Tablets...what's the big deal?

For those of you who are wondering what the big deal about tablets is let me give you the low down.  Ever since the Apple iPad, there has been a push to bring consumers a laptop-like experience packaged into a single environment where the screen meets the keyboard.  Although Apple was first to the punch, there was much to be desired from the iPad's phone-like interface, leaving users wondering if it could really replace their laptop entirely.  Google has since converted their phone OS, Android, into a tablet experience with it's initial deal, code-named Honeycomb, and it's newer replacement dubbed Ice Cream Sandwich, which will be a consolidated OS that can run on either a phone or tablet.  But Android suffers from the same conspicuous question that plagues the tablet genre: can it replace the laptop?  The answer may be dependent on exactly what you use your laptop for, but it is very clear that for the time being, apps are exactly what its name implies: little applications.  Although their features are getting better with constant development, it will be some time before things get quick enough, and compatible enough for a tablet operating system to outshine the big guns that Windows or Mac OS totes in the software department.  There are, however, tablets that already run full fledged Windows OS and Apple has rumored to be developing a future iPad with its entire Mac OS X running on it, so the future looks bright for consumers.  For now, we will just have to put up with the little brother of applications running on our over-sized phones, err, tablets for those who don't mind the lack of a tactile keyboard.

Mac or PC?

Don't let the order of the aforementioned title fool you, I'm in no way biased towards either side of the personal computing fence, but let's face it: things have changed over the years.  The days of Macs and PC's being polar opposites are long gone.  With essentially the same Intel counterparts under the hood, you would have a hard time telling the two companies apart if it weren't for the logo on the case.  The main difference is the operating system, and even that is questionably similar to one another.  Move around some features in the user interface, give or take a mouse button, and viola!  You've got a different computer system!  Or do you?  Perhaps the simplistic Apple commercials gears towards your minimalism?  Or does the feature-rich commercials of the software for Windows have you drooling in your nerdy head?  Don't sell out on the marketing!  Decide what's right for you by trying it out!  Although it's arguable that there are some distinctions between Mac and PC that stand out, the bottom line is they're each a computer system.  They will do the same things.  Find what fits your budget and tickles your fancy.  'Nuff said.

Check In to FourSquare

Need another addicting habit or want to replace your bad habit with something a little less detrimental to your health?  Foursquare gets added to the never-ending list of social applications that are taking up your phone memory and your time.  Facebook started it with the check in feature: essentially letting all your friends know where you're currently located, but Foursquare turns it into a game by putting you and your friends into a competition to see who can check into as many places as possible.  Sound boring?  Try it out and see how many times you'll be letting your pals know you've just taken over as mayor of their home...

# tip -- A bonus feature to the app is that many companies are listing their locations so you can check in and get discounts on goods and services.

Get Linked

If you haven't already joined LinkedIn, check it out.  It's like having your own business card online for other professionals to view so you can get...wait for it....linked in.  Host your profile, resume, and professional information online, network with friends and colleagues who will in turn give you access to people in industries you never thought you would know.

Xbox Live Security Tips

Make sure the live account which is tied to your XBOX account has a secure password.  Hackers will attempt to hijack your account, purchase Microsoft Points and screw you over by racking up huge bill for a bunch of stuff you didn't buy.  It's safer to attach a credit card to your payment methods rather than a PayPal account because PayPal is tied to your checking account.