[PhantomCat]

Looks like Samsung and Toshiba are holding out till the month of June, from what I can gather. That's okay. My income tax checks haven't come back yet and Tax Free Weekend in only one month and a week after June. I can hang on till then.

New Invention
I have learned from a reliable source that Microsoft has been working with the US military and has developed a new tablet which the army is currently using. Remember the days of old when messages and letters were written on scrolls. Microsoft has created the Scroll PC. It can roll out for use - just like the early scrolls - and roll back up to be tucked away for later use. This is the ultimate etablet if you ask me. I wonder how long it will be till its available for the public?

[PhantomCat]

We're moving ever so closely towards its rumored June release and I've still got the Toshiba tablet in my ( + ) crosshairs. I'm getting more and more excited by the day.

http://www.thetoshibatablet.com/

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004I43F9C

[PhantomCat]

5-5-2011
Computer chip developer Intel announced today that they've created a new 3D Transistor Chip that will cause mobile devices to run 37% more efficiently - which means: lower battery power usage, more computing time, and fewer recharge sessions. We could start experiencing the new chip's wonder as early as next year, depending on Intel's further research and enhancements.

[PhantomCat]

My 2-year cell-phone plan will be up next month. Who has the best non-contract service?
Does anyone have experience with Virgin Mobile? I really like their LG Optimus V phone.

[intimidator rider]

I haven't heard anything about that phone but i'm Verizon I have the LG Ally its the best phone I have every had it's a Andriod

[PhantomCat]

Thanks iRider.
I think I want my next phone to be an Android as well. So far, I don't have anything with that operating system. I'm really excited about the next round of Android tablets to hit the scene in June.

[billcollins531]

iPod Touch 4th Generation review
I recently upgraded from my 2nd generation iPod Touch and got the newest one. This is just a quick little review if anyone's looking to buy one.

First off, I'll talk about the most obvious additions in this generation: the cameras. I'm pretty disappointed with the quality of the cameras. However I'm super happy that they're there. The rear-facing camera is pathetic compared to iPhone 4. iPhone 4 has a 5 megapixel rear-facing camera; iPod Touch 4 is just shy of 0.7 megapixels. It gets the job done however, and captures quite a bit of detail for its size.

The front facing camera is an awesome addition, Facetime is flawless between devices.

The screen is probably my favorite thing in the new iPod Touch. If you'll look closely on any of the older iPod's you have, you should be able to make out individual pixels. iPod Touch 4 has a "retina display", you literally can't make out a single pixel. It's incredible, I can't even go back to the old iPod's without feeling like I'm using something crafted by a caveman because of all the pixels. Nerdy? ...nahh

The new processor makes switching between apps and running games flawless. Such a huge leap from my laggy 2nd generation iPod.

Overall I highly recommend this iPod Touch, but with September coming up they should refresh the line of iPod Touch's. This should mean higher quality cameras. If I were you, I'd hold out for that generation.

[PhantomCat]

Ahh, the unit that inspired the folks at Apple to enlarge the device and call it the iPad. Gotta love it!

I think it's awesome that people are buying both, as everyone are not into tablets yet. While out and about talking to actual book readers, some don't even know what tablets are...but they will.

Mr. Collins when I get my e-tablet later this year, though it may not be an iPad, will we be able to do video calling on our decices?

[PhantomCat]

Alright, you electronic meet up fans! We shall have our gadgets soon.
I hope you're still saving $50 a week or more, or less, for our Tax-Free Weekend Meetup for the first weekend in August. It's approaching ever so swiftly.

Don't get tempted to spend that cash before the time. Place it in a can, a jar, or someplace where you can't see the total amount saved, and stop counting it! Portions or all of your income-tax check mixed in will greatly influence your decision as to what to buy.

I've been out and about shopping, pricing, and playing. The new Acer 10" tablet (only a couple of weeks old now) is one pretty smooth unit. The game "Angry Birds" looks great on it. The new 7" Black Berry PlayBook is fun in a compact version. The Motorola Xoom is a little on the heavy side and still is not selling as expected. Who knows the price drops, deals and steals we'll find on our e-weekend together. I have one destination in mind: The new Mid-town Mall on Kings Avenue in Charlotte. There's a Target, Best Buy, and a Staples all right there together. Any other suggestions? It's still not too late to sign up. PM me if you want to join.

[arby]

@billcollins, you'll be happy to know that I bought my wife an iPhone4 this afternoon. So far she likes it and I expect that she will really like it.

[PhantomCat]

I hope she loves it. There's nothing like a gadget that not only works but goes far beyond expectations.

This system of Apps is really getting interesting. There is now an app for the iPad (called, "Cash" I think) that will not only act as a cash register, it will a also log the highs and lows of sales with dates. Wow!

[arby]

The more I use it the more I like it too. Now I'm back to my dilemma of a droid or an iPhone 5. If I were going with an iPhone, I'd hold out for the 5 since I already have a smart phone. My wife previously had a feature phone.

[PhantomCat]

Hello, Arby!
It's nice to be talking with you again.
It's my belief that all makers of apps will cover both Apple and Android markets because they are the hottest going. I really don't know what Blackberry is doing or why they decided to have their own OS. I never hear anything much about them.

Hey, Arby? Who are the makers of the Cash app? Are they a new company? Were you talking about using the app or the iPhone?...lol.

[arby]

Sorry, it's been one of those weeks, PhantomCat. It was talking about the phone and not the app.

It's good to talk to you again, too. I thought you disappeared for a bit but it's good to see you back. I don't have much of a life.

I am going with a droid for myself after all. Another guy at work is teaming up with me to write some more droid apps so it's really helpful for me to have one. It's also easy to 'root' most Droids so I can unlock features and install programs that normally aren't part of the phone/provider's apps.

[PhantomCat]

I may have to get with you in the future. I don't create apps or program phones but I will be getting one soon. I have also decided to go droid. After three 2-year cell-phone contracts, I've had it with those long term contracts. I will be getting a pay as you go plan. I'm narrowed down to the final 2 smartphone plans.

AT&T's silver LG Thrive: 10 cents a minute plus a $4.99 charge for 200 texts, and a web fee of $5 for 10 MB downloaded/ or the choice of the $2 a day plan only when phone is used w/ unlimited talk & text on those days plus a $5 web charge for 10 MB of downloads. (There are other plans with this phone but these are the ones that interest me.)
- OR -
Virgin Mobile's black Optimus V at $25 a month for 300 talk minutes with unlimited texting and web.
(There are other plans with this phone but these are the ones that interest me.)

I haven't made up my mind yet but both are Android 2.2 phones.
Father's Day and Memorial Day sales are upon us and this will work to my favor.