The Kindle Killer Isn't Very Killer

Before it was even released, the hype surrounding the iPad already helmed it a Kindle killer; whether or not it is, doesn’t really matter because it’s cool, so people will obviously buy it, and thus it will no doubt give Kindle a run for its money. My bet is Amazon is going to respond come summer with something that tries to one up the game.

Name aside, there are a number of reason why the iPad is a bit disappointing.

The biggest flaw for me is there is no USB. Let’s assume you just typed the great American novel and you’re ready to print it. You have two options: sync it or email it. The convenience of saving to a thumb drive is one to be missed. The least they could have done is put in an SD slot that lets you easily put your photos into it. Am I the only one who hates syncing photos on an iPod?

There’s also no HDMI out; sure, you can get an A/V adaptor to hook it up to your TV, but it would be so much easier if you didn’t have to.

You can only customize it if Apple says it’s okay. That really stinks. Every computer has limitations, but this thing is really locked down. You can only install the programs that it approves and change the actual appearance of it if they decide that it is okay to do.

I don’t use webcams often, but I like the feature. They’re dirt cheap to put on computers, so what gives Apple? If this is the bridge between a phone and computer, then why did you remove one feature that is on both?

Wanna upgrade? Wait for the next version to come out and buy a new one. That’s not the case with netbooks and computers; do you need more RAM? A better processor? Bigger hard drive? A screwdriver and a little common sense will probably be able to get the job done.

How about that 10 hour battery? That’s great until it begins to deteriorate, which all batteries quickly do. There’s no replaceable battery.

But Apple has a great commercial, and that’s why everyone, I’ll admit myself included, is lusting after this thing.

Before heading out to buy Apple’s sexiest new gadget, pause for a moment and look at your options.

There are two by Lenovo that should be worthy competitors.

The first is the Lenovo s10-3t; it’s the same price as the Apple, almost the same weight and size, it has a real keyboard built right in, USB and SD slots, and its hard drive is three times the size. It also has Windows 7, which means you can customize it all you want, or even put Linux on it should you desire to do so. The battery life isn’t 10 hours, true, but it should get you 5 to 6 by turning off the Wi-Fi, and if you want more then you can always buy a backup battery.

Even more impressive (but at a rumored twice the price) is the Lenovo Ideapad U1 hybrid, which is also a Windows 7 touch screen that splits apart into a Linux machine (complete with its own processor).

Both of these computers are better, in my opinion, than the iPad, but here I am, with the rest of the world checking out the iPad as if it’s a worthy companion. It’s funny how much hype for a product can actually make you desire a product that is less superior to its competitors.

Will it kill the Kindle? Certainly makes me wonder, and hope Amazon comes out with something to compete. But the Kindle does have one thing on the iPad (aside from a better screen), it’s ridiculously simple and doesn't require any subscription plan—that alone will save you $180 to $360 a year over the subscription plan that Apple has set up with AT&T; plus the Kindle is worldwide.

My Favorite New Gadgets

Each January I get gadget lust the week of CES; it's not just because the gadgets are cool--it's because you really can see how the future and even human behavior is evolving is changing because of technology.

Some of my favorite gadgets this year?

I love the idea of the tablet; this year is supposed to be the year of the tablet; unfortunately most of the tablets look and act the same. Lenovo has a pretty impressive hybrid netbook that's screen completely detaches from it's frame; it's a great concept, but I'm not crazy about how it turns into a Linux computer when it's detached, and is Windows 7 when attached. I was more blown away by MSI's dual screen concept; the computer puts a full-size touch screen keyboard on one of the screens (see pictures below); this concept can really go a lot of different directions, so it's something I'll keep an eye on in coming months. I currently use a MSI netbook, and it's a solid startup company.

Another wicked cool concept at the trade show is the Light Touch Pico Projector; this computer projects a 10 inch touch screen computer onto a flat service. I could see this sort of thing (if the price is right) working in kitchens, coffee tables, or any place with limited space.

I will be honest, the next concept is honestly one of the dumbest things I've ever seen and I'd never buy it--but it's still crazy what they've done. It's a transparent laptop by Samsung.

Sony pulled a Chumby this year with it's Internet alarm clock (?). It's $200, which I think is about $150 too much, but it's still a glimpse into the clocks of the future.

eReaders, like tablets, offered a wide array of pretty unimpressive devices. All of them basically do the same things Amazon's Kindle has been doing for 2 years (aside from the obscenely overpriced color one). One that had promise was the Skiff. It's not exactly innovating, but it does seem to be the perfect solution for people who want to read newspapers and magazines electronically (it's a better size than other devices). I suspect it will lose interest when the price is announced--my guess is it will be 400 to 600, which is just too much for most consumers.

Microsoft usually does little to impress me (mostly because they announced things people have known about for months). xBox's Napal is kind of cool, but it's not like they haven't explained this concept before. The best from MS I've seen is the Arc Keyboard. It's not exactly revolutionary, but it's more stylist than anything else they did this year.

BroadBand2Go

As a freelancer, I use my computer on the go a lot; usually I'm writing and don't need Internet, but it's nice to occasionally read an email or fact check something...it's not nice enough to pay the 60 dollar fee for a 3G data plan.

Virgin Mobile is about to release a new plan that's perfect for people who want the "occasional" Internet on the go. The BroadBand2Go USB device sold exclusively through Best Buy let's you get Pay As You Go Internet access with no monthly fees or contracts.

The catch is it's $150 dollars to buy the USB drive, but if you need your Internet to go in minimal doses, then it's perfect.

Google Does It Again...

If you are a fan of Gmail, you might already know this, but in case you haven't, Google has added the ability to send a SMS text to a phone from Gmail. Read the whole story here.

GPS Phone

I may have finally found a cell phone I can love! It's part GPS, Part Internet browswer, and part phone...

Find out more here:

http://www.informationweek.com/news/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=206101219