Samsung Galaxy Player (4.0 takes on the iPod Touch)

You don't need a "smartphone" to get the services and toys available to them.  And, I'm not referring to "tablets" and "e-readers"...

The early devices I became familiar with that allowed for similar features are personal digital assistants (PDAs):  the Sony CLIÉ, Palm TX and LifeDrive, and the like.

A Samsung Galaxy Player 4.0 was sent to me so that I may review it...

One of the first things I experienced is, because of the size of my hands...I wish they had sent the the 5-inch version:  at times my fingers are too big for the small targets of the on-screen keyboard.

Another reason I want the largest of the players is because, to use a memory card with the Player 4.0, I need to remove the back cover of the unit.  The Samsung Galaxy Player 5.0 has a memory card slot on the top of it.

It has an FM radio receiver...but stations are played in mono...and four of them can be presets/favorites.  Wi-Fi capability is also included.

On the back there are two ports for speakers, and the 3.2 megapixel camera.

Based on my experiences with the iPod Touch, the Samsung Galaxy Player is a much better choice for users of Microsoft Windows:  I have never been able to master using Apple's iTunes with (various models of) iPods.  The Galaxy Player uses the Android operating system so the folder storage structure is like Windows.

Recently while riding a bus...I noticed that I was very happy I was using the Galaxy Player 4.0, and not a (7-inch) tablet:  I was seated, with someone sitting next to me...and only had enough room to be able to move my arms to use the Galaxy Player to make a few notes.  If  you use public transportation, I strongly recommend you consider using a Galaxy Player to entertain yourself:  you can read books, magazines, and newspapers on the device.

Other than my notebook computers, I have been using it as my portable communications device:  I installed the Google Voice app and use it to monitor incoming voice messages, and receive and send text messages.

The Daily is dead. Good...

{Commentary}

"The Daily launched in February 2011 with the mission to provide the best news experience by combining world-class storytelling with the unique interactive capabilities of the iPad."

I never had a chance to read it...because it was a publication initially only available on an iPad.  Strike one.  I've recently learned it's available on other devices.  Well...too late now.

After learning it will stop publication, I found it was not free.  Strike two.  Not just for needing to be paid for...I understand and support things that are not free.  Though having regularly not had much "disposable income", my preferences to paying for services have been greatly towards things that I find worth the value of what I pay.  I was never aware of an opportunity to see the content without needing to pay for it.  I'm not paying for content that I have no idea I might be interested in and/or enjoy.

"Try it for free without any commitment."

Oh.  Well...too late now.  The people at The Daily, should have promoted it much better and often.

(As a member of media, I am offered free subscriptions to some periodicals...and I greatly appreciate it.  Professionally, because they supply me with information I need to support my position.  Personally, I'm a self-described "readaholic".  I try to show my gratitude for these subscriptions by promoting articles and information, and the publication, when possible.)

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On their blog:

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that we will be ceasing publication of The Daily on December 15th. 

...we would love to hear your thoughts about The Daily...Send your thoughts to thanks@thedaily.com...

XploreTech (rugged) tablet PC

I've been looking forward to Tablet PCs since the Apple Newton (I've never owned one...yet). As soon as I could, I purchased one.

I own a Toshiba Portege 3503 Tablet PC. It's a very poor example of a Tablet PC:
I'm always in fear of scratching the screen...
and it's response to pen activity has always left MUCH to be desired.

I've always wanted to use Windows Journal on a regular basis. It's "...a basic note-taking accessory that was created specifically for the Tablet PC. You can use it to capture handwritten notes and drawings, convert handwritten notes to text, import graphics files, and share notes with others...export as MHTML files, which others can view with Microsoft Internet Explorer version 5.0 or later, or by exporting them as TIFF images for viewing with a viewer that is installed by default on Microsoft Windows 98 or later."

The Sticky Notes accessory (think Post-It Notes) allows you to "...write and store short notes...You can place sticky notes directly on your desktop or in any OLE-enabled program, such as Word, to add electronic comments or reminders to your documents."

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Xplore Technologies allowed us to review their iX104C3.

THEY GOT IT RIGHT! It has a 10.4” screen that I don't fear using...I'm not afraid I might scratch it with the pen.

It comes with 512 MB RAM (and can expand to 1 GB).
40GB and 80GB hard drives are available.

Wireless options include wLAN, wWAN, PAN (Bluetooth) and GPS.

There is a fingerprint reader on the unit. I did not need that functionality, so I disabled it.

I assume the PCMCIA bay is optional, because I was unable to find a port on the unit I used.

Being a Tablet PC, there is character and handwriting recognition...and an on-screen keyboard.

Two USB 2.0 ports
A microphone and Headset jack
LAN (RJ-45) 10/100/1000 Mbit port
A 15 pin D-SUB connector for external VGA monitor
Optional Bluetooth/56K modem combo module
Remote SIM socket for eGPRS (which I assume is optional because I was unable to locate it on the unit I had.)

On the front are 6 customizable function buttons:
application buttons with primary and secondary functions...
a power on/Suspend/Resume button...
and a reset button.

Battery life is to be up to 3.5 hours, with a recharge time of 2.5 hours (to get to a 90% charge).

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The iX104C3 PLUS model can be provided with 40GB, 80GB, and 120GB hard disk drives.

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The stylus pen is tethered to the undersized of the tablet. I don't remember at exactly which corner it was tethered to, but...

I prefer to use the tablet in a horizontal position. Being right-handed, I needed it to be tethered at the top-right corner of the unit.

When I held the tablet vertically, I needed it to be tethered at the lower-right corner.

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I felt I needed to reset the digitizer at least once a day.

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I wish the model I used had an adjustable cam...

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You can watch Andy's Tech Tuesday segment about the XploreTech Pen Tablet at http://www.techtalkradio.com/koldtv/koldtv.htm and http://www.techtalkradio.com/podcast/kold06032008.mp4

His webpost is at http://techtalkradio.com/reviews/xploretech.html

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As an alternative consideration, take a look at the Aiptek My Note Premium Digital Notepad Tablet. I have not had an opportunity to use it, but would love to and am considering purchasing one.