Mark DuBois Weblog

I have been reviewing/ experimenting with my new BlackBerry Playbook tablet for the past few days. So far, I like the unit (and the interface). I wanted to share some of my experiences in this weblog entry as others may encounter similar situations. I also want to formally thank Del Simmons (Twitter – @MrSimmonsSr) for his insights and feedback on some of the more fundamental problems I encountered. Your notes were most appreciated.

Hardware - I have the 16 GB version and like the feel of the device as I use it. The keyboard is tactile and comfortable (although a bit small for my large hands). The camera takes nice photos and video (although I have not tried the video chat yet). I do like the front and rear facing cameras. The audio is clear and crisp. Performance is great (although it does seem to take a bit longer than I would like to boot from being powered off – especially since all is on a Flash drive). I  also like the ability for the orientation to change from portrait to landscape as the device is rotated. In fact, you can watch it change as you rotate the device 360 degrees.

Software - for the most part, fairly intuitive. Frankly, I sometimes forget it is not Android as the interface is very similar. For example, one can do a long tap and then drag items on the screen to re-arrange or one can delete an entry). I also like the ability to set a device password (in the event a device is lost/ stolen, it makes it a bit more difficult for someone to have ready access to your files and accounts). Keep in mind you are automatically accessing gMail, Twitter, Facebook and other sites by default. A screen capture of the device password feature is below. Note the default keyboard as well. If you have difficulty viewing the content of these images, just click on the image and you will see it in the actual size captured from the PlayBook.

Applications - Although there are a number of applications at the BlackBerry AppWorld, they pale in comparison with what is available in the Android Market or the Apple AppStore. I was able to locate a number of useful apps (in addition to the ones which came with the device). I particularly like the ability to manipulate Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files directly on the tablet. I also like the ability to do screen captures (not intuitive, but one holds down the volume up and volume down keys simultaneously and you then hear a click and the screen capture is stored in your Pictures folder). I also wish there was more than the default browser (although it is fine). It is great to save a bookmark either within the browser or as a shortcut directly on the main screen of the device. I was able to find applications for most types of access (for example, Twitter, Facebook, DropBox – although the latter is called BlueBox). There are many different calculators, language translators and conversion utilities available. Curiously, I have run into some problems with trying to download Adobe AIR apps which are not found in the AppWorld location. Might be a security setting. Here is what my initial screen looks like at the moment.

If I wanted to move items around or delete them, I just hold down my finger (as in a long tap) and get the ability to remove the application. A screen shot is below. I can click on the checkmark in the upper left to accept or click elsewhere to accept as well.

I did note that there was no initial ability to upload attachments to my gMail application. However, a quick Tweet about that and Del Simmons reminded me there is a desktop link near the bottom of the gMail application. Once I clicked on that, I am able to send attachments just fine. I also encountered a new application to quickly generate QR-UPC codes (Insta-QR). I have included a screen shot of one below. If you have a smartphone, use a bar code scanner to examine this image and it should direct you immediately to this weblog (main page).

Overall impressions – I like the hardware (and the ability to read PDF versions of books in full color – something lacking on my Kindle). I like the form factor and interface a great deal. In fact, I already find myself using this in situations where a laptop is just too bulky to open and work with (restaurants, for example). I like the ability to connect to wireless networks (although I prefer to use my own instead of some public wi-fi network). Ok, I was once paid to be paranoid and it is tough to get out of that mindset. I am left wondering why the OS is not Android based as I just don’t see why yet another OS is needed (perhaps I am missing something obvious here – that is why I have this open for comments – I just need to approve them). I do find myself taking this with me a lot more that I do my laptop (I think this is the general idea). I simply don’t see any need for a netbook sort of computer now that I have a tablet. The only downside I can find is the BlackBerry desktop application. It simply doesn’t seem to work on my Windows 7 environment. When I connect the PlayBook, the application launches (clearly it sees the device). However, when I try to do anything, I am immediately told to connect my device – huh? Perhaps a future upgrade is in order. In the interim, I have Wair and BlueBox (DropBox) and they work fine to exchange files. I don’t really see the need to backup the entire device as I am only keeping temporary files on it (I know those are famous last words – however, there is no easy way I have found to do this since the lame desktop application doesn’t seem to work properly on Windows 7 Professional).

Lastly, I find it very useful to view lynda.com tutorials on this device (it is a pain to use my Android smart phone as the screen is too small). I also find I am finally able to access my school email without having to pinch and zoom all the time. It would be better if I actually had POP3 and SMTP access directly, but that is another issue (which I believe it currently being worked on).

I would definitely recommend this device to someone looking for a simple to use interface that can be taken many places where a laptop or netbook is simply too bulky.

I received notice today that my book review has been published by CHOICE (May, 2011 issue). Since many readers of this weblog may not have direct access to their publication, I have included a copy here as well.

Partridge, Derek. The seductive computer: why IT systems always fail. Springer, 2011. 323p index afp ISBN 9781849964975 pbk, $59.95

Experienced computer professionals will appreciate this book’s subtitle. Partridge (emer., Univ. of Exeter, UK) has divided the volume into four parts: “The Joy of Programming,” “The Way of the Seducer,” “Pieces of Resistance,” and “The End of the Affair.” The first part covers most of the fundamental constructs of programming. Although some materials are a bit dated, the author presents the main concepts clearly, providing a reasonable understanding of the programming process. Partridge goes to great lengths to explain the problems with computers (e.g., their inability to deal precisely with real numbers and always settling for an approximation). Throughout the second part, he discusses psychology (and why so many young males are attracted to this endeavor). He also covers various aspects of computer security and the potential for flaw introduction. Part 3 addresses partial solutions to the problems outlined earlier. Numerous examples help illustrate the associated complexity of computer systems. The last section summarizes the current state of IT systems and how they might be improved. Overall, the well-written book provides a good starting point for serious discussions. It will be most useful for those with significant experience with computer systems since they will be able to fully appreciate the arguments presented. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above.

I have participated in a number of seminars this year where some sort  of document camera was needed. After a little research, I decided to obtain the IPVEO P2V camera. It arrived today. I found the install to be a breeze and the interface is very intuitive. I particularly like the auto-focus feature. Since I will soon be demonstrating various HTML5 applications on different devices, I thought it would be helpful to share some of the fundamentals of this camera with others.  After one runs the CD (which contains the software and drivers), one then connects the device to the computer. In a matter of seconds one can take snapshots. The initial interface is shown below. In this case, I am looking at my Droid 2 phone.

Note the icons to review snapshots as well as go into full screen mode on the left of the interface. The camera and auto-focus controls are at the bottom right. The menu allows you to zoom, take timed snapshots, orient the image (horizontal and vertical mirroring), change the screen resolution and exposure. Settings can be adjusted per the screen capture below.

With minimal setup, I was able to take this photo of my weblog when viewed on my BlackBerry Torch (note this has a different look on mobile devices).

The image below is the same site a viewed on my Droid 2.

I plan to use this when working in various classroom settings over the summer (often a document camera is not readily available). Hopefully the device travels well.