As Competitors Pop up, iPad Keeps Price Advantage

The new iPad model hitting stores Friday comes with several improvements over the original version but the same price tag, hobbling efforts by rivals at breaking Apple Inc.'s hold on the emerging market for tablet computers.

Competitors such as Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc. can't seem to match the iPad's starting price of $499. Tablets that are comparable to the iPad in features cost hundreds of dollars more, while cheaper tablets are inferior to the iPad in quality.

Usually, the early products in consumer electronics, such as the first Blu-ray players or digital cameras, are expensive. Competition then gradually brings prices down. With the iPad, the reverse is happening, spelling trouble for competitors.

It's rare for prices to start low and stay low, yet it looks as if that's exactly what Apple intended. Apple appears to have chosen, right from the start, to make less of a profit from its iPads than it does from iPods and iPhones. That's an odd move for a company that isn't known for cheap products.

Apple's profit margin on the $499 entry-level iPad model is about 25 percent, according to an estimate by Toni Sacconaghi at Bernstein Research.

By contrast, the company's profit margin for all products, before corporate overhead, was 38.5 percent in the most recent quarter. He and other analysts estimate the margin for the iPhone 4 is 50 percent to 60 percent. (Apple charges about $600 for it, though it's cheaper in stores because wireless carriers subsidize it.)

Apple is telling investors to expect overall margins to keep declining, meaning competitors can't expect much of a reprieve.

There are cheaper tablet computers available, but they don't perform as well — with poor screens, poor touch sensitivity and poor software, and overall slowness. Archos sells a tablet that's roughly iPad-sized for $370. Reviewers at CNET and Laptop Magazine say its screen washes out unless you're right in front of it, and it has problems sensing touch.

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The 21 Greatest PC Mysteries--Solved!

Find out why your documents won’t print, where your downloads disappear to, what a .dat file is, how those infernal toolbars invaded your browser, and much more.

By Rick Broida, PCWorld

Modern PCs are certainly marvels of technology--and yet for all their advances, computers still do crazy, inexplicable things. With the average machine, there's enough mystery to keep Sherlock Holmes or Miss Marple hopping for a month--and enough frustration to make the average user want to commit murder most foul.

Computing mysteries tend to be less "Who dunnit?" and more "Why won't it?" For example, you may have puzzled over why Windows obstinately re­­fused to let you delete a stalled print job, or wondered why you couldn't find the file you just downloaded. But worry not: We've rounded up these and other mindbogglers of the PC universe--and solved them for you.

(For explanations and helpful tips, click the links.)

Where did my downloaded files go? Why can't I find them?

Your browser chooses where downloads go, but you can control the process.

Why doesn't my iPad charge when I connect it to my computer?

Your PC's USB port doesn't supply enough juice--but you can still charge your iPad, gradually.

Why does a video play on my desktop but not my laptop?

If a computer doesn't have the specific decoder for a video format, you can't watch the video. Get the right one.

Source: PC World......Read more

 

Tablet Computers: Top 5 Must Have Accessories For The Galaxy Tab By Janice Devereau

There are so many people searching for the best Galaxy Tab accessories for their device and this will be the most helpful article related to how to outfit your device with the best accessories for it. We will go through the top recommended accessories in great detail outlining the best choices necessary to customize your new purchase.
If you're reading this article that means you have purchased the Galaxy Tab and you are now interested in how to choose the best accessories to increase the benefits of owning your device which includes to protect it from damage and just every day wear and tear. Most people know that when looking for accessories the most important thing is protection and the next benefit you look for is how to maximize the features of your newly purchased device. This is a really amazing device that also has some really neat accessories. Here are the top five:
Screen Protector
Invest in a screen protector to decrease the likelihood your new Galaxy Tab screen will get scratched when being stored in your purse, briefcase or book bag. It would also be a plus if the screen protector offered anti-glare reduction which decreases glare caused by reflective light. There are products by Alpha Gadgets that is designed to last for the life of your tablet. The other choices once applied are described as an invisible film that will attach to the screen allowing full access to the controls. This accessory protects your device from scratches, dust, scrapes and the normal wear and tear of ownership.
Galaxy Tab Skin Cases
As another form of protection, Samsung has a skin case that is made out of lightweight 100% premium silicone. The durable silicone absorbs any shock your device may receive from accidental drops or bumps. In addition to protecting the device from accidental dropping, it also acts as a sure way for you to keep a grip on your device and minimizes sliding on flat surfaces. Make sure the skin case you choose will allow you full access to your device without having to remove it from the case. That would be a bummer.
Case with Built-in Stand or Portable Fold-up Stand
The Galaxy Tab is being heralded as a great choice, but there are some owners who complain about the heaviness of the device. It is difficult to hold the Tab for a length of time if you're reading or watching videos. You have two choices to either purchase a case that doubles as a stand, where the stand is made into the case. Or you can purchase an Akron standalone portable fold-up stand. It is lightweight, foldable and adjustable. It not only accommodates this device, but also the Apple iPad. It also has a non-stick coating which ensures no slippage on smooth surfaces while holding your device and it can be positioned in either the portrait or landscape mode.
HDMI Multimedia Desk Dock
This should not be confused with the USB Sync and Charge Cradle. It is used to synchronize and recharge your Samsung Galaxy Tab and comes with a USB connection cable. The USB Docking Cradle holds your device at a comfortable reading angle, provides convenient access, charges and synchronizes data simultaneously when connected to a PC. The multi-media desk dock on the other hand is being touted as a multimedia powerhouse and it also doubles as a charger.
The HDMI multi-media dock allows you to charge and sync your device while watching and playing music at the same time. In other words, you can multi-task while using the dock station to charge and sync the Galaxy Tab. The dock has a 3.5 mm audio out jack for the connection of external speakers or a home stereo connection. Additionally, you can connect a HDMI cable for streaming HD videos on your TV. Also, when the device is in the docking station in portrait view there is full access to the user controls.
Although, this is a good accessory, there are several downsides to owning it. There are no connecting cables that come with the docking station. You will have to purchase a USB cable for syncing and charging. Additionally, these cables are only 3.5 feet long. If you are going to use the dock on a desk or nightstand and plug into a surge protector on the floor, it may be a good idea to also purchase a USB cord extension that will work with the USB cord. If not, you run the chance of the dock not being able to charge your device which of course will cause your battery to die.
You will also need to purchase a mini-HDMI cable, version v1.3 Type C to A so you will be able to watch movies on your TV, although it may not play all your content back. Another inconvenience is that if you have a silicone case on the Tab, it will not fit into the dock. You will have to remove it each time you use the dock.
USB Cable And/Or Travel Charger
It is always a good idea in my opinion to have an extra USB cable for your Galaxy Tab especially since it is a proprietary cable. If it is lost or damaged you will always have a back up. The cable of course is a USB connector on one end and a Samsung connector on the other. It is perfect for connecting your device to the charger, travel adapter, desk dock, keyboard, or PC for charging and synchronizing your device.
The travel charger is just nice to have because it is portable and can be plugged into a wall outlet and you're ready to go. The Samsung Travel Charger is convenient enough to be used as a secondary charger at home or in the office. If you purchase this item, the charging adapter and USB cable are included.
There are other accessories you can purchase, but to add them you would have to consider how you want to use your device. The other accessories include a keyboard dock if you want to do some typing on something other than your Galaxy Tab. This is better because they keys on the Tab may not be large enough to support typing with two hands. Additionally, you can also choose an assortment of cases and skins, carrying pouches, AV connection cords, GPS dock, in-car charger and TV out cable.

Any accessory you choose to customize your Galaxy Tab will add more benefits and enjoyment when using it. Some of the accessories you may purchase do not have all the connecting cords included which means another additonal expense. So check out the competition and read any reviews of products which assist you in being informed when you decide what to purchase for your new device. For more information, on the Galaxy Tab, visit my website at http://www.touchtabletpc.org/galaxytab.

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