iCloud iWork Beta Apps

I just finished taking a look at the new Beta Apps in iCloud. Like so much of what Apple does these seem like quality products. Pages is a word processor. Numbers a spreadsheet app. Keynote is for presentations. They are considered part of a suite of apps called iWork. Available on Mac and iOS devices, now on iCloud. So they can run on a Mac or Windows  machine with Safari, Chrome, or Internet Explorer browsers.

They are cloud based. Not a problem for me I use Google Docs a lot. I'm impressed with the look and feel so far. A little concerned about usability. I clicked the share button and the only option I got was to email my creation as an attachment. I'm sure Apple will make it all work and nicely too. My next question is how much will they want for these apps? Apples not used to giving things away. 

They might out class Google Docs, but it will be hard to get people to pay for something that they can get for free. No matter how well done.

Google Mail

There has been a change in the way GMail is displayed. Did you notice? Click Here To Sign Up.
Tabs across the top divide your mail into categories. You will have to select the other tabs in order to see all your messages. You can control the number of tabs by clicking the plus sign to the right of the tabs.

In the window that pops up you can select of deselect the tab categories you want displayed. Even deselect all tabs to go back to the old inbox view.

Which way do you prefer?

Course Correction For Microsoft

Like a giant battleship changing course to catch up with the fleet after getting separated in a storm. Microsoft appears to be ordering full steam ahead. With Windows 8.1 set to correct many of the problems with Windows 8, and a massive corporate restructuring. Microsoft seems to be signaling at long last a willingness to change. Now they need products that offer innovations beyond the competition. To draw customers away from their established allegiances. Enter the Nokia 1020 smart phone with a 41 Megapixel camera. Now if the reorganization of the company actually helps it respond faster to a ever changing market they might regain the top ship status they once enjoyed. I'm skeptical, but impressed that they are even trying.

Selecting A Tablet Computer

Here are the things I looked for in a tablet. You should probably decide what is important to you, what you like in these areas before you choose a tablet.


Operating system. If you have an iOS phone (iPhone) you will find the iPad to be very easy to use. Likewise if your phone is Android based you will find an Android Tablet to be very similar. Other systems comprise such a small percentage of the market they carry a risk of going out of business. I'm sure Microsoft will be around. Right now their system is selling so poorly that you may see them go through several changes. Searching for the magic needed to sell more phones, and tablets.

1. Aspect ratio. To me I like it to be like a standard book page or piece of printer paper. I don't really like the narrow size as much. However they are easier to carry. Especially in a purse.

2. Cameras front and back. If you want to take pictures or video conference you need these.

3. Access to the Google Play store. Without it you will have to get your apps from Amazon or one of the lesser known app warehouses. None are as good as Google but you can get by. Not an issue with iPads.

4. Price. Less is better.

5. Battery life. Most last a few hours and that's fine with me. Consider this if you do not  have good habits about charging your equipment.

6. Keyboard. There are some that come with a keyboard like the ASUS Transformer. Most can connect to a bluetooth after market keyboard. 

Let me know if I missed something. :-)

Windows 8.1 Upgrade Beta ISO

OK this is still a Beta version. So consider the risk before trying to do this. If you still want to try it CLICK HERE to go to the download. Read and follow the instructions. You might also want to read my earlier article on Burning A Disk Image Rescue Disk. If you try this I'd love to hear how it goes for you.