October 21st, 2009

B&N Nook beats Amazon Kindle & Sony Reader, here's why

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 7:35 am

Categories: Gadgets, Kindle, Open Handset Alliance, Sony, ebooks

Tags: Sony Corp., Barnes & Noble Inc., Sony Reader, Loan Technology, Adobe Digital Editions, E-books, Wireless LANs, 3G, Wi-Fi, Wireless And Mobility

I posted yesterday about the Barnes & Noble Nook and then read Mitch’s post where one of his four points about the Nook not being revolutionary focused on the apparent limited use of WiFi. I just posed a couple of questions on the Nook press call and have to now tell Mitch he is wrong about the WiFi access, but he should actually be quite pleased since there are no limits. I confirmed that you can access and purchase books via both WiFi and AT&T 3G from any place where you have access to a network, including your home WiFi network. One point of clarification regarding travel overseas. You can download books from you current library collection via WiFi overseas, but due to licensing issues you cannot browse the store and purchase new content when outside the US (yet). The Barnes & Noble store experience is just an enhanced experience that presents you with free content and also allows you to browse through books, just like you can physically in the bookstore. As I said yesterday, I think the Nook is a revolutionary product in the ebook market for a number of reasons.

Here is why I think the Nook stands out from the others and sets the bar. Some items are found in a Kindle or Sony Reader, but the Nook brings all of these together:

• Ability to purchase content via WiFi and AT&T 3G wireless connections from any location in the US
• Ability to lend ebooks to others for 14 days
• Ability to checkout and read local library ebooks for free
• Ability to browse full ebook content while connected in Barnes & Noble stores
• Sync across platforms and readers of bookmarks, annotations, last reading location
• 16-level grayscale display
• Small capacitive color touchscreen for ebook store browsing

My other question on the call pertained to what happens when you loan out a book and what happens after the 14 day loan period. The loan technology is modeled just like a real physical book so when the loaner gives a friend the book then the loaner has no access to that book. The loanee then has the book for 14 days, I forgot to ask if they can return it earlier, and when that loan period expires the license for that book is transferred back to the loaner. I am not sure if you can loan over and over, but imagine there are no limitations since it is as single license that is just being transferred around. The only requirement for the loanee is that they have to have an iPhone, BlackBerry, Nook, or other compatible device to read the content.

I found in the FAQ and wrote yesterday that you should be able to access and read local library books with the Nook and this was confirmed in another press release announcing the partnership between Barnes & Noble and Adobe. Adobe Digital Editions is supported, along with the ePub and PDF formats.

UPDATE: Mitch was able to speak further with some folks at Barnes & Noble and confirms what I was told on the call this morning in his latest blog post. Mitch also found out some good information about accessing Google Books and I have to say all of this information just confirms that my pre-order was a smart purchase that I look forward to receiving in November.

October 20th, 2009

B&N Nook ebook reader revolutionizes the ebook world with sharing between friends and more

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 12:19 pm

Categories: BlackBerry, Gadgets, Kindle, Linux, Open Handset Alliance, ebooks, iPhone

Tags: Nook, E-books, Personal Technology, Matthew Miller

Rachel posted about the leaked details of the Nook and then I found that Engadget posted the full press release. After reading way down in the details and FAQs I saw that the Nook supports the ePub format so will work with local library ebooks so I just pre-ordered mine for $259. If you go to the pre-order page you can see all the details on this pretty amazing ebook reader that has me quite excited. You can also lend books to friends for up to 14 days at a time. This capability really turns the ebook world into a world almost the same as a paperback and is HOT!

Here are some of the specifications of the Nook:

• Support for AT&T and WiFi networks (free WiFi access at B&N stores)
• 2GB storage with microSD card slot
• 3.5 inch color touchscreen lower display
• MP3 player with integrated mono speaker
• Removable and rechargeable battery
• MicroUSB connector for charging
• Dimensions: 7.7 x 4.9 x 0.5 inches and 11.2 ounces
• Integrated Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary
• Ability to read content on iPhone, iPod touch, BlackBerry, PC, and Mac
• Based on Android operating system

With the Android-based OS I wonder if developers will be able to customize the device to add even more functionality? I also wonder if there will be ebook clients for Google Android or other mobile phones beyond the iPhone and BlackBerry.

I was all ready to purchase this and just needed confirmation of all the formats and then found this FAQ buried deep down:

Can I put other files on my nook?
Yes, you can transfer files from your computer to your nook using a USB connection. You can transfer ePub and PDB files, as well as MP3s, PDFs, and JPGs.

Support for ePub sold me on the ebook reader so stay tuned for my full Nook review as soon as it arrives, hopefully in November.

BTW, there is some great reading buried down in the FAQ support page where you can see you can redownload your content as many times as you like from your library.

October 14th, 2009

Dual boot Android/XP Acer netbook available for pre-order

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 8:00 am

Categories: Gadgets, Linux, Microsoft, Netbook, Open Handset Alliance, Ultra portable PC

Tags: Dual Boot, Netbook, Netbooks, Nettops & MIDs, Hardware, Matthew Miller

I’ve been pretty pleased with my MSI Wind netbook and use it to manage my Zune content and sync up devices that do not work natively with my Mac. I am also a fan of the Android operating system so I was intrigued to read over on Android Central that the dual boot Acer Aspire One D250 is now available for Amazon pre-order for $349.99. This 10.1 inch netbook can be booted into either Windows XP or the Google Android operating system and has a reported 9 hour battery life (with wireless and in “normal” working mode you will probably see 5 hours or so).

I have not yet seen the Android OS running on a netbook device and am interested in seeing how it will be presented and used on such a form factor. I know on my T-Mobile G1 and the HTC Hero it is highly focused on the connected data of the phone and am not sure how that will play out on a notebook. The Aspire One D250 has great specs for a netbook and is priced quite reasonably. Some of the specs include:

* 10.1-inch LED-backlit CrystalBrite screen (1024 x 600 resolution)
* Unique dual-boot operating system lets you choose between Windows XP (SP3) or Google Android
* 1.66 GHz Intel Atom N280 processor
* Up to 9 hours of battery life with included 6-cell battery
* Multi-gesture Touchpad for circular-motion scrolling, pinch-action zoom, and page flip
* 160 GB hard drive (5400 RPM)
* 1 GB DDR2 RAM (533 MHz; 2 GB maximum capacity)
* Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 video processor
* Crystal Eye webcam supports Acer PrimaLite technology
* 84-key keyboard, 89 percent of standard-size with 12 function keys, WLAN switch
* 54g Wi-Fi (802.11b/g)
* Bluetooth 2.1 radio
* 3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals–from digital cameras to MP3 players
* Analog video output: 1 VGA
* Multi-in-1 memory card reader compatible with MultiMediaCard, Reduced-Size MultiMediaCard, Secure Digital, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO or xD-Picture Card
* 1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack
* Stereo speakers and optimized Dolby Headphone technology for 5.1-channel audio
* Dimensions: 10.17 x 8.04 x 1 inches (WxDxH)
* Weight: 2.79 pounds

The multi-gesture touchpad looks interesting and I look forward to reading reviews to see if that is supported in both Windows XP and the Android OS. At this price I am seriously thinking of moving from my MSI Wind to this dual boot setup, but first want to see if there is any benefit to having the Android OS on a notebook device.

July 5th, 2009

Will we see a Nokia Aseries (Android series) or Android Tablet device in September?

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 11:14 pm

Categories: Gadgets, Nokia, Open Handset Alliance, Rumors, Symbian

Tags: Google Android, Nokia Corp., Guardian, Mobile Operating Systems, Tablets, Smart Phones, Notebooks, Hardware, Notebooks & Tablets, Consumer Electronics

I admit to being a fan of Nokia devices, but think there are several areas of the S60 Symbian-based operating system that need improvement. I am also quite a fan of Google Android, especially running on my T-Mobile G1. The Guardian is reporting the Nokia will be announcing an Android smartphone at Nokia World in September. The Guardian does not list any source for this rumor, other than industry insiders, so I am not taking this possibility as fact yet. However, I do think it would be interesting to see a Nokia ASeries (Android series) or Nokia Android Tablet class of devices with Nokia’s outstanding hardware and Android’s powerful and user friendly operating system.

If this rumor turns out to be true, I highly doubt that Nokia would completely flip to Android and believe we will still see S60 running on Nseries, Eseries, and other series of devices. In all likelihood, this Android OS device will be some kind of new Nokia Internet Tablet where Android would be a much better OS than the rather slow Maemo Linux-based OS currently running on the N800 and N810. The Nokia Internet Tablets have a rather small following, but I think putting the Android OS on it may spur interest.

July 2nd, 2009

Archos Google Android-based Internet Media Tablet to be revealed 15 September

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 5:00 pm

Categories: Gadgets, On the road, Open Handset Alliance, Smartphone

Tags: Archos, Smart Phone, Media, Video, Tablet, Corporate Communications, Smart Phones, Internet, Cellular Phones, Handhelds

Back in February we mentioned that Archos would be launching an Android Internet Tablet device and now according to Pocket-Lint that device will be coming on 15 September 2009. The Internet Media Tablet will focus on multimedia (which is not really a focus of the Android smartphones to date) while still providing smartphone functionality.

The vaguely announced IMT device will have a 5 inch display, Adobe Flash and Flash video support, up to 500GB capacity drive, 7 hourse of video playback, and 3.5G 7.2 Mbps HSUPA wireless connectivity.

February 27th, 2009

MobileTechRoundup show #163, Kindle 2, Android, and awesome freeware

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 5:45 pm

Categories: Gadgets, MoTR podcast, Open Handset Alliance, ebooks, iPhone

Tags: MobileTechRoundup, Freeware, Mobile, Mobile Device, E-books, Personal Technology, Matthew Miller

Listen here (MP3, 27.1 MB, 29:30 minutes)

Subscribe to the show with this link (RSS)

The availability of the Kindle 2 was the big tech news of the week and James, Kevin, and I chatted about my Kindle 2 and our thoughts on the new ebook reader in MobileTechRoundup show #163. We also chatted about the ebook options on the iPhone and other mobile devices, including Stanza and eReader. Priced Android apps are also now available, but it sure seems like hardware and software is progressing slowly here. James introduced a new freeware, Doubletwist, that actually looks like a lifesaver for me and all my mobile devices as it brings you the capability to transfer media content from your Mac to a number of mobile devices, with conversion integrated in the software. BTW, DVD Jon is a part of this software so that tells you something.

Please let me know if you have anything you would like us to cover and discuss on the show and I’ll try to work it into a future podcast.

February 3rd, 2009

Keep dreaming and hoping, we won't see an Apple tablet anytime soon

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 9:11 am

Categories: Apple, Gadgets, Linux, Open Handset Alliance, Tablet PC, Ultra portable PC

Tags: Apple iPod, Apple Inc., Apple iPod Touch, Tablets, Digital Music, Digital Media, Notebooks, Hardware, Notebooks & Tablets, Personal Technology

Right at the end of 2008, Michael Arrington posted some info from his sources on a rumored large form Apple iPod touch/tablet for sometime in 2009. There is now some information available on an Apple patent for a large display device. Even with these pieces of information and hopes of the Apple faithful, I am highly skeptical of Apple ever releasing an Apple tablet/large display iPod. The iPod touch is already priced at $299 and $399 and the original iPhone (unsubsidized) was priced at US$599 so an Apple tablet would easily be priced at $700+ I am sure. In today’s economy that is an unreasonable figure when small form notebooks with actual keyboards can be used to do the same thing for $300.

I am sure there are prototype devices being tested and trialed at Apple, but just because there are prototypes and patents doesn’t mean we will ever see such a device. As a mobile geek, I am sure it would be a very cool device and would sell a few thousand. However, the tablet form factor devices have really only done well in areas like the medical field and I doubt too many people would adopt using a touch screen only keyboard input method and would soon tire of such a device. An iPod touch works just fine for browsing on the couch, watching movies, listening to music, and controlling your home media center. I suppose Apple could come out with a 4 inch or 5 inch iPod touch to give you a bit better experience, but highly doubt we will see anything larger than that from Apple.

We may see a tablet type device running the Android OS because it should be able to be sold for $400 or so down in the iPod touch range. Then again, I still am not convinced people will readily adopt a touch only interface for text input.

December 8th, 2008

Google Android OS ported and running on the Nokia N810 Internet Tablet

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 11:20 am

Categories: Linux, Nokia, Nseries, Open Handset Alliance

Tags: Google Inc., Google Android, Device, Nokia Corp., Operating System, Linux, Tablets, Notebooks, Operating Systems, UNIX

The T-Mobile G1 is an impressive device that has been performing rock solidly for me these past few weeks. The idea of running the Google Android device was to have it move from phones to other devices in the future and according to Linux Devices an enterprising developer has ported Android to the Nokia N810 Internet Tablet. I enjoy using the N810 and would love to try out the Android OS on this Linux-based device. With its WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, the device is more than capable of staying connected for Google syncing.

You can find out more details about this project by reading McDermott’s white paper. The intent is to eventually get this out so that other N810 owners can try out Android on the N810 too.

October 26th, 2008

MobileTechRoundup show #152, Lenovo X301, MSI Wind and Android thoughts

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 6:51 pm

Categories: Linux, MoTR podcast, Netbook, On the road, Open Handset Alliance, Ultra portable PC

Tags: MobileTechRoundup, Lenovo Group Ltd., Kevin, Keyboards, WiMAX, Hardware, Peripherals, Wireless, Matthew Miller

Listen here (MP3, 33.4 MB, 36:20 minutes)

Subscribe to the show with this link (RSS)

Kevin’s been checking out the Lenovo X301 with integrated WiMAX and after hearing him talk about it on MobileTechRoundup show #152 I think he is getting closer and closer to picking one up for himself. I went ahead and purchased the MSI Wind and discovered it has a slightly different keyboard layout than the review unit I checked out and the differences actually have a major impact on usability. Kevin pointed me to a fix that is now working well on the device. James picked up a black T-Mobile G1 and it was good to hear his initial thoughts after Kevin and I have been checking the device out for a couple of weeks now. We talked about some of our favorite Android applications too.

Please let me know if you have anything you would like us to cover and discuss on the show and I’ll try to work it into a future podcast.

October 15th, 2008

Full review of the T-Mobile G1 consumed most of my week

Posted by Matthew Miller @ 10:01 pm

Categories: HTC, Open Handset Alliance, Review, Wireless carriers

Tags: T-Mobile G1, Blog, T-Mobile, Blogging, Microsoft Windows CE, Handhelds, Internet, Operating Systems, Microsoft Windows, Software

I have to say sorry to any readers who have been wanting to see more posts here on my blog, but my last week has been consumed by the T-Mobile G1 as you can see in my review with over 260 images and 5 videos posted over on my Smartphones & Cell Phones blog. I wanted to mention it here since my other blog is still quite new and many readers here may not have yet subscribed to my other blog. I also wanted to mention it here because I think the Google Android OS will go further than just the mobile phone with talk that it could challenge the embedded Windows CE OS seen in enterprise and other devices.

The T-Mobile G1 is not perfect, but it is one dang good first generation device and I am impressed that HTC was able to work with T-Mobile and the US regulatory agencies to get a device to market first just like they promised us last year. I love many more things than I don’t like on the G1 and cannot wait to get my own black one I preordered back on launch day. If you are into mobile devices like me then I recommend you check one out soon.