebKit/HTML-5, Adobe Flash Player 10.1, Adobe Mobile AIR, Adobe Reader, POSIX, OpenGL, Java
• Ultra thin and portable:
o Measures 5.1”x7.6”x0.4” (130mm x 193mm x 10mm)
o Weighs less than a pound (approximately 0.9 lb or 400g)
• Additional features and specifications of the BlackBerry PlayBook will be shared on or before the date this product is launched in retail outlets.
• RIM intends to also offer 3G and 4G models in the future.

You can check the preview of PlayBook below -
The PlayBook is expected to roll out in US in the early 2011 and it will be available in the international market in 2011 Q2. We will soon be adding up more information about this, so do not forget to ‘like’ our Facebook Fan Page.
[via rim press]

5 Tablet Offerings Explored, An Infographic

by Dave Altavilla

Ever since the iPad’s release, various manufacturers have been in a race to develop something as good as, or better than Apple’s current industry leading tablet. Frankly at the time of its launch, the iPad simply didn't have any real competitors with the same design elegance, polish and the total solution that Apple' s App Store brings to the table. That said, a mere six months later and manufacturers are starting to line up to give the iPad a run for its money. Here's a look at a few of the major tablet offerings we know of thus far, courtesy of our friends at Managed VPS. You can compare and contrast high-level features and functionality for yourself here. Do devices from Samsung and ViewSonic have what it takes to compete? Word is Dell has something larger on the horizon too. So many tablets, so little time. It's a good problem to have.

Click image for higher res.

Hannspree pairs Android 2.2 with Tegra 2 for a 10.1-inch multitouch tablet

By Vlad Savov
From: http://www.engadget.com/

Yearning for a bit of dual-core action on the move? Who isn't. Hannspree will soon try to quell that 1080p-sized hunger in all of us with its freshly announced €399 ($507) Froyo tablet. There's no lack of spec sheet ambition here: a 1GHz Tegra 2 SOC is surrounded by 16GB of internal storage (expandable via MicroSD), an accelerometer, WiFi and Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity, a 1,024 x 600-pixel capacitive touchscreen, and mini versions of HDMI and USB ports. Flash 10.1 is also proudly supported, while the 3,500mAh battery is said to last up to 8 hours when playing 1080p movies. We'd be getting real excited right about now, but we've learnt to be cautious with such lofty promises -- remember the Gemini?

Hands-on with Asus' Eee Tablet eReader/Writer with Integrated Digicam

by Mathew Miranda
from: http://hothardware.com/

Without a doubt, mobile computing is making its mark over at Computex 2010. After announcing their Eee Pad tablet PC, Asus gave us a closer look at their slick looking e-Reader/e-Writer creation designed for students and mobile business professionals. The little slate's features include a 10 hour battery life, 2450 dpi touch resolution screen, pen writing and input controls, a fast screen refresh response time, 2MP camera, USB port, and a MicroSD slot. With a $199 asking price and a September release date, we came away impressed with the new gadget form Asus, but don't just take our word for it. Hit the our hands on video here to see for yourself...

We're rather curious to see how this new device will impact the eReader market, along with Asus' strong partnerships with Amazon. Kindle books on the way perhaps? You can read between the lines there a bit for sure. We haven't gotten anything but a few hints on that front but if we were the betting type, we'd say keep your eye on how Asus will handle content distribution on this one.

Dolphin uses iPad as way to communicate with humans

Mark Frauenfelder

From: http://www.boingboing.net/

Michael Leddy of Orange Crate Art came across this press release about a dolphin named Merlin who uses an iPad.

Last week, a young bottlenose dolphin named Merlin became the first of his species to join the growing number of enthusiasts using the Apple iPad. Dolphin research scientist, Jack Kassewitz of SpeakDolphin.com, introduced the iPad to the dolphin in early steps towards building a language interface.

“The use of the iPad is part of our continuing search to find a suitable touch screen technology which the dolphins can activate with the tip of their rostrums or beaks. After extensive searching and product review, it looks like our choice is between the Panasonic Toughbook and the Apple iPad,” Kassewitz explained. “We think that once the dolphins get the hang of the touch screen, we can let them choose from a wide assortment of symbols to represent objects, actions and even emotions.”

Kassewitz explained the requirements of the technology. “Waterproofing, processor speed, touch-sensitivity, anti-glare screens, and dolphin-friendly programs are essential. As this database of dolphin symbols grows — we’ll need fast technology to help us respond appropriately and quickly to the dolphins.”

The research was being conducted at Dolphin Discovery’s dolphin swim facility in Puerto Aventuras, Mexico, along the picturesque coast now referred to as the Riviera Maya. The dolphin, Merlin, is a juvenile, born at the facility only two years ago. “Merlin is quite curious, like most dolphins, and he showed complete willingness to examine the iPad,” said Kassewitz.

For now, the researchers are getting Merlin used to the touch screen by showing him real objects, such as a ball, cube or plastic duck, then asking the dolphin to touch photos of those same objects on the screen. “This is an easy task for a dolphin, but it is a necessary building block towards our goal of a complete language interface between humans and dolphins,” Kassewitz said.

Dolphin enjoys using the iPad

9 iPad Alternatives Worth Checking Out

http://www.techvert.com/ipad-alternatives/

Everyone like the look ad feel of the new iPad, apple first touchscren tablet pc. But,. there are few others on the horizon worth mentioning.

Click here for the full article: http://www.techvert.com/ipad-alternatives/