Hands-on Review of the HP TouchPad

The HP TouchPad came and left without a warning. But for those lucky few who got their hands on one, congratulations! For $99, this device is worth every penny.

Read my complete review of the HP TouchPad on GeekBeat.TV

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Tablet Stand Review: SpiderPodiumTablet

The SpiderPodium Tablet is probably one of the most unique portable iPad/tablet stand you’ll find. It’s light and flexible, yet study enough to put your beloved device on it.

When you first take out the SpiderPodium Tablet, it may look strange because it resembles a giant spider. There are eight legs that are all flexible. Each leg has three joints that can be bent in any way you need it. The exterior is made of a soft rubber, preventing any scratches on your tablet.

The product’s box will have two photos on it displaying the two main positions the stand can be in. Follow the photos on the box to setup the SpiderPodium stand in either portrait or landscape mode. Once you get it in place, carefully place your iPad/tablet in and bend the end joints to hold it in place. When it’s sturdy, bend and move the legs to the angle you desire.

What’s wonderful about the extra legs on this stand is that it could be wrapped anywhere. Wrap the stand around a car seat or a dashboard. Or even around a pole or stand so you can read your music sheets. There’s many multiple uses for it.

Overall, the SpiderPodium Tablet is a flexible tablet stand that you can set in any angle, any position, and light and portable enough to take anywhere. Just collapse all the legs to put in your bag, and you’re ready to go.

SpiderPodium Tablet is available in two colors — graphite and black. It fits most tablets on the market. And is not recommended for children under the age of 3.

Rating: 3..5/5 · $34.99 · Breffo.com

Disclosure: This product was sent by Breffo for review purposes. This is part of Beatweek Magazine’s coverage of iPad products. Opinions expressed in this article are my own.

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Review: The Stump Stand

Small, yet tough, this tablet accessory stands in a class of its own. The Stump Stand is a unique tablet stand that’s made of a soft rubber-like material. It’s small and quite versatile. It has a simple design that resembles a tree stump, hence the name. What makes this special is how it can hold your device in three different positions — ramp, upright, and lean.

To put your iPad in Ramp Position, simply just lay your device on top of the Stump. Your iPad covers most of the Stump that your device will appear to be floating on top of the table at just the perfect angle. Lay it down in portrait mode and you can play a friendly game of “Words with Friends.” Put it horizontally, and you have the perfect position for email or web surfing. You can adjust the angle by resting the bottom of the iPad closer or farther from the Stump.

To use your iPad in Upright Position, slide your device into BOTTOM step of the Stump. This will hold the iPad in an upright position. It’s about an 80^o angle, perfect for watching a video or reading a book.

Lastly, to use your iPad in the Lean Position, use the TOP step of the Stump for your device. This holds the iPad in a slightly leaning position (~50^o angle), perfect for gaming, reading, or surfing. It’s recommended that the iPad be horizontal in this position. Having it in portrait mode is not as sturdy especially if firm there is firm tapping of the screen.

The Stump is also available in a customizable version where you can have your logo on the back. This is perfect for business gifts or conference giveaways! Prices for these start at $20 each when you purchase 100 or more.

Overall, the Stump’s unique shape makes it stand out from the crowd. It’s lightweight, portable, and quite versatile. You can use everywhere you take your iPad. The Stump is best used with a caseless iPad. If you prefer to use a thin case, the Ramp position work best. And although I tested this out mostly on the iPad, it’s also compatible with other tablets and eReaders on the market. It also makes a nice little stand for your iPhone or iPod touch. You’ll find many uses for it. This stand is worth a try if you enjoy a minimalists’ approach to design and functionality.

The Stump comes in a variety of colors. Contact them if you don’t see your preferred color.

$29.95 · StumpStore.com

Disclosure: This product was given by StumpStore for review purposes. This is part of Beatweek Magazine’s coverage of iPad products. Opinions expressed in this article are my own.

Popularity: 3% [?]

CES 2010: Lenovo Tablet

I’m really excited about CES 2010 now, especially after seeing Revision3 Tekzilla’s review and first look at Lenovo’s Tablet/PC Hybrid! It’s an amazing way to bring a tablet and a PC together! Check out the video to see why I’m excited! :D

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Wacom “Bamboo Fun” Tablets

It looks like Wacom has new tablets called Bamboo and Bamboo Fun. It’s kind of cute! These tablets are made to help everyday people convey their ideas more clearly.

I’m currently using an Intuos 2 (6×8) at work, and I love it. But I wish I had one at home too. 6×8 is a good size for one monitor… 6×11 may be better for dual screens. :)

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