The Pink Mac

The eReader that could change everything…

I want an eReader. I will admit that I was not initially a fan of eReaders because, to me, they seemed like a glorified waste of money. I say glorified because it seems to me that people frequently believe, or would like to believe, that they read, when in fact they don’t. Plenty of people like the idea of reading, but many of those same people usually end up watching American Idol instead of entertaining themselves with a book. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think that there is anything wrong with watching American Idol instead of reading a book, but I think spending $250 on an eReader when AI is your preference is wrong. There is this whole market for eReaders that to me felt like a waste of money. Think of all the things $250 could buy you that would be so much more useful! But I digress. The point of the matter is that since the inception of eReaders to the literary market, the price has been to high for too little. That is, until now. May I now have the pleasure of introducing to you, the Kobo. The Kobo is an up and coming eReader (taking pre-orders online) with the simple yet clean style of a Nook, and the utility of a Kindle, but at almost half the price. Both the Nook and Kindle retail at $259, while the Kobo is priced at $149! Even the sub-eReader Sony Pocket costs more at $199.

How can this be? Why such a dramatic price difference? Well, it seems to me that the Kobo’s features are simplified. First, there is no 3G connection, just USB and Bluetooth to get your books on the device. Bluetooth maybe a new term associated with eReaders, but the Kobo solves the problem of syncing books on the go by connecting to a mobile phone (also equipped with the Kobo software). The Kobo also slims down on size. The screen is the same 6″ diagonal the Nook and Kindle share, but, the Kobo is thinner and lighter. It also slims down on random functions, for example, instead of the 6 font sizes available on the Kindle, the Kobo has 5; and instead of a grey scale level of 16 like the Nook and Kindle, the Kobo has 8. To me, all these little details are trivial. Who cares how many different colors of grey are used to read the black and white electronic pages, you can read just as well with 8 as you can with 16. The Kobo also reads more formats than the Kindle, although still less than the Nook, but it uses one of the most popular, ePub, as well as PDF’s and Adobe DRM.

The Kobo seems to have started something. It has slimmed down on superfluous features and drilled down on the few things it needs to be a useful eReader. For a dedicated device, I think this fact is a crucial one. Why pay over $100 more for features you might never use, or wouldn’t even miss? I wouldn’t, which is why the Kobo has finally opened me up to the idea of an eReader. Until I make my final decision, however, I will have to stick to reading eBooks on my Mac.
The Pink Mac

Please, let this be true!

I just read this article from The Wall Street Journal about Apple creating a new iPhone for Verizon. I WANT THIS TO BE TRUE!

I know, I know, we have been hearing these rumours forever, but look what happened with the iPad! Maybe geek dreams can come true, and perhaps this summer, the iPh0ne will come to Verizon, hopefully looking like the above mythical model. Now I can stop thinking about the iPad and start dreaming of the Verizon iPhone instead!
lifestyle tech The Pink Mac

Three Years Too Late

With the iPad coming out soon, a lot of people are lining up to get this revolutionary device that they have not touched, seen, or tested in person. Steve Jobs will do that to you. He says what an amazing and advanced product something is and people flock to go out and get it for themselves. I won’t be following you all. See, unlike all the Mac fan boys and girls I just cannot wrap my head around what the big deal is with this iPad. I cannot see myself spending over $500 dollars on a device that only kinda does what my other devices already fully do. Sure it would be easier to have an iPad on my lap while I’m in bed surfing the web… but what’s the point of surfing the web when half the content isn’t available because you don’t have Flash? Yes, it could be an amazing eReader, but if I wanted to read a book I’ll spend the $10 bucks at a store for a real actual book. And yes, the games on it could be amazing, with more surface area to swipe and tap it could lead to a wave of new and exciting games, but there is no way I’m spending $500 for a gaming system when I can get an Xbox or PS3 for under $300.

At this point my ramblings aren’t going to change your mind, because you have most likely already decided if the iPad is something you need in your life. But what fascinates me is to wonder just what would have happened if the keynote at Macworld on Jan 9th, 2007 was about the iPad instead of the iPhone. The newness of all the touch capabilities in a tablet computer would have rocked every tech geek to the core. “Whoa, did you see that thing! He is surfing the web with just his finger tips, and whoa look at that game! I’ve never seen anything like that!!!” The euphoria that would have come with seeing this whole new device would have been mind boggling and changed the way we thought of computing. Then, in January of 2010, instead of the iPad being announced, Steve comes out and gives us what looks like a mini iPad that can fit in your pocket and make phone calls!!??? You’ve got to be kidding me! Steve Jobs is a genius!

But alas, that didn’t happen. Shame too because I honestly feel that if the events had been different Apple would have had two killer procuts instead of one killer and one okay-maybe. But don’t worry Steve, when you invent a time machine (iTime?) you can go back and redo that one… or at least decide to let the iPad support Flash. I mean seriously, come on.

The Pink Mac

Could I use an iPad?

As a proudly proclaimed Apple Fangirl, I admit that I willingly allow Steve Jobs to convince me that the latest and greatest Apple product is the thing I can’t believe I have been living my life without. You may think it foolish of me, but my blind faith in Apple products is something I like to endulge because I am fortunate enough to do so and I have yet to be disappointed. However, the iPad has been a conundrum to me; I can’t decide whether or not I actually want one. Usually, when Apple releases a new product I rejoice and immediately begin working out the math for financing the purchase, but with the iPad I haven’t had any of those thoughts or feelings.

For a long time, I didn’t believe there would be an iPad. I had gone through the motion of too many false starts at various Apple events where the tablet was said to be announced. Then, when the news was finally true, I was under whelmed. Do I want a device that is larger than a phone but smaller than a laptop? Certainly. Do I want to navigate said device with the swipe of a finger? Sure. So, I sat down and set to work thinking about all the things I could use the iPad for if I were to own one.

Surfing the web (in bed or on the go…)


As much as I love my Macbook Pro, I do end up contorting myself into the oddest positions while attempting to surf the web in bed. The iPad would be a relief to my neck and back in this department, as well as a great travel companion for quick trips, or to bring to work in lieu of my laptop.

Collecting inspiration from the internet


Most of my online time is spent reading websites and looking at pictures for inspiration and ideas that can be incorporated into my life, home, and blog. So, the ability of the iPad to copy and paste pieces of webpages and images for me to collect along the way is a major necessity.

Reading eBooks


Although I once shuttered at the idea of dedicated ebook readers like the Kindle or Nook for their limited abilities and large price tags, I think that I could enjoy ebooks on the iPad. Although an electronic device is probably the furthest experience to paper and ink in your hands imaginable, I think the pure fact that I could read one handed in bed without losing the tactile motion of page turning could be appealing.

Playing games


One of my greatest secret desires it to own a handheld gaming device such as the Nintendo DS or other similar handset. I haven’t done so thus far because I try to avoid dedicated devices as much as possible and because I am not a fan of carrying game cartridges around on my person. I do use my iPod Touch to play a few games, but eventually give up on them because the touch is too small to act as a screen and the control panel, in my opinion. The larger size of the iPad remedies this issue however, as there is more space for seeing and swiping simultaneously.

Administrative tasks


Despite the fact that I have owned an iPod Touch for a few years now, it has been a much longer time since I have used a PDA device on a regular basis. In high school I used various models of Palm or Handspring PDA’s to handle my finances, to-do’s and calendar appointments, but I have since lost the habit. If I could get myself back into the habit, I think the iPad would be a wonderful aid in organizing my personal and work life with its good size and array of applications.

{Well, I guess now I should do the math and work out my finances to see if an iPad purchase is even feasible for me this quarter. The answer to that could be a make it or break it for my internal thought process!}

lifestyle The Pink Mac

I like my life in 2D

3D, the wave of the future and the next generation of how we view television. Now I like so many have gone to a few 3D movies, watched those Superbowl commercials in 3D, and even gone to a few amusement park shows that had a 3D portion. So obviously it was only a matter of time before it was time for 3D to come to your living room. But the big question I have to ask myself is “Why?”

With many television companies trying to develop and market the new 3D TV’S, will they be the wave of the future? Will it revolutionize the way we watch CSI or American Idol? My guess is no. I don’t see everyone going out and replacing their flat screens for TV’s that support 3D shows. And wait, there is a bigger problem… what shows will broadcast in 3D? We have standard channels, HD channels, DVD’s, and Blu-Ray disks and now we will have to have new 3D channels and 3D movie DVD’s?? The cost of re-broadcasting a show or producing a movie for this new format seems too high and with too few of a return of customers buying them.

But beyond the novelty of seeing a tomato fly right out at your face, what else is the point? Every time I have seen a 3D show the constant thought of “is this in 3D? Oh I guess that flew out at me… What does it look like without the glasses?” and so on. 3D is a fun thing to watch as a spectacle, but not for everyday life. Sorry TV companies, I’ll pass on your new product.

Not to mention that since I wear glasses, having to put on another pair of glasses is a little hard to do.

The Pink Mac

My Favorite 5 Free Sites!

Want to simplify your finances? What about get in shape with your own trainer? This video covers my 5 favorite free websites that have really changed my life for the better. They include…
The Pink Mac

BlackBerry Purse Update.

Remember a few months back when I was practically obsessed with this Violet May BlackBerry Purse? Well, you may also remember that I was searching for a similar and cheaper alternative, and I actually did! Below is my houndstooth Merona clutch wallet from Target ($15) that is not only a similar tri-fold style but also fits my BlackBerry, cards, money, change and checkbook! It might not be the hyper stylish silver python, but it is pretty cute for nearly $250 less!

The Pink Mac

By the way…

You have probably noticed over the past few weeks that instead of reading posts by me, you have been graced by a few of my boyfriend’s tech posts. As I assumed, things became a little busy for me with the move and promotion and life in general, so Cousy stepped in to make sure I didn’t loose my loyal readership (plus, lets be honest, he loves discussing tech as much as I do!) I never formally introduced him as a new contributor or anything, but he will be posting from now on to take some pressure off of me. So, let’s welcome him now with a nice round of applause and a big thank you for keeping the pink mac alive, and for adding a little blue (aka male perspective) to the mix!

Thanks honey and welcome!
{Yes, that is his 15″ Unibody Macbook Pro in the picture above. Save the whales!}
lifestyle The Pink Mac

iPhone’s Dilemma

Post brought to you by Cousy the Boyfriend.
Well it didn’t take long but Apple rumors are swarming the internet all over again. After months of iPad fever it was nice to have a little break of the constant barrage of theories. But like all good things, it must come to an end and new rumors have started again. So what is the buzz on the internet now? Well it turns out people are gravitating their focus towards the iPhone. Part of the fever is because the iPhone 4G could be coming out…. soon…sometime…maybe. A lot of features are being speculated like it will be made of titanium, have a removable battery, have GPS, and will cook you bacon anytime you want (a guy can dream). Let’s be honest, like all Apple rumors most of them will probably be dead wrong so I’m not trying to get my hopes up too much. But what fascinates me is what people think will “solve” all of the iPhone’s problems. And what I find odd is that many are saying that it is all about the Benjamin’s baby. Yes people are saying that the $99 price point is just too great of a commitment to make and is the big turnoff for them. In face a recent survey by Morgan Stanley Research says that people are focused on this most of all.
But I have to wonder about this, since to me $99 isn’t a horrible price to pay for a phone with a camera, internet service, and games. Sure the prices of the phone, plan, and contract length aren’t the best things in the world for the iPhone… but why is the service provider ranked as 6th on the chart? People are more concerned by a battery than the service? No offense to AT&T, but their service hasn’t been getting a lot of great reviews both for quality and price, and I’m not switching from my very good carrier to that just for a phone. If Apple really wants to expand their market they need to not renew their exclusivity contract with AT&T and let more carriers in. Besides if they did that that might bring down the 2nd and 4th items on the list with more options for service plan costs and lengths.
I know this plea that the iPhone should open up to more carriers has been said a hundred times before and will be said a hundred more times, but to claim that the price is a bigger problem than the carrier just seems stupid to me. So what about you? What do you think is the biggest problem for the iPhone that needs to be solved? Leave a comment below and let us know!
tech

The Million Dollar Video Game

(A post, brought to you by Cousy the boyfriend)

Ladies, as a man, I like so many face the difficult position of trying to balance pleasing and spending time with my girlfriend with going for a triple kill in the latest online game versus kids half my age. Now I am aware that the girlfriends of the world would much rather have us men doing better things with our time; massaging your back, doing the dishes, or applying for grad school. But ladies next time you see your man playing some dumb game you might want to cut him some slack, because it could be worth one million dollars.

MLB 2K is a popular baseball title for the major video game systems (PS3 and the Xbox 360) and it has issued an unprecedented challenge. In the past an achievement of something a player does in game has usually been rewarded with a pop-up message followed by some badge or mark signifying that yes, you did in fact beat this game on hard mode with out using any first aid kits, or winning the race by ten full laps. Usually this was just for “bragging” rights that really did not mean much unless you were a 13-year-old boy on a message board you loved to troll. In some more extreme cases a contest would be set up where the winner of a tournament would win a few thousand dollars.

But with the release, 2K Sports is spouting their new “realistic” pitching simulator where the player has even more control of the ball then ever before. Because of this MLB 2K series has launched a challenge for its newest release MLB 2K10. What’s the challenge? Pitch a perfect game.

A perfect game in baseball is when a pitcher wins a game that lasts a minimum of nine innings and no opposing player reaches base. The pitcher cannot allow any hits, walks, hit a player and let them take their base, or any opposing player to reach base safely for any other reason. Basically it is when 27 people of the opposing team get up to bat and never reach 1st base for any reason at all, whatsoever, no if’s and’s or but’s. So why is this worth a million dollars? In the entire history of the MLB there have only been officially 18 perfect games. That’s 18 in over 134 years and the first two in 1880 came within 5 days of each other. There is a perfect game once every 11,000 games. More people have gone around the moon than pitched a perfect game. Sinking in yet how rare of a feat this is?

So the theory behind MLB 2K10 is that the new pitching simulator that was created will be so exact to the real thing that pitching a perfect game will be impossible for the average Joe to do. In addition to the mere fact a perfect game is tough enough to achieve the contest only runs for two months, you have to live in the US but not in Arizona, Connecticut, Maryland, North Dakota or Vermont, you must be signed in online over your PS3 or Xbox 360, play with the up-to-date rosters, be playing in All-Star mode, and have a video camera recording your whole game which the tape will get reviewed by Twin Galaxies International which also handles Guinness Book of Records entries. Okay pretty daunting isn’t it?

But the point of all of this here is you didn’t know video games could pay you a million dollars just for playing did you? So ladies, the next time you catch your man playing some game all night instead of walking the dog, he might just be trying to win some money for a dog walker for life, personal masseuse on hand, and a shopping spree at Manolo Blahnik.

http://www.2ksports.com/perfectgame