The Metawatch is now iPad (3) compatible thanks to Bluetooth 4. It will also work with the iPhone 4S. What other watch can do that? None. No, the soon to exist Pebble is not going to be iPad compatible (Although obviously that could change in the future as feature-creep sets in).
So do you want to fork over $200 for an iPhone/iPad compatible watch? Well, I did. Free shipping to Canada on the Texas Instruments estore ($20 on the Metawatch site). Hopefully, by the time I get it next week, there will be an iOS app in iTunes so I can actually use it without writing my own app.
I'll probably have to pay for the HST, but I'm curious about duty. Where is it made?
I'll write a review when I get it/figure out how to use it.
More pictures here (the Android compatible version has been out for a while).
I could be wrong, but I think Pebble is the first iPhone compatible smartwatch. I use the term "first" loosely, as it is not available yet. I want one. I wanted the inPulse when I first heard about it last year, and then I completely forgot about it. Even worse, I bought an other Pulse incompatible iPhone.
Do you need a smartwatch? Well, you didn't "need" your smartphone and you didn't "need" your smart tablet, and that didn't stop you. However, you needed a car and you didn't get the Smart Car. So there. But for $125, why not?
Disclaimer: when I was a kid I had a PacMan watch and was very popular on the playground for about a week (charging 10 cents per game), until other kids got Pacman watches. As far as I can tell, you can't play Pacman on the Pebble, yet.
If you live in Canada, it will cost you C$122.86, plus HST, for the cheapest Kindle. The Kindle Touch and the Kindle Fire are simply not available to Canadians.
By comparison, the Kobo Wifi will cost you $109 (the newer Kindle Touch is $140) . If you are really cheap, you can pick up a refurbished Kobo 1st gen (not wifi) for $70 at Future Shop.
Cost of ebooks
Remember that with a Kindle, you are really stuck buying books from Kindle's store. Many books are not available to Canadians and those that are, are almost always more expensive in Canada. However, when you factor in the sales tax, that American Kindle store does not charge, the Kindle store books are usually about the same price as other ebooks (at Kobo or iBooks, for example).
Library books
Also, keep in mind you can't read library books on a Kindle (at time of writing, that option is limited to some US libraries).
Comparison
If you will spend a significant time with your ereader. Possibly in intimate places like your bed and the bathroom. However, why spend more that you have to.
iOS
-I love my iOS devices (iPhone and iPad) because I can shop for ebooks on many different stores as well as the New Brunswick library. Reading, however, is an other issue. The main problem is that I have the entire freeking Internet at my finger tips. To say there are distractions to reading a book on an iOS device is an understatement. The iPod touch is the lightest reading device and very portable. The iPad is bigger and heavier than an ereader, so less portable, but it is easier to read formatted text like magazines. Anything that had glass will have glare. However, the back-lit iOS devices can become challenging in very bright situations (at the very least, you will have to take off your sunglasses).
-Kobo. Every Kobo feels rushed and imperfect. That is just the way they do things. However, you won't suffer from feature creep. They use the standar ePub, so works with elibrary books and you technically could buy from different stores. I'd advise against the non-wifi model as not having to sink to your computer is a luxury that is worth the extra coin (think buying books while on the can). The advantages of touch are debatable in my opinion. I don't remember doing anything but turning the page while reading books on my iOS devices. Glare is a factor when reading under bright lights or outside. Non-glossy paper wins in that respect.
-Kindle 3G. You can buy an ebook no matter where you are IN THE ENTIRE WORLD. Even if you are house bound, that might be worth the extra $50. Of course, if you don't have a router, or any intention of getting one (and live within the Telus-Bell coverage area), it is the cheapest option.
-Kindle with keyboard and wifi. If you are realistic, and have access to wifi, you won't spring for 3G. And the keyboard is there if you suddenly get the urge to type something while reading a book. But I've never typed anything while reading a book on my iOS devices.
-Kindle without keyboard or touch capability. This Kindle is Koboesque is its lack of features. But is has wifi. And if you aren't the type to write in the margins of paper books, you don't need a keyboard, virtual or otherwise. The lightest eink reader (but almost twice the weight of an iPod touch).
Need more information? If you really like books, more is never enough:
I like wars wear humans don't die. Although if people lose their job and the country doesn't provide a social safety net, they could actually starve or freeze to death (or if they lose their healthcare benefits and are/get sick). But lets agree that fewer people will die in the tablet war than in, say, the American Civil war. That's a safe bet, I think (people do die mining for all those rare minerals... ).
-Future 7 inch 6GB colour Kindle: $282.50 (taxes incl), subject to change (and regional availability).
As you probably know, HP has decided to stop making the HP Touchpad. Then they decided to sell them for $100 and $150. Now everybody wants one, and people are paying between $300 and $400 on ebay and various sites like Craigslist and Kijiji...
Paper is a relatively cheap way to read stuff. The infrastructure is already there (paper mills, printers, roads, trucks, book stores, lamps, garbage collection, land fill sites), so the marginal cost of an additional paper book is relatively low.
For many book publishers, the infrastructure to publish and distribute ebooks isn't there yet. So, counterintuitively, the marginal cost of each ebook is relatively high.
From a reader's point of view, here are the advantages of ebooks:
-They don't take up space.
-You can buy an ebook anywhere (and I mean anywhere), any time.
-Popular English language books and classics are easy to find.
-Moving forwards, "out of print" books will still be for sale and available.
-Price comparison is easy (Kindle Store, iBookstore, Kobobooks, Fictionwise), you don't need to factor in shipping, just the sales tax (Kindle doesn't charge it to Canadians).
-They sometimes cost less than a paper book.
-Easy to transport. You can have your entire library in your pocket.
-No paper cuts, dust, or horrible glue smell.
Advantages of a paper book.
-More selection (especially non-English).
-You can give it away.
-You can show it off (when you are reading it and when you put it on your shelf).
-You can trade it.
-You can loose it without feeling too bad (unlike a $200 Kindle or a $550 iPad)
-You can damage it without feeling too bad (when drinking, eating, using it at the beach or in the bathroom).
-You don't need any special equipment (not an advantage if you already have an iPhone).
-Absolutely no glare.
-Some people think they like the smell and feel of paper books (I don't, in fact, I hate it).
-Many people collect books without finishing them. They may loose that collection joy in the digital format. (This is a pretty week advantage if you ask me, but I've read it in so many forums that it must be true).
-Books don't run out of battery.
I'm an ebook convert. I have the following iOS ereader apps on my iPhone: Kobo, iBooks, Stanza and Kindle. I also read books on my computer, on my laptop and on my TV.
I'm deeply allergic to dust and I move, way, way to often. I also live in a small apartment.
But the number 1 reason I love ebooks is I hate throwing book out. I just can't. It is literally painful for me to do so. My electronic books I can keep for ever!
Devices: iPod touch ($200), Kobo ($150), Kindle ($205 plus tax when shipped to Canada), Sony eReader ($200), Kindle DX ($350), iPad ($550), iPhone ($800), Android based smartphone (HTC: $500). Nook from Barnes and Noble, only in the USA ($150 for wifi only, $200 for wifi with 3G).
I know way too much about ebooks, so if you have any questions about ebooks, please leave them in the comments. I'll respond within 24 hours.
In her latest Geek Brief, Cali says something about first "permeable" video camera glasses. Not sure what that means. I already have similar video glasses. They're OK, but legally, you're supposed to tell people when you are filming them. So in less I want to spend my time blurring people's faces à la Google Streetview, they are of dubious use.
The Borders-backed Kobo eReader is officially on pre-order to be delivered by June 17. It's not as flashy as a Kindle or nook, but the barebones platform is only $150. Drop that price to $99, and Borders may find itself a market.
Where does this magic $99 number come from? Are there any other products that people buy at $99 but not $101? Obviously, more people would buy the Kobo eReader if it were cheaper. But to say that the market is at $99 and not $149 is pure nonsense.
At $149, the Kobo eReader is by far the cheapest ereader on the market (even cheaper than an iPod Touch). It is flying off the shelves at Canadian Chapters, Coles and Indigo book stores (same owner), and there is a 3 week waiting period when you buy it online from Canada.
According to my Twitter research, women are buying the Kobo eReader (unlike the iPad). That is good for us geeks, because the Kobo requires a computer, and therefor a man to help out. :-)
This guy is no Steve Jobs, but he does supply us with some of the background with regards to recent history of Chapters-Indigo's foray into ebooks.
The main thing I learned was that Kobo is an anagram for book. Hopefully, this will help me remember what the app is called on my iPhone.
I use the Stanza, Kindle and Kobo ebook iPhone readers. Stanza usually has the best section, as it is an app that allows access to many ebook stores. Kindle ebooks are usually cheaper, as they don't charge Canadian sales tax.
But when Kobo has the monopoly on the Canadian rights...
Pocket camcorders have quickly become a multi billion dollar industry with multiple manufacturers.
Notwithstanding price, an obvious advantage, the main advantage of a pocket camcorder is, well, that it will fit in your pocket. Large camcorders may soon go the way of large cell phones.
And like with compact cell phones, pocket camcorders come with major trade offs. For cell phones it is reception range, for camcorders it is image quality. On the other hand, it is way better than nothing. And since few of us lug a camcorder everywhere we go, nothing is what we normally have.
Prices are usually under $250, so you might as well get the best one. And the best one means HD. Many cell phones and the iPod Nano can take reasonable video. But they can't take HD. And, as I write this in December 2009, that is where the pocket camcorder's niche resides: HD video.
At the moment, a couple offer 1080p. However, that feature is mostly a gimmick. The technology of pocket camcorders just isn't that good yet. So when comparing pocket camcorders, stick to a 720p comparison.
Let's go by elimination:
Samsung HMX-U10
Although the specs look good on paper, the Samsung HMX-U10 has gotten horrible reviews by buyers at Amazon.com . I suspect the technology press would have given it equaly bad reviews if they had reviewed it. Most likely Samsung wisely chose not to provide thech reviewers with the pocket camcorder. Although if you are a conspiracy fan, perhaps the press prefered not to anger Samsung. As the saying goes, if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.
Kodak Zi6
Already old technology. Kodak has replaced it with the Zi8. Feel free to pick up a used one from an early adopter, but I question the logic of buying a new one.
Kodak Zx1
This camcorder is good for outdoors. In fact, it is the only weather proof one currently on the market. However, the bike and helmet kit accessory that Kodak brags about is almost impossible to find. And since you don't want to be filming on rainy days (especially since this camera is lousy in low light), the weatherproofing is of little value. This pocket camcorder is useless indoors. Eliminated.
JVC Picsio GC-FM1
This Fall Gizmodo concluded in their "Ultimate Pocket Camcorder" review that it sucked. Why argue with Gizmodo?
Aiptek PenCam HD
Also panned by Gizmodo, the Aiptek PenCam HD. However, if you choose not to trust Gizmodo, the plus side is that the pocket camcorder looks cool (the camera, not the video, that sucks).
OK, so that is 5 fewer pocket cams to be tempted by. Good stuff. However, there are still many you could buy. Which is the best?
Not a huge difference amongst the best reviewed. The best pocket cam is the one you can't have yet. Either because it is not available yet in your country (Mino HD, second generation with 8GB), or everybody ran out and bought it (Kodak Zi8).
Consistently rated in the top two is the Flip Ultra HD. It has two major drawbacks: it is fat and needs a mini HDMI adapter ($5 at Monoprice.com). Also, you can't take pictures. That may or may not be a drawback as pocket camcorders are generally lousy at taking pictures and you can always take a caption from a video. The HDMI issue is more of an annoyance than anything. Indeed, not everybody will play unedited video on their HD TV from their camera, so perhaps those who do should be responsible for getting an HDMI cable (or mini HDMI adapter if they already have a HDMI cable).
The Flip Ultra HD is fat, but it will fit in your pocket. So it certainly qualifies as a pocket camcorder. However, in tight jeans the bulge will be visible...
As for advantages, the primary is memory. Like an iPod or iPhone, memory is included. 8GB should be fine unless you will be away from a computer for long periods (think vacation). Not having to buy an SDHC card is an important savings and major hassle saver. You can't lose internal memory. You also don't have to worry about buying the correct quality of memory.
On pocket cameras without internal memory, if it writes at 12 mega bits per second, than any SDHC card rated class 2 or higher (2 mega bytes per second) should be sufficient (a byte is 8 bits). However, many customers think a class 6 card is the minimum speed. And those are much more expensive, especially at the capacity you will need (8GB or more). Worse still, even at equal class and capacity, reported quality, and price, of the SD cards vary considerably. It is just one more thing that can go wrong.
Prices of pocket camcorders, indeed, even the same pocket camcorder, vary from one seller to the other. A few minutes of shopping can save you a few dollars. But remember, these are all relatively affordable, so I'd think twice before booking a day off work to tour the malls.
As these are small, they are affordable to ship. Google and online sellers are you friend when it comes to to pocket camcorders. Keep in mind the different versions (Flip Ultra HD vs Flip (not HD) and the Mino HD 1st generation with 4GB and the soon to be released second generation with 8GB).
Start with Amazon. Although they seem better at pricing books than electronics. Their prices vary considerably over time.
Also, keep in mind that pocket camcorders barely make sense. You can shoot video on a cell phone or the iPod Nano. You also most likely have a digital camera and most of those allow you to take short video.
Video on a HD pocket camcorder will be better than on the above, however, it will probably be worse than on an old fashion camcorder. Your old fashion camcorder can't record in HD, but the video will be much smoother and much clearer indoors than on a pocket camcorder.
That said, those old cell phones were "better" too.
The Metawatch is now iPad (3) compatible thanks to Bluetooth 4. It will also work with the iPhone 4S. What other watch can do that? None. No, the soon to exist Pebble is not going to be iPad compatible (Although obviously that could change in the future as feature-creep sets in).
($205 plus tax when shipped to ![Apple iPod touch 8 GB (2nd Generation--with iPhone OS 3.1 Software Installed) [NEWEST MODEL]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_sxgya1xEQUTgotCPtE1xTAeDWV25H5WIsTs3iNScQadeCrod3YC7ZGczTI-GijyFgdsw1dbc4g1Cu4o8nE8brZHN3dJf2PjSuJUyAT98Bjs6wCMvE29PgsECbVDlz0zms7t1Gkr41n_s6g7pp2b_rKxRzYTGAhZg4I1cPgtJEGSPl-1VgBPxbBM27bnLp3BnoY1W1J6kwxadFOzubJ9FjBgd7PN7f9kfA=s0-d)
Canada), Sony eReader ($200), Kindle DX ($350), iPad ($550), iPhone ($800), Android based smartphone (HTC: $500). Nook from Barnes and Noble, only in the USA ($150 for wifi only, $200 for wifi with 3G).