Tablet Computing

So it's been over six months since Apple started selling the iPad... so many people are enjoying the tablet almost-computer, and others are anxiously awaiting the Next Big Thing. The hype has been all about the Android operating system and using it on larger-than-cellphone devices - much like Apple is using the same OS it created originally for the iPhone.

Enter the Samsung Galaxy Tab. After much waiting, hype, and anticipation, this Next Big Thing is now available to the general public - if you don't mind paying premium prices through the various cellphone service providers. Reviews are starting to come from the various geek sources (Engadget for one), giving all the details about the size, handling, capabilities, etc. For all the tech details about the processor, memory, and expandability, they have all the information.

I took some time this afternoon and hustled over to my local cell provider, where they have both of these top-running tablet computers available for the public. At first glance, the obvious - the Tab is a smaller device. It is much larger than your average phone - even something as large as a Droid X or Incredible - but small enough to hold in one hand if you have a fairly wide grip. The feel as you hold it is fairly solid - this isn't some cheap import just trying, but a sturdy little machine. But the surface seemed almost sticky, and my fingers couldn't slide across it easily. Trying to type was a little difficult as well - although it is smaller than the iPad, and provides a decent portrait thumb-able keyboard for quick use, turning the Tab to a landscape profile made it an entirely different beast. The keyboard was no longer small enough to reach easily with just the thumbs, but was too small to type on as a normal keyboard. Visually the interface was decent - much as one would expect from the smaller android cellphones. I did not spend too much time working the various applications pre-loaded, only checked out what was available and seeing how the web and typing might work out.

The iPad is almost a normal-sized computer in comparison. It's larger size does make it heavier, but it does feel very solid (as with most all of Apple's products), and although the portrait profile is about as wide as the Tab's landscape, with the same difficulty in "thumb typing", when you turn the iPad its landscape keyboard is about the same size as your average netbook keyboard. And the smooth-glass screen on the iPad makes it easier to slide your fingers across and not feel like you're sticking to the screen or trying to type on some kind of rubber surface.

Both seem to be capable almost-computers overall. They offer a decently portable size for simple entertainment pleasures, but do fall short when it comes to some computing power, because of the limitations from their operating systems, I think. But there is a difference in price, with the smaller Tab averaging to be more expensive than a comparable iPad. Yes, the Tab does have two cameras to the iPad's none, and the Tab also provides expandability with an SD-card slot easily accessible on the edge. But after getting some time playing with the two nearly side-by-side, I am still leaning towards the iPad for ease of use and capability overall.

Granted, I wouldn't turn down either one if it were given to me as a present, but when I get to the point of buying something to replace my aging laptop and iPod Touch, I will probably be looking into the iPad to combine the best of both worlds.

Keep trying, Samsung... you're almost there.

Alas, Poor SCIFI, I knew him well...

While cruising through Facebook and catching up on the morning events there, I came across as post via the "Caprica Season 2" fan list which linked to an open letter to the Syfy network (the FB link sends you here which then links to the actual Syfy forum post here). When I first heard the news, I sent in my own "open letter" through their website feedback forms, but have not received a response - nor do I expect one.

This latest open letter is an excellent post, well thought out and presented. My own was a bit more emotional and negative, but I admit I can be rather emotional when I am passionate about my topic. I have been to $yfy's forums and read this letter, but I will not deign to register an account and reply. They can read what I have to say right here.

...if they even care, which I doubt.

I agree with the post and have already stopped watching any programming on $yfy. I watched one last show after the cancellation announcement, and I want those two hours back (Red, with Felicia Day, which was well hyped, but fell way short of entertaining).

I remember Dresden Files, and know it was cancelled quickly. I know Firefly was given just as much chance to succeed by Fox, and never did. Moonlight much the same.

And now, Caprica.

Stick a fork in me, I'm done. I have deselected $yfy from my tv's channels, and will no longer enjoy the few decent shows remaining, like Eureka, Warehouse13, and SGU. I do apologize to the hard working actors and crew of those three shows - they are an excellent example of what the SCIFI channel had to offer. Ever since they changed the network to $yfy though, they've continually gotten away from the original niche they had cultivated, instead pursuing the almighty buck. It is a shame, because I did enjoy those shows immensely; but why should I invest any more time into those shows, knowing they can be pulled and replaced with wrestling and reality tv shows?

Alas, poor SCIFI, I knew him well...

...but I have no idea who this $yfy is trying to replace him, other than a font of disappointment.