Android is a very popular mobile platform and with devices like the Kindle Fire and Nook Tablet bringing in more users it is time to take a look at the available Office applications.
I thoroughly enjoy my Fujitsu U810 UMPC because it gives me a full computer in a 1.5 pound package that runs for at least 4 hours with a single battery and wireless connectivity. Fujitsu just announced the availability of a model with integrated AT&T Broadband (wireless) data support. These new models start at US$1,299 and also have a bump in the hard drive from 40GB to 60GB. Unfortunately, the RAM hasn't been bumped to 2GB like I was hoping for and still remain at 1GB.
Joanna Stern is usually the first person to get a look at the new netbook devices and writes some fantastic reviews that I personally read before making purchase decisions. She continues this practice with an article that takes a first look at the CTL 2go Tablet (aka Intel Classmate Netvertible). This is a touch screen netbook device that will compete with the upcoming ASUS touch screen netbook device.
There have been rumors of an HP mini-notebook/UMPC type device in the works and my MobileTechRoundup podcast co-host James Kendrick seems to be the first to post his thoughts on the HP Mini. He also posted a video of it in action. He has been playing with the device for a week so has had lots of time to play with the device and put together a great hands-on article. Check out the HP press release for the HP 2133 Mini-Note PC designed for the education market expected to be available later in April.
I have a Fujitsu U810 UMPC and like to keep it around to use as a Tablet PC, traveling media player (Amazon Unbox looks fantastic), and my home Windows PC (in the docking cradle connected to a 17 inch LCD). A few weeks ago the folks at Ritescript, a division of Evernote Corporation, asked if I wanted to beta test their upcoming release of ritePen version 3.0. I jumped on the chance and have been playing with it for a bit and now see that the official press release and announcement were posted yesterday so you can now download and install it on your Tablet PC.
It's been said before there is no tablet market, just an iPad market. However, 2011 started showing that wasn't true and Android is making gains in the tablet space.
Samsung is finally launching their 8.9 inch Android tablet in the U.S. this weekend with the two Players coming in a couple weeks.
Leather cases for the iPad can easily run from $100 to $200+, but there are many less expensive options. Zenus has an attractive lineup of functional cases for $60 to $90.
The B&N Nook Color is a powerful ebook reader with Android tablet functionality and now you can get free access to the Mighty Eagle when you visit your local store.
The Motorola Xoom will be coming on 24 February for $599 with a 2-year contract or $799 with no contract. I think anything over $500 is just too much for these iPad competitors, don't you?