Off Topic / Feedback

[hap2]

Dear Sir,

I’m not very up to date technologically speaking & was wondering…Can you (or someone you know of) someone tell me what the following are, what are each one’s functions (characteristics? & what the difference is between each one?  Also, if there are different models of any of the items listed below, please also tell me the difference between each model.

Bluetooth,
 
blackberry,

Ipad,

tablet,

Asus,

Iphone,

Android,

Smart phone.

Thank you

[XL]

OK... I'll take a crack...

• Bluetooth... a wireless technology that unifies standards.  Commonly used for keyboards and mice.  Also used for headsets, phone and GPS.  I almost forgot.... also for speakers
• blackberry.... a product line of phones and a tablet from a Canadian company.  Famous for security and building phones with quality keyboards.  Their tablet is very portable at 7" (recently discounted to $299).
• Ipad.... an oversized iPhone... a popular 9" tablet
• tablet... a computer without a keyboard.... very hip a kewl in the last year.  Between 7 and 11 inches diagnoally.... sometimes called a slate
• Asus... a computer manufacturer that recently released a popular Android tablet.  Known as the Transformer.  The new version is called the "Prime".  Personally I like the "Slider".  Love their gaming laptops.
• Iphone.... an expensive smartphone.  A blackberry without a keyboard?
• Android....  a generic operating system that is available on smartphones or tablets.  Where the iPhone and Blackberry is tightly controlled by a single manufacturer.  Android can be licensed out to other manufacturers (eg ASUS, Samsung, Toshiba, Sony).  One other phone to keep your eyes open for are the Microsoft phones growing next year.
• Smart phone.... initially a phone that includes an electronic organizer.  However it's evolved over the years to powerful handheld computers.  This can be known as a Blackberry, Android or the iPhone.

I recommend visiting your neighborhood Future Shop to see if what you need is a smartphone or tablet.  As well as which product is more suitable to your needs.  One of the biggest questions is your budget and how portable you want to be.