Sita’s Asus tablet cost about $1,400, and the purpose of it was so she could work on her art wherever she happens to be. She has this crazy idea in her head that to serve that purpose, the tablet should let her draw smooth lines. Or at least lines that don’t look like a seismograph during an extremely minor earthquake. Asus doesn’t agree, and they insist that there’s nothing wrong with the tablet. [More]
tablets
Archos Sends 'Refurbished' Tablet Full Of Scratches, Fingerprints, Porn
By 4.16.12
Marsha and her fianc√© have a long-distance relationship right now. Normally, that wouldn’t be relevant, but that it means that by the time he bought an Archos Android tablet for her, configured it, and sent it to her on the other end of the country, she was past the ten-day return window Staples allows. When her tablet wouldn’t connect to the Internet, she had to turn to Archos for a warranty replacement. But instead of grabbing a tablet for her from the “refurbished and restored” pile, they grabbed one for her from the “scratched, dirty, and full of porn” pile. [More]
How iPads Might Crush Offices' Wireless Networks
By 2.24.12
As iPads continue to grow in popularity, their prevalence in the office could not only sap productivity but push WiFi networks to their breaking points. Because the tablets are less efficient at picking up signals than laptops, they tend to put more of a tax on networks. As the iPad 3 release looms, researchers say businesses may need to triple their WiFi coverage in order to handle an an office iPad influx. [More]
California To Require More-Efficient Chargers For Mobile Devices
By 1.12.12
In a move that will likely have a huge ripple effect in the mobile device accessory market nationwide, the California Energy Commission approved the nation’s first ever energy standards for the chargers you use to power up everything from your phone and tablet to your power drill. [More]
Just Because People Are Buying Tablets Doesn't Mean They Are Paying For News Content
By 10.26.11
With its large touch screen and comparable size to a folded up newspaper, some in the news business had hopes that the tablet computer would usher in a new era of customers willing to pay for access to news content. But a new study shows that — at least so far — it just isn’t so. [More]
Adventures In Ordering A Clearanced HP TouchPad
By 8.23.11
RIP, HP TouchPad. A long time ago–well, about three months ago–HP claimed that their WebOS-based tablet would be the greatest on the market. Now, our tipline is buzzing with customers clamoring to get their hands on a TouchPad tablet: not because it’s a hot tech toy, but because the product’s being discontinued, and retailers dumping them for $100 or $150 depending on storage capacity. [More]
Android Market Update Allows Ebook Buying, Movie Rentals
By 7.28.11
Thanks to a beefed-up Android Market, Android smartphones and tablets are now more versatile, allowing for direct ebook purchasing and video rentals. You could do similar things before on Android phones — such as buy ebooks through the mobile Kindle app and stream Netflix — but now Google is attempting to cut out the middle man. [More]
Friskies Debuts Free iPad And Android Games For Your Cat
By 6.3.11
It’s a scientifically proven fact that cats love iPads, or at least love to smack things around that move. A few app developers have capitalized on this trend, making games specifically designed for cats. Some cats think that touchscreens are the greatest thing since feathers on a stick. Supposedly, touchscreens are tougher than claws, so the devices won’t be damaged. In a brilliant marketing move, Purina, maker of Friskies, ran with this idea and has created free Android Tablet and iPad games for felines.
[More]
Consumer Reports: Apple iPad 2 Is A "Very Good Choice"
By 3.14.11
Our more computer-savvy cousins over at Consumer Reports are out with their first look at Apple’s iPad 2, and tester Dean Gallea has pronounced it a “very good choice” if you’re looking for a tablet computer. [More]
Comcast May Not Have Rights To Stream TV To Tablets
By 1.12.11
Comcast is working furiously to get its programming onto iPads and other tablet computers, even cutting deals with hardware providers like Samsung. But there’s just one little problem: the company may not have the rights to stream shows without first negotiating with the companies that own them. [More]
Best Buy Security Thinks I'm A Dumb Criminal, Stole iPad From Them
By 9.30.10
John has a bit of advice for iPad owners: don’t use the device in public. At least, don’t use it for price comparisons at a Best Buy with particularly clueless loss prevention staff unless you want to be accused of theft and have the police show up. He writes that this happened to him while checking some prices on his iPad. [More]
iPad Pre-Orders Now Open
By 3.12.10
Apple opened the doors on iPad pre-orders as of a few minutes ago. Git ’em while they’re hot! Or not, and wait for the inevitable first-generation bugs to get worked out and feeding frenzy to fade. Should you buy? Which kind do you get? Sister Consumer Reports Electronics Blog has the breakdown. Take our poll as to whether you’re getting with the craze or staying out of the race. [More]
