SoftMaker Office 2010 for Linux Public Beta

This new version of our quick, reliable, and capable office suite for Linux offers significant improvements, such as:

• Reads and writes DOCX files (Word 2007) seamlessly, even those with password protection.
• Imports XLSX files (Excel 2007) with highest fidelity, including password-protected ones.
• PlanMaker offers presentation-quality charts
• Flexible sidebar in SoftMaker Presentations for common formatting tasks
• Comes with a license for 3 PCs (home and business) in the box
• … and much more!

Everyone who purchased SoftMaker Office 2008 for Linux will receive a free upgrade to SoftMaker Office 2010 for Linux after its release!

In a word, no.  Here’s why…

While dramatic, this 3G map is accurate…

Read More …

Apple’s big press event has come and gone, and unless you have been living under the Internet equivalent of a rock, then you are now more than familiar with the new iPad device which is scheduled to launch this spring from our friends in Cupertino.  Now that Apple has answered the burning question of what is it going to be, the next question is should you buy one.

Sadly, here at JAMM, we will not be able to offer you all of the answers right away.  We will not receive a pre-release version of the iPad like some other media outlets.  So, we will be waiting for the release, right alongside all of you.  Though it is a pretty good bet that at least one or more of our team members will be among the earliest shipments of the new device, that does not do you much good during the next 60 days or so while you ponder whether to add this to your arsenal of mobile devices. 

Even though we have not been able to handle one, we can already start to form a picture of whether this will meet your needs, starting with the official specs from the Apple website.

Dimensions: Let’s start off with a look at the dimensions.  Like the iPhone and MacBook Air, this one is almost a mere half inch thick.   As a result, it is also impossibly light at only 1.5 pounds (1.6 for the 3G model).  That makes it a full pound or more lighter than the average netbook.  Impressive!  Most impressive!  But then again, thin and light seems to be Apple’s modus operendi these days.

Screen and Display: The screen is 9.7 inches, which is pretty close to the same size as the MSI Wind I currently use.  I was pretty happy to find such a large screen.  When netbooks first started coming around, the screens were closer to the 8.6 inch range, which proved to be far too small.  I think 10 inches is the real sweet spot for portable devices.  Any smaller and the screen just becomes unusable.  Larger and the device becomes unwieldy and awkward to carry. 

Unlike many of today’s video playing devices, however, this holds fast to the same (or similar) LED backlit screen which has graced the iPhone and iPod Touch.  It would have been nice if Apple had updated its new device to include an OLED or even AMOLED screen for better resolution and clarity.   Then again, I have never had any complaints about the clarity of the iPod Touch’s screen, which is one of the best I have used, so I will reserve judgment on this decision until I have a chance to see it in person. 

The screen boasts 1024×768 resolution.  While this is extremely nice, I was surprised to find that it does not support true HD.  It can only playback up to 720p at 30 frames per second.  I also found it odd that the screen does not play movies in a 16:9 ratio, which is the standard display for widescreen videos. 

Battery:  I have always said that the battery is the weak link of pretty much every device I have ever used.  They just never pack enough power to really handle everything you need to do with a device.  Apple boasts that the 25Whr rechargeable lithium-ion battery will last 10-hours.  That is not terrible.  The battery on my MSI Wind lasts 6-8 on average depending upon my use, so 10 is a little better.  Still not good enough, but then I am not sure any battery could ever be “good enough”.  Still, with all this device is expected to do, I can envision far too many scenarios in which users get stranded at just the wrong time with a dead battery.

Memory: Like the iPhone, the iPad boasts 16, 32, and 64 GB models.  While this may sound like a lot, I suspect users will burn through this memory in no time flat.  I was disappointed to find that there will be no opportunity to add external memory either through an SD card slot or a USB port to allow the connection of a thumb drive or external hard drive. 

Processor: The processor in the iPad is an impressive sounding 1GHz Apple A4 custom-designed, high-performance, low-power system-on-a-chip.  Like I said, that sounds great, but we’ll see how it works in person.  Though that 1GHz sounds fast, fast, fast.

Input and output:  I already noted the lack of an SD card slot or USB port.  In addition to not allowing external memory, this also makes it difficult to connect peripherals such as printers, CD-ROM drives, and more.  I also noted that the specs indicate a VGA adaptor (which requires the use of a dock to access), but no HDMI.  A modern device which is designed for multimedia (among other things) has no business offering such a low quality video out connection.  an HDMI connection should be mandatory on this device. 

Wireless and cellular: As has been widely advertised, in addition to the Wi-fi radio, there will also be a version of the iPad which connects via AT&T’s 3G network.  So, for just $30/month, you can receive unlimited data on AT&T.  Snide comments aside, I am a little concerned about this.  AT&T’s network troubles have been well documented, and their infrastructure has not shown any ability to keep up with the demands of iPhone users.  So, it is not clear, exactly, how AT&T’s struggling network will handle the additional projected demands of iPad users.  I am really surprised that Apple did not opt for a different network, like Sprint or Verizon (as had been widely rumored) for this device.  Though it will be interesting (though potentially in the watching a car wreck sort of way) to see how AT&T holds up to the vast demand of a legion of iPad users, all armed with unlimited video downloads.  Still, $30 for unlimited access is just an incredible offer.  By comparison, most mobile broadband cards and Mifi/mobile hotspot devices require $60/month, for what is rarely unlimited use.  Additionally, the iPad comes with no contract,which means you can drop the 3G connection at any time and rely solely on the Wi-fi connection.

Price: Based upon Apple’s track record, I fully expected this one to top out at well over $1000.  boy was I wrong.  I was really amazed to find that the entry level model would cost only $499.  The highest end model with 3G connectivity and 64 GB of storage comes it an only $829.  When you think about this, the iPad would likely replace (for me at least) both the Kindle and MSI Wind, which cost close to $900 combined.  I never thought this day would come, but great job with pricing on Apple’s part.

Still, a careful reading of the features and technical specs indicates several notable omissions.  First, there is no indication that Apple is ready to bring multi-tasking to the masses.  While this may have worked OK for a device like the iPhone, something like the iPad, which is intended to compete for the same niche as a netbook, must be able to switch easily between tasks.  What happens if you are working on a document and need to look something up on the Internet?  Or need to switch between several different sources?  The lack of multitasking, I suspect, will be even more noticeable on the iPad than it ever was on the iPhone.

I was also disappointed by the lack of a built in camera.  With the growth of online video conferencing, the lack of a built in webcam really strikes me as a significant problem. 

Finally, like the iPhone, there is no support for Flash based video.   I am not sure whether this came from Apple or whether this is something Adobe is currently working on, but it is a disappointment.  The Internet is becoming increasingly dominated by Flash, and the inability to view it will limit or cripple many modern websites.  I would also point out that my Windows 7-based netbook can handle flash video-based websites with no problem in three different web browsers.

There also does not seem to be any kind of handwriting recognition.  Most of the tablet users I know today rely heavily on a pen-based handwriting program for making notes and entering data.  I know Steve Jobs has a documented aversion to the stylus, but I think it would have made good sense to include (or at least make available) a digital pen for this purpose.

In addition to the official specs, although JAMM has not been able to get an early look at the iPad, plenty of others have.  Their views are all well discussed in this article, with the ultimate conclusion seeming to be that it is a good device, but not necessarily revolutionary…or even magical (though I did here a rumor that it can perform some basic card tricks).   Personally, I think PC World summed it up the best when they said:

There are many more reasons, both pro and con, regarding an iPad purchase but the best one may be the simplest: You’ve either got to have one (and have the spare cash) or the iPad doesn’t do much for you.

So, what do you all think?  Do you plan to be an early adopter of the iPad?  What do you like or find disappointing about Apple’s latest device?  Personally, I have always been intrigued by the tablet form factor, and I am excited to see one that could really fit many of my needs.  Join in through the comments and let us know what you think.

UPDATE: Stevie J – when you get the internet in your hands, you’re gonna want an iPad.

I want to give credit up front to gdgt for the pics.  Ryan and Peter(?) did a great job with their coverage.  The pics were/are awesome.

The prices are going to enable many more to get one than I originally thought, but I don’t know how attractive the pricing model is going to be to the MASSES over time.  I’m going to turn this over to the rest of the JAMM team now and let them chime in with their notes, thoughts and comments.

Go JAMM Team!!!

UPDATE:  Accessories!!  Keyboard dock! Charges and holds the device. Awesome!

Pic courtesy of live.gdgt.com

UPDATE:  Here comes the pricing…

Apple is announcing aggressive pricing.  Cost goals have been met.

iPad pricing starts at $499!  Huge BOMBSHELL!!

$829 – for 64GB with 3G

Pic courtesy of live.gdgt.com

iPads with Wi-Fi only will ship in 60 days.  3G models will ship in 90 days.

iPad syncs with iTunes via USB like the iPhone and iPod.  Now they are getting to wireless…

The iPad WILL have Cellular 3G!

iPad owners will have 2 choices for wireless plans

250MB for $14.99

Unlimited for $29.99

Pic courtesy of live.gdgt.com

AT&T is still providing wireless 3G. Deal includes Wi-Fi hot spots.  Activation can be done via the iPad and does NOT require a contract. Can go month to month, and you can cancel AT ANY TIME!

All iPads are unlocked and use GSM microSIMs.

Pages and Numbers… Pretty cool productivity apps… $10 bucks each?!?  Pretty cool.

Pic courtesy of live.gdgt.com

Pic courtesy of live.gdgt.com

UPDATE: Reworked iWork for the iPad. New UI, to allow you to create productivity docs on the iPad.  Interesting.  Reworked Keynote (PowerPoint equivalent) is completely touch enabled.  A physical keyboard and mouse are NOT needed to create presentations.  Tap and slide – tap and slide.  Not completely sold, but it could be very cool…

Full support for video and animations. Very cool…

UPDATE:  Steve is now showing the iPad’s eBook capabilities.  New app – iBook. Color, multi-pages, book shelf, adjustable fonts.  Completely awesome.

Pic courtesy of live.gdgt.com

UPDATE:  Apple is moving away from the specs and is switching to content. NYT is now taking the stage and will be talking about their plans for the iPad.

Price – TWiT is thinking that prices will run from $599 to $999.  Though the $1k price tag may be too expensive.

I agree. If Apple wants these in everyone’s hands, they need to make this thing uber-affordable.

The internet is really getting bogged down.  There are a lot of people trying to get in on the live audio/video streams.  Things are VERY choppy.

UPDATED: “We built the iPad to run virtually every one of these apps unmodified right out of the box. We can do that in two ways — do it with pixel for pixel accuracy in a black box, or we can pixel-double and run them in full-screen. This is really cool.”

UPDATED: Screen – 9.7" IPS screen (same as KindleDX), 1gHz processor, less than 1/2 thick, 64GB flash storage.  Wi-Fi 802.11n and Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, 10 hours of battery life.

IT DOES NOT SEEM TO HAVE CELLULAR BROADBAND.

UPDATED:  The iPad supports HD video – “Let me show you video, it looks wonderful.” Showing HD YouTube playback…

Pic courtesy of live.gdgt.com

Audio and video seem WONDERFUL from the device.  This is just a taste of what the iPad can do.  "Watching is nothing like getting one in your hands!"

UPDATED: (via gdgt) …iTunes store. The UI on this thing is pretty intense, so far. Everything is familiar, but it’s all totally different from iPhone and OS X — this is a big launch for Apple.

UPDATED:  “iPad is an awesome way to enjoy your music collection. And, of course, we have the iTunes store built right into the iPad.”

Pic courtesy of live.gdgt.com

UPDATE: The tablet is called the iPad.

"Email with a giant on-screen keyboard: “It’s a dream to type on.”

"Its so much more intimate…"

Pic courtesy of live.gdgt.com

UPDATE: They are reviewing past product introductions, indicating how awesome Apple as a mobile device/content company is.

Apple is building on these products, and the speaker is hinting at a 3rd category of device (laptop, vs. Smartphone, vs…)

"Netbooks aren’t better at anything."  Awesome quote.

"Netbooks are cheap laptops and aren’t good at anything."

UPDATE:

Jason Chen:

…is going to talk about some other updates. A few weeks ago, Apple sold their 250 millionth iPod.

Ended Q1 with $50B in revenue.  Revenue comes from Mac, iPod, and iPhone.

UPDATE:  The lights are going down, and the event is beginning…

If you have the time, or background bandwidth and your office doesn’t block streaming audio or video, you can check out the Apple Event LIVE on TWiT. They have Leo Leport live on the phone while they are yackin’ it up, buring time before the start of the event.  I’ll to be as "live" as possible with some of this stuff… Stay tuned to JAMM for the hot news!!

Live TWiTs!!

The title says it all… and thank God its been released!

When Microsoft released Windows 7 to the public in late October of 2009, one of the things missing for many Apple Windows users was Boot Camp support for Windows 7.  While Microsoft wasn’t responsible for releasing driver updates for Apple’s Windows 7 capable computers, seasoned Windows users, like myself, struggled to find a way of getting the OS to run natively (that is, without running Windows 7 in a virtual machine like VMWare or Parallels Desktop).

Apple released Boot Camp 3.1 to address Win7 compatibility issues…

Some of us got it to work, but not without a great deal of research and a bit of pain.  Boot Camp 3.0, included with MacOS X 10.6.0 – 10.6.2, simply was not (fully) Windows 7 compatible. Apple promised an update to the driver set and to the Boot Camp Control Panel by the end of 2009.  However, 31-Dec-09 came and went without nary an update or any kind of notice from Apple saying they were still working on it (though, honestly, most of us assumed they still were.)

A couple of days ago (as of this writing), Apple officially released both 32bit and 64bit updates for Boot Camp 3.  Dubbed Boot Camp 3.1, the 64bit update executable weighs in at 274MB while the 32bit update executable weighs in at a whopping 381MB.  Previously installed versions of Boot Camp 3.0 are required to use the update files.  Simply run the update over your existing installation, restart the PC, and you’re good to go.

I installed the 64bit update on my Early 2009 13" unibody MacBook, and I have to admit, I’m impressed.  When I initially installed the 64bit version of Windows 7 on my MacBook, I ran into a lot of problems. I couldn’t get Boot Camp to install. None of the individual drivers would install.  I ripped the 64bit version out and installed the 32bit version. I ran into the same problems with the same error messages. Boot Camp 3.0 and Windows 7 simply did not work and play well together.

It wasn’t until I discovered Josh Anderson’s Blog that I was able to get Boot Camp to install. I’ve been running the 64bit version of Windows 7 on my MacBook ever since.  The biggest problems I had were with Power Management after that.  The device wouldn’t hibernate at all. The device would not sleep to save its life. Clearly, a driver related issue.

Since the install of the 64bit version of Boot Camp 3.1, my MacBook functions like you would expect it to. The devices sleeps and wakes like it should. The new graphics drivers have made a definite and noticeable improvement with both memory usage and computer performance. (I still need to update my Windows Experience Index).

If you have a Mac running Windows 7, or want to run Windows 7 natively on your Mac, now is the time to make the switch. Apple’s release of Boot Camp 3.1 not only makes this possible, but makes it the experience (you expected) it was intended to be.