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Month: June, 2010

Sports Illustrated iPad App

I Love Sports Illustrated and SI has a new iPad app. I’ve been anxiously waiting for this one. I love the magazine. It’s got some of the best photography you’ll ever see inside. Bill Frakes is a personal hero of mine.

But I’m already a little bit bummed. While the SI iPad is free, each issue of the magazine is $4.99. That’s pretty steep. You can preview each issue to make sure it’s got content you’re interested in, but at $4.99, I am not sure this is a sustainable business model. Think about what you can get for $4.99. You can buy tens of thousands of fully functioning iPad/iPhone apps that don’t come with additional subscription fees. You can rent a movie or a video game. You can buy a used book or CD for $4.99. You can buy the SI print edition for less than $4.99.

If magazine publishers are going to look to the iPad to save their businesses, they’re going to have to get a little more creative and a little less greedy.

In the case of SI, they could and should in my opinion, offer some sort of bundled print, web and iPad combo subscription. If I already subscribe to the print edition, why should I pay $4.99 more for the iPad edition?

And beyond the pricing and the business model, the content needs to be special too. In the case of the SI iPad application I am glad to see some multimedia and some interactive content. I am also glad to see more photos. But it’s not WOW – content. It’s just good content. For $4.99 I want WOW. I’d be happy with what they have at about $2.99.

Hopefully the print magazines we all know and love will put someone other than the traditional bean counters in charge of figuring out a better business model for selling content on the iPad.

For now, we have to be content that SI is at least paying attention to this new technology. That’s a good thing. It will help convince other traditional print magazines to try the iPad. They just have to figure out how to do it a little cheaper.

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This post sponsored by the Digital SLR Store

by admin on June 29, 2010
filed in News, Reviews

Does the iPad Really Come With a Halo Effect?

by admin on June 28, 2010
filed in poll
tagged

New Lexar Media Multi-Card 24-in-1 USB Reader Works W/ iPad

NOTE: Cross-posted at Photofocus.com

There are lots of good card readers out there. So why one more? Well in the case of the Lexar 24-IN1 Card Reader the answer is simple. It’s a one size fits all solution to moving data from a memory card to computer that just works, and very well. But wait – there’s more!

I don’t care what kind of memory card you use, I’ll bet the Lexar reader can read it. In fact, this product reads 24 different formats of memory card. As far as I know, that’s every kind you can think of.

But not only does this card reader support moving data from memory card to computer, it supports card-to-card file transfer which is downright cool and convenient. But wait – there’s more!

One really nice surprise is that the 24-in-1 reader is fully compatible with the Apple iPad. If you have Apple’s Camera Connection kit and the Lexar 24-in-1 USB reader you can read camera memory cards directly into the iPad. Very cool.

The The Lexar Multi-Card 24-in-1 USB Reader supports the following memory cards formats:

• CompactFlash slot: CompactFlash® Type I and Type II
• Secure Digital slot: SD™, SDHC™, miniSD™, miniSDHC™, MMC™, MMCplus™, and RS-MMC™
• Mobile slot: microSD™, microSDHC™, and M2™
• Memory Stick slot: Memory Stick™, Memory Stick (with
Lexar Media Multi-Card 24-in-1 USB Reader Mini Review

MagicGate™), Memory Stick PRO™, Memory Stick PRO Duo™, Memory Stick Duo (with MagicGate), Memory Stick PRO Duo Mark 2, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™, and Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo “HX”
• xD-Picture Card slot: xD-Picture Card™, xD-Picture Card Type-M, xD-Picture Card Type-M+, and xD-Picture Card Type-H

I tested this product with CF cards, SD cards and Sony Memory Sticks. The reader had no problem dealing with all of them. It was also very speedy.

If I had a quibble with this product it would be that it uses a USB mini to USB cable. While those are becoming easier to find, they aren’t exactly available everywhere. If the supplied cable ever failed and you were on a trip to someplace like Africa, you might have trouble finding another cable, whereas if Lexar had selected a standard sized USB to USB cable, you can buy one of those just about anywhere. That said, it’s the smallest of nits against a very good, sturdy, well-designed product.

The Lexar Multi-Card 24-in-1 USB Reader includes a one-year limited warranty. Highly recommended.

by admin on June 26, 2010
filed in Reviews
tagged , ,

PadPundit Podcast Episode #9

You can simply download the MP3 of the show here.

For those who have an iPad, iPhone or iPod the preferred (and best) way to enjoy the PadPundit Podcast is via iTunes.

Subscribe free in iTunes here.

If you don’t want the best PadPundit Podcast experience….

Subscribe free to the NON-iTunes feed here.

PadPundit Episode 9

Host: Scott Bourne (www.scottbourne.com or www.twitter.com/scottbourne) & Andy Ihnatko (www.cwob.com or www.twitter.com/ihnatko)

Show notes by Bruce Clarke (www.momentsindigital.com or www.twitter.com/bruceclarke)

Welcome to Episode 9 of PadPundit with your hosts Scott Bourne and Andy Ihnatko. PadPundit is the show devoted to all things iPad and other worthy entrants into the tablet computing category. This week, Scott and Andy talk about WWDC and iOS 4.0.

World Wide Developer’s Conference

Andy recently attended the WWDC Conference where the new iPhone was announced. Andy was surprised at the lack of announcements around the iPad at WWDC other than talking about iBooks. Many developers feel that the iPad represents a great opportunity for their applications. Everyone at WWDC was sporting an iPad so Andy was glad he had his custom iPad skin on his.

Scott thinks that with Morgan Stanley’s prediction of Apple selling 10 Million iPads, then there are lots of opportunities for developers. Andy still thinks that since developers do have to learn a unique set of tools for each platform whether it be WebOS, Android, iPhone, or for Windows Phone 7, they really have to be committed to their choice. Scott has invested in some iPad applications and thinks that these numbers are encouraging and will only get better.

Andy still thinks there are still some challenges in terms of developers having their applications accepted into the app store and the lack of clear direction on what will cause an application to be rejected.

Scott thinks that is the popular opinion but the facts are that most applications are accepted very quickly and without issue. He sees it as no different than the rest of the distribution world. He does wish the guidelines were clearer. Based on his experiences with Android based devices, Scott doesn’t think they will take off or nail the end-to-end integration as well as Apple does.

Is Apple Abandoning the Computer Space?

Scott asks Andy if he thinks that Apple is now just a mobile company and have moved out of the computer space? Andy doesn’t think they have moved out of the computer space but was surprised when there were no sessions on Mac OS. That might have been because they didn’t release a new version of the OS. Scott wonders if they are moving out of the computer space because there were none of the usual announcements at WWDC with regards to new MacBooks, Mac Pros or updates to Mac OS.

iOS 4 Update & WWDC Surprises

Andy thinks that many of the features of iOS 4 makes the iPhone feel more like an iPad nano (e.g being able use a mechanical keyboard with the iPhone, etc). Scott predicts that when iOS 4 for the iPad is launched this fall, it will be launched with a new model of the iPad. In terms of surprises at WWDC, there really wasn’t much in the way of announcements that weren’t expected or were surprising. The only big surprise was the quality of the camera and the presence of iMovie.

Wrap Up

Join us on the next episode where Scott and Andy will discuss the latest news and information on the iPad. Subscribe to the Podcast in iTunes and be sure to visit the web site for news, updates, and lots of information. You can also follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/padpundit and have the chance to win an iPad. If you have questions or comments, send them to padpundit@me.com.

Scott Bourne is at www.scottbourne.com or www.twitter.com/scottbourne

Andy Ihnatko is at www.cwob.com or www.twitter.com/ihnatko

Show notes by Edmonton Wedding Photographer Bruce Clarke www.momentsindigital.com or www.twitter.com/bruceclarke

by admin on June 23, 2010
filed in Audio Podcast
tagged

Digital Magazine/Newspaper Editions on Products Like iPad Can Work

A consultant working for Next Issue Media, the consortium of major print publishers, said  consumers will buy interactive issues for tablets and e-readers aka the iPad.

In a test, users accepted that interactive editions are “more valuable” than print editions, People who don’t currently buy magazines also showed much more interest in buying interactive editions.

The demand ran across the categories in the magazine sector, not just tech.

This study proves out the process, but the devil will be in the details. If publishers approach the iPad like they originally approached the Web, they’ll probably meet limited success. It will take more than a direct port to work.

Interactivity will be key. Speed of delivery is a factor, but looking at the capabilities of the iPad to immerse the viewer into the experience, the publishers will have to add on features for people to get excited.

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This post sponsored by the Digital SLR Store

by admin on June 21, 2010
filed in Articles
tagged

Oprah & The iPad

Ummm, maybe you want to get a job working for Oprah.

Oprah Winfrey just gave every “O” magazine employee a brand new iPad with a free leather case to mark the 10th anniversary The Oprah Magazine. Each case was embossed with the staffer’s initials. Oh, each staff member got a check for $10,000 too!

Oprah is one of the wealthiest women in America and certainly one of the most generous. She’s obviously impressed with the iPad. To choose that as the gift her staff received speaks volumes. Do you think your boss will be kicking down an iPad any time soon?

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This post sponsored by the Digital SLR Store

by admin on June 19, 2010
filed in News
tagged

Morgan Stanley Bullish on iPad

By Scott Bourne

Morgan Stanley’s Katy Huberty issued a note to clients Monday night estimating that Apple will sell 10 million iPads in calendar 2010. This is significant because Morgan Stanley’s analysts had been predicting lower sales than most of the other Wall Street firms. In fact, this 10 million number is almost double what Morgan Stanley said just a few weeks ago.

And for those of you who are Apple stock investors, Morgan Stanley has set a new (AAPL) stock target price range of $332 to $440 by May 2011. WOW!

Maybe you don’t follow or play the markets – fair enough. But it might still be worth noting given the early charges that the iPad was all hype. All hype doesn’t drive a stock price like this. It’s nothing short of amazing in my opinion.

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This post sponsored by the Digital SLR Store

by admin on June 17, 2010
filed in Articles, Punditry
tagged

The Haters Start to Relent

I predicted this. The vast majority of people who hate on and attack the iPad and its users are people who haven’t used an iPad. Once you spend some time with an iPad; and I’m not talking 15 minutes in a crowded Apple store watching a demo – then you will understand why Apple sells one every three seconds.

Take Joe Wilcox at Beta News. I am not going to link to his site. I suspect both his original attack on the iPad and his mea culpa saying he was wrong were both written mainly as linkbait. But he’s a typical example of the iPad hater.

He attacked the iPad without really having any personal experience with it. When he bought one for review, he changed his mind.

What changed Wilcox’s mind – and many a hater’s mind – is the immersive experience that an iPad offers. The much larger screen, the form factor, the edge-to-edge glass, it’s all part of a plan to draw you in. The user interface allows you to sit down and focus on one thing. That’s a lost art these days.

If you ever wonder why nobody seems to pay attention to you or why your friends are always spaced out or late, it’s because we’re all overly stimulated. We have too much information. Multi-tasking has made our brains into mush. The iPad fights that by offering us an immersive experience. It swayed Wilcox and it will likely sway other haters, wether or not they have the courage that Wilcox did to admit he was wrong.

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This post sponsored by the Digital SLR Store

by admin on June 16, 2010
filed in Punditry
tagged

Do You Think The iPad Needs A Camera?

by admin on June 15, 2010
filed in poll
tagged

iPad At WWDC

By Scott Bourne

I wasn’t at WWDC this year. I was double booked. But I did have lots of friends there who regularly reported on the goings on at the conference. PadPundit’s own Andy Ihnatko was also there.

The reports from San Francisco were encouraging if you’re an iPad fan. Two million iPads have been sold. There are already 10,000 or more iPad applications. The iPad is available for sale in 10 countries and in less than 60 days will be available in nearly double that.

Apple has realized that the five million iBook downloads needed more horsepower and announced that iBooks will support Adobe PDF files. (Wait – I thought Adobe and Apple hated each other?)

Then there’s iAds. I am not sure what to think of that, but I suspect that depending on what your personal interests are you’ll either be happy or mad about it.

And perhaps the most interesting news from Apple itself was the announcement of iOS4. Apple is now a full-fledged mobile company. They’re not a computer company and haven’t been for a while. But the announcement of a new branding strategy that pushes a purely mobile OS does solidify Apple’s direction.

This is great news for the iPad owners among us because it means Apple will continue to make the iPad more computer-like in its capabilities, while maintaining its value as a content consumption device.

As for purely empirical information. The developers who used to be seen sporting their iPhones at WWDC were often instead sporting iPads. There were iPads everywhere. Developing for the iPad was clearly the heavy interest point at the conference – just as was developing for the iPhone was a few years ago.

While I remain impressed with the iPad, I’m very excited to find out what all these smart developers can do with this device once they get time and access to iOS4.

Stay tuned.
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This post sponsored by the Digital SLR Store

by admin on June 14, 2010
filed in Punditry
tagged
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