Tablet Computer Guide – ipad netbook notebook

Johnny Q asked:




I have to agree some companies have definitely changed the way we look at technology and the internet. Some of these companies have change the way tech savvy people such as myself look at a simple email while on the run. As soon as I received my iTouch I was hooked. We as the technology generation have continued to surpass the way we communicate with each other. My company runs of my iTouch and anything I complete it’s in my hands. I love the way technology and information just pours to my hands with a simple touch of a screen.

Now I was just amazed at all of the features that the new iPad has to offer. I just happen to watch the demo video and the first thing I notice was the slick design of it and the cool appearance that it just stands out. The iPad can use up to 140,000 apps available in the app store. One of the cool benefits is that it’s like a crossover between a laptop and the iTouch. It really is going to come in handy when I need to get some valuable information from the office and I can just jump on my iTouch and get anything available in the internet. This is business at its best; sure it’s fast, quick and in a hurry. Now If I can make the switch to a slick design and have all the easy to use technology it will definitely help. Like I said I’m one of those savvy tech people that like fast business in the speed of thought. If it gets things done quickly, then I like it.

One of the things that I notice was the price, starting at $500.00 dollars it seems to be competing against some of the top competitors. I asked my self why should I buy an iPad when for the same price I Can get a notebook? They are the same category of technology for sale. The iPad need to stand up to the name and the name of its makers, to demonstrate the agility of the way we do business or communicate with each other. One of the coolest features that I notice was the slick design in the keyboard. I thought the keyboard was out of this world. Now I hope that it’s like the regular keyboards that you can just act like it’s a regular keyboard. One of the problems that some technology companies have is that the iTouch and the iPhone do not have enough grunts to run a proper browser.

Some of the time when I’m browsing for me it just seems to browse the internet better with my laptop and not the iTouch, every time this happens it irritates me. Hopefully, for me if I am going to spend any kind of money in a gadget I want something that I’m not going to have trouble with.

But let’s not give the iPad a bad name. It now comes with three stores the iTunes Store, the App store and now the iBook store. Here is where you carry your own library around and get some cool books. This was a big plus for the iPad. I just wish that the technology gurus are going to deliver on this iPad because I will have high expectation of it. I will be looking forward to my iPad.

Barbara

John E Lincoln asked:




The Apple iPad has just been released. Looks like a cool device, right? Like an iPhone, the screen adjusts to the phones positioning. It has crystal clear viewing capabilities for video and photos. And the touch screen… I mean wow! We’ve never really see navigation quite like this.

While this all may be true, the question is buzzing around, who is the iPad really meant for? Is there a consumer demand driving this product supply or is Apple looking to create a new demand, like they did with the iPod.

There has also been speculation that this device is simply a business move by Apple to simulate another Apple store. Hey, if you were Apple you’d probably want to have two Apple stores, right? Who wouldn’t want 50 hosted VoIP developers rushing to create the next hosted VoIP PBX app: especially if you make a small commission off each sale?

Granted, it does have a touch screen keyboard so you can at least type. But what it all comes down to is that the flashy navigation, emphasis on apps, use as a reader and major push as a multimedia device makes it seem more like a toy than a piece of machinery intended to help a professional get work done.

Now, this very may well be what Apple was going for with the iPad. Maybe they wanted to create a more superfluous device. But why create something that seems so expendable in the wake of an economic recovery?

Don’t get me wrong, I love the iPad. I love what Apple is doing with the device and the way their technology is progressing. Also, I like that the iPad has speakers and a microphone so it could potentially run a softphone or other http://www.freedomiq.com applications. But who is the iPad really meant for? Is it meant for you? Tell us what you think below.

Douglas

Eric Meyer asked:




Kismet is a wireless network detector / sniffer which can give you a vast amount of information about wireless networks. Wireless network security flaws are well documented but often very hard for the common person to understand. I will be showing you how to use kismet with out even having to install Linux, or compile kismet.

First you need to proceed to remote-exploit.org and download and burn their Auditor CD. (IF you don’t know how to burn an ISO image, go to Google). This version of Linux doesn’t install or modify your hard drive; it will boot from the CD and use a Ram Drive (On your Memory).

Auditor is not only a great tool for testing wireless network security with kismet but it also has many other computer security tools on it as well.

Client Window

Next, to start Kismet proceed to the Linux version of the start menu, and press Auditor.
Now proceed to the wireless /scanning/kismet tools/kismet.

Once you click on Kismet it will ask you for a default location to place the Kismet log files for analyzing later, just press the desktop or temp file.

Now I will show you how to use Kismet. When kismet initially opens you will see a greenish box with numbers and network names (If any are near you) clicking away don’t be overwhelmed. (Also I can’t show you how to use kismet if you don’t have the correct wireless adapter, get an ORINICO Gold Classic Card off EBAY.) The Orninco gold classic card will be automaticly detected by auditor linux.

The Kismet columns will show the wireless networks SSID (Name), Type of device (Access point, gateway) Encryption or no Encryption, an IP range and number of packets. Kismet will pick up hidden networks with SSID broadcast Disabled also, Netstumbler will not.

Now Press H, to bring up the Help Menu. This will give the nuts and bolts on how to use kismet. If you tab down to the network you are auditing and press “C”, Kismet will show you all the computers that are using that wireless access point / gateway. This Kismet screen will show you the clients MAC address, Manufacture of Wireless Adapter, IP address range and traffic.

Kismet: Help Menue

Now to get out of that screen press “Q”. Tab Down on the Main Kismet Screen to another SSID and press “I”. This Kismet window will show detailed information about the wireless network. The Kismet detail screen will show the type of network (Infrastructrure / Adhoc), signal strength, channel, encryption type, and much more.

Kismet will also give you sound alerts when new wireless networks are discovered or security alerts or suspicious clients are in range. Suspicious clients would be people like you who are using Kismet or Networkstumbler. Unlike you these could be Wardrivers looking for venerable networks to hack into.

Kismet Alert Page

You can prevent War drivers from discovering your wireless network by performing a proper site survey which will help limit signal bleed off to unneeded areas. You should write down the suspicious MAC address and keep an eye on your access logs. If the War Drivers are really stupid just look out your window and look for cars with weird antennas.HA HA HA.

Kismet is more than just a tool to discover wireless networks; it can be used in conjunction with other tools to crack WEP/WPA. Many websites will claim that WEP can be cracked in less that five minutes. This is only half the truth because it could take many hours,days,months to gather enough packets to crack. Good luck and have fun learning the more advanced applications of kismet.

Steve

Kristen Burgess asked:




A netbook is a very useful little purchase. It makes even a regular notebook computer look huge and it truly has the ability to go anywhere. Today’s netbooks are tiny little machines packed with a reasonable amount of power. You’ll most likely get one gigabyte of RAM and a hard drive anywhere from 150 gigabytes to 300 gigabytes.

This is a perfect package for being on the go. With wireless hotspots popping up everywhere you can pull your netbook out of your bag and browse the internet, type a quick email, read an ebook, or even listen to a little music. How can you get the most out of your tiny computer?

First, remember that a netbook, though powerful for the small package it comes wrapped in, is not your typical home computer. It’s meant to be portable and light weight – both in the literal sense that it weighs very little, and that it doesn’t have the capacity to run heavy duty programs.

So you’ll want to use your netbook for what it’s meant for – simple things like you’ve learned above. Most netbooks come with one gigabyte of RAM, but almost all of those can easily be upgraded to two gigabytes, which will give you a little more power.

The next thing you’re going to want to do is get your netbook even leaner. Computer manufactures are notorious for loading new computers down with a whole bunch of programs you’ll never use. These programs are affectionately called “bloatware” because they literally bloat your computer. You want to get rid of them.

Take off what you’re not going to use. Make sure you use the program’s uninstall option or use the “Add/Remove Programs” in your Windows control panel so you uninstall the program cleanly. You can also use a small utility called “PC Decrapifier” to remove these programs. It’s free for home use and once you’re done with it, you just delete its file. I’ve used it on several new computers and I’ve found it works quickly and it works well.

As you remove applications you’ll never use, consider which applications you will use. Try and select lighter-weight programs that won’t take up a lot of resources as you run them. Firefox is a good web browser. It’s very secure and it doesn’t use a lot of resources – as long as you don’t load it down with a lot of add-ins! Save the plugins and other effects for your home computer. Keep your netbook clean and efficient.

You want a web browser and you’ll probably also want an office suite. Consider a minimal install that covers the basics – word processing, a spreadsheet, and possibly an email/calendar client. The Microsoft Office suite is a good one to try. It comes with these basics as well as a nice note-taking application that can be especially useful if you’re using your netbook in classes or meetings. Open Office is an open-source application that costs nothing and can be customized to the programs you need. Microsoft Office and Open Office are completely compatible with one another, so you can move files between programs.

A final tip for your netbook is to take advantage of the full screen mode offered by most programs. Netbook screens are tiny, so maximizing your program to take up the full window can make a big difference. The F11 key puts many programs into full screen mode, so give it a try and see if it helps you get more from your netbook’s beautiful, but tiny, screen!

Arthur

Khmer Lee P. Lugod asked:




If you have no idea about getting an iPad for free, this is the article for you. You may be able to get your very own iPad by simply becoming a tester. A lot of websites offer this kind of opportunity, and you shouldn’t let it pass.

Among the hottest gadgets today is the Apple iPad. The world has been talking about this amazing techy gadget even before it was launched in the market. Indeed, the iPad has caught the attention of people from all over the world.

The campaigns and promotions were unstoppable. With the effective marketing strategies by the Apple people, the iPad has hit the market by storm. Some marketers even say that the iPad was more popular than the State of the Nation address of President Obama.

If you don’t have enough money to purchase the Apple iPad, this may be your only chance to get it for free. There are also contests that offer iPads as prizes, but you can only win if you’re lucky. Some events give out freebies, which include iPads. If you want to get it now, you need to become a tester.

Testers are actually average consumers. Since you’re a qualified candidate, you can become a tester in no time. The reward for becoming a tester is an iPad. Testers are needed by Apple in order to test the market’s demands, needs, and wants. However, beware of websites that ask fro your card details and bank accounts because these are scammers.

Always make it a point to work with legitimate websites and NEVER pay for an upfront fee. If you want to become a tester, there are no fees involved! You will just sign up and provide your name, address, email, and the zip code. After that, complete the surveys and some offers.

So you see, by simply investing effort and time, you can start getting an iPad for free. Take a few minutes and start searching for legit websites. You can use the major search engines so that you can already access these sites to register. Enjoy your new iPad and no one has to know that you got it for free!

Sean

John J Logen asked:




The iPad brought a stunning new service to the book readers out there. Not only can you read books on it you can also search for the book you want, purchase it from iBooks and then have the luxury to sit still while the book is downloaded to your iPad ready for use. The iBook service is almost like a virtual book store purchasing books legally online, just the same way as you would have done it in a actual bookstore.

The other great thing about it is that the screen are designed so that your eyes will not start to hurt after a while of reading, plus you turn the pages on the iPad just by sweeping you finger like you would page a regular book or a touch on the right side of the margin.

There are a lot of people who think the iPad is just a upgrade form the iPhone, but it is not true it has a bigger screen, faster memory processing, faster browsing and a different idea for reading books.

Do not let some people who do not like the iPad set you back from buying one. It is a great invention and a lot of fun to use, and for the people who do not like the iPad twill just have to wait and see what Apple will bring to the table next. Maybe you will like the new apple products that are coming in the near future.

The iPad is a pleasant device for everybody from young to old and it is very user friendly.

Here are a brief explanation on a few basic things you can do with the iPad; read books, download books, play music, play movies, play games, browse the web, make presentations, send e-mails and many more.

Dustin

Robin Chung asked:




The long awaited Apple tablet has finally been revealed. Steve Jobs pulled the wraps off on January 27th in a tense morning for Apple and tech fans all over the world. Now with the specifications and information out there it’s time to preview the iPad and its potential.

First of all the design is pretty spectacular. The front is dominated by the large 9.7″ LCD Led lit display that without a doubt will look great. Just below the screen you get the iPhone home button that allows you to go back to the beginning at all times. One less pretty feature for me are the black borders around the screen. They are a bit too wide for my taste, it would’ve been better if Apple was able to stretch the display a little and remove the borders. On the top you get the sleep button that will deactivate the display. On the right side you get the volume buttons and the silence switch, interesting is that the buttons have been moved from left (iPhone) to the right. On the back you get the large black Apple logo in the middle of a big gray (aluminum?) mass. It also says iPad on the back, the number of GBs and a few FCC things that are required to be there I think. It’s not impossible to assume that the new iPhone will feature a similar back. The tablet is really thin, in fact it’s just 0.5 inch thick, that’s as thick as an iPhone. Height and width measures come in at: 9.6 inches and 7.47 inch.

Now lets talk about the software of the iPad. It works very similar to an iPhone. Slide to unlock and you’re in the main screen with the typical iPhone icons. You get: YouTube, mail, Safari, contacts, iPod, iTunes, app store, video, settings, maps (by Google!), calendar, photos and last but not least notes.

The apps have been modified a bit for the new capabilities though. For example photos are now arranged by event blocks. Tapping on a block of photos will show you a preview of the photos in that event (or map for windows users). However you can also view your most treasured memories by list, location, faces or date. We can imagine that it will look really fantastic to manipulate the photographs on a huge touchscreen and to show it to your friends.

Another app Steve Jobs showed extensively was the Safari app. The browsing experience exceeds the desktop experience because you can touch and flick through the pages. And unlike the iPhone you now see the full webpages.

The App store will transform this device into things Apple alone could never achieve. You can run all the iPhone applications on it in either full screen or 1:1, the latter being the actual resolution we’re used to from out favorite smartphone. But in addition to running the iPhone apps, the iPad will also get its own apps. Developers can create programs for it and utilize its full potential. The things we’ve seen in the keynote, including software from EA, looked okay but not very impressive. In a few months some amazing piece of codes will come out for the tablet we’re sure.

I have taken everything into consideration and a few things bug me as of now. Firstly does the iPad have flash support? The tablet is suppose to deliver the best browsing experience ever, but flash is a big part of the experience.

Another thing is the hardware. Apart from the case and the touchscreen things aren’t looking good on paper. It has a quadcore 1ghz processor built in from Apple, a company not specialized in these chips. I have fears that this A4 processor might not be fast enough for the really interesting apps. Another downer is the lack of iSight camera. This thing would have been amazing for conferencing or instant messaging, an opportunity missed there. Other hardware figures are a mystery. Like how quick is the graphics chip? And how much system memory does it have to work with?

And last but not least I’m having a hard time giving the software my two thumbs up. I think it looks to much like the iPhone software. The iPad would have been a much stronger product if the software allowed some advanced things like video editing or the ability to access and store files in finder windows (or maps for windows users).

To conclude. The iPad looks amazing and with a price of EUR499 it will sell really well. But much like the first iPhone launch the iPad has some obvious shortcomings. It isn’t really fast, has no webcam and on top of that the software is lacking premium computing features. With that said I might still get one if the experience is as amazing as Steve Jobs expressed during his presentation. Which knowing Apple will probably be the case.

Grace

TC Thorn asked:




Everything Apple does causes a storm in the tech world, but if you’re just an Average Joe (or Jane), you may be wondering what all the hubbub is about. What’s the Apple Ipad (and do you want one)? Let’s take a quick look.

What is the iPad?

The iPad is essentially a portable entertainment system. It allows you to watch movies, read ebooks and news stories, play games, listen to music, and send email (wireless connection required). It’s sort of a souped up version of the iPod Touch, except with a significantly larger display. With it’s full-color 9.7-inch screen, it matches the size of the Amazon Kindle DX (one of the largest-screened ebook readers currently on the market). The iPad weighs 1.5 pounds and, according to Apple, has 10 hours of battery life (computer manufacturers tend to overrate these things, but surely you’ll have enough to get through a couple movies before needing to recharge).

The iPad can run most App Store apps, and its interface is similar to that of the iPhone, so it’ll be an easy tool to use if you already have some familiarity with Apple’s recent products (and even if you don’t, the touch-based interface is quite intuitive).

While the iPad isn’t supposed to be a replacement for your laptop, it does have an iWork application suite app (which includes Keynote for presentations, Numbers for spreadsheets, and Pages for word processing) that you can download. This will allow you to do some basic computer work on it. As with the iPhone, an on-screen keyboard appears if you need to type in text. With the bigger screen size, the “keys” should be a little easier to use than on the iPhone. The iWork app costs $10 and will be available in the iTunes App Store.

What can’t the iPad do?

The one thing the iPad isn’t is a cell phone. You can’t make calls on it, and you need to have a local wifi signal in order to access the Apple store (to download more ebooks, movies, music, games, etc.).

How much does the iPad cost?

The original iPad costs $499. According to Apple there will be an upgraded 3G-enabled iPad (meaning you’ll be able to access the internet the same way a cell phone with a web browser does) in a few months. That version will reputedly cost $629 and run $29.99 a month for 3G access (unlike with the iPhone, there won’t be a monthly service contract that you have to sign).

Now that you know what the iPad is, you’ll have to decide if it’s the right all-in-one entertainment gadget for you!

Ellen

John Kessler asked:




With prices of touch screens going down, it is no wonder that there are now touch screen products that make it possible for you to turn your point-and-click netbook into a touch screen one.

If you have time on your hands and $100 to spare, it would be very easy to do this. The very latest in this kind of product is TouchKit, which is manufactured by the Taiwan-based Hoda Technology. The TouchKit allows you to add an interactive touch screen overlay to the LCDs of popular netbooks like the ASUS Eee PC 900/901 series and Acer Aspire One, MSI Wind U100 and the ASUS Eee PC 1000 family.

Installing may seem difficult at first. First you have to remove the screws around the netbook’s LCD housing and the bottom of its chassis. Then you pop off the keyboard and remove the housing below the keyboard. Then you need to find the double-sided tape in the touch screen kit, and put it around the LCD to hold the touch panel in place. Then you have to detach the LCD module from the housing, and detach the Webcam’s cabling harness so you can replace it with the touch screen harness to connect to the motherboard.

Although there is no soldering involved, there are many steps before you get to the point where you can use your netbook as a touch screen, and you progressively expose your netbook’s innards in the process.

Thus far, TouchKit seems to be the only touch screen conversion product available in the market today. Properly installed, you will have an analog touch screen with a 4096×4096 resolution. The response time is said to be less than 10ms.

The Advantages Of Touch Screen

The main advantage of touch screen is that you can handle almost all your netbook tasks solely with your hand. Otherwise you would need a mouse or your touchpad. It basically makes things easier for you as a netbook user. Touch screen is very useful for tapping choices in dialog boxes, like in the case of multiple choice surveys.

Having touch screen netbook will also impress your friends, although you really should be more concerned on how installing a touch screen could void your netbook’s warranty.

Among the many netbook’s available in the market today, there are only a few models that have touch screen. Two of these are Intel’s Classmate and Gigabyte’s M912V. Both models have a swivel touch screen, thus making them easier to handle.

Mathew

Wes Kennedy asked:




Are you one of those people that really enjoy testing a product and seeing just what it is capable of? Perhaps you are eager to share your finding and make some suggestions for future improvements. Maybe you are just eager to get your hands on the new Apple iPad and want to do so completely free of charge. If this describes you, this is your lucky day!

Apple is looking for consumer testers right now during their initial launch of the iPad. Big companies like Apple look to the average consumer to really put their new products to the test. They want your feedback and suggestions, concerns and opinions. As a thank you for this service they give you the iPad completely free to keep!

This is a very limited time offer and obviously many people want in on the deal. You need to act quickly if you want to get your free iPad and share your opinions. Obviously there are limits as to how many people are needed for this win-win situation.

You really should be wary of sites that ask you to pay them anything before becoming a tester. This is a sure sign that the site you are on is a scam. Legitimate companies never ask you to pay in order to be part of the consumer testing group.

If you are eager to get your hands on a new Apple iPad, now is the time! Sign up today and you could be receiving your new FREE iPad before you know it!

Cody