6 Ways Windows Surface Beats the iPad

It's not (yet) an iPad killer, but the new Windows tablet does have a few impressive features for business.

In a perfect world, the better gadget would always win. For the brand new Microsoft Surface RT tablet there is no question Microsoft has decided to embrace the world of touch computing, hoping to dethrone the mighty iPad and attract mobile users in droves.

We are not yet ready to say Surface RT is better than the iPad. But there are some significant features that make it attractive for business.

1. Behold, the Keyboard

You can obtain a portable keyboard for the iPad, but the Surface RT includes one that is downright brilliant. Some might argue it is not that different from the soft keyboard on the iPad, and I've seen some speed typers at airports who make me wonder how they do it. The Surface RT includes a cover that doubles as a keyboard, and there are two surprises. One, even though the keyboard only has slightly raised keys, I can type much faster and more accurately on it than the iPad. Also, there's a stand on the back of the Surface RT, so you can fold off the cover, prop up the tablet, and start typing like you are on a laptop. Brilliant. Microsoft offers a rainbow of colors and the keyboard/cover snaps into place with a click.

2. Free Office Apps

Microsoft includes the Office 2013 apps for the Surface RT for free. That's a major plus for business owners who decide to deploy the device to employees. The suite uses a fresh, clean-cut design that runs smoothly on the mobile processor that powers the Surface RT. There are the big three--Word, PowerPoint, and Excel--plus the 2013 version of OneNote, a collaboration and info gathering tool. So far, what I like best about Word is that you can quickly save a document to Microsoft SkyDrive for cloud storage, and that the app runs stable and with familiar tools. Plus, no install programs to run.

3. Smart Store

There are plenty of Windows Store naysayers, and I'm not exactly a diehard fan. There are many apps missing, including a few of my favorites like SproutSocial. But while the store is missing important apps, there is one benefit: The apps you will find are designed to run fast and reliably on the RT tablet. I tested Skype, the Kindle e-reader, the Zinio app, and several others. The apps use the same tile approach of Windows 8 for touch apps with plenty of open space and finger-aware buttons. Presumably, there will be touch apps for many popular desktop programs, including Photoshop and many others.

4. Connections, Natch

Microsoft has included several options for connecting the tablet to other gadgets. The RT supports Bluetooth 4.0 so you can connect a new crop of devices like digital pens that can automatically adjust pressure sensitivity. There's a USB port, which means you can attach keyboards and mice, webcams, and just about any add-on that does not require a driver designed only for the Windows 8 desktop version. Under the stand, you'll even find a microSD port for loading pictures and videos.

5. Battery Life

It's easy to become a slave to re-charging. Hunting for outlets at airports, connecting up as soon as you walk into a hotel room. Since the RT lasts almost 10 hours, you might find that re-charging is not as much of an issue. Ten hours is enough to get you to your next meeting after jumping off the plane, and that's really all that matters. I also found I did not have to dim the display or turn off features to get good battery life.

6. Screen Tech

The screen on the Surface RT has a sharpness that I don't see on Android tablets. At 400 nits, it is also quite bright and readable even outside. The resolution is more in line with a typical laptop, but Microsoft has used some type-smoothing tech to improve readability. Swipes and gestures on the RT worked reliably every time, and colors looked outstanding for games and photos. In many ways, the screen is the most important hardware element because it is what you look at all day. The iPad 4, announced last week, is arguably more crisp with a higher resolution, but the Surface RT gets major points for brightness and text clarity.

iPad Mini unveiled by Apple.

Apple has unveiled its widely-anticipated 7.9in (20.1cm) tablet, the iPad Mini. The device, which is 7.2mm (0.3in) thick and weighs 0.68lbs (0.3kg), was announced at an event in California. The entry wi-fi-only model, with 16GB storage, will cost £269 in the UK and be available on 2 November. The iPad Mini will compete directly with cheaper similar-sized tablets recently launched by Google, Amazon, Samsung and others. Apple's vice-president of marketing Phil Schiller told attendees that the device was 23% thinner and 53% lighter than the third-generation iPad, which was released in March this year.

Change of heart

The iPad Mini launch ends years of speculation that Apple was considering launching a new, smaller version of its bestselling iPad range.
In 2010, late founder Steve Jobs described 7in tablets as being "too small".
However, the company's apparent change of heart comes in the face of mounting pressure from its closest competitors, who already offer smaller - and crucially, cheaper - products. In the UK, both Amazon's new 7in Kindle Fire HD and Google's Nexus 7 cost £159.

During the presentation, Mr Schiller stressed the importance of being able to hold the device in one hand - a nod to the more travel-friendly appeal of the smaller devices. However, Adam Leach, principal analyst at Ovum, said he had expected the iPad Mini to be more competitively priced. "We got a mix of a bit of new Apple and bit of old Apple in the same announcement," he said. "This is new for Apple to be responding to competitors instead of pioneering their own way. It's old Apple as they've gone into this market with a premium pricing strategy. At the moment this doesn't place a lot of pressure on the Kindle Fire or the Nexus 7." He added that the iPad Mini was an indicator that Apple might be nervous about losing its control over a market which it has dominated in recent years.

During the nineties, Apple found itself outpaced in the home computer market by Microsoft and Windows-powered computers - a period of the company's history it will be conscious to avoid repeating. "The popularity of the Kindle e-reader and the Android smartphones made consumers aware of Amazon content and Google services," said Francisco Jeronimo, research manager at consultants IDC. "The low price points of the Google Nexus 7 and the Amazon Kindle Fire have been attracting consumers looking for more affordable devices that also come with the content and services they already use or want." But he added: "This new product from Apple will disrupt the market again. The iPad Mini is now the new category killer."

The other iPad Mini wi-fi-only models will have a recommended retail price of £349 for 32GB and £429 for 64GB.

Kick in the face

Apple also announced a lower-key upgrade for the full-sized iPad. Calling it the "fourth generation" iPad, Mr Schiller said its new A6X chip meant it had twice the CPU (central processing unit) power of the third-generation model.
Paddy Smith, online editor for Stuff.tv, said some Apple users might see the iPad upgrade as a "kick in the face" as the previous model was just seven months old. "I think a lot of people will be upset to see a new full size iPad so soon," he said. "For many people that represents a pretty major purchase, something you wouldn't want to do more than once a year."

Stuff.tv's Mr Smith agreed that Christmas shoppers could be hesitant.
"I think if they look at the competition and they see that the Google Nexus 7 is £100 cheaper it's going to be hard to ignore that - unless you're buying for a hardcore Apple fan." However, IDC predicted that the new device would boost Apple's already dominant position in the tablet market. It forecast that Apple would hold a 68% share of the market in 2012, compared to 29% for Android tablets. Both would fall off slightly next year with the launch of Windows 8 tablets, IDC said.

The firm also announced upgrades to its Macbook Pro, iMac and Mac Mini ranges of computers. "Its new iMac machines have been made 80% thinner at the edges than previous models", Mr Schiller said.

Apple set to launch smaller iPad

Apple is widely expected to launch a smaller version of the iPad later on Tuesday, into what is becoming an increasingly crowded tablet market.

The launch will be watched by fans keen for a cheaper device while detractors will see it as another test for chief executive Tim Cook. Demand for smaller tablets have been proved by the success of Amazon's Kindle and Google's Nexus 7. The event in San Jose, US, kicks off at 10:00 local time (17:00 GMT).

Price point 

Most analysts agree that the price of the pocket-sized iPad will be key to its success.
Currently Apple's 9.7in iPad 3 has a starting price of $499 (£399 in the UK) while its iPad 2 can be bought for $399 (£329). To date, Apple has sold more than 84 million iPads, with the device accounting for 26% of Apple's third quarter revenue.

The new mini iPad is expected to shave a couple of inches from its larger cousin with analysts predicting a "sweet spot" price of about £200. That would make it an "affordable Christmas present", said Maciej Gornicki, an analyst at IDC. The risk for Apple, said Ovum analyst Adam Leach, will be cannibalising its existing iPad range.

"If an iPad customer wants to upgrade will they still go high end?" he asked.
A survey of 1,000 consumers by US firm Baird Equity Research suggested that, on average, consumers would be prepared to pay $242 (£150) for a 7in iPad and $268 (£167) for an 8in model.

Amazon's new 7in Kindle Fire HD costs $199 (£129 in the UK). A slightly larger version, shipping on November 20, will sell for $299 (£159). Google's Nexus 7 has a price tag of $250 (£159).

The launch of the mini iPad will be keenly watched by Apple critics who have questioned whether the firm has lost its edge since the death of Steve Jobs.
The fact that, unlike previous product launches, there is little doubt about what is coming could be significant, thinks Mr Leach.

"It represents a change in the way Apple go to market and the way people perceive Apple. It is a move away from how Steve Jobs did things. It is being headed, dare I say it, more like a normal technology company," he said.

'Sea change'

Two years ago when mini tablets began to hit the market, Steve Jobs famously said that in his opinion they would not succeed because the size was insufficient to "create great tablet apps".

That Apple has changed its mind represents another important "sea change" for the company, thinks Mr Leach "Apple is now in the role of following what the market is doing, responding to the threat of the Google Nexus and the Kindle Fire," he said.
 
While internally Apple may be regretting losing its image as a market leader, it could be good news for consumers, thinks Paddy Smith, editor of Stuff.tv. "Having buckled under public pressure to increase the size of the iPhone's screen, Apple can now be seen once again creating a product based on listening to its customers, rather than thinking it always knows best. "We think a smaller iPad - with a lower price tag - is a sure-fire Christmas hit. And Apple knows it, too," he said.

Boosted by its new iPad, Apple will continue to dominate the tablet market, predicts IDC. It said that Apple will hold a 68% share of the market in 2012, compared to 29% for Android tablets. Both will fall off slightly next year with the launch of Windows 8 tablets, IDC said.

Tips for the Novice Business Traveler

Now I know that this is not an item on those must have gifts, however I know that most of us do travel with our gadgets which go me thinking that may be some tips for travelers may be a good idea. These are good if you have just starting out on the road or if you have been out and about for a while, does not hurt to check and rethink once in while?

Growing your business will often require you or your partners to hit the ole pavement. Often business travel becomes necessary to visit clients or make sales pitches or visit satellite offices. Whatever the reason, here are a few tips to look into before your next trip.

1.  Membership Rewards

It is never too early to sign up and start using membership rewards programs. Be it points on select credit cards to travel rewards programs through hotels and airlines, if you are going to spend you might as well accumulate points toward rewards. Believe me, they add up. This year, my family and I will take three week long vacations, all courtesy of various rewards programs. So sign up and use them.

2.  Build Extra Time Into Your Schedule

We are all about efficiency these days, but in our zeal to be efficient we often lose focus on quality. For instance, if you have a 9 a.m. presentation in New York City, don't risk a flight in from Atlanta that morning. Take a flight the night before, spend the night, and be refreshed and ready to go in the morning. You'll be less stressed and more likely to nail your presentation if you do. Likewise, if your presentation or meetings are scheduled until four in the afternoon, don't book a 5 o'clock flight. Nothing says you aren't important to me like leaving a meeting early to catch a flight. Book a later flight. You can always move it up if you end early.

3.  Be Willing to Fly Standby

If you get done with your work early and head to the airport hoping to catch an earlier flight, be willing to fly standby. Ask the attendant if there is an earlier flight. If so, ask how many open seats there are left. If it is not a full flight, simply ask to be put on standby for that flight. It doesn't cost a thing, and for flights with open seats you will usually get on. This is one way of avoiding the re-ticketing charge you will receive if they simply move you up to the earlier flight.

4.  No Downtime, Ever

In our 24/7 world, we are always connected. Who cares if there is not an earlier flight. With technology, you can be at the office working even if you are hundreds or thousands of miles away. Personally, my smartphone acts as a Wi-Fi hot spot for my laptop, and I can also access my desktop remotely. Invest in the technology that works for you to keep getting the job done no matter where you are.

5.  Power Up

All that technology, however, requires juice. So whenever possible, make sure you plug in. While waiting for your meeting to begin, plug in. Most airports now have free charging stations. Plug in. If they don't, just look around: There's an outlet somewhere on the wall. There has to be. It's code.

6.  Internet Deals

Always look for the best deals using the Internet. Expedia.com and Travelocity.com are great for booking hotels and flights even at the last minute. And make sure to scroll through their options, looking for the websites' stars as well as user ratings. Oftentimes you can find hotels that are just as nice for half the price. For instance, last night I was in New York City and needed to be in the Times Square area at 9 a.m. for meetings. Rather than simply booking at my old standard, which would have been $499 for the night (Welcome to New York), I poked around on Expedia.com and booked a room at a neighboring hotel for $250! I saved $249, and the hotel was every bit as nice as my old favorite.

7.  Maintain Healthy Habits (If You Have Any)

One of the toughest things about being on the road is maintaining a healthy lifestyle. So many of us get on the road and say, "Hey, tonight it's me, a bag of Doritos, and whatever Nicholas Cage movie is showing on TNT." On the road or not, you've got to behave the same way as you would at home. If you exercise, don't miss it because you are on the road. What greater way to see the city you are staying in than a quick jog or power walk? Of course, it is so easy to throw food caution to the wind. I mean, how can you eat a whole bag of Doritos without having some Oreo cookies to finish it off? But you must resist the temptation.

HP unveils first NFC-enabled mouse.

In addition to unveiling all those laptops, HP just announced a boatload of peripherals. Of the bunch, the most compelling might be the NFC-enabled Touch to Pair Mouse, which, as the name suggests, can be paired with another device simply through tapping. (Good thing lots of computers currently have NFC, right?) If, by chance, you don't have NFC on your laptop -- and you probably don't -- the mouse will function just fine as a regular old Bluetooth device. Look for it in November for $39. 

Elsewhere on the wireless mouse front, HP announced the X6000 (pictured), which has four-way tilt scrolling and can be used on most surfaces, including glass. That arrives this month for $59. Finally, if your tastes are a bit simpler, there's also the Wireless Mouse X4500 and X5500, which will be available this month for $29 and $39, respectively.

Beyond mice, HP also trotted out the $29 Wireless Classic Desktop keyboard, along with the $49 Wireless Elite v2. For audio lovers, there's the HP Portable Bluetooth Speaker, which will go on sale next month for a cool $79. Eighty bucks (or thereabouts) will also get you a 90W universal power adapter that claims to be compatible with most notebooks. It also has a built-in USB port, allowing you to charge a mobile device at the same time. Rounding out the list is the Webcam HD 4310, a $69 $89 shooter capable of 1080p video, autofocus, autoexposure and three-way video calling. All that in more digestible form in the PR after the break.

4 Long-Lasting Smartphones

Don't get stuck with a fancy--but battery draining--device. Check out these handsets that are built to last.

A smartphone that lasts all day can be a life saver. While trendier phones like the iPhone 5 can last a good six hours or more, some models are rated for a full 20 hours or more, which includes heavy data usage. Here are my top picks.

1. Motorola Droid RAZR M

This brand new Android-powered phone, which works on the Verizon network, is rated to last a surprising 20 hours of normal use--checking email, browsing the Web, and even checking YouTube clips. (Some smartphones give you only the "talk time" rating for usage.) The phone still has a sharp 4.3-inch screen that uses a technology called AMOLED--so, it's bright and clear but not power hungry. One important spec: Even with the amazing battery longevity, the phone still connects to Verizon's high-speed LTE network. Turn off some of the wireless options and you'll get even better battery life.

2. Lumia 920

Keep an eye on this new Windows 8 phone, which should be available in late October. The battery life is rated at 17 hours for talk time, but 10 hours for data use. That's about four hours longer than the iPhone 5 and much better than many Android phones on the market. The main perk to this phone is the camera, which uses image stabilization techniques, shoots in low light, and can even take multiple shots in succession. The Windows 8 tile interface is also easier to use.

3. Samsung Galaxy SIII

Another phone with an AMOLED display (a stunning 4.8 inches), the SIII is rated for nine hours of talk time, which is a bit less than the Lumia 920 but still higher than many Android phones. But it also has some rather unique battery-saving features. For one, the phone knows when you are looking at it. When you look away, the Smart Stay feature dims the screen automatically. Another bonus: The SIII is the "halo" phone for Samsung, which means they make extra accessories for it, like a dock for charging up.

4. Motorola ES400S

This is one of those old-school phones from a few years ago, but it has one clear advantage: It will last about 12 hours of talk time and won't break easily. Since the older Windows 6.5 operating system is on board (one that is now two versions out of date) you won't see any snazzy apps or multimedia tools. However, the phone is ruggedized for serious field use. You can drop the phone, use it on a wintry day--even spill water on the screen and expect it to keep humming along all day, without getting damaged.

Nokia Lumia 920 pricing

Earlier this week, Nokia officially announced prices for the Lumia 920 and 820 models in Russia, Italy and Germany. Despite news of pricing in Europe, Nokia refused to specify how much the devices would cost in the UK and when they will be made available. Pricing and availability in the America is still unknown. A lot has been made of how much the Nokia Lumia 920 is going to cost compared to it's fellow Windows Phone flagships; the HTC Windows Phone 8X and the Samsung ATIV S, and most importantly, how the prices compare to the iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy SIII.

Comparing how much devices cost based on pricing in different markets is tricky at the best of times and somewhat nothing more that speculation as different countries have different taxation systems. Unfortunately, while Nokia continue being evasive, people will carry on speculating to such an extent that it could be detrimental. Anyway, we will try our best in applying reason and common sense in our comparison.

In Russia, the Lumia 920 will cost 24,990 roubles (£496/$800), while the 820 will go on the market for 19,990 roubles (£396/$640). In Germany, the Lumia 920 will cost €649 (£517/$834) and the 820 model will be available for €499 (£398/$642). In Italy, the 920 will be priced slightly lower at €599 (£477/$769).

Although Nokia would not confirm UK pricing, we have reason to believe that the Lumia 920 will more than likely to be closer to Italian pricing, so, somewhere around £475 SIM-free. The device will be free on contract when it's available on EE's network. The Lumia 920 seems a reasonable proposition when compared to the iPhone 5 yet the Lumia comes with a lot more features. Whichever way you look at it, the Lumia is definitely cheaper that the iPhone 5. It comes with NFC, PureView camera, PureMotion display, Nokia Maps (actually works!) and more.

On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy SIII is round about the same price as the Lumia 920. That is despite the Galaxy SIII being a few months older than the Lumia 920. We suspect Nokia is holding back on announcing UK and US pricing as they want to make sure they hit the sweet spot.

Kindle Fire has the Fastest Wi-Fi

When it comes to HD content, bandwidth is everything. Without it, you get video buffering, slow downloads and dropped connections. Kindle Fire HD solves that by using state-of-the-art dual-antenna, dual-band Wi-Fi for over 40% faster speeds than the original Kindle Fire.

Two Antennas, Better Bandwidth

Kindle Fire HD is the first tablet to feature dual Wi-Fi antenna and Multiple In/Multiple Out (MIMO) technology for powerful, HD-ready Wi-Fi. This allows reception or transmission over both antenna simultaneously to increase capacity and reliability. So you'll enjoy fewer dropped connections and more than 40% faster media streaming.

Dual Band Support

Many Wi-Fi devices, from other tablets to baby monitors, only operate in the 2.4 GHz band. The more of these devices that you and your neighbours have operating in the band, the slower your connection is. Kindle Fire HD is capable of automatically switching between the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi frequencies, which will allow you to use this less congested 5 GHz band for better range and less interference.