Tag: iPad

Apps are better designed in iOS than in Android

Before I bought my Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 (9.7-inch, T819), I totally forgot taking into consideration the fact that apps are usually better designed in iOS than in Android.

Not that I totally screwed up in my decision, of course, there are other important factors that I considered, the topmost being the price.

But to give you an example of how apps are better designed in iOS than in Android, take a look at the screenshots of probably the most go-to app for every smartphone and/or tablet owners, Facebook.

In landscape modes, here’s the Facebook app in my old iPad 2:

facebook-app-on-an-ipad

Facebook iOS app on my iPad 2 (Landscape mode)

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Make Space for iPad Pro — the 12.9-inch Apple tablet

Stayed really late last night to watch the Apple Event on my Apple TV. After the boring discussions about the Apple Watch, Tim Cook eventually introduced the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

Apple CEO Tim Cook introduces the new iPad Pro during an Apple media event in San Francisco, California, September 9, 2015. Reuters/Beck Diefenbach

Apple CEO Tim Cook introduces the new iPad Pro during an Apple media event in San Francisco, California, September 9, 2015. Reuters/Beck Diefenbach

At 12.9-inch diagonal size, the screen is much like most laptops there currently are in the market. I surmise it is now positioned to take on the laptop market this time. That is, if those who consider replacing their work laptop with the iPad Pro are not deterred by the idea of expending additional dough for the Smart Keyboard and/or Apple Pencil.

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Smart Freedom Plan Updated

Plans and/or promos that you can subscribe to under the Smart Freedom Plan has been updated as of October 21, 2012, particularly Data plans. Now it includes various Always On denominations. Check out their webpage for more info.

Would have subscribed to one of the Always On options, but my Freedom Plan SIM was installed in my iPad, which since it’s not yet jailbroken, it can’t send SMS to complete the subscription. Another way could have been through the Account Management page in the Smart Communications website, but there was no option there for Data Packages, unlike when you’re using a Smart Bro prepaid SIM.

So there, another potential revenue gone for Smart.

Why Not ChessCube?

As you read through this blog, you might notice that I’m not so fond of Chesscube.

You know why? Because it’s so full of Flash. And you know what Steve Jobs has to say about Flash:

  • It is proprietary;
  • It has security problems and is the number one cause for Mac crashes;
  • Flash is a battery hog which doesn’t work well with mobile devices;
  • Use HTML5 instead.

And if you have kept up with the news lately, Adobe has removed Flash for Android from Google Play.

Now, have you seen a Chesscube app in the iTunes App Store or Google Play? There’s none, because they can’t do it.

That’s why I’m using an internet chess server like FICS for online play and Chess.com for correspondence chess.

iPad 2 vs. 3rd Gen iPad: What Are They Missing?

What 3rd Gen iPad reviews usually talk about is whether it is worth the upgrade if you already own an iPad 2. Case in point: Thoughts on the new iPad.

To be fair, they did mention that the new iPad is definitely a good the best buy if you are gonna be a first-time iPad owner. But what they really failed to consider was that: if you were to buy your first iPad, there’s actually an alternative — to get the iPad 2 instead.

To me, they’re answering the wrong question. The right question should have been: If you were to buy your first iPad, would you forgo the new iPad and settle for the cheaper iPad 2 instead? Simply stated: are the new features and upgrades of the new iPad (i.e., Retina display, quad-core graphics, 4G LTE, etc.) worth the US$100 premium from the price of the iPad 2?

I already had my take about it: Why I opted for iPad 2 instead. What about your opinion?

Why I Opted for iPad 2 Instead?

(Updated: please see notes at the bottom of this article)

Why did I settle for iPad 2, and forego the new iPad — or iPad 3?

(Note: Apple is not calling the new third-generation iPad the iPad 3, but for purposes of this post and the discussions hereinafter, and to avoid confusion, I’ll refer to the third-generation iPad as the iPad 3.)

When I sold my iPad “Classic” back in June 2011, I had it then in my mind to just get the next version of the iPad. Thus, the delight when the iPad 3 was announced by Tim Cook last March 7, 2012 (or March 8 in the Philippines).

The major improvements (or changes) of the iPad 3 from the iPad 2 are:

  • Retina Display — capable of 2048-by-1536-pixel resolution at 264 pixels per inch (ppi);
  • New A5X Chip — same dual-core processor as the A5 chip of the iPad 2 but the upgrade comes in the quad-core graphics (vs. dual-core GPU);
  • iSight — 5-megapixel back camera;
  • 4G LTE connectivity — for faster cellular data browsing;

See detailed comparison at the Apple Store.

Before I took the plunge and got the iPad 2, I have watched the video reviews by The Verge and MacWorld. And from that, here are my impressions: Continue reading

The Idea of an iPad Mini

Kyle Baxter breaks down the advantages vs. disadvantages of a smaller version of an iPad (e.g., a 7″ to 8″ display):

I have no doubt that Apple is working on a small iPad, but that’s a separate question of whether they will actually release it.

Personally, I don’t like the idea of an iPad Mini, iPad Nano, or whatever name. I’m not entertaining the idea of getting both, if there will ever be a smaller version. And I hate debating with myself which screen size should I get.

I’m already spending a lot of effort deciding whether I should get the new iPad (3rd Gen) or settle for iPad 2. And I’m already sick of deciding. So please put a stop at my agony.