Best way to buy an iPad?
By Todd Bernhard, March 11, 2010
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I am on record as having a few reservations about the iPad, but I still firmly plan to pick one up on Day 1. So the questionI ask is similar to one I posed re the iPhone. Where is the best place to buy an iPad?
Effective March 12, prospective customers will be able to pre-order one from Apple. I will probably go this route, to ensure I can get one soon. There are rumors of delays due to software and/or hardware, so if supplies are constrained, I want to make sure I'm one of the lucky ones.
App Store gets Adult Supervision... too heavy handed?
By Todd Bernhard, February 21, 2010
"Apple has reversed their policy". If I've heard it once, I've heard it a million times. Actually, I google'd those words and found 994,000 results, so that's not an exaggeration! Apple has had enough of the 'bikini' apps and has begun removing such apps from the App Store.
I must admit, I am a bit conflicted here. As a father, it can be frustrating seeing 17+ apps when doing searches or browsing the App Store. Those apps obviously sell, but that pushes other apps down in the rankings, making it harder to sell. As a developer of family-friendly apps, this is also frustrating because it means less "exposure" (pun intended) for my apps!
Are you brave enough for Hangman RSS?
By Todd Bernhard, February 11, 2010
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Are you a news junkie? Do you like word games? Are you brave enough for Hangman RSS? Don't worry, your life isn't at risk...
The iPad: Good enough to displace assorted single-purpose gadgets
By Todd Bernhard, February 4, 2010
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I never liked being called "Jack of all trades" because the assumption that follows is "Master of none." In reality, I consider myself to be a Renaissance man, capable of performing well in multiple fields, such as programming, marketing, design, teaching, and writing. This has served me well as an entrepreneur. The iPad is in a similar position. The iPad may not be the best eBook reader because it doesn't use e-Ink which aids screen legibility and battery life, but it's pretty darn good. The iPad may not accept DVDs or SD cards, which my current portable video player does, but it's pretty darn good. The iPad might not be the best video game platform because it lacks physical buttons, but it's pretty darn good.
iVideochat: The missing link for the iPad & iPhone
By Todd Bernhard, January 29, 2010
While I will definitely be buying an iPad on Day 1, I am on record as being disappointed there is no built-in camera, let alone two. Cameras are included in just about every cellphone and even the lowly iPod nano and Nintendo DSi. Imagine the gaming, Augmented Reality, and videoconferencing capabilities this feature would have enabled. Instead of the mixed reaction the iPad has garnered, the appeal of the iPad would have been a no-brainer, just by including a camera. I have to believe a future iPad will have at least one camera. But for now, I Photoshopped the following creation in the hopes it might inspire a vendor to create such a hardware and software combination.
iPad disappointments... and why I will buy one on Day 1!
By Todd Bernhard, January 27, 2010
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The shine is off the Apple, so to speak. Now that the rumors have been put to rest, we can examine the iPad in detail.
There are some significant advances and as Apple would put it, elements of magic, in this new device. And make no mistake, I will definitely be buying one, if for no other reason than product research and to test my current apps and develop new ones for this unique device.
However, I must say I am disappointed in a few areas.
The Tablet: Predicting the Unpredictable
By Todd Bernhard, January 20, 2010
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Speculation is running rampant. What will Apple present next?
I propose that Apple doesn't even know what they are about to unleash.
Consider the iPhone. Originally, it had a handful of Apple-provided apps, with no third party options (aside from Google Maps, YouTube, etc.) Users told Apple where to go, and they actually listened. And that was the best decision they could have made.
I maintain that Apple is providing a new platform that will take us places even Steve Jobs can't predict.
CES: Dexim P-Flip... SOLAR Power to the People!
By Todd Bernhard, January 13, 2010
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Shakespeare's Richard III cried "A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse!" At CES, the commodity most in demand was power, followed closely by Wi-Fi, 3G, and SD cards! Journalists and attendees "jacked in" like The Matrix, wherever possible, and many people came up to the iPhone Life booth asking if they could charge their iPhones!
NOTE TO EDITOR: Bring extra chargers to MacWorld and let visitors charge their phones at our booth!
We love the iPhone, but the lack of a removable battery means you need something external that doesn't add too much bulk.
CES: Not all gadgets use batteries
By Todd Bernhard, January 13, 2010
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Some of the most interesting items at CES don't use electricity. We found several accessories that enhance the electronic lifestyle, while made entirely out of non-technical materials.
CES: PocketCPR: Get an app, save a life!
By Todd Bernhard, January 13, 2010
The App Store is like the weather. Everybody complains about it but nobody does anything about it. The store is still full of junk apps and people still buy them. But every once in a while you come across an app that is worthwhile and in this case, could actually save lives.
PocketCPR is such an app. While labeled for "TRAINING USE ONLY" and I'm sure some lawyers would have something to say about it, the idea is to guide you through Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in an emergency. The app leverages the accelerometer to determine how well you are performing and give you audible and visual advice if you need to go faster or slower.
