 |
| photo courtesy of XBox.com |
Despite
early backtracking over always on settings, Microsoft has a diamond in the
rough with the Xbox One. Noted features as improved Kinect functionality, Blu-Ray (finally!) embedded
Skype functionality, cable programming integration and arguably the best online
gaming experience makes the XBox One a great buy; don't forget to download the
Day 1 patch or you will not get to enjoy your shiny new XBox One.
2. PlayStation 4 - $399.99
Sony
has worked hard to not only address the missed moments with the PS3, but to
also cast a differentiating shadow on MS’s XBox One. Gamepad touch controls,
remote play (You can transfer game play from the PS4 to the PS Vita and even
your mobile device), noted PlayStation Exclusives, access to Sony’s vast
digital media library, and Blu-Ray make the PS4 a great alternative to the XBox
One.
 |
| photo courtesy of nintendo.com |
It's hard to imagine Nintendo in the catch up role; especially within an industry they are viewed as a pioneer. Yet, unlike the Wii, the Wii U was not as widely or quickly adopted. Despite a 2 year head start, HD graphics, and a redefined gaming experience, the Wii U's sales have been lackluster at best. Given those caveats, Nintendo may David the two Goliaths for a few key reasons. 1. Backward compatibility. Scoff if you like, but games are expensive, so being able to play your previous library on your new console is a benefit. 2. Discontinuing the Wii. This should have been a no brainer to Nintendo, but for whatever reason they allowed the Wii to cannibalize their Wii U sales. This move should rectify that. 3. Price. The Wii U is $200 less than the XBox One and $100 less than the PS4; regardless of what people may think, this will be a big factor in buying decisions this holiday season. 4. Availability. There are 2 consoles launching this holiday season, there will invariably be inventory shortages; either by design or demand. This will be a big opportunity for Nintendo because if you can't get the other two due to a 3-6 wk wait, some people may pick up the Wii U instead.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tablets
Full Size - 9.5" and Up
 |
| photo courtesy of Apple.com |
Anyone who knows me, is aware of my chagrin towards Apple. My personal feelings aside, hype can only take you so far. Apple's tablet is not the top dog by sheer luck; and if people thought your product was terrible, they would not keep buying it...to some extent.
Apple's biggest advantage is its app ecosystem and their synchronous approach to software and hardware development. This allows Apple to closely control every aspect of their product. The iPad Air has a 64 bit processor chip, a high resolution screen, dual cameras, and access to one of the best app stores with apps optimized for its form factor. All of this make the iPad Air one the best media consumption devices on the market. The benefit and caveat is that everything is under one umbrella, outside of accessories, there's very little you can do to personalize your iPad; however, when Apple updates their software, every single iPad Air customer gets the update regardless of version of iPad; and most versions with the exception of very early iterations can support iOS 7.
 |
| photo courtesy of play.google.com |
2. Nexus 10 - $399-$499
Google's Nexus program is the best way to experience Android unfettered. A 10" HD screen, dual cameras, 2GB of RAM, and NFC are some of the features that make the Nexus 10 a great device. The best part of the Nexus' feature set however, has nothing to do with hardware. It's all about services; Google Services. Despite what you might feel about the search giant's reach, they're pretty good at offering up tools and services to meet your wants and needs. All of this is by virtue of Google Now. Compared to other companies; with Google Now, Google has managed to actually turn your mobile device into a personal assistant minus the half baked attempt of giving your mobile device a personality.
 |
| photo courtesy of samsung.com |
3. Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014 Edition) - $549-$599
Samsung has managed to become a juggernaut in the Android space. Many a blogger and technophile has opined negatively or positively about Samsung devices overall. Similar to Apple's dominance in the tablet space overall, Samsung wouldn't be top Android dog if the majority of them were subpar. They are proof that UX (user experience) plays just as important a role as hardware design. One of the biggest selling points for the Galaxy Note is its stylus. Samsung's partial ownership of Wacom gives them an advantage over any OEM who wishes to incorporate styli input along with natural handwriting recognition.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tablets
Full Size - 7" - 8.9"
 |
| photo courtesy of play.google.com |
1. Nexus 7 (2013 Edition) - $229-$349
The collaboration of Google and ASUS culminated in the Nexus 7. Perhaps the best small sized tablet on the market today. Android 4.4 (Kit Kat) the way Google intended-pure and simple along with Google Services, multiple profiles, parental controls, NFC, and dual cameras. All of those goodies plus the amazing price make the Nexus 7 both a great starter tablet and supplemental device for anyone in any age group.
 |
| photo courtesy of kindle.com |
2. Kindle Fire HDX 7" - $229-$424
The fruits of Google's labor are Amazon's bountiful harvest. Amazon's Fire OS is basically highly customize Android skin. Nevertheless, Amazon has followed in Apple's footsteps with respect to hardware and services. Everything is under the Amazon umbrella. Similar to Apple, there are no OEMs. This allows Amazon to let Google do the heavy lifting in OS development, while they do what they're best known for; focused customer services. The Kindle Fire HDX has a high resolution screen and has been optimized for media consumption via the Amazon universe. With the HDX line, Amazon debuted the 'Mayday' button, 24/7 live customer service with remote assistance. Currently, no one offers this on their mobile products, so Amazon is safe in that space...for now. If you don't need any apps for productivity or your tablet to emulate a PC, then the Kindle Fire HDX is for you.
Ultrabooks/Convertible Notebooks
 |
| photo courtesy of surface.com |
Full disclosure; I own a first generation 128GB Surface Pro. I purchased it after my Galaxy Tab 10.1's screen was shattered. I haven't looked back since. You can read my full review here.
Microsoft is on their second iteration of the Surface line. The improvements made on the second coming are great ones; it shows that Redmond cares about their customers' input and that they are vested in the Surface. Windows 8.1, Improved battery life, a faster processor, and a better variety of accessories were needed and thankfully MS met that need. What separates the Surface Pro from other ultrabooks and convertible PCs is its exemplary pen input interface. The way Microsoft integrated the stylus and its input throughout Office and other core apps is genius. Personally, I feel One Note showcases the power of taking natural handwritten notes. These handwritten notes are searchable, easily converted to text and can be synced with any Office file. Previously on my Android tablet and iPod, I used Springpad and Evernote, but One Note has supplanted them. Above in my list of full screen tablets, I mentioned that the Galaxy Note 10.1 is a great starter tablet or supplemental device for students; the Surface Pro is the best device to replace the laptop any student is considering to purchase. You also can't beat the 200GB of free SkyDrive for two years.
Note: Do yourself a favor and bypass the 64GB version. The Windows 8.1 OS is large and will take up approximately 46% of your storage space.
 |
| photo courtesy of dell.com |
2. Dell XPS 12 - $999-$1,399
Dell has been a very good OEM for Microsoft. They're usually the first to create products for anything new that Redmond releases from the pipeline. True to form, when Windows 8 hit the scene, Dell responded; one of their responses was the Dell XPS 12. The original XPS debuted prior Microsoft's Surface and it had a distinctive quirky feature; a 180° rotating display. By rotating the display and closing the laptop, it instantly converts from a clamshell ultrabook to a tablet. This form factor along with the small dimensions of the XPS are perfect for the portability needs of a general college student.
3. Lenovo Yoga 2 Pro- $1,099-$1,599
Lenovo's Yoga line is an interesting take on form factors. Unlike the aforementioned Microsoft Surface or Dell XPS, the Yoga's monitor folds back 180°. Due to a quality hinge the Yoga has various ways you can position the monitor; though there are 4 official positions. Windows 8.1, up to 512 GB SSD, up to 8GB of RAM and BT 4.0 make the Yoga 2 Pro a powerhouse.
Stay tuned for Part II
Dell has been a very good OEM for Microsoft. They're usually the first to create products for anything new that Redmond releases from the pipeline. True to form, when Windows 8 hit the scene, Dell responded; one of their responses was the Dell XPS 12. The original XPS debuted prior Microsoft's Surface and it had a distinctive quirky feature; a 180° rotating display. By rotating the display and closing the laptop, it instantly converts from a clamshell ultrabook to a tablet. This form factor along with the small dimensions of the XPS are perfect for the portability needs of a general college student.
 |
| photo courtesy of lenovo.com |
3. Lenovo Yoga 2 Pro- $1,099-$1,599
Lenovo's Yoga line is an interesting take on form factors. Unlike the aforementioned Microsoft Surface or Dell XPS, the Yoga's monitor folds back 180°. Due to a quality hinge the Yoga has various ways you can position the monitor; though there are 4 official positions. Windows 8.1, up to 512 GB SSD, up to 8GB of RAM and BT 4.0 make the Yoga 2 Pro a powerhouse.
Stay tuned for Part II
-Edmund