Why You Should Wait To Buy iPad 2 February 3, 2011
Posted by johnthrasher in App Talk, Apple, Geek Talk, iPhone, Social Media, technology, ThrasherTechnoTrash.Tags: Apple, iPad, iPad 2
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For those who know me, you know I have a love/hate relationship with the iPad I spent the better half of 6 months whining about wanting. It’s a fantastic device on many levels, but also drives me insane on several more. I think it’s because I want it to do so many of the things that my iPhone or even my Mac can do…and it feels like it’s on the cusp of that, but never quite lives up to those standards.
But, if rumors come true by April, there’s a great chance the the next generation iPad (dubbed ‘iPad 2′) will live up to at least some of my expectations on what a tablet should be doing. Here are some thoughts on why if you’re in the market for the iPad, you should wait for the next release.
- First, the current iPad is not really a tablet in my opinion. A tablet is something more than a media consumption device. It’s a device that you can work from, rely on, and create content with. And though I do all of those things on my iPad, I often find myself saying, “This would be so much easier on my Mac. Or even my iPhone.” Such things as typing simple blogs or email, clocking in and out of my online system for work, and of course the Flash debacle, are made so much more difficult through the iPad UI. Though there aren’t any strong rumors about enhancements in these areas, you can bet that a faster processor and a more reactive user interface (some tweaks here and there could really make a difference) will come with iPad 2.
- Second, the no camera thing really anchors the current iPad to your home. There’s no need or function for the iPad to be on the go with you the way your phone might. I bought my iPad as a cheaper alternative to a new MacBook, and boy was I wrong. Though I can (and do) take my iPad everywhere, it really isn’t made for mobility. No camera, no GPS, and no stand out apps for mobility make the current generation a fun little toy to play with when you’re laying around your house and bored. I think the iPad could be SO MUCH more than that. If rumors are true (and it sounds like they are) the iPad 2 will not only have a back side camera, but a front facing camera as well! And it’s rumored to include PhotoBooth as well as the expected FaceTime app. This will open up a whole new world of connecting to the outside world with your iPad…something that the current generation
- Thirdly, you’re going to get more bang for your buck if you wait for iPad 2. Apple has a history of releasing new products at the same price point as their previous generations (except for the MacBook Airs!). This means you could buy current generation iPad today, and iPad 2 will hit the shelves tomorrow with a significant upgrade…at the same price. Assuming that the iPads stay at the entry level price point of $499, that’s something to take in to consideration when you make a big purchase.
- Fourthly, the current generation iPad display is good. But, it could be great. I had the iPhone 4 with a retina display for about 6 months before I got my iPad and my iPad screen looks so old and even cheap compared to my iPhone screen. In fact, when I first got my iPhone 4 I would just turn it on to look at how amazing the screen looked. Though I don’t think the iPad 2 will have 4 times the resolution the way the iPhone 4 evolved, I think an upgraded display is a safe bet.
- Surprises! Apple is really good at hiding little features in new products that end up standing out a great deal. So there’s a chance that iPad 2 will have some great new features that aren’t even mentioned that will make the current generation iPad seem lackluster and outdated. To me, that’s the brilliance of Apple and why so many people need to have the newest products.
In essence, with the demand of the iPad at an all time high, at this point it would make more financial and functional sense to wait it out for a few months and get the newest most advanced iPad that Apple can make.
My Strong Feelings About Jersey Shore and Domestic Abuse January 28, 2011
Posted by johnthrasher in Equality, MTV TJ, Music, Personally John, Political, Social Media, technology, Television, ThrasherTechnoTrash.Tags: domestic abuse, Jersey Shore, MTV, MTV TJ
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First of all, if you haven’t watched last night’s Jersey Shore episode, go watch it now before reading this post.
I watched last night’s Jersey Shore and was reminded as to why I should never have started watching it in the first place.
Yes, I know that this show has been blatantly offensive from day 1…but for some reason, last night’s episode really made me stop and think, “Why am I watching this?”
Whether it was Sammi sucker punching Ronnie in the face, or the misogynistic humiliation of the girls in the house, using “grenade whistles,” I found myself waiting for the redeeming quality of the show at the end. I was hoping at some point a producer steps in and says, “You can’t be here, you’re a danger to your roommates” a la the Real World days (though Real World is produced by a different production company than Jersey Shore). Though some of this has happened before, it was never under simple circumstances. Ronnie is sitting there minding his own business, trying to ignore this girl who clearly needs professional mental help, and he gets punched in the face! That’s quite different than getting punched in the face at a crowded bar full of belligerent drunks. And speaking of…
The shot where Snooki gets punched in the face at a bar during last season’s Jersey Shore NEVER made it to air. They ran the clip in a promo, there was outrage, and it was cut from the show before it aired.
NOT TO MENTION…MTV’s Teen Mom cast member Amber Portwood was charged for 3 counts of domestic abuse for her televised rage towards her baby’s father and was sent to jail!!
So hey MTV, why then is it okay to air Sammi’s domestic abuse incident and not Snooki’s punch? After the Amber Portwood incident, shouldn’t MTV be a little more socially and ethically aware of the ramifications of airing non-scripted domestic abuse on-air!? If anything to protect their shows’ credibilities?
The misogynistic undertones of this show I can at least not get too confused about – this shit is happening in A LOT more television than Jersey Shore. However, domestic abuse in any situation, even Jersey Shore, should not be taken lightly. If MTV is going to air the Real World, Road Rules, and the Challenges – where if people are abusive they are sent home, why then are they not doing it for the Jersey Shore? Which is the standard ethical protocol, MTV?
Though maybe this is what MTV wants…people like me to ask questions and blog about the issues I find offensive on television!
I asked my friend Gabi, who is the MTV TJ, about why she thought last night’s episode was her favorite. I implied that the domestic abuse and heightened misogynistic undertones (even for Jersey Shore) seemed to be very against the type of message she so courageously and admirably speaks about – not only in her Young, Fat, and Fabulous blog but on her MTV TJ blog as well. This post and this post are two great examples of why I am a champion for her. Gabi and I have also talked about similar issues because I think she is a fantastic representation of a young, confident, intelligent woman who is sure of herself and what she stands for. Gabi’s response was basically that this has all happened before on the Jersey Shore, and that the abuse and misogyny is nothing new. It even yielded a You-Go-And-Get-Him! response from one of mine and Gabi’s mutual friends!
I totally get that it’s nothing new, but that doesn’t make it okay. Racism and discrimination is nothing new, but that doesn’t make it okay either (I also know those are larger issues, but you get the point). What does it say that some of us find the domestic abuse on this show to be entertaining?? And what makes Sammi’s punch any less of a serious offense than Amber Portwood’s?
In the end Gabi, someone whose opinion I admire and trust, suggested that I could stop watching the show. But, if anything I am going to continue watching the show so that I know exactly what other sorts of unethical things are going on with the show that all of America seems to have fallen in love with! And to try to wrap my brain around why Amber Portwood gets charged with 3 counts of domestic abuse but Sammi doesn’t…and why people seem to think that I’m insane for asking these questions. It’s a modern marvel if you ask me!
I also feel a responsibility to post the national domestic abuse hotline number, because if you or anyone you know (EXCEPT REALITY TV STARS APPARENTLY) is being abused, you can call 1−800−799−SAFE(7233). Check out www.thehotline.org for more information on domestic abuse and educate yourself on a serious offense that plagues families across the world.
The MTV TJ is Time’s No.8 Twitter Moment of 2010! December 9, 2010
Posted by johnthrasher in App Talk, Geek Talk, iPhone, Social Media, technology, ThrasherTechnoTrash.Tags: Gabi Gregg, John Thrasher, MTV, MTV TJ, Time
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Wow! Big congrats and celebration to my former competitor and now friend Gabi Gregg for landing in at No.8 in Time Magazine’s Top 10 Twitter Moments of 2010.
I didn’t know that they even did a Top 10 Twitter moments, but obviously this one would make the cut! I’m honored and excited to have been a part of this competition with Gabi! She’s a great person with a lot of personality!
Check out the article here.
New Swarm Badges Unlocked on Foursquare! October 29, 2010
Posted by johnthrasher in Social Media.Tags: Foursquare, John Thrasher
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Check out the Super Duper Swarn badge (500 people at one venue), and Epic Swarm (1000 people at one venue)! When would this even happen!?
New Halloween Foursquare Badges Added! October 29, 2010
Posted by johnthrasher in Social Media.Tags: Foursquare, John Thrasher
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YESSSSSS!
Check out the new Foursquare badges added for this Halloween! Spooky Swarm and Halloween 2010 and how to get them!
Unlock the Spooky Swarm badge in a venue with 50+ people and only after 8pm! Tricky!
Checkin anywhere and shout “Happy Halloween” and get Halloween 2010 badge.
Apple Introduces New iPods, Apple TV, iTunes 10 with Social Media Service ‘Ping’ September 1, 2010
Posted by johnthrasher in App Talk, Apple, Geek Talk, iPhone, Music, Social Media, technology, ThrasherTechnoTrash.Tags: Apple, Apple TV, Facebook, iPods, iTunes 10, media, Ping, Social Media, Twitter
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It was a busy morning/afternoon for us tech bloggers keeping up with all the new exciting stuff Apple announced today at its annual music event. So let’s just get right in to it.
Apple opened with reconstructing their entire iPod line.
iPod shuffle – 2GB for $49 – 5 colors
iPod nano – 8GB $149; 16GB $179 – 7 colors
Multitouch screen, has a clip. 46% smaller, 42% lighter. Hard volume buttons, VoiceOver, FM radio, Nike+, pedometer
iPod touch – 8GB $229; 32GB $299; 64GB $399
Thinner, Retina display, Apple A4 chip, 3-axis gyro, front and rear camera, FaceTime, HD video recording
iTunes 10 – Available today
New logo (who buys CDs?)
Adds new social media service called “Ping” – “A social media service based on music.”
Apple TV – $99 – Available in 4 weeks, pre-order today!
Apple Offering Live Streaming Video of Music Event Tomorrow! August 31, 2010
Posted by johnthrasher in App Talk, Apple, Geek Talk, Social Media, technology, ThrasherTechnoTrash.Tags: Apple
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For the first time in many years, Apple is offering live streaming video of their iPod music event tomorrow.
Apple is offering the stream in HTTP Live Streaming, which means you have to have one of the following to watch the feed:
- Mac running Safari on 10.6 Snow Leopard
- iPod running iOS 3.0 or higher
- iPhone running iOS 3.0 or higher
- An iPad
The live stream begins at 10am PDT (1pm EST).
11 Foursquare Badges I Am Determined To Unlock While in NYC August 31, 2010
Posted by johnthrasher in App Talk, Apple, iPhone, Lady Gaga, Music, Social Media, technology, ThrasherTechnoTrash, Travel.Tags: Apple, Foursquare, Lady Gaga, New York City, Social Media
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So, this week I am heading to New York City for a variety of reasons. One of the main ones is to create my life there, but I will be doing fun things as well. Like – go to the U.S. Open, prance around Manhattan aimlessly, and people-watch in Central Park.
However, my new extreme addiction to Foursquare has really made me want to become really good at it. If you aren’t on Foursquare, and have a smart phone, you’re really missing out. It’s a lot of fun.
If you are familiar with Foursquare, here are 10 badges that I am determined to unlock during my stay in New York City, and what I need to do to unlock them. Some are easier said than done, but I think I can do it! Also, friend me on Foursquare if you haven’t already!
The “Historian” badge is the most New York-ish kind of badge there is. And I want it. To unlock this badge, you must first be following The History Channel’s Foursquare page. After you’ve started following, you have to check in to 2 historical landmarks to unlock. There’s a lot of history in New York City, so hopefully I’ll be able to find my way to some of these places. I think it would be cool to check in at the Statue of Liberty – just to say I did it!
I’m certainly not a player, but I do crush like one. The “Player Please” badge unlocks when you have checked in with 3 other males and 3 other females. I am pretty sure this happened when I was at the MTV TJ finale a few weeks ago when the Brooklyn Academy of Music was trending while we were live, but maybe not. Either way I am pretty sure I will be unlocking this badge very soon.
Considering I will be staying in Brooklyn, the “I <3 BK” badge shouldn’t be too hard right? This badge unlocks when you’ve checked in to 25+ places in Brooklyn. I’ve had Foursquare for quite some time now, and am sure I am nearing this milestone in my life. This is one of the ones I am really looking forward to unlocking. (PS this is the only image I could find of the badge, so it’s teeny weenie)
The “Jobs” badge unlocks when you have checked in to 3 or more Apple stores. I haven’t checked in to 3 or more Apple stores? I find that hard to believe. However, Apple is supposed to be updating iPods tomorrow so hopefully they’ll be available to play with and I have more of a reason to check in at that giant glass cube on 5th Avenue.
Here’s another one that blows my mind. The “Barista” badge unlocks when you’ve checked in to 5 or more different Starbucks locations. As much as I love Starbucks, how have I not unlocked this badge? Either way, there is a Starbucks every 10 feet in NYC, so I will be on the lookout.
I love Brooklyn and I love art, so the “BK Art Star” badge is obviously one I am going to work on unlocking. To get this badge you have to be following the Brooklyn Museum Foursquare page, and check in to the Museum 3 times. This might be a little harder to do because I am not the type of person who checks in when they see a venue as they drive by – I like to actually be at the place I am checking in. I am hoping I get to check out this museum when I am in NY – and it will help with my “I <3 BK” badge as well!
The “Far Far Away” badge is pretty straight-forward: check in to any venue above 59th street in Manhattan. I’ll probably check out that hot dog place on 72nd that Gaga always talks about. Plus, I’ll be looking for apartments in the ghetto, so this really should be no problem.
The “Swarm” badge is an awesome badge to add to your collection. You have to have checked in somewhere where 50+ people have checked in within the last hour. Seeing as how I am going to the U.S. Open this week, I shouldn’t have a real problem.
The “Super Swarm” badge is the same as the “Swarm” badge, except you have to have checked in somewhere that 250+ people had checked in within the last hour. This one might be a little more difficult to get, even at the U.S. Open. I’ll be at both a day and night session this week, so I’ll have a few more chances. Otherwise, it might be a while before I get another go at unlocking this badge!
The “Gossip Girl” badge seems like a fun one to have. I am not a fan of the show, but that isn’t to say I don’t like it – I have just never seen it. However, it is said that this badge unlocks when you have checked in to at least one place where Gossip Girl has been filmed in NY or San Francisco. I don’t watch the show, so if you know of any popular places from the show, please leave me a comment!
The “WSJ Urban Adventurer” badge unlocks when you check in to 3 spots in the financial district of New York City. I’m surprised that I haven’t unlocked this already seeing as one of my very good friends, Neall, lived one building from Ground Zero for the last year. I had checked in a lot down there. Either way, I will be stopping at Century 21 or maybe that damn mosque that everyone is crying about.
