Maybe the Only Google+ Selling Point You Care About

via gizmodo.com

... because its not Facebook.

Posted via email from schizothemia

10 Days with an iPad 2: 28 Days Later

You didn’t really think you were going to get 10 consecutive days of iPad updated did you?  Nor has it been 28 days since my last iPad 2 post but the title is cool if you like zombie flicks.  After almost 3 months with my iPad 2 my opinion is very similar to the one I formed in the first few days.

The iPad 2 is not a standalone computing platform but what it does it does well.

Pros:

·         Thin, Lightweight & Comfortable to Use – I have become accustomed to having the iPad on hand I scoop it up off my desk as I head to a meeting as casually as I would a pad of paper.

·         Good Battery Life – Battery life has dropped off slightly over the months of use but as long as I remember to throw it on the charger at least every other night it is never an issue.

·         Lots of Apps – The vast number of apps available are one of the keys to the success of the iOS platform but there is a Con here too.

·         Fast and Responsive to Input – This remains true, the speed and interface of the iPad 2 remains excellent.  No issues beyond an occasional crash to desktop of some third party apps.

·         Beautiful Screen – I’m not saying there is no room for improvement but I have no complaints.

·         Intuitive Interface – My 2 yr old intuitively understands how to navigate the iOS, can’t get much better than that.

Cons:

·         Web compatibility issues (not just flash) -  Web issues continue to plague the iPad not so much that I don’t usually grab it first for that quick web search but more than enough to be annoying!

·         Lots of Apps – I guess it was bound to happen but the vast number of available apps is starting to become a Con too.  There is a LOT of pure trash on the app store.

·         Reliance on iTunes (and hence a Mac or PC) – Could this be changing?

·         The '90s called and want their web cam back! – Camera still sucks.

Random Thoughts:

In its current form the iPad is regulated to the role of a companion device but this could be changing. Rumors of over the air update options combined with Apples recent revelation of iOS5/iCloud features could be enough to push the iPad over the edge into the role of Personal (Primary?) Computing Device (PCD) for some users.  Baring a zombie apocalypse of some sort my vision for the future is thus:   

·         A single household computer fulfilling the role of Home Server and possibly that of Desktop Computer for some traditionalists.

·         An entertainment console in or at each “TV” though there will be a major evolution here.

·         And a PCD for each household member.  This may be a phone, a tablet or something in-between but it will be portable and have outstanding battery life. 

For now it’s time to put the crystal tablet away and perhaps I’ll publish an update in another “28 days” when we know more about iOS5 and iCloud.

 

Posted via email from schizothemia

Co-Optimus - Age of Empires Online Arrives August 16th

via co-optimus.com

We use to play a lot of AoE back in the day and I for one have always hoped for an other addition to the series.... but I don't think this is what I was envisioning.

Then again maybe it should have been, for the cost of admission it'll be worth trying.

Posted via email from schizothemia