Tablets: Yes, You Will Own One

Why is everyone so amped up about tablets?  What exactly is one to do with a tablet that they're not doing already?  Here's the short version:

Notebooks were about bringing the utility of a computer to a portable device.  Tablets are about bringing the utility if the internet to our "on the go" lifestyles.  Tablets will facilitate everything from interactive children's books to next generation newspapers.  The idea is that a tablet takes the portability of a smartphone and enhances the viewing capabilities.  Combine this with high speed wireless everywhere and an ever-growing (iPhone) app culture and you get a "game changing" device.   

Of course they will be expensive in their first generation ($250-$1000) depending on the features, but within 24 months they will be free with data contracts -- similar to cell phones.  This new hardware platform will have a huge influence on the publishing, education, entertainment and gaming industries.

Some really smart people have a lot to say about the iPad, here, here, here and here.  Well, the last one is clever rather than smart.

I'm giving you Cliffs' Notes!  Take advantage!  Seem knowledgeable.  Watch a short video example.  Impress your friends with your forward looking expertise.

BYOW: Free Wifi in Every Hotel!

I was just telecommuting online (webicommuting?) with my boss (project-based, GDI to the end!) who was on vacay. He was at a schnootzy hotel that had crap wifi: couldn't get a signal, had to keep moving around to find his bars. And that's with a $20 internet connection fee! Now, this is a very FANCY hotel. I guess no one really has to work if they go to that hotel, but my boss, he's got a great work ethic.

Now, if you can afford that hotel and you DEPEND on your Internet connection to help you stay productive, you really should look into getting your own, personal wifi bubble. OK, no, I haven't used it, but David Pogue has and you know that I love/trust/want-to-be-the-best-friend-of David Pogue.

Mr. Pogue explains it very well, but here it is in a nutshell: You pay anywhere from $30-$60/month and you get your own personal hot-spot that you can share with up to four other people (children with iPods, co-workers, etc.).

How is it different from a cellular modem? Well, first off, it doesn't have to be plugged in -- it's cordless, small and has rechargeable batteries (and works while it's being charged!) and secondly, you don't need to plug it into your laptop -- you don't even need a laptop at all! It's got a super strong battery that lasts 4 full hours of full use and 40 hours in sleep mode.

Why can't hotels just supply free wifi? Let me answer that question with another question: If you work on your vacation, is it really a vacation?