Samsung's Galaxy Tab

So Microsoft's Courier is no longer in play, this time Samsung releases a teaser for the upcoming Galaxy Tab set to rival Apple's IPad.

Check out video below:

Read more about it here!

BlackPad?

Selle recently showed me the article that Windows has decided not to push through in releasing the "Courier". What was supposed to have been iPad's rival is no more. In more recent news, Research In Motion, maker of BlackBerrys also decided to step back in producing their very own tablet.


The BlackBerry maker had hoped to offer a Google(GOOG) Android-powered tablet later this year, but has now backed off the plan, says Rodman Renshaw analyst Ashok Kumar, who has been monitoring the supplier and manufacturing partners.

The so-called BlackPad RIM tablet -- first reported byBlackBerry Leaks -- is being pushed out to early next year, says Kumar.

Read the entire article here.

At least there is still a plan in place. I guess it's better to be well prepared than release a half-baked product. We'll just have to wait it out.

Now, This I Want!!!

Here's Microsoft's answer to Apple's iPad, the Courier. Note that this is all not yet official, but it sure is exciting to see if they really have this up their sleeve.

From Engadget's site: "We're told Courier will function as a "digital journal," and it's designed to be seriously portable: it's under an inch thick, weighs a little over a pound, and isn't much bigger than a 5x7 photo when closed"

Check the video out:

Source: Engadget

Is the iPad just a bigger iPhone?

The iPad is probably most talked about topic in tech blogs today. It is sleek and portable; and after watching the video demo, I can't help but want one! The iBook store had me sold. I've always wanted a Kindle but it's not available here and I didn't want to order online since I won't be able to maximize its benefits.

Now that the excitement has somehow died down, I actually now have doubts. Do I really want one? See, I'm not really a MAC user. I know how some people profess their undying devotion over any Apple product (never mind if it's overpriced). I briefly considered jumping ship when I was looking for a new laptop but after trying out my friend's MacBook Pro, I still felt that I would have less compatibility issues with good old Windows.

I also had another dilemma when I was looking for a new phone. I considered the iPhone because I enjoyed Tap Tap Revenge but after seeing the many problems with it (Em-J's had his iPhone replaced due to some known issues, a friend also had her cable replaced thrice) and the potential problems that I may have with it seeing that I'm a bit clumsy, I decided to stick to my BlackBerry.

Now with the iPad, it is easy to get carried away as it really seems revolutionary...but is it really? I'm not the least bit technical so I'll comment on an end-user perspective. It does everything that an iPhone or an iPod touch does only with bigger screen and better resolution. I'm under the impression that before transferring files over, you have to sync it using iTunes which can be a hassle. Also, it doesn't have a usb port which is really useful if you're going to be using your device much like a laptop or a netbook. Likewise, similar to my beef with the iPhone, it doesn't multi-task. Seeing the many applications available, not being able to do this basic thing is a bit of a spoiler.

Then again, if all I'm after is an e-book reader, I shouldn't really be complaining as the iPad comes with heaps of extras.

For a blow by blow account of the launch, click here.

I know it has been getting some criticism because of what it's called and rightfully so. Check out the video below: