Android vs. iPhone

Lately, I've seen a lot of articles about how iPhones are so much better than Android devices, or that Androids will take over the world and Apple should be running scared. So far I think we would all have to admit that Apple has done an exceptional job with the iPhone (and iPod Touches). They have sold a ton of them, and everyone seemed to want one. Yes, meant to use past tense. Now that there is a real competitor in the market, Apple has to be a little concerned. They still have an excellent product, and the quality and quantity of applications that they have in their app store is unbeatable, but how long will it last?

With the plethora of Android phones (and other devices) available, it seems like will will continue to see a pretty big shift away from the iPhone. This may change if and when iPhone's are available on other networks, but I still think it will continue. I will admit that I have an HTC Evo 4G and I also have an older model iPod Touch. I've had the iPod longer, and honestly, when I got my hands he EVO, it was great. The screen was bigger, it was better to use, and it was just cool. My iPod is now a toy for my daughters to play with.

My biases are obvious, even though the iPhone is still a good product, unless Apple can do something dramatic, they will loose this battle. Their are more phones, more features, and more variety with the Android phones, and the number and quality of applications available for the phones will increase pretty quickly for the coming years.


Just to be fair I thought I would mention two of the other contenders in the market: Blackberry and Microsoft. I used to have to carry a Blackberry Pearl for work and hated it. It worked OK as a phone, and was barely passable for reading texts and emails, but it was impossible to use the web. It was a complete waste of space as a smart phone. I know that they have come out with some newer phones and features, but it it's too late. Backberry had their chance.

Microsoft is another issue entirely, they have tried time and time again to create a decent mobile operating system, and failed each time. I don't think this time will be any different. I haven't used the new Windows phones, but just looking at the user interface makes me cringe. I will give Microsoft credit for trying to think outside the box, but I think they completely forgot about the box, and ended up with something else entirely.

Why would anyone buy an iPad

I've been wondering over the last few months why anyone would buy an Apple iPad. They seem to be fairly limited in what they can do. Wouldn't you be better off with just a smart phone or a netbook? It seems like iPad's are trying to fill a niche that isn't there.

But still people buy them. Are they using them as e-book readers, or running iPhone apps for people with poor eyesight. They just seem to bulky for what little they can do. I have to assume that I am  wrong since so many people use them, but yet I still struggle to see the value. Personally, I would even be hesitant to buy a tablet computer, when I could just go with a laptop instead. Maybe I'm just not the "target market," and that's why I don't understand.

Holiday Sale Madness

It seems like almost everything is on sale this holiday season. Especially in the electronics arena. I've seen laptops, desktops, HDTV's, Blu-ray players, and almost everything else you can think of on sale. Overall we all know that the prices of most technology products goes down over time, and the quality/feature set goes up. But these price changes happen in fits and bouts. Prices don't just go down slowly over time, they seem to jump up and down, with the overall trend being a gradual decline. Overall I think this is a good thing for the consumer, but personally it would be nice to see consistent price decreases. Sometimes I think it is frustrating to feel like I need to buy something now, instead of waiting a few months, just because I think I will get a better deal (But maybe that's just a personal problem). Ideally I'd like to know that when I walk into a store or buy something online, that I'm getting the best possible price, independent of which day I buy it on.

Handheld computers

My wife has been trying to decide on some sort of hand held computer/device. At first she wanted an iPhone, then realized the monthly costs weren't worth it. Then she wanted an iPod touch, because it can do many of the same things. Then we stopped by a store and she noticed an Archos internet media tablet. It's got a bigger screen than an iPod touch and some versions appear to run the Android operating system. Now I have the fun task to see if any of these options will actually do what she wants, and then convince her what will be best. Isn't it fun being the local tech guru.

Computers Everywhere

It seems like computers are becoming more and more pervasive. They are all over the place: smart phones, cars, GPS units, and many other devices. Basic computer technology is just so cheap. You can slap a processor, memory and/or flash memory into a very small space for a very cheap price. Some devices might need a screen or some form of input like buttons, but it just depends on what the device is intended for.

Where will the next big push go? I keep hearing about appliances like fridges with built in computers to tell you what's in your fridge and what you need to buy at the store. But these haven't really been widely available. Maybe it will be in clothing? Your show will be able to track and trend how many steps you take, and how far you go on a daily basis.

All I can assume is that computers will continue to be more and more available and used in our every day lives; and not just traditional desktops or laptops. How long until computers will be embedded in us?

Computer prices vs. Computer power

I just finished buying components for a new PC for my wife, and I surprise myself every time with how cheap computers are. For only about $500 I was able to build a quad core computer with 8 GB of memory and a GeForce 9500 with 512 MB of memory and a 500 GB hard drive. I think the first computer that I bought was a 486 DX2 with a 66 MHz processor and I don't even remember how much memory or disk space.

It seems like most people don't even have the need for expensive computers anymore. Most mainstream computers can handle almost anything you can throw at them. There will always be specific tasks that can take advantage of high end computers and workstations, but most people don't need these. From basic tasks like word processing and browsing the Internet, to high end computer games: most computers will handle the job just fine.

When I was younger I always used to dream about high-end super powerful computers. I'd go to a computer website like Dell and spec out the coolest most expensive computer I could. Most of those computers I dreamed about are less powerful than the computer I just bought. I almost think that computers are plateauing: I don't see the same rush to make a faster processor or build a bigger hard drive. Mots of the basic computer technology is more than sufficient for the next few years at least. It just seem like we need processors faster than 3 GHz, or disk drive greater than 1 TB for home desktop computers. What we need now is applications and operating systems that can take advantage of the power they have available to make our lives and jobs easier. Hopefully someone will take the job.

Why are netbooks so popular?

I've been wondering lately why netbooks are becoming so popular. I've always seen these devices as a small niche market between smart phones and real latops. They seem to be smack dab in the middle of the two worlds, with few of the advantages of either. Smart phones are ultra portable - they fit in you pocket. They may lack in processing power and screen real estate, but you can take them everywhere. Laptops are not as portable but you can still take them with you on the go. They can have considerable processing power and good screen size, so they are still very useful computing platforms.

Netbooks seem to fall in the middle. They are small but not small enough to carry in your pocket, seems like you would still need a briefcase or bag to carry them around in. They don't seem much more powerful than a smartphone and have considerably less screen real estate than a laptop.

Maybe I'm just not the target audience. I either want ultimate portability, where I'm willing to sacrifice performance; or I want ultimate power so I can get real work done. But I'm a software developer and a techie, so I probably have different needs than the average Joe.

eBooks and eReaders

For a few months now I've been thinking about getting an eReader. The Sony Reader seems nice, and it has been around for a while, but Amazon Kindle has been getting a lot of press since it came out. Seems like it has a few too many features for my tastes (I just want a basic device that I can load books onto.)

Take a look as these two and let me know if any of you have any preference, or any other good ideas.