Its about time!

On 1/11/11 @ 11am (this had Steve Jobs written on it from the beginning), Verizon’s CEO and President announced that they had finally partnered with Apple and are bringing the iPhone to Verizon customers. Since the iPhone was released in 2007, people have wanted this amazing product to be on the Verizon network which is, lets be honest, better in every way than AT&T. Here are my initial thoughts:
  • Hallelujah.
  • Should I run to the Verzion store now and set up a tent?
  • Do I still have enough money from Christmas left over to buy one?
  • Woot.
Quick tech talk – reports on information on the phone are a little thin right now but here is what we know:
  • Release date – 2/10/11 (current Verizon customers can pre-order on the 3rd)
  • Same price as before $199 16GB, $299 32GB with 2 year contract
  • It is not a 4G phone
  • A BIG difference is CDMA = No calling and surfing the web (honestly though, talk to the person, stop checking Facebook)
  • The antenna is slightly altered but it was probably to fit the CDMA guts and not to correct antennagate.
  • And probably the coolest thing – it will act as a mobile hotspot for up to 5 devices.
Now what strikes me as odd is that people are ALREADY complaining about the announcement today. Because it is coming out in February it will not be a 4G phone. People are outraged that Verizon rushed this to market, because it’s not like we’ve been begging for this for years, and are calling the whole thing stupid and to just wait until the next iPhone. Ahh greed, you’re always present aren’t you?

As for me? If I will get an iPhone I would get one now. I don’t need a 4G phone since I don’t use the web that much on my phone, and when I do I don’t need to download a vast majority of content. When the next upgrade is announced in June, sure there will be some upgrades – but guess what? June 2012’s upgrades are going to be even better than that! Will you wait for then? Of course not. This starts a huge debate of when it’s time to settle down with the current lineup and wait out two years of better devices then the ones you own. But for me it boils down to this – I want an iPhone for Verizon + Verizon has the iPhone = me happy no matter what šŸ™‚

For any additional information check out the Verizon store’s FAQ on the iPhone.

NaNoWriMo Victory 2010!

Good news everyone! On Tuesday I finally completed NaNoWriMo, hitting the 50k word mark making 2010 another NaNo success for me! I know I was away from the blog for the whole month of November, but I actually found this NaNoWriMo a little more difficult than last years. The novel I wrote this year required so much more research than my prior year’s novel and it ended up taking up much of my time just figuring out all the specifics I needed to get my story rolling in certain parts.

This NaNoWriMo, however, was not a complete success for me šŸ™ I actually ended up giving up on attempting to write the novel on my iPad a few days into the project. It really wasn’t the iPad’s fault fully. I was having no trouble with the data input, but the issue I had was that I love Scrivener and I wanted to continuously update my novel to a Scrivener file I had created for it and the going back and forth teased me with all the great functions Scrivener has to offer and I ended up forgoing the iPad so that I could write my novel with the Scrivener app. I actually fully attribute my two NaNoWriMo wins to Scrivener because it makes it so easy to write and keep track of your text and your research that it seems silly not to use the program. I really wish that Scrivener would develop an app for the iPad, but I believe Literature & Latte has already come out saying they have no plans to create such an app. Pity, because I have been looking for an Scrivener like substitute to write on my iPad on the go, but nothing seems to be as functional as the true Scrivener application so I have been disappointed each time.

In defense of the iPad as a writing tool, I did find it very useful when I was writing and during my off time when I was researching because it was like having a second computer screen that I could pull up information in. I would frequently find myself sitting with my iPad and my moleskine notebook writing down details for the book that I found online. I also started using the application DropBox for syncing of documents between my iPad and Macbook Pro. My DropBox account served as a backup system for my Scrivener file for the book which was great because I could pull up the document on the iPad and review sections when I wasn’t writing or at my Macbook.

Overall, although this NaNoWriMo was more of a challenge for me, I ended up learning alot and finding some great little tricks for my iPad. I still believe the iPad is a great aid for writers on both short and long form projects, but until the right applications are created that cater to it’s strong points I will have to stick to Scrivener on my Macbook, but I’m okay with that šŸ™‚

NaNoWriMo 2010 and the Quest for the iPad Novel

Well, it’s about mid October now and you know what that means? November and NaNoWriMo are right around the corner. In a few short weeks I will once again embark on a quest to write a 50k+ word novel within the month of November, but this year I have added a bit of a caveat in the mix. I plan to write the novel on my iPad.

Why, you may be asking yourself? Well, because one of my major goals for the iPad (yes, I have goals for my electronics) is that it become a super portable writers desk of sorts. So, the best way to put my goal into motion is to actually attempt to write something substantial on it, and NaNoWriMo is the perfect opportunity. I have been mentally psyched for NaNo ’10 since I finished my last novel in late November 2009 so I think that excitement and energy will help me tremendously with the slightly daunting task of writing a complete novel on an iPad. Obviously, the iPad is a decent word processor, so it’s not an impossible feat, but I believe that the lack of a physical keyboard and even the use of the bluetooth Apple keyboard at times will be a major test of not only what the iPad is capable of in terms of extended writing sessions, but also how it can fare as a tool to keep a writer on track through the use of brainstorming apps, note taking, and reference.
Currently, I am researching useful applications for the task; software that will help me keep my ideas flowing but also give me the ability to quickly multi task when necessary. {Any suggestions on apps would be helpful and appreciated!} Of course I will be attempting to chronicle my NaNoWriMo + iPad adventure here on The Pink Mac- you guys will keep me motivated and accountable! It will be an attempt because, lets face it, it’s difficult enough to write 50k+ words in a month without adding blogging into the mix, but since this is a subject near and dear to me, I am going to try very hard to get both done!
So, in the meantime, before NaNoWriMo begins, I will give you guys some updates on apps for writers and my general progress preparing for my November challenge! So Stay Tuned!
{Image via here}

Moleskine Cases for iPad and iPhone to come!

I was so excited when I first saw this yesterday! As you may already know, Moleskine recently released a case line for the Kindle and Kindle DX, but now they are adding to their line iPads and iPhones! This will be the perfect hybrid of Moleskine and iPad and I cannot wait for them to be released. Prices haven’t been announced yet, but since the price of the Kindle DX case is coming in at around $60, I will assume that the iPad case could be no more than $75 dollars. That is quite a hefty price to pay, however, I am sure the die hard Moleskine fans out their will not hesitate to order them once they become available!

I will keep you updated as to my order status!

Portenzo Case for Apple iPad.

Above is the video review I recently made for my new Portenzo iPad case, but I have also included a written review with some extra information.
Now, I know there has been a lot of buzz around the Dodo case since it first came out, and I saw it and like most other Moleskine enthusiasts, loved it! However, there were always a few things that kept me from actually purchasing a Dodo case. First of all, I did not like the red interior of the Dodo case. I would have much rather preferred the interior to be something less bright and flashy like a simple black or a tan or beige interior. The second issue I had was with the Dodo bamboo seat and the way the iPad is fastened into place. The four corner tabs that hold the iPad in have been reportedly having issues which cause the iPad to fall out of place. So, for a case that already offers minimal shock absorption, the last thing I wanted was for my iPad to be unsecure inside it.
So, enter the Portenzo case. This guy has the same styling of the Dodo and reportedly the same homemade in the USA stamp of approval, however, those few issues that kept me from purchasing the Dodo case are elevated in the Portenzo.
First of all, this case has a black interior. Portenzo gives you an option. Since they are handmade one by one, you can pick to have a red or black interior. So, I chose black and I am happy with it! The second element of the Portenzo case that drew me to it was the ā€œSure Gripā€ corners in their bamboo seat. Instead of protruding from the top of the case the way the Dodo corners do, these corners sit inside the bamboo casing and to me seemed like a safer option.
So that is an overview of why I Purchased this case, but there are also a few other reasons this case is a unique option.
For one, you can select the exterior leather of the case, either a black morocco (which is similar to the exterior of a moleskine) or a black Levant leather which has more of a grain to it. Portenzo also makes an ostrich leather casing as well as a red exterior notebook case.
Now, something new with Portenzo that was not an option when I made my purchase is a stylus loop with a space cut out from the bamboo so that you can keep a stylus in your notebook. A cute and useful idea for anyone who regularly uses a stylus with their iPad. I for one am not one of those people, but it’s nice to get the option.
So, let’s discuss the quality of this case as a protection option for the iPad. As you can see, this case is comprised of a hardcover and a bamboo seat to hold the device in place. Nowhere is their padding and nowhere is their plastic or waterproof materials. This case is as delicate as a book, and therefore this is NOT the case to let your toddler interact with the iPad through, and for that matter, if you yourself are a klutzy or device dropper, this is also not the case for you. This case and others like it will not survive a fall unless your dropping it on a mattress. Bamboo splits, leather rips and your ipad could very well end up in pieces if you do not show this case as much care as you would a naked iPad. But, that being said, if you are an adult or young adult who is careful and respectful of your devices, this case offers plenty of iPad protection and may very well be the case for you.
So, what sort of protection does this case offer if it’s not padded or waterproof? Well, since this is a book style case, you clearly have screen protection, and speaking for the Portenzo case alone here, this is some decent screen protection, perhaps among the best you will find out there. Short of keeping your iPad in a titanium shell, your screen will not see better protection from any other mainstream iPad case currently manufactured. Next, you have nearly full body scratch protection. Something that differs between the Portenzo and Dodo case is that the Portenzo case covers around most of your ipad so that only the ports and switches are visible. The dodo caseā€™s seat exposes more of the iPadā€™s aluminum body which could result in scratching. Finally, the ā€œSure Gripā€ corners are exactly what youā€™d expect. These corners keep the iPad in place, no matter how much I flip the case over or shake it, the iPad is not falling out. It is actually quite a tricky process to even remove the iPad from this case, but once you figure it out you see that the iPad is just soo secure that you know you will not be suffering any accidental detachments of your iPad from the case. The final element of protection that I want to mention is the elastic strap. I couldnā€™t imagine owning a flip style case for any device that did not incorporate an enclosure to keep the front flap closed, however, I have seen flip cases without such methods. For me, I think, what is the point of a flip cover if you canā€™t keep it closed? Well, there is no point to that, which is why I love the elastic closure of the Portenzo case. Not only does it keep the front cover down while the ipad is not in use, but you can flip the cover back and use the elastic to hold the cover down while you are enjoying your iPad.
So, what are the other features of this case? There arenā€™t many other features, but there are one or two I will mention. You can flip the front flap back while resting your ipad on a surface and it will create a slight angle that is useful for typing. You can also stand your ipad in landscape or portrait mode on its own for watching movies or reading, however, if you are using the ipad in landscape and placing it on a slick surface you will want to put something behind the flap of the case to keep the case from slipping down.
So, that is the Portenzo Notebook case for the iPad! If you have any questions, please let me know and I will try to address as many as I can. This case retails for $59.99 with a special offer of free shipping for a limited time.

Kin You Believe it?

In the past few years we have seen, on an almost regular basis, company CEO’s getting paid huge bonuses for failed management, policies, and performance. This is not the case for Microsoft. Steve Ballmer was supposed to take home a bonus of 200% of his base salary for the 2010 fiscal year. However with a dismal breakthrough into the smart phone world, (SEE: Kin, you know, that phone that got pulled after 79 days on the market) Microsoft felt like he didn’t fully deserve it. So Ballmer’s bonus was reduced by 50%. Now granted he did still earn $1.34 million, but it is still nice to see a company owning up to its mistakes and holding people accountable.

Why I Give Up on Rumors

For a long time, like many others I was excited to hear all the new Apple rumors about the next big thing or the newest update or the list of adjectives Steve Jobs would use in his next exciting and revolutionary Keynote. But after many many many disappointments I am about to give up. The iPhone 4G, HD, or whatever other name it it is rumored to be will not be coming to Verizon this summer, or this fall, or possibly ever despite the nearly 10 million search results for a CDMA enabled iPhone. The iPad did not have a camera and multitasking at launch and the list of Apple rumors goes on.

The only time a ‘rumor’ was ever confirmed was earlier this year when Gizmodo got their hands on an actual iPhone 4 hidden within the casing of an iPhone 3G. Although we learned alot about the new iPhone’s body style and potential cameras, the biggest thing we learned from the inoperable device is that Apple does not “do” leaks and will stop at nothing to squash anyone who talks about an actual Apple device before it’s release.

(Getting your house raided isn’t a strong incentive to screw around with Apple)

But this newest rumor I have just heard takes the cake. Despite being released a mere six months ago, the iPad 2 is supposedly going to be released by Apple…. this Christmas. This AppleInsider article does what the rumors always do – cite “someone close” on the inside of Apple with a supposed leak of the inner workings at 1 Infinite Loop. No. Not happening. It doesn’t take an Apple Genius to realize that Apple has a set release cycle. Just a few days ago Apple held its music-fest where every year in September they update their iTunes and iPod line up. Soon we will have the iMac and MacBook event, and next summer we will have the iPhone event. Eac event is huge for Apple, not just to show off their shiny new objects but also to boost their stock. Yes, nothing makes more money for Apple having seeing Steve Jobs talk for 2 hours at an annually anticilated event. Not to mention it gets Apple in the news and talked about like no other tech company in the world!

So in order for the iPad 2 to get an early release date, Apple would need to completely change their yearly update cycle. The iPad is a device between a smart phone and a laptop, so Apple clearly can’t show it off with laptops in October, so it would need its own event. Not to mention Apple has to remember the issue it caused by lowering prices on the original iPhone only a few months after it released. Remember the outrage? Try having a few million Macheads freaking out that their 6 month old device is out of date.

(Just in time – the new iTorch!)

So that does it for me because this is just too ridiculous of an idea. No more falling for these teaser and hushed whispers from the depths of Cupertino. I’ll just wait for Steve to put on his jeans and a black turtleneck and say “one more thing.”

Now I’m a believer

I never thought I would see the day but it is here. I have converted, changed sides, done a complete 180 on my views on the iPad. Why? Well getting one for free helps.

See while my girlfriend The Pink Mac already has an iPad, that didn’t stop her from submitting to a contest for a free one… And she won. So lucky for me, I was bestowed this great gift to love and enjoy. But to be honest I didn’t think I would because since the iPad was announced all I did was say what a stupid, pointless, and idiotic device it is. Why would I need this when I have a laptop that can do it all and more!? Well, I want to apologize to you Steve Jobs for doubting your genius.

In one day the ipad has replaced my laptop for over 90% of my daily use. I bring it to school now since all I used my laptop for was web surfing anyway. And let’s be honest, at school if it was to get stolen I’d rather lose a $500 device than a $1300 one! At home I used to surf the web in bed always, and the ipad is a lighter more lap friendly device to use. And when I hear people buying separate netbooks for bed instead of their laptops, the idea of using an iPad in bed isn’t too crazy. Most of all it’s just fun! The use of a touch interface seems too perfect and it baffles my mind why more companies haven used this input since it is the most natural way to compute. And let’s not forget about all the apps that a laptop can’t run….

So I love my iPad now. Would I have paid $500 for this on my own? Probrably not. But this gift has changed my mind about the device completely, so if your on the fence on if you should buy one all I can say is this – BUY IT!!!=justify>

Sent from my iPad.

BookBook for iPad

I have been waiting for a couple of months for the BookBook for iPad to arrive, and finally, this morning, I recieved an email from TwelveSouth revealing their newest case solution. As someone who owns a BookBook for the 13″ Macbook, I was interested in seeing what this case would look like for an iPad, and as I had guessed, it is a smaller version of their Macbook cases. At $69.99, this case is actually very reasonably priced when you consider the materials and the craftsmanship that went into making it. In fact, I think many people are going to be drawn to this case because it fulfills multiple roles. For one, it provides a pretty high level of protection to the iPad with the thick leather exterior and the zipper enclosure, ensuring that your device is going to be safe through the wear and tear of day to day use. The case is also great for masking the iPad. We know that iPad users are targets of theft because of the high visibility of the device, but a case like this really does a great job of hiding the iPad in plain sight. Finally, this case also solves the problem of how to hold the iPad, which for each person is different, but with a case like this, their is a good chance that the user will find a comfortable position when using the device.

Now, as much as I believe this case has a number of positive points, I have a feeling it has a few negatives as well. From my experience with the BookBook for Macbook, I know that the leather materials, while they are very durable and luxurious, are also very heavy. So, this case is going to add weight to the iPad. How much? I am not quite sure and I can’t seem to find a weight on the website, but I am thinking the device may double in weight with this case. The second problem I see with this case is that the method for securing the iPad in place is more complex then it needs to be. As you can tell in the images of this case, the bottom corners of the iPad are held in place by what seem to be very sturdy holsters, however, the top of the iPad is secured only by a thin strap of elastic. Now, I would feel much better if the design of the holster was more uniform and just used those four corner stirrups, instead of a mixed approach. Not only does it make the case look cheaply or hastily made, but the elastic on the top looks like it could get in the way of using the device as it will stop your finger from scrolling across the screen rather abruptly. The final drawback to this case is that the outer materials, as far as I can tell, are not weather/ wear and tear resistant. The exterior leather, while thick and luxurious, is delicate, showing scratches and scuffs easily, so this case is definitely one that would require a delicate lifestyle in order to keep up its beauty. My BookBook for Macbook is actually used as more of a showpiece and hiding spot for my 13″ Macbook that gets very little use since I upgraded to a Macbook Pro last year. I would certainly not want to use the case too often outside of the house, or as a day to day case because I don’t want to diminish it’s quality. Of course, with an iPad sized case, you may be able to better protect the case itself while you are out and about, since you could hold it, or tuck it away in a bag or under a jacket if it began to rain, ect.
Overall, I am very excited about this new iPad case. Despite the few drawbacks I mentioned, I am sure it is going to become a very popular case. The style certainly draws upon the nature of the iPad as an eReader, but is also timeless enough to be used by non book lovers as well. Not to mention, I think we all like a good digital vs analog paradox. So, let me know what you think? Is this a case you are interested in for your iPad, or perhaps you see other drawbacks to this case that I haven’t realized? Let me know!

Clear iSpot in Action

Clear iSpot in action

Using my new Clear iSpot at work today with my iPad. It is actually pretty fast here, despite having only a mid level signal. Although I don’t get good reception with it at my apartment, this will really come in handy at work and while I am out and about. Stay tuned for a full review of the product coming soon!