iPad Air-Mac Mini-Bretford PowerSync Cart

 

 

We have added 14 NEW iPad Air devices for the library installed in a Bretford PowerSync Cart to maintain the devices.  After using the 1st Generation iPads for the last 4 years, it's going to be an exciting journey to implement these into our already growing supply of  iPads, eReaders and tablets.  These include the 1st generation Kindles, 1st generation iPads, Kindle2's, Kindle3's, DX,  B/W Sony and Nook, Kindle Fire and the Nook Color.

 

 

 

7.5 millimeters thin-weighs one pound

 

 

 

The Retina display sits inside thinner bezels with a very sleek enclosure!

 

9.7" Display

2048x1536 Resolution

5m iSight with front Facetime HD camera

A7 chip, M7 coprocessor

 

 

 

All pictures above-Image Credit: http://www.apple.com/ipad-air/

 

 Dual microphones improve audio and suppress background noise for video recording, FaceTime calls, and voice recognition using Siri.

 

 How to maintain so many?
The Bretford Power Sync cart for iPads!

Image Credit: http://www.apple.bretford.com/products/powersynccartforipad

The PowerSync Cart for iPad stores, charges, syncs, and transports up to 30 iPad devices at one time. This cart also keeps our content in sync with our iTunes® library via the Mac Mini.

The cart connects our 14 iPad Air devices to our Mac Mini, at the same time installs apps, books, videos, music, and Podcasts to each iPad, according to our requirements.

As we process these devices for student loans in Tech Services, we will post our progress.  We received the 1st generation iPad's on opening day, April 3, 2010.  Presently these iPads are circulated overnight for student loans.  All other eReaders and tablets are available as 7 day loans.

 

Galaxy Note 8 vs. Kindle Fire HD 8.9



All Images this post: Credit: http://alturl.com/49ra8
 

iPad still tops the tablet arena!  Both the full size and the mini outsell all of the rivals.  Apple’s two biggest competitors, Amazon and Samsung, are showing what they are made of.   Galaxy Note 8.0 and Kindle Fire HD 8.9” are the newest successes. Both of these are terrific alternatives to the iPad and iPad mini.  See specs below to compare the Note 8 and Fire 8.9.



Kindle Fire's pixel density is 34 percent higher and  a much sharper image than the Galaxy Note.

Remember to consider speed, size, pixels, weight, cost difference, software, cameras, battery, fees for wireless, storage, RAM, processor and material type. These two devices are both plastic.



Note 8 has a faster processor
 

If you don't like plastic, you may want to consider the Surface or an iPad. Sounds like all these issues are similar to the topics we research when buying a smartphone, PC, laptop, iMac or MacBook Pro. See this excellent article below for all the specs to help unravel your decision.



$130 difference in price

Article from Gizmag April 23, 2012

http://www.gizmag.com/kindle-fire-hd-8-9-vs-galaxy-note-8-0-specs-comparison/27231/

 

Note 8 has double the RAM

 

Click on this link below. Scroll down to pictures and articles for comparing various iPads and tablets.
http://www.gizmag.com/kindle-fire-hd-8-9-vs-galaxy-note-8-0-specs-comparison/27231/pictures

iPad mini 7.9" vs. Kindle Fire HD 7"




Image Credit: http://www.apple.com/ipad/

iPad mini fits in one hand —

Yet it can do everything an iPad can do!

So, how do you decide what's best for your library? 

I'd like to have both:]

Image credit:

http://alturl.com/fv93g

iPad mini                                   Kindle Fire
Anodized aluminum                                   Plastic
Cost $ $329                                                7" $199
Lower pixels 163ppi                                   Higher pixels 216 ppi
Camera front/rear                                        Camera front
Superior apps library                                   Nominal # of apps
Not so crisp text/images                              Extra crisp text/images


So, the questions looms, does the extra iPad mini's 0.9" make a difference for the low pixels and at a higher price? [$329 vs. $199]

Would we pay extra for the best software selection and design of the iPad mini or buy the Kindle Fire for less and get a sharper image and faster processor? One funny comment I've read: "If it doesn't fit in my cargo pants, I'm not buying it....."  This guy is keeping his 7'' Kindle Fire.

Makes us wonder if the clothes designer's will make those cargo pant pockets bigger for the larger 'mini' electronic gadgets in the future or perhaps for the Samsung Galaxy4 and other super-sized smartphones? It's certainly interesting what drives the market these days.

 

 

Another choice might be the new Kindle Fire 8.9"

$269 with 254 ppi.





Image Credit: http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Fire-HD-9-inch/dp/B008GFRE5A



What do you think is the perfect device for library check out? 

Let us know what you are doing in your library.

 

Stats for iPad mini and Kindle Fire HD

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1000846051

 

 

Overview for Kindle Fire HD 7"

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008GFRB9E/ref=fs_j

 

Overview for Kindle Fire HD 8.9"

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008GFRB9E/ref=fs_j

 

 

Overview from Apple

http://www.apple.com/ipad-mini/overview/

 

Image credit: http://alturl.com/j3ffs

What's new this week?
Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0, an iPad mini rival,
to hit stores Thursday
Check out this article today:
http://alturl.com/qy8o2

189ppi, Wi-Fi, front/rear camera, 5 megapixel/1.3
$400

 

New iPad this summer?
http://alturl.com/pwmyy

Quote from USAtoday.com: "Speculation into the launch of a new iPad kicked off last week, after Fortune reported last week retailers such as Best Buy and Walmart were slashing prices on iPads and iPad Minis, suggesting Apple is poised to launch a new model."

The Best iPad Apps of 2012 from Gizmag

http://www.gizmag.com/ipad-mini-review/24855

Kindle 4G and New Tablet

Kindle Fire HD 4G and other new Kindle devices

 

All pictures on this page image credit: http://alturl.com/cpatv

 

 

It's just amazing what is being offered this holiday season in eReaders, tablets and iPads.  Good luck sorting all this out. Doing your research will definitely get you and your patrons the best fit for your library. At our academic library, we like the new choices, especially on a tight budget.  The cost shown below is for the low end memory devices.  See Amazon's web site for specs and all pricing.  http://alturl.com/cpatv

 

Presently we are using the 3G Kindle3 models to replace many of the worn out 'original' Kindle1's.  These older models served us well for the last four years and hope the new devices hold up just as well. Kindle1's were $359 in 2008, which makes even the 8.9" Kindle HD Wi-Fi device at $299 and the new $199 Kindle Fire HD 7" a bargain. 

 

We have many required titles for class reading that transfer smoothly to the new models. The Kindle Fire is popular here for required reading, assignments and terrific in class when students work in groups researching for a class project.

 

Next Blog:
New iPad mini

 

 

 

 

All pictures on this page image credit: http://alturl.com/cpatv

 

$499 HD 4G LTE Wireless 8.9"

$299 for Wi-Fi model

 

$159 no HD

$199 HD model

$139 3G w/keyboard

 

3G $179

Wi-Fi $119

 



6" B/W $69

New Nook HD, Nook Tablet, Glowing Nook, Simple Touch

Eleven Nooks to choose from, including the original Nook Color.


All images this page Image Credit: http://alturl.com/uyket

We have so many remarkable choices now for libraries loaning eReaders and tablets. So many great devices for any size library budget.

 

 We have the Nook Color, the B/W original Nooks and two B/W Sony's. We have iPads, Kindle Fires, original K1's, K2's, K3's and Kindle DX. Students are really fascinated with our collection.

For those libraries just getting started in this ever changing technological arena, it's the training of staff and scheduling maintenance that's important to consider in your purchases, not just the cost of the device.  We have been implementing eReaders since 2008. As the devices get more sophisticated, the more time required updating and cleaning the internal devices.

With Amazon coming out with new Kindle models and Apple announcing a possible 7" iPad Oct. 23rd, it will make the choice even more difficult. I would like to stay within the area of Kindles, Nooks and iPads to help keep some sense of stability with our inventory. Not that we wouldn't try a new company's device, but for now, our inventory is servicing our needs quite well for students, faculty and staff.

 

Next blog:

New Kindles and the New Smaller iPad



Nook HD+ 9" screen
 

Nook Tablet 7" touchscreen
8GB $179
16GB $199

The Glowing Nook
Nook Simple Touch with Glowlight $119
6" Touchscreen 7 oz.

Nook Simple Touch B/W $99

Nook Color 7"
$149
Original price last Fall...$199

 

 

 

New 10" Kindle Fire? Mini iPad? Kindle Announcement Today, Sept. 6th, 2012

Image Credit: http://alturl.com/wtm2s

Amazon online has sold out of their Kindle Fire devices and is in production of their 2nd model. It's rumored to be a 7" replacement with a new 10" Kindle Fire.

There is a major press conference in Santa Monica, California, scheduled today, Thursday Sept. 6th.
They are expected to announce their 'jazzed-up' replacement at this time.

Image Credit: http://alturl.com/gzam3

See exciting information in the USA TODAY tech news, TechCrunch and CNNMoney below.

USA TODAY

http://alturl.com/gzam3

TechCrunch

http://alturl.com/6b5as

iPad mini vs. Kindle Fire 2

CNNMoney

http://alturl.com/uzzvv

Windows Surface tablet arriving Nov. 2012?

The new Windows Surface looks like a very exciting addition to the growing collection of tablets!

Image Credit http://alturl.com/nv42j

What's in it...
Intel-based processor Surface RT and the Windows 8 Pro Surface tablet to run a full-blown version of Windows 8 Pro  [to come out 3 months later]

32GB and 64GB configs
10.6-inch screen, thickness of 9.3mm, wide enough for a full-size USB
Gorilla Glass 2.0 screen
1.8 lbs.
Kickstand that pulls out when you want to watch a movie
Dual-antenna Wi-Fi
Touch Cover with multi-touch keyboard

Quote from Wilson Rothman, Gadget Box on MSNBC.com Tech June 21, 2012
http://alturl.com/nv42j 

"The Surface tablet has a pen interface as well. The Touch Cover may be quite a cool tool: It's like a rubber keypad, and it knows when you're not using it because of a built-in accelerometer, and it shuts off and doesn't drain the battery. The technology behind the covers is pretty snazzy -- it tracks your finger movements, using logic to determine if you're typing or just resting your hands. There is actually a second cover, as well. The Type Cover has a slightly raised keyboard for more traditional clickety clack."

Image Credit http://alturl.com/nv42j

The ARM-based Surface tabs, [Surface RT] will come in 32GB and 64GB configs, and ship around the Windows availability.  The price is to compete with other ARM tablets probably similar to iPads. The Intel-powered Windows 8 Pro Surface tablets to be released 3 months later will have a 64GB and 128GB configs and be more like ultabooks.  There seems to be a lot of chatter about battery power in both Surface tablets.  The power ratings in the specs they have sent out show the battery power will be a little less than the iPad.

Image Credit http://alturl.com/nv42j

Surface RT Tablet is mostly for people who don’t need the performance of a PC or laptop. "RT" is an abbreviation of Windows Runtime. Continue reading this site below. See "Microsoft Surface Tablet Review" under paragraph two. http://alturl.com/tcgzx

Information to help explain the technology:
ARM=Advanced RISC Machine
ARM is a reduced instruction set computer (RISC) instruction set architecture (ISA) developed by ARM Holdings. It was named the Advanced RISC Machine and, before that, the Acorn RISC Machine. The ARM architecture is the most widely used 32-bit instruction set architecture in numbers produced.[2][3] Originally conceived by Acorn Computers for use in its personal computers, the first ARM-based products were the co-processor modules for the BBC Micro series of computers.

MS Office iPad App to Launch on Nov. 10?

Image Credit: http://alturl.com/3786c

June 11th, 2012

It's rumored that Microsoft has already built the Office iPad app.  They are currently considering how to launch the new application and also decide what the app price will be.

http://www.ipad3-release.com/2012/microsoft-office-ipad-app-ready-launch-date-being-considered/

June 4th, 2012
It sounds like the Office For iPad will hit markets on Nov. 10, 2012. This date was released May 31.

http://www.ipad3-release.com/2012/office-for-ipad-to-reach-markets-by-november%e2%80%8e/

Feb. 23, 2012
If their plan stays on track, the Office App for iPad will have "read-write mode" for Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Will it have other Office applications?  MS replied that the inclusion and proper working of the other Office applications will be announced when the Office App for iPad is launched.

http://www.ipad3-release.com/2012/submission-of-ms-office-for-ipad-soon-to-be-done/

iPads vs. Kindles vs. Nooks-2012





Image Credit: http://alturl.com/6whj8

"With ultra-affordable e-ink readers, mid-priced color tablets like the Kindle Fire and Nook Tablet, and even the more expensive iPads all vying for your e-book dollar, what's the best choice for you? It depends." This quote from CNET's John Falcone

Image Credit:  http://alturl.com/n75j5

Many students, faculty, staff, and neighbors ask me almost every day...."What eReader or tablet do you like most? or "Which one should I buy?"  These are difficult questions to answer if we don't know their lifestyle and budget. My first question is budget, second question is,  "Are you going to read 90% of the time or use the internet, social networking and email most of the time?"  Third question, "Do you want to replace your laptop?"

Now that the market place has a  nice variety of good quality devices under $200, it's time for consumers to do their homework.  No guessing!  Go to the different stores and try each device.  Go to the library or at home and do some internet research.  Go back to the store and look at your top three choices. 

Image Credit: http://alturl.com/dxb3c

 

I have found several good web sites they might help you get started.  Take notes and ask all your friends and neighbors what they like. Make a 'pros and cons' list. You might not find anyone to loan you one, unless you try a library.  You might find that you are a trusted friend indeed if someone loaned you their precious device, because after you have your own, you won't let it go.  Good luck on your adventure into the digital eReader world!

 

Image Credit: http://alturl.com/q5hi6, http://store.apple.com/us

 

"Kindle vs. Nook vs. iPad:

Which e-book reader should you buy?"

Image Credit: http://alturl.com/dxb3c

May 5th, 2012 CNET

by John Falcone

http://alturl.com/6whj8 

 

"I want my kids to read.
They want to play games."
2nd device purchase? 

Quote and Image Credit: http://wearebothright.com/2012/05/ipads-kindles-and-nooks/



 

Readers who don't want to share their eReader/tablet/iPad with their kids or grandkids. What 2nd device to purchase? Can they find a device that could meet both of these requirements?

 

Quote from Tracy from her blog, We Are Both Right.

"The iPad was the first to be eliminated. I deemed it too expensive and too heavy for little hands prone to dropping things. Yes, there are many cool book apps. However, my goal was to get them to read first and then shoot birds across the screen later. Book apps aside, there’s just too many other media offerings on the iPad to distract my children from reading." 

Many of us believe that good readers make great students.

  Good parenting skills Tracy!

See her blog below for more tips!

http://wearebothright.com/2012/05/ipads-kindles-and-nooks/

Apple Rumors: 8 inch iPad? 3 different iPad3's? 8 GB iPad? Dual processor iPad3? iPad 2S or iPad 2X? Apple Announcement on March 7th

Apple Event in San Francisco March 7th

Image Credit:http://http://alturl.com/gndif

We have found so countless rumors concerning the March 7th announcement for the new iPad3 release concerning the level, mid-range and high-end market divisions.  Maybe an 8 inch iPad, 8GB iPad2  or iPad3, iPad2s or iPad2x and the new iPad3 with dual processor...Quad core A6 CPU or Logic Board with A5X?

 The rumor mill is endless!

 The competition with the new Kindle Fire's and Nook Color, size and price seems to be key.  Rather than rehash these rumors in this blog, click on the links below that interest you and review the rumors.  Let's see which ones come true. We will be on Spring Break at Palm Beach State College the week of the big announcement and we will get back to this blog the week of March 12.

Image Credit: http://alturl.com/gndif

Feb. 29th Apple rumored to release 3 different versions of iPad3.

From CBS News "techtalk", we find the latest 'new' rumors surfacing of three possible models of iPad 3. The link below reports that 9to5Mac is claiming sources close to Apple revealed this information. This also cites earlier speculation by DigiTimes that Apple gave two versions of the new tablet to "upstream partners for development," code, called J1 and J2.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-501465_162-57387950-501465/apple-may-release-three-versions-of-ipad-3/



March 1st  iPad News from DigiTimes

http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20120229PD220.html

Feb. 14th- 8 inch iPad?

http://blogs.denverpost.com/techknowbytes/2012/02/14/tablet-news-8-inch-ipad-and-galaxy-note-release-date/3280/

Feb. 22nd

Rumor mill is endless... Quad core A6 CPU  or Logic Board with A5X

http://ziarra.net/2012/02/22/ipad-3-specs-release-date-and-other-rumors/




Image Credit: http://alturl.com/gndif

 

Image Credit: http://alturl.com/x85r2


Feb. 9th

Thicker and Sharper?

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-501465_162-57373866-501465/apple-ipad-3-rumors-thicker-sharper-coming-soon/

Feb. 10th $299-$399 iPad2?

Analysts are predicting that Apple will lower the price of the iPad 2 when they the release the iPad 3.

http://www.fiercecio.com/techwatch/story/apples-ipad-3-will-be-unveiled-first-week-march-says-report/2012-02-10

Feb. 21st- iPad User Satisfaction Chart



Image Credit: http://alturl.com/cykb7

Feb. 21-Office for iPad?
http://blogs.computerworld.com/19754/apple_ipad_3_retina_display_rumors_intensify_office_for_ipad_imminent

Feb. 10th-Apple's iPad 3 will be unveiled first week of March, says report - FierceCIO:TechWatch

http://www.fiercecio.com/techwatch/story/apples-ipad-3-will-be-unveiled-first-week-march-says-report/2012-02-10#ixzz1nKMZwYv7



Image Credit: http://alturl.com/gndif



Cast your vote for 2012 Read Together Program by Feb. 24th-EAP Class Semester Loan Project and our NEW Kindle Fire and NookColor devices

We have added 25 Kindle Fires and 15 Nook Color devices to our eReader/tablet collection.

  



Nook Color  

Image Credit: http://alturl.com/fepfp



Kindle Fire
Image Credit: http://alturl.com/2x5jm


These are the new titles below that we have purchased to help students, faculty and staff cast their vote for the 2012 Read Together Palm Beach County Campaign.
Vote by Feb. 24.
Cast your vote in our library on either floor two or floor three, or at their web site below.  March 12th will be the announcement for the 2012 book choice.
http://readtogether.palmbeachpost.com/

  

/



Image Credits: http://readtogether.palmbeachpost.com/

Nook Color and Kindle Fire devices are

7 day loans.

Dr. Richard Shepardson is Palm Beach State's EAP Cluster Chair. He is working with our library this semester to promote reading using eReaders in his EAP 0420 classes, with approximately 25 students in all. Students will have the opportunity to use a Kindle Fire and/or a Nook Color this semester. We hope to receive a lot of feedback from students concerning their likes and dislikes about each device.




Image Credit: http://alturl.com/3uxeg

 

Tech Services added a new book, The Appointment, to each Kindle Fire and Nook Color, to start off the semester. If students find other books they would like to read, with Dr. Shepardson's approval, we will download these requests. We are very excited about these new devices and hope this program will bring many excellent books to our fiction collection.




Image Credit: http://alturl.com/ou422

 The Year of the Flood is assigned reading by one of our teachers.  Students are very pleased that they can check out a Kindle Fire to take home for this assignment.