22nd May 2011

38 New Digital Media Resources You May Have Missed

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Mashable has finally returned from Disney World (also known as the happiest place on earth) with the conclusion of Connect. Since returning, we’ve have no time to slump, turning out another great week of tools and resources for your social media pleasure.

Read on for some great stories about how to use Gmail Labs to boost your productivity, 13 alternative ways to get your news online, and a ton of resource roundups for developers, designers, and small businesses alike.

Looking for even more social media resources? This guide appears every weekend, and you can check out all the lists-gone-by here any time.

Editors’ Picks

Social Media

For more social media news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s social media channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

Tech & Mobile

For more tech news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s tech channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

Business & Marketing

For more business news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s business channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

Image courtesy of Dawghouse Design Studio

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08th May 2011

48 New Digital Media Resources You May Have Missed

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The news cycle this week has been unstoppable, with major events from international politics to British royalty dominating the conversation.

This week saw the marriage of Prince William to Kate Middleton, U.S. tornadoes, the death of Osama Bin Laden, and of course, this weekend’s big event: Mother’s Day.

With all the hubbub, we understand if you missed a story or two from Mashable’s trove of tools and resources published over the past week or so. This week, we have resources on bin Laden as well as our regular social media-focused tools such as PR tips for Facebook, business and marketing case studies, and the evolution of Twitter.

Looking for even more social media resources? This guide appears every weekend, and you can check out all the lists-gone-by here any time.

Editors’ Picks

Social Media

For more social media news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s social media channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

Tech & Mobile

For more tech news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s tech channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

Business & Marketing

For more business news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s business channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

Image courtesy of WebTreats Etc.

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08th May 2011

10 Best BlackBerry PlayBook Cases [PICS]

RIM’s BlackBerry PlayBook is the latest portable touchscreen launch on the consumer electronics scene sold as the “world’s first professional-grade tablet,” but have accessory-makers stepped up to offer cases to match?

While RIM kindly bundles a simple sleeve in the PlayBook’s box, we’ve found 10 alternative cases, covers, skins and sleeves either made for, or suitable for use with the PlayBook, for anyone who has snapped up one of the RIM-made tablets and wants to protect it with something a little different.

If you’re in the market for a cover for your new super-sized ‘Berry then take a look through the photo gallery of available choices and let us know about any other options you’ve seen around in the comments below.


1. RIM Leather Envelope




RIM offers a decent range of official cases, but the highlight for us has to be this "Envelope" design. Made of leather with a magnetic closure, the RIM logo on the flap is just the right side of branded to look official without making you a poster-boy for the company.

Cost: $59.99


2. Incipio Feather





Incipio offers two minimalist cases for the PlayBook, but the "feather," measuring less than 1mm thick, wins the prize for the most low-profile protection. The form-fitting polycarbonate shell will shield your tablet from everyday wear and tear without adding too much bulk.

Cost: $34.99


3. Case-Mate Pop! Case




Available in black, grey and pink, Case-Mate's tailor-made Pop! offers your PlayBook a fold out stand, soft lining, plastic shell protection and rubber sides for good grip.

Cost: $39.99


4. rooCASE Super Bubble Sleeve




Actually designed to fit the Kindle 3, rooCase's Super Bubble Sleeve with its 8.8" x 6.1" x 1" dimensions will easily encapsulate your PlayBook's 7.6" x 5.1" x 0.4" sizings. Offering all-over neoprene protection, it's the ideal case to cover your PlayBook with before you sling it into your bag.

Cost: Approx $15


5. DODOcase




DODOcase has extended its popular range of book-themed iPad covers to encompass RIM's tablet. Made using traditional book binding techniques, the DODOcase doubles as a stand, offering access to all ports and is available with red, blue, green and charcoal lining.

Cost: $59.95


6. Sena Jornal




The Jornal from Sena offers classic leather finish with a cheeky stripe of color --- either orange on black, red on black or cream on red. As well as good looks it boasts two-position stand functionality and slimline pockets for credit cards and the like.

Cost: $89.99


7. OtterBox Defender Series Case




As with all OtterBox's offerings, its Defender Series case for the PlayBook is suited to those who need belt-and-braces protection from bumps, shocks, drops and dust.

Cost: $69.99


8. Targus Zierra Leather Portfolio




Targus offers a couple of cases for the PlayBook, but we've picked the Portfolio option to feature as it offers traditional business-folk looks and functionality that we think will appeal to many users of RIM's enterprise-suitable tablet.

Cost: $54.99


9. CaseCrown Regal Flip Case




CaseCrown's classic flip case is perfect for anyone who wants leather looks but is stuck with a synthetic budget. It offers simple clip-in-and-go coverage with a flip fold cover.

Cost: $26.95


10. Piel Frama iMagnum




Finally, if you're looking for something a little different, then Spain's Peil Frama offers hand-made leather cases in a range of bold colors custom-created to fit the PlayBook. Although not cheap by all means, the cases offer a good balance between protection and style with inner plastic hardshell contruction covered in cowhide.

Cost: 120 Euros (approx $180)

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27th Apr 2011

Flat, Shiny Keyboard Is Actually a Touchscreen [VIDEO]




If you like typing on a touchscreen, you’re going to love this thin Minebea Cool Leaf Keyboard.

Strangely enough, even though the keyboard itself is one large touchscreen, it doesn’t bring any of the versatility such a format (like the Razer laptop’s keyboard we saw at CES) could offer. For instance, imagine substituting a video window for the number pad, or designing your own keyboard layouts for specific tasks, or even displaying tool palettes for Photoshop. Let’s hope Minebea explores that kind of versatility with this keyboard that already possesses multitouch capability.

If you’re touch typist, the inability to feel the keys might be a dealbreaker, but if you’re a germ freak, this flat and shiny keyboard will be a whole lot easier to keep clean. It must be a fingerprint magnet, as evidenced by its shiny nature and included cleaning cloth.

To be released first in Japan on May 13, it’s a USB keyboard with 108 keys that only works with Windows thus far. Minebea reps say a Mac version will be available soon, and the Japanese version will be rolling out first, followed by those that contain the correct character set and key layout for English, German, French and Italian.

When you turn the keyboard off, its surface is reflective enough to be used as a mirror, perfect for looking yourself in the face and asking yourself this question: Why did I just spend $245 on this keyboard?

Here’s a quiet, even meditative, video of the keyboard in action:

Via CrunchGear

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10th Apr 2011

Will 3D Printing End Mass Manufacturing? [PICS]


Dictionary.com has 17 definitions of the verb “to print,” but none of them conjure up images like the metal cross you see on your right, or other objects such as glass figurines, iPad covers or even shoes — all of which can now be printed with the help of special machines.

The process of “3D printing” only loosely corresponds to our common image of printing. It may, however, revolutionize the way we define and interact with manufacturing.

Chief among the proponents of this view is The Economist, speculating in a February cover story that the technology “has the potential to transform manufacturing because it lowers the costs and risks,” thus opening it to smaller players. It’s not hard to see this line of logic. Just picture a local craftsman able to make his own customized bicycle using parts created from his printer.

“3D printing will for sure be a new mode of manufacturing,” says Peter Weijmarshausen, the CEO of Shapeways, which creates 3D objects for consumers. “People are no longer only happy with mass-produced products that all look the same. That is just what mass production has given them. With 3D printing you can produce en masse custom and personalized products at perhaps almost the same prices.”

The Cost

At the moment, 3D printing is more of a curiosity than a threat to the status quo. One roadblock holding up the revolution is cost. For example, Z Corp’s 3D printers range from $14,900 to $59,900 in the U.S. It may be steep but the costs balance out, says Scott Harmon, Z Corp’s vice president of business development. “More important than the purchase price is the operating cost,” Harmon said. The total expense for finished models is $2 to $3 per cubic inch.

The prices are likely to come down over time, and new materials are being used for 3D printing. Shapeways, for instance, added stainless steel in 2009, glass in 2010 and last month, silver to its printers. Moreover, larger manufacturers are coming on board, including Clark’s, the British shoe brand, which this month began using Z Corp’s 3D printers for prototyping.

Harmon says his customers come from a variety of industries, including mechanical design, education, architecture, retail and entertainment. While architects and mechanical designers usually use 3D printing to make prototypes, many of the firms, including Shapeways,Jujups and i.materialise.com, basically act like a Kinko’s for 3D objects — consumers send in their designs and the companies print/manufacture them. For instance, FigurePrints, a Seattle company, makes 3D replicas of Xbox Live avatars and World of Warcraft characters.

Sculpteo, a French firm, offers more options. The company can make a 3D figurine of you or someone else from a picture and also creates custom objects using 3D designs in software programs like sketchup and 3ds. Clement Moreau, CEO and co-founder of Sculpteo, says the price for such objects ranges from $20 to $2,000, depending on the size. “We have two kinds of customers — consumers and professionals, mostly mass-market artists,” he says. Moreau started the company in 2009 in order to make 3D printing available to a wider audience.

Looking to the Future

3D printing will eventually infiltrate the market, even though Z Corp’s Harmon doesn’t see that happening for a while. Harmon says the evolution is already underway: “What 3D printing will do in the short term is give business owners and consumers new kinds of products that can’t be made using traditional techniques,” he says. “As 3D printing generates scale with these new products, it will become increasingly price- and quality-competitive with traditional manufacturing techniques for a broader array of products.”

Click through the photo gallery below for a look at some of the 3D printers and the objects they’re able to create. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.


Z Printer 650




Z Printer 650 from Z Corp., the company's top printer. It retails for $59,900.


Z Printer 650




Another view of Z Corp.'s Z Printer 650.


The 3D Printing Process




This excerpt from a Z Corp. white paper on 3D printing explains how the models go from CAD to 3D objects.


System Overview




This Z Corp. document offers a deeper dive into the guts of the printer.


The Printing Cycle




Z Corp's 3D printers work with powder, which eventually solidifies.


The Build Chamber




This illustration shows how the objects are "printed," layer by layer, using powder.


Materials




Z Corp. currently offers three types of materials for 3D printing ranging from salt and water to two-part, high-strength resin.


Bit Cross




This item was made by Shapeways. It was created by Michiel Cornelissen.


Color It Wiggle the Dog




A dog, created by Shapeways.


iPad Cover




An iPad cover created by 40 West.


Over the Top Puzzle




A puzzle created by artis: Oskar van Deventer.


iPod Tray




An iPod tray created by 40 West.


Timekeeper




A timekeeper created by Aeron203.

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27th Mar 2011

13 Quirky iPhone Accessories [PICS]

Don’t just settle for standard issue accessories. We invite iPhone owners out there to take a walk on the fun side of the street with some downright silly accessories for your Apple mobile.

Whether it’s a stand with a witty design, a decal that evokes retro tech, or a case that will put a smile on your face, we’ve got 13 seriously cool and quirky companion products for your iPhone.

So, take a little look through our thoroughly light-hearted gallery and let us know in the comments below which items you think offer a refreshingly unusual take on the “iAccessory.”


1. Etch a Sketch iPhone Case





This case is made at the original Etch-a-Sketch factory. It's an interesting study into how companies evolve their products to suit the market, and also a fun case for your phone.

Cost: $24.99


2. iPlunger Phone Stand




Sucker this little fella on to the back of your iPhone and it'll keep it upright -- no plumbing required.

Cost: $10


3. Arkhippo Case




Described as "huge" and "easy to handle," the Arkhippo case adds some colorful heft to your iPhone with some well-padded protection, and a handy way to stand it up.

Cost: $24


4. Tape Cassette Decals




If you yearn for the days of the Walkman, this sticky tape cassette decal for your iPhone offers some handheld nostalgia.

Cost: $6.99


5. Appstand




Complete with six different colored inserts, this clever stand frames your iPhone on your desk or bedside table. It's perfect for slideshows, alarm clock apps, watching media and more. Appstanding!

Cost: $24.99


6. Spiderpodium




The Spiderpodium is one way to keep arachnophobes away from your precious iProduct. The grippy octopod has -- you guessed it -- eight flexible legs as well as a hole in its body for feeding cables through.

Cost: $24


7. On Angel's Wings iPhone Holder




Your iPhone can earn its wings with this whimsical stand that works in both portrait and landscape mode thanks to its removable sucker cup.

Cost: $12


8. GameBoy Skin




More retro-themed fun here with an unofficial GameBoy case for your fave handheld device.

Cost: $9.99


9. Little Black Book for iPhone




Considering that the cellphone is the "little black book" of today, this case is certainly appropriate. With a sturdy wooden frame, this unusual case is crafted using traditional bookbinding techniques. It allows access to all ports and even boasts a suitably placed hole for the camera.

Cost: $64


10. The Mobile Phone Massif




Do you hark back to the glory days of the 80s "brick" phones with fond memories? No, neither do we really, but we do find this case somewhat amusing.

Cost: $20


11. RetroFit TV iPhone Holder




This cardboard holder will turn your iPhone, or iPod touch, into a teeny vintage goggle box, perfect for watching old movies.

Cost: $7.95


12. Hold My Electronics




Can we give you a hand? In fact, here's two to cradle your beloved device when yours are busy.

Cost: $20


13. Camera SigniCASE




Is your iPhone as much a compact camera as it is a portable telephone? Then show your love of iPhotography with this hand-crafted wooden case that's designed to look like a retro snapper.

Cost: $34.99

Interested in more Accessory resources? Check out Mashable Explore, a new way to discover information on your favorite Mashable topics.

More About: accessories, gallery, iphone, iphone accessories, iphone cases, iphone stands, List, Lists

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12th Mar 2011

Engadget’s Editor in Chief Resigns as AOL Shakeup Continues


Joshua Topolsky, editor in chief of Engadget, has just announced that he is leaving the popular AOL-owned technology news site.

Topolsky has been with Engadget for nearly four years and has held the role of editor-in-chief since 2008. According to Kara Swisher at All Things D, managing editor Nilay Patel is also on his way out.

These departures come just two days after AOL announced the layoffs of 900 employees — including 200 editorial staffers — as part of its restructuring and re-organization process in the wake of its acquisition of the Huffington Post.

According to Swisher, Topolsky’s decision was not related to The Huffington Post deal — in fact — Huffington tried to convince Topolsky to say. It appears, however, that some of the same issues that saw the departure of associate editors Paul Miller and Ross Miller back in February — notably issues over the so-called “AOL Way” and the editorial direction of Engadget’s parent company — may have driven the latest departures.

In a blog post announcing his exit, Topolsky says that he won’t be “leaving the industry or the news game” and that he has a “few fantasy projects in mind.” Topolsky also writes that he will continue on in a role as editor-at-large and will be hosting a few more episodes of the Engadget Show.

Historically — AOL has been very hands-off in its dealings with Engadget. If that policy has changed (which remains unclear), more departures might be on their way.

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08th Mar 2011

Hands-on With iOS 4.3 [PHOTOS]


With iOS 4.3 set to arrive by the end of the week (perhaps in the next few hours), we know that many of you are going to be turning to iTunes to update your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices.

Mashable has already covered the big new features in iOS 4.3, namely the introduction of the mobile hotspot for carriers other than Verizon and iTunes Home Sharing. Cosmetically, little has changed from iOS 4.2

Still, there are a few new features and surprises for iOS diehards. This is an evolutionary release but the upgrades and improvements, especially with the web browser, are much appreciated. We love the Home Sharing feature, and it makes accessing content from a Mac or PC easy. Watching movies purchased in iTunes or listening to playlists or browsing downloaded podcasts from an iOS device over a local network is a real treat and the surprise highlight of this release.

Apple TV 2 owners now have more options with AirPlay, but the real impact of those changes will come in the next few weeks as developers add or update features within their applications.

Check out our iOS 4.3 walkthrough, and then let us know what you think of the new iOS in the comments.


Mute or Rotation Switch Selector




Apple made a wise decision in iOS 4.3 for iPad by allowing users to choose between using the switch on the side of the device to mute volume or act as a rotation lock.

By default, the switch acts as a mute button. However, in the General section under Settings, users can toggle the functionality.


Mute or Rotation Switch On-Screen View




iOS 4.2 introduced the ability to double-tap the home button and swipe right to access a panel to easily control brightness or audio or video playback. The panel will now show either a mute button or a rotation lock, depending on your settings.

For instance, if you choose to designate the side switch as a rotation lock, the on-screen button will act as a mute switch.


Enabling Home Sharing




One of our favorite features in iOS 4.3 is support for iTunes Home Sharing. Home Sharing allows users to browse and playback iTunes content from across a local network.

To use Home Sharing, first make sure that the feature is enabled in iTunes. In iTunes, this means clicking on the Advanced menu and selecting "Turn on Home Sharing." Then just enter in your iTunes username and password.

In iOS 4.3 users will need to enable Home Sharing. Go to Settings and then select the iPod section. Then enter in your iTunes username and password into the box. This will enable your device to access your iTunes library when on the same local network.


Selecting iTunes Library




In the iPod app in iOS 4.3 a new "Library" menu item will appear in the sidebar. Using this selector, users can then choose a local iTunes library to connect to from within the app.


Home Sharing Album Browse




Home Sharing works incredibly well. Playlists, Smart Playlists, Podcasts, Audiobooks and videos are all accessible from the sidebar, just as if you were accessing local content in iOS.

I have a Smart Playlist setup to list every album I buy from Amazon.com. I can access that playlist group and browse each album in an easy to view, concise manner.

Playback takes place over the network and is seamless.


Home Sharing Music Video View




You can easily browse the music videos that you have added to iTunes or purchased via iTunes.


Home Sharing Voice Memos




For users that choose to automatically backup their iPhone voice memos to iTunes, those audio files are accessible via the iPod app in iOS. This is great for use on the iPad or for accessing notes that may no longer be local on the iPod.


Audiobooks




Audiobooks downloaded or imported from iTunes are also accessible via iOS 4.3.


Movies




In the Videos app on the iPad or on the Videos tab in iPod for iPhone/iPod touch, users can browse video files in their iTunes library.

For movies purchased from the iTunes store, this means you can playback that connected content on your iOS device over the network.

Chapter marks are accessible and pressing the "next" button in playback will go to the next marker.


Movies




This is really just to highlight Errol Morris's amazing film, The Thin Blue Line.


Music Playback




Playing back music via Home Sharing is the same as playing back local content.

Album art comes in clear and tracks can be scrubbed forward, backward or paused.


Music Playback Track Listing




While listening to music it's easy to switch back to the track view of an album or playlist.


Audio Podcasts




Audio podcasts play back over the network in the iPod app on iPad. Again, cover art is displayed on the screen.


Video Podcasts




Video podcasts can be browsed via the iPod app on the iPad but play back in the Videos application.


SunSpider Results




During the iPad 2 announcement, Steve Jobs pointed out that the JavaScript engine from Safari 5 for Mac OS X was now part of iOS 4.3.

CNET UK ran some benchmark tests on the new iPad 2 and found that indeed, JavaScript performance is much, much faster on the new device.

This performance boost isn't limited to the new iPad 2, the original iPad and the iPhone 4 also get a big boost.

Our iPad running the final release of 4.3 scored a 3306 on the SunSpider benchmark (lower is better in these tests).

That compares with CNET's 2097 on the iPad 2 and an 8321 on their iPad running iOS 4.2.

For comparison, our iOS 4.2.1 iPhone 4 scored a heavy 10214. In iOS 4.3 it racked up a much faster 4141.


HotSpot Support




Verizon customers aren't the only users that can use a mobile hotspot on the iPhone 4. iOS 4.3 brings that ability to users with different wireless carriers too.

The feature is subject to fees and data caps set by wireless providers but users can use the iPhone 4's 3G connection to power 3 other devices via Wi-Fi, one via Bluetooth and a fifth via USB connectivity.

Image credit: TiPB

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07th Mar 2011

Buying an iPad 2: What You Need to Know


The iPad 2 hits U.S. stores on Friday March 11, 2011.

On Friday March 11, 2011, Apple’s iPad 2 will become available for purchase online and in retail stores. Early trade-in activity surrounding the original iPad suggests that that the iPad 2 will be in high demand.

As with last year’s original iPad and the iPhone 4, we anticipate crowds and long lines at various Apple retail stores across the United States. Are you interested in buying an iPad 2 this weekend? Here’s what you need to know.

Online or In-Store

With the original iPad and the iPhone 4, Apple allowed individuals to place pre-orders online or to reserve a device for in-store pickup.

With iPad 2, Apple is eschewing the pre-order game. Instead, the iPad 2 will be available via Apple.com at some point early Friday, and in retail stores starting at 5:00pm.

Online reports indicate that Apple.com sales will start at 12:01am PST on March 11, 2011. East coast buyers, set your clocks for 3am.

At Apple.com, users can choose between white or black variants in Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + 3G. Users can select either Verizon or AT&T for their Wi-Fi + 3G unit.

Apple promises “fast, free shipping,” which indicates they are using 2-day Fed Ex or UPS. Depending on when an order goes through, it’s possible users could get units on Monday March 14, 2011. We’ll be realistic and expect that most users who place an order on Friday will receive their packages on Tuesday March 15, 2011. Like Caesar, you’ll need to watch for the Ides of March.

Apple retail stores will begin selling the iPad 2 at 5:00pm. Typically, Apple shuts down its stores for a few hours prior to launch in order to get signage, inventory and staff in place. Lines may start at some outdoor Apple stores as early as Friday morning (if not Thursday night), but indoor mall locations may start later, depending on mall policies and general shopping traffic.

Retail Partners

In addition to the Apple retail stores, the iPad 2 will also be available at Best Buy, Target, Walmart and Sam’s Club.

Verizon Wireless will also be selling the iPad 2 on Friday March 11, 2011.

None of the retail launch partners have specified if sales will take place both in-store and online, but we expect that in-store sales will not begin until 5:00pm.

It isn’t clear if AT&T will be carrying the iPad 2 at launch (we’ve reached out to them for comment), but 3G variants from both carriers should be available at retail partners like Walmart and Best Buy. Neither AT&T nor Verizon will be carrying the Wi-Fi only models.

Models, Colors, Carriers

There are eighteen different iPad 2 units: the nine listed below, available in either black or white.

  • iPad 2 16GB Wi-Fi: $499.00
  • iPad 2 32GB Wi-Fi: $599.00
  • iPad 2 64GB Wi-Fi: $699.00
  • iPad 2 16GB Wi-Fi+3G Verizon: $629.00
  • iPad 2 32GB Wi-Fi+3G Verizon: $729.00
  • iPad 2 64GB Wi-Fi+3G Verizon: $829.00
  • iPad 2 16GB Wi-Fi+3G AT&T: $629.00
  • iPad 2 32GB Wi-Fi+3G AT&T: $729.00
  • iPad 2 64GB Wi-Fi+3G AT&T: $829.00

Unlike the white iPhone 4 debacle, Apple promises that white iPad 2 units will be available on launch day. It’s really anyone’s guess as to the breakdown between color choices. Apple retail stores will likely have the most white units in-stock, with retailers like Best Buy, Target and Walmart carrying mostly black units.

Tips From iLine Veterans

Having covered — and waited — in numerous iLines in the past, these are my suggestions:

  • Best Buy, Target or Walmart stores near an Apple retail store are likely to be less crowded. Customers who want the fastest purchase experience should check the retail locations closest to the Apple Store.
  • If you have a color/size preference, order online. Waiting in line for a few hours only to find out that the model you want is out of stock is no fun. If you want a specific color/capacity, reduce your stress level and order online.
  • Plan for non-iPad 2 shoppers. Wireless stores get pretty busy on Friday nights even without the iPad 2 — keep that in mind before heading to the local Verizon or AT&T store.
  • Avoid the Austin-area Apple stores. South By Southwest coincides with the iPad 2 launch, meaning thousands of geeks will be in town and may descend on the store. Locals and visitors alike should steer clear. Just thinking about it makes me queasy.
  • Check Twitter, Facebook and Foursquare for line reports and information on how busy particular locations are.
  • Wait for Saturday. It isn’t uncommon for stores like Best Buy and Walmart to get Friday deliveries. We imagine that at least some iPad 2 inventory will be delivered for the weekend, which means that Saturday mornings are a good time to try local stores — and if you’re brave — the Apple Store.

Online or In-Line?

Are you planning on getting an iPad 2? Will you brave the retail lines or are you going to try your hand at online ordering?

Let us know in the comments.

More About: apple, best buy, ipad, iPad 2, Target, verizon, WalMart

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04th Mar 2011

Conan Sends Up the iPad 2 [VIDEO]

Conan O’Brien discussed the new iPad 2 on Thursday night’s Conan. His take? Apple might be getting just a little bit cocky.

The clip manages to perfectly send up the Apple announcement video. From the background to the “employees” with nondescript accents, this is parody gold. We’re quite fond on the closer, “iPad 2: You’ll buy it no matter what we say.”

It’s funny because — at least for some of us — it’s true.

More About: conan o'brien, humor, iPad 2, parody, team coco

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