A New Venture in Technology Review

An new venture has begun. I have tried writing blogs about my own personal life and found them to be quite boring. I don't have the patience to come up with interesting things to share about my life. It's hard to make yourself sound interesting for very long. But ask me about technology and I can always find something to say about it.

Yes, I am a technology geek. I will admit it freely and those who know me know it is true. Whenever someone wants to know about software, hardware, are even when they don't, I always have an opinion to share. I watch a minimum of three technology podcasts that I download to my TIVO daily. That doesn't sound like much to someone in the business, but I am just an ordinary person who loves to know what is happening in the world of technology.

This blog will cover anything that relates to technology. Whether is is software, hardware, computers, phones, or something you can't live without, I will discuss it. I plan to write a weekly blog, but sometimes I will have more to share than what can fit into a weekly blog.

Right now my obsession is the new iPad. I have been lusting for one since they came out in April. Yes, I know they are not perfect, and I am trying to hold out for the second generation when the fix some of the oversights in their first version - most notably and much written about - the missing webcam. I know it is not a computer replacement and the latest issue of PC World covered what it was and wasn't very clearly. What I see it as is a replacement for many of the small technologies that I would be carrying around, if I owned them. It can replace an e-reader, dvd player, netbook for websurfing and iphone for all the cool apps they have available. I know it isn't a phone, but my main reason for getting an iphone would be for the apps. I already have a perfectly good cell phone that I don't have to pay an extra $30 per month to use.

So, let's break this down.
1. As an e-reader, I love the crisp screen and colorful book-like look. I was never impressed with any of the e-readers I looked at, even with the assumption that the screens were easier on the eye. I like color and being able to feel like I am turning a page. The backlight is another great feature. It was something I really didn't like about previous e-readers, that you still had to have a book light to read at night. So, that would be my first gadget it would replace.
2. Replacing the dvd player. I know it doesn't play DVDs, but how many people are really carrying them around anyway these days? Most people are downloading their movies directly to their computers and watching them that way. Or, they are streaming from the internet or Netflix. All of these are possible with the iPad.
3. As a netbook replacement, the iPad can probably do most everything you would do on a netbook. I had been looking at netbooks but was not impressed with their power. Plus, the battery life on most were not anywhere near as good as the iPad. So, I see myself mostly doing websurfing if I owned a netbook.
4. As an iPhone replacement, it can't really be compared on the same level. Like I said before, I wouldn't have the need for the iPhone if I had the iPad because the apps are the main appeal for me with the iPhone. Since I can use all the same apps, and many more being made just for the iPad, I can download apps to my heart's content.
5. Lastly, I love the idea of not being locked into a contract when I want 3G connectivity. I really bristle at the idea of having to pay the extra $30 per month for 3G with a smart phone. Or, going with a internet service through one of the broadband companies and paying $60 per month. The month-to-month concept of the 3G service with the iPad is the best part of it all.

I have to admit I have not always been an Apple fan. I resisted the iPod for many years because it bothered me that you cannot replace the battery yourself. I chose another mp3 player for about 5 years before recently purchasing an iPod nano, 5th generation. What sold me on it was all of the new features it now offers. And, once I began playing around with it, I love it even more.

So, I think that Apple has something going with the iPad. Even if it isn't the machine for you, it will force other companies to get more creative in their future tablets. I look forward to seeing what they come up with. In the meantime, I am hoping for the iPad for my birthday present.

Coming up next week: The Voice-over-internet phone service you have never heard of.

Marilea Gray