I’ve seen a lot of choices for gloves that serve as protection against the cold weather but at the same time allow me to use my touch-screen phone. I have to say though, the North Face Etip gloves for Android and iPhone users seemed to be a much more fitting choice. I went through the other options too and I have to say that among the things I’ve seen, it costs a little more. Going through the features, though and weighing the pros and cons, the North Face gloves is in my opinion, a stand out.

The North Face E-Tip Gloves Specifications

Let’s go to the specifications first. These gloves are available for both genders in sizes from extra small to extra large. It can be obtained in the following colors: black, asphalt grey, red and deep blue water for the men’s style. The shell is made of 93 percent polyester and 7 percent elastane. The conductive finger tips are made from pure silver metallized nylon.

As I found it, this isn’t actually the first time North Face has made something like this. They also have a line for 2012 but I trust the other online reviews I read when they say this one’s much better. Now, there are four important factors for me. One is its ability to operate touch screen devices with relative ease. Another is its capacity to keep my hands warm as well as the quality of construction. The last one is the design.

The Construction and Design of the E-Tip Gloves

I know North face and I have high regard for the brand’s quality. I don’t exactly own another North Face item but my husband does and it seems to be a trusted brand. With that said, I was not surprised at all that these gloves are excellently made. I am impressed with the careful stitching and the attention put into choosing the materials. I tried one on and it has a soft stretchy feel to it which makes it comfortable to use.

I like the silicone grip on the palm especially made for safe handling of a slick phone without worrying of dropping it. But I am not going gaga over the power button logo or the E-Tip stitch or the bright silver metallized nylon. I like how it functions but I have issues with seeing them so silvery bright. But these are just minor details that can be ignored.

E-Tip’s Performance on the Touch Screen

I particularly like the patches on the finger pads. The gloves feature great conductivity. The pad on the thumb and the index finger works because of the metallized nylon and I was actually surprised at how well my touch screen device responds at every tap and touch. When I found it works well on my phone, I was ready to walk away with the gloves on but there is another element I have to test it for first.

The North Face E-Tip Gloves Warming Capacity

After establishing the functionality of the North face E-Tip gloves, it’s time to evaluate how well it can keep my hands warm. It is relatively warm alright and it can make any wearer feel comfortable if the temperature is well within 40 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. However, at any temperature beyond that, I think it will be wiser to bring extra gloves which I was thinking I needed to do if I were to get these gloves.

Perhaps, there was a compromise made between having a lighter design to work well with smart phones and giving it a thicker material for a more comfortable protection against the cold weather. In any case, the lighter design enables the gloves to allow the wearer to make and answer calls, text, email, use apps and other functions of their smart phones with relative ease. And I have nothing to complain about that.

The Verdict

The North Face gloves for Android and iPhone users are a little pricey for me at $44-$49. But compared to other gloves in this category, it is an obvious stand out when it comes to functionality which was I was going for in the first place. Being aware of its lighter design, it doesn’t feel as warm as regular gloves but it is relatively comfortable to wear. Overall, I’m satisfied with my choice.

Author: Vicki Claytor considers herself a smart consumer. She makes an effort to educate regular consumers who are not particularly adept with gadgets and technology, applying practicality in her reviews and suggestions.

For someone who never got interested in tablets, the Acer Iconia Tab A210-10g16u is just one of the new technologies to be introduced in the market. So when I ran out of gadgets to try out, I thought I might reconsider. Well, I wasn’t only amazed at what I’ve found. I also got suddenly educated about using tablets. If you are like me, here’s a simple review to help you out.

Interface

Once I got my hands on the tablet and turned it on, the first thing I noticed was how clear the resolution is. For a techie wanna-be like me, I define resolution as how a computer’s (or in this case, a tablet’s) screen simulates scenes or things as they appear to the naked eye. The Acer Iconia’s screen is so clear that no matter what angle you put it to, you can still see the screen displays and the icons on it.

Operating System

For all I know, Android means business when they work with computer manufacturers in bringing the most incredible operating system (OS) in the market. The Jelly Bean, or the Android 4.1 OS, is the latest and most-sought after in the market. This means seamless functionality among the programs that can run in the tablet. Oh, if you’re a Google guy, you’d love how you can easily search for the things you need with this OS.

Processor

When it comes to processors, NVIDIA Tegra is the name you can count on. The Acer Iconia Tab uses this technology which enables the applications in the Tab to respond faster when you use them. If you use video that heavily, the Acer Iconia is for you.

Handling

The physical dimensions of the Acer Iconia Tab are a marvel. The screen measures 10.1 inches which is a lot smaller than a magazine. The back portion of it is a bit rough and soft giving you the best grip. We’re not Spider-Man so we all need an extra grip on things we cannot afford to drop. Besides, we’d like our gadgets to be handy.

Preloaded Apps

There are three applications that are pre-loaded in the Acer Iconia Tab: Netflix, Kindle, and Clear.Fi. Obviously, I love these applications so I selected them. I love reading books and when I do not have any more space to accommodate a physical book, I go electronic. I can read an eBook through the Kindle application even when I’m travelling. If I get bored, I turn to the latest movie in NetFlix. If I feel like sharing music, eBooks, and movies to friends, I make them activate their Clear.Fi application.

Google Now

This is one of the applications in the Acer Iconia’s Entertainment Center that helps busy people out there by delivering real-time information as needed. You can wake up and know what kind of weather you will be expecting, the rate of traffic on the road, the schedule of the next train, and the latest about your favorite sports team. Informative isn’t it?

The Acer Ring

Consider this as the Acer Iconia’s CPU. It is the heart that brings you to the specific application you want in a single tap. It also allows you to access various functionalities, change the screen’s brightness, change the sound volume, and set notifications. At the heart of the ring is a search mechanism that lets you find the things stored within the tablet.

The Cons

This is all about me but since it’s my first time using a tablet, I need to learn a lot about the applications and functionalities it has. It takes time to learn everything though and technology can help you a lot only if you are patient. In addition, if you are living a mobile lifestyle, you need to take extra care to not scratch the screen. Screen protectors are out there though and I am considering getting one right now. Apart from those, I do not see any flaws I can comment on.

Conclusion

In a world where almost everything functions in a single click, this tablet is a great gadget to have. For people who are always on the move, it pays to multi-task no matter where you are to make most of the time you have. The Acer Iconia Tab A210-10g16u offers you the kindness most people are looking for when it comes to complex technology.

Choosing the right operating system for your smartphone is important since it is the way you will interface with the device. If you pick an OS that you don’t feel comfortable with, you may end up not getting the most out of your phone. Two of the most popular mobile operating systems are the Android and Windows Phone. Here is a brief comparison between the two operating systems so that you can make the choice as to which OS best meets your needs.

Android OS

This operating system was developed by Google based on Linux and is distributed on an open source basis, meaning that any handset manufacturer can use it on their devices and any developer can create applications for it. As of 2012, Google reported that there are over 600,000 applications created for the system and over 934,000 installations of Android OS daily. Each version is given a nickname based on food, with the latest release, Android 4.0 nicknamed Ice Cream Sandwich and the previous version, 2.3 called Gingerbread. Among the mobile phone manufacturers that use Android in their devices include HTC, Sony-Ericsson, Motorola and Samsung. Although only a handful of phones currently use Ice Cream Sandwich, including HTC’s Amaze 4G and Sensation 4G, and Samsung’s Galaxy Nexus and Nexus S 4G, there are many more that use Gingerbread, including the Galaxy S II from Samsung, the Motorola Droid 3 and the HTC Status and Evo 3D.

One of the main benefits of Android OS is that you can easily customize your phone’s settings, allowing you to easily create a personalized home screen, move around your apps and display widgets. In addition, there is a huge assortment of apps you can get for your phone, from the Android Marketplace, Google Play and other sources, which are available for free or for a small fee. The Android is also more secure than other OS since applications are run in a secluded part of the system and require permission before being allowed to access the phone’s resources such as the memory and network.

Windows Phone OS

This is a mobile operating system created by Microsoft based on its Windows desktop OS. Its latest release is Windows Phone 8, which is nicknamed Apollo, supplanting its earlier Windows Phone 7.5, known as Mango. Manufacturers using Apollo on their devices include Samsung, HTC and Nokia and the announced smartphones using the OS include HTC’s 8X and 8S, Nokia’s Lumia 920 and 820 and the Samsung Ativ S. Although you cannot upgrade your Windows Phone 7.5 to Phone 8, Microsoft has said that apps written for the earlier version of the OS will continue to work with the Apollo.

Although Android OS’s are still the most customizable, Windows Phone 8 has succeeded in combining icons and widgets in its tile-based home screen. This allows you to do things like re-size your tiles such that they can fill the entire screen with no gap on its right side. In addition, when you resize the tiles, the data displayed also changes. For example, if you shrink your SMS tile, you’ll only get an unread count, and you can read the message by enlarging the tile.

The Apollo has shifted to the Windows NT kernel, which is the same code that is used in its desktop OS. This means that many programs written for the Windows 8 will also run on the Phone 8 without the need for modifications. In addition, it has greater hardware support. For example, the Windows Phone 8 now supports WXGA and 720p resolutions, making the displays of the OS on their devices crisper. In addition, the NT kernel supports MicroSD cards, unlike in earlier releases which used the unified partition method for storage.

Two new apps have also been announced for the Phone 8 which are direct competitors to Android apps. The Wallet for Phone 8, which is similar to the Google Wallet payment system, is an app that includes both a credit card manager and NFC payment platform. All devices using the Phone 8 OS will also come with Nokia Maps, an app that provides you with detailed turn-by-turn directions to get to your destination, whether you’re walking, driving or using public transportation. Finally, Phone 8 devices are now integrated with Skype, although you’ll still have to download and install the app.

People who love gadgets will surely find it difficult to choose between Kindle HD vs IPad Mini. This is because these two small tablets have almost the same features. Whether you love to browse the internet, play games, read e-books, and watch videos, both of these gadgets give you what you need.

This is why it is important for you to compare the Kindle HD and the iPad Mini before you purchase one for yourself. For Apple fanatics, this should not be a problem because they will automatically choose iPad Mini even without learning about its features. But for the rest of the world, it is important to learn about the features and benefits of each tablet.

To compare iPad Mini vs Kindle Fire HD, you should check out these features:

Dimensions

There is a very slight difference between the dimensions of these two tablets. The iPad Mini measures 200 x 134.7 mm while the Kindle Fire HD is 193 x 137mm. iPad Mini is slightly taller and narrower than Kindle Fire HD. The iPad Mini is about 3 mm thinner than Kindle Fire HD. iPad Mini is 7.2 mm thick while Kindle HD is 10.3 mm thick.

As for the weight, Kindle HD is 395g which is significantly heavier than the 304g iPad Mini. If you want something which is lighter and slimmer, you should choose iPad Mini.

Display

Apple’s iPad Mini has a resolution of 768 x 1024 pixels and a LED display that measures at 7.9 inches. Kindle HD’s display size is slightly smaller at 7 inches but the resolution is higher at 800 x 1280 pixels. Amason’s Kindle HD features a Gorilla glass cover that protects the LCD display of the tablet. Because of this special cover, the display provides you with colors that look natural with good contrast.

Some people argue that when it comes to reading e-books, Kindle is always the better option because of its anti-glare feature. When reading outside under direct sunlight, you do not have to worry about the glare hurting your eyes. You can also easily see what’s on the screen even at different angles.

Operating System

The iPad Mini runs on iOS 6 which is currently the latest OS for all Apple products including the iPad, the iPod Touch, and the iPhone. This OS was released on September 19, 2012. However, there are rumors that Apple will again release another OS, the iOS 6.1 this December. If you are the type of person who always wants to have the latest OS in his gadget, you should be prepared to have an upgrade if you are thinking of buying an iPad Mini.

On the other hand, Kindle runs on an Android OS. However, the OS has been customized to make it suitable for Amazon Kindle users. With the Kindle OS, you can purchase apps, e-books, movies, music, and games from Amazon. This means that your options will be limited only to Amazon contents. Amazon is willing to sell their Kindle products at a very low price but they will surely get their money back when users buy their contents from Amazon.

Storage

If you are planning to download a lot of videos, music, and other files to your tablet, you should definitely look at the storage features of both devices. For the iPad Mini, you can choose 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB storage. You can also get a free 5GB online backup using Apple’s iCloud storage.

Kindle Fire HD has two storage options—16GB and 32GB. Kindle users also have online cloud storage for their Amazon contents at no cost.
Unfortunately, both the Kindle HD and iPad Mini do not have microSD card slot for extra storage.

Price

Of course, a review of products will not be complete without mentioning the products’ price ranges. If you are the type of shopper who considers price an important factor, you should definitely know more about the prices of Kindle HD and iPad Mini. The iPad Mini has two versions—Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi with 3G. For the Wi-Fi only version, the price ranges from $269 to $429. For the Wi-Fi plus 3G enabled iPad Mini, the price starts from $369 to $529. This depends on the storage feature of the device.

Kindle HD is significantly cheaper than iPad Mini. It only has a Wi-Fi version. The 16GB device is priced at $159 while the 32GB costs $199.

You may have heard of mobile users receiving an exorbitant bill in the thousands of dollars for overage fees on a 3G or 4G mobile devices. If you haven’t heard of this, it is quite common for this to happen if you do not understand how overage fees work or your mobile carrier has not clarified what constitutes overage fees when you sign up for your plan.

Just as easy as overage fees can accumulate, it is also as easy for you to avoid these fees if you understand how they work and some of the steps you can take to avoid that knot you get in your stomach when you receive your monthly bill. If you are unsure about overage fees, here are a few tips on how to avoid them.

Understand Your Mobile Device Plan

Depending upon the 3G or 4G mobile carrier you use, the contract may be straightforward or it may be a nightmare of fine print. Regardless, take the time to understand what is being charged according to the plan. If you have problems deciphering some of the technological terms, enlist the help of a third party to ensure you understand what you are getting for the monthly fee.

For example, if the plan calls for 300MB of data streaming and you are using your mobile device for a lot more than that, it can really add up. Initially it looks like you are saving a lot of money until you get the bill for overage fees and learn they are totally out of control.

From the very beginning, you should assess your needs and then go with the data plan that suits your requirements. It may appear more expensive at the moment but in reality, you will be saving a lot of money over the long haul.

Use WiFi and Disable 3G/4G When Possible

In cases where there is no WiFi availability, most mobile devices will automatically find the nearest 3G or 4G connection. While this is common knowledge, many of us forget to disable the 3G or 4G and allow the mobile device to choose which connection it wants to use. By disabling your 3G/4G connection it provides you with more control over when you want to use it or need to use it when there is no WiFi availability.

If you use WiFi connectivity more than 3G or 4G, this saves on the data rates and prevents you from going over your limit. Whenever you connect to WiFi with your mobile device this does not reflect on your monthly bill.

Check Out Your Options When Traveling

Roaming charges are one of the primary causes of exorbitant overage charges. Although you may be on an unlimited plan in terms of roaming, there may be hidden fees within that claim. Read the fine print and make sure you understand when you are roaming, especially when you are traveling.

If you plan to travel, check with your cellular carrier to see if they provide coverage in the area you will be traveling to. If not, consider other options such as purchasing a prepaid SIM card for your trip. The SIM card is a Subscriber Identity Module which is a chip that provides you with a local phone number that helps you to avoid international roaming charges.

Download Multimedia Instead of Streaming It

If you know you are going to watch movies and YouTube videos on the go, find a WiFi connection and download the programs you want to watch. This will provide you with access to the programming wherever you are without having to use your data plan to stream the shows to your mobile device. Additionally, it will avoid making the mistake of accidentally streaming media when you are roaming or connecting to 3G or 4G.

Get in the Habit of Monitoring

Many of the overage fees result from people not paying attention to data usage and the mobile carriers know this. At the same token, all mobile carriers provide you with a way to monitor your usage which means it is your responsibility to make sure you do not exceed your data plan.

Whatever method the mobile carrier uses to allow you to monitor you data usage, get in the habit of using it and check it frequently. If you feel you constantly need additional data, then you can choose whether or not to purchase additional data each month and you will avoid the higher overage fees in the process.

These are a few ways you can avoid excessive overage fees if you are a die-hard mobile device user. Overage fees can get overwhelming so it is worth your piece of mind in the beginning to get off on the right foot by investing a little time when purchasing a data plan from your mobile carrier.

If you are thinking about making the switch to a new tablet PC the features you should look for will depend upon your preference, the purpose for which you use your PC and your budget. The following information on the top features to look for in a tablet PC will provide you with a solid start to finding a device that suits your needs and your budget.

Type of Connectivity

Most people purchase a mobile device so they can accomplish daily tasks while on the go. If the type of connectivity is significant to your needs you should decide whether or not plain WiFi connectivity will suffice or you require the option of WiFi or 3G and 4G when WiFi is unavailable and vice versa.

In order to determine your connectivity needs you should decide where you will be using your new tablet PC and the types of Internet access which is available for those areas. For example, if you are going to be traveling a lot you may want the option of several different types of connectivity to ensure you can always access the Internet when you need it. On the other hand, if you are going to be using your tablet PC in a limited area perhaps WiFi may be appropriate for your needs.

Device Size

Unfortunately tablet PCs do not come in a standard size so it will be necessary for you to decide whether you prefer a thicker and heavier device or you would rather go for thin and light. Part of weighing out this decision is also looking at the features and capabilities of the tablet PC you are considering. For example, you may be looking for a lighter tablet PC however it may not provide the features you are looking for. On the other hand, you may find a tablet PC that is slightly heavier and thicker in size but offers the features you are looking for in terms of computing tasks and connectivity.
As a general rule, the newer tablets are thinner and lighter in size and are feature-packed but there are still other tablet PCs on the market that are slightly larger and may offer the features that you need to accomplish your daily tasks.

Input and Peripheral Capacity

A few of the tablet PC models on the market work great for accessing content however, when it comes to creating documents and messages they can be rather inconvenient. In this area, you should decide the purposes for which you will be using your tablet PC before you review the options for input and connecting peripheral devices.

For some devices the onscreen keyboard can be difficult to use when you are creating documents unless is contains the Swype feature which allows you to use swiping motions with the included keyboard. Also, if the tablet PC is equipped with a generous selection of ports for peripheral devices, this makes it easy to attach a USB keyboard or mouse to make input easier for documents which are lengthy. Most tablet PCs also are equipped with Bluetooth which makes it easy to connect peripherals which are Bluetooth capable.

Hard Drive Capacity

If you will be creating a lot of documents and working with multimedia and photos the amount of storage capacity in the tablet PC is an important consideration. Some of the tablet PCs on the market are equipped with 32GB or 64 GB of storage with no opportunity to implement additional storage using an expansion slot. If you want the option of adding extra storage when needed then look for a tablet PC model that offers an expansion slot for a microSD card. Additionally, the amount of storage plays an important role in the number of apps and programs you can use with your tablet PC.

Operating System

The type of operating system which is included in your tablet PC is basically a matter of preference. Some tablet PC owners prefer the Apple iOS on the iPad where others are Android fans. For the most part, the operating systems included with tablet PCs offer a lot of features and options however the type of operating system you choose will depend upon which one you are the most comfortable with using. The interfaces and apps will vary according to the type of operating system which is included in a tablet PC.

Finally, you should consider what you will be using your tablet PC for before you review the battery capacity. If you are going to be using a lot of applications which are bandwidth intensive or you are going to be using your tablet PC a lot, the battery life plays an important role in how user-friendly your tablet PC experience will be.

Currently there are more than 500,000 apps which are available in the Apple marketplace. Approximately one quarter of these apps are designed for the iPad and serve a variety of different purposes. That is a high volume of apps to sift through in order to find the ones which perform the best and do what they promise to do.

If you are lost in the sea of iPad apps here are the ten best iPad apps you should consider:

Facebook for iPad

If you are an avid user of Facebook, the Facebook for iPad app will help to streamline your social media tasks with a user friendly layout that mimics the actual Facebook website. It provides you with everything you need from one convenient location including access to subscribers, friend lists, photo uploading, messaging, and much more.

Hootsuite

Hootsuite is Twitter software which allows you to view all of your social networking activity from one interface. Although it is designed for managing your Twitter account it is also designed to allow you to send one message to multiple social networking accounts simultaneously. Hootsuite sits on the desktop of your iPad so you always have easy access with the capability to view your entire social networking activity from one location.

Dropbox for iPad

If you need to better organize your computing tasks Dropbox for iPad is a great way to sync files to all of your computing devices. The Dropbox app sits on the desktop of your iPad and allows you to synchronize and share files with other Dropbox users. Simply drop a file into the Dropbox app to share with other Dropbox users or use the app to keep your own files and folders organized. The app even works in offline mode and allows you to upload multiple files simultaneously.

Quickoffice Pro HD

This app is available for less than $20 and provides you with a way to create and edit documents at the fraction of the cost of a complete office application suite. The app also allows you to create presentations and is compatible with a wide variety of cloud applications such as Dropbox and Google Apps in addition to sharing capabilities with social media sites.

WordPress

WordPress is a popular platform for building websites and blog on your PC. Now it is available for the iPad and allows you to create and publish posts in addition to uploading images right from your iPad. All of the features which are well liked in the WordPress PC version have been maintained in the iPad version.

Line 2

Line 2 is a communications app for the iPad which provides you with a second phone number. You can use it for business or as a second phone number to help keep your cell phone number private. Line 2 ensures you do not miss any important calls and contains a nice array of calling features. It can also be used as a replacement for your landline telephone.

Fanhattan

If you have multiple video streaming resources that you like to use such as Hulu Plus, Netflix, and others you can end up wasting a lot of time browsing each site to find what you are looking for. By using the Fanhattan app for the iPad you can browse all of your favorite video streaming resources from one location through an easy-to-use interface. The only disadvantage to using this app is some of the programming is unavailable due to licensing restrictions.

Photoshop Express

Photoshop Express for the iPad is a great way to edit and modify photos on the fly without having to boot up your PC to access the full edition of Photoshop. You can perform basic functions such as cropping images and modifying image effects however, for detailed editing you will need the full version of Photoshop. Regardless, this is a really neat app for performing basic photo editing on your iPad.

Reuters News Pro

For the die-hard news fan the Reuter News Pro for the iPad is a great way to customize your news experience by choosing your favorite categories and creating a customized watch list for news stories in specific categories. You can also configure the app to watch for news stories in your local area. This provides you with a more comprehensive experience than other news apps which tend to run heavy on specific subject matter such as business or finance.

Flipboard

If you prefer a magazine style app for browsing the news Flipboard for the iPad offers a variety of different layouts with innovative imaging for added interest. You can also access streaming audio in addition to convert news stories to print page layouts. Flipboard also allows for rapid page swiping with access to social networking features for sharing of news stories from major publishers.

Readability

If you prefer to read on the go you will like the Readability app for the iPad which allows you to read in an environment that offers a simple design. You also have access to a variety of text options with the capability to share content with others on social networking sites.

These are a few of the top apps for the iPad which help to make common tasks easier. Hopefully, this information will help you to sift through the broad collection in the Apple store.

The Iconia Tab is geared toward new tablet PC users and perhaps family members who want to use it for general purposes. It is considered to be the lower end model when compared to the Acer Iconia Tab A500 and the A700 which are considered to be premium model Acer tablet PCs. Regardless, we think you will find the Iconia Tab A200 a respectable tablet that will take care of your general computing needs for a reasonable price.

Features

The Tab A200 offers a 10.1-inch touch screen with 1280 x 800 resolution and is equipped with a NVIDIA dual-core Tegra 2 processor. It is equipped with 8GB of built-in storage which is upgradeable to 16GB using a Micro SD card. If you prefer to pay a little more money you can start with 16GB of built-in storage.

The Iconia Tab A200 weighs in at 715 grams which is slightly heftier than the iPad which weighs in at just over 600 grams. The frame is substantial and is about 12mm in thickness which means that the case is quite chunky when compared with other similar tablets on the market.

The biggest advantage of the Tab A200 is that it ships with Android 4.0 which is the latest version of the Android platform and commonly referred to as Ice Cream Sandwich. The ICS platform follows the Gingerbread previous installed on earlier tablet models.

When you check under the hood the Iconia Tab A200 offers a decent array of specs for the price in addition to the Tegra 2 dual-core processor. You also get 802.11n WiFi which is the latest wireless connection to precede 802.11ac, Bluetooth capability, and a preinstalled GPS system. For other connectivity options the Tab A200 is equipped with a full-sized USB port as well as a micro USB port.

Despite the 1280 x 800 screen strangely enough Acer omitted HDMI to keep the price of the device low in addition the omission of the rear facing camera. You still get a 2 megapixel front facing camera for conducting video chat conversations and you can also use the camera to create a self-portrait for your social media profile.

The Acer Iconia Tab A200 is known for its budget conscious pricing which is one of the main attractions to this device running on Android 4.0. Typically, tablet PCs which offer larger screen sizes are priced higher but the Tab A200 is modestly priced starting at just over $325 for the 8GB model and just under $350 for the 16GB model. This is significantly less than other tablet PCs on the market while offering a respectable array of computing applications.

Pros and Cons

The Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich platform is the major plus with the Iconia Tab A200 since it offers an improved browsing experience and user-friendly interface. The platform is also designed to provide a compatible ecosystem for a smartphone and tablet PC.

To provide you with additional information to help you make an informed decision, here are a few of the pros and cons associated with the Tab A200:

Pros: The Acer Iconia Tab A200 mimics the functionality the Acer PC is known for which includes reliable performance and seamless integration with a variety of applications. The full-sized USB port is a plus and is a feature which is often not present on other tablet PCs. The device is also equipped with a solid build which makes it ideal for young children who tend to run it through its paces. The A200 also allows for software customizations and contains the convenient features and apps the Android 4.0 is known for.

Cons: Despite the fact that the Iconia Tab A200 has a full-sized USB port preinstalled you still have to use the AC adapter to charge the unit. When compared to other tablet PCs on the market the A200 is also a bit on the hefty side. However if you do not mind this feature then it offers a lot of other pros for the budget-minded computer shopper. In terms of viewing, the screen brightness, color display and viewing angle are average when compared to tablet PCs that offer the IPS+ display.

The bottom line is if you are budget conscious and looking for a mid-range tablet PC that offers the robust features of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich then the Acer Iconia Tab A200 may be worth a second look. The price is rather close to older models which have a few more features but they do not run on the new Ice Cream Sandwich platform. So it all boils down to whether or not you feel you would like the ICS platform now or wait for new developments on the tablet PC market.

So what is so different about the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 and what will you find in terms of changes when you look under the hood?

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 Features

In terms of upgraded features you may find many similarities between the new Galaxy 2 and its predecessor however, the most significant new feature is the fact that the new Galaxy 2 7.0 is powered by the Android 4.0 ICS (Ice Cream Sandwich) platform. ICS provides smartphone users with everything they cherish about Android technology except on a new level that offers increased multitasking, enhanced interactivity, and customizations which make the Galaxy Tab 2 seem like it had you in mind.

While you will still find the typical functional features under the hood such as the 1.GHz dual-core processor with 1GB of Random Access Memory (RAM), Bluetooth capabilities, a decent LCD 1024 x 600 screen, the flexibility of using 3G, WiFi or HSPA+ connectivity, the real difference in the Tab 2 is in the ICS platform.

• Multitasking: One of the main advantages of the ICS platform is the ability to easily multitask through the use of the virtual buttons offered in the System Bar which are included in every app on the Galaxy Tab 2. You can also move easily from one task to the next using the Recent Apps button via the list in the System Bar.

• Interactive Notifications: Although the Galaxy Tab predecessor allowed you to receive notifications, the ICS platform on the New Tab 2 places a new twist by providing a way for notifications to appear on the System Bar or, at the top of the screen depending upon the size of the screen you are using to view notifications. You can also dismiss each notification simply by swiping your finger across the screen.

• Interactive Widgets: The home screen on the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 is fully customizable to allow you to interact with widgets which are resizable to help you to view more content or you can make them smaller to create more space on the home screen. In addition to being able to add shortcuts you can also place live applications into the interactive widgets.

• Voice Input: Thanks to the Android 4.0 platform the voice input for the Galaxy Tab 2 offers a feature which allows you to dictate into the open microphone for a longer period of time and by speaking any language. As you enter the dictated text, the voice recognition feature will indicate any errors in the text and then you can tap on the errors and choose a correction from the list that follows.

• Text Response to Incoming Calls: Instead of being required to unlock your device or pickup to answer an incoming call you can respond to the call using the text message feature. When you receive an incoming call you can access a control on the home screen which allows you to choose a text response. Once you tap on the selected text and press send it automatically ends the call.

You will also find the same favorite features which were included in the previous version of the Galaxy Tab and the Tab 2 7.0 may give the Kindle Fire some competition on the fact that it prices in at about $250.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 Pros and Cons

The Tab 2 7.0 prices in at $50 more than the Kindle Fire and the Nook tablet so many wonder whether or not the extra investment is worth it. Well, like any other type of technology on the market there are pros and cons associated with the device. Here are a few:

Pros:

The main advantage of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 is the super-efficient Android 4.0 ICS platform which offers more powerful multitasking features and better support for interactive widgets. Tab 2 also offers an IR port to prevent you from having to use a separate device for entertainment controls. You can also upgrade the Tab 2 from 8 GB to 16 GB using the convenient MicroSD card slot which provides more room for multimedia.

Cons:

The primary disadvantage of the new Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 is the fact that the general features remained intact with nothing upgraded in terms of the built-in storage, front facing camera, and the 1GHz dual-core processor. Tab 2 7.0 also comes with a lot of apps that are not as useful and are considered to be bloatware. They are preinstalled by default instead of allowing you to opt-in and download the ones you want to use.

So, if you are considering the new Samsung Galaxy Tablet 2 7.0 the bottom line is you must decide whether it is worth the $250 price tag and how well the device meets your needs. Hopefully the information in this review will help you to make an informed decision.

Automatically Erase Data

To increase the security of your iPad in the event it is lost or stolen, you can configure the settings to automatically erase all data following several failed password attempts by an unauthorized user. You can configure it in the Settings panel under the General tab by placing a check mark next to Erase Data in the Passcode Lock feature.

Set the iPad for Multitasking

The iPad contains a few features which allow you to multitask while on the go. In addition to being able to double tap the Home button to view apps which are currently running you can also use the touchpad to move the multitasking feature in order to view other controls. This is easily accomplished by swiping your finger from left to right to gain access to the video and audio controls.

Encrypt iPad Backups

iPad provides a way for you to secure your backup data by using iTunes. All you have to do is open your iPad in iTunes, choose Summary, locate Options, and then place a check in the box next to Encrypt iPad Backup.

Erase WiFi Networks

Sometimes when you access many different WiFi networks while on the go it seems your PC remembers them for life and keeps trying to log on to the network regardless if you are within range or not. If you find this annoying you can go to Settings and choose WiFi and then erase the network under Choose a Network by clicking Forget this Network.

Side Switch Functions

If you are looking for an easy way to control audio alerts or the screen settings on your iPad, the nifty side switch located on the side of your iPad can be configured to easily manipulate the audio functions in addition to changing the screen orientation from portrait to landscape. You can configure these settings by choosing General under Settings, locating Use Side Switch, and the selecting the function you want for the side switch on your iPad.

Typing Shortcuts

There are a few handy shortcuts you can use when typing message on your iPad. One little known shortcut speeds up the process of typing sentences by tapping the spacebar twice to add a period and then a space at the end of every sentence.

The AutoCorrect is another feature which frequently appears when you are typing information and sometimes it can be a help and other times it can be a nuisance. To gain better control over the AutoCorrect feature you can ignore it by finishing each word you type before tapping the suggestion. If you want to use the suggestion by AutoCorrect you can simply select Return as soon as the suggestion appears.

Controlling the Sync Feature

Your iPad contains a feature which allows you to automatically sync your iPad with your PC as soon as you connect it to your PC. To deactivate the automatic syncing feature you can simply hold down the Shift and Ctrl key simultaneously in iTunes as you are connecting your iPad to your PC. This will skip the automatic sync feature for one session only so, you will need to repeat this process the next time you connect your iPad to your PC if you do not want it to use the sync feature.