Category Archives: Apple

Why iOS 6 will revolutionize Computing

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The gap between the computer and the tablet as a capable work platform has been shrinking – and the pace of this shrinkage is accelerating.  With the original iPad introduction on 3 April 2010 Apple changed the game, giving us geeks a new toy unlike any since the invention of the laptop.  Many called the first iPad a “large iPod” (yep, so did I).  It was cool, but how useful was it going to be?  I used mine to watch movies and listen to music (just like an iPod!).  However, the overwhelming number of apps developed since changed the iPad into a useful platform for writing (Pages), tracking finances (Pageonce, Mint.com), travel (Flight+ Tracking, Weather Channel), along with all the social media integration (Facebook, Twitter, etc).  In fact, about half of the GERD’s blog entries are started or finished on my iPad (thanks to WordPress) and I follow my daughter’s web comic on my iPad when I’m on the road.
Now Apple has taken the next step – data sharing run amok!  Starting with the iCloud (that giant data center in North Carolina), iPad and iOS users now enjoy data sharing among different platforms.  Contacts, notes, calendar events, even Reminders created on one platform (iPad) show up on all your other platforms (iPad and Macs).  The GERD does most of his blogging using the Notes application, starting on the Mac Mini, continuing on the iPad, reviewed on the iPhone, and eventually publishing from the Mac Mini again.  Since I’m working on from 6 to 10 blog subjects at any one time, this data sharing is a tremendous advantage.
iOS 6 will continue and accelerate this trend.  Yes, Apple has updated many of the core features including Mail, Safari, and even Siri.  But Apple has also ramped up data sharing with the unification of your phone number and Apple ID – meaning that any iMessage sent from any iOS device can be seen on any other iOS device;  FaceTime calls will follow suit.  I must admit that the inability to see iMessages sent to my phone on my iPad has been disappointing.
Others are attempting to follow Apple – Amazon and Google were among the first with cloud storage and web-based media stores.  Dropbox and SugerSync offer terrific cloud storage for data sharing.  However, Apple combines the best in breed; superb media content, apps, cloud storage, combined with unmatched hardware to run it all on.  When iOS 6 hits the streets this fall, it will all get better.  Perhaps one day we will wonder whatever happened to the windows-based laptop…
Next Time: Why I 8’nt upgrading
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Why the GERD didn’t buy the new iPad

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If you’ve been reading about the GERD you know the saddest he ever gets is when he walks out of Best Buy without buying anything.  So when the new iPad (aka the iPad 3) went on sale it was a forgone conclusion in GERD-dom that a shiny new Retina Display would adorn his desk in no time flat.  Except that it didn’t – the GERD didn’t buy the new iPad.  Why not?

The day the first iPad came out, I took off from work to be home when the delivery man (actually it was a very nice lady) placed that prized pad in my eager hands.  When the second one came out, I stood in line outside Best Buy for over an hour…blah, blah, blah.  You get where I’m going, I really like the thing.  So when news of the new iPad came out, I eagerly scooped up the details in anticipation of owning one.  That beautiful Retina display, the faster processor, the better camera…

So why didn’t I buy the new iPad?  It was not the money, I could have traded in the iPad 2, taken a second job, or sold most of my blood to get one (I’ve done it before).  It wasn’t the lack of improvements; the retina display is truly groundbreaking in a tablet (or even a laptop).  It wasn’t any one thing I could put my finger on, it was just that the iPad I had was enough for me.  Yes friends, the old GERD, who tries to buy every new thing out there, was satisfied.

So, what am I saying?  If you have never owned an iPad, then by all means get the new iPad – and I envy the experience in store for you.  If you have the original iPad and are looking to upgrade, get the new iPad – you will be blown away by it.  But if you have the iPad 2, think long and hard about an upgrade. As good as the Retina display is, the iPad 2 also has an excellent display.  If you are as happy with your iPad 2 as I am, the need to upgrade is not very great.  This may be a case of Apple making something so good (iPad 2), that following it up is very difficult.  Having said that, however, I will be paying close attention to any rumored specifications of the NEXT iPad!

Next Time: Why iOS 6 will revolutionize computing

Apple or Android – I’ve used both

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The GERD loves a good discussion amongst those who disagree (read: argument), as long as it’s done with respect to all involved (that leaves out Politics!).  Few subjects inspire such a heated discussion as Apple versus Android.  “I have an iPhone, I have a Droid“, how about having a cool drink and sitting in the shade for a moment!

For the purpose of simplicity, let’s limit this discussion to media devices and phones. Having used the iPhone, the HTC EVO, iPads, and Ice Cream Sandwich-equipped tablets, allow me to say something very pithy, very wise, very GERD-like.  What’s the big deal? (sounds very Jeffersonian, doesn’t it?)  As is almost always the case, it comes down to what YOU like best.  Apple is a very mature system.  For phones and tablets the operating system (iOS 5, soon to be iOS 6) works very well.  Apple’s innovative App Store is a terrific place to find tested and approved applications that are low cost and, in most cases, very useful.  Updating the operating system is effortless, as is updating the apps.  iTunes is great – music and movies and TV shows (oh my!).  Apple set the standard that everyone else is trying to copy (sorry Samsung, didn’t mean to use the word “copy“).

I’ve used Apple products, iPods mostly, since 2003.  In the last few years I’ve graduated to iPads, iPhones, and my Apple Mini (a superb mid-level computer).  I like Apple products – some may call me a “fanboy” (term used to describe “a passionate advocate and promoter for Apple operating systems and hardware”), but I like things that work.

But wait, I also used the HTC EVO for 2 years, and liked it!  I have and use the Asus EEE Pad TF-101 (I love the optional docking keyboard – I wish Apple made one for the iPad).  I have a Samsung Galaxy Player (the big 5″ one), and it’s a great media device.

While Apple may be compared to a buttoned-down solid-colored shirt that looks great with a striped tie, Android is that comfortable pull over that looks really cool with jeans and an old pair of sneakers.  You have to work a little harder with Android devices – updating is not easy.  The Google Play Store has matured in look and content.  However, you can find, shall we say, suspicious-looking apps (“Pocket Girlfriend”? Really?).  If that’s what you want, oh well.

Bottom line: For media players and phones, the inexperienced user should stick with the Apple iPhone and iPods.  They are easier to use, update, and understand.  A drawback is that any song purchased on iTunes is in a protected format (AAC) that only works on Apple devices.  You can convert them to MP3 format, but not easily.  However, if you stick with those Apple devices, you’ll have no worries.  If you are more experienced, or more adventurous, you can be very happy with an Android phone and/or media device.  As I have already said, it comes down to what YOU like best.  After all, we still live in a semi-free country!

ImageNext Time: Why didn’t the GERD get the New iPad?