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News, Reviews, & Opinion
iPad 2 Is the Perfect Holiday Gift
Channel Insider's Don Reisinger says that unless your loved one
already owns one, an iPad 2 would make
the perfect gift, and maintains that you should forget about iPhone and
iPod, ignore the Android-based tablets on store shelves, and forget
about buying your loved one a television.
Why?
Because from its simple design to its extensible functionality, the
iPad 2 is the perfect holiday gift for that special someone this year.
To underscore his contention, Reisinger has posted a slideshow
illustrating why Apple's latest tablet is the device you should be
buying for a loved one this holiday season.
Publisher's note: I don't know about the rest of you, but my entire
holiday gift budget for this year is less than the cost of an iPad -
and I don't even have one myself yet. If you do want to buy an iPad, be
sure to see our Best iPad
Prices page. dk
Link: Why iPad 2 Is the
Perfect Holiday Gift
Most Teens Want an iPhone or iPad for
Christmas
Cult of Mac's Ed Sutherland reports that according to Piper Jaffray,
Apple devices are now right up there with with clothes and cash as the
top gifts for teens, with the iPhone on the wish list of 3.4% of survey
subjects, while 2.5% of teen respondents want an iPad, and Macs were on
the list of 1.1% of young people questioned.
Those metrics handily beat out Microsoft's Xbox 360 game console
(0.3%), and Sony's PlayStation 3 (0.4%), with the only items surpassing
Apple being cash (22%) and clothes (15%) among those surveyed.
Sutherland also notes that over the survey's four-year life, there's
been a significant increase in demand for Apple devices, with overall
demand for Apple devices (both mobile and desktop) tripling over the
four years.
Link: Most Teens Want an
iPhone or iPad for Christmas
iPad 2 Buying Guide
In its new iPad 2 Buying Guide Macworld.com addresses five questions
you'll need to answer before you purchase an iPad.
Macworld's Philip Michaels suggests that maybe last year the iPad
seemed too new and exotic to be on your holiday wish list, but things
have changed, and as the 2011 holiday shopping season gets underway,
you've perhaps decided to give the gift of an iPad - either to a loved
one or to yourself.
Michaels maintains that opting for the iPad over its nominal
competition may be about the easiest decision you make, but there are a
few other critical questions you need to answer, though, before you can
grip an iPad 2 in your eager hands.
Link: iPad 2 Buying
Guide
Kindle vs. Nook vs. iPad
Cnet's John P. Falcone notes that "ebook readers" refers to three
classes of products - black-and-white E Ink readers ($80 to $150),
7" color LCD media tablets ($200 to $250), and full-size color tablets
like the iPad (most $500 and above) - and notes that choosing among
those three categories of readers is the dilemma facing any shopper
today.
To help, Cnet's 2011 Holiday Gift Guide offers a thorough and
comprehensive omnibus of comparison points and tips for those trying to
decide whether to get a Kindle Fire, a Nook Tablet, an iPad, or just an
e-reader.
Link: Kindle vs. Nook
vs. iPad: Which E-book Reader Should You Buy?
One-Third of Online Consumers Will Use a Tablet by
2014
PR: A new eMarketer.com report finds that while tablet
devices, in their current incarnation, have only been available for a
couple years, the iPad has propelled them to rapid increases in
ownership and usage. eMarketer estimates that by the end of 2011, 33.7
million Americans will use a tablet device at least monthly - a rise of
158.6% over last year, the year the iPad was released.
Growth will slow to double digits
beginning in 2012, but the number of users will rise to nearly 90
million, or 35.6% of all Internet users, by 2014.
eMarketer's previous tablet-related forecasts have focused on unit
sales and the total installed base of devices. These current estimates
deal instead with usage and account for device sharing. eMarketer
believes that as tablet adoption continues, less growth will come from
sharing and more from replacing older devices with new ones.
Eventually, tablets may become more like smartphones, which typically
have a single user and less sharing.
The iPad, which has clearly led the tablet market since 2010, will
continue to do so throughout the forecast period, though its share will
be slowly chipped away by competitors. The number of US iPad users will
more than double between this year and 2014, from 28 million to 60.8
million. By 2014 iPad users will still account for 68% of the overall
US tablet audience.
The tablet audience is changing,
though. Women currently account for slightly less than half of tablet
users, but the disparity in tablet usage between sexes will continue to
shrink. eMarketer estimates that this year, 31.5% of tablet users are
ages 18 to 34, while 55.5% are 35 or older. By 2014, 18- to
34-year-olds will account for 34.8% of tablet users, while those ages
35 and up will comprise 49.3% of the total. Usage of tablets will also
increase faster among whites than those of other races and ethnicities,
growing from 60.6% of total users this year to 65.8% by 2014.
eMarketer bases its forecast of tablet and iPad users on a
meta-analysis of survey data and other research on device
penetration.
Link: One in Three
Online Consumers to Use a Tablet by 2014
Who Really Needs a PC Anyway?
TechPinions' Ben Bajarin weighs in on a blog ZDNet's James Kendrick
posted last week posing the provocative question, "Who really needs
a stinking tablet anyway?"
Bajarin says Kendrick's post is well articulated but thinks it
misses the bigger picture of what tablets are - and, more importantly,
what they represent. Rather than look at the world today where tablets
are in their early maturity stage, he would rather look to the future,
at which point his title, "Who Needs a PC Anyway?" will be a valid
question.
Also see Charles W. Moore's Who
Really Needs a Tablet Computer? Probably Nobody on AppleTell.
Link: Who Really Needs a
PC Anyway?
Nobody Needs a Tablet
The Motley Fool's Rick Aristotle Munarriz notes that Amazon.com's
press release proclaiming that it sold four times as many Kindles on
Black Friday as it did a year ago should get Apple's attention, what
with Kindle Fire having been Amazon's bestseller since its introduction
eight weeks ago, the $199 price point clearly resonating with consumers
seeking cheap, entry-level tablets.
Munarriz says the market may be heating up on the higher end of
tablet space too, but observes the uncomfortable truth that tablet
manufacturers don't know what you - in the back of your mind - already
know, namely that no one needs a tablet.
He observes that while desktop or laptop PC is a necessity for
getting work and homework done these days, a smartphone with "good
enough" computing capability is the way folks communicate with one
another these days, so where's the killer application that makes a
tablet indispensable?
Munarriz predicts that so long as tablets are primarily content
consumption oriented leisure appliances and the economy isn't flush
enough to support grown-up toys with three-figure price tags, we won't
progress beyond beyond the tablet's being a novelty, noting that
outside of iPad 2 and Kindle Fire space, there were roughly as
many people attending an NFL game in person over the holiday weekend as
there were tablet buyers this year through the end of October.
However, he also contends that just because nobody needs a tablet
now, that doesn't mean that they won't need one in the future.
Link: Nobody Needs a
Tablet
RIM Kicks Off Employee-Only $99 BlackBerry PlayBook
Fire Sale
The Verge's Joanna Stern notes that for some, even a slashed price
of $199 may sound too steep for the BlackBerry PlayBook this holiday
season. Or at least RIM seems to think so, since according to "multiple
sources," the 16 GB PlayBook is now available to RIM employees through
a special corporate portal for $99, while the 32 GB version is $149 and
the 64 GB model $199, although purchases are limited to eight
units.
Did RIM just say "uncle?"
Link: RIM Kicks Off
Employee-Only $99 BlackBerry PlayBook Fire Sale
Holiday Consumer Alert: Tablets, E-Readers May
Cost as Much to Repair as to Purchase
NEW Customer Service Companies (NEW) has released data showing that
repairs of some popular tech gadgets cost 50% to 100% of the original
product purchase price. With the "it" gifts this holiday season being
tablet computers and e-readers, the data details important information
consumers should consider when purchasing gifts.
"The cost of tablet and e-reader repair is extremely high when
compared with other products. For example, for a $400 tablet, you will
need to pay at least $200 to repair the LCD screen, one of the most
common issues, and for a $120 e-reader, the least expensive problem to
fix will cost you upward of $100," says Jamie Breneman, a contributor
to The Savvy Shopper
blog and NEW's senior marketing director. "These facts absolutely
reinforce the value of buying an extended service plan. If a product is
going to cost you 50% or more of the purchase price to repair, paying
10% to 20% up front to protect your purchase is an easy choice."
For a $150 e-reader, an extended service plan should cost $10 to
$30, and for a $400 tablet, product protection will range between $40
and $80, depending on the retailer and level of benefits. Many product
protection plans for portable electronics, such as tablets and
e-readers, also include coverage for accidental damage from handling as
well as product replacement, which provides consumers with a
replacement solution within as little as 24 hours.
Based on claims data from NEW, the top reason that tablets fail is
LCD failure. The average cost to repair, including parts and labor, is
about $228, which is approximately 50% of the average estimated
purchase cost of $423. Other top reasons for tablet failure are, in
order of frequency, digitizer failure (with the average cost to repair
at $228) and main board failure (with the average cost to repair at
$328).
The leading cause of e-reader repair based on NEW claims data is LCD
screen/digitizer failure, which costs on average $148 to fix. This
repair cost is 75% to 125% of the average cost of e-readers, which NEW
estimates is $149. Another leading cause of e-reader failure is
motherboard failure, which comes in on average at $168 to repair.
For more facts about the average cost of repairs of top consumer
electronics and more, see the Holiday Information
Kit for shoppers at The Savvy Shopper blog. These fact sheets for
consumers and media help address and answer the following
questions:
- What are the top consumer products that tend to fail and why?
- How much does it typically cost to repair the most popular tech
gadgets and appliances?
- How do the most common repair costs compare with cost of extended
service plans?
- How do manufacturers' warranties, credit card warranties, and
extended service plans differ, and why is it critical for consumers to
know the difference?
- Why is it increasingly difficult to find parts for products when
they break?
You can subscribe to The Savvy Shopper blog for weekly updates about
top consumer technologies, shopper insights and advice, facts on
product protection, and more! Get in on our product and gift card
giveaways by becoming our fan on Facebook and follow on Twitter at
@NewCorpTweets.
NEW, together with its affiliates and member companies, is a global
provider of extended service plans, buyer protection services, and
product support, providing coverage to more than 150 million consumers
around the world. Founded in 1983, with headquarters in Sterling, Va.,
NEW provides award-recognized post-sale consumer care for leading
retailers, consumer service providers, wireless carriers, and financial
services firms in the United States, Canada, China, Japan, Turkey, and
the United Kingdom. NEW delivers a comprehensive customer care solution
that begins on day one of the product purchase and extends through the
end of the product life cycle.
Link: NEW Customer
Service Companies
Extended Warranties on Consumer Electronics
Generally Not Worth the Cost
Your editor is not a buyer of extended warranties on consumer goods
of any sort, from iPods to automobiles. My philosophy has been that if
the item doesn't fail or manifest problems within the standard warranty
period, the probability of issues cropping up after that within the
usual service life of the product (typically relatively short with
electronics especially) is not high. Also, many major credit cards will
double the manufacturer's initial warranty period (usually up to a
maximum of two years) for free if you make the purchase with them.
Consumer Reports
agrees, noting that their years of surveying consumers have
confirmed that extended warranties for most electronics and household
appliances aren't worth the money.
In an article titled "Just Say No to Extended Warranties," Consumer
Reports says about one-fifth of major appliance shoppers in one of
their surveys found the extended-warranty sales pitch convincing, and
it's likely to be a hard sell, CR notes, citing an industry estimate
that retailers make a 50% profit on extended warranties they sell
compared with less than a 10% profit on the appliance itself.
Consumer Reports
argues that extended warranties aren't worth the cost since
products usually don't break during their warranty period, and that
even in the unlikely event that a repair is required after the
manufacturer's warranty expires, the bill for the repair is often
comparable with the typical cost of an extended warranty, according to
CR survey respondent reports. They also say extended warranties often
contain loopholes, such as not covering problems caused by normal wear
and tear.
An exception may apply for computers, however, where a plan that
extends technical support (e.g.: Apple's AppleCare) as well as coverage
for repairs might make sense if your gift recipient needs hand-holding
after the free factory support expires (usually after a year). Plans
that cover theft or accidental damage might also be worth considering
for a laptop, netbook, or tablet. However, CR
advises that you'll probably be better off buying those extras
à la carte as you need them, and against purchasing
extended warranties in general.
That said, I know many Apple users are fans of AppleCare, and if you
think the cost of buying it offers a positive cost-benefit balance in
terms of peace of mind, go for it. I never have, and as a buyer of
Apple products for nearly 29 years, most of them laptops and other
portable devices like iPods and an iPad, I've never yet had an issue
where buying AppleCare coverage would have paid off. By now, I would be
able to buy a nice MacBook Pro with the money I've saved over the years
by not purchasing AppleCare.
Of course maybe I've just been fortunate.
Extended Warranties on Consumer Electronics
Sometimes Worth the Cost
Your publisher is an occasional buyer of extended warranties. I
agree with Charles that most of the time it just doesn't make economic
sense ($19.99 for a warranty on a $50 item?), sometimes it does. My
first and only new Apple notebook cost over $2,500, and it was a new
design, the first 15"
Titanium PowerBook G4. Screen replacement would have cost over
$800, and it ended up being replaced under AppleCare. My ex also bought
AppleCare for her iBook, which had a terrible problem with the printed
characters on the keyboard coming off. I think she had that keyboard
replaced three times under AppleCare.
When my brother bought his first flat screen TV, it failed on day 89
of a 90 day warranty. When we bought our first flat screen TV, about
$800 in those days, paying $60 for a four-year extended warranty seemed
reasonable just for the peace of mind. That became even more true when
we later learned that the company that made the TV had gone out of
business, so repair is not even an option. If it fails before the
extended warranty expires, we will receive a gift card for the original
purchase price and be able to choose our own replacement. Almost makes
you hope it will happen!
Similarly, when I bought my house, it came with some old appliances
and a hydronic heating system. Not wanting to take chances with the
unknown hot water heating system, I bought one year of coverage. While
the heating system has never caused any problems, the old dishwasher
failed, and we were able to replace it for a new one. Our cost for the
coverage was less than the cost of the new dishwasher.
That said, I would never pay $25 for extended warranty coverage on a
$79 Kindle or Blu-ray player. Odds are that if it lasts the first 90
days, it will go on for years. And if it doesn't, I may be able to get
a newer, better model to replace it for less than the cost of the
original item.
Think twice before buying extended coverage, then think again. One
sound strategy is to set aside the money you would have otherwise spent
on an extended warranty, pooling money from mobile phones, home
electronics, appliances, etc. until you need it. Odds are that if or
when something fails outside of warranty, you'll have the cash on hand
to repair or replace it. And if nothing fails, you can use some of that
money to buy a replacement when your old hardware is due for an
upgrade.
Apps & Services
Flashlight App Lights Up Black Friday with One
Millionth Sale
PR: i4software announced it has sold one million copies of
its Flashlight app for iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S users. The milestone came
for Flashlight ironically on Black Friday.
The app, selling for 99¢, was first released in July of 2010
and since has become the number one selling iOS utility, ranking as the
overall top-paid app in the Utilities Category of the App Store.
The
Flashlight app rivals many of the most popular games downloaded from
the Apple iTunes Store and shines among users with its 10,000+ 5-star
ratings.
Achieving 1 million in sales on a single app is significant for
i4Software and gives us a great foundation for further growth,
specifically for our new entertainment-related product coming in
January at i4movies.com. Flashlight has provided a great opportunity
for a million users to discover the importance of having the Flashlight
app on their iPhone for critical and day-to-day situations, says
Michael Zaletel, CEO of i4Software.
Praises for
the app have come from police officers, firefighters, pilots, EMTs,
nurses, military personnel, and other users who recount how instantly
turning the iPhone into a flashlight prevented injuries and saved
lives.
The reason for the overwhelming popularity of Flashlight is that it
opens faster than any other app, illuminating instantly when the app is
launched. Utilizing the LED camera flash, instead of just using the
iPhone's LCD screen, Flashlight is able to provide a constant light
source that is brighter than most common D battery flashlights.
"People appreciate the fact that it's ad-free and has multiple uses
as many of our customer reviews have indicated," the company notes.
"This has built user confidence in our other products and has helped
i4Software to attract new customers to our brand. According to Zaletel,
it has increased the company's market share with millennial buyers,
thanks to the recent launch of the iPhone 4S. Next, we're anticipating
another million-seller with our new personal entertainment app that's
premiering soon on i4movies.com."
Link:
Flashlight
Car Calculator - Quick, Accurate Used Car
Estimates for iPhone and iPad
PR: To help automotive sales professionals easily find an
accurate estimate of a used car's value, Robert Srahol and Miroslav
Hosek have announced their newly updated Car Calculator app, which is
geared specifically towards car salespeople and automotive dealerships
looking to do quick, hassle-free appraisals for their clients. Car
Calculator is available in a Basic version for the iPhone or iPod touch
and a Pro version for the iPad.
In addition,
the app creators are announcing a newly discounted price for Car
Calculator Basic. The app is now available for $7.99, a 20% saving.
The Car Calculator apps are convenient tools to provide quick
appraisals for used vehicles, allowing professionals to easily valuate
a client's car. A user would note the make, model, year, condition, and
mileage of the vehicle, key these details into the app, and allow Car
Calculator to compute the vehicle's value.
"Car Calculator helps anyone who deals with vehicle purchasing and
sales give their customers great service," says Robert Srahol,
co-developer of the Car Calculator apps. "You can now go from meeting a
customer to valuing a car quickly and easily, without any added stress
thanks to the apps we created."
Unlike other used car apps, Car Calculator doesn't need to make use
of an Internet connection to compute the value of a vehicle. This
seemingly small difference has proven to be the biggest advantage for
those in car sales as it allows users to assess a vehicle from
virtually any location, such as the far end of the parking lot or a
customer's home.
After an estimate of the car's value has been completed, Car
Calculator can create a professional-looking PDF report listing the
results of the valuation. The user can email this report directly from
their iPhone or print it.
Features of the Car Calculator Basic and Pro apps include:
- Take Business Anywhere - Automotive professionals can appraise
vehicles according to their make, model, year and mileage without
having to go online. All the calculations can be done right from the
user's iPhone or iPad.
- Simple User Interface - Users enter customer's data into the app
directly and either print it out or send it via email.
- PDF Output of Report - Have the paperwork required to complete a
transaction by exporting the valuation to PDF.
- Multilingual Support - Car Calculator Basic is available in three
languages: English, German and Czech.
The Pro version of Car Calculator is designed for the iPad and adds
many helpful features to the Basic app. In Car Calculator Pro, for
example, appraisers have the option of using the app's built-in browser
to search for and compare prices with similar vehicles online to
complete their assessment. Also, users have the ability to set and edit
currency, VAT, and company details, which allows professionals
customize the app to their needs.
Aside from calculating the market value of a used vehicle, Car
Calculator Pro also offers professionals the chance to complete a
transaction right from their iPad. The app provides a template for both
a handover report and purchase agreement which users may edit and
revise to suit their company.
Device requirements for Car Calculator Basic:
- iPhone and iPod touch
- Requires iOS 5.0 or later
- 0.1 MB
Device requirements for Car Calculator Pro:
- Compatible with iPad
- Requires iOS 5.0 or later
- 2.2 MB
Car Calculator Basic (for the iPhone and iPod touch) is currently
available for sale worldwide through the App Store in the Business
category for $7.99 (or equivalent amount in other currencies). Car
Calculator Pro (for the iPad) is also available through the App Store
for $199.99. Review copies of both apps are available upon request.
Link:
Car Calculator Basic
Link:
Car Calculator Pro
Cars.com iPhone App Wins Highest MarCom Award
PR: Cars.com, an online resource for buying and selling new
and used cars, has been awarded a MarCom Platinum Award for the site's
popular app for iPhone. MarCom is an award administered annually by the
Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals, which was
founded as a means to honor outstanding achievement in the
communications industry. The Platinum Award is MarCom's highest honor
and is received by companies and products judged to be of the utmost
quality, creativity, and resourcefulness.
"Winning a Platinum Award for our app for iPhone is a great
achievement for Cars.com and is a testament to our work to bring
consumers the tools they need to shop confidently when they need them,"
says Sharon Knitter, Senior Director of Mobile at Cars.com. "This award
recognizes our increased prominence in the mobile space and our
dedication to car shoppers constantly seeking new and innovative ways
to make their experience even better."
The Cars.com iPhone app helps car shoppers:
- Search millions of new, used and certified vehicles on make and
model with the ability to set price limits
- View photos and videos of vehicles
- Locate nearby dealerships, view inventories and receive
directions
- Make a "favorites" list of dealerships and vehicles with the
ability to add photos and notes
- Calculate monthly payments with a finance tool
"With over 1 million downloads since its release in February 2010,
car shoppers have made it clear that they value having a way to access
the great features of our site not only from their home but on their
mobile device too," says Knitter. "Our ultimate goal is to give car
shoppers the tools necessary to be confident in their purchase
decision, knowing what to buy, where to buy and how much to pay."
Cars.com is among several other winners of the Platinum Award, and
one of a select few for their mobile app whose work has been recognized
by judges and industry professionals who have determined they exceed a
high standard of excellence and whose work serves as a benchmark for
the industry. Out of more than 6,000 entries, Cars.com joins an elite
group of the MarCom Platinum Award winners.
Cars.com was recently named the "Best Overall Customer Experience"
by Keynote Systems, the leader in Internet and mobile cloud marketing.
Cars.com is an online destination for car shoppers that offers
information from consumers and experts to help buyers formulate
opinions on what to buy, where to buy and how much to pay for a car.
Cars.com offers thousands of new and used vehicle listings, consumer
reviews, side-by-side comparison tools, photo galleries, videos,
unbiased editorial content and many other tools. Cars.com put millions
of car buyers in control of their shopping process with the information
they needs to make confident buying decisions.
Link:
Cars.com App
BibleReader Free Bible Study App for iPhone and
iPad
PR:
BibleReader is an amazing way to read and study the Bible. Write a
note, highlight and bookmark your favorite passages, and then back up
or sync them to another device (Macs included) with Olive Tree's free
Cloud backup service. With split-screen viewing and advanced search,
BibleReader is a powerful Bible study aid. Installing BibleReader will
also give you immediate access to download more than 100 free titles,
and over 600 popular Bible study products can be easily purchased from
within the application. This application includes the KJV Bible, as
well as offering access to all free titles and in-app title purchases
from Olive Tree's catalog.
Cloud Sync
- Cloud sync your bookmarks, notes, highlights, and book ribbons
between your iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, and
http://sync.olivetree.com
- Edit your notes online at http://sync.olivetree.com
Features
- Bibles and other titles are stored on your phone, so you don't need
a continuous Internet connection. You have full access to your library
even when you're in airplane mode or out of WiFi range.
- With 3-touch Verse Chooser, you can navigate quickly and easily to
the exact Bible verse you want.
- Split screen reading lets you view two books at once. You can
compare Bible translations, view study notes, or read commentaries and
reference books side-by-side with Scripture.
- Immersive reading lets you remove all controls and get lost in your
book without distractions.
- Powerful resource guide and word lookup designed to help you study
the Bible.
- Quick, powerful searching lets you find words, phrases, even search
in Greek and Hebrew
Personalize
- Bookmark your favorite verses.
- Take notes.
- Highlight text.
- Sort, search, and organize everything. A great organizational tool
for study, personal devotions, or sermon preparation.
- Open and edit your personal notes in the split window to easily add
and modify notes while studying or during sermons.
- Verse references in your notes are hyperlinked to open the verse
when you tap on them.
- Tag everything for convenient organization.
- Book ribbons let you easily track your reading location.
Text Selection
- Bookmark, highlight, add a note, or copy any text.
- Search for selected word(s).
- Lookup selected word(s) in all dictionaries.
Resource Guide
- Helps easily access the content in your library.
- Quickly find commentary and map hits on the Bible passage you are
reading.
- Look up people, places, and topic on a passage.
- Easy to use cross references.
- Configure the resource guide to work the way you want.
A Library of
Titles
- With over 100 free titles for in-app download BibleReader also
offers the ease of in-app purchasing for over 600 more study tools like
books, Bibles, and Bible study tools. (iTunes gift cards too).
- Popular Bible translations: NIV, NKJV, ESV, NLTse, NASB, The
Message, Amplified, HCSB, NCV, Complete Jewish Bible, JPS Tanakh
- Best-selling study bibles: ESV Study Bible, NLT Study Bible, NIV
Study Notes
- Bibles with deuterocanonical books: NABre, NRSV and RSV,
Douay-Rheims
- Non-English Bibles: Reina-Valera, Traduccion en lenguaje actual,
Dios Habla Hoy (Spanish), Luther Bibel 1984, Schlachter, and
Elberfelder (German), Louis Segond and La Bible du Semeur (French), and
more.
- Original language Bibles: Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia (Hebrew
Old Testament), Greek New Testament (NA27)
- Strong's Dictionaries, and KJV and NASB with Strong's Numbers
- Commentaries and Study Tools: Ryrie Study Bible Notes, Jamieson,
Fausset and Brown(FREE); Matthew Henry's Concise (FREE)and Complete
Commentaries; MacArthur's New Testament Commentary; Gray's; Ironside;
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge (cross references)
- Excellent free resources: John Piper's Collected Sermons (1200+
sermons, enhanced for Resource Guide), Bible in Basic English, classics
by St. Augustine, John Wesley, and Charles Spurgeon
New in Version 5.1.2:
- New downloader. You can now read or study the Bible while your
books are downloading.
- Fixed slow popups
- Fixed the Library getting deleted
- Fixed long book ribbon titles
- Fixed the grid verse chooser in German localized builds
- Other bug and crash fixes
This app is designed for both iPhone and iPad
Top In-App Purchases
- New International Version - NIV Plus, $18.99
- Message, The, $15.99
- New King James Version - NKJV, $15.99
- Amplified Bible - AMP, $18.99
- English Standard Version - ESV, $16.99
- New International Version - NIV, $21.99
- ESV Study Bible, $39.99
- NIV Study Bible Notes, $17.99
- New Living Translation, Second Edition - NLTse, $11.99
- New American Standard Bible - NASB - with Strong's Numbers,
$34.99
System requirements:
- Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.
- Requires iOS 3.0 or later
Free
Link:
BibleReader for iOS
Link:
BibleReader for iOS with NIV
Link:
BibleReader for Mac
Accessories
Verbatim Ultra-Slim Bluetooth Wireless Mobile
Keyboard
PR: For tablet users on the go, Verbatim's new
Ultra-Slim Bluetooth Keyboard offers a stylish, thin design for handy
mobility.
Designed to work with the iPad, iPad 2, and iPhone, along with other
Bluetooth-enabled Tablets (with HID keyboard support), this keyboard
features an ultra-compact design that readily fits in its included
carrying case for exceptional portability and easy storage.
The keyboard features enhanced, easy-to-use "smart keys" for cut,
copy, paste and undo, with added controls for music, power off and
device locking. The Ultra-Slim keyboard also eliminates the need for
constant battery changing with its built-in rechargeable power source
that is easily replenished via a USB-to-computer or wall-charger
connection.
Features:
- Ultra-Compact Design - Stylish, thin design readily stores in
carrying case for maximum portability and mobility
- Bluetooth Wireless - Designed to work with Bluetooth-enabled iPad,
iPad 2, iPhone & Tablet devices with HID keyboard support
- Rechargeable Built-in Battery - No need for replacing batteries,
the keyboard features a built-in rechargeable power supply
- Enhanced Smart Keys - Easy-to-use smart function keys for cut,
copy, paste, and undo. Added controls for music control, power off and
device locking
- Low Profile Keys - Quiet, soft-touch keys provide crisp, responsive
feel when typing
- Extras - A carrying case for the keyboard and charging USB cable
are also included, providing even greater freedom and mobility.
System requirements:
- Bluetooth Wireless
- HID Keyboard Support (iOS, Android, Blackberry/QNX, HP/webOS or
otherwise)
- iOS 4 or Higher (iPhone, iPad, iPad 2)
- Android 3.0 or higher (Android Tablets)
Compatibility List:
- iPhone, iPad, iPad 2
- Samsung Galaxy Tab
- Motorola Xoom
- Blackberry PlayBook
- Any Tablet with HID Keyboard support & Bluetooth connectivity
(some restrictions may apply).
Available in black or white, the keyboard is designed to work with
the iPad, iPhone, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Motorola Xoom and other tablet
devices.
The Ultra-Slim keyboard sells for $49.99
Link: Ultra-Slim
Bluetooth Wireless Mobile Keyboard (currently $47.30
in black and $47.49
in white at Amazon.com with free super saver shipping)
SRS iWOW 3D i-Device Audio Enhancement Adapter
Receives 'Visual Grand Prix 2012' Award
PR: SRS Labs, specialists in surround sound, audio
enhancement, and voice post-processing technologies, has announced
today that the SRS iWOW 3D Adapter, a small accessory that plugs into
the 30-pin connector of any Apple iPad, iPhone or iPod, and delivers a
dynamically engaging, immersive HD-quality audio experience over
headphone, speakers or car audio systems, has been honored in Japan
with the coveted "Visual Grand Prix 2012" award, under the category of
Pure Audio, Headphone Product, Headphone Amplifier. Winning products
were selected by voting from leading CE shops nationwide and a panel of
eight judges consisting of recognized AV professionals and critics.
Utilizing
several patented SRS audio solutions, the SRS iWOW 3D is designed to
work exclusively with Apple iDevice products. The iWOW 3D seamlessly
plugs into the 30-pin connector of any iPad, iPhone or iPod in order to
retrieve and restore audio cues that are buried deep within the
original source material, to provide an immersive, three-dimensional
sound stage with renewed depth and clarity, as well as deep bass,
through any pair of headphones or earbuds. The end result is a truly
uncompromised, HD-quality entertainment experience for music, movies
and games.
Visual Grand Prix is organized by Ongen Publishing Company, a major
publishing company in Japan. Founded in 1991, the Award recognizes
leading visual and sound products for the home entertainment industry
in Japan. It is a highly recognized award in Japan and has great
influence in the market and consumer purchase decisions.
See Charles W. Moore's review of SRS
iWOW 3D Audio Enhancing Adapter for iOS Devices at MacPrices.
Link: SRS Labs
(SRS iWOW 3D currently $46.99 at Amazon.com
with free super saver shipping)
USB Fever 6-in-1 Connection Kit for iPad Includes
HDMI and RCA Output
PR: This adapter helps you to connect your iPad
to:
- A TV for Video Playback with HDMI port (see note below)
- A TV for Video Playback with RCA (see notes below)
- Micro SD (T-Flash) card for Data transfer
- SD card for Data transfer
- A computer for Data Sync
- A Keyboard for data input
- A DC/Camera for picture and video input
Features:
- Dual Output - HDMI for high definition/RCA for old TVs
- Incredibly easy to download photos from your digital camera (with a
DCIM Folder) to your iPad
- Supports moving jpeg (.jpg)/Raw files from iPhone 4 to iPad
- Supports SD/SDHC/Micro SD (TF) Cards
- Supports connecting via the USB port (see notes below)
- The USB port can be connected to a keyboard for data input to your
iPad
This accessory if compatible with:
Color: White
Note:
- iPad only reads data (graphics files) from devices/Memory cards
with a folder "DCIM".
- Please keep no space between the iPad and the dongle
- Don't have more than one device connect to the dongle at the same
time.
$98.99
Link: USB Fever 6-in-1
Connection Kit for iPad
Presentation & Protection
Incipio Stowaway Case for Keeps Your iPhone 4/4S
Close and Your Money Closer
PR: Incipio has announced availability of the Stowaway
for iPhone 4/4S. The Stowaway combines a protective carrying solution
and built-in wallet compartment for storing identification cards,
credit cards and cash.
Comprised of a shock-absorbing silicone core and high quality
polycarbonate exterior shell, the Stowaway for iPhone 4/4S features a
posterior compartment for storing identification and money essentials
in a secure place.
Designed for on-the-go consumers that want to leave their
wallet at home, the innovative Stowaway case is strategically crafted
to keep essentials safe and secure. The retractable compartment door
doubles as a built-in kickstand for handsfree viewing and stable typing
positioning when personal effects are removed from the pocket. Full
coverage on back and front edges of the Stowaway case safeguards the
iPhone 4/4S from scratches and dents.
Incipio iPhone 4/4S Stowaway Credit Card Hard Shell Case with
Silicone Core sells for $49.99
Link:
Incipio Stowaway Case for iPhone 4 (available at Amazon.com
with free super saver shipping)
ZAGG's New Line of iPad 2 ZAGGfolio Colors
PR: ZAGG Inc. has made its popular ZAGGfolio available
in 10 fashionable colors and finishes just in time for the holiday
season: black leather, brown leather, alligator leather, basketball
leather, red, blue, pink, green, orange, and purple. Beginning November
30 through December 31, the company will also spread holiday cheer by
offering consumers a chance to win an Apple iPad 2 a day at
ZAGG.com.
The ZAGGfolio is a thin multifunction carrying case with a removable
Bluetooth keyboard for the iPad 2, featuring a built-in stand to hold
the 'Pad in either portrait or landscape orientation. Island-style keys
provide maximum typing room and special shortcuts to access iPad 2
applications with a push of a button.
ZAGGfolio colors are available immediately for $99.99 through ZAGG's
online store (link below).
"The iPad 2 is expected to be one of the most popular
gifts this holiday season. With ZAGG's iPad 2 a day giveaway, online
shoppers have the opportunity to win this sought after gadget for
free," says Derek Smith, vice president of sales and marketing for
ZAGG. "With the introduction of ZAGGfolio colors, consumers can now
customize their iPad 2s by choosing one of 10 popular hues and
finishes."
For more information about the ZAGGfolio and the company's iPad 2
holiday giveaways, visit ZAGG.com or follow the company on Twitter
@ZAGGdaily.
Link: ZAGGfolio for iPad 2
