Ben

Find local pubs – new website worth a look

Apr 202012

A new website that has been launched and is worth a look at is LocalPubs.info.

It’s very simple and straightforward – you can search for pubs within the UK from a database of tens of thousands of pubs. The idea is to encourage you to find and use your local pubs.

It’s definitely worth a visit if you live in the UK and you can also suggest new pubs or changes for existing ones. Plus you can rate and review pubs you’ve visited. The interface is simple and overall the site is a pleasure to use!

They’re also on Twitter and Facebook.

So, what are you waiting for? Get searching for your local pubs now!

Are hybrid tablet-laptop devices the future?

Tech Talk No Responses »

Mar 212012

With Windows 8 set to be released this year, we’ll have a new viable competitor in the tablet market which could unsettle Apple’s dominance.

One application of Windows 8 is in tablet-laptop hybrid devices. One such device is the Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga ultrabook. See the following video to find out more:

Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga

If you’ve watched the video, you’ll see that this device functions as both a laptop and a tablet. Such devices have been around for a while now (for example, the HP TouchSmart laptop range), running both Windows Vista and Windows 7, but Windows 8 is the first tablet-friendly OS from Microsoft hence the only one so far which is truly viable for use on a touchscreen device. Additionally, previous tablet-laptop hybrids have often been fairly heavy and bulky, so actually using one as a tablet has never been a particularly enticing prospect. Ultrabooks, on the other hand, are super-thin and not too heavy, so won’t be uncomfortable to use as tablets.

Now, to the title of the article – are hybrid tablet-laptop devices the future? I think they could be, and I’ll tell you why. Tablets certainly aren’t going anywhere and I can’t see laptops leaving us either. Laptops are still so much more powerful and useful than tablets so most people tend to have both. The hybrid touchscreen laptops mean people can have the best of both worlds in one device, and this is surely a compelling prospect. In fact, I think within a few years the majority of laptops on the market will be touchscreen hybrids.

That said, tablets will continue to improve over the next few years as well, so they may soon give laptops a run for their money in terms of productivity and range of features. In this case, it will come down to price and personal preference. Either way, both tablets and laptops are here to stay and I think the hybrid market could be set to boom.

The new iPad: initial thoughts

Tech Talk No Responses »

Mar 192012

So, the new iPad (let’s just call it the iPad 3, that’s much easier) has been out for a few days now and here is a summary of some initial thoughts about the device.

Firstly, for the average consumer, the differences between iPad 3 and iPad 2 are not that vast. Yes, the screen is better and the processor a little faster but if the iPad only receives light to moderate use, these things won’t be that noticeable. The same goes for 4G; if you live in a country with a good 4G network, subscribe to a 4G data plan and use your iPad on the go a lot, then the vastly improved download speeds will be a major plus point. However, 4G networks are still in their infancy in many places and as such reception is often only good in cities and large towns. What’s more, such data plans for iPad can be expensive so many people don’t bother with them. And finally, a lot of the people I know tend to use their iPad indoors most of the time and therefore in places with Wi-Fi, so a 4G data connection is unnecessary. To put things in a nutshell, 4G connectivity is not going to be much of an added benefit for a lot of iPad users. So, we’ve touched on three of the main improvements (the screen, processor and 4G). One of the other improvements was with the rear camera. But, again, in my opinion this isn’t going to be particularly useful or noticeable for most iPad users, mainly because people don’t tend to use the camera for taking many pictures. It’s nice to have, sure, but let’s say you’re visiting a new place and want to take some pictures; would you really use your iPad for this? You’d probably rather use an actual camera or your phone; at least I know I would. I have seen someone using an iPad to take some pictures just once and I’ve got to say, it just didn’t look right!

So far I realise it may seem like I’ve just been making criticisms, but that wasn’t my intention. Rather, I just wanted to highlight that the differences between iPad 2 and the new iPad really aren’t that vast. So, if you already have an iPad 2 it’s probably not worth upgrading unless you use your iPad heavily or can make use of the 4G connectivity. Perhaps if the UK had a 4G network I’d consider upgrading more valuable but unfortunately we won’t be getting 4G until 2013 when a new, improved iPad will undoubtedly be released. For this reason I’d encourage iPad 2 users to save their money and not bother upgrading just yet.

To end on a positive note, if you don’t have an iPad yet and want to get one, I’d certainly recommend getting the new iPad. But if it is too expensive then getting the iPad 2 is still a good option.

Don’t forget, if you want a free iPad 3, it’s very easy. So why not get started now?

‘The new iPad’

Tech Talk No Responses »

Mar 082012

So, it has arrived. And Apple have decided to call it ‘the new iPad‘. Before we broach this subject, let’s have a look at the new device.

It is pretty much as predicted in the post here, to summarise:

Retina display with a 2048 x 1536 resolution. This equates to over 3 million pixels – impressive.
A5X chip – faster than the iPad 2′s A5 chip, with a dual core processor and quad core graphics
4G LTE – as expected, the new iPad brings 4G LTE to the table
5MP iSight camera – this uses the same system as the iPhone 4S and should allow some great shots to be taken. The front facing camera remains disappointing however at 0.3MP
Full HD video recording – you can now shoot 1080p video with video stabilization and noise reduction
Voice dictation – basically Siri for iPad, although it’s not being called that

And that’s the crux of things. Nothing ground-breaking although the retina display is impressive (despite not being at the same level as the iPhone 4/4S yet). The new chip will allow for more resource-intensive apps and bring speed improvements in general, while 4G is sure to be a welcome feature for those who can get it. Oh, also, the price is staying the same and not increasing as was potentially feared. The iPad 2 will continue to be sold, now starting at just $399.

And what of the name? This seems like a slightly strange one to me. Rather than call it iPad 3, or iPad HD, Apple has decided it will just be ‘the new iPad’. But in the technology world, things don’t remain ‘new’ for very long, so surely this can’t be the permanent name? Anyway, what are Apple hoping to achieve with this name; why not just keep it simple and call it iPad 3? I’m sure most will just refer to it as the iPad 3 anyway! So, like I say, this is an odd decision from Apple but I suppose in the grand scheme of things it doesn’t really matter.

What are your thoughts on the new iPad? Feel free to share them in the comments section below!

It’s almost upon us…

Tech Talk No Responses »

Mar 062012

iPad 3 (or should that be iPad HD?) is almost upon us. Tomorrow months of speculation are put to an end…for a few hours. Then it all begins again as we start thinking about what the next iPad/iPhone/iProduct will bring.

Anyway, here we go!

iPad 3 release in exactly one week

Tech Talk No Responses »

Feb 292012

It has now been confirmed (well, as good as) by Apple that we will get our first look at the new iPad 3 on Wednesday 7th March (exactly one week away). This isn’t exactly new news, but now it has been confirmed beyond doubt.

Apple has sent out its invitations to an event being held on the 7th March. In true Apple style, the details are vague but also fairly revealing. As the image above shows, they say ‘We have something you really have to see. And touch.’ Along with the accompanying image, there can really be no doubt this concerns the iPad 3.

A week today all will be revealed at last after months of speculation. Expect to see at a minimum a retina display and improved hardware, possibly along with 4G LTE capability. The time for speculation is almost over!

Don’t forget to check our previous post on why we think the iPad 3 could come as a disappointment to some people.

iPad 3 could disappoint some

Tech Talk No Responses »

Feb 282012

With the release of the hotly-anticipated iPad 3 just around the corner (in 1-2 weeks), we give you a round-up of the strongest rumours surrounding its new features.

If these rumours are to be believed, then the iPad 3 could disappoint some people expected a device which brings amazing hardware and some amazing new features to the table. By all accounts, the iPad 3 will most likely be very similar to the iPad 2 with improved specs. For example, the processor; while many hope the new iPad will come with a super-fast quad-core chip, the word on the grapevine right now is that it will actually just be an improved dual-core chip (named A5X). This would seem to leave Apple behind its rivals with many tablets now being released with quad-core chips.

Second, new features. The hope is that Apple will introduce some new features with iPad 3 and there is the possibility that the company has something under wraps. But its widely accepted now that we’re unlikely to see anything radically new or different. Rather, the ‘new’ features will be a retina display boasting around 260 pixels-per-inch and improved cameras. Some rumours say iPad 3 could pack 4G LTE and a different screen size but these are less likely.

And really, that’s about it. The iPad 3 will bring improvements over the current model but is unlikely to ‘wow’ us with any amazing new features. Oh, before I go, it has also been said that pricing may be different for the new iPad 3, with it possibly costing $70-$80 more than it’s predecessor (for example starting at $579 compared to $499 for the 16GB Wi-Fi only version). If this is the case and it doesn’t bring any impressive new features to the table many people are likely to be left quite upset. The iPad 3 would still sell in the bucketload, though.

New Kindle Fire on the way?

Tech Talk No Responses »

Feb 232012

While for many the focus at the moment is on Apple and its impending iPad 3, Amazon and its Kindle Fire shouldn’t be forgotten. Despite the fact it hasn’t even been released in the UK yet, it is thought that a new version of the popular tablet will be launched soon.

Given the success of the the first incarnation of the device, it’s no surprise Amazon is looking to launch a new model, with reports suggesting that the manufacturer has been given the go-ahead to begin production. However, the current model was only launched in November 2011 so those who purchased it could feel aggrieved at seeing an improved model launched so soon. Then again, if Amazon is looking to become a major player in the tablet market a new release is required to keep pace with its rivals. The current device, in comparison to many of its rival, perhaps looks a little lacking; it doesn’t pack a camera or GPS, two features present in most decent tablets nowadays. Yet at just $199 it certainly can’t be said it doesn’t offer value for money.

Current speculation suggests the Kindle Fire 2 will include a camera and a bigger screen, possibly 8.9″, 9.7″ or even 10.1″. A faster processor is also likely to be present with one source predicting a quad-core processor. That would be impressive, sure, but would also surely push the price up; some people believe Amazon will keep the price at $199 but I don’t personally think they will.

I’m now going to make a prediction of sorts, although I can’t claim to be the first person who has said this: Amazon will release a larger tablet some time in the next few months, but it will be sold in tandem with the current one. Along with a bigger screen and camera, it could have a faster processor but will certainly come with a higher price – either $249 or $299. The current device will continue to be sold at either the current price ($199) or $149. This will serve to placate current owners who won’t feel like their device is rendered obsolete after just a few months of ownership.

Finally, how about a UK release? Well, I can’t imagine Amazon will continue to only sell the Kindle Fire in the US for much longer. I’d think that when the new tablet is brought out we’ll hear some news about when we can expect to see the Fire available for purchase in other countries.

As always, feel free to leave your comments below!

iPad 3 just around the corner

Tech Talk No Responses »

Feb 102012

It is all but certain that Apple will release a new version of its hugely successful iPad in early March. For all intents and purposes, it will be announced at some point in early March (during the first week, possibly the 7th) and likely go on sale soon after.

Of course this is generating lots of media coverage and whipping Apple fans into a bit of a frenzy. Apple events are eagerly anticipated across the globe and new product releases in particular raise huge interest.

As for the features of the iPad 3, one can still only speculate. The majority of people seem to agree that it will contain a faster processor, possibly quad-core, and a retina display as currently found in the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S. Of course improved front and back cameras are also expected. Whether it will have any completely new features in unknown although many believe it will probably just be an improved version of the iPad 2 without any major changes.

There are of course strong arguments for it remaining very similar to its predecessor; the iPad 2 has been hugely successful worldwide with Apple reportedly selling in excess of 55 million units. As the saying goes, why fix something that isn’t broken? Many believe the upgrade will be an ‘incremental’ one, similar to that of the iPhone 4S, which simply improved on the iPhone 4′s specifications without bringing anything radically new or different to the table.

All this speculation will be put to rest in early March if the rumours are to be believed. So if you’re looking forward to the iPad 3 release, keep your eyes peeled in the coming month for more details!

Don’t forget, if you get started now, you could be first in line to get a free iPad 3! Sign up here, complete an offer and get 30 of your friends to do the same and you’ll be able to order a brand new iPad 3 without any financial outlay as soon as it becomes available!

The best ways to get referrals

Tips and advice 1 Response »

Feb 022012

Today we’ll round up the best ways to get referrals in order to get your free iPhone or free iPad.

Here is a list of the easiest ways:

- Facebook. Quick, easy and potentially very effective. Post your link as your status but make sure to give it some personality. Make it seem interesting. Put yourself in the shoes of someone who doesn’t know it’s possible to get amazing gadgets for free and consider what would make you click the link. Over the course of a week or two, post your link a few times. Important: don’t overdo it. In a two week period, perhaps post your link 3-4 times; this way it should be seen by most of your friends but won’t seem to spammy.

- Tell your friends and family directly. Whether by telling them face-to-face, giving them a text or phone-call or emailing them, tell your close friends and family personally about the site. They’re highly likely to at least sign up and give it a go, even if it’s just to do a favour for you. Perhaps promise you’ll do a favour in return if they sign up at your link and complete an offer, or you could buy them a drink. Either way, it’s going to be cheaper than actually buying the gadget you’re after. This method can be highly effective so don’t neglect it; just think if you can get 10 of your closest friends and family members to sign up and complete an offer, you’ll be half-way to a free iPad 2!

- Create some flyers and distribute them locally. This is an inexpensive way to get some exposure but is likely to have a fairly low conversion rate. This means that although 50 people may see your flyer, only 10 of them will follow it up and then only a few of them will actually go through with signing up and completing an offer. But even if you don’t get any success from doing this, you won’t have lost much. You can get 100 flyers professionally printed for under £15, and cheaper if you do it yourself. Based on this, you’d only need one person to sign up and complete an offer after seeing one of your flyers in order to have made your money back. A word of advice if you’re going to do this, buy a domain or use a link-shortening service so you can display a short link on the flyer. For example, using goo.gl, we could shorten our referral link to www.goo.gl/2uxiU. Do this with your referral link and you’ll be ready to go.

- Post in forums. Are you a member of any forums on the internet? If so, add your referral link to your signature (if allowed – check the forum rules first). Then, every time you post people will see your link and some may click it etc. If you already post regularly on some forums this is a super-easy way to get your link seen by others with no extra effort. If you don’t already post on forums, why not start now? Think of a few topics you’re interested in and find some forums related to them. Then add your link to your signature and get started right away! It couldn’t be easier and if you post on forums related to subjects that interest you, you’ll be able to enjoy yourself at the same time. However, once again, I must stress the importance of checking the forum rules before doing this as some may not allow it.

Well, there you have it. Four ways to get referrals and all of them easy to do. Get started now and you will be well on your way to getting an awesome free gift!

If you haven’t done so already, sign up here now. You’ll be given your referral link as soon as you sign up so within 10 minutes you could post it on Facebook and start working your way towards your chosen gift right away.

Don’t forget, if you want further information, tips, advice or help, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Older Entries

Ben

Find local pubs – new website worth a look

Are hybrid tablet-laptop devices the future?

The new iPad: initial thoughts

‘The new iPad’

It’s almost upon us…

iPad 3 release in exactly one week

iPad 3 could disappoint some

New Kindle Fire on the way?

iPad 3 just around the corner

The best ways to get referrals

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