Could we be witnessing the beginning of the end of Microsoft? I grew up watching this company go from a motivated software developer to a giant, near monopoly. With the numbers of PCs being sold dwindling the past few years (and tablet sales booming, especially for the iPad) can Microsoft reinvent itself as the leader in personal computing or will it fall on the face of Windows 8?
Windows 8 is a new operating system with aspirations to be the leading PC as well as tablet interface. It combines touchscreen technology and traditional point and click into one. There will be two versions, one that's a full computer (Windows 8), the other a streamlined lower end tablet with similar capabilities to an iPad (Windows RT) which doesn't have the ability to run Windows 7 apps.
The lower end Surface tablet won't be able to run the PC applications on your desktop. I use Photoshop and InDesign (among other desktop publishing and design apps) on my PC (as well as a MacBook Pro that sits beside it for multitasking and compatibility reasons). My iPad sits to my right wirelessly connected to a bluetooth keyboard where I do most of my writing, note taking and email. I also surf the web from my iPad but occasionally pop online with the PC or Mac.
I expect Windows 8 will eventually end up on my desk after IT rolls it out to the entire company, but will the experience be beneficial or detrimental to the work environment. Currently, IT is already overloaded with tech support tickets and user questions not to mention constantly fixing printer jams. I can only imaging how many employees will be looking for the familiar Start menu (something Microsoft has selected to omit).
The question remains if Microsoft will continue to dominate the personal computer market or fail with the introduction of Windows 8? If the new operating system is confusing many will insist on keeping their older PCs while creative types (like me) will opt for Macs and embed themselves within the Apple ecosystem. Honestly, the one machine I'd be willing to give up at work would be the PC. I'd rather keep the Mac (for it's stability running large files) and the iPad for its ease of use, efficient way of typing and incredible portability (it's the one machine I take home with me daily for work, play and researching future endeavors).
I look forward to seeing the new Window 8 operating system and want to better understand Microsoft's vision. Many very smart people work there (I know a handful and respect their skills). Maybe it will evolve into one machine for all people (sort of a combination PC and tablet in one) and provide connectivity to the web along with total access to my files? If it proves frustrating and impractical to operate, I wonder if we could all be witnessing their demise?
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Posted with Blogsy
Monday, October 15, 2012
How the iPad replaced my laptop, sort of.
I purchased an iPad to release some of my creative energy. I never knew it would eventually replace my laptop... sort of.
The iPad is an amazing device. As a graphic artist, I enjoy the superb software available and the ability to always carry my 'canvas' around (even tho it's always made of glass). But the iPad began to play an even larger role as I got to know it better.
It's connected to the internet. It's fine tuned for the web. I asked the IT department to connect my office email and they did in just a few minutes. Toggling between office email and my gmail accounts is easy.
Typing is very convenient and a pleasure now that I purchased an Apple wireless keyboard. It's easier to carry around and lighter than my MacBook Pro. The Incase Origami case protects the keyboard and smoothly stows away in my bag. I see Logitech has something interesting too that works as a keyboard for the iPad. Good options are accumulating! I use iA Writer (I just call it Writer). It's one of the best $1.99 I've ever spent. You can type away comfortably... sit on the train and type... lie in bed and type. Set it up at your desk and be the envy of your coworkers.
Taking notes is simple. The iPad's replaced my spiral paper pads and/or yellow note pads. I save paper every single day. Believe me, I used to go thru a lot of paper! I write on Bamboo Paper (another excellent way to spend $1.99). Bamboo Paper also allows me to quickly sketch out my ideas and layouts, email them to my boss for approval (she also uses an iPad at work daily) and get my work done.
My tasks are kept in a free app called Errands. I can easily divide up personal and work tasks. I keep a diary (divorcing my wife of 17 years forced me to keep track of my days with my children and without) in another free app called Moment Diary (or MD for short). My passwords are safely kept in an app called Secure Safe which has both an online and offline mode for easy password retrieval. My banking is done thru the free TD Bank app. Free apps are very useful and allow you to get an idea of the quality apps available. My Android phone had nothing but crappy apps that constantly crashed the last time I checked.
Sketchbook Pro is my app of choice and used nearly daily. For $4.99 you get an entire set of colored pencils, markers that never run out, special brushes and effects that help move your creativity along and keep you sketching.
The only apps I have not been able to replace and require my laptop are Photoshop and InDesign. Here the MacBook Pro shines! But there is a version of Photoshop for the iPad as well as Apple's own Pages app for layout that might be worth examining to replace the more expensive PC based applications. I don't believe these apps are ready to replace these powerhouses in desktop publishing but the day may come when an iPad is all that's needed (and a quick hookup to a larger monitor).
The last app worth noting (in my growing collection) is Blogsy. This is what I use to write my blog. All you have to do is setup a free blog with Blogger.com (or one of many other free hosted blog solutions) and connect it with Blogsy (another $4.99 well spent).
Unless you require heavy hitting desktop publishing apps like Photoshop, InDesign or other types of specialized PC based application like CAD, the iPad can replace much of the daily grind your laptop endures. I leave mine at work most of the time and tote a light iPad and wireless keyboard. My bag is lighter, access to my work is just as easy and my productivity has increased. If you have an iPad and use it for simply surfing the web, visit your local Apple store and tell them what you do for a living as well as what you like to do. They may have some excellent suggestions for getting more done on your iPad.
The iPad is an amazing device. As a graphic artist, I enjoy the superb software available and the ability to always carry my 'canvas' around (even tho it's always made of glass). But the iPad began to play an even larger role as I got to know it better.
It's connected to the internet. It's fine tuned for the web. I asked the IT department to connect my office email and they did in just a few minutes. Toggling between office email and my gmail accounts is easy.
Typing is very convenient and a pleasure now that I purchased an Apple wireless keyboard. It's easier to carry around and lighter than my MacBook Pro. The Incase Origami case protects the keyboard and smoothly stows away in my bag. I see Logitech has something interesting too that works as a keyboard for the iPad. Good options are accumulating! I use iA Writer (I just call it Writer). It's one of the best $1.99 I've ever spent. You can type away comfortably... sit on the train and type... lie in bed and type. Set it up at your desk and be the envy of your coworkers.
Taking notes is simple. The iPad's replaced my spiral paper pads and/or yellow note pads. I save paper every single day. Believe me, I used to go thru a lot of paper! I write on Bamboo Paper (another excellent way to spend $1.99). Bamboo Paper also allows me to quickly sketch out my ideas and layouts, email them to my boss for approval (she also uses an iPad at work daily) and get my work done.
My tasks are kept in a free app called Errands. I can easily divide up personal and work tasks. I keep a diary (divorcing my wife of 17 years forced me to keep track of my days with my children and without) in another free app called Moment Diary (or MD for short). My passwords are safely kept in an app called Secure Safe which has both an online and offline mode for easy password retrieval. My banking is done thru the free TD Bank app. Free apps are very useful and allow you to get an idea of the quality apps available. My Android phone had nothing but crappy apps that constantly crashed the last time I checked.
Sketchbook Pro is my app of choice and used nearly daily. For $4.99 you get an entire set of colored pencils, markers that never run out, special brushes and effects that help move your creativity along and keep you sketching.
The only apps I have not been able to replace and require my laptop are Photoshop and InDesign. Here the MacBook Pro shines! But there is a version of Photoshop for the iPad as well as Apple's own Pages app for layout that might be worth examining to replace the more expensive PC based applications. I don't believe these apps are ready to replace these powerhouses in desktop publishing but the day may come when an iPad is all that's needed (and a quick hookup to a larger monitor).
The last app worth noting (in my growing collection) is Blogsy. This is what I use to write my blog. All you have to do is setup a free blog with Blogger.com (or one of many other free hosted blog solutions) and connect it with Blogsy (another $4.99 well spent).
Unless you require heavy hitting desktop publishing apps like Photoshop, InDesign or other types of specialized PC based application like CAD, the iPad can replace much of the daily grind your laptop endures. I leave mine at work most of the time and tote a light iPad and wireless keyboard. My bag is lighter, access to my work is just as easy and my productivity has increased. If you have an iPad and use it for simply surfing the web, visit your local Apple store and tell them what you do for a living as well as what you like to do. They may have some excellent suggestions for getting more done on your iPad.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Stylish Stylus
I love drawing on glass! Ever since purchasing an iPad2 I've been carving out time to use Sketchbook Pro. It doesn't even matter what the subject matter is, I just want to create something on that little glass tablet. Using my fingers did not provide the same satisfying feeling as using pencils and markers, so I decided to get a stylus.
My first stylus was the Kensington Virtuoso. It looked most like a pen and had a bit of weight most others didn't. It has a rubber tip and cost a fair $15. Since I was not sure I would enjoy using a stylus I didn't want to spend too much.
I loved it! At work I sat in meetings taking notes with Bamboo Paper. The writing was legible enough and I prided myself for reducing the amount of paper I used over the course of a week. After a few days of playing with the free version of Sketchbook, I bought the app and started to learn how to use it. It did not take long to understand this app was created by artists for artists! I am still amazed how much value (and enjoyment) $4.99 bought.
My younger son, Jason, wanted a stylus so for his birthday I let him choose one. He selected the Wacom Bamboo which has a smaller rubber tip than the Kensington. It's double the price of the Kensington. I thought it would be great. Often, I catch him drawing away late at night in his room. He likes that Japanese Manga comic style and his skills are improving. He's a terrific 12 year old boy with tremendous potential! I love him so much! The Bamboo has greater precision than the fatter tipped rubber nibbed stylus out there. But I was drawn (pun intended) to something else.
I found the beautiful Joy DaVinci. It has a thicker shaft and felt great in my hand. I loved the weight of it and decided I must have it. I began to draw like never before! The purposeful Kensington Virtuoso was placed into a cup with other pencils, pens and markers although I do dig it out from time to time to remind me of my first few strokes. The DaVinci has an even thicker rubber tip but somehow I found it perfect for drawing. I was able to hold the stylus more on its side when coloring large areas and it felt almost like using a pastel. But it slipped out of my hand sometimes and I found I was always readjusting my grip. Regardless, I loved drawing with this tool and will keep it in my growing collection. It's still in my bag and I take it out from time to time. It's a beautiful product. Perhaps I will use it later today.
Then I bought the Joy Monet. Same thick rubber tip but connected to a longer wand type of shaft that's thinner towards the nib and thicker at the end. This stylus doesn't slip from my grip due to its length and shape. But it's a bit thin where I typically hold it. I prefer it to the shorter DaVinci but consider them brothers. They are made from the same aluminum and each has a unique weight of its own and feel completely different. Personally, I love them both. But for now, the Monet is my favorite and I've been enjoying it for months.
Then someone at the office had a stylus I never saw before. It had a fabric covered tip and felt silky smooth over glass. Suddenly, rubber nibs dragged along with too much friction. I became confused and look forward to purchasing a fabric tipped stylus in the future. The problem was, the fabric covered stylus felt lightweight and cheap. I was not drawn to it. I liked the way it glided across the glass but was not compelled. I did not feel the urge to replace the DaVinci or the Monet... or the Kensington and Bamboo... all of which felt more balanced in my hand. I Googled 'friction with rubber tipped stylus' and found a great solution. Talcum powder.
The woman in the cubicle behind me happened to have baby powder in her bag and put some into a napkin for me. I dipped the rubber tip of my Joy Monet and slid it over the iPad. It slid smoothly. I loved the way it felt, slippery smooth and effortless, just like the fabric tipped stylus. When I got home I found an unused contact lens case, filled the left and right sides with talcum powder and threw it into my iPad case so it's always handy. After dipping your stylus into powder you'll never want to be without it.
As an artist, an iPad has become my best friend. Glass is my canvas of choice along with a collection stylus. If you are intrigued by drawing on your iPad, learning about the wonderful software that's currently available and want to try using a stylus, my suggestion is to treat yourself and see if it's for you. You may just find, like I did, that drawing on glass turns you on.
My first stylus was the Kensington Virtuoso. It looked most like a pen and had a bit of weight most others didn't. It has a rubber tip and cost a fair $15. Since I was not sure I would enjoy using a stylus I didn't want to spend too much.
I loved it! At work I sat in meetings taking notes with Bamboo Paper. The writing was legible enough and I prided myself for reducing the amount of paper I used over the course of a week. After a few days of playing with the free version of Sketchbook, I bought the app and started to learn how to use it. It did not take long to understand this app was created by artists for artists! I am still amazed how much value (and enjoyment) $4.99 bought.
My younger son, Jason, wanted a stylus so for his birthday I let him choose one. He selected the Wacom Bamboo which has a smaller rubber tip than the Kensington. It's double the price of the Kensington. I thought it would be great. Often, I catch him drawing away late at night in his room. He likes that Japanese Manga comic style and his skills are improving. He's a terrific 12 year old boy with tremendous potential! I love him so much! The Bamboo has greater precision than the fatter tipped rubber nibbed stylus out there. But I was drawn (pun intended) to something else.
I found the beautiful Joy DaVinci. It has a thicker shaft and felt great in my hand. I loved the weight of it and decided I must have it. I began to draw like never before! The purposeful Kensington Virtuoso was placed into a cup with other pencils, pens and markers although I do dig it out from time to time to remind me of my first few strokes. The DaVinci has an even thicker rubber tip but somehow I found it perfect for drawing. I was able to hold the stylus more on its side when coloring large areas and it felt almost like using a pastel. But it slipped out of my hand sometimes and I found I was always readjusting my grip. Regardless, I loved drawing with this tool and will keep it in my growing collection. It's still in my bag and I take it out from time to time. It's a beautiful product. Perhaps I will use it later today.
Then I bought the Joy Monet. Same thick rubber tip but connected to a longer wand type of shaft that's thinner towards the nib and thicker at the end. This stylus doesn't slip from my grip due to its length and shape. But it's a bit thin where I typically hold it. I prefer it to the shorter DaVinci but consider them brothers. They are made from the same aluminum and each has a unique weight of its own and feel completely different. Personally, I love them both. But for now, the Monet is my favorite and I've been enjoying it for months.
Then someone at the office had a stylus I never saw before. It had a fabric covered tip and felt silky smooth over glass. Suddenly, rubber nibs dragged along with too much friction. I became confused and look forward to purchasing a fabric tipped stylus in the future. The problem was, the fabric covered stylus felt lightweight and cheap. I was not drawn to it. I liked the way it glided across the glass but was not compelled. I did not feel the urge to replace the DaVinci or the Monet... or the Kensington and Bamboo... all of which felt more balanced in my hand. I Googled 'friction with rubber tipped stylus' and found a great solution. Talcum powder.
The woman in the cubicle behind me happened to have baby powder in her bag and put some into a napkin for me. I dipped the rubber tip of my Joy Monet and slid it over the iPad. It slid smoothly. I loved the way it felt, slippery smooth and effortless, just like the fabric tipped stylus. When I got home I found an unused contact lens case, filled the left and right sides with talcum powder and threw it into my iPad case so it's always handy. After dipping your stylus into powder you'll never want to be without it.
As an artist, an iPad has become my best friend. Glass is my canvas of choice along with a collection stylus. If you are intrigued by drawing on your iPad, learning about the wonderful software that's currently available and want to try using a stylus, my suggestion is to treat yourself and see if it's for you. You may just find, like I did, that drawing on glass turns you on.
Friday, October 5, 2012
Apple vs. Samsung
Before the iPhone people were glorifying Blackberries and thin flip phones. These devices had basic apps (like solitaire and breakout). The Blackberry connected nicely to your office email and your flip phone allowed reliable calling. Both offered hobbled texting capabilities. Then came the iPhone.
Immediately people criticized the flat screens lack of sensation when texting. They wanted to feel the keys. Others criticized the limited AT&T service. Despite these shortcomings the iPhone was still intriguing. To test the waters, I purchased a Droid.
It was cool. The touchscreen was slick, I can see the time, get the weather and check email. Plus, I get to keep my reliable Verizon service. Downloading free apps was fun and quickly I amassed a slew of games. They all were kind of fun. I wouldn't pay for any of them. As my game collection grew the Android phone began to freeze often. The thing became frustrating to use. Discussing this with other Android users I noticed a common thread. Discovering App Killer helped us detect which apps were killing our phones and so we used it to kill the offending apps.
Then I bought an iPhone.
Within a year, my wife (soon to be Ex) and my children had iPhones, iPads and MacBooks. The advantages were clear. On a basic level, all of the devices worked well. There were no more calls to my office about how the computer crashed again... Or how it wouldn't print and that I needed to fix everything when I got home.
The advantages of an all Apple house have yet to be fully realized. iCloud immediately showed promise by conveniently synching our notes to all of our devices. Lists of to dos could be updated as a family. This made life easier. Group texting offered incredible efficiency in communicating and sharing music with my boys was easy.
We must reward the innovators! The Apple v. Samsung trial result was important to the creative thinkers who push the limits of usability. I'm glad the patent laws were upheld and hopefully fortified by the jurors decision.
Immediately people criticized the flat screens lack of sensation when texting. They wanted to feel the keys. Others criticized the limited AT&T service. Despite these shortcomings the iPhone was still intriguing. To test the waters, I purchased a Droid.
It was cool. The touchscreen was slick, I can see the time, get the weather and check email. Plus, I get to keep my reliable Verizon service. Downloading free apps was fun and quickly I amassed a slew of games. They all were kind of fun. I wouldn't pay for any of them. As my game collection grew the Android phone began to freeze often. The thing became frustrating to use. Discussing this with other Android users I noticed a common thread. Discovering App Killer helped us detect which apps were killing our phones and so we used it to kill the offending apps.
Then I bought an iPhone.
Within a year, my wife (soon to be Ex) and my children had iPhones, iPads and MacBooks. The advantages were clear. On a basic level, all of the devices worked well. There were no more calls to my office about how the computer crashed again... Or how it wouldn't print and that I needed to fix everything when I got home.
The advantages of an all Apple house have yet to be fully realized. iCloud immediately showed promise by conveniently synching our notes to all of our devices. Lists of to dos could be updated as a family. This made life easier. Group texting offered incredible efficiency in communicating and sharing music with my boys was easy.
We must reward the innovators! The Apple v. Samsung trial result was important to the creative thinkers who push the limits of usability. I'm glad the patent laws were upheld and hopefully fortified by the jurors decision.
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