On this trip, I took along the Viliv S5 MID and played some music along the way for us to listen to while we rode. Except for almost breaking the S5 (watch the video), I found this to be safer than wearing headphones, which can block sounds that a rider really needs to listen out for.

After the trip was over, I still had about 3 hours of battery life. The S5 really excels at battery life.

Watch the below video for some MID action on the trail. For more on the trip and what happened to the S5, head over to MIDStories.com.

Their decals are a bit too artsy for my taste, but it motivated me to finally get around to putting Autobot symbol decals on my current Tablet PC and iPhone, as I had done on my old tablet. On my old one, I extended the decals over to the screen in the desktop wallpaper, a trick I can’t pull off on my current tablet. The decals are high-quality, die cut vinyl designed to withstand weathering. Got them from an eBay retailer called Easy Street Discount. I also put one on the back of my iPhone case and complimented it with a symbol on the wallpaper. Anyone got decal secrets to share?

Everybody followed Apple into the App Store pond and now there are App Stores and MarketPlaces everywhere. That trend will just continue and while the followers will add benefit for consumers, they won’t be able to duplicate Apple’s success.

Sure there are a lot of less than mediocre apps abounding in the App Store, but there are gems as well. Apple has also had huge and very public problems deciding how to include and exclude apps for a variety of issues. The handling of this has seemed more than haphazard and doesn’t seem to be getting any better as the App Store enters year two.

It has also changed how folks think about price for apps. I find it somewhat amazing that when an app is released with a price of $9.99 that a hue and cry goes up about it being too expensive. But that probably will change and settle down as things go forward and we see better quality apps in the store in the future.

The one thing the App Store has proven beyond being a successful market for consumers to purchase apps on a whim and over the air, is how antiquated the process of having to sync to our computers is. When you can now purchase applications, songs, download podcasts and pull other content over the air, the desire is to completely decouple the device from any computer whatsoever. Apple hasn’t gotten there yet and that will probably not happen for some time.

One thing for sure, Apple has a mighty big one year old infant on its hands.

I guess the idea is to remind you that you are killing trees when you print.

The IdeaPad S12 that Lenovo sent over has an Intel N270 1.6GHz processor, 1GB of RAM and a 160GB hard drive. The MSRP on this model is $449. An S12 with NVIDIA ION graphics will be available soon for $499. As you might guess, the IdeaPad S12 I received performs just like just about every other netbook with an N270 processor and Intel graphics. The S12 with NVIDIA ION will really be something to talk about and I can’t wait to try one.

The IdeaPad S12 comes with a six-cell battery that’s rated to last up to six hours in optimal settings. I unplugged it two hours ago and the battery has 57% (2:20)left in the tank. I’ve been organizing some photos in Flickr, writing some blog posts and playing around with the S12’s webcam.

As you can see in the photos, the IdeaPad S12 is substantially bigger thant the S10-2 and other 10″ netbooks. Of course this means it’s not quite as portable, but for me this is a welcome tradeoff. The keyboard is substantially easier to type on and the touchpad is larger.

Like the S10-2, the S12’s battery sticks out from the rear and tilts the base of the computer. While this makes for a more comfortable typing experience, it doesn’t look very elegant. A three-cell battery with a three-hour battery llife probably wouldn’t satisfy the mobile set, but I think it would be a nice option for users that don’t want the extended battery hanging out of the chasis.

The S12’s lid is glossy and sparkles a little in the light. There is a subtle pattern of circles that I’m kinda indifferent to. The interior of the S12 has a matte finish, which means it’s not a fingerprint magnet like HP’s 12-inch dv2.
 

An IdeaPad S12 is on the way to Rob Bushway and we plan on comparing notes.

I’ve been using my Viliv S5 quite a bit over the past month and keep it stashed in my camera bag. The touchscreen makes it incredibly easy to edit photos with Google Picasa 3. I use my Eye-Fi card to wirelessly import my photos into Picasa 3 and upload to Flickr. After editing photos I can easily share them with friends and family.

I really like the ability to perform instant edits when I’m at events or just out shooting for fun. If you want a Viliv S5 or another MID of your choice, head over to MIDStories.com and enter our giveaway.

“Customers can increase the range of their Wi‐Fi signal, connect up to 64 Wi‐Fi devices, and add features like automatic failover and unlimited LAN connections by tethering the MiFi to a CradlePoint router,”
said Jack Alton, VP Sales North America for CradlePoint. “It really is a terrific option for users that need more range and speed than the MiFi can manage, like when you need to cover an entire home or office with a Wi‐Fi signal.”

I use my MiFi to work remotely on my PCs, upload photos with my Eye-Fi card and to get online with my iPhone since 3G is prety much MIA in my neighborhood. Since I got the MiFi card, my Cradlepoint router’s pretty much sat in the closet.

Cradlepoint isn’t trying to suggest that anyone carry around both a MiFi and a Cradlepoint router, but to instead use the Cradlepoint/MiFi combo when at home or in the office as a backup solution. This reminds me of one of my good friends who uses a USB modem with his Cradlepoint router at home instead of signing up for Cable or DSL.

Perhaps you remember my previous review of Eltima SyncMate, the software solution for syncing your Mac and Windows Mobile device.  Our friends from Eltima Software are preparing to release a new version, but before they do, they’d like to offer GottaBeMobile readers an opportunity to win a few licenses for version 1.4!  Click the read more link for your opportunity to win!

Eltima SyncMate 1.4 is a handy synchronization tool for your Mac and Windows Mobile device that is offered in two editions.  SyncMate 1.4 Free Edition allows syncing of contacts and iCal data, the ability to view SMS and analyze device information on Mac.  For users who need additional synchronization features, Eltima Software offers SyncMate 1.4 Expert Edition.  With Expert Edition users can easily synchronize iTunes and iPhoto, share Internet between a Mac and Windows Mobile device, sync time, separate folders, mail, Notes, ToDo’s and install any .CAB files on your device from Mac! The expert edition also allows greater control when it comes to managing SMS from your Mac.  Syncing can take place via Wi-Fi or USB.

A detailed comparison chart of SyncMate 1.4 Free and Expert Editions can be found here.  More information about Eltima-SyncMate can be found at sync-mac.com.

Contest Details:

To enter the contest and win your very own license, leave a comment stating what new features you’d like the Eltima Software team to include in future releases.  You don’t have to write a book but try and generate at least three features you’d like to see improved or added.  Make sure to leave your email address so that we can contact you in the event that you are selected as a winner.  Five winners will be selected from the comments.

Comments may be submitted any time until Monday, July 13, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. PST.  Comments will be selected at random but attention will be paid to those with interesting, useful suggestions.  Winners that receive a full license for version 1.4 will have the option to purchase the new version at 50% discount.  Announcement of winners will be posted Tuesday, July 14th, 2009 and emails will be sent with licenses.  Good luck!

Check out these screenshots to see SyncMate in action:

Via Liliputing → Portable Monkey → ASUS

The J3400 and the ST6012 couldn’t be more different in their configurations, port settings, pens, and more. However, between these two machines, a person should be able to find what they are looking for. Both are excellent slate Tablet PCs and neither will disappoint.

MobileDemand is the InkShow sponsor and offers rugged Tablet PC systems for vertical industries.

• Watch InkShow below
• Watch Fujitsu ST6012 InkShow
• Watch Motion Computing J3400 InkShow Part 1 and Part 2

MobileDemand is the InkShow sponsor and offers rugged Tablet PC systems for vertical industries.

I have found the ST6012 to be a wonderful tablet pc, a joy to hold and ink notes on, and am very impressed by the plethora of configurable buttons. With either a 6-cell or 9-cell battery available, working away from the office shouldn’t be a problem. The 1.4 ghz Core 2 Duo slate is a bit on the sluggish side, with 86 processes being loaded up at boot time. In addition, I found the indoor / outdoor screen a bit on the grainy side, although easily viewable when outdoors or under fluorescent lights. Fujitsu does need to update their install image, as the very old Evernote Plus 2 is still installed as part of the included software. For more, check out the InkShow video below. Fujitsu’s ST6012 Tablet PC starts at $1999 and is available for Fujitsu.com, as well as authorized resellers.

MobileDemand is the InkShow sponsor and offers rugged Tablet PC systems for vertical industries.

MobileDemand is the InkShow sponsor and offers rugged Tablet PC systems for vertical industries.

You didn’t think Asus was done with touch screens now that the Eee T91 is starting to move out the door did you? Just as it looks like retailers might be starting to sell the single touch version of Asus EEE PC T91 Tablet (some stock issues cropping up, and possibly over eager web p

age releases exist here) word starts coming out about details of a larger touch screen convertible from Asus due to hit later this year. The Eee PC T101H has a 10 inch screen and you can see some more specs after the jump.

Via Liliputing and Portable Monkey

And also AsusTablet who has been all over this stuff.

Picture via Laptop Spirit

• Display: 10.1 inch, 1024 x 600 pixel resistive multi-touch panel
• CPU: 1.33GHz Intel Atom Z520 w/GMA 500 graphics
• OS: Windows 7
• RAM: 1GB
• Storage: 16GB SSD + included 16GB SD card
• Connectivity: 802.11b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, 3G Module, Digital TV tuner
• Battery: Li-polymer, 5.4 hours
• Camera: 0.3MP
• Weight: 3.3 pounds
• Colors: Black, silver

My list isn’t too far away from Steve’s although I haven’t made the move to a Netbook. I still prefer a Tablet PC for my on the road computing/social networking skills. That is when I’m not using my iPhone and I haven’t made the jump to a MiFi card. Yet.

1. iPhone
2. HP 2730p Elitebook Tablet PC
3. Sierra Wireless Compass 597 USB (Sprint)
4. Seskimo Crabble

As for services like Posterous (which I haven’t experimented with yet), there are quite af few so, I guess I’m not as efficient of a lifestreamer as others.

So, what’s on your essential mobile social networking gadget list?

And also, are you into the Lifestreaming thing? If so, what tools are you using?

The male lead in this, J.T. Arbogast is a friend of mine and has acted with us here at Wayside Theatre before. His action hero in this cracks me up. Check out the video after the jump.

Let’s hope the product lives up to the trailer.

SPELL CHECK THIS!

Splashtop

DeviceVM Co-Founder and CEO Mark Lee:

“The announcement of the Google OS further validates Splashtop’s value proposition to consumers who are demanding instant-on, easy to use, secure computing. The market has been moving towards an instant-on model for several years now, and DeviceVM has already seen tremendous success in the space, with tens of millions of consumers already using Splashtop today, and 8 of the top 10 PC OEMs shipping Splashtop on devices this year. By the end of 2010,  Splashtop will be in the hands of more than 150M desktop, nettop, notebook, and netbook users. Google’s entry into the market should accelerate this trend, and help to make instant-on the de facto computing standard.”

HyperSpace

Woody Hobbs, President and CEO of Phoenix:
“It is great that Google has validated our vision and is bringing an alternative (to Microsoft) operating system to netbooks and nettops. Phoenix floated this vision of instant on computing to the market 10 years ago with our Linux-based OS solution (Phoenix Always). This solution enabled PC OEMs to have an instant-on pre-Windows boot environment. We have commercialized our technology, making it more fun, exciting and productive for users as well as more relevant for PC OEM and telecomm carrier deployment models. We support all platforms and standards in this space.

There are three steps to making instant-on a commercial and usable solution:

Step 1: Create a platform technology that is always connected, enables all day computing, and is instant on/offs, and can run optionally side-by-side with Windows

Step 2: Align with a standardized version of Linux kernel such as Moblin for Intel Atom processors and, in the future, Chrome OS optimized for ARM and x86

Step 3: Integrate for OEMs and provide service for consumer (platform validation and testing)

Phoenix is the only company that is able *today* to do all these necessary steps. For example, dual resume technology from Phoenix enables consumers to use two operating environments, be it Win 7 and HyperSpace (customized OEM or carrier space) or Chrome OS and HyperSpace on an Atom-based netbook that does not have hardware virtualization support.”

UPDATE: Looks BuyDig is changing from In Stock to Out of Stock, and Amazon now has it listed in stock. Thanks readers for following up!

Quite a telling group of partners. HP and Acer are the top PC makers, and ASUS is the netbook leader, so the hardware support is secured. That they’ve signed up three ARM chip-makers (and no x86, at least not yet) is interesting. And Adobe practically ensures Flash support. Color me intrigued.

LOSER - Microsoft: Okay, that one’s a gimme, but it is critical to note that Microsoft has never faced a major competitor in the consumer OS market. No offense to the Linux supporters, but the Linux vendors have not been a major threat to Microsoft and even the opening with Microsoft’s netbook fumble has garnered minimal market penetration. And Apple limits their operating systems to their own products, so they’re not a direct competitor. No, Microsoft has been sitting comfortably on a near-monopoly for more than a decade. Now they face a powerful opponent entering the market in an area where Microsoft has shown great weakness, i.e., handhelds, netbooks and other low-powered computers. Chrome OS won’t take down Windows, but it could break its iron grip.

LOSER - Linux vendors and proponents: If Chrome OS was a Linux build, then you’d have yourselves a powerful champion. But it’s not, so you don’t. It’s built on the Linux kernel, but so is Android, which is not a flavor of Linux. Also, it’s likely to lure many netbook and MID vendors away from custom Linux builds completely. But at least Chrome OS will be open source.

LOSER - CrunchPad: CrunchPad is a tablet computer that boots straight to web browsing. Chrome OS will allow any computer to boot straight to web browsing. No reason the two can’t co-exist, but it obviously detracts from the CrunchPad’s novelty. Also, someone sank money into making a custom OS that Google is aiming to render obsolete. That’s gotta hurt.

WINNER - Cloud computing: Chrome OS is designed specifically for cloud computing. Google will likely be the main beneficiary of this, but other web application services, such as Evernote and Zoho, will also benefit as it becomes easier to use web-based apps.

WINNER (somewhat) - Apple: Again, Apple does not compete directly in the consumer OS market. They also do not offer a netbook and are open to letting other operating systems run on Macs, so Chrome OS and Mac OS X can easily co-exist. Seems like they’d be fairly unaffected by the news, except that the Chrome web browser is based on the WebKit engine. Though not stated, it’s pretty safe to assume Chrome OS will also use WebKit. This gives a higher profile to the engine, which benefits Apple since it’s the one they helped develop and use. Anything good for WebKit is good for Apple.

WINNER - PC makers looking to get out from under Microsoft: The lackluster sales of Vista and Microsoft’s sub-par support for emerging form factors, such as netbooks and UMPCs, left a lot of PC makers stuck in the mud. Google Chrome OS won’t be a cure-all for them, but it is an option with a name consumers will recognize. Update: Google posted the list of PC makers hoping to get on the winner’s bus.

WINNER - Us! Chrome OS is expected to sip power and run quickly on limited hardware. Even though it’s web-centric, there’s no doubt that it will integrate Gears (formerly Google Gears), allowing data to be stored, accessed, and in many cases, manipulated locally, so you’ll still have your data even if you can’t connect. These are great benefits for mobile computer users, particularly for the fledgling MID market, but also for the many casual users who just want to get on the web. Chrome OS could reach a lot of users and could help make cheap Internet devices as commonplace as TVs.

Don’t think others will directly see much upside or detriment. Yahoo! can’t like the idea of another Google OS, but more web usage is good for them. There’s no direct effect on smartphones, though it may indirectly affect the market by leading to breakthroughs in Android. Still, my list is hardly exhaustive. If you have any picks, let us know.