Monthly Archives: March 2013

Before Apple launched the iPad, one of its most popular products was the Macintosh computer. Macs were available as desktops or laptops, and they were the main source of competition for PCs. Nearly all of Apple's advertising revenue was poured into the Mac, and you heard about the Mac anytime computers were discussed. Today, however, Apple has a new golden child: the iPad. Although Apple originally meant for the iPad to add to its arsenal of computer products, its release has caused some unintended consequences for the Mac.

iPad's Effect on the Mac

Prior to the development of iPad there were two types of computer consumers: those who bought Apple products and those who bought PCs. However, Mac could never quite keep up with the PC. According to sources, PCs dominated 92 percent of the market in 2009, whereas Mac held only 5 percent. Then, in the early months of 2010, Apple released the iPad in hopes of capturing a larger share of the market.

Although Apple's iPad did boost the company's revenue and draw in more consumers from the PC side of the market, it also eclipsed some of Apple's existing products, including Macintosh desktop and laptop computers.

iPad Versus Mac

When examining the differences between the iPad and the Mac, it is easy to see why the iPad has enjoyed so much more success in the market. Before the iPad emerged, users of Apple products had only the Mac to turn to for most of their internet-based activities. Surfing the web, email, games, and reading were only possible on these larger Apple computer products. Though some basic activities could be completed on smartphones, the screen simply wasn't big enough for most users.

The iPad, however, combined the best of both worlds for consumers. It allowed users to complete all of the same tasks they could on their Macs, but it was light and portable like a smartphone. The screen was large enough for easy reading, video watching, and game play, but not so large that users couldn't tote the machine along with them to work, school, and on vacation. Thus, many people who had previously relied on a Mac or other computer applications for access to the Internet began to use the iPad.

The Future

Although it is unlikely that Apple's iPad will completely destroy the market for Macs, some changes are undeniable. Some tasks, such as large amounts of typing, are still easier to complete on a laptop or desktop. However, consumers who don't have the need to complete such tasks on a regular basis may avoid purchasing a larger machine, especially since the iPad is more user-friendly and intuitive than the Mac. Likewise, even those who do need a desktop or laptop for certain tasks may be less inclined to upgrade or replace existing machinery since they will be using their iPad for most other activities.

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According to a recent Forbes article, an estimated 48.6 million Americans used an eReader at least once a month in 2012. This represented nearly a 44 percent increase over 2011 numbers. The number of Americans using eReaders is expected to rise in the coming years. The same article also reported that 11 percent of book readers now strictly use digital means when it comes to their reading selections.

Are you one of the millions that have finally decided to take the plunge and invest in an eReader only to find yourself somewhat bewildered by all the options that are available to you? Aside from the tablet vs. eReader debate, there are tons of straight eReader options out there to choose from.

How do you know which one is the right choice for you?

Tablet vs. eReader

This is a debate that’s sure to rage on for a while. The first thing you need to consider is whether you’re looking for something to function simply as an eReader or if you want something with a little more functionality. Basic eReaders with e ink displays are readable – even in direct sunlight. This makes them perfect to take along for beach reading, kids’ softball practice, and any other activities or locations that would make reading impossible on a tablet device. However, if you want something with more features, you might be happier with a tablet.

Battery Life

This is an important consideration. Battery life varies greatly depending on how heavily you use your eReader, how many pages you turn, and whether or not you leave the Wi-Fi on. Kindle’s e-ink reader with keyboard, for example, lasts up to two months on a single charge if the Wi-Fi is disabled and about ten days with the Wi-Fi on. Many owners choose to leave the Wi-Fi off unless they want to look for books or load new books onto their devices. People report similar results while using Nook’s Simple Touch and when using Amazon Kindle’s Paperwhitedevices. Tablet devices, by comparison, typically range from 7.5 to 11 hours on a single charge.

Price

Price is a major concern for struggling families everywhere. Kindle offers a few hefty benefits in the price department. First, Amazon offers a lower price on eReaders if readers are willing to receive special offers. Additionally, membership in Amazon Prime costs a yearly fee and provides readers with several “perks” – one of which is borrowing one free Kindle book per month. Finally, there are hundreds of free eBooks to download from Amazon on any given day. This provides readers the opportunity to explore new writers and helps them keep their eBook budgets in check.

Barnes and Noble’s Nook also offers a few low-cost eReader options without the special offer requirement with an impressive selection of Nook books free of charge. The good news for you, as a consumer, is that there is stiff competition driving prices down on eReaders in general. The odds are good that you’ll be able to find an excellent eReader in your budget – even if it lacks a few bells and whistles the newer models offer.

Size

You’ll find that eReaders come in a wide range of sizes and shapes. Like most eReader features, size comes down to a matter of preference. The average screen size for an e ink eReader is about 6 inches. Tablet devices are often larger in size and price than devices that are strictly eReaders. Nook HD comes in a 7” size and Kindle Fire comes in your choice of a 7” display or 8.9” display. The iPad mini is 7.9” and the standard iPad is 9.7”.

Each eReader has a little something special that sets it apart from the others, including amount of memory, quality of backlit display, and processor speed. You’ll have to explore those options and make a selection based on the one reader that offers the options that are most appealing to you – and within your price range. Fortunately, the average eReader is an affordable investment once you consider the benefits that go along with it.

Whichever eReader you end up selecting, make sure you protect your investment with a high quality eReader skin protector.

Building on the success of its most recent release, the Galaxy S3, Samsung unveiled its next conquest, the Galaxy S4. Because the Galaxy S3 has been on the market for such a short amount of time, Samsung lovers everywhere are wondering whether the phone is worthy of an upgrade so soon. To help you make the choice, consider the comparison below.

Specifications

The specifications offered on the Galaxy S4 are strikingly similar to those available on the S3. In fact, the processors are exactly the same. Just like the 2012 release of the Galaxy S3, the S4 will come in two different versions, one that runs with a 1.6GHz processor and one that runs with a 1.9GHz processor.

The S4 will look and feel a bit bigger than the S3, as the screen is .2 inches bigger than its predecessor. The S4 is also a bit thinner and lighter than the S3, and the screen resolution is slightly better (1080p up from 720p on the S3). Finally, the Galaxy S4 comes with a 13MP camera, as opposed to the 8MP camera available on the S3.

Features

Unlike the specifications, which are largely the same as those of the Galaxy S3, the Galaxy S4's features are different enough to set it above its predecessor. The Samsung Galaxy S3 was the first to come with S-Voice, S-Beam, Direct Call and Smart Stay, all of which are still available on the S4. However, the S4 is also unveiling some new features. For example, the S4 comes equipped with S-Voice Drive, a new voice control system that allows you to control the phone hands-free. The phone also comes with S Health, which allows you to keep track of your fitness and other important health information, like your blood glucose levels or blood pressure.

Even more impressive, the Galaxy S4 offers a new feature known as Samsung Smart Pause, which detects your eye movements and pauses videos when you aren't looking at the screen. The phone also comes with Samsung Smart Scroll, which allows you to scroll through content simply by tilting the phone in the logical direction. Furthermore, the S4 offers Air Gesture, which allows you to accept calls, scroll through content or change music tracks simply by waving your hand.

Finally, the Samsung S4 comes with an innovative Dual Camera, capable of synchronizing videos and photos taken from both of its cameras, and it debuts Group Play, which allows you to wirelessly share music, games and videos with the people around you.

To Upgrade or Not to Upgrade?

Though the upgraded specifications are hardly sufficient to warrant an exchange, the new features that accompany the S4 are likely to be tempting for many users. Choosing whether to upgrade to the Samsung S4 depends on just how important these new features would be in your life. For example, if you love the idea of controlling your phone hands-free and using S Health to monitor your physical fitness, an upgrade may be the logical choice.

Either way, it’s up to you but don’t let your choice affect the quality of your screen. Remember, you don’t have control over any scratches or cracks so make sure to purchase one of our screen protectors for your Samsung Galaxy S3 today. Don't forget to keep checking back for our own Samsung Galaxy S4 screen skins.

For months before its release Apple fans were speculating about the features rumored to come with the iPhone 5: a bigger screen, faster processing, and better software were all expected. The anticipation grew as the release date came closer. Now that the long-awaited gadget has arrived, techies look back to determine whether it lived up to all of the excitement.

Differences

The iPhone 5 isn't just a newer version of the 4S. Apple has tweaked it in many ways, and users are overwhelmingly happy with the changes. Some of the differences between the iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S are:

• Slim, light design
• Faster processor
• Bigger screen
• 4G LTE technologies
• Free navigation (only sometimes available on the 4S)
• Higher quality speakerphone
• Better quality images.

The 4G LTE alone is a significant selling point for the iPhone 5. According to anecdotal evidence from users, 4G LTE is faster than many Wi-Fi networks. In fact, some users have programmed their iPhones to ignore local Wi-Fi networks and stick to 4G LTE at all times, simply because this new technology seems to be more efficient. The longer screen and improved aspect ratio are also particularly impressive. Though users indicate that the difference is subtle at first, it's difficult to go back to the iPhone 4S once you've enjoyed this new perspective. The home screen can fit an additional row of icons, and movies no longer appear in letterbox.

In addition to the other upgraded features, Siri has received a makeover for the iPhone 5, and she is now able to respond more intelligently to many of a user's requests.

Cons

Though the iPhone 5 brought a lot of upgrades to the table, tech experts still see room for improvement. Though the screen is larger than that of the iPhone 4S, it isn't as big as some of the other popular smart phones on the market, such as the Samsung Galaxy S3. The iPhone 5's battery life also leaves something to be desired.

Summary

The iPhone 5 isn't perfect and there is no doubt that Apple will release yet another new model in the future. However, with its multitude of innovative new features and upgrades, no one can deny that the iPhone 5 lived up to the hype. Users asked for a larger screen, faster processing and better applications, and Apple definitely delivered.

What new features or changes would you like to see on the next iPhone model? Don’t forget to protect your investment with our iPhone 5 body skins; we have both screen protectors and full body protection.