tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63506154772230428442024-03-12T16:32:41.366-07:00PlayBook GeekGeek-Centric comments on the new RIM PlayBook.Craig Statchukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011269533066563137noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6350615477223042844.post-17536044760487669882011-09-28T15:48:00.000-07:002012-02-21T06:28:30.671-08:00All Good Things Come to an End (for now...)After taking the summer off, I thought I would write one more <a href="http://www.PlayBookGeek.com/" target="_new">PlayBookGeek.com</a> post.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today marks the introduction of the <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-09-28/bezos-portrays-pocket-sized-fire-as-service-not-tablet-in-ipad-challenge.html" target="_new">Amazon Kindle Fire</a>. This iPad competitor stresses services over hardware. As such, they could charge $499 and do well. Instead they're charging $199.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This contrasts with HP, RIM and others who offered only hardware with NO services and STILL charged $499. They should have charged $199 for these 'hardware only' products. Now they can't even do that thanks to Amazon.</div>
<br />
The next move is RIM's. Will they add services and become a premium tablet? Or will they just sell basic hardware and be happy as a commodity tablet? As of today, 'hardware only' tablets need to sell for much less than $499.<br />
<br />
Bye for now - and enjoy tablet computing. We are just getting started.Craig Statchukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011269533066563137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6350615477223042844.post-15160352533440507892011-06-08T17:20:00.000-07:002011-06-08T17:22:56.769-07:00The Post-Mouse Era<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">A</span>pple has declared we are entering the <i>Post-PC Era</i>. Previews shown at <a href="http://www.apple.com/apple-events/wwdc-2011/">WWDC 2011</a> suggest we are actually entering the <i>Post-Mouse Era.</i><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Finger Gestures Rule!</span> </span></span><br />
<br />
I am not talking about the gestures we were so proud of in high school. <i>Tablet and trackpad </i>gestures are in our future.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">R</span>IM has made a good start with PlayBook <i>margin gestures</i>. The most common ones are familiar to PlayBook users.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Power on</i> gestures are 1. side margin to margin and 2. vertical margin to margin:</div><div><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mb2u4W97WWs/TfAFv_jzkPI/AAAAAAAAAC0/pi2DA1x7DN8/s1600/OnOff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mb2u4W97WWs/TfAFv_jzkPI/AAAAAAAAAC0/pi2DA1x7DN8/s320/OnOff.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Other common gestures</i> are 1. Show application menu 2. Show task picker 3. Switch to next task on left 4. Switch to next task on right 5. Show system menu 6. Show keyboard:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0ieHIxcEBc/TfAHGufkyGI/AAAAAAAAADE/TgTXO7058lk/s1600/other.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0ieHIxcEBc/TfAHGufkyGI/AAAAAAAAADE/TgTXO7058lk/s320/other.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">W</span>hat else can RIM do?</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">First of all, gestures need to be customizable by a user. My preferences will likely be different than yours. RIM needs to accommodate such preferences.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The <i>power on</i> gesture could be split to allow 1. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">ON</span></b> = side margin to margin and 2. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">SLEEP</span></b> = vertical margin to margin:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mb2u4W97WWs/TfAFv_jzkPI/AAAAAAAAAC0/pi2DA1x7DN8/s1600/OnOff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mb2u4W97WWs/TfAFv_jzkPI/AAAAAAAAAC0/pi2DA1x7DN8/s320/OnOff.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">R</span>IM can also address problems with the gestures that open the application menus or switch tasks:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dmZ0xFK_m6A/TfALsoybrOI/AAAAAAAAADI/Y8nMlA46fwQ/s1600/simple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dmZ0xFK_m6A/TfALsoybrOI/AAAAAAAAADI/Y8nMlA46fwQ/s320/simple.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>What's problem? </b>Inexperienced users invoke these operations by mistake and get confused. I have seen many people inadvertently switch tasks when flipping through pictures or pages in an application.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">A simple <u>configurable</u> preference provides a solution. Use <i>two part, out->in gestures</i> to invoke these functions:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A7fmP5XQqUo/TfANcd360gI/AAAAAAAAADM/Kta1HwLTnPE/s1600/inout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A7fmP5XQqUo/TfANcd360gI/AAAAAAAAADM/Kta1HwLTnPE/s320/inout.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">N</span>ow we have slightly different gestures in an application for paging and scrolling versus those used outside the application for task switching. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"> I have tested this new gesture with many users. They like it!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Other functions can leverage a <i>left or right turn</i> in the gesture. For example, the following multipart gestures could be configured:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">1. Open Camera 2. Open Browser 3. Close this task immediately 4. Open new file.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oK0UHybMWXk/TfAF0N0PPpI/AAAAAAAAAC8/s3jitgAqJUQ/s1600/right.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oK0UHybMWXk/TfAF0N0PPpI/AAAAAAAAAC8/s3jitgAqJUQ/s320/right.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The specific functions don't matter. RIM simply needs to use the margins more effectively to compete with the newly announced iOS 5 multitouch gestures.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">H</span>ere are some special examples that could be used for things like: a secret login password gesture, initiate a system restart, verify a credit card PIN or do anything the user wants to make <i>less than obvious.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5S9g9YT5wLE/TfAF1D7GERI/AAAAAAAAADA/6vWMjuipAWQ/s1600/special.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5S9g9YT5wLE/TfAF1D7GERI/AAAAAAAAADA/6vWMjuipAWQ/s320/special.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>What do you think?</i></span></div>Craig Statchukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011269533066563137noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6350615477223042844.post-61597184875973213032011-06-06T12:51:00.000-07:002011-06-06T13:17:48.336-07:00Apple iCloud Postmortem<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">A</span>pple announced their iCloud initiative a few minutes ago at their developer conference.<br />
<br />
Here are some summaries:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-phYwcnEYBtU/Te01rBxXVkI/AAAAAAAAACs/y4x6dIH5kM4/s1600/icloud.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-phYwcnEYBtU/Te01rBxXVkI/AAAAAAAAACs/y4x6dIH5kM4/s200/icloud.png" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-20069336-17/apples-jobs-takes-to-wwdc-stage-unveils-icloud/" target="_new">CNET iCloud Summary</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/icloud-unveiled-at-wwdc/" target="_new">Engadget iCloud Summary</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://gizmodo.com/5808952/icloud" target="_new">Gizmodo iCloud Summary</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/06/06/apples_icloud_will_automatically_store_sync_data_for_free.html" target="_new">Apple Insider iCloud Summary</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">H</span>ey! I was pretty much correct with my predictions a week ago:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://playbookgeek.blogspot.com/2011/06/apple-icloud.html">My PlayBookGeek.com iCloud Predictions</a><br />
<br />
I even got the <b>death of MobileMe</b> right :)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://playbookgeek.blogspot.com/2011/06/apple-icloud.html"></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">M</span>y Postmortem:</b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">YAWN.</span><br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">M</span>y Next Prediction: </b> Apple will do much better than it did with Mobile Me. The differentiator between cheap $200 tablets and premium $500 tablets will be the underlying services like those provided by Apple iCloud.<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>he Ramifications for RIM:</b> <i>Want do you want to be?</i> One of the many $200 cut-rate, commodity tablets <i>or</i> one of the few $500 tablets that will dominate mobile computing for the next decade?<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">U</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">p Next:</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"> Back to our regularly scheduled blog with some </span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">original</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"> suggestions for RIM on how to improve the PlayBook.</span>Craig Statchukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011269533066563137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6350615477223042844.post-69898572643944626372011-06-01T08:00:00.000-07:002011-06-07T03:22:22.733-07:00The Apple iCloudAnyone who has read my blog knows I have a certain <i>dislike</i> for the Apple iPad. For me, it is more toy than technology. And I think the Apple jihad against Adobe Flash is disdainful and bad for all of us in the long run.<br />
<br />
Yet, I have respect for Apple in other areas. I use my MacBook Air more than any computer I have ever owned. After using Adobe media editing products for more than a decade, I switched to Final Cut Pro in 2007. It is a tremendous video editing product.<br />
<br />
Apple will announce its <b>iCloud</b> service next Monday. Leveraging its South Carolina Data Center (see satellite image below), Apple is going to shake up the world again.<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=35.588155,-81.26308&num=1&t=h&sll=35.568619,-81.26325&sspn=0.006295,0.006295&ie=UTF8&ll=35.587666,-81.261191&spn=0.010365,0.016479&z=14&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br />
<small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=35.588155,-81.26308&num=1&t=h&sll=35.568619,-81.26325&sspn=0.006295,0.006295&ie=UTF8&ll=35.587666,-81.261191&spn=0.010365,0.016479&z=14&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small><br />
<br />
<b>Why should we care?</b><br />
<br />
Apple is making another of their signature <b>BIG bets</b> on a technology that everyone else has just been <i>talking about</i>.<br />
<br />
In the past, I have complained that you need another computer to synchronize and backup the iPad. This <i>tethering requirement</i> never made much sense to me. Starting next week, the iPad will lose its umbilical cord.<br />
<br />
Storing your digital life on the web is an obvious path for Apple. They will subsequently use the iCloud to leverage greater dependency on iOS devices<br />
<br />
<b>How will it work?</b><br />
<br />
iCloud will be like <i>Facebook for data</i>. Or for those who have been around long enough: It will be the 21st century equivalent of AOL.<br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>You want some music? </i> It's on the iCloud. But music is not the only part. <i>Want to rent a movie?</i> iCloud. <i>Want to start watching that video on an Apple TV and finish watching on your iPad? </i>iCloud. <i>Update your software?</i> iCloud. <i>Want to share the pictures you are looking at in iPhoto?</i> iCloud. <i>Want to make a video call to Grandma?</i> iCloud. <i>Want to make a free phone (a.k.a. Skype) call to another part of the world?</i> iCloud will eventually be there to. <br />
<br />
Apple is going to make the iPad the <i>Control Window</i> to everything you have on the iCloud. A computer will be completely optional.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">(Aside: expect to see to see iTunes and Mobile Me branding fade with time. iCloud is the new brand)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Cloud Storage for Dummies</b></div><br />
I never understood why Apple outlawed files and folders on the iPad. Now it is clear. iPad content will seamlessly move from iPad to iPad to iPhone to desktop using the iCloud. Newbee users won't know that it is just a synchronized file system. Apple will call it 'magical' - and many users will buy it.<br />
<br />
<b>What About RIM and everyone else?</b><br />
<br />
Amazon, Google, Microsoft and RIM need to get serious and provide some coordinated competition. Each has strengths that beat Apple in particular areas. Individually, they lack the breadth of solutions to match Apple in the consumer oriented application space. They need to seriously consider a more unified response - or at least - a less proprietary approach. Either way, they will need to back their bets with significant investment. <i>Will they do it?</i> That is a good question.<br />
<br />
The iPad will be<i> less</i> about hardware and <i>more</i> about the underlying services. Just like the iPod <i>was never really about MP3.</i> It was always the vehicle for weaning users <i>onto</i> iTunes and thereby locking them into iPod hardware. iPads will now wean us onto the iCloud. It's <i>Déjà vu all over again</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>-----------------</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>UPDATE: Based on question from CrackBerry.com forum</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<b>Hardware Paradox</b><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 1px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 1px; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal;">Apple is primarily a hardware company. Yet iTunes is more important to them than hardware. </span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 1px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 1px; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 1px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 1px; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal;">Here's why I say that: To continue selling hardware, Apple needs barriers that stop others from offering alternative hardware that just costs less. iTunes is that barrier. Mac Computer buyers are offered exclusive iWork and iLife applications. Where do they by these apps today? iTunes!<br />
<br />
Now Apple is doing the same with the iPad. You can buy cheaper hardware (Soon to be 200+ Android tablets available - many with attractive prices). You can buy better hardware (the PlayBook). But you cannot get Apple services any other way.<br />
<br />
iPads are no longer just about hardware. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 1px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 1px; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Competitors need to take note.</span></i>Craig Statchukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011269533066563137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6350615477223042844.post-64091341403211508382011-05-28T13:55:00.000-07:002011-05-28T16:49:14.219-07:00Apple Religion: Apple tells a few lies - That's OK<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b>RIM:</b></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">"We will have android support and an email client later this summer."</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Press response: <i>Punish!</i></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b>Steve Jobs:</b></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">"No one will ever watch video on a phone."</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">"We are not working on a tablet."</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">"We are not interested in making phones."</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">"There is nothing wrong with the iPhone 4 antenna. You are holding it wrong."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FkldOsaiJuY/TeFhC5vYZ7I/AAAAAAAAACk/9ELcJJtWES8/s1600/SteveLies.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FkldOsaiJuY/TeFhC5vYZ7I/AAAAAAAAACk/9ELcJJtWES8/s200/SteveLies.png" width="200" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Press response: <i>That's OK.</i></span></div>Craig Statchukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011269533066563137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6350615477223042844.post-65948015564074885172011-05-26T19:04:00.000-07:002011-05-26T19:09:25.784-07:00Apple Religion: Hear No Evil - See no Evil<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Recent studies have equated Apple buyers to being</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://technorati.com/technology/article/silicon-valleys-new-religion-appleism/" style="color: #29aae1; text-decoration: none;" target="_new">members of a religion</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I am sorry to say:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>this cult appears to extend to journalists and writers. </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Here's another example...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-glA98B2xgzA/Td8GhdQMLQI/AAAAAAAAACg/2HAyvsdFzbE/s1600/blind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-glA98B2xgzA/Td8GhdQMLQI/AAAAAAAAACg/2HAyvsdFzbE/s200/blind.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="133" /></a></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You can't copy a @#$%^&* file on an iPad and no journalist seems to notice!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span>Craig Statchukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011269533066563137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6350615477223042844.post-23299736165625868182011-05-25T15:12:00.000-07:002011-05-25T19:17:03.913-07:00Apple Religion: No Thunderbolt Devices = Just Great!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Recent studies have equated Apple buyers to being</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://technorati.com/technology/article/silicon-valleys-new-religion-appleism/" style="color: #29aae1; text-decoration: none;" target="_new">members of a religion</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I am sorry to say:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>this cult appears to extend to journalists and writers. </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Here's another example...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">RIM Playbook Apps: Unusable</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Few PlayBook applications were available at launch. More will be available this summer. Journalists decreed <a href="http://www.infoworld.com/d/mobile-technology/rim-blackberry-playbook-unfinished-unusable-534" target="_new">PlayBook is unusable</a>. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">No Apple Thunderbolt Devices: That's Terrific</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">No Thunderbolt data devices were available at the launch of the latest MacBook and iMac computers. Some may be available someday. Journalists said: <a href="http://www.pcworld.com/article/220702/macbook_pro_showcases_thunderbolts_speed.html" target="_new">That's just fine! Give us more!</a> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rJnh79J5lCA/Td1_Ee073QI/AAAAAAAAACc/g8bhiAmqDDY/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rJnh79J5lCA/Td1_Ee073QI/AAAAAAAAACc/g8bhiAmqDDY/s200/Unknown.jpeg" width="198" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div>Craig Statchukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011269533066563137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6350615477223042844.post-62789278021341257312011-05-24T17:51:00.000-07:002011-05-24T19:06:40.129-07:00Apple is a ReligionRecent studies have equated Apple buyers to being <a href="http://technorati.com/technology/article/silicon-valleys-new-religion-appleism/" target="_new">members of a religion</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tHwQt_mJcD8/TdxPrksHoKI/AAAAAAAAACY/4hq41vrR5jw/s1600/Book-of-Jobs-Economist-cover-380px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tHwQt_mJcD8/TdxPrksHoKI/AAAAAAAAACY/4hq41vrR5jw/s200/Book-of-Jobs-Economist-cover-380px.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
I am sorry to say: <i>this cult appears to extend to journalists and writers. </i>For the rest of the week, I'll share some examples...<br />
<br />
-----------<br />
<br />
<b>RIM Reality: Negative Press on Minor Issues</b><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/news/2011/05/buggy-os-build-results-in-recall-of-1000-playbook-tablets.ars" target="_new">RIM recalls 1,000 PlayBook tablets due to buggy OS build</a></span><br />
RIM has decided to recall about a thousand of its PlayBook tablets thanks to a buggy operating system, the company has confirmed.<br />
<br />
In other words: A <i>A problem with 1000 devices that was fixed before anyone bought them was negatively reported.</i><br />
<br />
<b>Apple Reality: We Forgive You</b><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/apples-antennagate-a-free-iphone-4-case-doesnt-fix-the-problem-does-lower-apples-standards/36827" target="_new">Apple AntennaGate</a></span><br />
Apple is temporarily giving away free bumper cases to iPhone 4 owners to address phone reception problems. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">The defect was never fixed. Every GSM iPhone 4 still has the problem.</span></b>Craig Statchukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011269533066563137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6350615477223042844.post-23674184955750649622011-05-20T07:16:00.000-07:002011-05-20T11:08:58.759-07:00Whitespace: I want a computer for the 'Post PC Era'<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I</span> think Steve jobs is the only CEO on the planet <i>without</i> <a href="http://adultaddstrengths.com/2006/02/09/top-10-advantages-of-add-in-a-high-tech-career/" target="_new">ADD</a>. The iPad is a great device for doing one simple thing at a time. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">But I don't work that way! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">For me, the web is all about: </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">What else is out there? </span></i><br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Whitespace: A tablet computer - not a big phone</span></b><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>he iPad evolved from a phone. The iPad is virtually identical to an iPhone - <i>just with fewer features</i>.<br />
<br />
RIM has the opportunity to be the dominant <b>Computer</b> in (as Steve Jobs calls it) the <i><b>Post PC Era</b></i>. Building on QNX is a real advantage that no one else can leverage. <br />
<br />
In technical terms, QNX is a mature real-time operating system designed to run on embedded devices. It is fast, efficient, technically advanced and robust. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mMK-9Y6vMy4/TdZoijGmnaI/AAAAAAAAACQ/-vDWkTdpZkM/s1600/lightening.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mMK-9Y6vMy4/TdZoijGmnaI/AAAAAAAAACQ/-vDWkTdpZkM/s200/lightening.png" width="193" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RIM QNX</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I</span>n contrast, Apple's iOS is a phone-oriented task swapper that is remarkably similar to the 1989 version of Windows 2.0. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YxqE0pZjbtU/TdZpBItw30I/AAAAAAAAACU/MX2PFnYyZLs/s1600/9voltBattery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YxqE0pZjbtU/TdZpBItw30I/AAAAAAAAACU/MX2PFnYyZLs/s200/9voltBattery.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apple IOS</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">F</span>rom the consumer point of view, QNX let's you do many things at once. It's the <i>opposite</i> of the iPad, where focus is limited to mainly one activity.<br />
<br />
I like to watch a movie, browse the web and read a book in rapid succession. If you think that's a stretch, <i>just watch a teenager use a computer</i> and you'll get a glimpse of the future. Either way, I have little interest in doing just one thing.<br />
<br />
With my PlayBook, 'human directed multitasking' is easy. Videos automatically resume when the player comes into view; and pause when they seamlessly move to the background. I can build up a reading list of web links while listening to music and then switch to a book or two. Trying to do the same on a iPad is an exercise in frustration.<br />
<br />
I don't want to go back to 1989 with my tablet. I want to move into the future. <i>And so do my teenagers.</i>Craig Statchukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011269533066563137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6350615477223042844.post-24759099449461099192011-05-19T16:01:00.000-07:002011-05-19T16:30:02.370-07:00Whitespace: PrivacyGeneral Motors used to say "no one buys based on safety". Times change. How's that workin' out for ya? Ask Sony about hackers. Their PlayStation business took a big hit the last few weeks.<br />
<br />
RIM and the PlayBook are well positioned with their BlackBerry Enterprise Server Virtual Private Network technology to lead us toward safer web access.<br />
<br />
When Apple has this kind of lead, they invest heavily and further solidify their leadership position. They have done this numerous times with LCD's, Flash memory and even Intel processors.<br />
<br />
<br />
The next whitespace: <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">S</span>afe <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">O</span>pen <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">W</span>iFi</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
Open wireless hotspots cannot be secured without using passwords that effectively remove the <i>open part</i> of the equation. Creating a <i>Virtual Private Network</i> (VPN) over an open WiFi link fixes the problem. Data is safe; and the connection is seamless.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-49uKlY-lrsE/TdWmyAoD8lI/AAAAAAAAACM/S5El8bvEDEI/s1600/gangster.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-49uKlY-lrsE/TdWmyAoD8lI/AAAAAAAAACM/S5El8bvEDEI/s320/gangster.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Here's the challenge for RIM: Invest in a large scale VPN that leverages the BlackBerry Enterprise Server for all RIM users. It won't be cheap but it will create the world's only safe solution for wireless.Craig Statchukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011269533066563137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6350615477223042844.post-25179106682386618462011-05-18T15:39:00.000-07:002011-05-18T17:52:09.731-07:00Whitespace: Right-Click<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">W</span>hy can't I do a right click on a tablet?</b> Lack of right-click gestures is one of the main reasons I still use my MacBook Air more than a tablet. Right-click is a truly wonderful function. Beginners can ignore it when doing simple things. Experts can do amazing feats when they need it. Few functions have such wide appeal.<br />
<br />
The iPad can't do a right-click for two reasons:<br />
<br />
1. Right-clicks were less useful on the iPhone (<i>and the iPad is just a big iPhone with the same interface</i>).<br />
<br />
2. Steve Jobs doesn't think we need a right click. Apple users waited almost two decades to be granted right-click privileges on a Mac computer.<br />
<br />
A right-click could be an extension a <i>press and hold gesture</i> used with copy / paste today more options on the pop up menu (but honestly this method is a bit slow for people who want to invoke actions FAST!). Or it could be a proper <i>two finger gesture</i> like on a Mac trackpad. Either way, Apple wouldn't put one on a tablet as long as Steve Jobs is around. <b>It's the best Apple Whitespace ever!</b><br />
<br />
- - - - - - - -<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Want more proof that Apple </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">doesn't get</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> right-click?</span><br />
<br />
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>What does a two finger tap do on an Apple trackpad? </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">You guessed it: </span> <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Right click. </span></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uxxugNanrpc/TdRL7-1AmjI/AAAAAAAAACI/Jx4u1OhjrtM/s1600/rightclick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="197" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uxxugNanrpc/TdRL7-1AmjI/AAAAAAAAACI/Jx4u1OhjrtM/s200/rightclick.jpg" width="200" /></a> </div><br />
Do the same gesture with the new <i>Apple Magic Mouse</i>. Carefully rest your left finger on the mouse. Now click with your right finger without lifting your left finger.<br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>What do you get?</i> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Wait for it...</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Left Click! </span></b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span></b>Craig Statchukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011269533066563137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6350615477223042844.post-89422711967428857192011-05-17T15:00:00.000-07:002011-05-17T15:09:06.903-07:00Whitespace<p><br><br />
<br />
Artists know how to use it.<br />
<br />
Entrepreneurs salivate over it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hm1s46X6dgI/TdLr9L4bxEI/AAAAAAAAACE/f9MG8CDudG4/s1600/whitespace.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hm1s46X6dgI/TdLr9L4bxEI/AAAAAAAAACE/f9MG8CDudG4/s200/whitespace.png" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cccccc;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cccccc;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cccccc;">It's WHITESPACE </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
Apple has done well with whitespace. They succeed by finding underserved markets and providing better solutions. They don't look at the competition and say: "How can we be <i>like the market leader</i>?"<br />
<br />
I have been asked several times: "Why did you buy a PlayBook? It's not like the iPad". My answer is: "I want better. I want more than a phone".<br />
<br />
RIM has found several whitespace opportunities with the Playbook First is the 7" screen. Second is the true multitasking QNX operating system. Third is... <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">wait for it...</span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">F</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">l</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">s</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">h</span>!</span><br />
<br />
For the rest of this week I'll suggest other whitespace arenas where <i>Apple is not</i> and RIM can win.<br />
<br />
Just remember, winning with whitespace requires two steps:<br />
<br />
1. Finding it<br />
2. Executing on it<br />
<br />
Over the next year we'll see if RIM can win.<br />
<p><br>Craig Statchukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011269533066563137noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6350615477223042844.post-33459208793084828882011-05-16T16:56:00.000-07:002011-05-16T17:21:06.428-07:00Apple is All About User Experience<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Apple insists that user experience is paramount! No expense is spared ensuring only the finest materials and technologies are employed to ensure absolute perfection!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Consider the Apple USB Cable:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nqQ3M7rkZDo/TdG1bDl2SZI/AAAAAAAAAB8/mInwZnf_MWw/s1600/connectors-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="314" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nqQ3M7rkZDo/TdG1bDl2SZI/AAAAAAAAAB8/mInwZnf_MWw/s400/connectors-001.jpg" width="400" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></b></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important; font-family: Times; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Apple iPod / iPhone / iPad Connector </b>- Proprietary circa 2000 design that was out of date before it was released. Pins typically fail within six to twelve months. Easy to knock out of alignment; occasionally hard to get positive lock. Internal parts made of plastic to avoid excessive wear with connected device. Reminiscent of recent <a href="http://www.fisher-price.com/" target="-new">Fisher-Price</a> designs.</span></div></div></span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="font-family: Times; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></span></b></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> VS</span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rKfeTyPoVZQ/TdG1bhFk9-I/AAAAAAAAACA/G4MZrLx2hnw/s1600/connectors-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="188" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rKfeTyPoVZQ/TdG1bhFk9-I/AAAAAAAAACA/G4MZrLx2hnw/s200/connectors-002.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blackberry Micro-B USB Connector </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Industry standard that just works. </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> </span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enough said.</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></i></div>Craig Statchukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011269533066563137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6350615477223042844.post-9455878326041231322011-05-13T13:47:00.000-07:002011-05-13T17:45:35.972-07:00Pimp my PlayBook - Round 2<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">(No post yesterday - </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">I was waiting for this one to dry</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">)</span><br />
<br />
A while ago I fixed a problem with the <a href="http://playbookgeek.blogspot.com/2011/04/case-of-failed-case-and-fix.html" target="new">BlackBerry Convertible Case</a>. Today, let's tackle most famous of all PlayBook hardware nags: The <b>Power Button. </b><br />
<br />
Many people think the button is too small. Those with big fingers like me, know the button is simply recessed a bit too far. <br />
<br />
I am a geek - so complaining is not good enough. I must have a fix. <i>So here it is...</i><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Raised PlayBook Power Button</span></span><br />
<br />
1. Go and get a tube of <a href="http://www.eclecticproducts.com/ag_adhesives.htm" target="new"><b>GOOP Adhesive</b></a>. It doesn't really matter which type of GOOP. I have found they all work about the same. In fact, I use a Canadian equivalent from <i>LePage</i>.<br />
<br />
2. Find some <b>Duct Tape. </b>Just about any tape will do. <i>Duct Tape just has an aura about it</i>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3rojEfnGYPw/Tc2bDN7MESI/AAAAAAAAABw/RulvoiZnPm4/s1600/goop-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3rojEfnGYPw/Tc2bDN7MESI/AAAAAAAAABw/RulvoiZnPm4/s320/goop-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><br />
<br />
3. Create a <i>frame</i> around the Power Button with a few layers duct tape.<br />
<br />
4. Carefully pour some GOOP adhesive into the duct tape <i>frame</i>. Let it set for about 5 minutes.<br />
<br />
5. Remove the tape and gently shape the partially cured adhesive into a rounded button.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gOxyFHgpNlE/Tc2bKM_agYI/AAAAAAAAAB0/EZEOYW0yJ4c/s1600/goop-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gOxyFHgpNlE/Tc2bKM_agYI/AAAAAAAAAB0/EZEOYW0yJ4c/s320/goop-002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> (Actual modification at 4X magnification)</span></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">6. Wait 24 hours and you'll have a <i>Perfect Power</i>™ Button.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The new button is a joy to use - and it works even better with the <a href="http://playbookgeek.blogspot.com/2011/04/case-of-failed-case-and-fix.html" target="new">Convertible Case</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HWPNXWiPqYs/Tc2eNuDHb0I/AAAAAAAAAB4/8RYYWGR_i4U/s1600/goop3-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HWPNXWiPqYs/Tc2eNuDHb0I/AAAAAAAAAB4/8RYYWGR_i4U/s200/goop3-001.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> (Modification is invisible at normal viewing distance)</span></div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div>Craig Statchukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011269533066563137noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6350615477223042844.post-41524750488509444792011-05-11T15:32:00.000-07:002011-05-11T15:32:06.449-07:00OS Update 1.0.3.1868<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WLHlCokmplo/TcsMHRMG1CI/AAAAAAAAABc/G04kVMzQ9uk/s1600/VideoChat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WLHlCokmplo/TcsMHRMG1CI/AAAAAAAAABc/G04kVMzQ9uk/s320/VideoChat.jpg" width="179" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>he latest PlayBook OS update was released last week. Browsing and stability is much improved. Some new apps were also added. <br />
<br />
But a nasty bug has crept in for a few users: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">The battery drains when the PlayBook goes to sleep. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">N</span>on-geeks had many theories including: This is the <i>beginning of the end in 2012.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
The fix is actually pretty simple: Open the new <b>Video Chat</b> application and accept the license agreement.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">O</span>dd, but this simple operation really does fix Build 1.0.3.1868 battery problems.Craig Statchukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011269533066563137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6350615477223042844.post-9565028677589066432011-05-10T15:53:00.000-07:002011-05-10T17:15:50.177-07:00Mobile sites: Dirty Little Secret<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">I</span></span> still encounter a few mobile web sites with neutered content that's supposed to make browsing easier on small form factor devices. They rarely work as advertised. My PlayBook sees fewer of these lame web sites all the time. But Tara's iPad seems to find more<br />
<i>redirected mobile content</i> than ever...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">R</span></span>ules for showing mobile versus normal content have always seemed arbitrary</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><b>...then I figured it out!...</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">M</span></span>obile sites are built to hide the Flash content shown on regular pages.</b> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">That's right: <i>Size has little to do with it. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;">To avoid conflicts with <i>Flashless Apple browsers</i>, sites are using a 'mobile defence'.<i></i></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--89zE_16CU0/TcnAVWGWpuI/AAAAAAAAAAw/K7Zk_HmK5ec/s1600/NoFlash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--89zE_16CU0/TcnAVWGWpuI/AAAAAAAAAAw/K7Zk_HmK5ec/s320/NoFlash.jpg" width="286" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">Now we know their dirty little secret.</span></div>Craig Statchukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011269533066563137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6350615477223042844.post-91522831236792713872011-05-09T17:07:00.000-07:002011-05-09T19:01:40.333-07:00What Kind of Apps are You Building?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">S</span></span>omeone asked me: <i>What kind of PlayBook apps are you building?</i><br />
<br />
While that's a great question, I think a better one is:<i> What type of problem are you trying to solve with a PlayBook?</i><br />
<br />
I categorize apps into two broad categories:<br />
<ol><li>Device intensive</li>
<li>Data</li>
</ol><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">U</span></span>se-cases for <i>Device intensive </i>apps are: camera (still and video), conferencing - and specialized activities like DVD ripping. This category of application represents perhaps 20% of all programs that we use.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>The vast majority of applications present <i>data</i>. A good example is my weather site: <a href="http://www.craigweather.com/" target="_new">craigweather.com</a>. It shows real-time sensor data from measuring equipment on top of my house. It also shows government forecast data that changes every hour. <br />
<br />
With this type of app: It is the data that's most valuable.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">R</span></span>emember: timeliness matters. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Good web sites often focus on data. More and more 'mobile apps' surround this content with an 'app wrapper' that adds little to no value. I find things like native 'weather apps' to be pretty much useless packaging. Going to a weather web site is almost always better.</div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">F</span></span>avorites in the browser are a great way to access 'data'. No downloading. Up-to-date. No fuss. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Take a look at the <i>PlayBook Browser Favorites</i> page. The live thumbnail images<br />
look like native apps. And they are better if the solution is mainly about the data.</div><div><br />
-------------------<br />
<br />
That big elephant in the room has half a million apps. Many should be delivered via web sites. But you can't charge $1.99 for a bookmark can you?</div>Craig Statchukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011269533066563137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6350615477223042844.post-68275891897618264752011-05-06T13:36:00.000-07:002011-05-06T13:36:52.632-07:00Top 10 Reasons to get a PlayBookHere are the <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Top 10 Reasons to get a PlayBook </span></span></b><br />
<ol><li value="10"><b>Seamless software updates over WiFi. </b> Old style iPads require a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">cable and connection to a PC running iTunes</span>.</li>
</ol><ol><li value="9"><b>Perfect size for sneaking into the bathroom for a quick read. </b> <i>You know you want to do it!</i> With an awkward iPad, <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">everyone else will know it too</span></i>.</li>
</ol><ol><li value="8"><b>You can use your existing wireless data plan for free</b> - <i>including iPhone data plans</i>. In many parts of the world, iPads are expressly<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> forbidden</span> from sharing iPhone data plans.</li>
</ol><ol><li value="7"><b>Has a good looking flip case + stand that actually works.</b> The new magnetic iPad case looks like a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">circa 1960 bi-fold closet door </span>that is hard to hold when using your iPad. Some say it makes a great <a href="http://www.cultofmac.com/ipads-smart-cover-doubles-as-fridge-magnet" target="_new">fridge magnet</a>.</li>
</ol><ol><li value="6"><b>You can easily copy files to and from your PlayBook.</b> File copying is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">forbidden</span> on an iPad.</li>
</ol><ol><li value="5"><b>Get an optimized tablet User Interface written in this decade</b>. The iPad has just a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">phone interface from 2006.</span></li>
</ol><ol><li value="4"><b>Shoot great looking 1080p HD video. </b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">The iPad looks like a phone in comparison</span>. Oops, that's unfair. The iPhone shoots better video than an iPad.</li>
</ol><ol><li value="3"><b>Great for thumb typing! </b>The PlayBook is easy to hold and type. Typing on the iPad is like<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> tapping on a cookie sheet.</span></li>
</ol><ol><li value="2"><b>Watch any video media format.</b> The PlayBook supports them all. The iPad shows only <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">specially produced H.264</span> videos from iTunes.</li>
</ol><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and finally... </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">the number one reason to get a PlayBook</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">... </span></span><br />
<br />
<ol><li value="1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Flash !!!</span></span></b></li>
</ol>Craig Statchukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011269533066563137noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6350615477223042844.post-90029860276214222352011-05-05T14:44:00.000-07:002011-05-05T14:45:39.321-07:00Calendar, Contacts and E-mailRIM chose to deliver version 1.0 of the PlayBook <i>without</i> calendar, contacts and e-mail (a.k.a. PIM) applications. They chose instead to deliver the world's best tablet Web browser and User Interface (UI) NOW so we could benefit from these leading edge solutions without having to wait.<br />
<br />
I couldn't be happier. As a geek, I want to see rapid improvement and innovation in preference to <i>so called</i> 'fully-baked solutions' that often move forward at the speed of a glacier.<br />
<br />
Here's what PlayBook PIM apps will look like later this summer.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/TEBph1F91b4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
<br />
-------------<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">RIM also pushed the third major update to the PlayBook earlier this week. That's 3 updates in two and a half weeks! </span><br />
<br />
I appreciate these frequent improvements. We are getting leading edge tablet software as soon as it becomes available. This is a major improvement over old fashioned tablets like the iPad that still have the same UI and design as my iPhone did two years ago. A tablet is NOT a phone. Giving us <i>just a phone UI </i>on a tablet is not good enough.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Geeks create the future.</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Others wait for the future to be in the past.</span> PlayBook owners will ride a wave of innovation over the next few months and get the best tablet OS before most anyone else. iPad laggards will have to wait for the Apple Developer Conference in 2013.Craig Statchukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011269533066563137noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6350615477223042844.post-11755439665340571772011-05-04T18:18:00.000-07:002011-05-10T16:03:37.052-07:00Portability Versus Size<div style="text-align: center;">Portability versus size is an important consideration. My <b>notebook computer</b> is neither small, or portable. You really need a cart to carry it long distances.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wxAW6RgmaVo/TcHQChVvgxI/AAAAAAAAAAg/J7pDgxUg7ww/s1600/LT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="343" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wxAW6RgmaVo/TcHQChVvgxI/AAAAAAAAAAg/J7pDgxUg7ww/s400/LT.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tara's <b>iPad</b> is smaller but still not very portable. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Carrying a tablet is very much like a hauling a notebook computer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XKleC0qL6LI/TcHQI8ZryKI/AAAAAAAAAAk/IBnUmQLBzow/s1600/IP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XKleC0qL6LI/TcHQI8ZryKI/AAAAAAAAAAk/IBnUmQLBzow/s320/IP.jpg" width="292" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Finally the <b>PlayBook</b>. It is ultimately portable yet it is as wide an old fashioned <b>iPad</b>. </div><div style="text-align: center;">It also has more <i>usable screen area</i> thanks to <a href="http://playbookgeek.blogspot.com/2011/05/playbook-is-biggest-tablet-you-can-buy.html">margin gestures</a>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IS1jMxG478E/TcHQOUeaUpI/AAAAAAAAAAo/bFCQ41hQsvI/s1600/PB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IS1jMxG478E/TcHQOUeaUpI/AAAAAAAAAAo/bFCQ41hQsvI/s200/PB.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And contrary to what I initially thought, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">the <b>PlayBook</b> </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">is good</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"> <i>in meetings</i></span>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can get work done but in an unobtrusive and subtle way. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A notebook computer or old style <b>iPad</b> screams:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">antisocial</span>" and "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">I am not paying attention</span>". </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The <b>PlayBook</b> is much less in everyone's face. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It whispers: "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">I am still listening to you...</span>" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Yep. The </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">PlayBook</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> is </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Practically Portable</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">™.</span></div>Craig Statchukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011269533066563137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6350615477223042844.post-12830187039252817312011-05-03T15:14:00.000-07:002011-05-04T19:33:34.922-07:00iPhone Hotspot TipMy PlayBook works with my iPhone WiFi hotspot. Connection is seamless and easy. Of course that often means my hotspot is also accessible to others who might want to connect to my phone without my knowledge.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aeB1wy9ytGs/TcB65naC9eI/AAAAAAAAAAc/0wNLGJgNXyQ/s1600/unavailable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aeB1wy9ytGs/TcB65naC9eI/AAAAAAAAAAc/0wNLGJgNXyQ/s320/unavailable.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Protect your hotspot with a strong password, using a mixture of upper/lower case characters, numbers and symbols. You type this password infrequently, so a long password is not a big inconvenience.<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here's my tip</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">:</span> Use a <i><b>misleading</b></i> network name in place of the default which is something like '<b>Craig's iPhone</b>'.<br />
<br />
I routinely use hotspot names like <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">unavailable</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">offline</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">not available</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">disconnected</span> and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">disabled</span>. It is amazing how well this kind of name works. <i>Even when I tell someone exactly what to do</i>, they get confused and have trouble connecting to <b>unavailable</b> or <b>offline</b>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><b>BTW</b></span> - Taking snapshots of the PlayBook screen (like above) is easy:<br />
Just press the <b>< volume down</b> and <b>volume up ></b> buttons simultaneously to have a snapshot placed in your PlayBook <b>camera</b> folder.Craig Statchukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011269533066563137noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6350615477223042844.post-55586417553274997842011-05-02T19:01:00.000-07:002011-05-06T03:27:22.421-07:00The PlayBook is the Biggest Tablet You Can Buy<div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Most of us know the PlayBook is only 7 inches wide. Yet, I find that its <u>effective screen size</u> is larger than any other tablet available - including the physically larger Xoom and iPad. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"> </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><b>How is that?</b></span></i></div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 19.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">The PlayBook has User Interface gestures that originate in the margins. These gestures open slide-out context menus with BIG buttons that I can easily hit with my FAT fingers!</div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 19.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Here are some examples of how the PlayBook maximizes screen real estate with "margin gestures":<br />
<br />
</div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 19.0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/hRwVmK7CwkY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 19.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 19.0px;"><br />
<br />
</div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">On other tablets, you need to<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">cli</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">ck tiny links and menus</span></span> at the edges of the screen.<br />
My fingers never had a chance. </div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
RIM wins this round, <i>hands down</i> - I mean - <i>fingers down.</i></div><div><i><br />
</i></div>Craig Statchukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011269533066563137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6350615477223042844.post-21212552762313531922011-04-29T17:25:00.000-07:002011-05-03T15:58:21.991-07:00One year from nowLet's think about the tablet market one year from now. You might not know it, but we are going to be flooded with countless Android tablets very soon. They will be ubiquitous and cheap. Remember $200 netbooks? Soon there will be scores of $200 tablets. Remember when we used to go out and buy a Windows PC? Soon we will go out and buy an Android Tablet.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-12_eFqPBxW0/TbtXazfHxOI/AAAAAAAAAAY/c-FMhEAWT1U/s1600/crystal_ball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-12_eFqPBxW0/TbtXazfHxOI/AAAAAAAAAAY/c-FMhEAWT1U/s320/crystal_ball.jpg" width="251" /></a>Apple will stake out the high ground when a $600 dollar tablet is suddenly considered expensive. So where does this leave RIM?<br />
<br />
They can differentiate themselves by offering a better user experience than Apple - which they are already doing thanks to some true innovation with the PlayBook and QNX. RIM needs a mantra: "New updates often!" They can offer more choice by opening up the BlackBerry Store to RIM and Android apps.<br />
<br />
And here's the big one: By virtue of its ubiquity, Android will be a target for hackers and malware. RIM can offer better protection against these threats by creating a secure QNX sandbox for Android apps.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>"Safe Android" may become an oxymoron.</b><br />
<b><br />
</b></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">More amusing: Next year 200 tablets run Android (including one that runs QNX). One tablet runs iOS. 200 tablets support Flash. One refuses.</span>Craig Statchukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011269533066563137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6350615477223042844.post-84249638498088150062011-04-28T17:18:00.000-07:002011-04-28T18:09:48.048-07:00They Buy 'em like TV'sWhen I was in the local <i>Best Buy</i> <a href="http://playbookgeek.blogspot.com/2011/04/case-of-failed-case-and-fix.html">getting a case</a>, I decided to watch how people use the tablets on display. They had a row of tablets lined up, all with the same prominence and shelf space. First was the RIM PlayBook, then a Samsung Galaxy Tab, then a Motorola Xoom, and finally an ASUS Eee Slate.<br />
<br />
One by one people would come by. They would glance at the 7" Playbook and mumble something like "too small". Then they would then pass by the 8" Galaxy Tab and say "too expensive". They would pause at the 10" Xoom and say "hmm maybe". Finally, they would embrace the 12" Eee Slate (which is the same size as a cookie sheet) and say with a big smile "this is nice!"<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">People</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">were</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">evaluating</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">tablets</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">like</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">they</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">were</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">TVs<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">!</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-diZiR9zT1PU/TboC6FkI9MI/AAAAAAAAAAU/_3Slkz6shpQ/s1600/pb.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-diZiR9zT1PU/TboC6FkI9MI/AAAAAAAAAAU/_3Slkz6shpQ/s400/pb.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">The more inches per dollar -> the better the value. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><i>I fear this tablet thing is going to take a while to shake out :)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><br />
<i><br />
</i>Craig Statchukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011269533066563137noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6350615477223042844.post-29756977021450957602011-04-27T16:44:00.000-07:002011-05-05T04:13:42.076-07:00Pimp my PlayBook<b>The CASE</b><br />
<br />
I bought a BlackBerry branded <a href="http://store.shopblackberry.com/Product/BlackBerry-PlayBook-Convertible-Case/ACC-40279-301" target="new">Convertible Case</a> the other day. It's a folding cover that also doubles as an angled stand.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OWq9CxbMZVY/TcIWziZQWRI/AAAAAAAAAAs/CoYvt4ueyPE/s1600/Case.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OWq9CxbMZVY/TcIWziZQWRI/AAAAAAAAAAs/CoYvt4ueyPE/s200/Case.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I was rather surprised to discover that the case does NOT work with the <a href="http://store.shopblackberry.com/Product/BlackBerryPlayBookRapidChargingPod/ACC-39340-303" target="new">PlayBook Rapid Charging Stand</a>. The case prevents the charger's contacts from connecting to the PlayBook.<br />
<br />
But I am a geek so poorly designed products don't last long around me. <i>When in doubt, I modify.</i> For example, here's a video of how I dealt with an iMac SSD last winter:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kMRK4_Gw0ms/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kMRK4_Gw0ms?f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/kMRK4_Gw0ms?f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>The FIX</b><br />
<br />
Fixing my PlayBook case and charging stand was easy:<br />
<ol><li>Cut the bottom of the case so it does not interfere with the charging stand. Don't worry. The trimmed part of the case is hidden under the genuine imitation leather flap.</li>
<li>Trim the plastic lip on the charging stand with a Dremel tool and add a more substantial piece of wood trim to provide better clearance and stability.</li>
<li>Case and stand now work great together.</li>
</ol><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yGWGzH0UbuM/TbilENzjzcI/AAAAAAAAAAQ/yc1XHqZOwwQ/s1600/PB-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yGWGzH0UbuM/TbilENzjzcI/AAAAAAAAAAQ/yc1XHqZOwwQ/s400/PB-001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The modified case holds my PB as firmly as before. The stand looks cool too.<br />
<br />
I suspect the case designers didn't know about the stand and vice-versa. Don't be surprised if version 2 looks more like mine :)Craig Statchukhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011269533066563137noreply@blogger.com0