HP TouchPad review

Almost every electronics manufacturer is creating their version of a tablet device since the tremendous successful of the iPad. Android-based devices running on Honeycomb (Android OS 3.0) are found in most retailers due to the operating system being free to use by all computer and mobile manufacturers. This has giving many companies a cheaper way to create their own powerful. Naturally, Apple’s iPad (now with iPad 2) is still the king of the super-size mobile devices.

HP is also pushing its own version of a tablet device but with a few twists. It’s a 9.7-inch mobile device that comes with a 1.2 GHz Snapdragon processor as well as 1G RAM. It’s a bit heavier that the iPad 2 and Galaxy Tab 10.1 and is a little bit thicker. The device comes with two cameras with the front facing camera able to do video conferencing. Cleverly HP gives customers Skype out of the box, which eases instant online communication without the additional configuration.

The most unique feature of HP Touchpad is its operating system. It doesn’t use iOS or Android but it comes with WebOS 3.0 which is an upgraded and retooled operating system compatible with HP’s tablet devices. The software is very impressive because of its intuitive response and multi-tasking. Although it’s not the most famous operating system many regard it as a leader in the field.

When it comes to pricing, the HP TouchPad is at a par with the market’s best. It’s only $499 for the 16GB version and $599 for the 32GB version. It’s a competitive device that will surely entice gadget users already familiar with Palm and HP’s mobile phone devices. We don’t think that the device will take Apple’s crown but it may be the next best device for consumers.

Apple? Google? Nokia? Which Phone is the best?

10 years ago Nokia ruled the mobile phone industry with a large market share in many countries. While companies including Motorola, Samsung and Sony tried to take away consumers, the mobile giant was still the favourite. Everybody knew that a Nokia phone would offer them all of the features of their rivals and the product would be seen as cool. Fast forward to 2011 and the phone market has been torn apart. What was the main reason for this change? Apple’s Iphone.

In 2007 Apple released the first iphone, it offered a touch screen interface, a great operating system and access to the full web on a mobile device. During this same time the blackberry was picking up consumer attention and the business device became the phone of choice for many PR girls and celebrities. Consumers were leaving Nokia and their traditional phones and were moving towards one of these two new devices.

However while the devices offered great advanced features they also came with large price tags. This allowed Google to come into the market and offer a cheaper alternative to the iphone. The Android Google phones were as advanced as the iphone but consumers could get them free on contract or pay smaller fees for just the handset. The smartphone revolution was finally upon us and normal cheaper handsets were no longer the phone of choice for many.

Which phone is right for you?

Depending on your needs and tastes different phones will appeal to you. If you don’t mind how much you pay and want a phone that has apps, games and great web surfing the iphone is probably your best bet. If you want your phone to receive your emails as soon as their sent and a great free messaging service, the Blackberry is likely to suit you the most. If you want a touchscreen phone with most of the features of the iphone at a lower cost we recommend an Android handset.

What about Nokia?

While Nokia has been hit hard by the new phone entrees don’t expect them to be down for too long. The company have now teamed up with Microsoft to create Windows 7 mobile phones. Microsoft and Nokia have been in the mobile industry for over 15 years and have held a very large market share. They have the ability to create a handset with the features of an iphone at a cheaper cost, whether they can attract a leading market share together is something we will have to find out.

Will Tablets Rule the Computer World?

The tablet market is growing and people want to be able to move freely around with their computers. Apple released the ground breaking iPad tablet on March 2010 and since then many companies have created competing devices. At first it seemed as if the tablet would take market share from mobile devices such as mobile phones. While the tablets have large screens, they are still able to fit in most bags and could persuade frequent mobile users to upgrade. Samsung, Motorola and LG all created tablet computers to try to keep their place in the mobile market. However up to now Apple has still managed to hold a large section of the market and aims to expand it with their recent iPad 2.

Mobile phones aren’t the only devices that may feel their market share shrink from the introduction of tablets. Netbooks, the small laptops first introduced by Asus, are also fighting tablets for market share. Both devices are portable computers that can access the internet and emails on the go. While the netbooks are generally cheaper and contain keyboards, the tablets have touch screens and are generally smaller and lighter. Which device somebody chooses will be down to what the users wants from the machine. The fashion conscious are likely to choose the iPad as it has become a status symbol. Netbooks are generally bought by older and lower income families or people that want a computer to carry around.

As tablets start to take market share away from netbooks, it seems laptops and computers will be next. Microsoft currently has over 92% of the computer o.s. market and can see that tablets have the possibility to topple their empire. While at the moment tablets are usually used for entertainment purposes, Apple could turn these devices into a key way for businesses to interact. With built in webcams, email and internet the tablet only needs a keyboard and office software to challenge Microsoft. To counter this Microsoft has shown off Windows 8, their new touch screen operating system. The O.S. has been made for tablets, laptops, netbooks and desktop computers. It combines the complexity of windows with a touch screen menu that is reminiscent of their mobile software. Whether the computer, tablet and mobile can become one device is a complex question but looking at the recent movements of Microsoft maybe it’s possible.

Chemistry Club

The Chemistry Club is an organisation that works with the technology sector. The company was created over eleven years ago and has helped people to share their views and experiences in a neutral environment. The business produces a range of services and events including; Master Classes, executive coaching, special briefings and business-to-business evenings.

The Chemistry Club also hosts full day networking master classes aimed at senior executives. The classes provide essential professional training that anyone can benefit from. The company has built up a wealth of knowledge over the past eleven years and has developed the master classes with some of the country’s top specialist trainers.

Each class teaches participants a tool box of skills to improve all aspects of face-to-face networking. The organisation states that even confident networkers can benefit from the training provided. The master classes cover many topics including; how to easily remember names, ways to prepare effectively for a business event and how to feel at ease immediately when entering a room. Other areas covered in the Chemistry Club's one day course include how to read basic body language, how to hone your message, break into and out of conversation, proven methodologies for following up and ways to improve your proactive listening skills.

The Chemistry Club’s classes are CPD (Continuing Professional Development) accredited. The networking master classes are also available to the wider community although the company has stated that places are subject to availability. The business also runs nine events each year in Central London.

Digital Marketing iPhone app

Social Media Ltd have just released their iPhone application which allows users to keep up to date with the latest social media news, learn more about online marketing and calculate the effectiveness of their Pay Per Click campaign.

The app is available for free from the app store today and is aimed at both an amateur trying to learn about the world of online marketing or a professional who wants to keep up to date.

Features include;

• PPC Traffic Calculator - to allow you to work out the effectiveness of your Pay Per Click campaign
• An informative blog - giving you insights into digital marketing
• Twitter feed - featuring the latest digital marketing news and thoughts
• Information pages - giving you an insight into SEO, PPC and Social media marketing
• Contact form - allowing you to get in touch

The creators have high hopes for the app and want to include even more features in its later iterations including an ROI calculator.

Looking through the app store there really isn’t another application that includes all of these features in a complete package. If you’re interested in the field or work within online marketing it’s a worthwhile download.

To download the app for free click here;

http://social-media.co.uk/iphone-app.php

Understanding Wireless Printers

Wireless Fidelity or Wi-Fi is one of the best wireless technologies because it allows computers to connect to each other and to the internet without any wires. Wi-Fi has become the prevalent method of communication for some individuals because they can use Wi-Fi to connect online and get in touch with the people they know. The connectivity is not just famous for being on computers; it is also widely used on mobile devices further proving its significance.

Wireless connectivity is available on many other devices including the latest idea of including it within printers. Simply put, computers that can connect to a wireless network will also have the capability to print different documents to a printer with a wireless connection. Printers can connect to the network through Wi-Fi which means computers will not require any cable to print any documents.

Requirements for Initial Setup

Printers will always have the limitation in interacting with the system and for this reason; initial set-up is a must in order for the device to connect to an existing network. For proper configuration, the printer first connects to a computer on a network with a USB cable. The computer connects the printer to the wireless network by providing the device basic information such as the SSID of the network and the network’s password if necessary.

Software as Requirement

For security purposes and additional personal configuration on printing, every computer should have a manufacturer’s software in order to print wirelessly. Although the wireless printer is visible in the network, additional interaction requires a manufacturer’s program.

Learning More About Ebooks

An ebook or electronic book is a digital version of a print book. It is an increasingly popular format not only for book publishers but also for magazines and newspapers. The push to “go green” and to avoid paper as much as possible has led to the rise of digital copies of books, magazines and newspapers. This also helps writers and publishers because the middle men or retailers are no longer a requirement since they can directly sell the digital copies of their materials to readers.

Ebook Format

Ebooks are available in different formats depending on the requirement of the devices and the publisher. The lightest format is the .txt or text format, which makes the material readable in almost every e-reader and other electronic device. Other properties that can be read in many devices are the .htm or .html formats.

There are also proprietary formats that require additional applications or are only readable on specific devices. A good example is the .pdf format which will require a .pdf reader. Amazon’s .azw is an ebook format only readable in Amazon’s e-reader (Kindle) or the Kindle application. The .azw is a perfect example of a proprietary format.

E-readers and Other Compatible Devices

It is not necessary to have an e-reader to read electronic copies of books, magazines, newspapers and other materials. E-readers are only available for convenience since their only function is to store and properly display books on the go. Computers, laptops and tablet computers with the proper software or application can also read electronic books without any deviation from the e-reader versions.

Understanding Magnetic Charging in Gadgets

Magnetic or wireless charging is a relatively new concept in charging portable devices such as mobile phones, PDAs and handheld gaming gadgets. It’s a very unique concept since charging does not require any wires. The device is charged when placed on a specific magnetic platform. The term “magnetic charging” comes from the fact that different devices are charged through the charging pads magnetic field.

Inductive Charging

Magnetic, wireless chargers use one of the three different types of wireless charging: inductive charging. The other two types of wireless charging are radio charging and resonance charging. Through inductive charging, the device only has to reach a contact point so that it could be charged immediately. The point of contact is the device’s plate which provides a good area for different devices to charge at the same time.

Receivers Required

One of the biggest misconceptions about inductive charging for mobile gadgets is that it will immediately work as long as the devices are properly placed on top of the mat. But the reality is a lot different since the mat will only communicate with a specific receiver. This is the reason why wireless charging mat come with a receiver to attach to the back of the phone’s battery. The most popular accessories for receivers are the iPhone and iPod, Nintendo DS/DSi and Blackberry Phones.

But the lack of specific compatible charging options doesn’t mean you can’t charge your products through this type of charging. Magnetic charging sales packages also include an adapter that could be used for almost any mobile phones, Mp3 players and other mobile devices.

Opus Energy sign 100,000th business site

Opus Energy have signed Virgin Media as their 100,000^th business site. The household name joins a portfolio of top companies whose energy is supplied by Opus including; Allied Irish Bank, Halfords, KPMG, Paperchase and KPMG. 

Opus Energy’s success comes at a time when Ofgem, the energy regulator, is looking for ways to decrease the dominance of the large energy providers and show that independent suppliers can thrive. Opus Energy’s corporate division has experienced 28% growth and continues to expand. 

The company’s recent performance has been achieved through the growth of it’s flexible purchasing solutions: Opus Evolution, the businesses’ market-leading solution for large companies, which has seen an increase in customers by 122%. Opus Energy’s customers are switching away from traditional fixed contracts and are buying into flexible purchase solutions. Opus Evolution offers customers the option to take advantage of fluctuating energy prices. The business expects Opus Extra, a flexible purchasing solution for smaller corporate customers, to see an increased demand during 2012.

Opus Energy’s Commercial Director, Steve James stated the company were delighted to have hit the 100,000 mark as well as welcome Virgin Media to their portfolio of companies. The business’ growth shows that there is an alternative to the Big Six suppliers and is as a result of the company’s commitment to develop flexible and innovative services driven by their customers’ needs. Opus Energy works with customers to provide individual billing solutions, reporting function and contract types rather than trying to squeeze them into a ‘one-size fits all’ approach.

Opus Energy’s Managing Director, Charlie Crossley Cooke has stated that the last 12 months have been extremely exciting for Opus Energy. The business’ continued investment in their customers and continued growth is reflected by the increase in customer facing staff employed by Opus Energy and the successful introduction of new services, products and partners. The company look forward to expanding further during the next twelve months.

Learn More About Interactive White Boards

Interactive White Boards or IWB is a powerful technology usually geared for businesses and educators. As the name suggests, it is basically a white board that accept images from projectors connected to computers. Instead of commanding the computer for specific actions, users simply input their commands on the white boards. It is highly useful for educational purposes as images and information could be easily manipulated by teachers. For businesses, data doesn’t have to be remotely controlled as the presenter can easily provide the information.

Hardware Considerations

The hardware requirements in IWB are not just based on the projectors and computers. Companies manufacturing IWBs also provide specialized white boards that can easily accept command from users.

White board interaction differs per manufacturer. However, the default interaction is usually through stylus so that the projector and white board could have pinpoint accuracy on the commands coming from users. Other manufacturers can easily detect finger movements but it will require some calibration before any type of interaction is possible. There are also manufacturers that sell specialized IR or infrared pens so that interaction can be easily detected. Last but not the least, some manufacturers install infrared sensors in the whiteboard itself for faster data interpretation.

Interactive White Board Cost

The cost of each system depends on the size and industry. Companies that manufacture IWBs usually provide special discount for schools and organizations that will use the technology for educational purposes. On the other hand, business IWBs will usually range from $700 for the portable system to $5,000 for a fully interactive system with large screen display.