Thursday, August 23, 2012

Anticipation–Apple, Amazon Ready for Big Announcements

Ain’t technology wonderful? As I prepare this edition of Rants and Raves on my #1 monitor, I ‘m watching a football game in HD (Packers vs. Bengals) on monitor #2. If I chose, I can also watch it on my iPad. Gotta love it!

Hard tech news is hard to come by this week…but Amazon has finally scheduled its big announcement…on Sept. 6th, they will presumably show the next version of its Kindle Fire line of tablets, and maybe some new Kindle readers. Meanwhile Apple is officially keeping mum on it next big event, but many tech writers are reporting that it will be on Sept 12th where they will more-than-likely unveil the new iPhone 5 and maybe a new 7” iPad. I look forward to both events.

Meanwhile, in this edition I will focus on Windows RT, the special edition of Windows designed for tablets. Over the last few months, I’ve spent a lot of digital ink on Windows 8 for the desktop and laptop…but Windows 8 RT is for tablets and is very different from its big brother. Since tablets are the hottest computers on the market, you might want to consider a Windows RT tablet…or maybe not. But it’s best you be informed.

So, with so much information here, you need to get started. Enjoy. -JRC

Where we’re all headed with Windows RT

Last week, we got our first look at the final version of Windows 8. However, we’ve not seen much about its lighter compatriot — Windows RT. In short, Windows RT is the version of Windows 8 that doesn’t run Windows programs. Okay, so I’m being a little snarky — but not very.

The 15 Things You Need to Know About Windows RT

So for anyone trying to make sense of the differences between Windows 8 and Windows RT - these 15 questions will tell you everything there is to know - except maybe which new version of Windows is right for you.

Should You Buy Windows 8 or Windows RT?

As Windows 8’s October launch date approaches, potential buyers must begin to ask themselves this question: should you buy a full-fledged Windows 8 machine or consider a less-expensive Windows RT device?

Rethinking the viability of the Windows 8 tablet

Windows 8 is designed for tablets first according to the flood of reviews on the web since it was RTM. As excited as I am for the Windows 8 tablet, the more I think about it the harder a purchase is to justify.

Microsoft Changes Its Logo To Mimic Windows 8

For the first time in 25 years, Microsoft has changed its logo, the company announced Thursday. The new logo draws heavily from the look and feel of the typeface formerly referred to as “Metro” used in the company's upcoming Windows 8 operating system.

Amazon set to introduce new Kindles at September 6 event

Amazon has sent out invites for a press conference in Santa Monica, Calif., where it's expected the company will introduce new Kindle devices.

Apple reportedly to unveil iPhone 5, iPad Mini on Sept. 12

Citing "sources who have proven accurate in the past," blog site iMore says that Apple will announce the two devices at a special event on Wednesday, September 12. The iPhone 5 itself would then go on sale 9 days later on Friday, September 21.

Facebook’s Stock Dive Isn’t Over

Facebook’s stock hit a new low last week -- and it could be poised to plunge even further. The spiral that started last Thursday ended the next day at $19.05 a share, just shy of half of Facebook’s initial public offering price in May.

Six tips for managing your iTunes library

Delete duplicate files, ensure linked tracks play in sequence, join tracks when you rip a CD, change the playback volume of a single track, sync to fill your iPod, and use playback-control shortcuts.

Create one-click desktop shortcuts for Web sites in Chrome

Want quick access to your favorite sites or services on the Web? Here's how to add a shortcut you can click from the desktop or taskbar.

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