All posts by Dexter Johnson

Technology, style, fitness and health. http://dexjohnspc.com , http://topnotchmalestyletips.com and listen to the Whaddup Tech Podcast http://bit.ly/WhaddupTech
Mobile Operating Systems, Technology

Have tablets ruined the market?

Everywhere you turn you are being bombarded by iPads, Motorola Xooms, Samsung Galaxy Tabs and more!  Why?  What is the fuss about?  Upon the release of Apple’s iPad there has been a frenzy in the technological world for every mobile hardware manufacturer to make a tablet with a mobile OS installed.  This has spurned comments such as, “My tablet can do everything a PC can”, “Why do you need a desktop PC when you can buy an iPad”, and so on.

A tablet will never replace a PC.

Saying that your underpowered tablet can compete with a powerful desktop operating system is complete ludicrous.  Take a look at the markets, you have consumer and business, although the consumers make up most of the market; they do NOT possess most of the money.  Any large PC manufacturer would be unwise to try to negotiate a sell of tablets instead of PCs.  There are several reasons why:

  • You have to give your customers what they want; usually a large company does not like a change as radical and new as this
  • No media drives
  • Lack of power
  • Lack of software support

Those are just a few reasons.  For example, do you know of any reputable law firm that will use iPads instead of desktops to maintain client information and run advanced queries with their data?  Do you know any serious production companies that will drop their trusty Mac Pros or PCs running Premiere Pro or Final Cut to use a pitiful app on a mobile OS?  Do you know any hardcore C++ and .NET programmers that would dare stray away from their beloved machines?

Bottom line:  If you could ever say NO to any of the above questions, then realize that a tablet will never replace a PC.  The only machines that a tablet could replace is a netbook or a low powered laptop in some cases.  Tablets are not meant to replace the desktop OS; however, if used properly they could be a great asset to use alongside one.

Mobile Operating Systems, Technology

Sales ban on iOS products in Europe?

2 Comments

Well Apple, you started it and Motorola will certainly finish it.  Apple believes that everyone is stealing their wonderful ideas that they put into their precious iOS devices; so, they decide to go to court.  Honestly, if your device is that much better it would outsell the competition right?  Android has came from behind to become the top used mobile operating system.  Not saying that Apple has not built an excellent OS; however, Google has done it better by focusing on distribution and not keeping everything locked away.

Apple has sought to get Samsung and Motorola devices banned in several countries overseas.  Recently, Motorola has proven that Apple has indeed infringed upon them instead of the latter.  Currently, mobile devices from Apple that have cellular networking infringe upon Motorola-owned patent 1010336.

Bottom line:  Apple, let your operating system do the talking.

Mobile Operating Systems, Operating Systems, Technology

WebOS to be open-sourced!!

Open source fanatics rejoice!  HP is not killing off WebOS; they have decided to open-source it so that others can take advantage of this wondrous mobile platform.  HP president and chief executive officer, Meg Whitman, believes that this will increase creativity from the open-source community and advance a new generation of apps devices.

Read the full article from PCMag Here.

I am thrilled that WebOS is not dead; of all the mobile platforms that are available, this happened to be stable, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing.  There are no significant road blocks that lie ahead of the road that HP is taking.  In addition, the HP Touchpad will be available on December 11th via the company eBay store for $99 (16 GB) and $149 (32 GB) for the respective refurbished models.  So, this adds to the intelligence of their business move; open-source the OS, then sell a fantastic tablet at a significantly reduced price.  This will put WebOS into many eager hands that are likely to develop and push this platform forward.

Bottom line:  Good move HP.

Technology

The Consumers have spoken; Verizon is #1 two years in a row

Whether you love Verizon because of the reliable service that it offers or whether you hate it because of the high-priced voice and data packages there is no denying the experiences from end users.

AT&T has been rated the lowest among Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint for the 2nd year in a row by ConsumerReports.org; honestly this comes as a surprise to me.  I have been a long time Verizon customer and enjoy the fact that wherever I go I will have voice coverage; however, AT&T seems to be a close second.  There is much speculation about AT&T subscribers with iPhones.  Since Apple pushed the iPhone to AT&T first many customers were drawn to the network.  Yet, the iPhone is no longer exclusive so the need for an iPhone can be fulfilled by any network.  So, one could easily pose the question:

Without the Apple iPhone, where would AT&T be?

The #2 rated carrier, Sprint, came as a huge surprise.  Although, the company offers the best service and price combination; Sprint’s coverage is spotty at best.  In addition, the biggest surprise of them all had to be T-Mobile at #3; having the WORST cell phone coverage of any of the other carriers.

Bottom line:  Verizon may be expensive but the voice and data coverage offered by the carrier seem to be unmatched.

Technology

Are brick and mortar stores becoming irrelevant?

Malls, shopping centers, and retail outlets thrive from consumer spending.  However, where is the majority of this spending taking place, in-store or online.

Are brick and mortar stores going the way of the dodo?

In short, no.  However, within certain areas there is simply no reason to leave the comfort of your home to do your shopping.  Today, one can even go grocery shopping online.  There are some serious advantages and disadvantages to shopping online.

Advantages:

  • Lower price points
  • Vast selections
  • Simple

Disadvantages:

  • Possibility of lost shipments
  • Groceries?
  • Waiting on shipping

When you shop online for certain types of items, the savings will be significant; however, there are times at which the shipping charges would suggest you just drive to your nearest location.  In addition, humans love the fact that going to a store gives them instant gratification instead of waiting on a delivery.  On the other hand, there isn’t just one place you can shop from online, there are literally hundreds of thousands so the selection is endless.  No Macy’s in your city?  No problem, just head to the retail website and you can go from shopping to shopped in minutes!  As with any good thing there has to be downsides.  For example, you just ordered a brand-new graphics card online and you wait for it for weeks only to realize that the parcel service lost your shipment; it can happen.  Lastly, what about groceries?  Food is something that we all need to survive.  Yet, I just don’t see grocery stores going anywhere anytime soon.

Bottom line:  Technology and e-commerce have virtually eradicated the need for so many physical stores to be built when so many commodities can be found online for a reasonably low price.

Online marketplaces that offer savings: