Weekend Reading: Five Must Read E-books That’ll Change Your Life!
February 22nd, 2013 by Lifestyle StaffWe understand the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but reading is still fundamental in the busiest of lives! It’s important to have a seat, relax, and take in knowledge from the written word, outside of (yes, even the juicy) blogs. Most companies around the world are encouraging lifelong learning to their employees and partners. It is a simple notion. People are never too old to learn a new lesson! Take the time to download these e-books on your tablet, soak it in throughout the day. If you’re old school feel free to rent, buy, or check out a hard-copy They are worth reading, and are likely to change your outlook on life!
1. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
About: In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, author Stephen R. Covey uses penetrating insights and anecdotes to present a holistic, integrated, principle-centered approach for solving personal and professional problems.
Why It Made the List: The book was published in 1989 but is still acclaimed a must read for people that want to gain some practical tips on navigating through life more efficiently. Covey’s advice is very straightforward but makes readers think about how they can make each habit a part of their daily lives.
Download The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People from Amazon for $1.99 today.
2. Wonder
About: Inspired by true events, R.J. Palacio has written a spare, warm, uplifting story that will have readers laughing one minute and wiping away tears the next. August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. He’s about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you’ve ever been the new kid then you know how hard that can be.With wonderfully realistic family interactions (flawed, but loving), lively school scenes, and short chapters, Wonder is accessible to readers of all levels.
Why It Made the List: The book is an easy read as it was written for young readers but it teaches a lesson that many adults can benefit from.
Download Wonder from Amazon for $9.99 today.
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3. Mastery
About: In Mastery, Robert Greene’s fifth book, he mines the biographies of great historical figures for clues about gaining control over our own lives and destinies. Picking up where The 48 Laws of Power left off, Greene culls years of research and original interviews to blend historical anecdote and psychological insight, distilling the universal ingredients of the world’s masters. Debunking long-held cultural myths, he demonstrates just how we, as humans, are hardwired for achievement and supremacy.
Why It Made the List: Everyday, we face obstacles that make it difficult for us to reach our goals. InMastery, Greene offers some keys to achieving mastery, which he believes is attainable by every human being.
Download Mastery from Amazon for $12.99 today.
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4. The Secrets to Success
About: You may have seen the video where a man is speaking to a classroom full of students saying that in order to be successful, you have to want it as bad as you want to breath. That man was Eric Thomas. In The Secrets to Success, renown speaker, educator, author, activist and minister, Thomas shares his experience of how he made it from high school drop out to where he is now and also gives the secrets to readers on to how to live up to their full potential and greatness and by breaking the cycles of crime, hopelessness and despair that many may face daily.
Why It Made the List: Thomas is a dynamic speaker and has a way of showing folks who follow him ways to be successful. Having those tips that you can watch on YouTube in his videos in a concrete form is even more helpful.
Download The Secrets to Success from Amazon for $7.69 today.
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5. The Happiness Project
About: On a city bus, Gretchen Rubin had an epiphany one rainy afternoon. They included, “The days are long, but the years are short,” and “Time is passing, and I’m not focusing enough on the things that really matter.” In that moment, she decided to dedicate a year to her happiness project.
Many can relate to Rubin who didn’t have the option to uproot herself to make a dramatic change in her life. Instead she focused on improving her life as it was. Her conclusions are sometimes surprising and are though provoking.
Why It Made the List: Who doesn’t want to be happy? This book is an example of how people can approach finding happiness if they are not satisfied with their current situations.
Download The Happiness Project from Amazon for $10.99 today.
What are some of your latest reads? How have they changed your outlook on life?
#2013CES: iHome Goes Old School With The Composition Tablet Case
January 24th, 2013 by ChristenLong gone are the simple days where students carried composition notebooks and pencils to class. There was a time in the past where students had to carry paper into classrooms. And pens. And they used these pens to write on this paper. Often, this was done in a composition book. If you don’t miss the paper but do miss simplistic design of old, LifeWorks has you covered with the iHome Classic Composition Notebook for the iPads 2, 3, 4 and mini.
From a paper filled notebook to a handy iPad case…
I had the chance to speak with Johnathan Freeman, Director of Product Quality and Design for LifeWorks about getting back to the simplicities of life in a technology-infused world. iHome designs take a unique approach to technology with designs that make you feel all melancholy inside
iHome composition case measures up to the composition notebook nicely
In addition to providing “superior protection” for your iPad, the Composition Case will feature dual position display functionality, making it ideal for reading, playing games, watching movies, etc. It’s available online in four colors—black, red, green and blue—at a suggested retail price of $39.99 for full size, and $29.99 for iPad mini.
What do you think of the retro protection for your iPad? Are you ready to go old school with an iHome Composition case of your own?
Finally! Apple Confirms Products Coming To T-Mobile In 2013
December 6th, 2012 by Christen
If you’re one of the few T-Mobile customers holding their breath for an iDevice…you can finally breath a sigh of relief.
Apple has confirmed news that T-Mobile will be carrying the company’s products in 2013.
The news came as part of a press release by T-Mobile parent company Deutsche Telekom this morning. Apple representative, Natalie Harrison confirmed it earlier today.
In the coming year, T-Mobile USA will continue to reinforce its market presence with additions to its rate plan and product portfolio, including Apple products. “Following on from the preceding steps such as the spectrum swap with Verizon, the towers deal with Crown Castle and the transaction with MetroPCS that we have announced, we have now added the final piece to the jigsaw to boost the competitiveness of T-Mobile USA sustainably,” said René Obermann.
T-Mobile representative Michelle Taylerson reiterated that the company would bring Apple products to the carrier in 2013. “Additional details will be made available at a later date,” she said.
There was no mention of which Apple products T-Mobile would carry, but you’ll probably see the iPad and quite possibly the iPhone 6 make it’s debut next year…(don’t act like you’re not expecting it…LOL)
What do you think? Are you a T-Mobile user waiting on Apple to make the switch?
Black Friday Alert: If You’re Looking For Apple’s Black Friday Deals, Look No Further…
November 19th, 2012 by Tech Staff
What’s under Apple’s tree this season? Could it be the gift of savings? Apple hasn’t announced any deals for Black Friday (yet), but in this season of giving, we can only assume that Apple plans to offer huge savings for Black Friday. If 2011 is any indication as to 2012 savings, we’re in for a treat and it’s safe to write our list for what we want. Last year Apple offered respectable discounted items for the one-day shopping event including iPad savings and savings on the iPod Nano, iPod Touch, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and iMac devices.
We’re checking our list twice and on our list this season, we’re asking the big red man (ahem, Apple) for:
iPad specials: In 2011, the iPad 2 was only a few months old when Black Friday rolled around, and customers enjoyed about a $50 savings. We expect the same level of savings for iPad 3 and older model iPads this year. If you haven’t bought an iPad yet because of the hefty price tag, we suggest waiting until Apple officially announces its specials. Because they will…at least we hope. Apple reduced prices on Mac last year so we predict savings on Mac products as well.
Discounts on Accessories: We expect Apple to reduce prices on accessories. Some stores offer free Apple accessories with your purchase of an iPad so be on the lookout for these savings. There’s nothing better than getting something free especially when it’s from Apple.
Shorter Lines and Less in-store Crowds: Wildly popular is Black Friday so expect to see a lot of consumers. We hope that Apple is well stocked and equipped to handle the influx of customers. How about express lines and customer service oriented sales people to direct the traffic? We don’t want our turkey & stuffing to get cold.
Participating Stores: While Apple is the go-to spot for all things Apple, other retailers like Best Buy will have possible savings on Apple products. Best Buy has its own surge of customers on Black Friday, but it’s a healthy alternative to buying your iPad directly from an Apple store. You can even buy your Apple product online and skip the long lines and overcrowding. However, in store sales seem to be the most lucrative and cost-effective.
You may be wondering about iPhones. Last year there were no iPhone savings, but you never know. These are just our predictions. Apple may have some surprises up its sleeves.
Tell us about your Black Friday experience. Do you plan on going this year? What tech pieces are you looking to get your hands on?
Customize Your Tech Accessories This Holiday Season With Whooz!
November 12th, 2012 by Tech Staff
We’ve all been victim of the stolen iPhone or iPad charger. These fun, inexpensive decals allow you to customize your Apple charging accessories so there’s no mistaking “Whooz” is whose!
What we love more than our tech accessories is personalizing them! Kickstarter project, Whooz provides you with a mini closet of decals to dress up your chargers and earphones to give them your personal touch. Even better, now you’ll know who nabbed your mobile life-line!
For only $10 you’ll receive these cute and fashionable vinyl decals that will really spice up your power strip and give life to that old white cord! Each pack comes with four sheets of labels to create your custom look to cover one adapter, the ends of the USB cable, and one set of earphones. Decals are compatible with both generations of Apple connectors and are can be easily removed or swapped out. Decals are finished with a UV laminate to insure your Whooz creation won’t warp due to heat and the coating also protects the graphic from wear and tear.
Whooz is a great stocking stuffer for the Apple lover in your life. If successfully funded this project promises to be available in time for the holiday season when iPhone and iPad charger theft is at its highest!
For more information or to support visit kickstarter.com/projects/whooz
Five Reasons Why Buying The iPad Mini Is A BAD IDEA
November 2nd, 2012 by Tech Staff
It’s arrived in stores today with lack-luster thunder…yeah right. Of course the masses will follow suit yet again and purchase Apple’s newest miniature iPad… Why? Because spending hard earned cash on anything Apple-related is always a great idea.. Right? WRONG.. Based on a few recent updates, redesigns and contrasts against similar mini tablets on the market, it’s safe to say that buying the iPad Mini today is a bad, BAD IDEA.
5. The iPad Mini costs too much, ($329) especially considering the lower resolution of its 7.9-inch non-Retina Display. The A5 processor isn’t as robust as the one in the fourth-gen iPad and iPhone 5. Typing on the smaller screen is not quite as comfy.
4. Based on numerous reports, crowds waiting in line at Apple retail stores are A LOT smaller than they have been in the past for other launches. Which means that if there isn’t a great demand for the product, you probably shouldn’t be clamoring for one in your hands too soon.
3. If you thought buying an iPad Mini today would get you the lightning speed you need, think again. Apple isn’t launching the LTE-enabled iPad Minis until later in the month. (Talk about a bait & switch…) This is a significant factor in analysts predicting WEAK opening weekend sales for the new device.
2. Something as small as the iPad Mini should at least have multiple functions like the Galaxy Note II. What’s the use of carrying a smaller tablet AND a smartphone if you don’t have to?
1. Buying the iPad Mini opening weekend reinforces the idea that it’s okay to create updated versions of devices sooner than loyal consumers can afford them. There are countless iPad 2 and even New iPad owners that will not be buying the iPad mini or 4th generation iPad because it’s too much, too soon. Next thing you know, Apple will be expecting consumers to sell their first borns just to keep up with purchasing the production of new idevices…Good Luck With That…
What do you think? Will you become a new iPad Mini owner this weekend?
Five Things You Thought You Knew About The Apple iPad Mini
October 24th, 2012 by Tech StaffSure the sound you heard around the world yesterday afternoon was a bit of joy, shock, awe and even a few snarky jokes once Apple’s iPad mini was revealed. Aside from the general size, weight & price – you’ve probably assumed that you know all that you need to know regarding the device. If you’re curious about the entire scoop or haven’t gotten the scoop in details before – keep reading…
SPECS: The new model comes in both black and white. The 7.9-inch screen with 4:3 aspect ratio gives the iPad mini a size advantage over 7-inch competitors. The area measures 29.6 square inches to 21.9 on a 16:9 7-inch tablet. RESOLUTION: It has the same resolution as the original iPad and iPad 2, at 1,024 x 768. WEIGHT: At 10.9 ounces, the iPad mini is less than half the weight of the full-size iPad. It’s just 0.28 of an inch thick. PERFORMANCE: The iPad mini packs an A5 chip, the processor that was first seen in the iPad 2, and it’s the same chip that powers the current iPod touch. It has a front-facing FaceTime 720p camera, with 5-megapixel camera in back. It also includes Apple’s new Lightning connector, which first debuted on the iPhone 5. PRICE: The iPad mini starts at $329 for the Wi-Fi-only version with 16GB capacity. Higher capacities and 4G LTE options are available. Prices for Wi-Fi-only versions are: $429 for 32GB, and $529 for 64GB. For the cellular versions, prices are $459, $559 and $659 for 16, 32 and 64GB, respectively. Pre-orders begin Oct. 26. The iPad mini starts at $329 for the Wi-Fi-only version with 16GB capacity. Higher capacities and 4G LTE options are available. Prices for Wi-Fi-only versions are: $429 for 32GB, and $529 for 64GB. For the cellular versions, prices are $459, $559 and $659 for 16, 32 and 64GB.
AVAILABILITY: Pre-orders begin Oct. 26 with delivery dates scheduled for November 2nd.
Are you planning on becoming an iPad mini owner?
Apple Rumor Mill: Your iPad 2 Could Become Extinct Before You Know It!
October 19th, 2012 by Christen
As an iPad 2 owner (twice over) – I believe that there are just some things that are inevitable. New products develop, while older products fade out to pasture. With the New iPad release nearly knocking the original iPad product to extinction, it’s only a matter of time until the the natural progression product evolution takes place leaving another product behind. But what do I know? According to CNET.com -
Tablet buyers may see the iPad 2 sink away as the iPad Mini prepares to surface, says Evercore Partners analyst Rob Cihra. According to Chira - Apple could phase out the iPad 2 because the company’s vision leads toward “clearer product tiers,”. Apple is expected to unveil the iPad Mini at a launch event on October 23.
Launched in March 2011, the 16GB iPad 2 is currently available through Apple at a price of $399 for the Wi-Fi only version and $529 for the Wi-Fi + 3G edition. In contrast, the new iPadstarts at a price of $499 for the 16GB Wi-Fi version and shoots up to $829 for the 64GB model with Wi-Fi and 4G.
Apple has teased at a smaller iPad, using the term “we’ve got a little more to show you” on the invites for the October 23 event. But the company hasn’t yet officially announced any such device, so there’s been only speculation about it. Some reports say the smaller tablet will be available November 2nd and sport a 7.85-inch screen with the entry-level model offering 8GB of storage and Wi-Fi only access and a price tag of $249.
I’ll admit, I was once a faithful iPad 2 user until I purchased my Macbook air earlier this year. My primary love for these Apple products was because of one reason, mobility. Since I’m always on the go, you can most-likely catch me with my Macbook air and doing work while I have free time during the day. However, I probably won’t be intrigued by the the iPad Mini once it’s announce next week and released next month, simply because if it’s anything like the iPhone 5 release, it’ll probably fall short to it’s competing Samsung product.)
Are you excited about the new iPad Mini? Are you an iPad 2 owner or New iPad owner looking forward to getting the new iPad mini counterpart or do you think it’s just another status quo product on the market?
Apple VS Samsung…Which Tablet Comes Out On Top?
October 10th, 2012 by Christen
With the clear domination of the Samsung S3 in comparison to Apple’s newest iPhone 5 and my secret obsession with the new Samsung Galaxy Note – I’m beginning to feel “a certain way” about the Apple vs Samsung battle. As an Apple “Trinity” title holder, (Apple Trinity = owning an iPad 2, iPhone 4s and a Macbook Air) I have recently wondered about my decision to go with “All Apple Everything!” versus opting to buy superior tech products no matter what brand they’re affiliated with. (I could easily go into a rant behind the psychological marketing genius of Apple as a company, however – I’ll just leave it to you to form an opinion of your own based on the strength of each competing product in the computer tablet market.)
CNet.com recently explored the battle of the fittest tablet between Apple’s New iPad and the Samsung Galaxy 10.1. Check out this video and vote for your favorite tab device in the comments below…
So what do you think? Are you in the market for a new tablet? Which tab comes out on top for you? Cast your vote below…
The Jury Is Out: Do You Love/Hate The Apple iOS6 Update?
September 20th, 2012 by Tech Staff
If you’ve ever been warned about downloading a new Apple update, and have heard the suggestion to “Wait, until the bugs are worked out.” chances are, you’ve been blessed with great tech advice. With the recent release of Apple iOS6 software update, there have been many praises for several app enhancements but just as the good comes to light, so does the bad. One of the major gripes Apple users are moaning about include the unreliable Apple map app. One notable expression was “Maps takes all the trust Apple has built up among its users over the years — trust that its products just work — and squanders nearly all of it in one go.” – Mashable.com.
New York addresses seem to be completely wrong, turn by turn directions are slightly off and inspite of acquiring three navagation / map companies and having a few years to perfect the iOS map – it’s still #NoBueno.
It’s even been reported that there was a parody account poking fun at the new unreliable app…
(the account has since been removed…)
You can’t expect for Apple to get it right 100% of the time can you? After all, there are some great updates as listed in yesterday’s post – however, some of my favorite discoveries include the new ‘Do Not Disturb” feature, Phone call decline/ automatic text function and a variety of new emoticons added to the animated gallery. My least favorite has to be loosing Google Maps (and transit reliability) and the send read receipts option (this isn’t BBM...).
Have you tried out the new iOS6 update and features? How long did it take to update? Which features did you try first? Which functions do you love?
