First things first. I don’t have a Blackberry Playbook, HP Touchpad (I sold it). I don’t have Android Tablet with ICS or up installed. I sold them on eBay and bought a nice Surface Pro for me. That puts my tests incomplete, but they gave me a basic idea. Since Playbook and Touchpad have minimal market, I decided not to worry and test against them, unless some great soul loans me those. I might get a Galaxy Note Tab in a few days and I will update this again.

Here I am not talking about App Ecosystem (iPad and Android). I am not talking about MS Office availability (Windows RT). I am not talking about fast boot approach like browser as a OS (Chromebook) or wide choice of devices (Android). I am also not worried about cloud sync, because almost all these devices are capable of syncing to cloud through natively or 3rd party apps. I am also not talking about which lasts longer on a single full charge or which is lighter to carry around.

I just want to be able to sync my smartphone through USB to the tablet I have, and explore it and sync the content. This is just because most of the media and good number of great analysts of Wall Street, IDC and Gartner are talking about death of PC or Post PC devices and even some of them say Microsoft is doomed and it is going to die tomorrow. If that happens, my PCs will not work because a dead company can’t release something to support my devices. I should be able to USB sync my devices, because if I can’t pay for internet for unforeseeable circumstances, the so called cloud services will not be there for me and I really can’t touch my media in the cloud.

Yes, with this type of economy an average Joe like me should be prepared for the worst come and in this case it is having a media backup locally instead of in the cloud would save the day.

Anyway keeping the rant at bay, I tried USB sync iPhone 5, HTC EVO 3D with Android ICS, Windows Phone 7.5, and Windows 8 with Surface RT, iPad 2 and Chromebook.

Here are my findings:

Host/Device	iPhone 5	HTC EVO 3D	Windows Phone 8	Windows Phone 7.5
Surface RT	Photos/Video	Disk Drive	Total Sync	No
iPad 2	Photos/Video	“Connected USB Device Not Supported”	“Connected USB Device Not Supported”	“Connected USB Device Not Supported”
Chromebook	No	Disk Drive	No	No

 

Note: I erased or blurred some parts of the screenshots, as they are not necessary.

Surface RT or any Windows RT tablet could USB Sync with iPhone 5, Android, and of course Windows 8. In the case of Windows Phone 7.5, Microsoft said it needs Zune Client, which is a legacy Windows app developed for x86/x64 compatible processors not ARM compatible processors. Windows RT runs on ARM processor, so which is understandable and you have to use SkyDrive to sync.

When you USB sync your iPhone with Windows RT tablet here are the sequence of events that happen on your Windows RT Tablet.

It shows a dialog box on the upper right corner of your tablet like this:

and then once you tap that you will be presented with this:

If you select “Import photos and videos”, it opens the Photos app and you can import the pictures and videos from your phone.

If you select “Open device to view files”, then the Desktop App gets opened and within desktop Windows Explorer application gets launched like the following:

Once you tap Internal storage, it gets expanded and all you see is the DCIM folder and that’s where your photos and videos taken from iPhone Camera’s gets stored:

If you Sync your Android with Windows RT, once you USB sync your phone you will see something similar to the following. Please note the following are similar screens presented on your Android phone even if you USB sync with your Chromebook:

Once you tap Charge only, you will see something similar on your phone. Please select Disk drive option and tap on Done:

    

Desktop App on your Windows RT tablet gets launched and it opens the Windows Explorer application and you could see that your Android device mounted as external drive. And you could transfer files between your Windows RT Tablet and Android device. Please wait for 15 to 20 seconds to see this:

Now let us do Windows Phone 8 USB Sync. If you have already done that, you might have Windows Phone App already installed on your Windows RT tablet and it takes care syncing between your phone and Tablet. But if you are doing it for the first time, you will similar to the following screens:

Once you tap, it starts downloading and installing the Windows Phone app from Windows Store. Once it is installed you will asked to change your phone name and option to automatically import media to your computer. Click on All Done and you will taken to Windows Phone App and you could see the pictures, videos, and options to sync music etc:

Ok now let us see iPad 2 sync with various devices. With iPad, of course you have to use iPad USB Adapter to sync with your iPhone, and it opens the Photos App on your iPad and allows you to import pictures/video from your iPhone. Surprisingly iPad doesn’t work with any of Android, Windows Phone 7.5 and Windows Phone 8. It threw an alert box saying “Cannot use USB Device. Connected USB Device Not Supported.”

Once you USB sync your iPhone 5 with iPad2 using USB adapter (purchased separately from Apple), you will see the Photos App launched and you will given an option to Import and delete pictures/video from your iPhone 5 like this:

But if you USB Sync your Android device or Windows Phone (7.5 or 8), you will see something like this:

 

Now let us see how Chromebook works with iPhone, Android Phone and Windows Phone (7.5 and 8).

Once you USB Sync either your iPhone or Windows Phone (7.5 or 8), you will not see any action on the Chromebook. I waited for more than 10 minutes nothing happened. I opend Files App on my Chromebook and still I didn’t see anything, except for Downloads and Google Drive folders on that:

Chromebook can be synced with Android devices using the Disk Drive option once you USB sync your phone. And since it becomes an external drive, you could transfer files, media between devices like it did with Windows RT tablets. I synced my HTC EVO 3D with ICS and it launched the Files App and I could see my phone listed as USB Drive:

I am planning to get an Android tablet and see how it syncs with various phones. I don’t have a Blackberry or Symbian phones. If someone provides me those, I could run these again and see how they could be able to sync up with Tablets.

Now if Microsoft could provide a way to sync the stored contacts, text messages using USB, then that would complete it.

To me personally, Windows RT tablet is more savvier and appealing than competing tablets. It comes Microsoft Office for RT, which is much better than many Office like Apps for Android, iPhone/iPad or Google Drive. The Windows Store is growing and it already has good number of applications, currently looking at 50,000+ apps and Xbox Games. Windows RT tablets come with USB port support and HDMI support. Of course you could do the same on Android and iPads too. They also have support for various sensors and cameras like higher end Android tablets and iPads. Support for RDP is there like Android Tablets, and iPads. And I could connect to variety of cloud services just like other tablets. The factor for me is having Lync support. I use Lync most of the day to communicate with my peers at work.

Don’t you think Windows RT tablets are better than competing platforms?

Ah the iPad, there’s no doubt it’s popular that’s for sure, but it’s also expensive and rather fragile. Personally if I’m going to pay four, five or six hundred dollars for something I have to have a case for it as I don’t want anything happening to it and I’ve got kids and it seems accidents always happen. if I’m going to spend that much money on a device I’m most certainly not going to want some thin silicone thing, I’m going to want some serious protection like what I have for review today, the Gumdrop Drop Series Case for iPad 3 and iPad 2. This is an iPad case that will most certainly offer you a great deal of protection and really protect your investment, this is a case I can get behind and promote. So read on to learn more and see how it looks on an iPad 3…

Continue reading »

Superseding the less than impressive Apple Smart Cover for the iPad 2, Apple on the same day as the WWDC has announced the new Smart Case for the iPad. When I originally purchased the Apple iPad 2 there was not a an availability of covers at launch to protect my investment. So I did what a lot of people did and buy the Apple Smart Cover. I was not a fan and it has sat in my closet of gadgets ever since. Then, a short time later OtterBox released the Defender and the  Reflex Series Cases which took over full time duty. OtterBox was quick to release a upgraded version of the Defender for the New iPad which is my full time guardian of the iPad.

So then after the iPad 2 is released a company AViiq On the Go came out with this pretty cool case that picked up where the Apple Smart Cover Left Off. I even called the article that. It is a pretty cool case with lots of colors to chose from the protects the rear of your device as well as the front and has the same foldable stand idea.

Jump 11 months to yesterday and Apple releases a new version of their Smart Cover called the Smart Case. Looking almost identical to the AViiq case mentioned above. Of course Apple will offer free laser engraving with this new case that will cost you $49.99. It will wake when you open it, sleep when you close it like before. Makes for a nice stand for media viewing and typing. And has a polyurethane design.

The Apple Smart Case is available today and comes in a variety of colors like the AViiq and will fit the iPad 2 or 3, oops I mean New iPad. Sorry Habit.

On March 16th Apple introduced us to the new iPad which highlighted the retina screen made famous on the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S. Also announced was the new Defender Series case by OtterBox that would suit the iPad 2 and the iPad 3rd Generation. We got a teaser from Will Robinson, OtterBox’s Portfolio Manager that this would be the “best Defender Series Case yet” for your iPad 3. I was very much looking forward to both the iPad 3 and the new Defender Series case by OtterBox. I had reviewed both the original OtterBox Defender Series case for the iPad 2 and was left a little disappointed with it. I was soon reviewing OtterBox’s  follow up to the Defender Series case called the Reflex. This would be my permanent case for the iPad 2. I loved it. So how would the follow up by OtterBox compare to the original? I happen to have gotten one in and I think it’s time for another Mobility Digest Review on the OtterBox Defender Series case for the iPad 2 and new iPad 3rd Generation.

What you get in the Box

OtterBox always does a nice job of marketing and packaging it’s products and the new Defender Series Case is no exception. The box is very well made and printed on the front is iProtection as OtterBox is really beating their chest with the investment they made into Apple and their dominance with their products. The Defender Case comes with some very brief instructions but is very brief on the features and benefits as well as any helpful tips on installing the case on your new iPad.

The new Defender Case comes in four parts. There is the all too familiar two part polycarbonate inner shell that clips together and fully encases your iPad. Over that goes a newly formulated silicone cover that is now slightly harder and will definitely last longer as I have discovered on my iPhones. There is also a single piece front cover that also has a built in kickstand for viewing the iPad in a stand.

Assembly and Design

One of the biggest gripes I had with the first OtterBox Defender Case for the iPad 2 was how hard it was to put together. This time around OtterBox took note and made things a lot easier on us! The biggest thing they did was to incorporate a screen protector into the  front part of the inner shell. This would be similar to the design they use on the iPhone. Installing a screen protector takes a few minutes and is a pain to get the air bubbles out and now that is a thing of the past. The two part inner polycarbonate shell fits perfectly together on both the iPad 3rd Generation and the iPad 2. Yes, that’s right, I said the iPad 2. Now, the Defender case fits both. No need to worry about upgrading later, because OtterBox has you covered. So if you are waiting to get your retina screen goodness in the 3rd generation when the prices come down, you don’t have to worry, the new Defender case will move on with you. Everything on the inner polycarbonate components fit perfectly together and all hole openings aligned beautifully with both iPad versions.

The second biggest design change is in the silicone overlay. Not only did OtterBox improve the silicone compound on the Defender case, they also made it much simpler and easier to install. The silicone compound is now harder than before and will last longer should you choose to remove your iPad from the case. Prior, the silicone sleeve would start to tear after prolonged use and length of service. OtterBox also streamlined it and did away with the horrible bottom opening flap for the sync and charging port. If you look back to my OtterBox Defender review for the iPad 2, you can see that it does not match up well and looks very bad. Now it is much simpler to install, looks fantastic, and will last a lot longer.

The protective front cover has changed very little from a design standpoint but now includes to magnets that turn the iPad off when installed. this is handy feature found in most cases and a welcome addition. The front cover works great for me when traveling and I put my iPad into my travel bag. I know that it will be protected and should anything crush the travel case, the iPad screen will not be harmed. The front protective cover also has 4 rubberized feet on the bottom so when using it as a stand, the iPad will not slide.

When used as a stand for your iPad, the front protective cover offers to positions to view or work on your iPad. The first is a laid back angle perfect for entering text from the keyboard or replying to emails while positioned on a desk or on your lap. The second position is for viewing media and makes for excellent landscape movie watching. Typing in this position, not so much. The iPad works in portrait mode only when stand straight up and would slide out each time I tried to use it on the more laid back positions of the stand.

The OtterBox Defender Case for the New iPad also works with my favorite viewing stand, the DZ Dock. I posted a review on the DZ Dock that you can see here, so I was pleasantly surprised when the Defender Case for the iPad fit right in as you can see below. Another handy gadget that doesn’t have to go to waste!

Conclusion

The second iteration of the OtterBox Defender for the iPad is a worth successor to the original but does have some things to remember before purchasing. First, the screen protector. I mentioned above that it is a welcomed edition to the newest Defender Case and it is. The problem is that it affects the quality of the retina screen noticeably. In fact reading Facebook it is very noticeable of a prism affect that it has. It also affects movie playback which is huge for me. Why did OtterBox do this? It’s for protection of course. Matter of fact it is for the ultimate in protection and that I what this case aims to do and achieves with high marks. But if you are a power media consumer, this case is not for you unless you travel a lot and want this level of protection and you are willing to remove it when you want to watch movies. It is a good thing that the new Defender case is a lot easier to install than before. the second issue remains the extra mass it adds to the iPad 3rd generation and second generation. I am used to it so it does not bother me, when I installed it on my wife’s iPad 2, she immediately complained. However, she quickly learned how valuable this case is when traveling and when she dropped it. The iPad was unharmed of course. She changed her tune after that and is not very satisfied with it. Now I have to get it back from her! The other thing to remember that the Defender Case for the iPad 2 and 3rd generation is pricey. It will set you back $90 bucks plus some shipping or tax if you buy it locally. Which means you got a Benjamin now invested into the protection of your iPad. Even with the above mentioned issues I have with the Defender Series Case, I still highly recommend it. It is as I say the ultimate in protection and includes a very handy stand for better usage of your device. I recommended a friend buy the iPad Defender Case for her son that received a iPad 2 for Christmas this year. She begrudgingly bought it and within days of her son opening it she called and let me know that he left it on the tailgate of their vehicle while getting in and they took off after forgetting about it. It was found in the driveway completely unharmed one the figured out it was missing. These sort of things happen more often that you think and the cheapest iPad 3rd Generation is of $500. So protecting that investment is pretty important. Head on over to OtterBox now to purchase if this seems like the right choice for you.

Pros

• Ultimate in protection
• New design is easier to install and remove, fits together better
• Screen protector now built right in
• Enhanced speaker sound
• Two position stand is excellent and at the proper angles for typing sand viewing videos

Cons

• Pricey at $89.95
• Screen protector affects viewing quality especially on white backgrounds.
• Heavy, takes some getting used to holding and carrying around

Rating: 4.25/5.00

I know that  a lot of people are using their shiny new iPad as we speak and probably the last thing any of them are thinking of is what they are going to do should their battery fail or screen gets cracked somehow. Yes repair is possible but hopefully you opted into a Best Buy Black Tie replacement deal or got some kind of warranty with it. I have gambled and lost not getting the Black Tie from Best buy but it also seems that when I do buy it, I never need it. For my 16GB New iPad the cost would have been $100 dollars from Best Buy or 20% of the value of the product. I passed knowing that it would be encased in an OtterBox Defender for $90 dollars.

So iFixit.com tears down the new Apple iPad and tears Apple a new one for being unconcerned about the environment and encouraging our “Throw Away” culture with a design that does not allow repair facilities to easily get to the battery  or replace the glass should it need to be replaced:

Here are three ways we hoped the new iPad would be more repairable (but wasn’t):

1. Getting in: We hoped that Apple might return to the easy-to-open tabs of the original iPad. Being able to get into a device is obviously the first step in any repair. Instead, the thin front panel is held on by a strong adhesive. We’ve gotten better at getting into iPads since last year (we broke the screen on the first iPad 2 we tore down), but the iPad puts walls of glass and aluminum between the user and the device’s insides. Apple says the iPad is “made of aluminum and other materials highly desired by recyclers“—but that means nothing if recyclers can’t get into the device at all. Mr. Cook, tear down this wall!
2. Getting past the front panel: The front panel in both the iPad 2 and the new iPad is impossible to remove without also removing the LCD screen—which is adhered to the front panel with foam sticky tape. The connector holding the front panel in place is beneath the LCD, meaning you have to disassemble the device all the way to the logic board and battery just to replace broken glass on the front.
3. Replacing the battery: As in the iPad 2, the new iPad’s (significantly larger) battery is glued down securely to the rear case. Gluing down batteries is particularly dangerous because of the risks of breaking a battery—if punctured, the lithium ion battery can explode. Even Apple doesn’t bother trying to replace the battery. When you arrange for an Apple Care “battery replacement,” they actually replace your entire iPad for a service fee. The iPad battery is supposed to maintain80% of its battery life after 1000 cycles, but users began reporting diminished battery life within a few months of purchasing the original iPad.

The iFixit Folks give the New iPad a reparability rating of 2/10 which is not that great. They have even downgraded the iPad 2 to the same rating of 2 after spending the last year working on the iPad.

Here is the iFixit spokes person MJ explaining what they think Apple should do to be more responsible to consumers and to the environment:

Here is the tear down video, enjoy!:

OtterBox has built their legacy off of Apple Post PC Devices and they are not slacking for even a second because as soon as Tim Cook walked off stage from the Apple Media Event for the “New” iPad, then OtterBox introduced us to their newest case.

OtterBox wasn’t quiet about their new Case or the iPad and even came out and said that they would have the best case yet over a month ago. It seems they have a good friend and tight lips because mum was the word from OtterBox and they had already guess the name of the new iPad.

Going back to a more traditional Defender Series Case, the New Defender for the New iPad, which also fits the iPad 2 by the way, comes with an easier to install two part polycarbonate inner shell and a new Robust Silicone that is a much better formula of rubber over their previous recipe.

It will also have a built in screen protector, precision engineered which basically means this sucker will fit like a glove, and form fitting Aesthetics that will compliment the case to the device.

The new OtterBox Defender Series Case for the iPad 2 and New iPad stays the same as it’s predecessors with a  price tag of $89.95 and is available now even though the iPad is not released for another 9 days. You may want to get one for the iPad 2 that you already have if you are choosing to pass on the Hot Rod Retina Screened “New” iPad.

Head over to OtterBox for more information.

Here are the Mobility Digest Reviews on the iPad 2 Defender (original design) and Reflex Series Cases:

Exclusive Mobility Digest Review: OtterBox Reflex Case for iPad 2

Mobility Digest Review: OtterBox Defender for Apple iPad 2

 

The Defender Series for the new iPad case is the latest evolution of our rugged Defender Series. Developed with your active lifestyle in mind, the new iPad Defender Series case employs multi-layer technology combined with high-quality materials to create the most solid protective solution. The Defender Series for the new iPad is also compatible with the iPad 2.
The Defender Series new iPad case is built with a high-impact inner polycarbonate shell that includes a built-in foam interior that provides additional shock absorption and protects the back of your new iPad from scratches. The rugged silicone skin absorbs the impact from bumps and shocks while the textured exterior provides for added grip. The built-in screen protector prevents scratches, smudges and fingerprints from getting on your high-resolution screen. The precision design of our new iPad case ensures all features and functions are accessible with the case on, so you can stay protected while connected. The integrated shield stand acts as a protective cover on the front or the back and doubles as a stand for typing or viewing. Magnets on the shield stand activate the device’s sleep mode when the cover is snapped on the front of the screen. The shield stand also allows for viewing in landscape and portrait mode.
From original concept to final design, the Defender Series new iPad case was developed to create the most usable and protective solution possible. The Defender Series new iPad case is perfect for those of us who are constantly on-the-go, have small children or are generally graceless with our personal electronics.

TenOne Design are probably best known for their Pogo Sketch line of styluses for the Apple mobile devices. Recently they released their first iPad 2 stand called the Magnus. What differentiates this stand from others in the market are the built in magnets and its design aesthetic.

The built in magnets allow the iPad 2 to firmly lock into the stand by interacting with the iPad 2’s smart cover magnets giving the Magnus a minimalist appearance letting the iPad 2 take center stage.

Once the Magnus is locked onto the iPad 2 it is securely in place, even requiring two hands to separate the 2 components. TenOne Design uses the same machine aluminum style found on the iPad 2 creating a very organic looking pairing as the Magnus could have been easily designed by the folks at Cupertino.

Continue reading »

Samsung has been taking some nice swings at Apple and most recently during the Super Bowl. There is no love loss there and even though Apple uses components from Samsung, it didn’t stop them from declaring war on the Galaxy Tab. Now we have a new comer to the Apple Donnybrook,  enter Amazon with their Kindle taking a jab, or maybe in this case, a full right hook. The commercial is addressing some key points of the Amazon Kindle and Kindle Fire in that they will:

1. perform in sunlight
2. play videos and games like the iPad
3. and cost a lot less than the iPad

It’s not really a question of how well the Kindle Fire will perform against the iPad, it is a simple matter that in will in fact perform the same functions as the iPad. Gaming, well, it is not in the same league as the iPad, video on a 7 inch screen is nowhere as nice as the 10 inch iPad, and that you can buy multiple Kindle devices for the family as the lady in the bikini points out.

I highly doubt that anyone toting around an iPad needs to be embarrassed as the male passer by portrays in light of our sunbathers revelations, but there is an interesting allure to the Kindle that cannot be denied. It does in fact work and perform within the parameters Amazon set out to accomplish at a very affordable price. In fact, one of the major strengths on Apple is the App Store and developers. But Amazon has built a very nice eco system as well wrapping all the cloud based products up in a nice package to offer it’s customers. More amazing is that Amazon is attracting talent in the likes of Brandon Watson, who left Microsoft’s Windows Phone Developer Experience Team. It is also stated that he could be helping develop  a Kindle Phone. Amazon appears to have found it’s stride and if they can continue to offer great services, with an affordable product that “works” there is no question Brandon Watson can’t whip up a user experience to complete the device.

So was all that commentary and insight enough to keep me out of hot water and suspicion for posting this just because she is wearing a bikini? Save me Doug Simmons!

1. [via BGR]

I don’t know, that was the best headline I could come up with. I’m just not in a very creative mood today. I’m just tired, and rather unhappy as I was expecting money and it’s not in my account yet. I hate when that happens. I also forgot my car needs inspected by the 31st, so I’ve only got a few days left to take care of that. Anywho, I guess I went off on a tangent there, this post is about the new Ballistic case for the iPad 2 called the Tough Jacket and it certainly looks like it will do a good job of protecting your iPad 2. The case has three protective layers to offer maximum protection and keep your iPad 2 nice and safe. Price is $69.99 and it’s available now I black or red colors.

Ballistic, advanced engineers of unique and rugged carrying solutions, announces its Ballistic Tough Jacket case for the iPad 2.

The Ballistic Tough Jacket is engineered with high quality materials. Its three layers deliver a multi-faceted protective case option unlike anything on the market:

Layer 1 – Inner silicone layer to absorb shock

Layer 2 – Impact resistant hard plastic to protect the iPad 2

Layer 3 – Shock absorbent polymer to offer added protection for iPad 2

The removable cover of the Tough Jacket has two functions: It allows you to either protect your screen while on-the-go or utilize it as a kickstand at two different angles.

The Ballistic Tough Jacket also sports patent pending Ballistic corners™ which keep all sides of your iPad 2 safe, guaranteeing it’s protected against almost any type of drop. The “lay-on-table” feature is an added design benefit of the patented Ballistic corners, which means the iPad 2 screen will never come in contact with surfaces when laid flat, keeping your screen from harm.

The Ballistic Tough Jacket case for iPad 2 is available in either Black or Red at www.goballisticcase.com and other retailers and e-tailers for $69.99.

 

via: http://maxborgesagency.com/media-center/

As many of you already know, more than a million of you to be exact, the wait for an untethered jailbreak for the iPhone 4S running iOS 5.0.0 or 5.0.1 as well as the iPad 2 on iOS 5.0.1 is now over. And if you had any illusion that the iPhone Jailbreak community was small, think again. In the first day, the iPhone was jailbroken using the Absinthe Jailbreak tool over a million times! If you think that a million times on the first day is impressive, that amount could have been much much higher had the Absinthe tool been available for Windows and not just Mac on the first day! That’s right, Mac users got the the Absinthe Jailbreak tool first and the the rest of us Windows shlubs came after.

Jailbreaking your A5 equipped iPhone 4S could no be any easier than just the long wait it takes to let the process run while you wait. All you need to do is make sure you sync your iPhone to your computer and do a backup (right click on your iPhone listed on the left column), after that download the Absinthe Jailbreak tool to your desktop, unpack, and run it! That’s it really. The process takes forever to complete, more than 10 minutes so make sure you leave yourself plenty time to wait. Do not touch the device. Sit there and start thinking about what you are going to download first from Cydia. After the process is done, you will have an Absinthe icon on your iPhone screen (somewhere, scroll a few pages and find it). Click the cool Absinthe tool logo (Greenpois0n) and it will install Cydia for you.

Make sure you follow the onscreen directions. It is seriously that easy. Even still, you do this at your own risk and Mobility Digest and anyone else for that matter isn’t responsible. Then open Cydia and start shopping.

Huge thanks to the Chronic Development Team and all those involved!

[CultOfMac via Redmond Pie]