Apple’s iPad Tablet Could Slay eBooks and Netbooks

• By: Rob Enderle •
• July 28, 2009
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Jobs may be ready to step away from Apple, but not before completing a tablet as his magnum opus.

On smartphones, Apple was late to the market, but if there is another vendor doing a better job of currently defining what a smartphone is, I don’t know who they are. With smartbooks, a new class of product based on smartphone technology that looks like a netbook computer, the market hasn’t even really launched, and already Apple appears to be moving to define it.

Word is they are rushing to try to have a product into the market in the fourth quarter. Were this anyone else, I’d say they had a snowball’s chance in hell of making it, but this is Apple, which likely has a patent on hell snowballs, so let’s chat about the Apple iPad this week.

iPod Sales Slowing

In what was a stellar quarter last quarter from Apple, the one really troubling mark was that iPod sales were slowing. Now, part of this was Apple drawing down inventories in advance of what will likely be a broad product refresh in August or early September, but I think it reflects on the fact that people are focusing more and more on smartphones, and not as excited about MP3 players as they once were. This suggests that Apple needs to move to the next big thing after the iPod, and while they are partially hedging this decline with the iPhone, it will probably be a long time (if ever) before iPhones will ever replace iPods.

Apple needs something exciting this year, and what better than something new and very different.

Newton + Tablet Done Right?

Steve Jobs both panned the idea of a Newton and a tablet PC, and strangely enough, the iPhone, iPod Touch and now this planned iPad are all combinations of both concepts. The iPad is likely the closest to what the Newton was evolving into given its size and capabilities, and the rumored design is identical to a tablet PC, albeit a small one.

If this were anybody else, I’d figure the chances that this will be successful to be slim or none, but Apple’s iPod Touch and iPhone have a user interface that will at least scale to 10 inches (the rumored screen size of this new device), and should work just fine.

Content is Key: Overcoming The Apple TV Problem

The problem for Apple, much like it was for the iPod, which it got done, and Apple TV, which it didn’t, is getting access to the media folks want to watch and play with on the device. It will be about the size of a Kindle DX, but it will need a decent book library if it is going to be used in that fashion. Luckily, there is a Kindle reader already for the iPhone and iPod Touch, but even Amazon doesn’t have perfect access (for instance, the Harry Potter books aren’t available on a Kindle). And Apple has never wanted anyone else to own the critical services on any of their devices in the first place.

Apple TV

This would be a great portable movie and TV viewer as well, but the lack of great content is what has plagued the AppleTV and kept it from joining the iPod, iPhone, and iMac on stage as a truly innovative product. Without decent video content, this just won’t scale to the kind of audience that the iPod or even the iPhone will enjoy. This is probably the most troubling aspect for Apple, because it didn’t really pull this off for Apple TV, and this may suggest the company can’t actually get it done this time either.

Price: Purchase and Wireless

Price will be important too, and it is hard to believe that many of these things will sell at the rumored $800 price. Smartbooks are actually expected to price out below $300 for the most part, and even if Apple were to go for a massive margin, you would think it could bring one out for under $600, if not $500, and hit a price that more would find compelling while still at the high end of the segment. With folks screaming about a sub-$500 Kindle, an $800 device would be difficult to move.

One final problem to work though is wireless access. The Kindle’s bundled HSDPA access from Sprint is wonderful, but it adds several hundred dollars to the price of the device, and putting the iPad on a data plan from a carrier like AT&T would potentially allow an iPhone-like sub-$300 price point. But it would also add a $50 or higher data plan.

These expensive data plans remain problematic, but Wi-Fi isn’t prevalent enough, WiMax isn’t widespread enough, and LTE hasn’t been rolled out yet, which will make the connectivity solution a real problem to solve.

Wrapping Up

If the iPod was a difficulty level of six, and the iPhone was eight, then the iPad will be something like 10 on a scale of one to 10. This will be one of the most difficult products Apple has ever tried to bring to market. Any other company would probably fail, but Apple isn’t any other company. Even if it fails, Apple will have created a potentially unique and advanced offering which could easily blaze the trail for more successful products to follow. I wouldn’t bet on Apple to fail, though. It does that very seldom, and given this may be Steve Jobs’ swan song product, there likely will be more emphasis on getting it right than on any product that came before it.

Given that we tend to remember either the first thing someone does or the last (it’s called primacy or recency) and we think of Steve Jobs now more as the father of the iPhone than the father of the Mac, there is a good chance he will be remembered for this iPad. For his sake, (and for the sake of his employees, given he doesn’t have a sense of humor on this stuff) this had better be a home run.

We’ll see. One thing is for sure: It will be incredibly exciting and I’ll bet Steve, if he can, will actually present this one. You see, this thing could actually become an eBook, smartphone, and netbook killer, and if it did, what a swan song for Steve it would be.

Top 10 Best Beaches in the World

If you think about it, the beach is probably the most relaxing place you can go to here on planet Earth.

Beaches all over the world never fail to attract large numbers of tourists every time. But more than just tourist destinations, beaches are great getaways-they offer the “great escape” from all the hustle and bustle, exactly what every city-dweller needs.

Let us countdown some of the best beaches you should visit, rightful in their respective categories.

1. Clifton Beach, Capetown, South Africa

   “Best Big City Beach”

   

   When you’re spending your vacation in this paradise, it’s kind a hard to imagine you’re “just minutes away from the center of a major cosmopolitan city.” During the day, it’s hard not to miss the friendly locals and the large flock of tourists who have come to relax and enjoy the crystal waters of Clifton. The nightlife the beach offers is a blast and should not be missed! There are several bars and restaurants to choose from, as well as accommodations ranging from backpacker-friendly to jet set havens. Yes, Clifton is definitely a haven for the glamorous tourists who flew in from around the globe.

   For accommodations visit Cape Venues

2. Pink Sands Beach, Harbor Island, the Bahamas

   “Best Escape Beach”
   
   Pink Sands is a popular destination for tourists who want to spend their holidays in a more private and intimate manner, nothing like the cosmopolitan package Clifton offers. This beach is famous for the wide-mile stretch of, yes, pink sands. Anyone who comes to this part of the Island is stunned by how miraculously nature can create such fine, almost like baby powder-like sands. You will never forget the almost-endless crystal blue horizon while lying on your back outside or in the veranda of one of the few (almost fully-booked every time) hotels. It’s a perfect getaway for your two-week office work leave.

   For the best hotel accommodation visit Pink Sand Resort

3. Larvotto Beach, Monte Carlo, Monaco

   “Best Rich and Famous Beach”

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   The beaches (or whatever destination) in Monaco are pricey. You have to plan your vacay in this place well, bring with you lots of cash and make sure your credit cards are within reach because the whole adventure will cost you. However, you’ll feel like the luckiest person in the world when you spend great times in Monte Carlo’s prime beach, Larvotto. The tycoons and moguls, and some blue-blooded people who live in this planet with us, actually come to this place. It’s as if the whole place is a by-invitation-only getaway. But never lose heart, anyone can go to Monte Carlo and spend his/her own R&R (don’t be stressed by the prices!) on Larvotto!

   Here’s what the Travel Channel even said in one of its article about Larvotto:

   “Perhaps the single most decadently glamorous beach in the world is Monte Carlo’s Larvotto Beach, where women may go without their bikini tops, but wouldn’t dare to be seen without their jewels. In fact, Larvotto’s diamond-studded visitors are about the only thing that can compete with the sparkling Mediterranean water lapping along the sandy shore.”

   Now who doesn’t want to bask under the sun (who cares if it may cause us cancer) with these blessed ones?

   For more information about Larvotto beach visit the Travel Channel .
   

4. Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

   “Best Family Beach”
   
   It’s always the best time when you’re spending the holidays with your family. Especially for married couples with kids, Poipu beach offers fun, kid-friendly activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family. In Poipu, the whole family can take their vacation to a higher, more exciting level by engaging in different activities such as camping, ATV (all terrain vehicles) riding, bicycling downhill, surfing, hiking, scuba diving, and other kid-friendly activities. But the best that Poipu can offer will have to be the helicopter rides the whole family can take! Yup, kids are allowed to experience the view of Poipu from the top, as long as their parents or guardians will accompany them during the trip. This is probably the most extraordinary way to enjoy your whole stay in Poipu!

   For a unique experience and the best way to view Poipu (and the rest of the Island) visit Helicopters-Kauai

   For activities and accommodation in Poipu visit Poipu Beach

5. South Beach, Miami, Florida

   “Best Body Beach”
   
   This is one of the most famous beaches for tourists in America, and it has been a favorite playground for Miami locals and foreign nationals alike. The party in South Beach is a year-round event, because everywhere you look everyone just seems to be having so much fun! Whether you’re hanging out with your friend in the beach or checking out the different cultural exhibits along the streets near South Beach, the fun just never stops it’s almost like crazy. So if you’re looking for a worldwide-like convention of all the different cultures flocking Miami every time, this is the place to go. It’s great for meeting different nationalities, checking out the local art scene, and partying all-night long!

   For the relaxing hotel experience, right in the heart of the Art Deco District, visit Hotel Dorchester

6. Paradise Beach, Mykonos, Greece

   “Best Party Beach”

   Being the most popular among young people, Paradise Beach in Mykonos offers a nude-tolerant atmosphere. Tourists who come here come for the enjoyment of being around similarly adventurous and fun-loving people. It has been named by different travel shows in Europe and the US as one of the world’s best party beaches. Probably the reason why this is so is because of the numerous beach bars around Mykonos. In Paradise beach, the cafes are organized and very tourist-friendly that you will never have to worry if someone will attend to your needs. You can sit back and enjoy the view of the beach while drinking with the friendly locals or with one or more of the intrepid travelers around like you.

   For more information on what to do and where to go in Mykonos, go to Mykonos Web

7. Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

   “Best Bikini Beach”

   

   The beauty of Ipanema magnets travelers from all over. Yearly, the beach welcomes tens of thousands of tourists who hail from different nations. And when you say Ipanema, it’s synonymous with ‘summer’ in Rio because this is where the beautiful locals and tourists too, come to spend their summer days. Now you must know that when you come to Ipanema, it’s a must to wear as little clothing as possible. Brazilians believe that when you go to the beach, you must show skin and bake yourself under the glorious sun of Rio.

   So pack lightly when you’re planning to come to Ipanema, because you won’t be needing those clothes really. Ipanema

8. Surfers Paradise, Queensland, Australia

   “Best Activity Beach”
   
   This beach near the commercial center along Gold Coast is a haven for surfers from Australia and even from other countries. But aside from surfing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy. The beach area offers a wide range of water sports like jetski, as well as beach volleyball. You can also enjoy the water but never get wet by joining one of their fishing charters or whale watching cruises. If you’d rather stay dry on land, maybe some bungee jumping or golfing will do for you. Clearly the list of activities to do in the beach is endless, and if you’re the one who’d spend your holidays relaxing but wouldn’t want to get out of shape, this is the place to go.

   Australian Explorer

9. Maroma Beach, Yucatan, Mexico

   “Best Romantic Beach”
   
   This beautiful paradise located in the Yucatan jungle is a prime destination for honeymooners and simple tourists alike. The sight of the crystal waters will stick with you like an unforgettable kiss forever, and you’ll find yourself coming back for more. The tropical climate gives tourists cool nights and wonderfully sunny days, while enjoying the solitude the beach offers. It’s perfect for couples who want to privately spend their vacation, where intimacy will never come hardly as the harmony of the beach and the natural wonders around will surely inspire you.

   Aside from its natural beauty, this hideaway is preserving the wonders of natural wildlife in its own “ecological park-like theme”, which means it’s not just any resort, it’s a natural preservation area.

   Although near the spring break capital of Cancun, you can be sure that you will not be disturbed by all the partying neighbors.

   For honeymooners, visit Secret Resorts

   For the best Mexican getaway visit Maroma Hotel

10. Anse Source D’Argent, La Digue, Seychelles

    “The Best Beach”

    This eternal paradise has been voted as the “best beach in the world” by different travel shows around the globe. It is also probably the most photographed because of the stunning beauty it has. No one can resist the charm of this natural wonder and everyone who has seen pictures of the beach come to Seychelles to experience the best in the world for themselves.

    This is absolutely a place you must not hesitate to spend your holidays in. Once you’ve been to this place, life amazingly becomes more worthwhile.

    Even in photos the beach is just magnificent!

by ugma
www.MyTravel2000.net

One month to go: 2010 Winter Games outdoor venue teams matching wits with Mother Nature

One month to go: 2010 Winter Games outdoor venue teams matching wits with Mother Nature

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How to Help Haiti Earthquake Victims

The screams in Haiti are being heard around the World. The 7.0 earthquake that rocked Port Au Prince on Tuesday brought the already impoverished city of more than two million people to its collective knees. Buildings lie in ruin. Bodies are piled in the streets. Hundreds of thousands of people are still missing in the wreckage, their fates unknown. There is no food, no water and no electricity. As emergency crews fight to get to the scene, people are digging through the rubble on their hands and knees, hoping to uncover survivors. What few houses remain are structurally unsafe. People who were lucky enough to escape with their lives are huddling together in open fields, too afraid to enter any buildings that may still be standing.

The devastation is unthinkable and unimaginable. The sheer amount of destruction is seemingly insurmountable. One news blog that I read a little while ago ended with the sentiment that “Any thoughts of full recovery during this generation is unrealistic.”. The more news, videos and photos that reach us from Haiti, the more we begin to realize how true that small statement is. One way to keep up with the very latest news is to follow reporter Richard Mores. He is giving updates from Port Au Prince as often as he can.

Those of us who are not in Haiti are scrambling, trying to figure out what we can do to help Not knowing what we can do often leads us to do nothing at all. In my opinion, this is not an option right now. The devastation caused by this earthquake is being compared to losing an entire war in just a few short moments.

There are many trustworthy organizations who are already on the scene, and many more that are gathering together resources to aid the victims of this awful tragedy. We have come up with a list of some of the ways that you can help. Please remember that every penny – literally – counts. If you are in a situation where you cannot send money or supplies, do not feel as though you are worthless. Your thoughts, prayers and support are needed by the people in Haiti, as much as the physical donations are.

• American Red Cross – There are three ways you can contribute via the Red Cross: monetary donations, blood donations, and signing up as a volunteer.
• Text to Donate – If you want to donate money but are a little short right now, the State Dept. has set up a way to donate via text message. Text “Haiti” to 90999 and a donation of ten dollars will be added to your next phone bill and forwarded to the Red Cross.
• Doctors Without Borders – The Doctors Without Borders program has been stationed in Haiti for a long time already. Their facilities were destroyed by the earthquake, along with much of their supplies. They are rushing to attempt to care for the injured people who need them, but they need your help.
• National Nurses United – The nation’s largest organization of registered nurses tonight activated its nationwide disaster relief program to recruit nurse volunteers to provide assistance to residents of earthquake devastated Haiti.
• UNICEF – UNICEF is dedicated to helping children. Before Tuesday, there were already thousands of children who were orphans living below the poverty level. Today, there are many thousands more.
• Operation USA – Operation USA has been rated as a four-star charity for the past six years. Every penny that goes in to the organization goes right back out to the places that need it.
• Mercy Corps – Mercy Corps allows you to send a flat donation of your own, or can help you organize your own fundraising team. They also accept donations other than money, such as clothing and building materials.
• World Food Bank – The WFP has already pledged more than two million dollars to help feed the people of Haiti. It is expected that the amount needed will far exceed this.

Our hearts go out to everyone in Haiti, as well as to the people around the World waiting for news of loved ones.

by: Chris Pirillo

for more info: http://chris.pirillo.com/how-to-help-haiti-earthquake-victims

Top 10 Travel Destinations - Places to Visit Around the World

The world is a vast, amazing place filled with different cultures and ethnicity's. It would be a shame to never travel to any of them, and it's a good idea to create a list of places, your own personal top 10 travel destinations list you'd like to visit in your lifetime.

France

The number one vacation spot for most people in the world, France attracts over 75 million tourists every year. And what's not to love about France? Travel agents can find all sorts of discount packages on hotels, flights, car rentals and everything you need for your trip. Most popular places in France to visit would be the Eiffel Tower, the Riviera and wineries.

China

The most populated country in the world is also a huge magnet for tourists. Spectacularly different culturally from the Americas, China offers a wealth of sites and activities such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.

UK

The United Kingdom is among the top 10 travel destinations because this country is steeped in historical significance. The UK offers London, one of the most trend-setting cities on the planet, as well as ancient castles to explore and wide open ranges of country.

Mexico

America's neighbor to the south is easily accessible and offers excitement and affordability. Exotic without being far-reaching, Mexico features popular travel spots such as Cancun and the Mayan Ruins.

Turkey

Believe it or not, Turkey is a popular travel destination for millions of people annually. Set along the Mediterranean, Turkey is not far from Greece and offers visitors archaeological sites to explore such as Hattusas, Nicea and Perge.

Austria

A vacation to one of the top 10 travel destinations, Austria, would not be complete without a skiing adventure. Known for it's skiing resorts among the Alps, there are also historical buildings, museums, and dazzling mountains to discover.

Spain

Spain is one of the most amazing European countries to visit. Tourists enjoy Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona. Food may be the largest draw for a visitor to Spain, as it is unsurpassed in abundance in this country.

United States

Forget the passport! There are plenty of places within the USA to visit as the country has vastly different cultures, geographies and scenery. The south and west are most popular, but a visit to the Northeast can provide beautiful winter vacation spots.

Germany

Germany is known worldwide for its beer, castles, Berlin Wall and medieval towns. A trip to Europe would not be complete without a trip to Germany. In contrast to the medieval towns, Germany offers hip, eccentric bustling cities.

Italy

Italy is one of the jewels of Europe, with its Amalfi peninsula and miles of coastline. As one of the top 10 travel destinations in the world, a visit to Italy absolutely requires a tasting tour of the country. Italy is known for its amazing cuisine, as well as its wineries and ancient architecture.

These travel destinations are popular among tourists worldwide for a reason; they are steeped in culture, tradition and beautiful scenery and architecture. With a world filled with all of these beauties, why would anyone stay home?

Wendy Pan is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about top 10 travel destinations [http://worldtravelingsite.info/top-10-travel-destinations-places-to-visit-around-the-world], please visit World Traveling Site [http://worldtravelingsite.info] for current articles and discussions.

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7 Reasons Why New Year's Resolutions Don't Work

It is true that 99.99% of people see their New Year’s Resolutions flop if not on the second day of January or at the latest at the end of January. It is frustrating, and many will vow they will never make them again because they are useless. Allow me to disagree.

Many people fail at their New Year’s Resolutions because they don’t do them right. Here are 7 reasons why yet again, your good-will will be transformed in mere chimera.

1. You don’t write them down

It is imperative that you handwrite your wishes. If it is a true wish, it comes from the heart, and so it needs to follow the path: heart, arm, hand, and thumb. The latter has a unique pulse that, when used correctly, transform thoughts into concrete manifestations.

2. You think lack or negative thoughts

Never write: “I don’t want a headache next year,” for the Universe always says yes, regardless of our positive intentions. “Headache? There, you’ve got it!” Instead, state your wishes using positive words: “I will be healthier than I’ve ever been” works better. “I want to get out of debt.” Ouch!

3. You don’t write a date

Give the Universe a deadline. It puts your mind into it also, and your positive focus on the matters you wish to happen to you will be more easily granted. So, instead of saying: I want a new car, you say, I want a new car by May of 2006, or whatever year you are thinking about.

4. You are not grateful

Thank God, or Spirit, or the Universe, whomever you feel more attuned to. Do it as though you have received the gift already. You can also incorporate some feeling of already having what you wish. This way, you are sending good vibes out and sure enough they will come back to you.

5. You are not flexible

You keeping nagging the Universe and don’t allow time for manifestation. Perhaps there are even better things coming up if you wait a little longer. Suppose you have asked for $250,000.00 by March and this amount never comes to you. If you wait and trust, you will probably receive not $250,000.00 by March but $500,000.00 in May instead. Not bad, huh?

6. You don’t wish for perfection

Very important. Suppose you want $300,000.00 to buy a new house. If you don’t ask for perfection, your present house may be burned down and you get $300,000.00 to pay for the expenses. This is not a perfect manifestation.

7. You don’t expect miracles

Remember the “Miracle of the Fishes?” There were no fishes in the basket, but Jesus thanked all the same for manifestation. Do the same. When you thank for things yet to be manifested, you are showing your trust that they will come to you. Remember that the Universe always says yes, there is no question about it.

There are also other things you can do to have your wishes come true during the New Year. But, if you do these ones right, you are more likely to have 80% of them manifested before the end of the year of even before your deadline. Go for it.

Happy New Year!

© Maria Moratto 2006
Want to have more abundance, health, time, love, fun, and blessings? Visit Prescription For Bliss at http://www.rx4bliss.com, sign up for the newsletter and receive a fr*ee ebook called "Happy People Are More Abundant!"
Dr. Maria Moratto is the author of "The Inspired Healing For Your Body, Mind, and Soul," "The Inspired Healing Journal: Mending Your Broken Heart," and "Attract Money Journal." Visit her site to get fr*ee affirmation cards.
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