Tag Archives: Michael Gartenberg

About 852 days ago Hardware

Will 2011 Ring in an iPad Killer?

The Apple iPad may have been the breakthrough tech product of 2010 – with an estimated 10 million units sold to both consumers and businesses alike – but a flood of new tablet competitors will attempt to get a piece of the action in 2011. While a few Android-based devices are already out of the gate, including the Samsung Galaxy Tab and Dell Streak, dozens of entrants will debut over the coming months –- including the hotly anticipated BlackBerry PlayBook from smartphone leaders Research in Motion (RIM). Slated for a March launch for about $500, the BlackBerry PlayBook is a 7-inch tablet (opposed to the iPad’s nearly 10-inch size), with a WSVGA (1024 x 600 resolution) touchscreen. The .9-pound PlayBook offers a few features not found in the iPad. It’s got a dual-core processor for speedy performance and smooth multitasking. The PlayBook also features two HD cameras — one is a 5-megapixel camera facing outwards, and the other is a 3-megapixel camera facing the user for video conferencing, The browser supports Adobe Flash-based websites. And it’s got a micro-HDMI port to connect the PlayBook to a high-definition source, such as a HDTV or projector. Like the iPad, the PlayBook’s memory isn’t expandable. And while it offers integrated Wi-Fi access, to get online via 3G (cellular) connectivity you need a nearby BlackBerry. This Bluetooth tethering option lets the user access the Internet anywhere you’ve got cell phone reception. Content is king? There’s room for multiple competitors in the tablet space – and with many different operating systems powering them, including Google’s Android, Windows, and BlackBerry, to name a few – but Apple’s iPad has nothing to worry about in the near future, says Scott Steinberg, CEO and lead technology analyst for TechSavvy Global in Seattle. “No device will eclipse the iPad because Apple is a juggernaut not just for churning out superior hardware but perhaps more importantly, content, too, so you’re not going to see people abandon [the iPad] on masse,” says Steinberg. Supporting Steinberg’s prediction is the fact Apple’s App Store has well over 300,000 downloads – many of which for free or close to it – which is at least 200,000 more than its closest competitor, the Android Market. BlackBerry App World has roughly 10,000 apps, but they’re generally more expensive. Making a Play(Book) “An iPad killer? No, but there’s enough room for everyone to carve out comfortable market,” Steinberg says. “That said, the PlayBook might do well, especially for businesses, as it offers enterprise-level support, support for Flash, multitasking and the beauty of multiple cameras which makes video conferencing casual and convenient.” And don’t forget: Apple is already working hard on iPad 2. Apple isn’t giving up without a fight. Michael Gartenberg, research director at Gartner in Stamford, Conn., agrees with Steinberg: “Companies have been experimenting on tablets for more than a decade and the iPad was the first device to crack the market for consumers and businesses — in 2011, no one will concede that market to Apple,” predicts Gartenberg. “We’ll see a lot of effort by RIM, Android devices and others, but not only does Apple have more than a year head-start, but all those competitors will also be going up against the iPad 2.” Apple doesn’t only have a commanding market share but a commanding mindshare, as well, adds Gartenberg. On the PlayBook, Gartenberg says RIM has a “home court advantage” with businesses because of the popularity of BlackBerry smartphones in this space – but there are too many “unknowns” for a product that’s around the corner. “It looks good, but until they have final product, we don’t know how it’ll run, what apps will be for it, the cost, distribution and carrier support, as you need a BlackBerry to get online via 3G.” “It’s hard to say how well it’ll do because RIM hasn’t said enough about the device,” says Gartenberg. But there are already some well-reported disadvantages. On needing a nearby BlackBerry smartphone to get online via 3G, Steinberg calls this requirement “awkward, restrictive and less convenient than built-in 3G connectivity.” What about Google? Both Steinberg and Gartenberg agree a tablet used for business must also offer a consumer experience, too, as our professional and personal lives are increasingly woven together. “RIM’s PlayBook might be geared more towards businesses but remember they’re bought by individuals…you can’t overlook the personal factor, such as games, media and other apps,” says Gartenberg. “RIM feels like it needs to be in this tablet space but not sure if it know why it needs to be there.” Both the PlayBook and Android devices could be heavyweights in the tablet space if the category continues to grow, says Steinberg. “While it doesn’t seem to have as much buzz as the PlayBook, Android makes good use of all the [Android] Market apps, Google’s programs and solid hardware – plus there will be many different models, prices, carriers and form factors to choose from,” he says.

About 1264 days ago Mobility Tips and Tricks

Read Your E-Mail in the Fast Lane — Safely

our beautiful site

It’s been nearly 20 years since workers started turning downtime into productivity time by using cell phones while stuck in long commutes. Over the years, however, keeping eyes on the road and hands on the wheel has become a big concern, as numerous auto accidents have been linked to cell phone usage by drivers. That’s why many states have passed laws demanding that drivers only use cell phones with “hands-free” devices, such as Bluetooth or ear phones. But now that e-mail and text messaging have become increasingly common ways to communicate, the latest trend for mobile workers is to use gadgets and/or services that can read your text-based correspondence to you in a human-like voice while stuck in daily traffic — and in some cases, let you reply using your voice, too. Hardware solutions, like IMS’ iLane, or software such as Vlingo and Voice on the Go, operate on text-to-voice technology, in order to help smartphone owners hear e-mail and text messages. Supply meets demand While these new products help make rush hour drives more productive, even the experts agree hearing messages (and perhaps verbally replying to them) still might not be a great idea — the lesser of two evils, if you will. “It wasn’t too long ago we said we could wait until we get home or to the office to make a phone call, but the convenience of mobile phones proved otherwise,” says Michael Gartenberg, vice president at Interpret LLC, a market research firm based in New York and Los Angeles. “And then we said we can wait to read e-mail, but unfortunately, we’re seeing people trying to read or type while behind the wheel, which is, needless-to-say, an extremely dangerous habit — perhaps on par with drinking and driving,” Gartenberg adds. So while many people might not like the idea of having your e-mail or texts read aloud while on the highway, these new products available are better than the alternative if it removes the temptation to look down, he adds. Scott Steinberg, publisher of DigitalTrends.com, agrees. “Products that read your e-mail to you while in the car are indicative of a larger trend in the fast-paced business world today. And that’s the need to have information and communication available anytime and anywhere — instead of being tethered to a PC.” Using these new products and services is “safer than typing while driving, sure, but make no bones about it, it’s still a distraction,” cautions Steinberg. “You should really keep your eyes and mind on the road, but I’d rather people use these e-mail solutions than glancing down to read or type.” A look at the big players Because not all products are available for all smartphones, those interested in using one of these solutions might want to first check compatibility, advises Gartenberg. For example, IMS’ iLane only works with Bluetooth-enabled BlackBerry products at this time, while Voice on the Go works with a number of mobile phones. Gartenberg says once you’ve confirmed compatibility and assessed costs, you might want to try the technology before you buy to ensure the quality of the audio transcription is accurate. “These new products all work pretty well, for the most part, but the accuracy of the messages might vary, therefore this is definitely a try-before-you-buy scenario,” he says Steinberg has some additional advice: “Keep in mind the context and tone of the e-mail might be misinterpreted when Mr. Roboto reads the e-mail to you, so double-check the message by reading the e-mail yourself later on.” Here’s a quick look at a few hands-free e-mail solutions: iLane ($399.99) is a two-part solution: a small black box that plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter and a wireless headset for your ear, both of which operate on Bluetooth and work with your BlackBerry. Once set up, the iLane reads your e-mail and text messages to you and also lets you reply, forward, delete or skip to the next message — all by giving simple voice commands. Replies are sent as MP3 attachments rather than transcribing your voice into text. You can also use your voice to hear your calendar appointments for the day, listen to news clips and weather updates, and more. Available at Handago, where it won a 2009 Champion Award, Voice on the Go ($5.99/month) lets you use your voice to listen to, compose, reply, forward and delete e-mails, and send text messages. Voice on the Go works with virtually any cell phone, requires no training, and is available in six languages: English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, and Dutch. It’s also possible to access your calendar, contacts, Twitter, and Facebook by voice, too. On a related note, Vlingo (vlingo.com; $17.99) is also a software solution that lets you send an e-mail or text messages, make a call, search the Web or update your Facebook or Twitter status — all using your voice. Vlingo is available for most BlackBerry smartphones, Apple’s iPhone, Nokia S60 phones, and many Windows phones.  

About 1294 days ago Business Software

Browser Wars: Does IE8 Change the Game?

our beautiful site

Built into Windows 7 or available as a free download for other operating systems, Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 8 (IE8) offers a number of improvements and new features to go up against the likes of competing browsers such as Mozilla’s Firefox, Google’s Chrome, Apple’s Safari, and Opera. IE8 delivers Internet users stepped up security against cross-site scripting attacks, downloads of malicious code, phishing, and other security risks. At the same time, the new browsing platform provides businesses with tools to centrally manage and configure group policies for the office, streamlined browser management, built-in developer tools to help save your developers time, and backwards compatibility with the earlier browser version, IE7. The question for businesses now is whether IE8 is a game-changer in the battle of the browsers and whether your organization should standardize on IE8 — or any of its well-regarded rivals. Browsing issues to consider There are several ways small and mid-sized businesses use Web browsers. Employees often use browsers to look for information about customers, competitors, or products on the Internet. At the same time, a growing number of companies are using and/or developing Web applications that need to be compatible with Web browsers. Deciding which browser is best for a small business “is like asking an Italian and a Frenchman which country has the best food,” jokes Steve Hilton, vice president of small and mid-sized business research at the Boston-based Yankee Group. The advice may depend on which computing platform your business uses, PC-based or Mac. “My advice for picking a browser is simple: Internet Explorer 8 is your default, but if you feel like experimenting consider Firefox or Chrome and you might find one particularly appealing from a user-interface point-of-view,” says Hilton. This isn’t the case for a Mac user, though, he adds. “Apple-heads should just stick with Safari.” So, does it really matter which browser you go with? Not really, say some experts. “For most companies it’s the path of least resistance, so whatever is the default on the operating system — Internet Explorer for Windows or Safari for the Mac OS — is the first one to try,” advises Michael Gartenberg, vice president at Interpret LLC, a market research firm based in New York and Los Angeles. The launch of IE8 provides businesses with a safe bet for standardization — sort of. “At the end of the day, you won’t have an issue if you go with IE8 as it’s secure and stable,” Gartenberg says. “Microsoft has done an excellent job to move the product forward over the years, but honestly, any modern browser is going to work pretty well for you.” That said, Gartenberg says Microsoft’s dominance of market share in the browser space means some applications might favor IE8 over others in the compatibility department. A company involved in writing Web apps should also take a browser-agnostic approach, both Hilton and Gartenberg say. “Web builders need to optimize sites for all of these browsers, but at least make sure IE and Firefox work, and then pick-up the Apple-centric products,” Hilton advises. “If you’re writing Web-compliant apps, you shouldn’t play favorites,” adds Gartenberg. Windows 7′s relevance Gartenberg says IE8, which is bundled in every copy of Windows 7, gives Microsoft a “home court advantage” in the browser wars. But it’s not without merit: “IE8 does work better in Windows 7, so the combo helps Microsoft — and ultimately, its users, too.” But that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for competition. “While I have not tested all browser and operating system combinations, I can’t imagine Microsoft would do anything intentional to impede the use of competing browsers in Window 7,” says Hilton. Referencing antitrust issues, Hilton adds “surely Microsoft, and their legal department, would follow that old adage, ‘once bitten, twice shy,’ when it comes to their operating system and browser issues.” Quick pros and cons While some technology analysts take laissez faire approach to deciding which browser is best for your business, there are still some advantages and shortcomings to each of the big players. Here they are: Internet Explorer 8 Pros: Most websites and plugs-ins work well with IE. Faster speeds and handy time-saving tools. Compatibility View helps see older websites easier. Available in multiple languages. Built into Windows. Cons: Security holes still found. Market share leader means more susceptible to attacks. Some crashing. Mozilla Firefox Pros: Newest version is roughly three times faster than Firefox 3.0. Tabbed browsing works well. Convenient features, including location-aware browsing. Vibrant and passionate development community. Cons: Some bugs and security issues that requires “patching.” Opera Pros: Lean and fast. Secure. Mouse gestures and other extra features in Opera (including Opera Unite) are handy additions. Cons: Doesn’t fare as well on heavy multimedia sites. Not as much plug-in support than IE and Firefox. Apple Safari Pros: Good looking. Fast. Reliable. Minimalist design. Cons: Close button on left side. Not much mouse functionality (e.g. middle button). No status bar. Not all plug-ins supported. Built into Macs. Google Chrome Pros: Clean and fast. Some nice features like shortcuts. Available in 50 languages. Cons: Lack of add-ons; not all websites/plug-ins are supported. No support for Macs.

About 1386 days ago PCs, Laptops, and Notebooks

Are Netbooks Enough for Your Business?

our beautiful site

Portable and affordable, the trendy “netbook” is all the rage among computer makers and the consumers snatching them up in droves — so much, in fact, this young category is estimated to make up more than 20 percent of the entire laptop category by next year. But are these tiny Wi-Fi-enabled netbooks — designed primarily for Web surfing, e-mail, and word processing — ideal for running your business? What’s lost or gained in the transition? If you recognize the limitations of these scaled-down PCs, a netbook might be all you and your staff need to remain productive on the go, experts say. Price and size matter “A netbook is just a laptop whose pivotal axis is price,” says Michael Gartenberg, vice president at Interpret LLC, a market research firm based in London, New York, and Los Angeles. “Basically you need to ask yourself if the netbook has enough horsepower to manage your business, and if so, you can save some money.” However, if you or your staff need to run memory-intensive programs or require larger screens or a full-size keyboard, you might want to steer clear of this category, he says. The lack of an optical drive might be an issue for some, Gartenberg adds, but an inexpensive external drive — that can be shared among employees to install software — might be all that’s required. “Beyond that, many computer users today simply don’t need a DVD drive,” he says. Steve Hilton, vice president for enterprise and small and mid-sized business research at the Boston-based  Yankee Group, says along with a relatively inexpensive price tag, netbooks offer two other advantages for mobile workers: “They are fairly easy to replace if lost or damaged — in fact most suppliers can easily ship an exact duplicate very quickly. Plus, an IT department tends to like [netbooks] as they’re easy to manage since they have very few applications resident on the device.” Cloud computing Netbooks might carry few applications because many small and mid-sized businesses are moving towards “cloud computing,” which allows online employees to securely access programs and files on a remote server, as opposed to physically carrying sensitive data on the road. This trend is on the rise thanks to ubiquitous Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity. In addition, more devices are available — such as netbooks and smartphones — with limited local memory. Much of the software is Web-based, too, therefore not requiring one particular operating system over another. “Applications in the cloud are not loaded on a netbook because applications are processing and hard-disk hogs,” explains Hilton. “Netbooks are light on both processing and hard-disk space, which is one of the reasons why they’re priced fairly inexpensively, so in order to get the value from a netbook, applications in the cloud are essential.” Looked at another way, “a Prius and a Boxster have different purposes,” continues Hilton, comparing netbooks with automobiles. “If you need a car that sips gasoline, drives your family of four to the mall, and keeps your auto insurance premiums low, your choice is obvious.” Gartenberg, however, cautions those who rely too heavily on remote applications for business. “The problem with the cloud is that it’s not always available,” he says. “There is this notion that everything will be delivered via browser, but it’s more of a coexistence [with locally stored programs]. One solution isn’t killing the other.” And they’re getting better Just two years ago, a netbook might be limited by a Linux operating system, a petite 7-inch display, and just 4GB of Flash (SSD) memory. Fast-forward to today, however, and there is far more selection, including a Windows o/s, bigger screens (up to 12-inches), a near full-size QWERTY keyboard, a minimum 160GB hard drive and better processors, such as Intel Atom chips. As far as security goes, Gartenberg says you must treat netbooks like a laptop. “You want to be cautious about what information is on the netbook,” he says, “ensure everything is password-protected, and despite its small size, try to remember not to leave it at a coffee shop or in a taxicab.”  

About 1567 days ago Printers, Copiers, and Peripherals

Pros and Cons of All-in-One Printers

our beautiful site

Buying a new printer for your small or mid-sized business might seem like a relatively straight-forward task until you realize the vast number of options associated with the decision: Should you opt for a standalone printer or one of those all-in-one machines? Inkjet or laser? Color or monochrome? Do you need collating, two-sided printing, or large input trays? What about wireless? You get the point. Many small and mid-sized businesses today are opting for laser printers for large volume jobs, as opposed to an inkjet they might have at home for the occasional photo printing. At the same time, the multifunction printers can also handle scanning, copying, and faxing. Here are some of the pros and cons of a laser-based all-in-one printer. Pros of all-in-one printers Buying a multifunction laser printer can save your company space, money, and aggravation. “Many small businesses simply don’t have the room for three or four dedicated machines for printing, scanning, copying, and faxing — nor do they likely have the funds to purchase three or four separate devices,” says Keith Kmetz, vice president of hard copy solutions at IDC, a Framingham, Mass.-based technology research and advisory firm. An all-in-one printer “consolidates all these important office features into one box, so you can better manage all your document management activity in one place.” Having just written a report on all-in-one printers, Kmetz says he found space-saving issues “come up a lot in small business and home-based offices” and any measures to cut costs are important considerations for small businesses, especially in an ailing economy. “You could spend many thousands of dollars for a dedicated printer, flatbed scanner, copier, and fax machine,” he says, “compared to only a couple hundred dollars for a reliable multifunction machine. Having one machine that does it all also makes it easier for maintenance, such as downloading just one driver update (opposed to up to four of them) and purchasing “consumables” such as ink or toner, paper, and other supplies. One machine also consumes less power than three or four printers. “Any time you can integrate multiple functions in one device you’re taking advantage of less space, lower costs, and fewer hassles when it comes to drivers and support,” confirms Michael Gartenberg, vice president and research director at New York-based Jupiter Research, which was acquired in 2008 by Forrester Research. Cons of all-in-one printers As with any converged device, a clear downside is if something goes wrong with your product you’ll likely be without everything while it’s being repaired or replaced. In other words, if the scanner in your all-in-one device fails to work and you send it out to be fixed, you’re now without a printer, copier, and fax machine, too. Such is the problem when “putting all your eggs in one digital basket,” as Gartenberg puts it. “Indeed you’ll lose all functionality while your multifunction printer is being serviced,” explains Kmetz. But if you have more than 100 or 150 employees, he says, chances are you have more than one all-in-one printer, “so it won’t be too catastrophic.” On that note, it’s recommended to have a networked multifunction unit (wired or wireless) for offices with many PCs. When it comes to quality, Kmetz, who says he’s been following the multifunction printer market for the past 15 years, says there isn’t a clear difference between standalone products and multifunction ones anymore. “Multifunction printers used to be a generation or two behind its single device counterpart when it came to quality but this is not the case anymore,” Kmetz says. Gartenberg agrees. All-in-one printers, he says, “have come a long way — the quality has caught up to the convenience for the most part — so it boils down to your comfort level with the pros and cons, the cost per copy and what you plan on using it for.”

About 1567 days ago Mobility Tips and Tricks

Smartphone Showdown: iPhone 3G vs. Storm

our beautiful site

Many handset makers have attempted to deflate the immense popularity of the almighty iPhone (from $199 with two-year AT&T plan), yet most have not succeeded. Whether it’s the iPhone’s large touch-screen, fast 3G and Wi-Fi speeds, thousands of downloadable apps from the App Store, or integrated media player, this trendy phone has become a cultural icon with consumers and increasingly, among corporate types, too. That said, many mobile workers who rely on a BlackBerry smartphone for its secure and fast push e-mail have been reluctant to make the switch to Apple’s trendy device. Now, BlackBerry maker Research in Motion (RIM) is hoping it has struck gold with its newly-launched BlackBerry Storm ($199 with 2-year Verizon plan), a smartphone that attempts to offer the best of both worlds for customers who want it all: the reliable BlackBerry operating system with support for secure e-mail that’s pushed to the phone, as well as an iPhone-like touch-screen interface to navigate through content. In fact, the BlackBerry Storm’s touch-screen is the first that actually depresses when you press on the soft QWERTY keyboard and with an audible “click” to confirm letters or numbers have been selected. Some users believe both of these extras make it easier to type messages compared to the iPhone. So, are these fancy screen features — as well as expandable memory and a removable battery — enough to unseat the iPhone? Has RIM created the “perfect storm” to win over the working world? We spoke with a couple of technology analysts for their professional opinions. Carrier concerns According to Michael Gartenberg, vice president and research director at the New York-based JupiterResearch, now part of Forrester Research, deciding which smartphone to invest might not be too difficult a task. “For many, the carrier you’re with might determine which of these two smartphones you’ll pick up,” says Gartenberg. “Unless you’re willing to switch carriers — for yourself or the entire company — Verizon customers might opt for the BlackBerry Storm while AT&T customers will go with an iPhone.” In other words, the network might be the leading factor, says Gartenberg. Company support If carrier is not an issue in your decision to buy a BlackBerry Storm or Apple iPhone, it might boil down to what your company supports. “What’s on the backend of these devices, what it connects into, will help you make a smart smartphone decision,” explains Gartenberg, who suggests talking to your company’s IT person about server and e-mail support. “Apple is trying to make inroads into the business space, such as announcing Exchange ActiveSync with full Microsoft Exchange support for push e-mail, contacts, and calendar,” confirms Tim Doherty, associate research analyst for small and mid-sized businesses at IDC, a Framingham, Mass.-based research firm. “With the Storm, RIM is extending its reach into the consumer market and the touch-screen space, but remains firmly anchored in its framework of enterprise features and functionalities on a robust operating system,” continues Doherty. Small and mid-sized business customers seeking a touch screen experience have a rock-solid business platform to consider; RIM does not have to convince the market that its device will work in a business environment, he adds. Doherty says the mobile applications your company relies upon will also be a key decision maker when choosing a smartphone. Personal choice After carrier consideration and backend support, buying a smartphone for business comes down to personal preference. “The iPhone’s media playback and third-party app selection is much greater than the BlackBerrys,” says Gartenberg, “plus the iPhone offers Wi-Fi when the BlackBerry Storm does not.” But not everyone likes the iPhone’s touch-screen interface — especially when it comes to typing lengthy e-mails (which must be handled vertically). The BlackBerry Storm’s built-in accelerometer, on the other hand, will automatically flip the QWERTY keyboard horizontally when holding the device sideways for e-mail. There are other issues, too. “Despite Apple’s efforts, it has some shortcomings as a business device,” believes Doherty. “The iPhone lacks copy/paste functionality — a big deficit for even moderate volume e-mail users from any size company.” “And the iPhone’s lack of voice dialing could be a sticking point for field force and sales force workers who travel between multiple job locations or client visits,” Doherty adds. There are, however, many third-party apps that remedy these known iPhone shortcomings. Ultimately, says Doherty, there will likely be room for both devices in the small and mid-sized business market.

About 1598 days ago Hardware

The Right Touch: Touch-Screen PCs

our beautiful site

Touch-screen technology can be found in all the latest smartphones — with products such as the Apple iPhone, BlackBerry Storm, HTC Touch Diamond, and Samsung Instinct, to name a few. But whether or not this trend will extend to business computers is subject to opinion, and application. Certain types of small businesses, for example, might thrive with the help of touch-screen computers. In the food or retail industry, access to a touch-screen to quickly place food orders or view merchandise information provides an intuitive interface for customers and employees alike. HP has just launched its Touch Smart tx2, a convertible tablet/laptop hybrid with a multi-touch screen technology not unlike the iPhone. Users can pinch, swipe, or draw with a finger or two to write on the display, browse the Web, and control media. A feel-good interface On how to decide if touch-screen PCs are right for you and your business, here’s what the experts advise. “Touchscreen PCs are like dirty martinis: they’re right for some, not right for others,” begins Steve Hilton, vice president of enterprise and small and mid-sized business research at the Boston-based Yankee Group. For a small or mid-sized business accounting manager, for example, “a touch-screen PC is probably not so helpful because you spend most of your time on Microsoft Excel or some kind of accounting application,” says Hilton. “But if you’re a graphic designer, Web developer, or other creative type, a touch-screen PC can be a cool idea.” Hilton says Yankee Group has a test panel, a group of executives from small and mid-sized businesses, which tests new technologies for the market research firm. “One group is an online game developer and the designers at that studio simply love the idea of touch-screen computers,” explains Hilton. “So this technology fits a relevant niche in the market.” “Businesses have shown interest in having touch technology — this is untapped to date,” says Anneliese Olson, director of worldwide product marketing for business desktops at HP. “There is a need for easy-to-use, customized touch applications in vertical markets… especially designed for use in kiosks, customer-facing compute spaces, education and training, conference rooms, front desk and lobby areas, and even general office use.” A touchy subject But not everyone is sold on touch-screen PCs. “Even though we’re seeing touch devices coming to market and Microsoft supporting touch in the future versions of Windows, at the end of the day a lot of this functionality is more gratuitous than anything else,” believes Michael Gartenberg, vice president of mobile strategy for the Jupitermedia research group in New York City. PC operating systems weren’t designed with touch in mind. “Unless you’re CNN that needs touch-screen devices to show information during an election, you’re better off saving the money you’d spend on a touch-screen and buy better smartphones or a better class of machine with more memory or better components,” adds Gartenberg. “There just isn’t a lot of functionality in touch for most users,” he says. “The value of these screens is more in mobile devices than personal computers.”

About 1598 days ago PCs, Laptops, and Notebooks

The Right Touch: Touch-Screen PCs

our beautiful site

Touch-screen technology can be found in all the latest smartphones — with products such as the Apple iPhone, BlackBerry Storm, HTC Touch Diamond, and Samsung Instinct, to name a few. But whether or not this trend will extend to business computers is subject to opinion, and application. Certain types of small businesses, for example, might thrive with the help of touch-screen computers. In the food or retail industry, access to a touch-screen to quickly place food orders or view merchandise information provides an intuitive interface for customers and employees alike. HP has just launched its Touch Smart tx2, a convertible tablet/laptop hybrid with a multi-touch screen technology not unlike the iPhone. Users can pinch, swipe, or draw with a finger or two to write on the display, browse the Web, and control media. A feel-good interface On how to decide if touch-screen PCs are right for you and your business, here’s what the experts advise. “Touchscreen PCs are like dirty martinis: they’re right for some, not right for others,” begins Steve Hilton, vice president of enterprise and small and mid-sized business research at the Boston-based Yankee Group. For a small or mid-sized business accounting manager, for example, “a touch-screen PC is probably not so helpful because you spend most of your time on Microsoft Excel or some kind of accounting application,” says Hilton. “But if you’re a graphic designer, Web developer, or other creative type, a touch-screen PC can be a cool idea.” Hilton says Yankee Group has a test panel, a group of executives from small and mid-sized businesses, which tests new technologies for the market research firm. “One group is an online game developer and the designers at that studio simply love the idea of touch-screen computers,” explains Hilton. “So this technology fits a relevant niche in the market.” “Businesses have shown interest in having touch technology — this is untapped to date,” says Anneliese Olson, director of worldwide product marketing for business desktops at HP. “There is a need for easy-to-use, customized touch applications in vertical markets… especially designed for use in kiosks, customer-facing compute spaces, education and training, conference rooms, front desk and lobby areas, and even general office use.” A touchy subject But not everyone is sold on touch-screen PCs. “Even though we’re seeing touch devices coming to market and Microsoft supporting touch in the future versions of Windows, at the end of the day a lot of this functionality is more gratuitous than anything else,” believes Michael Gartenberg, vice president of mobile strategy for the Jupitermedia research group in New York City. PC operating systems weren’t designed with touch in mind. “Unless you’re CNN that needs touch-screen devices to show information during an election, you’re better off saving the money you’d spend on a touch-screen and buy better smartphones or a better class of machine with more memory or better components,” adds Gartenberg. “There just isn’t a lot of functionality in touch for most users,” he says. “The value of these screens is more in mobile devices than personal computers.”

About 1629 days ago Computer Security

Help for Recovering Stolen Laptops

our beautiful site

If you’re one of the millions of Americans who travel with a laptop for business, it’s critical to make sure you’re doing enough to properly protect your computer companion. According to security vendor Symantec, a laptop computer is stolen every 53 seconds in the U.S. — 97 percent of which are never recovered. Perhaps it’s no surprise, then, a variety of software and services available today are designed to help recover a lost or stolen notebook computer. Some of the more popular solutions include LoJack for Laptops and GadgetTrak Laptop Security. Experts speak out But losing the computer itself may be the least of your worries if you consider the valuable data that resides on it: sensitive company information, financial records, passwords, and other private documents. In fact, Symantec and the Ponemon Institute predict the value of an average data breach exceeds $10 million, usually caused by theft or loss of a laptop or storage device. “It’s not about how much your laptop costs but rather, how much is your data worth to you,” says Michael Gartenberg, vice president of mobile strategy for Jupitermedia in New York City. “A device can be left behind, so you must make sure you’re safeguarding your information and have a back-ups of important files.” Products like LoJack for Laptops, which is a tracking device installed on a laptop that helps pinpoint location when the laptop connects to the Internet, are a “great way” to physically recover the laptop, adds Gartenberg. But, he adds, passwords and encryption must also be employed to ensure sensitive company information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. “At the end of the day these services are a good idea, they can be useful indeed, but it’s all about how secure your data is,” says Gartenberg. “In the end, protecting your data and having back-ups is what you need to care about — not recovering the laptop itself.” Steve Hilton, vice president for small and mid-sized businesses and enterprise research at the Boston, Mass.-based Yankee Group, agrees with Gartenberg on prioritizing your concerns: “If you have a top-of-the-line laptop a tracking application might be worthwhile, but more likely than not it’s the data you care about,” says Hilton. “So make sure you do regular back-ups of data on a NAS [networked-attached storage] box or through an online back-up service; if you’re concerned about PC theft call your insurance agent and see if your business contents’ policy covers you.” Track it Companies like Computrace, which makes LoJack, and WestinTech, which manufactures GadgetTrak, specialize in helping the authorities track down your laptop if stolen, while a few PC manufacturers also offer this as an additional service. Available for Windows and Macs, tracking services are usually subscription-based — so you’ll have to assess if you can justify the annual costs — and they typically use GPS signals or silent alarms when the stolen laptop connected to the Net. Computrace’s software, for example, is embedded in the firmware of computers, capable of surviving operating system reinstallations as well as hard-drive reformats and replacements. A premium edition of LoJack for Laptops includes a powerful “data delete” service that can remotely erase sensitive files, such as banking records and Internet cookies (as well as a service guarantee of up to $1,000 if the computer is not recovered or a data delete service cannot be performed). LoJack for Laptops costs $39.99 for one year or $89.99 for three years. The premium edition costs $59.99 a year or $109.99 for three years. On a related note, GadgetTrak sniffs out the whereabouts of the laptop once it detects changes in location and network environments, and sends that info directly to you including IP address, internal network address, host names, and more. A one-year license costs $29.95, while a three-year license is $59.95.

About 1751 days ago Mobility Tips and Tricks

Battle of the Mobile Operating Systems

our beautiful site

Decision-makers at small and mid-sized businesses don’t have it easy these days, especially when it comes to deciding what kind of smartphone to deploy among its mobile employees. This is because there are many operating systems to choose from today, such as BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, iPhone, Nokia’s N Series and Palm OS. There are also various handset manufacturers to consider — among them Motorola, Samsung, HTC, Apple, and BlackBerry’s maker, Research in Motion. And of course, then there are the form factors to consider. Do you go for flip, sliders, or candy bar-shaped phones, each with or without QWERTY keyboards and/or touch-screens? Before making all these decisions, it’s best to address which mobile smartphone operating system is best for your business. In the end, that will likely help narrow down your choices for handset maker and form factor, too. And what of Microsoft’s chances in succeeding in this highly competitive and overpopulated space? Read on. It’s all in the apps The first thing you need to do is to research the strengths and applications for each of the smartphone operating systems, says Michael Gartenberg, vice president and research director at New York City-based Jupiter Research. “Perhaps you need the phone to work with Microsoft Exchange, or maybe you need to create or edit e-mail attachments, such as [Microsoft] Office documents,” explains Gartenberg. “Knowing what you’re going to use the smartphone for, and if it works with your company software and services, will help determine which one you’ll invest in.” Speaking of attachments, Windows Mobile-powered devices have an edge over the competition when it comes to file support and smooth PC synchronization, believes Ken Delaney, vice president of mobile computing at the Gartner research and consulting group in Stamford, Conn. “While Research in Motion has done a great job, Microsoft has tremendous back-end services, Windows file support and a host of applications, making it a natural choice for businesses to gravitate to Windows Mobile,” says Delaney. Windows Mobile is also supported by many manufacturers, which gives the consumer more choice in smartphones, adds Delaney: “More vendors mean more hardware options, including ruggedized PDAs for field applications which you won’t find with other OS’s.” BlackBerry and Nokia are also major players in the business space, agrees Delaney, but the iPhone has “a ways to go.” “The iPhone isn’t anywhere yet — it’s the new kid on the block — and while intriguing, it hasn’t made its full statement yet,” says Delaney. E-mail receiving, sending Led by BlackBerry, most of the major smartphone operating systems support the popular “push mail” application, meaning messages arrive on the phone as soon as they’re received in the user’s PC inbox (if not sooner). But a user must also be concerned about writing e-mails when out of the office, therefore Gartenberg says to consider the type of keyboard, as well. “Some swear by a tactile keyboard like a BlackBerry, while others like a soft keyboard a la the iPhone,” Gartenberg says. “The key is to try out the phone first to see if it’s comfortable for you.” While all BlackBerrys offer a button-based keyboard, some models offer a QWERTY layout (including the Curve and Bold), while thinner models (like many Pearl handsets) house a SureType keyboard with two letters per button. Security, too Nathan Dyer, senior analyst for enterprise mobility at Yankee Group, a Boston, Mass.-based research firm, says Windows Mobile is “gaining ground” on BlackBerry, the No. 1 smartphone maker in the U.S., because of more vendor relationships (RIM, Apple, and Nokia make their own handsets), strong brand recognition and familiarity, and more aggressive security measures than it did in the past. “Security had always been lagging in Windows Mobile,” says Dyer. “ActiveSync met most of the minimum requirements for  businesses including ‘wiping’ and encryption — especially for [small and mid-sized businesses] that didn’t want expensive middleware — but they’ve only recently stepped up to the plate with new and stronger tools,” explains Dyer. For example, ActiveSyc only met about a dozen security policies, explains Dyer, but now its service System Center Mobile Device Manager (SCMDM) meets more than 125 security policies.