This holiday season, tablets are the hottest gizmo, hands down.
Apple's iPad dominates the field for now, though Android-powered versions are catching up fast, and Amazon is in the game, too, with a very-low-priced Kindle Fire.
With one of the biggest shopping days of the year just around the corner, we've started a "Countdown to Black Friday." Every day, you'll find five helpful tips on a topic related to Black Friday on TBO.com, from top toys to electronics buying guidelines to suiting up for battle on the big day.
Today, here are the five things you need to know before making a purchase.
1. Consider how you plan to use a tablet.
There are tablets like the entry-level Kindle and some no-name brands that basically just display book text and cost less than $100. Then there are tablets like the $200 Nook that are full E-book readers but can also surf the web and have some apps. Then there are the full-powered tablets like the Apple iPad, Samsung Galaxy and Motorola Xoom that can cost $500 to $800, but are basically portable HDTVs and computers.
We advise asking friends which kinds they like, and beg to borrow one for a day. But keep in mind, tablets are flexible and you may soon want to do more than just read Harry Potter.
2. The market leader is from Apple.
Though there were a few tablets before, Apple's iPad essentially invented the tablet category and Apple now sells tens of millions of tablets a year, primarily because they're so easy to use, work with Apple's iTunes media marketplace, and can run any of 140,000-plus apps.
Prices range from $499 for a Wi-Fi only version with 16 gigabytes of space, to the top-of-the-line version with 3G cellular and 64 gigs of space for $829. (A movie takes 2 to 4 gigs of space.)
Because Apple stores are often mobbed, we suggest either buying online or at retailers like BestBuy or Target that have selection in stock and give out bonus gift cards to buyers.
3. Buy a screen protector.
Really, please, get a screen guard. First, because it only takes one scratch to ruin a screen, and the kids will probably steal yours to play Angry Birds while drinking juice and munching Jolly Ranchers.
Prices roughly parallel the cost of screens for cell phones — $10 to $30. Major makers include Moshi, ArmorSuit, Halo and Zagg. Ask the store clerks to show you how they feel, as some are more rubbery, and others are more slick and show finger grease. (Usually someone working in the store has one on their phone to try.) Personally, we like the $30 Moshi iVisor, matte-finish version that doesn't require a special solution to stick, and can peel back off. Keep in mind, if you buy a protector at BestBuy, AT&T, Verizon or elsewhere, they'll put the screen on for you.
4. Lots of other tablets available this season.
The Kindle Fire is far more than a text reader and debuted Nov. 14 with loads of multimedia power and access to all of Amazon's digital library for an insanely cheap price of $199 on pre-order.
There's also Barnes & Noble Nook for $249, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 that runs on Verizon's super-fast 4G cellular system and starts at $649, the Motorola Xoom that starts at $499, and others from Vizio, Acer, Dell, HTC, Sony and Toshiba just to name a few.
Nearly all non-Apple tablets run a form of Google's Droid operating system, so don't expect them to get along with Apple's iTunes store.
Whichever tablet you buy, those that have a cellular link will require a cellular account – which means another monthly payment – so avoid downloading anything outside a Wi-Fi zone or you'll rack up data fees.
5. Expect to covet apps. Tablets have near magical apps that you will find addictive. For instance the live ESPN app, the touch-sensitive version of Dracula that plays creepy sound effects while you read, and the TourWrist app that lets you explore 360-degree photos of places in the world and spin around to see different views. If you're not interested in those, try any of the 100,000-plus others.
Most apps are free for one reason: They show advertising, typically in small banner ads that rotate from one to another. To avoid ads, you often buy an upgraded version for a few dollars. But beware, more games have so-called "in-game" purchases of things like extra-cool flaming swords for your avatar, or extra sound effects for your virtual DJ booth.
The most expensive apps tend to be from media companies to show live entertainment, such as the app from ESPN or Major League Baseball.
Read also
http://rnrachicago.org/articles.php?action=viewarticle&articleID=76
http://www.musicianhotspot.com/articles/entry/Get-rid-of-Trojan-Horse-Virus-By-Using-Very-simple-Ideas
субота, 26 листопада 2011 р.
Black Friday 2011: Joshua Topolsky’s tips for how to shop like a geek
If you’re like most Americans, your holiday shopping bonanza officially starts Friday, Nov. 25. Or as it’s more commonly known: Black Friday.
The precursor to the gift-giving season that is this hallowed Friday seems to be now inexorably tied to the industry I cover: consumer technology and gadgets. Perhaps 30 years ago, the shopping masses were more concerned with gifts of ties, mixers and Mattel toys — but now they seem to only have eyes for the battery-powered, pluggable and 3G-connected.
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Joshua Topolsky
An authoritative voice on technology and consumer electronics, Joshua Topolsky is the founding editor-in-chief of The Verge, a technology news and information Web site, and the former editor-in-chief of Engadget. He is the resident tech expert for NBC’s “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon” and has appeared on CNN, Fox News, Bloomberg TV and G4’s “Attack of the Show.” A lifelong gadget enthusiast, Joshua used his first computer at age 6 (a Texas Instruments TI-99/4A), and has been breaking apart and reassembling gadgets since phones had rotary dialers.
When I thought of my column this week, I wondered how I might provide some service to those brave souls who will risk being trampled — literally — in pursuit of a great deal. How could I aid those in need ... of savings?
I’ve decided to write a primer — a crash course of sorts — on what I might buy (and what I’ll definitely avoid) when you’re in the trenches this weekend. You don’t have to take my suggestions, of course. But they could save your life.
Tablets
The year 2011 probably will go down as “the year of the tablet,” so why not jump on the bandwagon? The truth is, you don’t have to sort through a lot of confusing options to figure out which tablet you’re taking home to the family (or friends, or whatever). For Black Friday, Apple has cut the price of its iPad 2 from $499 to $458, but that still pales in comparison to Amazon’s Kindle Fire price tag of $199. You’ll be able to do more with the iPad, but for that cost, you could get two Fires and still have money left over for a nice lunch. Either of these will delight, though the iPad 2 will probably be slightly more delightful.
Verizon is offering the Motorola Xoom for the very low price of $199.99, but be forewarned — that’s with a two-year contract.
Whatever you do, don’t go for the bargain basement Android tablets. If you think you’re getting a deal on a $99 tablet, think again. They’ll only break your heart.
Top 10 tablets
Laptops
Everyone is moving toward the portable, the luggable, the untethered. Only specialists are really antsy for a big desktop system. If you’ve got kids headed off to school, youngsters who need a homework companion or a busy spouse — you want some kind of laptop.
If you’ve got some cash to spend, you can’t go wrong with Apple’s latest MacBook Airs. The starting price has been cut for Black Friday, and you can pick one up starting at $898, which is dirt cheap by Apple standards. The super-thin laptop has enough horsepower and battery life to keep things going even on a busy day, and if you absolutely must run Windows, the Air can do double duty. If you want a pure Windows experience, you can get a massive HP Pavilion 17.3-inch laptop with a Blu-ray drive for $499 at Sam’s Club. It’s a bit large for my taste, but I’m guessing someone you know would love it.
If you’re looking for something absurdly affordable (and tiny), Target will sell you an Acer Aspire One 10.1-inch netbook for $175. That’s probably a doorbuster, so please be safe.
A word of warning. You may be tempted to buy someone in your life the $74.99 Sylvania Android netbook being sold at Toys R Us. Do not do it, unless destroying someone’s holiday dream is your idea of fun.
Top 10 laptops
Cameras
Believe it or not, people still need regular old cameras, and there are lots of deals to be had out there.
If you want a simple point-and-shoot, Amazon is offering the excellent Panasonic DMC-ZS9 (which has a Leica lens) for $179, or you can grab the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W570 from Wal-Mart for $99. If you’re looking for mega-zoom power, you can pick up the beefy Nikon L105 (which has 15x zoom) for $99 as well. Want to get a decent DSLR for someone? Why not pick up the Canon EOS Rebel T3 (with a zoom lens) for $479.99.
In case you missed the memo, Flip video cameras and their ilk are mostly on the way out. Check to see if your potential giftee has a newer smartphone or a small point-and-shoot they like to carry, and remember that something like an iPod touch can do decent video shooting, and lots more.
The best of the rest
There are always great TV deals this time of year. Wal-Mart has a 40-inch Emerson for $248, though I would also consider the 42-inch Sharp LC42SV49U which is selling for an absurdly low $199 at Best Buy. Neither one of these is going to be the finest set you can buy, but they’re both ultra-cheap.
If you want something that’s a bit more high-end, the $599 50-inch, plasma Panasonic TC-P50S30 would be an excellent choice.
There are plenty of options, no question, but at the end of the day the best advice I can give is this: Often with consumer electronics, you actually do get what you pay for. Instead of digging purely for the cheapest deals, you should consider the capabilities and features of what you buy. In the long run, you’ll end up getting far more bang for your buck, even if you don’t fill every stocking with a bundle of gadgetry.
Read also
http://svoyaset.ru/net/komi/pg/profile/mendelson
http://www.musicianhotspot.com/articles/entry/Do-away-with-Trojan-By-Following-Simple-Tips
The precursor to the gift-giving season that is this hallowed Friday seems to be now inexorably tied to the industry I cover: consumer technology and gadgets. Perhaps 30 years ago, the shopping masses were more concerned with gifts of ties, mixers and Mattel toys — but now they seem to only have eyes for the battery-powered, pluggable and 3G-connected.
8
Comments
Weigh In
Corrections?
inShare
Joshua Topolsky
An authoritative voice on technology and consumer electronics, Joshua Topolsky is the founding editor-in-chief of The Verge, a technology news and information Web site, and the former editor-in-chief of Engadget. He is the resident tech expert for NBC’s “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon” and has appeared on CNN, Fox News, Bloomberg TV and G4’s “Attack of the Show.” A lifelong gadget enthusiast, Joshua used his first computer at age 6 (a Texas Instruments TI-99/4A), and has been breaking apart and reassembling gadgets since phones had rotary dialers.
When I thought of my column this week, I wondered how I might provide some service to those brave souls who will risk being trampled — literally — in pursuit of a great deal. How could I aid those in need ... of savings?
I’ve decided to write a primer — a crash course of sorts — on what I might buy (and what I’ll definitely avoid) when you’re in the trenches this weekend. You don’t have to take my suggestions, of course. But they could save your life.
Tablets
The year 2011 probably will go down as “the year of the tablet,” so why not jump on the bandwagon? The truth is, you don’t have to sort through a lot of confusing options to figure out which tablet you’re taking home to the family (or friends, or whatever). For Black Friday, Apple has cut the price of its iPad 2 from $499 to $458, but that still pales in comparison to Amazon’s Kindle Fire price tag of $199. You’ll be able to do more with the iPad, but for that cost, you could get two Fires and still have money left over for a nice lunch. Either of these will delight, though the iPad 2 will probably be slightly more delightful.
Verizon is offering the Motorola Xoom for the very low price of $199.99, but be forewarned — that’s with a two-year contract.
Whatever you do, don’t go for the bargain basement Android tablets. If you think you’re getting a deal on a $99 tablet, think again. They’ll only break your heart.
Top 10 tablets
Laptops
Everyone is moving toward the portable, the luggable, the untethered. Only specialists are really antsy for a big desktop system. If you’ve got kids headed off to school, youngsters who need a homework companion or a busy spouse — you want some kind of laptop.
If you’ve got some cash to spend, you can’t go wrong with Apple’s latest MacBook Airs. The starting price has been cut for Black Friday, and you can pick one up starting at $898, which is dirt cheap by Apple standards. The super-thin laptop has enough horsepower and battery life to keep things going even on a busy day, and if you absolutely must run Windows, the Air can do double duty. If you want a pure Windows experience, you can get a massive HP Pavilion 17.3-inch laptop with a Blu-ray drive for $499 at Sam’s Club. It’s a bit large for my taste, but I’m guessing someone you know would love it.
If you’re looking for something absurdly affordable (and tiny), Target will sell you an Acer Aspire One 10.1-inch netbook for $175. That’s probably a doorbuster, so please be safe.
A word of warning. You may be tempted to buy someone in your life the $74.99 Sylvania Android netbook being sold at Toys R Us. Do not do it, unless destroying someone’s holiday dream is your idea of fun.
Top 10 laptops
Cameras
Believe it or not, people still need regular old cameras, and there are lots of deals to be had out there.
If you want a simple point-and-shoot, Amazon is offering the excellent Panasonic DMC-ZS9 (which has a Leica lens) for $179, or you can grab the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W570 from Wal-Mart for $99. If you’re looking for mega-zoom power, you can pick up the beefy Nikon L105 (which has 15x zoom) for $99 as well. Want to get a decent DSLR for someone? Why not pick up the Canon EOS Rebel T3 (with a zoom lens) for $479.99.
In case you missed the memo, Flip video cameras and their ilk are mostly on the way out. Check to see if your potential giftee has a newer smartphone or a small point-and-shoot they like to carry, and remember that something like an iPod touch can do decent video shooting, and lots more.
The best of the rest
There are always great TV deals this time of year. Wal-Mart has a 40-inch Emerson for $248, though I would also consider the 42-inch Sharp LC42SV49U which is selling for an absurdly low $199 at Best Buy. Neither one of these is going to be the finest set you can buy, but they’re both ultra-cheap.
If you want something that’s a bit more high-end, the $599 50-inch, plasma Panasonic TC-P50S30 would be an excellent choice.
There are plenty of options, no question, but at the end of the day the best advice I can give is this: Often with consumer electronics, you actually do get what you pay for. Instead of digging purely for the cheapest deals, you should consider the capabilities and features of what you buy. In the long run, you’ll end up getting far more bang for your buck, even if you don’t fill every stocking with a bundle of gadgetry.
Read also
http://svoyaset.ru/net/komi/pg/profile/mendelson
http://www.musicianhotspot.com/articles/entry/Do-away-with-Trojan-By-Following-Simple-Tips
5 Tips for Safe Mobile Shopping on Black Friday, Cyber Monday
Thanks to convenience of mobile devices, you don't even have to get out of bed to snag an incredible Black Friday or Cyber Monday deal. Just a few taps on your handheld device and that $98 19-inch LCD TV from Walmart is on its way to your doorstep.
According to the National Retail Federation, 53 percent of smartphone owners and 71 percent of tablet owners plan to use their devices to shop this holiday season, whether researching products, redeeming coupons, or making actual transactions.
Holiday Gifts At the same time, holidays mark the peak season for online thievery, and mobile devices are untapped treasure troves. Last week we reported that Android malware surged nearly five-fold since July. In actual numbers, malware still affects no more than two percent of Android users in the U.S., but that doesn't mean you can let down your guard (in fact the bad guys assume you do). To use an analogy for less tech-savvy people: Using your mobile devices to shop this holiday is akin to being in a fenced-in playground full of rookie pick pocketers, while your wallet is open and in the palm of your hand.
We've compiled a list of five tips to ensure safe mobile shopping this year. Follow these and you'll drastically reduce the chances of anyone stealing personal information stored in your phone.
1. Don't buy anything while connected to public Wi-Fi.
Public Wi-Fi networks aren't encrypted, which means anyone can eavesdrop on what you send. Anyone! All a black hat hacker needs is a free packet-sniffer (like Wireshark, 4.5 stars and a PCMag Editors' Choice), which captures packets of data across unsecured networks. So really, avoid looking at anything on your mobile device that you wouldn't want the guy next to you in the coffee shop to see.
2. Use discretion when downloading payment apps.
There's a dizzying variety of mobile payment apps out there, but before you download any, be sure to check out the ratings, read the reviews, and search online for any claims of being scammed. When in doubt, use apps provided directly by your bank, credit card company, or retailer (like Amazon.com, Target, Best Buy, etc.). Most mobile malware comes from downloading legitimate-looking apps from third-party app stores.
3. Go through legitimate app stores only.
Speaking of which, don't look for cheap shortcuts. When downloading any app, make sure it's from a legitimate app store like Apple’s App Store, Google’s Android Market, and Amazon's Appstore for Android; these official stores use some sort of vetting process to weed out malicious apps (Apple and Amazon do it pre-emptively, Google does it retroactively).
4. Never enter personal information on a site that begins with only http://.
If a website asks for your credit card information, always check that the web address begins with https, which means the site has SSL (secure sockets layer) encryption installed. On unsecured networks, (those that have only have http://), a hacker can easily steal personal information like usernames, passwords, and credit card numbers.
5. Be careful where you click.
Just like you do on a PC, be selective when deciding whether to click on links within emails, SMS, and social networking sites that ask for your personal information. A few mobile security products, like Lookout Premium, Trend Micro Mobile Security for Android, Webroot Mobile Security for Android, and McAfee Mobile Security will scan links for phishing attempts or malware attacks.
For more ways to ramp up security on your smartphone or tablet, check out our pick of the best 15 Mobile Security Tools. Also check out 11 Tips For Safe Shopping Online Shopping,all of which are relevant to mobile shopping as well.
Read also
http://walk4mewednesdays.com/4.01/articles/entry/Remove-Trojan-Horse-Virus-By-Using-Easy-Suggestions
http://www.pal.am/profile.php?ID=19853
According to the National Retail Federation, 53 percent of smartphone owners and 71 percent of tablet owners plan to use their devices to shop this holiday season, whether researching products, redeeming coupons, or making actual transactions.
Holiday Gifts At the same time, holidays mark the peak season for online thievery, and mobile devices are untapped treasure troves. Last week we reported that Android malware surged nearly five-fold since July. In actual numbers, malware still affects no more than two percent of Android users in the U.S., but that doesn't mean you can let down your guard (in fact the bad guys assume you do). To use an analogy for less tech-savvy people: Using your mobile devices to shop this holiday is akin to being in a fenced-in playground full of rookie pick pocketers, while your wallet is open and in the palm of your hand.
We've compiled a list of five tips to ensure safe mobile shopping this year. Follow these and you'll drastically reduce the chances of anyone stealing personal information stored in your phone.
1. Don't buy anything while connected to public Wi-Fi.
Public Wi-Fi networks aren't encrypted, which means anyone can eavesdrop on what you send. Anyone! All a black hat hacker needs is a free packet-sniffer (like Wireshark, 4.5 stars and a PCMag Editors' Choice), which captures packets of data across unsecured networks. So really, avoid looking at anything on your mobile device that you wouldn't want the guy next to you in the coffee shop to see.
2. Use discretion when downloading payment apps.
There's a dizzying variety of mobile payment apps out there, but before you download any, be sure to check out the ratings, read the reviews, and search online for any claims of being scammed. When in doubt, use apps provided directly by your bank, credit card company, or retailer (like Amazon.com, Target, Best Buy, etc.). Most mobile malware comes from downloading legitimate-looking apps from third-party app stores.
3. Go through legitimate app stores only.
Speaking of which, don't look for cheap shortcuts. When downloading any app, make sure it's from a legitimate app store like Apple’s App Store, Google’s Android Market, and Amazon's Appstore for Android; these official stores use some sort of vetting process to weed out malicious apps (Apple and Amazon do it pre-emptively, Google does it retroactively).
4. Never enter personal information on a site that begins with only http://.
If a website asks for your credit card information, always check that the web address begins with https, which means the site has SSL (secure sockets layer) encryption installed. On unsecured networks, (those that have only have http://), a hacker can easily steal personal information like usernames, passwords, and credit card numbers.
5. Be careful where you click.
Just like you do on a PC, be selective when deciding whether to click on links within emails, SMS, and social networking sites that ask for your personal information. A few mobile security products, like Lookout Premium, Trend Micro Mobile Security for Android, Webroot Mobile Security for Android, and McAfee Mobile Security will scan links for phishing attempts or malware attacks.
For more ways to ramp up security on your smartphone or tablet, check out our pick of the best 15 Mobile Security Tools. Also check out 11 Tips For Safe Shopping Online Shopping,all of which are relevant to mobile shopping as well.
Read also
http://walk4mewednesdays.com/4.01/articles/entry/Remove-Trojan-Horse-Virus-By-Using-Easy-Suggestions
http://www.pal.am/profile.php?ID=19853
"Muscle Building Workouts" - New Android Application That Will Help Users Strengthen and Tone Their Muscles
Nis, Serbia and Montenegro, November 26, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Webelinx has launched new android health and fitness application that is focused on providing male users with demonstration, tips and advice on how to build muscles and burn the fat. Now users can workout at home and achieve the same results they would from going to the gym.
This application contains more than 900 workout videos with diet tips and advice on how to increase muscle strength. There is a huge variety of different exercises, so everyone can find the workout routine that suits him best. New workout videos with the best muscle building workout routines are added every day. Users will build muscle mass and lean muscle in the shortest time possible by performing exercises from these workout videos. These videos show how to perform exercises properly, which foods are the best for muscle building and which rules should be obeyed to build the desired muscles.
Link to Android Market (free app):
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.musclebuilding
Webelinx LLC, based in Nis, Serbia, is a prospective company for high-quality and adequate development of applications for mobile devices. Webelinx also offers wide variety of services from web design to marketing solutions.
Read also
http://perkyfriends.com/articles/entry/Removing-Computer-programs-From-Your-PC-In-A-Lot-Easier-Way
http://www.lawyersindia.com/community/pg/profile/wandal
This application contains more than 900 workout videos with diet tips and advice on how to increase muscle strength. There is a huge variety of different exercises, so everyone can find the workout routine that suits him best. New workout videos with the best muscle building workout routines are added every day. Users will build muscle mass and lean muscle in the shortest time possible by performing exercises from these workout videos. These videos show how to perform exercises properly, which foods are the best for muscle building and which rules should be obeyed to build the desired muscles.
Link to Android Market (free app):
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.musclebuilding
Webelinx LLC, based in Nis, Serbia, is a prospective company for high-quality and adequate development of applications for mobile devices. Webelinx also offers wide variety of services from web design to marketing solutions.
Read also
http://perkyfriends.com/articles/entry/Removing-Computer-programs-From-Your-PC-In-A-Lot-Easier-Way
http://www.lawyersindia.com/community/pg/profile/wandal
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