The Best Laptops for College Students
PC Magazine just published its annual laptop guides for college students. While most students today are opting for the latest Mac, there are a host of Windows based alternatives available, particularly if price is a factor in your decision.
Remember, that before you invest in a new laptop, it is wise to check with the school to see if they have specific requirements. Many schools have repair centers that are only offered to students that purchase their computer through the school. On-site repair at your school will usually result in a much faster turn-around time instead of having to return it to the vendor.
A comparison of the PC Magazine’s recommended models is available by clicking on the link below.
Google’s Android Market Share Surge
According to an article in today’s Wall Street Journal, a recent report from IDC reports that Google’s Android global market share is now at 79%, up from 69% at the end of the last year. Apple’ s market share slipped to 13% while Blackberry, once the market leader, now stands at under 3%.
Steve Mollenkopf, president and operating chief of mobile chip giant Qualcomm Inc. is quoted in the article that “You are seeing tremendous growth in the developing world. Companies selling there are picking up Android and driving that.”
What does this mean for Apple and Blackberry? Read the complete article below.
Googles Android Seizes Smartphone Market – WSJ.com.
In a related article, AllThingsD’S, Ina Fried reports that Blackberry continues to lose more top level executives.
Are you Accessing Your Electronic Medical Records?
According to a report from researchers Aeffect Inc. and 88 Brand Partners, only 24% of consumers are accessing their electronic records. The same report indicates that about 80% of hospitals make this information available.
This is one area where consumers are reluctant to enter the digital age. The reason given is that most patient have no idea how to access this information.
We are living in a digital world and there is no reason why you shouldn’t be able to obtain your EMR records. The next time you visit your doctor or a hospital, ask them whether or not they have access to this information, and if so, instructions on how you can get them.
Below is a link to the full article that appeared in today’s Wall Street Journal.
Electronic Medical Records Go Largely Unused: Survey – The CIO Report – WSJ.
How Are Your Texting Skills?
More people have found that making contact by texting is easier than calling.
Read the complete article below.
Why Millennials Chat and Text With Their Mothers From Work All Day – WSJ.com.
The open rate on texting is close to 100%. As for e-mail, it’s no secret that it might take hours or days to get an answer.
It’s not necessary to have a smartphone (iPhone, Android, or blackberry) to text. Although sending a text can be tedious on a basic cellphone, you have a better chance of reaching people than e-mailing or calling.
Running late for an appointment, need to ask a quick question, reach for your mobile phone and send a text!
Intel, Apple and Others Rethink How We Watch TV – WSJ.com
Major vendors are looking to reshape the way we watch TV.
According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, “Intel’s plans include a server farm to record every piece of programming aired—local, national and international—and store it for at least three days in the “cloud.” With an Intel-designed set-top box, people won’t have to own DVRs or even plan to record programs.”
Read the entire article
Intel, Apple and Others Rethink How We Watch TV – WSJ.com.
There is no timetable, however once in place, you will probably see a substantial reduction in your cable bill. Good News!!
Starbucks Ups the Stakes in Battle Over Wireless Charging
Now you can give your phone a caffeine fix along with your latte. Not ready for prime-time yet, but definitely a great idea.
Starbucks Ups the Stakes in Battle Over Wireless Charging – Ina Fried – Mobile – AllThingsD.
Biggest problem facing mobile phone users – – – – your battery running out of juice.
What do you do to increase your battery life?
Google Makes Another TV Push With $35 Chromecast Device
Are you ready to start watching Internet based content on your TV?
Do you really need cable TV?
All you need is a wireless network and a TV with an HDMI outlet.
The Wall Street Journal reports that the Chromecast, is compatible with mobile devices powered by Google’s Android software as well as Apple iPhones and iPads. Read the full article below.
Google Makes Another TV Push With $35 Chromecast Device – WSJ.com.
Want To Upgrade Your Smartphone? – Read The Small Print
We all know that it is costly to upgrade your smartphone before the end of your contract (usually 2 years). According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, fewer people are upgrading their smartphones.
With this in mind, a couple of wireless provider, AT&T and T-Mobile, have decided to allow their customers to upgrade at any time. However before you leap at the offer, READ THE FINE PRINT.
Taking advantage of these offers require you to pay full retail for the phone. When you purchase or upgrade with a contract, you get it at a subsidized price. A subsidized phone could cost about $199, while the full retail price could be over $600. READ THE FINE PRINT CAREFULLY.
Before making a decision, be sure to evaluate whether or not the upgrade is worth it.
Mobile Device War Heats Up
Microsoft has started to reduce the price of its Surface RT tablet. Read about it in the Wall Street Journal
BlackBerry Z10 prices drop to $49. A disappointing decision just 4 months after its launch according to the Wall Street Journal
Sales of mobile devices continue to soar, with sales of tablets now exceeding those of personal computers.
The stakes are high as more hardware suppliers are rushing to catch up with the demand.
Are these failures indicative of poor planning or the high price points?
What do you think?
What’s New At Apple?
Do you have either an iPhone or iPad? Once the dominant resource for smartphones and tablets, Apple is now facing stiff competition from Microsoft, Samsung, Google, and other resources which has impacted Apple’s market share in both the smartphone and tablet markets.
This week, Apple unveiled a revamped version of its mobile operating system iOS 7. scheduled for a Fall release.
Other features of the the new operating system include a “lot smarter” and voice makeover for Siri, new photo sharing options, and automatic updates of your apps.
Also previewed was iTunes Radio, which is built right into the Music app in iOS 7 for the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad, as well as iTunes on the Mac and PC and Apple TV.
Will these enhancements impact your decision to stay with your Apple products?