Nook eReader still runner-up to Kindle
Jan 11th
Introducing the "Nook" from Barnes & Noble
Adding much needed competition to the eReader market, Barnes & Noble recently introduced their practically button-less, dual-screen eBook reader called, Nook. Though its hardware is more attractive than the current eReader marketplace champ, Amazon’s Kindle, the Nook offers little improvements and even lags slightly behind in terms of software for user experience. The Nook is best summed up as a less refined runner-up to the Kindle.
First, let’s discuss the perks that the Nook offers. It’s an undeniably attractive-looking device, much better looking than the Kindle. It’s a bit smaller and slightly heavier than the Kindle in terms of size and weight. The Nook also has a much less cluttered look and feel since it no longer has the broad, hideous QWERTY keyboard that covers the lower portion of the Kindle. In its place is a small color LCD screen (3.5 x 1 inches) which allows the user to scroll through the device’s menus and controls. A virtual keyboard pops up whenever you need to type. The color in this small screen definitely makes the Nook stand out from the Kindle since users have the added bonus of enjoying the original cover art for the book they’re reading.
Amazon's favorite... the "Kindle"
For the main reading screen, the Nook uses the exact same E Ink technology as the Kindle and there is virtually no difference here between the two eReaders. The main screen (6 inch) mimics the same pale gray, matte surface that eBook users are familiar with on the Kindle. It’s the same Etch-a-Sketch-like technology that reflects light off the screen so that it’s a much more comfortable reading experience. It’s the same visual experience as if you were reading the book in paper form. The Nook boasts about a week of battery life with ordinary use.
Users can also play music while reading since there’s a built-in MP3 player and headphone jack.
Additionally, the device introduces a new feature that allows you to pick between 5 different font sizes and 2-3 different font faces. There’s even an option to enjoy eBook-lending for some titles between friends. You’re able to send your favorite titles to your friends so they can download and read it on their Nook. While someone else has borrowed the book you can’t read it, but it will return to your library after 2 weeks.
The cons of the Nook concern its slowness compared to the Kindle. Occasionally the screens take a few seconds to respond to user touches so that you are either forced to wait impatiently, or you end up on a screen that you don’t want since you tap multiply times. The E Ink screen on the Nook takes half a second-longer to refresh than the Kindle’s – though this might not seem very long, it does put a noticeable damper on the reading experience after a while since there’s frequent page-turning involved. Software updates from the B&N engineers are necessary in order to resolve these interface glitches.
The Nook (and Kindle) are pricey investments, but are well worth it if you’re accustomed to purchasing dozens of new hardcovers a year. For those who buy used paperbacks or frequent the library however, these eReaders might not be as worthwhile.
Order the Nook here for $259. Or stick with the tried-and-true Kindle from Amazon for also $259.
Check out this video review from Wired for more details on the Nook:
Nikon COOLPIX debuts Projector Camera
Nov 18th
If you’re looking for a sought-after holiday gift for a photo-loving or yourself this season, then Nikon COOLPIX’s new S1000pj compact camera comes highly recommended. This product has a reliable and good camera, but what really amazes about the S1000pj is the fact that it includes a small, projector as a feature for picture display – something never before seen.
With resolution at 12.1 megapixels, this compact camera has good features on paper that prove to hold up when tested. Auto-mode shooting consistently results in clean pictures with enough exposure and no noise. The camera includes an 11.044 mm image sensor, an incredible 2.7-inch high resolution LCD screen and 24mm wide-angle. Also, the fact that the camera has high ISO up to 6400 means that the user gets sharper results when shooting in low light or shooting fast-moving subjects. Nikon’s special “Best Shot Selector” (BSS) also helps with this since it automatically takes up to 10 shots when the shutter is pressed and saves the sharpest image.
The camera includes Nikon’s Smart Portrait System which features technology that helps smooth out skin tone for optimal portraits as well as automatically removing red eye. The “D-lighting” feature salvages those dark or backlit pictures by automatically improving the brightness and detail where needed.
Overall, the Nikon has a nice mod appearance, but it’s definitely on the bulkier end for a compact camera. Why? Because the added size is necessary to house the included projector features. The projector screens bright and clear images that are easily focused with a slider on the unit’s top. Images look best in dark surroundings but still show up with impressive visibility in well-lit environments. It’s definitely a plus not to have to fumble with a lot of setting adjustments to get the projector working. Everything is intuitive. A minor downside is that the battery life will only last approximately an hour in projection mode.
All new cool tech comes with a price, and in the case of the S1000pj the early adopter price tag is quite hefty, ringing in at $430 for the projector camera. To avoid the toll on your savings, put the Nikon COOLPIX S1000pj at the top of your wish list this year. (** Recently the price has been reduced to $363… get it now! **)
Watch the video below to be impressed by the Nikon projector camera’s clarity:
Welcome Windows 7, Microsoft’s fresh and hip OS
Oct 9th
The tech world is abuzz and eagerly awaiting Oct.22 when Microsoft’s long-awaited OS, Windows 7, will make its debut. Ever since a trial version was available for users to test earlier this summer, Microsoft users have been pleased with their preliminary experience using Windows 7 and have helped build public anticipation for this product.
With Windows 7, PC users can welcome a reliable, efficient and up-to-date version of Windows OS. The last time users had this was with Windows XP which though durable and familiar, is starting to get old since first being released in 2001. Compared to the varieties of Mac OS X available in the marketplace today, using XP feels akin to living in the Stone Age. The only other option available to PC users is Windows Vista which users agree is frustrating and not fun to use.
What the problem was with Vista
Mainstream consumers will appreciate Microsoft’s conscious effort to fix the flaws in Vista and Vista-associated bad experiences with the release of Windows 7. The biggest negatives with using Vista – the slowness, the constant barrage of security warnings, the many hardware requirements, and the incompatibilities with outside software/hardware – these issues are all eliminated in Windows 7. In addition, Microsoft can finally boast an OS that rivals in aesthetic appeal and friendly feel comparable with Mac’s most recent OS X, Leopard.
PC users that have previewed and tested Windows 7 agree that it’s the best version of Windows that Microsoft has produced. Not only does it improve upon Vista’s shortcomings, Windows 7 has added features and perks that are guaranteed to make the mainstream user’s experience easy, productive and satisfying.
Why Windows 7 is the best version
Windows 7 cleans up the clutter and provides new advantages in organizing the user’s files and programs. There are cool new Aero features to quickly view and launch pages and documents as well as arranging your taskbar and desktop. Compatibility with 3rd party software/hardware is improved as well as operating speed which is a big plus. Lastly, one of the more unique selling points and hidden luxuries of Windows 7 is the touch screen capability for users with the proper touch-support hardware.
Here are some of the key features and improvements to Windows 7 to be excited for:
Desktop organization: New Windows management tools named Aero will streamline the user experience.
1) Aero Snap lets users quickly expand windows full-size by dragging them to the top of the screen. You can also drag and snap your working window into place on the left or right sides of your screen for users who like having split screens to multi-task.
2) Aero Peek provides previews of your open windows; selecting one makes all other windows become transparent. There is also a button that allows you to look at your desktop by turning all windows into transparent planes of glass.
Transparent windows in Aero Peek
3) Aero Shake is probably the most fun to use since when you shake an open window, all others behind it will minimize.
Revamped Taskbar: Minimizing windows results in representative shiny square icons on your taskbar. Users can hover over the icons to see a preview of the running program. You can also “pin” frequently-used programs to your taskbar (a concept similar to Apple’s the Dock). Additionally, there’s a search bar that pops up when you click the “start” button making it easier to find what you want.
Speed: Start-up and restart times are much improved from Vista. Windows 7 runs quickly and recommences faster after sleep. Memory management is also improved since minimized windows won’t be clogging up your memory space anymore resulting in faster operating speed.
