New iPad

The new iPad was announced. I think I'm going to break down and get one for myself - although I am considering the iPad Pro as well. We used our iPad 2 as our only tablet for years, so I consider this a long term investment.

The new iPad is only $329 (32 GB), but upgrading to 128 GB seems prudent. Amazon has the 128 GB model available for pre-order at $399 (a $30 discount).

The Pro models are really slick with the Pencil 2 that attaches/charges to the side, but it is double the price.

UHF Android Tablet

I've seen the phones, but this is the first tablet with UHF that I recall.

Now shipping - The first Android Tablet with UHF DMR/Analog Transceiver.
Read more: https://t.co/dime0VS61y pic.twitter.com/W9kY0NO4Gi

— Network-Radios.com (@network_radios) January 14, 2018

Via @K0NR

Refurb Microsoft Surface 3 - $254

Tempted... Refurb Microsoft Surface 3 - $254.99.

"Tablet" Problems

During the AFC Championship game, the Patriots had problems with their Microsoft Surface tablets. One of the commentators said they were going to use them with them with cables. So maybe it was wireless problems?  In any case, this is funny:

"They're having some trouble with their Microsoft Surface tablets." "You decide NOW to not call them iPads?" -- Microsoft execs, probably

— Andy Staples (@Andy_Staples) January 24, 2016

Tech Fatigue

People are getting tried of keeping up with all the changes or maybe most things are good enough.

In the last year, I went from an old 42 inch HDTV LCD to a new, thin Vizio 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart TV. I upgraded to an iPhone 6. I've had an old iPad Mini for years that I rarely use. I don't have a smart watch. I've had my Honeywell Wi-Fi thermostats for a while. I'm not really interested in a drone.
I might upgrade my Garmin GPS running watch or add a fitness band. I geek out over the data, so I'd like to have the heart rate and sleep information that something like the Garmin Vivosmart HR would provide.

Surface > iPad?

Maybe, sorta, a little bit.

A Six Pack of Tablets

Forget sharing with friends and family, you can have one for every room in the house!

Get a six pack of Amazon Fire 7" tablets for the price of five:

"To take advantage of this offer, select 6 in the quantity dropdown and add to your Shopping Cart. Enter promo code FIRE6PACK at checkout where you will see the discount applied."

Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard

This Logitech Multi-Device Bluetooth keyboard ($37) came across my radar. You can use it with three devices - just turn the dial to switch between devices. The slot for your tablet or phone has a couple of benefits - it creates a pseudo mutli-screen experience and defines a place for your phone.

NoteSlate Pre-orders

Pre-order for $199... shipping in September for Collector's Edition and October for the standard version.

Celebrate #EarthDay with #Noteslate SHIRO. Pre-order starts now at http://t.co/YRXG98xstr #handwriting #SlateWasBorn pic.twitter.com/oabe9DqHDl

— NoteSlate (@noteslate) April 22, 2015

Evernote Jot Script 2

Still on my quest for the perfect stylus... I'm anxious to see some reviews on the second version of the Jot Script.

NoteSlate SHIRO

A new year, a new video and more...

"Thank you for your patience and amazing support. This video is for you. It's showing drawing and writing on actual Noteslate SHIRO prototype, monochrome paper alike 6.8inch tablet device with simple pencil interface, the first and the earliest available Noteslate device. Paper replacement. Pre-order will be launched on 15th January 2015. We'll keep you posted. Thank you!"

There seems to be a lag between the writing and the appearance of the lines. Does it look that way to you? It says this is a prototype, so I will cut it some slack, but it doesn't look like the elegant paper replacement solution for which I was hoping.

Microsoft Surface Pro 3 Deal

I decided to go with a traditional laptop at work, but I had the option of a Surface 3 Pro. If you are thinking about one, Amazon has a pretty good deal: $100 off, plus a $100 Amazon gift card.

Via Kinja Deals

NoteSlate - This Year?

NoteSlate is making bold statements again via Twitter. The link takes you to the noteslate.jp site. I'm sure not what "Shiro" is.

Noteslate #SHIRO will come this year. The first one of them. Thank you for your support http://t.co/Pejs22Z6UR pic.twitter.com/zy1GahaRPl
— NoteSlate (@noteslate) December 10, 2014

I signed up for the notification. I assume "this year" means 2015. Otherwise, we would see something very soon. Also, the e-mail sign-up gives an address in the Czech Republic. Not that it matters - I just had no idea where they were.

Noteslate SHIRO ( Pre-Order 2014 )
Almost finished...
We need to confirm your email address.
To complete the subscription process, please click the link in the email we just sent you. 

Noteslate, Inc.
Na Kotlářce 1081/6
Prague 160 00
Czech Republic

NoteSlate - Unstoppable!

And it just won't die...

Thank you for being with us. We spent last three years building Noteslate device. We'll bring you the first one soon, Noteslate #SHIRO.
— NoteSlate (@noteslate) November 29, 2014

Apple Surface Pro Clone?

So the question is, "Will Apple's next hit be a Microsoft Surface Pro clone?"

Sure, just slap a touch screen on the MacBook Air.

NoteSlate: Coming in June 2014

I was doing some Twitter clean-up and realized I was still following NoteSlate. I went to their site and found this video - which ends by saying that NoteSlate coming in June 2014. Hmmmm. But, there was a hashtag, so it must be real - #SlateIsBack.

53 Pencil

An alternative to the Jot Script... the 53 Pencil. It looks a little boxy, but I like the flip to erase. This says that even if I don't love a currently available stylus, I should have hope as people seem to be developing better products.

Jot Script Evernote Edition Now Shipping

I'm still looking at the Jot Script Evernote Edition. Since I am not gainfully employed, I probably won't get this, if at all, until Christmas.

There is some more information available now and a video that helps me form some opinions. One, it looks a little thick. Second, they recommend turning the Multitasking Gestures off. This isn't a show stopper for me, but I know some people really like them for navigating about the screens.

On the positive side, it looks like you can rest your hand on the iPad, just as you would a regular pad of paper:

"Why can’t I write with the Jot Script stylus and my finger simultaneously?
When the Jot Script stylus is properly connected, Penultimate gives priority to the stylus and ignores anything else that touches the screen. This makes it easier for people who like to rest their hands on the screen while writing."

And you customize Penultimate to match your writing style (hand position).

Jot Script Evernote Edition Stylus

I'm still looking for the perfect stylus to allow my iPad to replace pen and paper completely. I wonder if this is it: Jot Script Evernote Edition Stylus.

(I still wish the NoteSlate had been real.)

Dumb Glass

From my Twitter feed:

BenedictEvans Spoke to a big UK broadcaster this week - apparently their strategy team is worried about the TV becoming 'dumb glass'. Nice new jargon...
Thu, Sep 12 13:06:46 from Twitterrific for Mac
retweeted by tim

I can't wait until it is smart enough to filter the ticker that runs across the bottom of my screen, so I can eliminate all those MLB and NBA scores that I don't have any interest in.