With much fanfare and hype the Apple iPad was introduced on January 27, 2010. Already the critics are out in force complaining of the things the iPad doesn’t have. Some have even called it a giant iPhone that can’t make phone calls. One thing is certain; the iPad has all of the Apple panache just as the iPod and iPhone have, but will it be a big hit or is it a white elephant?

The iPad was introduced as a cross between a notebook and a smart phone. The Apple disciples have been eagerly awaiting a tablet computer from Apple for a long time, so I imagine that it will be a hit with them. For the non-Apple fanatics that took to the iPhone and iPod like ducks to water, I wonder if they will embrace the iPad too.

iPad Criticism

Whenever a big consumer electronics company comes out with a new and innovative product there is always criticism. I suppose we are all so used to technological advances that we are expectant that a new electronic device will be the answer to all our prayers. After all, a few years ago some people carried around a cell phone, an iPod, a PDA device or laptop, and a digital camera. So smartphones like the iPhone were welcome as they could almost replace all of the individual mentioned devices.

One of the most common criticisms is the name which many have said is too closely related to a feminine hygiene product prompting the term iTampon. Maybe they are right and it would have been better to call it the iTablet or iSlate. The critics have also mentioned many functions that they believe the iPad should incorporate, like:

* No integrated USB
* No HDMI port
* No expandable memory
* No camera for photos, video or apps
* No flash support
* No streaming video
* No multitasking

The Prices

Many people were surprised by the low price when it was introduced as they expected a price of $1000. Others have said that the price is in fact high for such a device prompting rumours that Apple will reduce the price very shortly if expected sales are not forthcoming.

There are in fact various prices depending on the configuration. The iPad comes with 16, 32, or 64 GB capacity and with either Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi and 3G. So the base model with 16 GB and Wi-Fi only sells for $499, while the 64 GB model with both Wi-Fi and 3G sells for $829.

The Features

Criticism asides, there is a lot to like about the many features that the iPad does have. One of the major features is the ebook reader, iBook, which may end up being a Kindle killer. It is about the same size as the Kindle DX but it is slightly heaver and thicker. The main benefit is the LED backlit color display that all e-ink displays used by dedicated ebook reader’s lack. This will make it extremely useful for subscribing to newspapers and magazines as it is no fun reading a magazine on a Kindle in black and white.

Like many ebook readers, the iPad also supports viewing in portrait and landscape mode. But with the email function of the iPad, in landscape you can see your opened email plus the inbox and when you turn the display to portrait the opened email opens to fill the screen.

Other Features

* Photos – You can use the iPad as a digital photo frame while it’s docked or charging.
* Video – You can watch HD moves, YouTube videos, podcasts, TV shows, and music videos. You can also switch between widescreen and full screen with just a double tap of the finger.
* iPod and iTunes – You can display album art at full size and listen to music with the built-in speakers or by the Bluetooth wireless speakers. With iTunes you can preview songs before buying and you can sync the iPad with your iTunes library or your computer.
* App Store – 140,000 apps from games to business are available to buy.

There are also maps, notes, calendar, contacts, and search functions. The battery life is stated at 10 hours which is enough to watch movies, surf the web, or listen to music.

Summary

So, will the Apple iPad sell like hot cakes? I am sure that most of the Apple die-hard fans will immediately snap up this latest offering. Only time will tell if the general public will find this device as irresistible as Steve Jobs hopes. Myself, I believe it will take off and only improve with future releases but I will sit on the fence for a while until I see if they are indeed going to reduce the price and wait for the iPad 2!

Heads up to all Adventurers out there… this PLAYSPORT is made for YOU!

It’s the newest from KODAK and it’s known as the KODAK PLAYSPORT Video Digital camera. The PLAYSPORT has as much appetite for adventure as you do. And it’s not afraid to get wet.

This audacious little camera can plunge up to ten ft under water and capture the entire encounter in complete 1080p Hi-def. And also you do not need to be concerned about blurry footage when things get a small shaky.

With built-in image stabilization, the KODAK PLAYSPORT will stay steady as a rock. From the waves, to the slopes, to the mud-soaked trails, this baby was made for the extremes.

These days I’m here with you to review the newest and greatest from Kodak as there at it as soon as once again. This time, Kodak takes us down beneath as they make a large splash with its newest Video pocket Camera, and guess what folks…at a much better price!

For all you outdoor junkies the Kodak PLAYSPORT has as large an appetite for adventure as you do. And it is not afraid to get wet! With this camera you’re not afraid to obtain within the boat, about the Skidoo, or take it towards the beach. This audacious little camera can plunge as much as three m or 10 feet underwater and capture the whole experience of complete 1080p HD.

You don’t need to worry about blurred footage when the surf’s up with that constructed in image stabilization; the Kodak PLAYSPORT will stay steady as a rock. From the top from the waves that, to the slopes, towards the mud-soaked trails… This baby was made for extremes!

WHAT’S UNDER THE HOOD:

Share on FACEBOOK, YouTube, and TWITTER sites with ease-built-in software program and USB cable make editing, uploading, and sending e-mails easy
- Debut videos in the palm of the hand using the vivid, high-contrast 2. in. colour LCD
- There’s usually room for more-record as much as ten hours of Hd video with expandable SD/SDHC card slot (up to 32 GB
- Catch the highlights with slow motion playback correct in the palm of your hand

Prepared for the big screen-right out of the box

- Complimentary HDMI cable lets your videos debut in full glory
- In no way miss a moment thanks towards the rechargeable Li-Ion battery with in-camera charging
- It doesn’t matter should you own a MAC or a PC-the KODAK PLAYSPORT is compatible with both

Be creative with excellent video software program

- Edit and trim videos
- Add a voice-over to narrate your footage when editing on a PC
- Add pictures and music for your videos to make cool mash-ups
- Grab and edit still images from video frames to get that perfect shot

Every thing you need to shoot, watch, and share 1080p Hd video

- KODAK PLAYSPORT Video Camera
- KODAK Li-Ion Rechargeable Digital Camera Battery KLIC-7004
- HDMI and AV cables
- Wrist strap
- User Guide
- ARCSOFT MEDIA IMPRESSION Software program for Kodak (PC only)

Share your rebellious side

- Share on FACEBOOK, YouTube, and TWITTER websites with ease-built-in software program and USB cable make editing, uploading, and sending e-mails simple
- Debut videos in the palm of your hand using the vivid, high-contrast two. in. colour LCD
- There’s usually room for more-record as much as ten hours of Hd video with expandable SD/SDHC card slot (as much as 32 GB
- Catch the highlights with slow motion playback right in the palm of your hand
Prepared for that large screen-right out from the box
- Complimentary HDMI cable lets your videos debut in full glory
- Never miss a moment thanks to the rechargeable Li-Ion battery with in-camera charging
- It doesn’t matter if you personal a MAC or a PC-the KODAK PLAYSPORT is compatible with both

Show them what you’re created of-in HD

- Take the plunge with the waterproof digital video camera capable of shooting as much as ten ft under water
- Go anywhere-rugged design enables complete 1080p Hi-def video recording in just about any surroundings
- Start bragging with amazing five MP, 16:9 widescreen Hd still photos

Technical Details

- Waterproof as much as ten ft. (three m)
- Full 1080p HD video
- Electronic image stabilization
- Brilliant 2. in. colour display
- Capture five megapixel Hi-def stills (16:9)

The iPod has always had competition in the MP3 market. This comes from well-known names such as Cowon, Creative, Samsung, Sony, and Phillips; and yet Apple’s iPods continues to outsell every other brand worldwide.

The appeal of the iPod

One reason for this dominance is that Apple knows what its customers want. The four models in the iPod range – the shuffle, nano, iPod Classic, and touch – reflect different customer needs and offer distinct MP3 experiences.

The iPod shuffle, for instance, is a basic MP3 player of superb quality. It’s ideal for anyone who wants to carry a wide selection of their favourite music in a tiny, almost feather-light device.

The iPod nano is a remarkably compact media player. You can choose from up to 4,000 songs on the 16GB version, or up to 16 hours of video. You can also store thousands of photos, and play games.

The iPod classic is a remarkable storage device. With its 120GB hard drive, you can carry a substantial music library wherever you go – up to 30,000 songs, in fact. If you prefer watching films or TV programmes on the classic’s bright, LED backlit screen, you can load up to 150 hours of viewing. With the ability to listen to 36 hours of music between battery charges, or six hours of video, the iPod classic is a portable powerhouse for digital media.

The appeal of the iPod touch is its brilliant versatility. In addition to being an MP3 player, it has built-in Wi-Fi technology. The touch can therefore download music, video, podcasts, games, and applications without the need for a computer, as well as receive and send email. It also has some of Apple’s cutting-edge software, complemented by a three and a half inch Multi-Touch screen.

Consistent quality

The consumer choice offered by these four iPod models is comprehensive; but in a market where a number of manufacturers are associated with superior products, customers want consistent high quality. If they don’t receive this, they lose faith in a company. Apple knows this, and hasn’t let its customers down.

Since introducing its first iPod in 2001, Apple has put quality at the front of its manufacturing policy. Every iPod is extremely well-engineered. The robust casings resist the knocks and scrapes that all MP3 players endure; and on the inside, the technology is what you’d expect from a maker renowned for the graphics and audio capabilities of its computers.

Innovation

Along with quality, consumers like to see frequent innovation, particularly with technological products such as portable media players. Unlike some of its competitors, Apple has regularly introduced new and exciting developments to the iPod range. In fact, you can almost take for granted that a new generation iPod will have at least one ground-breaking additional feature.

Such an approach to innovation is part of the iPod heritage. It gives Apple an edge over the competition and provides you with the most advanced MP3 players available.

Style

The look of an MP3 player is critical to its sales success. People like to have products that are elegant and clutter-free.

This is why Apple chooses its materials for the iPod range so carefully. Brushed aluminium, polished steel, and high quality glass form the casings of the iPods. Using such smooth and sleek exteriors is not enough, however. The shape of the iPods is also a vital part of the overall concepts.

Apple’s success in this area is thanks to curved designs, thin bodies, compact size, and lightness. The iPod shuffle, for example, weighs a mere 15.6 grams (0.55 ounce). The iPod nano is just 90.7 mm (3.6 inches) high by 38.7 mm (1.5 inches) wide. The iPod classic, despite its large hard drive capacity, covers less than half the surface area of a CD case. As for the iPod touch, it’s a mere 8.5 mm (0.33 inch) thick.

The distinctive wheel-shaped controls and the discrete positions of the ports and switches add to the overall sense of style on the iPod shuffle, nano, and classic. The iPod touch stands out thanks to its Multi-Touch screen that in itself is a statement of technological achievement and flair.

It’s hard to find any other MP3 players that can match an iPod’s sheer good looks. Colour

Yet another feature that distinguishes iPods from their competitors is the choice of colour Apple offers for the shuffle and the nano.

You can order a shuffle in one of five colours: blue, green, pink, red, and silver. The nano has an additional four: black, orange, purple, and yellow. All these colours are bright and wear-resistant, and help to personalise your iPod. They also add to the fun of using an MP3 player.

Extras

MP3 players are gadgets, and as with all such devices, people want useful, interesting extras. There can be little doubt that Apple meets this demand far more successfully than anyone else.

The shake-to-shuffle feature on the iPod nano; Wi-Fi connectivity on the iPod touch; and the Genius playlist feature on the iPod nano, classic, and touch are three examples of recent developments that have caught people’s imaginations. These extras are the latest in a history of additions that help make iPods such desirable gadgets to own.

iTunes

iPods also maintain a significant advantage over other MP3 players because of iTunes. iTunes is the free software that lets you organise your digital media into a library and transfer it to your iPod. It also offers a store in which you can buy music, films, TV programmes and audiobooks from a vast selection. You can even rent certain films, and obtain podcasts without charge.

The best

Apple started the portable media player revolution and has continued to develop the iPod ever since with spectacular results. Look through any sales catalogue of MP3 players, and it’s clear that where the iPod leads, others try to follow. iPods always set the pace, and the rest never really catch up.