Kuala Lumpur school to test social media as teaching platform

I wrote about tablets as eventual replacement for heavy text books quite some time ago.

While the idea seems far-fetched and may not be favoured by many parents, a government-aided school in Kuala Lumpur has recently taken the first step towards testing social media as teaching platform. The tool they use is none other than tablet computer, or simply known as tablet.

What this means is that, there will be more and more tablets in schools and people will start coming up with innovative ways to maximise the usage of this popular gadget. St. Mary's started with social media, but with time, ideas will be pouring in, including replacing heavy text books with tablets.



New Ninetology tablets for the school students at St Mary's Kuala Lumpur. Photo: Computerworld


Malaysia's first social media platform dedicated to education

Malaysian secondary school St Mary's KL will pilot Malaysia's first social media platform, which is dedicated to education, according to EduNation Programme founder.

The government-aided mission school in Kuala Lumpur, which has been handed with 46 tablets by Asean mobile solutions firm Ninetology Marketing, has 1,243 students with the support of 65 teachers, said the school principal Goh Hai Bee


Rational behind the pilot test

"Technology advancement moves at a rapid pace. Students' exposure and hands-on knowledge about the world of Internet and digital media, is critical. In today's new work environment, high IT knowledge and the know-how of using digital media should not be limited only for those studying IT as a career option.

All of our children need strong skills in IT. From doctors to engineers, lawyers and teachers; we all need these skills. Our children, who in the future will look for employment, will need to, for example, apply for jobs online."
- Goh Hai Bee, St. Mary's school principal.


The EduNation Programme

The school Alumni Club's initiative to bring EduNation and Ninetology to the school has made the EduNation Programme a reality. The programme is expected to expose students to a new pedagogical approach using technology for teaching and learning.

Teaching videos for Mathematics, Science, Economics, Accounting and languages such as English and Bahasa Malaysia as well as an online exercise and test paper can now be conducted on a social media platform so that participating students will be able to practise their comprehension on subjects and concepts.

The idea behind the EduNation Programme is to enable any student in need of academic assistance to be connected to parents, teachers, volunteers and fellow students to receive free real time tuition powered by the Malaysian Community.

EduNation Programme aims to complement the Malaysian Education system. By putting the entire Malaysian school syllabus online, free for all, we will empower every Malaysian regardless of their economic status to excel in school.


TheGreenMechanics: Tablets and other mobile devices, and technology related to such invention are not going to fade away, so we may as well put them to good use in the education industry, such as the EduNation Programme.


Reference

World's first 3-in-1 mobile device: ASUS Transformer Book Trio

When I travel, I always have trouble deciding which gadget or mobile device to bring with me, especially if the bulky DSLR is also in the haul.

So, for a short trips I will just bring the iPad along with me and leave the heavier laptop at home. But for a lengthy family trips the bulky laptop tags along with us.

This should be a thing of the past with the launching of ASUS Transformer Book Trio, announced in Taipei on June 3rd, during COMPUTEX 2013. We can now bring along not two, but three mobile devices together - Tablet, Laptop and Desktop PC.

How about that for convenience?

Transform me! The Transformer Book Trio can switch between Android tablet and Windows 8 desktop PC environments seamlessly.

The chameleon's transforming from laptop to tablet

It has a physical hotkey to allow user to switch between OSs

World's first 3-in-1 mobile device

One word: Innovation. ASUS innovated a means to combine tablet, notebook/laptop and desktop PC in a single product, the  Transformer Book Trio, so that you can work, play, and do social activities with flexibility.

The Transformer Book Trio tablet which runs on Google Android features an 11.6-inch screen with 1920x1080 pixel resolution and the detachable hybrid design runs on both Android and Windows 8, which means it uses two Operating Systems.

There is a physical hotkey to allow you to switch between the OSs. However, that hotkey will only work if you have the tablet latched into the keyboard dock; once you unplug the tablet it will only run Android Jelly Bean.


Specifications of the Transformer Book Trio

Special features          : Three-in-one - Tablet, Laptop and desktop PC
Display                        : 11.6-inch
Display Resolution      : 1920 x 1080 pixel
Weight                        : varies according to mode
Operating Systems      : Android Jelly Bean, Windows 8

Processors                  : 2.0GHz Intel® Atom™ (for Tablet) & 4th gen Intel® Core™ i7-4500U (for PC)
Storage                      : 64GB (on Tablet) and 750GB harddrive (on desktop PC)

Interface                     : 2 x USB 3.0 ports, HDMI, mini-DisplayPort, Wireless Display (WiDi)
Battery Capacity         : 2 batteries - 33,000mWh and 19,000mAh
Other features            : PC Dock station also serves as a charger to the Android tablet.

Announced                  : 3 June 2013
Availability                  : 3Q of 2013


Price

It is expected to be sold for at least $1,345 (approx RM4,162) although no official pricing yet from Asus.


What do you think? Will you replace your Tablet, Laptop and Desktop PC with a single device that perform the same tasks?

Microsoft says: Kids get on the phone well before starting school

Is your child one of them? Well, you are not alone. Microsoft says that young kids are learning how to use the phone (esp. smartphones) before their 3rd birthday!

I think it is a fair assessment.


Read the article from MIS Asia:
Kids get on the phone well before starting school: Microsoft

Children are learning how to use a smartphone before they can even spell their name or have started school, according to new research from Microsoft which shows many children are playing with their smartphones before they have started school or even learnt to spell their own name. Young kids are mainly playing with phones for games and entertainment, with 57 per cent of parents who have children under five years reporting that their child started playing with their phone before their fifth birthday and 37 per cent stating their child did so before their third birthday.

The survey, developed with Galaxy Research, found that 67 per cent of Australian parents allow their young children to play with their smartphones for entertainment and admitted it was a way to keep them occupied. The research also highlighted the need for smartphones to now be 'kid proofed', with one in three parents reporting some sort of mishap with young children using their smartphone, including accidentally changing settings, deleting contacts, making calls or downloading content their parents did not want them to access.

The research comes as Microsoft officially unveiled Windows Phone 8 yesterday, the latest version of the company's smartphone operating system, and the world's most personal Smartphone. It includes an in-built Kid's Corner, a child-friendly environment where kids can play the games, music or videos they like without the risk of accessing parents' private information. Microsoft's research found parents are looking for a way to better manage their child's phone use, with 55% saying they would like more control over the content their child can access. Two in three parents said they would consider a feature that allows them to restrict or monitor the content their child can access on their smartphone.

"As a parent I know that children love to play with smartphones for the games, music and entertainment, and for the most part its good fun," Microsoft Australia Windows Phone Business Group Lead, Megan Howard, said.

"That is, until they decide to text message your boss on your behalf or find the factory reset button on your phone! From settings, I can create my Kid's Corner and then pick their favourite games, input some music or videos and choose some appropriate Apps to keep them entertained."

"Then, from a locked phone, I simply open it by swiping open across, as opposed to up, and I have access to Kid's Corner. I enter into a safer environment where my children can even customise their corner to give it a name and change the theme colour. "They can rearrange and resize tiles to personalise their Start Screen so it's unique for them."


Source: MIS-Asia

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 price Malaysia - RM1,299

It was first announced to carry a price tag of RM2,199 in Malaysia.

Now, for as low as RM1,299 (DiGi) or RM1,388 (Celcom) you can get to own this distinctively different tablet. The full functional S-pen (a stylus) brings back memories of the old smart phones and electronic organisers, PDA.

The Galaxy Note 10.1 brings in a multitasking experience with its multi-screen feature where user can utilise two different applications side-by-side simultaneously on the expansive view of 10.1-inch screen. Main features of Samsung's new offering are:

Operating System    : Android 4.0 (Ice-cream Sandwich)
Screen size              : 10.1" WXGA (1280x800) LCD
Input                        : S Pen/S Note (apart from touch screen)
Processor                : 1.4GHz Exynos Quad-Core
Cameras                  : 5MP rear camera, 1.9MP front camera


Galaxy Note 10.1 Prices/Packages

The three main telcos - DiGi, Maxis and Celcom - have announced their packages for the new tablet. The recommended retail price is RM2,199 and as usual you can purchase this at much reduced cost in a couple of months.

1) DiGi

2) Maxis

Value Plan 50: Data quota - 1.5GB, monthly - RM50
Value Plan 75: Data quota - 3.5GB, monthly - RM75


3) Celcom

You may want to check out what's in store for you at U Mobile if your area is covered by this service provider.

I have used the services of all three telcos in the past for both my smart phones and tablet. My personal experience is that, Maxis is quite conservative (read stingy) in allocating data for the same amount of money you pay compared to the other telcos. But they offer the fastest surfing experience, for now.

Let's see if Celcom and DiGi buck up. I like Celcom in the sense that they provide the widest coverage and I can go practically everywhere and still get at least 1 or 2 bars of signal on my phone.

Tablet PC market share: iPad rules.

Two years after creating the market, Apple Inc. remains the king of all media tablets, with its global market share rising to nearly 70% in the second quarter, putting the company on pace to reclaim much of the dominance it surrendered in 2011.

During the second quarter this year, Apple shipped 17 million iPad 2 and new iPad media tablets, up from 11.8 million the first quarter, according to iSuppli Display Materials & Systems Service. This industry-leading increase in shipments translated into a market share gain of 11.5% points, as Apple’s second-quarter global tablet share climbed to 69.6%, up from 58.1% in the first quarter.

And you thought Samsung beat Apple Inc.'s iPad hands down with more Galaxy Tab variants in the market? Maybe one day, but for now iPad is the king.

Samsung, at any one time, has in its stable Galaxy Tab 7.7, Galaxy Tab 2(7.0), Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1), Galaxy Tab 8.9, Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus, and the upcoming Galaxy Note 10.1

Apple has single product, the iPad (the latest iteration being the New iPad). The reason for the overwhelming support for the iPad? Research shows that satisfied users are likely to go back to the same brand for their next purchase. It seems that Apple already has developed a solid future customer base, which will continue to strengthen barring a major stumble on an upcoming product release. The iPad Mini comes to mind.

Android and iOS devices battle it out.

There'll be 360 million Tablet Computers in 2016

This posting is not about comparing which brand is superior; it's just so we know how the tablet PC is expected to shape in the near future.

Today there are about 120 million tablet computers in the market. By 2016, it is estimated that this will triple to more than 360 million. This, in some way reinforce my contention in my previous article that there maybe possibility that tablet PC will make its way to schools in place of the heavy school bags. These tablet PCs could be the super text books in the near future.

1Malaysia Pad will struggle to keep up

Touted to be the first Malaysia made 7-inch Android tablet, 1Malaysia Pad, or 1Mpad was announced in May 2012 with an introductory price of RM999 (US$330). However, until today there is no news yet of its release to the market. It would be very interesting to read review of the so-called 5,000 units already sold so far, as reported by Harian Metro.

You will find this at the landing page of Maltech Pro Sdn Bhd's website

During the launching, 1Mpad manufacturer provided only a glimpse of the tablet PC specifications:

Price                        : RM999 (introductory price for the first 5,000 units)
Screen size              : 7-inch
Operating system      : Android 2.3, Gingerbread
Storage capacity       : TBA
Mobile connectivity    : WiFi, 3G
Camera                    : 3 MP
Announced               : May 2012
Availability                : available now for pre-order


Some notable alternatives:

1) MyTec MYTAB T25 - not in the market yet

This Malaysian made tablet PC is scheduled to be released and available in Malaysia market before Hari Raya Aidilfitri and is expected to be retailed much lower than the 1Mpad.

Mytec Mobile's soon to be released MYTAB T25

MYTAB T25 Specifications/features

Price                        : RM699 - RM799 (expected)
Screen size              : 7-inch, Capacitive touch screen
Operating system      : Android 4.0.3, Ice Cream Sandwich
Storage capacity       : 8GB (internal)
Mobile connectivity    : WiFi, (support 3G modem)
Camera                    : Dual camera, (unspecified resolution)
Announced               : July 2012
Availability                : Before Aidilfitri (August 2012)

Other features:-
Google Play Store - up to 450,000 Apps
Quick Office - MS Excel, Word & Powerpoint
Support bluetooth voice call
Support keyboard plug-in


2) Samsung GALAXY Tab 2 (7.0) - improved version.

Samsung's new Galaxy Tab 2, 7.0

Samsung’s first Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)-powered tablet offers a variety of new and improved Android OS features. An upgraded Android Market enables access to more than 400,000 applications which can be enjoyed across phones or tablets.


Key Features of the Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0)

Price                        : RM999 (WiFi only)
                                : RM1,299 (WiFi + 3G)
Screen size              : 7-inch, Multi-touch screen
Processor                 : 1GHz Dual-Core processor, 1GB RAM
Operating system      : Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich
Storage capacity       : 16GB (Internal), microSD expansion up to 32GB
Mobile connectivity    : WiFi, 3G, Bluetooth 3.0
Camera                    : 3.15 MP
Announced               : Feb 2012
Availability                : Now


3) Google Nexus 7 Tablet

Price                        : $199 (RM630) for the 8GB storage &  $249 (RM790) for 16G version
Screen size              : 7-inch, TFT active matrix (LED backlight)
Processor                 : 1.3 GHz Quad-core, Nvidia Tegra 3, 1GB RAM
Operating system      : Android 4.1, Jelly Bean
Storage capacity       : 8GB / 16 GB
Mobile connectivity    : NFC, Bluetooth, WiFi
Camera                    : 1.2 MP
Announced               : 27 June 2012
Availability                : TBA (available on pre-order)
More about              : Google Nexus 7


There are other lesser known brands but similarly specced (with the 1Mpad) in the local market such as CSL, and few China-made tablet PCs. Choices are abundant, some with better features than the 1Mpad, so, we will not be too surprised if it struggle to make an impact. Perhaps it will not even be hitting the ground outside a pre-determined market (students, etc), without government intervention.

The money is yours; it's your choice.

Google Nexus 7: The best 7-inch tablet yet for $199

From the many online reviews, the Nexus 7 has got to be the tablet to beat in the 7-inch category. For mere $199 you get to own a highly specced Android tablet produced by Asus in collaboration with Google.

Image credit: PC World

Nexus 7 Specifications

Tablet name              : Google Nexus 7
Dimensions               : 198.5 x 120 x 10.45 mm
Display                      : 7", TFT active matrix (LED backlight)
Display Resolution    : 1280 x 800 (216 ppi)
Weight                      : 340g
OS                             : Android 4.1 - Jelly Bean

Processor                 : 1.3GHz, NVidia Tegra 3, Quad-Core
Storage                    : 8 GB and 16 GB
RAM                         : 1 GB
Communications      : NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Camera                    : Front-facing only - 1.2 MP
Location navigation : GPS receiver
Multimedia               : Audio Microphone , Speaker
Interface                  : 1 x Micro-USB
Battery Capacity      : 4325 mAh, about 10 hours run time
Other features          : Gyro sensor, Accelerometer, Magnetometer

Announced               :  27 June 2012
Available                  : TBA (probably third quarter of 2012)

This will be much more affordable than the locally produced but yet to be release 1Mpad, or 1Malaysia Pad which is priced at RM999 (US$330).

The Nexus 7 is priced at $199 (RM630) for the 8GB storage and $249 (RM790) for the 16GB variant. With the increasing size of apps in the market, the 16GB is a better option considering the fact that this tablet has no SD expansion slot. But for the budget conscious the 8GB unit should do just fine.

I mentioned not too long ago that that in future heavy school bags could be replaced by affordable tablet computer. This may just pave the way to have the idea a go.

Any resemblance to the iPad? Image credit: wptv.com

Specification-wise, this seem to be the best Android tablet yet, but until you get to touch and fiddle with the gadget yourself, this is just a paper claim. If industry norm is to be followed by Google-ASUS, the tablet should be available in two to three weeks from now.

Con:
Having no rear-facing camera is not a good news when most tablets offer it. But 3G connectivity is a deal breaker for me as WiFi is not yet widely available here, especially when you travel outside of the city. So, I may just pass this one.

But for RM599, it is very tempting to get the 8GB version as a second/backup tablet.

Panasonic's first Android-based Toughpad unveiled in Singapore

Panasonic says that the Toughpad A1 is 'military-type' and one can expect premium price for reliability - water-proof, dust-proof and shock-proof. Obviously this Android tablet is targeted at organisations and individuals who require rugged computing devices.

If you want to own the toughest tablet in the market, this is it. Size-wise, it is bigger than both the iPad 3 and the Galaxy 10.1 but while powered by Android, this guy is in a league of its own.



The Panasonic Toughpad A1 does look tough! Image: John Chan @CNET Asia


Not much is available from the short news by AFP but from the earlier release in the US, the following is the short description:

Name                          : Toughpad A1
Price                           : TBA (guide price US$1,599)
Screen size                 : 10.1 inch LCD
Operating system      : Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich
Processor                   : 1.2 GHz Marvel processor, 1GB RAM
Storage capacity        : 16GB flash
Mobile connectivity   : WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS (optional: 3G and LTE)
Dimension                  : 266.3 x 212 x 17mm
Weight                       : 970g
Battery life                : 9 hours
Camera                     : unknown
Released                  : June 2012
Availability               : September 2012 (Asia)



The tablet displayed at CommunicAsia telecom expo in Singapore. Image: Dawn.com/AFP


Unveiling the Toughpad A1 in Singapore

SINGAPORE: Panasonic's first Android-based computer tablet designed for tough environments such as battlefields was unveiled at a major regional telecom fair here. It was the first time the "Panasonic Toughpad A1" was showcased in Asia, where company officials said there is a huge demand for such a rugged device.

It has already previewed in the United States and production will start later this year, company executives said.

Satoshi Mizobata, a director at Panasonic's Toughbook Asia Pacific Group, said the device is the firm's first rugged tablet computer using the Android operating system. Previous Panasonic "toughpads" use Windows.

"It's military-type," Mizobata told AFP at the Panasonic booth at the CommunicAsia telecom trade expo that opened on Tuesday. "It is waterproof, dustproof and shockproof." The device weighs 0.97kg and its 10.1in LCD display allows the user to read even under the sun while it is tough enough to withstand being dropped from a height of four feet (1.21m). It also has a nine-hour battery life.

Amos Tio, Southeast Asia general manager for Toughbook Asia Pacific Group, said the gadget will launch in the region in September and in the United States in August. The rugged tablets are popular in industries such as defence, utilities and construction, as well as by workers in Asia's vast palm oil plantations, company executives said.

Source: AFP

http://asia.cnet.com/panasonic-toughpad-announced-for-asia-62216777.htm

First Malaysia-branded Android tablet for RM999

Last week MalTechPro Sdn Bhd unveiled the first Malaysian made 7-inch tablet known as 1Malaysia Pad, or 1Mpad which is fully equipped with a capacitive touch screen, android system, wireless broadband, 3G and the latest applications.

The 1Malaysia Pad launched on 24 May 2012. Picture credit: The Sun Daily

In my previous posting, I wrote an article regarding India's world cheapest tablet, the Aakash and Malaysia seem to have followed suit in launching an Android tablet. But unlike the US$45 to $70 Indian version, the 1Malaysia Pad is priced further up at RM999 (US$315).


1Mpad specifications in brief

Not much was available from the media coverage but for a start, this are what have been made known:
Price                       : RM999 (introductory price for the first 5,000 units)
Screen size             : 7 inch
Operating system     : Android 2.3, Gingerbread
Storage capacity      : TBA
Mobile connectivity   : WiFi, 3G
Camera                   : 3 MP
Released                 : May 2012
Availability               : available now for pre-order

The Borneo Post reported that the tablet is equipped with a proprietary 1Malaysia messenger app which would allow users to send messages, pictures and videos for free.


First impression

While this appears to be more powerful than the low-coast Aakash, at its current high list price, the tablet doesn't appear to be a fantastic deal. RM999 is relatively expensive for a 7" tablet, more so with better specced and affordable offerings in the market are available, such as the Galaxy Tab 7 Plus at RM1,200 (US$380) and still dropping in price. Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 was last seen priced cheaper at RM799 (US$250) but I'm unsure if this model is still available in Malaysia.


Who will buy them?

Befitting its name, this tablet is targetted to be first marketed to students at a discounted price. Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the ministry planned to include MalTechPro as a merchant in the ministry’s student discount card program, due to kick off next month.

The amount of the discount has not been decided yet but this is touted to be a replacement for the current 1Malaysia netbooks in universities.

Would you buy one of these for yourself? I think it is too expensive and the manufacturer will have to persuade the government to push it to the people through various 'donation' programs.


Early Verdict

An introductory price of RM699 - RM799 would have been more appealing considering such technology has been around for sometime, plus, the OS is an outdated one. Throw in the option for WiFi and Wifi + 3G to reduce the price further.

New iPad (iPad 3) Price - Malaysia

Official pricing for the new iPad (iPad 3) for Malaysia has been released today, Friday 20th April 2012, by Apple.store.com. The initial prediction via extrapolation in my recent article overstated the prices by a small margin. But that made this official price release more of a good news than a bad one.

The following is the snapshot of apple.store's iPad page for everyone's record. You can also go to their website and order online. There is an ordering lead time of 5 to 7 business days.

Source: apple-store/my

Caveat: 

It stated in it's advertorial that this gadget is 4G LTE capable. While the specification is true, 4G LTE is supported only on AT&T and Verizon networks in the United States, and on Bell, Rogers, and Telus networks in Canada. Not in Malaysia.

Nevertheless, if our cellular network infrastructure can handle a bandwidth of up to 40Mbps, then you can still get a pretty fast surfing experience. Even the current wireless speed of 7.2Mbps is at 'best effort'. I rarely get more than 4Mbps on my Maxis broadband.


Update @25 April, 2012
Mobile phone shops and retailers are selling the new iPad at averagely RM300 more than the published figures on apple.store/my. My personal observation for Kota Kinabalu prices are as follows (both black and white colours are similarly priced):

iPad / WiFi + 4G / 16GB - RM2,199.00
iPad / WiFi + 4G / 32GB - RM2,499.00
iPad / WiFi + 4G / 64GB - RM2,799.00

Note: Most outlets offer free smart cover, leather or other material of equivalent cost, and screen protector.

Update @1 May, 2012: I finally received my unit, a 32GB Black WiFi+ 4G, for RM2,340.00. Not a very fair pricing, IMO, considering the published price of only RM2,199.00 at apple-store/my.

New iPad (iPad 3) Launched in Malaysia and compared with iPad 2 and Galaxy Tab 7.7

This is a scheduled entry in anticipation of the New iPad (iPad 3) launching date in Malaysia. As what came out in the mainstream media, launching of the New iPad in Malaysia is Friday, 20th April 2012.

Based on historical data of its pricing and referring to US and Singapore prices the followings are probable price structure for the new iPad. I stick to my earlier comparison and estimates in the previous article about the new iPad.

Let's see if this materialises:

		iPad2 (RM)	New iPad (RM)
WiFi	16GB	1,199.00	1,599.00
	32GB	1,499.00	1,899.00
	64GB	1,799.00	2,199.00
WiFi +4G	16GB	1,599.00	1,999.00
	32GB	1,899.00	2,299.00
	64GB	2,199.00	2,599.00

Note: Prices for iPad2 are current actual. [Update: get the latest updated New iPad prices here]

A brief comparison between the New iPad and Galaxy Tab 7.7, the latest  under Samsung's offerings:

The All New iPad (iPad3)

Excited about it yet?

The all new iPad from Apple was officially announced on 7th March 2012 and will be available to the US consumers beginning 16th March 2012. As always, they did not continue with the numbering sequence, instead they called it just iPad and for now, we'll call it the New iPad.

Image: store-apple.com

WHAT'S NEW

Resolutionary Retina Display

The typing error is intentional; it was meant for a revolutionary-high-resolution display. The new iPad is packed with stunning Retina display and probably making it the most pixel-packed tablet on the market. The screen size is similar to the iPad2 but packed with 3.1 million pixels in a 2048 x 1536 arrangement; claimed to have great improvement in color saturation.

5MP iSight Camera

Although only 5 mega pixel, the iSight camera is similar to the one fitted inside the iPhone 4S, with backside illumination sensor. If it is as good as the one in the 4S, then I will be the first to agree that the images captured are quite decent. I own a couple of compact cameras, a D90 and a D700 DSLR. The iPad lens assembly has five elements in it to capture the best possible image, and it is claimed to be capable of capturing 1080p HD video.

Super fast 4G connectivity

The new iPad boasts 21 mega bits per second (Mbps) HSPA+, with LTE radio capable of 73Mbps downlink on both AT&T and Verizon in the US, the home of Apple. In Malaysia though, we are just at the early stage of adopting 4G LTE technology. Case in point is Klang valley, although certain telcos claim to have 4G services in other cities. 4G connectivity is said to be up to 10 times the speed of 3G. It seems like this new gadget is way ahead of our telecommunication infrastructures.

And that's it! Nothing to shout about, really.

With technological advancement in the manufacturing of telecommunication and IT gadgets, newer product sporting a relatively similar feature or even a slight upgrade like the new iPad should be priced lower instead of going up. Or, at the very least maintained. Check the price movements in the following matrix:

		iPad2 (US$)	New iPad (US$)
WiFi	16GB	399.00	499.00
	32GB	499.00	599.00
	64GB	599.00	699.00
WiFi +3G	16GB	529.00	629.00
	32GB	629.00	729.00
	64GB	729.00	829.00

If you are a consumer like me, you will agree that the increase of US$100 (approx. RM300) for a slight tweak is not justified.

Comparing iPad2, New iPad, Galaxy Tab 7.7 and Galaxy Tab 8.9

So that we have some idea of what sort of progression the new iPad went through, I have compiled in the following Table my findings from the internet, mostly from Apple website. Just for comparison, the new super AMOLED Galaxy Tab 7.7 is pitted side by side, specification-wise, with the new iPad. See which one is worth the money and of course most importantly, better suited to you.

Note: The new iPad uses dual-core A5X processor, with quad-core graphics.

When our regular phone outlet receives their shipment next week, we'll be checking the Tab7.7 out to fiddle with features. Some say, you have to see it to appreciate the super AMOLED display.

Cheapest Computer

Super cheap but is it fit-for-purpose?

Students showing off the new Tablet - Aakash. Image from Voice of America.

If you recall, a week a or two ago, India introduced a super cheap computer, the Aakash for Rs.2250 (US$45/RM135). Well, a tablet computer to be exact. Over the years India has been well known for its initiatives in producing cheap and affordable stuffs. Not too long ago India's Tata stunned the automobile world with its US$2,000 car, Nano.

It is understood that the tablet can be had at $35 with subsidy from the government, specifically for students. A commercial version would cost around $70 to be made available later.

Enter Bangladesh.

It seem that India is not the only nation building cheap computers. Bangladesh this week introduced the Doel, Android-based laptop in Dhaka priced at 10,000 Taka (US$130/RM390), according to BBC.

Compared to Aakash, the price of Doel is a bit steep but for a $130, who can complain much about a fully functional laptop. I wouldn't. It is a very decent effort by creative individuals. For some, the ability to connect with the rest of the world and the convenience of being able to do away with papers is far more important than the built quality of the tool itself.

Think about people with low household income of $300 to $400 but with decent educational infrastructure available around them. The Aakash or Doel may just be what they need, not iPad2 or the latest HP dv6 series.

Alright, let's have a look at the brief highlight of the comparison between the two latest cheap gadget, see for yourself if the price gap is justified:

In two words - pleasantly cheap. Period. My only hope is that people don't sacrifice green with cheap. Please consider your e-wastes and the environment as you design your stuff, hopefully the smaller (and cheaper) the gadget the smaller the production waste will be.

The Doel is essentially a scaled-down laptop like Aspire One, Lenovo IdeaPad, Inspiron Mini but priced much lower. Come on Malaysian IT enthusiasts, bring on your homegrown RM399.00 laptop/tab now. Afterall, who invented the thumb drive? Phua Khein Seng. He's a Malaysian.

Call it Nuri, Bangau, Kenyalang, or even your name.