The Apple iPad has clearly taken the crown in the fight for tablet domination. Its speed and feature set are complimented by the Apple App Store’s huge variety of time-wasting and time-saving apps. The iPad is a fantastic device, but anyone who has ever used the device to try to conduct business that is more involved than sending an email might have found it to be a little less than satisfying. Technology currently limits just how many business-friendly features are available on a device as slim as the iPad, but there are a few add-ons that the business types out there might find helpful.

Touchscreens are great, but it is hard to replace the tactile experience of pushing your fingers down against little pieces of plastic to type out your sentences. The great minds at Apple probably had a feeling that consumers would feel that way. So, they have put out the Apple Wireless Keyboard, which uses Bluetooth to allow for typing within a ridiculously long range. As long as you are within the same zip code as your iPad, you’ll be able to type on your Apple Wireless Keyboard. You’ll no longer have to smudge up your screen while typing up those business proposals or reports.

Anyone who has ever had a transoceanic flight knows the terror of slowly watching the little battery icon in the top right corner slowly hemorrhage color until you’re hanging onto one little sliver of red. When you’re feeling powerless to plug in your iPad, look to the Morphie Juice Pack. This little wonder charges your iPad four times as fast as most portable chargers. This device powers via USB. So, it can also be paired with iPhones and most other USB devices.

Finally, when you’re typing on your Apple Wireless Keyboard, you don’t want to have to strain your neck and lean over your iPad or try to awkwardly balance it against something. You want the LUXA2 H4 to stand with its six rubber arms that support your iPad with 360-degree adjust-ability. The stand is priced reasonably at $59.99 and will save you a trip to the chiropractor.
In the race for business device supremacy, tablets are still lagging behind laptops and desktop computers, but with these iPad accessories, you can finally start to get down to business.

Author’s Bio: Ryan is a blogger who gets a kick out of writing about tech, smartphones, and how to get a bargain using an HP coupon for a new HP computer.

On September 4th, AT&T unveiled its first 4G LTE/HSPA+ tablet, the HTC Jetstream. It’s also the first 4G tablet to run on the Android 3.1 Honeycomb operating system (which is specifically designed for mobile devices and tablets).

The JetStream comes pre-loaded with AT&T Family Map, HTC Hub, HTC Watch, Friendstream, AT&T Navigator and Android Market. Thanks to the Honeycomb OS, the JetStream also includes easy access to Google Talk (including video chat), Chrome browser and the new Google Maps 5.0.

In addition, the HTC Jetstream uses the HTC Sense UX for a high quality graphical interface. The front facing 1.3 mexapixel camera (and 8 megapixel rear facing), in conjunction with the 10.1″ WXGA HD screen makes photography and online printing a breeze.

In fact, the only real drawback to the JetStream is price. Unlike other tablets such as the 32GB 3G iPad, the JetStream retails for $699.99 with a two year contract. Consumers aren’t happy with the on contract price, and with AT&T’s proposed purchase of T-Mobile, fear more price hikes in the future.

Contract Details:
The JetStream is $699.99 with a new two-year contract. AT&T offers two payment plans: prepaid and postpaid.

• Postpaid: $14.99 for 250 MB or $25 for 2 GB. Fee for going over their allotment: $10 per 1 GB of overage. Charges appear on monthly statements.
• Prepaid: $14.99 for 250 MB or $25 for 2 GB. Fee for going over their allotment: $25 an additional 2 GB of overage. Charges appear on monthly statements.

You can see full pricing details on the HTC JetStream here.

Adam Costa, our guest blogger. He is the co-author of Business In A Backpack, which explains how to market your business while on the road and a business consultant who helps small and midsize firms create high quality marketing materials, like booklet printing.

Just an update from the prior announcement where Bradsdeals.com was giving away an Apple iPad a day… well, it went over so well, they continued it!

Last week’s iPad giveaway was such a success, that we’re happy to announce a BONUS free iPad giveaway from November 23rd through November 29th!

To enter simply sign up for the contest at www.bradsdeals.com/contest – you will receive a BradsDeals Alert newsletter featuring the best handpicked deals and coupons of each day. You can sign up once a day for the length of the contest!

Mind you, I’ve been signing up once a day, hoping that I win. There’s a couple more days left. Go sign up and win!

[ Links: Bradsdeals.com Contest ]

There’s finally some parity between the Apple iPad and the Apple iPhone with both being updated to 4.2 earlier today.

The Apple iOS 4.2 update brings the following:

• iOS 4.2 brings multitasking from iPhone and iPod touch to iPad. So you can be more productive as you work, have more fun as you play, or do a little of both.
• Now your iPad has more room for more apps. Move apps into folders with drag-and-drop simplicity to declutter your Home screens and keep your apps organized for fast access to your favorites.
• AirPrint makes it simple to print email, photos, web pages, and documents right from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. A few taps is all it takes to go from viewing it onscreen to holding a printed copy.
• AirPlay lets you stream digital media wirelessly from your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch to your Apple TV and AirPlay-enabled speakers.
• Find My iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch — the MobileMe feature that helps you locate your missing device and protect its data — is now free on any iPhone 4, iPad, or fourth-generation iPod touch running iOS 4.2.

Clocking in at over 620mb, this update also brings Game Center, an improved Mail client and enhanced enterprise support and integration. I’m downloading and installing right now!

[ Links: iOS 4.2 ]

The iPad is a unique innovation that allows people to access the internet, personal documents, and a variety of applications while on the go. The iPad combines the best features of a laptop and an iPhone in order to offer uses a tablet that is easy to transport, fun to use, and includes a screen just big enough to comfortably watch videos, browse pictures, and even read books. However, while the iPad was the first and currently most popular tablet to be released, there are a variety of others that can compete with its technology.

The Blackberry Playbook.

This tablet offers users a 1 GHz dual-core processor, 1 GB of RAM, and all of the capabilities of a laptop. The Blackberry Playbook is great for internet browsing, game play, video, and can even be used for video conferencing. What makes this tablet an iPad competitor is its Flash capabilities and its camera. While the screen is almost three inches smaller than the iPad, users can take pictures and enjoy carrying a lighter tablet.

The Dell Streak.

Currently, at five inches, this is the smallest tablet offered. While this may appeal to some users, others might dismiss this tablet in favor of one offering a bigger screen. However, this tablet is extremely portable, offers a camera, and at $299, is much more affordable than the iPad.

The WePad Android Tablet.

The WePad is an 11.6 inch tablet, offering a 1.66GHz processor, memory expansion options, a camera, and supports Flash. This tablet also has a SIM card slot and two USB ports, which is an upgrade from the iPad. While this tablet offers users a larger number of features than the iPad, it is a bit pricey. These tablets range from $611 to $744, which may just place them out of many consumers’ price range.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab.

This Android tablet will appeal to users comfortable with Google. This tablet is also priced approximately $100 less than the iPad and includes a camera, which the iPad is lacking. While 7-inch tablet may not be as large as the iPad, it supports Flash, offers memory expansion options, and will appeal to shoppers looking for a deal.

The Amazon Kindle 3G.

There are a number of things about the Kindle 3G that makes it a strong iPad competitor. The first thing is its price. The Kindle 3G retails for $189, which is hundreds of dollars cheaper than even the most affordable iPad. The second thing is the fact that the Kindle screen uses e-ink, and can be read easily outside in direct sunlight. While users cannot watch videos or use apps, the affordable price is a huge benefit to many budget conscious consumers with simple needs.

When she’s not getting excited about new gadgets, Britney Baker writes about prepaid cell phones for PrepaidCellphones.net. Her latest article took a look at the GoPhone from AT&T.

While the 7-inch tablet from Samsung does not share the impressive Super AMOLED screen that the cellphone Galaxy S series possess, the Samsung Galaxy Tab does come with: Google Android 2.2 (Froyo), the same 1Ghz Hummingbird Processor, the same TouchWiz UI changes.

Why did Samsung make a 7” Tablet—because we’re into mobility and know that people are looking for compact communication and entertainment devices they can slip in their pocket and bring on the go. The GALAXY Tab is always connected, lightweight and smart. Its exceptional screen is designed for reading books and magazines, watching movies and playing games. The GALAXY Tab tablet builds on the rich content experience provided by the Galaxy S line of Android smart phones.

With an absolutely huge 4000mAh battery – the average Galaxy S cellphone has a 1500mAh battery, the Samsung Galaxy Tab will definitely last quite a bit; I’m just not sure if it’ll have enough usage time to beat the (reported) up to 10 hours usage of the Apple iPad.

Comes with Bluetooth 3.0, Wi-Fi and GPS navigational services; there’s a rumored version for each US carrier just like their Galaxy S series of cellphones. I’m personally waiting on the Wi-Fi only version as opposed to the 3G versions.

[ Links: Samsung, Samsung Galaxy Tab ]

Ooh, looky, looky. Microsoft has a teamed up with SRS to bring SRS 5.1 Surround Sound to their Silverlight platform. What does that mean in layman terms?

SRS views this as a significant step forward in its quest to make top-quality surround sound available anywhere and to anyone. It is also a significant development for the industry as, the largest player in the streaming media segment, Netflix, utilizes Microsoft Silverlight for all the content streamed and downloaded to end-user CE devices for consumption.

Via the new toolkit, it means that enhanced Netflix, web media and video content for not only your computer but also all Silverlight enabled handheld devices.

[ Links: SRS Silverlight ]

After seeing such Apple iPad and iPod Touch accessories like a jacket just for carrying an iPad or even putting an iPad into the front of a shirt, I figured it was going to be no time that it would be used as a wall-mount.

I didn’t have to wait long:

iPort®, the inventor of the world’s first in-wall system for the Apple iPod®, is once again poised to advance the integration of Apple products into the home. Since its inception, the iPort brand has helped consumers experience Apple’s products in new and exciting ways allowing them to listen to, and experience their music and video libraries throughout their home. As Apple’s products have evolved from entertainment sources to intuitive touchscreens with the iPhone® and iPad™, iPort has continued to innovate new ways to incorporate them into consumers’ lifestyles.

Continuing the tradition, iPort has introduced two new products in its Control Mount Series for the Apple iPad and iPod touch®. The CM2000 Control Mount for iPad and the iPort CM100 Control Mount for iPod touch both integrate the handheld Apple touchscreen products in an attractive in-wall frame, transforming them into in-wall touchscreens for display of weather, news, stocks and many other preferred Apps.

The CM100 also transforms the iPod touch into an in-wall Internet radio source, and easily connects to any stereo or audio/video receiver. Users can download their choice of any Internet radio apps available in the App Store and play the audio back through any connected stereo system.

The CM100 for the Apple iPod Touch mount kit costs $250 and the CM2000 mount kit for the Apple iPad costs $499.

[ Link: iPort ]

It’s been already noted that Motorola is building an Android-based tablet to be sold by Verizon later this year, with functionality tied to FiOS TV. Now come reports that HTC is building a Chrome-driven tablet computer for Verizon that will launch on November 26.

Tablet mania has clearly infected many ISPs, who will either be offer TV Everywhere Internet video apps for tablets (Comcast, Cablevision, AT&T, Time Warner Cable) or offering tablets themselves later this year. Much like the recent netbook craze, expect ISPs to give these things away at a subsidized price point if you sign a long-term wireless broadband contract.

Update: Verizon today also expanded on their iPad application ambitions today in great detail.

Update: Seems like this was a hoax. Damn.

Link to the original article…

OtterBox, makers of some seriously protective gadget cases has finally announced cases for the Apple iPad. Their Defender and Commuter series of cases promise to keep your case safe from minor drops and scuffs and the like.

Drop-proof your magical, new must-have gadget with the OtterBox Defender Series for Apple® iPad™! This cutting-edge case incorporates three layers of hardcore protection plus some advanced features. Stowing your iPad away for the night or for your commute? Simply remove the back polycarbonate cover and snap it over the face for ultimate touch screen protection.

The OtterBox Defender Case for the Apple iPad offers three layers of protection:

• Complete interaction of the iPad’s functions
• Built-in stand for viewing convenience
• Bottom silicone grip pads keep your iPad in place
• Silicone plugs provide coverage for all ports
• Snap-off access for optional iPad dock

The OtterBox Defender Case for the Apple iPad is priced at $89.95, I truly suggest that if you’re a tad bit clumsy, go buy this for your Apple iPad to avoid breaking your gadget if you were drop it.

[ Links: OtterBox, OtterBox Defender iPad Case ]

I’ve covered OQO news in the past, anticipated the OQO Model 02+ which was to come with their first Intel processor but somewhere along their timeline to come out with that model, OQO went out of business. Or did they?

From out of nowhere, OQO.CC has come forth with news about how they are/were the Chinese arm of the American OQO firm that went out of business officially in April of 2009, before the release of the OQO Model 02+. There are even official sounding specs on the device:

Operating system: Windows 7
Processor: 2.0 GHz Intel Z550
Memory: SSD 128GB
Memory: 2GB
LCD: 4.8-inch bright LCD screen (supports 1024X600)
Touch mode: Multi-touch
Graphics: Intel GMA500
Sound Performance: Built-in speaker and microphone
Communication: Wireless LAN, Bluetooth 2.0 chip, 3G, Ethernet (optional), etc.
Computer Interface: High-speed USB2.0 port headphone jack DC power input port HDMI port
Interface expansion slots: Power input port VGA port Ethernet interface (optional)
Input Devices: Built-in keyboard pointer keys
Battery Type: Polymer lithium battery
Power adapter: V AC 12 V DC/100-240
Supplied Accessories: Standard Battery Double the battery power adapter
Price: 31,888 yuan

While it looks very official and even has an official release date of Q3, 2010… that price is a killer. 31,888 Yuan translates to about $4700 USD. Ouch!

Guess my old OQO 01+ will have to wait to get replaced after all.

[ Links: OQO Chinese ]

If anything in this day and age says “it’s about to be put on sale soon”, it’s official pre-sale sign-up pages. And the 5-inch, Google Android based Dell Streak tablet finally has one up [ view here ]

In case you don’t know what the Dell Streak is, here’s a quick rundown:

Introducing the Dell Streak. The perfectly-sized, go-anywhere entertainment, social connection and navigation device.

• Widescreen display optimally designed for mobile web, video and movies
• Integrated social networking widgets and apps, plus tons of apps through the Android Marketplace
• Crystal-clear damage-resistant Gorilla® glass screen
• Google Maps with navigation and text-to-voice, turn-by-turn directions with Street View
• Multitasking Google Android OS that give you the freedom to do what you want

With a sales date of “Late July”… I hope all of the above points to darn soon. Price is still TBD.

[ Links: Dell Streak, Dell Streak Sign Up ]