Everything else goes here, including discussion of parks outside of Carowinds and any off-topic discussion
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By PhantomCat
#45243
I hope you enjoy your new phone. There's nothing like enjoying a new e-gadget.
I remember the iPhone 3 also has some issues with dropped calls before it was finally addressed and made many people happy campers again. That's the problem we run into sometimes when we rush out and buy something new before it's been proven valid.

I've been doing some deep research on eTablets to help with my decision for tax-free weekend. There are major complaints after complaints against the first round of tablets. More positive things have been spoken about the units on the Android 2.2 operating system. A Geek at work told me there has been some negative fallout between Flash makers and Steve Jobs at Apple and Flash will not be found on Apple products. So, I probably won't be buying an iPad 1 or 2 because so many websites use flash. Heck, I even own the program. I have recently been caught saying $500 for a tablet is way too much. But on the flip side, the best tabs are near that price range. From what I've found, the Motorola Xoom has dropped to $100 cheaper since it debuted, and runs flawlessly with full access to the Internet on Android 3.0 os. That might be just the way for me to go if the new up-and-coming tabs don't impress me, as some of them will be totally geared toward the corporate world with heftier price tags. I'm planning a long and enjoyable relationship with my tablet even if the next improved version comes out a month later. I may as well get one I will fully enjoy. If Xoom has dropped in price again by the first weekend in August - well happy beautiful day to me!
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By PhantomCat
#45259
March 25,2011
An updated Nook Color officially launches tonight at 12 AM est., on Home Shopping Network (HSN), but, there is a presale with a cheaper price tag right now at $299.90 with a choice of up to four instalment payments. It will be sold at HSN's price of $379.95 later which is still cheaper than the retail price of $504.00. Read all the specks at this link:

http://www.hsn.com/nook-color-w-100eboo ... 0110325*26

Looks like the Nook is still only an over priced eBook reader (Read "Shopping" under tab - Nook Tips). I was surprised to find that eBooks can't be delete from the unit. You have to go into your account by way of a computer first. It's also interesting that no operating system is listed. I'll be up to watch the very first preview tonight - because I want to know about all tablets - but I want more than just an eReader.
#45261
PhantomCat wrote:March 25,2011
An updated Nook Color officially launches tonight at 12 AM est., on Home Shopping Network (HSN), but, there is a presale with a cheaper price tag right now at $299.90 with a choice of up to four instalment payments. It will be sold at HSN's price of $379.95 later which is still cheaper than the retail price of $504.00. Read all the specks at this link:

http://www.hsn.com/nook-color-w-100eboo ... 0110325*26

Looks like the Nook is still only an over priced eBook reader (Read "Shopping" under tab - Nook Tips). I was surprised to find that eBooks can't be delete from the unit. You have to go into your account by way of a computer first. It's also interesting that no operating system is listed. I'll be up to watch the very first preview tonight - because I want to know about all tablets - but I want more than just an eReader.


Cat, there's nothing new about the HSN Nook Color, except for the update to 2.2 coming in April to ALL Nook Colors. It's the exact same $249 system that's out there now. HSN LOVES to overvalue things so you don't realize you're paying more than anyone else.

http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/24/nook ... ording-to/
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By PhantomCat
#45264
lanigan911
You are partially right. I've been doing a lot of price comparing lately and sometimes HSN's prices can be slightly higher on some items, but that is not always the case. And People do love the flex payment option -being allowed to pay a little bit each month until items are paid in full. Shop NBC and QVC also allow for this.

3/26/2011
I watched the preview of the Nook Color this morning at 12 AM, and read a lot of HSN's write ups on their website. Several things I realized are:
1. They used the already updated Nooks on the show, which lagged a bit.
2. The latest and greatest Android operating system is 3.0, not the 2.2 upgrade they were raving about on the show as the latest upgrade.
3. I stand corrected - only because of their confusing write up and because an HSN customer service agent had the wrong information - the Nook Color can surf the net. Flash will be added in a mid-April upgrade that will bring all nooks up to date, sort of.
4. I've learned to look past their (all sales people's) sense of urgency - "Get it now or you're going to miss out on this great deal." Gotta look past all the hype and get to bare facts. Sales people are also con artist who want to remove your common sense, and take over your mind to make you think the thoughts they are implanting for their purpose. They use a lot of thought provoking metaphors to reel you in.
5. Today is the only day you can get the Nook at HSN's special price, and they will have you to believe you'll receive the upgrade before anyone else does if you buy from this special group of Nooks today. Hua? This is the same Nook Color they've been selling since it hit the market last year. What makes them so special now. Geez!
6. The Nook ships with 5 Nook apps and there will be more available from a special Nook market place. Why not tell people they will have access to all of the Android apps that apply to 2.2 - next month?

Questions
1.Can someone please tell me what version of Android the present Nook is running on? It sure must be slow.
2. What presently makes the tables secure enough that we can shop online and go into our e-mails and other account without our pass-codes being stolen?

-An inspiring mind wants to know...
#45266
Our iPad 2 came this week, Mr. Phantomcat!

I'll try to keep this kind of brief, but let me know if you have any questions about it. It's a sweet device (you could have guessed I'd say that much). You were looking for something quicker than the iPad 1, the new processors in its big brother have what you need. This baby is fast.
I held it up to see how much thinner the iPad 2 is than the original, and it's notably thinner. It feels great in your hand. The camera's are a slight annoyance to me. I desire perfection, so this could just be me, but I found the camera's to be slightly low quality. Of course this is probably because the device was made so thin, only smaller camera's could fit into it. With the screen being so large and so high resolution, the pictures show up slightly pixelated.
The resolution of this screen is notably better, especially when held beside iPad 1.
The sound coming out of the speakers is clearer and louder.
The smart cover is rather fascinating to play around with, however it only covers the front of the screen - the back is still exposed.
The double tasking is so smooth with the new processors. It works like it does in the commercials - incredibly smoothly.
It's so easy to load all your stuff onto it with iTunes. It took my Dad about 10 minutes to sync the iPad with our computer, and to put 600 songs, 20 apps, and 5 movies onto the iPad.
To sum things up, I'd try other tablets out (especially the Xoom), and see what you like. I'm pretty sure in the long run I personally would like the iPad over the rest, just because I'm familiar with the software and I like it better than the others.

iPad 2 - 4.5/5 stars.
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By PhantomCat
#45286
Very good review Mr. Collins.
I was wondering how things were going at your pad...lol.
The issues with the camera and the pixelated pics are only stunts to be corrected for future Pad 3 - gotta keep'em buyin' tricks. I'm glad you're overall happy with it.
#45347
I'm joking and I'm serious at the same time. I've been following Surface since it's initial release. The first gen was more of a toy, they developed it as a concept to build on. The new one (2.0) that was announced at CES is really exciting if you look at the technology behind it. While they are marketing it to corporate clients, that technology will be coming to future generations of the Windows OS and future devices that they come out with.

So, right now the tablets are nothing more than blown up cell phones/iPod touches and nothing really new or revolutionary. For the price they're selling for I'm going to hold out for something really revolutionary in the future. I keep looking at tablets and thinking what can they do for me at that price point and I still haven't found a reason yet.

There are other capabilities that relate to the consumer but at the price point they're not marketing to them yet. (put a cell phone on it and it can read everything you have on there - no drivers to install, no cables to hook up, no searching for the files).

I'm not trying to be a sour apple. It's great for all of you that have one and/or are getting one! I'm happy for you. Personally they are nothing special yet for me to spend $500 - $1,000 on.
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By PhantomCat
#45357
I can't help but admire a person who knows what he wants. Right now it seems that all the great tabs are geared toward the corporates and others who have great money. As competition stiffens, and thank God for it, we're start seeing more reasonable prices.

I too share your beliefs that tablets are nothing to what they will become as we move into the future. I have seen nifty gadgets in futuristic films that remind me so much of our developing tablets. Pretty soon, we will be living in the Star Trek age. There already is a machine that can give a drink of water by pulling on molecules in the air. What's next? Can you say Holo Deck?
#45360
arby wrote:So, right now the tablets are nothing more than blown up cell phones/iPod touches and nothing really new or revolutionary. For the price they're selling for I'm going to hold out for something really revolutionary in the future. I keep looking at tablets and thinking what can they do for me at that price point and I still haven't found a reason yet.


Dude I totally agree. It seems like technology these days is centered solely on entertainment. Look around and see how much new technology is based on entertaining the user.

I'd like to see the industry lean towards things more useful in our lives than just entertainment. Savvy?
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By PhantomCat
#45413
Mr. Collins (or should I say iBill or iCollins)
I knew the clip had to be pro Apple.

CoasterDave
Your do antiApple it's predictable.
Your clip is also funny from both sides of the spectrum.
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