Searching for what mobile technologies are the best buys can be aggravating. Searching through department stores and web sites can be a tiresome exercise in futility unless one prepares an organized means to cover all bases.
Choosing What Mobile Technologies are the Best Buys is Subjective
Determining what mobile technologies are the best buys is a subjective process. Some factors are:
- What is the age of the intended user?
- What is the technical prowess of the the intended user?
- Where will device be used?
- When will the mobile technology be used?
If there is need or desire for communication, a cell phone will be an important feature, unless VoIP is sufficient. Once these issues are settled, the next important points are related to the purpose of the mobile device:
- entertainment, (games, music, video or reading)
- business and education
- writing, either emails or professionally
- photographing
- podcasting
Of chief importance, also, how will the device be used?
If a device small enough to put in a shirt pocket is needed, Apple's iPad and Amazon's Kindle will not be satisfactory.
If the need for reading is significant, Apple's iPhone or iPod may not serve the need due to their screen size.
Still, as noted at TiPb's web site in an editorial titled Is iPhone HD iPhone 4G the iPhone Jonathan Ive Always Wanted to Make? by Rene Ritchie, dated April 22, 2010, Apple appears to be redesigning its highly popular cell phone to more fully serve its users. Accessed on April 23, 2010, the opion stated by Ritchie was that Apple had "shrunk the guts down to unbelievably small sizes, leaving room for ginormous(sic) batteries."
Amazon's Kindle has terrific features for readers, but a few drawbacks also. Three models provided by Amazon in North America are Kindle, Kindle 2, and Kindle DX.
The original Amazon Kindle was designed to resemble a book, but the buttons made it difficult to hold without advancing through pages. The updated designs of Kindle altered this. Also, Kindle 2 and DX incorporate TTS, text-to-speech.
Image Quality for Viewing on Mobile Technology Devices
The lack of color images dogs all three Kindle models. Also, image detail is lacking, particularly in the first two readers.
On the positive side, however, reading books on either of the three is made easy on the eyes because of the E-ink that nearly duplicates ink on paper. Note, however, Joshua Topolsky's comments regarding iPad's readability below).
Kindle DX has a larger screen display and accepts PDFs in their native format.
As noted by Topolsky in "Kindle 2 first hands-on! (updated with video and impressions)" dated Feb. 9, 2009, posted on Engadget's web site, accessed April 23, "Moving through documents and back and forth between pages is a snap now," due to a revised, faster screen refresh.
The only Apple hand-held device that performs well as a reader is iPad. Image quality is superior and color pictures appear beautifully. As Topolsky wrote, "Colors on the screen are vibrant and saturated, while blacks feel true and deep." Another terrific break-through is the 3D effect that well simulates books. However, the back-lit screen may detract from the experience for some readers.
Further, as noted in a review posted at Engadget's web site under the title Apple iPad Review by Joshua Topolsky April 3, 2010, Topolsky reported, We know there's a lot of talk about reading with this type of display versus a Kindle or other E-inck device, but we'll just be straight with your -- it didn't hurt our eyes to use this as a reading device." Topolsky went on to note that screen brightness adjustments helped smooth the reading experience. (Site accessed April 23, 2010).
Apple's iPad can be purchased with WiFi or 3G, making it a super iPhone.
Also, iPad, works in word processing, data presentation and number crunching using stripped down versions of its productivity software - Pages, Keynote, and Numbers.
A web browser with word processor, Split Pea, provides functionality for writers pursuing their craft while online.
In WiFi mode, iPad can make phone calls using VoIP such as is used by Skype.
Therefore, iPad is a clear winner over Kindle if color and screen resolution, plus use for phoning or internet access and emails, is important. The iPad scores even higher when use for video viewing is desired. Incidentally, American Broadcasting Company, ABC, furnishes free television programs for streaming to iPad.
For What Purpose is iPod the Best Buy Among the Mobile Technologies?
The iPod Touch can be used for most functions available to iPad. Viewing video or reading books, though, is less satisfactory. Music or other audio files can be stored in such quantity and provide great listening experience with headphones or speakers.
Further, iPods can be connected to many DVD players, making for convenience when users travel. Even some car are equipped with iPod-ready DVD players.
The iPod Touch provides the same function as any iPod but also works for games and utility applications, but is furnished with less storage capacity.
Deciding What Mobile Technologies are the Best Buys Boils Down to Personal Preference
Opinions will vary. Discussions among any two geeks will often remind the casual viewer of the beer commercial for Miller Lite, where athletes and tough guys dispute if Miller Lite is better tasting or less filling.
Aside from Apple's wide array of products, and Amazon's Kindle, netbooks also are available and will fill most of the roles, with varying degrees of success, performed by Amazon's and Apple's mobile technologies. The final choice will come down to personal preference.
Related Articles:
- Detailed advice regarding Netbooks Vs. Laptops is provided in an article by Rebecca Hersh.
- Mobile Technology Applications for Apple's iPad provides a brief rundown of some game and productivity applications tested on the iPad, with insight as to how the IT industry can improve, by C. William Anderson.
Sources:
- Reviews for Apple's iPhones, iPads and iPods posted at TiPb's web site were accessed on April 23, 2010.
- The iPad review by Topolsky, posted at Engadget, was accessed April 23, 2010.
- A Kindle 2 review, titled Kindle 2 first hands-on! (Updated with video and impressions) by Joshua Topolsky, posted at Engadget dated Feb. 9, 2009 was accessed April 23, 2010.
C. William Anderson - C. William Anderson is a lover of travel adventure and history who has lived and worked in Botswana, Egypt, Libya and the Middle East. He ...
