iPad 2012 Summary of Reviews

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As of 2100 EDT on the 14th of March, the media embargo from Apple was lifted and the reviews are in. Everyone LOVES the Retina Display and LTE.  I might as well reiterate it again; EVERYONE LOVES THE RETINA DISPLAY!!!

Truth also be told, I'm glad I went with the 32GB Verizon model and can't wait to pick mine up on Friday.  Some have already asked and yes, I might end up asking if I can up it to the 64GB version being that applications are coming in weighing at at least 1.5 times the size and some even up to 5 times larger!  Here are a couple of snippets from the sources that I believe run true to the way that I analyze new hardware, tech and software.

"...it just looks otherworldly; like a glowing piece of paper." - Joshua Topolsky; The Verge

" The new iPad is the most functional, usable, and beautiful tablet that any company has ever produced." - Joshua Topolsky; The Verge

"It has the most spectacular display I have ever seen in a mobile device. ... Using the new display is like getting a new eyeglasses prescription — you suddenly realize what you thought looked sharp before wasn’t nearly as sharp as it could be." - Walt Mossberg; WSJ: All Things D

"Since it launched in 2010, the iPad has been the best tablet on the planet. With the new, third-generation model, it still holds that crown." - Walt Mossberg; WSJ: All Things D

"Reading on the big retina display is pure joy." - Jon Gruber; Daring Fireball

Techcrunch has a great review with pictures detailing the difference in Tweetbots's iOS Twitter client; Retina vs. non-Retina.

Check it out:

Props out to Tapbots for hurrying up the development of Tweetbot for iPad and getting it rushed out into the Apple App Store Ecosystem! SWAG! (you'll be getting my donation in first thing on Friday!)

Here's another close up from The Verge on the difference in screens of non-Retina vs. Retina.

Update 1: One of the newest and one of my personal favorite sites, The Wirecutter, also just posted their tablet recommendation. I've also included The Loop's review as well.

"This is the tablet you want." - Brian X. Chen; The Wirecutter

"The bottom line is that it's the best tablet and everyone who reviews one agrees. And even people who love Android phones kind of can't say much about how Android tablets stack up against the iPad. And unlike with computers or stereos or cameras, you don't really need my help, or anyone else's help, to understand that. So, I will end here." - Brian X. Chen; The Wirecutter

"So, what did I like about the iPad? Simple — the experience. Nobody in the market today can touch the Apple experience." - Jim Dalrymple; The Loop

Affirmation: Galaxy Nexus

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Amongst my friends, some might call me an Apple Fanboy but at heart I know that I always take into consideration all the pros and cons of all technological devices. I really do try my best to be unbiased and after extensive research, I'll make an argument / recommendation for whatever device will fit your needs. Someone told me last week that I like to be right (duh) but they're missing the bigger picture. It's not about being right or wrong. It's all about making sure that it fits the personality / requirements of that individual and from there I can claim success as long as they enjoy the product. But alas, affirmation from tech pundits always puts a smile on my face.  As some of you might know, I like to be in the know and now!

 

 

Onto Google's first Android phone running Ice Cream Sandwich - Galaxy Nexus. Techcrunch editor MG Siegler just released his review and here are some key points:

  • ...it feels like I’m Zack Morris holding his Gordon Gekko phone
  • still feels rather cheap and plastic-y
  • the camera is definitely worse than the iPhone 4S, both in megapixels (8 vs. 5), and in image quality

but of course MG Siegler does admit, "It’s important to emphasize the fact that the Galaxy Nexus is without a doubt the best phone I’ve ever used that’s not an iPhone."

Google also released a pretty cool commercial.

Update: It's official, you can purchase this phone tomorrow for $299.99 + two year contract on Verizon! (via BGR)

Qik Videos + Swamis Pics

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After two weeks of Atlanta weather, northeast weather, and flying to other cities around midwest plus Canada, I finally made it back home to San Diego. With all the snow, freezing temperatures, rain, sleet and ice, I knew that I was missing something in my life! I've been Qik-ing from my iPhone for a little while now if you haven't noticed and today's video was just so awesome that it needed a separate entry. It captures the beauty of San Diego (actually taken at Swamis) and the gorgeous weather that we have.  If you need the direct links to my Posterous or my Qik Profiles, they are to the right in the Personal Links.  Those profiles are usually easier to update as you can tell.  But I'm still here...still alive on elijahnicolas.com Check out the pictures and Qik Video!

Victory!

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Season 3 Episode 18 of HBO's Entourage is definitely the one to watch for an uplifting feeling.  The feeling that one can relate to Johnny Drama is hits home.  From failing reviews to how what those who judge mean nothing while everyone else's (the layman) opinion mean everything.  I'm still on the Airtran flight commuting home and have another ~30 minutes until touchdown in San Diego. 

I was able to sell my David Clark Headset that I never used for a good 20% Discount of retail in just 2 days after posting them in the company classified intranet.  I'm definitely happy with the price I got and now, I'm just in the mood to cleaning out the closet again.  There are a lot of things just lying around and although the DVD sale didn't take off on Amazon.com, I'm just going to list what I can on eBay.  I've listed my older Treo 650 for $75 but got nothing so far.  It's a little disappointing since I bought the device for $600 just 3.5 years ago, but that's the way electronics depreciate I guess. 

I got my car back today from the dealership and have my job cut out for me.  Or at least I can say that Kurt and I have our jobs cut out in the fact that there are two oils leaks that I have to repair hopefully in the next month or so.  The oil pan gasket on my E30 doesn't seem that difficult, but something about the rear engine seal is definitely going to take about an entire day to work on especially since I'll have to guess what parts I need in advance so my car isn't disabled while we wait for a shipment of goodies.  Anyone out there with an '88 E30 iC just drop me a line with some DIY instructions as I'm in need to save as much as possible by not getting the stealership repair it and not buying a new car that comes with a monthly payment. 

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Eli Stone and New Amsterdam

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Both these two shows, Eli Stone and New Amsterdam, have been part of my daily cruising the Internet for things to do.  So, I end of on fox.com or abc.com and stream away the episodes that I have missed.  It's a good streak too especially when you have fallen behind, but it takes up way too much time to catch up.  I'm just in the middle of watching Eli Stone (on the 3rd one straight) and the last episode featured singer/songwriter, George Michael.  It's pretty cool just reading about how the creator and producer is a big fan and how he incorporated the singer into his show.  (Wikipedia)

Both these shows feature a cast that is just fun to watch interact.  I'm loving the various plots that each episode has to offer and its just refreshing to me that writing like this is still out there.  I still watch How I Met Your Mother, which by the way, had a great ending to the last episode.  It featured Neil Patrick Harris blogging away at his computer like he use to do as Doogie Howser.  That was just an awesome way to end his Sweet Sixteen Womanizer Story.  Oh well, I should probably get back on the being productive track and get some sleep. 

Best layover ever...so far...

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It's definitely going to be really hard to top this trip. The crew that I was paired up with was just too much fun. The Captain and Flight Attendant were just really nice, outgoing, dinner was awesome and the Captain even treated us out! Thanks again Captain! If this is was flying was everyday or every time I went out on a trip, then it wouldn't be half as bad. Once again, don't get me wrong, it's not that bad at all just yet and I'm sure that it won't be. I was surprised that Evansville, Indiana was going to be this awesome. The Jameson Inn is really pleasant and comfortable. Apparently they had an awesome renovation and there is just a lot of stuff to do around here. I ate at the Rafferty's just down the street and had a 10-12 oz. Prime Rib with a House Salad and Garlic Mashed Potatoes. It was just too good. Dinner was awesome all together and I'm looking forward to tomorrow's trip followed by a trip back home to San Diego. The flights look good so far so I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed.

Tomorrow is going to be another long day but with only three legs. I'm going back to Atlanta early morning, then up to Providence, Rhode Island then back to Atlanta. I should be on the 1655 flight out of Atlanta back to San Diego, but like I said, we'll see how the loads go and hopefully the weather holds up in all places.

I got my first full month schedule for April. I did get awarded a reserve line but I can't argue that it's bad. Apparently, I got a shift that is from 1800 till 0000. This is designated a "nap" line where we go to some place for like only 5 hours then come right back. Should be fun and definitely tiresome, but it'll be some good experience if I ever end up getting these kind of flights. I made good friends with a scheduler today also and look forward to helping that relationship grow into some good terms. I trying to go for some flying out West still and we'll just have to wait and see if I'm "awarded" anything out there. Pray for me! Oh yeah, if you haven't already, you have to watch the Dora the Explorer spoof that SNL did last Friday. It's kick ass!

...to resist the contagious laughing syndrome

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Today's itinerary included waking up early and heading out to see some of the sights in the city. We first headed to the Georgia Aquarium. That was rather cool at first, but it was more of a little playground than anything else. I have seen better pet shops really that were more entertaining than this! Even Sea World beat the show hands down, no question. I'm not sure if I just wasn't feeling it, but I can't say that I would hit it up again anytime in the near future.

The CNN Center was really cool! No, I'm not some extreme leftist or anything, but the fact that it was fascinating was awesome. I didn't really want to see it because it was CNN, but rather because I wanted to know what happened behind the scenes and that's exactly what happened. It's really cool what goes on inside it all and seeing the live broadcasts being taped and how there were no actual camera men in front of the news anchors but instead joystick-controlled ones were amazing. One news anchor even used a foot pedal for controlling the speed of the teleprompter while using a clicker to change stories or whatever. They control their own taping!

At the very end of the tour, we had a chance to purchase a recording of ourselves in the Headlines Newsroom Mockup and my two friends did just that. They got to have a DVD created for them and I upped it to YouTube for your viewing pleasure. I'm probably going to have to edit it because it is too long (4:29 minutes) but the end is good. I didn't get to record one, but I will one of these days. Enjoy! Overall, I was pleased with the day. Watch the video till the end!