So I recently decided to replace my home desktop system with a laptop.
My home desktop was also a media center PC, and it had worked quite well for a couple of years. Unfortunately, the cable company made some changes to their analog service, and my PC was only tuning in up to channel 30. I tried a few methods to get my PC to record the digital channels, but none of the information I found seemed to work.
Ultimately, it was just easier to get a digital DVR from the cable company and retire my media center PC. I had already been thinking about switching to a laptop for some time, so I started researching my options.
My home systems have always been Windows-based. Windows 8 had recently been released. I had tested out the pre-release on a virtual machine, and even read a few reviews and opinions. It really wasn't looking promising for Windows 8. The user interface was going to be a significant change from previous versions, and for the first time in my life I looked at switching to Apple. Honestly, it seemed as though switching to OSX would actually be easier than switching to Windows 8.
After looking at the MacBook Pro options, I discovered the "Apple Tax" was alive and well. In fact, it seems like it's higher than ever before. I was eyeing the 15" MacBook Pro. The Retina model starts at $2200! Ouch! I looked at the regular 15" model with the optional high-res (1680x1050) screen. Even that starts at $1800. Configuring it the way I wanted pushed it up over $2500 (8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, and a VGA adapter).
Needless to say, I started looking at my Windows options. After some digging, I came across the Dell Inspiron 15R Special Edition, a laptop with a powerful processor and a 15" 1080p display. I wasn't too sure about the video chip (Radeon 7730M), but otherwise things looked quite good. While reading reviews of that model I saw a reference to the Lenovo Y580. Some research into that model revealed a machine with good reviews, good specs, and a good price.
The Y580 has the Intel Core i7 quad-core processor, 8GB of RAM, a 1TB 5400rpm hard drive, Nvidia GTX660M 2GB video chip, Blu-ray drive, HDMI and VGA, bluetooth, and more. It is also very easy to open up to access the hard drive, add RAM, and even add a mSATA SSD. Just a few days before Christmas, the price went down to $950! I added a blue Lenovo laptop bag to the order for another $35. A couple weeks later, I found a Crucial M4 256GB mSATA SSD for $180. I even ordered 16GB of high-speed RAM for $60. The total price, including taxes, for everything was less than $1400!
I know that someone will get defensive about build quality or other aspects of the MacBook, but honestly, I'm getting a laptop with better specs for over $1000 less! I don't know about you, but I can forgive some shortcomings for $1100, and in the next part I will endeavour to be honest about those shortcomings. Also, I have already shared my own opinion about the tired, age-old Mac vs PC argument.
Staying Connected in the US - November 2012
Well, after switching between three SIM cards (Wind Mobile, AT&T, and T-Mobile) for several months, it seems the best solution for me is to just pay Wind an extra $5 per month to get a US roaming plan.
When AT&T ditched the pay-per-use data for the pay-per-day phone plans, I tried switching to T-Mobile. T-Mobile offers a pay-per-day plan for $3 that includes unlimited data (the first 200MB at 4G, then it switches to 2G). That's actually really good. The problem is as soon as you go somewhere without T-Mobile coverage, you lose the data. Honestly, this probably isn't a problem if you're planning on visiting a major city. Unfortunately, if you wander off the beaten path, you'll be roaming (most likely on AT&T) and you will not have any data access at all. It doesn't even appear that you can pay T-Mobile extra to get it. You're simply offline.
So, what does $5 per month (on top of your monthly plan) get you from Wind? Calls are 10 cents per minute (normally 25 cents), outgoing text messages are 5 cents (normally 15 cents), and data is 50 cents per MB (normally $1). The rate for data is still high enough that you won't want to watch any streaming videos, but shouldn't break the bank to at least stay up to date with your favourite social networks. I have confirmed that the data works on either T-Mobile's or AT&T's network, so it doesn't really matter where you end up.
When AT&T ditched the pay-per-use data for the pay-per-day phone plans, I tried switching to T-Mobile. T-Mobile offers a pay-per-day plan for $3 that includes unlimited data (the first 200MB at 4G, then it switches to 2G). That's actually really good. The problem is as soon as you go somewhere without T-Mobile coverage, you lose the data. Honestly, this probably isn't a problem if you're planning on visiting a major city. Unfortunately, if you wander off the beaten path, you'll be roaming (most likely on AT&T) and you will not have any data access at all. It doesn't even appear that you can pay T-Mobile extra to get it. You're simply offline.
So, what does $5 per month (on top of your monthly plan) get you from Wind? Calls are 10 cents per minute (normally 25 cents), outgoing text messages are 5 cents (normally 15 cents), and data is 50 cents per MB (normally $1). The rate for data is still high enough that you won't want to watch any streaming videos, but shouldn't break the bank to at least stay up to date with your favourite social networks. I have confirmed that the data works on either T-Mobile's or AT&T's network, so it doesn't really matter where you end up.
Two months with the Nexus 7
I have been using my Nexus 7 for two months now. That line alone almost sums up my thoughts and experience with the 7. I didn't say that I received my Nexus 7 two months ago. Rather, I have been using it quite regularly over the last two months.
My iPad (3rd gen) has barely been used. Virtually all my casual at-home web browsing has been done on the 7. Watching videos, reading, e-mail, Flipboard, Google+. If I used the iPad in the past, I'm pretty much just using the 7 now.
The iPad isn't the only victim. Most of my game time is now on the 7. The PS3, Wii, XBox 360, PSP and my well-spec'd PC have seen almost no game play time from me in the last two months. This has undoubtably been assisted by the wonderful Humble Bundles for Android, but the Nexus 7 is without a doubt a great platform for games.
App-wise, it hasn't been difficult finding what I need or want. I've installed a lot of games, Skype, a couple of e-readers, Pocket, an app for wireless printing to my HP printer (like AirPrint), a DLNA browser, SplashTop Whiteboard, SketchBook, and more. While I do believe there are far more web sites out there curating, describing, and reviewing iOS apps for many different categories, it doesn't mean good apps don't exist in the Google Play store.
I am definitely not trying to say the Nexus 7 is the perfect device. The back camera and AirPlay mirroring on the iPad enable some classroom activities that just can't be done with the 7. It is unfortunate because the Nexus 7 would be so much easier to carry around the classroom. Mirroring, combined with the existing Bluetooth and USB game controller support, would also go a long way toward making the 7 an even better gaming system. The lack of Google Play gift cards is also an annoyance. Apparently gift cards are available in the US now, but no word on when they'll come to Canada. I have never liked associating a credit card with an online account.
From a hardware standpoint, I don't think I need to go into much detail. There are many, many reviews out there. I think the only hardware-related comments I will make are about the screen. Many users have reported issues with the screen (build quality issues mostly). It does make me concerned because occasionally I think I see a screen glitch, but it's always just a split second, and I am never able to forcibly cause the glitch. The other comment about the screen is actually in response to one review with a bizarre complaint about the PPI of the screen. Granted, the PPI of the 7 isn't as high as the iPad 3rd gen, but it is significantly higher than the first or second gen iPad, and is definitely high enough that you won't "notice it".
In terms of the overall experience, the OS is smooth and easy to use. Once again, I don't think it's necessary to go into much detail because there are many reviews out there, and they are mostly favourable.
If the folks from Apple aren't working on an iPad Mini, then they really have made a serious mistake. The Nexus 7 has me hooked, while the iPad has become nothing more than a supplementary device that fills in a very small number of gaps. With a potential mirroring solution for the Nexus 7 that could arrive before the end of the year, the iPad may just become a device that I used to use.
Google surprised by Nexus 7 16GB demand? Why?
Apparently Google is surprised by the demand for the 16GB Nexus 7. I'm not sure why.
First, the apparent $50 difference in prices really isn't $50. The 8GB model is only available through the Play Store and Google charges $15 US or $20 CDN shipping. The 16GB model can be purchased from several retail stores so that price difference between the models is reduced to $30 to $35. Had I known this before I pre-ordered, I too definitely would have waited for the 16GB model (which would have meant waiting less than I did for the 8GB).
Second, without expandable storage, there is definitely a perception that the 8GB model will run out of space far too quickly. Although there are solutions, most people just aren't aware of them or just want something simpler.
Finally, Google really should have known that the market for a $250 tablet was very strong. It is still well below the $400 mark of most 10-inch tablets.
It is unfortunate Google was so desperate to get "below" the $200 mark. They could have simplified by having a single model at the $250 price point, added in a couple of other missing features that were referenced in various reviews (like expandable storage, HDMI, and a rear camera), and still actually made a slight profit from the sale of every unit.
Why Google shouldn't sell hardware
Don't be evil. That's the informal motto of Google. Unfortunately, they can't seem to keep themselves from doing wrong, even if it's not intentional.
The Nexus 7 tablet is one of the most anticipated gadgets of the year. Google has been tight-lipped about how many were pre-ordered when the tablet was officially announced on June 27, but I was among those who decided to bite.
A couple of weeks passed and rumours of shipping dates started to pop up. Then pictures started popping up of retail stores with boxes of the tablets that apparently couldn't be sold until some unknown date.
"Surely Google won't let those get sold unless they've already shipped my pre-order, right?"
The first rumblings began as those who pre-ordered did not get any update on their order, even as it became more and more clear that retail stores really did have stock ready to sell.
Then, last Friday, the retail stores were clearly given the green light by Google, and anyone was able to walk into several retail chains (including GameStop!) and just buy a Nexus 7 right off the shelf. Those who had pre-ordered still hadn't been given any update on their order. No credit card charge. No tracking number. Nothing. To add insult to injury, Google levied a hefty shipping charge for those that pre-ordered ($20 CDN, $15 US, and £10 in the UK). Essentially, if you pre-ordered through Google Play, you were paying extra to wait until others already had the device.
Some contacted Google to cancel their order and were told their only recourse was to refuse the delivery, and after a few weeks would get their money refunded (no word on if that includes getting the shipping charge refunded).
Needless to say, Google screwed up. Throughout this entire process they have not said a word, outside of the not-so-cute tweet/post, "Locked and loaded, ready to play: we’ve started shipping +Nexus 7 pre-orders today!" I think it's safe to say that many, myself included, will not be pre-ordering anything from Google until they have demonstrated that they know how to handle it properly.
As for my own order, I do have a tracking number now. Sadly, I won't have it until a week after I could have just walked into a GameStop and bought one.
Why No Expandable Storage in the Nexus 7 Doesn't Matter
While not shipping just yet, there are plenty of reviews of Google's new Nexus 7 tablet. Most of the reviews I have read complain about the lack of expandable storage options. The Nexus 7 does not have a MicroSD slot, nor does its USB port support mass storage devices.
At first I was definitely agreeing with the reviewers. If you install a few of the bigger games onto the tablet, there really won't be much room left for high quality videos to take with me on the road. I travel in the US a lot, so it's not really feasible to depend on cloud services when using a very limited data plan shared from my phone....
Shared from my phone?
That was it. I always have my phone with me (except for when I drop and break it). My phone has a 32GB MicroSD card, and I already have the ability to share my phone's content using Twonky. All that is necessary is to enable the WiFi hotspot (whether I'm connected to cellular data or not), and my phone becomes a portable media server with expandable storage.
Granted, there are some limitations. I'm not sure this is the best solution if flying. I know that some airlines now have on-board WiFi, but I do not know what the policy is with respect to firing up your own hotspot.
At first I was definitely agreeing with the reviewers. If you install a few of the bigger games onto the tablet, there really won't be much room left for high quality videos to take with me on the road. I travel in the US a lot, so it's not really feasible to depend on cloud services when using a very limited data plan shared from my phone....
Shared from my phone?
That was it. I always have my phone with me (except for when I drop and break it). My phone has a 32GB MicroSD card, and I already have the ability to share my phone's content using Twonky. All that is necessary is to enable the WiFi hotspot (whether I'm connected to cellular data or not), and my phone becomes a portable media server with expandable storage.
Granted, there are some limitations. I'm not sure this is the best solution if flying. I know that some airlines now have on-board WiFi, but I do not know what the policy is with respect to firing up your own hotspot.
Does Wireless Really Reduce Clutter?
With iOS5, Apple introduced AirPlay mirroring, a feature that would allow the iPad 2 to wirelessly stream its screen contents to a large screen. While the iPad already allowed a teacher/presenter to create and show a presentation from the iPad via a VGA or HDMI adapter, AirPlay suddenly untethered the teacher from the front of the classroom. Unfortunately, AirPlay is a proprietary protocol that Apple only licenses to third party companies for audio devices.
Apple isn't the only company that wanted to keep a wireless display technology all to itself. In January 2010, Intel introduced its own proprietary wireless display protocol called WiDi. Not only does Intel keep this protocol to themselves, they restrict it even further by only allowing it with a few specific combinations of Intel hardware and software (all laptop oriented). The only advantage that WiDi seems to have is that Intel is planning on also enabling Miracast support for newer devices (2nd or 3rd generation Intel Core systems) with WiDi.
What's Miracast? Miracast is a wireless mirroring protocol, formerly known as WiFi Direct Display, that was developed by the WiFi Alliance, and announced January 2011 (note that Apple is a sponsoring member of the WiFi Alliance, and announced AirPlay mirroring in June 2011). The certification process for Miracast was announced at the end of May 2012, and certified devices should be available by the end of the year. Miracast is important because Google introduced support for WiFi Direct (the protocol that drives Miracast) in Android 4, and Texas Instruments will have Miracast certification for its chips which support both Android and the upcoming Windows RT (Windows for ultraportable and tablet devices running on ARM processors).
But wait! There's more!
Last week, AMD held their Fusion Developer Summit (AFDS). There were a number of announcements made at the Summit, but one in particular I found quite unusual, and frustrating. AMD Wireless Display. AMD's approach is to enable wireless display without the artificial Intel WiDi restrictions. Apparently AMD is planning on working with the WiFi Alliance on this protocol (AMD is also a regular member of the Alliance). I'm not sure why AMD doesn't just support Miracast.
Wireless screen mirroring is an incredible feature that many educators are excited about. Unfortunately, it also has the potential of being the source of much frustration.
Apple isn't the only company that wanted to keep a wireless display technology all to itself. In January 2010, Intel introduced its own proprietary wireless display protocol called WiDi. Not only does Intel keep this protocol to themselves, they restrict it even further by only allowing it with a few specific combinations of Intel hardware and software (all laptop oriented). The only advantage that WiDi seems to have is that Intel is planning on also enabling Miracast support for newer devices (2nd or 3rd generation Intel Core systems) with WiDi.
What's Miracast? Miracast is a wireless mirroring protocol, formerly known as WiFi Direct Display, that was developed by the WiFi Alliance, and announced January 2011 (note that Apple is a sponsoring member of the WiFi Alliance, and announced AirPlay mirroring in June 2011). The certification process for Miracast was announced at the end of May 2012, and certified devices should be available by the end of the year. Miracast is important because Google introduced support for WiFi Direct (the protocol that drives Miracast) in Android 4, and Texas Instruments will have Miracast certification for its chips which support both Android and the upcoming Windows RT (Windows for ultraportable and tablet devices running on ARM processors).
But wait! There's more!
Last week, AMD held their Fusion Developer Summit (AFDS). There were a number of announcements made at the Summit, but one in particular I found quite unusual, and frustrating. AMD Wireless Display. AMD's approach is to enable wireless display without the artificial Intel WiDi restrictions. Apparently AMD is planning on working with the WiFi Alliance on this protocol (AMD is also a regular member of the Alliance). I'm not sure why AMD doesn't just support Miracast.
Wireless screen mirroring is an incredible feature that many educators are excited about. Unfortunately, it also has the potential of being the source of much frustration.
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